NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Opening Statement at SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for the Navy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, convened today’s hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Navy”. Prepared text of his opening statement follows:
    “I’ll begin by welcoming Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby, and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric Smith. I’m grateful to each of you for your willingness to lead at a pivotal moment for the Department, and to the sailors, Marines, and civilian personnel who advance Navy and Marine Corps missions and keep America safe every day.
    “I’m particularly grateful to the sailors who have stood watch in the Gulf and the Red Sea over the last 20 months helping to defend Israel, US interests, and freedom of navigation against Iranian-backed terrorists. And to the crews deployed there right now who launched Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of the joint operation to strike what I hope is a fatal blow to Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
    “I also want to recognize the Marine Corps, whose fallen comrades were among the earliest victims of Iran’s decades-long war against the United States and Israel — those taken hostage with U.S. Embassy personnel in Tehran and the hundreds killed in Beirut in 1983, before any of us on this dais showed up in Washington.
    “Generations of servicemembers carry the scars of Iran-backed attacks on American personnel in the region over the decades. Their sacrifices remind us that ‘Death to America’ is more than rhetoric.
    “For too long, Tehran itself faced negligible costs for the actions of their terrorist proxies. Thanks to Israel’s initiative in turning the tables – and the President’s decision to back them up – the Islamic Republic is finally paying a steep price.
    “This weekend’s events are yet a further reminder of the challenges facing the joint force today. And my colleagues and I hope to understand the extent to which you think the President’s budget request would provide the resources necessary to meet, deter, and defeat them.
    “Each of the Services is grappling in its own way with the reality of renewed major-power competition and with the increasing alignment of America’s adversaries. As you know, major transformations test assumptions and service culture. They test the capacity of the industrial base. And, importantly, they hinge on transparent working relations with Congress and on robust and consistent full-year investments in major priorities.
    “I’ll offer just a few observations in this vein. First, the good: Secretary Phelan, I’ve appreciated your recognition of Congress’ role in equipping the Navy and Marine Corps and the collaborative approach you’ve taken with this subcommittee. Your willingness to communicate transparently will continue to benefit our shared mission of restoring the Navy’s preeminence. I also appreciate your persistent engagement with the maritime industrial base. Your travels to see our shipbuilding challenges across the country, firsthand, have not gone unnoticed. We will not solve this problem without the private sector.
    “Likewise, General Smith – The Marine Corps spent years developing a clear rationale for major transformation, made tough and deliberate choices, and engaged Congress effectively along the way. Marine Corps Force Design 2030 continues to offer other services valuable lessons as they pursue transformation efforts of their own. I look forward to hearing how the Marine Corps’ own transformation to meet future threats is going: the good, the bad, and the ugly. But, to be quite frank, the decisions this Administration has made on resourcing the Department of Defense – a full-year CR that failed to address rising costs of operations and maintenance and major modernization requirements, a one-time reconciliation investment that risks new cliffs for sustainment, and a base request for FY26 even lower than the previous Administration’s FY25 request – make each of your jobs more difficult.
    “At the most basic level, an FY26 base defense topline that doesn’t keep pace with inflation – let alone with the ‘pacing’ threat of the PRC – does not show we’re serious about the tasks before us. Neither does pretending that one-time injections of funding are a substitute for consistent appropriations. For example, none of you needs me to point out the breadth of bipartisan support for accelerating procurement of Virginia-class submarines. If the Administration shares our interest in meaningfully expanding shipbuilding capacity, why are investments like this one not built into the base budget request? Why are we allocating funds under extraordinary parliamentary authorities for capabilities that would otherwise have been funded in an annual appropriation? Will the Navy even be able to complete two Virginia class subs with reconciliation money before the funding expires? 
    “Leaving aside the color of money, we’ll also want to hear your assessment of the impediments to delivering essential capabilities like submarines, destroyers, and amphibious vessels at the speed of relevance. This subcommittee has been consistently generous, but despite pouring billions more dollars into the effort, the timeline for producing a Virginia-class sub continues to stretch longer. Of course, we don’t just need to build platforms faster. We need to figure out how to make munitions more efficiently – especially the exquisite missile defense interceptors and long-range fires on which current operations are relying so heavily. How has the Navy handled the high operational tempo in the Red Sea? How does the FY26 request reflect the urgent need to deepen our magazines in a more cost-effective manner?
    “Finally, I’m curious about the lessons your services are taking from current conflicts. What has the Navy learned from the demands of long deployments and the costs of air wing accidents on the U.S.S. Truman? What lessons is the service taking from Ukraine’s decimation of Russia’s Black Sea fleet? How is the Navy approaching force protection itself? Is it hardening major assets, both in port and at sea? Does it have sufficient resources to do so?
    “What is the Marine Corps learning from Russia’s ground war in Ukraine? How does information-sharing at the cutting-edge of modern warfare inform the service’s ongoing transformation effort? To what extent is success in the face of unique Indo-Pacific circumstances dependent on things outside your control, like logistics and transportation provided by other services or commands?
    “I will be curious for each of your observations. I would just suggest that any honest accounting of the task at hand will have to reckon with the deficiencies of the defense topline. If our objective is to build a force capable of projecting power globally to deter, fight, and prevail against Chinese aggression, possibly while engaged in conflict in other theatres, I don’t see how this budget request gets us there. So we’ll look forward to your testimony in just a moment.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Slams RFK Jr. For “Reckless” Decision to Fire Vaccine Experts, Presses on New Appointees’ Conflicts of Interest, Anti-Vaccine Views

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 24, 2025
    New panel will meet for the first time tomorrow without ethics disclosures or conflict of interest guidelines in place
    “You have promised that, as HHS Secretary, you would root out conflicts of interest and promote ‘radical transparency,’ but you are failing miserably to meet this promise as you rush to impose your anti-vaccine agenda on the American public.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), on the eve of a key committee meeting,  slammed Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (RFK Jr.) for his “reckless” and “shortsighted” decision to fire all 17 independent members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and replace them with eight members who appear to be hand-picked to advance RFK Jr.’s own anti-vaccine agenda. With the new panel set to meet for the first time tomorrow, Senator Warren pressed RFK Jr. on his own conflicts of interests, and those of his appointees, raising concerns about their ability to make public health decisions to benefit Americans rather than line their own pockets.
    The letter follows Senator Bill Cassidy’s (R-La.) push to delay the ACIP meeting, citing the appointees’ lack of relevant experience and apparent anti-vaccine bias.
    “As presently constituted, the committee lacks the qualifications and credibility to offer the nation credible advice on vaccines. You have promised that, as HHS Secretary, you would root out conflicts of interest and promote ‘radical transparency,’ but you are failing miserably to meet this promise as you rush to impose your anti-vaccine agenda on the American public,” wrote Senator Warren.
    As an expert panel of the CDC, ACIP is responsible for developing recommendations for the use of vaccines by the American public. Decisions made by the committee have significant implications, affecting parents’ confidence in vaccines, physicians’ recommendations on who should receive them, and insurers’ coverage decisions.
    RFK Jr. recently purged the entire nonpartisan panel, claiming — with no evidence — that all 17 members had conflicts of interest that prevented them from effectively serving on the committee. But RFK Jr.’s hand-picked replacements are known vaccine skeptics, appear to lack relevant training, and have their own financial conflicts that present serious conflicts.
    During RFK Jr.’s confirmation process, he specifically pledged that he would end conflicts of interest on ACIP and “create an honest, unbiased, science-driven HHS.” It remains unclear how — if at all — his new appointees have been vetted for conflicts of interest, and the short timeframe from their nomination to tomorrow’s meeting means it would have been impossible for them to go through the typically rigorous vetting process for committee members.
    “While you’ve declared that previous efforts to guard against conflicts of interest on the panel were insufficient, you appear to have made no effort to ensure that your hand-picked appointees even declare their conflicts of interest, let alone meet a heightened standard,” wrote Senator Warren.
    With the panel set to meet for the first time tomorrow, a financial disclosure for only one of the eight new members is publicly available on the CDC website, and it remains unclear how conflict of interest rules will be applied. The meeting agenda will be truncated because the new appointees are reportedly “not yet in a position to deal with all the agenda items.” Even so, the panel is set to discuss recommendations for multiple key vaccines, including RSV, COVID-19, Influenza, and MMR.
    RFK Jr. also has his own unresolved conflicts of interest. At his confirmation hearing, Senator Warren questioned him on his biggest conflict: a lucrative arrangement with the law firm Wisner Baum in vaccine-related cases. Senator Warren specifically raised concerns about RFK Jr. financially benefiting as HHS Secretary by strengthening anti-vaccine lawsuits — including by naming anti-vaccine members to ACIP.
    “Your decision to reconstitute ACIP with members that share your anti-vaccine views therefore raises questions about your and your family’s ability to cash in from the dangerous decisions the panel appears prepared to make,” wrote Senator Warren.
    To understand RFK Jr.’s “haphazard” decision to purge ACIP and replace its members with a hand-picked panel of “unqualified and unvetted vaccine skeptics with their own troubling conflicts,” Senator Warren pressed the Secretary for information on the termination of the previous 17 experts, the appointments of the new members, and processes for vetting and eliminating conflicts of interest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawmakers Seek to Close VA Loophole That Funnels Billions to Private Medicare Insurers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 23, 2025
    A bipartisan group of lawmakers is aiming to close a loophole that allows large healthcare insurers to charge Medicare billions of dollars to cover veterans who get some or all of their treatment through the taxpayer-funded U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health system.
    The group introduced legislation Monday in the House and Senate that would permit the VA to charge private health insurers in the Medicare Advantage system for medical care that it provides for the insurers’ members.
    The bill was sparked by a December Wall Street Journal investigation, said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a Texas Democrat and sponsor of the new House legislation. The investigation found the federal government paid insurers an estimated $44 billion from 2018 through 2021 to cover veterans in Medicare Advantage plans who were also getting healthcare through the VA.
    “These big health insurers found a nifty way to profit from veterans,” Doggett said. “They collect the payments and the taxpayers pay for the care.”
    The Journal’s investigation found that more than a million aging and disabled veterans were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, which charged the government for their care even though many use the VA for much of their healthcare.
    Under a decades-old law, the VA is prohibited from billing Medicare Advantage insurers for the care it provides their members, even though the VA can and does bill non-Medicare insurers. In Medicare Advantage, insurers get paid a lump sum by the federal government for each member, meaning they get paid even when their members don’t use any services.
    “It is essentially double dipping,” said Rep. Greg Murphy (R., N.C.), a co-sponsor of the bill. “This is one of those issues that crosses party lines.”
    The House bill was also co-sponsored by Rep. David Schweikert (R., Ariz) and California Rep. Mark Takano, the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. 
    Congress must not allow “Medicare Advantage insurers to bill for veteran care they didn’t provide,” said Schweikert, who also called for broader changes to Medicare Advantage. “There is more to uncover and much more to fix,” he said.
    The Senate version is backed by lawmakers including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R., La.) and Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, according to congressional staffers.
    “It’s a mistake to let Medicare Advantage plans exploit a costly loophole and pocket taxpayer money at the expense of veteran care,” Warren said in a statement.
    The Journal, using figures provided by researchers at Brown University and the Providence VA, found that the VA spent about $17 billion caring for veterans who were Medicare Advantage members in 2021. That amounted to about 17% of the VA’s healthcare expenditures that year.
    Insurer Humana leads the industry in Medicare Advantage plans covering veterans, the Journal reported in December. The company, like others in the industry, offers veteran-branded plans under the name Humana Honor, including many that offer cash-like rebates to seniors who sign up. 
    Humana said in a statement that “given the aging population of veterans and increasing complexity of their healthcare needs, we strongly support increased coordination between [Medicare] and VA to better ensure beneficiaries have seamless access to healthcare coverage they have earned through the VA and Medicare.”
    The VA encourages veterans to sign up for some form of Medicare, even if they have access to VA health, in part because Medicare gives them the choice of going to a non-VA doctor or hospital. Medicare Advantage plans are attractive to many veterans because they offer perks that go beyond what Medicare requires, ranging from dental benefits to gym memberships.
    By:  Mark Maremont, Christopher WeaverSource: Wall Street Journal

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Colleagues Call for Plan to Address Communist China’s Forced Labor Transfers of Uyghurs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and three other senators sent a bipartisan letter to the Chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) Christopher Pratt. The letter calls for the FLETF to take action to prevent Communist China’s circumvention of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFPLA) through forced labor transfers. The letter comes in response to a joint investigation, led by the New York Times, that found that the Communist Chinese government is forcing thousands of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities to work in factories outside Xinjiang. Communist China’s deplorable actions have complicated enforcement of the UFPLA. These actions enable Communist China to skirt accountability for its human rights abuses, artificially lower the cost of producing goods, and undermine American workers.
    “On May 29, 2025, the New York Times, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and Der Spiegel published a joint investigation detailing efforts by Communist China to ship tens of thousands of Uyghur workers out of the Xinjiang province—and into factories across China,” said Ricketts. “It is clear based off of the joint investigation referenced above that further measures are needed to drastically expand the UFPLA Entity List to address these forced labor transfer programs outside Xinjiang and crack down on Communist China’s evasion of U.S. law.” 
    In addition to Ricketts, other signatories include Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Curtis (R-UT), and Chris Coons (D-DE). All are members of the Foreign Relations Committee. 
    Read the full letter here or below: 
    Dear Under Secretary Pratt, 
    We write to raise concerns regarding increased efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to utilize State-directed labor transfer programs to circumvent the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFPLA). 
    Since the implementation of the UFPLA’s enforcement mechanism in June 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reviewed over 11,000 shipments covering billions of dollars of various products, including apparel, automotive parts, chemicals, electronics, flooring, and solar panels. These actions have incentivized companies to increase their supply chain due diligence and shift their supply chains away from suppliers that exploit Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China, particularly in Xinjiang. As a result of this enforcement, however, the PRC is now actively working to sidestep our forced labor prohibitions. 
    On May 29, 2025, the New York Times, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and Der Spiegel published a joint investigation detailing efforts by the PRC to ship tens of thousands of Uyghur workers out of Xinjiang and into factories across China. Over 100 companies in at least five major industries appeared to receive Uyghur workers or parts or goods produced by them. According to a February International Labor Organization report, these labor transfer programs used measures “severely restricting the free choice of employment.” 
    The UFPLA requires the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) to produce and update an entity list, including “a list of entities working with the government of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to recruit, transport, transfer, harbor or receive forced labor or Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, or members of other persecuted groups out of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.” CBP is required to enforce the prohibition of imported goods from entities on the UFPLA Entity List. Currently, the entity list contains 144 entities, with 37 added just in January. However, it is clear based off of the joint investigation referenced above that further measures are needed to drastically expand the UFPLA Entity List to address these forced labor transfer programs outside Xinjiang and crack down on the PRC’s evasion of U.S. law. 
    We therefore request a briefing by July 18, 2025, on the actions FLETF intends to take to prevent the PRC’s circumvention of the UFPLA through forced labor transfers and the FLETF’s plan for engagement with the private sector to improve compliance with the UFPLA. We stand ready to work with FLETF to ensure it has both the resources and authorities necessary to tackle these grotesque human rights abuses that the PRC uses to artificially lower the costs of goods and undermine American workers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Maxwell Frost Blasts Florida and Trump Administration for “Alligator Alcatraz,” Calls Detention Center a Cruel Spectacle

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    June 24, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) issued a statement condemning President Donald Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, for announcing plans to redirect FEMA funds — meant for disaster response and recovery — toward building a tent-based immigrant detention center in the middle of an abandoned airfield in the Everglades. The site, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” would reportedly rely on surrounding alligators as a “cost-saving” security measure.

    Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Trump sycophant, proposed the idea, suggesting that the surrounding wildlife could help deter escape and reduce operational costs.

    In a statement, Rep. Frost says:

    “Donald Trump, his Administration, and his enablers have made one thing brutally clear: they intend to use the power of government to kidnap, brutalize, starve, and harm every single immigrant they can —because they have a deep disdain for immigrants and are using them to scapegoat the serious issues facing working people. 

    “They would rather us point fingers at immigrants for the housing crisis, violence, lack of healthcare, and high costs that plague our nation rather than blame the inaction of politicians and greedy corporations.

    “This was never about public safety. It was never about putting America first. 

    “They target migrants, rip families apart, and subject people to conditions that amount to physical and psychological torture in facilities that can only be described as hell on Earth. Now, they want to erect tents in the blazing Everglades sun and call it immigration enforcement. They don’t care if people live or die; they only care about cruelty and spectacle.

    “I’ve toured these facilities myself – real ones, not the makeshift tents they plan to put up – and even those detention centers contain conditions that are nothing short of human rights abuses. Places where people are forced to eat, sleep, shower, and defecate all in the same room. Places where medical attention is virtually non-existent. 

    “Anyone who supports this is a disgusting excuse for a human being, let alone a public servant.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fitzgerald Introduces Bill to Stop Proxy Advisors from Imposing ESG on U.S. Companies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced the Stopping Proxy Advisor Racketeering Act, which restores transparency and accountability in corporate governance and protects shareholders from biased advice. Specifically, it prohibits proxy advisory firms from issuing voting recommendations when any conflict could reasonably be expected to affect the objectivity or reliability of proxy advice, including being a member of a group that supports proposals similar to the shareholder-sponsored proposal. A violation of this prohibition would result in civil penalties.

    “Proxy advisory firms have outsized influence over corporate governance but operate in the shadows,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “My bill will rein in these unaccountable firms and restore fairness and transparency for American investors.”

    BACKGROUND: The U.S. proxy advisory market is dominated by a foreign-owned duopoly, which collectively and individually hold sufficient market power to shape the corporate governance of U.S. companies. Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis have gained an unprecedented level of control–commanding 97% of the market. Despite their significant sway over trillions in shareholder assets, these firms operate with minimal transparency and are riddled with conflicts of interest.

    Read the bill text here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On 3rd Anniversary of Roe Being Overturned, Baldwin, Blumenthal, and Murray Lead Senate Dems in a Bill to Restore Abortion Access Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Patty Murray (D-WA) led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, legislation to guarantee access to abortion everywhere across the country and restore the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for millions of Americans. The bill’s introduction comes as the Trump Administration further attacks a woman’s right to choose and Congressional Republicans barrel ahead with a bill that defunds Planned Parenthood. Put together, Trump and Congressional Republicans’ assault on Americans’ reproductive rights is a backdoor national abortion ban, ripping away millions of women’s access to abortion care and right to control their bodies.   

    “First, Donald Trump and Republicans overturned Roe v Wade. Now, they are continuing their crusade for a national abortion ban, stripping away a woman’s right to choose and control her body, healthcare, and future. Republicans continue to show that they will stop at nothing in their pursuit to stop a woman from having the right to choose,” said Senator Baldwin. “In Wisconsin, we’ve seen how these attacks on women’s reproductive rights and freedoms have hurt our neighbors, friends, and families – and we won’t stand for it. The Women’s Health Protection Act is a necessary step to restore Americans’ constitutional right to choose what’s best for their families, stop Congressional and state-level Republicans from further putting themselves between a doctor and a woman, and once and for all, give women their rights and freedoms back.”

    “This issue is about more than health care; it is about women’s rights, individual rights, and human rights. The foundation of the Women’s Health Protection Act is simply the right to make your own health care decisions. Three years after Dobbs, American women don’t have that right. Today, thanks to Republican lawmakers and conservative courts, a woman in America might walk into an ER and faint, bleeding, and be refused treatment. That woman might die,” said Senator Blumenthal. “By restoring abortion access and implementing basic protections against medically unnecessary restrictions on health care, the Women’s Health Protection Act overturns the death sentence handed down by Dobbs.”

    “Three years ago, Donald Trump and Republicans succeeded in overturning Roe, ripping away a Constitutional right for the first time in American history, and causing a full-blown health care crisis in our nation. Since then, we have seen with painful clarity how Republican abortion bans are putting women’s lives in danger, forcing providers to close their doors, decimating access to maternal health care, and forcing women to remain pregnant—no matter their circumstances,” said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Women’s Health Protection Act to restore the right to abortion and end the national nightmare Republicans created by overturning Roe. Democrats will never stop fighting to restore abortion access nationwide—nothing less.”

    President Trump appointed the Supreme Court Justices who ruled in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case to overturn Roe v. Wade and nearly 50 years of precedent. Since the Dobbs decision, 19 states have banned abortion or severely restricted women from being able to access the procedure, leaving one in three American women without access to safe, legal abortion care. Additionally, state legislatures across the country have introduced hundreds of bills to include medically unnecessary restrictions that limit access to abortion care.

    In his second term, President Trump has continued to relentlessly attack reproductive rights, including freezing Title X funding for clinics that offer reproductive care, cutting Biden-era emergency abortion protections, pardoning anti-abortion extremists, and fighting to defund Planned Parenthood. Additionally, the House-passed Republican budget bill kicks 16 million people off their health insurance and defunds Planned Parenthood – threatening the closure of 200 health centers across the country and putting access to vital reproductive care for millions of families at risk.

    The Women’s Health Protection Act creates federal rights for patients and providers to protect abortion access. Specifically, the Women’s Health Protection Act would:

    • Prohibit states from imposing restrictions that jeopardize access to abortion earlier in pregnancy, including many of the state-level restrictions in place prior to Dobbs, such as arbitrary waiting periods, medically unnecessary mandatory ultrasounds, or requirements to provide medically inaccurate information.
    • Ensure that later in pregnancy, states cannot limit access to abortion if it would jeopardize the life or health of the mother.
    • Protect the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years.

    The legislation is sponsored by the entire Democratic caucus, including Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D- DE) Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the bill is available here. A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kiltarlity youth leading the way in playpark design

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Children from Tomnacross Primary School in Kiltarlity have been congratulated for helping to develop their local play park as part of Highland Council’s investment in play areas across the Inverness region.

    The Kiltarlity Play Park has been upgraded with new equipment which was chosen by the children and includes a basket swing, a flat spinning disc to challenge balance and coordination, new swings and a climbing frame with a top perch for watching Shinty.

    Chair of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie said: “I’m delighted that new equipment for all ages and abilities has been installed at Kiltarlity Play Park, thanks to the inspiration and creativity of the children from Tomnacross Primary School. The children played a central role in designing their newly upgraded play park and this project ensured that young people were at the heart of the design process to create a play space that’s inclusive and community focused.

    “By supporting young people to design their own play spaces, we not only encourage creative and collaborative thinking but also ensure that children have an opportunity to share their views on what play means to them in their own community. The young people of Tomnacross Primary School have shown true leadership and vision and have set an excellent example of how young voices can help shape the places in which they live. I would like to thank the children for their commitment to the project and look forward to the park’s official opening event.”

    An official opening of the new Kiltarlity Play Park will take place on Friday 27 June at 10.30am and all members of the community are warmly invited to attend.

    Leader of Inverness and Area, Councillor Ian Brown, said: “This has been a fantastic community-driven project that reflects Highland Council’s wider commitment to supporting child-led initiatives and promoting every child’s right to play, choice, and inclusion. The success and popularity of Shinty in the area created the need for a new training pitch, which in turn created the opportunity to redevelop the play park. I am delighted to see how well used the new equipment is, and my thanks to everyone involved in this exciting project.”

    Funding for the project was allocated by the Inverness City Area Committee as part of the Scottish Government’s Play Park Renewal Fund. Additional funding was received from Kiltarlity Shinty Club.

    Communities across the Highlands who are interested in upgrading their local play areas can contact Highland Council’s Play Park Strategy Coordinator for more information: lynn.macgillivray@highland.gov.uk

    24 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to Strengthen Ties with Islamic Countries and OIC – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — China will continue to work with Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to promote the continuous development of relations with them, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

    Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a question about the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, which was held from June 21 to 22 in Istanbul, Turkey.

    The official representative recalled that the participants of the event recognized China’s efforts to protect Muslim communities, highly appreciated the comprehensive development of relations between China and Islamic countries, and expressed hope for further strengthening of cooperation between the OIC and China.

    “This is the sixth time that the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ resolution has included language that is friendly to China. The Chinese side welcomes this,” Guo Jiakun said.

    Calling the OIC a symbol of unity and independence of Islamic countries and a bridge for developing their ties with China, Guo Jiakun noted that in recent years, China, Islamic countries and the OIC have continuously deepened mutual trust, expanded cooperation in various fields and strengthened inter-civilizational exchanges, which has yielded significant results.

    The Chinese diplomat also pointed out that representatives of the OIC and its member states have visited China on numerous occasions, including to Xinjiang. According to Guo Jiakun, this has allowed them to better understand China’s ethnic and religious policies and the development situation in Xinjiang, and to give a positive assessment of what they have seen. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mariam Kvrivishvili appointed Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tbilisi, June 24 (Xinhua) — Mariam Kvrivishvili has been appointed Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. This was announced by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze at a briefing at the government administration.

    The appointment follows the resignation of Levan Davitashvili, who previously held the post.

    Since May 2021, M. Kvrivishvili has held the position of Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development and oversaw key areas, including the development of tourism and aviation.

    In 2019-2020, she headed the Georgian National Tourism Administration.

    M. Kvrivishvili is also a member of the political council of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

    L. Davitashvili has been appointed to a new position — Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister on Economic Issues, as well as Secretary of the Economic Council. He has headed the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development since February 2022, while simultaneously serving as Deputy Prime Minister and then First Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Opposes Resolving Disputes Through Force — Chinese Foreign Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — China opposes the use of force to resolve disputes and always stands for peace, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

    Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

    As the Chinese diplomat noted, Israel and the United States used force against Iran, citing “potential future threats,” thereby seriously violating international law and encroaching on the sovereignty of the Iranian state.

    Dialogue and negotiations are the only way out of the situation, Wang Yi said, stressing that all parties should resume dialogue on an equal basis and promote the return of the Iranian nuclear issue to the path of political settlement.

    The head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry also drew attention to the fact that the Palestinian issue remains the core of the Middle East problems and in this regard it is necessary to facilitate the implementation of the two-state solution.

    H. Fidan, for his part, said that if Israel wants to protect its security, it should agree to a two-state solution and stop the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.

    He added that Türkiye expects to strengthen communication and coordination with China in order to jointly achieve peace and stability in the Middle East region. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province, Vancouver, PavCo provide updated costs for FIFA World Cup 26

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    With less than one year to go before Vancouver welcomes the FIFA World Cup 26, the Province, City of Vancouver and BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) have released updated estimates on costs and revenues.

    “Hosting FIFA World Cup 26 is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our province to the world, and we are determined to do it in a way that reflects who we are and what we value,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Working with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh peoples helps us deliver an even better FIFA World Cup reflective of where we are, and who we are.”

    The economic benefits of hosting seven matches are estimated by the Province to include more than one million additional out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, generating more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending. Over this same period, more than 18,000 jobs could be generated. Tourism is one of B.C.’s biggest industries and the FIFA World Cup 26 is a premier opportunity to promote B.C. on the world stage. Studies show that first-time visitors to B.C. are likely to return four times during their lifetime.

    “The City of Vancouver’s direct costs, including security, transportation, the FIFA Fan Festival and upcoming milestones remain on track, with no major changes from 2024’s budget projections,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “With less than a year to go until the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in Vancouver, we’re working hard to deliver a safe, memorable experience for residents, fans and visitors. We remain committed to managing costs responsibly while maximizing the long-term benefits for our community.”

    Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC, said: “We’re gearing up to leverage the opportunities for B.C.’s tourism sector. “Welcoming fans and visitors from around the globe before, during and after the tournament means real benefits for local tourism businesses and the skilled professionals who power our vibrant industry. We’re looking forward to showcasing unforgettable B.C. experiences and inspiring visitors to keep returning.”

    FIFA’s own economic impact assessment covers the period June 2023 to August 2026 and estimates that preparing for and hosting the tournament could contribute $1.7 billion in economic benefits for B.C. That includes a $980-million increase to GDP and $610 million in labour income.

    “FIFA World Cup 26 is more than a series of matches. It’s a catalyst for economic activity, international visibility, and community pride. Hosting seven games will energize our downtown core, including hotels, restaurants, venues, and surrounding neighbourhoods, and will build on Vancouver’s growing $9.6 billion annual visitor economy, which currently supports more than 63,000 jobs,” said Royce Chwin, president and CEO, Destination Vancouver. “It’s a strong vote of confidence in our city’s ability to deliver world-class experiences with real, lasting benefits for local businesses and communities.”

    The Province is committed to maximizing the social and economic impacts of these matches and will work to ensure people throughout the province share the benefits.

    The FIFA World Cup highlights and accelerates provincial priorities, including building a sustainable, clean economy, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation. Through collaboration among the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the Province and the City of Vancouver, there is a shared commitment to work together to deliver these matches.

    “FIFA World Cup 26 provides an incredible opportunity for us at Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) to share our culture, our teachings, and our history with the world,” said Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson, Squamish First Nation. “We are looking forward to welcoming guests to our Territory next year to enjoy the tournament, and to working with all our partners to make FIFA World Cup 26 the best the globe has ever seen!”

    Chief Jen Thomas, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), said: “Our səlilwətaɬ community (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) believes strongly in the power of sport and how it can inspire our people today and our next seven generations. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with our partners to co-create and deliver an incredible tournament with a lasting legacy that benefits everyone.”

    The Province estimates the updated net core provincial cost of hosting seven FIFA World Cup 26 matches to be within a planning range of $85 million to $145 million, which is similar to the range estimated last year. This does not consider potential additional provincial tax revenues as identified in the Province’s estimates of economic impact benefits.

    “Hosting the FIFA World Cup 26 in Vancouver is huge for British Columbia and Canada,” said Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), Government of Canada. “Sport brings us together like nothing else, and this world-class event will showcase British Columbia’s hospitality, culture and gorgeous landscapes. The FIFA World Cup 26 is about more than football: local businesses, workers, and communities across the province will all benefit from this exciting hosting opportunity. Canada is thrilled to welcome the world in 2026!”

    Renovations and upgrades at the Killarney Park training site are underway and the city is advancing its planning for the FIFA Fan Festival and other activities. Renovations and upgrades to BC Place also continue. These improvements will make the stadium more accessible and help it remain modern and competitive so it can continue to attract and host the world’s best sports, music and events.

    Learn More:

    For provincial cost, revenue, economic benefit estimates for FIFA World Cup 26, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Provincial_FIFA_Cost_Update_BG1.pdf

    For City of Vancouver cost and revenue estimates for FIFA World Cup 26, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Provincial_FIFA_Cost_Update_BG2.pdf

    To learn more about FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver, visit: https://www.vancouverfwc26.ca/

    Follow
    Instagram: https://list.vancouver.ca/t/605825/1215640/17772/31/  
    X: https://list.vancouver.ca/t/605825/1215640/17773/32/ and
    Facebook: https://list.vancouver.ca/t/605825/1215640/17774/33/ channels @FWC26Vancouver

    For the March 2024 Vancouver FIFA World Cup 26 Economic Impact Assessment, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/sports/fifa_2026_economic_impacts_and_long_tail_march_2024.pdf

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, on the margins of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands.

    Building on the two countries’ already strong ties, the Prime Minister and the President discussed deepening the Canada-Latvia partnership, with a focus on increasing trade and investment, including in defence and energy.

    They reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security and underscored the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also discussed the need to increase pressure on Russia, including through sanctions.

    Prime Minister Carney reiterated Canada’s support for Euro-Atlantic security, as demonstrated by its leadership through the Canada-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. He thanked the President for Latvia’s exemplary role in hosting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members serving under Operation REASSURANCE. The operation includes approximately 2,000 personnel, making it the largest deployment of CAF members overseas.

    The Prime Minister also outlined Canada’s plan to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the CAF – meeting the NATO 2 per cent target this year and accelerating defence investments in the years ahead.

    The leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney meets with Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, was received by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands for an audience ahead of his participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands.

    The Prime Minister thanked Their Majesties for the hospitality. The Prime Minister and Their Majesties reflected on the enduring friendship between Canada and the Netherlands – rooted in shared history, including during the Second World War, and deepened through decades of partnership.

    Prime Minister Carney and Their Majesties discussed deepening co-operation, free trade, and innovation between the two nations.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Fraser to join Atlantic Indigenous leaders at news conference on advancing economic reconciliation through Indigenous-led research 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia · June 24, 2025 · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will attend and speak at a news conference organized by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat and the Atlantic Indigenous Economic Development Integrated Research Program.

    Date: June 25, 2025

    Time:  11:00 a.m.                      

    Location: Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre,
    65 Treaty Trail,
    Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1860, Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Bill Summary

    H.R. 1860 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate care coordinators for veterans with breast or gynecologic cancer. The bill also would extend a temporary limitation on certain pension payments through September 2032.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    The estimated budgetary effects of H.R. 1860 are shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 550 (health) and 700 (veterans benefits and services).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of H.R. 1860
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Estimated Budget Authority

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    -39

    1

    1

    1

    5

    -30

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    -39

    1

    1

    1

    5

    -30
     

    Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation

    		    

    Estimated Authorization

    *

    2

    2

    3

    3

    3

    3

    3

    3

    3

    3

    13

    28

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    2

    2

    3

    3

    3

    3

    3

    3

    3

    3

    13

    28

    Basis of Estimate

    For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 1860 will be enacted in fiscal year 2025 and that outlays will follow historical spending patterns for similar VA programs.

    Provisions that Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending

    Section 2 would require VA to designate or hire a care coordinator for breast and gynecologic cancer in each of the department’s 18 Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISN) within one year of enactment. The coordinators would monitor and integrate care for those cancers that veterans receive from the department directly and through the VA-funded Community Care program. The coordinators also would collect and report information on the outcomes of veterans’ cancer treatment.

    Under section 2, VA would need one full-time employee in each VISN. CBO estimates that annual compensation and operating expenses would amount to $215,000 per person, on average. Implementing section 2 would therefore cost $38 million over the 2025-2035 period.

    CBO expects that some of the costs of implementing the bill would be paid from the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF) established by Public Law 117-168, the Honoring our PACT Act. The TEF is a mandatory appropriation that VA uses to pay for health care, disability claims processing, medical research, and IT modernization that benefit veterans who were exposed to environmental hazards.

    Additional spending from the TEF would occur if legislation increases the costs of similar activities that benefit veterans with such exposure. Thus, in addition to increasing spending subject to appropriation, enacting section 2 would increase amounts paid from the TEF, which are classified as direct spending. CBO projects that the proportion of costs paid by the TEF will grow over time based on the amount of formerly discretionary appropriations that CBO expects will be provided through the mandatory appropriation as specified in the Honoring our PACT Act.

    CBO estimates that over the 2025-2035 period, implementing section 2 would increase spending subject to appropriation by $28 million and direct spending by $10 million.

    Direct Spending

    In addition to expanding benefits that would partly be covered by the TEF, enacting H.R. 1860 would affect direct spending by extending a statutory limitation on VA pension payments. In total, enacting the bill would decrease net direct spending by $30 million over the 2025-2035 period (see Table 2).

    Under current law, VA reduces pension payments to veterans and survivors who reside in Medicaid nursing homes to $90 per month. That required reduction expires November 30, 2031. Section 3 would extend that reduction for 10 months, through September 30, 2032. CBO estimates that extending that requirement would reduce VA benefits by $10 million per month. (Those benefits are paid from mandatory appropriations and are therefore considered direct spending.) As a result of that reduction in beneficiaries’ income, Medicaid would pay more of the cost of their care, increasing spending for that program by $6 million per month. Thus, enacting section 3 would reduce net direct spending by $40 million over the 2025-2035 period.

    Table 2.

    Estimated Changes in Direct Spending Under H.R. 1860
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035

    Cancer Care Coordinators

    		                      

    Estimated Budget Authority

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    5

    10

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    5

    10

    Pensions

    		                      

    Estimated Budget Authority

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -40

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -40

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -40

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -40

    Total Changes

    		                        

    Estimated Budget Authority

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    -39

    1

    1

    1

    5

    -30

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    -39

    1

    1

    1

    5

    -30

    Spending Subject to Appropriation

    The discussion above in “Provisions That Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending” describes the costs of implementing the care coordination program for veterans with breast or gynecologic cancer. CBO estimates that establishing the program would increase spending subject to appropriation by $28 million over the 2025‑2035 period.

    Section 2 also would require VA to submit a report comparing health outcomes of veterans who receive care for breast and gynecologic cancer through VA facilities and community care providers. Based on the costs of similar reporting requirements, CBO estimates that preparing the report would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025‑2035 period. Any such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

    The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. The net changes in outlays that are subject to those pay-as-you-go procedures are shown in Table 1.

    Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1860 would not increase net direct spending by more than $2.5 billion in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1860 would not increase on‑budget deficits by more than $5 billion in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    Mandates

    The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

    Mandates: Grace Watson

    Estimate Reviewed By

    David Newman
    Chief, Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit

    Kathleen FitzGerald 
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    Christina Hawley Anthony
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Information Concerning Medicaid-Related Provisions in Title IV of H.R. 1

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    CBO responds to a request for information from the Honorable Jodey Arrington and the Honorable Brett Guthrie concerning Medicaid-related provisions in title IV, Energy and Commerce, of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as passed by the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: About one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    June 24, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, World Bank, and Global Energy Monitor, Global Gas Infrastructure Tracker
    Note: LNG=liquefied natural gas, FSRU=floating storage regasification unit

    • In 2024, about 20% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade transited the Strait of Hormuz, primarily from Qatar. The strait is a critical route for oil and petroleum products as well.
    • Qatar exported about 9.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of LNG through the Strait of Hormuz in 2024, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) exported about 0.7 Bcf/d, accounting for nearly all LNG flows from the Persian Gulf through Hormuz.
    • We estimate that 83% of the LNG that moved through the Strait of Hormuz in 2024 went from Persian Gulf countries to Asian markets. China, India, and South Korea were the top destinations for LNG moving through the Strait of Hormuz, accounting for 52% of all Hormuz LNG flows in 2024. In 2024, disruptions to LNG flows through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, and more U.S. LNG exports to Europe pushed LNG exports from Qatar away from Europe to Asia.
    • Kuwait and the UAE imported LNG that originated outside of the Persian Gulf, including from the United States and West Africa. Bahrain began operating an LNG import terminal in April 2025 and also received cargoes that transited Hormuz from outside of the Persian Gulf, including recent cargoes in April and June that originated from the United States.
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration analysis based on Vortexa tanker tracking data
    Note: 1Q25=first quarter of 2025. figure data

    Principal contributors: Candace Dunn, Justine Barden

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jun 24, 2025 ATU International and ATU Local 689 Endorse Senator Stella Pekarsky for Special Election for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Centreville, VA – – Calling her a strong advocate for public transit, working families, and the state of the Virginia, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International and ATU Local 689, which represents transit workers and riders across the DC region, announced their endorsement of Stella Pekarsky’s campaign for Congress in VA-11.

    “Stella is a true friend for labor and working families across Northern Virginia,” said ATU Local 689 President/Business Agent Raymond Jackson. “In Congress she will be a staunch advocate for transit workers and riders and a bulwark against MAGA extremism. Transit workers are proud to stand in support of Stella.”

    The ATU is the largest labor organization representing transit workers in North America. In the DC area, it represents transit workers with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Fairfax Connector, Loudoun County Transit, DC Circulator, and more. 

    “The ATU is proud to endorse Stella Pekarsky in the Special Election for Congress in Virginia,” said ATU International President John Costa. “As a Virginia State Senator, Pekarsky has demonstrated an extraordinary track record of advocacy and public service. As a proven leader, Pekarsky has consistently fought for the rights of workers and their families and a more robust public. We look forward to helping send her Congress to represent our members and the people of Virgina.” 

    “ATU Local 689 is the backbone of our transit workforce in Fairfax County and the greater DC area. The fierce advocacy of ATU keeps our workers protected and keeps our region moving. The rights of our union workers have always been at the center of my work, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the local and national ATU in Congress” Stella said.

    Stella Pekarsky is proud to stand with union transit workers and honored to have their endorsement for Congress.

    For more information about Stella Pekarsky and her campaign, visit www.stellapekarsky.com.

     

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Software Company BuildOps Will Create 291 Jobs in Raleigh

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces Software Company BuildOps Will Create 291 Jobs in Raleigh

    Governor Stein Announces Software Company BuildOps Will Create 291 Jobs in Raleigh
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that BuildOps, Inc., a company offering a software platform for commercial trade contractors will create 291 jobs in Raleigh. The company will invest $771,200 to establish an operations hub in Wake County. 

    “North Carolina offers companies like BuildOps a deep pool of tech talent,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina’s education and workforce training programs deliver the skilled people companies rely on to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. We welcome this veteran-owned business to North Carolina.”  

    Founded in 2018 with headquarters in Los Angeles, BuildOps has developed a software-as-a-service platform built specifically to serve commercial trade contractors, providing project management, service, dispatching, and invoicing solutions. The company’s customers include HVAC, plumbing, mechanical and electrical contractors, among others. The company’s project in Raleigh will establish the company’s third operations hub, joining hubs in Los Angeles and Toronto that serve the company’s rapidly growing customer base. 

    “We’re thrilled to establish our newest operations hub in Raleigh, a city known for its exceptional talent pool, innovation-driven ecosystem, and strong commitment to business growth,” said Alok Chanani, Co-Founder and CEO for BuildOps. “This expansion is an important step in our ongoing mission to revolutionize the commercial trade industry, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the thriving Raleigh community.”   

    “North Carolina’s tech sector has grown by 25% since 2018, outpacing the national average,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “The state’s strong concentration of IT professionals has fostered an environment that attracts companies like BuildOps seeking the specialized, talented workforce North Carolina provides.”  

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions will be $110,997, compared with an average wage in Wake County of $76,643. The new positions will bring an annual payroll impact to the community of more than $30 million per year. 

    The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $701.7 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $1,839,000, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation targets. 

    The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 78 percent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $1.78 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.  

    Because BuildOps chose a location in Wake County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 3, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $613,000 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 3 county such as Wake, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state. 
    “I’m pleased to see a fast-growing company like BuildOps plant their flag in Raleigh,” said Senator Jay Chaudhuri. “We know what it takes to help IT companies grow and our community will help them be successful in our region.”  

    “Congratulations to the many economic development organizations and allies that demonstrated great teamwork to win this project for Raleigh and the greater Research Triangle region,” said Representative Cynthia Ball. “We look forward to seeing BuildOps reach the next phase of their growth here in North Carolina, serving their customers and bringing well-paying new jobs to the area.”  

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, N.C. Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, N.C. State University, Capital Area Workforce Development Board, Wake Technical Community College, the City of Raleigh, and Raleigh Economic Development and Wake County Economic Development, programs of the Greater Raleigh Chamber.  

    Jun 24, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Top Trump Officials over Illegal Termination of Tens of Billions in Grant Funding

    Source: US State of California

    Since January, the Trump Administration has baselessly relied on a single subclause buried deep in federal regulations to slash tens of billions in previously awarded grant funding

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today sued the Trump Administration over its improper use of a single subclause buried in federal regulations promulgated by the Office of Management of Budget (OMB) to terminate tens of billions of dollars in grant funding to the states. Since taking office, the Trump Administration has engaged in a nationwide slash-and-burn campaign, unlawfully invoking 2 C.F.R. § 200.340(a)(4) (“the Clause”) to justify the termination of tens of billions of dollars in critical federal funding appropriated by Congress and awarded to the states. The Trump Administration has claimed that five words in the Clause — “no longer effectuates . . . agency priorities” — provide federal agencies with virtually unfettered authority to withhold funding any time they no longer wish to support the programs for which Congress has appropriated funding. In today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition argue that the Administration is misconstruing the Clause and that the Clause, properly read, does not allow for grant terminations based on agency priorities that were set or changed only after a grant was originally awarded. 

    “The Trump Administration has recklessly and chaotically slashed federal grant funding that is intended to prevent crime, rebuild our roads, develop technology for the future, and everything in between,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This hack job has been done under the flimsy premise of ‘changed agency priorities’ — even when this funding has been previously appropriated by Congress and awarded to the states. For federal funding to work, the states that receive that funding need to be able to plan ahead, make investments, and be confident that this funding will not be terminated on a whim. We’re asking the court to block the Trump Administration’s unlawful invocation of this clause as a sweeping justification for the termination of grant funding.”

    With the stroke of a pen, federal agencies ranging from the U.S. Department of Justice to the Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of Labor have deprived California and other states of essential funding they rely on to combat violent crime, prevent terrorist attacks, educate students with special needs, respond to natural disasters, protect clean drinking water, conduct life-saving medical and scientific research, upgrade crumbling transportation infrastructure, and much more. Federal agencies have done all of this without advance notice, without explanation to the state recipients, and in direct contravention of the will of Congress.    

    In the lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that federal agencies’ invocation of the Clause to terminate grant funding runs counter to OMB’s own interpretation of its own regulations. When OMB first promulgated the Clause in 2020, it made clear that the language granted federal agencies only limited authority to terminate grants. Indeed, the coalition is not aware of a single instance prior to January 2025 in which a federal agency relied on the Clause to terminate a grant on the grounds that agency priorities had changed after the award of the grant. Since January 2025, however, federal agencies across the Trump Administration have asserted that the Clause provides them with a blank check to terminate grants already awarded to states based on newly identified agency priorities — even when those priorities conflict with the priorities identified by Congress or by the agency at the time of the grant award. Attorney General Bonta and the coalition today ask the District Court to declare that the Clause and the Trump Administration’s regulations implementing the Clause do not on their own provide sufficient grounds to terminate awards; vacate the Trump Administration’s decision to invoke the Clause as grounds for terminating grants based on a change in agency priorities; and permanently bar the Trump Administration from invoking the Clause in the future.   

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, as well as the state of Pennsylvania, in filing the lawsuit. 

    A copy of the lawsuit is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: To make buy-now-pay-later fair for consumers, regulators need to understand why shoppers use it

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anita Lifen Zhao, Associate Professor of Marketing at the School of Management, Swansea University

    fornStudio/Shutterstock

    Many consumers – especially gen Z and millennials – use buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) to split or defer payments. The types of purchases made with BNPL can range from groceries and takeaway deliveries to luxury items.

    Nearly 40% of regular BNPL users consider shopping a leisure activity. Easily accessing such credit could increase consumption in this group. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the UK BNPL market is projected to triple from 2021 levels by 2030.

    With timely repayments, this short-term credit option is free from interest and fees. As an unregulated service, BNPL requires minimal financial checks, ensuring that most purchases will be swiftly approved.

    A buyer can acquire items quickly without paying the full amount upfront – the BNPL provider pays the retailer for the goods and recoups the amount from the buyer through instalments.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    So how do BNPL providers make their money? While they may charge customers late fees and account costs, their primary revenue comes from taking a percentage of each BNPL transaction from the retailer and a service fee. This business model is standard for payment services.

    But retailers often pay much more for BNPL transactions – sometimes three times more than traditional credit card processing. So to ensure they make a profit, BNPL providers deftly encourage consumers to shop with retailers that use their services.

    BNPL is a form of embedded finance – meaning that it seamlessly integrates payments into retailer sites. More than half of retailers are seeing better conversion (more people going on to buy after browsing) when they offer BNPL. This also allows many retailers to expand their market, as BNPL makes products accessible to more consumers.

    But there’s a catch. With higher BNPL fees, nearly one in three retailers pass these costs on to customers through higher product prices at the checkout. Consumers face higher prices, and yet BNPL promotes affordability.

    A marriage made in heaven?

    In this scenario, BNPL acts only as a credit product. But in reality it is more than that. Several providers have created shopping platforms promoting retailers and offering easy repayment management.

    This combination of easy funds, appealing shopping experiences and technology-enabled repayment distinguishes BNPL. Our research indicates that BNPL could reshape retail landscapes by weakening competition.

    Many BNPL providers offer user-friendly websites and apps, exceeding traditional financial service expectations and influencing key psychological determinants of BNPL use, such as viewing it as a way to save money or being psychologically distanced from the act of borrowing.

    As revealed in our most recent study, these platforms are visually appealing, highlight various brands and offer targeted discounts. BNPL is easy to navigate, expands budgets and provides access to credit to those who might otherwise struggle. While BNPL appears to democratise credit, its opaque nature can also present pitfalls.

    The package can promote consumer spending, debt and over-consumption. Consequently, there has been a rise in late fees. More than half of BNPL users have incurred a fee, one in three have missed a payment and three in four are at risk of needing debt advice. Others have borrowed to repay BNPL debt.

    BNPL options can make the buying process seamless.
    Tada Images/Shutterstock

    This escalates when consumers have multiple agreements across providers, complicating debt management. Many BNPL users feel vulnerable, weighing long-term savings against marketing that encourages spending. Their ability to manage this vulnerability affects their financial health, wellbeing and self-image.

    As concerns about BNPL debt rise, regulators in countries such as the UK are addressing its financial service aspects. However, they often overlook providers’ techniques for targeting consumers and supporting their shopping habits.

    Potential regulation focuses on financial attributes, including affordability checks, but neglects the technological mechanisms that keep customers using BNPL.

    Our research suggests that BNPL’s success rests on its effective use of technology, particularly artificial intelligence and its algorithms. They streamline the loan process, enable repayments to be tailored to each consumer, help shoppers find what they’re looking for and identify retailers, brands and products that a user might like. BNPL providers are technology-based retail platforms as much as financial institutions.

    BNPL in numbers

    To protect consumers, legislation like that proposed in the UK must address the technological heart of BNPL and the risks of algorithmic marketing when designing retail sites. These risks could include targeted retailer and product promotions that nudge buying behaviour, or building a customer’s reliance on delaying payments.

    Proposed regulation focuses on the individual credit agreement between a user and provider. This overlooks cumulative BNPL spending and its persistence. What’s needed is a holistic approach considering that consumers often enter multiple agreements at once. This affects shopping habits, budgeting and repayment behaviour.

    Only by addressing this will consumers be appropriately protected. But rethinking BNPL will also mean thinking again about who might be a vulnerable consumer. Traditional demographic factors fail to capture BNPL users’ psycho-social characteristics – things like materialism, impulsiveness and financial literacy. These are more influential than demographic markers on their usage and repayment behaviour.

    Regulators need to understand who is using BNPL and why. Only then will they appreciate BNPL’s full scope and market impact and be able to enable consumers to have a healthy relationship with credit.

    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. To make buy-now-pay-later fair for consumers, regulators need to understand why shoppers use it – https://theconversation.com/to-make-buy-now-pay-later-fair-for-consumers-regulators-need-to-understand-why-shoppers-use-it-259487

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How restoring river catchments can minimise drought and flood risks

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Neil Entwistle, Professor of River Science and Climate Resilience, University of Salford

    Elenitsa/Shutterstock

    As Britain’s first heatwave of 2025 hits with temperatures climbing above 30°C, Yorkshire has joined the northwest in official drought status.

    This spring has been the driest in the UK since 1893. May’s rainfall was 43% lower than the long-term average. Fish rescues have already taken place in Shropshire as rivers dried up. Low water levels have made it difficult for boats to navigate along some canals.

    Water companies in regions such as Hampshire, Yorkshire and Cumbria are encouraging residents to conserve water.

    Years of drainage, overgrazing and peatland degradation have turned much of the UK’s uplands into fast-draining systems. Rainfall that once infiltrated slowly now rushes off hillsides, filling rivers quickly, before vanishing just as fast.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Even after a year of exceptional rain and flooding, the soils and ecosystems that should be buffering us against drought are depleted. This recent spell of dry weather has exposed just how fragile the system has become.

    The UK government reconvened the national drought group – a coalition of its most senior decision-makers, Environment Agency, water companies, plus key farming and environmental groups – on June 5 to address growing concerns as reservoir levels which are at 77% of capacity nationally.

    Water availability remains under pressure across much of England. Sources in the northwest Pennines, Haweswater and Thirlmere in the Lake District, which supply much of the northwest, are currently at around 50% of capacity. Normally, they would be around 75% full. In Yorkshire, these water levels are currently around 60%.

    The reservoir at Anglezarke in Lancashire is drying out.
    Neil Entwistle, CC BY-NC-ND

    But landscapes can be restored in ways that reduce both flood risk and the effects of drought. At Smithills Estate near Bolton, the Mersey Forest (Cheshire and Merseyside’s community forest), conservation charity Woodland Trust and the Environment Agency have spent the last decade restoring 1,700 hectares of upland.

    They have blocked old drainage channels, rewetted peat bogs, planted trees, improved soil structure and adapted farming. These changes (often referred to as natural flood management) allow the land to hold water longer, slow its release, and sustain the flow of water in rivers during dry periods that can help water conservation and reduce the risk of floods.

    Restoring rivers

    We both grew up in the shadow of the moorlands around Rivington and Smithills in Bolton. We built our careers restoring rivers and their catchments and want to prevent “water-stressed” situations where water demand exceeds the available supply. We continue to study the implications and resilience of natural flood management here in the UK and overseas.

    At Smithills, restored bogs act like sponges, soaking up rain and releasing it gradually. Newly planted woodland supports biodiversity, encourages water infiltration and provides shade, which reduces evaporation. Natural flood management has slowed water down across the catchment, helping to reduce peak flows during storms by 27.3% and has boosted river flows during dry spells by storing and slowly releasing water by 27.1%.

    Tree trunks slow down the flow of water.
    Neil Entwistle, CC BY-NC-ND

    Tree trunks laid across the gullies have kept areas of Smithills wet throughout spring, creating valuable habitat and supporting water resilience in the landscape. We’re working with partners to monitor natural flood management benefits and expand restoration, while also exploring new questions.

    These include how the structures influence greenhouse gas emissions through wetting and drying cycles, affect sediment capture and storage, and how their function changes over time. This research is helping to shape how nature-based solutions are understood, valued and adopted more widely.

    Mitigation (tackling the root causes) and adaptation (adjusting systems and behaviours) to water stresses require landowners, water companies, local authorities, regulators, environmental groups and communities to work together to deliver shared outcomes.

    But this effort needs to be matched by an understanding that changes in how land is managed too. If the landscape continues to shed water rapidly, reservoirs will struggle to recover even when rain does arrive. We need to slow the flow of water and rejuvenate the lost natural processes at large scales through restoration.

    Farmers are grazing cattle on the heath.
    Neil Entwistle, CC BY-NC-ND

    The UK will face water shortages within the next decade unless urgent action is taken. The recent Independent Water Commission, set up by the UK government to recommend a major overhaul of the water sector’s planning, regulation and infrastructure, highlights the importance of nature-based solutions, such as restoring natural processes like river flow and wetland function, alongside natural capital investment.

    This involves putting money and resources into the protection, restoration or enhancement of nature, to secure long-term benefits such as clean air, water purification or flood protection.

    Nature-based solutions can be scaled up quickly, plus they benefit people and the environment. Local communities can also get involved in meaningful restoration work. At Smithills, volunteers plant trees and help monitor the benefits of natural flood management, including changes in water quality, water levels and biodiversity. Farmers are exploring regenerative grazing.

    Schools use the estate for environmental learning. This is not only about resilience – it is about reconnecting people with the natural landscapes that surround them.

    To avoid routine hosepipe bans, protect biodiversity and secure food and water supply into the future, land needs to be at the centre of the UK’s drought strategy. Restoring bogs, woodlands and soils is not a luxury. It is essential infrastructure in a changing climate.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Neil Entwistle has received previous funding from British Council, Universities UK, NERC for work related to river restoration and climate resilience. He also works for a boutique fund manager, to fund and deploy solutions to some of the most pressing Nature-related challenges our economy faces today.

    Neil Macdonald receives funding from DEFRA through the Natural Flood Management Programme (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/natural-flood-management-programme).

    – ref. How restoring river catchments can minimise drought and flood risks – https://theconversation.com/how-restoring-river-catchments-can-minimise-drought-and-flood-risks-258840

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK plan to cut energy bills for industrial firms threatens to leave small businesses out in the cold

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Hampton, Researcher, Environmental Geography, University of Oxford

    The UK government aims to cut energy bills for large businesses by up to a quarter over four years, thanks to a £2 billion investment within its new industrial strategy. The aim is to make British manufacturers of steel, cars, chemicals, glass and other industrial sectors more competitive with foreign firms.

    UK businesses pay some of the highest energy prices in Europe. Under the new scheme, roughly 7,000 energy-intensive businesses will be exempt from paying green levies on their electricity bills. These levies raise funds to support the deployment of renewable energy and to enact energy-efficiency measures like the insulation of low-income households.

    The exemption should make it a bit easier for British companies to switch from fossil fuels to electricity by making the latter cheaper – an important step in the decarbonisation of the economy to tackle climate change. And it may lower costs enough to bring them within orbit of prices paid elsewhere in Europe.

    However, heavy industry in the UK is already largely shielded from many of the levies applied to the average energy bill. The British Industry Supercharger scheme, which since April 2024 has exempted energy-intensive industries from renewable energy policy costs and provided discounted network charges, is set to save British manufacturers between £320 million and £410 million in 2025 alone.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The supercharger scheme fully exempts eligible firms from paying several costs linked to encouraging renewable energy investment and production. Industrial energy users covered under this scheme also enjoy a 60% reduction in network charges, compared with businesses outside the scheme.

    The government’s new “modern industrial strategy” sets out plans to raise this discount to 90% from 2026.

    Modelling conducted before the government’s announcement suggested that, if the major green levies on electricity were removed, average non-domestic electricity bills could fall by around 15%.

    While significant, this reduction is unlikely to fully resolve the competitiveness challenges facing most businesses, as even discounted energy prices would remain high by international standards.

    There are other limitations with the strategy. To start, more could be done to encourage firms to switch from fossil fuels to electricity by not just cutting electricity levies but shifting some onto gas bills.

    The cost of expanding and upgrading the grid to support more electrification and renewables is another concern. These investments in power lines and wind farms will be essential, but they won’t come cheap. Reducing the contribution made by big businesses to these costs means the burden for these essential upgrades will fall on smaller businesses and households.

    There are several options for addressing these challenges, however. One is to make energy demand more flexible, by financially incentivising businesses to use electricity when its supply from renewable sources is generally greater.

    Another way to cut network costs for businesses is to offer grid connection arrangements with a less secure electricity supply. These arrangements include allowing the network operator to reduce maximum capacity during times of grid congestion, and sharing a connection with several other businesses.

    Most importantly, the UK needs to move away from a system where the cost of gas sets the price of electricity most of the time, even though less than half of the country’s electricity now comes from gas. This can be achieved by expanding renewable energy storage (in the form of grid-scale batteries for example), so that grid operators are less reliant on gas power plants to fill gaps in electricity supply from wind and solar.

    Reform to Britain’s energy market and its pricing structure would make a real difference too, though this will also require significant investment in grid infrastructure and careful regulatory change.



    Read more:
    How gas keeps the UK’s electricity bills so high – despite lots of cheap wind power

    No relief for smaller businesses

    While the government’s priority is energy savings for larger businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) typically pay the highest rates for their energy. This is even despite most smaller firms being exempt from green levies.

    Energy-intensive sectors, such as hospitality and retail, remain highly vulnerable to energy costs. Average non-domestic electricity prices increased by over 75% between 2021 and 2024, while gas prices more than doubled. This has contributed to a surge in business failures: in June 2024, company insolvencies were 17% higher than a year earlier, reaching the third highest monthly total since 2000.

    Unfortunately, support for SMEs is heading in the wrong direction. Having funded a pilot energy advice service in the West Midlands, the government’s June spending review did not include funding to expand support for energy efficiency or renewable installations to SMEs nationwide. This leaves millions of smaller businesses exposed to high energy prices, without help to cut costs or emissions.

    The government’s new strategy may help some of the UK’s largest manufacturers compete internationally. But without targeted support for smaller firms, the benefits could be unevenly shared. The UK’s wider economy will continue to struggle with high energy costs and business failures as a result.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Sam Hampton receives funding from the Economics and Social Research Council.

    Jan Rosenow is affiliated with the Regulatory Assistance Project.

    – ref. UK plan to cut energy bills for industrial firms threatens to leave small businesses out in the cold – https://theconversation.com/uk-plan-to-cut-energy-bills-for-industrial-firms-threatens-to-leave-small-businesses-out-in-the-cold-259707

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Brazil’s dangerous flirtation with counterterrorism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By James Fitzgerald, Associate Professor of Terrorism Studies, Dublin City University

    American pop star Lady Gaga delivered a free concert to over 2.1 million revellers on Copacabana beach in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro in May. Those attuned to security concerns saw a policing and public safety nightmare.

    And shortly after the concert, Rio de Janeiro’s civil police secretary, Felipe Curi, announced that the worst realisation of this nightmare had almost come to pass. An improvised bomb attack targeting fans had been thwarted thanks to police intelligence.

    A loose group of conspirators from across Brazil, gelled across chat apps and other social media by anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, planned to murder civilians. The intention was to send a political message about resisting what they see as “indecency” and “social decadence”.

    Given the setting, volume of media coverage and possibility of a panicked stampede, Brazil had surely avoided the worst terrorist attack in its history.

    For an attack to qualify as “terrorism”, it must be carried out for explicitly political purposes – motives akin to reshaping society violently or agitating for self-determination through force.

    Yet, a month after the thwarted Copacabana attack, the main conversation about terrorism in Brazil is focused on mistaken efforts to label criminal groups as terrorists.

    In late May, Brazil’s Congress fast tracked a bill that would broaden the definition of terrorism to include the actions of criminal organisations and militias. This is on the basis that their routine practices of “imposing territorial control” are designed to spread “social or widespread terror”. The bill is overly vague and extremely dangerous.

    Brazilian organised crime

    Equating organised crime and the violence it produces with “terrorism” is somewhat understandable. Organised gangs in Brazil, such as Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), control vast expanses of territory, and civilians ultimately pay the price.

    However, as endemic as organised crime is in Brazil, these groups strive for self-enrichment. Their violence is used solely to either protect or enhance this goal. Neither CV nor PCC have any political motive that would qualify their actions as terrorism.

    The government already has legal ways to deal with criminal groups, but it has been hard to achieve lasting, positive results using these methods.

    Should the actions of criminal organisations be reclassified as terrorism, a new suite of measures will become available to the state’s repressive apparatus. This will be true for the current government and future administrations.

    New measures to fight terrorism are practically guaranteed to erode democratic and procedural norms. Armed with a remit to eradicate terrorism, states have repeatedly shown that they exacerbate the very cycles of violence they aim to erase.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    French-Algerian philosopher Jacques Derrida identified the essence of this dilemma in 2003. In an interview reflecting on the 9/11 attacks on the US, Derrida said that the primary threat of terrorism was not just in the violence itself, but in how societies respond to it.

    The US’s disastrous “war on terror”, for example, led to a consequential wave of violence worldwide. It is estimated to have killed over 500,000 civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. And western countries that joined the fray have suffered jihadist attacks in return.

    Governments also adopted new measures to deal with security issues inside their own countries. Potential terrorists were apprehended through surveillance, with the new goal of counterterrorism being to intervene before violence is able to occur.

    States of emergency, which significantly curtail civil liberties, were routinely imposed in the aftermath of high-profile terrorist attacks. This included a state of emergency after the November 2015 attacks in Paris that gave the authorities power to search any premises without judicial oversight.

    The implementation of this logic continues today. At the time of writing, denunciations of Israel’s assault on Gaza continue to be spuriously tied to support for “terrorism”.

    Hamas is a terrorist organisation. But that should not see Palestinian civilians – nor supporters of their rights – labelled as potential terrorists. Yet student protesters in the US have been threatened with deportation, financial ruin and even imprisonment.

    The term “terrorism” contains within it a power to dress state repression as a proportionate response to emergency. In El Salvador, we have seen how counterterrorism is being applied as an emergency means to solve the country’s organised crime problem.

    Nayib Bukele’s government has sent countless criminals to the Terrorism Confinement Centre mega-prison in Tecoluca. It has also condemned many innocent civilians to a parallel fate, with little-to-no chance of redress or due process.

    The tragic consequences of state crackdowns against those spuriously labelled as “terrorists” lingers in the historical memory of Brazil. This new bill moves to the Senate at a time of renewed culturing reckoning with the consequences of Brazil’s repressive campaigns under the military dictatorship of 1964 to 1985.

    Brazil should recognise its fortune in never having truly adopted the discourse of the war on terror. Now, it should not adopt an evolved discourse of counterterrorism to address the very serious – but very separate – problem of organised crime.

    In the name of order and progress, and with an eye towards civilians who would ultimately pay the price, this bill cannot be allowed to become law.

    James Fitzgerald does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Brazil’s dangerous flirtation with counterterrorism – https://theconversation.com/brazils-dangerous-flirtation-with-counterterrorism-258347

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: New industrial strategy brings Rachel Reeves’ securonomics to life – but will it protect Britain from more supply chain shocks?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Phil Tomlinson, Professor of Industrial Strategy, Co-Director Centre for Governance, Regulation and Industrial Strategy (CGR&IS), University of Bath

    Peter Titmuss/Shutterstock

    Brexit, COVID, the war in Ukraine and now Trump’s tariffs have all highlighted how vulnerable life in the UK is to disruptions in trade. Everyday items that people rely on can be subject to major shortages, delays and price rises, due to something as simple as a ship getting stuck in a canal.

    This is because the UK is hugely reliant on other countries to provide much of what it needs. Medical supplies, cars, electronics and fruit are just a few of Britain’s favourite things that it tends to buy in from elsewhere.

    Global supply chains deliver lower prices and wider choice to consumers but they are also often highly complex. In the car industry for example, components may move within and between companies and cross national boundaries many times, before ending up in the final assembled vehicle. This can make them vulnerable.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    In response to the disruption of recent years, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has long been arguing for what she calls “securonomics” – investing in domestic energy sources and resilient networks. So perhaps it was no surprise that the British government’s new industrial strategy plans emphasise the importance of supply chain security.

    A new industrial competitiveness scheme for example, is designed to cut energy costs for the UK’s most energy intensive firms, which manufacture things like steel, ceramics and glass. This should help domestic supply capacity.



    Read more:
    UK plan to cut energy bills for industrial firms threatens to leave small businesses out in the cold

    A reported £600 million has also been allocated to develop the UK’s logistics industry. And there is a proposal for a “national supply chain centre” to identify weaknesses, enhance domestic capability and build strategic international partnerships. Vulnerabilities and dependencies will also be more closely monitored.

    Another focus will be to diversify critical supply chains by reducing the UK’s dependence on single supplier nations (such as China for rare earth elements or semiconductors). One option should be strengthening alliances with friendly nations (known as “friendshoring”) with the aim of embedding supply chains in places that can be relied upon.

    The recently announced trade deals with the US and India, and signs of greater cooperation with the EU do offer some promise in this area. Trade deals help with supply chain cooperation, but could go further and include resilience initiatives (such as creating joint stockpiles of things like critical minerals) to reduce disruption in the future.

    An increased supply of cyber security.
    metamorworks/Shutterstock

    Manufacturing from home

    On the domestic front, the UK could still do more to incentivise “reshoring” (bringing some manufacturing or production of goods back to the UK). Reversing decades of decline in these sectors would be challenging, and require a long-term investment in domestic capacity and skills. But it could also deliver a boost to jobs and growth, potentially in parts of the UK which need it most.

    Given recent geopolitics, the government has also prioritised strengthening the defence supply chain, allocating £173 million of new funding on defence infrastructure and skills. Developments are are at an early stage, but the recent UK-EU security and defence partnership is a welcome start. And more work will be needed to make UK-EU collaboration on building a resilient defence industry across Europe a reality.

    Supply chains within that industry (and others, such as healthcare) can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and economic coercion from malicious groups and hostile foreign states. So enhancing cybersecurity in logistics and infrastructure will also be critical.

    This will mean better protection for ports, customs systems and logistics software. There is some limited additional funding on offer for this, but more will be required, which in turn will open up new opportunities for firms in the cyber industry. Indeed, a “cyber cluster” of businesses is already emerging in central England from the government defence and technology campus at Porton Down in Wiltshire across to GCHQ – the national centre for intelligence and security – in Gloucestershire.

    But with still much to do, overall Reeves has been right to stress the importance of supply chains. They are crucial to people’s jobs and homes, the medicines they need and the food they eat. And supply chain security is not just an economic issue. It is a strategic imperative for safeguarding the UK, its businesses and the welfare of its citizens.

    The tone of the new industrial strategy reflects Reeves’s “securonomics” rhetoric. But how far this goes in actually strengthening supply chains and boosting their resilience remains open to question, especially in the context of limited resources and a chancellor keen to build a reputation for fiscal prudence.

    Phil Tomlinson receives funding from the Innovation and Research Caucus (IRC).

    David Bailey receives funding from the ESRC’s UK in a Changing Europe programme.

    Paddy Bradley is affiliated with the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise based at Newcastle University.
    He is Chair of TransWilts Community Interest Company which aims to increase public use of trains and buses in the Wiltshire area.
    He is Chair of Governors of Wiltshire College and University Centre.

    – ref. New industrial strategy brings Rachel Reeves’ securonomics to life – but will it protect Britain from more supply chain shocks? – https://theconversation.com/new-industrial-strategy-brings-rachel-reeves-securonomics-to-life-but-will-it-protect-britain-from-more-supply-chain-shocks-258410

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary General Expresses Unwavering Support to the Respect of Morocco’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity


    Download logo

    The Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kao Kim Hourn, expressed his unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in Rabat on Tuesday.

    This position was expressed in the joint summary made public at the end of the meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and Kao, who is on a working visit to Morocco from June 24 to 26.

    In this joint summary, the two sides have stressed “their unwavering support to the principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of UN Member States, which include ASEAN Member States and Morocco, as well as the non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

    The meeting between the two senior officials also provided an opportunity to underline the excellent ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and ASEAN, which comprises the 10 countries of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei-Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia), and to discuss actions to be taken to strengthen relations between the Kingdom and this regional grouping, both in terms of substance and scope.

    Kao, on his first visit to the Kingdom and to Africa, expressed his high appreciation of Morocco’s actions and commitment to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN and its member states.

    In this respect, “he welcomed Morocco’s presence and commitment to various structures in the ASEAN regions, such as the Mekong River Commission (MRC), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO).”

    In addition, the ASEAN Secretary-General noted with satisfaction Morocco’s active participation in various ASEAN events, including seminars and workshops on human rights, economic cooperation, transport, social welfare and development, connectivity and smart city development, among others.

    For his part, MFA Bourita stressed that the strengthening of relations between Morocco and ASEAN is in line with the strategic vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to diversify the Kingdom’s partners and promote strong, mutually supportive South-South cooperation.

    He reiterated Morocco’s readiness to support and collaborate with ASEAN in many sectors, in a win-win approach, both with the Organization and with all its member states.

    The Minister expressed his thanks to Kao, and through him to ASEAN member states, for their support in Morocco’s bid to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner in September 2023.

    The two sides also welcomed the holding of the second meeting of the ASEAN-Morocco Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee (AM-JSCC) in Jakarta on November 27, 2024, while the 3rd session is scheduled for November 2025.

    The two officials underlined the importance of the training programs offered by the Moroccan Institute of Training, Research and Diplomatic Studies (IMFRED) to diplomats from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat.

    They also welcomed the fruitful cooperation programs existing between ASEAN member states and Morocco, through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), for ASEAN member states and African countries.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Business Working Groups of the United States-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership Deepen Commercial Cooperation and Expand Opportunities for Mutual Prosperity


    Download logo

    Senior representatives of the United States and Nigerian governments, along with business leaders from both countries’ private sectors, convened in Abuja to officially launch the working group meetings of the United States–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP). This landmark Partnership, established under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding signed  in July 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Nigeria’s former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, aims to deepen bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities in both nations.

    Four senior U.S. and Nigerian officials led the dialogue: Ambassador Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, U.S. Department of State; Julie LeBlanc, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honorable Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment; and Ambassador Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

    U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr., remarked during the inaugural session, “The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, so it gives me immense pleasure to see the launch of the working groups come to fruition.  The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities that benefit people across both our great nations.”

    The inaugural discussions focused on three working groups: agriculture, the digital economy, and infrastructure.  The working groups – comprised of U.S. and Nigerian private sector participants – began their work by nominating group leads and identifying non-tariff barriers to trade and investment.  Their goal is to foster job creation, encourage private sector engagement, and recommend solutions to policymakers to address key challenges in these critical sectors.

    U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa, Thomas Bruns stated that, “The U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership reflects our shared commitment to deepening economic ties, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for businesses in both nations. The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration is proud of its work to foster international commerce and, as the U.S. Government’s voice for the U.S. private sector, we are thrilled to launch these working groups with our Nigerian counterparts. By strengthening collaboration in sectors that are engines of growth for both our nations—including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy—we can advance prosperity, create jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits our people and lasts for the long-term.”

    The four senior U.S. and Nigerian principals agreed to review progress on a biannual basis and to identify future areas of cooperation.  The next formal meeting of the CIP will take place in Fall 2025.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary General Praises His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s Leadership in Advancing Socioeconomic Development in Morocco


    Download logo

    The Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mr. Kao Kim Hourn, praised His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s leadership in advancing social and economic development in Morocco, expressing his appreciation for the Royal initiatives for Africa.

    This position was expressed in the Joint Summary of Meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and ASEAN Secretary-General.

    In this document, Kao, who is on his first visit to Morocco and Africa, praised “His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s leadership in advancing social and economic developments towards ensuring continued stability, prosperity and development in the country.”

    He also commended “the major socio-economic and infrastructure developments and the successful reforms achieved in Morocco.”

    Kao also praised His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s enlightened vision for the African continent through the Strategic Royal Initiatives.

    In this regard, he noted with appreciation the Atlantic Initiatives launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, namely the Initiative to enable Atlantic Ocean Access for Sahel states, the Africa-Atlantic Gas pipeline (AAGP) and the Atlantic African States Initiatives.

    The ASEAN Secretary-General underlined that Morocco’s “numerous assets make it an attractive platform for trade and investments for ASEAN governments and business communities.”

    He added that the “partnership between both sides will facilitate the access of ASEAN to the African space and the opportunities offered under the Atlantic Initiatives in the region.”

    Mr. Bourita and Kao agreed that Morocco offers an important gateway for ASEAN Member States to Africa. In the same vein, ASEAN represents a real opportunity for Morocco to develop and open up for more economic cooperation with the region in particular and with Asia as a whole.

    ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn is paying a working visit to Morocco from June 24 to 26 at the invitation of Mr. Bourita.

    This regional grouping includes the 10 countries of Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expanded borrowing powers will help municipalities deliver infrastructure quicker

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Municipalities throughout B.C. will now have quicker access to financing to deliver capital projects, such as infrastructure or amenities, thanks to changes in provincial borrowing regulations.

    The updated regulations respond to concerns raised by municipalities about the cost, complexity and risk of delays associated with implementing capital projects.

    “Municipalities told us that outdated borrowing thresholds were slowing down their ability to deliver the infrastructure people count on,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We have responded by expanding the borrowing powers for municipalities so they can act faster, reduce costs and deliver the services that support growing communities. These changes reflect today’s economic realities.”

    The Province has amended the municipal liabilities regulation and the short-term capital borrowing regulation to give municipalities more flexibility to plan and finance infrastructure projects that support population growth and housing development. Municipalities can now borrow up to 10% of their annual revenue, without having to hold a public vote, saving time and costs. These changes will help municipalities deliver a wider range of essential infrastructure more efficiently.

    “We are pleased to see these changes implemented in response to requests from BC local governments,” said Trish Mandewo, president, Union of B.C. Municipalities. “The amendments will help some local governments manage essential infrastructure more efficiently, ensuring public assets continue to meet the needs of communities facing climate change and population growth.” 

    Provincial law regulates how much money municipalities can borrow before requiring an elector approval process. The Province is now adjusting that amount to account for decades of inflation, giving municipalities a greater opportunity to make the investments needed to continue building British Columbia’s future.

    Municipalities can borrow up to $150 per capita without elector approval, up from $50, when the term of the borrowing is less than five years (amendment to the short-term capital borrowing regulation). For larger amounts of debt or longer-term debt, municipalities can borrow twice as much without elector approval (increased from 5% to 10% of dependable revenue, through an amendment to municipal liabilities regulation).

    To help local governments build housing people need, the Province has delivered a range of tools and funding. This includes:

    • the historic $1-billion Growing Communities Fund to support 188 local governments;
    • $51 million in grant-based funding to support activities or projects, such as updating housing needs reports, official community plans, and zoning bylaws; and
    • $25 million through the Local Government Development Approvals Program.

    These new regulatory improvements build on that support by giving municipalities more flexibility to invest in infrastructure more efficiently and with greater confidence.

    Quotes:

    Ross Siemens, mayor of Abbotsford –

    “Abbotsford is growing rapidly, and that growth brings an increased demand for upgrades to infrastructure like roads, utilities and community amenities. These changes will make it easier for all growing communities in B.C. to move forward on major projects more efficiently and with greater flexibility. We are grateful to the Province of BC for supporting local governments to better meet the needs of our growing communities.”

    Mike Hurley, mayor of Burnaby –

    “This program is an important step to enable municipalities to build quickly and efficiently, responding to the rapid growth in our communities. We are facing pressing issues – housing and infrastructure – in our cities, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Province to address the needs of our communities.”

    Leonard Krog, mayor of Nanaimo –

    “These regulatory changes are a timely and practical response to the challenges fast-growing communities like Nanaimo are facing. By modernizing borrowing limits that had not been adjusted in decades, the Province is giving municipalities more flexibility to invest in essential infrastructure without unnecessary delays. This will help us move forward on key priorities like housing, transportation and community services, while continuing to manage public finances responsibly.”

    Scott Goodmanson, mayor of Langford –

    “We welcome the Province’s decision to modernize borrowing regulations for municipalities. Increasing borrowing thresholds and reducing red tape empowers local governments to respond more effectively to community needs. As we move forward, partnership with the Province on infrastructure costs is essential. With growing populations and ambitious housing targets, municipalities face mounting financial pressures. Working together will allow the city to deliver infrastructure efficiently, reduce costs for local governments and ease the burden on taxpayers.”

    Herb Pond, mayor of Prince Rupert –

    “Our community, along with many others in B.C., is in dire need of infrastructure replacement. When infrastructure is failing, it’s our responsibility as public servants to respond as quickly as we can. These changes will help us to better mobilize in times of need.”

    Maria McFaddin, mayor of Castlegar –

    “Communities are increasingly tackling replacing aging infrastructure and providing new amenities needed by their residents. With the costs of construction soaring, the changes to borrowing rules are welcomed to allow municipalities to respond quicker to community needs.”

    Quick Facts:

    • The amended municipal liabilities regulation and short-term capital borrowing regulation took effect on June 9, 2025.
    • The amendments apply to all 161 municipalities in B.C., except the City of Vancouver.
    • The City of Vancouver is governed by the Vancouver Charter, which provides different authorities and requirements related to short- and long-term borrowing.
    • In 2024, the local government financial review working group, comprised of staff from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ministry of Finance and the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), reviewed the existing borrowing limits and recommended updating.
    • The revisions identified would assist communities in funding critical infrastructure more effectively.

    Learn More:

    Information about the Municipalities Liabilities Regulation can be found here: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/254_2004

    Information about the Short-Term Borrowing Limit Regulation can be found here: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/368_2003

    To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

    MIL OSI Canada News –