NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Granting of derogations having a significant impact on electricity prices in South-East Europe – E-002930/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002930/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    According to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943,[1] electricity transmission system operators must ensure minimum levels of available capacity and are not allowed to limit the available volume of interconnection capacity as a means of resolving congestion within their own bidding zone. Exceptionally, derogations may be granted for reasons of maintaining the security of system operations, while avoiding discrimination between intra- and cross-zonal exchanges (paragraph 9 of the same Article).

    The Austrian transmission system operator (APG) has received six consecutive derogations,[2] essentially remaining outside the above requirements. By granting derogations consecutively, this exceptional possibility becomes an established situation, significantly affecting the volume of capacity provided to other states participating in the energy market. This, in turn, affects the price level, creating large differences in electricity prices on the day-ahead markets between South-East and Central Europe, significantly affecting households, businesses and industries in South-East Europe.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the granting to APG of successive derogations justified, given their impact on electricity prices in South-East Europe?
    • 2.Will the Commission collaborate with ACER to end abuse of the derogation?
    • 3.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to address the significantly higher electricity prices in the countries of South-East Europe, such as Greece?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02019R0943-20240716
    • [2] For instance in relation to 2025, see the request by APG (https://markt.apg.at/dokumenten-hub/apg-request-for-derogation-for-core-region-2025-englische-version/) and approval by the national body (https://www.e-control.at/documents/1785851/10641279/Bescheid%20vom%205.12.2024,%20V%20ELBM%2004%252F24%20an%20Austrian%20Power%20Grid%20AG/55bf1cad-f683-9b00-f023-d61054dc0995).
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Irish initiative to boycott trade with Israel and its violation of EU trade competence – E-002928/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002928/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR)

    In recent months, Ireland has revived the so-called Occupied Territories Bill[1], which aims to restrict or fully prohibit the importation to Ireland of any goods produced in Israeli settlements, including those in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. However, according to Article 3(1)(e) and Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), only the EU institutions may adopt trade restrictions or embargoes. Individual Member States are therefore not allowed to impose unilateral trade restrictions. Moreover, previous Commission statements[2] on an earlier version of the bill mentioned how it would be in breach of EU trade rules.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the renewed debate on the Occupied Territories Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament)?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider these developments compatible with EU trade competence under Article 207 TFEU, and if not, in what way do they constitute a breach?
    • 3.Will the Commission take legal action against Ireland if the adoption of this law breaches EU trade rules, and what form might such actions take?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] Leahy, P. ‘Foreign affairs committee begins discussions on contentious Occupied Territories Bill’, Irish Times, 1 July 2025, https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/07/01/foreign-affairs-committee-begins-discussions-on-contentious-occupied-territories-bill/.
    • [2] European Parliament, ‘Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the European Commission [to Written Question P-000081-2019]’, 14 February 2019, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-8-2019-000081-ASW_EN.html.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ban on the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases for high-voltage electrical switchgear – E-002924/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002924/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Andreas Glück (Renew)

    Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (f-gases) sets out an ambitious path for phasing out the use of f-gases in electrical switchgear. From 2032, f-gases with a global warming potential of one or more will be prohibited in new high-voltage electrical switchgear.

    For its current uses, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) can be replaced with fluoronitrile (C4-FN) or vacuum technology. Fluoronitrile is the only alternative that has been tested at scale for high-voltage applications of more than 145kV. With a much lower global warming potential and low leakage rates, fluoronitrile represents an environmentally sound alternative to SF6 or vacuum technology. However, under Regulation (EU) 2024/573, it is set to be banned from 2032.

    According to Article 13, paragraph 13 of Regulation (EU) 2024/573, fluorinated gases with higher global warming potential can be used, if it has been established that the life cycle CO2 emissions of the switchgear are lower than equivalent equipment.

    • 1.Is the Commission planning to analyse the life cycle CO2 emissions of electrical switchgear using fluoronitrile as an insulation gas?
    • 2.Is the Commission aware that due to the strict phase-out timeline and the lack of alternatives, especially in the high-voltage range, many transmission system operators are currently ordering electrical switchgear using SF6 as an insulation gas?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Is the proposed Dutch waste treatment tax compatible with the self-sufficiency principle? – E-002944/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002944/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sander Smit (PPE)

    The Netherlands plans to tax the waste sector an additional EUR 567 million annually from 2028. This disproportionate levy will make waste treatment in the Netherlands economically unattractive, leading to the displacement of waste to other Member States and third countries where treatment standards are lower. That will heighten the risk of waste being landfilled instead of being used for energy recovery in waste incinerators and recycled, resulting in higher methane emissions at EU level. The impending reduced treatment capacity will undermine not only the circular transition, but also cross-border circularity clusters, cross-border cooperation, regional heat supply and CO2 capture (CCU and CCS).

    Article 16 of Directive 2008/98/EC requires Member States to cooperate on an integrated network of waste installations so as to ensure EU-wide self-sufficiency.

    • 1.How is the Commission safeguarding Article 16 of Directive 2008/98/EC, now that fiscal pressure is disrupting cooperation with neighbouring border regions and could lead to a reduction in regional waste treatment capacity?
    • 2.What harmonising measures is the Commission planning to take under Article 192 TFEU so as to counter unilateral national tax measures that undermine EU self-sufficiency and cross-border cooperation?
    • 3.Does the Commission acknowledge that, in the context of an existing shortfall in EU waste treatment capacity, the ‘waterbed effect’ – caused by divergent national tax measures – is undermining the objectives of current EU waste legislation and the intended objectives of prospective circular-economy legislation?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fee for handling parcels worth less than EUR 150 – E-002917/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002917/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Grapini (S&D)

    The introduction of the handling fee in the E-commerce Communication is supposed to cover the increased supervision costs incurred when goods are placed in free circulation in the EU, specifically parcels with declared values less than EUR 150.

    The question is: how will the introduction of the fee collected at European level support the development of national customs authorities, which are feeling the shock of checking thousands of parcels worth less than EUR 150 coming from outside the EU?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Extension of the EU’s ‘roam like at home’ area to the Western Balkans – E-002926/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002926/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    András Gyürk (PfE), Annamária Vicsek (PfE), Tamás Deutsch (PfE), Csaba Dömötör (PfE), Viktória Ferenc (PfE), Kinga Gál (PfE), Enikő Győri (PfE), György Hölvényi (PfE), András László (PfE), Ernő Schaller-Baross (PfE), Pál Szekeres (PfE)

    The countries of the Western Balkans are crucial partners for the European Union. The integration of the Western Balkans was identified as a priority for EU enlargement in 2003 and five countries have since been granted candidate status. This fact, as well as the meaningful contribution of the millions of citizens of these countries to the EU economy, demonstrates the region’s commitment to EU values and policies.

    Therefore, it is concerning that while Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU’s roam like at home area is being fast-tracked to 1 January 2026, the same determination from the Commission seems to be missing for the Western Balkans. We firmly believe that the accession process to the EU should be merit-based and avoid the perception of double standards.

    • 1.Does the Commission share our assessment that a fast-tracked inclusion of the Western Balkans into the roam like at home area would send a much needed positive signal to the citizens of the region?
    • 2.Is the Commission ready to accelerate and complete the Western Balkans inclusion in the roam like at home area by 1 January 2026?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Shortcomings in the EU’s support to firefighters and the need to improve training and stability for volunteer firefighters – E-002873/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002873/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Aldo Patriciello (PfE)

    In recent years, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 500 000 hectares of natural area have been destroyed by forest fires in the EU, with Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal among the most affected countries.

    The EU promotes initiatives such as the exchange of good practices and the Civil Protection Mechanism, but these instruments are insufficient and fragmented, and do not have any structural impact on the most vulnerable territories.

    In particular, volunteer firefighters, who are key to managing forest fires, suffer from lack of training, recognition and job stability, limiting their ability to work effectively and safely.

    In the light of this:

    • 1.Will the Commission fund training courses and specific programmes to offer stable conditions to volunteer firefighters and professionally integrate them into the Member States’ national bodies?
    • 2.Will it allocate dedicated resources for the training, support and stable employment of volunteer firefighters, especially in the countries most affected by forest fires?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement in healthcare – E-002931/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002931/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomislav Sokol (PPE)

    The ongoing review of the EU’s Public Procurement Directive[1] presents a key opportunity to embed a modern, sustainability-driven approach to procurement across Member States, including in sensitive sectors such as healthcare.

    Public tenders increasingly include environmental criteria, often focused on greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the EU’s Green Deal and efforts to promote value-based, circular procurement. However, environmental considerations must be counterbalanced with a broader, more holistic view, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where the human component is central. Here, sustainability should be understood not only in environmental terms, but also in terms of its economic, social, and human impact, meaning patient outcomes, patient safety, and the well-being of the healthcare workforce.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that the revised Public Procurement Directive supports a holistic approach to the definition of sustainability – including human and economic impact in sectors such as healthcare?
    • 2.How will the Commission support procurement authorities in applying such an approach – e.g. through technical guidance, capacity-building or funding – to ensure a shared understanding of sustainability across Member States and a level playing field for economic operators?
    • 3.What steps will be taken to ensure sustainability criteria do not hamper innovation, safety or patient outcomes in healthcare environments?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] Directive 2014/24/EU of 26 February 2014 on public procurement, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – CAP cuts as a result of increased military spending and the consequences of this on the sustainability of the agricultural sector – E-002998/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002998/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Irene Montero (The Left)

    Article 39 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union establishes that the common agricultural policy (CAP) should ensure a fair standard of living for the agricultural community, assure the availability of supplies and ensure supplies at reasonable prices. However, the EU is making more and more cuts to the CAP in order to increase resources for military spending and rearmament. The Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 proposal, presented on 16 July 2025, strengthens instruments such as the European Defence Fund while reducing the CAP budget by at least 20 %. These cuts – coupled with production costs, an uneven playing field and red tape – are threatening the sustainability of the sector.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure economic and ecological sustainability for the agricultural sector, as well as generational renewal, against this backdrop of cuts?
    • 2.What measures will the Commission adopt to safeguard the agricultural sector in the face of geopolitical instability and the volatility of energy prices arising from increased military spending and international conflicts?
    • 3.How will the Commission prioritise support to a key sector for food sovereignty and strategic autonomy for the EU in the context of increased focus on defence?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social leasing schemes and used vehicles – E-002996/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002996/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE)

    In its communication of 5 March 2025 entitled ‘Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector’ (COM(2025)0095), the Commission declared that social leasing schemes ‘can support affordable clean mobility for less advantaged consumers, while giving a direct boost to zero-emission vehicles sales’. In its recommendation of 22 May 2025 on transport poverty, the Commission recognised the need to establish social leasing schemes for both new and second-hand zero-emission vehicles. Yet it did not really detail how second-hand zero-emission vehicles could be included in these social leasing schemes.

    Given the large stocks of used vehicles currently present in the Member States and the opportunity to make them more accessible to vulnerable groups by including them in social leasing schemes:

    • 1.has the Commission already conducted impact studies on the inclusion of used vehicles in social leasing schemes, and would it be willing to share the results?
    • 2.what would be the Commission’s recommendations on how precisely to include them in the social leasing schemes?
    • 3.does the Commission envisage any EU legislation on the matter to avoid fragmentation of the EU single market and promote the inclusion of both EU new and used electric vehicles in social leasing schemes?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Backsliding on the 8th Environment Action Programme’s environmental indicators and inconsistencies with the Commission’s deregulatory approach – E-002874/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002874/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    The EEA’s Monitoring report on progress towards the 8th EAP objectives – 2024 edition[1] revealed a shocking statistic: 20 out of the 28 headline environmental indicators are stagnating or backsliding. Despite this, the Commission insists on pursuing an agenda of legislative simplification and deregulation that jeopardises the 8th EAP objectives, the Green Deal and the EU’s international commitments.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s justification for pushing to reduce and deregulate environmental legislation given the widespread environmental backsliding highlighted in the EEA’s own official report?
    • 2.What specific measures will the Commission adopt to reverse this negative trend and how will it guarantee that future legislation (such as omnibus packages) does not further weaken environmental protection?
    • 3.Will the Commission commit to introducing a clause or principle of environmental non-regression in its agenda of regulatory simplification, as recommended by scientific and social organisations?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/monitoring-progress-towards-8th-eap-objectives
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘Choose Europe’ plan: budgetary transparency and impact on EU researchers – E-002760/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002760/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    András Gyürk (PfE)

    On 5 May 2025, the Commission announced the ‘Choose Europe’ initiative. According to statements made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, this programme, with a budget of EUR 500 million, intends to attract researchers to Europe from countries outside the EU. However, the Commission failed to reveal the exact source of funding for this initiative. Furthermore, based on the Commission’s legal proposal, the Council implementing decision (EU) 2022/2506, prohibits 21 Hungarian universities and one Austrian university from receiving European research and development and innovation (RDI) funding. In practice, this significantly hinders these universities’ participation in Horizon Europe, even as consortium members.

    • 1.Can the Commission clearly identify all the budgetary sources that are funding this programme, and what criteria does the Commission intend to use to award the grants?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider the introduction of a new funding programme for researchers outside the EU while denying EU-based researchers access to European RDI funding a fair practice?
    • 3.Can the Commission unequivocally state that funding originally allocated to support EU-based scientists and research is not being reallocated to researchers from non-EU countries?

    Submitted: 7.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – FISC mission to Nicosia (Cyprus) – 16-09-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    FISC Mission to Nicosia (Cyprus) © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Nicosia (Cyprus) from 15 to 17 September 2025. The delegation, led by the Chair, Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with representatives of key institutions, such as the Ministry of Finance, the Tax Department and the Standing Committee on Financial and Budgetary Affairs of the House of Representatives, as well as stakeholders from the private sector, trade unions, experts and civil society.

    The discussions will focus on topical international tax issues and challenges, such as the implementation of the OECD’s two-pillar tax reform, the implementation of key EU laws in the area of taxation, including on exchange of tax information and anti-tax abuse measures, the simplification of tax systems and improving competitiveness through tax measures, tax incentives, and energy taxation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Supervisor of Camden County Jail Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation in the Assault of Pretrial Detainee

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A former deputy sheriff and Jail Corporal with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a pretrial detainee, identified by the initials J.H.

    Ryan Robert Biegel, 27, of Kingsland, Georgia, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lisa G. Wood on January 28 to one count of using unreasonable force against the detainee. According to the plea agreement, on September 3, 2022, Biegel and two other correctional officers entered a holding cell in which J.H. was being detained. Upon entering the cell, two other correctional officers restrained J.H.’s arms and pushed him against a wall. Biegel admitted that he punched J.H. five times in the back of the head, which he knew was not reasonable or necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and then struck J.H. in the head and body an additional twenty-two times with his fists and knees.

    The FBI Brunswick RA Field Office investigated the matter along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer J. Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Sues New York City Over Sanctuary Policies

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against New York City, Mayor Eric Adams, and several other city officials to challenge New York’s sanctuary city laws.

    As detailed in the complaint, New York’s sanctuary policies have allowed dangerous criminals to roam the streets and commit heinous crimes within the community. These policies reflect an intentional effort to obstruct federal law enforcement and thus are preempted under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

    “New York City has released thousands of criminals on the streets to commit violent crimes against law-abiding citizens due to sanctuary city policies,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “If New York City won’t stand up for the safety of its citizens, we will.”

    “For too long, New York City has been at the vanguard of interfering with enforcing our immigration laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. “Its efforts to thwart federal immigration enforcement end now.”

    The case, filed in the Eastern District of New York, is the latest action from the Justice Department fighting back against unlawful obstruction of enforcement of federal immigration laws. In the past three months, the Department has filed lawsuits against Los Angeles, New York State, Colorado, Illinois, the city of Rochester, New York, and several New Jersey cities to invalidate unconstitutional sanctuary policies. Recently, the Mayor of Louisville revoked the city’s sanctuary policy after the Justice Department threatened legal action.

    Read the full complaint here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Liberia salutes African Development Bank President Adesina in landmark Government session

    Source: APO – Report:

    • I want you to know that your legacy in Liberia is strong and enduring, President Boakai tells Adesina
    • “With your vast natural resources, Liberia has no business being poor.” — Adesina

    Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai convened the full spectrum of his government leadership to hear from African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org), whom he lauded for a transformative decade at the helm of Africa’s premier development finance institution.

    The expanded cabinet meeting, held Tuesday 22 July at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, brought together all three branches of the Liberian government: executive ministers, legislative leaders, the Chief Justice, and heads of state-owned enterprises. The event served as both a celebration of partnership and a platform for Adesina to share leadership insights as he nears the end of his term in August 2025.

    “You have shown the world that bold ideas, when combined with clear vision and determination, can produce extraordinary results,” President Boakai declared. “Through your leadership, the African Development Bank has invested in real solutions that touch lives every day.”

    Underscoring the gravity of the occasion, the Liberian president added: “The fact that all three branches of our government are represented speaks volumes about the value we place on your visit and the respect we have for your leadership and contributions.”

    In his rousing keynote address titled “Liberia: Arise, and Shine!”, Dr. Adesina reflected on the Bank’s enduring partnership with Liberia, which has resulted in $1.02 billion in investments across 72 projects since 1967.

    Key achievements include nearly 2,500 km of electricity transmission lines connecting Liberia with Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea; the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project, which delivered nearly 40,000 new grid connections; and 177 km of new roads including the transformational Fish Town-Harper and Karloken to Fish Town corridors.

    A central highlight of the event was the launch of the Liberia Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), a flagship $17 million initiative under the African Development Bank’s Youth in Africa strategy. Liberia becomes the first African country to establish the dedicated youth-focused financial institution, aimed at equipping young Liberians aged 18-35 with the tools and capital to drive national development through entrepreneurship.

    President Boakai described the Bank’s portfolio as “more than numbers on paper.”

    “They are roads that connect our communities, energy that lights homes and businesses, and agriculture projects that strengthen food security and create income for our farmers,” he said.

    Drawing from his experience as Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, and his decade-long leadership of the Bank, Adesina offered the Liberian cabinet a 7-point framework for transformational governance: setting clear and ambitious goals, ensuring measurable results, promoting teamwork and accountability and reforming institutions, especially the civil service and judiciary.

    “Don’t just blow the whistle, use your yellow card or red card. There is no need for rules in a soccer game if the referee never uses the yellow card or the red card,” Adesina said. “You cannot spend time baby-sitting poor performers. The public is eager for results and time is not on your side. So, be firm. Reward performers. Dispense with non-performers.”

    He recommended the adoption of a “One Government approach”, as well as the establishment of a presidential awards program to “recognize and incentivize inter-agency collaboration”; drawing from similar models at the African Development Bank.

    The Bank Group President urged the country to unlock greater value from its abundant resources. “With your vast natural resources, Liberia has no business being poor,” he stated. “The export of raw materials is the door to poverty. The export of value-added products is the highway to wealth.”

    During a Q&A session, Adesina emphasized the importance of technical and vocational training, citing that 60 percent of Liberia’s population is under the age of 35. He was responding to Education Minister Jarso Maley Jallah who inquired about strengthening entrepreneurship through the education system.

    Responding to a question from the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Piah on achieving fiscal targets, Adesina urged the government to plug revenue leakages, noting that Africa loses $88 billion annually to illicit financial flows. “Make your country investable: invest in transparency, rule of law, create the right environment, provide incentives,” he added.

    Sannah Ziama, a local investor, praised Adesina’s visionary leadership and called for sustained investments in solar power to unlock Liberia’s industrial potential.

    As a low-income country and transition State, Liberia continues to benefit from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional lending arm, as well as the Transition Support Facility, and the Nigeria Trust Fund.

    Liberia is also part of the inaugural group of countries that have developed energy compacts under the Mission 300 program, a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to deliver electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

    In recognition of his exceptional contributions, President Boakai presented Adesina with a Presidential Pin of Honour. Adesina had previously received Liberia’s highest national honour – the Order of the Star of Africa, Grade of Grand Band – in 2018.

    “Dr. Adesina, as you prepare to move on from this chapter, I want you to know that your legacy in Liberia is strong and enduring, President Boakai said. “The programs you have championed will continue to make an impact for years to come. Thank you for your faith in Liberia’s potential, and thank you for investing in our people, especially our youth.”

    Adesina was accompanied by the Bank’s Director General for West Africa, Lamin Barrow; Bank Executive Director for Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Ghana and Sudan, Rufus Darkortey; and Acting Country Manager, Foday Yusuf Bob.

    Liberia’s historical connection with the African Development Bank dates back to the institution’s founding, when Liberian official Romeo Alexander Horton served as the pioneer Chairman of the Committee of Nine that established the Bank in 1964.

    Read Dr. Adesina’s address here (https://apo-opa.co/4maNUla).

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contacts:
    Natalie Nkembuh and Tolu Ogunlesi
    Communication and External Relations
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oversight Committee Leaders Applaud President Trump’s Bold Plan to Cement America’s Dominance in Artificial Intelligence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), and Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) applauded President Trump’s new Action Plan to cement U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) and usher in a new golden age of American AI innovation. The White House unveiled “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” outlining more than 90 federal policy initiatives today across three strategic pillars—Accelerating Innovation, Building American AI Infrastructure, and Advancing U.S. Leadership in Global Diplomacy and Security—that the Trump Administration will implement in the coming weeks and months.

    “President Trump’s bold leadership has once again delivered a transformative vision for America’s future in artificial intelligence. This Administration understands that AI represents the next frontier, and maintaining our technological edge is a critical priority in the years ahead. This AI Action Plan embraces AI innovation in the United States and aims to reduce barriers in the AI field to ensure America’s dominance on the international stage. The House Oversight Committee will continue to support the Trump Administration’s AI initiatives and evaluate legislative opportunities aimed at addressing the barriers and challenges preventing the federal government from fully realizing the benefits of AI,” said Chairman James Comer. 

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, America is charting a bold course to secure global dominance in artificial intelligence. The President’s AI Action Plan embraces American innovation and takes decisive steps to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that have slowed AI progress. America has the talent, expertise, and resources to lead the world in AI but what we needed most was a president with the vision to recognize its importance for our future prosperity. Alongside President Trump’s Administration, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs will discuss ways to effectively and responsibly harness AI to bolster the United States’ economic competitiveness, national security, and technological leadership,” said Subcommittee Chair Eric Burlison.   

    “President Trump’s AI Action Plan—reshaping AI regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, and championing American AI values globally—is a critical step toward ensuring we win the AI race. This Administration recognizes that barriers remain, and challenges must be addressed if the government is to fully realize the benefits of this transformative technology. The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation will continue working to ensure the entire federal government is equipped with the tools and authority needed to responsibly deploy AI at scale and unlock its full potential,” said Subcommittee Chair Nancy Mace.

    Alongside President Trump’s efforts to secure America’s leadership in AI, the House Oversight Committee is spearheading efforts to remove unnecessary barriers and accelerate responsible AI innovation—boosting efficiency, improving public services, and delivering savings for taxpayers. In addition, the Committee is engaging with AI industry leaders on how to unleash the technology the right way: effectively and responsibly. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BREAKING: Rep. Miller Joins Senator Hawley in Effort to Ban Chinese Ownership of American Land

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the House companion to Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act. This legislation would ban Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from purchasing American agricultural land and residential property.

    This effort comes in direct response to growing concerns over the CCP’s aggressive campaign to acquire U.S. farmland and real estate. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Chinese entities own around 265,000 acres of agricultural land across the country.

    “Prized American land is not for sale to our enemies,” said Congresswoman Mary Miller. “The Chinese Communist Party is the greatest threat to our national security, and their aggressive push to buy up our farmland and homes is a direct attack on our sovereignty. It’s long past time we take back control and put America’s food supply and communities back in American hands — where they belong.”

    The legislation aligns with President Trump’s recently announced National Farm Security Action Plan, a bold initiative led by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to safeguard American agriculture and prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting American land and resources.

    The Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act would:

    • Prohibit Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the CCP from acquiring or leasing United States’ agricultural land;
    • Prohibit Chinese corporations and individuals associated with the CCP from purchasing residential real estate in the United States for a period of at least two years, with an option for the President to renew the prohibition biennially;
    • Require Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the CCP to divest ownership of United States’ agricultural land and residential real estate within one year.
    • Establish civil fines and criminal penalties for noncompliance, including forfeiture.

    Read more about the bill on Fox News.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Introduces FORKS Made in America Permanency Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the FORKS Made in America Permanency Act to permanently bolster American manufacturing that produces stainless steel flatware and equips our military with high-quality products.

    This bill would permanently add stainless steel flatware to the Berry Amendment. This longstanding federal provision requires the Department of Defense to source certain materials exclusively from U.S. manufacturers when available in sufficient quantities and at fair market prices.

    Tenney has championed this issue since her first term in Congress, introducing the SPOONSS Act in 2017 to include stainless steel flatware under the Berry Amendment. Her efforts led to the temporary addition of stainless steel flatware and dinnerware to the Berry Amendment as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but the provision is set to expire on January 1, 2029. The FORKS Made in America Permanency Act would eliminate the sunset clause and make this requirement permanent.

    “Permanently adding stainless steel flatware and dinnerware to the Berry Amendment is a win for American manufacturing and our servicemembers. The FORKS Made in America Permanency Act will help ensure our troops are using top-quality products made right here at home, while creating good-paying jobs and driving economic growth in Central New York,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unlocking the Development Potential of Diaspora Communities and Helping Reduce Reliance on Foreign Aid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Rep. Jonathan J. Jackson (D-IL) introduced the African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA), groundbreaking legislation that harnesses the economic power of African and Caribbean diaspora communities to advance sustainable development, reduce remittance costs, and align U.S. foreign policy with grassroots investment.

    Millions of Americans with heritage in Africa and the Caribbean send billions of dollars annually to support loved ones and communities in their countries of origin. Yet, they often face high transaction fees, limited investment tools, and few incentives to grow their impact. AIDA addresses these barriers head-on.

    As highlighted in Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Prosperity by Professor Landry Signé, published by the Brookings Institution, the diaspora can be a powerful driver of development in their home countries—not just through remittances, but by fostering trade, investment, research, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge and technology. This dynamic strengthens U.S. interests by empowering African and Caribbean diaspora communities, who are an integral part of the American fabric, to spur economic growth and innovation both abroad and at home, reinforcing U.S. global partnerships and domestic prosperity.

    The African Diaspora Investment and Development Act:

    • Reduces the cost of remittances by promoting transparency, competition, and innovation in money transfers.
    • Creates tax incentives for diaspora investments that drive sustainable economic development in African and Caribbean countries.
    • Encourages financial inclusion through fintech and diaspora-owned money transfer platforms.
    • Supports diaspora-led investments with U.S. financial backing.
    • Advances U.S. development goals by strengthening diaspora engagement in entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and community development projects abroad.

    “The African and Caribbean diasporas are economic engines that deserve recognition and support,” said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “This bill creates smart incentives that empower families, foster sustainable development, and reflect our values in U.S. foreign policy. AIDA is about unlocking diaspora investment potential. By empowering these communities, we can reduce reliance on foreign aid and embrace a model based on investment, dignity, and shared prosperity.”

    “This bill is timely and vital, especially at a time when US policy towards Africa and the Diaspora is shifting from aid to trade,” said Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL). “Remittances ($90 billion inflow to Africa in 2023) have surpassed both foreign assistance and direct investment in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean; a source for development and economic growth. AIDA strengthens the Diaspora contributions in GPD growth through investments and family support – food, housing, education, health care, etc.”

    “Reducing remittance costs and eliminating taxes on remittances are critical measures that ensure every dollar sent goes further, directly benefiting health, education, small businesses, and local infrastructure,” said President of the Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group, Susan Edionwe. “These changes will empower organizations like ours, whose work relies heavily on diaspora contributions, to expand our impact and better serve the people of Nigeria and beyond.”

    “The proposed AIDA bill is a fundamental recognition that as a nation of immigrants, the USA holds the ultimate power of transformation in the contributions of its diaspora to the rest of the world,” said Founder and CEO of Hamstrings, Inc., Eric V. Guichard. “AIDA is about leveraging these diaspora resources for good. It is a paradigm shift in development finance whose time has come.”

    “Remittances from family and friends in the U.S. to these regions primarily address basic necessities for recipients, including housing, food, education, services, small business support, and humanitarian assistance,” said Haiti Renewal Alliance. “A framework for partnerships with the U.S. DFC and diasporas via the AIDA Act to channel remittances for coordinated and robust investments with people on the ground in African and Caribbean countries, ushers the U.S. leading the next generation of successful global development for inclusive growth, peace, stability and opportunity, appreciating diaspora from Africa and Caribbean as key contributors.”

    During a time when development assistance from the United States in Africa and in the Caribbean is being drastically curtailed or even eliminated, African and Caribbean countries will need to increasingly rely on remittances coming from the Diaspora to meet basic needs and to get by,” said President of Constituency for Africa (CFA), Melvin Foote. “The proposed AIDA legislation, if passed, would certainly be a huge step in the right direction.”

    The legislation has received early praise from diaspora organizations, development experts, and financial inclusion advocates.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP. OGLES SECURES $74 MILLION FOR VETERANS

    Source:

    WASHINGTON, DC — After securing House passage of amendments supporting the expansion of community-based care for veterans, Congressman Ogles is thrilled to welcome a $74 million award for Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic to Davidson County. The facility will offer services including medical treatment, counseling, and community-based programs. Congressman Ogles, along with President Trump and other congressional Republicans, promised to invest in the VA and improve veterans’ care systems, and they are keeping that promise.

    “This clinic will provide enhanced access to healthcare and benefits for the brave men and women who selflessly served our nation,” said Congressman Ogles. “Additionally, constructing and managing this new VA facility will create jobs for hardworking Middle Tennesseans, delivering both economic and social benefits to the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District. It took considerable time and effort to make this happen, but I couldn’t be more honored to help bring this opportunity to Middle Tennessee.”

    Congressman Ogles worked tirelessly during the 118th and 119th Congresses to draft and pass amendments that provide veterans with improved benefits across the board. These amendments include increased funding for PTSD medical care, securing grants for the construction and maintenance of extended-care facilities, and more.

    READ THE LETTER

    WATCH THE VIDEO

    # # #

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Urges Swift Action to Release K-12 Education Funds

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—In response to the U.S. Department of Education’s abrupt hold on $6.8 billion in K-12 formula grant funding, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) sent a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon urging immediate release of the money, citing urgent needs as school districts gear up for the new year.

    “Delaying critical education funding at the last-minute puts school districts in an impossible position. With students just weeks away from returning, it’s vital we get these dollars into Northeast Florida classrooms where they belong,” said Congressman Bean.

    KEY BACKGROUND

    Florida has been disproportionately impacted, with six school districts—Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, Duval, and Lee—on the list of 20 jurisdictions experiencing delays.

    Among the funding under review are Title II-A, Title IV-A and IV-B, Title III-A, Title I-C, and Adult Basic and Literacy Education grants—programs that support teacher development, enrichment services, English language learners, and more.

    To read the full letter, click HERE. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Himachal accident; announces assistance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office shared PM Modi’s message, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to an accident in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.”

    According to officials, the bus, carrying 30 passengers, skidded off the road and rolled down a hillside near Tarangala in the Sarkaghat subdivision.

    Emergency services rushed to the scene, with police and administrative personnel from the Sarkaghat police station and the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police leading rescue operations. Ambulances were quickly deployed, but access to the crash site posed challenges due to the steep terrain.

    Locals were the first to respond and initiated rescue efforts before authorities arrived.

    Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed that four people – two men and two women – died on the spot. Several injured passengers were taken to the Civil Hospital in Sarkaghat. Three critically injured individuals were later referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur.

    The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway.

    Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the incident and said the administration has been directed to ensure proper treatment of the injured.

    “In this hour of sorrow, I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he wrote on X.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall & Risch Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Local Partnerships with Federal Immigration Authorities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in introducing the 287(g) Program Protection Act to streamline partnerships between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to process new 287(g) program applications during the Biden-Harris Administration, resulting in a significant backlog. In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order to approve hundreds of 287(g) agreements, allowing local law enforcement officers to enforce immigration laws.
    “On Inauguration Day, President Trump vowed to secure the southern border and empower local law enforcement. With border encounters at nearly zero, he has fulfilled his first promise,” said Senator Marshall. “Now, it’s time to act on the second promise. The 287(g) Program Protection Act delivers tools to our local Kansas law enforcement agencies to undo the damage caused by the Biden-Harris Administration. I am proud to stand alongside Senator Risch and introduce this important legislation.”
    “President Trump’s enforcement of our immigration laws has brought encounters at the southern border to a screeching halt,” said Senator Risch. “To finish cleaning up the Biden administration’s mess, we must empower our local law enforcement to assist ICE in identifying and detaining the illegal immigrants in our communities.”
    The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), and Rick Scott (R-Florida).
    Click here to read the bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: The Obama White House Was the True Threat to Democracy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax Live to Discuss The DNI Report and August Recess
    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Marc Lotter and Emma Rechenberg on Newmax’s National Report to discuss the revelations from Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard’s report that indicate President Obama knew that the Russian misinformation story was a hoax, and how the Senator believes the Senate should stay through August to confirm President Trump’s nominees.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On the contents of the new DNI report on the Obama White House:
    “Well, this is the true threat to Democracy. The smoking gun is very evident right here, where in the Oval Office, Barack Obama switched what the intelligence community had told him. He dreamed up this story, and why did he do it? Number one is, he wanted to delegitimize the election. Number two, he wanted to cripple the President’s [Trump] legacy going forward as well. When I look at something like this, I want to think about a little bit of logic here. You know, what was their motivation? I just described that…
    “And this is the new report, okay, Congress had never seen this report from the Oval Office. It’s consistent with the rest of the story. You all have reported on the FISA abuse, Russia, Russia, Russia. This is the next chapter. And then here’s the evidence, here’s the evidence, here’s the smoking gun. Here is a report from the Oval Office itself, saying Barack Obama, in the room with Joe Biden and all of his cronies, saying: ‘Let’s switch the narrative of the story, let’s say that Russia interfered with the election, let’s delegitimize the election and the will of the people.’”
    On why the media wants to bury this story:
    “Yeah, I’m reminded of that Jack Nicholson saying, ‘mister, you can’t [handle] the truth…’ but look here’s the truth, yeah, look at the evidence. Here’s a report from the Oval Office: Barack Obama is given a report from the Intelligence Agency saying that Russia had minimal impact on the election.
    “And Barack says, ‘Oh no, let’s change that narrative, let’s go out there and delegitimize the election and tell the American people that Russia interfered with the election.’ Otherwise, how in the world could Hillary Clinton be beaten? Never mind that she was on tranquilizers at the time and to her wits’ end, and was craving for all the power she can get.
    “Look, again, this is the threat to Democracy. This is the true threat to Democracy when the President of the United States weaponizes the entire Intelligence Agency and the legacy media against the future President of the United States, the duly elected future President of the United States.”
    On whether the Senate will remain in DC during the August recess period:
    “Well, look, I certainly am out there publicly saying I want to stay. We have lunch together as Republican Senators every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I’ve been very consistent with our message. We need to stay here to fulfill the will of the American people, the 78 million people who voted for President Trump.
    “Look, the political appointees right now that he has in those agencies are drowning. They need their junior members, their colonels, so to speak, to push back on the swamp. I had no idea how deep and wide this swamp is up here.
    “So, we need more of those political appointees in there to push back and then go through and fulfill the President’s agenda, which is the will of the people. So, I’m absolutely committed to staying here, whatever it takes. We need to get these appointees across the finish line.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Applauds USDA Workforce Reorganization from DC to Kansas City

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) applauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement from Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins that, as part of its planned reorganization, Kansas City will become the second largest beneficiary of the restructuring.
    This reorganization is part of a larger, government-wide process being undertaken by the Trump administration to return federal agencies to their primary functions, eliminate redundancy and waste, and preserve the critical services these agencies provide to taxpayers.
    “There are no stronger champions for American farmers and ranchers than Secretary Rollins and President Trump,” said Senator Marshall. “Today’s announcements build on President Trump’s efforts in his first Administration to move those who work closest with our farmers and ranchers to our nation’s heartland. This is putting Farmer’s First.”
    “American agriculture feeds, clothes, and fuels this nation and the world, and it is long past time the Department better serve the great and patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers we are mandated to support. President Trump was elected to make real change in Washington, and we are doing just that by moving our key services outside the beltway and into great American cities across the country,” said Secretary Rollins. “We will do so through a transparent and common-sense process that preserves USDA’s critical health and public safety services the American public relies on. We will do right by the great American people who we serve and with respect to the thousands of hardworking USDA employees who so nobly serve their country.”
    In the case of the USDA, today’s announcement will:

    Ensure the size of the USDA’s workforce aligns with available financial resources and agricultural priorities
    Bring USDA closer to its customers
    Eliminate management layers and bureaucracy
    Consolidate redundant support functions

    Click here to read the full Secretary Memorandum.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Increase Housing Supply, Reduce Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Katie Britt (R-AL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) recently introduced the bipartisan Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025, legislation that modernizes the federal definition of “manufactured housing” to include modular or prefabricated homes built without a permanent chassis. By allowing off-chassis manufactured homes, the bill expands consumer access to more efficient and cost-effective designs, providing greater architectural flexibility to better integrate into existing neighborhoods.

    “I’m proud to support this commonsense legislation that expands housing options for hardworking families in North Carolina and across the country,” said Senator Tillis. “By modernizing the definition of manufactured homes, we can encourage innovative and affordable designs and help more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership.”

    “Manufactured housing plays an important role in helping more Americans access homeownership, but we need to make sure outdated regulations aren’t preventing newer, potentially more innovative models from coming to market,” said Chairman Scott. “This legislation will remove red tape and lower the costs of building these types of homes, increasing access to affordable housing opportunities for Americans across the country.” 

    “Manufactured homes are some of the most affordable housing solutions on the market, but outdated laws are preventing newer, safer models from becoming widely available,” said Senator Gallego. “Our bipartisan bill makes a simple update to allow for greater design flexibility and bring down the cost of manufactured homes.”

    “We need to build as many homes as we can to address our national shortage, and we can’t let outdated rules needlessly constrain supply,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will unlock manufactured homes in both urban and rural areas around the country, making manufactured homes and all housing more accessible and affordable.”

    “We must find new, innovative ways to expand affordable housing venues so more individuals can achieve the American Dream of owning their home,” said Senator Crapo. “It is time to throw out established norms and cut bureaucratic hurdles that stand in the way of innovative designs to increasing affordable housing.” 

    “With this small adjustment, our legislation would help increase the production of affordable housing in California during a historic housing crisis,” said Senator Padilla. “Simply modifying the definition of manufactured houses would cost the government nothing and could unlock greater design flexibility while increasing the desperately needed affordable housing supply.” 

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2024: Minister Ellis

    “I am pleased to see Statistics Canada’s 2024 police-reported crime statistics show significant improvement in Alberta. Our province achieved a nine per cent decrease in both crime severity and overall crime rate – more than double the national decline of four per cent. These strong results show that Alberta is on the right track.

    “While there is still more work to do to keep Albertans and their property safe, these results reflect the outstanding efforts of law enforcement officers across the province. I want to thank all the police services operating across Alberta for their commitment to protecting our communities. Their work, combined with strategic provincial investments in public safety, community engagement and crime prevention is delivering clear, measurable results for Albertans.

    “For instance, Statistics Canada reports that property crime and vehicle theft in Alberta dropped by eight and nine per cent respectively in 2024, continuing a broader downward trend.

    “Our year-over-year figures are encouraging and so are those illustrating long-term trends. Alberta has seen a significantly lower increase in crime severity compared to the rest of the country and recorded the lowest increase in crime rate among all provinces – six times lower than the national average.

    “While these short- and long-term trends are cause for optimism, Alberta’s government remains firmly committed to improving the safety and security of our communities through comprehensive action. While police services across the province are working hard to serve their communities, specialized units within the Alberta Sheriffs continue to augment and support their work, closing drug houses, apprehending fugitives and bolstering surveillance and officer presence in rural areas.

    “The province’s strong support for the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams is also helping disrupt organized and serious crime across the province. It’s clear that officer presence matters, and investments in front-line policing are helping address social disorder and improve public safety in our urban centres. 

    “However, these local successes stand in stark contrast to the ongoing inaction from the federal government whose policies have broken the bail system, allowing violent repeat offenders back on our streets, contributing to a national increase in crime. Alberta continues to call on Ottawa to reverse its harmful policy decisions that have made it harder for police to do their jobs and easier for offenders to reoffend.

    “I look forward to continuing our productive partnerships with police services across the province to maintain these positive provincial trends. People deserve communities in which they can live, work and raise a family in peace and security. While this recent data shows that things are moving in the right direction, we won’t take our eye off the ball. Alberta’s government will continue to do whatever it takes to improve public safety, reduce crime and foster safer streets and neighbourhoods for all Albertans.”

    Related news

    • New chief, next step for municipal policing option (July 2, 2025)
    • Expanding municipal police service options (April 7, 2025)
    • Tackling catalytic converter and scrap metal theft (April 7, 2025)
    • Helping rural municipalities with policing costs (Nov. 6, 2024)
    • Alberta Sheriffs help bring fugitives to justice (Sept. 17, 2024)
    • More boots on the ground to fight rural crime (July 18, 2024)
    • More boots on the ground in Calgary and Edmonton (Apr. 11, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly, Morelle, Langworthy, Houlahan lead bipartisan effort to squash the invasive Spotted Lanternfly

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R, PA-16), Joe Morelle (D, NY-25), Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-06), and Nick Langworthy (R, NY-23) introduced bipartisan legislation to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to the American agricultural economy.

    “Agriculture plays a vital role in Pennsylvania’s economy, especially in my district which is home to many family farms and agricultural businesses,” said Rep. Kelly. “In Pennsylvania alone, the Spotted Lanternfly could cost hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage and eliminate thousands of agricultural jobs. We must protect our farmers and harvesters from this invasive and dangerous threat.”

    “It’s hard to visit the Finger Lakes without enjoying our amazing vineyards and orchards, but sadly, they’re under serious threat from the Spotted Lanternfly,” said Congressman Morelle. “My legislation would provide additional support for both local and national organizations committed to fighting back against this invasive, destructive pest. I’m grateful to Representatives Kelly, Houlahan, and Langworthy for joining me in supporting this critical bill, and I hope to see it passed and signed into law soon.”

    “Across our community, I hear time and again about how devastating these pests can be. Whether you’re a farmer, a homeowner, or just someone who enjoys the delicious produce grown by our community’s farmers, the invasive Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious problem,” said Rep. Houlahan. “I’m glad to join this bipartisan group of leaders who are once again stepping up to unlock new research funding on eradicating these insects. I was thrilled to see this legislation included last year in both the House and Senate drafts of the Farm Bill and remain optimistic that this year, we will be able to push this legislation forward to deliver these badly needed funds.”

    “The Spotted Lanternfly infestation continues to wreak havoc across Western New York and the Southern Tier, especially devastating our grape crops,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Year after year, this invasive pest inflicts severe damage, threatening not only our crops but the livelihoods of hardworking farmers and the very future of our agricultural communities. This crisis can no longer be ignored. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to safeguard our crops, protect our local farmers’ livelihoods, and preserve the future of our agricultural communities.”

    BACKGROUND

    The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the Spotted Lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This designation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants available for research projects related to the mitigation of this invasive species so we can find creative solutions to stop the spread before Pennsylvania’s cash crops are further decimated.

    How you can help stop the spread:

    • Learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly.
    • Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses.
    • If you visit other states with Spotted Lanternfly, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.
    • Report sightings by completing this form.
    • If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly, Smucker send letter to Commissioner Long calling for removal of Biden-Era IRS revenue ruling

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), a member of the Ways & Means Committee, and 18 other members of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee sent a letter to Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Commissioner Billy Long urging its reconsideration of Revenue Ruling 2024-14, unsupported Biden-era guidance that has created unnecessary confusion for taxpayers and threatens enforcement actions by drawing into question routine business transactions. 

    Revenue Ruling 2024-14 was announced last year as part of a broader effort by the Biden Administration to crack down on partnership “basis-shifting” transactions. Specifically, the ruling broadly applies the economic substance doctrine, an enforcement tool to combat tax avoidance and ensure that transactions are driven by legitimate business purposes, rather than simply reducing tax liability. By extending the scope of this enforcement tool beyond past precedent, the IRS overreached and cast doubt over the legality of routine partnership transactions.

    “Main Street businesses are the backbone of our communities. They should be able to focus on providing quality services to American families and not worry about being targeted by the heavy-handed IRS. I am proud to lead this letter voicing our concerns alongside my Pennsylvania colleague Rep. Smucker and our fellow Ways and Means Committee Republicans,” Rep. Kelly said. “I look forward to working with IRS Commissioner Long and the Trump Administration as we look to overturn these political weaponization tools against small businesses enacted under the Biden regime.”

    “American taxpayers and businesses deserve clear and consistent tax rules that allow them to confidently comply with the law,” said Rep. Smucker. “Reconsidering this relic of the Biden administration’s IRS would remove a contradictory compliance burden and help instill a more predictable tax code. The Trump administration has secured historic tax reforms for the American people. We are hopeful that it will remain committed to restoring fairness. We respectfully urge the IRS to rescind this Biden-era regulation, eliminate uncertainty, and restore greater trust in the American tax code.”

    “[T]he ruling assumes that related-party transactions inherently lack a legitimate business purpose,” the letter reads. “This assumption is at odds with long-established tax law and the reality of how businesses operate. Related-party transactions are routine in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, investment, and distribution, and are governed by provisions such as section 482 that are specifically designed to ensure fair treatment while recognizing their legitimacy.

    “We believe that withdrawing Revenue Ruling 2024-14 and rejecting its flawed legal analysis would be an important next step toward restoring clarity and consistency in the tax code.

    “We appreciate the current administration’s steps to improve tax regulation, including the recent withdrawal of REG-124593-23, which would have designated related-party basis adjustments as “transactions of interest.”

    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –