Category: AM-NC

MIL-OSI USA: Burgess, Davis Introduce Bill Designating September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael C Burgess MD (R-TX)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) and Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) introduced a resolution that designates September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

“Sickle cell disease has taken a toll on our nation for far too long,” said Chairman Burgess. “This bill will increase awareness about sickle cell disease and encourage further research into early detection and treatments. I am grateful Congressman Davis joined me in our effort to bring greater attention to this condition. Awareness of this disease will lead to the improvement of preventions, cures, and treatments for the American patient.”

“Better treatments and outcomes for patients affected by sickle cell disease do not happen by chance. It will take dedication and sacrifice to champion advancements for more effective and accessible forms of care. As a co-chair of the Congressional Sickle Cell Disease Caucus, I greatly appreciate Dr. Burgess joining me in this call to transform healthcare research and therapies to save lives in a bipartisan effort,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis.

Click HERE for bill text.

Congressman Burgess also spoke on the House of Representatives floor in support of his bill the Sickle cell disease and other heritable blood disorders research, surveillance, prevention, and treatment Act that has passed on the House of Representatives floor, yesterday. This legislation will reauthorize the Health Resources and Services Administrations (HRSAs) Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program to increase access to essential care, treatment, and research for Americans living with sickle cell disease.

Click HERE for video.

Remarks as prepared below:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill H.R. 3884 the Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act. I am glad to see that this important legislation will be considered on the House floor this week. This bill will reauthorize the Health Resources and Services Administrations (HRSAs) Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program to increase access to essential care, treatment, and research for Americans living with sickle cell disease.

Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes an individual’s red blood cells to contort into a “C” or sickle shape, reducing its ability to carry oxygen throughout the body. An adult living with SCD has an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years shorter than an adult who does not have the disease.

Being a physician for 30 years, I worked with many families and treated patients in my practice suffering from this complex disease. Proper treatment requires early knowledge, intervention, and care coordination. It is important that we have the resources to encourage more research and data to better inform how to evaluate treatment plans while improving quality of life for patients and families affected by this disease.

This legislation will continue to improve physician and patient education as well as assist with best practices for care coordination. By having access to these programs, the patient and physician will continue to have the ability to identify the problem early on, therefore providing more time to terminate the disease from having a horrific effect on the wellbeing of the patient.

I thank my fellow members, Representatives Davis and Carter for championing this important legislation with me as we improve the lives of those living with sickle cell disease by providing better access to care in our communities. I am also honored to introduce a bill tomorrow that will recognize September as “National Sickle Cell Awareness Month”, so communities around the nation can be educated on this disease and prevent it from taking any more human lives. Thank you Mr. Speaker and I yield back.

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MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Cheers House Passage of His Legislation Addressing Alzheimer’s

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) celebrated the passage yesterday of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation he authored that reauthorizes the National Alzheimer’s Project Act through 2035 to provide a roadmap for federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Also advanced in the House that Tonko helped lead is the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act that ensures scientists speak directly to Congress on resources they need to effectively treat the disease and the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act, which drives public health research, early detection infrastructure, and support for caregivers. Tonko has pushed to advance all three bills through committee and the House.

“Millions across our nation are suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementias; they and their loved ones carry a heavy burden,” Congressman Tonko said. “But this tremendous burden is not carried alone. It’s been my privilege to be a part of the fight to end Alzheimer’s and to work alongside tireless, compassionate advocates to support those living with Alzheimer’s. The legislation recently advanced in the House would provide immense assistance to those living with this disease and deliver needed hope. I’m grateful to my colleagues for joining me in advancing this critical legislation.”

Tonko’s NAPA Reauthorization Act as well as the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act have advanced through the Senate and will now move to the President’s desk. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act awaits passage through the Senate.

Since the beginning of his time in Congress, Tonko has championed the push to address Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Earlier this year, he joined his colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act that would provide Alzheimer’s training and education for primary care providers to help them deliver quality care to their patients.

Tonko also spoke before the Health Subcommittee earlier this year to call for the advance of these bills and question experts and Alzheimer’s advocates about the importance of this legislation.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Golden, colleagues lead bipartisan congressional push to delay EU point-of-origin rule, protect Maine forest products industry

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) signed a bipartisan letter this week requesting the president call for a twenty-four month delay to the European Union’s (E.U.) new deforestation regulation (EUDR), which threatens untenable data requirements on responsible American businesses.

The letter was signed by 72 other House members.

“Like you, Congress strongly supports efforts to combat deforestation throughout the globe. However, with less than four months left before enforcement of EUDR many questions from U.S. stakeholders remain unanswered…” the lawmakers wrote. “…While we collect and share an immense amount of data and information already, compliance with EUDR will require significant changes in how we collect, share, and report data – something that cannot happen overnight.”

“The United States is a global leader in modern sustainable forest management, and we are deeply concerned that well-intentioned regulations from Europe will disincentivize the huge investments U.S. forest owners have made in the long-term health and sustainability of our forest resources,” they continued. “We all must work together to effectively address global deforestation. However, failure to immediately address stakeholder questions and concerns could have significant negative economic effects on both producers and customers on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Starting on December 20, the EUDR will mandate new point-of-origin reporting requirements for goods exported to the E.U. to ensure production does not contribute to global deforestation. This includes exact geographic location coordinates to specific plots of land, despite the fact that current technology is unable to trace the source of blended forest products such as wood chips.

Moreover, the E.U. has still yet to provide complete guidance for manufacturers seeking to meet the new standards, leaving questions about the EUDR’s strict geolocation traceability requirements given the pulp and paper industry’s complex supply chain.

Implementation could prevent American-made forest products from reaching the E.U.’s market — devaluing U.S. timberlands and decimating domestic manufacturing in the process. U.S. forest product exports to the E.U. are valued at $3.5 billion.

“Twin Rivers Paper has a long history of environmental stewardship and steadfast support of sustainable forestry. All papers we produce are certified to Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) fiber sourcing standards and we also ensure compliance with and certification of standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC),” Tyler Rajeski, president and CFO of Twin Rivers Paper in Madawaska said. “Although multiple North American trade and industry resources are actively engaged in the EUDR compliance process, we support and applaud the Congressional request for an extension of time to ensure adequate supply chain and systems exist for all parties to comply.”

European leaders have also voiced criticism towards the rule’s rushed implementation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for the EUDR to be postponed earlier this month, while food and agriculture minister Cem Oezdemir warned that it could break critical supply chains. The U.S. supplies 85 percent of the pulp used in sanitary products like tissues and menstrual products worldwide.

Full text of the letter can be found here.

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MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Gomez, Sánchez Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Affordable Housing for Veterans

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Jimmy Gomez, along with Reps. Linda Sánchez, Brad Sherman, Salud Carbajal, Mark Takano, Mike Levin and Ted Lieu (all D-CA) introduced the Fair Housing for Disabled Veterans Act, a bill to ensure Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits are not used against veterans to deny them access to affordable housing.

Since VA service-connected disability and pension benefits are currently counted as income in applications for federal affordable housing programs, many veterans are being pushed above the income threshold and into homelessness. This bill would address that challenge by codifying guidance updated by the Biden-Harris administration today, ensuring that benefits received for military service, especially for those who sustained a service-connected disability, are not held against veterans when determining affordable housing eligibility requirements.

“Our nation’s veterans are being turned away from affordable housing because their disability benefits and pensions put them over the income threshold—we have the responsibility to right that wrong and ensure those who put their lives on the line can live with dignity and respect,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “This bill will exempt these benefits from being considered as income when applying for affordable housing. None of our brave veterans, especially those who were disabled in the line of duty, should be unhoused after they’ve already sacrificed for our freedoms.”

“Our veterans deserve to be treated with fairness and respect when searching for affordable housing,” said Rep. Linda Sánchez. “Despite receiving monthly benefits, many veterans with disabilities are still struggling to afford housing and other essential needs. Our bill will ensure veterans are not denied access to affordable housing because of disability benefits, allowing them to live with the dignity they earned through their service.”

“Too often disabled veterans are being denied housing, that was specifically built for them, because of this income issue. Veterans have earned their disability benefits, and they shouldn’t be used against them. By codifying this change for the Low-Income Tax Credit Program coupled with the guidance recently issued from then Biden-Harris Administration, this bill will allow more homeless veterans to be housed, getting us closer to our goal of ending veteran homelessness,” said House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Rep. Mark Takano

The Fair Housing for Disabled Veterans Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to strike consideration of veterans’ service-connected disability and pension payments when determining income qualifications for properties financed with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and qualified residential bonds. This is similar to how other in-kind federal benefits are treated when applying for housing assistance.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sessions Leads Letter To Speaker and Majority Leader Regarding S. 2228

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)

WASHINGTON- Last week, Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) led a letter with many of his Texas colleagues requesting that (Kelly-Cruz) S. 2228, the Building Chips in America Act, be brought to the House floor. After passing the Senate with unanimous consent, S. 2228 cleared the House today. This legislation is essential to meet United States economic and national security goals as well as bring chip manufacturing back to American soil. The bill clears bureaucratic roadblocks for semiconductor industry grant recipients by streamlining NEPA regulations.

See here for the letter.

Congressman Sessions said, “This legislation is of immense importance to Texas. With over 47,000 jobs created and more on the way, Texas is at the forefront of this high-tech manufacturing. Bringing chip manufacturing back to American soil strengthens national security and our economy.”

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Phillips Reintroduces Bill to Bolster Police Recruitment Nationwide

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dean Phillips (MN-03)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Dean Phillips reintroduced the bipartisan Pathways to Policing Act to address the police shortage in Minnesota and across the nation. The bill is endorsed by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Original cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), David Valadao (R-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Don Bacon (R-NE), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

The Pathways to Policing Act invests in programs designed to support state and local law enforcement agencies struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels. While the root causes of the nationwide officer shortage are multifaceted, bolstering the pipeline of service-oriented individuals is a crucial strategy to ensure agencies have the resources they need to protect our communities and keep officers safe.

“Every American deserves to feel safe and protected in their own community. Unfortunately, the increasing difficulty in recruiting and retaining principled officers has threatened public safety across the country,” Rep. Phillips said. “We must provide new tools for law enforcement agencies to attract the best and brightest Americans to serve the communities in which they live. Minnesota has shown the country how to do just that, and it’s time to inspire and recruit the next generation of principled police officers who will ensure safety, security, and justice for all.”

“Across our country and here in Minnesota, local law enforcement has experienced historic staffing shortages which has strained the law enforcement agents who work tirelessly to protect and defend our communities.” said Rep. Finstad .“I’m proud to introduce the Pathways to Policing Act with my colleagues to enhance officer recruitment and bolster the police force in southern Minnesota.”

“Keeping our communities safe is non-negotiable, and that’s why we’ve got to ensure we’re building a strong pipeline of new police officers – my bipartisan bill with Reps. Phillips and Finstad will help get it done,” said Rep. Craig. “Our bill will help law enforcement leaders recruit and retain the talent they need across the Second District, and I’ll be working with both parties to get it passed.

This legislation will provide $50 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to operate nationwide recruitment campaigns and an additional $50 million to create and operate “Pathways to Policing” programs supported by local and statewide marketing and recruiting efforts. These campaigns will encourage members of communities traditionally underrepresented in law enforcement, or those with non-traditional educational or career backgrounds to pursue careers in the field.

Inspired by Minnesota’s “Pathways to Policing” programs, the Pathways to Policing Act aims to reduce the barriers for individuals pursuing careers as full-time law enforcement officers.

Priority for grants to states, local governments, and law enforcement agencies under this program will be given to applicants seeking to build a diverse police force that represents the communities they serve.

Jeff Potts, Executive Director, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association:
“Law Enforcement is facing historic workforce challenges. New officer candidate numbers have plummeted in recent years resulting in dozens of police agencies in Minnesota permanently shutting down. U.S. Representative Dean Phillips’ Pathways to Policing bill will help address this challenge. The MCPA fully supports Rep. Phillips’ efforts to pass this legislation as quickly as possible to avoid additional police agencies from shutting down.”

Brian Peters, Executive Director, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association:
“The Pathways to Policing Act would address a critical issue for police departments across America – and Minnesota – who face a growing shortage of new officers and major retirements in the near future. This proposal is vitally important for community safety.”

Patrick Yoes, National President, Fraternal Order of Police
“Law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to maintain a healthy police force and recruit the best and brightest candidates to serve in their communities. We believe that this legislation, which will develop and operate a nationwide marketing and recruitment campaign, will help State and local governments with their own recruitment efforts. The “Pathways to Policing” model worked in Minnesota and we believe this success can be replicated at the national level. We’d like to thank Representative Phillips and all the original cosponsors for their leadership.”

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Haley Stevens’ Statement on the Biden Harris Administration’s Proposed Connected Vehicle Rule

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

“Our vehicles are smarter and more connected than ever,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “While these innovations are improving safety, reliability, and consumer comfort, they also increase the risk of bad actors, like Russia and China, targeting our infrastructure and transportation networks. I welcome the Biden Harris Administration’s commonsense rule, announced yesterday, which would limit the use of sensitive software and hardware in connected vehicles, protecting our national security and American competitiveness as more and more of these exciting auto innovations come online.”

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Omar’s Statement on Israel’s Attacks in Lebanon

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement following Israel’s attacks in Lebanon.

“I condemn the attacks by the Israeli military in Lebanon. It is imperative we use every single tool to de-escalate tensions. Just as President Biden stated, a ‘full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest.’ A full-scale war would have catastrophic implications for everyone, especially for Lebanese and Israeli civilians who would bear the brunt of this war and dramatically increase the risk of regional conflict involving the United States. If we are serious about preventing the escalation of this conflict, we must use our leverage to cut off military aid to stop the violence both in Lebanon and Gaza. We cannot continue to stand idly by while innocent civilians are being bombarded with our tax dollars.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Phillips, Wilson intro bill advancing U.S.-Jordan security partnership
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dean Phillips (MN-03)

Washington, D.C. —Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, introduced the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2024 to advance and deepen our strategic defense partnership.

Jordan has long been a reliable partner and has worked alongside the U.S. in countering our adversaries and ensuring security and stability in the Middle East. As such, it is in our shared national security interest for the U.S. to continue to support the strong U.S.-Jordan bilateral defense partnership.

As Jordan faces increasing security and economic challenges, this important bipartisan legislation reinforces the United States’ ironclad commitment to Jordan’s stability and security by increasing economic support and military cooperation through streamlining defense sales, building on the Memorandum of Understanding, and expanding integrated air and missile defense architecture in coordination with other regional allies and partners.

In the House, the U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act is co-led with Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced companion legislation in June.

“The U.S.-Jordan partnership is critical to safeguarding our mutual national security interests in the Middle East from countering violent extremism and trafficking to deterring Iranian aggression,” said Ranking Member Phillips. “I am proud to introduce the U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act alongside Chair Wilson as we reinforce our commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Jordan partnership and to ensuring stability and security across the region.”

“The aggression of the regime in Tehran continues to threaten U.S. national security interests in the region and beyond. The Kingdom of Jordan is a valued partner and it is critical to reinforce and bolster ongoing U.S. commitments,” said Chairman Wilson. “As the U.S. and our regional allies work together towards a peaceful Middle East, I am grateful to co-lead this bill and strengthen our partnership with the Kingdom of Jordan to counter terrorist and extremist threats and deter aggression from the deadly octopus of the Iranian Regime.”

Specifically, the U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2024 would:
- Include Jordan among the countries eligible for certain streamlined defense sales, licensing agreements, and technical assistance under the Arms Export Control Act for three years;
- Authorize the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to set up a program to enhance U.S.-Jordan cooperation to counter air, missile, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) threats as well as to bolster participation in multinational integrated air and missile defense architecture to protect its people, infrastructure, and territory;
- Authorize the Department of State to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Jordan to increase economic support and military cooperation after the current agreement expires in 2029; and
- Express the sense of Congress that the United States commitment to Jordan’s stability and security is ironclad and that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defense articles and services to Jordan is fully consistent with U.S. security and foreign policy interests and the objectives of peace and security.
Full text of the bill is available here.

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MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Astronaut José Hernández Boards Discovery

Source: NASA

In this photo from Aug. 7, 2009, Jose Hernandez, mission specialist, smiles at the camera as he waits for his turn to enter the space shuttle Discovery as part of STS-128. It was the 128th Shuttle mission and the 30th mission to the International Space Station. While at the orbital lab, the STS-128 crew conducted three spacewalks.
Hernandez joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in 2001. There, he was a materials research engineer in the Materials & Processes branch; eventually, he became branch chief. In 2004, he was selected as an astronaut candidate, and in 2009, he became a crew member of STS-128.
Get to know some of our Hispanic colleagues, past and present, during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Image credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ongoing incident, Patea

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police in Pātea, Taranaki are working to resolve an incident that took place in Hadfield Street earlier today.

Officers were called to the property around 3:50am to a report of someone being unlawfully at an address.

It’s not believed anyone is injured, however, members of the Armed Offenders Squad are assisting local staff in the area working to safely resolve the incident.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Irmo woman charged with stealing from Charleston nursing home residentRead More

Source: US State of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that his office’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) has arrested Rose Sherrie Davis, 64 years old, of Irmo, SC for one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult {43-35-0085 (D)}, one count of Financial Identity Fraud {16-13-0510(B)}, two (2) counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud, value more than $500 in a six-month period {16-14-0060(a)(1-5)}, and one count of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, value $10,000 or more {16-13-0230(A)}. Davis was booked into the Charleston County Detention Center on September 20, 2024.

An investigation by VAMPF revealed that, between November 10, 2021 and April 29, 2022, Davis is alleged to have knowingly made unlawful and unauthorized use of the funds and assets of a vulnerable adult. Specifically, it is alleged that Davis, while being entrusted as the victim’s power-of-attorney, used the personal identifying information to access the victim’s bank accounts and converted $102,109.04 of the victim’s money for her own personal use. It is also alleged that Davis, with the intent to defraud, obtained and used two debit cards belonging to the victim to make charges of over $500 in a six-month period. The victim, a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law, resided at NHC Healthcare West Ashley in Charleston at the time of the alleged misconduct.

This case was referred to VAMPF through a hotline (1-888-NO-CHEAT) complaint from a concerned citizen and will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine not exceeding $5,000, or both. Breach of Trust value more than $10,000 is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to 10 years in prison or a fine at the discretion of the court. Financial Transaction Card Fraud, value more than $500 in a six-month period is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of not less than $3,000, or both. Financial Identity Fraud is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to ten years in prison, a fine at the discretion of the court, or both.

Pursuant to federal regulations, VAMPF has authority over Medicaid provider fraud; abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries in any setting; and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

The South Carolina Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, dba VAMPF, receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $2,698,638 for federal fiscal year 2024. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $899,546 for FFY 2024, is funded by South Carolina.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Former Ohio Municipal Prosecutor and Former Criminal Defendant Charged with Bribery Conspiracy

Source: US State of California

An indictment was unsealed today charging two Ohio men with a bribery scheme in which a municipal prosecutor agreed to help a criminal defendant with his pending cases in exchange for auto repair work.

According to the indictment, Nicholas Graham, 52, of Warren, was a prosecutor who represented the City of Warren in Warren Municipal Court. Brian Votino, 52, of Niles, had two criminal cases pending in the same court. The indictment alleges that, in October 2019, Graham and Votino agreed that Graham would take action to benefit Votino with respect to Votino’s criminal cases in return for Votino performing repairs to Graham’s truck. To cover up the bribery arrangement, Graham instructed Votino through an intermediary to falsify a bill for the repair services and not to tell Votino’s criminal defense lawyer. According to the indictment, Graham and Votino ultimately carried out their agreement. In exchange for the repair work by Votino, Graham took official action to reduce the charges against Votino and advocated for a lenient sentence.

Graham and Votino are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of honest services wire fraud, and one count of Hobbs Act extortion. If convicted of all counts, they each face a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio; and Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Cleveland Field Office is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Blake J. Ellison of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI USA: Construction cost data for electric generators

Source: US Energy Information Administration

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Presented below are graphs and tables of the cost data for generators installed in 2022 based on data collected by the 2022 Annual Electric Generator Report, Form EIA-860. The cost data for certain generation technologies were omitted to avoid disclosure of individual company data.

EIA expects to publish construction cost data for generators installed in 2023 in September 2025.

Read EIA’s

Generators installed in 2022 by major energy source

1,588 1,451 820 1,205 2,084

All plants by major energy source	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
solar	1,588
wind	1,451
natural gas	820
battery storage	1,205
petroleum liquids	2,084

10,285 424 7,455 197 3,941 1,478 2,945 557 15 38

Total capacity (MW)	at new plants	at existing plants
solar	10,285	424
wind	7,455	197
natural gas	3,941	1,478
battery storage	2,945	557
petroleum liquids	15	38

381 8 33 1 18 12 80 17 4 18

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
solar	381	8
wind	33	1
natural gas	18	12
battery storage	80	17
petroleum liquids	4	18

All plants by major energy source	total cost (billion $)
solar	17.0
wind	11.1
natural gas	4.4
battery storage	4.2
petroleum liquids	0.1

Number of generators by major energy source	at new plants	at existing plants
solar	392	13
wind	36	1
natural gas	55	21
battery storage	84	20
petroleum liquids	6	26

Average new plants capacity or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
solar	27	53
wind	226	197
natural gas	219	123
battery storage	37	33
petroleum liquids	4	2

Generators installed in 2022 by prime mover

Capacity-weighted average cost per kilowatt of installed namepate capacity ($/kW)	capacity weighted-average cost ($/kW)
combustion turbine	864
combustion turbine (as part of combined cycle)	764
steam turbine (as part of combined cycle)	802
internal combustion engine	1,788
onshore wind turbine	1,451
photovoltaic	1,588
energy storage, battery	1,205

Total included capacity(MW)	at new plants	at existing plants
combustion turbine	924	259
combustion turbine (as part of combined cycle)	1,889	774
steam turbine (as part of combined cycle)	1,031	401
internal combustion engine	112	82
onshore wind turbine	7,455	197
photovoltaic	10,285	424
energy storage, battery	2,945	557

number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
combustion turbine	18	7
combustion turbine (as part of combined cycle)	6	2
steam turbine (as part of combined cycle)	3	1
internal combustion engine	34	37
onshore wind turbine	36	1
photovoltaic	392	13
energy storage, battery	84	20

Average generator capacity at new or existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
combustion turbine	51	37
combustion turbine (as part of combined cycle)	315	387
steam turbine (as part of combined cycle)	344	401
internal combustion engine	3	2
onshore wind turbine	207	197
photovoltaic	26	33
energy storage, battery	35	28

Total construction cost	total cost (billion $)
combustion turbine	1.0
combustion turbine (as part of combined cycle)	2.0
steam turbine (as part of combined cycle)	1.1
internal combustion engine	0.3
onshore wind turbine	11.1
photovoltaic	17.0
energy storage, battery	4.2

Generators installed in 2022 by Census region

Census regions	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
South	1,273
West	1,444
Midwest	1,290
Northeast	2,430

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
South	14,257	153
West	5,984	1,091
Midwest	3,745	1,429
Northeast	656	22

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
South	167	3
West	119	30
Midwest	93	12
Northeast	137	11

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
South	201	3
West	124	47
Midwest	105	19
Northeast	143	12

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
South	85	51
West	50	36
Midwest	40	119
Northeast	5	2

Census region	total cost (billion $)
South	18.4
West	10.2
Midwest	6.7
Northeast	1.6

Generators installed in 2022 by top five states in capacity additions

State	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
Texas	1,224
California	1,460
Michigan	986
Florida	970
Virginia	1,778

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
Texas	8,831	78
California	3,910	658
Michigan	1,759	1,203
Florida	2,607	74
Virginia	656	0

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
Texas	54	1
California	69	9
Michigan	9	2
Florida	21	1
Virginia	11	0

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
Texas	83	1
California	73	16
Michigan	14	6
Florida	25	1
Virginia	11	0

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
Texas	164	78
California	57	73
Michigan	195	601
Florida	124	74
Virginia	60	0

State	total cost (billion $)
Texas	10.9
California	6.7
Michigan	2.9
Florida	2.6
Virginia	1.2

Natural gas generators installed in 2022 by technology

Natural gas plants by type	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
combined cycle	722
combustion turbine	1,006
internal combustion engine	1,677

Total included capacity (MW)	at new plants	at existing plants
combined cycle	2,715	1,174
combustion turbine	1,129	259
internal combustion engine	97	45

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
combined cycle	2	1
combustion turbine	6	4
internal combustion engine	10	7

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
combined cycle	9	3
combustion turbine	18	7
internal combustion engine	28	11

Average new plants capacity or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
combined cycle	1,358	1,174
combustion turbine	188	65
internal combustion engine	10	6

Total construction cost	total cost (billion $)
combined cycle	2.8
combustion turbine	1.4
internal combustion engine	0.2

Natural gas generators installed in 2022 at combined-cycle plants by prime mover

Natural gas combined cycle plants by component	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
combustion turbine	764
steam turbine	802

Total capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
combustion turbine	1,889	774
steam turbine	1,031	401

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
combustion turbine	6	2
steam turbine	3	1

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
combustion turbine	315	387
steam turbine	344	401

Natural gas generators at combined-cycle plants by prime mover	total cost (billion $)
combustion turbine	2.0
steam turbine	1.1

Solar PV generators installed in 2022 by Census region

Census regions	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
South	1,505
West	1,549
Midwest	1,784
Northeast	2,409

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
South	5,742	74
West	3,097	348
Midwest	908	0
Northeast	539	1

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
South	112	1
West	84	6
Midwest	73	0
Northeast	112	1

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
South	117	1
West	85	11
Midwest	74	0
Northeast	116	1

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
South	51	74
West	37	58
Midwest	12	0
Northeast	5	1

Region	total cost (billion $)
South	8.8
West	5.3
Midwest	1.6
Northeast	1.3

Solar PV generators installed in 2022 by top five states in capacity additions

Census regions	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
Texas	1,310
California	1,627
Florida	1,377
Virginia	1,795
Georgia	1,975

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
Texas	2,278	0
California	1,848	250
Florida	1,140	74
Virginia	646	0
Georgia	545	0

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
Texas	15	0
California	43	1
Florida	17	1
Virginia	10	0
Georgia	7	0

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
Texas	17	0
California	44	4
Florida	19	1
Virginia	10	0
Georgia	7	0

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
Texas	152	0
California	43	250
Florida	67	74
Virginia	65	0
Georgia	78	0

State	total cost (billion $)
Texas	3.0
California	3.4
Florida	1.7
Virginia	1.2
Georgia	1.1

Solar PV generators installed in 2022 by PV panel type and tracking system

Solar PV plants by tracking system	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
crystalline silicon, fixed tilt	1,788
crystalline silicon, axis-based tracking	1,605
thin-film CdTe, fixed tilt	1,249
thin-film CdTe, axis-based tracking	1,561
other	1,386

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
crystalline silicon, fixed tilt	1,056	6
crystalline silicon, axis-based tracking	5,068	418
thin-film CdTe, fixed tilt	385	0
thin-film CdTe, axis-based tracking	3,349	0
other	427	0

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
crystalline silicon, fixed tilt	121	2
crystalline silicon, axis-based tracking	190	6
thin-film CdTe, fixed tilt	10	0
thin-film CdTe, axis-based tracking	40	0
other	20	0

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
crystalline silicon, fixed tilt	128	4
crystalline silicon, axis-based tracking	192	9
thin-film CdTe, fixed tilt	10	0
thin-film CdTe, axis-based tracking	42	0
other	20	0

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
crystalline silicon, fixed tilt	9	3
crystalline silicon, axis-based tracking	27	70
thin-film CdTe, fixed tilt	38	0
thin-film CdTe, axis-based tracking	84	0
other	21	0

Solar PV plants by tracking system	total cost (billion $)
crystalline silicon, fixed tilt	1.9
crystalline silicon, axis-based tracking	8.8
thin-film CdTe, fixed tilt	0.5
thin-film CdTe, axis-based tracking	5.2
other	0.6

Solar PV generators installed in 2022 by total added capacity at plant

Plant size	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
1–5 MW	2,555
5–10 MW	2,000
10–100 MW	1,544
100–500 MW	1,483

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
1–5 MW	707	10
5–10 MW	193	0
10–100 MW	3,962	164
100–500 MW	5,423	250

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
1–5 MW	250	4
5–10 MW	26	0
10–100 MW	74	3
100–500 MW	31	1

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
1–5 MW	255	6
5–10 MW	29	0
10–100 MW	76	3
100–500 MW	32	4

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
1–5 MW	3	3
5–10 MW	7	0
10–100 MW	54	54
100–500 MW	175	250

Plant size	total cost (billion $)
1–5 MW	1.8
5–10 MW	0.4
10–100 MW	6.4
100–500 MW	8.4

Wind generators installed in 2022 by Census region

Census region	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
South	1,395
Midwest and Northeast	1,686
West	1,407

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
South	5,496	0
Midwest and Northeast	1,234	197
West	725	0

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
South	16	0
Midwest and Northeast	12	1
West	5	0

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
South	17	0
Midwest and Northeast	13	1
West	6	0

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
South	343	0
Midwest and Northeast	103	197
West	145	0

Census region	total cost (billion $)
South	7.7
Midwest and Northeast	2.4
West	1.0

Wind generators installed in 2022 by plant size

Plant size	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
1–100 MW	1,806
100–200 MW	1,614
>200 MW	1,402

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
1–100 MW	210	0
100–200 MW	1,153	197
>200 MW	6,092	0

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
1–100 MW	8	0
100–200 MW	8	1
>200 MW	17	0

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
1–100 MW	10	0
100–200 MW	8	1
>200 MW	18	0

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
1–100 MW	26	0
100–200 MW	144	197
>200 MW	358	0

Plant size	total cost (billion $)
1–100 MW	0.4
100–200 MW	2.2
>200 MW	8.5

Wind generators installed in 2022 by wind class

Class	capacity-weighted average cost ($/kW)
Class 1	1,463
Class 2	1,463
Class 3 and 4	1,424

Total included capacity	at new plants	at existing plants
Class 1	950	0
Class 2	4,298	0
Class 3 and 4	2,208	197

Number of plants	at new plants	at existing plants
Class 1	5	0
Class 2	17	0
Class 3 and 4	11	1

Number of generators	at new plants	at existing plants
Class 1	5	0
Class 2	19	0
Class 3 and 4	12	1

Average new plant or additional capacity at existing plants	at new plants	at existing plants
Class 1	190	0
Class 2	253	0
Class 3 and 4	201	197

Plant size	total cost (billion $)
Class 1	1.4
Class 2	6.3
Class 3 and 4	3.4

Notes:

Data includes facilities with a total generator nameplate capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) or more. Solar data does not include distributed generation capacity.
Government grants, tax benefits, or other incentives are excluded from these costs.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) data are based on reported alternating current (AC) capacity and may differ from other cost and capacity estimates that use direct current (DC) ratings of PV panels.
Petroleum liquids includes distillate fuel oil, jet fuel, kerosene, residual fuel oil, and waste oil.
Biomass includes both liquid and gaseous biomass fuels.
Some generation technologies were excluded from this analysis to avoid disclosure of individual company data.
Average construction cost is based on the nameplate capacity weighted average cost per kilowatt of installed nameplate capacity.
Total capacity is the sum of the nameplate capacity of generators included in each group.
Average new capacity is based on the nameplate capacity of new plants or new additions of nameplate capacity to existing plants. New plants did not previously have operable units and are typically recently constructed. Existing plants have at least one previously operable generator and are not newly constructed.
Totals may not equal sum of components due to independent rounding.

Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-860, Annual Electric Generator Report

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Security: Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki Delivers Remarks on the Justice Department’s Lawsuit Against Visa for Monopolizing Debit Markets

Source: United States Attorneys General

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

This afternoon, the Justice Department filed a monopolization lawsuit about a financial network we do not see but cannot escape. Every year, this financial network processes 157 billion debit transactions. Whether at the grocery store, the pharmacy, the gas station or online, millions of Americans give merchants their debit credentials, allowing them to pay for goods and services directly from their bank accounts. And for Americans of all stripes, they either need or prefer this payment option.

What those millions of Americans cannot see is that behind every debit transaction is a communications infrastructure that makes it all happen.

But this infrastructure is neither innovative nor new.

In fact, it has been around in one form or another since the 1970s. Despite the passage of time, the dawn of new technologies and payment paradigms, one corporation, Visa, is an unavoidable debit network for merchants, banks and consumers. And Visa knows it.

Visa’s dominance is reflected in its slogan “everywhere you want to be.” But for merchants, banks and consumers, one could just as easily add “whether you want us or not.” Because in fact Visa has not maintained this dominance by innovating, competing on the merits or championing consumer choice. It has done so through exclusion and penalization. Visa’s conduct is unlawful, and today, we filed suit to stop it.

Visa has a durable monopoly over debit card networks. More than 60% of debit transactions in the United States run on Visa’s debit network, allowing it to charge over $7 billion in fees each year for these transactions. Visa rakes in sky-high margins and faces, in its own words, approximately zero marginal costs.

Those fees have many names. A domestic service fee. A data processing fee. An acquired service fee. A network acquirer fee. A fixed acquirer network fee.

Regardless of what they are or who pays them, these fees add up to billions in hidden costs and tolls that must be borne by businesses, working families and the U.S. economy more broadly.

Visa knows the source of this dominance is its immense scale on both sides of the market. It is widely used by consumers’ banks on the one hand and cannot be avoided by merchants on the other hand. Visa recognizes that this scale is an “enormous moat” that protects and sustains its monopoly debit business and profits.

As we allege in our complaint, it did not have to be this way. But in the early 2010s, competition threatened to erode Visa’s debit monopoly.

At that time, this monopoly faced twin competitive threats.

First, Congress sought to unlock competition and lower prices by requiring banks that issue debit cards to include at least two debit routing options on their cards. This would allow debit payment networks to compete for transactions between consumers and merchants at the point of sale.

Second, at the same time, technological innovation had sprouted a new paradigm in which merchants and consumers could directly connect with fewer middlemen like Visa.

Faced with these threats, Visa developed a plan to wield and protect its monopoly power and distort competition for debit transactions. Visa extracted a series of agreements with major merchants, banks that issue debit cards and other key industry players. Those agreements forced merchants who might consider a lower cost rival into a false choice: choose Visa or face ruinous fees on every single Visa transaction.

There’s more. Visa feared entry by potential fintech competitors like Apple, PayPal and Square. It worried these competitors might have what it described as “network ambitions,” which would threaten Visa’s dominance and centrality in debit. It worried about fintech payment networks gaining scale with both merchants and consumers and “becom[ing] a viable merchant option: positioned and priced as a ‘Substitute for Debit.’”

So, Visa began co-opting and neutralizing competition by turning rivals and potential competitors into Visa “partner[s]” on the condition they did not develop competing payment products.

Visa offered payoffs to incentivize potential competitors to keep out of the debit market. It also threatened potentially ruinous financial penalties if up-and-coming competitors innovate in ways Visa dislikes. As Visa’s then-chief financial officer (CFO) explained in 2023, Visa makes “it worth their while to partner with us.”

Through these agreements, Visa shrewdly and deliberately built for itself the cosseted life of a monopolist in which, as Visa’s CFO emphasized, “Everybody is a friend and partner. Nobody is a competitor.” But the antitrust laws have something to say about that. And that is why we have filed today’s lawsuit against Visa.

For more than a century, the Justice Department has fought anticompetitive conduct in financial services markets. From stopping mergers that threaten affordable access to banking, like Philadelphia National Bank, to breaking up the rules that restricted competition on the NASDAQ, the division has made clear the antitrust laws protect the financial system that benefits small and large businesses, and consumers, from monopolists and anticompetitive behavior alike. Today’s case follows the long and storied legacy of the Antitrust Division to vindicate competition in American commerce.

In closing, I would like to thank the incredibly hardworking, brilliant and service-minded attorneys, economists and paralegals of the Antitrust Division. Their tireless efforts to restore economic justice to this critical market resulted in today’s filing. I am proud every day to be their colleague, but especially today.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Ernst on Biden’s Final UN Speech: Kamala Harris Owns His Policies of Chaos

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

WASHINGTON – Following President Biden’s final address to the United Nations (UN), U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) blasted the Biden-Harris White House for sowing chaos around the world.
She pointed out that, by allowing Iran’s president on American soil for the UN General Assembly, Biden and Harris are giving the murderous regime a platform on our homeland while ignoring its election interference, bounties placed on President Trump’s head, and targeting of Americans.

Click here to watch Senator Ernst’s remarks.
Background:
Ernst has been a leading critic of the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to welcome the Iranian government to America and allow them to speak at the UN General Assembly.
Last month, Senator Ernst urged President Biden to refuse visas for the oppressive dictators from Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela to prevent giving a microphone to the most evil leaders on Earth to promote their dangerous views.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Federal Court Permanently Shuts Down Illinois Tax Preparer

Source: United States Attorneys General

A federal court in the Northern District of Illinois today permanently enjoined Joliet, Illinois, tax return preparer Sir Michael Joseph Davenport and his company My Unity Tax Financial & Tax Preparation LLC (My Unity Tax) from preparing federal tax returns for others and from owning or operating any tax return preparation businesses in the future. Davenport agreed to the permanent injunction entered against him and his business.

The civil complaint filed in the case alleges that Davenport and his company prepared false and fraudulent federal tax returns to improperly reduce the customers’ tax liabilities or to obtain tax refunds to which the customers are not entitled. The complaint alleges that Davenport and My Unity Tax routinely prepared tax returns for customers reporting fictitious businesses for customers, minimal or no income and large fabricated or manipulated expenses to fraudulently reduce taxable income. As alleged in the complaint, in most cases these businesses did not exist.

The complaint also alleges that, despite being issued a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) by the IRS, Davenport operated as a “ghost preparer” by not signing customers’ tax returns, nor did he identify himself as the paid preparer by reporting his PTIN on the returns he prepared for paying customers. As further alleged by the United States, Davenport and My Unity Tax used software programs intended for personal rather than professional use to prepare their clients’ tax returns, so when the returns were filed, it appeared that customers filed the returns themselves.

Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS warns taxpayers to avoid ghost preparers and lists other improper acts that tax preparers engage in to take advantage of their unsuspecting customers.

In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken’s remarks at a Summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats

Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks at a Summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats in New York City, New York, on September 24, 2024.

Transcript: https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-introductory-remarks-for-president-biden-at-the-summit-of-the-global-coalition-to-address-synthetic-drug-threats/
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctIWzuyHFGQ

MIL OSI Video –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is in his interest alone – to expand his mafia state into a mafia empire”: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Statement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the UN Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

24 September 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

President Zelenskyy, the UK commends you not only for standing up for your people but for standing up for democracy.

Seeing you in Kyiv a few weeks ago with Secretary Blinken I saw ordinary people from all walks of life. The soldiers and the civilians. The firefighters and the first responders.

The mothers and the fathers working together in defence of freedom. Your bravery and courage is an inspiration to us all.

But Mr. President, I also want to speak directly to the Kremlin and its representative here today. And Vladimir Putin.

Russia sits on this Council. But its actions tear up the UN Charter.

Russia sits on this Council. But over the weekend we saw it put forward amendments designed to wreck the UN’s future.

Russia claims to stand for the Global South. But it runs roughshod over international law.

Vladimir Putin, when you fire missiles into Ukraine hospitals. We know who you are.

When you send mercenaries into African countries. We know who you are.

When you murder opponents in European cities. We know who you are.

Your invasion is in your own interests. Yours alone. To expand your mafia state into a mafia empire. An empire built on corruption.

Robbing from the Russian people as well as Ukraine. An empire built on crushing dissent. Courageous opponents like Navalny.

An empire built on lies. Spreading disinformation at home and abroad to sow disorder.

Mr President, I speak not only as a Briton, as a Londoner, and as a Foreign Secretary.

But I say to the Russian representative, on his phone as I speak, that I stand here also as a black man whose ancestors were taken in chains from Africa, at the barrel of a gun to be enslaved, whose ancestors rose up and fought in a great rebellion of the enslaved.

Imperialism. I know it when I see it. And I will call it out for what it is.

In this week, when I’m here talking to other partners around the world about our shared futures, and the future of the UN, Russia is trying to return us to a world of the past.

A world of imperialism. A world of redrawing borders by force. A world without the UN Charter.

We cannot allow this to happen. Ukraine’s fight matters to all of us. The UK will remain Ukraine’s staunchest supporter.

Because Mr. President these are the stakes.

If we let an imperialist redraw borders by force those will not be the last borders to be redrawn.

If we let an imperialist deny a nation its path Ukraine will not be the last state to be subjected. Maduro will take encouragement and go for Guyana next.

So let me be clear. We want peace in Ukraine. We want it for the Ukrainian people.

As President Zelenskyy has said, it must be a peace that respects the fundamental principles that underpin the United Nations.

The principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as enshrined in this UN Charter. The Charter of the United Nations. Putin’s Russia wants to unravel it. We want to uphold it. And we will.

As President Zelenskyy said, the UN Charter will prevail.

Slava Ukraini!

Updates to this page

Published 24 September 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Ontario’s closure of youth detention facilities has not resulted in more support for young people

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jessica Evans, Assistant Professor, Criminology, Toronto Metropolitan University

The closure of youth detention centres is a positive development. However, without adequate investment in community organizations that serve youth, it is a move set up to fail.
(Shutterstock)

The Ontario government said it would save $40 million per year by closing 26 youth detention centres in 2021, with promises to use those savings to support community services for youth.

Framed as a cost-savings strategy aligned with the objectives of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the money saved through the closures would be reinvested in community-based services and alternatives to youth detention.

Since these closures, however, there has been no government reporting on where or when this $40 million will be reinvested. Meanwhile, organizations that serve youth report ongoing resource constraints.

The closure of youth detention centres is a positive development. However, without adequate investment in community organizations that serve youth, it is a move set up to fail.

Read more:
Ontario closes half of its youth detention centres, leaving some young people in limbo

Youth detention in Ontario

Between 2018 and 2022, youth imprisonment numbers fell by around 50 per cent in Ontario. That continued a longer trend which has seen youth detention numbers fall by over 85 per cent over a 25-year period from 1997 to 2022. There has also been a recent uptick in youth imprisonment numbers, increasing from 9,654 in 2021-22 to 10,960 in 2022-23.

Currently, Ontario’s youth prisons are at overcapacity, and the Sudbury youth detention centre is set to close next year.

Several of the 26 youth detention centres that were closed were situated in northern Ontario. The Ontario Ombudsman, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Grand Council Treaty #3 have said the abrupt closures would disproportionately impact Indigenous youth in detention.

A CBC News report on overcrowding in Ontario’s youth detention centres.

Community organizations overwhelmed

We have examined the annual reports for 2019-24 from 46 organizations serving youth in the justice system from Kenora, Thunder Bay and Kingston where a significant number of the youth detention closures occurred.

While many community organizations believe closing detention centres is a good long-term decision, there are many immediate concerns. We found consistent reporting of limited funding to support all youth in need.

Organizations are impacted by record-high numbers of youth seeking access to services, with some organizations seeing a significant increase in the number of youth accessing their services — especially mental health programs. This has resulted in some organizations increasing the hours and days they are open to accommodate as many youth as possible, while also balancing staff burnout.

Organizations did not report any substantial increase in funds from the government due to the closure of youth detention centres. Some noted challenges around fundraising, as many events were put on hold during the pandemic. This has resulted in organizations being unable to hire new staff or increase their services. In some cases this has also led to staff layoffs.

Investing in community

Deinstitutionalization refers to the period when institutions that housed or confined people with mental, cognitive, intellectual and physical disabilities were shut down, and people were released to live in communities.

However, this process is often not met with sufficient funding for social supports. Inevitably, more people struggling with mental health end up in hospital emergency departments and in conflict with the law. This shift in responsibility has been referred to as transinstitutionalization.

We have written about these trends in Ontario following the 2021 youth detention centre closures. Many of the young people in these centres struggle with mental health issues, neurodivergence and addictions.

Significant investments in community supports are needed. Otherwise, many youth will continue to be funneled into other institutions, including hospitals and adult prisons.

Since 2009, Ontario has seen a significant increase in hospital emergency room visits for mental health or substance-related concerns, especially among 14–21 year olds. Mental illness and drug dependence are some of the most prevailing health problems for criminalized Canadians. In a study of 1,770 young people in Québec, researchers found those struggling with alcohol or drugs and familial problems are more likely to face re-imprisonment.

The Brookside Youth Justice Centre in Cobourg, Ont., was among the facilities the provincial government closed in March 2021.
(Infrastructure Ontario)

Helping youth in detention

In 2023, a justice centre was opened in Kenora, and in 2024, funding was announced for child and youth mental health in Ontario. Yet, more support is needed. In many northern, rural and remote communities, services for children and youth with intensive needs simply do not exist.

Youth face a number of additional barriers accessing support and treatment. These include long wait lists, overemphasis on illness-based and medical models, fragmented services, lack of developmentally and culturally appropriate services, and support that fails to consider the preferences and perspectives of youth and families.

Strains on youth community supports are also felt in other provinces. Researchers interviewed youth justice community workers in Alberta who reported inadequate funding with impacts on resources for youth, including psychological support and the ability for staff to give enough attention and time to youth. Conditions also lead to staff burnout and exit from the sector altogether.

The move to shift youth in the justice system away from confinement and towards community is a positive one. However, without investment in community-based service providers to support youth being transitioned out of custodial settings, it is unlikely that youth will thrive.

Such failures are likely to increase acute mental health crises and demands on ambulatory care within general medicine and psychiatric hospitals. These gaps are also likely to increase the number of youth who will come into conflict with the criminal legal system as adults.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Ontario’s closure of youth detention facilities has not resulted in more support for young people – https://theconversation.com/ontarios-closure-of-youth-detention-facilities-has-not-resulted-in-more-support-for-young-people-238748

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kim Named Small Business Investing Champion
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) received the 2024 Champion of Small Business Investing Award from the Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA) for her commitment to growing small businesses across the nation and advancing U.S. critical technologies and national security.

Rep. Kim serves on the House Financial Services Committee and was Ranking Member of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development in the 117^th Congress.

“Small businesses support local economies, create jobs, and keep our communities running,” said Congresswoman Kim. “Entrepreneurs deserve our support as they adapt to keep their doors open and staff on payroll while dealing with inflation, tax hikes, supply chain backlogs, and labor shortages. I thank SBIA for the Small Business Investing Champion Award and will keep working on commonsense policies that cut regulatory costs and help our small business owners access the capital they need to expand and create more jobs.”

“Access to long-term, patient capital is essential for our domestic small businesses to grow and succeed,” said SBIA President Brett Palmer. “Our small business champions in Congress, have demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in American jobs by supporting better access to capital for American small businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Rep. Kim has worked on policies to support small businesses such as:
- Providing an estimated 2.7 million loans totaling roughly $54 billion by helping lead the PPP Extension Act, which allowed small businesses more time to access targeted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Helping introduce the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act, a bipartisan bill to streamline the process for the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) to collect information, such as conducting field surveys to ensure the government can access better information on challenges facing entrepreneurs;
- Providing education and mentorship services for entrepreneurs through the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2022, a bipartisan bill to invest in the success of small businesses; and,
MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Urges Support for Wildfire Technologies, Fix Our Forests Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) spoke on the House floor in favor of the Fix our Forests Act (H.R. 8790).

This package includes the Wildfire Technology Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, and Optimization (DEMO) Act (H.R. 4235), a bipartisan bill led by Rep. Kim that aims to expand access to emerging technologies for first responders to combat wildfires. 

The Wildfire Technology DEMO Act allows private entities to partner with federal land management agencies to test wildfire technologies alongside ongoing hazardous fuels mitigation activities and training. The 7-year pilot program would be developed jointly by the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Interior. 

Watch her floor speech here and read her remarks below.

Thank you, Chairman Westerman, for yielding. I rise in strong support of H.R. 8790 – The Fix Our Forests Act.

The fear facing many of my constituents during California’s peak wildfire season, especially in the canyon communities close to the Cleveland National Forest, became a reality in recent weeks as multiple wildfires burn simultaneously in Southern California, including the Airport Fire in my district.

The Airport Fire has burned over 23,500 acres and counting in Orange and Riverside Counties.

I am grateful to the first responders who are working day and night to keep our community safe.

Times like these also show us that first responders need all tools available to protect our communities and respond to the ever-changing threat that wildfires pose.

The Fix Our Forests Act includes legislation I introduced called the Wildfire Technology Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, and Optimization, or DEMO, Act, that would address this need.

I introduced the DEMO Act after hearing from firefighting agencies and companies developing innovative technologies. 

This bipartisan legislation aims to deploy more emerging technologies to fight wildfires by allowing private entities to partner with federal land management agencies to test wildfire technologies in a 7-year pilot program.  

This is a win-win for private entities looking to test their technologies at-scale and federal land management agencies working to deploy emerging technologies to help combat wildfires.  

I would like to thank my friend Representative Crow for his partnership on the DEMO Act, as well as Chairman Westerman and Representative Peters for including my legislation in this important and timely bill to keep our communities and forests safe from wildfires.

I urge my colleagues to vote YES on H.R. 8790. Thank you, and I yield back.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Strong Supports Emergency VA Supplemental Spending, Ensuring Veterans’ Benefits

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Dale W. Strong released the following statement after a supplemental spending bill to rectify Department of Veterans Affairs shortfalls was signed into law:

“Our nation made a promise to American veterans that we will take care of them when they come home. Ensuring the Veterans Affairs Administration fulfills this promise is one of my top priorities. While I am working to improve the VA’s capacity for serving North Alabama overall, we had to pass this bill in the immediate term to address a critical funding shortfall. We cannot allow the VA to continue mismanaging its resources and care for veterans who made significant sacrifices to protect us all.”

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Carter Praises Almost $125 Million to Help LA-02 Build Flood Resilience

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced $124,319,367 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance Program to support 13 projectsthroughout LA-02. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Carter helped craft and voted for, greatly increased funding for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.

“The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program has been a game-changer for Louisiana, providing critical funding to help communities build resilience against devastating flood disasters,” said Rep. Carter. “With nearly $125 million allocated for 13 projects in my district, including efforts to elevate 132 flood-prone homes in St. John the Baptist Parish, the program is making significant strides in protecting both lives and property. By focusing on disadvantaged communities and targeting localized flood risks, the FMA is not only reducing future flood damage, but also ensuring that vulnerable Louisianians can continue to live where we call home.”

Background

LA-02 will receive nearly $125 million in funding for 13 projects, including:

Applicant	Subgrant ID	Subapplication Title	Federal Share
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0038	St. Charles Parish Norco Drainage Project Scoping	$675,000
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0008	St. Charles Parish Elevation Project	$720,926
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0028	Ascension Parish Climate Resilient Mitigation – Elevation of Severe Repetitive Loss/Repetitive Loss Properties – Priority #1	$1,083,772
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0004	Ascension Parish Climate Resilient Mitigation-Elevation Non Severe Repetitive Loss-Repetitive Loss Properties – Priority #2	$1,689,895
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0033	Lafourche Basin Levee District Stormwater Master Plan	$1,800,180
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0030	Jefferson Parish Elevation	$1,803,675
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0025	Jefferson Parish Severe Repetitive Loss Mitigation Reconstruction	$2,133,967
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0015	East Baton Rouge Parish Elevation and Acquisition Project	$3,306,691
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0024	Jefferson Parish Elevation	$8,982,520
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0029	City of New Orleans Elevation Project	$11,257,052
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0007	Livingston Parish Elevations and Acquisitions	$11,899,733
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0003	St. John the Baptist Parish Elevation Project	$27,133,131
Louisiana	EMT-2023-FM-004-0023	Gretna Green Distributed Green Infrastructure Network	$51,832,825

The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, FMA funds have been used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

Flood Mitigation Assistance competitive selections focus on reducing or eliminating the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Learn more about Louisiana’s projects here.

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