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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Evaluation of Community Notes as a decentralised mitigation measure under the DSA – follow up to E-000853/2025 – E-002238/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002238/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    In its response to question E-000853/2025[1], the Commission acknowledged that both centralised fact-checking and decentralised initiatives such as Community Notes are evaluated under the same standards of reasonableness, proportionality, effectiveness and respect for fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, as stipulated by the Digital Services Act[2] (DSA).

    • 1.Can the Commission provide comparative data on the average response times of EU-supported centralised fact-checking entities versus decentralised systems like Community Notes in addressing misinformation?
    • 2.Has it assessed the cost-effectiveness of decentralised approaches like Community Notes compared to traditional, EU-funded fact-checking mechanisms?
    • 3.Can it clarify how it ensures that the evaluation of such decentralised initiatives adequately accounts for their scalability, responsiveness and potential to enhance democratic discourse without infringing on freedom of expression?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-000853_EN.html.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1., ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj.
    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Establishment of a task force on targeting support for farmers in response to the strategic dialogue recommendations – P-001840/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Strategic Dialogue calls for a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that is fit for purpose. It recommends that CAP support should be delivered in a more targeted way, ‘moving away from current non-degressive area-based payments’.

    This should not be read as a call for abandoning area-based payments, but rather as recommending a more targeted distribution of CAP support across beneficiaries.

    The Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food[1] reflects this recommendation by announcing a fairer, simpler and more targeted support under the future CAP, relying notably on an enhanced use of measures such as degressivity and capping. The setting up of a dedicated task force on the targeting of income support is not envisaged.

    The Commission services possess robust and published[2] data and analysis of the distribution of CAP income support that will be used to design the future policy.

    On 19 and 20 May 2025, the Commission discussed the future of the CAP, including the targeting of direct support, with the newly created European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF)[3]. A further EBAF discussion on the CAP is planned for 19 June 2025.

    • [1]  https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/overview-vision-agriculture-food/vision-agriculture-and-food_en#:~:text=The%20Commission%20presents%20its%20Vision%20for%20Agriculture%20and,fair%20agri-food%20system%20for%20current%20and%20future%20generations.
    • [2]  https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/8707d160-1fed-45b1-aba8-bc9a6eca9846_en?filename=summary-report-implementation-direct-payements-claim-2022_en.pdf.
    • [3]  https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/cap-overview/committees-and-expert-groups/ebaf_en.
    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Clean Industrial Deal – B10-0278/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Paolo Borchia, Isabella Tovaglieri, Julie Rechagneux, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Ondřej Knotek, Filip Turek, Auke Zijlstra, Barbara Bonte, Jana Nagyová, Aleksandar Nikolic, Silvia Sardone, Raffaele Stancanelli
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    B10‑0278/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the Clean Industrial Deal

    (2025/2656(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘Action Plan for Affordable Energy’ (COM(2025)0079),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2025 entitled ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ (COM(2025)0030),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2025 entitled ‘Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector’ (COM(2025)0095),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640),

    – having regard to the questions to the Commission [XXXXX],

    – having regard to Rules 142(5) and 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy,

    A. whereas the Clean Industrial Deal was presented at a time of a serious competitiveness crisis; whereas it was supposed to represent the first step towards a decisive shift in pace and approach in EU policies, in order to safeguard businesses and industrial capacity across the EU;

    B. whereas European industry is facing fierce competition from global players, with competitors benefiting from public investment, lower energy prices and a favourable regulatory environment, which are factors that provide significant advantages and encourage the relocation of EU enterprises to non-EU countries; whereas in recent decades, the policies pursued by the Commission, causing overregulation in industrial matters and setting unreasonable and unattainable environmental targets, have contributed to the massive relocation of EU production to non-EU countries, resulting in significant job losses, desertification and deterioration of living conditions in certain regions, as well as a transfer of knowledge and increased dependencies in strategic sectors;

    C. whereas the implementation of the Fit for 55 package and other legislation under the Green Deal imposes stringent targets for the reduction of CO2 emissions, which undermine European industrial competitiveness; whereas the policies related to the Green Deal have shown serious drawbacks, especially in the current competitiveness crisis, such that a change of approach, including by revising the targets set and comprehensively reviewing the current legislation, appears to be crucial;

    1. Notes the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal and the announcement of upcoming initiatives by the Commission; expresses concern about their potential ineffectiveness and the risk of further harming the competitiveness of EU businesses; believes that forcing market change through legislative measures, rather than allowing it to be driven by business-led innovation, is a fundamentally flawed approach; calls for a decisive change of pace from the previous legislative term, including a thorough revision and repeal of pieces of legislation adopted under the framework of the Green Deal;

    2. Calls, in any case, for the implementation of the economically harmful policies of the Green Deal to be suspended, to enable a re-evaluation of their objectives and application; urges the Commission, moreover, to refrain from proposing a legislative initiative for an intermediate target of 90 % reductions in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040;

    3. Expresses concern about the way in which the Commission drafts its legislative proposals and conducts impact assessments, which reveals a lack of full stakeholder involvement and in-depth analysis of the effects, including long-term, on competitiveness; stresses the importance of ensuring effective consultation with all stakeholders, including local and regional entities, in order to improve the accuracy of impact assessments, thus avoiding the need to revise regulations shortly after their adoption and reducing uncertainty in an environment already marked by the crisis;

    4. Urges the Commission to engage in structured sectoral dialogue with industry representatives, academia, social partners and relevant stakeholders from energy-intensive sectors, as well as cross-border regional industrial clusters, to ensure that policies are aligned with real industrial needs and challenges; affirms that well-targeted industrial policy, starting from a review of the EU decarbonisation objectives, is crucial to ensure a strong industrial base and to create and maintain high-quality jobs in the EU; affirms its commitment to fostering stable and predictable industrial policies that take into account the impact on the competitiveness of EU companies, and commits to upholding the principle of technology neutrality when adopting such policies, as a cornerstone for building competitive European industry;

    5. Notes the affordable energy action plan; strongly stresses the need for action aimed at reducing volatility and lowering the high energy prices that impact heavily on businesses and consumers; urges the Commission and the Member States, following adequate impact assessments and consultation with the stakeholders, to put forward ways to decouple electricity prices from fossil fuel prices; warns against Commission initiatives that could circumvent Treaty provisions assigning competence over the energy mix to the Member States;

    6. Expresses concern about the overly excessive focus of EU policies on electrification and renewables, which has been reaffirmed with the Clean Industrial Deal; states the need to promote a diversified energy mix that includes clean and low-carbon energy, in order to ensure security of energy supply and competitiveness; emphasises that relying solely on electrification will be extremely challenging for energy-intensive industries; stresses the indispensable role that natural gas will continue to play in the energy mix; reiterates the need to develop measures to ensure gas supply at a mitigated cost and calls on the Commission to ensure an improved, stable and certain regulatory framework; deplores the proposal to eliminate all subsidies for fossil fuels;

    7. Acknowledges that the electricity grid infrastructure plays an essential role in achieving the EU’s strategic autonomy; calls on the Member States to fully explore, optimise, modernise and expand their electricity grid capacities, including transmission and distribution, with technological neutrality as a core principle; considers electricity grids to be a central element in the transition to a competitive economy;

    8. Recalls the large-scale blackout that affected the Iberian Peninsula on 28 April 2025, leaving over 50 million people without electricity for several hours and causing severe disruption to transport, telecommunications and essential services; underlines that, at the time of the incident, renewable energy accounted for approximately 70 % of Spain’s electricity mix, and that only a few days earlier, on 16 April, the Spanish grid had operated entirely on renewable energy; highlights the fact that the blackout was caused by multiple factors, including the excessively high share of variable renewables, which contribute less to grid inertia compared to conventional power plants, making it more difficult to manage sudden frequency changes; strongly affirms, as a consequence, the need to adopt a technologically neutral approach in the planning, development and strengthening of electricity networks, in order to enable the safe integration of all technologies that support grid stability, especially in the context of growing energy demand; calls on the Member States to strengthen risk assessments related to systemic electricity shocks and to promote resilient, secure and technologically diversified grid models;

    9. Stresses the fundamental role that low-carbon hydrogen can play; calls for the swift adoption and implementation of a simple, technology-neutral and investment-friendly definition of low-carbon hydrogen in the upcoming delegated act[1], while ensuring that such a definition is robust and science-based, and incentivises hydrogen production; recognises that carbon management, including capture, storage, transport and utilisation, can play a role for hard-to-abate sectors;

    10. Supports the proposal to strengthen a European preference in public procurement processes, in the context of the revision of the public procurement framework in 2026, to the benefit of European businesses; considers this to be essential for enhancing supply chain security and fostering a resilient EU industrial base; remains strongly sceptical about the announced industrial decarbonisation accelerator act and about the extension of new sustainability criteria to the EU budget and national support programmes, as well as to public and private procurement benefiting energy-intensive industries; remains critical of the proposal to introduce new environmental criteria in addition to the many that are already in place, as well as the introduction of environmental labelling for industrial products, which risks creating additional administrative burdens for companies;

    11. Affirms the need to create a favourable environment for investment that is capable of discouraging the relocation of industrial activities outside the EU; recognises the importance of increasing and encouraging both public and private investment in the energy, industry and transport sectors; takes note of the announced creation of a competitiveness fund and calls for this to be an instrument of genuine support for businesses; calls for an EU State aid framework in support of industrial transformation and modernisation, in line with the principle of technology neutrality, also enabling existing plants to access funding for technology upgrades, thereby safeguarding employment and economic stability; expects the new framework to address these needs; expresses its firm opposition to any new own resources and EU-level taxes;

    12. Notes the plan for the automotive sector and the measure for additional flexibility for the calculation of manufacturers’ compliance with CO2 emissions performance standards; considers this insufficient and largely inadequate to address the challenges faced by the sector; urges the Commission to promptly review Regulation (EU) 2019/631[2], particularly by lifting the ban on combustion engine vehicles and removing the sanctions regime; strongly emphasises that technological neutrality is crucial for ensuring sustainable and competitive industry, and calls, therefore, on the Commission to revise the regulation accordingly by fully considering all relevant technological developments, including biofuels;

    13. Notes that raw materials supply remains a strategic vulnerability, with the EU heavily dependent on non-EU suppliers for critical raw materials, requiring an urgent scaling-up of domestic mining, refining and battery recycling capabilities in a technology neutral, publicly accepted way; recalls the need to implement the Critical Raw Materials Act[3] and the Net Zero Industry Act[4] properly and to significantly strengthen industrial and raw materials diplomacy to access new markets via trade and partnership agreements, as well as special critical raw materials access agreements; stresses the crucial importance of catalysing investment to develop a domestic supply chain, ensuring its competitiveness and strategic autonomy;

    14. Stresses that the European Court of Auditors has highlighted[5] the Commission’s inability to achieve the target of capturing 20 % of the global semiconductor market by 2030 through the Chips Act[6]; calls, therefore, on the Commission to confront reality and revise its strategy accordingly, by setting clearer and more measurable objectives, ensuring proportionate and secured funding and promoting the integration of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the entire semiconductor value chain;

    15. Stresses that EU industry is struggling not only a result of European environmental policies but also because of the overregulation that characterised the previous legislative term; urges the Commission to launch a broad process of genuine simplification and, where appropriate, deregulation; endorses simplification and digitalisation for speeding up administrative procedures; notes the omnibus simplification packages recently presented by the Commission; observes that these highlight flawed or missing impact assessments in the adoption of a number of major legislative measures during the previous term, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive[7] and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive[8]; affirms the need, in the current context of overregulation and excessive administrative burdens, as well as heavy obligations on businesses, to repeal this legislation; underlines, in any event, the importance of safeguarding smaller enterprises;

    16. Affirms the need to create a truly enabling environment for SMEs, which have been particularly affected by the crisis and represent 99 % of all European businesses; recalls the importance of avoiding any form of discrimination against small businesses that choose to remain small, while continuing to contribute to the economic and social prosperity of the territories in which they operate; calls for accessible funding for SMEs and small mid-caps and further improvements and harmonisation to simplify funding applications, reduce reporting obligations and fast-track small projects; stresses that the new EU-level statute for small mid-caps must not compromise or alter the current classification of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; underlines that the establishment of the small mid-caps category should not divert attention or resources away from micro and small enterprises, which have distinct needs and priorities; calls, therefore, on the Commission to adopt the necessary measures and safeguards, and to establish thresholds that reflect the actual conditions regarding turnover and number of employees in the Member States;

    17. Notes the proposed simplification of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) in the first omnibus package; recalls that the CBAM was introduced to compensate for the effect of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) in order to tackle carbon leakage; underlines that the CBAM, as currently designed, in parallel with the phasing out of the ETS free allowances, will not ensure a level playing field and will undermine competitiveness by increasing production costs and the administrative burden for EU companies; calls for the ETS and the CBAM to be entirely reassessed in the upcoming revision;

    18. Expresses concern about the ongoing negotiations on the reform of Regulation (EU) 2019/452[9], which establishes a framework for the screening of foreign direct investment into the Union; is particularly concerned about the excessive centralisation of control in the hands of the Commission at the expense of the authority of Member States, including those that already have effective national measures in place to protect strategic sectors that are crucial to national interest; underlines that national security and maintenance of public order are, in fact. exclusive Member State competences;

    19. Stresses the critical importance of preserving industrial activity and employment in the EU; warns that misguided industrial policies can have severe repercussions on jobs; underlines the urgent need to equip the European workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to the ongoing digital and industrial transformations, especially in remote and rural areas; calls for increased investment and a comprehensive industrial skills strategy; calls for the adoption of effective measures to address the alarming phenomenon of brain drain;

    20. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU response to Hamas-led information manipulation in the EU – E-002236/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002236/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation under EU law, regularly deploys emotionally charged narratives, staged or decontextualised imagery and strategic communication aimed at shaping public opinion and pressuring EU policymakers. This aligns with the core definition of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) – namely, coordinated manipulation intended to deceive and influence democratic discourse.

    • 1.In the light of the Commission’s stated commitment to countering FIMI, can the Commission explain why it has not publicly identified, exposed or addressed Hamas’s clear attempts to influence the European information environment?
    • 2.If the Commission can act swiftly in cases of so-called disinformation spread by European citizens – often leading to pressure on platforms, content labelling or regulatory scrutiny – why has there been no corresponding action or attribution concerning Hamas’s influence efforts, particularly following recent escalations in the Middle East?
    • 3.Does the Commission recognise Hamas’s strategic communication as a FIMI threat, and if so, what steps will it take to counter this actor’s manipulation of EU audiences?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public Hearing on the Impact of EU Support to Decent Jobs in Partner Countries – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Job creation and impact assessment © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    Supporting decent and sustainable jobs, as a driver for eradicating poverty and inequality, is a key objective for the EU’s international partnerships. But what impact do aid and investments, including through Global Gateway projects, really have? Experts and stakeholders will present new measurement tools and best practices in creating decent employment in partner countries, to develop practical recommendations for enhancing the EU’s future engagement and Parliament’s oversight.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Public Hearing on the Impact of EU Support to Decent Jobs in Partner Countries – 25-06-2025 – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Supporting decent and sustainable jobs, as a driver for eradicating poverty and inequality, is a key objective for the EU’s international partnerships. But what impact do aid and investments, including through Global Gateway projects, really have? Experts and stakeholders will present new measurement tools and best practices in creating decent employment in partner countries, to develop practical recommendations for enhancing the EU’s future engagement and Parliament’s oversight.

    Supporting decent and sustainable jobs, as a driver for eradicating poverty and inequality, is a key objective for the EU’s international partnerships. But what impact do aid and investments, including through Global Gateway projects, really have? On 25 June, 10.30-12.30, experts and Members will discuss new measurement tools, as well as best practices in creating decent employment in partner countries. The Hearing will be chaired by Barry Andrews, Chair of the DEVE Committee, and moderated by Udo Bullmann and Hildegard Bentele, Standing Rapporteurs on Global Gateway. Panellists include experts from the University of London, the ILO, the African Development Bank, the International Trade Union Confederation – Africa and the International Organisation of Employers. Takeaways from the Hearing will feed into the DEVE committee’s monitoring of the NDICI-Global Europe instrument, as well as the AFET-DEVE own-initiative report on “Global Gateway: past impact and future orientations”.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – SEDE: Defence omnibus presented by EU Commissioner for Defence and Space A. KUBILIUS – Committee on Security and Defence

    Source: European Parliament

    RaresGheorghiu_CommissionerDesignate_Kubilius_Hearings2024.jpg © European Union 2024 – EP

    On the 17 June, immediately after publication, Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius will present the Defence omnibus to the SEDE Members. This omnibus, announced in the White Paper, proposes amendments to simplify the legal and administrative framework in order to address obstacles and bottlenecks hindering a rapid ramping up of the defence industry and thereby strengthening European defence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Diverting ships to third-country ports – E-001500/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    All sectors, including maritime transport, need to contribute to the EU climate neutrality goal by 2050. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime are key policies to achieve this objective.

    In its report[1] on the monitoring of the implementation of the ETS Directive[2] in relation to maritime transport, the Commission did assess trends on port connectivity using data on port liner shipping connectivity index.

    The analysis revealed no significant difference in the evolution of connectivity of EU transhipment ports compared to neighbouring non-EU transhipment ports. It, however, showed the high impact of the Red Sea crisis on maritime traffic in 2024.

    The Commission also assessed planned investments in ports, both in the EU and neighbouring countries, showing no noticeable turnaround compared to ongoing trends.

    The Commission will continue closely monitoring the situation, and will take action if needed. The Commission will also continue analysing greenhouse gas emissions in its regular annual reports, with the next one covering 2024 data expected towards the end of the year.

    The forthcoming EU Port Strategy will look at all major issues facing ports. It will notably focus on security and competitiveness. Social aspects, including the need to ensure safe and secure working conditions, will also be covered.

    The implementing act[3] identifying neighbouring container transhipment ports must be updated every two years. The next update is foreseen by end 2025, based on the criteria defined in the legislation.

    • [1]  COM(2025) 110 final — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0110.
    • [2] Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
    • [3] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2297 of 26 October 2023 identifying neighbouring container transhipment ports pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Welcomes Eielson AFB Announcement on Microreactor Pilot Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    06.12.25
    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the United States Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) Notice of Intent to Award the microreactor pilot project at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB). This announcement clears the way for the DAF and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to prepare an environmental analysis.
    Microreactors are small nuclear reactors that can be transportable, offering operational flexibility that can benefit remote and rural communities. Senator Murkowski is a long-time advocate of microreactor technology, providing support for small modular and microreactors through her work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Energy Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). She has also worked to secure key policy provisions to advance innovative energy technologies through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and in her capacity as a senior member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
    “This announcement, though long-delayed, is a very welcome development and brings us one step closer to having this critical next generation of clean, baseload energy technology to help power our communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “Microreactors have the potential to provide safe and affordable energy to remote rural areas, which is why I’ve been spearheading investment in this technology in Congress for years.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Delegation Introduce Chugach Alaska Land Exchange and Oil Spill Recovery Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    06.12.25
    Washington, DC — U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Representative Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), introduced the Chugach Alaska Land Exchange and Oil Spill Recovery Act to direct a land exchange between the federal government and Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach). This exchange would resolve conflicts that exist between the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council’s Habitat Protection Program (the “Program”) goals for federal habitat conservation of surface lands impacted by EVOS and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) promises to Chugach for economic development of subsurface rights under these same lands. 
    The land exchange directed by this legislation would require Chugach to trade 231,000 acres of subsurface estate (under surface fee and conservation easements on surface land owned by the federal government) for 65,403 acres of fee simple land owned by the federal government. Most of the lands that would be exchanged were identified in the Chugach Region Land Study and Report to Congress from December 2022.  Congress directed the study in Section 1113 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 614) which Murkowski authored.
    “The effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Native people in the Chugach region are still felt –environmentally, socially and economically. We must continue to take steps to move forward with recovery and that includes fulfilling the promises of ANCSA to Chugach, the Alaska Native Regional Corporation,” Senator Murkowski said. “I am proud to reintroduce this legislation, which is a “win-win” for Chugach and the federal government’s EVOS program goals.”
    “In the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill, Chugach Alaska Corporation not only had to deal with the devastating environmental consequences for the region, but also misguided federal restrictions on their ability to develop resources on their lands,” said Senator Sullivan. “Senator Murkowski, Congressman Begich and I are reintroducing legislation to amend ANCSA—as has been done many times throughout history—and facilitate a commonsense land exchange already studied extensively by BLM and the Forest Service. Our legislation will help address the evolving needs of Prince William Sound communities and create economic opportunities and cultural benefits for thousands of Alaska Native shareholders in the Chugach region, as intended under ANCSA.”
    “This land exchange corrects a decades-old misstep that has kept Chugach shareholders from fully benefiting from their own land and resources. With this legislation, we’re protecting our resources while restoring the rights of Alaska Native landowners,” said Congressman Begich. “I am proud to lead this legislation in the House and look forward to working with the delegation to continue restoring Alaska’s right to self-determination and ensuring responsible stewardship of our state’s resources.”
    “We are deeply grateful to Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Representative Nick Begich for their unwavering leadership and advocacy on behalf of Chugach and our people and communities,” said Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Chugach Board. “Their decision to reintroduce this legislation underscores the significance of this exchange resolving long-standing split-estate conflicts in the region — not only for our corporation, but for the broader public interest, the State of Alaska, and the federal government. Chugach stands ready to work in close partnership with Congress, federal agencies, and all stakeholders to help advance this process. Our commitment to cooperation is rooted in a shared vision of responsible stewardship, economic opportunity, and enduring respect for our connection to these lands that have sustained our people for millennia.”?
    BACKGROUND:
    On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill discharged approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil (enough to fill 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools) into Prince William Sound and adjoining waters in Alaska. It was one of the most environmentally damaging disasters in world history.
    The Chugach Region experienced great social and economic harm from the oil spill. Government recovery efforts, though well-intentioned, also had negative impacts and did not always include the voices of the Alaska Native people who have stewarded these lands for millennia. Thirty-five years later, the people and the environment are still recovering.
    Through Section 1113 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act of 2019 (sponsored by Murkowski; Public Law 116-9), Congress directed the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture and in consultation with Chugach Alaska Corporation, to conduct a study and provide a report to Congress assessing the social and economic impacts of the EVOS Trustee Council’s Program on Chugach, Chugach lands, and on the Chugach Region. The study was also required to identify sufficient acres of accessible and economically viable federal land that could be exchanged with Chugach.
    Under the Program, the Trustee Council used funds acquired from the companies responsible for EVOS to purchase fee title to 134,121 acres of surface estate lands, and purchased conservation easements on an additional 66,073 acres of surface estate lands, from four of the five Village Corporations in the Chugach Region that had been conveyed to them under ANCSA. Chugach was not a party to any of these acquisitions but owns the subsurface, or mineral estate, for all of the lands in which interests were acquired by the federal government from the Village Corporations under the Program.
    Some surface lands and conservation easements on surface lands acquired by the federal government under the Program went into the state and federal park systems, but most went into the Chugach National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
    The EVOS Program lands (fee surface estate lands and conservation easement lands) are subject to restrictions on any surface development that is inconsistent with maintaining their wilderness characteristics. Therefore, Chugach is effectively prohibited from taking any steps to develop its subsurface interests and needs alternative lands to realize the meaningful economic benefits promised in ANCSA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Speaks Out Against Trump Nominees Claiming A Public Official May Defy A Court Order During Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    June 12, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke out against Trump nominees continuing to claim there are instances when a public official may defy a court order during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting. Specifically, Durbin spoke about comments made by Stanley Woodward, Jr., nominated to be Associate Attorney General, during his nomination hearing.
    Key Quotes:
    “I think this is relatively new to this Committee—the line of questioning about the Executive Branch defying or following court orders.”
    “I think the most direct statement… to the merits of the issue was from Senator Kennedy of Louisiana, who came in and made it clear in his mind at that time that it is unequivocally the responsibility of people to follow a court order. You can appeal it, as long as the law allows, and you can criticize it within the bounds of legal ethics, but it is a court order, and it needs to be followed. We’ve tried to ask that question consistently of all nominees, so that we understand they share Senator Kennedy’s belief and my belief.”
    “During his confirmation hearing, Mr. Woodward was asked whether Executive Branch officials may lawfully defy a court order multiple times, by multiple Senators, giving different answers to each one of them.”
    “He told Senator Kennedy he would not advise a client to refuse to follow a court order. Shortly after, [he told] Senator Schiff, ‘it depends.’”
    “In answers to written questions to clarify this once and for all, Mr. Woodward did nothing to clarify his stance, writing that ‘generally’ he would advise a client to comply with court orders. ‘Generally’?”
    “Failing to commit unequivocally to following federal court orders should disqualify any nominee before this Committee—whether he is a Republican or Democrat.”
    “Mr. Woodward is nominated to be the number three official at the Justice Department… I think that answer should have been clear… there was an equivocation, which I cannot explain. It is inconsistent with what Senator Kennedy established as a standard and one that I share.”
    Video of Durbin’s statement in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s statement in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s statement in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Presses Attorney General On Ed Martin’s Planned Partisan Weaponization Of Justice Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    June 12, 2025
    After his failed nomination to be U.S. Attorney for DC, Ed Martin was installed in various Justice Department roles and has publicly vowed to target Trump’s enemies
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi on Ed Martin’s stated plans to abuse his positions at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to help President Trump’s friends and punish his perceived enemies.
    After Mr. Martin’s failed nomination to be U.S. Attorney for D.C. was withdrawn, President Trump appointed him to serve in non-Senate-confirmed positions like Pardon Attorney and Director of the Weaponization Working Group. He is the first political appointee to ever hold the role of Pardon Attorney.
    Durbin began by citing concerning comments by Mr. Martin at a DOJ press conference on May 13 and subsequent interview with Tucker Carlson, writing: “Following his disgraceful tenure as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Mr. Martin apparently plans to continue his misconduct in his new roles at DOJ… These statements are a brazen admission that Mr. Martin plans to systemically violate the Justice Manual’s prohibition on extrajudicial statements by shaming uncharged parties for nakedly partisan reasons.  This plan clearly violates Mr. Martin’s obligations under the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit prosecutors from ‘mak[ing] extrajudicial comments which serve to heighten condemnation of the accused.’ Weaponizing DOJ in this manner will further undermine the public’s trust in the department in irreparable ways.”
    Durbin continued by highlighting several abuses of power by Mr. Martin since becoming Pardon Attorney, writing: “As the first political appointee to ever hold this position, Mr. Martin has overseen pardons of numerous Trump supporters and donors. Last month President Trump pardoned nursing home executive Paul Walczak for tax fraud just three weeks after Walczak’s mother paid $1 million to attend a Trump fundraiser. He pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, conservative reality television stars and ‘vocal supporters of President Trump,’ for bank fraud and tax evasion. The President pardoned Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola electric vehicle company, after Milton donated nearly $2 million to the Trump campaign last year. He also pardoned former Republican Congressmen Michael Grimm for tax fraud and former Republican Governor John Rowland for public corruption. In the aftermath of these scandalous pardons, Mr. Martin tweeted: ‘No MAGA left behind.’”
    Durbin then cited Mr. Martin’s personal advocacy for pardoning violent insurrectionists, writing: “Mr. Martin has also personally advocated pardoning Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and others who were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their role in planning and instigating the violence against law enforcement on January 6, 2021. These 11 individuals already received commutations of their sentences from President Trump on January 20, 2025, despite showing no remorse for their crimes. No developments in the four months since their commutations justify any consideration of their pardon applications, yet Mr. Martin has fast-tracked them for consideration by the White House immediately after their submission.”
    Durbin then renewed two delinquent oversight requests from letters sent to Attorney General Bondi regarding the pardons of January 6th insurrectionists and the presidential pardon power.
    Durbin concluded with a request for memoranda, correspondence, and other records authorizing Mr. Martin to pursue these plans and their legal justification.
    For a PDF copy of the letter to Attorney General Bondi, click here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Signs James’ Legislation Into Law Rolling Back California’s Harmful Green New Deal Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John James (Michigan 10th District)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Donald J. Trump signed into law legislation authored by U.S. Congressman John James (MI-10) marking a major victory for America’s trucking industry, small business owners, and working families. The Clean Truck Congressional Review Act (CRA) overturns extreme Biden-Era Green New Deal mandates that threaten to crush America’s trucking industry, kill good-paying jobs, and hike prices for America’s families.

    Rep. James’ Clean Truck CRA strikes down the Environmental Protection Agency’s heavy-handed emissions rule that would have added up to $42,000 to the cost of a single diesel truck — a price tag that would have bankrupted independent truckers and driven mom-and-pop businesses off the road. The settling of the Advanced Clean Trucks rule with the state of California was part of the Biden Administration’s broader attempt to push Green New Deal-style mandates through the back door of federal regulation.

    “This is what leadership looks like,” Congressman James stated. “Washington Elites said it couldn’t be done, but with President Trump’s signature we’ve made good on our promise to protect our jobs, lower prices, defend our supply chains, and keep Democrats’ radical Green New Deal agenda out of the driver’s seat.”

    The CRA passed the House on April 30th and cleared the Senate on May 22nd, despite intense pressure from radical, far-left environmental groups and D.C. bureaucrats desperate to preserve the mandate. Passage of the CRA marks the first successful Republican reversals of Biden-era policy, underscoring the growing momentum under Republican leadership in Congress to codify President Trump’s agenda.

    “My father got his start fighting harmful government regulation on trucking. Now, his son has defeated harmful government regulation on trucking. This is a huge win for the men and women who don’t get days off, who get behind the wheel before sunrise and keep this country running,” James continued. “America’s workers don’t need coastal elites from California to Washington, D.C. telling them how to do their jobs — they need the freedom to compete, the infrastructure to deliver, and the respect they’ve earned. I’m proud that my legislation can deliver just that.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Rips Governor Hochul For Sanctuary Policies Like New York’s Green Light Law During Oversight Committee Hearing

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) ripped New York Governor Hochul for her dangerous Green Light Law that has allowed criminal illegal immigrants to be shielded from federal immigration officials. Mr. Langworthy correctly pointed out the absurdity that New York officials share DMV data with Canadian officials but America’s own law enforcement officers are unable to access the information, putting the safety of officers and the public at risk. He also cited the case of Peruvian national Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, wanted for 23 murders, who was in the country illegally, hiding in plain sight in Upstate New York thanks to New York’s sanctuary status.

    NL: Governor Hochul, yes or no? Do you think someone who’s committed murder or rape in this country, in that they’re here illegally, should have tools at their disposal to avoid deportation?

     

    KH: As the governor, it’s my primary responsibility is to protect the people of New York. Those crimes are abhorrent.

     

    NL: Whatever response you prepared to give today dwarfs in comparison to your actions as governor. I would like to remind you of someone named Gianfranco Torres Navarro, an illegal alien and suspected leader of a violent Peruvian gang. He was tied to 23 murders in Peru and came to this country illegally across the southern border. He had his victims’ faces tattooed on his body, and he was hiding in plain sight in Endicott, New York for an extended period of time where ICE could not locate him. And why did it take so long to find him?

     

    Because policies like your Green Light Law, which blocks ICE and US Border Patrol from accessing critical DMV databases. In fact, it threatens the badges and threatens to charge with felonies any officer that shares that DMV data with federal agents. These agents rely on data to be able to know who they’re pulling over on the side of the road. They’re taking their lives into their hands every time they’re trying to, you know, keep our street safe. The really sick irony here is that your government in New York, my home state freely shares that same DMV data with the government of Canada at our bridges in you and my hometown, but it doesn’t share that data with your American federal government. Why governor?

     

    KH: You’re misstating the Green Light Law because we are able to cooperate with federal authorities when there’s a crime involved.

     

    NL: Why do you shield the database, Governor?

    KH: Anything they want from us related to investigating a crime is available.

     

    NL: This is data that’s needed in real time to enforce the laws on the streets. They can’t subpoena these records from your government. I’ve had these conversations with my county sheriffs. All across the state of New York State, state police, they want to work with the federal officials. They want to clean up these messes, but they can’t because they were being threatened by you and our Attorney General, that they’ll take away their badge and end their careers. 

    KH: There have been countless, countless instances where we’ve cooperated with federal law enforcement, happens on a daily basis. And so, your characterization is just incorrect of how we provide information to people who ask for it. 

    NL: You share the database in its entirety with Canada, but you don’t share it with the federal government. It’s beyond belief. I mean, this is denial and excuses. Governor you know damn well that. The New York State Sheriff’s Association, the State Association of Chiefs of Police, have both condemned the Green Light Law. Sheriffs from Erie County, Niagara County, Monroe, Albany, Broome, Duchess, and Oneida Counties. Multiple parties represented here, not just Republicans, have warned that your law ties their hands. It puts officers’ lives in danger, and it shields criminals from accountability. When you refuse to work with law enforcement, when you refuse to hand over data that can protect communities and save lives, you are actively aiding the illegal alien criminals who have crossed our borders and committed violent crimes, and the consequences are not hypothetical.

     

    Your bail reform law is the reason that Laken Riley is dead. He should have been in jail in New York, and he wasn’t. He went to Georgia. He fled our state. Because he should have been in prison. These are tragic and real circumstances. In Buffalo, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant hacked his wife to death with an ax. In Syracuse, an Ecuadorian national strangled, a young woman on her birthday and dumped her body in a park. In Irondequoit, in Monroe County, a Dominican National slaughtered his, an entire family, including two toddlers, and he set their house on fire.

     

    Governor Hochul, you took an oath to serve the citizens of the state of New York, and you’ve allowed violent criminals who came here illegally to hide in plain sight and to avoid federal officials because of your support for the Green Light Law. I mean, this is an abomination. This is not keeping New Yorkers safe.

     

    KH: We turn over the information you’re referring to all the time, you’re misstating, the, the laws and its purpose. We cooperate all the time. 

    NL: As much as I want to believe you, governor, I believe the cops more. I believe the cops that I know and I trust in our, in our same hometown that are out there in the streets every single day. Your laws put lives in danger. Your laws have led to people being murdered. 

    KH: My job is to protect the people of New York, and I fight hard every single day.

    NL: You’re doing a very lousy job of it, Governor. 

    KH: Murder rates are down to historic lows, and we’re working hard to make sure one crime is one too many. I take this very seriously, but we do cooperate when anytime they need help with law enforcement and you’re just refusing the facts… I can’t help you.

     

    NL: I trust the professionals. You and I aren’t police officers. I trust the people out in the field that wear a badge that are honorable, decent, hardworking people, and you, you have a, a record of disrespect to law enforcement. Just like you disrespected every corrections officer in the State of New York. You have a lot of gall to come here and criticize the President for using the National Guard to actually bring law and order to the streets of our country. When you sent those same National Guard officers to become corrections officers, after you destroyed the lives of so many of the hardworking corrections officers of the state, when you broke their union.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Demands Trump Restore Full $1 Billion In Federal Funding For Youth Mental Health Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Funding Allowed Schools To Hire Mental Health Professionals, Including Counselors And Social Workers 

    The Grant Programs Received Major Funding In 2022 Legislation Passed After Deadly Mass Shootings in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX

    New York State Faces Loss Of Almost $50 Million In Funding 

    ***A Full Recording Of The Press Conference is Available HERE***

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference calling on the Trump administration to restore federal funding for two grant programs that support mental health services in schools. The grant programs received $1 billion in funding as part of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), legislation passed in the wake of deadly mass shootings at the Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo and at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. 

    In addition to gun safety measures, BSCA included major funding for mental health programs, including the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program. These two grants aim to address concerns of a growing student mental health crisis, and they were slated to provide $1 billion in funding over five years to help schools and school districts hire and expand the workforce of school-based mental health professionals. 

    In late April, the Trump administration announced that it was cutting off the funding for these two programs. This decision impacts almost $50 million in funding for schools and school districts in New York State.

    “Congress dedicated $1 billion in funding for school-based mental heath programs with bipartisan support as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Now, President Trump is unilaterally stopping these grants and threatening nearly $50 million that New York schools are owed and plan to use to hire counselors, social workers, and other critical staff. This decision will hurt our students, and I am calling on the Trump administration to immediately reverse it. I encourage my colleagues to do the same.” 

    Specifically, the Trump administration’s decision will endanger: 

    • $8 million in Central New York
    • $7.1 million in the Finger Lakes
    • $12.1 million in the Southern Tier
    • $9.6 million in Western New York
    • $3.1 million on Long Island
    • $4.6 million in NYC
    • $4.7 million in the Hudson Valley
    • $600,000 in the Mohawk Valley

    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to the Secretary of Education is available here or below: 

    Dear Secretary McMahon,

    I write to you with grave concern over the administration’s reports of terminations of youth mental health grant funding to school districts in New York. The Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) and School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH) programs have benefitted not only New York but countless states across the country in urban and rural settings alike. I wrote to you about these terminations on May 9, 2025, and received an unsatisfactory response from your office on May 30, 2025. Both MHSP and SBMH programs play a vital role in addressing the shortage of school-based mental health professionals. Furthermore, they do not undermine standards for fairness, merit, and excellence in education as asserted in your response sent on May 30, 2025. 

    Your response to my earlier letter indicated that both the MHSP and SBMH programs would end at the end of the grants’ current budget periods. This outcome would harm both the students and mental health professionals who benefit from these programs. The demand for behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse disorder services is projected to increase in the coming years. By 2037, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of 113,830 psychologists, 50,440 psychiatrists, and 39,710 school counselors. The MHSP and SBMH programs directly address this shortage, and discontinuing these programs will negatively impact current and future students.  

    These funding streams were intended to create a workforce development pipeline for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Thousands of students have benefited from the mental health care they received because of these programs. There are also hundreds of future mental health professionals in New York alone who benefit from these programs. However, with current grants set to expire soon, successful programs, like those in Lyons Central School District and the Seneca Falls Central School District, that have built mental health professional pipelines for students in high-need school districts could see their momentum stopped in its tracks. Hundreds of future mental health professionals, who are sorely needed across New York, stand to lose the support of innovative programs that serve my constituents and their families.

    I am concerned that the Department is disrupting grant funding that truly represents how the government can address the direct needs of our taxpayers and their families. These programs work, and New York students deserve their continued benefits.

    I request your response to the following questions by no later than June 4, 2025:

    1.         Will the Department commit to answering the nine questions from my original letter sent May 9, 2025, most of which were unaddressed in your response dated on May 30, 2025? 

    2.         How did each MHSP and SBMH grant that received a non-continuation notice violate Federal civil rights law?

    3.         What are the Department’s plans to recompete its mental health program funds in the next grant cycle, including the grant application and selection criteria for the upcoming cycle?

    4.         How will the Department address service disruptions for New York students after the expiration of this funding?

    5.         Explain how the Department plans to address mental health workforce shortages stemming from the disruption of this funding.

    6.         Have New York mental health and education stakeholders been engaged? Please provide a detailed explanation of your engagement processes with stakeholders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The CBSA launches investigations into the alleged dumping and subsidizing of thermal paper rolls from China

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 12, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it is initiating investigations to determine whether thermal paper rolls originating in or exported from China are being sold at unfair prices (dumping) and/or subsidized. These practices can harm Canadian industries by undercutting Canadian prices, which undermines fair competition.

    The CBSA is investigating because of a complaint filed by McDermid Paper Converters Limited, Media Cash Register Inc., and Custom Paper Ltd. (together, the “complainants”). The complainants allege that as a result of an increase in the volume of the dumped and subsidized imports from China, they have suffered material injury in the form of lost sales and market share, price undercutting, reduced capacity utilization, price depression and suppression, losses of profitability, and negative impacts on employment, wages, and investments.

    The CBSA and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) both play a role in the investigations. The CITT will begin a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the imports are harming Canadian producers and will issue a decision by August 11, 2025. Concurrently, the CBSA will investigate whether the imports are being sold in Canada at unfair prices and/or are being subsidized, and will make preliminary decisions by September 10, 2025.

    Currently, there are 158 special import measures in force in Canada, covering a wide variety of industrial and consumer products. These measures have directly helped to protect approximately 31,000 Canadian jobs and $11.6 billion in Canadian production.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “HOUSE REPUBLICANS WILL CONTINUE TO BEHAVE LIKE NOTHING MORE THAN A RECKLESS RUBBER STAMP FOR DONALD TRUMP’S EXTREME AGENDA”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to push back on the extremism being unleashed by House Republicans and the out-of-control Trump administration that is hurting American communities and our national security. 

    LEADER JEFFRIES: From the very beginning of this Congress, House Democrats have made clear that we will work with anyone in this town who is interested in making life better for the American people. House Democrats believe that America is too expensive. We’re committed to lowering housing costs, childcare costs, grocery costs, insurance costs and utility costs. There are far too many people in the United States of America who are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. That should not happen in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.

    Republicans and Donald Trump spent all of last year promising to lower the high cost of living. They haven’t done a damn thing to do it. Not a single thing. Trump promised that costs in America would go down on day one. Costs aren’t going down, they’re going up. Inflation is on the way up. Our credit rating as a country has been downgraded. The bond markets are having an adverse reaction to Trump’s presidency. The Trump tariffs are going to increase costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars a year. Donald Trump and House Republicans are crashing the American economy and are driving us toward a recession.

    Yet House Republicans, later on this afternoon, are going to put forward a reckless rescissions package. It’s going to undermine America’s national security, hurt our ability to protect the American people in terms of their health, their safety and their well-being, including by going after a George W. Bush bipartisan initiative that has saved thousands, actually, hundreds of thousands, actually, millions of lives across the world by combating the HIV and AIDS crisis. And yet Republicans want to rip billions of dollars away from America’s efforts to keep her people safe and secure to satisfy some extreme ideological crusade related to a deeply unpopular effort formerly led by Elon Musk to devastate the American way of life.

    And in all likelihood, every single House Republican, despite the claims that there’s some anxiety, will cave to Donald Trump and vote for the reckless Republican rescissions package. House Republicans aren’t interested in functioning like a separate and co-equal branch of government and holding the Trump administration accountable for its extremism. House Republicans will continue to behave like nothing more than a reckless Rubber Stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda just like they did yesterday. And they’ll do the same thing today in voting to cut programs that are important when it comes to protecting the health, the safety, the national security and the economic well-being of the American people.

    Full press conference can be watched here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF AVELINO SAMUEL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

    For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
    June 10, 2025                                                   202-808-6129

    PRESS RELEASE

    PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF AVELINO SAMUEL

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement expressing condolences on the passing of Avelino Samuel of St. John:

    “I was very saddened to hear of Avelino’s passing. He was a master craftsman whose skilled hands and artistic vision left an indelible mark on the island of St. John and all who knew him. He was an artist who breathed life into timber, transforming raw materials into works of beauty and function that will endure for generations. His workshop was a place of creation where the rich woods of the Caribbean became furniture, carvings, and treasured pieces that graced homes throughout St. John and beyond. Those who witnessed Avelino at work knew they were observing something special.

    “Beyond his artistry, Avelino was a teacher and mentor who generously shared his knowledge with others, ensuring that the traditions of fine woodworking would continue. His legacy lives on not only in the beautiful pieces he created, but in the skills he passed down and the inspiration he provided to fellow craftsmen. The island of St. John has lost a true artisan, and our community mourns the passing of a man whose creativity and dedication enriched our lives. Avelino Samuel’s memory will be preserved in every piece he crafted and in the hearts of all who appreciated his extraordinary talent.

    “I send my prayers for comfort and peace to Avelino’s loved ones, family, former students and his many friends.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing and Our Health Care Supply Chain

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing and Our Health Care Supply Chain

     WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled Made In America: Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing And The Health Care Supply Chain.

    Subcommittee Chairman Carter’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

    “Today’s hearing is critical in addressing our nation’s reliance on adversarial countries for essential medications and health care products. This dependence not only jeopardizes our national security and patient safety, but also highlights the urgent need to increase domestic and friend-shored manufacturing.

    “Let me be clear: The United States should never be dependent on the Chinese Communist Party for the antibiotics and essential medicines. But that’s exactly the dangerous position we are in today.

    “In 2002, the United States manufactured 72 percent of the pharmaceuticals it consumed. By 2023, that number had dropped to just 37.5 percent. We didn’t just outsource manufacturing—we outsourced the sovereignty and safety of our health care system.

    “We saw the impacts of this reliance firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a conversation I had with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, or ASPR, under the Trump Administration, the United States saw a downtick in the amount of PPE and pharmaceuticals coming to our country from China in the fall of 2019. We didn’t learn about COVID-19 until January 2020.

    “China knew there was an unidentified sickness in its own country, concealed it, and then withheld medical supplies so the United States was less prepared when COVID-19 hit our shores.

    “As both a pharmacist and a member of Congress, I know how critical these medicines and supplies are — especially for our national security. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, over 323 drugs were in shortage during the first quarter of 2024 – an all-time high – and cancer patients were often forced to switch treatments, adjust dosage regimens, or, in extreme cases, unable to receive their lifesaving medications. There was no comprehensive effort to support American manufacturers or reduce our reliance on foreign supply chains.

    “That is unacceptable.

    “Thankfully, President Trump is taking meaningful action by demanding real investment in our domestic production base and putting an end to decades of failed ‘America Last’ policies that left our supply chains hollowed out and put our patients, constituents, and families at risk.

    “Under the leadership of President Trump, we are bringing manufacturing back to America. Since the start of this year – the start of President Trump’s second term – Johnson & Johnson broke ground on a new $2 billion facility in North Carolina, Amgen announced a $900 million manufacturing expansion in Ohio, AbbVie committed $10 billion to invest in the United States, and Sanofi announced plans to invest at least $20 billion. 

    “And these are just a few examples. This is just the start. 

    “I look forward to hearing from my other colleagues about the recent investments in their districts and states during this hearing today, and I am thrilled to see what additional investments continue to flow and thrive under an Administration focused on unleashing innovation and bringing capacities back home. 

    “Along those lines, I commend recent efforts by this Administration to bolster domestic production, but we must do our part in Congress as well. This hearing will make it clear that more can be done to eliminate burdensome regulatory barriers, streamline processes that impede our competitiveness on the global stage, and establish the proper incentives to ensure we are creating the environment to allow innovation to flourish. 

    “It is no coincidence that Georgia – the No. 1 state in the nation to do business – is home to Manus Bio, who has invested nearly $60 million and created over 100 jobs with the acquisition of a new manufacturing facility in Augusta. We need more policies at the federal level that mirror the pro-growth examples we have in the state of Georgia. 

    “That is why House Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which incentivizes domestic medical supply production by rewarding companies that build their products in America, like USAntibiotics, who is the last remaining end-to-end domestic U.S. manufacturer of amoxicillin, the most prescribed antibiotic in the country. 

    “This is about protecting American lives, empowering American workers, restoring American sovereignty, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in medical innovation.

    “China is not our friend. Every product component that then turns into a vial of medicine or a piece of medical equipment that is made in China is a missed opportunity to strengthen our economy and protect our people.

    “It is time to act. We need to view pharmaceutical and health care supply chain independence just as we are viewing energy independence. I am proud to stand with President Trump and all those committed to putting America First in our health care system—starting with the medicines we rely on every day.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Pres. Trump Overturning Clean Air Standards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    June 12, 2025

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after President Trump signed resolutions to overturn California’s clean air standards:

    “Southern California used to have nonstop smog alerts. I grew up in the 1980s, when air pollution would often make the mountains in the distance vanish behind a brown haze. That changed because leaders from both parties—Republicans like Reagan and Schwarzenegger, Democrats like Brown and Newsom—stepped up and said: clean air shouldn’t be negotiable.

    “Now Donald Trump wants to take away California’s right to set our own clean air standards and undo decades of bipartisan progress.

    “We’re not going back. Not to the smog. Not to the asthma. And not to a future where polluters get to call the shots.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Effects on Deficits and the Debt of Enacting H.R. 1 and of Making Certain Tax Policies in H.R. 1 Permanent

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    CBO responds to a request from Senator Merkley for information about how federal deficits, debt held by the public, and debt-service costs would be affected by enacting H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as passed by the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025, and of permanently enacting 16 provisions in that bill.

    CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimate that enacting the bill would increase deficits over the 2025–2034 period by $2.4 trillion, excluding any macroeconomic or debt‑service effects.

    H.R. 1 would make numerous changes to tax provisions and spending programs. Although many of the changes would be permanent, expiration dates are indicated for some tax and spending provisions. Also under the bill, certain aspects of some other provisions would change over the next decade.

    JCT has estimated that permanently enacting 16 of the tax provisions that would sunset under H.R. 1 at the end of 2028 or 2029 would increase primary deficits over the 2025–2034 period by an additional $1.4 trillion.

    CBO estimates that if those provisions were made permanent, the additional debt-service costs would total $687 billion over the 10‑year period. That change would increase the cumulative deficit to $4.5 trillion. As a result, and net of any changes in borrowing for federal credit programs, CBO estimates that debt held by the public at the end of 2034 would increase from the January 2025 baseline projection of 117.1 percent to 127.7 percent of gross domestic product.

    CBO’s estimate of the additional amounts that the Treasury would borrow each year under H.R. 1 is determined primarily by the budget deficit. However, other factors, driven mostly by federal credit programs that are not directly included in budget totals, also affect the need to borrow from the public. As required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, the deficit reflects the net subsidy costs (the expected lifetime costs to the government for loans or loan guarantees) rather than annual cash flows. The estimated increase in debt service and debt held by the public accounts for those changes in cash flows.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Retired Military Leaders File Brief in Support of California’s Lawsuit Challenging Unlawful Federalization of State’s National Guard

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – Yesterday, former secretaries of the Army and Navy and retired four-star admirals and generals filed an amicus brief in support of California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s unlawful orders federalizing the California National Guard and deploying Marines to Los Angeles:

    “The United States military is not primarily a law enforcement organization and is prohibited by law from acting as a domestic police force unless doing so is ‘expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress’…

    “A bedrock principle of American democracy is that our military is apolitical. Accordingly, United States military personnel are not permitted to engage in political conduct while on duty or to use their military status to endorse political candidates or political causes. Critical to the military’s ability to carry out its core functions is retaining the public’s respect and maintaining cohesion and unity within its ranks—regardless of the political leanings of individual citizens or soldiers. Particular caution is therefore necessary if the U.S. military is to be deployed domestically in the context of a politically charged situation. It is essential that such deployments be a last resort, especially in the context of policing protests and other constitutionally protected speech and activities.

    “For that reason, and as noted above, federal deployments on U.S. soil have been rare, serious, and legally clear. The last major deployment of federal troops domestically occurred during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, at the request of California Governor Pete Wilson and pursuant to the Insurrection Act. That deployment followed widespread violence and looting of businesses, the burning of entire blocks of homes and businesses, and dozens of civilian fatalities. Public reporting from Los Angeles suggests that, notwithstanding troubling incidents of property damage and violence, the recent and ongoing situation appears to be different in kind…

    “The active-duty military and National Guard serve a critical role in U.S. national security. Domestic deployments that fail to adhere to exacting legal requirements and long-established guardrails threaten their core national security and disaster relief missions, put the military at risk of politicization, and pose serious risks to both servicemembers and civilians.

    “We appreciate the Court’s due consideration of these critical factors in adjudicating Plaintiffs’ Ex Parte Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order.”

    A copy of the brief is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Leads International Education Discussion in Vancouver

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Vancouver – National Governors Association (NGA) Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis convened international education leaders in Canada for the latest in a series of bipartisan events in support of the NGA Chair’s Initiative, Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success. 

    The Vancouver event featured discussions with education leaders from Canada, Singapore and the United States to explore international perspectives on education solutions to address achievement gaps and prepare students for career success in the global economy. 

    “Governors are working together to update our education systems to make sure every student is ready for the careers of today and tomorrow,” said Governor Polis. “Small adjustments on the margins aren’t enough to keep pace with the technological changes upending the job market. To give our kids the best chance to succeed, we need to think beyond the status quo to transform schools. Through the Let’s Get Ready initiative, governors are working with parents and educators not just to find new answers but to ask new questions. Collaborating with international counterparts in Canada and Singapore this week is a valuable opportunity to get a fresh perspective and learn how other nations are finding success in tackling the same challenges.” 

    Participants included: 

    • Wendi Campbell, CEO, Junior Achievement British Columbia
    • Zoe Weintraub Barrett, Vice President of Workforce and Strategic Partnerships, Guild
    • Dr. Brad Baker, Superintendent of Indigenous Education, Ministry of Education and Child Care, British Columbia
    • Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, General Councillor and Spokesperson for Squamish Nation Richard Reeves, President, American Institute for Boys and Men Professor
    • Tan Oon Seng, Dean of Special Projects and Centre Director, Singapore Centre for Character and Citizenship Education at the National Institute
    • Dr. Vicki Phillips, CEO, National Center on Education and the Economy
    • Dr. Timothy Knowles, President, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Launched in July, 

    Let’s Get Ready is a yearlong initiative designed to support the nation’s governors in driving innovative education policies that better evaluate outcomes for state investments in education and improve outcomes for learners at all stages of their education journey while also preparing students to meet the future needs of the workforce. 

    Previous convenings were held in Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas, New York City and Washington, D.C. Governor Polis will release a roadmap of initiative findings this summer, during NGA’s Summer Meeting in Colorado Springs, July 24-25. Learn more about the Let’s Get Ready initiative on NGA’s website. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Office Announces Launch of Funding Opportunity to Support Local Policy Adoption to Advance Climate Goals

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Statewide – Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025 – Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced the launch of its Local Implementation, Mitigation, and Policy Action (IMPACT) Accelerator grant program Thursday. This opportunity will provide funding to support local policy adoption that enhances resilience, reduces emissions, and advances other state priorities such as cleaner air, lower energy costs, and more affordable housing. The $50 million available through this program comes from a $129 million federal Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grant (CPRG) that Colorado received last summer. 

    “In Colorado we are continuing to invest in bold climate initiatives that boost local communities capacity to implement clean energy policy, like reducing emissions and lowering energy costs to overall save people money, and help Colorado achieve our climate goals,” said Governor Polis. 

    “Local actions will play a major role in helping us achieve net-zero emissions in Colorado by 2050,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. “Local and Tribal governments are uniquely situated to implement a number of policies that reduce emissions in key economic sectors, but often lack capacity to do this important work. The Accelerator provides the support these communities need to pursue policies that will have a longstanding IMPACT locally and across the State.” 

    The Accelerator represents a key step in meeting the vision outlined in the state’s second comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Pollution Reduction Roadmap (“Roadmap 2.0”), which CEO released in February 2024. The Accelerator fulfills a Near Term Action, which called for the creation of a “local Climate Action Accelerator.” 

    This program is designed to maximize emissions reductions by promoting policies that extend beyond state requirements in four categories: buildings, land use, transportation, and waste. Examples of eligible policies in each sector include: 

    • Buildings: Adopting building energy codes that exceed Colorado’s Model codes, establishing energy performance standards, or creating energy efficiency incentives, which could include projects related to developing geothermal systems;
    • Land use: Adopting policies that promote housing, parking management, EV charging, or clean energy development;
    • Transportation: Adopting policies that encourage multimodal transportation infrastructure, prioritize transit options, or create registration incentives for clean vehicles;
    • Waste: Adopting policies to increase waste diversion, promote reuse, or transition refuse and recycling trucks to zero-emission vehicles. 

    Local governments — including cities, counties, and cohorts led by cities/counties — and Tribal governments are eligible to apply for IMPACT Accelerator funding. Applicants may apply for funding to support policy adoption-only or policy adoption and project implementation. Funding may not cover project implementation alone. 

    CEO expects to award approximately $2 million per award to develop new policies and implement related projects, though award amounts may vary depending on the project. A 5% local match is required; however, to ensure equitable access to this funding, low-income communities and Tribal Governments may qualify for a 0% match. CEO will also prioritize awards for projects that target benefits toward primarily low-income populations. 

    The first round of applications for the Local IMPACT Accelerator grant program will open June 16 and close August 1, 2025. Applicants will first submit a Letter of Intent to CEO and will receive feedback on the proposal as well as an “encouraged” or “discouraged” designation before submitting a full application in the fall. CEO will host an informational webinar about the grant and the application process on June 17 at 11:00 AM MT, followed by a Question & Answer webinar on July 1 at 10:00 AM MT. CEO plans to open a second funding round for this program later this year. More information about the program, including timelines for each funding round and the complete program guidance, is available on the Local IMPACT Accelerator webpage. 

    The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) also received a CPRG implementation grant. Jurisdictions in DRCOG territory may apply for both DRCOG and CEO funding. Details about how to apply to both programs are available in the program guidance on the Accelerator webpage. Learn more about DRCOG funding. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Issues Notices of Termination for the CHNV Parole Program, Encourages Parolees to Self-Deport Immediately

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    This program was abused by the previous administration to admit hundreds of thousands of poorly vetted illegal aliens into the United States

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began sending termination notices to aliens paroled into the United States (U.S.) under a Biden-era parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV). 

    The messages informed the illegal aliens both their parole is terminated, and their parole-based employment authorization is revoked – effective immediately. These notices will be sent to the email addresses provided by the parolees.

    “The Biden Administration lied to America. They allowed more than half a million poorly vetted aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and their immediate family members to enter the United States through these disastrous parole programs; granted them opportunities to compete for American jobs and undercut American workers; forced career civil servants to promote the programs even when fraud was identified; and then blamed Republicans in Congress for the chaos that ensued and the crime that followed,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Ending the CHNV parole programs, as well as the paroles of those who exploited it, will be a necessary return to common-sense policies, a return to public safety, and a return to America First.” 

    Starting in 2022, the Biden administration released over 500,000 poorly vetted aliens into the U.S. under the CHNV parole program. President Trump canceled this program, and the Supreme Court upheld this cancellation on May 30, 2025. DHS is now notifying parole recipients if they have not obtained lawful status to remain in the U.S., they must leave immediately.

    DHS encourages any illegal alien residing in the U.S. to self-deport with the CBP Home Mobile App. If they do so, they will receive travel assistance and a $1,000 exit bonus upon arrival in their home country.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Association of Geography Teachers (SAGT) National Geography Challenge Quiz 2025

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued by the Scottish Association of Geography Teachers (SAGT)

    On the 10 June three pupils from Millburn Academy participated in the national final of the 2025 SAGT Geography Challenge Quiz hosted by Dollar Academy. The Millburn team were up against eleven other teams, each of whom had won their own regional heats to qualify for the National final.

    The final stage consisted of two rounds of geographical topics and skills; all twelve teams participated in the first round with only the top four teams progressing to the final round.  The Millburn team successfully secured a spot in the final round by answering questions about countries with tiny coastlines, limestone landscapes and contemporary geographical news stories as well as demonstrating their mapping skills.  

    The final round saw Hutchesons Grammar School, James Gillespie’s High School, Stewart’s Melville College and Millburn Academy all competing to become the national championship team.  The final four rounds included questions about the geography of Norway and various Commonwealth countries as well as some tough questions about countries which have changed their name in the past 50 years.  Once all the answers were in and the scores calculated the top three teams were separated by only two points, the tightest margin that anyone can remember in the long history of the quiz.  The Millburn team secured a very strong third place position just being pipped by James Gillespie’s High School and Stewart’s Melville College, respectively. 

    A very big well done to our Millburn pupils, Oihane Heffer S2, Lexie Kirby S3 and Jamie Main S4, who came away as the third best team in Scotland.

    12 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 31st Beijing International Book Fair to Display 220,000 Books

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) — The upcoming 31st Beijing International Book Fair will feature more than 1,700 exhibitors from 80 countries and regions, displaying about 220,000 titles of books in Chinese and foreign languages, organizers of the event said at a press conference on Thursday.

    This year, Malaysia will be the guest of honor at the fair, which will be held from June 18 to 22.

    The exhibition area will be 60 thousand square meters. Nine countries, including Chile, Cyprus and Belarus, will take part in the event for the first time. The fair will also feature such renowned international publishers as Elsevier, Penguin Random House and Springer Nature.

    The event will feature two new thematic sections: “Books in Honor of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II” and “Books on World Cultural Heritage”.

    The Beijing International Book Fair will also host the Special Contribution to Chinese Literature Award Ceremony, the 2025 Beijing International Publishing Forum, the World Children’s Literature Forum, and copyright negotiations between Chinese and overseas representatives.

    First held in 1986, the Beijing International Book Fair has become one of the world’s premier platforms for book exhibitions and copyright trade. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Boeing says it is in contact with Air India regarding the Boeing 787 crash in India

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 12 (Xinhua) — Boeing on Thursday said it is in contact with Air India over the crash of Flight 171 in India.

    “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, rescuers and all those affected,” the company said in a statement.

    According to the Aviation Safety Network, the crash was the first involving a Boeing 787.

    An Air India plane bound for London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday.

    According to Air India, the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 13:38 local time /07:38 GMT/. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer: If Russia Wins, America Loses.

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks during the House Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY26 Defense Bill. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:
     

    Click here to watch a full video of his remarks.

    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman [the budget was due] on February 3rd. (checks microphone) Seems to be on, it’s not working? It is not down. But when Mr. Vought appeared before our subcommittee, he told us why. Not because he doesn’t have it, not because you can’t give us the information, but because they have chosen until the reconciliation [passes], they will not give it to us. That is why we don’t have that information on which to act.

    “Now, I’m going to be talking at greater length on Ukraine when Ms. Kaptur offers her amendment. But let me say this. Last night I met with a group of Ukrainians. One of them was Sergeant Andrei Smolenskyi. He’s receiving treatment at Walter Reed for wounds he sustained fighting Russian invaders. He lost his eyesight. He lost both arms, but he has not lost his determination to make Ukraine free and whole once more. Let us not lose our determination to do the same. That’s what strength looks like. He came to our Capitol, asked for us to stand with Ukraine. So sad that he had to ask, I thought we did stand with Ukraine. Frankly, Mr. Trump, Mr. Vance, Mr. Hegseth, Mr. Rubio, Ms. Gabbard have put that at risk almost every time they talk. If Russia wins, America loses. Mr. Rogers, the Chairman of our Armed Services Committee, says – the Mike Rogers – says, that if – [he] puts in a different way: He says Russia must lose this war or the message we send will be louder than all the dollars we put in this bill.

    “I hope every one of us will support the Castor amendment – Kaptur amendment, I’m going to talk more about it. Putin – I’ve said this before, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, Khomeini and the rest of their axis of aggression are watching us right now with this bill. Legislation like this, even when it fails to become law, makes America look weak, timid, lacking resolve, and uncommitted to defending freedom here and around the world from dictators, despots, and international war criminals. So do the reckless terminations of civilian national security employees and top-ranking military officers. We have to reject this bill and work on a bipartisan alternative to address these issues if we are to reaffirm our strength to the world.

    “I have voted for 90% of the defense bills that have gone through this House in the last 44 years. I believe that America needs to have a strong defense. A defense which surpasses all other in the world, a military that has the equipment and the training to be the best in the world when we put them at the point of the spear. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022 of Ukraine, this Congress has had at least 12 votes on the issue of supporting Ukraine. On average, 80% of the Congress of the House of Representatives has voted to support Ukraine. 80%, eight out of ten. Both sides, except on one vote, had a majority of their members voting to help Ukraine. And yet this bill withdraws money to do exactly what 80% of this Congress is committed to do.

    “I’m going to talk more about what Senator McConnell has to say about this and what Senator – what President Kennedy had to say about it. Suffice it now to say that we need to demonstrate our resolve, and we can do it today on our voting in this, in this House. Sergeant Smolenskyi and thousands of others in Ukraine, but millions and billions of others throughout the world count on America. Let’s not let them down. I yield.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Gomez and DelBene Continue Their Fight to Expand Affordable Housing for Extremely Low-Income Households

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) — Chair of the Congressional Renters Caucus — and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) reintroduced their Affordable Housing Equity Act of 2025, legislation that would strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) by providing a targeted basis boost for housing developments that serve extremely low-income (ELI) households.

    “We’re in a housing crisis, and the families hit hardest are the ones with the fewest options,” said Rep. Gomez. “This bill delivers targeted help to the lowest-income renters by supercharging the most effective affordable housing tool we have. It’s a smart, urgent step to tackle housing affordability and build equity from the ground up.”

    “Too many families are being priced out of their communities and left without stable housing,” said Rep. DelBene. “The Affordable Housing Equity Act strengthens one of our most effective affordable housing production tools, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, to better serve the families most in need. This legislation ensures that these households aren’t left behind in the fight for more affordable housing.” 

    The Affordable Housing Equity Act of 2025 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the eligible basis by up to 50% for residential units designated for households earning no more than 30% of area median income (AMI) or 100% of the federal poverty line, whichever is greater. Housing initiatives must set aside at least 20% of units for ELI renters and be designated by the housing credit agency as needing the boost for financial feasibility.

    The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is the federal government’s primary tool to encourage the construction and rehabilitation of rental units that families can afford. While existing law allows for a 30% boost in certain areas, those provisions don’t consistently support developments serving extremely low-income renters. The Affordable Housing Equity Act of 2025 closes that gap by creating a national standard tailored to ELI households. The bill applies to new housing credit allocations made after the date of enactment and to tax-exempt bond-financed projects issued after December 31, 2025.

    You can read the full bill text HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –