NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nuclear Energy in the Clean Energy Transition

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Dispatchable energy

    Unlike wind and solar, nuclear power plants and hydropower offer dispatchable energy, meaning they are able to adjust their output to meet electricity demand. Additionally, the expanded use of nuclear power for non-electric applications, including district heating, hydrogen production, desalination and heat for industrial processes, offers further options to reduce emissions.

    To support this increasing nuclear energy demand, the IAEA is actively assisting countries by providing technical expertise and capacity building to help them establish or expand nuclear power plants.

    Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Reviews (INIR) are an example where the IAEA assists countries to assess the status of their national infrastructure as they embark on establishing nuclear power plants. INIR missions enable countries to engage in discussions and receive guidance from experts about recommendations and best practices in nuclear power infrastructure development.

    These missions ensure that the infrastructure necessary for the safe, secure and sustainable use of nuclear power is developed and implemented in a responsible and orderly manner.

    In 2009, the IAEA conducted the first INIR Mission to a country initiating the use of nuclear power. Since then, INIR missions have been hosted by various states including the United Arab Emirates, that has successfully established the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. This year, it is expected to supply around 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity, up from its current contribution of 20 per cent, reducing the country’s carbon emissions by 22 million tonnes annually.

    Similarly, countries like Sweden, France and Finland have utilized nuclear energy combined with hydro and renewables to largely decarbonize their electricity production.  France has an extremely low level of CO2 emissions from electricity generation, since over 90 per cent of its electricity is from low-carbon sources, 70 per cent of that from nuclear power. And 94 percent of Sweden’s electricity comes from low carbon sources in Sweden with more than a third coming from nuclear, according to the IEA.

    Newcomer countries

    The IAEA is also supporting newcomer countries and developing countries in their transition to nuclear energy, with trainings, technical assistance, and technology transfer of tools and methodologies to help them evaluate the role of different technologies in meeting their future energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

    “A few years ago, discussions might have been about phasing out nuclear energy. Today, at the World Economic Forum, we’re on the road to tripling nuclear capacity. This shows a shift in how nuclear energy is increasingly seen as essential for net-zero and energy transition,” said Mr Grossi this week at the first ever public session on nuclear energy at the World Economic forum Annual Meeting in Davos.

    The IAEA’s latest projections indicate that world nuclear capacity will increase 2.5 times the current capacity by 2050. At present, 31 countries operate power plants, with 419 reactors in operation, a combined electrical capacity of 378.1 gigawatt GW, producing about 10 per cent of the world’s electricity.  Additionally, over 62 reactors are currently under construction, highlighting the growing adoption of nuclear energy worldwide.

    “I am confident 2025 will see commitments translated into concrete projects. Nuclear energy is still providing the world with a quarter of its low-carbon power and supporting the roll out of intermittent renewables like solar and wind. In future we will see even more nuclear deliver the clean, reliable, and secure power the world needs. As always, IAEA will be there to assist countries in making it happen,” said Mr Grossi.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Helps Lead Legislation to Award Congressional Gold Medals to “Miracle on Ice” Olympic Hockey Team

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined a bipartisan coalition in introducing the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation that seeks to honor members of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team and their historic victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.  
    In February 1980, the United States Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in the semifinals of the 1980 Winter Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Lake Placid, New York. Team USA, comprised of 20 amateur collegiate hockey players, defied expectations by defeating the four-time Olympic champion Soviet Union team in a game referred to as the “Miracle on Ice.”  
    “This bill recognizes the players of the 1980 U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey Team, whose hard-earned victory against the Soviet Union shocked the world and brought our nation together during a challenging time in our history,” said Senator Peters. “To this day, the ‘Miracle on Ice’ serves as a reminder to all Americans that when we work together with a common goal, we are capable of great things.” 
    Team USA went on to secure the Olympic gold medal win, defeating Finland by a score of 4-2. Two Michiganders were members of the 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team:  
    Ken Morrow: Defensemen Ken Morrow was born in Flint and grew up in Davison. Following his Olympic gold medal win, Morrow joined the New York Islanders and helped his team win the Stanley Cup in his first NHL season. Morrow and the Islanders went on to win the Stanley Cup again in the next three seasons, 1981, 1982, and 1983. He officially retired from Hockey in 1989 and was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.  
    Mark Wells: Center Mark Wells grew up in St. Clair Shores. Wells’ two-year professional career included stints on NHL Minor League Teams, including the Flint Generals. He returned to Michigan after his retirement from hockey, where he lived until his death in May 2024. The ice rink at the St. Clair Shores Civic Center was renamed after Wells in 2014. 
    The Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act will award three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, which will be displayed at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Minnesota, and the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York.  
    The “Miracle on Ice” came at a pivotal time in American history, amid growing pressures of the Cold War and increased tensions with the Soviet Union. Team USA’s victory was viewed as a moment of American patriotism, and their story continues to inspire the new generations of Americans today.  
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Firefighters With Service-Related Cancers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Firefighters With Service-Related Cancers

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As thousands of firefighters work around the clock to combat the ongoing Southern California fires, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to expand access to federal support for families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last year.
    Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would ensure that families of firefighters and other first responders across the country are eligible to receive similar benefits under the federal PSOB program. The bill would also extend disability benefits in cases where these first responders become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer. 
    “Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line without a second thought to protect California communities from the devastating Southern California fires,” said Senator Padilla. “When they sacrifice their lives or face severe disabilities due to service-related cancers, we have a shared duty to help get their families back on their feet.”
    “Our first responders risk everything for us – from the front lines of wildfires to the unseen lines of duty that keep our communities safe. When they lose their lives to service-related cancers, their families deserve the full measure of support they’ve earned. No one who has lost so much should be left to face hardship alone,” said Senator Schiff.
    “As we are seeing in California and throughout the country, our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have lethal long-term effects. It’s unacceptable that firefighters who succumb to cancer from work-related exposure or become permanently and totally disabled don’t receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty,” said Senator Klobuchar. “That’s why I’m working with Senator Cramer to ensure that firefighters get the support they deserve. Our bipartisan legislation will honor the memory and sacrifice of St. Paul Fire Department Captain Mike Paidar and so many others who risk their lives in service of their communities.”
    “Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty and lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Senator Cramer. “The exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not bear these burdens alone.”
    The PSOB program provides benefits to the survivors of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who are killed as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. The program also provides disability benefits where first responders become permanently or totally disabled. The Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The PSOB and PSOEA programs are administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.
    This Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The bill is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association.
    Senators Padilla and Schiff have fought relentlessly to get Southern Californians desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Additionally, Padilla introduced a package of critical bipartisan bills to strengthen fire resilience and rebuilding efforts, including legislation to permanently increase wildland firefighter pay.
    Last week, Padilla delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation. He also questioned Secretary of the Interior nominee Doug Burgum and Budget Secretary nominee Russell Vought on their support for fire aid, securing their commitment to not politicize disaster relief resources or funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 24th, 2025 Heinrich Hosts Congressional Briefing Highlighting Advancements and Job Creation in the Electric Vehicle Supply Chain

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    PHOTOS

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, hosted a congressional briefing on developments in manufacturing electric vehicles and their supply chains in the United States, from batteries to electric school buses.

    PHOTOS: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, hosts a congressional briefing on the electric vehicle manufacturing supply chain, January 23, 2025.

    Panelists from the Zero Emission Transportation Association Education Fund, Impact Clean Power Technology, SA, and GreenPower Motor Company shared their perspectives on the incredible growth in EV-related investments over recent years and business partnerships that are diversifying domestic supply chains away from foreign entities of concern, including from China, driven by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.

    “For the last few years, the United States has taken industrial policy seriously. We need to do that because China and other competitors, for years and years, have been taking industrial policy seriously. If we want to control our own supply chains, we need pro-growth tax policies that support those things,” said Heinrich. “There is no question that globally, the electrification of transportation is a consistent phenomenon. The real question for us as a nation, I think, is, do we want to lead this transition? Do we want to compete with our global competitors and be successful, or are we going to cede that leadership to other spaces?”

    “In my view, when you’re winning, keep winning,” Heinrich continued. “Keep the things that are actually moving factories to the United States. What I’ve experienced in the just the few years since we created the Inflation Reduction Act is new manufacturing plants opening in the state of New Mexico and existing manufacturing plants expanding. The supply chains that everybody complained about, saying ‘we don’t have control of those supply chains,’ let’s build those supply chains here. We should be banding together with our allies to control our own supply chains and to build good jobs here and to compete effectively — not just to compete, but to win this race for the future of transportation and energy.”

    Heinrich’s Longtime Leadership on Electric Vehicles

    Heinrich is a staunch advocate for federal investments that make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible for working families as well as electric vehicle charging stations more available for New Mexicans.

    In 2022, Heinrich helped author and pass into law the landmark Inflation Reduction Act, which has created a manufacturing renaissance throughout the country and established New Mexico at the center of the nation’s clean energy future. Heinrich marked the two-year anniversary of the legislation being signed into law in August, highlighting how its incentives have expanded and spurred a number of new clean energy projects across New Mexico.

    Last August, at an event in Albuquerque, Heinrich was joined by Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Superintendent Gabriella Duran-Blakey and Mom’s Clean Air Force – an organization dedicated to protecting children from air pollution and climate change – to announce nearly $7 million in Infrastructure Law funding to help APS replace older, diesel school buses with 20 new electric school buses. This investment comes from the EPA Clean School Bus Program, which Heinrich helped establish. The investment will help APS save money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses.

    Last year, Heinrich and the New Mexico Congressional Delegation also welcomed nearly $68 million in competitive federal grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program to build major new electric vehicle charging networks throughout New Mexico. The largest portion of that funding will allow the New Mexico Department of Transportation to contract with a private partner, TeraWatt Infrastructure, to build the I-10 Electric Corridor, which will be the nation’s first network of high-powered charging centers for heavy-duty electric trucks. As part of this network, TeraWatt will build two electric vehicle charging centers for medium-and heavy-duty commercial vehicles conducting routes along Interstate 10 (I-10), located in unincorporated Hidalgo and Doña Ana Counties, near Lordsburg and Vado, N.M. The entire route will extend along the I-10 highway from the San Pedro ports in Southern California to the El Paso, Texas border region.

    Last year, Heinrich also welcomed guidance from the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that significantly expanded access to the 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. The 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit was increased through the Inflation Reduction Act and provides billions of dollars for alternative refueling infrastructure investments such as in-home EV chargers, zero-emission truck stops, public chargers, and adding zero-emission refueling to warehouses.

    Heinrich has also led successful efforts to call on the U.S. Postal Service to substantially increase their efforts to electrify the next generation of mail delivery vehicles. With funding that Democrats delivered in the historic Inflation Reduction Act and a commitment from the Biden administration, the next generation of mail delivery vehicles in America will now be 75% battery electric vehicles, and 100% electric starting in 2026.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Support First Responders with Service-Related Cancers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and 26 of their Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses.

    The Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act would expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and first responders who pass away from cancer caused by carcinogenic exposure during their service. The bill would also extend disability benefits in cases where these first responders become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer.

    “Our first responders put their lives on the line day in and day out to keep our communities safe, and in the face of this work, are often exposed to harmful carcinogens that have led to long-term and devastating diagnoses,” Sen. Warner said. “It is wholly unacceptable that firefighters who have gotten sick due to the job do not receive the same benefits as all those who die in the line of duty. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure that these heroes receive the benefits they deserve.”

    The PSOB program provides benefits to the survivors of fire fighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who are killed as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. The program also provides disability benefits where first responders become permanently or totally disabled. The Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The PSOB and PSOEA programs are administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would ensure that firefighters and other first responders across the country are eligible to receive similar benefits under the federal PSOB program.

    Joining Sens. Warner, Klobuchar, and Cramer in introducing this legislation are Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). 

    The legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), as well as the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI); Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA); Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA); Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs); National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO); National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF); National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC); National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC); and Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD.

    Text of the legislation is available here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Daines, Thune, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Give Small Business Permanent Tax Break

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Thune (R-SD), and 32 Republican colleagues reintroduced the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to make the 20 percent pass-through business tax deduction permanent. Should these tax cuts expire, small businesses will face an immediate and massive tax hike.
    “The small businesses that drive our communities should have certainty about their taxes,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Passing this law makes sure they do.”
    “As the son of a contractor, I’ve seen firsthand the hard work it takes to keep a small business flourishing- especially as Americans are still grappling with the effects of Joe Biden’s inflation. It’s absolutely crucial that we pass this legislation to prevent a 20 percent tax increase for hardworking Montanans and I’ll keep fighting for ways to support Montana small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs in our state,” said Senator Daines.
    “Small businesses are the economic engine that drive growth and jobs in South Dakota and across our country. This legislation is critical to permanently extending a key provision from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and ensuring our small businesses and farms and ranches are not hit with a crippling tax hike at the end of 2025,” said Senator Thune.
    The Main Street Tax Certainty Act is supported by the National Association of Manufactures and NFIB.
    Cassidy, Daines, and Thune were joined by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tim Scott (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Hoeven (R-ND), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Todd Young (R-IN), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Jim Banks (R-IN) in introducing the legislation.
    Background:
    The 20 percent small business deduction, section 199A, was created as a part of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts to level the playing field between small businesses and large corporations. Without Congressional action, 9 out of 10 small businesses will be hit with a massive tax hike when this deduction is set to expire at the end of 2025.
    Recently, a new study from Ernst and Young (EY) highlighted the economic activity supported by this small and family-owned business tax deduction, including 2.6 million jobs and $325 billion of the GDP.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $77.4 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Ida, Laura, Gustav Relief

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $2,239,178.51
    State of Louisiana Facility Planning and Control
    This grant will provide federal funding to for damages as a result of Hurricane Gustav.

    $4,844,146.76
    Society of the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Lake Charles
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs as a result of Hurricane Laura.

    $2,715,104.07
    Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office
    This grant will provide federal funding for emergency protective measures as a direct result of Hurricane Laura.

    $1,261,152.09
    Jefferson Davis Electric Cooperative, Inc.
    This grant will provide federal funding for temporary generators as a result of Hurricane Laura.

    $1,201,967.76
    Louisiana Children’s Medical Center
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,239,840.00
    Jefferson Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for emergency protective measures as a direct result of Hurricane Ida.

    $4,397,467.19
    Grand Isle Independent Levee District
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,247,038.20
    Westwego Housing Authority
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,433,322.00
    New Orleans Sewerage and Water
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to Carrollton Water Plant Buildings as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $7,330,270.95
    Terrebonne Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for debris removal operations as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,599,782.40
    Office of Risk Management 
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to Pan American Stadium as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,628,520.51
    Grand Isle Independent Levee District
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs as a direct result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,004,551.91
    Ochsner Clinic Foundation 
    This grant will provide federal funding for emergency protective measures as a direct result of Hurricane Ida.

    $23,362,422.08
    Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $19,913,859.54
    Terrebonne Parish School Board
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to South Terrebonne High School as a direct result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,943,642.58
    Livingston Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Statement on President Trump’s Visit to WNC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on President Donald J. Trump’s visit to Western North Carolina to survey the devastation left behind by Helene: 

    “President Trump’s visit is a welcome display of leadership as Western North Carolina recovers from damage and devastation left behind by Helene. Although I was unable to attend due to the Senate being in session, I want to thank him for traveling to North Carolina to witness the damage firsthand. Throughout the transition, both President Trump and Vice President Vance repeatedly reached out to me to check in on how Western North Carolina was doing. That is a testament to how high of a priority the recovery and rebuilding process is for them. Under President Biden, FEMA’s failure to act and communicate swiftly put vulnerable families at risk with freezing temperatures outside. Despite our continued pressure, FEMA made little progress in providing direct housing solutions for those most affected by Helene. Things will be changing under President Trump, and his visit shows his Administration is committed to the people of Western North Carolina as he promised during the campaign. I look forward to working with the Trump-Vance Administration to ensure that every available federal resource is deployed and that red tape preventing families from accessing housing is eliminated.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Colleagues Reintroduce FARM Act to Add Ag Secretary to CFIUS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    01.24.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven joined Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, to permanently add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process of foreign investment and acquisition of American companies. Currently, CFIUS does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.

    “Our foreign adversaries are buying up American farmland and threatening American food security,” said Senator Hoeven. “We must have stronger supervision of foreign investments that affect the American food supply, and this bill will help achieve that by adding the Agriculture Secretary to CFIUS. This is a logical step to protect our essential food infrastructure and ensure North Dakota and our country remains a leader in agriculture.”

    “Over the last decade, we’ve seen a surge of American farmland purchases from our foreign adversaries,” said Senator Tuberville. “These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing to packaging and shipping. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow our adversaries to have a foot in the door to our critical supply chains. We must prioritize oversight of foreign investment in our food supply chains, especially from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This starts with giving the agriculture community a permanent seat at the table on CFIUS. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will keep fighting to secure our ag supply chains so that our agriculture community can continue to put food on the table for American families.” 

    “Pennsylvania is home to about 50,000 farms and the farmers who power them already face enough challenges to stay competitive. They shouldn’t also have to compete with foreign adversaries buying up American farmland,” said Senator Fetterman. “America’s farms are critical infrastructure, and CFIUS exists to protect our critical infrastructure from foreign threats. So, adding the Secretary of Agriculture is just plain common sense. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: foreign adversaries have no business owning American farmland. This bill makes that clear and I’m proud to partner with my colleague to get it done.”

      Joining Hoeven, Tuberville and Fetterman in reintroducing this legislation are Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Secures Commitment from Ag Secretary Nominee Brooke Rollins to Advance Key Priorities for North Dakota Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    01.24.25

    Senator Calls on Rollins to Help Strengthen Farm Safety Net & Quickly Implement Disaster Assistance, Visit North Dakota to Learn About Grand Farm Firstha

    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed with Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Agriculture, critical priorities for farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses. Hoeven outlined a broad range of efforts to strengthen U.S. agriculture and secured commitments from Rollins to work with him on:

    • Passing a strong farm bill that makes needed investments in the farm safety net.
    • Implementing and quickly delivering the $33.5 billion in disaster assistance that he worked to secure for producers in the year-end funding legislation.
      • The assistance package addresses losses from both natural disasters and challenging markets and has funding specifically set aside for livestock losses due to wildfire.
    • Ensuring access for agriculture producers to U.S. Forest Service lands in North Dakota, including for grazing on the national grasslands.
    • Improving access to foreign markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
    • Visiting North Dakota to learn firsthand about precision agriculture efforts in the state, including the partnership between Grand Farm, North Dakota State University and the Agricultural Research Service.

    “Unlike the consolidation we’ve seen in many industries, U.S. farms and ranches still largely consist of small, family-owned operations. That’s a real benefit to our nation, and in order to maintain it, we need to help producers recover from recent hardships and ensure the farm safety net works when needed most,” said Hoeven, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “With her long personal and professional connection to agriculture and rural America, Brooke Rollins understands the needs of our farmers and ranchers. I appreciate her commitment to work with me on passing the strongest possible farm bill and to get assistance out to producers quickly and efficiently. I look forward to working with her on these key priorities and to her visit in North Dakota, so she can see firsthand the incredible work our state is doing on precision ag, including at Grand Farm and NDSU.”

    Keeping the Farm in the Farm Bill

                After helping secure a one-year extension of the farm bill in the year-end legislation, Hoeven continues working to pass a farm bill that addresses producers’ needs and ensures the farm safety net works when needed most. These priorities include:

    • Enhancing crop insurance, the primary risk management tool for many producers.
      • Improving the affordability of higher levels of coverage, consistent with Hoeven’s FARMER Act, will better enable producers to weather natural disasters and reduce the need for future ad-hoc disaster assistance.
    • Improving the counter-cyclical safety net, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.
      • Hoeven stated that reference prices need to reflect market realities and the cost of production that farmers are currently facing.
    • Ensuring adequate access to credit by including his legislation to modernize Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan limits as part of the Farm Bill.
    • Strengthening livestock disaster programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP).
      • This aligns with legislation Hoeven sponsored last Congress to better align coverage between LFP and ELAP and make these improvements permanent.
    • Making programs voluntary and farmer-friendly, instead of one-size-fits-all.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: March for Life: A Moral Responsibility to Protect the Most Vulnerable Among Us

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–On the 52nd Annual National March for Life, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) reaffirmed his commitment to pro-life policies and announced efforts he has undertaken to protect life so far in the 119th Congress.

    “Life is a precious gift from God,” said Crapo.  “Protecting the rights of the unborn is paramount in fostering the respect for human life from the moment of conception.  We have a moral responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.”

    To protect the right to life, Senator Crapo has:

    • Signed a letter to President Trump asking him to reinstate certain pro-life policies implemented during his first term.  Specifically, the letter asks the Trump Administration to restore the Protect Life Rules to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions in the U.S. and abroad.  Additionally, the letter calls for the reinstatement of conscience protection regulations rolled back by the previous Administration.
    • Co-sponsored the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to mandate appropriate medical care for any child who survives an attempted abortion and penalize the intentional killing of a born-alive child.  The Senate failed to adopt the procedural motion to vote on the bill. 
    • Co-sponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to cover the cost of abortions.  This measure would make permanent the restrictions on federal funding of abortions outlined in the Hyde Amendment.

    Senator Crapo recently received an A+ on the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s 118th Congress scorecard.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Service Update January 24

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council Service Update January 24

    24 January 2025

    Council continues to work with local agencies in the ongoing emergency response to Storm Éowyn which has resulted in significant damage to roads and property throughout the City and District.

    This is compounded by the potential risk of snow and ice forecast for this evening which will make efforts to assess and repair damages even more challenging tomorrow.

    We hope to resume normal Council services as soon as it is safe to do so, but the health and safety of both staff and the general public is our first priority.

    We will begin the process of assessing any impacts on Council sites early tomorrow, but please note that further delays to services are expected.

     Bin collections

    Refuse crew will be out on the ground from 8am tomorrow to collect as many bins as possible that were scheduled for collection today, but we will only be able to do so if it is safe.  Please leave bins in a sheltered place later this evening or early tomorrow morning if you can. Any missed bins will be collected as soon as possible.

     

    Cemeteries and outdoor sites

    Efforts are being made to reopen Council cemeteries, parks, and recycling centres tomorrow morning following assessment.

    Burials will be prioritized, with a number scheduled to take place tomorrow. The cemeteries will open to the wider public as soon as they have been inspected and are safe. 

    Leisure Centres and other venues

    Leisure Centres, the Guildhall and other cultural and community venues will open tomorrow as usual following inspections.

    Grass and 3G pitches will also open subject to pitch inspections for any storm damage.

    We will continue to provide regular updates on our social media platforms and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work towards restoring full services. Please follow the guidance of the PSNI and stay home and stay safe while warnings are in place.

     

    Emergency Information

    • Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

    • Further updates – Click on – UK weather warnings – Met Office

    Emergency Contact numbers:

    Emergency services 999 or 112

    Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100

    NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

    NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

    NI Water – 03457 440 088

    Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

    Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891

    For further advice see:

    • https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/camp…/be-ready-for-emergencies

    • http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/warnings

    • https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/…/env…/community-resilience

    • https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/…/dfi-rivers-water…

    • https://twitter.com/nidirect

    • Report a road drainage fault (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/…/report-road-drainage-fault);

    NB – register on the Met Office website or download the Met Office app to receive weather warnings; http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/…/mobile…/weather-app

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Joins Local Leaders in Welcoming Slovenian Delegation to Pueblo, Celebrates Bojon Community and Decades-Long Military Partnership

    Source: US State of Colorado

    PUEBLO – Today, Governor Polis joined Mayor Heather Graham, former Mayor Nick Gradisar and Pueblo Community College President Dr. Chato Hazelbaker in welcoming a delegation from Slovenia to Pueblo that included Slovenian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Iztok Mirošič, and Consul Tamara Gorenc. 

    “Pueblo and Colorado’s deep ties with Slovenia have been built on over a century of trust and partnership since the first Slovene families arrived in Pueblo in the 1880s. This visit is an also exciting opportunity to celebrate 30 years of strong military cooperation between the Colorado National Giard and Slovenia , and further strengthen ties that benefit Coloradans and Slovenians alike,” said Governor Jared Polis.

     Colorado and Slovenia share a long-standing partnership through the National Guard State Partnership Program, which has fostered collaboration in security, education, and cultural initiatives since its inception. 

    Earlier this week, the delegation unveiled the Republic of Slovenia’s new Consulate in Brighton. This new consulate signifies the importance of the 30-year relationship between the Colorado National Guard and Slovenian Armed Forces and its potential to enhance collaboration in trade, education, and cultural exchange for years to come. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Takes Action to Extend Marshall Fire Support

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis took action in response to the Marshall Fire, signing Executive Order D 2025 001 to extend support for ongoing projects to help the people and communities impacted by the fire. 

    Due to the ongoing need for availability of funds already allocated to respond to and recover from the Marshall Fire in Boulder County, this Executive Order extends funding availability through January 2027. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Pro Life Legislation for March for Life

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    Bills would ban federal tax dollars from subsidizing abortion at home and abroad, repeal law used to target Pro Life activists
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced a trio of bills to prevent federal tax dollars from funding or subsidizing abortions in the United States and across the world, in honor of the 2025 March for Life in Washington, DC and state capitals around the country: the Abortion is not Health Care Act, the Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act, the Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act, and a repeal of the FACE Act.
    “In our quest to build a society where every precious human life is protected, we cannot allow the tax dollars of American families to be used against the most vulnerable people in our country and across the word: the unborn.” said Senator Lee. “I am also introducing legislation to repeal the FACE Act, which was used by Joe Biden to imprison Pro Life activists, now officially pardoned by President Trump.”
    The Abortion is not Health Care Act would end the tax deductibility of abortions and clarify that this gruesome practice is not health care. Currently, the IRS categorizes an abortion as “medical care” and allows tax benefits to flow to this practice, subsidizing the killing of hundreds of thousands of unborn children each year. This bill would amend Section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit elective abortion expenses from being considered eligible for a medical expense deduction.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hagerty (R-TN), Daines (R-MT), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
    Supporting groups include Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, Heritage Action
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts would end the preferential tax treatment of abortion in health savings accounts. Current law allows individuals to use tax-advantaged funds from health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible savings accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), Archer medical savings accounts (MSAs), and retiree health accounts for the “medical expense” of abortion. This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to explicitly prevent abortions from getting a special tax advantage through the use of these accounts.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hagerty (R-TN), Daines (R-MT), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
    Supporting groups include Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act would ensure that our foreign aid is not funding or promoting abortions overseas. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan first instituted the Mexico City Policy, prohibiting the availability of family planning foreign assistance funds to organizations that provide or promote abortions or advocate to change abortion laws in a foreign country. Since then, the policy has been alternately rescinded and reinstated with changing administrations.
    The Trump Administration rebranded this policy as the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA) policy and applied it to all global health assistance, foreign nonprofits, and NGOs. This bill would permanently codify an expanded version of the PLGHA policy into law, capturing all assistance provided to foreign or domestic nonprofits, NGOs, and multilateral organizations. With President Biden having rescinded the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy in 2021, American citizens may be complicit in overseas abortions under the guise of “foreign assistance.” Congress must ensure this cannot be the case now or ever again. Doing so would affirm the dignity of unborn human lives everywhere and save countless lives across the globe.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Scott (R-SC), Budd (R-NC), Cramer (R-ND), Kennedy (R-LA), Johnson (R-WI), Young (R-IN), Fischer (R-NE), Ricketts (R-NE), Cornyn (R-TX), Banks (R-IN), and Tuberville (R-AL).
    Supporting groups include CatholicVote and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The FACE ACT is a federal law designed to protect access to abortion facilities. While FACE also includes protections for churches, these are duplicative of other federal and state laws and have never been enforced. President Biden’s weaponized Department of Justice used the FACE Act to legally harass peaceful pro-life activists while simultaneously stonewalling good faith efforts by members of Congress to conduct even elementary oversight of the law. While President Trump has pardoned activists imprisoned by the Biden administration, a full repeal of the FACE Act will prevent future administrations from unjustly using this law for the purpose of political persecution.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hawley (R-MO) & Wicker (R-MS)
    Supporting organizations include Thomas More Society, Family Research Council, Students for Life Action, Catholic Vote, Susan B. Anthony List, Live Action, and Citizens for Renewing America.
    For one-pager, bill text, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Reaffirming that Acts of Terrorism Constitute among Most Serious Threats to International Peace, Security

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement reaffirming that acts of international terrorism constitute one of the most serious threats to international peace and security in the twenty-first century, calling on all Member States to summon the requisite political will to denounce all acts of terrorism.

    Through the text (to be issued as document S/PRST/2025/2), the Council — recognizing that terrorism will not be defeated by military, security, law-enforcement and intelligence measures alone — underlined the need to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.  This includes strengthening efforts for the successful prevention and peaceful resolution of prolonged conflicts and promoting the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, good governance, tolerance and inclusiveness.

    The Council also underlined the importance of supporting socioeconomic development for sustaining peace in Africa, including through transnational and transregional infrastructure development, industrialization, poverty eradication, job creation, agricultural modernization and promotion of entrepreneurship.  The organ also expressed the need for continued support to African countries that accounts for their national priorities and needs.  Further, it recognized civil society’s importance in increasing awareness of — and more effectively tackling — the threat of terrorism.

    Expressing concern over the alarming increase in terrorist attacks, fatalities and geographic spread of terrorism — particularly in the Sahel and West African coastal States — the Council also underscored the need for Member States to strengthen their criminal-justice, law-enforcement and border-control capacities.  Further, such States need to develop their capacity to investigate, prosecute, disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks to address the linkages between terrorism and organized crime.

    By the statement, the Council reiterated Member States’ obligations to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts, suppress terrorist recruitment and eliminate the supply of weapons to terrorists.  Additionally, it urged States to consider the effects of counter-terrorism measures on exclusively humanitarian activities carried out by impartial humanitarian actors in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law.  The organ also reaffirmed that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

    Acknowledging African Union efforts to strengthen institutional counter-terrorism architecture and enhance intelligence-sharing, the Council encouraged Member States and relevant international organizations to contribute to bolstering the capacity of the Union in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict stabilization.  It also commended the progress made in the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations, stressing that this should further develop into a systematic, operational and strategic partnership.

    Further, the Council — recognizing the terrorist threat in Africa — underlined the importance of prompt, effective implementation of its resolutions related to the fight against terrorism, as well as all sanctions measures against designated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates.  Additionally, it recognized the significant need to build and strengthen Member States’ capacities — on their request and with a view to supporting national ownership — to more effectively counter terrorism and terrorist financing.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sentence for Illegal Re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND –Eulises Yobani Rafael-Garcia, age 28, a citizen of Mexico and resident of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his plea of guilty to  the felony charge of illegal re-entry.

    Rafael-Garcia, who has been in custody since his arrest on April 5, 2024, was sentenced to time served and ordered transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

    According to documents in the case, Rafael-Garcia was previously removed from the United States three times and has a prior conviction for misdemeanor illegal entry.  Additionally, during the investigation, Rafael-Garcia admitted to having previous ties to drug-trafficking organizations.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers and assistance from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the United States Marshals Service, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Midlevel leader of drug distribution ring sentenced to 12 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant kept distributing despite knowing fentanyl was causing people to overdose

    Tacoma – A 46-year-old Spanaway, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 12 years in prison for his leadership role in a drug distribution ring selling fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Puget Sound region, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Sean Michael Moinette has been in custody since March 2023, in connection with the arrest of over two dozen conspirators, including some with ties to an Aryan prison gangs. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “the impact [of drug trafficking] on our community is almost immeasurable.”

    “This defendant was deeply involved in distributing drugs, arranging couriers, and seeking various sources of supply. But when confronted with the information that his fentanyl was too strong and causing overdoses, he did not skip a beat and continued to scheme about moving his poison in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman.

    According to records filed in the case, Moinette was identified as a mid-level manager of a drug distribution cell tied to the Aryan Family and Omerta prison gangs. A wiretap investigation in summer of 2022 revealed that Moinette was buying large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, and fentanyl-laced pills multiple times per week. Moinette continued to distribute large quantities of fentanyl powder even after discussions with his supplier that their customers were “dropping like flies.”

    In other wiretap calls, he discussed using women as “live shipping containers” to transport fentanyl out of state. In sentencing Moinette, Judge Estudillo said, “Talking about using mules and transportation of drugs through airplanes up to Alaska . . . It’s hard to believe that’s just talk.”

    When a drug redistributor was stopped and her car impounded, Moinette was heard on the wire scheming to break into the police impound yard to try to get the drugs out of the vehicle. The break-in did not occur.

    Law enforcement arrested members of the drug distribution conspiracy on March 22, 2023, in a coordinated takedown involving ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers. On that day alone officers seized 177 firearms, more than ten kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona.  Those seizures are in addition to the estimated 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 830,000 fentanyl pills, multiple-pound quantities of fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, $338,000 of suspected drug proceeds, and 48 firearms law enforcement seized from members of the conspiracy during the two-year investigation.

    Asking for a 13-year prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court that Moinette “continued to distribute fentanyl despite knowing that his fentanyl was having deadly consequences, and he forced his mules to transport this deadly substance using suppositories through the omni-present threat of violence that led one of his couriers to immediately respond “I know” when he threatened to stab her.”

    Moinette is the eighth member of the drug conspiracy to be sentenced. Some defendants have received prison sentences of as much at 13 years in prison. Less culpable defendants have been sentenced to 14-50 months in prison. Drug ringleader Jesse James Bailey pleaded guilty last November and is scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2025.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner, Zach Dillon, and Jehiel Baer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beloit Man Sentenced to 5 ½ Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jerry Tate, 52, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 ½ years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and for possessing 50 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine intended for distribution. Tate pleaded guilty to these charges on October 28, 2024.

    From September 2022 through May 2023, Tate traveled to La Crosse County, Wisconsin, where he stayed at various hotels for days at a time. During that time, he sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant (CI). Over the course of five controlled purchases, Tate sold the CI over 33 grams of fentanyl and over 13 grams of methamphetamine. On May 5, 2023, law enforcement arrested Tate and searched the hotel room where he was staying in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Law enforcement found over 100 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine, items for drug distribution, and over $1,500 in U.S. currency. Following Tate’s arrest for trafficking fentanyl, he was out on bond for state charges and was arrested again for continuing to traffic fentanyl.

    At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that a lengthy sentence was warranted given the duration of Tate’s fentanyl trafficking and fentanyl’s known toxicity. Judge Peterson also noted that the quantity Tate was dealing went beyond just supporting his own substance abuse, and that Tate’s criminal history demonstrated a potential to reoffend.

    The charges against Tate were the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse, Campbell, and Onalaska Police Departments, as well as the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Savage Woman Pleads Guilty for Her Role in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – A Savage woman pleaded guilty for her role in the fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, Ayan Farah Abukar, 43, and her co-defendants participated in a massive scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program by obtaining, misappropriating, and laundering millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children. The defendants exploited changes in the program intended to ensure underserved children received adequate nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than feed children, the defendants enriched themselves by fraudulently misappropriating millions of dollars in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds.

    According to court documents, Abukarwas the founder and executive director of Action for East African People, a non-profit which she enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future and Sponsor A. Between October 2020 through 2022, Abukar falsely claimed to be serving as many as 5,000 children a day at her various sites in Bloomington, Minneapolis, Savage, and St. Paul. In total, Abukar fraudulently received approximately $5.7 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme to defraud, Abukar also paid more than $330,000 in kickbacks to a Feeding Our Future employee. Abukar spent millions on real estate, including a 37-acre commercial property in Lakeville and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase an aircraft in Nairobi, Kenya.

    Abukar pleaded guilty today in U.S District Court before Chief Judge Schiltz to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND – Oscar Valdivia-Salas, age 35, a citizen of Mexico and resident of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to a felony charge of Illegal Reentry, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Valdivia-Salas was sentenced to 10 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.

    According to documents in the case, Valdivia-Salas has a previous felony conviction for Illegal Reentry out of the Western District of Missouri and was removed from the United States in 2018.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Delaware Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Federal Prison for Second Conviction Involving Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, Del. – Melvin Janvier, 37, of Newark, Delaware was sentenced on January 23, 2025, to 135 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”), announced Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.  Following his time in prison, he will spend 15 years on federal supervised release.  U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

    According to court documents, the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Unit, with the assistance of State of Delaware Probation and Parole, arrested Janvier after an FBI Child Exploitation Task Force investigation indicated Janvier was in possession of and sending CSAM from Janvier’s cellphone through the Internet in July 2021. 

    Law enforcement later found over 2,000 files containing CSAM on Janvier’s phone.  The files found on the device included images and videos of prepubescent minors, to include infants and toddlers, and materials portraying bondage and bestiality.  Janvier had previously been convicted in 2016 in the State of Delaware for possession of and dealing in CSAM and served four years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson stated, “Our office is committed to protecting children and prosecuting those engaged in the sexual exploitation of minors through the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.  I wish to thank the FBI and our Delaware law enforcement partners who tirelessly pursed this case.”

    “There is nothing that can excuse Melvin Janvier’s sick behavior. Every one of the more than 2,000 images he possessed re-victimizes a child,” said FBI Baltimore SAC William J. DelBagno. “FBI Baltimore’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force is committed to putting predators like Janvier behind bars where they can no longer hurt others.”

    The FBI Baltimore Field Office, with the assistance from the FBI Washington Field Office and the State of Delaware Probation and Parole, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and Briana Knox prosecuted the case. 

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-78-MN.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colombian Narco Trafficker Sentenced to 78 Months for Conspiring to Import Thousands of Kilos of Cocaine into the U.S.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Aldemar Soto-Charry, 64, a highly ranked member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 78 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute thousands of kilos of cocaine for importation into the United States. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia, DEA Special Agent in Charge Eugene L. Crouch of the DEA Andean Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Veltri of the FBI’s Miami Field Office.

                Soto-Charry, aka “El Ingeniero” (“the Engineer”), pleaded guilty on October 11, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine for importation into the United States and aiding and abetting in the same. As part of the plea agreement, Soto-Charry acknowledged he was accountable for engaging in a conspiracy on behalf of the FARC to transport over 1,000 kilos of cocaine on a regular basis to a Mexican cartel, ultimately knowing that the cocaine would be transported into the United States.

                In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta ordered Soto-Charry to serve four years of supervised release.

                According to court documents, in 2018 the DEA commenced a targeted operation against large-scale drug traffickers in Colombia, including those connected to the FARC. In July 2018,  the DEA learned that Soto-Charry had claimed that FARC leadership was exploring opportunities to launder proceeds of drug sales, including through the purchase of real estate in Panama. The DEA enlisted confidential sources to meet with Soto-Charry and his co-conspirators.

                In October 2018, Soto-Charry was introduced to the CSs, one who posed as an individual with business connections in Panama and the other as a facilitator for large-scale drug transactions with the Mexican Gulf Cartel, which sought thousands of kilograms of cocaine for exportation abroad, including the United States. Soto-Charry detailed the FARC’s illicit business ventures, including laundering $10 million of cocaine proceeds through the construction of a medical clinic in Panama. Soto-Charry said he could organize drug deals using cocaine that was being processed at FARC-controlled cocaine laboratories in the jungles of Colombia. During a later meeting, Soto-Charry said the FARC could provide up to 2,000 kilograms of cocaine every few weeks.

                Between October 3, 2018, and July 25, 2019, the CSs regularly met with Soto-Charry and his co-conspirators to discuss the details of a potential deal for significant quantities of cocaine. During the meetings, Soto-Charry discussed FARC-related drug trafficking activities, cocaine pricing, cocaine purity, drug trafficking routes out of Colombia, and other logistical matters related to large-scale cocaine sales. As part of these discussions, Soto-Charry’s co-conspirators ultimately helped deliver a five-kilogram sample of cocaine and discussed how to transport it to the U.S.

                Soto-Charry was arrested in Colombia on August 8, 2019, and extradited to the United States on August 9, 2024. In his plea agreement, he accepted responsibility for conspiring to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of cocaine. He has been in custody since the date of his arrest in Colombia.

                His co-defendant Mauricio Mazabel-Soto was sentenced to 73 months. Co-defendant Alfredo Molina-Cutiva received a sentence of 70 months.

                This case was investigated by the DEA and FBI. The Colombian Attorney General’s Office, specifically the Dirección Especializada contra el Narcotráfico, also provided valuable assistance. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ernesto J. Alvarado of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section. Valuable assistance was also provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin L. Rosenberg, who indicted and previously handled the case.

    19cr233

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Leads to Mexican Takedown of Significant Fentanyl Trafficker

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced today that extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office, Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), conducting a significant enforcement operation last week in Nogales, Sonora to dismantle a prolific transnational drug trafficking organization operating along the U.S.-Mexico border. The operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals in Mexico including the leader of the organization, Heriberto Jacobo Perez, and another member of the organization, Jesus Bernardo Rodriguez. Mexican authorities also seized four vehicles, two buildings, two firearms currency, a large number of fentanyl pills, and other controlled substances.  

    Six U.S.-based coordinators and operators with alleged ties to the same drug trafficking organization have been indicted. Rafael Alonso Arriaga, Fernando Garcia-Ibarra, Socorro Rascon, Emmanuel Sotelo-Salazar, Jostan Nathanae Vega-Ochoa, and Rosa Elena Peralta-Marrufo, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges on July 24, 2024. Sotelo-Salazar was also indicted for the possession and distribution of a foreign pill press to fabricate fake pills.  Garcia-Ibarra and Vega-Ochoa remain fugitives. Another member of the organization, Eva Angelina De La Torre, was arrested on November 19, 2024, after she was caught attempting to smuggle fentanyl pills into the United States at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona.

    “Dismantling transnational crime requires cross-border cooperation,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino.  “This is simply tremendous work by career civil servants with the Department of Justice in coordinating efforts with Mexican prosecutors to take down this criminal organization on both sides of the border.”

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Nogales led the investigation in the United States, working in concert with Homeland Security Investigations – Nogales, the United States Marshals Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Support by DEA-Mexico City, and FGR’s Agencia de Investigación Criminal was critical in providing coordination between United States and Mexican law enforcement agencies. Through funding support from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training provided valuable assistance. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is prosecuting the seven individuals named above.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-04681-TUC-JGZ
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-110_Heriberto Jacobo Perez, et al.

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    2025-110_Heriberto Jacobo Perez, et al.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Feeding our Future Defendant Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison For His Role in $250 Million Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – A Bloomington man has been sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $47,920,514.

    “The defendant committed a brazen fraud that shamelessly stole taxpayer money intended to feed children during a global pandemic. He lined his pockets, here and abroad, with millions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kirkpatrick. “As the Court found, he doubled down on his crimes by obstructing justice. This significant sentence should serve as a clear warning to anyone who would seek to exploit and defraud government programs. You will be held accountable.”

    As proven at trial, Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, 34, and his co-defendants devised and carried out a multi-million fraud scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program. As the chief executive officer of Afrique Hospitality Group, Shariff obtained, misappropriated, and laundered millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children. Their scheme was accomplished by exploiting changes in the nutrition program intended to ensure underserved children received adequate nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shariff and his co-defendants created and submitted fraudulent meal count sheets purporting to document the number of children and meals served at each site and false invoices purporting to document the purchase of food to be served to children at the sites. The conspirators also submitted fake attendance rosters purporting to list the names and ages of the children receiving meals at the sites each day. These rosters were fabricated and created using fake names. 

    The Federal Child Nutrition Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is a federally funded program designed to provide free meals to children in need. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers the program throughout the nation by distributing federal funds to state governments. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) administers and oversees the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Meals funded by the Federal Child Nutrition Program are served by “sites.” Each site participating in the program must be sponsored by an authorized sponsoring organization. Sponsors must submit an application to MDE for each site. Sponsors are also responsible for monitoring each of their sites and preparing reimbursement claims for their sites. The USDA then provides MDE federal reimbursement funds on a per-meal basis. MDE provides those funds to the sponsoring agency who, in turn, pays the reimbursements to the sites under its sponsorship. The sponsoring agency retains 10 to 15 percent of the funds as an administrative fee.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA waived some of the standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Among other things, the USDA allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in the program, and it allowed for off-site food distribution to children outside of educational programs.

    Following a seven-week trial in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in June 2024, Shariff was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering. In handing down the sentence today, Judge Brasel commented that Shariff’s conduct showed a “staggering lack of respect for the law,” and that taxpayers were “outraged by the brazenness of the crime.”

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Miami-Dade County Woman Pleads Guilty To Providing Contraband To A Coleman Prisoner

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Janai Chanel Stephens (38, Opa Locka) entered guilty pleas to an indictment charging her with making a materially false statement or representation to a federal agency and providing contraband to a federal prisoner. Stephens faces up to five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Stephens on May 28, 2024. 

    According to court records, on March 10, 2024, Stephens entered the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County with a bag containing tobacco cigarettes that she intended to give to a federal inmate. Federal inmates are prohibited from possessing tobacco in prisons, as it threatens the order, discipline, and security of the prison. When entering the facility, Stephens falsely claimed to a corrections officer that she did not have any tobacco products in her possession.  Stephens was then permitted to meet with a federal inmate in a visitation room.  During that meeting, surveillance footage showed Stephens throwing the bag with the cigarettes that she had smuggled into the prison to the inmate. 

    This case is being prosecuted as part of a United States Department of Justice (DOJ) task force aimed at rooting out contraband and misconduct in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The task force was led by the BOP and the DOJ – Office of the Inspector General, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. 

    This case was investigated by the BOP and the DEA. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Carson Lead Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Designating January as Muslim-American Heritage Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative André Carson (D-IN-07) led colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing January as Muslim-American Heritage Month and celebrating the achievements of Muslims living in the United States. The resolution highlights the incredible contributions Muslim Americans have made across multiple sectors of society—from medical professionals to entrepreneurs, to faith leaders, athletes, and public servants—to help build a better nation. 
    The resolution further notes the religious discrimination experienced by Muslim Americans and stresses the “need for public education, awareness, and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Muslim American in all aspects of the society of the United States.”
    “Muslim Americans have contributed to every facet of American life, and I am proud to introduce this resolution designating January as Muslim-American heritage month, said Senator Booker. “Currently, over 3 million Muslims are living in the United States, and this resolution pays tribute to their incredible impact and celebrates their rich heritage. In addition, I am committed this month, and every month, to working together to combat the continued prejudice and discrimination the Muslim community faces.”
    “Islamophobia thrives in ignorance,” said Congressman Carson. “The American people are too often exposed to anti-Muslim rhetoric instead of the truth: that Muslim Americans are valued members of our community. By sharing stories of Muslim heroes, we can help debunk stereotypes and encourage individuals of all faiths to discover the many values we have in common.”
    “Our country is made stronger by the contributions and achievements of Muslim Americans,” said Senator Durbin. “But we cannot forget that the Muslim American community continues to face discrimination and threats because of their identity.  I hope this resolution serves as both a tribute to the community and a recommitment to standing with them in efforts to build a more welcoming and equitable nation.”  
    “I join in celebrating Muslim American Heritage Month as we take January to uplift Muslim American communities across our nation,” said Senator Kim. “Diverse voices, heritages, and stories make us who we are, forever contributing to our national tapestry and writing our American story. I hope we come together to reflect on our country’s foundational value: freedom of religion – while accepting all faiths by uplifting communities like the Ummah, our diversity remains one of our nation’s greatest strengths.”
    “Virginia is home to so many Muslim Americans, and they continue to enrich our communities,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to acknowledge Muslim Americans’ contributions and achievements by recognizing January as Muslim American Heritage Month.”
    “Muslim-Americans make invaluable contributions to the success of California, which is proudly home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country,” said Senator Padilla. “I’m glad to join Senator Booker in introducing this resolution to promote greater awareness and appreciation of Muslim-American Heritage Month, as we work toward dismantling prejudice and fostering a more inclusive society for all.”
    The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: 01.24.2025 Sen. Cruz Files Amicus Brief in State Sovereignty Energy Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) filed an amicus brief supporting the State of Texas in the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court cases of NRC v. Texas and ISP v. Texas. The cases before the Court involve the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) authority to license a consolidated interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel in Andrews County, Texas, a decision challenged by the state of Texas and Governor Abbott. The nuclear fuel facility will be located directly on top of the Permian Basin, which stretches across Southwest Texas and Southeast New Mexico.
    Upon filing the amicus brief, Sen. Cruz said, “The Permian Basin is our nation’s leading oil and gas-producing region and a critical pillar of America’s energy security.
    “I support Attorney General Ken Paxton in opposing the NRC’s federal overreach and will keep fighting to ensure West Texas remains the energy powerhouse it is today.”
    Sen. Cruz was joined by Sen. John Cornyn, Reps. Jody Arrington (R-Texas-19), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas-28), August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), and Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) in filing the amicus brief.
    Read the amicus brief for NRC vs. Texas and ISP v. Texas here.
    BACKGROUND
    The NRC issued a license to ISP to construct and operate an interim storage facility designed to hold up to 5,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The facility would temporarily store the waste from various nuclear reactors across the United States. Texas argues that the NRC’s actions exceed its statutory authority under federal law, specifically the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA) of 1982, which governs the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and prioritizes permanent geologic repositories over temporary facilities.
    The Court’s review of the case will address fundamental questions about the scope of the NRC’s authority and the balance of power between state and federal governments. This decision will have far-reaching implications in balancing power between states and federal agencies in regulating hazardous materials.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Announces Subcommittee Assignments for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced his subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. He will serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Subcommittee on Seapower, which oversees Navy and Marine Corps planning, operations policy, and programs. He will also serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights and Global Women’s Issues. Kaine previously served as Chair of both subcommittees in the 118th Congress.
    “I’m excited to serve as Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower and SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. The United States is facing a growing number of global challenges, and both of these subcommittees are critical to ensuring we can tackle them head-on. China is far outpacing U.S. shipbuilding production, and one of my top priorities this year as Seapower Ranking Member is to make reforms to address construction and maintenance delays and get our naval programs back on track. As Ranking Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I’m also excited to work with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, including on priorities like how to address migration, counter narcotics smuggling, and advance democratic institutions and the rule of law across the hemisphere. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both subcommittees.”
    In addition to the Subcommittees on Seapower and Western Hemisphere, Kaine will serve as a member of:
    Subcommittee on Readiness Management Support (SASC)
    Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities (SASC)
    Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism (SFRC)
    Subcommittee on the State Department and USAID Management, International Operations and Bilateral International Development (SFRC)

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Passing of Close Friend & Mentor Henry Marsh

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement regarding the passing of his friend and mentor Henry Marsh:

    “My heart is heavy with grief and full of gratitude that I had the chance to know Henry Marsh—a truly exceptional person. A born-and-raised Richmonder who become active in the civil rights movement before he even graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School, Henry never waited even for a moment to do all he could to serve and improve his community. After he graduated from Virginia Union University, earned a law degree from Howard University, and answered the call to serve in the United States Army, he returned home to work as a civil rights lawyer—tackling crucial cases relating to desegregation and equality in employment. He then made history as Richmond’s first African American mayor. As a former mayor myself, I know how tough that job is and have the deepest appreciation and admiration for how well he did it. And he didn’t stop there—he went on to serve in the Virginia Senate and later as a commissioner of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Any single one of Henry’s accomplishments would be enough cause to be proud, but he never stopped looking for new opportunities to serve. I’m honored to have called him a friend and mentor and would never have been elected to any office if it weren’t for him. I will be praying for his family and all who knew and loved him.”

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