Funding will improve the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s irrigation systems on the Walla Walla River
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $350,000 for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to make improvements that will reduce water losses in the Little Walla Walla Canal System.
“As we face an ever-deepening climate crisis, it’s vital to find efficient ways to conserve resources like water to help communities throughout Oregon thrive,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified that this investment from the Inflation Reduction Act will help the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla continue their long tradition of environmentally sound, sustainable farming.”
“Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest have been caretakers of our waterways since time immemorial,” said Merkley. “As climate chaos fuels longer and more intense droughts in Oregon and across the American West, we must find ways to improve water efficiency while protecting our waterways and the ecosystems they support. It is great news to see these funds supporting the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla as they work with partners to improve the efficiency of the Little Walla Walla Canal System.”
This funding, from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program, was provided through the Inflation Reduction Act to support Tribal efforts to develop, manage and protect water and related resources, and mitigate drought impacts and the loss of Tribal trust resources.
“Thanks to legislation recently passed in Oregon and Washington as part of the Walla Walla Water 2050 Plan, this water will be protected through Oregon, across the state line to the mouth of the Walla Walla River in Washington, and throughout the ceded lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, improving stream flows all the way to the Columbia River,” said CTUIR Chairman Gary I. Burke.
“The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation are pleased to work collaboratively on this project with their partners at the Walla Walla River Irrigation District. By investing in aging infrastructure, this project will improve operations for the district, save water, and restore flows in the Walla Walla River for salmon and steelhead,” said Anton Chiono, CTUIR Department of Natural Resources Habitat Conservation Project Leader.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan released the following statement to mark the anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7:
“One year ago today, Hamas terrorists launched a horrific attack on Israel – during which they murdered 1,200 innocent people, including entire families, used rape and sexual violence as weapons, and took 251 hostages, including American citizens, some of whom still remain in Hamas captivity. October 7th was the worst single day of violence against Jews since the Holocaust. We cannot forget this day, nor can we forget the Americans and other hostages still held by Hamas – and we must do everything that we can to bring them home. I grieve with the families of the victims, the families of the hostages, and all of those who continue to be affected by the war.
“In this same year, antisemitism has surged, in both word and deed, at home and abroad. As we mark this anniversary, Americans from across the political spectrum should stand united against hate, including antisemitism.
“Iran’s missile strikes against Israel just last week also demonstrate the threat that Israel continues to face and why it is critical that we continue to support Israel’s ability to defend itself from attacks. We must also work to avoid a broader regional conflict by de-escalating and negotiating a ceasefire to save innocent civilian lives, allow for the return of hostages, and expand humanitarian aid.
“A long and painful year has passed since October 7, but America’s friends and foes alike should know: We will not waver in our resolve to save the hostages, bring the perpetrators to justice, and secure a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, dignity, and security.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) released the following statement marking one year since Hamas’ October 7th Terror Attack on Israel:
“One year after Hamas’ October 7th terror attack on Israel, the scope and evil of Hamas’ atrocities are still difficult to comprehend. 1,200 people—women, children, the elderly, and other civilians—were massacred inKibbutzim, villages, and even at a music festival for peace. Another 251 were stolen from their lives and taken hostage by Hamas, with many murdered by Hamas in captivity. A year later, dozens remain trapped in Gaza, with hostage families left in the dark about the wellbeing of their relatives. Hamas inflicted even further trauma by weaponizing sexual violence against its victims.
“These heinous war crimes knew no borders. Nationals from at least 40 countries were murdered or kidnapped, including Americans, of whom at least 43 are dead and seven remain hostage in Gaza. And while Hamas sought to target Jewish Israelis, their victims included people from Muslim, Christian, Druze, Bedouin, and Arab communities too.
“The world witnessed the horrors inflicted by Hamas on October 7th, and we must continue to stand together to condemn them and oppose vile efforts to justify Hamas’ actions or deny its brutality. We must also continue to stand with the Jewish community here in Los Angeles and worldwide, recognizing the deep wounds that the pain of this day and subsequent surge in antisemitism across the globe have reopened. It is unfathomable that the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust occurred not in the distant past but just one year ago today.
“I know that our Los Angeles Jewish community is once again fearing for the safety of loved ones—the same fear felt just a year ago—in wake of Iran’s reckless missile attack on Israel, which killed a Palestinian in the West Bank. The U.S. must work with our allies to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, ensure Israel’s security, and protect innocent lives in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Now is the time to secure a ceasefire in Gaza to free the hostages, prevent the outbreak of a regional war, protect civilians, and ensure that an October 7th can never happen again.”
Alberta’s government is committed to the safety, security, health and well-being of Albertans living in affordable housing. Through the Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program, the province is working to repair affordable housing units that require renovation and preventative maintenance. This program also prioritizes suite renewals to ensure housing units are available for Albertans in need of housing as quickly as possible.
Through Budget 2024, the government is investing nearly $121 million over three years to maintain and repair government-owned and supported housing units across Alberta, supporting about 4,250 units in 2024-25. This funding goes toward repairing units through projects like replacing windows, repairing roofs and improving interior environments to help bring units up to date and ensure they can continue to be used for years to come.
“The Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program is a critical part of keeping government-owned housing units safe and up to date. Like all homes, these buildings need repairs as they age to keep them in good condition and able to continue operating as affordable housing for Albertans. A maintenance strategy will help government work with housing operators to ensure we are making the right repairs at the right time.”
“Lethbridge Housing Authority is grateful for the Government’s of Alberta’s continued commitment to prioritizing preventative and ongoing maintenance. By reviewing processes and ensuring units can be available in a timely manner, we are able to offer homes that are affordable and well maintained to Albertans in need.”
Improvements made by Alberta’s government in 2023-24 resulted in more competitive pricing and faster turnaround times of vacant suites, reducing from three months to 33 days. Alberta is also continuing to work with housing providers to implement building condition assessments for government housing assets, ensure priority projects receive funding, provide training, and improve internal processes and data collection.
Investing in the future
Alberta’s 10-year affordable housing plan, Stronger Foundations, recommended the creation of a long-term maintenance strategy to help ensure existing government-owned assets continue to provide suitable housing that meets the needs of the community and make effective use of taxpayer dollars.
In 2022-23, Alberta’s government undertook an external review of the Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program to ensure government-owned affordable housing remains safe and identify ways to further improve the program. A summary of the review’s recommendations can be found online. Alberta’s government will continue to implement these recommendations.
To help continue this work, the government is now issuing a request for proposal to help improve the program with a future-focused maintenance strategy. This strategy will be based on engagement with housing providers and operators to ensure that the maximum longevity and availability of housing units. The request for proposals is open from Oct. 7 to Nov. 4.
Quick facts:
Budget 2024 provides over $40 million in Capital Maintenance and Renewal Funding in 2024-25 to preserve existing affordable housing.
Examples of projects include:
Repairing and replacing roofs;
Upgrading windows and building systems to improve energy efficiency;
Upgrading and modernizing elevators in seniors apartment buildings;
Replacing or upgrading furnaces, boilers, ventilation and hot water systems; and
Suite renewals.
Since 2019, Alberta’s government has invested almost $850 million to build more than 5,100 affordable units and close to 900 shelter spaces. This includes projects government has committed to, that are in progress and that are complete.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
GAINESVILLE, FL — Congresswoman Kat Cammack led 14 of her colleagues in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about needed USDA actions to support farmers and rural communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. The letter requests FSA strike teams, the use of more accurate rainfall data, and disaster aid provided through block grants.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region at the end of September and made its way through the southeastern United States, impacting Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
“We write to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take swift action to support our farmers and rural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Specifically, we request that the USDA deploy Farm Service Agency (FSA) strike teams to the hardest-hit areas, providing much-needed personnel to assist with recovery efforts. Additionally, we urge the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to collaborate with local stakeholders and utilize regional rainfall data to ensure more accurate assessments for damage and crop insurance claims. Finally, we request that USDA disaster aid be provided to affected states through block grants. This will allow states the flexibility to administer relief tailored to the specific needs of their producers and communities. These actions will be critical to ensuring a swift and effective recovery for our agricultural communities,” write the lawmakers in the letter.
Florida Reps. Neal Dunn, Aaron Bean, Gus Bilirakis, Byron Donalds, Scott Franklin, Laurel Lee, Cory Mills, Mike Waltz, and Daniel Webster joined Rep. Cammack on the letter. Congressmen Rick Allen, Austin Scott, and Buddy Carter of Georgia, Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, and Morgan Griffith of Virginia also joined.
Acting Cabinet Secretary accepts resignation of outgoing chair
A new chair of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) will be appointed in the coming weeks after Ministers accepted the resignation of Professor Donald MacRae from the post.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin has formally written to Professor MacRae today accepting his resignation which he tendered effective from 21 October.
She said:
“I welcome the opportunity this provides to continue to reset oversight of the Water Industry Commission Scotland in light of the unacceptable financial and governance issues that have arisen in the organisation.
“We are now taking immediate steps to ensure that a new Chair is appointed as quickly as possible.
“Once a new Chair is confirmed, we will be clear with them and the Board that they need to continue to work hard to deliver the changes required to reset the organisation so it delivers to the high standards I expect of a public body.”
Global warming has the potential to reshuffle the spaces used by life on Earth, across all ecosystems. And our new research shows whale sharks – the world’s largest fish – could be at risk, as warming oceans may force them into busy human shipping lanes.
More than 12,000 marine species are expected to redistribute in future as seas warm up. Those animals that are unable to move to remain within suitable environments risk being wiped out entirely.
But things are different for larger and highly mobile animals that can move freely to find conditions that suit their needs. For them, changing ocean conditions may not be such a huge threat in isolation, as they can migrate to cooler seas. Rather, shifting conditions may force species into new and more dangerous areas where they come into contact with ship propellers and other direct human threats.
We fear this will happen with whale sharks. These huge sharks can reach up to 18 metres – about four cars end to end – but despite their size and robust appearance, their numbers have already declined by over 50% in the last 75 years.
Whale sharks are big and slow (and are sharks not whales). Sean Steininger / shutterstock
In previous research we discovered this decline may be partly due to collisions with large ships. Whale sharks are particularly vulnerable as they cruise around feeding on plankton and other tiny organisms, rarely needing to swim faster than human walking pace. While spending long periods moving slowly near the surface, they’re often struck by ships and killed.
Our new research builds on this previous work. We find that climate change will put these docile giants in even greater danger as their preferred habitats move in into new areas with heavy ship traffic.
An uncertain future
The research was carried out by an international team of over 50 scientists from 18 countries involved in the Global Shark Movement Project, using 15 years’ worth of satellite tracking data from almost 350 individually tagged whale sharks.
Movement tracks were matched to temperature, salinity and other environmental conditions at the time to determine what sort of habitat the sharks preferred. These relationships were then projected forward in time based on climate models (powerful computer programmes that simulate the climate) to reveal which parts of the ocean may in future have similar conditions to those used by the species today.
Our state-of-the-art approach uncovered totally new areas that may be able to support whale sharks in future, such as US waters in the Pacific in the region of the California bight, Japanese waters in the eastern China Sea and the Atlantic waters of many west African countries. We quickly realised that these regions are home to some of the world’s busiest sea ports and shipping highways, so we overlaid our maps of habitat preference with those of global shipping to determine sharks are expected to run into ships.
The world’s main shipping lanes, with the busiest lanes coloured yellow. Areas C (US west coast), D (west Africa) and E (east Asia) are expected to become more suitable for whale sharks as the oceans warm. Womersley et al / Nature Climate Change, CC BY-SA
Through this we project that co-occurrence between sharks and ships will be be 15,000 times greater by the end of this century if we continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels, compared to only 20 times greater if we follow a sustainable development scenario.
This does not mean that collisions will increase by 15,000 times, or even by 20 times, as we can only predict where whale sharks will be in future and the precise number of ships will vary. However, if the sharks do move into these new areas and their busy shipping lanes, increased mortality is a very real possibility.
We’ve already recorded shark-attached satellite tags abruptly stopping transmissions in shipping lanes, with depth-recording tags showing the sharks slowly sinking – likely dead – to the seafloor.
Changing tack
Our results are alarming but highlight that we do have the capacity to change the population trajectory for whale sharks. In this case, through mitigating climate change, we can also indirectly ensure that the ocean is a safer place for some of its largest residents.
We already know which strategies to trial for limiting collisions between ships and sharks. In February 2024 a meeting of signatories to the UN’s convention on the conservation of migratory species put forward a series of recommendations with specific focus on whale sharks. These include slowing speeds and re-routing around key sites, and setting up a collision-reporting network. It is now up to individual governments to take action.
It’s possible that other species will experience similar pressures as a result of climate change. For example, heat waves in the oceans may force other sharks into cooler surface waters which are being exploited by longline fisheries, or into deeper depths where there is less oxygen.
It’s time to shift our focus on to these interacting stressors in future, so that we can start to quantify the mosaic of threats that marine animals must endure in the oceans of tomorrow and protect those most at risk.
Freya Womersley receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) through a University of Southampton INSPIRE DTP PhD Studentship. She is affiliated with the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth, UK and the Global Shark Movement Project, which is based at the MBA.
David Sims receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the European Research Council (ERC), and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. He is affiliated with the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth, UK, and the Global Shark Movement Project, which is based at the MBA.
Good evening, everyone! Thank you, Ambassador Tazelaar and General Eichelsheim, for inviting me to join you this evening to celebrate the Netherlands Armed Forces Day, and for providing me with the opportunity to say a few words.
Shortly after I was sworn into office as the 78th Secretary of the Navy three years ago, I made Enhancing Strategic Partnerships one of our Department’s three enduring priorities.
This priority has a twofold focus—building new relationships throughout the international community, as well as with industry and academia, and, equally important, reinforcing and expanding our partnerships with allies who have stood by us and with us for decades.
As founding members of NATO in 1949, the United States and the Netherlands have, for 75 years, stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of our shared ideals and freedoms.
And as we celebrate NATO’s 75th Anniversary this year, I would be remiss if I did not highlight how excited we are to work with your former prime minister, Mark Rutte [ROO-duh], when he assumes his role as NATO’s 14th Secretary General on October 1st.
As we consider the global challenges we face today, we are proud to sail, fly, and operate alongside the Dutch Armed Forces.
In Europe, we are grateful for your commitment to supporting our Ukrainian partners as they fight to restore their territorial and national sovereignty in the wake of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked full-scale invasion three years ago.
From providing Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems to playing a leading role in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, your support is invaluable as Ukraine defends itself.
South of Europe, in the Red Sea, our navies have sailed together in the defense of international commerce, deterring and responding to Houthi attacks against innocent merchant mariners.
HNLMS Tromp and HNLMS Karel Doorman were both integral to our combined, sustained presence, reassuring our regional allies and partners of our resolve to ensure the safe passage of civilian ships and to keep a sea lane critical to keeping our international economy open.
And earlier this summer, in the Indo-Pacific, we were pleased to welcome HNLMS Tromp and her sailors to exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024, operating alongside 25,000 personnel from 29 countries.
As we continue to work together to address the challenges of today and prepare for the future, we look forward to working together and expanding our cooperation in key regions, including the Indo-Pacific.
Our partnership is indeed global, and we are honored to count the Netherlands as not just an ally, but a friend.
I am extraordinarily proud to stand here with you this evening and recognize the extraordinary contributions of the Netherlands armed forces, knowing we are committed to peace and security together, united by our common values.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
October 07, 2024
Transfer of $350 million in federal funding secured by lawmakers to FHWA moves MassDOT further toward replacing the Sagamore Bridge
Boston, MA – Continuing the momentum on replacing the Cape Cod Bridges, the Healey-Driscoll Administration signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Department of the Army and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to move forward on rebuilding the Sagamore Bridge. Senator Warren has led efforts to secure these funds for the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges, pressing the federal government to take action to replace these crucial pieces of infrastructure.
Under the agreement, the USACE will transfer $350 million in federal funding secured through the 2024 appropriations bills to the Federal Highway Administration. The FHWA Eastern Federal Lands Division will use the funds to construct a portion of the new Sagamore Bridge as part of MassDOT’s overall replacement project.
The Sagamore Bridge is vital infrastructure supporting the economy of Cape Cod and surrounding communities and ensuring safe and reliable travel for residents, workers, and millions of annual visitors. The new MOA will help to further the current plan to begin construction on the Cape. The Sagamore Project is Phase 1 of the Cape Cod Bridges Program, rebuilding both the Sagamore and the Bourne Bridges while also making investments in other transportation infrastructure along the Cape Cod Canal and expanding travel options.
“We’re one step closer to replacing the Cape Cod Bridges—a decades-overdue project that will lift up the entire region,” said Senator Warren. “An investment this big is made possible only by teamwork, and it’s thanks to our strong federal, state, and local partnership that we were able to secure over $2 billion for the bridges. I’ll keep working closely with Senator Markey, Representative Keating, Governor Healey, and the delegation to get this crucial project to the next stage.”
“We continue to make important progress in our efforts to rebuild both Cape Cod Bridges. After securing $1.72 billion in federal funding, we’re now moving forward with an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army and the Federal Highway Administration that will allocate a crucial piece of that funding and allow us to begin construction on the Sagamore Bridge,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to our MassDOT team, as well as our Congressional delegation and federal partnerships for their continued partnership and commitment to delivering this project for the people of Massachusetts.”
The project will help to spur economic growth and development, improving safety and quality of life for both the region and state. This project is critical to the Cape Cod economy, and the bridge will be a connector to other assets on a local, state, and national level.
Senator Warren, Senator Markey, Congressman Keating, and the Massachusetts delegation secured a total of $1.72 billion in federal funding for the bridge replacement project. In July, MassDOT won $1 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Bridge Investment Program, and in December 2023, MassDOT won $372 million from the BIL’s Federal Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program. Senator Warren, along with the Massachusetts Delegation, secured $350 million for the bridges in the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which was signed by President Biden. Governor Healey has also pledged $700 million in state support.
“This project has always been about partnership, and we thank the Healey Administration, the Congressional delegation and the Biden-Harris Administration for their unwavering support and funding. We look forward to working with partners and stakeholders in the region to begin the next steps to making this project a reality,” said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary & CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.
Senator Warren has long advocated for federal investments in the Cape Cod Bridges project and other critical infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth:
In July 2024, Senator Warren, along with Senator Ed Markey, Rep. Bill Keating, and Governor Maura Healey, announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) had awarded the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and Army Corps of Engineers a billion-dollar grant to replace the Cape Cod Bridges under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program.
In March 2024, the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, reaffirming their support for Massachusetts’ billion-dollar Bridge Investment Program (BIP) grant application to replace the Cape Cod Bridges, in light of the $350 million in funding from the FY 2024 funding package signed by President Biden and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s $372 million Mega grant.
In March 2024, Senators Markey and Warren and Congressman Keatingsecured $350 million for the Cape Cod Bridges in the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act.
In December 2023, following the advocacy of the delegation, the Department of Transportation awarded Massachusetts a $372 million grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) program toward the replacement of the Sagamore bridge.
In May 2023, Senators Warren and Markey and Representatives Keating and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, urging him to exercise his authority to support installation resilience in order to provide funding for the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges.
In March 2023, Senators Warren and Markey announced and applauded the inclusion of $350 million, toward a commitment of $600 million, in President Biden’s budget for the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.
Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
October 7, 2024
Today, October 7th, marks one year since Israel was senselessly attacked by Hamas. What is Vindman’s response to this attack? Nothing but disgusting rhetoric toward America’s ally:
Hamas kidnapped, raped, tortured, and murdered women, children, babies, the elderly, and the disabled, yet Vindman has never apologized for this.
The question remains: Does Vindman still think Israel should “restrain its bloodlust”?
“This disgusting rhetoric by Vindman is precisely why he is unfit to serve in Congress. Anyone who sees Israel this way should not represent Virginia’s 7th District.” — NRCC Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
October 07, 2024
Text of Letters (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) wrote to the CEOs of Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and General Mills, pressing their executives on the companies’ pattern of profiteering off consumers, both through “shrinkflation” and dodging taxes on the profits they made from that price gouging.
All three of these companies have shrunk the size of their packaging to squeeze profits out of their customers, and then paid a very slim federal income tax on their billions of dollars in profits. In other words, the companies are sticking the American people with the bill twice over, with American families (1) paying higher prices for smaller packages of food, and (2) paying their taxes while big corporations like PepsiCo avoid chipping in their fair share to run our country.
It is clear that these big companies are engaging in shrinkflation. In fact, reporting indicates that one of the key reasons that General Mills’ profits continue to grow is because they’ve shrunk some of their packaging. For example, the “Family Size” box of Cocoa Puffs went from 19.3 ounces to 18.1 ounces while charging the same price, at least initially. Similarly, PepsiCo replaced its 32 oz Gatorade bottle with a 28 oz bottle for the same price. And Coca-Cola has openly told its shareholders that it had “earn[ed] the right” to hike prices for consumers because of their company’s market power.
“Shrinking the size of a product in order to gouge consumers on the price per ounce is not innovation, it is exploitation,” wrote the lawmakers. “Unfortunately, this price gouging is a widespread problem, with corporate profits driving over half of inflation.”
While these companies continue to profit off consumers, the company is also turning around and paying less of those profits in taxes than the families it price gouges.
According to a recent report by the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, from 2018 to 2022, Coca-Cola made $13.4 billion but paid an average effective tax rate of just 13.5 percent, General Mills made $12 billion but paid an average effective tax rate of just 14.8 percent, and PepsiCo made $22.4 billion but paid an average effective tax rate of just 15 percent. These tax rates are even lower than the corporate tax rate that was reduced from 35 to 21 percent by President Trump and Congressional Republicans in 2017.
“We strongly oppose these corporate tax giveaways, and have fought to pass tax increases on big corporations, including the 15 percent minimum tax on billion-dollar corporations,” wrote the lawmakers. “No corporation should pay a lower tax rate than working Americans – especially when that same corporation turns around and gouges consumers on the other end through shrinkflation.”
As a champion for American consumers and a secure and healthy economy, Senator Warren has engaged in oversight of corporations for unfairly increasing prices for consumers. She has also been calling for more competition and stronger enforcement of antitrust laws to bring down prices for families:
On February 15, 2024, Senators Warren, Baldwin, Casey, and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2024, which would protect consumers and prohibit corporate price gouging by authorizing the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce a federal ban against grossly excessive price increases.
In December 2023, Senator Warren urged the FTC to block the Kroger-Albertsons merger, which would give the five largest food retail companies control of 55 percent of all grocery sales, allowing them to further control and ultimately raise consumer prices, while also reducing job competition, decreasing wages, and decreasing the bargaining power of organized labor.
In November 2023, Senator Warren called out TransDigm for its refusal to provide cost and pricing information needed to prevent price gouging of taxpayers and the Department of Defense.
In November 2023, Senator Warren expressed disappointment at the FTC’s decision to allow pharmaceutical giant Amgen to move forward with its acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics (Horizon) given the potential impacts on the price of medicine.
In the past few years, Senator Warren has urged the Biden administration to closely scrutinize other potentially anticompetitive mergers that could lead to higher prices for consumers and accelerate industry consolidation. She has led letters about the proposed mergers of Frontier and Spirit airlines, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, Sanderson-Wayne, WarnerMedia-Discovery, and Amazon-MGM.
In March 2022, Senator Warren introduced the Prohibiting Anticompetitive Mergers Act to help stomp out rampant industry consolidation that allows companies to raise consumer prices and mistreat workers. The bill would ban the biggest, most anticompetitive mergers and give the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission the teeth to reject deals in the first instance without court orders and to break up harmful mergers.
In February 2022, at a hearing, Senator Warren called out corporations for abusing their market power to raise consumer prices and boost profits.
That same month, Senator Warren requested the Department of Justice to take aggressive action against corporations violating antitrust laws to hike prices for consumers.
In January 2022, Senator Warren questioned Federal Reserve nominee Lael Brainard about market concentration and price gouging driving inflation.
At a January 2022 hearing, Senator Warren pressed Fed Chair Jerome Powell on the role of corporate concentration in driving up prices for consumers during his renomination hearing to be Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
In a New York Times op-ed published in April 2020, Senator Warren urged Congress to focus on cracking down on price gouging in its ongoing effort to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
In March 2020, Senator Warren joined her colleagues in urging the FTC to use its full authority to prevent abusive price gouging on consumer health products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)
Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement on thepassing of Joe Pinner:
“The passing of Joe Pinner, the beloved ‘Mr. Knozit,’ will be recognized as an institution who inspired so many young people to achieve the highest of their abilities. Roxanne and I will always cherish dear friends Peggy and Joe so devoted to the Midlands community betterment.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)
Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement regarding today’s meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy:
“Inspiring to see Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York City today where these two soulmates support Peace Through Strength in contrast to War Through Weakness of Harris/Biden. Alliance of Trump and Zelenskyy further confirmed as Trump provided Javelin Missiles to deter war criminal Putin, as well as placement of American troops in Poland. Trump also blocked Nord Stream 2 to stop financial enabling of war criminal Putin.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)
Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement regarding Iran’s missile attack on Israel:
“Iranian missile attack on Israeli civilians is tragically another example of Biden-Harris weakness leading to war. Trump achieved Peace Through Strength with sanctions on the terrorist regime which should be reimplemented to stop terrorist fundraising. Additionally, secondary sanctions should be placed on all customers of the murderous terrorists. No Biden-Harris response to the Iranian puppet Hezbollah murder of the three U.S. soldiers from Georgia on Jan. 28th reveals appeasement and puts all Americans everywhere in danger of murder.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)
October 07, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC— Today marks one year since Hamas’ brutal massacre. Hamas murdered more than 1,200 Israelis, took 251 hostages – including American citizens – and perpetrated horrific acts of sexual violence against civilians. The violence unleashed on October 7 has spiraled out of control, engulfing innocent Israelis and Palestinians who’ve had their lives upended and families torn apart. The extent of the suffering cannot be overstated – Holocaust survivors have found themselves once again under attack, and civilians in Gaza have endured unimaginable pain as Israel has waged its military campaign against Hamas this past year. A necessary first step in ending this crisis and securing a negotiated ceasefire is for Hamas to release all remaining hostages. After 365 long days, both Israelis and Palestinians deserve a chance at peace.
Today marks the start of the European Week of Regions and Cities. This annual event focuses on the EU’s cohesion policy which supports regions and cities across the EU to create jobs, support businesses, improve quality of life and sustainability.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)
Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement regarding the anniversary of the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists:
“On this somber anniversary, Americans reaffirm our unwavering support for Israel and the right of its citizens and Jewish people around the world to live in peace. Our prayers are with the hostages and their families on this and every day. We will not rest until we bring them home and achieve victory over the Iranian regime and its puppets.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Collins (R-Georgia 10th District)
Hurricane Helene has devastated parts of our state, and I wish you and your family well as you recover from any damage sustained in your neighborhoods. If you have been impacted, please know that you are not alone. If you require assistance or information, please view the below resources.
Local Resources
State Resources
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA): 404-635-7200
Report damage to GEMA.
Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: 844-965-1386
Check current highway conditions.
Federal Resources
To report crop loss or seek assistance regarding your farm, please contact your local USDA Service Center or call 877-508-8364. The following are USDA disaster assistance resources and links:
Apply for FEMA Assistance online or check your status by phone at 1-800-621-3362.
How to Apply for Individual Assistance
Homeowners and renters in Georgia’s 10th Congressional District communities of Elbert, Butts, and Newton counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Individual Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, immediate housing and food needs, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene.
There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA Appor call 800-621-3362.
Understanding Your FEMA Eligibility Letter
If you applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene, you will receive an eligibility letter from FEMA in the mail or by email.
The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.
You may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:
Proof of insurance coverage
Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
Proof of identity
Proof of occupancy
Proof of ownership
Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster
If you have questions about your letter, or disagree with the initial decision, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, if available, or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.
How to Appeal
The letter from FEMA will provide information on the types of documents or information that FEMA needs. It will also include an optional appeal form that you can use. Your appeal must be submitted within 60 days of the date of your decision letter.
You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each decision letter you receive from FEMA explains types of documents that may help you appeal your FEMA’s decision or award amount for that type of assistance.
Supporting documents may include:
Receipts,
Bills,
Repair estimates,
Property titles or deeds, or
Any other information that may support the reasons for the appeal.
What should I include on documents I send to FEMA?
All documents you send to FEMA as part of your appeal should include your:
Full name,
Current phone number and address,
Disaster Number (DR-4821-GA for Tropical Storm Debby) (DR-4830-GA for Hurricane Helene) and FEMA Application Number written on all pages, and
Address of the disaster-damaged home.
Receipts, bills and estimates must include the business name and contact information to help FEMA confirm the information.
Can someone appeal for me?
Yes. If you send a written explanation for the appeal that is written by someone other than you, it must include their signature. FEMA will need your written permission to share information about your application. You can do this by completing an Authorization for the Release of Information Under the Privacy Act form and sending it to FEMA.
How can I send documents?
You can send appeals or supporting documents to FEMA by:
Uploading to your disaster assistance account at DisasterAssistance.gov,
Mailing to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement:
“On October 7th, 2023, I was getting ready to board a flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel along with several of my colleagues on a Congressional delegation. Then came the first reports and the continuing confirmations of the brutal and deadly attacks by Hamas that killed more than a thousand Israelis and saw hundreds more dragged into Gaza to be held as hostages. Our hearts sank with the realization that this was Israel’s 9-11. We were redirected back to the United States.
“But we weren’t there long. I returned to Israel alongside my friend Sen. Joni Ernst and once there we immediately visited the kibbutzim ravaged by the terrorists who carried out an unprovoked slaughter of civilians. We saw the blood stains and bullet holes on the walls of homes, while others were completely burned to the ground. We saw the ransacked possessions of the residents and the scattered toys of children. We were shown residences and told ‘there were no survivors.’
“One year later – and with the support of its strongest friends – Israel has rallied and rebuilt, answered anguish with action, and turned the tide against terror. It is a remarkable achievement that may indeed be the hinge of history turning.
“This is the time to not only stand with Israel but also offer more than the repeated rhetoric of supporting its right to defend itself. We must defend Israel’s very right to exist and to live in peace and security with its neighbors. But it will be – to borrow a phrase from Ronald Reagan – peace through strength.
“On this October 7th – just as with the last one – we need to say loud and clear: Israel Must Win.”
Please see Congressman Issa’s Op-Ed in the Washington Examiner today.
If you’re offered a free cookie, you might say yes. But if you’re paid to eat a free cookie, would your response be the same?
In our new research, twice as many people were willing to eat a cookie when they weren’t offered payment compared with when they were.
From a purely economic perspective, our findings reflect irrational decision making. Objectively, a cookie plus money is better than just a cookie.
But people aren’t purely economic. They’re social animals with a tendency to look for hidden reasons behind other people’s behaviours.
In the case of overly generous deals, people are expecting a “phantom cost” – one hidden in the initial offer. And this expectation influences their decision to accept something or not.
Research participants who were offered a free cookie plus payment thought maybe the cookies were poisoned. Or maybe someone spat on them. Or they expected they would then owe a favour to the person handing out the treats once the cookie was eaten.
Too good to be true
Our cookies study was just one of ten experiments involving 4,205 participants in the United States and Iran.
We tested how phantom costs influenced people’s choices to accept or reject overly generous economic offers.
Each study gave people an offer. They had to decide whether to accept or not, and then explain why.
One study asked participants to imagine they were a truck driver and looking online for a job. All the jobs were described the same way, but we varied the wage. People offered the normal US$15 per hour were perfectly willing to take the job.
Others were offered more than the normal wage. The participants in this group imagined phantom costs. And the higher the wage they were offered, the worse the costs they imagined.
When offered $20 or $25 per hour, participants imagined the role involved more responsibilities or harder work. But they considered this to be worth it. Most people preferred a job that paid a bit more than normal, despite the expectation of phantom costs.
However, when we offered way too much money – more than $900 per hour – most people rejected the job they were willing to do for $15.
Why? They imagined far worse phantom costs: driving for the mob, carrying dangerous radioactive waste or smuggling drugs across the border. A suspiciously high hourly rate or wage can end up putting people off.
Suspicion is global
We repeated this experiment with different jobs, different normal wages, and in different countries.
In both the US and Iran, despite very different types of economy, people showed the same pattern of suspicion and rejected very high wages. The only difference was that in Iran the expected wages were lower, so the wages didn’t have to be high by US standards to become suspicious.
Another experiment tested how phantom costs could affect purchases of plane tickets involving a hypothetical choice between three flights.
One cost $235, another $275. When the third option was $205, most people chose that. However, if the third option was $15, hardly anyone chose the cheapest flight. They rejected it because they imagined horrible phantom costs such as terrorists and plane crashes.
However, when we provided a reason for the low price – very uncomfortable seats – most people preferred the $15 flight. Uncomfortable seats are not usually a selling point. But they explained the cheap price, so people didn’t search for other, dangerous explanations.
Sufficient explanations for something being a great deal remove people’s tendency to imagine phantom costs.
A good offer, not a suspicious one
Businesses face a balancing act when it comes to offering customers a good deal.
On the one hand, the expectation of phantom costs decreases interest in the offer. On the other hand, price-sensitive consumers are often looking for ways to get the best deal.
To avoid the pitfalls of phantom costs, businesses need to communicate their reasons for offering a particularly good deal. A “holiday sale” or “end-of-season sale”, for example, may explain why items are discounted.
In the job market, identifying “good performance” as a reason for an employee’s pay raise can sidestep the expectation of hidden downsides – such as an increased workload.
It’s clear people are not merely self-interested economic beings. We’re savvy, psychological beings capable of reading into the motivations of others to protect ourselves from offers that seem too good to be true.
Andrew Vonasch does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Today’s announcement is really what happens when different levels of government, the city and the federal government, work together for the people who we represent.
September 27, 2024
We are here with Team Scarborough, with three outstanding Scarborough MPs, Gary, John and Jean. I want to say to everyone here in Scarborough, they love this amazing community. And it’s really great to have two great Scarborough city councillors, Jamaal and Parthi, and as I said, wonderful to be here with the mayor. Today’s announcement is really what happens when different levels of government, the city and the federal government, work together for the people who we represent.
Every single elected person here is elected by people in Toronto to represent them. And I think we’re also glad to be coming together to talk about something that we’re doing together to make life better for people here.
I want to start by talking just for a minute about some good economic news we’ve been having in Canada in recent weeks. Inflation in August was 2 per cent. That’s a bull’s eye right in the middle of the Bank of Canada’s target range for inflation.
And in fact, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range all of this year. We have now had three interest rate cuts. Canada was the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the first time. We were the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the second time. And we were the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the third time. That is real relief for Canadians.
Wages have outpaced inflation for the past 19 months in a row. We have also, over the past two weeks, seen some real progress on mortgages and on housing affordability.
Our government has announced that we will be raising the level for insured mortgages from $1 million to $1.5 million—really relevant in a city like Toronto—and increasing the amortization for first-time homebuyers and for people buying a newly built home to 30 years.
What that means practically is, if you are a first-time homebuyer, if you’re buying a newly built home, you’re going to be able to do that with a lower down payment and you’re going to have lower payments every single month, because we know how important it is that the dream of homeownership needs to remain in reach for people living in this amazing city.
And then, we had some more good news for people with mortgages. And that is the announcement by OSFI this week that if you already have a mortgage and you are renewing it and it is an uninsured mortgage, you do not have to requalify with a stress test to switch banks upon renewal.
That’s a really big deal. It is going to give people who see a renewal up ahead and are worried about it some real choice, some real options. If you have an insured mortgage, it is already the case that you don’t need to requalify with a stress test upon renewal. You can look around for the best deal you can get.
So that’s some really good news for Canadians. It’s really good news for the people of Toronto.
I am really happy that inflation was 2 per cent in August. For the past eight months in a row, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range, and the Bank of Canada has already reduced its policy rate three times.
And then we have even more good news that we’re here to highlight: an announcement about the TTC and electric buses. And I really want to start by thanking all of the people at the TTC who have made this possible, who run this incredibly important transit system every single day. It really is the circulatory system of our city.
And I want to give a special shout-out to an amazing guy I met this morning. His name is Tony, he’s an electrical technician, he’s worked here for 40 years. He’s the guy in charge of these amazing charging stations that we are about to see in operation. And he was so proud to tell me about the work that he and his colleagues have done putting this system in place and making this system work. And he also was proud to tell me about his family. He has three beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. And he does this work so that they can live in an amazing city and to support them and build a wonderful family here. He’s been working here for 40 years. Thank you very much Tony.
So the good news. Thanks to the hard work of Tony and his friends and colleagues here, and thanks to investments by the City of Toronto and the Government of Canada, we’re making a $700 million joint investment of which the federal government is contributing half, the City of Toronto half, in 340 zero emission buses and the amazing charging system that we see here behind us. The first two vehicles are here today.
We’re going to get on them and show them off and I am really looking forward to it. This is so important. This is about providing great transit for people in Toronto. It means you can get to work, you can get to school, you can get to see your friends and have fun. It means doing it in a way that is clean and green, and I’m really glad that there are some people here from Nova because we’re also supporting great jobs in Canada building these amazing buses.
Today’s investment builds on sustained investment by the federal government in this amazing city, including in public transit. Since 2015, we have invested more than $10 billion, $10.4 billion to be exact, in public transit in Toronto. We are really, really proud to do that, and we’ve invested $30 billion in transit projects across the country. We’re a growing country and we need to be investing so people can get around.
So it’s such a great pleasure to be here, to congratulate and to thank the amazing people who work here and to celebrate what we’re doing together with the City of Toronto, with my Toronto caucus colleagues, to improve the lives of Canadians, of Torontonians.
The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, Marc Serré, will speak at the 2024 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Conference of Mining Regions and Cities.
Later that day, Minister Wilkinson will make a funding announcement in support of critical minerals infrastructure projects in Ontario. He will be joined by Parliamentary Secretary Serré and Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury. A media availability will follow.
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time: 12 p.m. ET
All accredited media are asked to pre-register for the funding announcement by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.cano later than 2 p.m. ET on October 8. A dial-in line is available for media and will be provided upon registration.
While it may be easy for patients to misunderstand the role of physician assistants, those who work with PAs are well aware how integral they are to care teams across many specialties.
“They’re our backbone,” says Karen Curley, senior director of nursing, who oversees UConn Health’s operating room.
From left: Alex Shaw, Kaitlyn Hill, Martha Grajewski, Meaghan Trzasko, Allyson Satkowski, and Jeffrey Reut are among the physician assistants who are part of the surgical teams in UConn Health’s operating room. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo)
“A good PA in the OR is invaluable,” says Rosemary Swanke, UConn Health’s program director of advance practice staff.
UConn Health employs 73 physician assistants throughout both the inpatient and outpatient enterprises; 40 of them are credentialed to work in the OR, which has seen an upward trend in volume as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have subsided.
Their title can sound misleading, as if they are assistants to physicians. But see them in action in and you’re likely to draw a different conclusion.
I’m able to connect with patients and get them feeling better on one of their potentially worst days. — Martha Grajewski
“Many of the PAs at John Dempsey Hospital work as first assist in the OR in a variety of specialty areas, including neurosurgery, general surgery, orthopedics, pulmonary/oncology, and thoracic surgery,” Swanke says. “The PAs working in the OR are highly skilled in advanced intra-operative techniques. They are very familiar with our surgeons and the specialized techniques used in the OR. They are able to anticipate the next step in the procedure and assist the surgeon, significantly improving the efficiency of each operative case.”
“First assist” refers to a surgical role that is performed intraoperatively with the surgeon. Knowledge of the procedure, anatomy, surgical equipment and technical skills are required of a proficient first assist. This role complements the surgeon by providing exposure, suturing, anticipating the needs of the surgeon, and clear communication with the operative team.
Alex Shaw is lead physician assistant in UConn Health’s Division of Neurosurgery. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo)
Alex Shaw, lead PA for neurosurgery, describes a typical day on the job.
“If I am covering inpatient or the operating room, I’m rounding on patients and then discussing plans with the attending neurosurgeon, potentially going into the operating room, completing tasks such as discharges, consults, admissions, bedside procedures such as drain removals, and completing any other floor tasks requiring provider follow-up or assessment,” Shaw says.
Both Shaw and Martha Grajewski, lead PA for general surgery, have been in their lead roles for the last three years, and with that comes additional responsibilities beyond clinical, such as scheduling, hiring, orienting, and educating.
They normally work three shifts per week of 12 to 14 hours, rotating through days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Grajewski describes a typical day shift in general surgery.
Martha Grajewski is lead physician assistant in UConn Health’s General Surgery Division. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo)
“We start rounding on our admitted patients at 6 a.m.,” Grajewski says. “Following rounds, patients are discussed with attendings and we sign out the plans to our team, who will execute the patient’s plans for the day. This can include procedures, discharges, orders, reviewing imaging, or updating patients and their families on progress. Our OR cases start at 7:30. Each day is different and may include covering cases in the OR, completing consults, providing postoperative care or bedside procedures.”
Physician assistants are licensed clinicians who undergo rigorous training. They can prescribe medications, manage acute and chronic diseases, and perform bedside procedures in addition to first assisting in the OR.
“The neurosurgery advanced practice providers under the exemplary leadership of Alex Shaw are truly exceptional colleagues in helping optimize patient care in the inpatient, outpatient, and OR settings,” says Dr. Ketan Bulsara, chief of UConn Health’s Division of Neurosurgery. “The physician assistants provide a unique perspective given their training background.”
Shaw has been a PA for eight years, all at UConn Health, starting in general surgery, and now in her fifth year in neurosurgery.
“Here at UConn Health, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing PA and APRN teammates,” she says. “The attending physicians and colleagues I work with as well have greatly contributed to further learning that I may not have received at another institution.”
Grajewski has been a physician assistant for 20 years, the last 13 at UConn Health, entirely in general surgery. She oversees the inpatient PAs covering general surgery, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, thoracic surgery and trauma/emergency general surgery.
From left: Erin Peters, Trevor McCarthy, Alex Shaw, and Anya Sweeney are among UConn Health’s surgical physician assistants. (Photo provided by Alex Shaw)
“Martha expertly handles multiple administrative tasks and scheduling issues while supporting a diverse clinical service,” says Dr. Brian Shames, chief of UConn Health’s General Surgery Division. “Her clinical skills are exceptional and she is a mentor for all of the young PAs on our service. She is an incredible team member, and I cannot imagine our service without her.”
Grajewski enjoys the team aspect of her job, working with, among others, attendings, residents, medical students, and nurses on the hospital floors to achieve the best patient outcomes. And that’s what she finds rewarding about being a physician assistant.
“I’m able to connect with patients and get them feeling better on one of their potentially worst days,” Grajewski says.
“Every day, we can see the positive impact we make on patients’ lives,” Shaw says.
Swanke points out that UConn Health has PAs working at high levels of expertise beyond the OR.
“Many are very skilled at performing procedures outside the OR in the ICU, on the hospital units, in clinic and in the ED,” she says. “Some of the physician assistants work in the clinics, seeing patients preoperatively and postoperatively in addition to assisting in the OR. They have many roles and areas of expertise throughout the hospital.”
It is wonderful to be here with you today for this special occasion, at Farragut Seawall, named after our Nation’s first Admiral and our Navy’s first prominent Hispanic leader.
Assistant Secretary Berger, thank you for your leadership as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and the Environment. The work you do every day is crucially important for the readiness of our Sailors, Marines, and Midshipmen.
Vice Admiral Davids, thank you for your leadership of the Naval Academy and of the future leaders of our Navy and Marine Corps.
To all of our distinguished guests, Navy and Marine Corps leaders, Naval Academy faculty, and those who laid the groundwork to get us to where we are today: welcome and thank you for joining us to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the newly fortified Farragut Seawall.
Enduring Priorities
When I entered office as Secretary of the Navy, I laid out Three Enduring Priorities zhich are the foundation for all we do in the Department of the Navy.
My priority of Strengthening Maritime Dominance centers on ensuring our Sailors and Marines have the best ships, aircraft, and technology available, so that if we are called, we may fight and decisively win our Nation’s wars.
And my priority of Building a Culture of Warfighting Excellence concerns taking care of people.
Our people—our Midshipmen—are our greatest strength, and force readiness begins and ends with them.
And just as our people all around the world deserve robust infrastructure to work, sleep, and study, they also deserve protection from external threats caused by one of the most destabilizing forces of our time.
To remain the world’s dominant maritime force, the Department of the Navy must rapidly adapt to existential threats such as climate change.
Building a Climate-Ready Force
In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel battered the Atlantic Coast.
And the category five hurricane did not spare the Naval Academy or our future warfighters here.
The rising water flooded classrooms and damaged buildings—the devastation is evident in photos depicting classroom doors barely peeking above the floodwaters and buildings around the Yard partially submerged.
The damage resulted in disruptions to classes and normal operations for our Brigade of Midshipmen, along with over one hundred million dollars’ worth of repairs.
And since Hurricane Isabel made landfall twenty years ago, our world today has continued to face increasingly unpredictable and devasting weather phenomenon.
Yet, the Department of the Navy is actively adapting and innovating for the changing landscape of the world and indeed of warfare.
We have set out ambitious goals which we accomplish through installation resilience—by ensuring that our people, systems, and facilities can continue to operate effectively and accomplish our mission in the face of worsening climate impacts.
Less than two years ago, we held a ceremony here to break ground on the first project to safeguard the Naval Academy from rising sea levels.
Our efforts today will significantly enhance the development of our future Navy and Marine Corps leaders, enabling them to learn, grow, and thrive with minimal disruption.
For the sake of force resilience and our people, we must continue looking over the horizon towards future challenges, finding new ways to innovate and modernize our Force.
May the success of the Farragut Seawall project illuminate the path for future climate resilience initiatives.
Closing
I thank all of you for being here today, to celebrate this momentous occasion and the Department of the Navy’s commitment to our future Navy and Marine Corps Officers.
I look forward to the enduring success of my alma mater as the difficult task of shaping warfighters to face an uncertain future continues—from tomorrow to 2100 and beyond.
May God bless our Midshipmen, Sailors, Marines, and all who support them. Thank you.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ABUJA, Nigeria, October 7, 2024/APO Group/ —
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), successfully concluded a workshop on Non-Interest Banking and Trade Finance in Nigeria. Held from 17th to 19th September 2024 in Abuja, the sessions aimed to enhance capacity and knowledge in Islamic banking principles, trade finance products and services, and how different financial toolkits are applied in Islamic finance from operational and business perspectives.
Nigeria’s Islamic finance industry, valued at US$3.8 billion, is one of the major Shariah compliant industries in Africa. Despite some challenges such as low public awareness and a smaller capital base compared to conventional banks, Islamic finance has been substantially contributing to reduce financial exclusion and improve access to affordable finance in the country. The three-day workshop was designed to bridge prevailing knowledge gaps focusing on key areas such as Sukuk issuance and main non-interest banking products basics.
Delivered under ITFC’s Integrated Trade Solutions framework, the workshop equipped professionals with the skills to promote Islamic finance in Nigeria while also highlighting ITFC’s wide range of trade financing services.
Participants reported a significant boost in understanding Islamic banking and trade finance, and the workshop showcased ITFC’s contributions to economic development through sustainable financial solutions.
Eng. Nasser Al Thakair, ITFC, remarked: “ITFC is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in Islamic finance, tailoring this workshop to address the unique challenges faced. We will continue to provide the expertise and financial backing needed to grow Islamic finance in Nigeria and beyond.”
Over 30 professionals from the Central Bank of Nigeria, non-interest banks, and other financial institutions attended, further advancing Islamic finance in the country.
As Nigeria positions itself as a leading market for Islamic finance in Africa, ITFC remains dedicated to advancing trade finance and supporting the growth of the sector for long-term economic impact.
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Funding comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant Program
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed over $1.6 million in federal funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for eight Colorado organizations that offer adaptive sports, recreational activities, and equine therapy for veterans and service members living with disabilities. The funding comes from the VA’s’ Adaptive Sports Grant Program, which supports more opportunities for disabled veterans to play recreational sports and activities customized to better fit their needs.
“Adaptive sports give our wounded veterans a community and outlet for mental health,” said Hickenlooper. “This funding makes it easier for our disabled vets to hit the slopes and enjoy all the outdoor activities that make Colorado special.”
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe, and we owe them our support after they have served. Colorado veterans deserve to live a full and independent life, and this funding will help wounded heroes access athletics and other recreational activities,” said Bennet.
“These grants give Veterans life-changing opportunities to participate in adaptive sports in the communities where they live all across the country,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We know adaptive sports and recreational activities can be transformational for Veterans living with disabilities, improving their overall physical and mental health, and also giving them important community with fellow heroes who served.”
VA has awarded over $119 million in grants through the Adaptive Sports Grant Program during the last nine years. This program is one of VA’s many initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of those who have served.
A full list of selected organizations is below:
Location
Project Name
Amount Awarded
Sports
Westminster
Adaptive Adventures
$748,510
Alpine Skiing, Climbing, Cycling, Dragon Boat, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Snowboarding
Snowmass Village
Challenge Aspen
$230,100
Alpine Skiing, Archery, Biking, Fly Fishing, Snowboarding
Denver
National Sports Center for the Disabled
$145,394
Air Gun, Alpine Skiing, Archery, Biking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Nordic Skiing, Rafting, Snowboarding
Vail
Vail Veterans Foundation, Inc.
$72,515
Alpine Skiing, Fly Fishing, Horseback Riding, Rafting, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Ziplining
Crested Butte
Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte, Inc.
$180,320
Alpine Skiing, Backpacking, Biking, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Kayaking, Nordic Skiing, Paddleboarding, Rafting, Snowshoeing
Breckenridge
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
$105,637
Air Rifle, Archery, Boccia, Cycling, Golf, Kayaking, Powerlifting, Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball
Colorado Springs
Archery School of the Rockies Inc.
$94,416
Archery
Fruita
Harmony Acres Equestrian Center
$67,201
Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies
It is an honor to be with you here today at the Naval Academy for the groundbreaking ceremony of the long overdue renovations to Bancroft Hall, named in honor of this school’s founder and the 17th Secretary of the Navy, George Bancroft.
Assistant Secretary Berger, thank you for being here today, and for your leadership as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and the Environment. The work you accomplish every day is critical to supporting our Sailors, Marines, and future warfighters here at the Naval Academy.
Vice Admiral Davids, thank you for your leadership of the future officers of our Navy and Marine Corps, and for your commitment to prioritizing the infrastructure which supports our education enterprise.
Mayor Buckley, thank you for being here today, for your service and leadership of the City of Annapolis, and for your unwavering support of our Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy.
County Executive Pittman, we share the values of a more sustainable and secure energy future, and I thank you for your continued partnership and service to Anne Arundel County.
And I know we could not be here today without the detailed planning and heavy lift of so many of our outside partners, those who have realized this plan from its inception two years ago.
Captain Schwarz, the interdependence between the Naval Support Activity and the Naval Academy is on full display today. Thank you for your leadership and guidance of NSA Annapolis.
To all of our flag and general officers, distinguished guests, Navy and Marine Corps leaders, and Naval Academy faculty: welcome and thank you for joining us to celebrate the groundbreaking and beginning of our Bancroft Hall renovations.
Enduring Priorities
When I entered office as Secretary of the Navy, I laid out Three Enduring Priorities which serve as the foundation of all we do in the Department of the Navy.
My priority of Strengthening Maritime Dominance centers on ensuring our people have the best infrastructure, equipment, and technology available, so that, if called, we may fight and decisively win our Nation’s wars.
Strengthening maritime dominance also crucially encompasses adapting to our current and future threats—including climate change, a national security threat which jeopardizes the operational readiness of our Navy and Marine Corps.
My priority of Building a Culture of Warfighting Excellence is focused on taking care of people.
Because our people—Sailors, Marines, civilians, and Midshipmen alike—provide the foundational strength for this Department.
In order to accomplish their mission, our Midshipmen require adequate facilities to train, learn, and grow.
And the Department of the Navy is forward-looking and focused on the challenges which lie ahead.
Building a Climate-Ready Force
We have created the foundation and guidelines by which we are building a climate-ready, warfighting force through Climate Action 2030 and the Naval Academy’s Installation Resilience Plan.
Here at the Naval Academy, we are developing solutions to climate issues through the Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience, or “CESIR” [SEE-zuhr].
Established earlier this year, CESIR will equip Midshipmen with the knowledge and skills to address complex climate challenges throughout their naval careers.
What’s more, we are investing in the climate resiliency of our facilities, to include this renovation of Bancroft Hall.
As the center of Midshipman life—the building in which our over four thousand future Navy and Marine Corps Officers sleep and study, Bancroft Hall is a symbol of the Naval Academy as a whole.
The bonds of camaraderie among our Midshipmen are forged here at Bancroft Hall, creating lifelong friendships and shaping our young Americans into the warfighting leaders our Navy and Marine Corps Team needs.
However, severe weather events have impacted the longevity of our buildings both inside and out.
Given the criticality of Bancroft Hall to the mission of the United States Naval Academy in developing the future warfighters of our Fleet and our Force, we must continue to invest in its maintenance and improvement.
As I have said before, our people are our greatest strength, and force readiness and resilience begin and end with them.
This critical investment in our infrastructure is inextricably connected to our mission readiness here at the Naval Academy.
Despite the tremendous scale and consequences of climate change, we possess both the means and opportunity to address them, and I am proud to stand here today as we embark on the beginning of this necessary infrastructure investment for our Midshipmen.
Closing
I thank all of you once more for joining us today, to celebrate the groundbreaking of our Bancroft Hall renovation efforts, the first step in reducing the threat posed by the world’s changing climate to our personnel, platforms, systems, and installations.
It is my sincere hope that our actions today spur collective action throughout the Department of Defense, the Nation, and indeed the world.
May God bless our Midshipmen, Sailors, Marines, civilians, and all who support them.
Attributable to Sergeant Tim Coudret, Clutha Police:
Police are reminding motorists to be vigilant after a search warrant targeting an alleged thief, was executed in Milton yesterday morning, Monday 7 October.
Enquiries began following a noted rise in thefts from vehicles over the last few week. Thanks to these enquiries and information from the community the person believed responsible was identified.
A young person was arrested and an assortment of items were recovered which Police will be looking to reunite with their rightful owners.
A 17-year-old is due to appear in the Dunedin Youth Court in due course.
Unfortunately, there are people out there willing to benefit from crime, but yesterday’s work shows the commitment of Police to stopping those individuals.
Police are urging all vehicle owners to take additional precautions to secure their vehicles, such as locking doors, removing valuables from sight, and parking in well-lit areas.
We would like to ask the community to look out for each other and if you see any suspicious activity happening, please contact us on 111 immediately.
To report a theft after it has occurred, please update us online now at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or 105.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
