NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Veterans’ Access to Skilled Trade Educational Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) recently introduced the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would extend educational benefits in the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include partially online (or hybrid) versions of skilled trade training programs. Joining Senators Tillis and Gallego were Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Gary Peters (D-MI), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). 

    “This commonsense legislation modernizes the Post-9/11 GI Bill to expand veterans’ access to high-quality skilled trade and vocational programs for in-demand career pathways like welding and HVAC, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” said Senator Tillis. “By supporting hybrid learning opportunities, we’re providing veterans with the flexibility to gain critical skills, find gainful employment, and contribute to our economy after their service.”

    “Our veterans deserve access to training programs that prepare them for the modern economy, and increasingly those programs are happening in a hybrid format,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan, commonsense bill that will expand educational opportunities for veterans so they can succeed after their service.” 

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Seeking public comment on proposed changes to day-use parking permits

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposal to expand the 25% out-of-state camping surcharge to parking permit fees and eliminate the two-year parking permit.

    The out-of-state camping surcharge was enacted by state law in 2022 for RV campsites, and OPRD expanded it to all site types for out-of-state campers for stays beginning July 1, 2025.

    The proposed rule change would add the 25% out-of-state surcharge to parking permit fees. Based on current rates, out-of-state visitors would pay $12.50 per day or $37.50 for an annual parking permit. If approved, the change would begin July 1, 2025.

    Oregon residents would continue to pay the same parking permit rate of $10 per day or $30 for an annual permit.

    The proposed rule change would also eliminate the sales of 24-month parking permits starting in 2026. Existing permits would be honored until they expire. The 12-month annual permit will continue to be sold.

    These changes would help parks more consistently implement the surcharge as well as track annual revenue and budgets for parks in the future. It’s part of an ongoing effort to help keep pace with rising costs while continuing to provide exceptional outdoor experiences.

    Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. April 30, 2025:

    A public hearing will also be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025:

    Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in June for possible adoption.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Pressure from Warren, Trump Nominee Commits to Holding Private Military Landlords Accountable, Protecting Housing Rights for Servicemembers, Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 08, 2025

    Mr. Marks: “I believe that residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.” 

    Mr. Marks: “If confirmed, you have my commitment to work with this committee, you, and others, and the services on behalf of our residents (to ensure safe and high quality housing). We owe them that for the service that they give our great nation.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, questioned Mr. Dale Marks, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, on his vision for addressing military housing problems for servicemembers and their families. 

    After a 2018 Reuters investigation revealed that military families were subjected to mold, pest infestations, and other safety hazards, Congress and the Department of Defense (DoD) began work to improve housing conditions. Congress passed multiple reforms in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, including a Tenant Bill of Rights and creation of a public complaint database that became the Housing Feedback System, which allows servicemembers and their families to submit and document publicly concerns about the safety of their homes. 

    Mr. Marks agreed to use the Housing Feedback System to hold private military housing contractors accountable, saying that, as a former military housing resident himself, he is committed to “build(ing) transparency and trust with our residents.”  

    Senator Warren highlighted that, despite the reforms passed by Congress, families are still denied justice through concepts like the Enclave Doctrine, which says that tenants living on federal lands are not entitled to the same rights as those living outside of them. 

    After being questioned by Senator Warren, Mr. Marks committed to “dig deeper to see how we could address (the Enclave Doctrine)” and affirmed that “residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.” He also committed to working with Senator Warren, SASC, and the military services to ensure service members and their families receive safe and high quality housing. 

    Senator Warren called for the committee to address the issues with military housing conditions in this year’s NDAA. 

    “We have a duty to make sure that military families’ homes are safe so they can stay focused on the mission of keeping the rest of us safe. Substandard housing conditions hurt military readiness. That’s a problem we could fix,” Senator Warren concluded.  

    Transcript: Hearing to consider the nominations of: Mr. Bradley D. Hansell to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; Mr. Earl G. Matthews to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense; Mr. Dale R. Marks to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment; and Honorable Brandon M. Williams to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security
    Senate Armed Services Committee 
    April 8, 2025 

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations to all of our nominees. 

    So, after a 2018 Reuters investigation found that military families were living in homes that were filled with mold, pest infestations, and other safety hazards, this committee opened an inquiry and instituted a slate of reforms in 2019 to hold private military housing contractors accountable.

    One of these reforms was the creation of a Tenant Bill of Rights to ensure that military families have the quality housing they deserve. Another was the creation of a public database for military families to report when their landlords fail to provide that quality housing.

    I am glad that DOD finally created that database, called the Housing Feedback System, last year. I’m sorry that servicemembers had to wait five years for it. DOD needs to do better to rebuild trust with military families.

    Mr. Marks, if you are confirmed, it will be your job to make sure that servicemembers and their families have “safe, high-quality, and affordable” housing. So will you commit to preserving and using DoD’s Housing Feedback system to hold private military housing contractors accountable? 

    Mr. Dale Marks, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment: Senator, thank you for that. And as someone who has been a military housing resident, I appreciate the additional oversight to include that database which has been implemented. And I have watched that roll out at the local installation level. If confirmed, you have my commitment we will continue to build transparency and trust with our residents. We owe them that. 

    Senator Warren: Good. I appreciate that and I appreciate your strong response here. While the reforms we’ve put in place are an important start, military families are still being treated as second-class citizens by unscrupulous landlords. At Fort Belvoir, the housing conditions in these private homes were so reprehensible that families couldn’t even live there. But the families had to continue paying rent for their unlivable homes while they made do in temporary housing. 

    Mr. Marks, do you agree that military families deserve the same tenant protections provided to their civilian neighbors – so for example the right to terminate their leases if their landlord fails to address safety hazards, or the right to sue their landlords for relief if their family got sick because of poor conditions in their home?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, we owe our residents the highest standards of quality in homes and to continue to make robust the informal and formal dispute resolution processes. And, if confirmed, I would want to work with you and this committee to see what we can do. 

    Senator Warren: Let me just – my question is: should our military families have the same rights that their civilian neighbors have to insist under local and state laws to get protection?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, I understand. There are some laws to include the Enclave Act that needs to be addressed. And so what I would want to do is, if confirmed, dig deeper to see how we could address that. I believe that residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.

    Senator Warren: Well, you know, we already have a pretty bad example here because these families at Fort Belvoir who have tried to file claims under the Virginia consumer and housing protection laws and their complaints were dismissed because of the Enclave Doctrine. This is the doctrine that says on federal lands tenants might not be entitled to the same rights as other members of the state or community. 

    I want to work with my colleagues to address this in the NDAA but DOD also recently provided a response to a letter that I sent with Senators Ossoff and Kaine that said the military services already have the authority to require private military housing companies to take corrective action and can negotiate to provide families with additional rights. 

    So let me ask you, Mr. Marks, will you work with this committee and the military services to fight for and enforce military families’ housing protection rights and ensure they receive the safe and high quality housing they’re entitled to?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, if confirmed, you have my commitment to work with this committee, you, and others, and the services on behalf of our residents. We owe them that for the service that they give our great nation.

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that and I hope this is something we’ll take up in the NDAA. We have a duty to make sure that military families’ homes are safe so they can stay focused on the mission of keeping the rest of us safe. Substandard housing conditions hurt military readiness. That’s a problem we could fix. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Warren Grills Greer on Potential Job Losses From Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 08, 2025

    Warren: “What you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, demanded answers from Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, on President Trump’s reckless tariffs that have the potential to lead the nation into an economic crisis.

    After President Trump’s announcement on his “reciprocal” tariffs on almost every country in the world, the stock market experienced its biggest drop since the first days of the pandemic. Senator Warren sounded the alarm about a likely recession, citing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who warned that the tariffs could lead to both “higher prices” and “higher unemployment.”

    Greer is responsible for developing and promoting the U.S. trade agenda and leading trade negotiations on behalf of the U.S. When asked if the Trump administration would reverse course on their tariffs if they cost workers their jobs and raised prices, Ambassador Greer refused to provide a straight answer.

    In fact, Greer insisted that Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs on China would bring “lower unemployment, lower inflation,” putting him at odds with economists of all political leanings.  

    “What you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back,” said the senator. 

    Today, Senator Warren joined Ranking Member Ron Wyden in introducing legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs. The resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared to slap tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries.

    “Look, if Republicans are serious about protecting American jobs and fighting inflation, then they can join Democrats right now to pass a resolution to fix Trump’s restless tariffs,” said the senator. “This economy is teetering on the edge of collapse. We have the power right here in the Senate and over in the House of Representatives to take this authority away from Donald Trump.”

    Transcript: Hearing to examine the President’s 2025 trade policy agenda.

    Senate Finance Committee

    April 8, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Donald Trump is single-handedly driving this economy off a cliff. With no evidence to back him up, he’s claimed emergency authorities to slap new tariffs on nearly every product we import, from nearly every country. 

    But Congress has the power to reverse those tariffs—and we should do so immediately. 

    Tariffs can be a tool to help build things in America. But Trump has slapped tariffs on, then off, on then off again with no rhyme or reason—and the uncertainty about the long-term rules makes companies far less likely to invest in manufacturing or jobs here in the United States. 

    If Congress doesn’t stand up to Trump, economists predict a recession before the end of the year, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell says we’re in a real danger of “both higher unemployment and higher inflation.” Translation: Trump’s tariffs will push millions of workers out of jobs and push prices up at the same time.

    So, Ambassador Greer, we’ve heard a lot of conflicting statements about whether these tariffs are here to stay, how many more rounds of on/off we’re going to do. So, let me ask the question from a different perspective.

    Ambassador Greer, we lost 700,000 jobs each month in the last recession. If 700,000 Americans lose their jobs, will the Trump administration suspend these tariffs?

    Ambassador Jamieson Greer: Senator, I think the economists who are making these projections, who often are in favor of fully unfettered free trade, are the same ones, you said in the first Trump term, that put tariffs— I just don’t think it’s going to happen, Senator.

    Senator Warren: Mr. Greer, let me just stop you there. I’m not asking about projections. I’m asking, if the numbers show that 700,000 people have lost their jobs because of these new tariffs that Trump has slapped on, will the administration reverse course and lift those tariffs? 

    Ambassador Greer: Senator, that’s not going to happen. We’ve lost 5 million manufacturing jobs over the years, which is the number I’m most worried about, and we have to get those jobs back. 

    Senator Warren: So, I take that as a no. Let me try another one. Moody says that if the Trump tariffs remain in place, we will definitely plunge into a recession, which will ultimately cost three and a half million Americans their jobs. 

    So, Ambassador Greer, if Trump’s tariffs push three and a half million people out of work, will the Trump administration reverse course and lift those tariffs? 

    Ambassador Greer: Senator, the Wall Street analysts are wrong. They never want to have any kind of change to the status quo–

    Senator Warren: I’m not asking if they’re right or wrong–

    Ambassador Greer: But that’s who you’re quoting to me, Senator.

    Senator Warren: I’m giving you a number. If the number is three and a half million, if it never comes to pass, you don’t have to worry about your answer, but if three and a half million people lose their jobs because of these tariffs, is the Trump administration prepared to lift them? 

    Ambassador Greer: Right now, this minute, we’re working on negotiations with countries who believe they can achieve reciprocity with us and get their trade deficit down, and that’s the emergency we’re focused on. There’s not going to be a situation where, years from now, we’ve lost millions of jobs.

    Senator Warren: Let me try one more time: if Trump tariffs push workers out of their jobs and raise prices as Fed Chair Powell has predicted, will you reverse course then?

    Ambassador Greer: I think also with respect to Chairman Powell, who I don’t know personally, but I know the President makes decisions on trade, and he rarely takes advice from Chairman Powell on this. We found in Trump One that you could put tariffs on China and you could make it work and have lower income, sorry, lower unemployment, lower inflation, and increase real median household income over time as we reshore and that’s what we have to do, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: What I’m hearing you say is that no one can hear a rhyme or reason to why the tariffs are off again, on again, off again, on again. But what you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back. Look, if Republicans are serious about protecting American jobs and fighting inflation, then they can join Democrats right now to pass a resolution to fix Trump’s restless tariffs. This economy is teetering on the edge of collapse. We have the power right here in the Senate and over in the House of Representatives to take this authority away from Donald Trump. We can get this voted on. Senator Wyden and I have already, are about to, introduce the bill to do that, and if Republicans are serious about not playing the red light green light with tariffs but instead about protecting our economy, our families, our jobs, and keeping prices low, then Republicans should join us on that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee Chairman Mills Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Biden Administration’s Far-Left Foreign Policy

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee Chairman Cory Mills delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing titled, “Deficient, Enfeebled, and Ineffective: The Consequences of the Biden Administration’s Far-Left Priorities on U.S. Foreign Policy.”

    Watch Here

    -Remarks- 

    Good afternoon and welcome to the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Intelligence in the 119th Congress. 

    As we start the new Congress, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to deliver real results for the American people by advancing President Trump’s America first foreign policy agenda.

    Over the next few months, through our State Department reauthorization deliberations, this Subcommittee will work to identify areas of the Secretary’s Office, or the “S Bureau,” that must be reformed and reprogrammed to reorient the United States as a leader on the world stage while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are effectively used to bolster U.S. national security efforts. 

    For far too long, the State Department prioritized radical liberal political ideologies and woke policies over advancing diplomatic objectives that serve American interests and protect the American people from our adversaries.

    While the Biden administration was trying to figure out what pronouns to use, our adversaries grew stronger and more emboldened. 

    China aggressively enforced unlawful territorial claims in the South China Sea and has undermined the United States and our allies at every turn. Russia invaded Ukraine. North Korea ramped up its military provocations. Iran advanced its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program, empowering its proxies to cause chaos throughout the Middle East. Israel was attacked and global shipping routes in the Red Sea were blocked. 

    Over the last four years, among others, the American people watched these foreign policy failures unfold and voted for real change and action on November 4th. The American people gave President Trump and the Republican-led Congress a mandate to reverse the damage and restore common sense to the federal government.

    Today, this Subcommittee will take its first step to deliver on this mandate by examining the State Department’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. 

    The Office of Diversity and Inclusion detrimentally influenced operations across the Department by: making DEI a “core precept” for promotion consideration within the ranks of the Foreign Service; granting passport applicants the ability to select “X” as a gender; and using taxpayer dollars to fund numerous woke projects, including “commemorating black consciousness month with an event in which employees learned about the inclusion of Afro-Brazilian culture through music and LGBTQI+ culture through Vogue dance” in Brazil. That was a mouthful.

    These policies corrupted the core mission of the State Department and we must restore unity and fundamental American principles to the Department, eliminate wasteful spending, and ensure that President Trump’s Executive Orders are fully implemented, not subverted by rebranding DEI-driven programs. It is our duty to ensure that America becomes safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

    I want to thank our witnesses for appearing before the Subcommittee today. 

    I look forward to a productive discussion on how we can enhance America’s security through common sense policies and responsible leadership.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Risch, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve the Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and James Risch (R-ID) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by increasing the transparency and ensuring the accountability of its funding program. Since 1991, the Recreational Trails Program has provided funding to states to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails, allowing millions of Americans and their families to enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and 4-wheel driving.
    “Minnesota snowmobilers, hikers, ATV users, cyclists, and countless others who enjoy the outdoors rely on the Recreational Trails Program to explore our state’s natural wonders and support our local businesses,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure states receive the resources they deserve to protect and improve these trails for generations to come.”
    “The Recreational Trails Program provides Idahoans and visitors to our state with access to our public lands,” said Risch. “This legislation ensures trail maintenance projects can continue and future generations can enjoy Idaho’s great outdoors for years to come.”
    “From Vermont’s green mountains to Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks, America is home to unmatched natural beauty. The Recreational Trails Program plays a vital role in helping build and maintain hiking trails across the country so folks can enjoy and explore our great outdoors,” said Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will support this crucial program to ensure that future generations can experience the joy of hiking our nation’s scenic trails for many years to come.”
    “From Murphy to Manteo, North Carolina’s network of recreational trails not only attracts tourism to our state, but also allows North Carolinians to enjoy the natural beauty our state has to offer. I am proud to join Senator Klobuchar in introducing this bipartisan legislation to help maintain, improve, and expand upon the natural infrastructure of our public lands,” said Budd. 
    The RTP Full Funding Act—which is supported by recreational groups from snowmobilers to cyclists and hikers to off-highway power sport vehicle users—will ensure that federal funds collected for this program are maximized to support more trail projects in the future. The bill signals strong support for bringing the Recreational Trail Program funding in line with the revenue collected from the federal gas tax already paid by off-road recreational vehicle users without impacting funding for other federal transportation programs. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Curtis (R-UT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
    The RTP Full Funding Act will increase the accuracy and transparency of RTP funding by:

    Requiring a study to determine the total amount of funds collected;

    Improving reporting on expenditures from the RTP to improve accountability and oversight; and

    Streamlining RTP funding distribution to the states by reducing unnecessary paperwork.

    The bill is supported by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT), Motorcycle Industry Council,  Safe & Responsible Use at the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, American Trails, International Mountain Bicycling Association, The Corps Network, International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, American Council of Snowmobile Associations, American Horse Council & American Horse Council Foundation, American Hiking Society, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), PeopleForBikes, Back Country Horsemen of America, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association, and Rails to Trails Conservancy.
    “The Recreational Trails Program has produced tens of thousands of successes across the nation, benefiting the health, safety and enjoyment of millions of hikers and bicyclists and ATVers and snowmobilers and equestrians and more.  It has forged national and regional partnerships among those who use trails – overcoming potential competition with plans that deliver great opportunities for all.  RTP projects benefit from the sharing of best practices and from widespread volunteerism and Public-Private-Partnerships.  Because RTP offers flexibility in uses including maintenance and education, the program can improve other trail projects.  Best of all, RTP unifies the nation across our diversity – north and south, urban and rural, young and old, Red and Blue and more, and connects more Americans to their shared legacy of public lands and waters.  We thank our wonderful  Congressional Champions for making this possible!” said Marianne Fowler and Derrick Crandall, Co-Chairs of the Coalition for Recreational Trails.
    “The RTP is vitally important to trail users everywhere.  The program funds trail construction, maintenance, safety, interpretation, and other important projects. The funding for this program has remained flat for too long.  We would like to thank the bill sponsors for taking action to ensure that these important priorities will be fully funded,” said Duane Taylor, Director of Safe & Responsible Use,  Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.
    “The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and the American Council of Snowmobile Associations applaud the continued leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Risch and the active support of Senators Welch, Budd, Tillis, Merkley and Curtis to return to outdoor recreation the resources required to build and maintain our recreational trail infrastructure. Their persistence in pushing for this funding partially addresses the greatest inequity contained in our federal aid highway program.
    “In the past decade almost $3 billion in revenue generated by motorized trail enthusiasts has been deposited in the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Unfortunately, the vast majority of that revenue has been diverted to infrastructure inaccessible to motorized recreational products. While the Recreational Trail Program makes a portion of that funding available for motorized trail infrastructure, it is woefully deficient.
    “The public should know that 100% of the RTP funding released by the Klobuchar/ Risch legislation is generated by motorized recreation with the federal gas taxes paid every time our recreation vehicles are filled up. Only a portion of those funds are returned to the trails, with 30% guaranteed for motorized trails, 30% for non-motorized trails and 40% for multiuse trails.
    “This legislation is a step in the right direction for the continued support of the trails system – and the rural communities across the United States! Thank you for your support and leadership!” said Jaret Smith, President of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, and Christine Jourdain, Executive Director of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations.
    “The Recreational Trails Program is vital for building and maintaining trails for cyclists across the country.  At PeopleForBikes, we strongly support more funding for all bicycle infrastructure programs and applaud the bipartisan leadership of this legislation for their support of recreational trails,” said Jenn Dice, CEO of PeopleForBikes.
    “American Hiking Society and the 59 million strong hiking community praises the bipartisan leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Risch in support of the Recreational Trails Program! The RTP Full Funding Act of 2024 will ensure that the over three decades long impact of RTP can continue to provide the tens of millions of non-motorized and motorized trail users in urban and rural areas the benefits of trails including health and wellness, connectivity, and economic growth. Hikers and trail users across the country thank Senators Klobuchar, Risch, Budd, Welch, Tillis, Curtis, and Merkley for their support of our nation’s trails!” said Tyler Ray, Senior Director for Programs and Advocacy, American Hiking Society.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Help Adjust Military Life Insurance for Inflation Passes House

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Keith Self (TX-03) released the following statements after their Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, which would help ensure life insurance packages for service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living and inflation, passed the House of Representatives: 

    “We need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our bill would help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.”

    “While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to those who serve our country, we should work each and every day to get them the benefits that they deserve,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that the life insurance offered for our veterans and servicemembers is keeping pace with real-world costs to help protect the financial security of the families of those who serve.”

    “Our nation’s service members and veterans put their lives on the line to protect America and defend our freedom,”said Sen. Cruz. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues to honor and provide for those who bravely sacrificed to serve the United States of America. Adjusting the value of the life insurance policies of servicemembers and veterans in line with inflation will ensure that America rightly honors their memory and cares for their loved ones after they are gone.”

    “Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,” said Sen. King. “With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families as they increasingly face the difficulties of an unstable economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues for coming together to honor our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.”

    “Our servicemembers put their lives on the line for their country, and we must secure the well-being of their families and loved ones in the event of a tragedy,” said Rep. Strickland.“The passage of this bill makes it clear that Congress continues to stand by our military families.” 

    “I’m proud the House came together in unanimous support and passed the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025,” said Rep. Self. “This commonsense legislation ensures that our veterans and their families receive the full value of the benefits they’ve earned by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to review and adjust the maximum coverage for servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programs to keep pace with inflation, ensuring these benefits keep pace with rising costs.”

    This legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

    Background:

    The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act would help ensure the maximum group insurance available to service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for service members and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates. This bill would strengthen the financial safety net for veterans, service members, and their families by requiring a report to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding cost of living increases and inflation rates every five years to ensure they don’t go years without assessing inflation rates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Booker, Nehls, Dean Introduce Bill to Help Law Enforcement Better Prosecute Child Abusers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) today introduced the Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act, which would close loopholes in existing criminal child sexual abuse statues to help law enforcement better prosecute offenders and protect victims:

    “Perpetrators who attack our children must face consequences for their heinous actions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By closing loopholes in current law, our legislation would ensure these dangerous offenders aren’t able to escape accountability on a technicality and are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Last Congress, Senator Cornyn and I introduced and passed this bipartisan legislation in the Senate to ensure that those who exploit and abuse children are held accountable,” said Sen. Booker. “This bill would close loopholes in current law to better allow us to protect our nation’s most vulnerable from predators. I urge my colleagues in both chambers to pass this critical legislation so we can better protect children from exploitation and sexual abuse and provide justice for victims.”

    “Any existing loopholes in United States federal law that allow child predators to escape justice must be closed immediately,” said Rep. Nehls. “The abuse of a child, in any form, is completely unacceptable. As a father and a former Texas Sheriff, I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing bipartisan legislation that will empower our nation’s law enforcement and our justice system to hold bad actors who abuse our children, here at home and abroad, accountable.”

    “As lawmakers, we have the solemn duty of protecting our nation’s children from kidnapping and sexual exploitation,” said Rep. Dean. “Yet under current law, there are loopholes that allow bad actors to evade prosecution. This legislation clarifies and strengthens federal law to ensure offenders are held accountable. I’m grateful to Congressman Nehls, Senator Booker, and Senator Cornyn for their partnership to ensure our kids are kept safe.”

    Background:

    In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, which made a series of recommendations for Congress to strengthen federal enforcement of child exploitation laws. The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act aims to incorporate those recommendations and define the DOJ’s authority to prosecute perpetrators by:

    • Closing the kidnapping loophole by clarifying that kidnapping of a child can occur by deceiving a third party and the circumstances where consent can be used as a defense;
    • Closing the international travel loopholes by clarifying that traveling to sexually abuse a child includes crossing international lines and that committing a sexual abuse felony against a child while abroad is a crime;
    • Closing the sexual contact loophole by clarifying that causing a child to commit a sexual act themselves is also a crime;
    • And closing the attempt loophole by clarifying that attempting to commit the sexual contact offenses is also a crime.

    The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act is endorsed by the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sherriff’s of America, Rights4Girls, Hope for Justice, Street Grace, 3Strands Global Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police, the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), Protect All Child from Trafficking (PACT), and the National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Trade Reciprocity with USTR Greer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today in the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the Trump administration’s efforts to achieve fair and balanced trade with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.  
    CORNYN: “Our friends in Australia basically have put up barriers to the export of beef from the United States. My state, Texas, happens to produce a lot of beef cattle, and Australia basically denies access to its huge market, but not as a result of tariffs so much as non-tariff barriers to trade. Could you speak to that?”
    GREER: “It’s always surprising because we have a free trade agreement with Australia, and we would expect that we would have fair, reciprocal trade. Last year, I think we imported about $3 billion worth of Australian beef, and we exported zero dollars of American beef to Australia—and it’s not just beef.”
    “It’s incredible that they do this. We have zero exports of the fresh and frozen U.S. pork to Australia.”
    CORNYN: “I find it interesting that people express surprise at President Trump’s policies, when he’s been talking about these policies for—best I can tell—for decades and how unfair trading arrangements are between various countries.”
    “Indeed, some of these unfair trading practices have resulted in the deindustrialization of America. We’ve exported manufacturing to Asia, particularly China, and other countries that now appear to be willing to hold us hostage to those supply chains.”
    “Would you speak to the vulnerabilities that exist as a result of China basically processing 90 percent of the critical minerals in the world that are essential for our daily lives?”
    GREER: “That figure is always one that gives me great concern.”
    “That’s a very dangerous situation to be in. I mean, this is part of the urgency of what we’re talking about, and I think as the Trump administration certainly takes action on trade, but also takes action on the environmental side and permitting and regulation. That’s an area we can actually have more of that activity here in the United States or we can work with our trading partners to try to incentivize production there as well.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Strengthening Alberta’s ties in eastern Canada

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Highway Speed Cameras go live on I-90 and I-5 in Spokane, Skagit Counties to encourage safe driving

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Pilot program will mail courtesy notices – not tickets – to drivers

    OLYMPIA – A new pilot program using cameras to identify speeding vehicles on two Washington roadways launches this week.

    The Washington State Department of Transportation is partnering with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and Washington State Patrol to reduce the number of speed-related crashes with a pilot program created by the state Legislature. Highway Speed Cameras placed on two highways in different parts of the state will track speed and license plates of speeding vehicles. The registered owners of the vehicles observed speeding will receive courtesy notices through the mail encouraging them to slow down – but there will be no fine to pay.

    The goal of this program is to change driver behavior, prevent collisions and injuries and save lives. In 2023, the state saw an increase in the number of fatal and serious crashes, including 810 total roadway deaths. On state-run highways alone, there were 358 fatal or serious injury crashes where speeding was cited as a factor, and that does not include local roadway crashes. Speeding is one of the leading high-risk factors for fatal and serious injuries statewide, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

    Program details

    The pilot program is funded by $1 million from the state Legislature. It will be tested in eastern and western Washington at the following locations starting Thursday, April 10:

    • Southbound Interstate 5 between Cook and Bow Hill roads in Skagit County.
    • Eastbound I-90 near Liberty Lake between the Liberty Lake and State Line Interchanges in Spokane County.

    These locations were selected after program managers reviewed crash data and targeted roadways where speed was a factor in fatal and serious injury collisions. The locations were also selected because they provided enough space between on- and off-ramps to obtain accurate data.

    When a driver receives a courtesy notice, it informs them of the speed at which their vehicle was traveling and the potential cost of a ticket for that speed. The message on the courtesy notice focuses on safety. This program does not issue fines, nor does it affect driving records. Learn more about the pilot program and leave comments at the Highway Speed Cameras online open house through June 30.

    Following the pilot program’s conclusion in June, WSDOT will analyze the data from the cameras, review public feedback and report back to the Legislature.

    New safety tool

    These cameras will track speeds using the “average speed method.” This involves placing multiple cameras at each location and tracking the time it takes a vehicle to travel between two different measure points. The vehicle’s average rate of speed between those two locations will be used to determine if the driver was speeding. The cameras will hover 19 feet over the roadway from trailers placed on the side of the road. They will remain in those locations until late June.

    This program is different from the upcoming Work Zone Speed Camera Program, which aims to slow drivers as they pass through active road construction work zones. The Work Zone Speed Camera Program uses mobile cameras that will move to various work zones around the state, generating images that could result in a $248 infraction for the second violation and each additional infraction.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Automotive Component Manufacturer Selects Scotland County for Southeast Operation, Adding 35 New Jobs

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Automotive Component Manufacturer Selects Scotland County for Southeast Operation, Adding 35 New Jobs

    Automotive Component Manufacturer Selects Scotland County for Southeast Operation, Adding 35 New Jobs
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced Bailey Manufacturing Company (BMC), a manufacturer of stamped metal automotive parts, will add 35 new jobs in Scotland County. The company will invest more than $4.3 million in a new production facility in Laurinburg. 

    “Bailey Manufacturing’s decision to locate to Scotland County is more proof that North Carolia is a top state for businesses across all industries,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state’s manufacturing legacy and longstanding commitment to innovation will continue to attract growing companies to every corner of the state.” 

    Bailey Manufacturing supplies stamped metal components for the automotive industry. In addition to metal stamping, the New York-based company also offers machining, welding, and assembly services for its list of customers, including automotive manufacturers such as General Motors and many others. BMC produces and ships 13 million parts annually throughout the United States, Mexico, China, and South Africa. The 50,000-square-foot facility in Laurinburg will double production capacity for BMC and offer more manufacturing, warehousing, and administrative space. 

    “Bailey Manufacturing is excited to join the growing list of automotive suppliers in North Carolina.  Our new southeast facility will allow us to better serve our growing customer base,” said John Hines, President of Bailey Manufacturing Company. “I want to thank North Carolina, Scotland County, Scotland County EDC and the City of Laurinburg for their assistance in making this project a reality and look forward to a prosperous future together.”  

    “BMC is a great addition to our automotive supply chain of more than 250 manufacturers,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “North Carolina is home to 20 of the top global OEM suppliers, the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and one of the largest state-maintained transportation networks to get parts to customers all over the world.” 

    While wages vary by position, the annual average salary for the new positions will be $52,000, exceeding Scotland County’s average of $46,708. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.8 million for the region. 

    A performance-based grant of $120,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company locate to North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met. 

    “I am pleased to welcome Bailey Manufacturing Company to Scotland County,” said N.C. Senator Danny Earl Britt. “Our hardworking people are ready to help the company establish its operation in Laurinburg that will lead to future success.” 

    “These new jobs and investment are welcome additions for our community,” said N.C. Representative Garland E. Pierce. “This decision by Bailey Manufacturing Company validates Scotland County as a great place for growing companies to do business.” 

    In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Richmond Community College, North Carolina’s Southeast, Scotland County, Scotland County Economic Development Corporation, and City of Laurinburg. 

    Apr 8, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of Supreme Court Justice in Maryland

    Source: US State of California

    Nicholas John Roske, 29, of Simi Valley, California, pleaded guilty today to attempting to kill a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

    “This calculated attempt on the life of a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice was a heinous attack on the Court itself,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Anyone who thinks they can use violence or intimidation to influence our courts will be met with the full force of the law and face up to life in prison.”

    “Nicholas Roske sought to commit a despicable, premeditated attack on a Supreme Court Justice and today is another step toward accountability,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “No violent attacks can be tolerated, whether those targeted are public officials or private citizens – and the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and bring to justice all those who engage in such plots.”

    “The attempted assassination of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, brazen act, one that we — along with our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners — will not tolerate,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “It’s through these partnerships that we’re able to hold criminals accountable and uphold the rule of law. We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting those who are involved in planning and executing acts of violence against others.”

    As part of his guilty plea, Roske admitted that on June 7, 2022, he flew from Los Angeles International Airport to Dulles International Airport with a firearm and ammunition in his checked baggage. He then took a taxi from the airport to Montgomery County, Maryland, with the intent to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

    According to the criminal complaint and the Government’s factual allegations, on June 8, 2022, at approximately 1:05 a.m., two Deputy U.S. Marshals, protecting the residence of a Supreme Court Justice, observed Roske arrive in and get out of a taxi in front of the residence. Roske wore black clothing and had a backpack and suitcase. Upon observing Roske, the two Deputy U.S. Marshals started to get out of their vehicles as the defendant proceeded to walk down the street.

    Shortly after, Roske told a Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center call taker that he was having homicidal and suicidal thoughts, had a gun in his suitcase, and flew from California to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice.

    Montgomery County Police Department officers responded to the location and took Roske into custody. A search of Roske’s suitcase and backpack revealed a firearm; black tactical chest rig and tactical knife; two magazines, each containing 10 rounds of ammunition; 17 additional rounds of ammunition; pepper spray; zip ties; a hammer; screwdrivers; a nail punch; a crowbar; a pistol light; duct tape; hiking boots with padding on the outside of the soles; and lock-pick tools, along with other items.

    Law enforcement transported Roske to a Montgomery County Police Department station where he was read his Miranda rights. Roske then stated that he was upset about a recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision on abortion as well as the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The defendant also admitted that he came from California with the intent to use the firearm and burglary tools and to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

    Roske faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, MCPD, and Police Department for the U.S. Supreme Court for their work and cooperation in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fraudulent firearms purchases lead to federal prison sentence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 43-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for directing the fraudulent purchase of 40 firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jaime Eduardo Cano pleaded guilty June 27, 2024, to making false or fictitious statements to a licensed firearms dealer.

    U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Cano to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing how Cano had directed his employee to fraudulently purchase firearms. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Cano could have legally purchased the firearms himself, but chose not to do so, because he must have known they would be illegally disposed.  

    The investigation revealed that between May 6, 2021, and June 10, 2022, Norma Andrade had purchased 40 guns from a local firearms dealer at Cano’s direction.

    Authorities conducted surveillance June 10, 2022, at which time they witnessed her pick up an order of 10 pistols and drive them to Cano’s place of business. He then came outside to retrieve them.  

    Text messages in Cano’s phone revealed communications regarding the sale of the firearms Andrade had purchased. Cano had directed her to purchase the firearms and lie on the required purchase forms. Authorities also discovered other messages between Cano and another individual with details about how much Cano would be paid and when the firearms would be exchanged.

    As part of the investigation, law enforcement discovered and confiscated in Acapulco, Mexico, three of the firearms for which Cano arranged purchase.

    Andrade, 56, Corpus Christi, also pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 15 months in prison.

    Cano was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin and John Marck prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Hageman Applauds President Trump’s Executive Order on Coal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Washington, D.C. – Today, President Trump issued Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry, a massive win for Wyoming coal. Rep. Hageman is a champion for Wyoming coal in Congress, serving as co-chair of the Coal Caucus and spearheading legislation to overturn the Buffalo RMP and increase coal leasing in the Powder River Basin. These policies and more are included in the President’s order, fulfilling his promise to unleash American energy and bolster our prosperity. 

    “Coal is the energy of the future – Wyoming understands that, and so does President Trump. This is yet another promise made and delivered from President Trump, and one which rightly recognizes that coal is key to powering the great American comeback. Decades of dystopian environmental policies manifested in the Obama and Biden presidencies, the Inflation Reduction Act, and more, all designed to shutter Wyoming and decrease the affordability and reliability of American power. I do not believe that the role of the federal government is to force despair on its people, and neither does President Trump. Today is a win for Wyoming and a win for America,” said Rep. Hageman. 

    This executive order implements policy to maximize current coal mining operations and encourage new projects for generations to come. This includes streamlining coal leasing, providing royalty rate relief, prioritizing coal exports, designating metallurgical coal as a critical mineral, and expanding categorical exclusions for coal. This executive order is on top of actions already taken by President Trump to stave off coal power plant closures and nullify harmful Biden regulations. 

    Since assuming office in 2023, Rep. Hageman has introduced legislation to terminate the Biden administration’s Buffalo RMP revision, end the federal coal moratorium, and require leasing of federal coal reserves. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, she is also working to include coal policy derived from her bills and the President’s executive order in the budget reconciliation process. 

    ###

    Contact: Esteban Elizondo, Communications Director 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Smith Introduce Legislative Package to Support Union Workers, Protect Workers’ Right to Organize

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced the introduction of the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and the Tax Fairness for Workers Act, two pieces of legislation that will level the playing field for labor organization and restore fairness in the tax code for workers.
    The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act:
    U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) led 25 Senate colleagues in introducing the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act, legislation that levels the playing field for labor organization and ensures workers truly have a fair shot at forming a union. As workers across the country fight for better pay and safer working conditions by unionizing, they often face million-dollar corporate intimidation campaigns to prevent unionization, which corporations are then allowed to write off as run-of-the-mill business expenses. The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act would classify business’ interference in worker organization campaigns like political speech under the tax code and therefore make it ineligible for a tax deduction.
    The legislation is supported by the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA), the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), United Steelworkers (USW), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the Center for American Progress. Full bill text is available here.
    The Tax Fairness for Workers Act:
    Led by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the Tax Fairness for Workers Act would reverse a provision in the 2017 tax reform package that stripped workers of their ability to deduct common expenses incurred as a result of their work. Workers bare the full cost of union dues, which can average $800 per year, but in addition, must pay for work-related expenses like travel, tools, and uniforms – expenses that they can no longer write off after the 2017 tax reform. The Tax Fairness for Workers Act would furthermore create an “above the line” deduction for union dues, so workers can use it even if they don’t itemize. Full bill text is available here.
    “Organized labor built our country and American workers deserve to have a fair shot at forming a union and deserve fairness in the tax code,” said Senator Luján. “The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and Tax Fairness for Workers Act are critical pieces of legislation that will protect workers’ right to organize and support our union workers. I’m proud to partner with Senators Smith and Booker on these critical efforts to strengthen American labor.”
    “Rich and powerful corporations should not be getting tax breaks for making workers’ lives harder.” said Senator Smith. “Workers have a fundamental right to organize for better working conditions. These bills will put working people first and ensure that unionized workers can exercise their right to organize. Corporations don’t deserve tax subsidies for depriving workers of that right, and this legislation would put a stop to it.”
    “American taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize union busting,” said Senator Booker. “The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act is critical legislation to put an end to corporations receiving tax breaks for interfering with workers’ rights to unionize for better pay and safer working conditions.”
    “It is unacceptable for Congress to support anti-worker tax provisions, especially when they’re considering more tax cuts for the wealthy while ignoring the urgent needs of working families. It’s time to give workers their fair share. Our tax code should prioritize workers organizing to have a voice on the job. That is why we wholeheartedly support the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. We commend Senators Lujan, Smith, and Booker and all those championing a fairer tax system for working families,” said CWA Director of Government Affairs, Dan Mauer.
    “Workers who exercise their fundamental freedom to form and join unions should never face intimidation and retaliation from corporate bosses. As we’ve seen a wave of union organizing across the country over the last several years, we’ve also witnessed a wave of companies using often illegal union-busting tactics to stop their workers from standing together in a union. Companies that bully and intimidate workers who want a union on the job should never reap financial benefits. This legislation would put an end to it. We fully support this important effort to hold union-busting CEOs accountable so they pay meaningful penalties for their blatantly anti-democratic behavior,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seizure of contraband at Stony Mountain Institution medium security unit

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 8, 2025 – Stony Mountain, Manitoba – Correctional Service Canada

    On April 5, 2025, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, packages containing contraband were seized within the medium security at Stony Mountain Institution.

    The contraband included cannabis and THC concentrates. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $1,047,740.00. 

    The police have been notified and the institution is investigating.

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.

    CSC is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.

    CSC has set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates and staff members working at CSC institutions.

    The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler Leads New York Delegation Letter Requesting Full State Funding for MTA Capital Plan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, led a letter signed by members of New York’s delegation to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, requesting full funding of the $68.4 billion MTA Capital Plan for 2025–2029 as part of this year’s state budget.

    The letter comes as the Trump Administration has moved to rescind federal approval of New York’s congestion pricing plan and has threatened to withhold critical transit funding, actions that could jeopardize vital infrastructure projects across the state.

    In their letter, the Members wrote: “By ensuring that the MTA Capital Plan is adequately funded, we can fortify our transit infrastructure, shield New Yorkers from unpredictable actions from the Trump Administration, and make proactive investments to protect the region’s economy from future disruptions.

    “The MTA’s Capital Plan is essential for maintaining a modern, resilient, and efficient transit system that meets the needs of all New Yorkers. With the potential loss of federal funding jeopardizing critical transit infrastructure projects, it is crucial that we secure full state funding to mitigate any budget shortfalls and safeguard the transformative improvements outlined in the Capital Plan. The consequences of deferred maintenance are already evident, as over 13,000 equipment failures result in delays annually.

    “Fully funding the Capital Plan is not just about keeping trains and buses running. It is a crucial step in preserving our region’s economic stability and ensuring that public funds are spent wisely. The MTA service area is home to nearly 70% of all jobs in New York State, and the transit system plays a vital role in keeping the state’s economy moving. According to a recent report from the Partnership for New York City, the 2025–2029 Capital Plan is projected to generate $106 billion in economic output and more than 70,000 jobs statewide, including nearly 20,000 jobs outside of New York City,” the Members continued.

    Representative Nadler was joined on the letter by Reps. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26),  Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14)

    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Chairman Pham Lauds DOJ Policy Ending Regulation by Prosecution of Digital Assets Industry and Directs CFTC Staff to Comply with Executive Orders

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham today praised a recently-announced Justice Department policy ending the practice of regulation by prosecution that has targeted the digital asset industry in recent years, and directed CFTC staff to comply with the President’s executive orders and Administration policy, consistent with DOJ’s digital assets enforcement priorities and charging considerations. The DOJ policy comes as Acting Chairman Pham has similarly refocused the CFTC’s enforcement resources on cases involving fraud and manipulation. 
    “For far too long, lawfare from multiple federal agencies against innovators in the digital asset space has created unfairness and uncertainty that has undermined trust in the regulatory process and impeded American competitiveness,” Acting Chairman Pham said. “I welcome the Justice Department’s policy to focus on holding bad actors accountable while allowing regulators to set clear rules that foster responsible innovation. The CFTC is committed to complying with the President’s executive orders at the heart of this policy and has already taken important steps to end regulation by enforcement and direct limited resources toward fighting fraud and helping victims.
    “Today, pursuant to my sole authority as Acting Chairman to exercise the executive and administrative functions of the Commission, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to comply with Executive Order 14219 on the use of the agency’s enforcement discretion to ensure lawful governance. 
    “In accordance with the President’s executive orders and Administration policy, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to adhere to the Justice Department’s policy on digital assets enforcement priorities and digital assets charging considerations set forth in the Deputy Attorney General’s memorandum, Ending Regulation by Prosecution, dated April 7, 2025, with respect to ongoing investigations, litigation including the agency’s litigating position and arguments, and other enforcement matters. 
    “In order to finally end the CFTC’s regulation by enforcement over the past several years, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement, consistent with DOJ policy, to not seek to ‘charge regulatory violations in cases involving digital assets,’ in particular ‘violations of registration requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act,’ unless ‘there is evidence that the defendant knew of the licensing or registration requirement at issue and violated such a requirement willfully,’ as set forth in DOJ’s Ending Regulation by Prosecution.
    “Under Executive Order 14219, agency heads are required to ‘direct the termination of all such enforcement proceedings that do not comply with the Constitution, laws, or Administration policy.’ For ongoing CFTC litigation matters in U.S. federal court, pursuant to administrative law and precedent, the CFTC cannot dismiss a case or enter into a settlement consent order to terminate the enforcement proceeding, without agency action by the Commission requiring a majority vote. Currently, no party holds a majority on the Commission.
    “Therefore, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement, pursuant to Executive Order 14219, with respect to ongoing CFTC litigation matters in U.S. federal court, to ‘preserve [the CFTC’s] limited enforcement resources’ by ‘de-prioritizing actions’ involving violations of registration requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act unless there is evidence that the defendant knew of the licensing or registration requirement at issue and violated such a requirement willfully, consistent with DOJ policy. I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to not take any litigating position or arguments that do not comply with the President’s executive orders, Administration policy, or DOJ policy on digital assets enforcement priorities and digital assets charging considerations.”
    At Acting Chairman Pham’s direction, the CFTC has taken decisive action to ensure lawful governance and enforcement. Shortly after becoming Acting Chairman, Pham realigned the CFTC Division of Enforcement task forces to end regulation by enforcement and refocus on fighting fraud and helping victims. Under her leadership, the Division of Enforcement has also issued a new advisory on the CFTC’s new policy going forward to promote self-reporting, cooperation, and remediation. 
    Pham also launched an initiative aimed at expeditiously resolving a backlog of noncompliance matters that do not involve customer harm or market abuse. The initiative provides the opportunity to bring closure and clarity to firms in a timely manner while freeing up agency resources to focus on catching fraudsters and scammers and helping victims. Thus far, nearly two dozen firms have reached out to participate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians of REAL ID Enforcement Beginning on May 7

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 07, 2025 – Erie, PA

    Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians of REAL ID Enforcement Beginning on May 7

    With the start of federal REAL ID enforcement just around the corner, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Erie International Airport, and the American Automobile Association (AAA), are encouraging Pennsylvanians to prepare now to ensure they can fly domestically without disruptions. These efforts reflect the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring residents have the information and opportunities they need to be ready for federal REAL ID enforcement.

    Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight, and enter a military base or other federal facilities that require ID at the door. More than 2.6 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019.

    “We know that people look forward to traveling with friends and family,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “But after May 7, if you don’t have a REAL ID or a passport, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight. We’re strongly encouraging everyone to make sure you have what you need to travel before you arrive at the airport, especially if you already have flights planned for the summer.”

    Speakers Include:
    Derek Martin, CEO, Erie International Airport
    Mike Carroll, PennDOT Secretary
    Jim Garrity, AAA Director of Public Affairs AAA East Central

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Officials Visit Blair County to Highlight Proposed Investments to Help Solve Rural Health Care Workforce Shortages

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 08, 2025 – Tyrone, PA

    Shapiro Administration Officials Visit Blair County to Highlight Proposed Investments to Help Solve Rural Health Care Workforce Shortages

    In an ongoing effort to strengthen the rural health care workforce and support rural hospitals in Pennsylvania, Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh visited Penn Highlands Tyrone to highlight Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed investments in Pennsylvania’s rural health care workforce as part of the 2025-26 budget to improve access to care.

    “The Shapiro Administration is taking a multi-pronged approach to address challenges facing rural hospitals across Pennsylvania,” said Secretary Bogen, who has visited nearly a dozen rural hospitals throughout the state. “Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal offers recruitment and retention incentives that would support additional health care professionals, including behavioral health providers and health professionals to work in rural hospitals and communities.”

    Pennsylvania is facing shortages of health care professionals, particularly in rural communities, where there is only one primary care physician for every 522 residents. Conversely, in urban areas, there is one primary care physician for every 222 residents. That means rural Pennsylvanians, who already must travel further distances to see their doctors, also have less access to health care.

    Speakers Include:
    Penn Highlands Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Trina Abla
    Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen
    Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro Delivers Keynote at Pennsylvania Farm Bureau State Legislative Conference in Harrisburg, Highlighting His Administration’s Historic Investments in Agriculture to Support the Commonwealth’s Farmers, Growers, and Producers

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 08, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    Governor Shapiro Delivers Keynote at Pennsylvania Farm Bureau State Legislative Conference in Harrisburg, Highlighting His Administration’s Historic Investments in Agriculture to Support the Commonwealth’s Farmers, Growers, and Producers

    Governor Josh Shapiro delivered the keynote address at the annual Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) State Legislative Conference, speaking to agricultural industry leaders from all across the Commonwealth about his Administration’s strong record of supporting Pennsylvania’s farmers. During his remarks, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to investing in the Commonwealth’s agricultural industry, and warned of the risks posed by new federal tariffs and cuts to U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that support farmers and food banks.

    Governor Shapiro emphasized that agriculture is at the center of his Administration’s efforts to create economic opportunity across Pennsylvania. The Governor’s Economic Development Strategy – the first statewide economic development plan in nearly two decades – puts agriculture at the forefront, recognizing that a thriving agricultural industry is essential to the Commonwealth’s economic growth. The Shapiro Administration has consistently prioritized investments that strengthen and support the agriculture sector.

    “Over the last two years, I’ve spent a lot of time on farms across Pennsylvania, listening to our farmers and seeing firsthand the challenges they face and the incredible work they do to power our economy and put food on our tables. I kept those conversations top of mind as we developed the Commonwealth’s first Economic Development Strategy in nearly 20 years – and I made sure agriculture is front and center in that plan,” said Governor Shapiro. “My Administration has made real investments in the future of agriculture – from funding the PA Farm Bill, to launching the first-in-the-nation Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, to opening new Centers of Excellence, and expanding PA Preferred. We’ve delivered commonsense solutions to help farmers lower costs, preserve farmland, open new markets, address the real challenges they face, and strengthen the entire agricultural industry. Pennsylvania is leading the way in driving economic growth in our agriculture sector, and I will keep fighting for our farming families.”

    Speaker list:
    Chris Hoffman, President, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
    Governor Josh Shapiro

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LANCASTER COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Visit Lancaster Small Businesses, Highlight Administration’s Historic Investments in Main Streets Across Pennsylvania

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 09, 2025 – Lancaster, PA

    ADVISORY – LANCASTER COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Visit Lancaster Small Businesses, Highlight Administration’s Historic Investments in Main Streets Across Pennsylvania

    Governor Josh Shapiro will join local leaders for a tour of small businesses along a main street in Lancaster to highlight the Shapiro Administration’s actions to grow Pennsylvania’s economy while investing in our Main Streets and commercial corridors.

    This week, Governor Shapiro announced that his Administration is investing in 81 community projects across Pennsylvania through the Main Street Matters program, fulfilling a key promise he made to help revitalize downtowns, support small businesses, and strengthen local economies. Lancaster County alone is receiving more than $1 million as part of this week’s announcement.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Mayor Danene Sorace
    Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El
    Marshall Snively, President of Lancaster City Alliance
    Laura Haiges, Owner of BellaBoo

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:45 AM

    WHERE:
    Ric’s Bread
    24 N. Queen Street,
    Lancaster, PA 17603

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: TransAlta to Host Annual Meeting of Shareholders and First Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    2025 Annual Meeting of TransAlta Corporation Shareholders

    On Thursday, April 24, 2025, TransAlta Corporation (“TransAlta”) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) will hold its annual meeting of shareholders at 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time (1:30 p.m. Eastern Time) in a virtual-only meeting format via live audio webcast (https://meetings.400.lumiconnect.com/r/participant/live-meeting/400-164-661-424). The management proxy circular (available at https://transalta.com/investors/results-reporting/) provides detailed information about the business of the meeting and the voting process. TransAlta will only conduct the formal business of the meeting and there will not be a management presentation.

    First Quarter 2025 Conference Call

    TransAlta will release its first quarter 2025 results before markets open on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held for investors, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties the same day beginning at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time).

    First Quarter 2025 Conference Call:
    Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wzq2tgtc

    To access the conference call via telephone, please register ahead of time using the call link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI49f11ff999b449caa13c201afbb053aa. Once registered, participants will have the option of 1) dialing into the call from their phone (via a personalized PIN); or 2) clicking the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly to their phone.

    Related materials will be available on the Investor section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/. If you are unable to participate in the call, the replay will be accessible at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wzq2tgtc. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

    About TransAlta Corporation:

    TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of thermal generation and hydro-electric power. For over 113 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, which also defines sustainable goals for businesses. Our reporting on climate change management has been guided by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 Climate-related Disclosures Standard and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 70 per cent reduction in GHG emissions or 22.7 million tonnes CO2e since 2015 and received an upgraded MSCI ESG rating of AA.

    For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

    Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

    For more information:

    Investor Inquiries: Media Inquiries:
    Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S. Phone: 1-855-255-9184
    Email: investor_relations@transalta.com Email: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects American Energy from State Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    PROTECTING AMERICAN ENERGY FROM STATE INTERFERENCE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at securing America’s energy dominance by removing unlawful and burdensome state-level impediments to domestic energy production.
    The Order directs the Attorney General to identify and take action against state laws and policies that burden the use of domestic energy resources and that are unconstitutional, preempted by federal law, or otherwise unenforceable.
    The Attorney General will prioritize taking action against laws and policies purporting to address “climate change” policies, or involving “environmental, social, and governance” initiatives, “environmental justice,” carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.
    The Attorney General will submit a report to the President detailing actions taken and additional recommendations to protect American energy pursuant to the Order in 60 days.
    STRENGTHENING NATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY THROUGH ENERGY: President Trump believes that an affordable and reliable domestic energy supply is vital to America’s national security, economic prosperity, and foreign policy.
    When states purport to regulate energy beyond their constitutional or statutory authorities, American energy suffers.
    States like New York and Vermont have imposed retroactive “climate change” extortion laws on energy producers for those producers’ alleged past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, while California enforces restrictive carbon caps that punish businesses.
    These state policies raise energy prices, disrupt supply reliability, and degrade quality of life for families nationwide.
    Affordable energy is essential for heating homes, fueling vehicles, and powering industries, all of which are jeopardized by ideologically-driven state laws.
    By removing unconstitutional state impediments to American energy production, the United States can secure a prosperous future for all Americans.
    STOPPING STATE OVERREACH: President Trump is committed to halting efforts by individual states to impose their regulatory preferences on the entire nation, defending federalism, and safeguarding Americans from overreaching, ideologically driven state policies. 
    He signed an Executive Order overriding disastrous California policies in order to fight and prevent massive wildfires in southern California.
    He signed an Executive Order threatening to revoke federal funding from “sanctuary” states and cities that refuse to comply with federal immigration law.
    His administration is working to block efforts by California to set its own vehicle emissions standards that would have forced automakers across the country to comply with the state’s extreme environmental rules.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting American Energy From State Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  My Administration is committed to unleashing American energy, especially through the removal of all illegitimate impediments to the identification, development, siting, production, investment in, or use of domestic energy resources — particularly oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources.  An affordable and reliable domestic energy supply is essential to the national and economic security of the United States, as well as our foreign policy.  Simply put, Americans are better off when the United States is energy dominant. American energy dominance is threatened when State and local governments seek to regulate energy beyond their constitutional or statutory authorities.  For example, when States target or discriminate against out-of-State energy producers by imposing significant barriers to interstate and international trade, American energy suffers, and the equality of each State enshrined by the Constitution is undermined.  Similarly, when States subject energy producers to arbitrary or excessive fines through retroactive penalties or seek to control energy development, siting, or production activities on Federal land, American energy suffers.Many States have enacted, or are in the process of enacting, burdensome and ideologically motivated “climate change” or energy policies that threaten American energy dominance and our economic and national security.  New York, for example, enacted a “climate change” extortion law that seeks to retroactively impose billions in fines (erroneously labelled “compensatory payments”) on traditional energy producers for their purported past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions not only in New York but also anywhere in the United States and the world.  Vermont similarly extorts energy producers for alleged past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions anywhere in the United States or the globe.Other States have taken different approaches in an effort to dictate national energy policy.  California, for example, punishes carbon use by adopting impossible caps on the amount of carbon businesses may use, all but forcing businesses to pay large sums to “trade” carbon credits to meet California’s radical requirements.  Some States delay review of permit applications to produce energy, creating de facto barriers to entry in the energy market.  States have also sued energy companies for supposed “climate change” harm under nuisance or other tort regimes that could result in crippling damages.These State laws and policies weaken our national security and devastate Americans by driving up energy costs for families coast-to-coast, despite some of these families not living or voting in States with these crippling policies.  These laws and policies also undermine Federalism by projecting the regulatory preferences of a few States into all States.  Americans must be permitted to heat their homes, fuel their cars, and have peace of mind — free from policies that make energy more expensive and inevitably degrade quality of life.These State laws and policies try to dictate interstate and international disputes over air, water, and natural resources; unduly discriminate against out-of-State businesses; contravene the equality of States; and retroactively impose arbitrary and excessive fines without legitimate justification.These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration’s objective to unleash American energy.  They should not stand.
    Sec. 2.  State Laws and Causes of Action.  (a)  The Attorney General, in consultation with the heads of appropriate executive departments and agencies, shall identify all State and local laws, regulations, causes of action, policies, and practices (collectively, State laws) burdening the identification, development, siting, production, or use of domestic energy resources that are or may be unconstitutional, preempted by Federal law, or otherwise unenforceable.  The Attorney General shall prioritize the identification of any such State laws purporting to address “climate change” or involving “environmental, social, and governance” initiatives, “environmental justice,” carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.(b)  The Attorney General shall expeditiously take all appropriate action to stop the enforcement of State laws and continuation of civil actions identified in subsection (a) of this section that the Attorney General determines to be illegal.(c)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the President, through the Counsel to the President, regarding actions taken under subsection (b) of this section.  The Attorney General shall also recommend any additional Presidential or legislative action necessary to stop the enforcement of State laws identified in subsection (a) of this section that the Attorney General determines to be illegal or otherwise fulfill the purpose of this order.
    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. 
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    April 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  The United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven by rapid technological advancements, including the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers and an increase in domestic manufacturing.  This increase in demand, coupled with existing capacity challenges, places a significant strain on our Nation’s electric grid.  Lack of reliability in the electric grid puts the national and economic security of the American people at risk.  The United States’ ability to remain at the forefront of technological innovation depends on a reliable supply of energy from all available electric generation sources and the integrity of our Nation’s electric grid.  
    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to ensure the reliability, resilience, and security of the electric power grid.  It is further the policy of the United States that in order to ensure adequate and reliable electric generation in America, to meet growing electricity demand, and to address the national emergency declared pursuant to Executive Order 14156 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), our electric grid must utilize all available power generation resources, particularly those secure, redundant fuel supplies that are capable of extended operations
    Sec. 3.  Addressing Energy Reliability and Security with Emergency Authority.  (a)  To safeguard the reliability and security of the United States’ electric grid during periods when the relevant grid operator forecasts a temporary interruption of electricity supply is necessary to prevent a complete grid failure, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with such executive department and agency heads as the Secretary of Energy deems appropriate, shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, streamline, systemize, and expedite the Department of Energy’s processes for issuing orders under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act during the periods of grid operations described above, including the review and approval of applications by electric generation resources seeking to operate at maximum capacity.  (b)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall develop a uniform methodology for analyzing current and anticipated reserve margins for all regions of the bulk power system regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and shall utilize this methodology to identify current and anticipated regions with reserve margins below acceptable thresholds as identified by the Secretary of Energy. This methodology shall:(i)    analyze sufficiently varied grid conditions and operating scenarios based on historic events to adequately inform the methodology;(ii)   accredit generation resources in such conditions and scenarios based on historical performance of each specific generation resource type in the real time conditions and operating scenarios of each grid scenario; and(iii)  be published, along with any analysis it produces, on the Department of Energy’s website within 90 days of the date of this order.(c)  The Secretary of Energy shall establish a process by which the methodology described in subsection (b) of this section, and any analysis and results it produces, are assessed on a regular basis, and a protocol to identify which generation resources within a region are critical to system reliability.  This protocol shall additionally:(i)   include all mechanisms available under applicable law, including section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, to ensure any generation resource identified as critical within an at-risk region is appropriately retained as an available generation resource within the at-risk region; and(ii)  prevent, as the Secretary of Energy deems appropriate and consistent with applicable law, including section 202 of the Federal Power Act, an identified generation resource in excess of 50 megawatts of nameplate capacity from leaving the bulk-power system or converting the source of fuel of such generation resource if such conversion would result in a net reduction in accredited generating capacity, as determined by the reserve margin methodology developed under subsection (b) of this section. 
    Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    April 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
     1.  Coal-fired electricity generation is essential to ensuring that our Nation’s grid is reliable and that electricity is affordable for the American people, and to promoting our Nation’s energy security.  The Federal Government plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Nation’s power supply remains secure and reliable.  Forcing energy producers to comply with unattainable emissions controls jeopardizes this mission. 
    2.  On May 7, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule titled National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants:  Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review, 89 FR 38508 (Rule), which amended the preexisting Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule to make it more stringent.  The Rule’s effective date was July 8, 2024.  Id.  Its compliance date is July 8, 2027, 3 years after its effective date.  See 89 FR 38519.
    3.  The Rule places severe burdens on coal-fired power plants and, through its indirect effects, on the viability of our Nation’s coal sector.  Specifically, the Rule requires compliance with standards premised on the application of emissions-control technologies that do not yet exist in a commercially viable form.  The current compliance timeline of the Rule therefore raises the unacceptable risk of the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants, eliminating thousands of jobs, placing our electrical grid at risk, and threatening broader, harmful economic and energy security effects.  This in turn would undermine our national security, as these effects would leave America vulnerable to electricity demand shortages, increased dependence on foreign energy sources, and potential disruptions of our electricity and energy supplies, particularly in times of crisis.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4), do hereby proclaim that certain stationary sources subject to the Rule, as identified in Annex I of this proclamation, are exempt from compliance with the Rule for a period of 2 years beyond the Rule’s compliance date — i.e., for the period beginning July 8, 2027, and concluding July 8, 2029 (Exemption).  The effect of this Exemption is that, during this 2-year period, these stationary sources are subject to the compliance obligations that they are currently subject to under the MATS as the MATS existed prior to the Rule.  In support of this Exemption, I hereby make the following determinations:a.  The technology to implement the Rule is not available.  Such technology does not exist in a commercially viable form sufficient to allow implementation of and compliance with the Rule by its compliance date of July 8, 2027.b. It is in the national security interests of the United States to issue this Exemption for the reasons stated in paragraph 3 of this proclamation.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thiseighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1. Purpose. In order to secure America’s economic prosperity and national security, lower the cost of living, and provide for increases in electrical demand from emerging technologies, we must increase domestic energy production, including coal. Coal is abundant and cost effective, and can be used in any weather condition. Moreover, the industry has historically employed hundreds of thousands of Americans. America’s coal resources are vast, with a current estimated value in the trillions of dollars, and are more than capable of substantially contributing to American energy independence with excess to export to support allies and our economic competitiveness. Our Nation’s beautiful clean coal resources will be critical to meeting the rise in electricity demand due to the resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the construction of artificial intelligence data processing centers. We must encourage and support our Nation’s coal industry to increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilize our grid, create high-paying jobs, support burgeoning industries, and assist our allies.
    Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that coal is essential to our national and economic security. It is a national priority to support the domestic coal industry by removing Federal regulatory barriers that undermine coal production, encouraging the utilization of coal to meet growing domestic energy demands, increasing American coal exports, and ensuring that Federal policy does not discriminate against coal production or coal-fired electricity generation.
    Sec. 3. Strengthening Our National Energy Security. The Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) shall designate coal as a “mineral” as defined in section 2 of Executive Order 14241 of March 20, 2025 (Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production), thereby entitling coal to all the benefits of a “mineral” under that order. Further, Executive Order 14241 is hereby amended by deleting the reference to “4332(d)(1)(B)” in section 6(d) of that order and replacing it with a reference to “4532(d)(1)(B)”.
    Sec. 4. Assessing Coal Resources and Accessibility on Federal Lands. (a) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Energy shall submit a consolidated report to the President through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy that identifies coal resources and reserves on Federal lands, assesses impediments to mining such coal resources, and proposes policies to address such impediments and ultimately enable the mining of such coal resources by either private or public actors.
    (b) The Secretary of Energy shall include in the report described in subsection (a) of this section an analysis of the impact that the availability of the coal resources identified could have on electricity costs and grid reliability.
    Sec. 5. Lifting Barriers to Coal Mining on Federal Lands. (a) The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall prioritize coal leasing and related activities, consistent with applicable law, as the primary land use for the public lands with coal resources identified in the report described in section 4(a) of this order and expedite coal leasing in these areas, including by utilizing such emergency authorities as are available to them and identifying opportunities to provide for expedited environmental reviews, consistent with applicable law.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authorities in the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended and supplemented (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 351-359), and the Multiple Mineral Development Act of 1954 (30 U.S.C. 521-531 et seq.), shall acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium by ordering the publication of a notice in the Federal Register terminating the “Environmental Impact Statement Analyzing the Potential Environmental Effects from Maintaining Secretary Jewell’s Coal Leasing Moratorium”, and process royalty rate reduction applications from Federal coal lessees in as expeditious a manner as permitted by applicable law.
    Sec. 6. Supporting American Coal as an Energy Source. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall identify any guidance, regulations, programs, and policies within their respective executive department or agency that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production and electricity generation.
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the heads of all relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall consider revising or rescinding Federal actions identified in subsection (a) of this section consistent with applicable law.
    (c) Agencies that are empowered to make loans, loan guarantees, grants, equity investments, or to conclude offtake agreements, both domestically and abroad, shall, to the extent permitted by law, take steps to rescind any policies or regulations seeking to or that actually discourage investment in coal production and coal-fired electricity generation, such as the 2021 U.S. Treasury Fossil Fuel Energy Guidance for Multilateral Development Banks rescinded by the Department of the Treasury and similar policies or regulations.
    (d) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Development Finance Corporation, the President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and the heads of all other agencies that have discretionary programs that provide, facilitate, or advocate for financing of energy projects shall review their charters, regulations, guidance, policies, international agreements, analytical models and internal bureaucratic processes to ensure that such materials do not discourage the agency from financing coal mining projects and electricity generation projects. Consistent with law, and subject to the applicable agency head’s discretion, where appropriate, any identified preferences against coal use shall immediately be eliminated except as explicitly provided for in statute.
    Sec. 7. Supporting American Coal Exports. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Energy, the United States Trade Representative, the Assistant to the President for National Security, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions to promote and identify export opportunities for coal and coal technologies and facilitate international offtake agreements for United States coal.
    Sec. 8. Expanding Use of Categorical Exclusions for Coal Under the National Environmental Policy Act. Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall identify to the Council on Environmental Quality any existing and potential categorical exclusions pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, increased reliance on and adoption of which by other agencies pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4336c could further the production and export of coal.
    Sec. 9. Steel Dominance. (a) The Secretary of Energy, pursuant to the authority under the Energy Act of 2020 (the “Act”), shall determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical material” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place it on the Department of Energy Critical Materials List.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authority under the Act, shall determine whether metallurgical coal used in the production of steel meets the criteria to be designated as a “critical mineral” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place coal on the Department of the Interior Critical Minerals List.
    Sec. 10. Powering Artificial Intelligence Data Centers. (a) For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Energy shall identify regions where coal-powered infrastructure is available and suitable for supporting AI data centers; assess the market, legal, and technological potential for expanding coal-based infrastructure to power data centers to meet the electricity needs of AI and high-performance computing operations; and submit a consolidated summary report with their findings and proposals to the Chair of the NEDC, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto.
    Sec. 11. Acceleration of Coal Technology. (a) The Secretary of Energy shall take all necessary actions, consistent with applicable law, to accelerate the development, deployment, and commercialization of coal technologies including, but not limited to, utilizing all available funding mechanisms to support the expansion of coal technology, including technologies that utilize coal and coal byproducts such as building materials, battery materials, carbon fiber, synthetic graphite, and printing materials, as well as updating coal feedstock for power generation and steelmaking.
    (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall submit a detailed action plan to the President through the Chair of the NEDC outlining the funding mechanisms, programs, and policy actions taken to accelerate coal technology deployment.
    Sec. 12. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Lifts Burdensome EPA Restrictions on Coal Plants

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    SUPPORTING OUR NATION’S COAL INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation granting two-years of relief from a stringent Biden-era environmental rule to certain coal-fired power plants, safeguarding the Nation’s energy grid and security, and saving coal plants from closure.
    The proclamation allows certain coal plants to comply with a less stringent version of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for two years, instead of the more onerous version put in place by the Biden Administration.
    The move ensures these plants are not prematurely forced offline due to unattainable compliance requirements under the new rule.
    ADDRESSING THE THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND ENERGY STABILITY: President Trump recognizes that environmental advocate overreach jeopardizes America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security.
    Coal is essential to our Nation’s grid, making up 16% of U.S. electricity generation.
    Compliance with the Biden-era standards requires the application of emissions-control technologies that, for many coal plants, are not commercially viable.
    The current compliance timeline of the Biden-era rule could force widespread coal plant shutdowns, risking thousands of jobs and the stability of our electrical grid.
    These shutdowns could lead to electricity shortages, increased reliance on foreign energy, and heightened vulnerability during crises.
    This relief is necessary to maintain operational coal plants, protect energy security, and allow time for viable technology solutions, avoiding broader risks to America’s economy and defense readiness.
    BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WITH AMERICAN PROSPERITY: President Trump has consistently prioritized a pragmatic approach, ensuring environmental policies support rather than undermine America’s economic strength and national security.
    President Trump has sought to protect American industries while maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world.
    He directed the EPA to repeal the Obama-era Clean Power Plan during his first term, replacing it with the Affordable Clean Energy rule in 2019 that set achievable standards to preserve jobs while addressing emissions.
    He paused the expansion of windmills, recognizing their detrimental environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, often outweighs their benefits.
    He has championed an energy dominance strategy, boosting domestic oil and gas production to reduce reliance on foreign energy while maintaining practical environmental oversight.
    His approach encourages industry to develop cost-effective solutions like improved emissions technologies rather than imposing unfeasible mandates that risk economic disruption.

    MIL OSI USA News –