Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boyle, Bennet, & Brown Introduce Legislation to Support Patients with Mental and Physical Health Comorbidities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

    Legislation Advances Innovative, Evidence-Based Collaboration Between Physical and Mental Health Providers

    WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (CO), and Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11) introduced the Mental and Physical Health Care Comorbidities Act, aimed at improving care for patients facing both mental and physical health challenges. The bicameral bill would authorize the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to fund innovative, evidence-based interventions at hospitals and health systems serving low-income patients, addressing how mental and physical health conditions interact.

    Current healthcare systems often fail to address the intersection of mental, behavioral, and physical health, as well as social determinants like economic status and food insecurity. Many providers serving patients with comorbidities have developed effective programs that bridge health and social expertise to improve outcomes.

    “For too long, mental and physical health treatments have been siloed. This legislation will help hospitals and health systems serving vulnerable communities integrate care for mental and physical health challenges, while addressing the social determinants of health,” said Congressman Boyle. “These evidence-based solutions will improve health equity and outcomes in medically underserved areas, including my district.”

    “As our country experiences a worsening mental health crisis, we must ensure patients who experience both mental and physical health challenges get the support and care they need,” said Senator Bennet. “Our bicameral bill builds off the experiences of Colorado medical professionals and will empower providers to work together to treat patients with physical and mental health comorbidities holistically.”

    “Communities of color and other underserved groups continue to feel the significant impact of comorbid mental and physical diseases,” said Congresswoman Brown. “The Mental and Physical Health Care Comorbidities Act, which I am proud to co-lead with Senator Bennet and Congressman Boyle would ensure our healthcare system is equipped to treat comorbidities that affect our most vulnerable populations and help move us closer to a more just and equitable health care system.”

    The Mental and Physical Health Care Comorbidities Act focuses on hospitals and health systems serving low-income and dually eligible populations (those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid). Participating hospitals will collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services to develop plans for improving care for uninsured and Medicaid patients with comorbid conditions.

    The bill would:

    • Address social determinants of health by promoting holistic care models.
    • Integrate mental and behavioral health screenings into medical assessments, particularly for children and adolescents.
    • Identify potential payment reforms to improve care delivery.
    • Enhance electronic health records to better integrate mental, behavioral, and physical health data.

    The text of the Mental and Physical Health Care Comorbidities Act is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bonamici, Radewagen, Moylan Lead Bipartisan Bill to Clean Up Marine Debris

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

    WASHINGTON DC [4/3/25] – Today Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa-At Large), and James Moylan (Guam-At Large) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen efforts to combat marine debris and protect the ocean.

    Marine debris poses a significant threat to coastal economies, marine ecosystems, and wildlife. The Save Our Seas (S.O.S.) 2.0 Amendments Act of 2025 builds upon the success of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act—the most comprehensive marine debris legislation ever passed by Congress—and provides greater flexibility to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with other stakeholders in marine debris prevention and removal efforts.

    “We all must work together to keep our ocean free from marine debris,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m pleased to join my colleagues and fellow Oceans Caucus members Rep. Radewagen and Rep. Moylan in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will strengthen the Marine Debris Foundation’s critical work and better support projects to clean up and prevent marine debris.”

    “In American Samoa, the ocean is the source of our islands’ beauty, our livelihoods, our recreation, and our future,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen. “I’m delighted to support ocean conservation and this good bipartisan legislation, which reauthorizes the Marine Debris Program, and builds on successes that are underway. Thank you especially to Rep. Bonamici for her leadership, my friend Rep. Moylan, and all those supporting these initiatives.” 

    “I am happy to support the S.O.S 2.0 Amendments Act and am grateful for Rep. Bonamici, and my good friend Rep. Radewagen, for their support on this important issue,” said Congressman James Moylan. “This bill will significantly enhance our ability to effectively prevent and address marine debris, both domestically and globally. Guam is surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean, and I understand the importance of protecting our marine environment. The strengthening of the Marine Debris Foundation and the improvement of waste management and mitigation infrastructure will have a direct impact on safeguarding the oceans that are so vital to our island community. This legislation will not only benefit Guam but also contribute to the protection of oceans worldwide. I commend the efforts to enact these necessary measures and look forward to the positive impacts they will bring to our region and beyond.”

    Specifically, the S.O.S. 2.0 Amendments Act will:

    • Enhance the Marine Debris Foundation’s Operations: Authorizes the Marine Debris Foundation to locate its principal office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community, providing flexibility to better address regional marine debris challenges;
    • Improve Outreach to Tribes: Mandates the development of best practices for conducting outreach to Tribes, promoting inclusive and effective engagement in marine debris prevention and removal efforts; and
    • Strengthen NOAA’s Marine Debris Program: Reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program through 2029 and allows NOAA to enter into agreements beyond traditional contracts and make in-kind contributions for projects, enhancing the program’s flexibility and effectiveness.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 640, Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Bill Summary

    S. 640 would amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to authorize the appropriation of specific amounts totaling $18 million for three trust funds that are credited with interest. Specifically, the bill would authorize the appropriation of:

    • $6 million for the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Trust Fund,
    • $8 million for the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund, and
    • $4 million for the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos’ Fund.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    The estimated budgetary effect of S. 640 is shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of S. 640

     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

       
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035

     

    Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation

       

    Authorization

    18

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    18

    18

    Estimated Outlays

    1

    5

    5

    3

    2

    2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    18

    18

     

    Increases in Direct Spending

       

    Estimated Budget Authority

    *

    *

    1

    *

    *

    *

    1

    *

    *

    *

    *

    1

    2

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    *

    *

    *

    1

    *

    *

    *

    1

    *

    *

    1

    2

    Basis of Estimate

    For this estimate, CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted in 2025 and that the authorized amounts will be appropriated in that same year.

    Spending Subject to Appropriation

    S. 640 would authorize the appropriation of specific amounts to three trust funds. That money would be spent on activities specified or allowed in the underlying settlement agreements. Based on historical spending patterns, CBO estimates that implementing S. 640 would cost $18 million over the 2025-2030 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.

    Direct Spending

    Any appropriations provided to the three trust funds are invested in Treasury obligations, including those that would be authorized by S. 640. Those trust funds are credited with interest based on the value of the Treasury obligations they hold. Because that credited interest can be spent on the trust funds’ activities without further appropriation, that spending is classified as direct spending.

    Based on the projection of interest rates that underlie CBO’s baseline, CBO estimates that the trust funds would be credited with $2 million, all of which would be spent over the 2025-2035 period.

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

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

    Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits

    CBO estimates that enacting S. 640 would not increase net direct spending by more than $2.5 billion in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    CBO estimates that enacting S. 640 would not increase on‑budget deficits by more than $5 billion in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    Mandates

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

    Estimate Reviewed By

    Ann E. Futrell
    Acting Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit

    Kathleen FitzGerald
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    H. Samuel Papenfuss 
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 109

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 109
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    210 PM CDT Thu Apr 3 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southern Arkansas
    Northern Louisiana
    Northwest Mississippi
    Northeast Texas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 210 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…As the atmosphere continues to destabilize, severe storms
    including supercells are expected to develop near a frontal boundary
    that extends generally southwest-northeast across the region. Any
    storms that develop near/south of the boundary could pose a tornado
    risk, aside from large hail and damaging winds.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 10 miles south of Tyler TX to 50
    miles north of Greenville MS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 107…WW 108…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean
    storm motion vector 23035.

    …Guyer

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 109
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    210 PM CDT Thu Apr 3 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southern Arkansas
    Northern Louisiana
    Northwest Mississippi
    Northeast Texas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 210 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…As the atmosphere continues to destabilize, severe storms
    including supercells are expected to develop near a frontal boundary
    that extends generally southwest-northeast across the region. Any
    storms that develop near/south of the boundary could pose a tornado
    risk, aside from large hail and damaging winds.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 10 miles south of Tyler TX to 50
    miles north of Greenville MS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 107…WW 108…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean
    storm motion vector 23035.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 109 TORNADO AR LA MS TX 031910Z – 040300Z
    AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    10S TYR/TYLER TX/ – 50N GLH/GREENVILLE MS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM N/S /35WSW GGG – 56NW SQS/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 23035.

    LAT…LON 32939540 34919098 33479098 31489540

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 109 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Previously convicted sex offender sentenced to federal prison for child pornography charges, following ICE investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    YAKIMA, Wash. — A 39-year-old man from Ellensburg was sentenced March 26 to 180 months in prison on one count of receipt of child pornography, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Aaron Dollarhide will also serve five years of supervised release.

    “This sentence marks a significant victory for our team and the community we serve. Our investigation, in close collaboration with local law enforcement, has exposed a predator who repeatedly endangered the lives of vulnerable children,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “We are steadfast in our commitment to pursue those who exploit minors, and we will continue to leverage every resource at our disposal to ensure that justice is served.”

    On Jan. 19, 2022, special agents with ICE HSI and Ellensburg police officers seized Dollarhide’s phone after serving a search warrant at his home. A thorough forensic examination of the device revealed Dollarhide had downloaded a folder of digital files containing child sexual abuse material the day prior. Investigators also located 687 additional videos on Dollarhide’s phone depicting children being sexually abused.

    Dollarhide was previously convicted of second-degree child molestation in 2012.

    “Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding individuals accountable for exploiting children,” said acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “Mr. Dollarhide’s actions of repeatedly downloading and possessing child pornography, despite a prior conviction for molesting a child, demonstrate a disturbing disregard for the safety and well-being of children. Our office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who exploit children, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who do harm young children will face the full consequences of their actions.”

    Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Greenville man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Steven Earl Dickert, 39, of Greenville, S.C., on three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

     

    Investigators state Dickert distributed files of child sexual abuse material.

     

    Dickert was arrested on April 1, 2025. He is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree (§16-15-405), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

    This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

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

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: What they’re saying: California’s 25 key deliverables for 2025 to protect communities from wildfire

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 3, 2025

    What you need to know: The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate.

    SACRAMENTO – Last month, the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate. 

    Following that release, leaders from across the state came together for a convening of the Task Force to share insights from the recent Los Angeles firestorms and discuss how priorities set in the 2025 deliverables will accelerate collective progress to increasing our resilience to wildfire.

    A full list of the 2025 key deliverables is available here.

    Here is a snapshot of what leaders are saying across the state:

    Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Fire Network Director, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources: “The Governor and the Task Force hit the nail on the head with their 2025 priorities. Efforts like home hardening; prescribed fire training; and strategic, landscape-scale fire planning are necessary next steps for our future with fire in California, and time is of the essence. We’ve spent years building this shared vision—let’s make it a reality!”

    Matt Dias, President, Calforests: “These Task Force priorities, coupled with the recent Governor’s Proclamation of Emergency supporting prevention activities, are the necessary actions to protect lives, communities and forests in an era of increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across California.”

    Scott Stephens, Professor of Fire Science, UC Berkeley: “Fire ignited by Indigenous people and lightning have been part of California ecosystems for thousands of years. The Governor’s Executive Orders and 2025 Deliverables will expedite the reintroduction of fire at meaningful scales and I fully support them.” 

    Jacy Hyde, Executive Director, California Fire Safe Council: “The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) has served as a trusted partner to support and mobilize community-led wildfire mitigation and preparedness in California’s highest risk communities. CFSC enthusiastically supports the Task Force’s efforts to build landscape resilience and empower communities to life safely with wildfire.”

    Dan Porter, California Forest Strategy Lead, The Nature Conservancy: “The Nature Conservancy applauds the accomplishments of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force. Through bold action the state can reduce the number, severity, and impact of wildfires with regionally appropriate interventions. We look forward to working with the Task Force on the implementation of its 2025 Deliverables.”

    Steve Frisch, Executive Director, Sierra Business Council: “The Governor is taking bold and direct action to reduce the risk of wildfire and its impact on California communities. This is particularly important in the Sierra Nevada, where wildfire resilience work not only protects communities but creates economic opportunities as we innovate to implement forest management, increase biomass utilization to reduce the cost of forest treatment, and develop new wood products.”

    Don Hankins, Co-lead, Indigenous Stewardship Network: “While we still have a long way to go, the action plan has laid a framework to catalyze meaningful change for the state. One key way it has done so is related to engagement and support for tribal entities. I definitely see many more opportunities to fortify this initial work and uplift communities these plans have laid a foundation for.” 

    Leaf Hillman and James Gore, Co-Chairs of the North Coast Regional Partnership (NCRP): “As the Co-chairs of NCRP, representing North Coast Tribes, counties and other regional partners, we have been impressed with the depth, breadth, and effectiveness of actions being moved forward by the Task Force and its partners – ranging from investments in data and planning tools, community health and safety, cultural and beneficial fire, workforce and capacity, landscape scale resilience programs, streamlining of regulatory programs, wood products utilization, and science based frameworks for measuring progress. These actions are all resulting in positive on-the-ground outcomes in our region, increasing the pace and scale of projects and initiatives that result in wildfire, climate, and community resilience.”

    Robert Macaulay, Madera County Supervisor and CA State Association of Counties (CSAC) representative on Task Force’s Executive Committee: “These deliverables are the product of hundreds of our best and brightest experts in forest health. While there is still a seemingly endless amount of work to be done, I am encouraged by these efforts and am committed to working with the State and Federal Government to bring them into fruition.”

    Marissa Christiansen, Executive Director, Climate and Wildfire Institute: “Lasting wildfire resilience cannot happen in silos. The Task Force has been instrumental in advancing a more integrated approach, ensuring critical information flows seamlessly across sectors. The Climate & Wildfire Institute is proud to support open data and collaboration across boundaries by linking research, policy, and practice to equip decision-makers with smarter, proactive solutions.”

    Zach Knight, CEO, Blue Forests: “To meet the scale of California’s wildfire crisis, we need to collaborate across sectors in ways we haven’t before. Public-private partnerships must be leveraged to bridge funding gaps, implement landscape-scale restoration, and build out forest utilization infrastructure. We are excited to continue to support the efforts of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force in unlocking innovative solutions that will accelerate the pace of forest restoration in California, protecting communities and strengthening our economy.”

    Mark Brown, Executive Officer, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority: “The California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force has taken a thoughtful, science-based approach in developing the 2025 Action Plan, providing a clear and effective path to improving the wildfire resilience of our state’s forests, wildlands, and communities. At the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, we have embraced this Action Plan as our foundation and guiding principles as we work with our communities to become fire adapted. We are grateful for the Task Force’s leadership in increasing the pace and scale of wildfire mitigation efforts across California, and we look forward to collaborating on building a Science-Based Framework for Measuring Progress to ensure long-term resilience.” 

    Michael O’Connell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Irvine Ranch Conservancy: “California is a remarkably diverse state and every region has different needs for fire management. The Task Force clearly recognizes this diversity, and their 2025 Priorities reflect the needs of every region. In coastal Southern California we deeply appreciate the Task Force’s leadership on the unconventional challenges we face in managing wildfire.”

    Sophia Lemmo, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts: “Through stronger collaboration, flexible block grants tailored to regional needs, streamlined regulations, and dedicated support for Emergency Forest Restoration Teams, the Task Force has strengthened RCDs’ capacity to advance forest resilience and recovery efforts. I’m confident that the 2025 priorities will further enhance RCDs’ ability to engage more landowners and expand their impact on forest stewardship.”

    Jonathan Kusel, Executive Director, The Sierra Institute: “The report by the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task force highlights the important coordination of groups, activities and projects across the State that collectively are reducing risk of catastrophic wildfire and protecting communities. The Task Force’s work identifies what is being done and in so doing helps groups, agencies and others more effectively target resources to where they’re most critically needed. This is essential work.”

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: Since March 2024, Governor Newsom’s joint Bay Area operation efforts have yielded 3,217 stolen vehicles recovered, 1,823 suspects arrested, and 170 illicit firearms seized. Sacramento, California – Continuing to provide collaborative public…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill:SB 26 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Civil actions: restitution for or replacement of a new motor vehicle. A signing message can be found here.For full text of the…

    News What you need to know: Soil is starting to be placed over the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Southern California – an important milestone as the world’s largest wildlife crossing comes to fruition. LOS ANGELES – The world’s largest wildlife crossing is…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: One year after launch, state’s enhanced enforcement in Oakland recovers 3,217 stolen vehicles, arrests 1,823 suspects

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 3, 2025

    What you need to know: Since March 2024, Governor Newsom’s joint Bay Area operation efforts have yielded 3,217 stolen vehicles recovered, 1,823 suspects arrested, and 170 illicit firearms seized.

    Sacramento, CaliforniaContinuing to provide collaborative public safety enforcement in the Bay Area, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the ongoing joint law enforcement operation in the Bay Area has resulted in recovering 3,217 stolen vehicles, arresting 1,823 individuals, and confiscating 170 illicit firearms since the operation’s launch in February 2024.

    Month after month, officers have worked hand-in-hand with their local counterparts across the Bay Area to protect our communities from bad actors. I’m proud of the CHP’s diligent work to get dangerous guns off our streets and recover stolen vehicles.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    In 2025 alone, officers have made 398 arrests, recovered 614 stolen cars, and seized 30 firearms. The enhanced operation in the region places additional California Highway Patrol (CHP) personnel to help take down property theft and violent crime, including gun violence. The CHP’s operation adds special law enforcement units on the ground and in the air — targeting sideshow activities and stolen vehicles.

    CHP’s support in Oakland began in February 2024. In July 2024, Governor Newsom announced an additional surge, quadrupling the number of shifts CHP officers worked in the region. This was in addition to the installation of a network of 480 high-tech cameras in the East Bay, which includes 190 on state highways and 290 in the city of Oakland. This camera network allows law enforcement agencies to identify vehicle attributes beyond license plate numbers, enabling the CHP, local law enforcement, and allied agencies to search for vehicles suspected to be linked to crimes and receive real-time alerts about their movement.

    Overall, the cameras have aided law enforcement in numerous investigations and, most recently, led to the arrest of a road rage shooting suspect in March 2025 in San Bernardino. 

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    Through a state, county, and city partnership, the CHP saturates high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. The Newsom administration has provided similar CHP support to regional crime hot spots throughout California, including Bakersfield and San Bernardino

    In August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars.

    California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    Press Releases

    Recent news

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill:SB 26 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Civil actions: restitution for or replacement of a new motor vehicle. A signing message can be found here.For full text of the…

    News What you need to know: Soil is starting to be placed over the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Southern California – an important milestone as the world’s largest wildlife crossing comes to fruition. LOS ANGELES – The world’s largest wildlife crossing is…

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced the release of the Master Plan for Career Education, a bold statewide strategy to connect Californians — especially those in rural parts of the state — to high-paying, fulfilling careers, with or without a college…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The risk of polycrisis in the immediate future – E-001298/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001298/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sebastião Bugalho (PPE), Lídia Pereira (PPE), Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (PPE), Sérgio Humberto (PPE), Paulo Cunha (PPE), Hélder Sousa Silva (PPE)

    A strong transatlantic alliance is crucial to address common challenges. It is in the interest of the EU and the United States that their relationship is preserved.

    However, the decision of the US administration to end the US development aid is an alarming one. In the last three months, 1.3 million displaced Ukrainians have lost financial support and shelter and 2.7 million no longer have access to medical assistance. In Africa, it is feared that the cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) could lead to a migration crisis similar to that of 2015 in Syria. In Sudan, 25 million people are enduring acute food insecurity and at least 638 000 people are experiencing famine.

    We now risk facing a security crisis on the eastern front, the return of organised terrorism[1] and simultaneous health and migration crises, all converging in time and space.

    • 1.Has the Commission assessed the impact of USAID cuts? If so, how will the EU address the gap caused by this defunding?
    • 2.Are any partnerships with non-EU countries being considered to mitigate its effects?
    • 3.The debate on the US withdrawal mainly focuses on the defence aspect, but its impact is far-reaching. Is the Commission taking into account the scenario of simultaneous migration and health crises arising as a consequence?

    Submitted: 27.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/16/fight-against-terrorism-and-violent-extremism-council-approves-conclusions-on-reinforcing-external-internal-links/.
    Last updated: 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Pushes for Year-Round E15

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – As the summer driving season quickly approaches, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined her colleagues to request the Trump administration issue year-round, nationwide E15 waivers to provide certainty for Iowa producers, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and give consumers choices at the pump. 
    Earlier this week, Ernst highlighted Iowa biofuels as a key solution to achieving energy independence when she joined Secretary Rollins in Iowa for an announcement on the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). 
    “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.  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,” wrote the senators. 
    “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 concluded.
    Read the full letter here. 
    Background:
    Throughout her time in Congress, Ernst has been a strong advocate for homegrown, Iowa biofuels. Since 2015, she has supported legislation to permanently allow the nationwide sale of year-round E15. She looks forward to partnering with the Trump administration to make it a reality.
    In March 2024, Ernst and the entire Iowa delegation urged President Biden to immediately issue an emergency waiver, which would make E15 available across the country and utilize the strength of American agriculture to provide energy independence. In April 2024, Ernst and a bipartisan group of senators once again called on President Biden to permit the summertime sale of E15 fuel and finally secured year-round, nationwide E15 sales for the entire 2024 driving season.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Entice A 13-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Reagan Morales Roblero (37, Guatemala), has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Roblero faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the attempted enticement offense and a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the attempted transfer of obscene material. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, from July 22 through September 5, 2024, Roblero communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. In actuality, the child was an undercover Homeland Security Investigations special agent (UC). Throughout their conversations, Roblero repeatedly described the sexual activity he wanted to engage in with the child, sending explicit videos to clarify the specific sex acts he desired. On September 5, 2024, after Roblero told the UC that he “want[ed] to make love tonight,” the UC discussed meeting at a motel in in Marion County. Roblero told the UC that the “most private” motel without “cameras” was better for their “protection.” Roblero further stated that he would drive to the motel to see if they could safely meet “because u underage [and] I’m old.” Ultimately, Roblero was arrested by law enforcement in the lobby of the motel. The motel clerk advised law enforcement that Roblero had asked about obtaining a room at the back of the building. 

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Joins Sen. Cory Booker to Introduce Bill Protecting Farmers from USDA Funding Freezes

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in introducing the Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025, legislation aimed at ensuring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) fulfills its commitments to farmers by releasing frozen funds and preventing the agency from canceling legally binding contracts. Farmers must be able to rely on USDA funding to plan their planting season and prevent them from having to shut down their operations.

    “Under Elon Musk’s DOGE, the USDA has failed to honor its agreements, leaving farmers and rural communities in financial limbo,” said Vasquez. “This bill will hold the agency accountable, ensuring our farmers receive the support they were promised to continue feeding our communities and driving our rural economies.”

    The Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 requires the USDA to immediately unfreeze funding for all signed, existing agreements and contracts, ensuring the rapid payment of any past due amounts. Additionally, the legislation prohibits canceling signed contracts with farmers and agricultural organizations unless there is a failure to comply with the agreed-upon terms. 

    Under the new Administration, the USDA has paused reimbursements for previously contracted projects across multiple programs and terminated some agreements based on their inclusion of diversity and equity language, disproportionately harming small farmers and historically underserved communities. Several projects in New Mexico are still awaiting confirmation on whether the USDA will unfreeze their funding—many of which have already been actively collaborating with local producers. This includes the Community Food Project grant for Frontier Food Hub in Silver City and the Quivira Coalition’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities funding. Additionally, the cancellation of the Local Food Purchase Agreement program has left food banks and the farmers who supply them without a critical funding source.

    “New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers work hard every day to provide for our communities, and they deserve to be treated with fairness and respect,” Vasquez continued. “We are sending a clear message: the federal government must honor its commitments and stop playing politics with farmers’ livelihoods.”

    “Farmers across the country have been in limbo ever since the USDA froze previously signed agreements and contracts, with many facing catastrophic consequences if these freezes continue,” said Senator Booker. “USDA’s refusal to pay what is owed to farmers and the organizations that support them is theft, plain and simple. It’s a critical time of year for farmers and ranchers. They should be doing what they love – feeding our communities, not worrying about unpaid contracts. This legislation will fix that by forcing USDA and the Trump Administration to hold up their end of the deal.”

    “The USDA should not have free rein to leave America’s farmers—the people who feed our country—out to dry. Honoring contractual obligations and disbursing funding that was approved by Congress isn’t about red states or blue states. It’s about right and wrong. It’s about the American people being able to trust their government to follow through on their promises and commitments,” said Rep. Pingree. “The Honor Farmer Contracts Act will ensure our farmers get the support and resources they were promised—and, in many cases, are counting on to keep their operations going.”

    “Whether through deliberate sabotage or sheer incompetence, Donald Trump’s USDA has already created crisis after crisis for American farmers,” said Rep. Jim McGovern. “This is especially true for our small and medium-sized farmers, who stepped up during the pandemic to feed the country and are now facing a USDA that is abandoning its commitments and purging expert professional staff. USDA programs are investments that the American people make in the farmers who sustain our communities. They are not Trump’s playthings. I’m proud to partner with Representatives Vasquez, Pingree, Riley, and Senator Booker to defend against Trump’s attack on independent farmers and local food systems.”

    “Our farms are already struggling to make ends meet under crippling tariff threats, a labor shortage, and an economy that props up Big Ag while small producers get screwed,” said Rep. Josh Riley. “And now, to add insult to injury, this Administration is breaking its promises to them. Enough is enough. It’s time for the USDA to unfreeze these funds and pay what they owe our farmers.”

    The bill has gained support from key members of the House Agriculture Committee and is now moving forward in both chambers as lawmakers push for swift action. Representatives Pingree, McGovern, Riley, Leger Fernandez, Tokuda, McClain Delaney, and Budzinski joined Representative Vasquez in introducing this bill.

    To see the list of organizations endorsing the Honor Farmer Contacts Act, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Holds First Hearing as Top Democrat on House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, Calls out Republican Hypocrisy on Free Speech

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, delivered opening remarks at the inaugural Subcommittee on South and Central Asia hearing, which ignored pressing bipartisan national security issues to instead repeat Republicans’ false claims of right-wing censorship.

    Watch the full video here.

     

    Below are Ranking Member Kamlager-Dove’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today’s subcommittee hearing:

    Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to our witnesses for being here for our first South and Central Asia Subcommittee hearing. I look forward to working with the Chair in a bipartisan way on the critical issues we are charged with overseeing.

    Unfortunately, we’re not having a hearing about any of those. Instead, this Subcommittee is wasting taxpayer time and resources on the fifth such hearing Republicans have held across multiple committees on the so-called “censorship-industrial complex.”

    The majority is relitigating a made-up conspiracy theory about a part of the State Department that no longer exists to distract from the dumpster fire foreign policy this Administration is pursuing—and elevating a serial sexual harasser as their star witness in the process.

    Mr. Chair, I request unanimous consent to enter into the record two articles about the Republican witness Matt Taibbi: A Chicago Reader article titled, “Twenty years ago, in Moscow, Matt Taibbi was a misogynist a–hole—and possibly worse,” and a Washington Post article titled, “The two expat bros who terrorized women correspondents in Moscow.”

    This hearing could not be more out of touch with the concerns of everyday Americans.

    People’s retirement savings are being decimated as Trump’s arbitrary tariffs tank the stock market.

    They are staring down the barrel of cuts to their Social Security and Medicare because the Republican majority wants to give a tax break to billionaires like Elon Musk who have deep financial ties to our adversaries.

    Meanwhile, Trump is siding with Putin against American national security interests and risking the lives of American troops in a Signal group chat.

    I’ve been to the State Department, and I do have concerns about censorship—censorship of the employees who are terrified to say the wrong thing or have the wrong word in their job title and be terminated by an Administration that publicly relishes punishing people for their speech.

    If we want to talk about censorship, we should begin with Trump’s unprecedented assault on the First Amendment and rule of law.

    Here a few examples that should send shivers down all our spines:

    Trump banned the Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One because they kept using the name “Gulf of Mexico”, something that none of us would have hesitated to do until a few months ago.

    Trump signed executive orders targeting law firms for representing clients that opposed or investigated him—upending the fundamental principle that lawyers should not fear to represent their clients.

    And most terrifying, Trump ordered ICE agents to arrest and detain Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, and snatch off the street a Tufts University student and visa holder, Rumeysa Ozturk, for protesting and writing an op-ed—for exercising their right to free speech.

    As you can see, Trump is brazenly weaponizing the government to intimidate and silence any part of American society that disagrees with him.

    Countering disinformation from hostile foreign powers should not be a partisan issue. Yet this Administration has crippled our capacity to respond to these threats while aiding, abetting—even amplifying—our adversaries’ influence operations.

    The PRC has invested billions in pumping out propaganda, weaponizing the world’s largest known online disinformation operation to silence critics, discredit lawmakers, and harass U.S. companies who are at odds with China’s interests.

    Russia maintains a sophisticated and sprawling disinformation apparatus to manipulate American public sentiment to Putin’s advantage–even paying conservative influencers to create and amplify pro-Kremlin content.

    How has Trump confronted these threats?

    He shut down independent media broadcasters like USAGM and Radio Free Asia, a move that was actually celebrated in Chinese state media.

    He dismantled the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, which his own Administration first created in 2017 to uncover foreign disinformation and propaganda targeting Americans.

    He even appointed a white nationalist named Darren Beattie, who has parroted Kremlin and CCP talking points and denied the PRC’s ongoing Uyghur genocide, to the State Department’s top public diplomacy job.

    Mr. Chair, I request unanimous consent to enter into the record my letter urging Secretary Rubio to fire Darren Beattie for his dangerous anti-American, pro-CCP, white nationalist ideology.

    Countering foreign propaganda has become politicized not because of censorship concerns, but because of conspiracy theories, in some cases spread by the majority witnesses at this very hearing. And now the most egregious disinformation spreader is sitting in the White House.

    We should be exploring real bipartisan solutions to this pressing national security issue on behalf of the American people, not perpetuating culture war divisions.

    Thank you Mr. Chair and I yield back.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks, Newhouse Introduce the Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today introduced the Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act, legislation that requires congressional approval for the designation of national monuments. Also cosponsoring this legislation is Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR).

    “We must preserve the use of federal lands for responsible recreational, agricultural and energy use,” said Representative Miller-Meeks, M.D. “For years the Obama and Biden Administrations used the Antiquities Act to institutionalize massive executive overreach, seizing acres and acres of land without consequence. In some congressional districts, almost 80% of rural land is set aside as public or federal land. Our legislation would curb executive overreach and require the administration to consult Congress before making rash decisions about our federal lands.”

    “The Antiquities Act was designed to protect our nation’s culturally significant natural monuments and lands. Over the years, its scope has been expanded by Democrat administrations that seek to lock up federal lands and restrict access for important uses like agriculture and responsible energy production.” said Representative Newhouse. “This legislation gives Congress the power to check the executive branch in decisions regarding these lands and prevents future administrations from circumventing the legislative branch on such an important issue. I thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for her leadership on this legislation as we work to protect our nation’s treasured monuments and lands.”

    Miller-Meeks, Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, also introduced the bill in the 118th Congress.

    Background:

    • The Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act, requires congressional approval of presidential declarations within 6 months or before the end of the last session of the Congress it was introduced, whichever comes first. 
    • If the legislation is not approved by Congress, the monument cannot be designated again by the President for 25 years.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Blumenthal, Hawley Open Investigation into Meta for Alleged Collaboration with CCP

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced an investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) for its alleged work to censor and provide artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including surveillance software, for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a letter sent yesterday to Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg, the senators demanded all records and communications pertaining to Meta’s operations within China, including the potential use of AI models developed by or in collaboration with the CCP. 
    Citing internal documents received by the subcommittee, “Facebook’s plan reportedly included more engagement with the CCP, and later included plans to partner with a Chinese company to build censorship tools and provide the CCP with user data. Further, Facebook’s censorship efforts on behalf of the CCP allegedly extended to dissidents outside of China, including in the United States,” the senators wrote.
    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: VA Firings “Not Rational,” King Tells Terminated Veterans at Investigative Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a special hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) hosted by Ranking Member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), spoke with Shernice Mundell, a veteran and former Office of Personnel Management (OPM) employee, who was terminated during the mass federal layoffs implemented by the Trump Administration.
    During the exchange, Senator King asked Mundell about her probationary status and job performance at OPM; this probationary classification can apply to any employee who is a new hire or has been awarded a promotion in the last year and isn’t necessarily an indicator of job performance. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins and Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell were invited to join the spotlight hearing but chose to not attend. The hearing comes on the heels of mass firings and contract cancellations executed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the request of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    “Shernice. We’ve got you here. You were at OPM. Did you get a poor performance letter,” asked Senator King.
    “Yes, I did. Yeah,” replied Mundell.
    “Was that consistent with your prior evaluations,” again asked Senator King.
    “No, like I said, I was promoted a month after I had started, and as far as I know, my performance was fine, my supervisor referred me to another position, and I interviewed for it and was hired. It was all within the same department, and it was a promotion,” said Mundell.
    “So, there was no notice to you of any performance issues before you got this letter,” questioned Senator King.
    “Correct,” responded Mundell.
    “I feel like a psychiatrist. How did it make you feel when you got a letter that said poor performance,” asked Senator King.
    “I was shocked. I was kind of expecting something to happen because I had read Project 2025, so I knew what they wanted to do with the federal employees. I didn’t think it was going to happen as quickly as it happened, but about two weeks before, I had started getting emails saying that I was in my probationary period and my job was being reevaluated to see if it was still necessary,” said Mundell.
    “So, you were on probation when you got the firing. Is that true of people, other people you know, that were fired? Basically, that it was everybody was on probation,” Senator King questioned again.
    “Yes, right. It was about 75 people on the call when I got fired,” said Mundell.
    “And none of them that you know of had performance issues. It was just the fact that they were on probation,” asked Senator King.
    “Correct. None of them had, as far as I know, in the one department that I came from, we had never had performance reviews, because they were only there since August,” responded Mundell.
    “Now, the problem with firing people on probation is it’s not rational, in the sense that there’s no analysis behind it,” commented Senator King.
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans’ personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans’ medical records stored in VA’s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.
    Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” Senator King recently joined SVAC Ranking Member Senator Blumenthal in writing a letter to Secretary Collins raising concerns over proposed $1 spending limits on VA purchase cards which are used to pay for gas to transport disabled veterans to apportionments, buy medical supplies and more. Senator King also joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Spotlights Importance of Local News, First Amendment Amid Threats to Free Press

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring a resolution designating April 2025 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month.” The resolution underscores the vital role of local journalism in American democracy, especially as the First Amendment faces mounting threats.  
    “Local news is the key to better-informed communities, public interest journalism, and responsive governance – and the men and women who believe in reporting are feeling an unprecedented squeeze from economic and political pressures,” said Senator King. “As we see job losses and shrinking newsrooms, the resulting local news deserts are bad for citizen awareness, involvement and having their priorities reflected in decision-making. That’s why we owe local journalists a debt of gratitude this month and every month.”
    Overall employment in newspaper, television, radio, and digital newsrooms in the United States fell by 26 percent, or 30,000 jobs, from 2008-2020. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, more than 360 local newsrooms have closed across the country. This resolution affirms the significance of local news in increasing civic engagement and strengthening democratic norms and practices and recognizes the invaluable contributions of local journalists in maintaining healthy and vibrant communities.
    The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Fetterman (D-PA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).
    King is an ardent supporter of local journalism. During the pandemic, he joined a bipartisan letter urging the Office of Management and Budget to provide relief for local news outlets. He also joined Brian Stelter’s CNN Reliable Sources program to highlight the threats facing local media and the unique, vital services provided by these local outlets during the pandemic.
    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Secures Commitments from Key Interior and Energy Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    04.03.25
    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), former Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), this week secured important commitments for Alaska from Deputy Secretary of Interior nominee Katharine MacGregor and Deputy Secretary of Energy nominee James Danly. Both committed to assist the Alaska Congressional Delegation on efforts to develop Alaska’s immense resources and to follow the law in notifying Congress of any substantial restructuring efforts at either Department.
    Click here to watch the Senator’s full line of questioning.
    The full transcript of Murkowski’s comments is below.
    TRANSCRIPT
    Murkowski: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to both of you. Ms. MacGregor, I enjoyed our conversation. I am looking forward to you being back and fixing a lot of things. Many of the issues we spoke about in my office related to federal lands, better consultation with Alaska Natives, restoring what we do with our multiple use lands, addressing natural hazards like wildfires, and producing more of our energy; there is a lot to do.
    Mr. Danly, you have been before this committee multiple times as well. I’m looking forward to working with you to help address some of Alaska’s energy challenges, everything from microgrids to geothermal to advanced nuclear. I want to follow on the comment that was made by the Senator from Arizona [Senator Gallego]. I just came from a critical minerals discussion this morning, and as I look to our opportunity to be able to access these great resources that we need, I realize that until we figure out how to deal with power in some of these remote areas, it’s going to be really hard to do. I look at the small modular reactors and the advancements that can come from here bring a real opportunity.
    I want to address a couple questions to both of you, hopefully they should be very quick and easy. I know that you are not in the building yet, I get that, but we all watched as we have seen this effort to reduce the size of government, certainly within the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior. I have been concerned, and have expressed concern about how many of these employees have been treated in this process.
    I would ask that you both commit, if you are confirmed, that you will abide by the statutory requirements to notify Congress of any plans to reorganize, restructure, or implement reductions in force. I am also the Chairman on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that has oversight here. We have sent letters to the Secretaries themselves with regards to the requirement in law of advance notification. And then just from my perspective as a Senator who represents a state that has a lot of public lands and a big federal presence, we have a lot of engagement and interaction with you. So, I would just ask again if I can have your commitment that you’ll be transparent with us about what is coming, and to abide by the statutory requirements to notify.
    MacGregor: Senator, I can commit to obey all federal laws when it comes to efficiency efforts that we’re working on.
    Murkowski: Thank you.
    Danly: I also commit to following the law for all of the efficiency efforts.
    Murkowski: Thank you. I have had the opportunity to talk with you Ms. MacGregor, but certainly my colleagues on the committee here know that we’re facing a situation in Alaska with declining production in Cook Inlet with regards to our natural gas, and in facing what I think is really an unforgivable direction, and that would be the prospect of liquified natural gas imports, potentially from Canada. So, I would ask that you both work with me and the delegation to advance Alaska projects and support development of our resources so we can avoid reliance on energy imports. For a state that has as much as the state of Alaska has, there is no good reason we should be relying on Canada to keep our lights on. Do I have that commitment from both of you?
    MacGregor: You sure do, and I was just as shocked when you informed me of that and I look forward to working with you on those issues.
    Murkowski: Thank you. Mr. Danly?
    Danly: It’s crazy to think that Alaska would be importing energy. I absolutely commit to working on that with you.
    Murkowski: You both know we have an awful lot to offer there.
    Ms. MacGregor, I want to take you back to some of our greatest hits from when you were in the first Trump administration. Some of the alphabet issues you worked on, ITRs, PLOs, we have got to be making progress with that. Certainly, the President’s executive order is going to help us there. But I also raised with you the issue of BIA probate, and the extraordinary backlog that we’re dealing with. It should not take five or 10 or more years to resolve these probate cases, and I would just ask that you put a priority on these issues so we can deal with something that has not only impacted us so greatly in Alaska, but so many other parts of the country as well.
    MacGregor: I am so grateful that you raised that issue. I had never even heard of it before, but the first thing I thought is if it’s impacting you and the people of Alaska, it must be impacting so many more on this committee and in other parts of the [country], so I look forward to working with you on that.
    Murkowski: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, my time has expired.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Enhanced rental assistance programs support families, seniors

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More people will now benefit from enhancements to the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program, helping low-income families and seniors afford their rent.

    “With the rising cost of living, we’re enhancing supports through the RAP and SAFER programs to ensure more families and seniors can access essential financial help,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These changes will help people stay in their homes in the communities they love and allow us to support more people as they manage the challenges of rent and living expenses.”

    Starting April 1, 2025, and as part of Budget 2025, RAP and SAFER programs have expanded eligibility criteria that will benefit more than 30,000 households in B.C. Existing eligible recipients will also see an automatic increase in their average benefits, providing them with more financial assistance to contribute toward rent. These changes build on the improvements to SAFER and the one-time RAP benefit introduced in April 2024.

    “Seniors are vital to our communities, and they should receive the support they need to live comfortably,” said Susie Chant, parliamentary secretary for seniors’ services and long-term care. “This change to eligibility requirements offers much-needed relief for low-income seniors and families facing rising living costs. These improvements will help seniors live safely and comfortably in their homes and in communities they’ve helped build.”

    Improvements to RAP include:

    • increasing the household income limit for eligibility from $40,000 to $60,000 (before taxes) is expected to nearly double the number of families eligible for support from approximately 3,200 to nearly 6,000;
    • increasing the average family supplement for existing recipients from $400 per month to $700 per month;
    • implementing single provincial rent ceilings based on household size, which can now be reviewed and amended annually and will help ensure rent support for people remains adequate and flexible to changes; and
    • removing the requirement for employment income, which will result in low-income families that are not receiving income or disability assistance being able to receive rental assistance if other eligibility requirements are met.

    Enhancements to SAFER include:

    • increasing the household income limit for eligibility from $37,240 to $40,000, which is expected to benefit as many as 1,600 more seniors, for an estimated total of 25,000 SAFER recipients; and
    • increasing the average supplement by nearly 30%, bringing the average monthly subsidy for existing seniors to $337.

    “The SAFER program is an essential support for low-income B.C. seniors living on fixed incomes who are struggling with the rising cost of rent, groceries and other items needed for healthy aging,” said Dan Levitt, B.C. seniors advocate. “I’m pleased more seniors will be eligible to receive SAFER, however, I’d still like to see the SAFER program be indexed to inflation and have government commit to ensuring the program is meeting its goal to have recipients paying no more than 30% of their income on rent. The seniors’ demographic in B.C. is increasing rapidly and supports such as SAFER are critically important for the quality of life for low-income seniors.”

    Through Budget 2025, the Province is investing an additional $375 million over the next three years to enhance both RAP and SAFER programs. This includes the $75 million committed through an agreement with the B.C. Green Party caucus to boost the programs and deliver more supports for families and seniors.

    “The B.C. Greens have long advocated for stronger rental support, and we’re proud to see these improvements through our accord with the NDP,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. “Housing must be a priority and the $75 million we secured will help more families and seniors get the help they need to make rents more affordable.”

    To ensure that eligible families and seniors are fully informed about the support available to them, BC Housing has launched a public awareness campaign.

    Learn More:

    For information about the Rental Assistance Program and the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs

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

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Support Grows for President Trump’s America First Reciprocal Trade Plan

    Source: The White House

    One day after President Donald J. Trump announced a new chapter in American prosperity, support continues to roll in for his bold vision to reverse the decades of globalization that has decimated our industrial base.

    The support is bipartisan, with Democrat Rep. Jared Golden lauding President Trump’s plan: “I’m pleased the president is building his tariff agenda on the foundation of a universal 10 percent tariff like the one I proposed in the BUILT USA Act. This ring fence around the American economy is a good start to erasing our unsustainable trade deficits. I’m eager to work with the president to fix the broken ‘free trade’ system that made multinational corporations rich but ruined manufacturing communities across the country.”

    Here’s what else they’re saying:

    Coalition for a Prosperous America Chairman Zach Mottl: “A permanent, universal baseline tariff resets the global trade environment and finally addresses the destructive legacy of decades of misguided free-trade policies. President Trump’s decision to implement a baseline tariff is a game-changing shift that prioritizes American manufacturing, protects working-class jobs, and safeguards our economic security from adversaries like China. This is exactly the type of bold action America needs to restore its industrial leadership. Today’s action will deliver lasting benefits to the U.S. economy and working-class Americans, cementing President Trump’s legacy as one that ushered in a new Golden Age of American industrialization and prosperity.”

    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association SVP of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “For too long, America’s family farmers and ranchers have been mistreated by certain trading partners around the world. President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high-quality, wholesome American beef. NCBA will continue engaging with the White House to ensure fair treatment for America’s cattle producers around the world and optimize opportunities for exports abroad.”

    Steel Manufacturers Association President Philip K. Bell: “President Trump is a champion of the domestic steel industry, and his America First Trade Policy is designed to fight the unfair trade that has harmed American workers and weakened manufacturing in the United States. The recently reinvigorated 232 steel tariffs have already started creating American jobs and bolstering the domestic steel industry. President Trump is working to turn America into a manufacturing powerhouse and the steel tariffs are driving that movement. President Trump’s initial 232 steel tariffs and the historic tax cuts led to investments of nearly $20 billion by steel manufacturers in the United States. Since the revised tariffs took effect, Hyundai Steel announced a $5.8 billion steel mill in Louisiana, demonstrating that the tariffs are working to bring more steel investments and production to the United States. The domestic steel market is stronger when other nations are forced to compete on a level playing field. On a level playing field, American workers can outcompete anyone. We look forward to continuing working with President Trump and his administration to ensure a level playing field for Americans and a robust domestic steel industry that strengthens our national, economic and energy security.”

    Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul: “Today’s trade action prioritizes domestic manufacturers and America’s workers. These hardworking men and women have seen unfair trade cut the ground from beneath their feet for decades. They deserve a fighting chance. Our workers can out-compete anyone in the world, but they need a level playing field to do it. This trade reset is a necessary step in the right direction.”

    National Electrical Contractors Association CEO David Long: “President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that put the electrical industry as a priority, and we recognize his commitment to strengthening our nation’s economy. As these new tariffs take effect, we look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that electrical contractors and the entire electrical industry can continue powering America efficiently while navigating potential cost and supply chain challenges.”

    American Compass Chief Economist Oren Cass: “The new policies announced by President Trump today confirm the end of the disastrous WTO era and lay the groundwork for a new set of arrangements in the international economy that prioritize the national interest and the flourishing of the nation’s working families.”

    National Council of Textile Organizations CEO Kim Glas: “We strongly commend President Trump and his administration on their tariff reciprocity plan to finally begin rebalancing America’s trade positioning in markets at home and abroad. We want to thank President Trump on behalf of the U.S. textile industry and the 471,000 workers we employ.”

    Southern Shrimp Alliance Executive Director John Williams: “We’ve watched as multigenerational family businesses tie up their boats, unable to compete with foreign producers who play by a completely different set of rules. We are grateful for the Trump Administration’s actions today, which will preserve American jobs, food security, and our commitment to ethical production.”

    American Iron and Steel Institute President Kevin Dempsey: “AISI thanks President Trump for standing up for American workers by restoring fairness in international trade and addressing non-reciprocal trade relationships. American steel producers are all too familiar with the detrimental effects of unfair foreign trade practices on domestic industries and their workers. Driven by subsidies and other foreign government trade-distorting practices, global overcapacity in the steel industry reached 573 million metric tons in 2024 and has spurred high levels of exports of steel from countries like China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia that continue to produce steel in volumes that significantly exceed their domestic demand. These exports directly and indirectly injure steel producers in the U.S. and government action to address this unloading of steel overproduction on world markets is overdue.”

    Americans for Limited Government Executive Director Robert Romano: “Thank you, President Trump, for putting America first and finally once and for all levying the same tariffs on trade partners that they have levied mercilessly on the United States for decades. This was not an easy decision to make, but one that is long overdue with a record $1.2 trillion trade in goods deficit in 2024 after the failed rule of former President Joe Biden. … Under President Trump’s leadership, America will be the industrial and technology leader of the world, with commitments for hundreds of billions of investments in the United States. For countries that want to avoid the tariffs, it’s simple: Build in America. … Thank you again, President Trump, for your leadership in restoring reciprocity in trade and for having the courage that all of our other leaders have lacked.”

    American Petroleum Institute: “We welcome President Trump’s decision to exclude oil and natural gas from new tariffs, underscoring the complexity of integrated global energy markets and the importance of America’s role as a net energy exporter. We will continue working with the Trump administration on trade policies that support American energy dominance.”

    National Association of Home Builders Chairman Buddy Hughes: “NAHB is pleased President Trump recognized the importance of critical construction inputs for housing and chose to continue current exemptions for Canadian and Mexican products, with a specific exemption for lumber from any new tariffs at this time. NAHB will continue to work with the administration to find ways to increase domestic lumber production, reduce regulatory burdens, and create an environment that allows builders to increase our nation’s housing supply.”

    International Dairy Foods Association SVP of Trade and Workforce Policy Becky Rasdall Vargas: “The U.S. dairy industry exports more than $8 billion of high-quality dairy products every year to approximately 145 countries around the world. To meet growing global demand, dairy businesses have invested $8 billion in new processing capacity here in the United States—creating jobs, strengthening rural economies, and positioning America as the world’s leading dairy supplier. This growth depends on strong trade relationships and access to essential ingredients, finished goods, packaging, and equipment to provide Americans with safe, affordable, and nutritious dairy foods and beverages. IDFA supports the Trump Administration’s efforts to hold trading partners accountable and expand market access for U.S. dairy.”

    Bienvenido Empresarios: “As an organization committed to empowering Hispanic Americans and strengthening our nation’s future, Bienvenido supports policies that build a more resilient American economy, safeguard our communities, and reassert U.S. leadership on the global stage. President Trump’s emphasis on using economic leverage — including tariffs — reflects a broader strategy to counter China, confront the deadly fentanyl crisis, and bring critical industries back home. Now is a time for tough, decisive action when national security and American livelihoods are at stake. Our hope is that these measures lead to stronger enforcement, fairer trade, and long-term prosperity for all Americans.”

    America First Policy Institute: “Tariffs worked then—and they’ll work again. Under President Trump, tariffs brought back jobs, lowered inflation, and strengthened national security. It’s not just economic policy—it’s America First in action.”

    Author Batya Ungar-Sargon: “[President Trump] is saying we’re going to invest heavily in our middle class. We are no longer going to be a country in which our economy is an upward funnel of wealth from the hardest-working Americans into the pockets of the international global elites.”

    Fox Business Network’s Charles Payne: “President Trump ran on tariffs. What we just saw was a president who did what he said he was going to do … This system is unsustainable … Is our patriotism tied to Wall Street? Or should it be tied to our own personal ability to achieve the American Dream?”

    Republic Financial Chairman Nate Morris: “As someone who was raised by a proud autoworker – thank you President Trump for putting AMERICAN workers first again!”

    Commentator Geraldo Rivera: “The family did visit Japan… we did not see a single American car on the road in Tokyo — not a Caddy, not a Buick, not a Ford, not a Chevy… I have an innate sense that there’s something unfair going on… if they are screwing us, we got to tax them.”

    Commentator Bill O’Reilly: “We’ve been getting hosed since World War II by the trade imbalance … You can do what Biden and Obama did, which is just ignore it completely … The numbers are staggering, and the best part of Trump’s speech today was that he said that if you go to Japan or South Korea or China or Germany, you’re not going to see any American cars because they won’t let them in … Trump is right.”

    CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp: “America cannot afford to be taken advantage of any longer.  Even our friends and strategic allies have for too long assumed that the United States could absorb unfair treatment, including high tariffs on American goods.  We applaud the steps taken by President Trump today to defend American manufacturers not because we like higher taxes, but because we know that trade is only free when both sides follow similar rules.  What President Trump understands is that America needs to get back on track by improving our domestic competitiveness by cutting taxes and regulations AND we need to take on the globalists who believe Americans should not always have to take it in the chops.  Real respect begins with economic reciprocity.”

    Speaker Mike Johnson: “President Trump is sending a clear message with Liberation Day: America will not be exploited by unfair trade practices anymore. These tariffs restore fair and reciprocal trade and level the playing field for American workers and innovators. The President understands that FREE trade ONLY works when it’s FAIR!”

    Gov. Jeff Landry: “Pro Jobs. Pro Business. Pro America.”

    Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “President Trump is acting boldly to put America first. America needs fair and free trade. We can’t allow other countries to keep abusing our workers and job creators. It’s time we had a level playing field. I applaud President Trump’s 100% commitment to Made in America.”

    Sen. Jim Banks: “The decision by President Trump today to impose reciprocal tariffs will be so good for Indiana. … Those are the manufacturing jobs that President Trump is bringing back from overseas.”

    Sen. Bill Cassidy: “The president’s trade agenda can pave the way for stronger trade deals, fairer rules, and real results. I am excited to work with President Trump to make it happen. Louisiana’s workers and families deserve nothing less.”

    Sen. John Kennedy: “America is rich. We buy a lot of stuff. President Trump is saying that if you foreign businesses want to sell in America, then move your business here and hire American workers.”

    Sen. Roger Marshall: “President Donald Trump is fighting for long-term solutions to put America’s farmers and ranchers first.”

    Sen. Ashley Moody: “It’s liberation day in America! Today, @POTUS sent a message to the world that the era of America being taken advantage of is over.”

    Sen. Bernie Moreno: “President Trump is finally reversing their failed policies and fighting back for American workers.”

    Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “President Trump is going to charge foreign countries roughly half of what they *already* charge us to do business. Literally who can argue with this?”

    Sen. Pete Ricketts: “President Trump is delivering on his campaign promises to level the playing field and stand up for the American people. Reciprocal tariffs will ensure equal treatment for American businesses. @POTUS is working to reshore jobs lost overseas and secure our supply chains. He is working to open new markets for our nation’s agriculture products. He is demonstrating to foreign adversaries like China that we will no longer be taken advantage of.”

    Sen. Rick Scott: “The days of the U.S. being taken advantage of by other countries are OVER! Pres. Trump is making it clear that he will ALWAYS put American jobs, manufacturing and our economy first. As Americans, let’s stand with him and support one another by buying products MADE IN AMERICA.”

    Sen. Eric Schmitt: “President Trump is bringing America back. We won’t be ripped off by other countries anymore. We’re bringing back manufacturing, unleashing energy production, and paving the way for prosperity.”

    Sen. Tim Sheehy: “They tariff us at up to 50% of our exported ag products and then dump mass produced ag products into our market severely hurting our farmers and ranchers. It’s about time we have a level playing field for businesses.”

    Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “For too long, other countries have ripped us off with bad trade deals – resulting in American jobs and manufacturing moving overseas. But change is coming. The Golden Age of America’s economy is here. Happy Liberation Day.”

    House Majority Leader Steve Scalise: “The United States and American workers will no longer be ripped off by other countries with unfair trade practices. Thank you President Trump for putting America’s workers and innovators first with reciprocal tariffs that level the playing field and make trade FAIR.”

    House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “For too long, foreign countries have taken advantage of us at the expense of American workers. President @realDonaldTrump says NO MORE.”

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain: “Tariffs work! @POTUS has proven tariffs are an effective tool in achieving economic and strategic objectives. The President’s long-term strategy will pay off.”

    Rep. Elise Stefanik: “I strongly support President Trump’s America First economic policies to strengthen American manufacturing and create millions of American jobs. For too long, Americans have suffered under unfair trade practices putting America Last. We will not allow other countries to take advantage of us and we must put America and the American worker first.”

    Rep. Jason Smith: “America shouldn’t reward countries that discriminate against American workers and manufacturers. On Liberation Day, President Trump is correcting this and demanding fair treatment for American producers.”

    Rep. Mark Alford: “The days of the United States being taken advantage of are OVER. Republicans are putting American workers FIRST.”

    Rep. Rick Allen: “@POTUS is undoing decades of unfair trade practices and putting American workers, businesses, and manufacturers FIRST. These reciprocal tariffs are simply leveling the playing field and will help ensure the U.S. is no longer on the losing end of global trade.”

    Rep. Jodey Arrington: “For too long, our leaders have allowed other nations to rip us off through numerous unfair trade practices resulting in suppressed wages, lost opportunities, and unrealized economic growth. Just as he did in his first term, President Trump is fighting to ensure an even playing field for our manufacturers, farmers, and workers so we can unleash American prosperity and Make America Great Again.”

    Rep. Brian Babin: “Trump’s tariffs aren’t starting a trade war—they’re ending one. For decades, other countries ripped off American workers with unfair tariffs and barriers. Now, we’re finally fighting back.”

    Rep. Andy Biggs: “Past administrations have allowed the United States to be ripped off by allies and adversaries alike. President Trump said “NO MORE!” The Art of the Deal.”

    Rep. Vern Buchanan: “For too long, unfair trade practices devastated America’s manufacturing base and stole millions of blue-collar jobs. It’s time to level the playing field and bring those jobs back. @POTUS is fighting for American workers.”

    Rep. Eli Crane: “America First policies are what the American people voted for.”

    Rep. Michael Cloud: “America-First means putting the American people first. We will no longer be taken advantage of as a nation and people.”

    Rep. Andrew Clyde: “For far too long, the U.S. has been ripped off by countries across the globe with unfair trade practices. Now, we’re finally leveling the playing field. THANK YOU, President Trump, for putting American workers and manufacturing FIRST.”

    Rep. Mike Collins: “This is fair. Whether it’s our military or economy, other countries have taken advantage of the U.S. for far too long. That time is over.”

    Rep. Byron Donalds: “For decades, a lot of these countries have built their economies on the back of the American economy … These nations have become, not just developing nations, they are now strong economies. And so, we have to have fair trade if we’re going to have free trade.”

    Rep. Chuck Edwards: “Many countries are taking advantage of the United States by imposing tariffs against us while we don’t have reciprocal tariffs against them. @POTUS has used tariffs to produce successful trade deals for us in his first term, and I support his plan to use them again to create a more level playing field and secure fairer trade deals for America. The quicker other countries agree to fairer trade deals, the quicker the tariffs can end.”

    Rep. Gabe Evans: “This admin puts America first from strengthening our economy & national security to prioritizing hard working Americans. Farmers in #CO08 have been disadvantaged in foreign trade deals & will benefit from reciprocal tariffs that promote FAIR & free trade.”

    Rep. Scott Franklin: “For years the US handcuffed itself and played nice while other countries imposed massive tariffs and took advantage of us. We’re done putting America last. @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ending trade imbalances and prioritizing American workers and manufacturing again!”

    Rep. Mike Flood: “Biden did nothing for four years on trade. Five years after Brexit, America doesn’t have a free trade deal with the UK. President @realDonaldTrump is rightsizing our trade relationships.”

    Rep. Russell Fry: “HAPPY LIBERATION DAY. Thanks to @POTUS, America is DONE being taken advantage of. A new era has begun.”

    Rep. Lance Gooden: “For decades, Washington allowed Texans to be ripped off by foreign countries. Those days are now over. @POTUS is committed to making America wealthy again!”

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: “If you want to do business in America, you need to play by our rules. For too long, American businesses, big and small, have been ripped off by bad trade deals and unfair competition. President Trump is putting a stop to it. He’s standing up for our workers, our companies, and our consumers.”

    Rep. Abe Hamadeh: “The America First Republican party is the party of the working class, the forgotten men and women. On this Liberation Day, we further our commitment to them, that we will reshore our manufacturing, restore fair trade, and rebuild the greatest economy in the world.”

    Rep. Pat Harrigan: “If you want access to the most powerful economy in the world, treat us fairly. If not, don’t expect a free ride. That’s real leadership and @POTUS is delivering it!”

    Rep. Andy Harris: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will put the American worker first and bring fairness back to international trade. America is being respected again.”

    Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “President Trump is bringing back the American Dream. Our taxpayers have been ripped off by foreign countries for far too long, but those days are over. President Trump is right to impose these reciprocal tariffs.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins: “.@POTUS’ trade agenda puts American industry and America first. I support the President’s action to protect our domestic producers.”

    Rep. Wesley Hunt: “Today, President Trump empowered the American middle class.  His policies on tariffs will bring automotive manufacturing back to America.”

    Rep. Morgan Luttrell: “President Trump is putting America First on trade—standing up to foreign adversaries, protecting American workers, and rebuilding our manufacturing base. The days of unfair trade deals and economic surrender are OVER.”

    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: “Since President Trump has been elected, we’ve attracted $5 trillion in private investment, foreign & domestic companies have announced Made in USA manufacturing, countries have reduced tariffs or changed foreign policies. President Trump is sticking up for American workers & farmers, repatriating our supply chain and protecting our national security.”

    Rep. Addison McDowell: “My district was hit hard over the years by unfair trade deals. Finally, we have a President who wants to put the American worker FIRST.”

    Rep. Dan Meuser: “We have been treated unfairly. Free trade has become synonymous with unfair trade, and @POTUS is recognizing that… We needed a reckoning; we needed a correction. President Trump is bringing it.”

    Rep. Mary Miller: “America will no longer be taken advantage of! This is how you put America First.”

    Rep. John Moolenaar: “For far too long, the Chinese Communist Party has exploited America’s generosity, stolen our intellectual property, and undermined our workers. President Trump’s recent tariffs and the Restoring Trade Fairness Act, which I introduced earlier this year to revoke China’s permanent normal trade relations status, will finally put an end to this abuse—holding China accountable and protecting American jobs. For decades, we’ve accepted one-sided trade deals that hurt our industries while benefiting our adversaries. Trade deficits reflect that imbalance, but they also reveal something deeper: the strength of the American consumer. It’s time we stopped allowing that strength to be used against us and started putting American workers first.”

    Rep. Riley Moore: “For decades, foreign countries have enjoyed free access to the greatest consumer marketplace on the face of the planet, all while still charging our domestic producers hefty duties or imposing significant barriers to access their markets. Today that ends. President Trump is the only president in my lifetime to acknowledge how unfair trade has gutted the heartland and shipped countless jobs overseas. By finally reciprocating in-kind, we’ll force foreign competitors to the negotiating table, lower trade barriers, and ultimately create real free and fair trade across the board. I’m confident this move will boost our domestic manufacturing industry and fuel demand for American products across the globe.”

    Rep. Tim Moore: “President Trump is leveling the playing field for American workers and bringing back MADE IN AMERICA!”

    Rep. Troy Nehls: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs make it clear that our country will not be ripped off anymore. We are bringing back American manufacturing and putting America First.”

    Rep. Ralph Norman: “Happy LIBERATION Day … ✅Protect the American worker ✅Strengthen manufacturing ✅Reduce unfair trade practices … Our economy will be competitive again!!”

    Rep. Andy Ogles: “He’s resetting the negotiating table. He’s resetting the deck here to say, ‘You know what? For too long, you’ve taken advantage of our free market and you’ve literally leached jobs away from the American people … Let’s have a serious conversation and let’s do something that’s fair and mutually beneficial for both sides.’”

    Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: “I fully support President Trump’s critical efforts to right this generational wrong, bring manufacturing jobs home, and rejuvenate American working families. Made in America is back.”

    Rep. John Rutherford: “Tariffs help bring American jobs back home, incentivize buying American, AND put pressure on Canada and Mexico to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants from their countries into ours. Even the Biden Admin kept or increased tariffs that President Trump imposed during his first presidency. Under Trump, inflation stayed around 2% and our GDP grew to 3%. Smart tariffs are a long-term investment in the American economy that are worth the short-term cost.”

    Rep. Adrian Smith: “Reducing trade barriers is necessary to ensuring American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, small businesses, and innovators can sell their products in other markets. President Trump has made it clear other countries can avoid tariffs by reducing or eliminating their existing barriers to U.S. products. Engagement on trade is vital to our economy and opportunity for U.S. workers. In his first term, President Trump proved robust engagement can be productive as he moved the ball down the field on several agreements with our top trade partners. To achieve economic stability, we must continue to fight to give our producers the chance to compete in a global marketplace.”

    Rep. Greg Steube: “What many fail to realize: Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are a long-overdue response to years of unfair trade policies against America. For decades, America has been ripped off by other countries who have repeatedly slapped tariffs on our goods, blocked our products, and flooded our markets with theirs. The numbers don’t lie–the rest of the world has profited at the expense of American workers and businesses. President Trump is finally putting America First by taking bold, necessary actions that past leaders wouldn’t take.”

    Rep. Marlin Stutzman: “If Australia doesn’t want our beef – WE DON’T WANT THEIRS! Thank you @POTUS for opening the door of fair treatment for America’s Cattlemen‼️”

    Rep. Tom Tiffany: “Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of by foreign countries. The American worker comes FIRST.”

    Rep. William Timmons: “President Trump’s tariffs are a necessary move to protect American workers and rebuild our economy. We are finally breaking free from decades of unfair trade deals that gutted our industries. These tariffs will bring jobs back to our districts, strengthen manufacturing, and ensure our children inherit a country that is not just a consumer, but a producer. Thank you, @POTUS.”

    Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “For far too long, the United States has been taken advantage of by our foreign trade partners. The American people re-elected President Trump to bring back truly fair trade with other countries. Reciprocal tariffs are a first step to have a level playing field for American products and to start bringing back manufacturing to our country!”

    Rep. Daniel Webster: “President @realDonaldTrump is delivering on his mandate to restore America’s economic strength. For too long, unfair trade deals have hollowed out our factories and shipped American jobs overseas. By standing up to bad actors like China and Venezuela and enforcing fair trade, President Trump is defending American industries and putting American workers first.”

    Rep. Tony Wied: “President Trump has made it clear with these reciprocal tariffs that we will no longer allow other countries to take advantage of us. His goal is simple: to bring jobs and manufacturing back to our country and open up foreign markets to American products. If companies want to avoid these tariffs, they will do business in the United States. I applaud the President for taking a stand against years of unfair trade practices and making sure we put American workers and consumers first. It’s time our foreign trading partners finally live up to their end of the bargain.”

    Rep. Roger Williams: “For too long, America Last policies have put the U.S. auto industry at a disadvantage. As a car dealer and small business owner, I support @POTUS’ Executive Order to increase competition, boost revenue, and bring back American jobs.”

    Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson: “I applaud President Trump’s actions today to reset global trade relations through the President’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff plan. America is not only in a trade war, we’ve been in a trade war for years now. This trade war has resulted in historic trade deficits that continue to hurt our farmers. … I believe President Trump’s actions today will set the stage for the renegotiation of better trade deals that will benefit American farmers and all our domestic industries going forward and will also serve to spur more local production.”

    U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer: “Today, President Trump is taking urgent action to protect the national security and economy of the United States. The current lack of trade reciprocity, demonstrated by our chronic trade deficit, has weakened our economic and national security. After only 72 days in office, President Trump has prioritized swift action to bring reciprocity to our trade relations and reduce the trade deficit by leveling the playing field for American workers and manufacturers, reshoring American jobs, expanding our domestic manufacturing base, and ensuring our defense-industrial base is not dependent on foreign adversaries—all leading to stronger economic and national security.”

    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick: “Today, the world starts taking us seriously. Our workforce will finally be treated fairly.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “President Trump signed the Declaration of Economic Independence for the American people. For decades, the trade status quo has allowed countries to leverage tariffs and unfair trade practices to get ahead at the expense of hardworking Americans. The President’s historic actions will level the playing field for American workers and usher in a new age of economic strength.”

    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “FARMERS COME FIRST — @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ensuring American farmers and ranchers can compete globally again!”

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “Thank you, @POTUS! ‘Made in America’ is not just a tagline — it’s an economic and national security priority.”

    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “For too long, America has been targeted by unfair trade practices that made our supply chain dependent on foreign adversaries, eroded our industrial base, and hurt American workers. This has gravely impacted our national security. President Trump’s strong action will help make America safe again. @DHS, primarily through @CBP, is ready to collect these new tariffs and put an end to unfair trade practices. Thank you President @realDonaldTrump for putting America FIRST.”

    Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “Promises made, promises kept”

    Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “President Trump is a businessman; he’s a negotiator. The result of that has been and will continue to be improvements for the American people. We are in the midst of a negotiation, and he is fighting every day to make the cost-of-living conditions better for Americans.”

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: “At the White House this afternoon, we celebrated Liberation Day — setting our economy on the path of future prosperity for our children. Business owners, workers, and taxpayers have been waiting for strong economic leadership.

    @POTUS’ actions today prove we are done being taken advantage of in international trade.”

    Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum: “President Trump’s Liberation Day reciprocity plan is commonsense. If you tariff us, we’ll tariff you. This will strengthen our economy and make America wealthy again!”

    Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy: “Today is the day we will liberate ourselves from unfair trade practices and outdated ways of thinking. Tariffs are an important tool in the President’s toolbox to stop foreign countries from ripping us off, protect America’s workers, and restore U.S. manufacturing. I stand with @POTUS as he finally levels the playing field. Happy Liberation Day!”

    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “For four years, Americans couldn’t afford groceries, let alone a house. This Liberation Day, @POTUS is bringing manufacturing and jobs back. President Trump is making the American Dream achievable again!”

    Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin: “Massive announcement by @POTUS today restoring U.S. dominance, cementing his America First vision, and Powering the Great American Comeback.”

    Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “Small businesses will no longer be crushed by foreign governments and unfair trade deals. Instead, we will put American industry, workers, and strength FIRST. Thank you @POTUS for bringing back Made in America!”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: “Economic security is national security. Thank you President Trump for putting America first.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Shares Condolences on Passing of Scottsbluff WWII Vet

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Shares Condolences on Passing of Scottsbluff WWII Vet 

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen provided the statement below concerning the passing of WWII veteran Harry Lynn. Lynn, of Scottsbluff, was recognized by the Governor on March 10, with a medal representing the end of the war 80 years ago. Gov. Pillen has been actively distributing the specially designed medals in ceremonies across the state, in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Veteran’s Affairs (NDVA).

     Lynn, and his daughter Sherri Lynn, also of Scottsbluff, were killed yesterday in a collision with another vehicle on Highway 26 near Scottsbluff.

     “It was my privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to meet Harry and the other members of his family just a few weeks ago. It means a great deal that I was able to deliver that medal to him, and that the community was there to honor him in person. First Lady Suzanne and I extend our condolences and prayers to Harry’s family as they deal with their tremendous loss.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona to Receive Additional Resources From Justice Department to Investigate Unresolved Violent Crimes

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Justice Department today announced that it will boost FBI assets across the country over the next six months to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country through Operation Not Forgotten.

    The FBI will send a total of 60 personnel, rotating in temporary duty assignments over a six-month period to select FBI field offices across the United States, including Arizona. Operation Not Forgotten is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date. The detailed FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. FBI Phoenix will receive 11 agents on a rotating basis over the next six months, who will be spread across offices in Arizona.

    FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and will work in partnership with Tribal law enforcement agencies across the country.

    “Protection of the public is one of the key responsibilities of the Department of Justice. Here in Arizona, the United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI have a special trust relationship with the 22 federally recognized tribes in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Operation Not Forgotten reflects the continued commitment of the federal government to pursue justice for crime victims in all Native American communities.”

    “Our FBI personnel and Safe Trails Task Forces work closely every single day with our law enforcement partners to investigate crimes of violence throughout the many tribal territories in Arizona,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez. “We are responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Indian Country and this initiative will provide much needed additional resources to help us better serve those same communities by assisting victims and bringing criminals to justice.”

    “Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

    “The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

    Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization. At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.

    Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years. Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.

    Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-046_Operation Not Forgotten

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 284 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has delivered a new ambulance and other medical equipment to help Ukraine provide adequate health care for the personnel operating its nuclear power plants (NPPs) in challenging conditions during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

    The ambulance was handed over to the Emergency Technical Center of the national nuclear energy company Energoatom last Friday, during a 12-day IAEA mission to review the medical capacities of Ukraine’s three operating NPPs, the Chornobyl site as well as nearby hospitals and health facilities that provide critical medical support and care to plant staff.

    “Nuclear safety and security require a well-functioning workforce that has timely access to medical services, including mental health support. The personnel of these facilities have been working in extremely difficult circumstances for more than three years now, enabling the continued safe production of much-needed electricity. Their physical and psychological well-being is of paramount importance for nuclear safety and security,” Director General Grossi said.

    In addition to the new ambulance – the third such vehicle provided by the IAEA to Ukraine – an ultrasound system was delivered to a specialised health care facility in the city of Netishyn, located close to the Khmelnytskyy NPP.

    During the recent mission to Ukraine, IAEA medical and procurement experts discussed the impact of assistance delivered so far under its Medical Assistance Programme for Operating Personnel at NPPs in Ukraine as well as future needs with medical personnel and psychologists, both at the NPPs’ own health care units and nearby hospitals. The IAEA team also visited the National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine (NRCRM).

    “It was a very important mission to obtain a better understanding of the many challenges and difficulties these medical professionals face daily in carrying out their extremely important work. Based on the team’s findings, we will be able to direct our medical support to where it is most needed,” Director General Grossi said.

    Over the past week, the IAEA has also continued to provide other technical support and assistance to Ukraine to help maintain nuclear safety and security, with 120 deliveries since the start of the armed conflict valued at a total of 16 million euros.

    Last week, the Kherson Regional Clinical Hospital received ultrasound and radiographic equipment. It was part of an IAEA initiative to support – through the delivery of equipment using nuclear or isotopic-based techniques – the areas severely affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in 2023.  More deliveries are planned in the coming months.

    Separately, State Enterprise USIE Izotop – involved in the management of radioactive material intended for medical, industrial and other purposes – received vehicles to support their daily field activities in nuclear and radiation safety and security.

    The recent deliveries of equipment were supported by Canada, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Malta.

    Despite such assistance, the general nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine remains precarious, based on the assessments of the IAEA teams continuously deployed at all the NPP sites.

    At the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the IAEA team reported hearing military activities at varying distances away from the site. The team continued to monitor nuclear safety and security, conducting a walkdown of the reactor buildings of units 1, 3 and 5 and of the turbine halls of units 1 and 2.

    Elsewhere, the IAEA teams based at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs as well as the Chornobyl site reported hearing air raid alarms over the past week. At Chornobyl, the team also heard a loud explosion and a drone in the evening of 30 March.

    Over the past week, the IAEA teams at the Rivne, South Ukraine and Chornobyl sites rotated, with newly-arrived staff replacing their colleagues who have been monitoring nuclear safety and security there for the past several weeks.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Announces Facebook Whistleblower to Testify Before His Subcommittee Next Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, April 02, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced that Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams will testify before his Judiciary subcommittee next week on allegations that Facebook cooperated with the Communist regime in China to build censorship tools, punish dissidents, and make American users’ data available for Chinese use.

    Big News — Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams will testify NEXT WEEK in public, under oath, before my judiciary subcommittee re: her explosive evidence of Facebook’s cooperation with the Communist regime in China, including FB’s plans to build censorship tools, punish…
    — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) April 2, 2025
    Senator Hawley is the chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism. More details on the hearing, entitled “A Time for Truth: Oversight of Meta’s Foreign Relations and Representations to the United States Congress,” are forthcoming.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Hawley Calls for ‘Liberty and Prosperity-Enhancing’ Future at Tech Conference 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Thursday, April 03, 2025

    Yesterday U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined startup founders, policy experts, journalists, and other thought leaders at the Little Tech Competition Summit in Washington D.C. The Senator spoke on Big Tech’s monopolistic tendencies and the future of artificial intelligence (AI) policy.
    “We’ve got to figure out a path forward that is liberty and prosperity-enhancing,” Senator Hawley said. “Where we can say–honestly–to the middle class in this country, this is going to be good for you and your family. Where we can say–honestly–to blue collar workers, this is going to be good for you and your family. It’s going to make you more prosperous, more free, [and] we’re going to protect your rights.” 
    During Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing, Senator Hawley urged his colleagues to revisit the power of private lawsuits in order to rein in Big Tech. Senator Hawley has long voiced concerns about the power of Big Tech and Americans’ right to protect themselves from unfettered AI. In 2023, he introduced legislation to deny AI companies Section 230 immunity. 
    Watch Senator Hawley’s conversation here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.02.2025 Cruz, Cornyn Introduce Senate Resolution Honoring Texan George Foreman

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced a Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Houston native and professional boxer George Foreman, who passed away on March 21, 2025.
    Read the resolution text here or below:
    “Whereas George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas;
    Whereas George Foreman was raised in Houston, Texas;
    Whereas George Foreman earned his general education degree and gained vocational skills through the Lyndon B. Johnson Job Corps;
    Whereas George Foreman began his boxing career in 1966 after meeting Doc Broaddus, a boxing instructor, who worked for Job Corps;
    Whereas George Foreman won his first amateur fight on January 26, 1967, in the Parks Diamond Bell Tournament;
    Whereas George Foreman won the National Boxing Championship heavyweight title in Toledo, Ohio, in 1968;
    Whereas George Foreman won a gold medal in the boxing and heavyweight division during the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games;
    Whereas George Foreman began his professional boxing career in 1969;
    Whereas George Foreman won 37 consecutive fights, of which 35 were by knockout;
    Whereas, on January 22, 1973, George Foreman won the World Heavyweight Championship title by defeating Joe Frazier;
    Whereas George Foreman maintained the title of World Heavyweight Champion until October 30, 1974, in a fierce matchup, known as the “Rumble in the Jungle”, with Muhammad Ali;
    Whereas George Foreman stepped back from his boxing career to become an ordained minister in 1978 and served the congregation at Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, which he founded in 1980, in Houston, Texas;
    Whereas, in 1984, George Foreman opened the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston, Texas, to provide opportunities to youth across Harris County;
    Whereas George Foreman announced his return to boxing in 1987 and won his first fight back against Steve Zouski;
    Whereas George Foreman earned the title of World Heavyweight Champion again on November 5, 1994, against Michael Moorer, breaking multiple records, including the oldest fighter to win a world heavyweight championship after the most time between world heavyweight championships and with the largest age gap between competitors in a heavyweight boxing championship fight;
    Whereas George Foreman fought for the final time in 1997 against Shannon Briggs;
    Whereas George Foreman had a final career record of 76 to 5;
    Whereas George Foreman became a successful businessman, most notably with the George Foreman Lean Mean Grilling Machine, of which more than 100,000,000 units have been sold globally;
    Whereas George Foreman was recognized by the American Legion in 2013 with the James V. Day “Good Guy” Award for his patriotism and service to his community;
    Whereas George Foreman remained a beloved public figure and boxing legend until his death;
    Whereas George Foreman died in Houston, Texas, on March 21, 2025;
    Whereas George Foreman was preceded in death by his daughter, Freeda; and
    Whereas George Foreman is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Joan, and 11 of his children and their families: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That—
                 (1) the Senate—
          (A) honors the life and legacy of George Foreman for—
    (i) his accomplishments as a boxing legend;
    (ii) the example he provides to future generations of community leaders; and
    (iii) his dedication to Houston and his support of vulnerable youth in the community;
          (B) respectfully requests the Secretary of the Senate—
    (i) communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives; and
    (ii) transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of George Foreman; and
    (2) when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of George Foreman.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Gillibrand, and Courtney Lead Colleagues in Condemning Education Department Changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) led a bicameral group of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressing their strong opposition to President Trump’s directive for changes that would limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. They also called on Secretary McMahon to ensure all eligibility criteria for the program are strictly followed under the law passed by Congress and adhere to congressional intent. The PSLF program was created by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush to encourage more people to enter public service by providing loan forgiveness after 10 years of working full-time for a federal, state, local, or Tribal government organization or certain nonprofit organizations. Since the program was created, it has provided teachers, nurses, veterans, first responders, and other public servants with needed student loan relief.
    “We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s (Department) order to initiate the formal rulemaking process to limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program,” wrote the members. “Since March 7, 2025, our dedicated public service workers have faced immense uncertainty and anxiety due to President Trump’s Executive Order #14235 which directed the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Treasury to redefine ’public service’ to align with the administration’s political agenda. This move contradicts the core tenets of public service and the original intent and purpose of the PSLF program.”
    “This order’s vague and arbitrary restrictions on which organizations qualify for PSLF are deeply troubling. Under the guise of national security, it unfairly targets organizations that serve marginalized communities, such as those advocating for immigrants or protecting vulnerable children, with no evidence of illegal activity,” the members wrote. “Furthermore, the broad language of the order could lead to political repression and the chilling of free speech, where organizations or individuals deemed ’non-conforming’ to the administration’s views could be stripped of the very support they rely on to carry out their public service missions.”
    The members concluded, “We request your immediate action and assurance on the following: Ensure that all eligibility criteria are strictly followed under the law passed by Congress. There should be no exceptions or compromises regarding compliance with the established statute. And prioritize processing PSLF applications that are eligible for forgiveness immediately. The severe reduction of employees at the Federal Student Aid office gives us grave concerns that these eligible borrowers will not be processed in a timely manner.”
    Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Gillibrand have long pushed for changes to improve the PSLF program. In May 2021, Kaine and Gillibrand successfully called for strengthening the PSLF program and fixing eligibility barriers and program restrictions that excluded certain first responders, teachers, public health workers, and other public servants from relief. They have previously introduced legislation to overhaul the PSLF program, including by expanding eligibility and simplifying the application and approval process.
    The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Angus S. King (I-ME), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). It was also cosigned by U.S. Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-02), Danny K. Davis (D-NC-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Alma S. Adams (D-NC-12), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Herbert C. Conaway (D-NJ-03), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-02), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA-38), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Summer L. Lee (D-PA-12), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-10), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), William R. Keating (D-MA-09), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01).
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary McMahon:
    We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s (Department) order to initiate the formal rulemaking process to limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Since March 7, 2025, our dedicated public service workers have faced immense uncertainty and anxiety due to President Trump’s Executive Order #14235  which directed the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Treasury to redefine “public service” to align with the administration’s political agenda. This move contradicts the core tenets of public service and the original intent and purpose of the PSLF program.
    PSLF was established under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 under President George W. Bush with bipartisan support and provides student loan forgiveness to individuals who work in qualifying public service jobs. The program aims to support those in roles such as government employees, teachers, nurses, active-duty service members, veterans, and non-profit workers by offering them loan forgiveness after they make 120 qualifying monthly payments under an eligible repayment plan. PSLF was established to encourage professionals to dedicate their careers to public service, easing their financial burden while contributing to the well-being of our communities. However, navigating the program’s requirements has proven complex, and many borrowers have encountered challenges in applying for or receiving the forgiveness they are due.
    The program has long been plagued with challenges. In 2017, less than one percent of the first cohort was eligible for forgiveness.  Under President Trump’s first term, fewer than 7,000 applicants were approved for forgiveness, less than three percent of total applicants. President Biden took steps to streamline the process, and under his administration, over one million applicants have been approved for forgiveness.  The program has over 2.4 million cumulative PSLF borrowers with eligible employment and open loans.  Under Executive Order #14235, this framework reverses the previous administration’s efforts to administer the PSLF program more effectively after years of unnecessary roadblocks.
    The PSLF program supports local, state, and federal government employees and those at tax-exempt nonprofits under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, certain nonprofits, like labor unions and partisan political groups, do not qualify. This order’s vague and arbitrary restrictions on which organizations qualify for PSLF are deeply troubling. Under the guise of national security, it unfairly targets organizations that serve marginalized communities, such as those advocating for immigrants or protecting vulnerable children, with no evidence of illegal activity. Furthermore, the broad language of the order could lead to political repression and the chilling of free speech, where organizations or individuals deemed “non-conforming” to the administration’s views could be stripped of the very support they rely on to carry out their public service missions. We have already seen what can happen when the President targets organizations for doing the right thing for the country. We are fearful this is yet another tool for President Trump to go after any group or organization that does not show loyalty to his political, partisan agenda.
    At your nomination hearing on February 13, 2025, you testified in front of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee that you would fully implement existing public service loan forgiveness programs because they “have been passed by Congress …  That is the law.”  Your statement reinforced a commitment to upholding the law and supporting individuals who dedicate their careers to public service. It’s time to back up your words, follow the law, and step up as a true champion of the PSLF program.
    We request your immediate action and assurance on the following: Ensure that all eligibility criteria are strictly followed under the law passed by Congress. There should be no exceptions or compromises regarding compliance with the established statute. And prioritize processing PSLF applications that are eligible for forgiveness immediately. The severe reduction of employees at the Federal Student Aid office gives us grave concerns that these eligible borrowers will not be processed in a timely manner.  Regardless of the Trump and Elon Musk administration, these borrowers have met the criteria, done the work, and are entitled to the relief they were promised.
    Revoking PSLF eligibility for public service workers who serve across communities nationwide is both reckless and harmful. We urge you to uphold the law, adhere to congressional intent, and protect PSLF from future attacks. We look forward to your response on this critical matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Ensure Wealthiest Americans Pay Their Fair Share in Taxes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues introduced the Paying a Fair Share Act to ensure that millionaires pay higher tax rates than middle-class Americans by enacting a 30-percent minimum tax on those with incomes over $1 million.
    “Working families should not be paying more in taxes than the wealthiest Americans. Period. But right now, our system is rigged against teachers, firefighters, and nurses while letting Wall Street get massive tax breaks to pad their pockets. It’s just plain wrong,” said Senator Baldwin. “This commonsense bill will level the playing field, help close the deficit, and ensure that the wealthiest among us pay their fair share in taxes.”
    In 2022, the top .001% (or 1,538 households) earned at least $85.5 million and paid an average federal tax rate of 23.5 percent.
    The Paying a Fair Share Act would ensure that the highest-earning Americans pay at least a 30% effective tax rate. The bill would apply only to taxpayers with income over $1 million (including capital gains and dividends) – approximately 0.58% of taxpayers in 2024. The legislation includes a phase-in for additional tax liability for taxpayers earning between $1 million and $2 million and would preserve the incentive for charitable giving.
    The Paying a Fair Share Act is expected to raise nearly $120 billion in revenue over ten years and would provide a backstop to limit future tax dodging by the ultrawealthy.
    The bill is led by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and co-sponsored by twelve other Senators.
    Full text of this legislation is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Pushes Trump Environment, Energy Nominees to Protect California’s National Monuments and Hydrogen Hub

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Pushes Trump Environment, Energy Nominees to Protect California’s National Monuments and Hydrogen Hub

    WATCH: Padilla highlights importance of national monuments and ARCHES hydrogen hub for California’s clean energy goalsWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned nominees for Department of the Interior (DOI) and Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Secretary positions on their support for California’s national monuments and hydrogen hub following recent threats from the Trump Administration to eliminate them.
    California’s National Monuments
    During the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) nominations hearing, Padilla successfully pushed Katharine MacGregor, President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Interior, to acknowledge the broad bipartisan and local support for California’s Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments, which President Biden established earlier this year at Padilla’s urging. He also emphasized the critical importance of local and tribal involvement in public land management.
    Amid the Trump Administration’s orders aimed at elevating energy production on public lands and reviewing national monument protections, Padilla called on Interior to, as part of this review, meet with California’s Congressional delegation, California Governor Gavin Newsom, the state’s energy agencies, local officials, and crucially, the tribal leaders who spearheaded the movement behind the creation of these monuments. Padilla pointed out that these monuments had received endorsements from energy utilities and developers and were intentionally crafted to avoid including areas with energy potential.
    Padilla also pressed MacGregor on whether local and tribal leaders should have a role in public land management decisions, to which MacGregor agreed.
    PADILLA: As a matter of policy, do you believe that local communities and tribal leaders should have a say in the management of their public lands?
    MACGREGOR: I think local involvement is something that everyone on this dais agrees with.
    PADILLA: Okay, well, I’m talking just about you, not the folks on the dais, you’re the nominee before us…
    MACGREGOR: Local involvement is embedded in almost all the organic acts at the Department, so yes.
    PADILLA: Good, good faith consultation and engagement is what we’re looking for.
    California is home to some of the nation’s most pristine public lands, which not only preserve our natural heritage but also fuel California’s tourism and local economies. These protected landscapes generate billions of dollars in annual revenue, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and enriching communities. However, Trump’s orders to prioritize energy development over all other uses of public lands pose a threat to landscapes with immense cultural, environmental, and economic value. These lands also offer vast opportunities for outdoor recreation — such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing — which further support local economies.
    ARCHES Hydrogen Hub
    Padilla also questioned James Danly, Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Energy, on his support for the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub. The Trump Administration is reportedly considering major cuts to hydrogen hub projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Democratic-leaning states, including California, while preserving the projects in Republican-leaning states.
    Padilla highlighted the importance of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to “jumpstart” the national hydrogen economy and urged Danly to work with California to protect the vital funding Padilla secured for ARCHES. After initially dodging Padilla’s questions about whether he would meet with ARCHES leadership, Danly said he would have “no objection” to talking with them.
    PADILLA: California, proudly, was the first state in the nation to launch a hydrogen hub — we refer to it as ARCHES — which will facilitate a network of hydrogen production sites to catalyze the use of hydrogen throughout California and, frankly, jumpstart the hydrogen economy, not just in California, but across the country. The California hub enjoys bipartisan support from our California delegation. However, last week, the Department of Energy “cut list” reportedly included ARCHES and other hydrogen hubs to be cut. So I want to point out that ARCHES, again, is not just critical to California, but critical to our national economy.
    Senator Padilla has been a strong supporter of the development of clean hydrogen power in California. Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion for the ARCHES hydrogen hub from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and sent a letter to former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy to support ARCHES’ proposal as part of its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program. He celebrated the official launch of the ARCHES hydrogen hub last year at an in-person event showcasing hydrogen-powered transportation.
    Video of Padilla’s full line of questioning is available here.
    More information on the hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Condemns Trump For Decimating The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP); Cuts Threaten To Raise Cost Of Living For More Than One Million New York Households

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement on the Trump administration firing all the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff running the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which will render the program incapable of disbursing funding to New York and deprive low-income New Yorkers of energy assistance they rely on:

    LIHEAP is a commonsense, bipartisan program,” said Senator Gillibrand. “In the coldest and hottest months of the year, it lowers the cost of living and saves lives. By firing everyone who disburses LIHEAP funding, President Trump and the so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ are preventing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding that Congress has already allocated to LIHEAP from reaching families in need. President Trump is raising the cost of living, all to provide tax cuts for billionaires. I will be doing everything in my power to get President Trump to reverse these cuts and deliver financial assistance to New Yorkers who need it.” 

    LIHEAP helps tens of thousands of low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems. During winter 2022-2023, the program helped 1.1 million New York households heat their homes.

    Gillibrand has been a longstanding advocate of the program. Every year, she secures hundreds of millions in LIHEAP funding for New York. She also cosponsors legislation to expand LIHEAP and ensure that no household pays more than three percent of its annual income on energy costs.

    MIL OSI USA News