NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses Risks from Jenner & Block

    Source: The White House

    SUSPENDING SECURITY CLEARENCES TO PROTECT THE NATIONAL INTEREST: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to suspend security clearances held by individuals at Jenner & Block LLP (Jenner) pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest.

    • Security clearances held by Jenner employees will be immediately suspended, pending a review of whether their access to sensitive information is consistent with the national interest.
      • The Federal Government will halt all material and services, including sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) access provided to Jenner and restrict its employees’ access to government buildings.
      • Federal Agencies will also refrain from hiring Jenner employees unless specifically authorized.
    • To ensure taxpayer dollars no longer go to contractors whose earnings subsidize activities not aligned with American interests, the Federal Government will terminate contracts that involve Jenner.
    • The practices of Jenner will be reviewed under Title VII to ensure compliance with civil rights laws against racial bias.

    ADDRESSING ROGUE LAW FIRMS: President Trump believes that lawyers and law firms that engage in conduct detrimental to critical American interests should not be subsidized by American taxpayers or have access to our Nation’s secrets.

    • Jenner pursues partisan goals, supports attacks against women and children based on the denial of the biological reality of sex, and backs the obstruction of efforts to prevent illegal aliens from committing horrific crimes and trafficking deadly drugs within our borders.
    • Jenner has been accused of discriminating against its own employees on the basis of race and other categories prohibited by civil rights laws, including through the use of race-based “targets.”
    • Jenner was also “thrilled” to re-hire Andrew Weissmann, a prosecutor known for his unethical behavior, including his role in engaging in partisan prosecution as part of Robert Mueller’s entirely unjustified investigation.
      • Weissmann’s career has been rooted in weaponized government and abuse of power, including devastating tens of thousands of American families who worked for the now defunct Arthur Andersen LLP, only to have his unlawfully aggressive prosecution overturned by the Supreme Court. 
      • The numerous reports of Weissman’s dishonesty, including pursuit of nonexistent crimes, bribery to foreign nationals, and overt demand that the federal government pursue a political agenda against President Trump, is a concerning indictment of Jenner’s values and priorities. 

    A RETURN TO ACCOUNTABILITY: President Trump is delivering on his promise to end the weaponization of government and protect the nation from partisan and bad faith actors who exploit their influence. 

    • In addition to Jenner, President Trump has also taken action to hold other major law firms accountable.
    • This Executive Order aligns with President Trump’s priority on refocusing government operations to serve the citizens of the United States.
    • It builds on President Trump’s previous actions, such as signing an Executive Order on his first day in office to end the weaponization of the Federal government and ensure accountability for past misconduct.
    • It follows his revocation of security clearances held by intelligence officials who falsely claimed Hunter Biden’s laptop was Russian disinformation during the 2020 election.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects the Integrity of American Elections

    Source: The White House

    RESTORING TRUST IN AMERICAN ELECTIONS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to protect the integrity of American elections.

    • This Order strengthens voter citizenship verification and bans foreign nationals from interfering in U.S. elections.
      • The Election Assistance Commission will require documentary, government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship on its voter registration forms.
      • Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Social Security Administration and Department of State must provide states with access to Federal databases to verify eligibility and citizenship of individuals registering to vote.
      • The Attorney General will prioritize prosecuting non-citizen voting and related crimes, including through use of DHS records and coordination with state attorneys general.
    • Federal election-related funds will be conditioned on states complying with the integrity measures set forth by Federal law, including the requirement that states use the national mail voter registration form that will now require proof of citizenship.
    • The Order improves the integrity of elections by directing the updating of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and security standards for voting equipment and prioritizing federal grant funds accordingly.
      • This includes requiring a voter-verifiable paper ballot record and not using ballots in which the counted vote is contained within a barcode or QR code.
    • It directs the Attorney General to enter into information-sharing agreements with state election officials to identify cases of election fraud or other election law violations.
      • Non-compliant states may face prioritized Federal enforcement of election integrity laws and loss of funding given their unwillingness to police fraud.
    • The Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security shall prevent non-citizens from any involvement in administering elections.
    • The Attorney General will fully enforce the voter-list maintenance requirements of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act.
    • Given clear Federal law setting a single Election Day deadline, the Attorney General shall take appropriate action against states that count ballots received after Election Day in Federal elections. Federal election funding will be conditioned on compliance.
    • The Attorney General will prioritize enforcement of laws prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to or donating in U.S. elections.
    • All agencies must report on compliance with undoing Biden Executive Order 14019, which turned Federal agencies into Democratic voter turnout centers.

    SAFEGUARDING THE VOTE: President Trump recognizes that free, fair, and honest elections—unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion—are essential to our Constitutional Republic.

    • The United States lags behind other nations in enforcing basic and necessary election protections.
      • India and Brazil tie voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.
      • Germany and Canada require paper ballots when tabulating votes, while the United States has a patchwork of methods that often lack basic chain-of-custody protections.
      • Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person—and late arrivals do not count—while American elections now feature mass voting by mail, even after Election Day.
    • Without proper enforcement of Federal laws, illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and error dilute the votes of lawful American citizens.
    • Federal law establishes a uniform Election Day across the nation for Federal elections, but numerous states fail to comply with those laws by counting ballots received after Election Day.
    • The Biden Administration blocked states from removing aliens from voter rolls, while foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) exploited loopholes to pour millions into influencing U.S. elections.

    MAKING ELECTIONS SECURE AGAIN: Voters deserve elections they can trust, and that confidence is being restored thanks to President Trump. 

    • President Trump is following through on his promise to secure our elections.
      • President Trump: “We’re going to fix our elections so that our elections are going to be honorable and honest and people leave and they know their vote is counted. We are going to have free and fair elections. And ideally, we go to paper ballots, same-day voting, proof of citizenship, very big, and voter ID, very simple.”
      • President Trump: “We will secure our elections, and they will be secure once and for all.”
    • Unlike the Biden Administration, which prioritized political agendas over fair elections, President Trump is putting the American people back in charge.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects America’s Bank Account Against Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

    Source: The White House

    PROMOTING FINANCIAL INTEGRITY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order 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.

    • The Order directs the Department of the Treasury to update guidance and enhance systems across the Federal Government to ensure that all payments made on behalf of agencies undergo pre-certification verification to prevent fraud and improper payments.
      • In order for Treasury to disburse funds, agency heads must comply with Treasury disbursement requirements, which include ensuring that sufficient funds are available before obligations are incurred, verifying payee information, standardizing information reporting formats, confirming funds are being disbursed from appropriate sources, and implementing other verification and certification measures.
    • Agencies must share relevant data with Treasury to enhance Treasury’s ability to detect and prevent fraud, subject to applicable law.
    • Agencies will consolidate core financial systems, including for non-CFO Act agencies, consolidating transactional financial management services under standardized solutions to improve financial reporting and traceability.
    • Non-Treasury Disbursing Offices (NTDOs) will be reduced as appropriate, with Treasury developing a plan to centralize and manage payments previously handled by NTDOs.

    MANAGING TAXPAYER FUNDS RESPONSIBLY: President Trump recognizes that financial fraud threatens the integrity of Federal programs and undermines trust in government.  

    • The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates the Federal Government loses up to $521 billion annually to fraud due to inadequate data and outdated systems.
    • The Treasury is responsible for safeguarding the General Fund (sometimes referred to as “America’s Bank Account”) but currently lacks sufficient controls to track transactions flowing through it.
      • Fragmented disbursing authority, with NTDOs handing 22% of Federal payments, creates duplicative reporting and diminishes Treasury’s ability to provide centralized oversight.
    • The Federal Government’s longstanding challenges when it comes to accessing accurate data across agencies has prevented it from more fully safeguarding taxpayer dollars against fraud and improper payments.
    • Transitioning to centralized systems and ensuring basic pre-certification and verification measures before funds are disbursed will enhance security and improve efficiency in managing Federal funds.

    SAFEGUARDING AGAINST WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE: Since Day One, President Trump has been steadfast in his commitment to get rid of waste, fraud, and abuse across the Federal Government.

    President Trump implemented a cost efficiency initiative to ensure government contracts and grants are held to rigorous standards.

    President Trump established the “Department of Government Efficiency” to examine how to streamline the operations of the Federal Government, eliminate unnecessary programs, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency.

    President Trump launched a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new Federal rule is justified by clear benefits.

    President Trump reduced unnecessarily large scopes of governmental entities and terminated numerous harmful Biden executive actions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: HFAC Full Committee Hearing on Countering the Iranian Regime’s Malign Activities

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing titled, “A Return to Maximum Pressure: Comprehensively Countering the Iranian Regime’s Malign Activities” on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

    Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

    Time: 2:00 p.m. ET

    Location: Rayburn 2172

    Subject: A Return to Maximum Pressure: Comprehensively Countering the Iranian Regime’s Malign Activities

    Witnesses:

     

    Norman T. Roule

    Non-resident Senior Advisor

    Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program

    The Center for Strategic and International Studies

    Claire Jungman

    Chief of Staff

    United Against Nuclear Iran

    ***Check here for updates. The hearing will be webcast live here and open to the public and press. Members of the media who would like to attend in-person should RSVP with Joe Clark at joseph.clark@mail.house.gov by 5 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2025. ***

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: HFAC Subcommittee Hearing on the Censorship-Industrial Complex

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia will hold a public hearing titled, “Censorship-Industrial Complex: The Need for First Amendment Safeguards at the State Department” on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

    Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

    Time: 10:00 a.m. ET

    Location: Rayburn 2172

    Subject: Censorship-Industrial Complex: The Need for First Amendment Safeguards at the State Department

    Witnesses:

     

    Mr. Matt Taibbi

    Twitter Files Journalist

    Author, Founder

    Racket News

    Mr. Benjamin Weingarten

    Investigative Journalist & Columnist

    ***Check here for updates. The hearing will be webcast live here and open to the public and press. Members of the media who would like to attend in-person should RSVP with Joe Clark at joseph.clark@mail.house.gov by 5 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2025. ***

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Evolutions Flooring Inc. and Its Owners to Pay $8.1 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Evaded Customs Duties

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Evolutions Flooring Inc. (Evolutions), a South San Francisco, California-based importer of multilayered wood flooring, and its owners, Mengya Lin and Jin Qian, have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly and improperly evading customs duties on imports of multilayered wood flooring from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The settlement is based on Evolutions’ and its owners’ ability to pay.

    “Import duties provide an important source of government revenue and level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers against their global competitors,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets, including by evading the duties owed on goods imported into this country from China.” 

    To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties, including antidumping and countervailing duties assessed by the Department of Commerce and Section 301 duties imposed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost, while countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies. Section 301 duties similarly protect U.S. industry by imposing trade sanctions on foreign countries that violate U.S. trade agreements or engage in other unreasonable acts that burden U.S. commerce. During the relevant time period, PRC-manufactured multilayered wood flooring products were subject to antidumping, countervailing, and Section 301 duties.

    The settlement resolves allegations that Evolutions, at the direction of Lin and Qian, knowingly and improperly evaded customs duties, including antidumping, countervailing, and Section 301 duties, on multilayered wood flooring manufactured in the PRC that Evolutions imported between Sept. 1, 2019 and July 31, 2022. Among other things, the United States alleged that Evolutions caused false information to be submitted to CBP regarding the identity of the manufacturers and country of origin of the imported multilayered wood flooring.

    “The outcome of this case demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and its CBP partners will continue to safeguard the nation’s economic well-being,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally for the Central District of California. “Fraud in international commerce deprives the United States of vital revenue and creates an unfair advantage over businesses that operate legitimately. The settlement sends a message that we will not stand aside when companies try to cheat the system.”

    “The team at CBP was instrumental in providing expertise and logistical support to this investigation,” said Director of Field Operations Cheryl M. Davies of the CBP Los Angeles Field Office. “Through its efforts, which included a site visit to factories in Thailand, review of identified shipments by CBP experts on multilayered wood flooring, an analysis of import records and data by Office of Trade Regulatory Audit, and involvement in interviews with witnesses, CBP contributed to a successful outcome in this matter.”

    The settlement with Evolutions and its owners resolves a lawsuit filed by Urban Global LLC under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Central District of California and is captioned United States ex rel. Urban Global LLC v. Struxtur Inc. et al., No. CV20-7217 (C.D. Cal.). As part of today’s resolution, relator Urban Global LLC will receive approximately $1,215,000 of the settlement proceeds.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel, West Region and Trade Regulatory Audit and the Center of Excellence and Expertise for Industrial and Manufacturing Materials within CBP’s Office of Trade.

    Senior Trial Counsel Christelle Klovers of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Desmond Jui for the Central District of California handled the case. 

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Update Performing Artist Tax Deduction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced legislation to provide much-needed tax relief to working artists. The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act would update the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) tax deduction, an above-the-line tax deduction which allows certain performing artists to deduct the cost of expenses incurred in the course of their employment.

    The Qualified Performing Artist tax deduction has not been updated since its inception in 1986 and is currently only available to those making less than $16,000 a year, meaning that very few artists qualify. This legislation would update and increase the income ceiling to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for married joint filers, allowing more lower- and middle-income performing artists to receive tax relief for work-related expenses. This bill also indexes the deduction for inflation so it automatically adjusts for increases in the cost of living in the future.

    “Middle class and up-and-coming artists have found their home in the Commonwealth making meaningful contributions to our rich culture,” Sen. Warner said. “This legislation levels the playing field for more artists by treating them like the small businesspeople they are, enriching our society and spurring our commerce.”

    “The arts play a vital role in North Carolina’s culture and economy, yet many artists struggle with financial burdens that make it difficult to sustain their careers,” Sen. Tillis said. “By updating this outdated tax deduction, this commonsense legislation ensures that hardworking artists can deduct necessary expenses, just like other professionals. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to provide long-overdue tax relief to the creative community.” 

    Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 24, 2025, by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Judy Chu (D-CA).

    The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act is endorsed by numerous organizations advocating for the rights of emerging artists, including the Actors’ Equity Association, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs. 

    “We commend Senators Warner and Tillis for championing tax fairness for our members and all entertainment professionals. Their bipartisan leadership ensures our members’ voices continue to be heard on this critical issue. It’s time to lower the cost of living for entertainment workers by including PATPA in tax legislation expected later this year, correcting an oversight that has taken money out of the pockets of middle-class IATSE members since 2017,” said Matthew D. Loeb, International President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

    “With just a few weeks until Tax Day, Senator Tillis and Senator Warner could not have better timed this critically important bipartisan bill that would mean actors, stage managers and other creative professionals won’t have to pay hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars more in taxes simply due to common business costs like their agents and managers fees and travel to auditions. I’m grateful for the leadership of Senator Tillis and Senator Warner and look forward to working with them as we fight to make this bill law,” said Brooke Shields, President of Actors’ Equity Association.

    “Entertainment is one of the United States’ top industries, and the work of performing artists has made an immeasurable impact on our national identity. It’s time for the tax code to address the skyrocketing business costs of this highly risky profession and allow performers to deduct legitimate expenses such as agent and manager fees. This will enable working-class performers to continue supporting local economies that generate income from performers living and working in their communities. SAG-AFTRA enthusiastically supports the reintroduction of the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act in the Senate and applauds Sens. Tillis and Warner for their work in addressing the financial challenges of those who dedicate their lives to human artistry,” said Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA.

    “The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) is a critical step toward restoring financial fairness for performing artists across the country. For too long, we’ve been unfairly burdened by a tax system that fails to recognize the realities of our profession. This legislation paves the way for artists to be treated less like expendable contractors and more like the vital parts of an institution that we are. It’s an important step toward ensuring that performing artists are no longer penalized for the cost of doing our jobs and toward a future where we receive the same workplace protections and benefits as others who work within the companies we sustain,” said Ned Hanlon, President of the American Guild of Musical Artists.

    “Addressing the unique challenges artists and musicians face under the tax code is imperative to supporting the creative community’s impact on culture and the economy. RIAA appreciates Senators Warner and Tillis’ continued leadership driving the bipartisan, bicameral Performing Artist Tax Parity Act. This bill is designed to balance outdated burdens on performers now and enable the next generation to thrive,” said Mitch Glazier, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Chairman & CEO.

    “The Motion Picture Association thanks Sens. Thom Tillis and Mark Warner for re-introducing the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) – an important bipartisan effort to deliver essential economic relief to a creative community that includes more than 2.3 million jobs supported by the film, television, and streaming industry. The MPA is again proud to endorse this legislation and support the American creative economy,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association.

    “The bipartisan and bicameral Performing Artist Tax Parity Act is commonsense legislation that benefits working musicians.   PATPA makes long overdue updates to restore the intention our tax code.  We are grateful to Senators Tillis and Warner for championing fairness for all performing artists and arts workers,” said Tino Gagliardi, President of the American Federation of Musicians.

    “Supporting working artists through tax relief creates ripple effects that build more vibrant communities across the country. Beyond the arts and culture sector’s $1.1 trillion economic impact, one of the largest public opinion studies ever conducted on the arts in the U.S. found that 86% of Americans believe arts and culture improve their community’s quality of life and livability. By modernizing the tax code nationally, we can support artists and strengthen every community. We applaud Senators Warner and Tillis for introducing the Senate companion to the Performing Arts Tax Parity Act, alongside the House bill championed by Representatives Buchanan and Chu, to modernize an outdated tax code that hasn’t been updated since 1986,” said Erin Harkey, CEO, Americans for the Arts.

    “Musicians nationwide are essential contributors to the U.S. workforce and the communities in which they perform,” said Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras. “We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Tillis and Warner in re-introducing this critical legislation to support tax fairness for performing artists.”

    “The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) is a lifeline for the artists who bring independent stages to life. The Senate is taking an important step toward building a fairer, more sustainable live ecosystem that benefits independent stages, artists, audiences, and communities alike. We hope that Congress will move quickly to enact PATPA this year,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association.

    “Virginians for the Arts is grateful to Senator Warner for his unwavering support of the arts and artists here in Virginia and nationally.  We are also grateful to the Senator for sponsoring the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act. This legislation modernizes the qualified performing artist tax deduction and is an important recognition of the value the arts play in our communities and the economy,” said Brett Bonda, President of Virginians for the Arts.

    “Aligned with its mission to advance the performing arts in the Richmond region through programs and resources that support the artists of today, nurture the artists of tomorrow, and provide spaces for the arts to thrive, Richmond Performing Arts Alliance (RPAA) fully endorses the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA). This legislation is critical for RPAA’s vision to create a vibrant community where the performing arts flourish and strengthen Richmond’s cultural, social, and economic vitality. We strongly believe that for this to happen artists from all backgrounds must have the capacity and resources to grow their programs and reach new audiences. We thank Senators Warner and Tillis for introducing this legislation and realizing the tremendous investment that artists make in their work and the incredible contributions they make to our lives,” said Abbi Haggerty, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Respond to Financial Threats from Community Party of China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), joined by U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), introduced the China Financial Threat Mitigation Act, legislation aimed at shoring up America’s response to financial threats stemming from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

    The China Financial Threat Mitigation Act would require deeper analysis of potential financial threats from the CCP that may have substantial impacts on the U.S. economy.

    “We continue to see increased aggression from the Chinese Communist Party towards the United States, including in the financial sector. This increased action requires us to take meaningful steps to protect U.S. institutions and interests. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will help to shore up our financial systems and ensure that the U.S. is prepared to counter the CCP’s attacks,” said Sen. Warner.

    “The Chinese Communist Party has the ability to intervene in China’s banking system to achieve outcomes that benefit them the most, which has potential to harm American businesses,” said Sen. Rounds. “We must gain a clearer understanding of how China’s financial sector affects the U.S. economy and other global financial systems. Our legislation tasks the Treasury Department, working with other federal agencies, to assess and report on U.S. exposure to China’s financial activities, providing a clearer picture of the threat.”

    “The Chinese Communist Party is a serious threat to our national and economic security,” said Sen. Lummis. “I am partnering with my colleagues to protect U.S. financial interests and hold the CCP accountable, and I look forward to getting this bipartisan legislation across the finish line.”

    The legislation would also require the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Federal Reserve, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and State Department, to issue a report on the exposure of the United States to the threats posed by China’s financial sector. Specifically, the required report must include:

    • Effects the reforms to China’s financial sector have on U.S. and global financial systems;
    • Description of the policies the United States is adopting to protect U.S. interests;
    • Description and analysis of any risks presented by China to the financial stability of the United States and the global economy; and
    • Recommendations for additional actions to strengthen international cooperation to mitigate risks and protect U.S. interests.

    As Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Sen. Warner has worked to ensure the U.S. is prepared to counter threats posed by foreign adversaries including the CCP across various sectors. Sen. Warner spearheaded the push to force CCP-based Bytedance to divest from TikTok in order to allow the app to continue operations in the United States. Last year, Sen. Warner introduced the Countering CCP Drones and Supporting Drones for Law Enforcement Act, legislation to cut off dangerous CCP drone companies from the U.S. telecommunication infrastructure. Sen. Warner also introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation to improve information sharing between private companies and the Intelligence Community in order to mitigate the threat that foreign adversaries including the CCP pose to United States companies in foreign jurisdictions on projects relating to energy generation and storage, including in the critical minerals industry. This legislation is the latest step in his efforts to safeguard American interests.

    The legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Roger Williams (R-TX).

    Full text of the legislation is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Nutritious SNAP Act to Restore Personal Responsibility, and State Flexibility to Federal Food Assistance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    March 25, 2025
    Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Nutritious SNAP Act to confront an uncomfortable truth: while the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was created to fight hunger, it is now fueling a new public health crisis—obesity and chronic disease—by subsidizing the purchase of junk food with taxpayer dollars.

    “SNAP was designed to fight hunger and improve nutrition—not to subsidize soda and junk food,” said Dr. Paul. “It makes no sense that taxpayer dollars are being used to fund an epidemic of obesity and diet-related illness in low-income communities. My bill ensures that this assistance program actually supports health and wellness, not chronic disease.”

    SNAP currently provides food-purchasing assistance to more than 42 million individuals. While it successfully addresses food insecurity, studies show that nearly one-quarter of SNAP benefits are spent on junk food—sodas, chips, snack cakes, and desserts—contributing to worse diets and higher obesity rates among SNAP recipients than the general population. Despite these health concerns, previous efforts by states—like Minnesota, California, and New York—to limit SNAP junk food purchases have been rejected by the USDA.

    The Nutritious SNAP Act represents a common-sense step toward improving public health, protecting taxpayer dollars, and respecting the decisions made by states to combat chronic disease.

    BACKGROUND

    Senator Paul’s legislation will:

    Prohibit SNAP funds from being used to purchase sodas, snack foods, and dessert items, including potato chips, snack cakes, and brownie mixes.

    Limits beverage purchases to water, cow’s milk, healthy dairy alternatives, and 100% fruit or vegetable juice.

    Empowers states to restrict additional foods they deem unhealthy, restoring local control and removing federal barriers to innovation in public health policy.

    With nearly a quarter of SNAP benefits currently spent on sugar-laden, nutrient-poor products, the bill seeks to realign the program with its original mission: to improve the nutrition of low-income households.

    You can read Dr. Paul’s bill HERE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Peters, Issue Statement Defending Mission Critical Civil Rights And Civil Liberties Offices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 24, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement following reports of termination of the Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.

    “Congress established the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) Officer position at the Department of Homeland to ensure that civil rights and civil liberties were integrated into every aspect of the Department’s work. As we noted in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Congress also required that the Officer have sufficient resources and personnel to accomplish this vital mission.

    “The President’s Executive Order requires federal agencies to cut costs related to activities and employees whose responsibilities are not statutorily required. We are hearing that not only has the entire CRCL Office been placed on administrative leave with the intention of eliminating the office, but the same has happened at the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.

    “This is unacceptable and contrary to the law and Congressional intent.

    “The CRCL Officer and office, OIDO, and CIS Ombudsman carry out critical and statutorily required missions—cutting these offices is inappropriate and, more importantly, will harm the mission of the Department and all Americans.


    “Earlier this month, we sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, emphasizing that Congress created the CRCL Office to integrate civil rights into DHS’s work and mandated that it be adequately resourced. The CIS Ombudsman and OIDO also provides vital oversight of the immigration system. Eliminating these offices undermines DHS’s mission and violates its legal obligations.

    “The Department has provided no explanation as to why it plans to terminate staff who help balance national security interests with individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the rule of law.

    “We call on the Department to reverse these cuts immediately.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Tillis Introduce Legislation To Improve Coordination Between USPOT and FDA On Pharma Patents

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 24, 2025

    The Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act would establish a task force between agencies to share information, foster good governance in activities related to prescription drug patents

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), and Peter Welch (D-VT) today introduced bipartisan legislation, the Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act, which would establish a task force between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve communication and coordination in implementing each agency’s activities related to pharmaceutical patents. Currently, there is limited collaboration between USPTO and FDA, despite both agencies playing a role related to patents and competition involving prescription drugs.  Numerous concerns have been raised about gamesmanship, abuses, or lack of clarity that can harm prescription drug affordability by limiting generic competition. This legislation was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee in the 118th Congress by voice vote.

    “Establishing clear avenues for collaboration between USPTO and FDA is essential for both agencies to oversee patent laws that protect innovation and promote competition,” said Durbin. “By incentivizing coordination through the Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act, we can address gamesmanship and abuses with pharmaceutical patents that keep prescription drug prices too high for American patients.”  

    “Enhancing coordination between the USPTO and FDA will ensure that patent examiners have the necessary information to make well-informed decisions regarding patentability,” said Tillis.“This bill is a straightforward, commonsense measure that strengthens the patent system, improves patent quality, and reduces unnecessary bureaucracy.”

    Given the shared interaction and overlapping jurisdiction between USPTO and FDA, this legislation promotes efficiency and good governance by fostering communication between the two agencies, while respecting their distinct purviews. Specifically, the task force created by this legislation would: enhance information sharing on each agency’s processes, standards, and methods; improve dialogue on new technologies and scientific trends; enable confidential reciprocal access to information, if requested and only as needed, related to prior art; ensure accurate representations by companies between the two agencies; and ensure accuracy of patent listings.  This enhanced coordination will help bolster innovation while preventing inappropriate tactics to delay access to affordable generic medications.

    This bipartisan legislation is endorsed by AARP and Patients For Affordable Drugs Now.

    “AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans age 50 and over, is pleased to endorse the Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025,” said Bill Sweeney, AARP’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.  “We value Senators Durbin and Tillis’s bipartisan efforts to increase transparency and access to affordable prescription drugs and look forward to continuing to work with them on these and other measures to lower drug prices for all Americans.”

    “This bill improves coordination between the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to close loopholes that brand-name drug corporations exploit to block competition – helping to stop patent abuse before it starts. Boosting competition is one of the most powerful tools we have to lower drug prices for Americans of all ages, in every state, who are struggling to afford the medications they need. Patients For Affordable Drugs Now is proud to support this legislation,” said Merith Basey, Executive Director of Patients for Affordable Drugs Now.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NYPA’s First Fully Owned Renewable Energy Project

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has acquired full ownership of a 20 megawatt (MW) solar energy generation project in the town of Fort Edward in Washington County. The Somers Solar project is the first to be acquired, owned and operated by the Power Authority under its expanded authority – signed into law by the Governor in 2023 – and is the first of NYPA’s initial tranche of projects highlighted in its renewables strategic plan, which was announced earlier this year and calls for 3 gigawatts of potential renewable energy growth in New York State.

    “With the acquisition of the Somers Solar project, NYPA is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to expand renewable energy resources in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The project reflects New York’s efforts to create a greener, more resilient energy system that benefits all New Yorkers, and demonstrates our focus on driving economic growth in local communities while creating good-paying union jobs.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Our first new renewable energy project as part of NYPA’s expanded authority will be the 100% NYPA-owned and NYPA-operated 20 MW Somers Solar project in Washington County. Our role is to bring this project to execution and ensure its efficient and safe operation for generations; that is what NYPA does best.”

    The Power Authority, through its wholly-owned subsidiary the New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation (NYRED), will construct and operate the 20 MW solar generation project on a 150-acre site about 50 miles north of Albany in the Capital Region. The large-scale solar project is estimated to create more than 100 union jobs during construction and operation.

    The NYPA Renewables Strategic Plan is a roadmap for NYPA’s renewable energy development under its expanded authority to build additional renewable energy resources to support the State’s clean energy transition.

    Previously under development by Edison, N.J.-based CS Energy, the Power Authority’s acquisition of Somers Solar will enable the original developer to reinvest their resources into future renewable project developments.

    CS Energy Chief Commercial Officer Eric Millard said, “We are proud to play a key role in advancing New York’s clean energy transition with the development of this solar project. Our commitment to building a clean and sustainable future aligns with New York’s ambitious energy goals, and we look forward to continuing to support it.”

    NYPA’s Expanded Authority to Develop Renewable Energy

    The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget authorized NYPA to advance renewable energy and support state priorities, building on NYPA’s existing efforts to provide clean, affordable power and expand New York’s transmission system. Specifically, this expanded authority called for NYPA to accelerate renewable energy development, support workforce training, establish the REACH program, support decarbonization efforts across the state, and deactivate its small natural gas power plants in New York City and on Long Island.

    Since Governor Kathy Hochul signed the 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget into law, NYPA has made significant progress, including establishing new business structures, filling key roles, making regulatory filings, securing tax rulings, and advancing initial projects. NYPA has also issued a $100 million bond issuance for new renewables and established the new renewables subsidiary, NYRED, to facilitate external capital and protect against project risks.

    In January 2025, the Power Authority published its inaugural Renewables Strategic Plan for developing new renewable energy generation projects to supply New Yorkers with affordable, reliable, and emissions-free electricity. The plan outlines 37 projects across New York State, representing a potential of more than 3 GW of renewable energy. The plan also reflects feedback from thousands of stakeholders statewide, sets priorities for projects to be advanced over the next two years and includes the pursuit of additional projects in future updates to the plan.

    Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “NYPA’s acquisition of this large-scale solar project is the first of its kind under its expanded authority to build renewables. NYPA’s ownership will ensure affordable energy for New Yorkers while creating good paying union jobs and helping us reach our ambitious climate goals.”

    Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, “I am pleased that the New York Power Authority will be developing and operating the Somers Solar Project bringing more jobs to Washington County and providing clean renewable energy at an affordable cost for consumers.”

    New York State’s Climate Agenda

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

    About NYPA 

    NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit  www.nypa.gov  and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Linkedin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces Anticipated Distribution of at Least $2B to Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism in 2026

    Source: US State of California

    Today, Special Master Mary Patrice Brown announced that she will authorize sixth-round payments for all eligible claims in the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (the Fund) by Jan. 1, 2026. The Fund, which continues to collect deposits, anticipates that the sixth distribution will be at least $2 billion. The amounts available for this distribution come from qualifying federal enforcement actions and the termination of the Beirut barracks / Khobar Tower reserve fund.

    “It is a privilege for the Criminal Division to administer the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, which has provided more than $7 billion to victims of state sponsored terrorism since its founding,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s announcement of a distribution of at least $2 billion to victims in 2026 is the largest general distribution in the Fund’s history and will make a significant difference in victims’ lives. Victims are at the heart of everything we do at the Criminal Division, and we are proud to support them through our administration of the Fund.”

    The Fund was established by Congress and is administered by the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), under the leadership of the Fund’s Special Master. To date, the Fund has paid more than $7 billion to thousands of victims of state sponsored terrorism and their families in five rounds of distributions and two rounds of lump-sum catch-up payments. The anticipated distribution announced today is in addition to these prior distributions. Apart from an initial appropriation of approximately $1 billion from Congress and additional congressional appropriations for lump-sum catch-up payments, funds available for distribution come from certain Justice Department prosecutions and cases and other United States government enforcement actions.

    The Fund continues to accept applications from potential new claimants. As the Special Master announced, the deadline for new claimants to submit applications to be considered for sixth-round payments is June 1. Claimants who were eligible for payments in prior rounds remain eligible for the sixth distribution and should not complete new applications.

    More information about the Fund’s compensation to victims of state sponsored terrorism is available on the Fund’s website at www.usvsst.com, including application materials, frequently asked questions, and publications.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Introduces Legislation Restraining Rogue Judges’ Nationwide Injunctions

    US Senate News:

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

    Monday, March 24, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation to end liberal judges’ serial abuse of power by banning nationwide injunctions.

    “Unelected district judges are usurping the authority of a duly-elected president and dictating national policy for 330 million Americans,” Senator Hawley said. “Congress must stop this unconstitutional weaponization of the judiciary. My bill would be a critical step toward doing just that.” 

    Liberal judges slapped the Trump Administration with an unprecedented 15 nationwide injunctions in February alone. In blatant defiance of the Constitution’s separation of powers, these judges are throttling President Trump’s efforts to implement commonsense reforms like improving border security; removing waste, fraud, and abuse; and protecting children from life-altering medical procedures. 

    The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevent Act of 2025 would:

    • Ban nationwide injunctions by district court judges.
    • Clarify that a district judge’s order only applies to the parties in the case, or within the local judicial district—not to the entire nation.
    • Empower the Executive Branch to effectively pursue a national policy agenda without unreasonable obstruction.

    Read the full bill text here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Applauds Trump Admin’s $20B Investment to Make New Fighter Jets in St. Louis

    US Senate News:

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

    Tuesday, March 25, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) applauded President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement that the Air Force would award Boeing with a $20 billion contract to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, the F-47, in the St. Louis region. 

    “Once again, St. Louis is leading the way in our nation’s defense. I’m proud that President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have decided that the next generation of our nation’s air power will be made in Missouri, supporting thousands of jobs. Since I arrived in the Senate, I have pushed for funding to develop these next generation aircraft, and I will continue to work to deliver critical military investments in our state,” Senator Hawley said. 

    Senator Hawley first pushed for funding of these next generation fighter jets in the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

    The Air Force intends for the F-47 to deter China from threatening American influence in the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins, Bipartisan Group Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Northern Border Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen security at the Northern border by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to regularly complete a new Northern Border Threat Analysis and update its Northern Border Strategy. Even though criminal activity continues to evolve along the Northern border, there has not been a Northern Border Threat Analysis conducted since 2017, and the Northern Border Strategy has not been updated since 2018. 

    “Our border security policies must address the unique challenges along the U.S.-Canada border, where vast, remote areas make enforcement difficult,” said Senator Collins. “By improving data collection and oversight of threats and enforcement efforts, this bipartisan bill would strengthen security, improve coordination, and help to ensure we have the resources needed to protect our northern border effectively.”

    Last year, Senators Collins and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Northern Border Coordination Act. The bill would require DHS to establish the Northern Border Coordination Center, to be collocated with existing DHS components at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan. The center would serve as a coordination mechanism for implementing, evaluating, and updating the Northern Border Strategy, and any successor strategy. The bill passed the Senate unanimously.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces Nearly $500,000 for Public Housing Authorities in Bangor, Presque Isle

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that public housing agencies in Bangor and Presque Isle have been awarded a total of $494,592 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Grant program.

    “The dedicated staff at housing authorities throughout Maine work hard to link seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income individuals and families with an array of programs to improve living conditions and achieve economic independence,” said Senator Collins. “This funding will allow the Bangor and Presque Isle Housing Authorities to retain service coordinators who connect residents of public housing with supportive services and training.”

    The grant funding is allocated as follows:

    1. Presque Isle Housing Authority – $249,150
    2. Bangor Housing Authority – $245,442

    HUD’s ROSS program provides funding to hire and maintain service coordinators who assess the needs of residents of conventional public housing and coordinate available resources in communities to meet those needs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Demands Answers Over Trump Admin Illegally Cancelling Grants to Train and Retain Quality Teachers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a group of her colleagues in demanding detailed answers from the Department of Education (DOE) about the cancellation of over $600 million in federal funding for teacher training grants — and warning about the detrimental impacts the illegal cancellation is already having for communities across the country, including a program designed to bring more special education teachers to Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).

    “We write to raise serious objections and call for the immediate reinstatement of federal funding provided in the Department of Education’s appropriations laws intended to help strengthen our educator workforce in at least 34 states and improve teaching and learning for our nation’s students,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators. “It is shocking to us that the Department would take such disruptive action to take away funding from schools as they work to implement their approved plans to improve outcomes for our nation’s students.

    The grants were already awarded, in use, and in many cases, already spent down when terminated by the Trump administration—and local budgets are counting on these resources. Schools and institutions of higher education have deployed the grants, provided by Congress on a bipartisan basis, to address educator shortages and improve the quality of the teaching workforce.

    This included an over $3 million grant for a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and MPS to help students receive a special education master’s degree program while getting on-the-job training through a teaching residency program in schools. In exchange, students signed on to work at MPS for three years after graduation, helping address the dire need for special education teachers at Wisconsin schools.

    In the letter, the Senators note these grant cancellations come as students have not yet recovered from the devastating effects of the pandemic, and the country is facing dire teacher shortages with 49 states this school year reporting to the Department critical shortages in math, science, or special education teachers.

    “With teachers and principals being the most important in-school factors to student learning, these grant cancellations will hinder pandemic learning recovery and break President Trump’s promises of ‘great principals and great teachers,’” Baldwin and the Senators continued.

    In addition to Senator Baldwin, the letter was led by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and co-signed by 20 of their Senate colleagues.

    A full version of this letter is available here and below.

    Dear Secretary McMahon:

    We write to raise serious objections and call for the immediate reinstatement of federal funding provided in the Department of Education’s (“Department”) appropriations laws intended to help strengthen our educator workforce in at least 34 states and improve teaching and learning for our nation’s students. Approximately two weeks ago, the Department announced that it terminated “over $600 million in divisive teacher training grants” and created confusion for schools and institutions of higher education around our nation. The amount of reported savings is misleading since many of the terminated grants had already been partially spent and were in active use. Further, it appears that terminated grantees received no information from Department staff in response to their requests for additional information, even for grants with obligated and spent funds. It is shocking to us that the Department would take such disruptive action to take away funding from schools as they work to implement their approved plans to improve outcomes for our nation’s students. Thankfully, a federal judge ordered the administration to temporarily restore these grants in eight states and just yesterday, another federal judge ordered the reinstatement of more than 100 of these grants, but every impacted grantee deserves immediate action.

    U.S. students have not recovered from the devastating effects of the pandemic. National scores are below pre-pandemic levels in all tested grades and subjects, and gaps continue to grow between higher-performing and lower-performing students. A February 2025 analysis found that our students are approximately half a grade level behind pre-pandemic achievement in math and reading. With teachers and principals being the most important in-school factors to student learning, these grant cancellations will hinder pandemic learning recovery and break President Trump’s promises of “great principals and great teachers.”

    The cancellation of these grants comes at a time when our country faces dire teacher shortages. A recent analysis of state-identified teacher shortages found that in recent school years, nationally, 1 in 8 of all teaching positions — or over 400,000 positions — are vacant or filled by a teacher who is not fully certified for their position. This school year, 49 states reported to the Department critical shortages in math, science, or special education teachers. In rural America, to attract and retain teachers in many places, including in states like Colorado, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas, districts were forced to move to 4-day school weeks, despite the unknown impact on student achievement. Research shows that principals are the second most important in-school factor to student learning and also impact teacher retention. Yet, about one in ten principals leave the field every year.

    Congress created and funded the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP), Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED), and Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Fund programs in a bipartisan manner to ensure that all students have access to an effective educator workforce. The Department’s decision to terminate locally-driven grants previously awarded to schools, institutions of higher education, and other partners to address educator shortages and improve the quality of the teaching workforce will have long-term consequences on student outcomes. These terminations create confusion for dozens of local communities supported by now unavailable grant funds. Cutting off grant funds already adopted and in use in local budgets shows utter disregard to local officials who are now faced with a lengthy process for challenging the terminations and are required to adjust their adopted budgets and plans. These local communities may also face difficult decisions to curtail activities paid for by these terminated grant funds, such as recruiting teachers in rural communities, improving literacy, and mentoring early-career teachers to improve retention. Ultimately, the Department’s decision to terminate these grant funds simply passes necessary expenses onto local and state taxpayers, who may have to sustain costs previously supported by federal funds that have been taken away by the Trump administration.

    We are deeply disappointed that despite claims of radical transparency from President Trump and other administration officials, the Department has not provided any transparency to Congress or the public about its teacher training grant terminations. Instead, the President’s disregard for the law and his desire to find savings to pay for his tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations seems to be driving these terminations. Given the need for actual transparency, stability, and productivity in government, as well as the bipartisan support these critical education training programs have received for many years, it is critical for the Department to provide accurate, timely responses on its use of taxpayer resources provided by the laws passed by Congress. We request you provide written answers to the following questions as soon as possible but not later than March 26, 2025:

    1. Please describe the policy and procedure established for the review of grants terminated on or after January 20, 2025.
      1. Are they the same as any grant terminations prior to this date? If not, how and why were they different, including in the use of any program or technology not previously employed?
      2. Please identify the offices and titles of staff involved in the review.
      3. How many employees involved in the review were onboarded at the Department on or after January 20, 2025?  Please describe each of such employee’s role in the review.
      4. Please provide the total costs, including all personnel and non-personnel costs, of the review.
      5. Please identify any other program currently undergoing or planned for the same or similar review and the associated timeline for each such review.
      6. Please specifically identify each program undergoing a different review and explain each difference and the reason for each such difference for such program.
    2. Please explain the policy and procedure for offering grantees the opportunity to clarify, explain or modify any element of their approved application prior to termination to avoid the disruption to grant activities that the Department’s termination has caused. Please explain why an opportunity was not offered in each case of it not being offered.
    3. Please explain the policy and procedure for offering grantees the opportunity to appeal their grant termination. When will appeals be reviewed, and when will grantees receive a decision on their appeal?
    4. For each program that includes a terminated grant, please provide the following about all such terminated grants:
      1. The total number of grants terminated by fiscal year of initial funding,
      2. The total amount of funding expected under the approved budgets of terminated grants on official documentation as of January 1, 2025 for each fiscal year,
      3. The total amount of funding outlaid as of the date of response to this letter for each fiscal year, and
      4. The total amount of funding deobligated by fiscal year as of the date of termination.
    5. For each program that includes a terminated grant, please provide the following about all such terminated grants:
      1. The total number of educators expected to participate in professional development activities,
      2. The total number of new educators expected to be prepared,
      3. The expected number of years of service that were expected from participants under each grant,
      4. The number of years of service that had already been completed,
      5. The total number of schools expected to benefit from any grant activities, and
      6. The total number of states in which any grant activities were expected to take place.
    6. For each program that includes a terminated grant, please provide the following:
      1. The name of each recipient of a grant not terminated by program and fiscal year of initial funding,
      2. An assurance that each non-terminated grant was subject to the same policy and procedure described in response to the first question, and as applicable, the reason for not doing so, and
      3. Please provide the most recent annual performance report submitted by each non-terminated grantee prior to January 1, 2025.
    7. For each terminated grant, please provide the most recent annual performance report submitted by such grantee prior to January 1, 2025, if applicable.
    8. For each terminated grant, please provide the following:
      1. The Department’s definition of divisive ideology,
      2. The Department’s definition of inappropriate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and
      3. The specific evidence demonstrating how the grantee’s approved grant activities are inconsistent with such definitions of divisive ideology and DEI.
    9. Please explain how and when you will comply with the temporary restraining orders issued by federal judges on March 10, 2025 and March 17, 2025.
    10. Please provide a detailed plan on how the Department will prioritize training and preparing educators for the classroom.

    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt response.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Statement on Senate Advancing Dr. Oz’s Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    March 25, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Following Senate Finance Republicans’ vote to advance Dr. Mehmet Oz’s nomination for head of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement: 

    “Dr. Oz’s plans to privatize Medicare would deliver worse care to 66 million Americans and waste billions of taxpayer dollars – all while giving giant insurance companies a fat paycheck. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are already gutting Social Security. The Trump administration does not care about America’s seniors.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Grills Intelligence Officials Over Signal Chain Potential Security Breach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI) hearing, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) pressed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on whether or not classified information was shared in a Signal chain made up of top national security and intelligence officials discussing plans of a military attack on Houthi militants — and, inadvertently, Jeffery Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. The hearing comes the day after The Atlantic published a story revealing that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accidentally added Goldberg to the chain where potentially classified information was discussed — including plans about strategic strikes in Yemen that were later carried out.

    “According to open source reporting, at 11:44 on the morning of March 15th, Secretary Hegseth put into this group text a detailed operation plan including targets, the weapons we were going to be using, attack sequences and timing. Yet you have testified that nothing in that text chain was classified. Wouldn’t that be classified? What if that had been made public that morning before the attack took place,” asked Senator King.

    “Senator, I can attest to the fact that there were no classified or intelligence equities that were included in that chat at any time,” replied Director Gabbard.

    “So the attack sequencing and timing and weapons, you do not consider should have been classified, or were classified,” Senator King asked again.

    “I defer to Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council on that question,” responded Director Gabbard.

    “Well you’re the head of the Intelligence Community and you’re supposed to know about classifications so your testimony very clearly today was that nothing in that set of texts that was classified. If that is the case, please release the whole text stream so that the public can have a view of what actually transpired on this discussion. It is hard for me to believe that targets and timing and weapons would not have been classified,” said Senator King.

    Later in the hearing, Senator King, co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), questioned Director Gabbard about the sweepings cuts being made at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Specifically, he asked her about the dismantling of federal efforts to monitor election interreference from foreign adversaries like Russia and China, and whether or not that posed a risk to the nation’s cybersecurity defenses.

    “It is in the report repeatedly about cyber danger from China, Russia and Iran. Why then is the administration deconstructing CISA? 130 people fired. [U.S. CyberCom Commander] General Haugh talked about the importance of public-private cooperation. That section of CISA seems to have been disestablished. What possible policy reason is there for undermining CISA’s relationship to the states with regard to elections and to private sector with regard to cybersecurity when the cybersecurity threat is only growing? Anybody want to tackle that,” questioned Senator King.

    “I will not speak for all of my colleagues here but I don’t believe any of us have any insight into those specific staffing decisions that have been made,” said Director Gabbard.

    “Well let me ask you this question: The report has found explicitly growing cyber threats — including to elections — from Russia, China, and Iran. Do you believe it is in our national interest to diminish our capacity to deal with those cyber issues, yes or no,” Senator King asked.

    “President Trump is focused on effects and making sure that the people and the resources that we have are focused on our national security. He and his team recognized that more people does not necessarily always mean better effects. Those are some of the things that are driving the changes we are seeing across the administration, is getting all of our agencies back and focused on their core mission,” replied Director Gabbard.

    Senator King has been consistently sounding the alarm on President Donald Trump’s existential threat to the Constitution, as well as the reckless actions taken by the President and his Administration. He previously gave a speech on the Senate floor sharing that this administration is doing ‘exactly what the Framers [of the Constitution] most feared.” Senator King also previously declared that the proposal to halt all federal grant and loan disbursement was illegal and a direct assault on the Constitution. He also joined fellow Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) colleagues in writing a letter to the White House about the risks to national security by allowing unvetted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff and representatives to access classified and sensitive government materials. Most recently, he sounded the alarm on the Senate floor on the “thoughtless and dangerous” firings and freezes being implemented by Elon Musks’ DOGE.

    King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyberdefense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyberstrategy that emphasizes layered cyberdeterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Appalling Civilian Death Toll in Syria, Caretaker Authorities Must Signal ‘Era of Impunity’ Is Over, Special Envoy Tells Security Council

    Source: United Nations 4

    Several Speakers Urge Lifting Economic Sanctions on Damascus, Condemn Israel’s Ongoing Violations of Syria’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity

    Meeting today — 14 years after the start of the civil war in Syria, four months since the fall of the former regime and weeks removed from harrowing violence along the country’s coast — the Security Council heard of the need for accountability and economic recovery so that the country can move towards credible, inclusive transition.

    “The legacies of 14 years of war and conflict — and five decades of one-man rule — are huge,” said Geir O. Pedersen, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria.  “So are the immediate challenges facing the Syrians today,” he added. While many have rejoiced at their newfound ability to gather in public spaces without fear, many others have faced devastating violence on Syria’s coast.  On that, he said that “armed groups associated with the former regime” attacked and ambushed caretaker authority forces across that region on 6 March. “Serious armed confrontations ensued, resulting in significant numbers of casualties among the warring factions,” he reported.

    “But far more disturbing was the appalling civilian death toll,” he stressed, spotlighting “widespread footage of grave violations of a plainly sectarian and retaliatory nature”.  Detailing the broader context of fomenting insecurity, hate speech, sense of exclusion and pent-up grievance, he said that further investigation is needed to fully determine the perpetrators of the “shocking” violence against civilians.  For their part, the caretaker authorities have announced an independent investigative committee tasked with examining violations by all sides.  He underscored that findings must be made public and those responsible held accountable to clearly signal that “the era of impunity in Syria is in the past”.

    He went on to express concern over recent Israeli statements on the intention to stay in Syria “for the foreseeable future”, as well as demands for the “full demilitarization of southern Syria”, calling on the Council to “hold Israel to its commitment that this is a temporary presence”.  Additionally, he detailed the caretaker authorities’ actions to establish a transitional Government, a permanent Constitution and transitional justice. “Syrians need an economic future,” he added, welcoming humanitarian pledges made at the ninth Brussels Conference on 17 March to support Syria’s recovery.  However, observing that “more resources will be needed”, he also urged “fast and broad sanctions easing”.

    Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, cited progress on that front, with expanded cross-border deliveries from Türkiye, engagement with Member States to ease sanctions, the repair of infrastructure to restore access to water and the clearance of over 1,700 pieces of unexploded ordnance. Nevertheless, he underscored:  “We need more funding.”  The 2024 Humanitarian Appeal for Syria was only 35 per cent funded, and in 2025, almost half of organizations funded by the United States have received full or partial stop orders.

    Stating that $2 billion is needed to reach 8 million of the most vulnerable people through June, he noted that his office has only received $155 million to date — 13 per cent of what is needed.  Yet, 16 million people — nearly three quarters of the Syrian population — lack sufficient food, water, shelter and medicine.  While stating that there are real reasons for hope after 14 years of conflict and devastation, he stressed that “there is no time to spare”.  He therefore urged those present to be “problem-solvers, rather than problem-observers”.

    Next to brief was Joumana Seif, Co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and Legal Adviser at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, who pointed out that Syrians endured “immense” suffering under the rule of Bashar al-Assad.  This led to sanctions, which affected not only the regime, but also ordinary citizens.  “Now that Assad is no longer in power, there is no justification for maintaining these sanctions,” she stressed, adding that “what Syrians need most” is the immediate lifting of these measures alongside investment, reconstruction and economic revitalization.

    Turning to the recent coastal violence, she underscored that this has “caused real concern for us Syrians”.  She stressed:  “We don’t want to build our new country on the back of a new massacre.”  Instead, Syrians must create a transparent and inclusive plan for transitional justice, which requires consultation with victims’ associations and civil society to ensure fair trials, truth commissions, moral and financial compensation for victims and safeguards to prevent future atrocities.  “All of this requires significant financial resources,” she observed.  Additionally, she underscored the need to form an inclusive Government that “truly represents everyone without exclusion”.

    As the floor opened, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Council President for March, spoke in his national capacity to underscore that the interim Government “must protect Syrians from all religious and ethnic backgrounds”.  He also underlined the need for an inclusive political transition. “Syrian society, in all its complexity and diversity, must be represented,” he urged.  And on the issue of sanctions, he noted that the European Union suspended several such measures in February “to send a very clear signal to the Syrian people of our support towards a better future”.

    Also underlining the European Union’s commitment to the Syrian people, the representative of France noted the suspension of certain restrictive measures to facilitate financial and bank transactions for the country’s reconstruction.  Slovenia’s representative added that the bloc will consider a further lifting of sanctions depending on developments on the ground.  The representative of Greece, meanwhile, emphasized that sanctions should be eased in a gradual, conditional and reversible manner to “ensure that our expectations are met” in terms of an inclusive transition and accountability for recent atrocities.

    Many Council members also spotlighted the recent Brussels Conference, during which donors pledged nearly $6.5 billion in aid to support Syria’s recovery.  The representative of the United Kingdom recalled that her country, at that event, promised up to $207 million in critical humanitarian assistance.  In parallel, the United Kingdom has relaxed some of its sanctions on Syria and revoked the asset freezes of 24 entities and institutions in the energy, transport and finance sectors.

    On the topic of assistance, Kang Insun, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, urged stronger international commitment to humanitarian aid and economic recovery in Syria to “overcome the pain and destruction of 14 years of conflict”.  For its part, Seoul has provided nearly $150 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and its neighbours over the past decade, and will continue to offer its support.  “As [the Republic of] Korea has pledged, 2,400 tons of Korean rice will be delivered to assist food-insecure populations in Syria,” she reported.  She also took “positive note” of recent developments regarding the suspension of certain sanctions.

    Many Council members, echoing warnings of Syria’s dire economic and humanitarian situation, called for the lifting of unilateral sanctions on the country.  Among them were the representatives of Panama and Pakistan — the latter of whom stressed that lifting sanctions is “imperative to facilitating reconstruction and aid efforts”.  Algeria’s representative — also speaking for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Somalia — stressed: “Without rapid economic recovery, it will be difficult to envision a safe and prosperous future for Syrians.” Therefore, the swift lifting of unilateral sanctions is essential.

    Additionally, he — like many other Council members today — expressed concern over “alarming” statements by Israeli officials regarding the “indefinite” presence of their forces in Syrian territory and their intention to establish a “demilitarized area” in the country’s south.  Condemning these “irresponsible” statements — “which will only exacerbate regional instability” — he also joined others in calling for full respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, including its provisions regarding the area of separation.

    Similarly, the representative of the Russian Federation pointed to the “destructive role” played by Israeli air strikes against — and continued occupation of — Syrian territory.  Condemning recent attacks by the Israel Defense Forces, he called on Israel to withdraw its units from areas taken since December 2023.  Additionally, he expressed concern over the issue of foreign terrorist fighters still present in Syria — a point echoed by China’s representative, who urged the interim authorities to fulfil their counter-terrorism obligations and take decisive measures to combat all Council-listed terrorist organizations.

    The representative of the United States also underscored that all foreign fighters “need to be removed from their posts immediately”. She also stressed that the interim authorities must embark on a political process that includes Kurdish, Druze, Alawite and Christian communities — “something they have not meaningfully done to date”.  There must also be expansive representation of Syrian voices in the drafting of a permanent Constitution.  Otherwise, she stressed, Syria will “remain in the sectarian shadow of the Assad regime, increasing the likelihood of a new civil war”.

    For his part, the representative of Syria reported that, in the wake of recent violence, the Syrian leadership “affirmed that the new Syria will be a State of law and that the law will apply to all”.  Further, such authorities have emphasized that shedding “the blood of the innocent will not go unpunished — regardless of the identity of the perpetrators”.  Additionally, he urged the “full lifting of sanctions imposed on the Syrian people”. And pointing to an Israeli attack on the province of Daraa today, he called on the Council to “compel Israel to cease its ongoing aggression”.

    Several of Syria’s neighbours also took the floor, with Iran’s representative condemning Israel’s ongoing violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  So, too, did the representative of Qatar, who additionally called for the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria as “that raison d’être is no longer there”. Jordan’s representative echoed that call, adding that countries hosting Syrian refugees cannot bear that burden alone. Therefore, the international community must provide financial and technical support in this regard.

    The representative of Türkiye, meanwhile, welcomed a “new era” in Syria as the interim authorities work towards political transition.  However, he voiced concern over provocations in Latakia and surrounding areas, which are aimed at undermining a smooth transition process.  “These attacks should not be mischaracterized as a sectarian conflict between Damascus and the Alawite community,” he stressed, as “the international community must recognize that these were coordinated efforts, supported by certain regional actors, to destabilize Syria”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Africa Subcommittee Chairman Smith Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on the CCP’s Influence on Critical Minerals in Africa

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled, “Metals, Minerals, and Mining: How the CCP Fuels Conflict and Exploitation in Africa.” 

    Watch Here

    -Remarks- 

    The extraction of valuable minerals has long been a double-edged sword for many African nations. While these resources hold the potential for economic development, their exploitation—particularly when managed irresponsibly or under corrupt regimes—has often fueled violence and instability. The Democratic Republic of Congo has vast mineral wealth, especially in cobalt and gold and other very, very important minerals, which has been a significant driver of conflict. Illicit gold mining also fuels conflict in Ethiopia and Sudan. Armed groups have profited from the extraction and smuggling of these resources, financing their operations and perpetuating cycles of violence. The United Nations has reported that mineral smuggling finances warfare, with various military forces and commanders exploiting illegal mining for personal gain.

    In the DRC, there’s also estimated more than 70% of the world’s cobalt—some say as much as 75%—an essential mineral for lithium-ion batteries for smartphones, computers, and electric vehicles, is extracted there with bare hands of thousands, in some estimates put as high as 35,000 children, by one of our witnesses today, Mr. Les Lenet. Thank you for your very heavily footnoted testimony. If that were not horrible enough, the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report also stated that “observers noted that children in mining areas are vulnerable to sexual violence, including sex trafficking, in part due to traditional religious beliefs that harming children could protect against death or ensure successful mining,” end quote—an absurdity, but that’s what has been said.

    China’s near-monopoly over the output and processing of Africa’s mineral resources ensures that these abuses continue unchecked. The expansion of illicit gold mining in Ethiopia has exacerbated existing conflicts as well. Regional states and non-state armed actors vie for control over mining concessions, using the revenues to bolster their influence and in some cases to challenge state authority. This competition has intensified local disputes and undermined efforts toward national cohesion. In Sudan, gold mining operations have been linked to funding armed conflicts. The control over lucrative mining areas often leads to violent confrontations between various factions, further destabilizing the region and hindering peace efforts.

    Illegal mining has led to environmental degradation and social unrest. The involvement of foreign entities, including Chinese nationals, in these operations has strained local communities and contributed to tensions between populists and the authorities. In response to these challenges, I have reintroduced the Cobalt Supply Chain Act. This legislation aims to ensure that goods made using or containing cobalt refined in the People’s Republic of China do not enter the U.S. market—addressing concerns that such cobalt is extracted and processed with the use of child and forced labor in the DRC. Then it comes back in our defense and commercial supply chains. Security is a national security issue, and the reliance on China for these critical minerals is a clear vulnerability to the United States and to the Western world.

    As Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, I held a hearing in November of 2023 that highlighted the problem of Chinese Communist Party dominance in the DRC’s cobalt supply chain and how China profits from these unethical mining practices. I also chaired a hearing in July of 2022 at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on child labor and human rights violations in the mining industry of the DRC. One of our expert witnesses then said that child labor is one of the worst forms of child abuse—and that’s absolutely true. It is forbidden by both Congolese legislation as well as international rules and norms, and yet it continues.

    The greatest beneficiaries of this system—China. China’s state-owned mining companies remain silent, refusing to confront an undeniable reality. From dirt to battery, from cobalt to cars, the entire supply chain is built on violence, exploitation, and corruption. This must change, and the time for change is now.

    President Trump’s executive order for “immediate measures to increase American mineral production” is a crucial step toward strengthening our domestic supply chains. This action will create American jobs, drive economic growth, and reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries. The United States must break its dependence on minerals that finance the Chinese Communist Party, often extracted through forced child labor, and stop indirectly supporting the CCP’s efforts to fuel instability and regional conflict in Africa.

    At the same time, as the CCP tightens its grip on global mineral markets, the U.S. must take decisive action. In line with this strategy, the U.S. Department of State has signaled openness to forming direct critical mineral partnerships with the DRC—an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in securing resources essential for our technological advancement and national security.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: The Republican Recession is becoming more and more likely

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – March 25, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar joined Vice Chair Ted Lieu for a press conference on the economy heading towards a recession while House Republicans stay silent.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. I’m always pleased to be joined with the Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, Ted Lieu. We just left a successful Caucus meeting and had a productive conversation today. Many of our Members will be heading to Tucson tomorrow to pay respects for our colleague, Raul Grijalva. His legacy for clean air, clean water and a strong economy for working people will be greatly missed. 

    House Democrats spent last week talking to our constituents back home, and despite Donald Trump’s promise to lower costs that they face, it has not become any easier for anyone to buy groceries. Tariffs are making everyday goods more expensive, and illegal cuts are threatening the services that people rely on. And it’s clear: the Republican recession is becoming more and more likely, and it will make things even worse. The cost of living will be too high, and we’ll start to see more layoffs. People will lose their jobs, potentially their homes and their health care. And the Republican budget, cutting $880 billion from Medicaid, will make health care more expensive, especially for people who are out of work because of the Republican recession. 

    It didn’t have to be this way. Donald Trump inherited a growing economy and falling inflation, but in eight weeks, he’s made it worse across the board. Meanwhile, House Republicans are turning a blind eye to the economy while it’s going off the cliff. House Democrats are focused on bringing down the cost of living and stopping these Republican cuts to Medicaid. Vice Chair Ted Lieu.

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth should resign. 

    He recklessly texted operational details of military strikes, including time, place, location and sequencing of those strikes, to a journalist. Had that information gotten to the Houthis, American pilots could have been shot down, Navy sailors could have been targeted. His reckless actions endanger the lives of American troops, endanger our national security, and makes it so that our allies don’t want to share sensitive classified information with us anymore.
     
    In addition, Signal is not approved for government use, especially for this kind of use. Before entering politics, I had a secret security clearance. I served active duty in the U.S. military, and when you go to a secure facility, the first thing they make you do is they make you put your phones outside the facility. So, you can’t have our top national security professionals using an app that’s commercially available and not authorized for this use to be discussing these kinds of war plans. They never should have been on that Signal chat to begin with, and they made it worse by having a journalist on that chat. These are reckless actions by the Secretary of Defense, and he also made it worse. Instead of accepting responsibility, he lied to the American people. He said this was all a hoax when confronted by a reporter while the White House confirmed that these Signal chats were authentic. Instead of apologizing to the American people, Hegseth lied to the American people. The cover-up is even worse—actually, I don’t think the cover-up is worse. This whole thing is really, really bad. It shows how not serious these national security professionals take our national security. Hegseth needs to resign, and everyone on that text chain needs to go take some courses on how to deal with national security and classified information.

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

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New V2cam livestream available

    Source: US Geological Survey

    New V2cam livestream available

    A new monitoring camera on the northeast rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) now provides an additional livestream view of Halema‘uma‘u.

    Get Our News

    These items are in the RSS feed format (Really Simple Syndication) based on categories such as topics, locations, and more. You can install and RSS reader browser extension, software, or use a third-party service to receive immediate news updates depending on the feed that you have added. If you click the feed links below, they may look strange because they are simply XML code. An RSS reader can easily read this code and push out a notification to you when something new is posted to our site.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Together with Recently Established Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force Secure 12 Arrests in Online Child Sexual Predator Sting

    Source: US State of California

    TURLOCK – California Attorney General Rob Bonta in partnership with the recently established Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (Sac HTTF), today announced the arrest of 12 individuals for allegedly attempting to contact a minor for sex and other related crimes. The arrests are the result of a partnership between state and local law enforcement and have been referred to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal prosecution.

    “I have a simple message for all those who target children for sex online: If you go after children in California, we’ll go after you,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s announcement makes it clear that child sexual abuse will not be tolerated. I’m extremely grateful to all of our partners for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. When we work together, we get results. My office always stands ready to work with our partners across California to stand up for our children and for public safety.”

    “The Sacramento Police Department stands unwavering in the fight against human trafficking, a crime that strips victims of their freedom, dignity, and humanity,” said Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester. “This is why our partnership with the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force is so critical. By working alongside our local, state, and federal partners, we are attacking this crisis from every angle, relentlessly pursuing traffickers, rescuing and empowering survivors, and making our communities safer.”

    “CDCR is proud to be part of this task force, which is making significant strides in keeping our communities safe,” said Bryan Bishop, Deputy Chief of the Office of Correctional Safety at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “CDCR is committed to using its expertise to hold human traffickers accountable.” 

    During the sting, law enforcement personnel worked undercover, posing as children on various websites, as young as 13 years old, to identify, contact, and arrest anyone who may be trying to target children for sex. In these encounters, suspects allegedly used sexually explicit language and sent graphic photos to undercover personnel. Once suspects requested to meet with a child, law enforcement directed them to a predetermined location and arrested them. The operation was carried out in early March and targeted individuals across Stanislaus County. Many of the arrests involved individuals who allegedly attempted to meet with undercover personnel.

    The sting was conducted by law enforcement personnel with the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (Sac HTTF), Turlock Police Department, Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. The suspects are facing multiple felony charges including lewd and lascivious conduct with minor, contact with minor sex acts, meeting with minor with the intent to commit sex acts, harmful matter sent to a minor, manufacturing child pornography, and possession of child pornography. 

    Child sexual abuse remains a significant public safety problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, child sexual abuse includes instances where the child does not fully comprehend, does not consent or is unable to give informed consent, or is not developmentally prepared for and cannot give consent to sexual activity. In particular, online enticement — communicating with someone believed to be a child via the internet with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction — is a growing problem and form of exploitation, which can include children being groomed to take sexually explicit images or meeting face-to-face with someone for sexual purposes. This type of victimization can occur on a wide array of online platforms, including social media, messaging apps, or online games. 

    Many children wait to report or never report child sexual abuse and research on the subject likely underestimates the true impact of the problem. Although estimates vary across studies, the research shows that about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse. Ninety-one percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family members. Experiencing child sexual abuse can affect how a person thinks, acts, and feels over a lifetime. This can result in short- and long-term physical, mental, and behavioral health consequences.
     
    It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Welcomes Staff to Newly Renovated Flexible Office in North Office Building as Part of Space Optimization Utilization Projectthat Will Improve Office Space & Save the Commonwealth Tens of Millions of Dollars

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 25, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    Shapiro Administration Welcomes Staff to Newly Renovated Flexible Office in North Office Building as Part of Space Optimization Utilization Projectthat Will Improve Office Space & Save the Commonwealth Tens of Millions of Dollars

    The Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Reggie McNeil was joined by Office of Administration (OA) Secretary Neil Weaverto open a newly redesigned, flexible office space for staff in the North Office Building as part of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Space Optimization Utilization Project (SOUP). The SOUP initiative is the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive review of its real estate portfolio to improve operational efficiency – enhancing the use of state-owned properties, providing modern, flexible workspaces for employees, driving long-term efficient use of real estate, and delivering more centralized, convenient service centers for taxpayers. The space optimization initiative will reduce the Commonwealth’s leased space and enhance Commonwealth-owned facilities to meet evolving workforce needs while generating tens of millions in savings by 2033.

    Speakers in Order:
    Reggie McNeil – Secretary, Department of General Services
    Neil Weaver – Secretary, Office of Administration
    Catherine Califano – Deputy Secretary of Business Operations, Dept. of General Services

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro Stands Up for Pennsylvania Farmers, Appeals USDA’s Unlawful Decision to Cancel Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 25, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    Governor Shapiro Stands Up for Pennsylvania Farmers, Appeals USDA’s Unlawful Decision to Cancel Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program

    Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is appealing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) unlawful termination of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program, which provides funds to Pennsylvania’s farmers who supply local food banks with fresh produce. The Governor has directed Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding to immediately challenge USDA’s abrupt and irrational decision to cancel Pennsylvania’s $13 million contract for the LFPA program – which supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks across the Commonwealth.

    Over the past two and a half years, the PDA has driven out more than $28 million in federal funding from the LFPA program to local farmers across the Commonwealth – and in return, food banks have gotten fresh, local food from Pennsylvania farmers to help them feed our most vulnerable neighbors. That same program was set to provide $13 million over the next three years to support the purchase of more fresh, locally grown food for food banks. However, earlier this month, the Shapiro Administration received notice from the federal government that they were abruptly canceling Pennsylvania’s contract. This reckless cut comes amid increased strain the federal government is imposing on Pennsylvania farmers through reckless tariffs.

    Governor Shapiro announced that his Administration is taking this action after hosting a roundtable discussion with local leaders and farmers from Adams, Cumberland, and Schuylkill counties at the Central PA Food Bank.

    List of Speakers:
    Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
    Governor Shapiro
    Amy Brickner, who runs Destiny Dairy Bar
    Chris Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
    Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
    Representative Justin Fleming

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BLAIR COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Visit Penn England Farms, Highlight Administration’s Plan to Lower Energy Costs for Rural Communities & Farmers

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 26, 2025 – Williamsburg, PA

    ADVISORY – BLAIR COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Visit Penn England Farms, Highlight Administration’s Plan to Lower Energy Costs for Rural Communities & Farmers

    Governor Josh Shapiro will visit Penn England Farms to highlight a key component of his energy plan – known as the Lightning Plan – that will help lower energy costs for agriculture producers and rural communities. The Governor’s proposal would allow Pennsylvanians to jointly share energy resources to lower their costs, such as a group of farmers using a methane digester.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary Russell Redding, Department of Agriculture
    Mark Heeter, Blair County Farm Bureau
    Steven McKnight, Blair County Alliance for Business & Economic Growth
    Yvette Longenecker, Penn-England Farms

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11:30 AM

    WHERE:
    Penn England Farms
    10290 Fox Run Road,
    Williamsburg, PA 16693

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: True North Mortgage Welcomes 25+ Former Rocket Mortgage Canada Employees, Expands Windsor and Quebec Presence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — True North Mortgage, one of Canada’s largest mortgage brokerages, today announced the strategic hiring of over 25 former Rocket Mortgage Canada employees. This move significantly bolsters its team and reinforces its commitment to the Canadian mortgage market. This move follows the recent announcement of Rocket Mortgage Canada’s closure of operations.

    True North Mortgage is pleased to provide employment opportunities to nearly two-thirds of Rocket Mortgage Canada’s front-line mortgage professionals. The company will also maintain an office presence in Windsor, Ontario, ensuring continuity for employees and contributing to the local economy. In addition, the hiring of experienced former Rocket mortgage professionals in Montreal marks True North’s entry into the Quebec market, expanding its reach and service offerings to French-speaking Canadians.

    “As a 100% Canadian company, investing in these salaried jobs to support the next stage of our growth makes perfect sense, and we’re excited to welcome these highly skilled and experienced mortgage agents to the True North Mortgage family,” said Amanda Magee, Chief Growth Officer of True North. “Their expertise and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to provide Canadians with tailored mortgage solutions. We are confident they will thrive in our dynamic and supportive environment.”

    True North’s proactive recruitment approach aligns with its ambitious growth plans. The company aims to add 30 new mortgage agents in 2025 and is delighted to have achieved this goal ahead of schedule with the addition of such capable and well-trained professionals.

    “We recognize the challenging circumstances faced by the former Rocket Mortgage Canada team and can appreciate the hurdles shouldered by their senior leadership,” said Dan Eisner, CEO of True North. “They built a strong and talented team in a highly competitive market, and we commend their efforts. We are honoured to provide a new home for many of their exceptional employees.”

    True North Mortgage is committed to providing Canadians from coast to coast with transparent, unbiased, and expert mortgage advice. Focusing on technology and personalized service, the company continues to lead the industry in innovation and client satisfaction.

    About True North Mortgage:

    True North Mortgage is one of Canada’s top mortgage brokerages, offering a wide range of mortgage products and services. Committed to transparency and client service, True North Mortgage empowers Canadians to make informed mortgage decisions that help them save money.

    Contact:

    Cheryl Dawes, Content Manager, True North Mortgage
    cheryl.dawes@truenorthmortgage.ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA x ACLU Op-Ed

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Greenpeace US Attorney, Deepa Padmanabha, left, talks with Greenpeace USA Interim Executive Director Sushma Raman, center, and Greenpeace International General Counsel Kristin Casper. © Tim Aubry / Greenpeace

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 25, 2025) — In an op-ed published in The Guardian, Greenpeace Inc. and Greenpeace Fund Interim Executive Director Sushma Raman alongside ACLU executive director Anthony Romero discuss how the recent $660m judgment against Greenpeace USA poses a serious threat to free speech and protest rights.

    Excerpts from the piece follows:

    The verdict that threatens free speech 

    The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. It will have little meaning if multi-billion dollar corporations can sue peaceful protestors out of existence for their speech. Yet, that’s exactly what was decided in a small courtroom in Morton County, North Dakota. 

    Energy Transfer – a Dallas-based fossil fuel company that is responsible for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) – sued two Greenpeace entities in the U.S. (Greenpeace Inc. and Greenpeace Fund), and Greenpeace International. Energy Transfer was awarded more than US$660 million in a highly watched, month-long case. Greenpeace will appeal the verdict.

    …

    The ruling in the Energy Transfer case could have wide ranging consequences on First Amendment rights in the U.S. By attempting to hold Greenpeace liable for everything that happened at Standing Rock, the case attempts to establish the idea that, for any participation in a protest, you can be held liable for the actions of other people, even if you’re not associated with them or if they’re never identified. It’s easy to see how this win for Energy Transfer could chill speech and silence future protests before they even begin. 

    …

    Perhaps equally worrisome, this case is an attack on the type of ordinary advocacy that organizations like Greenpeace and the ACLU – alongside many others – rely on to do their work. Everyday actions like attending a protest, signing a letter of support, or supporting communities at risk should never be considered “unlawful.” Otherwise, the future of everyone’s First Amendment rights could be at risk.

    If corporations can weaponize the court system to attack protesters and advocates for their speech, then any political speech or cause could become a target. And in an environment where the Trump administration is regularly leading dangerous attacks against our basic rights and liberties, including against the press and activists, this threat is all the more serious.

    The right to protest and speak out must be embraced as a core pillar in a functioning democracy – even when that speech threatens the rich and powerful, and even when it’s speech we don’t agree with. 

    Read the full op-ed here.

    Sushma Raman is the Interim Executive Director of Greenpeace USA.
    Anthony Romero is the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

    Contact: Madison Carter, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected]

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –