NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jackson Introduces Bill to Hold South Africa Accountable for Supporting American Adversaries

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which would mandate a full review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa and help advance President Trump’s foreign policy agenda by giving him the tools necessary to impose sanctions on corrupt South African government officials who choose to support America’s adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. Representative John James (MI-10) is co-leading this legislation.

    “South Africa has brazenly abandoned its relationship with the United States to align with China, Russia, Iran, and terrorist organizations, a betrayal that demands serious consequences,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “This legislation ensures we conduct a comprehensive review of this supposed ‘ally’ while also holding accountable any corrupt officials. The era of governments undermining American interests without repercussions ends now.”

    “I am proud to co-lead the updated U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 with Congressman Ronny Jackson,” said Rep. John James. “This bill builds on and strengthens my bipartisan legislation from last Congress – H.R.7256 – which successfully passed the House and supports President Trump’s Executive Order from February 7th Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa. The South African government and the ANC have continued to consistently undermine U.S. national security interests and in recent years have intentionally aligned with Beijing, Moscow and Tehran and pursued an anti-Israel agenda. The United States must examine all of our bilateral relationships around the world and investigate all options to hold those countries and leaders who align with our adversaries responsible.”

    Bill text can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera Celebrate Ute Day at the Colorado State Capitol

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Annual event honors the important relationship between the state of Colorado and the Ute Tribes

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, hosted the annual Ute Day at the Capitol, a day to honor the two Tribes with tribal nations in Colorado, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and their sister Tribe, the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray.

    “The relationship between the State and the Ute Tribes of Colorado is critical to ensuring that every Coloradan, especially members of tribal communities, can thrive. For generations, Colorado has had an open, productive, and beneficial relationship with tribal governments, and today, we celebrate those important connections and further strengthen our collaboration. I thank the tribal leaders and community members who traveled to the Capitol today to share experiences, collaborate on solutions, and continue our long legacy of respect and open dialogue,” said Governor Polis.

    “Ute Day at the Capitol is a powerful reminder of the enduring presence, culture, and contributions of the Ute Tribes,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “As Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, I am honored to join Tribal leaders in strengthening our government-to-government relationships. Together, we are building a future that honors our shared past while creating new opportunities for generations to come.”

    “This day provides a valuable opportunity to foster greater understanding and strengthen the bonds between our Tribe and the State of Colorado. We welcome the chance for all to learn more about our Tribe, sovereignty, rich culture, and our ongoing commitment to self-determination, as we cultivate a strong working relationship with the State for the benefit of all,” shared Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

    “We are honored and humbled to be recognized as the original inhabitants of the Rocky Mountains as the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, including all of our Ute people on April 3, 2025, in the State of Colorado for Ute Day,” said Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

    The Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs serves as the official liaison between the State of Colorado, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The relationship between the State of Colorado and sovereign Tribal governments is founded on a strong government-to-government relationship. The Commission, chaired by Lt. Governor Primavera, ensures direct contact and meaningful engagement with the Tribes and American Indian/Alaska Native communities statewide. The Commission is committed to facilitating communication between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the other 46 Historic Tribes of Colorado, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities statewide, state agencies, and affiliated groups to positively impact the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native communities statewide.

    The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is the Weenuche band of the Ute Nation of Indians. Based in Towaoc, the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation is a Sovereign Nation home to approximately 2,000 residents. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is composed of two bands, the Mouache and Caputa. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has approximately 1,400 tribal members and is based in Ignacio.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis, Department of Revenue, and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Team Up to Help Save Coloradans Money

    Source: US State of Colorado

    State to send Coloradans information about tax credits they might be eligible to claim

    DENVER — This year, Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Department of Revenue, and the Department of Public Health and Environment collaborated on an innovative initiative to share ways to save money.

    Starting today, the state is sending mailers to about 47,000 taxpayers who may be eligible for certain state and federal tax credits to encourage them to file. As part of an innovative partnership with a major commercial provider of online tax preparation software, the mailers highlight specific state tax credits for tax year 2024, including:

    • Colorado Child Tax Credit, which gives money back to Colorado families, up to $1,200 per child younger than six.
    • Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit, which gives money back to Colorado workers, up to $3,915.
    • Family Affordability Tax Credit, which gives money back to Colorado families with children younger than 17, up to $3,200 per child.

    “Coloradans can save thousands of dollars by claiming these credits,” said Governor Polis. “My administration is laser-focused on supporting families and children and ensuring that Colorado remains one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.”

    Executive Director Heidi Humphreys, Department of Revenue highlighted the work to save Coloradans time and money.

    “Whether it is helping Coloradans save money on their taxes or save time with DMV2GO and TAX2GO, the Department of Revenue is committed to serving state residents,” Humphreys said.

    To possibly receive any of these credits, taxpayers must file a Colorado tax return and claim the credits. Coloradans who have already filed a tax return can still amend their returns to receive the credits.

    This is the third year the State of Colorado has contacted taxpayers by mail about potential ways to save through tax credits. Taxpayers may be eligible even if they do not usually file taxes.

    “Far too many families miss out on tax credits simply because they don’t know they’re eligible,” said Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan. “By expanding outreach and providing clear, accessible information, we’re ensuring more Coloradans can claim the money they’ve earned. These tax credits can make a real difference in affording essentials like food, housing, and childcare.”

    The State wishes to thank Gary Community Ventures and the New Practice Lab for their work in developing this mailer.

    INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RETURNS

    How to file

    • Online – The Taxation Division encourages taxpayers to file electronically to reduce processing time and the potential for errors as well as issues in transit. Taxpayers can currently file with one of the many third-party vendors who offer certified electronic income tax filing products. Income tax processing will be available on Revenue Online in the coming days.
    • By mail – Instructions about filing State income tax are available on each form.

    The tax filing deadline for tax year 2024 is April 15, 2025; however, the state offers an automatic six-month extension for filing as long as payment obligations are satisfied by April 15.

    How to save money
    The Taxation Division’s new online tax benefits information hub can help taxpayers save potentially thousands of dollars. Found at Tax.Colorado.gov/SaveMoney, the new online resource offers tax benefits information in an easy-to-understand format and is organized into four high-impact tax groups: families and individuals, seniors and retirees, charitable contributions and climate-friendly.

    These four groups house dozens of tax credits and subtractions available to eligible taxpayers. Many of these credits are refundable and can benefit qualifying individuals and businesses, even if they have little or no state tax liability.

    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Get Ahead Colorado/Hacia Adelante Colorado websites are another essential resource for helping families maximize their tax refunds by providing free, reliable tax information and connections to free tax filing services and support. A new Colorado-specific Tax Credit Calculator makes it easy for individuals to determine their eligibility for valuable tax credits, ensuring more money stays in their pockets. Visit GetAheadColorado.org to learn more.

    Useful information
    Up-to-date information, including the status of state income tax refunds, is at Tax.Colorado.gov — just click on the “Where’s My Refund” banner. Taxpayers can call the Taxpayer Helpline by phone at (303) 238-7378, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note, translation services are available upon request. To physically visit a Service Center for help, please schedule an appointment. Taxpayers who need low or no-cost help filing state income tax returns should visit Tax.Colorado.gov/Community-Tax-Help for additional resources.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Expands Success Coach Program Statewide to Support Families After Foster Care

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Expands Success Coach Program Statewide to Support Families After Foster Care

    NCDHHS Expands Success Coach Program Statewide to Support Families After Foster Care
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    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the statewide expansion of Success Coach, an innovative program designed to help families stay together and thrive after exiting foster care. With this program, the North Carolina child welfare system is transitioning from offering post-adoption services to providing a comprehensive permanency support model, ensuring that all families – whether adoptive, reunified, custody, guardianship, or kinship care – have access to resources that promote long-term stability and well-being.

    Developed through a partnership between the Duke Endowment and Catawba County Department of Social Services and informed by families with lived experience, Success Coach is a voluntary, in-home service that provides families with individualized coaching, advocacy and resource navigation for up to two years at a time – at any point in their journey and as many times as they need – at no cost to the family. The program aims to strengthen familial bonds, increase protective factors and reduce risks that could lead to reentry into the foster care system.

    “Every child deserves a safe, loving and stable family, and Success Coach is a key part of our commitment to making that a reality for all families exiting foster care,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “By expanding this permanency model statewide, we are ensuring that families across North Carolina have access to consistent, high-quality support, no matter where they live.”

    A Success Coach is a specialized social worker who works alongside families to assist them in identifying their most pressing needs, developing a tailored success plan, and connecting them to additional community-based resources. Services are ultimately decided on by the family and can include parenting support, crisis prevention, case management, respite, help navigating the behavioral health system, and assistance with basic needs such as employment, food security, housing, education and building a reliable support system. These services are especially critical in North Carolina’s more rural counties where access to resources can be limited. 

    “Catawba County families have long benefitted from Success Coach Services,” said Lisa Tucker Cauley, MSW, Division Director of Human Services. “We are proud of the partnership with Catawba County and the Duke Endowment that led to these services being available for all North Carolina families.”

    Early data from Catawba County demonstrates the program’s impact on supporting sustainable permanency, showing improved mental health outcomes, stronger parent-child relationships and increased placement stability. Over the last 10 years, Catawba County has seen no children reenter foster care within 12 months of exiting care. 

    With the statewide rollout, NCDHHS aims to create a positive impact on permanency outcomes for children and families, reduce disruptions in placements, decrease reentry into foster care, and improve long-term well-being for any child or family who has experienced foster care in North Carolina.

    “Success Coach is already showing great results for improving permanency among families in Catawba County, and we know this program is a game-changer for children and families across the state,” said Catawba County DSS Director Karen Harrington. “We are removing barriers to access by bringing services directly into the home and providing families with the tools they need to remain safe, strong and self-sufficient for the long run.”

    NCDHHS is investing more than $16.5 million in state and federal funding over the next three years to transition Success Coach statewide. The expansion will be supported by three regional vendors – Catawba County DSS, Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, and Children’s Home Society of North Carolina – who will work with local DSSs on program implementation and training. Training for new Success Coaches is ongoing, with quarterly sessions to ensure high-fidelity implementation of the model.

    Any family who exits foster care through reunification, guardianship, custody, kinship care or adoption is eligible to participate in the Success Coach program. Success Coach is also available for any adoptive families, including private adoption and relative adoption. These services are voluntary and intended to provide ongoing support as families navigate building or rebuilding their relationships after foster care or post-adoption. Families can reengage with the program as many times as needed, accessing booster sessions or reinitiating services if they are faced with a new challenge or if their circumstances change.

    The statewide expansion of Success Coach is part of NCDHHS’s broader strategy to build a strong, consistent and accessible permanency support system across North Carolina. As states across the country continue to look for new and innovative solutions to improving long-term permanency and family stability, the department’s goal is for Success Coach to serve as a national model and standard for providing effective permanency services.

    For more information on North Carolina’s Success Coach providers, please visit:

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy la expansión a nivel estatal de Success Coach, un programa innovador diseñado para ayudar a las familias a mantenerse unidas y prosperar después de salir del cuidado de crianza temporal. Con este programa, el sistema de bienestar infantil de Carolina del Norte está en transición de ofrecer servicios posteriores a la adopción a proporcionar un modelo integral de apoyo a la permanencia, asegurando que todas las familias, ya sean adoptivas, reunificadas, de custodia, tutela, o cuidado de parentesco, tengan acceso a recursos que promuevan la estabilidad y el bienestar a largo plazo.

    Desarrollado a través de una asociación entre Duke Endowment y el Departamento de Servicios Sociales del Condado de Catawba e informado por familias con experiencia vivida, Success Coach es un servicio voluntario, en el hogar que brinda a las familias entrenamiento individualizado, abogacía y navegación de recursos por hasta dos años a la vez, en cualquier momento de su viaje y tantas veces como lo necesiten, sin costo para la familia. El programa tiene como objetivo fortalecer los lazos familiares, aumentar los factores de protección y reducir los riesgos que podrían conducir el reingreso a el sistema de cuidado de crianza.

    “Cada niño merece una familia segura, amorosa y estable, y Success Coach es una parte clave de nuestro compromiso en hacer que eso sea una realidad para todas las familias que salen del cuidado de crianza”, dijo Dev Sangvai, secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte. “Al expandir este modelo de permanencia en todo el estado, nos aseguramos de que las familias de Carolina del Norte tengan acceso a un apoyo constante y de alta calidad, sin importar dónde vivan”.

    Un Success Coach (coach de éxito) es un trabajador social especializado que trabaja junto a las familias para ayudarlas a identificar sus necesidades más apremiantes, a desarrollar un plan de éxito personalizado y conectarlos con recursos adicionales basados en la comunidad. Los servicios son decididos en última instancia por la familia y pueden incluir apoyo a los padres, prevención de crisis, manejo de casos, relevo, ayuda para navegar por el sistema de salud conductual, y asistencia con necesidades básicas como empleo, seguridad alimentaria, vivienda, educación y crear un sistema de apoyo fiable. Estos servicios son especialmente críticos en los condados más rurales de Carolina del Norte, donde el acceso a los recursos puede ser limitado.

    “Las familias del Condado de Catawba se han beneficiado durante mucho tiempo de los Servicios de Success Coach”, dijo Lisa Tucker Cauley, MSW, directora de la División de Servicios Humanos. “Estamos orgullosos de la asociación con el condado de Catawba y Duke Endowment que llevó a que estos servicios estuvieran disponibles para todas las familias de Carolina del Norte”.

    Los primeros datos del condado de Catawba demuestran el impacto del programa en el apoyo a la permanencia sostenible, mostrando mejores resultados de salud mental, relaciones más sólidas entre padres e hijos y una mayor estabilidad en la colocación. En los últimos 10 años, el condado de Catawba no ha visto a ningún niño reingresar al cuidado de crianza dentro de los 12 meses posteriores a la salida del cuidado.

    Con la implementación en todo el estado, NCDHHS tiene como objetivo crear un impacto positivo en los resultados de permanencia para los niños y las familias, reducir las interrupciones en las colocaciones, disminuir el reingreso al cuidado de crianza temporal, y mejorar el bienestar a largo plazo de cualquier niño o familia que haya experimentado el cuidado de crianza temporal en Carolina del Norte.

    “Success Coach ya está mostrando grandes resultados para mejorar la permanencia entre las familias del condado de Catawba, y sabemos que este programa es un cambio real para los niños y las familias en todo el estado”, dijo la directora de DSS del condado de Catawba, Karen Harrington. “Estamos eliminando las barreras de acceso al llevar los servicios directamente al hogar y proporcionar a las familias las herramientas que necesitan para mantenerse seguras, fuertes y autosuficientes a largo plazo”.

    NCDHHS está invirtiendo más de $16.5 millones en fondos estatales y federales durante los próximos tres años para la transición de Success Coach en todo el estado. La expansión contará con el apoyo de tres proveedores regionales: Catawba County DSS, Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, y Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, que trabajarán con los Departamentos de Servicios Sociales locales en la implementación del programa y la capacitación. La capacitación para los nuevos Coaches de Éxito (Success Coaches) está en curso, con sesiones trimestrales para garantizar la implementación de alta fidelidad del modelo.

    Cualquier familia que sale del cuidado de crianza temporal a través de la reunificación, la tutela, la custodia, el cuidado de parentesco o la adopción es elegible para participar en el programa Success Coach. Success Coach también está disponible para cualquier familia adoptiva, incluyendo la adopción privada y la adopción por un familiar. Estos servicios son voluntarios y están destinados a brindar apoyo continuo a medida que las familias avanzan en la construcción o reconstrucción de sus relaciones después del cuidado de crianza o después de la adopción. Las familias pueden volver a participar en el programa tantas veces como sea necesario, acceder a sesiones de refuerzo o reiniciar los servicios si se enfrentan a un nuevo desafío o si sus circunstancias cambian.

    La expansión estatal de Success Coach es parte de la estrategia más amplia de NCDHHS para construir un sistema de apoyo de permanencia sólido, consistente y accesible en Carolina del Norte. A medida que los estados de todo el país continúan buscando soluciones nuevas e innovadoras para mejorar la permanencia a largo plazo y la estabilidad familiar, el objetivo del departamento es que Success Coach sirva como modelo y estándar nacional para proporcionar servicios efectivos de permanencia.

    Para obtener más información sobre los proveedores de Success Coach de Carolina del Norte, visite:

    Apr 3, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Progress made in tackling global challenges

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) is making significant progress in tackling global challenges through an inclusive and collaborative approach.

    This is according to the country’s G20 Sherpa, Zane Dangor. Sherpas are the personal representatives of the G20 leaders.

    “We believe this is important and that the G20 must work with the UN [United Nations] and other multilateral institutions to mitigate these challenges and to find practical solutions for all of us. 

    “We look forward to constructive engagements from all members of the G20, the invited guests [and] also the international organisations,” he said on Thursday. 

    Dangor who is also the Director-General for International Relations and Cooperation, chaired the second virtual meeting of the G20 Sherpas in Pretoria on Thursday.

    He also stressed the importance of Ubuntu – a philosophy of inclusiveness and solidarity – in addressing global challenges and achieving shared interests across international organisations.

    “We must express our appreciation in the way that you embraced the spirit of Ubuntu, the culture that underpins not just South Africa’s culture of inclusiveness, but also Africa’s wider culture. Ubuntu really underpins our commitment and solidarity in addressing our common challenges in achieving shared prosperity,” he said during the opening session of the meeting. 

    Dangor stressed South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism and shared prosperity, with 15 working groups having already conducted their first meetings and three task force meetings.

    Working Groups are made up of representatives from member countries’ Ministries. The G20 working groups cover diverse areas, including development, anti-corruption, culture, education, women’s empowerment, environment, health, tourism, and disaster risk management.

    “We hope that as you listen to the reflections of the working group members in your own inputs, you’ll be able to sharpen what you believe we should be taking forward as a collective.” 

    He also touched on a diplomatic engagement where he told attendees that the Foreign Ministers’ meeting in February this year expressed strong support for South Africa’s themes and priorities, particularly in managing geopolitical issues.

    At the meeting in February, G20 foreign ministers threw their weight behind South Africa’s Presidency priorities, which focus on sustainable development and debt sustainability for low-income countries, amongst others.

    READ | Foreign Ministers’ Meeting backs SA’s G20 Presidency priorities 

    In addition, he said following Brazil’s model, South Africa’s Presidency aims to develop in-depth discussions on geopolitical matters through ministerial and leadership channels while allowing working groups to focus on technical issues.

    Dangor acknowledged the enormous task ahead and the need for support from key members and international organisations.

    The Sherpa said the objective of the two-day meeting which will conclude on Friday, is to take stock of what has happened, identify areas for improvement, and address key issues.

    READ | South Africa convenes second G20 Sherpa Meeting

    He announced that the next meeting for the G20 Sherpa will be held from 26 to 28 June 2025 at the Sun City Resort in the North West, marking an in-person gathering to continue collaborative discussions. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressmen Davis, Griffith, and Cline Introduce Legislation to Protect Nuclear Medicine Patients

    Source: US Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Don Davis (D-NC), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the bipartisan H.R. 2541, the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act of 2025, which would close a loophole that currently allows patients to be unintentionally exposed to high levels of radiation without reporting or disclosure. The legislation would improve care and ensure transparency for patients and simplify federal rules coming from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

     

    “Patients deserve to have protections and transparency when undergoing treatment for serious health conditions,” said Congressman Davis. “Improving reporting for accidental radiation exposure is long overdue and we must restore the rights of the patients who place their trust in healthcare providers.”

     

    “The Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act is about making sure patients are protected and federal agencies are doing what they’re supposed to do,” said Congressman Cline. “This bill brings clear direction to the NRC so that nuclear medicine procedures are carried out with the highest safety standards. I’m proud to join my colleagues to reintroduce this commonsense legislation that puts patient safety first and strengthens oversight without growing bureaucracy.”

     

    “I am extremely pleased Reps. Davis, Griffith, and Cline have come together on this important patient safety and care issue,” said Dr.  Jackson W. Kiser, a Nuclear Medicine physician. “I have over a dozen published articles on this topic and have seen the impact that a large extravasation can have on a patient’s care. It is disturbing that in the year 2025 patients can be extravasated with large doses of radiation that affect their imaging or therapy procedure and may have skin and tissue implications. And it is unconscionable that patients are not told, and the NRC is not informed. I am pleased that Congress is stepping in to force the NRC to protect patients. NRC needs to make these incidents reportable like any other accidental exposure so my fellow physicians can get the support they need from their hospitals like I have to reduce the frequency and severity of these medical events.”

     

    Background

     

    Radiopharmaceutical extravasations are medical errors that occur when a radioactive drug is accidentally injected into the tissue rather than into the patient’s vein as intended. Large extravasations can cause tissue and skin damage and compromise the nuclear medicine procedure. However, since 1980, NRC rules have exempted all radiopharmaceutical extravasations from “medical event” reporting requirements, even if they result in radiation doses that were known to be incredibly dangerous, and even if they exceeded the level of radiation doses that NRC should have reported to Congress.

     

    In 2022, NRC accepted a petition for rulemaking to close this outdated loophole. In 2024, NRC published a draft proposed rule to require reporting of extravasations that result in injury or have the potential to cause injury. The draft proposed rule is insufficient and uses a subjective standard to determine whether an event is reportable, which is contrary to every other radiation safety rule.

     

    In response, the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act would require NRC to treat extravasations like all other unintended irradiation.  If a dose threshold is exceeded, the incident must be reported. Doing so would improve safety and transparency for patients while simplifying rules for licensees.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson Introduces Bill Codifying Trump Admin EO Targeting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Protecting American Taxpayers from Wasteful Spending Act, which would codify President Trump’s executive order from March 25th, 2025, promoting financial integrity, transparency, and efficiency by improving the Department of the Treasury’s ability to screen for improper payments and fraud, track transactions, and manage the government’s disbursements.

    “It is absurd the federal government wastes up to $521 billion – that’s right, billion, – in taxpayer dollars each year in improper payments. That’s hundreds of billions of your tax dollars flushed down the drain without swamp bureaucrats blinking an eye. President Trump’s Executive Order to prevent improper payments is a great step to end this abuse, and my bill will make this effort permanent to ensure your hard-earned tax dollars are not wasted.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

    Background:

    The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates the Federal Government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud due to inadequate data and outdated systems.

    The Protecting American Taxpayers from Wasteful Spending Act codifies President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14249 (90 Fed. Reg. 14011) to protect America’s bank account against fraud, waste, and abuse.

    Executive Order 14249 (90 Fed. Reg. 14011):

    • Directs the Treasury Department in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish pre-certification and pre-award verification procedures that all agencies should comply with for payments made by the Treasury on behalf of agencies.
      • These procedures include ensuring full funds are available prior to obligations, verifying payee and payment information, and confirming that specific funds are used for the appropriate purposes.
    • Minimizes administrative barriers to accessing data to prevent fraud and improper payments, and to verify payment information to the extent permitted by the law.
    • Directs agencies to consolidate financial systems.
    • Centralizes disbursing authority within the Treasury Department by reducing non-treasury disbursing offices (NTDO).
    • Requires agencies to submit compliance plans detailing their strategies for transitioning disbursing authority, updating and integrating systems with Treasury Department, transmitting information on improper payments to Treasury Department, and verifying payment information.

    This bill was first covered by Washington Examiner here. Full bill text can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sara Jacobs Introduces the Delete DOGE Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

    April 03, 2025

    Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced the Delete DOGE Act, which would defund DOGE and stop Elon Musk from stealing from the American people to fund tax breaks for billionaires like himself. 

    Over recent weeks, Elon Musk’s DOGE has slashed essential government functions and fired tens of thousands of federal workers. These cuts have extended across the federal government – targeting billions of dollars of life-saving medical research from NIH and NSF, veterans’ services, and air traffic controllers. DOGE has shut down critical federal websites, compromised sensitive personal data across multiple federal agencies, and circumvented the constitutional separation of powers. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s businesses have benefited from at least $38 billion in federal government contracts, which remain untouched and are likely to profit even more from new contracts.

    Elon Musk’s irresponsible slashing of government functions has been anything but efficient: the Department of Energy was forced to rehire hundreds of nuclear bomb specialists after firing them. DOGE “accidentally” eliminated Ebola prevention, fired USDA workers focused on bird flu prevention, and fired workers who answered the phones at the VA’s suicide crisis hotline.

    Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “‘Move fast, break things’ is a motto that might work for the tech sector, but it costs lives when we’re talking about cuts to cancer research, VA health care and the suicide hotline, Medicare, and Social Security. The bottom line is that Elon Musk’s DOGE is stealing from the American people to pay for tax breaks for billionaires like him and circumventing Congress and the law in the process. My Delete DOGE Act would stop what he’s doing and prevent him from robbing the American people and our future even more. I hope my Republican colleagues will find the courage to stand up to Elon Musk and support my bill to protect our country’s stability, security, and public trust.”

    The Delete DOGE Act would:

    • Prohibit any federal funds from being used to implement, administer, or enforce the executive orders establishing DOGE.
    • Rescind unobligated funds currently available to DOGE and its associated entities.
    • Restrict future expenditures or transfers of federal funds for DOGE-related projects or personnel.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Year After Key Bridge Collapse, Mfume Joins Letter Urging States to Prioritize Bridge Safety Assessments

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – One year after Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, Maryland Congressman Kweisi Mfume joined a bicameral Congressional letter, led by Congressman Johnny Olszewski, urging states to conduct critical bridge safety tests to prevent further tragedy in communities across the country. The letter is also co-signed by Maryland Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representatives Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney (all-D) as well as Representatives Andre Carson (D-IN), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Eugene Vindman (D-VA).

    In the letter, the lawmakers said the Key Bridge collapse after a vessel strike on March 26, 2024, wasn’t an isolated incident. A National Transportation Safety Board investigation, also released last week, revealed the bridge was 30 times the acceptable vulnerability threshold according to now-required guidelines by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The NTSB said the bridge was among 67 across the country that have not completed an AASHTO-based vulnerability study because they were built prior to its adoption.

    Also on the list is Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which the State of Maryland has recently committed to evaluating based on AASHTO safety guidelines.

    “Just one year ago, the Baltimore region experienced a devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of six individuals and disrupted countless livelihoods when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a vessel strike,” the lawmakers wrote. “The cost to rebuild the bridge is expected to near $2 billion and take at least three years for construction. We have since learned there are dozens of bridges across the country under state jurisdiction that lack recommended safety assessments.”

    “To avoid another tragedy of this magnitude, we must take urgent action to address vulnerabilities that could lead to another catastrophic bridge failure or collapse. The Key Bridge disaster was not an isolated incident – it was a warning,” they continued.

    “As leaders, we have a responsibility to prevent history from repeating itself. We urgently and respectfully request the expeditious adoption of the recommendations outlined by NTSB in its preliminary report. Specifically, we call on the 18 other states and Army Corps of Engineers with jurisdiction over the 66 bridges across the country that currently lack a vulnerability study to undergo such an evaluation as quickly as possible,” they urged.

    “As Members of Congress, we stand ready to work hand in hand with you, aiming to provide the resources needed in each state and localities to bring our bridges up to safety standards,” they continued. “This is a moment to lead with compassion and foresight. The families who lost loved ones in Baltimore deserve to know that their heartache is not in vain – that we learned, acted, and are doing everything within our power to prevent another disaster,” the lawmakers concluded.

    The letter is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Seniors Mental Health

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis alongside coleads Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), and Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective (COMPLETE) Care Act. Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03) and Mike Carey (OH-15) also joined as original sponsors.

    The legislation supports primary care providers in expanding access to mental health care for Medicare beneficiaries by increasing reimbursement rates for three years to encourage the integration of services like psychiatry, psychology, and substance abuse care into primary care.

    “Improving access to quality mental healthcare is essential, I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside my colleagues to incentivize doctors to offer mental health services under Medicare,” said Rep. Malliotakis. ” With the increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicides, I remain committed to introducing and supporting legislation that will improve access to care for our seniors and all individuals suffering from these conditions.”

    “Expanding mental health care access is one of the most important things we can do to improve and save lives of people struggling with mental health issues,” said Rep. Fletcher. “It is critical that we build on our efforts to improve access to mental health resources, and I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Malliotakis, Congressman Pfluger, and Congressman Horsford in this important effort.”

    “Addressing significant gaps in our healthcare system is crucial in making treatment more accessible, more affordable, and more effective,” said Rep. Pfluger. “This is why I am proud to co-lead the COMPLETE Care Act which will support integrated care models in primary settings. This isn’t just about expanding services—it’s about transforming how we deliver care to treat the whole person, removing stigma, and ensuring every American can receive the comprehensive support they need, when they need it.” 

    “Mental health care is health care – it should be as accessible as possible for Nevadans and the American people,” Rep. Horsford said. “I’m proud to co-lead the COMPLETE Care Act to expand access to these critical behavioral health services and supports. By helping primary care providers broaden their coverage, this legislation will help prevent mental health from going undiagnosed and untreated.”

    “Mental health care, especially helping those dealing with drug addiction, is an important facet of the overall health care infrastructure, and expanding access to it through Medicare is an important effort,” Rep. Carey said. “I am proud to join with my colleagues to lead the COMPLETE Care Act and encourage its passage.”

    “So many Americans are struggling to access mental health and substance use services, and we know that there are innovative models of integrated care that can help,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “APA thanks Rep. Malliotakis for introducing the COMPLETE Care Act, legislation to enhance the Collaborative Care Model and reach patients in primary care with early identification and timely treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.”

    “America is facing an unprecedented behavioral health crisis, and we can only address the magnitude of the needs if we make mental health screening and care as common a practice as blood pressure or heart disease screening and care. This bipartisan, common sense legislation will do exactly that, by helping to treat more people earlier and more effectively in primary care,” said Andy Keller, president and CEO of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute.

    View the Bill Text HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Co-Sponsors Legislation to Help Families Pay their Heating and Cooling Bills

    US Senate News:

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

    April 03, 2025

    Legislation would provide urgent relief for families in Oregon and nationwide as energy prices rise

    Washington D.C. —U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today announced he is co-sponsoring a bill to expand and modernize the severely underfunded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), bringing much-needed relief for Americans struggling to pay their utility bills in Oregon and nationwide. This legislation comes on the heels of reports that RFK Jr. has terminated the entire LIHEAP staff, making this bill all the more crucial.

    “No Oregonian should have to choose between putting food on their table or paying their utility bills,” Wyden said. “Unfortunately, as the climate crisis continues to wreak havoc, more and more Americans face extreme temperature shifts and rising energy costs. This bill would help provide energy assistance to everybody facing the impossible choice between food or utilities and could mean the difference between life and death for many vulnerable Oregonians.”  

    Specifically, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act would:

    • Substantially increase Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding to ensure year-round assistance, including an additional $2 billion for emergency energy assistance and $1 billion in Just Transition grants to help vulnerable households adapt to a changing climate;

    • Broaden eligibility so that households earning up to 250 percent of the federal poverty line or 80 percent of state median income can qualify, while ensuring lower energy burdens for lower-income households and capping household energy burdens at 3 percent of monthly income;

    • Protect consumers from utility shutoffs, excessive late fees, and predatory energy practices that disproportionately hurt vulnerable communities;

    • Expand emergency assistance, ensuring extreme heat and cold are recognized as qualifying emergencies and that states can provide vital cooling relief;

    • Increase funding for weatherization and home electrification, to help low-income households reduce energy costs, improve health and safety, and transition to clean, resilient energy systems;

    • Streamline enrollment and outreach, improving coordination with other federal programs and increasing access through automatic enrollment and simplified verification; and

    • Strengthen reporting requirements to better track affordability, equity, and climate resilience outcomes.

    In addition to Wyden, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, led by Senator Edward J Markey  (D- Mass.) and Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), was co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I); as well as Representatives Nannette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    The full bill is here. A section by section breakdown of the bill is here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Co-Sponsors Resolution Underscoring Crucial Role of Local News Amid Threats to Free Press

    US Senate News:

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

    April 03, 2025

    Washington D.C. –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today announced he is co-sponsoring a resolution designating April 2025 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month” to highlight local journalism’s vital role in U.S. democracy, particularly as news outlets face mounting threats and intimidation from the Trump administration.    

    “The cornerstone of democracy is a free and fair  press. Among this administration’s blatant threats, exclusions and intimidation, it’s more important than ever to protect these vital local information outlets in Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said. “Trump has made it painfully clear he thrives best in dark, deceitful places, which is why I’ll keep spotlighting our First Amendment rights whenever they are threatened by authoritarian wanna-bes. As the son of a journalist and an elected official who knows full well the need for reliable local news, I’ll always fight for a free press and the crucial service it provides in maintaining healthy and vibrant communities.” 

    In addition to Wyden, the resolution was led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and co-sponsored by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

    Full text of the resolution is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Grassley Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Secret Service’s Ability to Combat Cyber Money Laundering

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to help the Secret Service better detect and deter cybercrimes. The Combatting Money Laundering in Cyber Crime Act would update current law to authorize the Secret Service to investigate new forms of criminal activity involving digital assets.

    “Dangerous criminals are constantly changing their tactics and using new technology to avoid detection,” said Senator Cortez Masto.“Our law enforcement agencies need to adapt to keep communities safe. I will continue to fight to pass this bipartisan legislation that would help the Secret Service more effectively combat cybercrime.”

    “As money laundering schemes continue to evolve, so must our capacity to combat them,” said Senator Grassley. “By enhancing Secret Service’s authority to investigate criminal digital assets, our bill significantly improves law enforcement’s ability to effectively anticipate, identify and prevent cybercrime.”

    The Treasury Department, the Department of Justice, and other national security and financial crime experts have warned that digital assets like cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used for money laundering, drug trafficking, ransomware attacks, theft and fraud schemes, terrorist financing, and other crimes. The Secret Service investigates a variety of cybercrimes that could pose a threat to our national security—however, these cybercrimes can be perpetrated through unlicensed money transmitting businesses outside of the Secret Service’s jurisdiction. The Combatting Money Laundering in Cyber Crime Act makes much-needed updates to U.S. law to ensure the Secret Service has full authority to investigate evolving forms of illicit finance, including countering cartels, defeating scam camps, addressing Chinese money laundering organizations, and combating North Korean theft of digital assets.

    Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported bipartisan measures to combat cybercrime. She joined a bipartisan effort asking the Biden Administration to crack down on illicit financing of international terrorism in response to reports that Hamas raised millions in crypto to fund its operations. She’s also cosponsored the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, which would close loopholes in current law and bring cryptocurrency companies into greater compliance with the anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism frameworks that govern the traditional financial system. She has passed into law her bipartisan legislation to combat money laundering and terrorism by bolstering the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and ensuring it focuses on virtual currencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Wicker Lead Bipartisan Group Of 60 Senators In Introducing Legislation To Expand Telehealth Access, Make Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    Current Flexibilities Set To Expire September 30 Without Congressional Action

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) led a bipartisan group of 60 senators in reintroducing the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act. The CONNECT for Health Act will expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permanent, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. Current flexibilities are set to expire on September 30 unless Congress extends them.

    “While telehealth use has rapidly increased in recent years, our laws have not kept up,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay. Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors no matter where they live.”

    “We live in a digital world, and our health services should reflect that. In the past decade, telehealth has made medical care more accessible for patients across the state and country,” said Senator Wicker. “It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care.”

    In addition to Schatz, Wicker, Warner, Hyde-Smith, Welch, and Barrasso, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Angus King (I-Maine.), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.).

    Telehealth provides essential access to care with nearly a quarter of Americans accessing telehealth in a month, according to the most recent available data.

    The CONNECT for Health Act would:

    • Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;
    • Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
    • Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;
    • Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirement for telemental health services;
    • Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
    • Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, impacts of quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.

    The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.

    “Telehealth services have proven to be a safe and effective form of medical care. Through the expansion of telehealth services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients have received quality, affordable care. I’m glad to introduce legislation that will make permanent some of these services and ensure Virginians continue to access affordable health care when they need it, and where they need it,” said Senator Warner.

    “Even before the pandemic, Mississippi recognized the vital role of telehealth. Across America, rural communities, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges have long struggled to access traditional healthcare,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve, and I’m proud to continue this years-long effort to expand telehealth services.”

    “The COVID-19 pandemic proved that telehealth not only works, but is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Rural and underserved areas in Vermont and across the country desperately need solutions to address the widening gap in health care access, and increasing telehealth services must be part of the answer. This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge that gap and make sure that our policies adapt to the capabilities of our technology.”

    “Telehealth is a critical for rural states like Wyoming,” said Senator Barrasso. “It has given folks access to specialized care no matter where they live. This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to have access to the health care they need.”

    Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Thompson (D- Calif.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio).

    The CONNECT for Health Act has the support of more than 150 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.

    The full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huizenga to IRS: Let’s Encourage Innovation in Southwest Michigan, Not Stifle It

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

    Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) sent a letter to the IRS urging fair treatment of the research credit that many businesses across Southwest Michigan use to innovate and grow. Recently, the IRS has unnecessarily scrutinized the use of the research credit while also making the filing process itself more intrusive and overly complex. Specifically, the Biden Administration IRS implemented changes to filing Form 6765, placing undue burdens on businesses to prove they conducted research. As a result of changes to Form 6765, businesses will be forced to track employee time and expenses by “business component,” thereby increasing audit risks, requiring costly system upgrades, and ultimately reducing the value of the credit all while disincentivizing research and innovation.

    “Innovators are the driving force behind America’s global competitiveness and quality of life at home. Consistent with President Trump’s pro-growth agenda, we cannot allow a government agency to stifle the groundbreaking research and growth of job creators. In addition to rescinding new Form 6765, I recommend that, in its overall approach, the IRS adhere to Congressional intent…” wrote Congressman Huizenga. “I am confident that the sentiment expressed in this letter would help ensure that the research credit truly serves its Congressionally intended purpose of fostering a competitive, innovative economy.”

    Congressman Huizenga acknowledged his eagerness to work with President Trump’s IRS to address this matter, which if properly addressed, could incentivize large investments in critical research and development in the United States for wide range of industries including manufacturers, researchers, semiconductors, engineers, drug makers, designers, and any other business that would be eligible for this tax credit. The National Association of Manufacturers also issued a statement of support for Congressman Huizenga’s actions.

    “R&D is the lifeblood of the manufacturing industry—and manufacturers perform 53% of all private-sector R&D in the U.S. Yet the industry’s ability to pursue life-changing and live-saving research is seriously threatened by new IRS compliance requirements that will make it more difficult to claim the R&D tax credit,” said Charles Crain, Managing Vice President of Policy, National Association of Manufacturers. “Manufacturers appreciate Rep. Huizenga’s leadership in calling on the IRS to rescind these damaging changes, and we encourage both Congress and the IRS to ensure that the tax code fully supports manufacturers’ efforts to drive innovation here in the U.S.”  

    You can read Congressman Huizenga’s letter to the IRS here or below:

    Acting Commissioner Krause:

    I write to request that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rescind the new Form 6765, “Credit for Increasing Research Activities,” issued on December 12, 2024, and the associated instructions. Additionally, I must raise concerns about the IRS’s overall approach to administering the research tax credit, including how the IRS has been handling amended returns for research credit claims, conducting research credit audits, and taking research credit cases to court.

    For decades, as Congress intended, American businesses’ use of the research credit has helped drive our nation’s leadership in innovation. Congress never intended for a government agency to stifle the groundbreaking research and growth of job creators. In fact, the Conference Agreement accompanying the 1999 extension of the research tax credit stated, “The conferees also are concerned about unnecessary and costly taxpayer recordkeeping burdens and reaffirm that eligibility for the credit is not intended to be contingent on meeting unreasonable recordkeeping requirements.”[1] 

    While the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations echo this intent on various accounts, my constituent businesses—particularly in the manufacturing sector —continue to raise concerns about the IRS challenging, and in some cases litigating, the adequacy of taxpayers’ documentation to substantiate qualified research expenses. At a time when nearly every industry has faced rising input costs across the board, the IRS should not be seeking to make the research credit more difficult, time-consuming, and costly to claim.

    The new Form 6765, originally issued during the Biden Administration, introduces new and extensive requirements to prove that a business’s activities qualify as research, track employee time at very granular levels, and document expenses to “business components.”  This places a heavy compliance cost on businesses of all sizes – from large operations to smaller ones seeking to grow. For example, new Sections E and G ask taxpayers to detail quantitative and qualitative information at a business component level, even though neither the Code nor the regulations require a taxpayer to provide qualified research expenses (QREs) by business component (“project”). Furthermore, it would be common for a given business to be developing hundreds or even thousands of business components annually.

    The requirements in the new Form 6765 not only impose additional administrative hurdles, but also increase the likelihood of errors, resulting in potential audits or penalties. Businesses would now have to incur additional, significant expenditures for:

    • Systems such as employee time tracking and project cost accounting for non-wage expenses, and
    • External advisors to navigate these convoluted requirements, further reducing the net benefit of the credit.

    Moreover, there would be a significant cost associated with the valuable time lost due to the added administrative burden of employees, such as scientists and engineers, having to enter related information into time tracking systems on a regular, recurring basis.

    Innovators are the driving force behind America’s global competitiveness and quality of life at home. Consistent with President Trump’s pro-growth agenda, we cannot allow a government agency to stifle the groundbreaking research and growth of job creators. In addition to rescinding new Form 6765, I recommend that, in its overall approach, the IRS adhere to Congressional intent instead of focusing on litigating and challenging legitimate research credit claims – as it has done in the past. I am confident that the sentiment expressed in this letter would help ensure that the research credit truly serves its Congressionally intended purpose of fostering a competitive, innovative economy.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. I stand ready to work with you to address these issues and I look forward to receiving your response.


    [1] Rept. No. 106-478 at p. 132 (November 17, 1999).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huizenga Named Most Effective Member of the Michigan Congressional Delegation in the U.S. House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

    Recently, the Center for Effective Lawmaking released its analysis of the 118th Congress and found Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) to be the most effective member of the Michigan Congressional Delegation in the U.S. House. The analysis also found during divided government in the last Congress, Huizenga exceeded expectations by outperforming the established benchmark by more than 60%. Overall, Congressman Huizenga scored in the top 8% of all House Members for the 118th Congress. Upon reviewing the report, Congressman Huizenga released the following statement.

    “It is an honor to be named the most effective member of the Michigan Delegation in the U.S. House,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “My top priority continues to be serving the residents of Southwest Michigan in the most efficient and effective way possible. While there is still much work to be done, I look forward to continuing to deliver on legislative solutions that make Southwest Michigan an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

    Background:

    The Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) is a joint partnership between the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University. Each Congress, CEL ranks lawmakers according to their effectiveness using a combination of 15 metrics on the bills they sponsor, how far they move through the legislative process, and how substantial their policy proposals are. Lawmakers are then assigned a Legislative Effectiveness Score (LES). The study provides evidence on how effective lawmaking continued to occur despite divided government and internal struggles within closely divided chambers of Congress.

    The average score in both the House and the Senate was normalized to 1.0. Additionally, CEL establishes a benchmark for each member which is their expected LES based on their party, seniority, and committee position. Congressman Huizenga was given a benchmark of 1.481 but earned a score of 2.383 and was labeled as “exceed expectations.” Lawmakers “exceed expectations” when they outperform the benchmark by 50% or more. More information and scores for the entire Michigan Delegation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davis, Bonamici, Moore, Plaskett, Horsford Champion Bill to Increase Guaranteed Child Care Funding while GOP Plans to Cut Federal Child Care Dollars

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

    Building Child Care for a Better Future Act expands guaranteed child care funding and creates grants to improve child care workforce, supply, quality, and access.  

     

    In contrast, Republican-proposed funding cuts to pay for tax giveaways to the wealthiest individuals and corporations would eliminate child care for 40,000 children. 

     

    Washington, D.C.- Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI), Representative Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI), and Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV) announced the introduction of the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act (H.R. 2595) to dramatically increase guaranteed child care funding to address child care needs and create grants to enhance child care workforce, supply, quality, and access.  Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren will introduce companion legislation in the Senate. 

    The need to rebuild a stronger, more robust and more equitable child care system is more important than ever as working families across America struggle to access affordable, quality child care. Alarmingly, Republicans are threatening to eliminate child care for 40,000 children to pay for their massive tax giveaways for the wealthiest individuals and corporations. Additionally, the mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the offices at the Administration for Children and Families that administer child care and Head Start programs, will make child care even less accessible and affordable, as well as less safe. The long-term solutions in this bill complement the other Democratic bills that address the immediate child care cliff created by Republican inaction.

    High-quality, affordable child care is essential to the economic well-being of families, businesses, and our country. Yet, child care places a major financial burden on American families. The price of child care can range from $5,357 to $17,171 per year depending on location and type of care. Astoundingly, the cost of center-based care for two children is more than the average mortgage in 45 states and more than the average annual rent in all 50 states plus DC.  Households under the poverty line spend nearly one third of their income on child care, and increases in median childcare prices are connected to lower maternal employment rates.  Further, the child care crisis hits families of color disproportionately hard.  For a single parent who has never been married who is Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaska Native, child care can cost 36%, 41%, or 49% of the median income, respectively, compared to only 31% for single White parents.  Further, Latino and American Indian and Alaska Native parents disproportionately live in child care deserts. 

    The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act addresses the child care needs of families and long-term stability of the child care system. Specifically, the bill:

    • Helps working families with their child care needs by expanding guaranteed child care funding by increasing the Child Care Entitlement to States to $20 billion per year, over a five-fold increase in funding from the current $3.55 billion per year. Further, the bill increases funding for tribes, tribal organizations, and territories. The bill builds on the Democrats’ permanent increase in guaranteed child care funding to states in 2021, which also provided the first-ever guaranteed funding allotments for the U.S. territories in the Child Care Entitlement to States. 

    • Creates new grants to improve child care workforce, supply, quality, and access in communities experiencing child care shortages. Funds could be used for any purpose under the Child Care Development Block Grant to address local needs, including:  increasing child care slots; supporting workforce training and expansion; expanding operations of community or neighborhood-based family child care networks; and recruiting providers and staff.

    “High-quality, affordable child care is essential to the economic well-being of families, businesses, and our country,” said Rep. Davis.  “The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act would provide $20 billion in guaranteed grants to states, tribes, and territories to make child care affordable.  Further, the bill would create $5 billion in new grants to improve child care workforce, supply, quality, and access in communities experiencing child care shortages. It is critical that Congress acts now to help working families by stabilizing our nation’s child care system and to reject the dangerous Republican cuts to child care.” 

    “Too many families in Oregon and across the country struggle to find affordable child care, and child care providers often do not make a living wage,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act will strengthen our child care system by investing in families, child care providers, and early childhood educators. The investments in this bill will open up opportunities for children, families, childcare providers, and the economy.”

    “The cost of childcare continues to squeeze families and is even more burdensome for low-income families.  At the same time, too many childcare workers don’t earn a living wage and are struggling to get by. Our legislation would help make high-quality childcare more accessible and affordable and invest in its workforce,” said Rep. Moore.

    “As part of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, Congress expanded the Child Care Entitlement to States program to include U.S. territories like my district for the first time,” said Rep. Plaskett.  “The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act significantly increases investments in childcare for American families living in U.S. territories and enhances our commitment to equity. The annual average cost of childcare ranges from $4,000 to as high as $25,000, depending on location. I am proud to partner with my colleagues and respond to the critical need nationwide for available, accessible, and affordable childcare.”

    “Across Nevada and the nation, working families are caught in a tough balancing act – juggling skyrocketing costs of child care while trying to earn a living,” said Rep. Horsford. “For the poorest households, child care isn’t just expensive: it’s a crushing burden, often costing more than rent or a mortgage. If we truly believe in the American dream, we must eliminate the barriers holding families back from opportunities of economic mobility and progress. This bill strengthens our child care infrastructure by providing grants to lower costs for working families, enhance the child care workforce, and improve the quality of care in our communities.”

    “At a time when families are struggling to find affordable child care so they can work and pay their bills, Republicans in Congress are making their priorities clear with 40,000 kids about to lose their child care to pay for another handout to billionaires. Taken together with the absolute gutting of HHS and the offices responsible for Head Start and child care, America’s child care crisis is on track to only grow worse,” Wyden said. “It doesn’t have to be this way, our bill invests in working families by making sure more families can get child care, and that new child care centers can be built to increase slots while also guaranteeing a living wage for the essential workers who staff them. That is where priorities should lie.”

    “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between breaking the budget, cutting back their work hours, or settling for lower-quality care to make sure their kids have child care,” Warren said. “I am grateful for Senator Wyden’s and Representative Davis’ partnership and commitment to investing in child care so working parents have a fighting chance in our economy.”

    The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act is supported by 50 organizations, including:  American Academy of Pediatrics; American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO); American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy; Caring Across Generations; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Child Care Aware of America; Child Care for Every Family Network; Communications Workers of America (CWA); Community Change Action; Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC); Family Forward Oregon; Family Values at Work; First Children’s Finance; First Five Years Fund; First Focus Campaign for Children; Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children; KinderCare; Little Miracles Early Development Center; Maine Association for the Education of Young Children; Maine People’s Alliance; Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children (MDAEYC); Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children (MAAEYC); MomsRising; Montana Family Childcare Network; National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC); National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); National Education Association (NEA); National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA); National Women’s Law Center; New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children; NJ Communities United; OAEYC, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children; ORAEYC Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children; Our Children Oregon; Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children; Pennsylvania Child Care Association; Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children; Prevent Child Abuse America; Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children; Save the Children; SEIU; South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (SCAEYC); Southwest Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children; Small Business Majority; Trying Together; Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children; Virginia Organizing; Wisconsin Early Childhood Association; and ZERO TO THREE.

    A copy of the legislation is available HERE. 

    A summary of the bill is available HERE.

    Organizational Quotations: 

    Center for Law and Social Policy

    “The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act will make child care more affordable for families and invest in the workforce that makes it all possible. By ensuring sustainable and reliable funding and bolstering the supply of child care, we can build a stronger, more equitable child care sector. This legislation is an essential step toward a much-needed child care system that meets the diverse needs of all children and families.”  Stephanie Schmit, Director of Child Care and Early Education, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)

    Child Care for Every Family Network

    “Right now, this country is facing a serious child care crisis–parents are struggling to find or afford child care, child care workers are making poverty wages, and child care providers are struggling to keep their doors open and make ends meet. Republicans’ only proposal is to make this crisis even worse by cutting child care funding and putting more wealth in the hands of billionaires over supporting our families,” said Andrea Paluso and Erica Gallegos, Executive Directors of the Child Care for Every Family Network. “But there is another way. Senator Wyden and Warren’s Building Child Care for a Better Future Act will boost child care funding, instead of taking a hatchet to it. We are proud to endorse this critical bill that will invest in our child care supply, support the child care workforce, and help make child care easier to find and afford. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: support for care or support for cuts. Instead of non-stop Republican threats to cut child care, Congress must pass the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act.”

    Early Care & Education Consortium

    “As a national coalition of child care providers, education service providers, and state child care associations, ECEC is pleased to endorse the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act. This legislation recognizes that the child care workforce is the workforce behind the workforce—without well-qualified and compensated child care educators and staff, many parents cannot go to work with the comfort that their children are being educated and cared for in safe and healthy environments. Furthermore, the legislation takes needed steps to help provide support to providers that serve communities that are most in need of high-quality early education. The long-term investments proposed in the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act will better equip our nation’s child care system to serve all who rely on it every day, and support the continued growth of the American economy.” – Radha Mohan, Executive Director, Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC)

    Family Forward Oregon

    “Child care is the workforce behind our workforce. It is essential infrastructure in our communities, and is an essential industry. We must fund child care just like libraries, schools, and other public services. When we invest in child care through the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act, we invest in our families, our economy and our future.” – Candice Vickers, Executive Director, Family Forward Oregon 

    National Women’s Law Center

    “At a time when President Trump and congressional Republicans are proposing dramatic cuts to child care, the Building Child Care for A Better Future Act provides meaningful investments that would make a real dent in addressing the child care crisis,” said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center. “With families at a breaking point with the soaring costs of child care, we need real, sustained investment to make care more affordable and to invest in the early learning workforce. If Congress is serious about lowering child care costs, they’ll pass this bill instead of pretending that small tax credits—which provide only a fraction of relief that families need—are a real solution.”   

    Prevent Child Abuse America

    “Access to quality childcare alleviates parental stress, enabling parents to create positive home environments for their children,” saidMelissa Merrick, President and CEO of Chicago-based Prevent Child Abuse America. “This legislation, Building Child Care for a Better Future Act, addresses both the immediate needs of families, supporting working parents while strengthening the childcare workforce, and the broader goal of improving childcare access. When parents have the resources and supports they need to care for their children, we help parents foster positive home environments where their young children can thrive.”

    ZERO TO THREE

    “Child care is essential for parents who are continuing to struggle with long waitlists and skyrocketing costs. Providers are barely scraping by due to the ever-rising costs of providing safe and quality care,” said Samantha Cadet, Legislative Director for ZERO TO THREE. “ZERO TO THREE is proud to support the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act, which addresses the root issue of chronic underinvestment by increasing mandatory funding for child care so that states, tribes, and territories have the resources they need to build a child care infrastructure that works for everyone.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeGette Demands RFK Jr. Appear Before Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after it was reported that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. might be sending staff to brief the Energy & Commerce Committee on his extreme and drastic cuts to HHS.

    “The massive cuts at HHS, directed by Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies, are illegal and will cause the most harm to public health I have seen throughout my time in Congress. Secretary Kennedy is going to set back American biomedical research a generation, delaying cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, and he will devastate our ability to stop the next pandemic.

    “A briefing is the bare minimum that Secretary Kennedy can offer, but instead, he would reportedly send staff rather than do it himself. While a staff briefing is better than nothing, it has not been scheduled, and there is no assurance that it will be bipartisan. 

    “As the top Democrat on the Health Subcommittee, I am calling on Secretary Kennedy to appear at a hearing immediately to explain his careless cuts and assure our Subcommittee that science—not discounted conspiracy theories—will guide his department’s decision-making. This is not about politics. It is about preserving Congress’s Constitutional role and promoting the health and safety of every American.” 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 165, Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 165 would direct the Department of the Interior (DOI) to place approximately 40 acres of land owned by the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes in restricted fee status. The two tribes would retain ownership of the land, and the land could not be transferred without the consent of the Congress and the tribes. H.R. 165 would limit the use of the land to a memorial and sacred site and prohibit commercial development and gaming activity as outlined in a covenant signed in October 2022. The act also would require DOI to make any necessary corrections to the survey and legal description of the land. Using information from the department, CBO estimates that the administrative costs to implement H.R. 165 would not be significant.

    H.R. 165 would impose an intergovernmental mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). The act would prohibit state and local governments from taxing land placed into restricted fee status for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Information from Oglala Lakota County about taxes and other receipts associated with the land indicates that those foregone revenues would total less than $100,000 annually, well below the annual intergovernmental threshold established in UMRA ($103 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The act contains no private-sector mandates.

    On April 3, 2025, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S. 105, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on March 5, 2025. The two pieces of legislation are similar, and CBO’s estimates of their budgetary effects are the same.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Julia Aman (for federal costs) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 105, Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 105 would direct the Department of the Interior (DOI) to place approximately 40 acres of land owned by the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes in restricted fee status. The two tribes would retain ownership of the land, and the land could not be transferred without the consent of the Congress and the tribes. S. 105 would limit the use of the land to a memorial and sacred site and prohibit commercial development and gaming activity as outlined in a covenant signed in October 2022. The bill also would require DOI to make any necessary corrections to the survey and legal description of the land. Using information from the department, CBO estimates that the administrative costs to implement S. 105 would not be significant.

    S. 105 would impose an intergovernmental mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). The bill would prohibit state and local governments from taxing land placed into restricted fee status for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Information from Oglala Lakota County about taxes and other receipts associated with the land indicates that those foregone revenues would total less than $100,000 annually, well below the annual intergovernmental threshold established in UMRA ($103 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The bill contains no private-sector mandates.

    On April 3, 2025, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R 165, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on March 5, 2025. The two pieces of legislation are similar, and CBO’s estimates of their budgetary effects are the same.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Julia Aman (for federal costs) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 550, a bill to provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois, and for other purposes

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 550 would grant jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma’s land claim against the United States arising from the Treaty of Grouseland. The bill would require the court to render judgement without regard to the statute of limitations or any other delay-based defense. The bill also would extinguish all other claims, including any future claims, of the tribe to land in Illinois.

    Groups that file civil suits in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims pay filing and administrative fees, which are recorded as revenues. Those fees can be spent without further appropriation to cover the administrative costs of the judiciary. On that basis, CBO estimates that enacting S. 550 would increase both revenues and direct spending by an insignificant amount over the 2025-2035 period.

    S. 550 contains an intergovernmental mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) because it would extinguish the tribe’s claims to land in Illinois. Eliminating an existing right of action is a mandate because the right to seek redress and recover damages beyond what is provided in the bill would be lost. CBO estimates that the cost of the mandate would not exceed the annual threshold established in UMRA ($103 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    S. 550 contains no private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Margot Berman (for federal costs) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Would you join the resistance if stuck in an authoritarian regime? Here’s the psychology

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Magnus Linden, Associate Professor of Psychology, Lund University

    Female activist protesting with megaphone during a strike with group of demonstrator in background. Jacob Lund/Shuttestock

    Most of us like to believe we would have opposed the rise of Nazism in 1930s Germany. We may even like to imagine that we would have bravely fought for the resistance to Nazism in the 1940s. But would we? Our ability to take a stand may be put to the test as authoritarianism is increasing worldwide.

    All electoral democracies can transform into autocracies. These are governments that restrict political and civil rights, centralise executive power, manipulate elections and minimise the diversity of political views.

    In western democracies, a move toward autocracy is often led by would-be strongmen whose focus is to reinstate traditionalist values and nationalism. They typically target the free media, opponents and stigmatised social groups without moral compunction.

    Moves to deepen autocracy are always resisted, however. Depending on how autocratic a country is, this resistance will differ. Early in the autocratisation process, resistance is common within formal state institutions. It may be expressed in overt actions, including public statements condemning government actions.

    In closed autocracies, however, resistance is exercised more by covert social movements. One reason for this is the personal risk connected to resistance. In Vladimir Putin´s autocratic Russia, for example, political dissenters know they risk being either murdered or imprisoned if they’re caught.

    In the United States, on the other hand, where the new administration has taken steps that increase the level of autocracy, dissonant views may effectively be silenced because of fear of retribution. Many people are scared of losing their jobs or having their companies harmed.

    Psychological profile

    The science about the choices made by those who resist autocratic regimes, and the strategies they apply in resisting, is evolving.

    Interviews with resisters in Myanmar suggest that personal moral commitments, being compassionate and feeling compelled to act when witnessing violations of rights, are all factors motivating resistance.

    These factors are also evident in those who helped Jews survive during the Holocaust. For example, studies suggest that rescuers were more empathic and morally conscious than others. They had essentially been socialised into being ethical in childhood and were also more inclusive of people from other social groups.

    People who join resistance groups also tend to be more open to taking risks. That makes sense: the more driven you are by a need to feel safe, the less likely you are to engage in anything that could jeopardise that – even if your moral compass suggests you should.

    Beyond resisting autocratic steps, research on moral courage in everyday settings shows that believing you can succeed, that you have the necessary knowledge and skills, is an important predictor for intervention when people witness norm violations, whether this means addressing a perpetrator or protecting a victim.

    Leadership characteristics

    That said, it’s not all down to individual followers. No autocratic leader can gain power without influencing their followers. The same is true of resistance: resistance cannot exist without effective leadership.

    Research suggests that followers are influenced by leaders who create a positive ethical climate, which in turn influences their own ethical behaviour.

    For fighting autocracy, one important aspect of this process is to communicate that inclusive moral values, such as universalism (the idea that things like liberty, justice, fraternity and equality should apply to everyone) and benevolence (helping, forgiving, being responsible) are a prominent part of the group’s identity.

    Members of the French resistance group Maquis in La Tresorerie, September 14 1944, Boulogne.

    For example, when the Danish Jews were persecuted by the Nazis in 1943, representatives of morally-grounded institutions, including bodies representing the Protestant clergy and hospital physicians, started to actively resist the regime. They became effective leaders as they were already in jobs perceived to be morally “committed”, and people trusted their judgement.

    Research on nonviolent resistance also shows that strong resistance organisations, and their leaders, tend to embrace diversity among people. And when they are successful, they often include the pillars in society that have the power to disrupt, such as military forces or economic elites.

    Research on the underground railroad, the network of activists helping enslaved people escape to the northern states in America or Canada, has shown that influential church leaders played a crucial role. They refused to follow federal legislation that obliged them to help slave owners capture enslaved people that had escaped.

    Knowing that ethical role models are taking a stand is important for a resistance movement’s followers. Stanley Milgram gave evidence for this in his much-debated psychological obedience studies, showing that 90% of the participants who had been asked to give others electrical shocks stopped immediately if two assistant teachers stopped first.

    Building resistance

    In a world where autocracy is on the rise, how can we foster traits in people that promote appropriate forms of resistance?

    Teaching others about morally courageous figures can work, but heroism is not the key for all learners. The science suggests a number of other – perhaps surprising – objectives which can move ordinary people to stand up for democracy. In particular, educational initiatives that boost contact between different groups may be useful.

    To be able to resist autocratic regimes, and help people who are persecuted under them, we ultimately need empathy for people who are different to ourselves. There’s plenty of research showing that white people who move to more diverse areas, within cities, for example, become less racist.

    So perhaps the more time we spend with people who are unlike us, the more we are growing our potential as resistance fighters.

    We may also want to boost our self-efficacy, or self-confidence. One technique is to repeatedly expose ourselves to situations that evoke fear, but which force us to act courageously, such as standing up to bullies. This is a crucial part of ethical police training, for example.

    Learning about moral values can also help build confidence. Educators who are given the challenge to teach good moral behaviour can do this effectively by focusing on universal principles – rather than those that are based on culture or social class – such as treating others how we wish to be treated.

    These are building blocks for a group identity which favours empathy with all and expectations of good behaviour.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Would you join the resistance if stuck in an authoritarian regime? Here’s the psychology – https://theconversation.com/would-you-join-the-resistance-if-stuck-in-an-authoritarian-regime-heres-the-psychology-252533

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Replacing gas vehicles with electric cars could prevent new cases of childhood asthma

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Harshit Gujral, Ph.D. Student, Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto

    Up to one-third of all new asthma cases each year are attributed to the harmful air pollutants that are emitted by gas-powered automobiles.

    To address this, our recent study has found that replacing around half of all gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles could be sufficient to minimize childhood asthma cases linked to pollution from vehicle exhausts.

    As researchers studying the intersection of transportation, climate change and public health, we wanted to understand whether electric vehicle sales were having any impact on human health. Given the growing electric vehicle market in the United States, we investigated the impact this growth is having on population health.

    We chose childhood asthma as a proxy due to its widespread impact on the population. Around five million American children suffered from asthma in 2019. This statistic hasn’t changed considerably since then.

    Numerous studies have shown that exposure to air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, which are emitted from the tailpipe of gas-powered automobiles when they burn fossil fuels, is linked with an increased risk of developing asthma. Our study builds on this by examining the number of gas-powered and electric vehicles on the road, and the number of new childhood asthma cases annually.

    Numerous studies have found a link between gas-powered automobiles and increased asthma risk.
    (Shutterstock)

    Examining vehicle sales

    We used publicly available data on childhood asthma from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Then, we built a burden-of-disease model to isolate new cases of childhood asthma that were linked to traffic-related air pollution. We included data collected between 2013 and 2019 from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

    We found that for every 1,000 new gas-powered vehicles sold, there was one new case of childhood asthma. Our research revealed that replacing approximately 21 per cent of these sales with electric vehicles appears to be sufficient to halt rising asthma rates caused by new vehicle sales. However, this number varied depending on the state and various factors — such as population density and the number of existing gas-powered vehicles on the road.

    For instance, in some states, replacing just seven per cent of gas car sales with electric vehicles might be enough to halt rising asthma rates caused by new vehicle sales. But in other states, 42 per cent of new car sales had to be electric vehicles in order to have any impact.

    States with a higher population density and a larger proportion of older, gas-powered vehicles on the road would likely see the greatest health gains from switching to electric vehicles.

    Our findings indicate there’s already a measurable public health benefit being seen in the U.S. from the increase of electric vehicles on the road. This impact would be profound in states with a zero-emission vehicle program, because 63 per cent of all new electric vehicles were sold in states with these mandates between 2013 and 2019.

    In 2021 (at the time of this study), 10 American states had rules promoting electric vehicles, including: California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

    Our findings underscore the urgent need for policies that accelerate the replacement of older, fossil-fuel powered vehicles with electric vehicles. It will also be important for policymakers to find ways of making electric vehicles more accessible for lower-income households, as they’re disproportionately affected by traffic-related air pollution.

    Not the only solution

    We don’t want readers to assume that putting more electric vehicles on the road is the only solution for improving children’s health.

    First, it’s important to note that a reduction in childhood asthma rates only manifests when electric vehicles are sold as replacements for gas-powered vehicles. This means that when people buy an electric vehicle as a second car, it won’t be linked to the same health benefits.

    Second, electric vehicles — as with any other vehicle — still contribute to air pollution emissions in other ways. This is why our research doesn’t point towards completely replacing all gas-powered automobiles with electric vehicles for the sake of public health.

    Replacing half of gas-powered cars with electric vehicles appears to minimize childhood asthma caused by traffic-related air pollution.
    (Shutterstock)

    While a 36-77 per cent fleet share of electric vehicles should minimize the asthma burden due to reducing the amount of nitrogen dioxide emitted from gas-powered automobiles, this doesn’t eliminate all the pollutants that are produced by vehicles.

    For example, particulate matter from brake wear, tire wear and road dust are all linked with adverse health impacts — such as respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. The actual reduction in pollution also depends on driving behaviours, as plug-in hybrids can operate on both gas and electricity.

    Alternative forms of transportation are still important for reducing the total number of cars on the road and ultimately improving public health.

    For electric vehicles to be truly beneficial, it’s also important to ensure the electricity needed to charge their batteries comes from clean sources. If the electricity comes from coal or other fossil-fuel-based sources, then we’re just moving the pollution from the urban centres to communities living near power plants.

    Other critical limitations of electric vehicle technology include battery recycling, social injustices in acquiring raw materials for battery production and restrictions on the right to repair.

    The bottom line is that while electric vehicles are needed to move away from fossil fuel-based vehicles, they aren’t the whole solution. We need to promote and invest more in public transit and biking infrastructure to improve air quality and public health.

    This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC, RGPIN-2019-07042) and the Data Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto (grant no. DSIDSFY3R1P22).

    Meredith Franklin received funding from NSCERC for this research.

    Steve Easterbrook received funding from NSCERC and UofT DSI for this research.

    – ref. Replacing gas vehicles with electric cars could prevent new cases of childhood asthma – https://theconversation.com/replacing-gas-vehicles-with-electric-cars-could-prevent-new-cases-of-childhood-asthma-252244

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s trade war represents a big opportunity for Canadian Conservatives

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Charlie Buck, PhD Candidate, Politics, University of Toronto

    A well-known saying in politics is to never let a good crisis go to waste. The governing Liberals have embraced this idea, calling a snap election for April 28. Their decision came amid United States President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods and threats of annexation.

    This moment presents a rare opportunity for Canadian Conservatives to rethink their approach. They can do this by tapping into their own party’s history of opposing American domination over Canada.

    Canadians are often presented as mild-mannered patriots. But Trump’s mockery of Canadian sovereignty has upended that perception.

    A recent Angus Reid poll found a surge in national pride. The percentage of Canadians who were “very proud” to be Canadian jumped from 34 to 44. At hockey games, Canadians are booing the American national anthem. And in grocery stores, shoppers are boycotting American products in favour of domestic goods.



    Read more:
    Trump tariffs have sparked a ‘Buy Canadian’ surge, but keeping the trend alive faces hurdles

    Once the party of anti-Americanism

    This rising nationalism is an opening for Conservatives to draw on their own history.

    Up until the 1980s, Canadian conservatism was the ideology most closely tied to anti-Americanism. From the United Empire Loyalists to John A. MacDonald’s National Policy, conservatism was about resisting American control.

    Robert Borden’s 1911 election win, for example, was fuelled by nationalist opposition to free trade with the U.S. Borden’s motto, evoking MacDonald, was: “Keep Canada for the Canadians.”

    Conservatives were also the party of Britishness. They supported the monarchy, the Red Ensign flag featuring the Union Jack and a strong central government. In contrast, the Liberals were the party of continentalism, hoping to achieve further economic and cultural integration with the U.S.

    This dynamic reversed in the 1980s with the rise of neoliberalism. During the 1988 election, the Conservatives under Brian Mulroney, not John Turner’s Liberals, favoured free trade. The Liberal campaign even ran a memorable ad warning that free trade would erase the Canadian-U.S. border.

    Since then, Canadian Conservatives have often been accused of wanting to “Americanize” Canada. Conservatives favour an elected Senate modelled on its U.S. equivalent. Economically, they mirror the market fundamentalism of American Republicans.

    On foreign policy matters, Conservatives also align closely with American interests. When Prime Minister Jean Chretien refused to join the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, it was met with strong criticism by opposition leader Stephen Harper.

    Canadian uniqueness

    Trump’s attack on Canadian sovereignty creates a chance for Canadian conservatism to return to its nationalist roots. Classical Canadian Tory thinkers — from George Grant to Donald Creighton, John Farthing and W. L. Morton — espoused a strong strain of anti-Americanism that animated all of their work. Indeed, it was this defence of Canadian uniqueness that defined their conservatism.



    Read more:
    Facing annexation threats, should Canadians lament for a nation — like George Grant did in 1963?

    If there is one lesson to be taught from their work, it’s that Conservatives must champion Canadian identity in the face of American aggression.

    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre should heed this lesson. He has pledged to “put Canada first” and continue the Conservative legacy of “warding off American designs to dominate our continent.” Yet he seems more eager to tear down Liberal Leader Mark Carney than to defend Canada from Trump.

    These pro-Canada sentiments can’t just come from the leader. Nor should they be a short-term election strategy — they must represent a long-term vision.

    The current crisis is an opportunity for the intellectual leaders of the conservative movement in Canada to reorient their ideology away from the Americanization of Canada. They can best do this by drawing from the tradition of British-style Toryism that defined the conservative ideology for the first century of Canadian nationhood.

    Canadians are hungry for a party that celebrates Canadian patriotism and that builds up, rather than tears down, Canada’s heritage. They want a party that stands up to the American bully and strengthens national security by properly funding the country’s military.

    Dialing it down

    That means Poilievre must tone down his libertarian instincts in favour of the national collective good. Uninspiring commitments like increasing the contribution limit for tax-free savings accounts doesn’t match the required urgency. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians are worried they won’t have a job or the money to contribute to a tax-free savings account due to this trade war.

    Market capitalism and the free flow of goods and people across borders creates wealth, but it also makes Canada more economically dependent on America.

    Defunding the CBC might make good economic sense. However, it may also weaken Canadians’ sense of national identity and drive them further into the grips of American cultural influence.



    Read more:
    From dog whistles to blaring horns, Poilievre makes his case

    Poilievre, and the conservative movement more broadly, should consider rekindling some of the anti-Americanism that has long been a key component of Canadian conservatism. Doing so might allow his party to seize upon Canadians’ renewed sense of patriotism and result in a Conservative win on April 28.

    There might be a few Trump-loving conservatives alienated by this approach. But there are far more moderate voters to be gained by fighting for Canada under a truly conservative banner.

    As the saying goes, don’t let a good crisis go to waste.

    Charlie Buck receives funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Trump’s trade war represents a big opportunity for Canadian Conservatives – https://theconversation.com/trumps-trade-war-represents-a-big-opportunity-for-canadian-conservatives-252997

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Love in the age of conspiracy: 5 tips to deal with disinformation and political polarization in relationships

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kara Fletcher, Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina

    The current socio-political environment has created a context where conspiracy narratives about COVID-19, vaccines, election fraud and other misinformation appear to be flourishing everywhere. (Shutterstock)

    If you’re in a relationship with someone who believes in a conspiracy theory, you might find yourself feeling like you don’t know the person you’re in a relationship with anymore. And you might be thinking about whether things will get better or wondering if you should leave them.

    The World Health Organization has declared we are living in an infodemic, where misinformation is spreading like an infectious disease. A Leger opinion poll conducted in November 2023 found that nearly 80 per cent of Canadian respondents and almost 85 per cent of Americans believed at least one conspiracy theory.

    While older adults often struggle to detect online misinformation, the poll found people between the ages of 18 and 34 were also likely to believe some conspiracies. Recent research has also found youth aged 13-17 are more susceptible to misinformation than adults.

    The current socio-political environment has created a context where conspiracy narratives about COVID-19, vaccines, election fraud and other misinformation appear to be flourishing everywhere. However, there are steps you can take if you see your partner going down a conspiratorial rabbit hole.

    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:

    Conspiratorial beliefs

    Conspiracy theories refer to beliefs relating to secret plots orchestrated by groups who are considered to hold power and have bad intentions. Misinformation refers to information that contradicts the best expert evidence available at the time. Lastly, political polarization describes ideological conflict between two (or more) opposing groups. Political polarization can create antipathy and prejudice among groups that don’t agree with one another.

    One of the authors of this article, Kara Fletcher, is a couples and family therapist. In her practice, she has noticed an increase in clients sharing their confusion and hopelessness at their partner’s gradual adoption of conspiracy theories and misinformation. They’ve shared that their partners’ viewpoints initially became more conservative and then escalated into believing misinformation and conspiracy theories over time.

    Clients have reported that their romantic partner has started to follow movements like QAnon, a far-right American political conspiracy theory. Or, more insidious and less obvious initially, their partners have started to consume podcasts like Infowars, Joe Rogan’s podcast or conservative websites like the Daily Wire. These podcasts and news sites have all come under scrutiny for spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.

    Our research team has undertaken multiple projects to better understand the impact of misinformation and conspiracy theories on couple well-being. While existing research is slim, there is some evidence of relationship disruption and harm.

    We are currently conducting a scoping review of studies assessing the impact of QAnon involvement on interpersonal relationships. Participants in one research study described QAnon as a “malignant force in their relationship” which caused distance and distress. Participants however, reported a desire to understand their loved one and attempt to heal the relationship.

    Similarly, emerging research also indicates that loved ones experienced emotional distress and a negative impact on their relationship since their “QPerson” started following the beliefs of QAnon. Anecdotally, the Reddit forum QAnonCasualties has more than 280,000 members.

    A Leger opinion poll conducted in November 2023 found that nearly 80 per cent of Canadian respondents believed at least one conspiracy theory.
    (Shutterstock)

    What you can do

    So, what can you do if you just don’t recognize your romantic partner anymore? If this sounds like a familiar experience for you, or someone you love, here are a few tips to try:

    1. Keep your feet on the grass. Stay connected to family and friends. Living with or dating someone who espouses conspiracy beliefs and misinformation can be confusing and disorienting. You may start to question your own belief system when your partner is so convinced of theirs. Maintain your social supports and relationships outside of your romantic relationship. This will help keep you connected with other viewpoints and ideas and ground you.

    2. Model and maintain a healthy social media and news diet. If your partner is only listening to far-right news sources, put on the radio, leave a newspaper on the table. Expose them gently to a wide range of ideas, while maintaining your own exposure to legitimate news sources.

    3. Try not to shame and blame. Emotional arguments do not work and may cause the opposite intended effect. Your partner may feel that you are unsupportive and judgmental and not understand your well-intentioned concern. Individuals who feel judged for their beliefs may double down on adherence to those beliefs while under pressure.

    4. Prevention. Where possible, encourage and practise critical thinking skills. One study found that teaching critical thinking to college students for a period of three months lowered students’ beliefs in conspiracy theories. Teaching critical thinking appears to be the best inoculation against adopting conspiracy theories and misinformation.

    5. Get support if needed. You may love your partner deeply but find navigating this situation alone to be too much. You can speak to a therapist or connect with supports such as the Evolve Program and Life After Hate.

    As our research develops, we hope to offer support that will bring couples with these experiences together to find solutions for their divergent belief systems and experiences.

    Kara Fletcher receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

    Carlos Alberto Rosas-Jiménez and Jiaxing Li do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Love in the age of conspiracy: 5 tips to deal with disinformation and political polarization in relationships – https://theconversation.com/love-in-the-age-of-conspiracy-5-tips-to-deal-with-disinformation-and-political-polarization-in-relationships-251797

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada’s labour market is failing racialized immigrant women, requiring an urgent policy response

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Marshia Akbar, Director of the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab and Research Lead on Labour Migration at the CERC Migration and Integration Program at TMU, Toronto Metropolitan University

    Despite Canada’s commitment to gender equity through human rights legislation and policies, the country ranked eighth in gender pay disparity among 43 nations in 2018.

    While gender wage gaps affect all women, they are particularly pronounced for those from marginalized communities. A 2015 United Nations Human Rights report raised concerns about “the persisting inequalities between women and men” in Canada, highlighting the gender pay gap and its disproportionate impact on low-income, racialized and Indigenous women.

    Historical data reflects the persistence of these inequalities. The 2001 and 2016 censuses reveal that labour market inequalities in Canada have remained both gendered and racialized over the past two decades.

    Racialized immigrant women are among the most disadvantaged groups in Canada’s labour force. They experience higher unemployment rates and lower incomes than racialized men, non-racialized men and non-racialized women, regardless of whether they are immigrants or Canadian-born.

    Building on this evidence, my recent analysis of the 2021 census further illustrates the ongoing disparities racialized immigrant women face in the Canadian labour market — even among those with university education.

    A triple disadvantage

    As of 2021, immigrants comprised about 23 per cent of Canada’s population, with racialized women making up 36 per cent of all immigrants. Their presence plays a critical role in Canada’s demographic composition and economic growth.

    However, systemic barriers continue to limit their economic potential. Racialized immigrant women face a triple disadvantage due to their race, immigrant status and gender, making it harder for them to secure employment.

    Data from 2021 highlights these disparities. Racialized immigrant women aged 25 to 54 had the lowest labour force participation and employment rates, and the highest unemployment rates.

    The labour force participation rate measures the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking work, while the employment rate is the percentage of the working-age population that is employed.

    The labour force participation rate of racialized immigrant women was 77 per cent, the lowest among all immigrant groups. Their employment rate was 68 per cent, significantly lower than that of racialized immigrant men (82 per cent) and non-racialized immigrant women (74 per cent).

    Additionally, their unemployment rate reached 12 per cent, exceeding racialized immigrant men by seven percentage points and non-racialized immigrant women by three percentage points.

    In contrast, Canadian-born women face fewer employment disparities between racialized and non-racialized groups. This suggests that labour market barriers are particularly harsh for immigrant women of colour.

    Wage gaps reflect the triple disadvantage

    Wage disparities in Canada vary significantly across demographic lines, with immigrant women facing the greatest disadvantages.

    In 2020, racialized immigrant women aged 15 and over had the lowest median employment income of $30,400. Their earnings lagged behind racialized immigrant men, and non-racialized immigrant men and women.

    While higher education improves earnings, it does not eliminate these disparities.

    University-educated racialized immigrant women earned an average of $41,200 in 2020, compared to $57,200 for their male counterparts — a gender wage gap of 28 per cent.

    Additionally, they earned 19 per cent less than non-racialized immigrant women ($50,800) and 32 per cent less than non-racialized Canadian-born women ($60,400). This placed them at the bottom of the earnings hierarchy.

    These figures indicate that educational attainment alone is not enough to overcome the structural barriers that limit economic opportunities for racialized immigrant women. More deliberate actions are needed.

    The road ahead

    Despite initiatives like the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot, which the federal government launched in 2018 to support career advancement for racialized newcomer women, employment and wage disparities persist.

    Research has identified several structural factors that limit their access to meaningful economic opportunities. These barriers include gender biases, institutional racism, disproportionate caregiving responsibilities, the non-recognition of foreign credentials, gender gaps in skill development and job transitions, and occupational segregation.

    To address these challenges, future research should adopt a problem-solving approach to address the root causes. Simultaneously, a comprehensive policy response is needed to tackle the systemic barriers in the labour market.

    Targeted solutions are needed to help racialized immigrant women. Strengthening credential recognition, for instance, can help employers assess transferable skills across countries. Implementing equitable hiring practices and workplace integration policies are also essential.

    Digital technology and artificial intelligence can also help eliminate bias in hiring and job matching. Settlement programs should account for the intersecting identities of racialized immigrant women to provide tailored support.

    Most importantly, it’s crucial to recognize that ensuring equitable access to meaningful employment is not only vital for advancing gender and racial equity, but also essential for unlocking Canada’s full economic potential.

    Marshia Akbar receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Canada’s labour market is failing racialized immigrant women, requiring an urgent policy response – https://theconversation.com/canadas-labour-market-is-failing-racialized-immigrant-women-requiring-an-urgent-policy-response-251792

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ford Motor Company Offers Employee Pricing to ALL U.S. Shoppers!

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

    Ford Announces “From America, For America” Deal

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0g2hsShi-s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. McGarvey, Scholten Lead Congressional Effort to Crack Down on Child Labor Exploitation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    April 03, 2025

    Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), alongside Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), officially formed the Congressional Child Labor Prevention Task Force for the 119th Congress aimed at addressing the alarming rise in child labor violations across the United States. The task force will work to strengthen protections, enhance oversight, and advocate for policy solutions that protect children from exploitation in the workforce. Additionally, the task force will work to advance legislation that strengthens child labor protections, including increasing penalties for violations. 

    Task Force Co-Chairs McGarvey and Scholten also sent a letter to Labor Secretary DeRemer to request that the Department of Labor work closely with Congress and the task force to ensure the safety and security of America’s supply chains, places of work, and most importantly, children. 

    “It’s a national disgrace that child labor is still a problem in the 21st century. No child should ever be exploited, let alone for the gain of greedy corporations and shareholders,” said Congressman McGarvey. “I’m proud to co-chair the Child Labor Prevention Task Force with Congresswoman Hillary Scholten as we fight to end child labor in the U.S. and protect our children.”

    “Child labor has no place in our country, yet we are seeing a sharp increase in violations, with thousands of children found working in dangerous conditions,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “Children belong in classrooms, not in dangerous jobs that put them at risk. As members of Congress, we must step up to protect vulnerable children, ensure companies are not profiting off of exploited labor, and hold violators accountable.” 

    The Department of Labor has reported a 31% increase in child labor violations from 2019 to 2024, with 736 cases investigated in the last fiscal year alone. Despite these alarming statistics, enforcement resources have been stretched thin, with just 650 investigators in the Department, the lowest number since 2007.

    To make matters worse, several states have recently rolled back child labor protections. Florida lawmakers are advancing legislation to allow children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts, even on school nights. Meanwhile, Indiana has enacted a law permitting 16- and 17-year-olds to work hazardous agricultural jobs. These rollbacks put children at greater risk and undermine federal labor standards designed to protect young workers.

    Current members of the task force include: Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mark Takano (CA-39), Dina Titus (NV-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Scholten, McGarvey Lead Congressional Effort to Crack Down on Child Labor Exploitation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), alongside Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), announced the formation of the Congressional Child Labor Prevention Task Force for the 119th Congress aimed at addressing the alarming rise in child labor violations across the United States. The task force will work to strengthen protections, enhance oversight, and advocate for policy solutions that protect children from exploitation in the workforce.

    “Child labor has no place in our country, yet we are seeing a sharp increase in violations, with thousands of children found working in dangerous conditions,” saidRep. Scholten. “Children belong in classrooms, not in dangerous jobs that put them at risk. As members of Congress, we must step up to protect vulnerable children, ensure companies are not profiting off of exploited labor, and hold violators accountable.” 

    “It’s a national disgrace that child labor is still a problem in the 21st century. No child should ever be exploited, let alone for the gain of greedy corporations and shareholders,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “I’m proud to co-chair the Child Labor Prevention Task Force with Congresswoman Hillary Scholten as we fight to end child labor in the U.S. and protect our children.”

    The Congressional Child Labor Prevention Task Force was established in the 118th Congress and will continue to collaborate with the Department of Labor and other key stakeholders to combat exploitation of minors. The task force will focus on strengthening enforcement of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by ensuring federal labor laws are upheld, protecting funding for child labor investigations and oversight programs to support enforcement efforts, advocating for stronger federal and state-level labor protections to prevent further rollbacks, and holding companies accountable for violating child labor laws. Additionally, members of the task force will work to advance legislation that strengthens child labor protections, including increasing penalties for violations. 

    The Department of Labor has reported a 31% increase in child labor violations from 2019 to 2024, with 736 cases investigated in the last fiscal year alone. Despite these alarming statistics, enforcement resources have been stretched thin, with just 650 investigators in the Department, the lowest number since 2007.

    To make matters worse, several states have recently rolled back child labor protections. Florida lawmakers are advancing legislation to allow children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts, even on school nights. Meanwhile, Indiana has enacted a law permitting 16- and 17-year-olds to work hazardous agricultural jobs. These rollbacks put children at greater risk and undermine federal labor standards designed to protect young workers.

    Co-Chairs Scholten and McGarvey sent a letter to Labor Secretary DeRemer to request that the Department of Labor work closely with Congress and the task force to ensure the safety and security of America’s supply chains, places of work, and most importantly, children. 

    Current members of the task force include: Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mark Takano (CA-39), Dina Titus (NV-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Prevent Rural Hospital Closures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Legislation would codify a USDA pilot program that provides technical assistance to hospitals
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to help rural hospitals that are at risk of being closed. The Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act would codify an existing pilot program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides technical assistance to rural hospitals to prevent closures, improve their financial and operational performance and strengthen essential healthcare services in rural communities.
    “The health and wellbeing of Vermont’s rural hospitals impacts the health and wellbeing of every Vermonter. Our rural hospitals need help to keep their doors open for our patients,” said Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Rounds on this bipartisan bill, which will strengthen hospitals across the United States and help improve care and services.”  
    “Rural hospitals are a lifeline for the communities they serve, and far too many are struggling to keep their doors open,” said Senator Rounds. “Providing technical assistance to rural hospitals at risk for closure gives providers and administrators a fresh set of eyes on their operations and allows for new ideas to help stabilize their operations. The Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act would codify this pilot program and help rural hospitals continue to provide the critical care that South Dakotans need.”
    Through an agreement with USDA, the National Rural Health Association provides several types of technical assistance to include expert guidance on optimizing billing processes, addressing reimbursement delays, improving collections and maximizing available reimbursement opportunities. Any rural hospital is eligible under this program, with preference given to hospitals in persistent poverty communities of less than 20,000. Participating hospitals are provided with a contractor specializing in rural health care delivery, who then reports back on goals and next steps to get the hospitals to financial and operational stability. To date, 17 hospitals have participated in the pilot version of the program, which has been highly effective in assisting rural hospitals.
    “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Senator Rounds for his introduction of the Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program Act to expand and codify the existing USDA pilot program,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. “This legislation will help prevent hospital closures, improve financial and operations performance for facilities, and strengthen essential healthcare services in rural communities. NRHA looks forward to working with Congress to keep hospital doors open and continue providing care for the 60 million residents living in rural America.”
    Since 2005, 186 rural hospitals have closed nationwide, and over 400 rural hospitals are currently vulnerable to closure. Many rural hospitals face significant infrastructure needs, including updates on aging facilities, implementation of electronic health records and expansion of facilities to meet the changing needs of their service area.
    Read the full text of the bill

    MIL OSI USA News –