NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Murray Statement on Reports of Potential Mass Firings at Energy Department

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, responded to reports of plans for potential mass reductions in force (RIF) at the Department of Energy, which could reduce the Department’s staffing levels by nearly 50% and affect even critical offices charged with protecting our nation’s nuclear security.

    “Arbitrary staffing cuts across the Department of Energy would recklessly jeopardize its ability to fulfill its mission to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing our energy, environmental, and nuclear security challenges. Gutting the Department will raise energy costs for American families and businesses, slow innovation, and put our national and global security at risk,” said the Members. “It is extremely concerning that the Department is reportedly considering firing the very experts tasked with maintaining a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear weapons stockpile. These dangerous cuts should not transpire. We call for this foolishness to be set aside and for cooler heads to prevail for the sake of our communities, country, and world.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: National Bank Holdings Corporation Announces Date for 2025 First Quarter Earnings Release

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) expects to report its first quarter financial results after the markets close on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Management will host a conference call to review the results at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Interested parties may listen to this call by dialing (877) 400-0505 using the participant passcode of 7036929 and asking for the NBHC Q1 2025 Earnings Call. A recording of the call will be available approximately four hours after the call’s completion on the Company’s website at www.nationalbankholdings.com by visiting the investor relations area.

    About National Bank Holdings Corporation

    National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise delivering high quality client service and committed to stakeholder results. Through its bank subsidiaries, NBH Bank and Bank of Jackson Hole Trust, National Bank Holdings Corporation operates a network of over 90 banking centers, serving individual consumers, small, medium and large businesses, and government and non-profit entities. Its banking centers are located in its core footprint of Colorado, the greater Kansas City region, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho. Its comprehensive residential mortgage banking group primarily serves the bank’s core footprint. Its trust business is operated in its core footprint under the Bank of Jackson Hole Trust charter. NBH Bank operates under a single state charter through the following brand names as divisions of NBH Bank: in Colorado, Community Banks of Colorado and Community Banks Mortgage; in Kansas and Missouri, Bank Midwest and Bank Midwest Mortgage; in Utah, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho, Hillcrest Bank and Hillcrest Bank Mortgage; and in Wyoming, Bank of Jackson Hole and Bank of Jackson Hole Mortgage. Additional information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com.

    For more information visit: cobnks.com, bankmw.com, hillcrestbank.com, bankofjacksonhole.com, or nbhbank.com. Or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn.

    Contact:  
    Analysts/Institutional Investors:
    Emily Gooden, 720-554-6640
    Chief Accounting Officer and Investor Relations Director
    ir@nationalbankholdings.com

    Nicole Van Denabeele, 720-529-3370
    Chief Financial Officer
    ir@nationalbankholdings.com

    		 Media:
    Jody Soper, 303-784-5925
    Chief Marketing Officer
    Jody.Soper@nbhbank.com
       

    Source: National Bank Holdings Corporation

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Economic and Social Council Fills Vacancies in 15 Subsidiary Bodies

    Source: United Nations 4

    The Economic and Social Council convened today to conduct elections, nominations, confirmations, and appointments to fill vacancies in 15 of its subsidiary bodies. 

    The Council, which plays a vital role in advancing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, oversees a complex ecosystem of subsidiary entities, comprising regional and functional commissions, standing committees, and expert and ad hoc bodies. 

    For instance, its Statistical Commission, established in 1946, is responsible for the development of international statistics concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international level.  The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, formed in 2000, advises the Council on Indigenous peoples’ rights and provides recommendations to Member States on issues affecting indigenous communities. And the Commission on Narcotic Drugs formulates international drug policies and oversees the implementation of global drug control treaties. 

    Statistical Commission

    The Council by secret ballot today elected Romania to the Statistical Commission for a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2029.  In a second round of balloting, the Russian Federation was elected for the same four-year term. 

    Since the number of candidates from the African States, the Asia-Pacific States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to the number of vacancies, the Council also elected Austria, Benin, Brazil, Burundi, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Finland, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru and Uzbekistan by acclamation for the same four-year term. 

    Commission on Population and Development

    To the Commission on Population and Development, the Council elected Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Ireland, Ghana, Malaysia, Mongolia, Norway, Russian Federation, Senegal, United Kingdom and the United Republic of Tanzania by acclamation for a four-year term of office beginning at the first meeting of the Commission’s sixtieth session in 2026 and expiring at the close of its sixty-third session in 2030. 

    The Council also elected Albania, by acclamation, to the Commission for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring at the close of the Commission’s fifty-ninth session in 2026.  Japan and the Philippines were elected, by acclamation, for a four-year term beginning at the first meeting of the fifty-ninth session and expiring at the close of the sixty-second session in 2029.

    Commission on the Status of Women

    To the Commission on the Status of Women, the Council elected Cabo Verde, China, Gabon, Japan, Maldives, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe, by acclamation, for a four-year term of office beginning at the first meeting of the Commission’s seventy-first session in 2026 and expiring at the close of its seventy-fourth session in 2030.

    Commission on Narcotic Drugs

    To the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Council elected from the Asia-Pacific States — by secret ballot — Pakistan, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan for a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2029.  From the Eastern European States, it elected Slovenia, Lithuania and Ukraine, and from the Western European and Other States, it elected Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and, in a second round of balloting, France, for the same four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

    From the African States and the Latin American and Caribbean States, the Council elected Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Honduras, Mauritania and Trinidad and Tobago, by acclamation, to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for a four-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

    To the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Council elected by secret ballot from the Eastern European States Valts Ernštreits of Latvia and Suleiman Mamutov of Ukraine for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Since the number of candidates from the African States, the Asia-Pacific States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the Council elected Brenda Gunn of Canada, Nan Li of China, Rodrigo Paillalef Monnard of Chile, Diego A. Tituaña Matango of Ecuador and Anne-Chantal Nama of Cameroon, by acclamation, for the same three-year term of office. 

    Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund

    Since the number of candidates from the Asia-Pacific States, the Eastern European States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the Council elected Antigua and Barbuda, China, Georgia, Guatemala, Iceland, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, by acclamation, to the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    The Council also elected by acclamation Canada, Türkiye and Liechtenstein to complete the unexpired term of office of Australia, France and Portugal, respectively, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Australia, France and Portugal resigned from their seats on the Executive Board effective 31 December 2025.  

    Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services

    Next, the Council elected Armenia, Bolivia, China, Cuba, Estonia, Finland, Japan, Nepal, Norway, Rwanda and the United States, by acclamation, to the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    The Council also elected by acclamation Monaco, New Zealand and Türkiye to complete the unexpired term of office of Austria, Luxembourg and Ireland, respectively, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2026.  Switzerland was elected to complete the unexpired term of office of Belgium, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Ireland resigned from their seats on 31 December 2025.

    Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

    The Council next elected Burkina Faso, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda and Senegal by acclamation to the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Executive Board of the World Food Programme

    The Council also elected Cuba, Gabon and Kenya by acclamation to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

    The Council by secret ballot elected Ukraine to the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.  Further, it elected Kenya, by acclamation, to the Programme Coordinating Board for the same term.

    The Council then elected by acclamation the Philippines to complete the unexpired term of office of Japan, beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.

    Committee for Programme and Coordination

    The Council next nominated China, Cuba, Egypt, Nigeria, Republic of Korea and Senegal, for election by the General Assembly to the Committee for Programme and Coordination for a three-year term beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Commission for Social Development 

    To the Commission for Social Development, the Council elected Switzerland, by acclamation, for a term beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring at the close of the Commission’s sixty-seventh session in 2029. 

    Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting

    Next, the Council elected Belarus, Colombia, India and Kyrgyzstan, by acclamation, to the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting, each for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Greece was elected, by acclamation, to the same body for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2026.

    Committee for the United Nations Population Award

    Finally, the Council elected Cyprus, by acclamation, to the Committee for the United Nations Population Award for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Work continues to repair washout damage on Westside Road

    Drivers are advised that Westside Road will remain closed through the weekend for repairs following a significant washout on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

    Repairs to the road include debris removal and the installation of new culverts at the washout site. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit anticipates reopening Westside Road to single-lane-alternating traffic sometime on Monday, April 7, 2025.

    The washout occurred following heavy rainfall, which triggered water and debris to release down a channel and cover the road.

    The ministry, along with its maintenance contractors, is collaborating with local governments, Indigenous communities and stakeholders to ensure a co-ordinated and safe approach to the repairs. Work is restricted to daylight hours. The ministry will provide updates about the schedule for reopening of the road as the work progresses.

    For up-to-date information about road conditions, visit DriveBC: https://DriveBC.ca  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer statement on March jobs report

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer issued the following statement regarding the March 2025 Employment Situation Report:

    “March’s incredibly strong jobs report reflects President Trump’s efforts to reshape and rebuild our economy to put the American Worker First, with over 13,000 construction jobs added. Additionally, growth far exceeded expectations at 228,000 jobs created, demonstrating strong expansion that will only continue when jobs that were previously shipped overseas are brought back to the United States.

    “As expected, this report also reflects the Trump Administration’s focus on improving efficiency across government. Federal telework numbers are now in-line with the private sector, and federal employment is shrinking while critical sectors throughout the economy are seeing growth. This trend will continue while agencies right-size their workforce and eliminate wasteful contracts, which will save Americans’ tax dollars and help them keep more of their hard-earned money to further stimulate the economy. 

    “Overall, the economy is already responding positively to President Trump’s America First agenda. Moving forward, the Labor Department will continue fighting to support workers, including those entering the job market, to set up all hardworking Americans with an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer announces ‘America at Work’ listening tour

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is embarking on a nationwide listening tour to hear more about the challenges and opportunities facing everyday Americans at work. This effort will keep President Trump’s promise to listen to the voices of forgotten workers left behind by Washington. 

    Throughout the tour, the Secretary will meet with various workers, union members, employers, and community leaders to ensure real-world experiences help shape and modernize federal labor policies and practices by taking the conversation directly to America’s workforce.

    “D.C. bureaucrats shouldn’t be telling modern-day businessowners and workers what’s best for them,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “As a businesswoman and former mayor, I’ve always found that getting the best results requires listening first. I’m excited to visit communities across the country to listen, learn, and bring hardworking Americans’ feedback to Washington to tell the story of America at Work.”

    The Department of Labor’s “America at Work” listening tour kicks off in Northeastern Pennsylvania this weekend with meetings and a roundtable discussion hosted by local union leaders and elected officials. 

    Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s key priorities for the listening tour include:

    • Fostering partnerships between businesses, unions, and educators to create a stronger workforce pipeline. 
    • Strengthening pathways to good-paying, sustainable jobs across U.S. industries. 
    • Identifying ways to improve workforce development and enhance economic prosperity. 
    • Promoting skills training, apprenticeships, and career education that meet modern workforce needs. 
    • Cutting the red tape stifling innovation or job growth while protecting workers’ rights. 
    • Supporting federal labor policies that empower both workers and job creators. 
    • Championing Made in America jobs and the industries that drive them. 
    • Highlighting best practices from the communities getting it right by showcasing America at Work. 
    • Above all, putting American workers first.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (CMS-4208-F)

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    Background 

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule on April 4, 2025, that modernizes and improves Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) programs. The Contract Year (CY) 2026 MA and Part D final rule implements changes related to prescription drug coverage, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), Star Ratings, and other programmatic areas, including the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This final rule also codifies existing sub-regulatory guidance in the MA and Part D programs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 16 charged in sweeping Houston-based multimillion-dollar illegal gambling, money laundering conspiracy

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON – Several Houston-area residents were taken into custody April 2 on various charges including conspiracy, operating illegal game rooms, bribery, and money laundering following one of the largest law enforcement operations in East Texas history.

    The operation was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from IRS Criminal Investigation; the Houston Police Department; FBI; High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program; Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct One; Harris County District Attorney’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Drug Enforcement Administration.

    In addition to those indicted in the scheme, authorities also arrested 31 illegal aliens on various immigration and firearms charges. One of those included an illegal alien who allegedly assaulted a law enforcement officer.

    The indictment, returned March 26 and unsealed upon the arrests, alleges Nizar Ali, 61, of Richmond, and others allegedly conspired to own, operate or assist in the operation of illegal game rooms. All also conspired to conduct financial transactions to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the proceeds of the illegal gambling business, which totaled more than $22 million, according to the charges.

    More than 700 law enforcement officers from 18 agencies served a total of 45 search and 40 seizure warrants at locations throughout Houston and the surrounding area. The locations included 30 illegal game rooms with names such as El Portal and Yellow Building.

    During the operation, authorities recovered more than $11 million in seized cash and bank accounts, as well as $5 million in property and vehicles, 2,000 slot machines, 100 Rolex watches and eight firearms. Law enforcement also seized approximately $6.5 million from bank accounts and other financial institutions pursuant to the court-issued warrants.

    In addition to Ali, others taken into custody include Naeem Ali, 33, and Amer Khan, 68, both of Richmond; Ishan Dhuka, 33, and Sahil Karovalia, 32, both of Rosenberg; Sarfarez Maredia, 38, and Shoaib Maredia, 40, both of Sugar Land; Yolanda Figueroa, 40, of Pasadena; Viviana Alvarado, 45, of LaPorte; and Anabel Eloisa Guevarra, 46, Precela Solis, 27, Maria Delarosa, 53, Claudia Calderon, 37, and Lucia Hernandez, 34, all of Houston.

    Two others – Sayed Ali, 59, of Richmond, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, of Houston – are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests.

    All are charged with conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business and interstate travel in aid of racketeering which each carry possible prison terms of five years as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering which has a maximum 20-year possible prison term. Ali is also charged with 32 counts of federal program bribery for allegedly paying more than $500,000 to an undercover officer in an attempt to protect the illicit game rooms from law enforcement intervention. If convicted, he faces up to 10 more years in prison on each count. With the exception of the money laundering charge, which has the possibility of a $500,000 maximum fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine.

    Other agencies who provided support to the operation included U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Harris and Montgomery Counties’ sheriff offices, the Houston Fire Department, Texas Attorney General’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Baytown and Pasadena police departments.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre, John Marck and Carolyn Ferko are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Fyffe and Tyler Foster are handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Finishing Strong At Fort McCoy’s Inaugural Best Squad Competition

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    —————
    @USArmyReserve soldiers at @fortmccoy compete in the inaugural Best Squad Competition that included physical fitness events, weapons qualifications, written assessments, a land navigation course, and obstacle course challenges.

    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=ZS443aH2cCE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Thune, Durbin Ask President Trump to Permit Nationwide, Year-Round Sale of E15 Fuel

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues, led by U.S. Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), in sending a letter to President Donald Trump requesting the year-round sale of E15 fuel. Specifically, the letter asked President Trump to use the nationwide temporary waivers provided under the Clean Air Act to extend the Reid vapor pressure waiver through the 2025 summer driving season. Supported by Cramer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has enabled the year-round sale of E15 fuel through nationwide temporary waivers for the past several years.

    “To meet our nation’s energy needs and decrease the cost of fuel, we must deploy an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes leveraging domestic biofuels,” the senators wrote. “As affirmed by the actions you took to first allow year-round E15 in 2019, and those approved for the summers afterward, the sale of higher blends of biofuels like E15 through the summer months supports the domestic fuel supply, reduces consumer costs, and promotes American biofuels and agriculture feedstocks.

    “Utilizing American ethanol year-round is a direct solution to reinforcing our energy supply and reducing consumer costs, and the issuance of a nationwide waiver for the 2025 summer driving season is a clear path toward these shared goals,” the senators continued.

    The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL.), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

    Click here for the letter

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Sentenced for Their Roles in a Deadly Human Smuggling Operation in Santa Teresa

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – Three men involved in a coordinated human smuggling operation in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, have been sentenced after their actions led to a fatal vehicle collision that claimed the lives of two undocumented non-citizens.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, on June 23, 2023, Jose Hermosillo-Camarillo, 22, of Albuquerque, drove a vehicle carrying four undocumented non-citizens at high speeds through Santa Teresa, New Mexico, with Jesus Manuel Soto, 20, a Mexican national, as a passenger in the same vehicle. Despite no law enforcement engaging in a high-speed pursuit, Hermosillo-Camarillo drove recklessly, running two red lights and attempting an illegal U-turn at an intersection. This resulted in his vehicle being struck by a semi-truck traveling at 60 mph, causing severe injuries to the occupants and leading to the deaths of two—one at the scene and another later at the hospital. U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to render aid and secure the area until New Mexico State Police arrived and took command.

    Sergio Raul Diaz, 20, also of Albuquerque, drove a second vehicle in tandem with Hermosillo-Camarillo’s car. After the collision, Diaz fled into Texas at high speeds, running a red light and evading capture until his vehicle was immobilized by a tire deflation device. Four undocumented non-citizens from Diaz’s vehicle attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol. Troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Diaz at the scene.

    Survivors revealed that smugglers charged approximately $1,500 per person for transportation. They also identified Soto as the foot guide that led them across the U.S.-Mexico border to meet Hermosillo-Camarillo and Diaz.

    Court records revealed that Hermosillo-Camarillo had been arrested previously for similar offenses in New Mexico and Arizona but had not been charged.

    Hermosillo-Camarillo, Soto, and Diaz each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport an illegal alien resulting in death. Hermosillo-Camarillo was sentenced to 144 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Soto received an 18-month prison sentence and will face deportation proceedings upon his release. Diaz was sentenced to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

    Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, Hatch Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and New Mexico Department of Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy M. Castellano prosecuted the case as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vasquez: “Our Public Lands Are Not For Sale”

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement in response to reports that House Republican leadership is considering proposals to sell public lands as part of a budget reconciliation package:

    “Let me be absolutely clear—our public lands are not for sale. New Mexicans cherish our open spaces, our national parks, and the public lands that fuel our outdoor economy and define us as Americans. Any attempt to sell these lands to the highest bidder is an attack on our way of life, our communities, and our future generations.

    “Republican leaders in Congress are pushing a reckless and short-sighted plan to auction off public lands to pay for tax breaks and corporate giveaways. Time and time again, Americans of all political stripes have defended access to our natural heritage, and they will do so again.

    “I’ve worked across the aisle with Republicans to protect our public lands, including the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, because across the West, public lands are the great equalizer. And while some Republicans understand that, others in their party are putting our shared lands and access to the outdoors at risk to line the pockets of billionaires.

    ”I’ll keep fighting to ensure that our lands stay in public hands—accessible, protected, and conserved. Selling off public lands does little, if anything, to address our serious housing or budget challenges—it’s a betrayal of the people we serve to put this proposal on the table.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Co-Sponsor Bill to Repeal Trump’s Anti-Voter Executive Order and Block DOGE Access to Voter Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 04, 2025

    Oregon senators’ legislation also would overturn Trump suppressing and disenfranchising millions of eligible American voters

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced they are co-sponsoring legislation that would  repeal Donald Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order, while also blocking DOGE from unlawfully accessing sensitive voter registration data records from Oregon and nationwide.

    In addition to repealing Trump’s anti-voting executive order, the Defending America’s Future Elections Act would prevent DOGE from using Americans’ federal tax dollars to get access to state voter registration lists, records concerning voter list maintenance activities, federal databases, or other public or private state records related to federal elections. This provision is crucial to prevent DOGE from using subpoena power to pursue this data, which could be used to purge eligible voters from state voter rolls.

    “Trump’s playbook to suppress American voters, while handing over sensitive voter data to his billionaire bros who wants to privatize the federal government for his own personal gain, reads like a bad comic book,” Wyden said. “This unconstitutional and illegal power grab undermines the free and fair elections America was built on and will disproportionately hurt rural communities, women and members of the military. We will not stand by while a convicted felon and his broligarchs ransack Americans’ rights to free and fair elections for their own gain.”  

    “This anti-voter executive order is a direct assault on our democracy,” said Merkley. “Trump is scheming to block eligible voters from voting and he’s requiring states to turn over voter rolls- including your personal data- over to Elon Musk. It’s illegal and deeply damaging.”   

    The blatant Trump scheme to suppress access to the ballot box through overly burdensome documentation requirements is an attempt to implement the dangerous policies in Congressional Republicans’ Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which will be considered by the House soon. 

    More than 21 million voting age Americans lack simple access to the documents required by Trump’s order, including a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate. Further, nearly half of all American citizens do not have valid passports, and millions more have a legal name that differs from other government-issued documents, including about 69 million married women whose birth certificates no longer match their legal name. Additionally, noncitizen voting is already a federal crime and is incredibly rare, with an analysis of Heritage Foundation data identifying only 68 such cases out of nearly 2 billion votes cast over four decades.

    The Defending America’s Future Elections Act underscores that Congress and the states are responsible for administering elections and any changes to voter documentation—not the president.  

    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I) co-sponsored the bill, which was led by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). 

    Full text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Statement Following Finance Committee Vote on Bisignano Nomination to Lead Social Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 04, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement after the committee voted off the Senate floor on the nomination of Frank Bisignano to be the commissioner of Social Security. The vote was 14-13, a party line.

    “By moving ahead with this vote, the Republican majority is sending a simple message to whistleblowers: put your whistles away,” Wyden said. “This level of disregard for whistleblower protection is unprecedented in the modern era of the Finance Committee. As the co-chair of the Whistleblower Caucus, along with former-Chairman Chuck Grassley, I am disturbed that the majority is unwilling to exercise its own judgement and work on a bipartisan basis to verify whether a nominee lied to the Finance Committee. Social Security is too important to Americans to stand by and do nothing while the Senate’s advice and consent role is thrown in the dust bin.”

    At the Finance Committee’s confirmation for Bisignano, Wyden asked the nominee to respond to a letter from a former senior official at Social Security alleging Bisignano was intimately involved in agency activities, including consulting with DOGE officials and rushing through the onboarding process for Akash Bobba, disregarding privacy laws and other safeguards raised by career employees at Social Security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand RFK Jr. Reverse Mass Firings at Head Start, Office of Child Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    April 04, 2025
    Senators to Secretary Kennedy: “The termination of staff is alarming and will compound the challenges already facing these programs and services…with no clear planning nor considerations for how early childhood services will be impacted”
    Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said today they are joining Senate colleagues to condemn the Trump Administration’s mass firings of federal employees at the Office of Head Start (OHS) and the Office of Child Care (OCC) and to urge Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to reinstate these employees immediately. 
    “This attack on employees at a time when children, families, child care providers, and early educators are relying on critical early childhood programs undermines the Department’s role in administering and conducting oversight of early childhood programs, including Head Start programs and child care assistance for working-class families across the country,” wrote the Senators. “We are deeply concerned by reports of a high number of employees at OHS and OCC who have been fired across the country who provide critical support to Head Start programs and help make child care safer and more affordable. The termination of staff is alarming and will compound the challenges already facing these programs and services, including the lack of timely and transparent information, with no clear planning nor considerations for how early childhood services will be impacted.”
    The sweeping firings of staff from these critical offices will severely restrict access to child care for working-class families. The Head Start program serves nearly 800,000 children, providing comprehensive services to help children receive health care and insurance, while offering parents job training, education, housing support, and nutrition services. 
    “The Administration’s decision to reduce staff comes at a time when it is increasingly expensive to run child care and early learning programs, the cost of child care continues to be out of reach for many working-class families, and the demand for quality child care continues to far outpace the supply,” continued the senators. “We are deeply concerned about the exacerbation of these issues for child care providers and children and families as a result of the Administration’s termination of a large portion of OHS and OCC staff, including the sudden closure of five of the ten Regional Offices and RIFs.”
    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was led by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and also co-signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). 
    Full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator King Statement on the Firing of Top National Security Agency Official

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), released the following statement after news broke that General Timothy Haugh, the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and head of U.S. Cyber Command, was fired. General Haugh was reportedly released after far-right activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer accused the General of being disloyal to President Trump.

    “Right now, our country is under attack in cyberspace, and President Trump just removed our top general from the front lines.  There was no reason for the removal of General Haugh outside of a recommendation from a conspiracy theorist who knows nothing whatsoever about national security, or what the roles of top National Security Agency officials entail. It’s downright dangerous and utterly irresponsible.

    “As to the claims out there that the firing is because ‘he was disloyal to Trump,’ here’s the truth of the matter: Generals are not supposed to be loyal to any president, they’re loyal to the Constitution and to the country. Period. This news could not be more grave given the seriousness of where we are in cyber. American institutions are being attacked daily — in fact, we just had the largest attack on our telecommunications system in the country’s history. General Haugh is a straight shooter, and his 30 years of experience and deep knowledge of cyber were an incredible asset to our national security. His honesty and his expertise are to be valued and appreciated, not held against him by the President’s shadow cabinet.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Returning snowbirds are reminded of tariffs on certain U.S. goods

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 4, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Snowbird Association remind Canadians who have spent the winter in warmer climates to plan ahead for a smooth return home.

    In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made goods, Canada has imposed a 25% counter tariff on certain U.S. products brought into Canada. The CBSA is collecting the tariffs on behalf of the Government of Canada in the form of a surtax.

    This means you may need to pay a surtax (as well as any applicable duties and taxes) on some of the goods you have purchased and are bringing back with you from the U.S. The lists of these products is on the Department of Finance website: products surtaxed as of March 4 and as of March 13. The surtax is assessed by the CBSA at the port of entry and must be paid before you enter Canada.

    Remember that residents of Canada have personal exemptions that allow them to bring goods, including alcohol and tobacco (up to a certain value), back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes.

    For example, if you have been away for 48 hours or more, you can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 without paying duties or taxes, including the new surtax. The surtax only applies on the amount of goods that exceeds your personal exemption.

    Be sure to have your receipts readily available for any goods you are bringing with you. For goods that exceed your personal exemption limits, you may be required to provide proof of where the goods were made, produced or originated from (proof of origin).

    Whether travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed up processing times by having your travel documents handy. We encourage you to read and follow our travel tips before arriving at the border.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province takes action to improve wildfire resiliency, enhance forest stewardship

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is taking action to adapt B.C.’s forests to ensure long-term sustainability and good-paying jobs by enlisting BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to play a larger role in reducing wildfire risk and enhancing forest and community resilience through its operations.

    This work is increasingly urgent given the threat of sector-specific tariff threats coming from the United States.

    “The U.S. President is threatening our softwood lumber industry even more than the Americans already have with their unfair duties on our products,” said Premier David Eby. “Tariffs and duties drive up the cost of housing in the states and will cost jobs on both sides of the border. We stand with forestry workers, and this is just one of many actions we are taking to support the forestry industry as we get through this.”

    BCTS manages forest harvesting on more than 20% of B.C.’s public land. In January 2025, the Ministry of Forests initiated a review of BCTS, undertaken by an expert task force, to create pathways for a stronger, more resilient forestry sector. A progress update was announced at the Council of Forest Industries convention on Friday, April 4, 2025.

    “We have all witnessed the impacts of wildfire on B.C.’s communities, and we are uniting all parts of my ministry to tackle this challenge head on,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Feedback from the review has made it clear: BCTS is more than just a market-pricing system. It has the expertise and the tools to play a bigger role in active forest management and addressing climate change, and British Columbians want to see that happen.”

    BCTS will work shoulder to shoulder with all divisions within the Ministry of Forests, including the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), local communities, First Nations and industry partners to:

    • reduce fuel loads in high-risk areas;
    • remove health-damaged trees to improve recreational site safety and ecosystem resilience;
    • expand the use of commercial thinning to maintain forest health while supplying fibre to the market;
    • rehabilitate rangelands to restore productive landscapes; and
    • strengthen its partnership with BCWS to expand the use of prescribed fire as a key forest-management tool.

    As this work progresses, the Province will determine how an expanded role for BCTS fits into a broader strategy to protect communities from wildfire and support healthy, resilient forests that meet the needs of people in British Columbia.

    During the Council of Forest Industries conference in Prince George, the Premier and minister of forests outlined government’s goal to have forest and wildfire salvage permits turned around in 25 days instead of 40. To address the cost of transporting B.C.’s wood products to market, the Premier also announced the approval of the nine-axle lumber truck and trailer combination for use on some logging routes in B.C.

    Government is also committed to improving infrastructure projects in the province to get more B.C. goods, such as lumber, to international markets. As the Province continues to build the schools, hospitals and facilities people need, there is a renewed commitment to explore every opportunity to build with B.C. wood.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the review of BC Timber Sales, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/bc-timber-sales/economic-prosperity/bcts-review

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stopping IRS Overreach in Its Tracks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

    As we near the final days of tax season, customer service at the IRS is on the minds of many Americans. Most Americans work hard and pay their taxes in good faith, yet in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, 32 percent of customers said they were dissatisfied with their experience with the agency’s Independent Office of Appeals. Sadly, these rates have trended in the wrong direction since Democrats poured $80 billion into the IRS to hire 87,000 new agents in 2022. In FY21 just 19 percent of taxpayers reported dissatisfaction with the IRS.

    I continue to champion efforts to hold the IRS accountable and focus on improving customer service. The most recent government funding legislation I supported reduced this funding by another $20.2 billion. In fact, I sponsored legislation previously passed by the House to reclaim the entire $80 billion. Rather than hiring agents to supersize “enforcement” and audits, the IRS should be doing everything possible to maximize efficiency and excellent service.

    In March, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) released a report detailing how the IRS inappropriately diverted $4.6 million to maintain outdated technology systems. These funds had been designated for systems modernization and were legally prohibited from being redirected to legacy systems.

    Updates to IRS technology are needed to better protect Americans’ personal data and serve taxpayers. The misuse of tax dollars to maintain business as usual was a hallmark of the Biden administration’s misaligned priorities. The past administration pursued unauthorized tax prep services and schemes to audit more Americans across the income spectrum, including the 1099-K Babysitter Tax and other new ways to audit tips received by service workers.

    Another March TIGTA report found the IRS underreported the cost of its unauthorized pilot program to compete with existing free tax preparation providers. Through this program, the Biden administration sought to increase the IRS’s intrusion into the private finances of Americans to an unprecedented degree. This in-house tax preparation program has not been authorized by Congress, and having the tax enforcement and collection agency calculating how much a given taxpayer owes raises serious conflict of interest concerns.

    Too often, the IRS and the taxpaying process are clouded by an air of suspicion. The last thing American taxpayers need is an IRS calculating tax liability with no incentive to ensure they are not accidentally overpaying, while simultaneously threatening to audit them. I am the lead sponsor of a bill to eliminate this so-called Direct File program.

    We should be crafting policy which modernizes systems and improves customer service at the IRS, not creating costly redundancies which put the IRS into the role of both tax preparer and tax auditor. The IRS Free File program is an existing option for taxpayers who wish to file their taxes for free. More than 70 percent of American tax filers qualify to use Free File. I encourage you to visit irs.gov/FreeFile to confirm your eligibility and learn more.

    Through Free File, which is authorized by Congress, Americans can file their federal taxes through private third parties without cost to themselves, virtually no cost to the federal government, and minimal administrative burden to the IRS.

    Law-abiding middle-class taxpayers and small businesses should not live in fear of a burdensome, unnecessary audit from an overreaching IRS. Free File fills a need for taxpayers in an efficient, cost-effective way—just the sort of thing we should be doing more of in Washington.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Now Accepting Submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) announced his office is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage creativity for students across the country.

    “The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for Central Valley students to demonstrate their creativity and artistic talent at the national level,” said Congressman Valadao. “This is a competition I always look forward to, and I can’t wait to review this year’s submissions.”

    Students must submit their artwork and a student release form by 5:00 pm PST on Friday, April 25, 2025.

    The winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition will have their artwork displayed for one year in the U.S capital and will be invited to attend a winner’s reception in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2025. Students must be in high school (Grades 9-12) to participate.

    Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

    Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:

    • Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
    • Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal. It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.
    • Collages: must be two-dimensional
    • Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints.
    • Mixed media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
    • Computer-generated art
    • Photographs

    All additional rules and regulations can be found here.

    Before submitting their work, students should review the Student Submission Checklist here.

    To submit your art, please send a high-resolution picture of your artwork (jpeg format) and the Student Release Form to William.Klepp@mail.house.gov by 5:00 pm PST on Friday, April 25, 2025. All submission or rule questions should be directed to William Klepp at William.Klepp@mail.house.gov or by calling (202) 225-4695.


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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Little league coach sentenced to 10 years for attempting to meet a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    OCALA, Fla. – A Florida little league baseball coach has been sentenced April 1 to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  

    Joseph Rocco Quaranta, 48, of Dunnellon, pleaded guilty on Nov. 19, 2024.

    “The sentencing of this former little league baseball coach serves as a reminder that predatory action against children will not be tolerated, and we will use every resource at our disposal to ensure that justice is served,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “HSI, alongside our partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, is unwavering in its commitment to protect our children from predators who seek to exploit them.”   

    According to court documents, on July 25, 2024, an undercover detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 13-year-old girl. Quaranta contacted the detective’s account and, after learning the child’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. Quaranta then arranged to meet the child at a predetermined location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity. When Quaranta arrived at the meeting location, he was arrested. After his arrest, Quaranta admitted to deputies that he had been volunteering as a local little league baseball coach.

    This case was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Orlando, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States and Panama Expand Security cooperation

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    The United States and Panama will co-host the Central America Security Conference (CENTSEC), in Panama April 8-10. Through CENTSEC, SOUTHCOM seeks to promote and facilitate dialogue and cooperation among regional security partners focused on common challenges and objectives. This year’s conference will focus on regional defense through joint operations and cybersecurity.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 04, 2025 Reps. Mullin & Fong Introduce Bipartisan Earthquake Resilience Act  Washington, DC – As April marks Earthquake Preparedness Month and on the heels of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to improve America’s resilience during future… Read More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

    Washington, DC – As April marks Earthquake Preparedness Month and on the heels of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to improve America’s resilience during future earthquakes.  

    According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), nearly 75 percent of the U.S. could experience a damaging earthquake in the next century, and almost half of the population – 150 million people – reside in areas that are at risk.  

    On average, earthquakes cost the U.S. billions of dollars a year in building damages and associated losses. Earthquakes threaten not only lives and buildings, but also critical services such as power, water, communications, and transportation. These services, also referred to as “lifelines,” must be restored as quickly as possible following a natural disaster to enable other parts of a recovery effort.  

    The Earthquake Resilience Act (H.R.2568.) would direct federal agencies to conduct America’s first national risk assessment of earthquake resiliency to better understand how communities can prepare. It would also require the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program to develop standards for lifeline infrastructure so these critical systems can be quickly restored during an earthquake or other disasters.  

    “As we recognize Earthquake Preparedness Month, it’s clear that the risks of natural disasters extend far beyond California,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin. “Our growing reliance on lifeline systems—those vital services that allow us to live, work, and communicate—make it even more urgent. We need a national risk assessment and consistent infrastructure standards to ensure communities across the country are ready. With natural disasters becoming more frequent, it’s critical to start building resilience today for a safer future.” 

    “The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes deeply impacted a vital community within my district. This disaster proved that emergencies can strike at any moment, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the coordination between our federal government and local agencies. I look forward to addressing gaps in earthquake preparedness to ensure we protect our communities and save lives,” said Rep. Vince Fong. 

    Seismic safety experts are championing the bill as a critical way to help communities across the country improve vital lifeline infrastructure. 

    “The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) applauds Rep. Mullin and Rep. Fong for their leadership in reintroducing the bipartisan Earthquake Resilience Act, which improves and accelerates recovery of communities and businesses after an earthquake,” said George K. Guszcza, President and CEO of NIBS. “Through the work of the Building Seismic Safety Council, NIBS has studied, developed, and maintained national seismic design standards for 45 years. Our communities – and their lifelines – must be ready.” 

    As lifelong Californians who have experienced earthquakes first-hand, Reps. Mullin and Fong are pleased to co-lead this bill in the 119th Congress.  

    Visit the Earthquake Resilience Act web page to learn more.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Rosen Shares Story of Reno Small Business Being Impacted By Trump’s Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Senator Rosen Condemned Trump’s Cost-Raising Tariffs And Called For Bipartisan Opposition To Them

    Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to strongly condemn Trump’s latest across-the-board tariffs, which amounts to a national sales tax for families. In her speech, Senator Rosen focused on a letter she received from a small business owner in Reno outlining the devastating impact these tariffs will have on his business. She also highlighted the damage additional tariffs will do to the state’s tourism economy.
    Below are excerpts of Senator Rosen’s floor remarks:
    […]
    Most importantly, these tariffs, well, they’re reckless and they’ll decimate businesses around the country, and like I said, including in my great state of Nevada. 
    I’ve already heard from Nevadans and Nevada business owners who are worried about how these new tariffs will impact their businesses, their livelihoods, their families, including the founder of a small business in Reno.
    He wrote to me. I’m going to quote the letter. This is what he said: “We maintain a small production facility in Reno…these duties will force us to raise retail prices by 37 percent, and we don’t believe our customers will accept that. This policy could wipe us out entirely.” End quote.
    They go on to say – I’m going to quote again – “I’m not asking for a favor. I’m asking for leadership that reflects the urgency and reality we face. These tariffs do not bring jobs back. They raise prices, punish small businesses, and put livelihoods at risk, [all] while making it harder for companies like mine to do what we’ve done for thirteen years: create jobs, innovate, and support our families.” End quote.
    And it’s not just our small businesses in Nevada that will be hit hardest, our families, our families are already being squeezed by the high costs. They’re going to see prices go up even further.
    Let’s be clear: These tariffs, Trump’s tariffs, they’re a national sales tax. 
    From your medication, to gas, to the groceries you buy, Republican tariffs will increase the costs for goods for hardworking families across this country, things we rely on every single day.
    Tariffs are also going to increase what you pay at the fuel pump. They’re going to increase the price of construction materials, making housing even more expensive.
    Through his national sales tax, Trump is passing along higher costs to everyone, no matter where you live.
    […]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson to lead prosecution of illegal immigrant charged with hit-and-run of USC studentRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that his office will prosecute Rosali Fernandez Cruz, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador charged in the hit-and-run that led to the death of 21-year-old University of South Carolina student Nathanial “Nate” Baker, a native of Virginia.

    “This is a tragic situation, and our hearts go out to the family of Nate Baker, who had a bright future ahead of him,” said Attorney General Wilson. “His family sent him from Virginia to South Carolina to attend his parents’ alma mater and pursue his education. The individual charged in this case is an illegal immigrant ordered to be deported over seven years ago.”  

    Baker, a junior business major and active leader in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, was riding his motorcycle Tuesday when he collided with the suspect at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly Streets. Cruz, driving a pickup truck, fled the scene and was arrested shortly after by the Columbia Police Department. He now faces multiple charges, including: 

    • Hit and run resulting in death
    • Failure to render aid
    • Failure to yield the right of way
    • Driving without a license

    Authorities have confirmed Cruz is in the country illegally and has had an order for removal since 2018. Attorney General Wilson’s office is coordinating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure there are no loopholes or escapes from justice. 

    “Illegal immigration is one of the top priorities for the state of South Carolina,” said Attorney General Wilson. “As the state’s top prosecutor, I will always make it a priority to enforce the law. Our office will prosecute this case directly. Law and order, border security, and the safety of South Carolina and the nation’s families are of utmost importance to me and my office. The people of this state expect action, and this office will ensure the rule of law is respected and enforced.”  

    After Cruz’s arrest, an active Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer was placed on him. This should result in his deportation back to El Salvador once the criminal process is completed.  

    You can find the letter sent to Solicitor Byron Gipson here. 

    Attorney General Wilson stresses all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty under the law.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration’s Attempt to Dismantle Several Federal Agencies, Protecting California’s Libraries and Museums

    Source: US State of California

    California’s 12th lawsuit against the Trump Administration seeks to protect federal workers and the essential services they provide to support American families, businesses, workers, and our cultural heritage 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Bonta today joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unlawful Executive Order No. 14238 (Closure Order) directing several Congressionally-established agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, to eliminate every component and function not required by statute and reduce their statutorily required functions and associated staff to the minimum required by law. The President also ordered the Office of Management and Budget to deny these agencies authorization to spend federal funds already allocated by Congress for any functions beyond the minimum required by statute. The March 14, 2025 Closure Order is the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to unlawfully dismantle agencies that Americans rely on. This time, he is targeting agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries and museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide. The agencies subject to the Closure Order collectively provide billions of dollars in funding to States to support libraries, museums, and disadvantaged businesses, provide services that States rely on to peaceably resolve labor disputes, and more. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the Closure Order and its implementation are unlawful and cannot stand.

    “The Trump Administration is once again violating the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law by attempting to unilaterally shut down agencies the President doesn’t like, including agencies that give the public access to facts, knowledge, and cultural heritage for free or at low cost,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Dismantling these agencies would have a devastating impact on the public and on states across the nation — they provide important services for Americans and collectively provide billions of dollars to States to support libraries and museums, innovation and entrepreneurship for disadvantaged businesses, and help resolve labor disputes. The Order also threatens the livelihoods of federal workers employed at these agencies, once again flying in the face of the President’s promise to ease the financial burden felt by American families. The Trump Administration’s actions to strip these agencies down to their studs is blatantly illegal. As the President continues to flout his duty to the American people and the rule of law, I will continue to stand with my fellow attorneys general to uphold the Constitution and protect the crucial services that Californians rely on.”

    Following the Closure Order, the President directed agencies to report within one week whether they had achieved “full compliance” with the order, despite the fact that “full compliance” means near-total incapacitation of these agencies. As of April 4, the functions of at least three of these agencies have been completely incapacitated. For example, the Minority Business Development Agency has placed all but five of its more than 40 personnel on administrative leave and instructed them to wind down the agency’s remaining work. The Minority Business Development Agency supports more than 70 public-private business centers throughout the nation that provide business consultation, including centers that are specifically geared toward manufacturing businesses and businesses in rural areas. Three of these centers are located in California: in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Jose. In 2023 alone, the agency served more than 2,000 entrepreneurs who, in turn, created nearly 19,000 jobs. The President’s unlawful actions have also incapacitated the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, an agency that drives economic growth and innovation by mediating labor disputes in industries that affect commerce and negotiating collective bargaining agreements. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service has slashed its staff from roughly 200 to fewer than 15 individuals and ordered its staff to stop mediating labor disputes for public center entities, handling grievances arising out of collective bargaining agreements, or conducting public training or education efforts—essentially abandoning many of the core functions of this nearly 80-year-old agency.

    The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has also been materially harmed by the President’s Closure Order. IMLS supports libraries, museums, and related institutions through grant funding, research, and policy development, with the aim of advancing innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. IMLS’ largest funding program —and the largest source of federal funding for library services — is its Grants to States Program. In 2024, IMLS invested $180 million in libraries nationwide under its Grants to States Program. The administration’s action will threaten hundreds of library staff across the country that provide essential services to their communities. As of April 1, IMLS placed 85% of its staff on administrative leave, dramatically curtailed its administration of hundreds of grants and grant applications, and terminated statutorily mandated grant awards to several States. 

    The gutting of IMLS will cause destructive harm to California’s libraries and museums and the communities they serve. For example, California libraries employ approximately 17,000 employees who staff the State’s 1,127 libraries and serve 23 million California library card holders. The California State Library budget for this year included $15.7 million in IMLS funding allocated for staffing and continued operations. Over the last 40 years, IMLS funds have paid for multiple statewide library programs, including support for tutors helping adults and children read, write, and learn English; summer reading and activity programs; and services that help feed low-income children when school is out. IMLS funds also pay for continuing education for librarians and library workers, a 300,000-title eBook library accessible to all Californians, and digital efforts to protect California’s cultural heritage and local history. If the Closure Order stands, all functions and staff positions paid for with IMLS funding will cease to exist. The loss of these services would particularly harm lower-income families, seniors, and veterans who rely on libraries to help them navigate an increasingly digital world. The Trump Administration’s actions also threaten grants that support California’s incredible museums from the San Diego Zoo to the Exploratorium in San Francisco to Los Angeles’ Autry Museum of the American West. 

    In today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition demonstrate that President Trump’s directive to shut down these agencies, and the steps taken to implement that directive, are unlawful and must be reversed. The coalition establishes that the Trump Administration cannot undo the many acts of Congress that authorize these agencies, dictate their responsibilities, and appropriate funds for the agencies to administer. The Trump Administration’s attempt to do so through the Closure Order violates the Executive Branch’s obligation to take care that the law is faithfully executed. Further, as the complaint details, the Closure Order and its implementation by the agencies violate both the Appropriations Clause and Separation of Powers Clause of the U.S. Constitution and broadly exceed the narrow discretion the Executive possesses under the Impoundment Control Act.

    Attorney General Bonta joined the lawsuit alongside the attorneys general of New York, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

    A copy of the lawsuit is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of State Denny Hoskins Highlights Investor Protection Tools During America Saves Week

    Source: US State of Missouri

     

     

    Secretary of State Denny Hoskins Highlights Investor Protection Tools During America Saves Week

    • Complementary editorial penned by the Secretary attached for use.

     

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As part of America Saves Week (April 8–12, 2025), Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, CPA, and the Securities Division are reminding Missourians of the importance of intentional financial planning — and the tools available to help protect their savings and investments.

     

    While the Secretary of State’s Office does not directly regulate traditional savings accounts, the week presents a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the intersection of personal saving and investing — particularly when it comes to retirement planning and protecting vulnerable investors.

     

    “Financial intention is about more than saving money — it’s about protecting it,” said Secretary Hoskins. “Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing an inheritance, or investing for the first time, you need to do so with care, intention, and the right partners.”

     

    The Office of the Missouri Secretary of State encourages Missourians to:

     

    • Add a Trusted Contact to brokerage accounts. In conjunction with the Missouri’s Senior Savings Protection Act, state and federal law, empowers financial professionals to delay disbursements and alert a designated Trusted Contact if they suspect exploitation. “Adding a Trusted Contact is one of the simplest and most effective steps investors can take to protect themselves or their loved ones from fraud and financial abuse,” said Securities Commissioner Michael O’Donnell.
    • Be cautious when rolling over a 401(k). If you’re considering moving retirement savings from a 401(k) to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), it’s critical to vet the broker or investment adviser you’re planning to work with. You can research a professional’s background at https://brokercheck.finra.org, or call the Securities Division’s Investor Protection Hotline at (800) 721-7996 for help.
    • Understand that consistent, intentional saving is key. Align your financial goals and risk tolerance, and don’t fall for “get rich quick” schemes that promise guaranteed returns.

     

    “Saving and investing can be powerful tools for building a more secure future — but only when done wisely,” said O’Donnell. “During America Saves Week, we’re reminding all Missourians that it’s not just about how much you save, but how you protect and grow those savings over time.”

     

    For more investor education tools and to report concerns, visit http://www.sos.mo.gov/securities.

     

    To explore savings tips and resources during America Saves Week, visit https://americasavesweek.org.

     

    About Secretary of State Denny Hoskins

    Denny Hoskins, CPA, was elected Missouri’s 41st Secretary of State in November 2024. With a strong background in business and public service, he is committed to improving government efficiency, transparency, and supporting Missouri families.

     

    For more information, please contact: Rachael Dunn, Director of Communications, via email at [email protected].

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Kim, Garbarino Release Statement on Reconciliation Discussions

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

    Washington, DC – As first reported by Punchbowl News, today, Reps. Young Kim (CA-40) and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Republican co-chairs of the SALT Caucus, issued a statement following reporting of a $25,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions in budget reconciliation: 

    “A $25,000 SALT cap does not get close to bringing relief to families unfairly burdened by the current cap. We remain committed to working with our colleagues to fulfill President Trump’s promise to address this pressing issue, and we look forward to a serious discussion.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Klobuchar Opposes Trump Tariff Taxes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    WATCH KLOBUCHAR’S FULL REMARKS HERE

    WASHINGTON—On the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) spoke in opposition to the Congressional Republican budget resolution, which does nothing to stop President Trump’s tariff taxes that will increase costs by nearly $4,000 for the average family.

    “These sweeping tariffs are taxes that will raise costs for everything from medicine and food to clothes and housing,” said Klobuchar. “You already see the damage, the impact was immediate. Yesterday, the stock market fell almost 5% — the worst day since the pandemic crash in March of 2020—and today it continues to fall. Small businesses are freezing investments. Retailers, manufacturers and farmers are in limbo. …. This chaos and this uncertainty are hurting our economy.

    “We can and we should stand up to unfair trade practices. I have been a long believer in targeted use of tariffs … but what he is doing here, with these across-the-board tariffs, is reckless.”

    Download full Klobuchar’s remarks HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Klobuchar Opposes Congressional Republicans’ Budget to Give Tax Cuts for the Wealthy and Raise Costs for Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WATCH KLOBUCHAR’S FULL REMARKS HERE
    WASHINGTON—On the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) spoke in opposition to the Congressional Republican budget resolution, which provides tax cuts for the wealthy while raising costs on everyday Americans.
    “This budget would give massive tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy, and pay for it by raising costs, taking away health care, threatening the economic security of tens of millions of Americans,” said Klobuchar. “We could strengthen Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Instead of giving a $300,000 tax cut to someone in the top 0.1%, we could invest in child care, affordable housing, education, and affordable energy. And at the same time, we could put some aside to bring down the debt.” 
    “That’s how we support working families. That’s how we make sure our seniors retire with dignity. So we are standing up all day today to expose this budget for what it really is. It is benefits for the wealthy and the big guys at the expense of everyone else.”
    Download Klobuchar’s full remarks HERE. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –