NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Raises Alarm Over Damaged Navy Oiler in Arabian Sea

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to press reports that the Navy’s fleet oiler USNS Big Horn was damaged off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea:
    “I am troubled about reports that the Navy’s sole fleet oiler in the CENTCOM region has been rendered temporarily inoperable. If we cannot fuel our ships, our capabilities will be greatly diminished,” Senator Wicker. “The Big Horn’s problems also speak to a larger challenge – we are woefully in need of a larger logistics fleet, which is the lifeline for our global military presence. I hope this incident serves as a wake-up call that it is high time to fix our shipbuilding industrial base and support our merchant mariners.”
    Senator Wicker posed the following questions to the Department of Defense:
    Where did the Big Horn take damage?
    What is the initial damage assessment for the Big Horn?
    What was the cause of the damage (weather, navigator error, etc.)?
    Can the Big Horn operate under its own power?
    What is the estimated time required for the repair of the vessel?
    Is there another vessel able to fill the capability gap? If so, when will it be in the area?
    Does the administration support additional executable funding for fleet oilers in the FY25 appropriations process?
    Senator Wicker noted the following facts related to shortfalls in the U.S. Navy’s logistics fleet:
    Senator Wicker’s recent “21st Century Peace Through Strength” report calls for adding funds for an additional T-AO fleet oiler, as well as investments into modular CONSOL adapter kits and related equipment to allow commercial ships to replenish Navy vessels.
    Senator Wicker’s budget amendment that passed through the Senate Armed Services Committee markup of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act included $398 million for fleet oiler advance procurement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Statement on President Biden Planning to Use Presidential Drawdown Authority for Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following comment in response to reports that the Biden-Harris administration intends to notify Congress that they will tap into the nearly $6 billion remaining in Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for Ukraine.
     
    The authority to transfer weapons to Ukraine would expire October 1, 2024, unless Congress approves an extension. The administration does not plan to accelerate the transfer of weapons to Ukraine, meaning this nearly $6 billion package will be parceled out through the end of calendar year 2025 at current rates.
     
    “It is unfortunately typical of this administration to wait until the last possible moment to announce full use of the PDA. Brave Ukrainians are fighting and dying defending their country so that Americans and Europeans won’t have to. President Biden needs to expedite the actual transfer immediately. They need weapons, not words,” Senator Wicker said.
     
    Congress granted President Biden extensive use of drawdown authority for two reasons: It enables him as commander-in-chief to deliver weaponry at a much faster rate to Ukraine than most other tools, and it would help the United States fortify its defense industrial base for the long term with replenishment funding.
     
    Senator Wicker also highlighted the following facts:
     
    Almost three years into this war, the Biden-Harris administration has not publicly articulated a strategy for Ukrainian victory, nor any measurement for the speedy delivery of weapons.
    Almost three years into this war, the Biden-Harris administration has yet to private or publicly conduct an assessment of how much weaponry the United States could give to Ukraine given that weapons transfers to date have significantly degraded the Russian military.
    Utilizing the PDA would expedite the distribution of artillery, air defense interceptors, missiles, and more from our stockpiles.
    In 2022, the Biden-Harris administration allowed nearly $3 billion in Ukraine support authority to expire.
    The Department of Defense is allowing decisions about weapons deliveries to take months longer than necessary, and some weapons systems contracts are now years behind where they could be.
    The spring 2024 national security supplemental was intended to last Ukraine through the election, with an authority to use $7.7 billion in weapons drawdowns. The Biden-Harris administration has not spent close to all of this figure, and is roughly supporting Ukraine at a pace four to six months behind the optimal tempo.
    The Biden-Harris administration still has roughly $2.8 billion in “recaptured” drawdown authority that they have not used.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Assault during Eyre break-in

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are investigating a break-in at Eyre, where a teenage boy was assaulted.

    About 2.30am today (Thursday, 26 September), police were called to a house in Edward John Parade after reports that three people had forced their way into the property and assaulted a 16-year-old boy.

    Two of the suspects were armed with machetes.

    An 18-year-old man from the house ran out and was chased by the suspects, who may have left the area in a black sedan.

    The injured boy was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

    Police suspect the incident was not random and ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Helps Congress Pass Two Bills to Combat Alzheimer’s & Improve Dementia Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing fast.  One in three older Americans dies with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.  And Congress needs to wisely prioritize research dollars to effectively combat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 
    The fight to find a cure and new treatments for Alzheimer’s got a significant boost this week as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a pair of bipartisan bills backed by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that previously cleared the U.S. Senate.
    Now that they have cleared both chambers, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA), are headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
    The NAPA Reauthorization Act reauthorizes NAPA through 2035 as a much needed roadmap for coordinated federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Since NAPA was first passed in 2011, Alzheimer’s research funding has increased seven-fold.  Today, funding for research into Alzheimer’s and other dementias totals over $3.8 billion.
    The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act would require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit an annual budget to Congress estimating the funding necessary to fully implement NAPA’s research goals.  This will help ensure Congress can make a well-informed decision  to determine necessary Alzheimer’s research funding levels.
    “This is a positive step toward renewing the nation’s commitment to healthy aging, boosting funding for Alzheimer’s research, and improving dementia care in Rhode Island and nationwide,” said Senator Reed, a cosponsor of both bills. “Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that impacts millions of families.  While real progress has been made over the last decade since we enacted NAPA, we’ve got to keep up the positive momentum.  These bipartisan bills will help ensure federal research investments into Alzheimer’s and dementia are wisely allocated and can fund breakthroughs, a cure, and effective help for caregivers and families struggling with this disease.” 
    According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.9 million older Americans – including 22,000 Rhode Islanders — are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024, a nationwide increase of about 200,000 cases over last year, and the population is projected to nearly double by 2060 to 14 million people.
    Alzheimer’s costs the United States an astonishing $360 billion per year, including $231 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, up $15 billion over the previous year
    As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Senator Reed helped provide a $275 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease research in the fiscal year 2025 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related Agencies Appropriations bill.  In 2019, NIH awarded Brown University researchers, along with Boston-based Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), over $53 million in federal research funds  to lead a nationwide effort to improve health care and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers.
    In 2011, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) led passage of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (P.L. 111-375), which Senator Reed supported.  NAPA convened a panel of experts, who created a coordinated strategic national plan to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025.  The law was set to expire soon and needed to be reauthorized to ensure that research investments remain coordinated, and their impact is maximized.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with attempted forcible abduction

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Man charged with attempted forcible abduction

    Thursday, 26 September 2024 – 8:20 am.

    Police have charged a 60-year-old man with attempted forcible abduction following an incident involving a youth at Queens Domain last night.
    Detective Sergeant Sam Storer said officers from the Bridgewater Criminal Investigation Branch and members from across the Southern Division quickly responded to reports of a man attempting to force the youth into a vehicle shortly after 8pm
    “The youth was not physically injured and provided a detailed version of events including the man’s number plate.”
    “Police located and arrested the man a short time later.”
    “He was charged and has been detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later today.”
    Police are calling for any witnesses to the incident to contact them, as well as anyone who was in the area at the time and has dashcam footage. 
    Information can be provided to police on 131 444, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NREL Experts Accelerate Electrification of Department of Defense Nontactical Fleets

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    One of the Nation’s Largest Fleets Is on the Path to Going Electric Thanks to NREL Tools, Analyses, and Experience

    NREL fleet electrification experts are partnering with the U.S. Army and other agencies within the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate transitioning their nontactical vehicle fleet to electric, like this vehicle plugged into a solar powered charging station at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Photo by Dave Cook

    As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow their share of the market, several federal agencies are transitioning their own fleets to EVs, too.

    At the U.S. Army, for example, 27% of the new or replacement light-duty vehicles (like sedans, minivans, and pickup trucks) ordered in 2022 were EVs or plug-in hybrids, up from just 1% the year before. To maintain the momentum, they needed to know they were making the right decisions on how many EVs they needed and how to manage their charging needs. So, the Army team and other agencies within the Department of Defense (DOD) turned to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for tools, analysis, and guidance.

    “The Army has expertise, resources, and funding for fleet electrification,” said NREL’s Leidy Boyce, a research engineer and federal fleet electrification expert. “But having that additional set of eyes—especially those who can offer decades of experience on charger deployment challenges—is what our partners look for when they come to NREL.”

    ‘We Connect the Dots’

    Crosscutting expertise, advanced tools, longtime experience, and responsiveness make NREL’s EV and charging infrastructure deployment experts the go-to fleet electrification resource. In a single year from 2021 to 2022, NREL researchers helped increase EV acquisitions in the federal fleets nearly sixfold.

    “It’s more difficult for DOD agencies to manage the many elements of EVSE [electric vehicle supply equipment] rollout than a private fleet company because these agencies are huge and have a critical responsibility for protecting the country that has to be their primary objective,” said Cabell Hodge, NREL’s Analysis and Vehicle Deployment group manager. “Therefore, they look to experts to consult on these matters, and our team fits the bill.”

    NREL researchers have worked with DOD since 2016 when they began helping the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army with site assessments to determine the best locations to install EVSE on its bases. More recently, NREL has engaged in complex projects to assess the potential for bidirectional charging as a resilience strategy with the U.S. Army National Guard, built a web tool for the entire federal government to complete EVSE site assessments remotely, and begun exploring the charging needs for privately owned vehicles at every Army base in the country.

    “Working with NREL provides assurance that it will be done right the first time,” Boyce said. “More than likely, we have done it before, we have the skills, and we can connect the dots between technologies and deployment strategies through data.”

    Tools for Everyone

    An electric vehicle is plugged into a charger at Naval Station Mayport. Photo by David Holt

    To achieve the nearly sixfold growth in federal fleet EV acquisitions without visiting every federal site, NREL developed tools to identify easy-to-electrify vehicles, group vehicles by location, identify charging station needs, and generate cost estimates for the chargers.

    These tools include the Zero-Emission Vehicle Planning and Charging (ZPAC) tool, which was developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program in planning for future zero-emission vehicle acquisitions, as well as NREL’s marquee EVI-X Modeling Suite of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Analysis Tools.

    In the last two years, DOD’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) funded the NREL team to assess where EVs can provide backup power and develop an EVSE site-assessment tool and cost estimator called EVI-LOCATE for federal fleets.

    “NREL has been a great partner in DOD’s efforts to electrify our nontactical vehicle fleet,” said Tim Tetreault, the Installation Energy and Water Program manager with ESTCP. “In addition to the tools they’ve developed, like ZPAC and EVI-LOCATE, their expertise and analytical capabilities are helping the department keep pace with the rapidly changing technology and evaluate how the department can potentially gain new capabilities with the transition to EVs.”

    “Developing EVI-LOCATE required our team to tap into expertise from many disciplines,” said Ranjit Desai, an electric vehicle charging researcher at NREL. “We relied on the lab’s expertise in fleet operations and on how federal fleets work, our team’s understanding of the duty cycles and operations of DOD fleets, and our analysis capabilities such as financial modeling—all that had to come together to build the tool.”

    The NREL researchers also had to be prepared to pivot. As part of developing EVI-LOCATE, the team conducted stakeholder engagement to understand how agencies using the tool needed it to work. DOD fleet managers shared that they needed to transmit EVI-LOCATE results—site recommendations and cost estimates—to a specific government form to request funding from agency leadership to install EVSE. To streamline the process, they wanted EVI-LOCATE to generate results formatted to easily be inputted into the form, rather than the existing generalized report output. In response, the NREL team is crafting a solution to get the tool’s output directly into the form’s format, making the tool even more applicable and valuable for DOD’s specific use case.

    The federal fleets team is currently creating a public version of EVI-LOCATE—expected to roll out later in 2024—that will let people anywhere plan for commercial charging stations.

    Beyond providing analysis and tools for planning zero-emission vehicle acquisitions and charger installation, NREL researchers use their experience with EVSE deployment to provide recommendations for DOD on which combination of charger power levels is appropriate. Level 1, Level 2, and direct-current fast charging all have different levels of power, charging speeds, and requirements for installation. Deciding what distribution of chargers to use depends on when EVs are being used, the length of each vehicle’s shift, and the number of shifts, among other factors. NREL experts are helping DOD identify the most cost- and energy-efficient mix of chargers.

    Additionally, NREL is helping DOD assess how their sites will have to adapt to prepare for increased electricity demand from more EVs. Adapting could mean adjusting charging strategies to balance demand over periods of time or expanding the electrical distribution grid. A potential NREL-developed tool can help entities like DOD select the strategies that work for them.

    One of the reasons Hodge enjoys working with DOD is that the resulting analyses and tools can propel the entire industry forward.

    “The work tends to be on the cutting edge,” Hodge said. “DOD wants us to conduct critical analysis such as using bidirectional chargers as backup power for critical loads. The analysis and tools we develop for them can then be scaled and shared to support many others interested in EV adoption.”

    Desai agreed.

    “The DOD fleet is one of the largest fleets in the United States,” he said. “If DOD can transition their nontactical vehicles to zero emissions, that is a high-profile success story for vehicle electrification.”

    Learn more about NREL’s transportation and mobility research. And sign up for NREL’s quarterly transportation and mobility research newsletter, Sustainable Mobility Matters, to stay current on the latest news.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sewell Votes for Continuing Resolution to Avert a Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown and fund the federal government at current levels through December 20, 2024. Despite Republican infighting, House Democrats united to responsibly keep the government open. Sadly, 82 House Republicans followed former President Trump’s orders and attempted to shut down the government over disproven election lies.

    “I voted for this continuing resolution because it would prevent the costly and devastating effects of government shutdown. But make no mistake, the failure of House Republicans to fund the government through the regular appropriations process is leaving many of our federal agencies without adequate funding to serve the American people,” said Rep. Sewell. “For example, this measure would prolong Republicans’ $47.5 million cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, hurting the agency’s ability to combat gun violence in our communities.”

    “While Democrats have shown again and again that we are focused on governing, it is disappointing that so many House Republicans would rather take orders from Donald Trump than do what is best for the American people,” continued Sewell.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Schrier Introduces The Access to Claims Data Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) alongside Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08)  announced a bipartisan bill, The Access to Claims Data Act, which would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a program that allows clinician-led clinical data registries access to Medicare claims data for research, quality of care measurement, and reporting. Clinician-led clinical data registries are data repositories operated by physician groups that collect information about particular diseases and therapies.

    “As a doctor, I understand how beneficial and effective quality data is for physician researchers to develop best practices so that all physicians can provide their patients with the best care possible,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan legislation which will help improve patient outcomes in both the immediate and long-term future.”

    “When it comes to health information, nobody is more qualified to assess and evaluate than those who provide direct patient care,” said Congressman Bucshon, M.D. “That is why I am proud to introduce the Access to Claims Data Act—commonsense legislation that will increase transparency of health care reimbursement claims, better informing clinicians and ultimately improving outcomes for patients.”

    “Folks in our region deserve a federal government that is providing them with access to affordable and effective healthcare,” said Congressman Kilmer. “That’s why I’m supporting bipartisan legislation that will help support the necessary research to ensure that today’s medical treatments and interventions are effective, accessible, and reliable, by providing medical professionals with the information they need to make informed decisions about the best course of action for their patients. Having these decisions based on data and facts will better serve people across the country in the long run and allow for advancements in patient safety and outcomes.”

    “The reintroduction of the Access to Claims Data Act is a pivotal step towards enhancing patient care and advancing longitudinal research,” said Jennifer Romano, MD, MS, President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). “By providing surgeons and other providers with comprehensive access to federal claims data, we can identify trends, improve treatment protocols, and ultimately ensure better patient outcomes. This legislation empowers clinicians with the information necessary to make informed decisions, driving quality and efficiency in our healthcare system.”

    “The American College of Cardiology has led the field in clinical data registries for more than two decades, helping the cardiovascular community measure and improve the quality of care they provide by ensuring evidence-based practices. The Access to Claims Data Act would further enable clinician-led data registries to improve the ability to perform research and data analyses that will inform treatment choices; assist in the evaluation of practice patterns and the dissemination of best practices; and inform future research endeavors,” said ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC. “The ACC strives to transform cardiovascular care and improve patient outcomes in all our endeavors. We look forward to working with Congress to pass this legislation as the entire medical community works to provide the best possible care for all our patients.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sewell Leads Moment of Silence on the House Floor for the Victims of the Birmingham Five Points South Shooting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) led her colleagues in a moment of silence for the victims of the Birmingham Five Points South shooting on the House Floor. Rep. Sewell was joined by her colleagues of the Alabama delegation and other representatives whose districts have been affected by gun violence. 

    Watch it on YouTube here.

    Rep. Sewell: It is with great sadness that I rise to recognize the victims of the horrific mass shooting that rattled Birmingham, Alabama’s community over the weekend.

    On Saturday night, just after 11:00 p.m., 21 people were shot in Birmingham’s Five Points South entertainment district, and four lost their lives.

    Our thoughts are with the families as they endure this unimaginable loss, and we pray for a speedy recovery for those that were injured.

    James 2:26 teaches us that faith without works is dead. While our thoughts and prayers are important, only by taking meaningful action can we stem this needless loss of life.

    Elected officials at every level must do all we can to eliminate the pandemic, the epidemic of gun violence that is raging in our communities. It’s past time for Congress to act.

    I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence for the Birmingham victims of Saturday night’s shooting and their families.

    Thank you, and I yield back.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Houlahan Issues Statement on Afghanistan Withdrawal Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement on H.Res. 1469 – Ensuring accountability for key officials in the Biden-Harris administration responsible for decisionmaking and execution failures throughout the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was voted on the House Floor today. 

    “I voted no on H.Res. 1469 because it is nothing but political theater. The instinct to point fingers and place blame is not helpful in understanding the mistakes made in the Afghan withdrawal and only adds to the heated rhetoric that is dividing our nation right now. I am on the record as being critical of how the withdrawal was executed, citing issues with how both this administration and the former made decisions counterproductive to lasting stability and peace. But this resolution does nothing to add to a meaningful or actionable dialog. It’s personally and politically punitive, and I won’t participate in it. Instead of condemning the fifteen people listed in this resolution, I will take this opportunity to name those Americans we lost in the ISIS-K attack outside the Kabul airport:  

    1. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover  

    2. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo  

    3. Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee  

    4. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez  

    5. Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W Page – 

    6. Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez  

    7. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza  

    8. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz  

    9. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum  

    10.   Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola  

    11.   Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui  

    12.   Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak  

    13.   Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss,” said Houlahan.  

    Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden statement after voting for continuing resolution, preventing government shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today released the following statement after voting for a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through December 20: 

    “Voting ‘yes’ on this stopgap funding bill was the right call to keep the government open and avoid the chaos of a shutdown. But that is the bare minimum of Congress’ responsibility. When the House returns to pass the full budget, lawmakers should skip the brinkmanship and embrace the only approach that has worked for the past two years: a bipartisan agreement based on the Fiscal Responsibility Act’s spending levels that have already been signed into law.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Braun recognizes Wabash & Erie Canal Park in Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Mike Braun (Indiana)

    Senator Braun passed a resolution through the Senate this week celebrating the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal and the volunteer and community efforts in Carroll County to keep that history alive.

    The resolution:

    • celebrates the Wabash & Erie Canal as a historic landmark that preserves the story of the canal systems of the United States and their importance to early settlers for future generations;
    • recognizes the prominent role that the Wabash & Erie Canal, the second-largest canal in the world as of 2024, had in the growth and expansion of the United States, especially in the Midwest and in the State of Indiana;
    • recognizes Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc., for its extensive community efforts to preserve the Wabash & Erie Canal while offering educational and recreational services to the public; and
    • commemorates the 50th anniversary of Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc., that was founded to preserve canal history and make it possible for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the last remaining navigable section of the Wabash & Erie Canal in the State of Indiana.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

    Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown

    “Instead of working with Democrats to advance bipartisan fiscal year (FY) 2025 funding legislation, MAGA Republicans pulled political stunts and advanced extreme bills, which has only wasted time and caused chaos. That is not governance.

    Unlike House Republicans’ extreme full FY 2025 proposals, this bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) would largely continue existing federal funding through December 20th, preventing a disastrous government shutdown. I voted to protect access to government services and benefits that our families, our workers, and our communities need and to ensure that our military and our federal employees can continue to be paid.

    Yet again, House Democrats had to bail out the House Republican majority and provide the necessary votes to ensure Congress meets its basic responsibility of funding our federal government. Much work remains when it comes to finalizing FY 2025 funding. I hope Speaker Johnson recognizes that the only path forward is working with Democrats in a bipartisan fashion to make sure we invest in critical priorities such as health, education, transportation, housing, and other needs.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Costa’s Legislation to Enhance Clean Drinking Water, Forest Health in the San Joaquin Valley

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after he voted to pass the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to restore forest health, increase resiliency against wildfires, and expedite forest restoration projects.

    The Fix Our Forests Act includes Costa’s Headwaters Protection Act, which reforms the Water Source Protection Program (WSPP) by boosting authorized funding, expanding eligibility for public entities like local water districts, and increasing the federal cost share to increase interest and participation in the program.

    “The health of California’s watersheds, waterways, and wetlands are inter-connected to the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural economy. My legislation will empower local water districts and increase funding for critical restoration projects, ensuring healthier watersheds and safer communities. It’s an investment in our natural resources and the well-being of those who depend on them,” said Congressman Costa.  

    BACKGROUND

    The 2018 Farm Bill authorized the Water Source Protection Program (WSPP) to foster public-private partnerships between agricultural producers, businesses, communities, and the U.S. Forest Service to improve forest and watershed health. However, the program has had major flaws, resulting in limited investment. 

    The Headwaters Protection Act supports public-private partnership-driven restoration projects like the Olam Project in the San Joaquin Valley. The Olam Project is a series of restoration projects within the Pine Flat watershed between the USDA Forest Service, the National Forest Foundation, and Unilever. These investments would reduce wildfire risk, improve watershed health, and benefit downstream communities. 

    In addition, the Fix Our Forests Act makes similar modifications to environmental law included in the Save Our Sequoias Act, of which Costa is an original cosponsor. This involves broadening the types of areas that are exempt from certain regulations, not just for Giant Sequoia trees, but also for places the Forest Service has identified as being at high risk for wildfires.

    View the one-pager of the Headwaters Protection Act HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Costa Votes to Pass Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    Washington – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement:

    “It’s good that we have passed a continuing resolution and avoided a government shutdown. I have never voted in favor of a government shutdown, and to do so is irresponsible. This continuing resolution will allow our government to continue serving the people, and I’m grateful we were able to reach a bipartisan compromise. House Democrats have made it clear that we want to work in a bipartisan manner to meet the needs of our constituents. We will continue to work secure a long-term budget that puts the needs of the American people first.” said Congressman Costa.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. LaMalfa, Rep. Fong, and Sen. Padilla Ask Biden for Major Disaster Declaration

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Rep. LaMalfa, Rep. Fong, and Sen. Padilla Ask Biden for Major Disaster Declaration

    Washington, D.C.—Congressman LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after joining Senator Padilla and Congressman Fong in asking for a major presidential disaster declaration for the Park and Borel Fires in California. Earlier today, Governor Newsom submitted the required request to the President for aid.

    Rep. LaMalfa said, “The Park Fire is the fourth largest in California history, and the largest arson-related fire we have ever recorded. With over 400,000 acres burned and thousands evacuated, it is imperative that we acquire the federal resources needed to start the rebuild. I look forward to the Biden Administration’s swift approval of this request to help our regions begin the recovery process.” 

    Read the letter here. 

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: REP. HILL VOTES TO AVOID A COSTLY GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

    RELEASE: REP. HILL VOTES TO AVOID A COSTLY GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

    WASHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 9747, Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which continues government funding at current levels through December 20, 2024.

    “A government shutdown helps no one and is more costly. I supported today’s continuing resolution because we must keep the government open to finish our work in passing the remaining appropriations bills, protect our national security, and ensure there are no harmful disruptions to crucial programs Americans rely on. As I have said repeatedly, our appropriations process is broken and must be fixed. We need serious reforms to ensure our long-term fiscal stability and resilience.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mullin Votes NO on Continuing Resolution After Chuck Schumer Failed to Bring Individual Appropriations Bills to the Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    Mullin Votes NO on Continuing Resolution After Chuck Schumer Failed to Bring Individual Appropriations Bills to the Floor

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) released the following statement after voting against a Continuing Resolution (CR) to move the government funding deadline to December 20th, 2024, after Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) failed to bring any appropriations bills to the Senate floor on time. 

    “I’m a no on this CR, because the Senate had every opportunity to fund the government through regular order, but instead, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer willfully abandoned his responsibility and refused to bring appropriations bills to the floor,” said Sen. Mullin. “Unlike Oklahoma’s state government, Washington’s fiscal house is broken, and its far past time Congress makes getting our fiscal house in order the top priority.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia. The Secretary-General and the President discussed the country’s democratic progress as well as the development and peacebuilding agendas, including transitional justice issues.

    The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to support efforts to consolidate democracy and sustainable development in Liberia.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Carper Applaud Senate Passage of the WILD Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, celebrated unanimous Senate passage of the Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver (WILD) Reauthorization Act. The bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which enables wildlife and habitat conservation in all 50 states and territories, and the Multinational Species Conservation Funds, which support the global conservation of imperiled species, including rhinos, elephants, tigers, great apes and turtles. The legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

    “By passing the WILD Act, the Senate advanced the reauthorization of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program that supports our conservation and habitat restoration efforts throughout the country, including West Virginia in the Chesapeake Bay watershed region. I appreciate Chairman Carper for leading on this legislation with me as we help strengthen conservation and wildlife programs in America and around the world,” Ranking Member Capito said.

    “Across our nation and around the world, climate change and habitat loss are threatening wildlife,” Chairman Carper said. “The bipartisan WILD Act tackles these threats head-on by enabling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to promote voluntary conservation efforts. Additionally, this legislation helps to ensure the United States remains a global leader in protecting and conserving wildlife, including some of the world’s most imperiled species. I thank Senator Capito for her partnership on this important legislation and our colleagues for passing it through the Senate.”

    The WILD Act is supported by the following organizations: The Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wildlife Fund, National Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, National Audubon Society, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy.

    The full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Momentum Builds for Warehouse Worker Protection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Bill Text (PDF)

    Washington (September 25, 2024) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, along with new co-sponsor Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), applauded the bipartisan momentum behind the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, legislation that would protect warehouse workers by prohibiting dangerous work speed quotas that lead to high rates of worker injuries. The legislation as re-introduced includes new enforcement authority for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as an exemption for small businesses. Senator Markey, along with Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), first introduced the Warehouse Worker Protection Act in May.

    “The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is about protecting the health and dignity of workers from the scourge of corporate greed at Amazon and other large companies,” said Senator Markey. “This movement is strong and growing, and we will not rest until warehouse workers know when they clock in that they will return home unharmed.”

    “Corporations too often prioritize profit over their workers’ safety and well-being, treating them like cogs in a machine. It has to stop. This legislation combats the warehouse industry’s worst practices while ensuring corporations do right by their employees in treating them with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Hawley.

    “The momentum to protect workers is growing. These big companies hold a lot of power, they are literally controlling the lives of workers minute by minute with their productivity metrics and quotas,” said Senator Smith. “With this bill, we are saying, enough is enough. We’re putting accountability into this system and power back in the hands of workers subjected to systems that drive profits for billionaires while they wring workers dry.”

    “I have long fought to ensure that workplaces protect the health and safety of their employees. When giant corporations use intrusive surveillance technology and AI to track productivity, they can force warehouse workers to skip breaks and jeopardize their health and the health of their colleagues—all to meet quotas set by algorithms,” said Senator Casey. “By cracking down on dangerous surveillance technology, this legislation will help workers stand up for their own health and safety.”

    A copy of the reintroduced legislation can be found HERE.

    It is cosponsored by Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.).

    The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the United Food and Commercial Workers, the National Employment Law Project (NELP), the Athena Coalition, and Oxfam America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Online Financial Literacy Classes for Seniors to Begin September 26

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    A series of webinars from the Bank of Russia will help seniors navigate the world of financial products and services better. Listeners will learn how to manage their property, formalize an inheritance, protect themselves from fraudsters, and use modern financial technologies with more confidence.

    The new course for the first time announces the topic “Expanding financial horizons: cash, non-cash, digital money.” In these classes, pensioners will be told in detail how the various forms of national currency differ, what advantages and opportunities they have.

    Webinars for the older generation will end on December 13. Participants will be able to receive certificates of completion of the course. To do this, you need to answer a few short questions in the questionnaire at the beginning of each lesson and actively participate in the discussion.

    The duration of the lesson is 45 minutes. Broadcasts are held on weekdays, from 01:30 to 16:10 Moscow time, so residents of all time zones will be able to choose a convenient time and date for the online lesson.

    The schedule, information about experts, teachers and other materials are published onproject website.

    Preview photo: SeventyFour / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.kbr.ru/press/event/?id=21034

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO | Braun to Novo Nordisk CEO: “Why are Americans paying more for the same drug?”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Mike Braun (Indiana)

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Braun questioned Novo Nordisk CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, at the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on Tuesday about the high prices of the company’s weight loss drug, Ozempic, in the United States.

    “This has everything to do with a system that’s broken with no transparency, no competition, barriers to entry, and by the way a consumer who doesn’t have the tools to really measure what the best value is.”—Sen. Mike Braun

    Partial Transcript of Senator Braun’s questions:

    Braun: “Are you making a profit on your Ozempic product when you’re selling it to Australia for $87 and you’re selling to the U.S. for $936? Are you making a profit at $87?

    Jørgensen: “Yes, we are and the price you mentioned in the U.S. is not what we get. That’s the list price.

    Braun: “So what are you getting in the U.S.? What price?”

    Jørgensen: “So I mentioned that on average for our products we give 74% in rebates to PBMs.”

    Braun: “And that was the chart that Senator Marshall held up that PBMs are making 74% and you’re getting 26%. So, you’ve got a screwed-up industry. Number one, when I’ve talked to other pharma folks, they regret that PBMs ever came into it. It would seem like since you make the product, that you could disassemble them or do something to go around it, if in fact this place won’t do something about it. Have you ever thought of that?”

    Jørgensen: “It’s very difficult Senator because they control what insurance is put in front of patients so they have integrated themselves with insurance companies and we negotiate against the PBMs, but they’re owned by the insurance companies so no matter what we do, they decide what products—”

    Braun: “Okay- and that’s kind of the conundrum, but you’re making a profit at $87 and of the $936, it would be the list price? Is that total being split between you and the PBM? I know you give big discounts to the PBM. Why do give them such large discounts for them to make that much money?”

    Jørgensen: “On this we have a high list price and give them rebates, we are not making it onto the insurance formulary. So, they make a fee based on the list price, you mentioned distribution, they don’t get a flat fee for the distribution.”

    Braun: “So, after you give the discounts, and you do everything, what is your revenue on Ozempic, roughly?”

    Jørgensen: “I don’t have that number from the top of my head.”

    Braun: “That is something that ought to be on the top of your head because most of us would want to see that so you could make the case against PBMs. That basic lack of transparency, that to me comes from the top, that cloaks the system, in general, is what is impacting the future of why in our own country it is 18% of our GDP and from Canada and Europe it is 12% of their GDP, Eastern Europe it is 6 to 7 %. And yes, rationing is maybe going to be one of the results, but it should never be to where something is going to cost that much more here versus there when you’re making a profit on it. Until you figure that out, everyone is going to think your industry is screwed up.”

    Senator Braun is the leader in the Senate on reforming PBMs and lowering drug prices through transparency:

    • Senator Braun’s landmark transparency legislation – the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act – would reveal all negotiated rates and cash prices between plans and providers so Americans can know the true cost of health care services before they pan, bringing down prices.
    • Senator Braun’s Drug Price Transparency Act would end the broken PBM system by requiring insurers and PBMs to pass rebates directly to consumers enrolled in commercial health plans and Medicare Part D. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House passes Sen. Braun/Rep. Newhouse bill adding more oversight to protect American agriculture from foreign adversaries, Braun calls on Senate to act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Mike Braun (Indiana)

    WASHINGTON—Today, Senator Braun celebrated the passage of the House version of the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024, led by Representative Newhouse. This bill in the Senate was led by Senator Mike Braun and Senator Tommy Tuberville and was co-sponsored by Sen. Manchin, Sen. Cotton, Sen. Tester, Sen. Marshall, Sen. Fetterman, Sen. Grassley, Sen. Blackburn, Sen. Ricketts, Sen. Barrasso, Sen. Britt, Sen. Baldwin, Sen. Young, Sen. Fischer, Sen. Ernst, and Sen. Lummis. 

    The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 would add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to add another layer of scrutiny on foreign acquisitions of U.S. farmland and agricultural industries and, specifically, flag farmland purchases by foreign adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia and Iran for CFIUS. This will add much-needed extra oversight in this process. According to the USDA, over 43.4 million acres of U.S. agricultural land is foreign-owned. 

    “The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 has now passed the House, bringing us one step closer to protecting American farmland from foreign adversaries. Now it’s time to pass my bipartisan Senate version.”— Sen. Mike Braun

    This bill is sponsored by the Indiana Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Growers Association, and the National Cattleman’s Beef Association.

    Bill text here.

    ★★★

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Braun bill adds more oversight to protect American agriculture from foreign adversaries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Mike Braun (Indiana)

    Braun, Tuberville, Manchin, Cotton, Tester, Marshall, Fetterman, Grassley, Blackburn, Ricketts, Barrasso, Britt, Baldwin, Young, Fischer, Ernst, and Lummis lead Senate version of bill expected to move in House this week

    WASHINGTON—Today, Senator Braun, Sen. Tuberville, Sen. Manchin, Sen. Cotton, Sen. Tester, Sen. Marshall, Sen. Fetterman, Sen. Grassley, Sen. Blackburn, Sen. Ricketts, Sen. Barrasso, Sen. Britt, Sen. Baldwin, Sen. Young, Sen. Fischer, Sen. Ernst, and Sen. Lummis introduced the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 to add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to add another layer of scrutiny on foreign acquisitions of U.S. farmland and agricultural industries and, specifically, flag farmland purchases by foreign adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia and Iran for CFIUS. This will add much-needed extra oversight in this process. According to the USDA, over 43.4 million acres of U.S. agricultural land is foreign-owned. 

    Rep. Dan Newhouse introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.

    The House of Representatives is expected to move on this legislation this week.

    The House Rules Committee met about this bill Monday, September 9. 

    “Chinese ownership of American farmland increased more than 20-fold in the past decade. The amount of American soil in the hands of our foreign adversaries will only go up if we do not implement restrictions and oversight, especially on nations that compromise our national security and agricultural supply chains. I’m proud to lead this effort to protect American farms and food security.”— Sen. Mike Braun

    “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have bowed to China every chance that they get—even when it comes to our agriculture industry. In the last decade alone, we have seen a surge of over 35% in foreign land purchases—including in my home state of Alabama. We can’t give our adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran room to negatively influence our agricultural supply chains and food production. Food security is national security, which is why I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Braun that ensures the Secretary of Agriculture has a seat at the table on CFIUS and the opportunity to push back on proposed foreign ag investments.” – Sen. Tommy Tuberville

    “Allowing foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party to purchase American farmland and agribusiness poses an unacceptable risk to our food security and national security,” said Tester. “Congress needs to act, and our bipartisan bill will secure much needed oversight to help stop bad actors who want to undermine our country. I’ll keep working with my Republican colleagues to fully prohibit the Chinese Communist Party from purchasing a single inch of American farmland.”– Sen. Jon Tester

    “The purchase of American land by our adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party drains our country of resources and puts our national security at risk. We should not allow anyone working on behalf of hostile foreign powers to own a single inch of American soil.” – Sen. Tom Cotton

    “The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 is an essential tool for safeguarding our nation’s agricultural resources from foreign threats. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a troubling surge in foreign ownership of American farmland, posing serious risks to both our national security and food security. This commonsense bill gives the Secretary of Agriculture a permanent review role on CFIUS to prevent adversaries who don’t share our values from gaining control over American agricultural assets, which will protect our farms in West Virginia and across the country.”—Sen. Joe Manchin

    “When adversarial foreign governments buy up U.S. farmland, it undermines economic opportunities for families across America’s Heartland and presents obvious national security threats. The federal government’s number one job is to protect its citizens. Our legislation would support that fundamental responsibility by taking commonsense actions to address current vulnerabilities.” – Sen. Chuck Grassley

    “The Chinese Communist Party has proven over and over again they cannot be trusted. They are our adversary, not our ally. All Americans should be alarmed by the amount of American farmland China and other foreign entities own. Giving our adversaries any control over our agricultural resources is a direct threat to our national and food security. Senator Braun’s legislation will help protect America’s farms and safeguard our food supply.” — Sen. John Barrasso

    “Food security is national security and that requires America’s farmland be protected from foreign adversaries, like China.I believe one acre of American farmland owned by the Chinese Communist Party is one acre too many,” said Senator Britt. “To protect Alabama and America’s farmland from being purchased by malign actors, the Secretary of Agriculture must have a seat at the table. This commonsense legislation ensures the Secretary of Agriculture is made a permanent member of CFIUS in order to weigh in on the needs of America’s agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership.”—Sen. Katie Britt

    “Nearly two-thirds of land in Indiana – and more than half of all land in the United States – is farmland. Recent efforts by China and other adversaries to buy agricultural land across the country could present a national security threat. Indiana is a leader in restricting these purchases, but Congress must act to ensure permanent safeguards are in place in all fifty states.” – Sen. Todd Young 

    “Food security is national security, and for too long, the federal government has allowed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to put our security at risk by turning a blind eye to their steadily increasing purchases of American farmland. It is not enough to just discuss this issue—we must take immediate action to stop the CCP from further encroachment. By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS, we can ensure much-needed oversight of agricultural land purchases by foreign adversaries, which will protect American farmers and the industry as a whole. The Chinese Communist Party has long sought to undermine our institutions and very way of life, and I am proud to lead this effort to support farmers in Central Washington and across the nation.”— Rep. Dan Newhouse

    The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 would: 

    1. Permanently include the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) with respect to covered transactions involving agricultural land, agricultural biotech, or the transportation, storage, and processing of agricultural products.
    2. Authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to report both agricultural land transactions that involve foreign persons of China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran, and transactions that require AFIDA reporting to CFIUS. 

    This bill is sponsored by the Indiana Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Growers Association, and the National Cattleman’s Beef Association.

    Bill text here.

    ★★★

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Braun recognizes Wabash & Erie Canal Park in Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Mike Braun (Indiana)

    Senator Braun passed a resolution through the Senate this week celebrating the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal and the volunteer and community efforts in Carroll County to keep that history alive.

    The resolution:

    • celebrates the Wabash & Erie Canal as a historic landmark that preserves the story of the canal systems of the United States and their importance to early settlers for future generations;
    • recognizes the prominent role that the Wabash & Erie Canal, the second-largest canal in the world as of 2024, had in the growth and expansion of the United States, especially in the Midwest and in the State of Indiana;
    • recognizes Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc., for its extensive community efforts to preserve the Wabash & Erie Canal while offering educational and recreational services to the public; and
    • commemorates the 50th anniversary of Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc., that was founded to preserve canal history and make it possible for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the last remaining navigable section of the Wabash & Erie Canal in the State of Indiana.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Cramer: U.S. Department of Education Awards $500,000 to State Department of Public Instruction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Education announced an award of $500,000 to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) under the State Personnel Development Grants Program. This funding will support NDDPI’s Grad 701 initiative, which aims to close graduation gaps, improve support systems, and boost outcomes for all students.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PASSED SENATE: The National Fossil Act to name the mastodon America’s fossil

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Mike Braun (Indiana)

    WASHINGTON – The National Fossil Act has now passed the Senate. This bill names the mastodon as the U.S. national fossil, and was introduced by Senator Mike Braun and Senator Gary Peters and cosponsored by Senator Eric Schmitt and Senator Maggie Hassan.

    This is Senator Braun’s 5th standalone bill to pass the Senate just this year, and if signed into law will be his 10th in the 118th Congress (2023-2024) to become law, including provisions on veterans healthcare, opioids, and budget reform. 

    The National Fossil Act aims to celebrate the unique natural history of the United States, and encourage interest in paleontology.

    If the National Fossil Act is passed by the House and signed into law, the mastodon would join the bald eagle, bison, rose, and oak tree as enduring national symbols of the United States.

    The mastodon lived more than 13,000 years ago in the Pleistocene era, predominantly on land that would eventually become the United States of America. A fully grown mastodon was over 10 feet tall, weighed more than 11 tons, and was preceded by a pair of 16-foot-long tusks. Unlike its distant cousin, the mammoth, the mastodon was found exclusively in the United States, with its bones being unearthed in every state across the continental U.S.

    Mastodon fossils are frequently found in Indiana and Michigan.

    The mastodon was made the Indiana state fossil in 2022.

    Mastodons have been found in nearly every Indiana county, including notable discoveries in Hebron, Fort Wayne, and Seymour.

    “Mastodons embody the spirit of exploration, resilience, and strength that exemplifies our great nation. As a uniquely American symbol, mastodons inspire us to embrace our heritage and to protect our country’s natural treasures. I hope making Indiana’s state fossil our national fossil will inspire young Hoosiers to take an interest in our country’s rich natural history that may be in their own backyard.” – Senator Mike Braun

    “Michigan made history when we uncovered one of the most complete skeletons of the Mastodon ever found, and we continue to find traces of this prehistoric giant all throughout our state,” said Senator Peters. “The Mastodon represents a unique piece of both Michigan’s and our nation’s history. By establishing the Mastodon as our national fossil, we can better preserve that history and inspire a new generation of scientists and researchers to continue their pursuit of discovery.”

    The National Fossil Act:

    • Section 1 designates the bill as the National Fossil Act.
    • Section 2 establishes findings on the role of the Mastodon in American public life.
    • Section 3 designates the Mastodon as the national fossil under Title 36 U.S. Code, and makes necessary conforming amendments.

    Senator Braun’s legislative wins this Congress:

    As mentioned, this is Senator Braun’s 5th standalone bill to pass the Senate just this year, and if signed into law will be his 10th bill in the 118th Congress (2023-2024) to become law. 

    Some other Braun bills to become law or pass Senate in the 118th Congress (2023-2024) are:

    (Became Law) The Federal Prison Oversight Act

    • A bill to provide independent oversight to improve conditions for staff and prisoners in federal prisons like Terre Haute. 

    (Became Law) COVID-19 Origins Act

    • A bill that required the intelligence community to declassify important information about the origins of COVID, specifically the Wuhan Institute of Virology. 

    (Became Law) The Wounded Warrior Access Act

    • A bill that streamlines the claims process for veterans with a new online tool, helping those who previously had to get their claims information through the mail or by driving to a regional VA location.

    (Became Law) Department of Defense Overdose Data (DOD) Act

    • A bill to ensure naloxone and any other medication to reverse opioid overdose is available on all military installations and in each operational environment.

    (Became Law) Reforming Benefits for Children of Vietnam Veterans with Spina Bifida

    • A bill to help the children of Vietnam Veterans suffering from spina bifida due to their father’s exposure to Agent Orange get access to medical benefits for the rest of their lives

    (Became Law) Administrative Pay-As-You-Go Act

    • A bill which requires agencies to propose pay-fors to offset expensive government regulations.

               (Passed Senate) VA Home Loan Awareness Act 

    • A bill to inform veteran homebuyers of their eligibility for the VA Home Loan Program, which helps more veterans achieve the dream of homeownership.

    (Passed Senate) Working Dog Health and Welfare Act of 2023

    • A bill to improve conditions for dogs used in the detection of explosives, narcotics and patrol duties by federal agencies, by instituting programs that detect abuse and neglect and ensure emergency medical care, food and water, and rest time.

    (Passed Senate) Mark Our Place Act

    • A bill to provide special headstones upon family request for all veterans who have received the Medal of Honor.

    If signed into law, the National Fossil Act will join the following Braun bills signed into law:

    BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW IN THE 118TH CONGRESS (2023-2024).

    • Federal Prison Oversight Act
    • The COVID-19 Origins Act (Public Law 118-2)
    • The Administrative Pay-As-You-Go Act (included in Public Law 118-5)
    • Reforming Benefits for Children of Vietnam Veterans with Spina Bifida (Public Law 118-8)
    • The Wounded Warrior Access Act (Public Law 118-21)
    • The Korean American VALOR Act (Public Law 118-20)
    • The Department of Defense Overdose Data (DOD) Act (Public Law 118-31)
    • Supporting the Provision of Veteran Survivor Benefit Plans (Public Law 118-31)
    • Flexibility and Funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (Public Law 118-31)

    BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW IN THE 117TH CONGRESS (2021 – 2022):

    • Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-67)
    • A bill to properly implement the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act (Public Law 117-3)
    • The Consider Teachers Act (Public Law No: 117-49)
    • The Growing Climate Solutions Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • The STREAM Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • Small Business Establishment Registration Waiver Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • The Make It in America Act (Public Law 117-58)
    • The DUMP Opioids Act (Public Law 117-29
    • Better ODDS to Reduce Diversion Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-328)
    • FREED of Opioids Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • The Access for Veterans to Records Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • Apply the Science Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • The Emergency Use Transparency Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • The Recovery Startup Assistance Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • Promoting Access to Critical Countermeasures by Ensuring Specimen Samples (ACCESS) to Diagnostics Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • Predetermined Change Control Plan Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • Protecting Patients from Counterfeit Medical Devices Act (Public Law 117-328)
    • The PLUM Act (Public Law 117-328)

    BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW IN THE 116TH CONGRESS (2019 – 2020):

    • The Safeguarding Small Business Act
    • Healthcare Transparency
    • the Whistleblower Act of 2019
    • the VA Directly Returning Opioid Prescriptions Act
    • the Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Act of 2019
    • Restore Harmony Way Bridge Act
    • Richard Lugar Post Office Act
    • Payment Integrity Information Act
    • ALS Disability Insurance Access Act
    • OTC Reform
    • The Fair Care Act
    • Braun Provisions in the WRDA Reauthorization in the OMNI

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of 2024 Election, PA Congressman Chris Deluzio and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Voters and Election Workers from Gun-Related Intimidation at America’s Polls

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) joined with Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) to introduce the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2024. This bill would enshrine in law that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and to fulfill their duties free from intimidation. To do this, this proposal updates existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to help limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties. Congressman Deluzio and his congressional colleagues leading this proposal were joined by a voting rights advocate from the Brennan Center for Justice and former Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Kathy Boockvar at a press conference today to announce the bill. Photos and clips are available here.

    The right to vote is a central pillar of American democracy, but the risk and prevalence of political violence is stressing our elections. Recently, lies around stolen elections and false claims of voter fraud have made things worse. 

    “The right to vote is foundational to our democracy, and to protect that right we must keep polling places and official ballot drop sites free from intimidation,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “With the rising risk of political violence and ongoing attacks on our democracy, it’s clear that we need action to strengthen the sanctity of our elections. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Actof 2024 would help protect the rights of America’s voters and election workers so that they can vote and perform their official duties free from intentional intimidation and threats of violence. I’m proud to introduce this bill today alongside fellow election security advocates.” 

    “In no corner of America should the fear of violence prevent voters from casting their ballot or keep elections workers from showing up to work,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Unfortunately, we have a long, dark history of voter suppression and intimidation in America, reignited by partisan rhetoric and false narratives about election fraud. That’s why our bicameral bill would keep visible firearms out of election centers to ensure election workers can do their jobs and all Americans feel safe exercising their right to vote.”

    “The presence of firearms at polling places isn’t just dangerous—it’s a direct threat to our democratic process. As armed extremists fueled by rumors and conspiracy theories increasingly show up at the polls to bully voters and election workers, our message is clear: intimidation has no place at the ballot box. This legislation would take important steps to ensure every American feels safe to make their voice heard on election day,” said Senator Chris Murphy. 

    “Americans should be able to cast their votes without the threat of intimidation and harassment. That is why I introduced the Vote Without Fear Act,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D. (CA-25). “I am excited to help lead the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act to continue to build on the progress we’ve made working towards a future where polling places are safer for workers and voters.” 

    More specifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act (full text here) would: 

    • Amend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation. 
    • Provide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace. 
    • Recognize an exception for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties. 

    The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by the following organizations: 

    The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, GIFFORDS, Newtown Action Alliance, Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Institute for Responsive Government, League of Conservation Voters, Center for American Progress, End Citizens United Action Fund, Common Cause, Defend the Vote Action Fund, Fair Elections Center, Democracy SENTRY, League of Women Voters, Public Citizen, Faith in Public Life Action, Sierra Club, and Voto Latino. 

    “Congress must pass the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. We are grateful to Representative Deluzio, Senator Padilla, and other members of Congress for their work to keep our elections safe for everyone involved in the process. This legislation would bolster federal protections that empower voters, election officials, and election workers to seek legal recourse if they are intimidated. The bill would help protect our democracy by keeping intimidation and violence out of voting.” — Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the voting rights program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law. 

    “Over the last four years, election officials have faced unprecedented threats and challenges. Immediately following the 2020 election, there was a deliberate effort to intimidate and terrorize election officials,” said Kathy Boockvar, former Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth and President of Athena Strategies LLC. “This has got to stop. This bill is a critical part of the solution. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act aims to protect voters and election workers by ensuring that voters can cast their ballots – and election workers can do their jobs – free of intimidation, during all stages of the election process from vote casting to canvassing to certification.” 

    “The ability to vote is one of our most sacred duties as Americans,” said Vanessa N. Gonzalez, Vice President of Government and Political Affairs at GIFFORDS. “Voting has increasingly become the target of threats and intimidation, as we face a proliferation of guns, more frequent gun violence, and fewer legal protections. This is unacceptable, and I thank Rep. Deluzio for introducing this bill, to both highlight this problem, as well as take action against the shameful and un-American act of voter intimidation. With the 2024 election approaching, we urge Congress to take up this bill as soon as possible.” 

    “In order to have free and fair elections, there must be no armed intimidation at the polls. Election officials, election volunteers, and voters deserve to feel safe when exercising our right to vote. We urge Congress to urgently pass Congressman Deluzio’s bill, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act, to protect the integrity of our democratic process”, said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. 

    “The right to vote is the foundation of our nation’s democracy, and that right must never be threatened,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady. “Armed intimidation at the polls is unacceptable and undermines the necessary integrity of America’s free and fair elections. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act will ensure that we are all protected from the threat of gun violence while exercising our most fundamental democratic right. Brady thanks Congressman Deluzio for introducing this crucial legislation and protecting our electoral system.” 

    “The right to vote is the bedrock of democracy, and the right to vote without the fear of armed intimidation is intrinsic to that,” said Elena Perez, the Senior Policy Associate at March For Our Lives. “Americans already face the fear of gun violence—we can’t let that fear extend to polling places and suppress voting. By working to end armed intimidation of election officials and voters, we are not only protecting voting rights but also protecting the very core of our democracy. While we fight for a future free of all gun violence, today we must pass the Freedom of Intimidation in Elections Act so the gun violence epidemic doesn’t deter Americans from casting their ballots.” 

    “Passage of the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act will help protect the dedicated Americans who keep our elections running,” said Sam Oliker-Friedland, Executive Director, Institute for Responsive Government. “The current threat environment means that election officials are devoting scarce resources to bullet proof glass, metal detectors, and security guards. Effectively protecting election officials from intimidation, which this bill will help to do, will ensure that election officials can allocate money towards core tasks like cybersecurity upgrades and increasing accessibility for eligible voters. We already know elections are severely underfunded, but Congress has the power to make a significant difference for election officials across the nation by supporting the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. It’s high time Congress puts those who safeguard our democracy above radical weapons of coercion by supporting this bill.” 

    “All of our rights, including our rights to breathe clean air and drink clean water, depend on voters’ freedom to vote, which includes freedom from violence, intimidation, and fear while they make their voices heard,” said Doug Lindner, Senior Director of Judiciary & Democracy at the League of Conservation Voters. “LCV is proud to stand with Representative Chris Deluzio and Senator Alex Padilla in support of the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act to ensure every eligible voter can safely register, vote, and have their vote counted.” 

    “It’s paramount for the health of our democracy that election officials can peacefully administer free and fair elections and Americans are able to exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation,” said Center for American Progress Associate Director of Democracy Policy Greta Bedekovics. “Threats towards election officials have continued to persist while federal law enforcement have warned about the possibility of election-related violence. Congressional action like passing the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is desperately needed to protect American democracy and ensure that elections reflect the will of the people. Congress must fulfill its duty to protect the Constitution and that means protecting elections.” 

    “As MAGA Republicans fan the flames of the Big Lie, election workers continue to face unprecedented threats for simply doing their job to keep our elections secure and fair,” said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. “The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would increase protections for election workers and officials by prohibiting any type of election intimidation—explicitly including carrying firearms near a polling location. We should do everything we can to protect and celebrate election administrators who play an invaluable and underappreciated role in ensuring every voter’s voice is heard in our democracy. We thank Congressman Chris Deluzio for introducing this critical legislation and his continued leadership on protecting our democracy.”

    “With less than two months until Election Day, voters and election officials deserve to know that they can cast a ballot and administer elections without intimidation, threats, or harassment,” said Suzanne Almeida, Common Cause’s director of state operations. “Common Cause appreciates Congressman Deluzio’s leadership in introducing the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act, and we encourage Congress to quickly consider this bill to ensure that all Americans can safely have their voices heard and votes counted.” 

    “Every voter should have the freedom to participate in safe, accessible elections without facing intimidation or harassment. Threats to voters and election workers must not be tolerated. Defend The Vote Action Fund applauds Rep. Deluzio for introducing this crucial bill, which protects voters’ rights to cast their ballots free from interference, while ensuring that poll workers and election officials can safely oversee and administer our elections,” said Defend the Vote Action Fund Executive Director Brian Lemek.

    “Intimidation has no place in our democracy,” Michelle Kanter Cohen, Policy Director and Senior Counsel at Fair Elections Center. “We need changes in our laws that make sure every American voter–no matter what state they live in–can vote safely and freely. We need the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act to help make sure that the election workers who keep our democracy going can serve without fear, and that voters can safely have their voices heard.”

    ”The growing and organized effort to spread misinformation and intimidate voters and election workers is a threat to our values, our freedom, and our democracy. It is anti-American,” said Democracy SENTRY President Scott Fay. “We cannot allow harassment or intimidation to undermine our elections. Congressman Deluzio’s bill ensures that voters can cast their ballots free from the fear of armed interference, and that election officials can safely do their jobs.”

    “The League of Women Voters of the United States is proud to support the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act, which will enshrine in law that every voter should have the right to cast their ballot free from fear and intimidation,” said Jessica Jones Capparell, Interim Senior Director of Advocacy and Litigation at the League of Women Voters of the United States. “This legislation reflects a growing recognition that the integrity of our elections must be preserved in the face of increasing threats. The chilling reality of armed protesters gathering outside ballot-counting facilities and the armed surveillance of drop boxes during the 2020 election has highlighted the urgent need for stronger legislation and safeguards in this bill. The League of Women Voters stands firmly in support of this bill to ensure that every voter can participate without fear.” 

    “The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would send a clear message to American election officials: we’ve got your backs,” said Aquene Freechild, Campaign Co-Director, Public Citizen’s Democracy Campaign. “Too many hard-working election officials of all political stripes have experienced unacceptable harassment and intimidation since the 2020 election. Election officials have held the line and defended free and fair American elections despite the threats. They are heroes. And horrific treatment of honest election officials by MAGA Republican extremists, who have been sold lies about our elections, is a red flag and a reminder that the threats to our democratic republic are serious. Rep. Chris Deluzio and allies are fighting back.”

    “Faith in Public Life Action is proud to support the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act, which is essential for ensuring that both voters and election workers can participate in the democratic process without fear. At Faith in Public Life Action, we believe that service to our communities and contributing to our democracy is a sacred right. Election officials, administrators, and poll staff and volunteers work with courage and commitment, and they deserve to carry out their duties with safety and dignity, free from intimidation or violence.  Endorsing this Act reflects our commitment to fostering a community where everyone can engage in democracy safely, and we fully support actions that promote a peaceful democratic process and a secure and equitable electoral system.” — Jeanné Lewis, CEO of Faith in Public Life Action 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate HSGAC Advances Legislation to Strengthen Northern Border Security, Rename Casselton Post Office

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    ***Click here to download audio.***

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) held a markup today for two pieces of legislation U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) helped shepherd. They are the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act and legislation to rename the post office in Casselton as the “Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office.” The committee unanimously advanced both pieces of legislation, which will now head to the Senate floor for consideration. 

    Cramer, co-chair of the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, joined U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act last week. The bill marks a significant milestone in efforts to secure the U.S.-Canada border.

    “Our steadfast alliance with Canada has long been a cornerstone of both economic and national security,” said Cramer. “The U.S.-Canada relationship is defined by more than just geography; it is built on an enduring trust, mutual respect, and a shared responsibility to address global and domestic challenges. With this being the world’s longest border, it’s crucial we remain vigilant in addressing emerging threats and challenges. The advancement of this legislation brings us one step closer to ensuring the dependability and safety of our shared border for the families and communities who live on both sides.”    

    The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act represents the latest in a long history of border management, trade, and joint security cooperation between the two countries. This legislation requires an updated northern border threat analysis every three years, starting on September 2, 2025. The analysis will include an assessment of apprehension changes at the northern border, with a focus on recent trends in both the volume and demographics of apprehensions at the sector level. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is required to update its Northern Border Strategy by September 2, 2026, and every five years thereafter.

    The legislation will also implement a 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office recommendation for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to develop performance measures assessing the effectiveness of its programs. This will ensure the resources and strategies deployed are rigorously measured and continuously improved to meet the demands of a dynamic security environment.

    Cramer’s leadership in the ACES Caucus, which he co-launched in June 2023 with U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), underscores the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Canada. Earlier this year, Cramer and King introduced a resolution reaffirming the “deep and steadfast United States-Canada partnership” and the commitment to mutual economic and national security interests.  

    In May, the North Dakota delegation introduced legislation in the House and Senate to designate the United States Postal Service facility at 840 Front Street in Casselton as the “Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office.” 

    “This tribute is a testament to the profound bond between Commander Olson and the Casselton community, a solemn promise that his extraordinary contributions will forever be remembered,” said Cramer.

    Commander Olson served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He earned multiple awards for his service, including the Navy Commendation Medal with valor, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Bar. His name is also inscribed along with all fallen comrades on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

    This legislation will memorialize his distinguished service and ultimate sacrifice, while recognizing his connection to Casselton and his heroic contributions to the nation.

    MIL OSI USA News –