NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: In House Agriculture Committee Hearing, Pingree Slams Trump Admin. and Republicans for Threatening to Cut SNAP Benefits

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Today, during a House Agriculture Committee hearing, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) called out the Trump Administration and their Republican allies for threatening to slash $230 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—which more than 40 million Americans rely on for monthly food assistance—in order to pay for a $4.5 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest Americans.  

    In her remarks, Pingree blasted the proposed plan, highlighting the devastating impact these cuts would have on Maine, where more than 174,000 people—including over 43,000 children—rely on the program each month. 

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    “Look, I may be a Democrat, but in my state, making sure the kids get fed, making sure that our seniors have food, this is just common sense. About a third of the households in my state use SNAP dollars to feed children. There are over 174,000 Mainers who get help from SNAP. This is just to put food on the table. And I think we all know $6 a day per person isn’t much to feed your family,” Pingree said in her remarks. “… The reason we’re talking about the cuts, it’s not ‘fear mongering.’ It’s not ‘smack.’ It’s because in this reconciliation plan, which some of our Republican colleagues have been over in the White House talking about just as this hearing was going on, you can’t cut $230 billion from this committee without cutting some SNAP benefits. That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re talking about this.”

    A transcript of Pingree complete remarks is copied below. 

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    Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. Thank you to you and the ranking member for hosting this hearing. Thank you to everyone on the panel. It’s possible I’m the last speaker. At least I’m close. And I know you’ve put in many hours, and I hope you know how much we appreciate the time that you’re spending with us.

    Just to counter a little bit what my colleague from Wisconsin was saying, talking about this hearing as being ‘fear mongering’ and ‘talking smack.’ Look, I may be a Democrat, but in my state, making sure the kids get fed, making sure that our seniors have food, this is just common sense. About a third of the households in my state use SNAP dollars to feed children.

    There are over 174,000 Mainers who get help from SNAP. This is just to put food on the table. And I think we all know $6 a day per person isn’t much to feed your family, $2 per person. I just want to say the reason we’re talking about the cuts, it’s not ‘fear mongering’. It’s not ‘smack.’ It’s because in this reconciliation plan, which some of our Republican colleagues have been over in the White House talking about just as this hearing was going on, you can’t cut $230 billion from this committee without cutting some SNAP benefits.

    That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re talking about this. We’ve been through a very long farm bill negotiation. I hope we’re able to bring that to a conclusion at some point. But we’ve been talking about cutting food through the healthy Thrifty Food plan. So we know this is about whether it’s, future opportunities to have enough money to pay for SNAP or current benefits.

    This is on the table. It’s a current conversation. That is actually why we’re here. And so many of my colleagues say “waste, fraud and abuse.” “Get rid of the waste, fraud and abuse.” Well, I don’t know how many studies we’ve looked at, how many times we have looked at the waste, fraud and abuse. And we appreciate that that’s a very important thing to cut. 

    But I just want to talk about one of the things that gets covered as waste, fraud and abuse. This is a store in my district. We’ve gotten floods of calls from one part of my district, from constituents, about a little tiny grocery store at the risk of closing because USDA has revoked their SNAP license.

    Now we know how difficult it is to find a grocery store, how many food deserts there are, how many food stores don’t have fresh fruits and vegetables. This store has been around for 33 years. It’s a pillar of the neighborhood. They made a mistake. They accidentally allowed a sale of tissues and dish soap, estimated around $10, which was ineligible for SNAP, as all of you would know.

    So they received a $5,700 fine. A $5,700 fine. For a small business owner. They understood the consequences. They arranged a plan, but there was some confusion around the payment, the payment date, they were late on a payment. Their license has now been revoked. As a result, the store isn’t sure if it’s going to be able to remain open.

    About a fourth of their sales, I think, are SNAP sales and it’s also a critical resource for those communities. So, I know that every source of waste, fraud and abuse isn’t exactly like this. But if we’re going to account for all of these in our total numbers, and we’re going to say that these small grocery stores, we should be putting them out of business? That’s just not reasonable. 

    Another big concern I have is that we’ve already cut our local food purchase agreements at our food banks. We’re making more cuts to the emergency food assistance, the TEFAP program, putting a strain on our feeding organizations. These are also cuts to farmers. Some of these were contracts with farmers to deliver food to our local food banks, to our school lunch programs.

    And now we’re going to cut SNAP benefits? Those are more farmers. Our SNAP sales at farmers markets and farm stands in Maine is about 5 to $600,000 a year. Now, maybe if you’re from California, that doesn’t sound like much, but those are critically important programs for our farmers. We use the Nutrition Incentive program to provide Harvest Bucks. Wonderful way to get more healthy fruits and vegetables.

    This increases SNAP total spending at our farmers markets to around $900,000 a year. Every dollar is important here. There are 50 Maine farmers in Maine that accept SNAP, so that continues to add more farms where people can get healthy fruits and vegetables. I’m worried about all these.

    I won’t support any cuts in the reconciliation bill or our farm bill that takes away money from low-income households, and they’re not always what we would think of as low income. Many of these are two-earner families. People who go to work, go to work every day, but don’t have enough money to put on the table to make sure they can afford food, particularly with skyrocketing costs. 

    And now we’re talking about tariffs on our food. So I know I’m getting calls in my office from the people who are already worried about the cost of food, who are struggling at the grocery store and who are already saying, now you’re going to cut my SNAP benefits next? You know, where do I turn? How do I make ends meet?

    So, I didn’t get a chance to ask you all a question, but I want you all to know I appreciate you very much. I know you put in a long day, as I said, you bring a lot of valuable information to all of us and provide an important discussion.

    And with that, I yield back my time. And I thank the chair and the ranking member.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coalition Statement Responding to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Public Service Unions, Small Business, Veterans and Conservation Organizations and Rule of Law Advocates Vow to Continue Fight

    WASHINGTON – In response to today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court granting the government’s request for a stay of the preliminary injunction against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) blocking the firings of thousands of federal workers, the coalition of plaintiffs and co-counsel in the case released the following statement: 

    “There is no doubt that thousands of public service employees were unlawfully fired in an effort to cripple federal agencies and their crucial programs that serve millions of Americans every day. Today’s order by the U.S. Supreme Court is deeply disappointing but is only a momentary pause in our efforts to enforce the trial court’s orders and hold the federal government accountable.

    “Despite this setback, our coalition remains unwavering in fighting for these workers who were wronged by the administration, and in protecting the freedoms of the American people. In fact, plaintiffs will be back in court tomorrow developing alternative grounds for relief. This battle is far from over.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Republican incompetence is crashing the economy with reckless tariffs

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – April 08, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by Representatives Adam Gray, Tim Kennedy and Andrea Salinas for a press conference on the reckless Republican tariffs that are crashing the economy and draining the retirement accounts of Americans.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. Pleased to be joined with Representatives Gray, Kennedy and Salinas here today. On behalf of the Vice Chair and I, we also are pleased to welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Washington, D.C. area. Look forward to catching a game this homestand.

    Donald Trump has imposed the largest tax increase in 50 years on every single American. Republican incompetence is crashing the economy with reckless tariffs and bleeding the accounts, the retirement accounts, of Americans dry. We’re watching a global recession take hold because of the boneheaded policies of one person—which will cause hardworking people to lose their jobs, potentially lose their homes and their health care. At the same time, Republicans in Congress are preparing to cut Medicaid by $880 billion so they can give a massive tax cut to billionaires. They are telling us with a straight face—that the economic growth will pay for these tax breaks—while the economy is in a tailspin. The truth is, passing the Republican budget would be a death blow to the American economy. And the people that get caught in the crossfire of this Republican Recession will be hurt the most by Medicaid as a tool that Republicans want to chip away at. Congress needs to take away the keys of economic policies like tariffs from this incompetent Administration and restore some stability to the economy. House Democrats are going to continue to prioritize the economic needs of the American people by working to bring down costs, make health care more affordable and looking out for everyday Americans. With that, I’ll turn it over to Vice Chair Ted Lieu.

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. As an American and as a veteran, my heart goes out to the four U.S. soldiers who tragically died in an accident in Lithuania. The Lithuanian President did a very dignified ceremony for those four U.S. soldiers. And when those four soldiers’ caskets landed at Dover Air Force Base last Friday, at a transfer ceremony, U.S. officials greeted them, elected officials greeted them, but Donald Trump was not there. Donald Trump instead chose to go to a golf tournament, and I’m just going to read to you what one of the persons at this ceremony said. He deployed to Iraq. His name is Blythe Potter. He’s a Military Police Corps veteran. He said, ‘I have never been so embarrassed to be an American.’ President Trump should have been at that transfer ceremony for the four fallen U.S. soldiers, instead of at his golf tournament. 

    I now want to also echo what Chairman Aguilar said about the tariffs. They are a tax on the American consumer. As all of you know, the way tariffs work is when the foreign products come to our ports, the American company that imported those products pays the tariff, not the foreign country. And what happens when this American company pays that tariff? Well, they’re going to pass on those costs to the consumer and the prices are going to increase. And poll after poll, we see that the overwhelming majority of American people oppose tariffs. There are ways to try to make competition more fair, but let’s not do it by increasing prices on Americans.

    And their estimates, it’s going to be about $3,800 per family in terms of increased costs. And then let me also now congratulate Susan Crawford for winning the Wisconsin Supreme Court race last week. What we saw there was the world’s wealthiest man, Elon Musk, tried to buy the election, spending over $20 million, and the people of Wisconsin figured that out, and they overwhelmingly elected Susan Crawford. So, what was once Elon Musk’s greatest asset, his money, has now become his greatest liability because the people now understand that he’s trying to buy elections, and they overwhelmingly vote against that.

    And then the Hands Off protests that we saw this past weekend were amazing. The American people are waking up, that Trump and Republicans’ policies are harming our nation. So now it is my honor to introduce my friend Adam Gray, who I had the honor of serving with in the California State Legislature. So thrilled he is now in Congress and represents the Central Valley.

    REP. GRAY: Good morning, and thank you Chairman Aguilar and Vice Chair Lieu for inviting me to speak with you this morning. I represent California’s San Joaquin Valley, the world’s largest agricultural region. The President’s recent announcement of tariffs on our global trade partners poses a serious risk to farmers in the San Joaquin Valley and across the country. The last time blanket tariffs went into effect under President Trump’s first administration, California farmers lost an estimated $683 million in crop revenue. The most significant losses were concentrated in tree nuts and dairy products, among others, which are top exports from the San Joaquin Valley. 

    In fact, the California delegation recently received a letter from ag industry leaders in California pleading with Congress to support common-sense measures that will protect fair competition for their products and defend our nation’s food supply. This group of producers represent more than 400 commodities and billions of dollars of revenue. They warn of uncertain market conditions, disrupted business operations, increased costs associated with retaliatory tariffs. This all poses a significant risk to family-owned farms, which account for over 95% of American agricultural operations. I grew up in the ag industry. My family owned and operated a dairy supply store. My grandparents grew pistachios. Like many Valley families, I know personally how tight budgets are. I know how one bad season can derail an operation for years. These aren’t just individual farmers or business owners who will lose jobs or shutter businesses. These are entire communities like mine in the Central Valley who rely on the ag industry to power their economy. 

    Rather than work with Congress to make precise, strategic changes to our trade policy, the President has decided to impose sloppy, blanket tariffs and stuck American farmers with the bill. I’m ready to work with anyone and everyone who is serious about rising above partisan politics to protect our ag communities from the impacts of tariffs. We must do something now. Our farmers deserve it. Our communities deserve it. With that, I’m happy to introduce my colleague, Representative Tim Kennedy.

    REP. KENNEDY: Morning. First, I want to thank Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu for not only bringing us together this morning, but for their continued leadership on this issue and so many other issues. Before Trump’s tariffs plunged us and the entire world into chaos. Western New Yorkers that I represent were sounding the alarm on the President’s trade war. As a representative of a border community in Buffalo in the Niagara region and the Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus, families in my region know how important our ties are with our Canadian neighbors. In my district, trade with Canada supports tens of thousands of jobs, nearly 30,000 jobs, and brings in over a half a billion dollars in purchases by Canadians every year. Across the border, there’s $1.3 trillion of commerce every single year, billions of dollars a day, supporting states all across the northern border, but all across our great country. Again, in Western New York, Canadians pour over the border, whether it’s going to a Bills game or a Sabres game or shopping or using our restaurants, sleeping at our hotels, over 40 percent of the 5 million enplanements out of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport are Canadian citizens.

    Our economies are reliant upon each other and benefit from the tremendous relationship that we have, economically, culturally, historically and presently. However, Trump’s tariffs are putting our hardworking families in Western New York at risk, and it’s hurting our entire national and international economy. Cross-border traffic is down by double digits from last year, robbing small businesses across the country of tourism dollars. Tariffs that are being put in place across the borders, these blanket tariffs, including on things like lumber, that are hurting homeownership, especially new homeowners. They’re also stymieing development and other industries, including steel fabrication, auto manufacturing, craft brewing, logistics. Every industry across the board is worrying about supply chain disruption, skyrocketing operating costs and keeping their employees on the payroll. Businesses are going to be hurt by these tariffs. Jobs are going to be lost in our country because of these tariffs, because our economy is so tightly intertwined with Canada’s. People in my district and across the country are being hit right in their pocketbook already. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is golfing at his own club while trillions of dollars are wiped away from American citizens and hardworking families and their retirements that they were dependent upon, as we risk this Republican Recession.

    But Trump’s tariffs aren’t just robbing folks of their retirement savings and driving up the cost of housing, groceries, clothes and gas, his indiscriminate blanket tariffs are putting our allies on the same playing field as our adversaries. Trump inherited an improving economy with low unemployment, and he crashed it. He inherited the strong alliance and friendships we have with Canada, with our European allies, with our global allies, and he crushed them. Trump’s tariffs sent a message to our friends and allies that we no longer are the reliable partners that they can depend upon, and hardworking families in Western New York and across the country are paying the price. They are setting our nation down a dangerous path of chaos, stealing from American families and jeopardizing our alliances, all to justify tax cuts for the richest Americans. This is wrong, and we’re not going to stand for it. We’re not going to sit back and hang tough like the president suggests we do. We’re going to continue to use our voices and demand an end to Trump’s tariffs and get back to work creating an economy that benefits all hardworking families across this great country. With that, I yield to a wonderful Representative Salinas.

    REP. SALINAS: Well, thank you, Chair Aguilar, Vice Chair Lieu and everyone for being here today. As my colleagues have already pointed out, President Trump’s tariffs have created chaos and uncertainty across the country and around the world. Many Americans have spent the last few days watching their retirement savings go up in smoke and bracing for a recession or possibly worse. But instead of doing something to stop the bleeding, Donald Trump spent the weekend, as has already been mentioned, playing golf with billionaires. In case there was any confusion about where his priorities are, he clearly is more interested in improving his golf game than improving the economy.

    Trump’s reckless and harmful approach to tariffs will devastate states like Oregon, where our economy relies heavily on trade. From wine to wood products, Oregon exports billions of dollars worth of homegrown goods every year and we import billions more. All things considered, Trump’s tariffs are going to raise taxes on Oregon businesses and families to a tune of about $7.5 billion per year. So, whether you’re a hazelnut grower in the Willamette Valley or a small business owner in Salem, hardworking Americans, not foreign countries, will end up footing the bill. And those costs add up. Experts have estimated that the average family will pay about $73 more per week, or close to $4,000 more per year for everyday necessities. It’s frankly reprehensible that this President is choosing, and I want to be clear, this is a choice, to play roulette with people’s hard-earned money, and roll the dice on whether our folks can afford food, pay the rent, send their kids to college or even retire right now.

    And don’t be fooled, this is not a market correction. It is a market disruption of the highest magnitude. I won’t stand for it. My colleagues will not stand for it. House Democrats are united in our opposition to Trump’s tariff tyranny, and we will continue to speak out against his attacks on working families. What we won’t do is let Republicans in Congress off the hook. They have the power to stop this, these tariffs, right now, and they’re refusing to fulfill their constitutional duty. Our message is clear: Democrats will not bow down to billionaires. We will fight back with everything we have to protect our constituents from the great Republican Rip Off. Thank you.

    Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Legislation to Fully Fund Special Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce legislation to ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fund the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). IDEA was passed 50 years ago, but it has never received the funding it is owed, so the IDEA Full Funding Act would put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund the program. While fully funding IDEA has been a decades-long fight, it is all the more important now that President Trump has vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, putting special education across the country at risk.
    “Every Nevada student deserves access to a high-quality public education,” said Senator Rosen. “It’s past time that Congress lives up to its commitment and fully funds a law that provides the necessary resources for special education in Nevada. I’ll keep fighting to make sure our teachers and kids have the resources they need to succeed.”
    Senator Rosen has been fighting back against reckless cuts at the Department of Education that hurt students and teachers. Last month, she joined Senate colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon condemning the administration’s reckless and illegal firing of half of the workforce at the Department. Rosen also issued a statement denouncing President Trump’s executive order attempting to dismantle the Department of Education.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Joins Colleagues in Expressing Outrage Over Recent Firings of Leaders of U.S. Cyber Command, National Security Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, with oversight of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) and the National Security Agency (NSA), joined Senate colleagues in a letter to President Trump demanding information on the sudden and unjustified firing of the Director of the NSA and Commander of CYBERCOM, General Timothy Haugh, as well as the abrupt reassignment of the Deputy Director of the NSA, Wendy Noble, reportedly at the request of a private individual and online provocateur, who has a long record of peddling in vicious conspiracy theories.
    “These actions severely compromise our ability to keep Americans safe. As you are well aware, our nation currently faces serious cyber threats from foreign adversaries, such as from China’s Salt Typhoon, with near-daily attacks against our critical infrastructure,” wrote the senators. “In addition, our nation’s military is engaged in ongoing operations against multiple threats, from the Houthis in Yemen to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Given the dangers facing the United States, it is inexplicable that the Administration would remove the senior leaders of NSA/CYBERCOM without cause or warning, and risk disrupting critical ongoing intelligence operations.”
    “As Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis has repeatedly made clear in the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, and 2020, clear criteria must be met before any termination can be considered and both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs must together certify that separation will not ‘pose risks to the military effectiveness of the United States Cyber Command that are unacceptable to the national security interests of the United States,’” they concluded.
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been fighting back against the Trump Administration’s recklessness, which is putting our national security at risk. Last month, she led 15 of her Senate colleagues in a letter calling on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearings to fully investigate this national security breach. Senator Rosen also joined fellow members of the Senate Armed Services Committee in a letter demanding answers from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding the recent abrupt dismissals of several Judge Advocate Generals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Senior National Security Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today chaired a hearing examining nominees for several senior positions at the Department of Defense and one at the Department of Energy.  
    During his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker underscored the significant responsibilities these roles entail, including the modernization of our nuclear weapons and the protection of our intelligence against China’s aggressive espionage campaign.  
    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered below. 
    I welcome our four witnesses and their families, and I thank them for being here this morning. 
    Mr. Brandon Williams has been nominated to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). As the Administrator, Mr. Williams would be responsible for rebuilding and modernizing our long-neglected nuclear weapons stockpile. Failure here is not an option. Over the past several years, we have watched as Russia, China, and North Korea have rapidly expanded their nuclear arsenals and developed new types of weapons – weapons for which we are sorely unprepared. 
    This committee is focused on ensuring that the Department of Defense and the NNSA deliver results. As the Congressional Strategic Posture Commission made clear, modernizing our country’s nuclear deterrent is a national imperative. I look forward to hearing how Mr. Williams intends to pursue this objective.
    Mr. Bradley Hansell has been nominated to be the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security. In addition to serving as the Secretary of Defense’s principal advisor on intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and law enforcement matters, the Under Secretary is tasked with protecting the Department’s most sensitive information from our adversaries. This includes ensuring the provision of timely and accurate intelligence to our forces, overseeing the security clearance vetting process, guarding against insider threats, and protecting our industrial base from China’s aggressive campaign of espionage and theft. 
    Mr. Hansell served as a Naval officer and an Army Green Beret. During his distinguished career in uniform, he saw first-hand that quality intelligence is crucial to executing the mission. That experience and his work in the private sector gives me confidence he will do an excellent job. I look forward to hearing Mr. Hansell outline his priorities for our intelligence and security enterprise. 
    Mr. Earl Matthews has been nominated to be the General Counsel of the Department of Defense. He has had a distinguished career as a Judge Advocate in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard, serving as the senior headquarters staff judge advocate for the D.C. National Guard. Mr. Matthews also brings extensive civilian government experience. He worked for Secretary Mattis in 2017 before moving over the Army General Counsel office, where he served as Acting General Counsel of the Army. 
    President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have taken bold and necessary steps to reform the Department of Defense. As we all know, purposeful and thoughtful reform requires purposeful and thoughtful lawyers. I am confident that Mr. Matthews possesses both qualities. I look forward to hearing his opinion about what the DOD Office of General Counsel is doing right, and I want to hear his ideas for how he would do things differently. 
    Mr. Dale Marks has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, a role which ensures the operational readiness and resiliency of the Department of Defense (DoD). If confirmed, Mr. Marks would oversee the management of military installations and infrastructure, the bedrock of the safety and well-being of service members and their families. 
    This critical position will play a key part in the implementation of several reforms from last year’s NDAA. Among them are the mandate requiring a minimum four-percent plant replacement value for DOD facilities – let me repeat that – among them are the mandate, in the NDAA, requiring a minimum four-percent plant replacement value for DOD facilities, leveraging of area-wide contracting authorities, and a review of Biden-era green energy policies that focus more on climate change than combat lethality. I look forward to hearing from Mr. Marks about how he intends to tackle these important issues. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Warren, Wyden, Kelly Launch Social Security War Room

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
    The Social Security War Room was created to fight back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on Social Security and other key programs American seniors rely on
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Georgia seniors have been calling my office by the thousands because they are terrified of this administration’s attempts to cut the Social Security services they rely on”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) launched their new Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security.
    “Georgia seniors have been calling my office by the thousands because they are terrified of this administration’s attempts to cut the Social Security services they rely on,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’m proud to launch this Social Security War Room because we must use every tool at our disposal to protect Social Security for the nearly one in six Georgians who rely on this critical program.”
    The War Room will focus on coordinating messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encouraging grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educating Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to service and benefits.
    It will include coordinated oversight of the Social Security Administration and Trump, Musk, and DOGE’s attacks on Social Security; caucus-wide videos to underscore the impacts of the Trump Administration’s Social Security cuts; reports revealing new information on the impact in states, wait times, and more; Social Security Administration office visits in War Room members’ states; and Social Security-focused town halls.
    The announcement of the war room follows weeks of chaos surrounding the Social Security Administration. Last week, Senator Reverend Warnock collected and submitted over 250 questions from Georgians to SSA nominee Frank Bisignano about how he would protect Social Security if confirmed. Before submitting the questions, Senator Warnock questioned Bisignano on his commitment to keep all field offices in the state open for Georgia seniors and increase staffing at Georgia field offices. Several weeks before the hearing, SSA announced it was making access to benefits more difficult for seniors, no longer allowing individuals to apply for benefits or request a direct deposit change over the phone. These and other proposed changes at the SSA could lead to an increase of 7 million visits to field offices per year across the country, and an estimated 200,000 additional visits in Georgia alone. Senator Warnock remains committed to ensuring Georgians can easily and efficiently access their benefits that they have paid into over their lifetime.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces Brian Burch, President Trump’s Nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced Brian Burch, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Ricketts made the following comments in a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
    “He’s a dedicated champion of the poor, the vulnerable, and preborn babies,” said Ricketts. “He’s been a man of great integrity, a passion for truth, justice, and patriotism. He firmly believes in the tenets of the Catholic faith, and particularly, a concept we have called the common good.”
    “We live in a time when the world’s most determined adversaries are expanding their influence, seeking to challenge our values in every region of the world,” continued Ricketts. “Now more than ever, we need principled, capable leaders who can represent our nation with moral clarity, conviction, and purpose. Brian Burch is that man.”
    “The sovereign state which includes the Vatican may be small in size, but it continues to help advance the foreign policy interests of the United States around the globe,” said Ricketts. “The global reach and moral witness of the Holy See makes this post not just important for what happens in the Vatican or in Europe, but around the entire world. Brian’s deep commitment to the Catholic faith, unwavering patriotism, and record of leadership make him an ideal candidate for this post.”
    [embedded content]
    Watch the video HERE
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “It is my distinct honor to introduce my friend and colleague and the nominee to be US Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr. Brian Burch. 
    “I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to his family.
    “When I first met Brian, over a decade ago, he had six kids.
    “Now he’s got nine kids, and a grandchild to boot.
    “He and his wife, Sarah, live in suburban Chicago, and as we’ve talked about, often, these roles are never done alone.
    “Whoever their loved one that is serving our country needs the support of their family to be able to do the job.
    “And behind every great public servant, there is that family supporting and I know that Brian is deeply grateful for his family.
    “Our connection goes back to actually, the launch of a nationally acclaimed documentary series called Catholicism by Bishop Robert Barron, now Bishop of Rochester, Minnesota.
    “The series promotes the beauty and truth of Catholicism, and was watched by millions of Americans.
    “We connected over the hope that more people would come to know the beauty and appreciate the gift of our shared faith, something Mr. Burch has worked on for over two decades, to be able to share that and to advocate for Catholicism in the realm of politics, education and media.
    “He is also, not surprisingly, a Cubs fan.
    “I recall being with him on a balcony overlooking Wrigley Field after game seven or game five, actually, in 2016, which was a turning point in that game that led to the championship for the Chicago Cubs. 
    “Mr. Burch shares that competitive spirit.
    “He’s also a dedicated champion of the poor, the vulnerable and preborn babies.
    “He’s been a man of great integrity with a passion for truth, justice and patriotism.
    “He firmly believes in the tenets of the Catholic faith, and in particular, a concept that we have called the common good.
    “We live in a time when the world’s most determined adversaries are expanding their influence, seeking to challenge our values in every region of the world.
    “Now more than ever, we need principled, capable leaders who can represent our nation with moral clarity, conviction, and purpose. Brian Burch is that man.
    The post for which he’s been nominated to serve can easily be misunderstood or underestimated.
    “Lest we forget, it was the ambassador of the Holy See that helped facilitate the relationship between Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II that ultimately led to the downfall of the Soviet Union.
    “This relationship between the Holy See and the United States is no less important today.
    “The sovereign state, which includes the Vatican, may be small in size, but it continues to help advance the foreign policy interests of the United States around the globe. The global region, moral witness to the Holy See makes this post not just important for what happens in the Vatican or in Europe, but around the entire world.
    “Brian’s deep commitment to the Catholic faith, unwavering patriotism and record, a record of leadership, make him an ideal candidate for this post.
    “He is a leader who understands the contours of the Holy See, Catholic social teaching, and the priorities of the United States.
    “Brian’s ability to bring people together around shared values and a common purpose is a quality that will serve him well and our nation in this ambassadorial role.
    “As Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian will represent not only American interests, but the spirit of dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation that defines the very long-standing relationship the United States has had with the Vatican.
    “It’s a role that demands diplomatic skill and a profound understanding of the Catholic Church’s global mission.
    “I have every confidence that Brian Burch will carry out these responsibilities with honor, humility and a steadfast commitment to strengthening the relationship between United States and the Holy See. Brian, in a world where we are facing increasing moral and geopolitical challenges, your voice, your vision, your values, are needed now more than ever, I look forward to supporting your nomination.
    “I cannot think of a better person to represent the United States to the Holy See than you, Brian, and I urge my colleagues to support you as well.
    “You will be a fantastic ambassador for the United States.
    “I couldn’t be happier that you’re the nominee, and again, I strongly encourage all my colleagues support you as well.
    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas, Mann Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Addiction Crisis, Support Individuals in Recovery

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Tracey Mann (KS-01) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery (PEER) Support Act, legislation that would expand access to peer-to-peer support services for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) are leading a companion bill in the Senate. The PEER Support Act was first introduced by Reps. Salinas and Mann during the 118th Congress.

    “The road to recovery is long and difficult, and at times very lonely. That is why peer support specialists are so important. These are trained experts who have been through recovery themselves, enabling them to build authentic connections with individuals who are suffering from addiction or behavioral health disorders,” said Rep. Salinas. “The bipartisan PEER Support Act breaks down barriers to entry in the profession, allowing more people to pursue this critical work and utilize their own lived experiences to help others.”

    “Addressing mental health and substance abuse across the country is crucial to revitalizing communities and restoring families,” said Rep. Mann. “Peer-to-peer support enables those with shared experiences to work towards recovery. Educating additional peer support specialists will meet an increased need in our communities and offer more lifesaving resources for individuals seeking recovery.”

    Research shows that peer-to-peer support services can significantly decrease rates of substance abuse and reduce re-hospitalization for individuals with mental illnesses. Peer support specialists are qualified experts with lived experience of mental illness or substance use who are trained to help others with their recovery. However, while peer support specialists have become an important part of treatment and recovery teams, peer support specialists face significant barriers to entering or staying in the profession. The PEER Support Act would help break down those barriers and make it easier for people to become qualified peer support specialists.

    Specifically, the PEER Support Act would:

    • Instruct the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Department of Justice, to research states’ criminal background screening processes that may pose barriers to the certification or practice of peer support specialists, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for overcoming those barriers.
    • Codify the Office of Recovery in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to:
    • Provide leadership in the identification of new and emerging issues related to recovery support services;
    • Research and publish best practice recommendations to States and entities that employ peer specialists for training, certification, and supervision of peer support specialists;
    • Support ongoing professional development of peer support specialists;
    • Issue recommendations on the creation of career pathways for peer support specialists.
    • Direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system to create a distinct classification for peer support specialists to ensure accurate data reporting on the peer support specialist profession.

    In addition to Reps. Salinas and Mann, the legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Psychological Association Services (APA Services), Anxiety & Depression Association of America, Ballad Health, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Face and Voices of Recovery, Fountain House, International Society for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses, Lakeshore Foundation, Mental Health America (MHA), Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA), NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association for Peer Supporters (NAPS), National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Federation of Families, Overdose Prevention Initiative, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, Psychotherapy Action Network, RI International, SMART Recovery, and Trust for America’s Health (TFAH).

    “Fifty-two million adults in the U.S.—or 1 in 5 adults—have a mental health condition, and we lack the workforce to help provide much-needed services. The Bipartisan Policy Center has recommended policies advancing peer support specialists and boosting recovery services, and we believe the reintroduction of the PEER Support Act is a critical step toward addressing the shortage of behavioral health workers in this country,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

    “There is a growing demand for mental health and substance use care across the country, yet we face a severe shortage of mental health providers,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Peer support specialists play a vital role in bridging this gap and supporting people with behavioral health conditions, but we need to reduce barriers that will make peer services more widely available. Representative Salinas’ PEER Support Act takes meaningful steps to lower these barriers by providing essential training, education, and professional resources to strengthen and sustain the peer support workforce. NAMI is proud to endorse this critical legislation.”

    “Mental Health America (MHA) applauds Congresswoman Andrea Salinas and Congressman Tracey Mann for introducing the PEER Support Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would recognize and elevate the importance of peer support services in promoting mental health and recovery,” said Mary Giliberti, Chief Public Policy Officer for Mental Health America (MHA).  “As our nation grapples with challenges to accessing mental health and substance use care this bill would invest in peer specialists, a critical arm of the behavioral health workforce. MHA urges Congress to enact this bill into law as part of our nation’s effort to combat the ongoing substance use and mental health crises.” 

    “The PEER Support Act recognizes the significant tie between mental health and substance use disorders by expanding peer-to-peer support services. These evidence-based services are a crucial component in our overall overdose response. We commend Representatives Salinas and Mann, and Senators Kaine and Banks for leading on this issue and advancing policies that prevent overdose deaths and promote recovery,” said Libby Jones, Associate Vice President for the Overdose Prevention Initiative at Global Health Advocacy Incubator.

    To read the full text of this legislation, click here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Demand Answers on Tariff Impact on Port of Baltimore

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) led a letter alongside U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02) calling on the Administration to detail the repercussions of newly announced tariffs on the Port of Baltimore. This letter, sent to United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, raises the lawmakers’ concerns regarding the latest announcement on tariffs, the costs for the American consumer, and the potential shock wave to major ports, industries, and workforces.

    “The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s most vital hubs for commerce, and it plays a crucial role in national supply chains,” said the lawmakers.

    “We are especially concerned about the latest announcement on tariffs considering the economic consequences for the American consumer. These tariffs effectively serve as a sales tax on consumers, placing the burden of revenue raising on American families. While White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated recently that these tariffs are expected to raise about $600 billion a year in revenue, economists have clarified that the impact to consumers on spending will significantly reduce these revenue estimates. Instead, experts indicate these tariffs will raise prices for already-struggling consumers, trigger layoffs in industries with customers who rely on imports, and plunge our nation into a recession,” the lawmakers continued.

    The Members also emphasized the resiliency of the Port of Baltimore after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in their letter and its ability to retain its standing as the nation’s top-ranked port for wheeled farm and construction machinery and the second most utilized port for importing cars in 2024.

    Considering the importance of the Port of Baltimore’s function in the local, state, national, and global economies, the lawmakers requested a response from Secretary Lutnick to the following inquiries within the next 14 days:

    1. What mechanism is the Department of Commerce utilizing to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the tariffs issued under the Executive Order?
       
    2. What efforts will the Department of Commerce take to track how these tariffs impact everyday costs for the American consumer, and national and local economies?
       
    3. What are the long-term implications of these tariffs on our nation’s major ports, and on our national supply chains?
       
    4. How, specifically, do you expect the announced tariffs will impact automobile and light vehicle imports, coal exports, and agricultural equipment imports and exports?
       
    5. Will the Administration waive tariffs on certain goods or sectors, or provide aid to impacted small businesses, impacted workers (i.e. farmers, dockworkers, etc.), and industries, in response to significant negative economic outcomes in the United States?

    Full text of the letter can be viewed here and below. 

    April 7, 2025

    The Honorable Howard Lutnick
    Secretary of Commerce
    1401 Constitution Avenue NW
    Washington, D.C. 20230

    Re: Implications of Newly Announced Tariffs on the Port of Baltimore

    Dear Secretary Lutnick:

    We write to you today to communicate our extreme concern about the implications of the recently announced tariff regime on the Port of Baltimore (the “Port”). On April 2, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order, titled Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits (the “Executive Order”), that announced a minimum 10% tariff on all imported goods, to take effect April 5. On April 9, higher levels of “reciprocal” tariffs will be placed on goods imported from nations with which the United States has a trade deficit. This latest action comes one week after the Administration’s Executive Order titled, Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States, which announced tariffs targeted at individual industries (i.e. automobiles, steel, aluminum) and countries (i.e. Canada, Mexico, China).

    The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s most vital hubs for commerce, and it plays a crucial role in national supply chains. Last year, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, the Port was closed for nearly two months, causing significant disruption to our economy. The state of Maryland estimates that approximately 15,000 direct jobs and 139,000 indirect jobs depend on the Port of Baltimore, generating an estimated $3.3 billion in personal revenue, $2.6 billion in business income, and more than $395 million in taxes. The local economic impact was such that the United States Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Labor responded by issuing Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Dislocated Worker Grants for businesses and workers that were directly affected by the bridge’s collapse and closure of the 
    Port.

    Despite the collapse, Baltimore’s resiliency speaks to the Port’s ability to retain its standing as our Nation’s top ranked Port for wheeled farm and construction machinery, and reigns as the nation’s second most utilized port for importing cars in 2024. In 2024, the Port of Baltimore exported more than $2.9 billion and imported nearly $23 billion in automobiles and light trucks. Additionally, the Port exported more than $2.92 billion in coal and more than $1.1 billion in agricultural equipment and materials. Overall, the Port of Baltimore exports roughly 28% of the nation’s coal, making it the second-largest coal exporting port in the United States.

    We are especially concerned about the latest announcement on tariffs considering the economic consequences for the American consumer. These tariffs effectively serve as a sales tax on consumers, placing the burden of revenue raising on American families. While White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated recently that these tariffs are expected to raise about $600 billion a year in revenue, economists have clarified that the impact to consumers on spending will significantly reduce these revenue estimates. Instead, experts indicate these tariffs will raise prices for already-struggling consumers, trigger layoffs in industries with customers who rely on imports, and plunge our nation into a recession. 

    Considering the Port of Baltimore’s critical importance to the economic wellbeing of the city, state, and our nation, we request a response to the following inquiries within 14 days:

    1. What mechanism is the Department of Commerce utilizing to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the tariffs issued under the Executive Order?
       
    2. What efforts will the Department of Commerce take to track how these tariffs impact everyday costs for the American consumer, and national and local economies? 
       
    3. What are the long-term implications of these tariffs on our nation’s major ports, and on our national supply chains?
       
    4. How, specifically, do you expect the announced tariffs will impact automobile and light vehicle imports, coal exports, and agricultural equipment imports and exports?
       
    5. Will the Administration waive tariffs on certain goods or sectors, or provide aid to impacted small businesses, impacted workers (i.e. farmers, dockworkers, etc.), and industries, in response to significant negative economic outcomes in the United States?

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to your reply.

    Sincerely,

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pettersen’s Bipartisan Proxy Voting Resolution Blocked by Speaker Johnson Despite Majority Support

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) released the following statement after Speaker Mike Johnson blocked the bipartisan Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution, despite overwhelming support from a majority of the House. The resolution—introduced with Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Mike Lawler (R-NY)—would allow new parents to vote remotely while caring for their newborns.

    After Johnson refused to implement this commonsense measure, the bipartisan coalition took the rare step of filing a discharge petition, a procedural tool allowing a majority of the body to force a vote. The Pettersen resolution advanced after the petition secured 218 signatures—a clear majority of the House—demonstrating broad support.

    But instead of following the rules and allowing a vote, Speaker Johnson tried to use procedural tactics last week to kill the measure – ultimately shutting down business in the House after not getting his way. Johnson then pushed a “vote pairing measure,” as a false solution, and has now pressured his conference to table the discharge petition for the rest of this congress. 

    “We need leaders fighting for parents and families – but today, Speaker Johnson turned his back on them. Across the country, working families are making tough decisions about where to find safe, affordable child care, how to balance long work hours and family responsibilities, and how to afford the rising costs of housing, groceries, and everyday necessities. How can Congress expect to address the issues facing families if they exclude those who understand those challenges firsthand?

    “I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from women and moms across the nation. I know that you’re as disappointed as I am that we’re not changing the rules in Congress to make it more likely that people like us have a seat at the table. But our fight is far from over. I promise that I won’t stop working on behalf of our families, moms, and most importantly our kids.”

    The resolution allows new parents—both mothers and fathers—to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks, ensuring that no lawmaker is forced to choose between caring for their family and representing their constituents. It also permits proxy voting for pregnant Members who face medical complications that prevent travel.

    Pettersen, who made history as only the 13th voting Member of Congress to give birth while in office, has been a leading voice in modernizing outdated policies that make it harder for working parents and regular people to serve. 

    The full text of the Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger: Big Tech Will Not Remain Complicit Anymore – They Will Take It Down

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, spoke in support of his bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Network (TAKE IT DOWN) Act, during a full committee legislative markup.

    This critical legislation would protect victims of real and deepfake ‘revenge pornography’ by criminalizing the publication of these harmful images, in addition to requiring websites to remove them quickly. The rising popularity of AI requires decisive federal legal protections that will empower victims of these heinous crimes, most of whom are women and girls.

    Watch his remarks HERE, or read them as delivered below:

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of the TAKE IT DOWN Act.

    I am deeply concerned about the rise in deep fake pornographic images in the United States that destroy innocent lives, as well as the inconsistent, or rather nonexistent, legislation to protect victims of this egregious act at a state level. This bill is a critical step to solve this problem and protect innocent victims of non-consensual intimate imagery.

    We’ve heard time and again of the horrific stories of people ranging from celebrities to 14-year-old girls who have been victimized by this harmful content by strangers or even their peers. While AI has the potential to be harnessed for incredible things, there are far too many predators out there who abuse its power to exploit innocent people. This is why Congress must implement decisive federal guidelines.

    As a father of three girls – it is sickening, it is harmful, and it must stop. Big tech will not remain complicit anymore – they will take it down. This commonsense legislation is simple and should be a no-brainer to support. It would criminalize the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images, including AI-generated deepfakes, and require platforms to remove them.

    This legislation has also been narrowly crafted to ensure that it does not affect consensual and constitutionally protected speech, which brings me back to the fact that this should be a no-brainer to support. If anyone here is on the fence about this legislation, I urge you to put yourself in the shoes of your daughter, your wife, your sister, or anyone who has fallen victim to these egregious acts.

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act has not only passed the Senate unanimously, but President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have also openly supported this legislation. I’m proud to be one of the house co-leads on this bipartisan, bicameral effort to prevent explicit material from circulating and harming innocent victims.

    And of all the things that we do in Congress, I think this act, this TAKE IT DOWN Act, in a bipartisan fashion can move the needle to protect innocent people. Can move the needle to protect our sisters, our daughters, our wives, and anyone who has been taken advantage of.

    I urge both Republicans and Democrats on this committee to support this legislation and get it swiftly signed into law and I yield back.

    Background:

    In January 2025, Rep. Pfluger joined several of his colleagues in reintroducing the TAKE IT DOWN Act. Over 100 organizations and advocacy groups support the act, and a full list can be found here.

    Additionally, First Lady Melania Trump has strongly backed this bill, speaking in support of this legislation during a roundtable she hosted at the U.S. Capitol

    To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King: America’s Nuclear Programs a “Not Fail Mission,” Warns Against Firings at Key Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with Brandon Williams, the nominee to serve as the Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, about the grave importance of keeping the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) staffed amid reckless cuts and buyouts inflicted upon the department by the White House at the urging of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). During the exchange, Senator King pressed Williams for his commitment to protect the NNSA workforce and ensure it is properly staffed to meet the demand as the United States seeks to bolster its nuclear arsenal and keep pace with global foes. The hearing comes on the heels of the Trump Administration firing — then scrambling to rehire — more than 300 NNSA employees without realizing they oversee the country’s weapons stockpile.

    I am gravely concerned about this memo that was mentioned on Friday of the possibility of 500 people in the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as non-essential. That is 20% of the workforce. The testimony is it is one of the greatest scientific engineering organizations in human history. I just do not understand how that wonderful organization, if that’s true, how 20% are non-essential. I did a little calculation. That is 2/10th of 1% of the budget. What is to be gained by reducing the staff by 20% of this essential agency at this moment with the rebuilding of our nuclear triad,” asked Senator King.

    “Senator King, thank you for that question and your attention on the workforce which I think is absolutely critical. If confirmed, I commit to you that I will stand up for the men and women of NNSA, that I will advocate for them. We are facing a moment in history where NNSA must perform. I think there are opportunities for us to innovate at NNSA, to deliver on the program record and the expectations that this committee has set and that we will stand up to our adversaries,” replied Williams.

    “You are absolutely right. This is a no fail mission. Because of the modernization program we are in the midst of, the demands on NNSA have never been greater, probably since the founding of the agency. I hope you will stand up for that workforce. There is an issue here not only of the people, the 500 people being non-essential, the effect on morale in the workforce is something to be considered. I hope you can address this early in your tenure and be sure that the workforce is protected, and that the morale of the agency can be maintained. Will you commit to that,” questioned Senator King.

    “If confirmed, I will certainly commit to that,” responded Williams.

    Senator King is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and also serves as the ranking member of the subcommittee on Strategic Forces — which performs critical oversight of America’s nuclear weapons arsenal. He has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries and has previously expressed concern about Russia and China’s emerging “nightmare weapon” hypersonic missiles. Senator King has also warned extensively of the carelessness of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) antics, and raised the alarms on Constitutional overstep as the White House continues to pare down the federal workforce. He wrote a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside 36 senators, sharing the detrimental effects of  the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He also joined fellow Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) colleagues in writing a letter to the White House about the risks to national security by allowing unvetted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff and representatives to access classified and sensitive government materials. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 8th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, Stansbury Reintroduce Legislation to Permanently Protect Pecos Watershed from Mining in Northern New Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Lawmakers introduce legislation after Trump administration announces decision to reverse Pecos Watershed mining withdrawal

    “The Trump administration does not stand with the people of New Mexico, but we always will”

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) have reintroduced their Pecos Watershed Protection Act after the Trump administration confirmed to Source New Mexico that it will reverse the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.

    The Pecos Watershed Protection Act would permanently withdraw all federally managed minerals in the watershed from development — preventing the leasing, patent, or sale of all publicly owned minerals.

    “The Trump administration’s decision to reverse the community-driven Pecos Watershed withdrawal is disturbing and insulting, especially after they canceled the only public meeting on the proposal. This is a rural community that overwhelmingly supports protecting the Pecos River. The Trump administration just blatantly disregarded that, and the value of the Pecos River with it,” Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, and Stansbury said.

    “The Trump administration won’t have the last word: We will continue to push for permanent protection of the watershed through our Pecos Watershed Protection Act. New Mexicans deserve clean water free from harmful mining pollution. The Trump administration does not stand with the people of New Mexico, but we always will,” the lawmakers stated.

    Background on Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, and Stansbury’s Advocacy to Protect the Pecos Watershed:

    The Pecos Watershed Protection Act has been introduced every Congress since 2020 to protect portions of the Pecos Watershed in northern New Mexico from new mining claims.

    In 1991, a toxic waste spill from a closed mine in the Upper Pecos Watershed caused more than 11 miles of fish kill in the river and resulted in decades and millions of dollars to clean up the mine. For years, there has been a community-led effort to protect the area from future mining claims to avoid similar threats and pollution.

    In December 2024, Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, Stansbury, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service strongly urging the completion of the initial steps of the mineral withdrawal process in the Upper Pecos Watershed. Completion of these initial steps was key to begin safeguarding the lands, waters, and way of life in the Pecos from the dangers of future mining claims for two years.

    In response to their letter, President Biden’s BLM and Forest Service initiated a process to propose a 20-year withdrawal to help secure the region’s water and air quality, cultural resources, critical fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. The withdrawal, for lands in San Miguel and Santa Fe counties, encompassed multiple Pecos River tributaries, including Dalton Canyon, Macho Canyon, Wild Horse Creek, Indian Creek, and Doctor Creek.

    On December 16, 2024, the BLM and Forest Service initiated a 90-day public comment period to gather input on the proposal. During the comment period, the two agencies were scheduled to host a public meeting for the proposed Upper Pecos River Watershed Protection Area withdrawal on February 26, 2025. This public meeting was cancelled by the Trump Administration on February 19, 2025, with no further explanation. Local supporters speculated the action was in response to Secretary Burgum’s Order No. 3418, which requires agency reviews of all protected public lands. Despite the cancellation, the administration has received hundreds of public comments in support of the administrative mineral withdrawal.

    On April 7, 2025, reporting from Source New Mexico revealed the Trump administration plans to reverse the BLM and the Forest Service’s decision to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.

    Protection of the Upper Pecos Watershed has garnered widespread support from local leaders, farmers, business owners, acequia parciantes, Tribes, and recreationists alike.

    The Village of Pecos, Santa Fe County, and San Miguel County have passed resolutions in support of the legislation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, Shaheen Seek Explanation for Alarming Email from Department of Homeland Security to Ukrainians in the United States

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    04.08.25

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem yesterday seeking answers following reports that Ukrainians on humanitarian parole in the United States had received threatening emails from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stating that their humanitarian parole status had been terminated and that they had seven days to depart the country. 

    “Even if this message was sent in error, threatening the abrupt termination of humanitarian parole for Ukrainians is alarming and adverse to the U.S. national interest,” the Senators wrote. “At a time when a Kremlin official was in the United States negotiating with Administration officials, this mixed message sends the wrong signal: that the U.S. may abandon Ukrainians in need even as Ukraine remains under attack by Vladimir Putin.”

    “We urge the agency to provide immediate clarification to Ukrainians in the United States that their humanitarian parole has not been terminated, and that there are no plans to terminate the program while Ukraine is still under active attack by Russia,” the Senators concluded. “We also request a briefing on any future plans regarding humanitarian parole for Ukrainians and an immediate explanation as to how these emails were sent in error.”

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    Dear Secretary Noem: 

    We are extremely concerned about notifications that Ukrainians on humanitarian parole in the United States have received official notifications from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—apparently in error—that their parole had been terminated and that they are required to depart the United States within seven days. 

    Even if this message was sent in error, threatening the abrupt termination of humanitarian parole for Ukrainians is alarming and adverse to the U.S. national interest. At a time when a Kremlin official was in the United States negotiating with Administration officials, this mixed message sends the wrong signal: that the U.S. may abandon Ukrainians in need even as Ukraine remains under attack by Vladimir Putin.

    Ukrainians who have participated in the Uniting for Ukraine program have entered the U.S. lawfully, passed rigorous screening and vetting requirements and have been required to find financial support from private U.S. sponsors. These are individuals, including children, who have fled a war zone and followed a lawful process. Many are working in our states, paying taxes and contributing to local communities. Abruptly and cruelly telling victims of Russia’s war to leave the country would not reflect American values—and it risks emboldening Putin to continue the war, despite President Trump’s stated objectives to establish peace. 

    For many Ukrainians, conditions on the ground in Ukraine remain unsafe for them to return, as Putin continues to violate the limited ceasefire Russia pledged it would honor on March 18. Twenty percent of Ukraine remains occupied, the frontline in Donbas remains volatile and Russia has escalated the use of swarms of drones to attack population centers across the country, including Kyiv. We support the Administration’s desire to reach a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, but until that goal is realized, we must continue to offer safe harbor to the Ukrainian families that have found temporary homes in our states. 

    The fact that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) drafted such a notification is alarming. DHS has not issued a public announcement about any planned policy change and the agency’s website continues to display information about the availability of parole for Ukrainians. Nor has Congress been notified regarding any proposed changes to the program. Congressional staff inquiries to DHS on Friday resulted in conflicting responses that demonstrated a disturbing lack of interagency coordination or strategy on the status of humanitarian parole for Ukrainians. 

    We urge the agency to provide immediate clarification to Ukrainians in the United States that their humanitarian parole has not been terminated, and that there are no plans to terminate the program while Ukraine is still under active attack by Russia. We also request a briefing on any future plans regarding humanitarian parole for Ukrainians and an immediate explanation as to how these emails were sent in error. 

    We appreciate your urgent attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Participates in an Unleashing American Energy Executive Order Signing Event

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGoDK8bVB9k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – April 8, 2025

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

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on April 8, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

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

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0Dgm-_lzo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Salute to Our Gold Star Families

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    —————
    All Gold Star families have a service member who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The title is meant to honor that service member while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief and continued healing.

    @USArmyGarrisonRheinlandPfalz recently hosted a Gold Star Families Memorial Ceremony where a bench was dedicated on behalf of Gold Star families.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhZzd8I63gg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letlow, Deluzio Proposal Seeks to Boost Rural Economic Development

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA) today introduced legislation to boost rural economic development by better coordinating federal-state partnerships designed to promote entrepreneurship.

    The Growing Regional Entrepreneurship and Access To Economic Resilience (GREATER) Act would create a partnership between the Small Business Administration, the Delta Regional Authority, and the Appalachian Regional Commission to support rural small business owners and expand entrepreneurship opportunities.

    Letlow’s district falls within the Delta Regional Authority’s service area, while Deluzio’s district is covered by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Both organizations bring together federal and state governments to support infrastructure investment, workforce training, and economic development activities in their respective regions.

    “Small businesses are the engines of job creation in our rural communities, and this bill would provide more support for skills training and job creation in Louisiana and places across the country,” said Congresswoman Letlow. “While America’s rural communities often look and feel different, they face many of the same economic challenges. With more tailored solutions and cooperation, we can provide more opportunities for future generations.”

    Businesses in rural regions often suffer from a lack of access to capital and new markets, as well as ongoing labor shortages.

    “America’s small businesses are the economic and cultural centers of our communities,” said Congressman Deluzio. “These entrepreneurs and workers provide the critical services that folks count on in so many Western Pennsylvania communities. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to help federal agencies collaborate to grow out rural entrepreneurship support programs for small business owners in the Appalachian and Delta regions—including workplace training programs.”

                                                                                                                            ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why some storms brew up to extreme dimensions in the middle of America – and why it’s happening more often

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shuang-Ye Wu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton

    Floodwaters rise in downtown Hopkinsville, Ky., on April 4, 2025. AP Photo/George Walker IV

    A powerful storm system that stalled over states from Texas to Ohio for several days in early April 2025 wreaked havoc across the region, with deadly tornadoes, mudslides and flooding as rivers rose. More than a foot of rain fell in several areas.

    As a climate scientist who studies the water cycle, I often get questions about how extreme storms like these form and what climate change has to do with it. There’s a recipe for extreme storms, with two key ingredients.

    Recipe for a storm

    The essential conditions for storms with heavy downpours to form are moisture and atmospheric instability.

    First, in order for a storm to develop, the air needs to contain enough moisture. That moisture comes from water evaporating off oceans, lakes and land, and from trees and other plants.

    The amount of moisture the air can hold depends on its temperature. The higher the temperature, the more moisture air can hold, and the greater potential for heavy downpours. This is because at higher temperatures water molecules have more kinetic energy and therefore are more likely to exist in the vapor phase. The maximum amount of moisture possible in the air increases at about 7% per degree Celsius.

    Search and rescue firefighters check on residents in a neighborhood in Frankfort, Ky., on April 6. Floodwater filled streets downtown and in several neighborhoods in the state capital.
    AP Photo/Jon Cherry

    Warm air also supplies storm systems with more energy. When that vapor starts to condense into water or ice as it cools, it releases large amount of energy, known as latent heat. This additional energy fuels the storm system, leading to stronger winds and greater atmospheric instability.

    That leads us to the second necessary condition for a storm: atmospheric instability.

    Atmospheric instability has two components: rising air and wind shear, which is created as wind speed changes with height. The rising air, or updraft, is essential because air cools as it moves up, and as a result, water vapor condenses to form precipitation.

    As the air cools at high altitudes, it starts to sink, forming a downdraft of cool and dry air on the edge of a storm system.

    When there is little wind shear, the downdraft can suppress the updraft, and the storm system quickly dissipates as it exhausts the local moisture in the air. However, strong wind shear can tilt the storm system, so that the downdraft occurs at a different location, and the updraft of warm moist air can continue, supplying the storm with moisture and energy. This often leads to strong storm systems that can spawn tornadoes.

    Extreme downpours hit the Midwest

    It is precisely a combination of these conditions that caused the prolonged, extensive precipitation that the Midwest and Southern states saw in early April.

    The Midwest is prone to extreme storms, particularly during spring. Spring is a transition time when the cold and dry air mass from the Arctic, which dominates the region in winter, is gradually being pushed away by warm and moist air from the Gulf that dominates the region in summer.

    This clash of air masses creates atmosphere instability at the boundary, where the warm and less dense air is pushed upward above the cold and denser air, creating precipitation.

    A cold front forms when a cold air mass pushes away a warm air mass. A warm front forms when the warm air mass pushes to replace the cold air mass. A cold front usually moves faster than a warm front, but the speed is related to the temperature difference between the two air masses.

    The warm conditions before the April storm system reduced the temperature difference between these cold and warm air masses, greatly reducing the speed of the frontal movement and allowing it to stall over states from Texas to Ohio.

    The result was prolonged precipitation and repeated storms. The warm temperatures also led to high moisture content in the air masses, leading to more precipitation. In addition, strong wind shear led to a continuous supply of moisture into the storm systems, causing strong thunderstorms and dozens of tornadoes to form.

    What global warming has to do with storms

    As global temperatures rise, the warming air creates conditions that are more conducive to extreme precipitation.

    The warmer air can mean more moisture, leading to wetter and stronger storms. And since most significant warming occurs near the surface, while the upper atmosphere is cooling, this can increase wind shear and the atmospheric instability that sets the stage for strong storms.

    Polar regions are also warming two to three times as fast as the global average, reducing the temperature gradient between the poles and equator. That can weaken the global winds. Most of the weather systems in the continental U.S. are modulated by the polar jet stream, so a weaker jet stream can slow the movement of storms, creating conditions for prolonged precipitation events.

    All of these create conditions that make extreme storms and flooding much more likely in the future.

    Shuang-Ye Wu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why some storms brew up to extreme dimensions in the middle of America – and why it’s happening more often – https://theconversation.com/why-some-storms-brew-up-to-extreme-dimensions-in-the-middle-of-america-and-why-its-happening-more-often-254123

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Introduces Religious Workforce Protection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    Bill would allow foreign-born religious workers to continue to perform essential service in American communities

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today introduced the Religious Workforce Protection Act to allow religious workers in the U.S. on temporary R-1 status to continue serving our communities while their application for permanent residency is processed.

    The Religious Workforce Protection Act would provide a targeted fix to the backlog of EB-4 applications that have exacerbated a growing shortage of religious workers across the country. This legislation would grant the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to extend temporary R-1 nonimmigrant status for religious workers already in the U.S. until they receive a decision on their permanent residence application, and allow religious workers that were forced to leave to reenter the country.

    “Idaho’s religious communities risk losing up to a quarter of their clergy due to immigration backlogs,” said Risch. “By introducing the Religious Workforce Protection Act, we offer an important fix—ensuring religious workers who are integral to Idaho congregations can continue their service without interruption during lengthy visa processing delays.” 

    The Religious Workforce Protection Act has received support from the Diocese of Boise.

    “Despite the vast territory and increasing membership, our diocese is served by only 79 priests. If the current R-1 visa procedures remain in effect, our diocese will face severe hardship when foreign-born priests are required to leave the country for at least one year or more,” said Bishop Peter F. Christensen, Diocese of Boise. “I would like to extend my special thanks to Senator Risch and his staff, as well as Senators Susan Collins and Tim Kaine, for their assistance in developing and sponsoring the bill. Their partnership with those affected by the current situation is an excellent example of our legislators listening to their constituents and enacting common-sense changes that benefit all.”

    Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in introducing the legislation.

    Background:

    Under current law, religious workers with R-1 nonimmigrant status are limited to stay in the U.S. for five years. These workers must then leave the U.S. for at least one year before they can return, costing churches and faith organizations the beloved religious workers their congregations and local communities have grown to depend on. 

    Almost 25% of clergy members across the country are foreign-born, impacting religious communities throughout the United States.

    More than a fourth of Idaho’s Catholic priests are at risk of losing their legal immigration status within the next four years.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: TRUMP TARIFFS LIKELY TO DRIVE NEW YORK RIGHT INTO A RECESSION; NYC METRO AREA IS ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE AS ONE OF LARGEST TRADE HUBS IN WORLD; SENATOR DETAILS NUMBERS THAT COULD ROT VARIETY OF…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Warns Over 260,000 NY Jobs Tied To Exports At “Direct Hit” Risk; JP Morgan Says Chance For National Recession Now At 60%–But Schumer Says For New York, That Risk Is Even Higher With EU Seeking To Retaliate At NYC Financial, Accounting & Tech Sector

    Schumer Crunches Numbers To Say, As Of Right Now, Current Tariff Plan Could Cost NYC At Least $20 Billion Dollars; NYC Metropolitan Area Exports Second Most Goods Of Any U.S. Metropolitan Area – Much Of This Could Just Cease With NYC Revenues, Jobs, Investments All Nosediving

    Schumer: Donald Trump’s Pinball Tariff Strategy Will Wreak Total Havoc On NYC & Could Drive A Deep & Needless Recession; Put Down The Golf Club & Pick Up The Papers

    With tariff chaos wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, today, issued a dire warning, with the numbers and the data to back it up: Trump tariffs are likely to drive New York’s economy right into a recession. 

    “President Trump’s pinball tariff strategy will wreak total havoc on New York City and is likely to drive us right into a recession,” Schumer said. “We’ve crunched the numbers, and what doesn’t look good for the nation, looks far worse for New York City. Some of the Big Apple’s core sectors are being targeted already, New Yorkers face roughly $20 billion dollars in increased costs, and a staggering 260,000 New York jobs are under threat, unless Donald Trump backs off—and that is exactly what I am urging today. Back off, President Trump.”

    Schumer, today, cited numbers that he predicts would go beyond the JP Morgan chances of a national recession while citing specific New York industries and sectors that would be especially slammed as the President’s pinball plans knock out some of New York’s most resilient industries—from finance, to tech and accounting. However, Schumer also cited tourism, fashion and other lifestyle industries across the city that would be equally damaged. 

    Schumer explained an ominous fact, detailing how New York and its metro area is especially vulnerable to the President’s needless tariff war because it is one of the world’s largest trade hubs. Schumer explained that the New York port and area import and export hubs hum with activity that pumps billions of dollars into the New York City economy each year.  

    Specifically, Schumer said that the President’s plans also put over 260,000 New York jobs tied to exports at, what he calls, a “direct hit” economic risk. Schumer explained that JP Morgan released data showing the nation’s chances of a recession are now at 60%–but Schumer says, in New York, the number is much higher. Schumer also said that, right now, the European Union is seeking to retaliate directly at New York City’s financial, accounting and tech sectors. He warned, today, that Asia would be next.  

    Just last week, JP Morgan said that the chance of a recession substantially increased due to President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement. The report, headlined “There will be blood” and dated April 3, warned, “these policies, if sustained, would likely push the US and possibly global economy into recession this year. An update of our probability scenario tree makes this point, raising the risk of a recession this year to 60%.”

    “Disruptive U.S. policies have been recognized as the biggest risk to the global outlook all year,” JP Morgan said last week, adding that the country’s trade policy has turned less business friendly than anticipated.

    “The effect is likely to be magnified through tariff retaliation, a slide in U.S. business sentiment and supply-chain disruptions,” JP Morgan warned. S&P Global, the rating firm, also raised its “subjective” probability of a U.S. recession last week.

    Schumer also pointed to Barclays, and brokerages HSBC, Deutsche Bank and BofA warned last Thursday that the U.S. economy faces a higher risk of slipping into a recession this year if the President’s tariffs remain in place.

    Financial reports say that if the tariffs are sustained, “recession risks will likely rise materially,” Deutsche Bank said in a note, while BofA noted the economy could be pushed to “the precipice of recession,” according to reports. Both Deutsche Bank and BofA predicted tariffs could ‘potentially shave 1-1.5 percentage points from U.S. economic growth this year.’

    And today, Goldman Sachs has now sounded their own alarm, saying the chances of a recession have increased greatly.

    Schumer echoed these warnings and other reports saying Trump’s tariff increase is “largest tax hike since 1968”—comparable to Smoot-Hawley, Schumer says.  

    As for New York City, Schumer is seeing red. Specifically:

    1. Schumer says that Trump’s tariffs will raise costs for NYC and threaten to put the Big Apple straight into a recession:
  • Schumer detailed how NYC is particularly vulnerable:
    • NYC is one of the largest trade hubs in the country, with more than $200 Billion in trade in goods alone each year ($100b imports, $100b exports) – Schumer says this entire subset economy has been fractured, no matter what the President does right now.
    • Schumer can say that Trump’s tariffs will mean a nearly $20 Billion-dollar DIRECT HIT to NYC, and that’s before other countries try to retaliate. Schumer says the EU and Asia have begun the process.
    • 80,000 jobs were already at risk before Trump’s latest announcement, which now threatens the more than 250,000 jobs in New York that are dependent on exports and could be threatened by retaliation.
  • Schumer says key NYC industries are already feeling the effects:
    • NYC’s biggest industries are in information services (financial, accounting, tech), which are the focus of the EU’s potential retaliation, and Schumer says it is clear that Asia will begin retaliation this week.
    • Tourism: Countries like Canada are boycotting travel to US, which has already seen a 23% drop in Canadian travel to US. But Schumer says the pinball tariff strategy will also constrict tourism on a global scale, constricting the global economy and weakening the dollar.  
    • Fashion/Garment industry is facing price increases of 10 to 17% — Schumer says NYC is a fashion and garment hub, from leathers to other textiles, and that the current tariff ‘plan’ will rip the threads out of the NYC fashion and commerce economy.

    Schumer has fought to help New York push back against these pinball tariffs, forcing a vote to rescind Trump’s disastrous tariffs and protect NY consumers.

    Following Democrats’ successful effort to force a Senate vote to pull back Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Schumer pushed an amendment to rescind any tariffs put in place after January 20, 2025 that have increased the costs of groceries, medicines, or other everyday goods, while leaving in place tariffs on adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Schumer explained he authored the amendment because Congress should be prioritizing reducing costs for families and small businesses, not taxing middle class families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

    “Bottom line, Schumer says, Donald Trump’s tariff strategy will wreak total havoc on the New York City economy and is likely to drive us straight into a recession. I urge the President to back off. Put down the golf clubs and pick up the papers and have a look at what is going on because it is anything but ‘great.’”

MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ethnocultural grants at work

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A grab bag of campaign housing policies. But will they fix the affordability crisis beyond the election?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Cull, Associate professor, Western Sydney University

    Secure and affordable housing is a fundamental human right for all Australians.

    Therefore, it is unsurprising the election campaign is being played out against a backdrop of heightened voter anxiety about rental stress and housing affordability. A growing number of people are unable to access housing that meets their needs.

    And it’s not just low-income earners who are affected by housing pressures. It is also the millions of people who make up middle Australia; the very group that will help determine the election outcome.

    The solution to Australia’s housing problem is complex. We need to start thinking differently about what reform might look like.

    No cheap rents

    For most Australians, housing is their biggest and most unavoidable bill.

    The average national weekly rent for a unit is A$566 a week. It is even higher in capital cities. To afford this comfortably, renters need an annual income of $130,000.

    But for someone on the median income of $72,592 (or $58,575 after tax) half their pay packet is being swallowed by their weekly rent.

    This significantly exceeds the 30% benchmark that is a useful measure of housing affordability stress.

    Million-dollar homes

    The raw numbers are just as eye-watering for home ownership.

    The mean price of a residential dwelling in Australia is around $977,000. For house hunters in New South Wales, the figure is even higher at $1.2 million.

    Rapidly rising house prices over the past few years have contributed to larger home loans and more people with a mortgage.

    Only 13% of homes sold in 2022–23 were affordable for a median income household, with housing prices increasing more rapidly than wages.

    The cascading price pressures mean first home buyers are finding it harder to save for a deposit.

    Policy options

    There is an urgent need for housing reform to overcome the affordability and accessibility challenges. There is no shortage of options available to policymakers.

    For starters, planning rules and zoning regulations could be eased to facilitate more construction. Vacant commercial properties and office spaces could be repurposed as housing.

    Another option includes removing barriers to constructing prefabricated homes, which are more efficient and affordable to build.

    Time to be bold

    Housing reform often involves debate around negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions for property investors. There are mixed results regarding how they would impact housing affordability and accessibility. The unpopularity of such policies at the 2016 and 2019 elections have since hindered any changes.

    But more radical reforms could be considered. They include applying negative gearing to first home buyers, who would benefit by claiming the mortgage interest on their property against their income. The United States allows home-owner couples to claim mortgage interest on the first US$750,000 (A$1.19 million) of their loan to help them secure a home.



    Read more:
    The government is reviewing negative gearing and capital gains tax, but this won’t be enough to fix our housing shortage

    Overseas experience

    The US policy highlights how high housing costs are not exclusive to Australia.

    We could learn from other initiatives adopted overseas. For example, a bylaw passed in Montreal, Canada, requires new developments to include 20% social housing, 20% affordable housing and 20% family units.

    Further, Vienna is known for its progressive social housing policies, which include rental caps and housing security. The housing is high quality and often includes access to communal pools, child care, libraries and other facilities.

    Here in Australia, the major political parties are mindful that the high cost of housing is political kryptonite. They are fighting the May election armed with policies aimed at improving affordability and availability. But will these policies go far enough?



    Read more:
    The government is reviewing negative gearing and capital gains tax, but this won’t be enough to fix our housing shortage

    What the major parties are offering

    Labor plans to increase housing supply by 1.2 million homes over five years by changing zoning and planning rules. This includes 20,000 social housing homes and 10,000 affordable rentals for front-line workers such as police and nurses. It will also increase tax incentives for the build-to-rent program to increase rental supply.

    These policies are likely to improve affordability and accessibility for lower income earners. However, there will be a wait while homes are constructed. It is also expensive at around $10 billion.

    To increase supply, Labor will invest in prefabricated and modular homes, including a national certification system to streamline approvals.

    Labor will also expand the Help-to-Buy scheme so more Australians can purchase their first home, although this may push-up prices through increased demand.

    The Liberal Party’s policy centrepiece is $5 billion to fast track essential housing infrastructure such as water and sewage, to unlock up to 500,000 homes.

    The Coalition is also vowing to free up more housing by reducing immigration by 25% and capping the number of international students.

    For first home buyers, the Liberals want to allow early access to superannuation of up to $50,000, but studies suggest this could backfire by increasing house prices and hurting retirement savings.

    Dream turns to a nightmare

    Voters may find merit in one or more of the proposed policies, but bipartisanship will be essential if we are to solve the housing crisis, regardless of the election outcome.

    And genuine reform involves more than sugar-hit policies that might find favour during election campaigns. It requires bold, decisive action with investment in areas that benefit those most in need.

    Without genuine reform, even more Australians will struggle to put a roof over their heads. The ramifications will be devastating to Australia’s social and economic future.

    The Australian dream of owning a home will be at risk of becoming an even bigger nightmare.

    This is the third article in our special series, Australia’s Policy Challenges. You can read the other articles here and here

    Michelle Cull is a member of CPA Australia, the Financial Advice Association Australia and President Elect of the Academy of Financial Services in the United States. Michelle is an academic member of UniSuper’s Consultative Committee. Michelle Cull co-founded the Western Sydney University Tax Clinic which has received funding from the Australian Taxation Office as part of the National Tax Clinic Program. Michelle has previously volunteered as Chair of the Macarthur Advisory Council for the Salvation Army Australia.

    – ref. A grab bag of campaign housing policies. But will they fix the affordability crisis beyond the election? – https://theconversation.com/a-grab-bag-of-campaign-housing-policies-but-will-they-fix-the-affordability-crisis-beyond-the-election-252185

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko opened the international IT Olympiad for schoolchildren

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Grigorenko opened the international IT Olympiad for schoolchildren.

    An international IT Olympiad for schoolchildren has started in Russia. It will be attended by high school students from Russia and other countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Cuba, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa.

    Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko took part in the grand opening ceremony of the IT Olympiad, which was held at the Government Coordination Center. He noted that the education of future strong IT personnel is one of the key tasks that the Government is already solving.

    Much attention was paid to the training of IT personnel within the framework of the implementation of the national project “Digital Economy”. During its implementation, the number of budget places in universities in IT specialties increased by 2.5 times, and more than 230 thousand students received qualifications in the IT profile. In the period from 2019 to 2024, 78 thousand IT specialists needed by the industry were trained.

    Training of IT personnel has also become one of the key areas of the new national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”. The national project stipulates that the number of employees in the IT industry by 2030 should be at least 1.4 million people. The state is also developing close cooperation with leading companies in the area of training IT personnel: new programs for training specialists in microelectronics, robotics, artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, focused on developing practical skills, are already being developed. At least 250 thousand students should undergo training with the participation of leading IT companies by 2030.

    Such specialized educational projects as the International IT Olympiad contribute to the training of personnel and help identify talented schoolchildren interested in IT technologies and provide support in their further development in the profession.

    “IT technologies are a digitalization tool that makes our lives more convenient and increases economic efficiency. But it will not work without specialists who know how to use it correctly. Artificial intelligence is already being actively implemented in Russia today, domestic IT solutions are being developed, and digital services for citizens are being developed. And there is always a person behind this process of digital transformation. Strong IT personnel are a request not only for Russia, but for the whole world. Looking at the Olympiad participants, who, despite their young age, are already demonstrating such interest in IT, we understand that the development of the industry is in good hands,” Dmitry Grigorenko emphasized.

    The International IT Olympiad has a practical focus. The tasks and training materials are developed taking into account modern trends in the field of information technology, and are also aimed at solving practical problems. The focus is on such IT areas as information security, mathematical logic, the basics of algorithms and programming, data analysis, text processing and building simple models based on artificial intelligence.

    The IT Olympiad was organized by the Nizhny Novgorod Region government, and the general partner was Sberbank. The opening ceremony was attended by Sberbank Chairman of the Board German Gref.

    “Information technologies allow us to look at the world in a completely different way and connect very complex processes that, at first glance, are not connected to each other. But this can only be done by managing the entire technology stack. Humanity is on the threshold of gigantic discoveries. You guys live in the most interesting time in the most interesting world, because you had the chance to look beyond the horizon of knowledge that humanity could not even formulate as the end point of this journey. And you will be able to fulfill this dream. I want to wish you success in this most interesting journey. I am sure that you will succeed, because only self-confident people can participate in our international Olympiad, and I congratulate you on this,” said German Gref.

    The 100 participants who complete the tasks best and score the most points will take part in the in-person final, which will be held on the campus of the digital technology school “School 21” from “Sber” in Nizhny Novgorod. As reported by the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin during the grand opening of the Olympiad, the award ceremony for the winners will take place at the anniversary international conference “CIPR” in June.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families Congratulate Mexico on its Global Pro-Migration Stance, Raise Questions on the Treatment of Unaccompanied Minors and Assistance for Mexicans Abro

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families today concluded its consideration of the fourth periodic report of Mexico, with Committee Experts congratulating the State on its pro-migration stance taken around the world, while raising questions on the treatment of unaccompanied minors and assistance provided to Mexicans abroad in the United States. 

    Fatimata Diallo, Committee Chair and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, congratulated Mexico on its pro-migration stance taken around the world, including its key role in the Global Compact for Safe and Orderly Migration. The Committee appreciated that legislation and a support system were in place for migrants across all states of Mexico, and congratulated the State on the adoption of a law on enforced disappearances, and the enactment of specific measures to provide support to migrant children and adolescents. 

    Mohammed Charef, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, asked if the delegation could share statistical information following the reform of the migration act in 2022, including the number of children released from holding facilities and the number of children still in these facilities?  What tools and measures had been put in place at the border level to ensure there could be a review on children and adolescents before any return was taken?  How many cases of refoulment had been avoided due to the risk analysis which should be carried out on every child? 

    Pablo Ceriani Cernadas, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, asked what Mexico was doing at the foreign policy and foreign relations level to push for regularisation for people who had been working in the agricultural sector in the United States for years?  With the closure of the CBP 1 by Trump, some people had their asylum process for the United States interrupted; what was happening to them? 

    Ms. Diallo said the “United States Remain in Mexico policy” required migrants to remain at the border while the United States Government processed their cases; what had the Mexican State done to provide for these migrants who were forced to remain in Mexico in the hazardous border areas? 

     

    Regarding unaccompanied children and adolescents, the delegation said there was a specific standalone procedure in place to ensure migrants were duly identified, so they could be protected by the child protection system.  The National Institute of Migration could be advised to carry out an assisted return of the child or adolescent to their country of origin, if regular migration status was not possible.  No deportation order would be given to a child or adolescent.  There were more than 120 shelters and reception centres spread across the country for minor migrants.  It was here that they would be held with their families until issues regarding their migration status were resolved; 84,927 minors were handled via this process in 2024. 

    The delegation said since the new United States administration took office on 20 January 2025, there had been a harshening of migration policies and Mexico had strengthened its consular assistance in response.  Mexico had been mapping the detention of migrants by the United States’ authorities and was able to immediately respond to them.  The 10 repatriation centres which had been set up on the southern border with the United States provided health care services, nutrition, food and education to those who had been repatriated.  The Mexican Government had pursued meaningful efforts to promote the regularisation of Mexican migrants in the United States. 

    Presenting the report, Jennifer Feller, Director General of Human Rights and Democracy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, said Mexico’s geographical position and proximity made it a country of origin, transit, destination and return for migrants, which represented a challenge for authorities.  Between January and May 2024 alone, the National Institute of Migration identified 1,393,683 foreigners in an irregular situation.  In 2019, the Ministry of Health published the comprehensive health care plan for the migrant population to promote health care under a context of equality and non-discrimination.  In compliance with the March 2023 ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation on the unconstitutionality of the detention of migrants, the necessary measures were adopted to ensure that the detention of migrants did not exceed 36 hours.

    In concluding remarks, Mr. Ceriani Cernadas thanked Mexico for the constructive dialogue. The Committee was fully aware of the complexity of human movement in Mexico as a phenomenon, due to the location, the sheer number of migrants, and the voluntary or forced returns of Mexican compatriots, coupled with drug trafficking and the fact that Mexico was a neighbour of the world’s largest drug consumer.  Mexico had taken some positive steps, and the Committee looked forward to working collaboratively to find solutions to the challenges.

    Francisca E. Méndez Escobar, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Head of the Delegation, in concluding remarks, said Mexico continued to be committed to protecting the rights of migrants and upholding its international obligations.  Mexico had made progress in protecting the rights of migrant children, adolescents, women and migrant workers, and would strengthen activities in areas where challenges remained, to ensure the full implementation of the Convention. 

     

    The delegation of Mexico was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Federal Judiciary Council; and the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the United Nations Office in Geneva. 

    The webcast of Committee meetings can be found here.  All meeting summaries can be found here.  Documents and reports related to the Committee’s fortieth session can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 April to begin its consideration of the second periodic report of Niger (CMW/C/NER/QPR/2).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the fourth periodic report of Mexico (CMW/C/MEX/4).

    Presentation of Report

    FRANCISCA E. MÉNDEZ ESCOBAR, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Head of the Delegation, said Mexico had always played a leading role at the international level to advance the agenda of the human rights of migrants.  It was an active promoter of the Convention, presented periodic resolutions on migration in the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, and served as a co-facilitator of the negotiation process of the Global Compact for Migration. While significant progress had been made, challenges remained.  By appearing before the Committee, Mexico reaffirmed its openness to international scrutiny and constructive dialogue.  Ms. Escobar then introduced the Mexican delegation. 

    JENNIFER FELLER, Director General of Human Rights and Democracy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, said Mexico’s geographical position and proximity made it a country of origin, transit, destination and return for migrants, which represented a challenge for authorities.  In the last decade, migratory flows had grown exponentially and the transit of undocumented migrants through Mexico had grown significantly.  It was estimated that 77 per cent of migratory flows through the country were carried out irregularly.  Between January and May 2024 alone, the National Institute of Migration identified 1,393,683 foreigners in an irregular situation.  The composition of migration flows had changed significantly, encompassing a diverse range of persons who were migrating for multiple reasons. 

    This scenario was aggravated by the impacts of increasingly restrictive United States immigration policies, which limited the right to seek refuge, such as the Migrant Protection Protocols, among others.  Faced with this context, Mexico facilitated the entry and stay of people in health security conditions, providing them with vaccines and other support. Voluntary return was also facilitated for those who decided to do so.

    In 2019, the Ministry of Health published the comprehensive health care plan for the migrant population to promote health care under a context of equality and non-discrimination.  In line with the recommendations of the Committee, the law on migration was amended to prohibit the accommodation of migrant children and adolescents in migrant holding centres.  In compliance with the March 2023 ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, on the unconstitutionality of the detention of migrants, the necessary measures were adopted to ensure that the detention of migrants did not exceed 36 hours.

    Mexico had strengthened legal frameworks by incorporating a comprehensive gender perspective, and designed programmes to combat gender-based violence, human trafficking, and discrimination against women and girls.  This included the mechanism for monitoring cases of sexual torture committed against women and the comprehensive programme to prevent, address, punish and eradicate violence against women 2021-2024, which included actions focused on migrant women at risk, campaigns against sexual harassment and harassment, and strategies to encourage reporting.

    FÁTIMA RÍOS, Director General of Human Mobility and Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Mexico continued to strengthen the capacities of the authorities to combat the smuggling of migrants, from a perspective of shared responsibility, international and regional cooperation, and respect for the human rights of migrants, with the involvement of migration authorities, prosecutors’ offices, victims’ commissions, international organizations, and civil society. 

    Although there was no specific law on the smuggling of migrants, Mexico was a party to the Palermo Protocols and had a solid regulatory base.  In 2023, the national strategy to combat migrant smuggling with a gender perspective was presented to strengthen inter-institutional coordination to prevent, combat and address the crime with a comprehensive approach.  The migration law established aggravated penalties when it involved children and adolescents, or the participation of public servants.

    To coordinate migration policies and programmes among more than 20 agencies, the Inter-Ministerial Commission for Comprehensive Attention in Migration Matters was created in 2019.  In March 2025, the multi-service centre for inclusion and development, designed in collaboration with international organizations, began operating in the city of Tapachula.  This centre aimed to bring those international protection needs closer to the services provided by the Mexican State, including documentation, employment, and health services, among others.  In the face of the tightening of migration policies and the criminalisation of irregular migration in the United States, the inter-institutional strategy for comprehensive care for repatriated and returning Mexican families was reinforced in January 2025, guaranteeing their social and economic reintegration in the country.  Mexico had spearheaded numerous actions to address migration, including integrating civil society into the debate, and was committed to overcoming the challenges which remained. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    PABLO CERIANI CERNADAS, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, said the Committee was aware that Mexico was currently facing a complex situation in terms of human movement, which made this dialogue even more important.  The fact that the national guard reported to the army gave rise to concern.  Why had Mexico chosen to deploy the armed forces to play a role in monitoring and verifying migrants?  Had the deployment of the national guard and army had any impact on the migration flow? Had this impact been assessed? Six migrants had been killed when the national guard opened fire, and there had been other similar cases.  What had been the response of the Mexican Government to these cases?  How were the perpetrators identified and punished and what was done to ensure non-repetition?

    What had been done to promote regular migration in Mexico?  What measures had been enacted to eradicate the automatic recourse to detention and migration?  What non-custodial measures were being taken for asylum seekers in a vulnerable position, including pregnant women, to replace detention?  There had been a fire in a holding centre at the Mexican border which killed over 30 migrants.  Who had the political responsibility for this holding centre and the conditions it was in? What measures would be taken to ensure it did not happen again?

    The Committee had received reports that people intercepted in different parts of the territory were sent to the southern border and left there.  Could the delegation comment on these practices? Expulsions reportedly occurred from Mexico City and other airports.  What remedies were available to these people in airports after a decision to expel them? There had been cases where many migrants were killed by organized crime syndicates.  There was a high level of impunity with many cases being unresolved. What measures was the State taking to resolve these cases through investigations, trials and convictions? 

    What measures were being taken to address the complex matter of enforced disappearance in general and in the context of migration?  Was the act on enforced disappearance being regulated?  How had the guidelines for providing support to Mexicans abroad being strengthened?  What relationship was there between the forensic authorities in Mexico and those in other countries, to identity Mexicans who had died and inform their family members?  Was the Mexican consulate still receiving reports from El Salvador on citizens who had disappeared?

    Was data still being collected on irregular migrants?  Would the way in which data was collected be changed?  Which authorities had a say when it came to separating families?  Why were families separated?  The Committee had received information that in October 2023, the humanitarian grounds permits were suspended.  The documentation which replaced them did not have the same value as a resident permit and did not help with social, financial and employment services.  Why had the humanitarian permit been suspended? What measures had Mexico taken in response to the suspension of CBP 1?  What protective measures were being taken in this regard?  Were there any initiatives towards signing a bilateral agreement?  What was the latest situation regarding the relationship with the United States?

    MOHAMMED CHAREF, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, said Mexico always strove to ensure respect for the rights of migrants and had led the fight in the Group of 77 for the rights of migrants since the start of the 1970’s, which was appreciated.  The State was also one of the champions of the implementation of the Marrakech Compact and had enacted a plethora of laws to improve protection for unaccompanied women and minors, which deserved credit.  Nevertheless, according to information received by the Committee, despite international commitments and the legal arsenal, there were still violations of the rights of migrants, particularly those in an irregular situation.  Mexico shared an emblematic border with the United States which was over 3,500 kilometres long.  This was the deadliest land border, with around 10,000 deaths recorded per year. 

    According to information gathered, many migrants disappeared without a trace; they were abducted, killed, or robbed and thrown out of high-speed trains.  Many of those blocked on routes to the United States were highly vulnerable.  Were migrants subjected to a detention order by a judge?  How long did they stay in centres on average?  How did these detention centres function?  Who managed them?  How many people worked for the “Better Groups”?  Were they present throughout the territory?  Was their role to provide migrants with advice on their rights? According to information collected, there were huge needs in healthcare, particularly in mental health.  Was anything being done for migrants’ mental health?  Could information on the deadly fire be provided?  The Committee would like more information about the trends and the places migrants went through?  Did the State have reliable data on enforced disappearances?  Was disaggregated data on nationality, age, sex and type of migration available?  How did Mexico manage migration during the COVID-19 period? 

    FATIMATA DIALLO, Committee Chair and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, congratulated Mexico on its pro-migration stance taken around the world, including its key role in the Global Compact for Safe and Orderly Migration.  The Committee appreciated that legislation and a support system were in place for migrants across all states of Mexico, and congratulated the State on the adoption of a law on enforced disappearances, and the enactment of specific measures to provide support to migrant children and adolescents. 

    Regarding the ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice on the unconstitutional nature of some of the provisions of the migration act, what steps had been taken to ensure this jurisprudence was present in national legislation?  Could the delegation share statistical information following the reform of the migration act in 2022, including the number of children released from holding facilities and the number of children still in these facilities? A unique identification code was provided to migrant children; what was the purpose of this code?  What tools and measures had been put in place at the border level to ensure there could be a review on children and adolescents before any return was taken?  How many cases of refoulment had been avoided due to the risk analysis which should be carried out on every child?  Why did so many children and adolescents abandon the administrative process halfway through it was meant to be an alternative to irregular migration? 

    How was it ensured that the bilateral agreements with Canada did not leave migrant workers vulnerable?  Thirty per cent of women interviewed said they had been subjected to sexual harassment by the national migration guard in detention facilities.  What measures had been enacted to prevent this?  Had there been investigations and punishment of perpetrators?  What concrete measures had been enacted for the protection of domestic workers, particularly migrant domestic workers?  The Nicaraguan migration route enabled migrants in sub–Saharan Africa to try and access the United States and there had been several disappearances on this route. Did this also affect Mexico and how was the State dealing with this? 

    A Committee Expert congratulated Mexico on its ratification of the core International Labour Organization Conventions.  Why had Mexico not ratified International Labour Organization Conventions 197 and 143? How many staff were working in the labour inspectorate in Mexico?  Did they cover the entirety of Mexico?  Did they have the human and financial resources they needed to carry out their duties?  Did they have a status which ensured their independence was upheld?

    Another Committee Expert said the bilateral agreements, for example between Mexico and Canada, should be examined.   

    A Committee Expert said the Committee appreciated Mexico’s efforts and its delicate position with the United States and other countries.  What type of capacity did Mexico need to bolster its stance on migration? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the National Institute of Migration was charged with implementing the Government’s migration policy.  It had overviews of migration checks at land and air border crossings.  The institute implemented the protocol for checking migration status.  Staff were required to be properly identified as a result of the Supreme Court ruling. Once a person had been identified in a migration check, migration staff could instigate the administrative procedure. It would not be a court which decided, but rather the migration entity, which conducted the migration proceedings. 

    Migrants were taken to a holding centre and provided all the necessary information to authorities. Due to the ruling of the 36-hour time limit for holding migrants in these centres, the National Institute of Migration completed the administrative procedures within the timeframe.  If the individual in question had a genuine immigration status, they would be released quickly; however, if they did not, they would either be provided with a regular migration status if they met the conditions of the law, otherwise they would be returned or deported.  This was clearly provided for in the migration act.

    Regarding unaccompanied children and adolescents, there was a specific standalone procedure in place to ensure migrants were duly identified, so they could be protected by the child protection system.  The National Institute of Migration could be advised to carry out an assisted return of the child or adolescent to their country of origin, if regular migration status was not possible.  No deportation order would be given to a child or adolescent.  There were more than 120 shelters and reception centres spread across the country for minor migrants.  It was here that they would be held with their families until issues regarding their migration status were resolved; 84,927 minors were handled via this process in 2024.  It was hoped that up to date data for decision making would be available in April. 

    Migrants’ caravans, which entered the country via the southern border, had been met by groups providing humanitarian assistance.  This was one of the functions played by the “Better Groups”, whose main role was to provide humanitarian support and advice to migrant workers. 

    The centre for assistance and information for migrant workers had been strengthened to provide assistance to all Mexican residents in the United States.  The consular staff had been ordered to make more visits to migration centres and prisons to review cases of Mexican migrants, and to ensure their rights were being upheld and the necessary processes were being followed. A unit monitored how executive orders were impacting the migrant community. 

    In Mexico, all persons had access to free health care, regardless of their social status.  A plan was in place to guarantee that migrants had access to high quality medical health care.  Mexico was one of the few countries which chose not to close its borders during the pandemic, which meant that individuals living abroad who could not return to their home countries had remained in Mexico, and benefited from healthcare services and coverage.  A system was in place for alternative care models for unaccompanied migrants and adolescents.  A handbook on the alternative care options intended to raise awareness on these options. Work was being done to renovate shelters in key hotspots along the migration route. 

    In 2024, around 439,000 requests for asylum or refugee status were granted, with the vast majority being women.  To improve coordination between the authorities at different levels, capacity building workshops had been made available, and work had been carried out with counterparts in Ecuador and in Brazil, among other countries.  The Domestic Labour and Social Security Code had been strengthened to uphold the rights of domestic workers. International Labour Organization Convention 189 was ratified in 2020.

    The act on enforced disappearance had a system in place which provided relatives of migrant persons with the possibility of submitting requests for action on disappeared persons who could not be found in Mexico.  The Mexican consulates abroad were responsible for the implementation of this system. 

    The intervention of the national guard in public security had not been adopted alone, but in conjunction with other entities.  The Constitution was reformed so the national guard would fall under the Ministry of National Defence.  The armed forces were involved because Mexico was trying to strengthen the national guard as a security force. 

    Mexico did not have a systematic practice of enforced disappearance by the State.  There was a palpable commitment to tackling the challenges being faced by the country.  Regarding the tragic events of the first of October, where a pickup travelling at highspeed was fired on by members of the armed forces, nationals from many countries had been the victims.  The majority of the victims decided to return to their countries of origin, but had been informed of compensation processes.  Around 32 victims had been affected by the incident.   

    If a person was deprived of liberty, this was considered detention.  The right of all migrants to have a public defender was recognised.  This had led to 43 people becoming specialised to allow the federal judiciary to enter the migration centres.  Public defenders’ coverage was now better, and there had been Amparo proceedings in cases where the 36-hour holding deadline was exceeded.  A humanitarian grounds permit needed to be issued until Amparo proceedings were completed.   

    Questions by Committee Experts

    PABLO CERIANI CERNADAS, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, asked about the rulings from the Supreme Court; they had not mentioned anything about the Committee.  Each year it seemed there was no solution being found to regularise migration; how effective was the State’s response?  What happened to persons with disabilities travelling through Mexico?  Were resident permits automatically provided to parents of children in Mexico?  Migrant children often worked selling sweets or in coffee production; what progress had been made in this regard?  What was being done to ensure that the women’s justice centre was aware of women’s vulnerabilities throughout the migration process?  How was sexual and reproductive health ensured for women on the move? 

    MOHAMMED CHAREF, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, asked how many rulings there had been regarding families who provided shelter to migrants?  How had the Supreme Court ruling been implemented in this regard? 

     

    FATIMATA DIALLO, Committee Chair and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, asked for statistical data on children who had left migration holding centres and those who still remained, but who should have been released?  How many temporary permits had been issued on humanitarian grounds between 2018 and 2023? Could statistics on the family reunification of migrant workers be provided?  What measures had been taken by Mexico to guarantee access to civil registration documents, particularly for unaccompanied minors?  What was being done to facilitate access to education for unaccompanied minors?  What measures had been taken to combat racism and xenophobia against migrants? 

    Over 65 per cent of Haitian migrants felt they had been impacted by racial discrimination; what was being done to eradicate this?  What measures had been taken to eradicate discrimination in the labour market and combat economic exclusion of migrants?  What were the views of migrants on the national guard and on migration policy?   

    A Committee Expert asked about the Mexican authorities’ plan to deal with the repatriation of Mexican migrants from the United States?  How would it be ensured that they would be returned with full respect to their rights?  What measures were being taken to prevent the disappearance of migrants on routes of migration to America?  What was being done to reduce the smuggling and trafficking of migrants?  What steps were being taken to reduce bureaucratic procedures and ensure better access to financial resources for migrants? Approximately how long were migrants detained during the asylum procedure?  How could this time period be reduced?  Why were the number of claims for asylum in Mexico increasing?  Could more information about the conditions in detention centres be provided?

    Another Expert asked about reports of abuse of migrants in bilateral agreements with Canada; what was the State doing to combat this? 

    A Committee Expert said many people from Latin American countries were travelling to the United States, using Mexico as a transit country.  Could information about accidents with regard to the national guard be provided?   What was being done to improve this situation? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said there were two Amparo rulings from 2022, regarding Haitian migrants who had had their migration status checked and revised when trying to board buses.  The ruling found the actions of the bus company and the government migration body were unconstitutional.  The Convention had been cited in various court rulings, although not many.  Mexico would ensure there was judicial training on the provisions of the Convention to ensure it could be cited more frequently moving forward.  The State was aiming to adopt a different approach to human trafficking to focus on those who facilitated the human trafficking, rather than those carrying out the trafficking.  There had been 95 cases involving enforced disappearances where a search order was enacted.  Data gathering efforts in this regard had been improved, thanks to a ruling from the courts.

    The State had spent the last three years working on a project to ensure that all international recommendations related to enforced disappearance could be implemented and crafted into policies at the State and federal levels.  A decision had been taken in 2011 to ensure decisions on mass graves could be shared with the relatives.  The Victims’ Commission sat alongside the court and had dealt with various cases, including the mass grave case, where the remains of 72 persons were found.   

    Regarding the fire in the migration holding centre, the Federal Public Prosecutor had intervened in real time, offering services to the victims.  This fire took place a few weeks after the Supreme Court’s ruling that migration detention could not exceed 36 hours.  Those who were in need of medical care had been sent to hospitals and the Victims’ Commission was supporting those seeking compensation. Close work had been done with consular officials to identify those who had died in the event. 

    The National Institute of Migration had begun to introduce a range of infrastructure improvements to migration centres, including medical clinic facilities, real-time simultaneous interpretation services, enhancements to the physical environment, and the additions of rescue and first aid kits and smoke detectors. Around 2,935 staff had been trained in migration holding centres on civil protection.  There were three multiservice centres in the border areas with the United States.  Mexico had added 10 centres to provide support for Mexicans who had been repatriated from the United States, which could accommodate 2,500 people each. 

    The State had seen a fall in the number of humanitarian permits being issued; there should be more mechanisms which were an alternative to requesting asylum or a stay on humanitarian grounds.  This would enable more migrants to regularise their situation.  A programme was being designed for regularising the situation of migrants, which would help to reduce delays in the asylum system.  Mexico was also seeking other channels with third countries to ensure those who reached Mexico did so with a regularised status. 

    Mexico had been working with third countries, who recognised it was Mexico’s prerogative to admit foreign nationals onto their territory.  Mexico had ratified certain procedures in airports and tried to improve the facilities of holding centres.  The majority of refusals for entry into the country were due to inconsistency in entry interviews. 

    Since January this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could issue identity documents to refugees, stateless persons and those who did not have a consular office in Mexico. This would allow more documents to be provided to migrants.  A memorandum had been signed in 2023 to try and foster family reunification, which was currently being revised, to see if it could be continued with the current United States administration.  There was permanent communication between Mexico and the Canadian Government and there was an annual review of the bilateral agreements to bring about improvements.  Mexico would review the information provided by civil society to raise any problems.

    Mexico had not and would never enter into an agreement about the refoulment of third-party nationals. These expulsions were unilateral, and Mexico would respect the Supreme Court’s rulings on guidelines for receiving and supporting these people.  A dialogue had been held with civil society organizations in the United States to step up the support provided by Mexico through its consular network.  Since 2010, justice centres had been vital to providing services to women victims of violence transiting through Mexico. Between 2019 and 2023, a budget of 400 million pesos was provided to these centres to improve the facilities and training. 

    Last year, the Ministry of Labour established a platform which provided services for job seekers in Mexico who were from other countries.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had been working with the Mexican Government to implement local integration programmes, which had provided 50,000 jobs for refugees so far in Mexico.  All programmes supported the issuance of necessary documents, such as banking services.  The Government had been working with the banking association to ensure they would provide services to refugees and migrants. 

    Mexico recognised that education was a vital pillar for development, and there were programmes allowing the continuation of studies, including for those who had been repatriated back to Mexico.  Vocational courses were provided for returnee and repatriated Mexicans.  A raft of educational material had been designed, including handbooks which focused on the needs of migrant children and looked at ways to encourage them to pursue education.  The process for granting refugee status to Haitian migrants had been accelerated.     

    Questions by Committee Experts

    PABLO CERIANI CERNADAS, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, asked what mechanisms and tools existed to ensure the recommendations of the treaty bodies were implemented?  What authorities were involved in migration checks and verifications?  Had the recommendation to create a register of detained migrants been followed up on?  What was being done to follow up on the Amparo court ruling regarding the maximum detention period of 36 hours? 

    The Committee had heard that in some cases people were held for up to 15 days before their migration cases were reviewed.  What resources were made available to detainees during the 36-hour time frame? How were the cases of children heard and deferred?  How was the child protection office in Mexico coordinating with its counterparts abroad in Honduras, Haiti and the United States to better serve children and make a decision on their case? 

    What was being done to promote the registration of the births of Mexicans abroad?  Did they automatically have the right to Mexican nationality?  What consular support services were in place for Mexicans who had been detained on migration grounds?  What was Mexico doing at the foreign policy and foreign relations level to push for regularisation for people who had been working in the agricultural sector in the United States for years?  With the closure of the CBP 1 by Trump, some people had their asylum process for the United States interrupted; what was happening to them?  Were the centres for comprehensive support and advice intended to replace the holding facilities, or would they sit alongside them? 

    MOHAMMED CHAREF, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, asked what resources were made available to the national human rights institution and the Better Group? What was being done to plug gaps with regard to data and statistics?  The number of seasonal workers in Canada was constantly increasing; these workers had to pay their own tickets to Canada and their own rent. Were the long-term health impacts of the work on these workers taken into account, due to the handling of pesticides etc? 

    FATIMATA DIALLO, Committee Chair and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, noted that the “United States Remain in Mexico policy”, required migrants to remain at the border while the United States Governments processed their cases; what had the Mexican State done to provide for these migrants who were forced to remain in Mexico in the hazardous border areas? 

    A Committee Expert said Mexico was at the very heart of migration and was a migration champion, which was honourable.  The country’s geographic location placed it at the heart of migration to the United States, which was not a State party to the Convention.  What would Mexico do to encourage the United States to regularise Mexican migrants in the United States? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said a register had been established for children and adolescents who were being processed by the migration authorities.  There was a register for adults held in migration holding centres. The Ministry of Home Affairs was working on migration regularisation on family reunification grounds.  The migration holding centres were established and improved to address the needs of those people who had been identified by the National Migration Institute as being in an irregular status.  They had been taken there to be processed within 36 hours.  The multiservice centres, on the other hand, had been designed for people who were on the move and had international protection needs.  People on the move were provided with shelter, health services, and the opportunity to take up job offers. 

    Since the new United States administration took office on 20 January 2025 and there had been a harshening of migration policies, Mexico had strengthened its consular assistance in response.  More than 5,000 legal advice meetings had been held under this programme, bolstered through the services of legal aid officers and partnerships with civil society organizations, who could provide services to Mexicans abroad.  All the consular offices in the United States were linked to the electronic case management system; more than 1,600 cases were still active and were being followed through to their conclusion.  An app was available which had direct interaction, as well as the Mexican Assistance and Support Office, which operated 24/7. 

    Consular visits to places of deprivation of liberty had also been bolstered under the new strategy, and in the first quarter of the year there had been an average of 30 visits per day.  Mexico had been mapping the detention of migrants by the United States authorities and was able to immediately respond to them.  Advice was being given to Mexican compatriots abroad, so they could stay informed and ensure they had the proper legal protections.  The 10 repatriation centres which had been set up on the southern border with the United States provided health care services, nutrition, food and education to those who had been repatriated. 

    Mexico had pursued actions to simplify the number of hoops which had to be jumped through to ensure that the birth of a Mexican abroad could be registered.  Mexico had amended the national civil status code to ensure statelessness could be avoided.  There had been an investigation into the fire at the migration centre and various State institutions had been held responsible for failings.  There had been a 70 per cent increase in the number of Americans migrating to Mexico in recent years, partially due to the lower cost of living. 

    The Mexican Government had pursued meaningful efforts to promote the regularisation of Mexican migrants in the United States.  This included contributing to the Dreamers Programme, and forging partnerships and alliances with members of Congress and State officials to promote recognition of the positive impact of migrants. 

    The recommendations of human rights treaty bodies were channelled by a variety of thematic working groups.  Mexico had played a key role in championing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  Mexico had learned that tolerance and inclusion could be an effective response to a crisis like COVID-19.

    Closing Remarks

    PABLO CERIANI CERNADAS, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, thanked Mexico for the constructive dialogue.  The Committee was fully aware of the complexity of human movement in Mexico as a phenomenon, due to the location, the sheer number of migrants, and the voluntary or forced returns of Mexican compatriots, coupled with drug trafficking and the fact that Mexico was a neighbour of the world’s largest drug consumer.  Mexico had taken some positive steps, and the Committee looked forward to working collaboratively to find solutions to the challenges.

    MOHAMMED CHAREF, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur for Mexico, said Mexico was one of the champions of migration around the world.  The State was in a challenging situation due to being an origin, transit and destination country.   It was hoped that Mexico would be a key promoter of general comment no. 6 and that it would continue to champion the Convention.   Mr. Charef wished the State every success in delivering on migrants’ rights.

    FRANCISCA E. MÉNDEZ ESCOBAR, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Head of the Delegation, said Mexico continued to be committed to protecting the rights of migrants and upholding its international obligations.  Mobility involved challenges, and the State should have a responsible attitude based on rights which adapted to a changing context.  Mexico had made progress in protecting the rights of migrant children, adolescents, women and migrant workers, and would strengthen activities in areas where challenges remained to ensure the full implementation of the Convention.  There were several ways in which the Committee could assist Mexico, including for the Committee to keep note of a compendium of best practices within the recommendations provided.   

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CMW25.002E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN GENEVA PRESS BRIEFING

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Rolando Gómez, Chief of the Press and External Relations Section at the United Nations Information Service in Geneva, chaired a hybrid press briefing, which was attended by the representatives and spokespersons of the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Refugee Agency, the World Meteorological Organization, and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat.

    Myanmar recovery

    Titon Mitra, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative in Myanmar, speaking from Mandalay, said that the death count in the country had exceeded 3,000 people, with thousands of people injured. The search-and-rescue operations had now turned into recovery efforts. With short medical supplies and urban waterpipe systems broken, water-borne diseases were a growing threat. Numerous people were defecating in the open, and many people were still sleeping on the streets, afraid to go back home. Eighty percent of buildings in Sagaing were reduced to rubble, and critical infrastructure, including sections of the railway bridge over the Irrawaddy River, was severely damaged. People were living on the streets in extreme temperatures, with scarce clean water and outdoor defecation leading to outbreaks of cholera, hepatitis, and typhoid. Hospitals, already strained by civil war, were overwhelmed, understaffed and operating in car parks, explained Mr. Titon. Local markets were mostly closed, inflation was rapidly growing, and transport links were severely affected, making food both scarce and expensive.

    UNDP, in collaboration with UN partners, was working to address both immediate and early recovery needs. Cash-for-work programs were supporting the poor, and efforts were underway to safely remove debris and clear access for response. In addition to immediate shelter material support, UNDP teams were assessing the damaged homes and preparing to initiate their repair in collaboration with local tradespeople. The focus was also on laying the groundwork for recovery. Mr. Mitra stressed that this crisis had a major impact on urban areas, and the relief phase had to turn into a sustainable recovery phase as soon as possible. Aid had to be provided impartially, he emphasized. The declared ceasefire should provide conditions to reach everyone in need. It had to be recognized that Myanmar was a compounded crisis, with many people having already been food insecure because of the conflict, civil disobedience and hyperinflation. The earthquake had simply compounded the already existing crisis. He hoped that Myanmar would not turn into a neglected crisis once cameras turned off. 

    Answering questions from the journalists, Mr. Mitra said that in many crises first responders came from community groups, which was unfortunately often done in an uncoordinated way. In Myanmar, road traffic was hard to manage, and coordinating both official assistance and local charitable organizations remained a challenge. Military authorities were in control of many affected areas, and the UN was very dependent on those authorities for aid coordination. Efforts had to be made to ensure that aid was not politicized. On another question, Mr. Mitra said that the day after the earthquake and the unilateral ceasefire announcement, some air strikes had still continued, but there had been a significant slowdown, nonetheless. Bias in aid distribution was not obvious, he said. UN was doing its best to make sure that aid would be delivered to those who needed it the most.

    Rolando Gómez, for the United Nations Information Service (UNIS), sad that United Nations Special Envoy for Myanmar, Julie Bishop, was in Myanmar, and more information would be available soon. 

    Influx of Congolese refugees in Uganda

    Matthew Crentsil, United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Representative in Uganda, speaking from Kampala, said that the situation in Uganda was becoming increasingly dire with refugee reception centres overcrowded and funding cuts. Some 41,000 refugees had arrived from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Uganda this year. UNHCR was speeding up transportation of refugees from the reception centres, which hosted six times the number of people over their capacity. Critical shortages of water, latrines and bathing facilities, particularly at the Matanda and Nyakabande transit centres, were putting people at dire risk of deadly diseases, warned Mr. Crentsil.

    More details can be found in UNHCR’s press release.

    Answering questions from the media, Mr. Crentsil explained that 41,000 refugees had arrived from DRC to Uganda in 2025, 80 percent of whom were women and children. The total number of Congolese refugees in Uganda now stood at over 580,000. Some nine children had died since the beginning of the year because of the malnutrition they had suffered from in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Many refugees were reporting extreme violence, including sexual violence and killings. On some days, there could be as many 1,000 new arrivals, a significant increase compared to 2024, and fully attributable to the conflict in Goma. 

    On another question, Olga Sarrado, also for UNHCR, explained that the numbers of arrivals from DRC to Burundi had decreased in recent weeks, and the stadium in Rugombo was now serving primarily as a registration centre. Between Burundi and Uganda, there were currently 113,000 registered refugee arrivals from the DRC, of which over 70,000 in Burundi and some 41,000 in Uganda. Mr. Crentsil explained that, because of the funding cuts, UNHCR had had to give up on some services it used to provide, such as decreasing numbers of childcare givers and teachers. Refugee reception centres, water, sanitation and health were now being prioritized at the expense of some other activities. The funding was going down at a time when they needs were increasing. The budget planned for the entire year was being already used because of the high influx of refugees. Uganda hosted a total of 1.8 million refugees and was Africa’s largest refugee hosting country, reminded Ms. Sarrado. 

    Conferences of Parties of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

    María Cristina Cárdenas-Fischer, Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor at the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions Secretariat, informed that the BRS Conference of Parties (COP) 2025 would be held in Geneva from 28 April to 9 May, under the theme “Make visible the invisible”. She reminded that the three Conventions addressed some of the most serious pollutants and provided a framework for a lifecycle management of waste. BRS Secretariat  wanted to increase the awareness of the Conventions and their ever-important role. The 2025 meetings would, inter alia, focus on the illegal traffic of waste; waste containing nanomaterials; listing of hazardous characteristics; listing of certain chemicals as hazardous; technical assistance; and listing three additional chemicals as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This year, the BRS COP would have a high-level segment from 30 April to 1 May, with over 30 ministers registered and probably more coming. The high-level segment would focus on circularity, means of implementation, and interlinkages with climate change and biodiversity. Finally, the speaker informed about the exhibition by the lake in Geneva which showed the impact of the three Conventions on daily life. 

    More information about the BRS COP 2025 is available here.

    Replying to questions, Ms. Cárdenas-Fischer explained that the United States was not a party to either of the three BRS Conventions. Many of the chemicals under the Stockholm Convention were used in cell phones or furniture’s upholstery, for example. She emphasized that the chemicals under consideration had undergone a thorough technical review, after which they had been nominated for consideration by the COP. Countries were allowed to opt in or opt out, she explained; some countries needed to go through a ratification process. Parties had two years after the amendments entered into force to come up with practical implementation strategies. Under the Stockholm Convention, there was a deadline to eliminate polychlorinated phenols (PCPs) by 2028, reminded Ms. Cárdenas-Fischer, which were used in electrical transformers, which could cause harm to human health and nature over time. On another question, she explained that the Basel Convention covered electrical vehicle (EV) batteries and provided guidance on how to handle transboundary movement on any kind of waste. Consumer organizations would be represented as observers in the upcoming events, said Ms. Cárdenas-Fischer. BRS Secretariat did not keep the list of pollutant countries as such. 

    Announcements

    Clare Nullis, for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), informed that the report European State of the Climate 2024, compiled by the European Union Copernicus Climate Change Service and the WMO, would be launched on 15 April at 1 pm. An embargoed press conference would be held online on 10 April at 1 pm; WMO Secretary-General would be among the speakers. Journalists could register by 9 April by sending a message to copernicus-press@ecmwf.int. Ms. Nullis said that 2025 was unfortunately continuing where 2024 had left off. Figures for March, just released by Copernicus, showed that March 2025 had been the warmest ever March in Europe, and the second warmest March globally. The Arctic Sea ice maximum was the lowest on record, she said.  

    Rolando Gómez, for the United Nations Information Service (UNIS), informed that the UN Secretary-General was expected to speak on Gaza at a stakeout following a Security Council meeting this afternoon. 

    Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrants Workers and Members of Their Families would end this morning its review of the report submitted by Mexico, while the review of the report of Niger would begin at 3 pm.

    This week, the Committee Against Torture was reviewing the reports of Monaco and Mauritius. 

    Finally, the Conference on Disarmament would resume its 2025 session on 12 May. 

    Responding to a question, Mr. Gómez confirmed that the Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva Director-General, Tatiana Valovaya, had briefed Member States on the impact of the budget and liquidity crisis on UNOG. The list of cost-saving measures was available here. While there were no current plans to abolish any posts, the liquidity crisis did indisputably affect UNOG’s operations. Various factors, including the COVID19 pandemic and the liquidity crisis, had all affected the ongoing Strategic Heritage Plan, explained Mr. Gómez.

    ***

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Raskin, Padilla, Durbin, Jayapal Statement on SCOTUS Alien Enemies Act Ruling

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court lifted a hold on removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798:

    “The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump Administration to move forward with deporting people under the Alien Enemies Act — an archaic wartime law — will unquestionably harm people caught up in this oppressive nightmare.

    “This decision also leaves unanswered whether the President’s dangerous and unprecedented invocation of the wartime authority to go after immigrants was lawful in the first place.

    “Although the Court unanimously agreed that deportations without due process are illegal, the reality is the Trump Administration has been rapidly and erroneously deporting people, and has taken the position that those erroneously deported may be confined to foreign prisons with no redress. The Court’s requirement that challenges occur through individual habeas petitions will make it very difficult for people to successfully challenge their removals before they happen.

    “We will be watching closely to ensure that the Administration complies with the Court’s order and will continue to fight against the illegal invocation of the Alien Enemies Act.”

    Senators Padilla, Durbin, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) previously issued a joint statement slamming President Trump for his attempted invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens without due process. Padilla is also a cosponsor of the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, legislation that would repeal the antiquated wartime law.

    Issues: Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Statement on the Death of Amer Mohammad Saada Rabee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    “My heart breaks for the family and friends of Amer Mohammad Saada Rabee, a fourteen-year-old New Jerseyan and U.S. citizen who was killed in the West Bank this week. This tragedy underscores the need to work towards lasting peace and stop the violence in the region that has killed civilians, including so many children. 

    “I voiced my grave concerns about the ongoing violence in the West Bank directly to the Biden Administration. Now, I am even more concerned by Trump’s clear unwillingness to hold Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable, as he should have during their White House meeting. I will work with my colleagues to demand answers and a transparent investigation into Amer’s death.

    “It remains critically important that the United States works with our allies and partners in the region to free all of the remaining hostages — including New Jerseyan Edan Alexander — deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, provide safety and security to civilians in the West Bank, and work towards a two-state solution that builds a future where all children — Israeli and Palestinian — can be safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan’s Bipartisan Youth Poisoning Protection Act Clears House Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, secured full committee passage of the Youth Poisoning Protection Act, her bipartisan legislation to ban the consumer sale of products containing high concentrations of sodium nitrite, a meat-curing chemical that can be lethal when ingested. The legislation was introduced earlier this year alongside Congressmen Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Mike Carey (OH-15) as well as U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Curtis (R-UT), and Bernie Moreno (R-OH).
    “I introduced the bipartisan Youth Poisoning Protection Act to address an alarming and growing public health crisis: the promotion and use of Sodium Nitrite, a dangerous and toxic chemical, as a method for suicide,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “It is a simple, effective step forward in saving lives, and I believe we have a shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
    CLICK HERE or the image below to view Trahan’s remarks during the Committee’s consideration of the legislation. A transcript is embedded below.

    A 2021 New York Times investigation into an online suicide forum found that sodium nitrite was being popularized and encouraged as an easily accessible method to die by suicide. The forum, which is disguised as a safe place to discuss suicidal ideation, hosts threads where anonymous users provide detailed instructions and real-time guidance on how to die by suicide using sodium nitrite. A 2021 toxicology publication based on data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS), one of the data sources used by the CDC, points to a rise in self-poisonings using sodium nitrite in the United States since 2017.
    There is no known recreational use for highly concentrated amounts of sodium nitrite, but at the time of the Times’ investigation, highly concentrated amounts of the poison were widely available on multiple e-commerce platforms, including with free two-day shipping on Amazon. Following outcry from lawmakers and victims’ families, Amazon and a number of other online marketplaces began removing sodium nitrite listings. In May 2023, a Canadian citizen was arrested and charged for shipping packages containing lethal amounts of sodium nitrite to over 40 countries, including 272 sales to individuals in the United Kingdom, of whom at least 88 people died.
    The Youth Poisoning Protection Act bans the sale of consumer products with a concentration of sodium nitrite greater than 10 percent. The legislation now moves to the House floor for consideration.
    If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, feeling at risk of suicide, or experiencing a state of distress, it is crucial to find help immediately. There are many resources available, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline which provides free, confidential support 24/7, and the Crisis Text Line which offers free crisis counseling 24/7. Dial 988 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with these services.
    ——————————————–
    Congresswoman Lori Trahan
    Remarks As Delivered
    House Energy and Commerce Committee Markup 
    April 8, 2025
    Thank you. I introduced the bipartisan Youth Poisoning Protection Act to address an alarming and growing public health crisis: the promotion and use of Sodium Nitrite, a dangerous and toxic chemical, as a method for suicide.
    Three years ago, the New York Times brought to light a disturbing trend: an online suicide assistance forum – hidden in the dark corners of the internet – are actively encouraging individuals to take their own lives. These forums have been instrumental in the rise of suicides using Sodium Nitrite, a chemical that, in its safe, low-concentration form, is often used to cure meat and fish. However, in high concentrations, Sodium Nitrite becomes highly toxic – at levels comparable to cyanide.
    If the story ended there, it would still be tragic, but sadly, it gets even worse. 
    While anonymous users of these online forums tout Sodium Nitrite as a painless way to end one’s life, survivors of this method share a different, haunting reality. They describe excruciating experiences – nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, and heart palpitations – as the poison deprives the body of vital oxygen.
    When my office became aware of the growing availability of this substance as a suicide method, we acted immediately. Many websites we contacted took swift action to remove listings for Sodium Nitrite or restrict sales to businesses with legitimate, proven uses for it. But despite these efforts, there are still bad actors out there – websites designed specifically to sell this poison as part of a “suicide kit,” preying on individuals in their darkest moments. 
    Unfortunately, there are currently no federal laws that can effectively stop these dangerous transactions. The Youth Poisoning Protection Act changes that. This legislation would prohibit the sale of Sodium Nitrite to consumers in concentrations higher than 10 percent – the threshold established by independent experts for safe use.
    This bill is not aimed at affecting legitimate business operations. Some businesses – like those that cure meat or fish in large quantities – require high-concentrated Sodium Nitrite as part of their process. This bill will not disrupt those operations. Its sole focus is on preventing the direct sale of highly concentrated Sodium Nitrite to consumers, specifically, stopping the bad actors who are exploiting vulnerable individuals by promoting this deadly chemical for suicide. 
    This is a straightforward solution with the potential to save countless lives. I urge all members of this Committee to join us in supporting this essential bipartisan legislation that was advanced through this committee and passed overwhelmingly on the House floor last year. It is a simple, effective step forward in saving lives, and I believe we have a shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.
    ###

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