NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Unveils Legislative Package to Address Housing Affordability and Availability Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Unveils Legislative Package to Address Housing Affordability and Availability Crisis

    The transformative housing package addresses rising rental costs and downpayment fees, private equity’s domination of Atlanta’s housing market, and the overall lack of available housing units

    This week, Senator Reverend Warnock introduced the Downpayment Toward Equity Act, the Rent Relief Act, and the Stop Predatory Investing Act

    Senator Reverend Warnock also introduced the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, legislation that would build nearly three million new housing units

    During a Wednesday Senate Banking Hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock highlighted his newly introduced housing legislation and how Georgians and Americans would benefit from the legislative package

    Senator Reverend Warnock, a longtime advocate of affordable housing, has tirelessly fought to broaden the path to homeownership for hardworking Americans

    Senator Reverend Warnock during the hearing: “These are important bills that address the affordability issue and the accessibility issue around housing”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock at Wednesday’s Senate Banking Committee hearing HERE

    Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced a comprehensive legislative package of housing bills to address the ongoing housing affordability and availability crisis in the United States.

    The Downpayment Toward Equity Act, the Rent Relief Act, the Stop Predatory Investing Act, and the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, which Senator Warnock co-led with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), are a direct response to what Senator Warnock has heard from constituents about their inability to afford a home, and a solution to the housing crisis that millions more Americans are facing across the country.

    “We have a housing affordability and availability crisis in this country and I’m especially concerned about young Americans and their ability to pay rent or buy their first home,” said Senator Reverend Warnock during a Senate Banking Committee hearing. “Last year, we actually saw the largest increase in rental costs in a decade, while the share of first-time homebuyers reached an all-time low. Tough pickings whether you’re a renter, or looking to buy. Georgia has the lowest homeownership rate in the entire Southeast.” 

    The bills introduced in the package address each of the largest hurdles for most young people trying to buy their first home.

    The Rent Relief Act would provide much needed relief to low- and middle-class Americans by subsidizing a percentage of their rents that exceed cost burden thresholds (more than 30% of their income). It would address the rising rental costs seen around the country, allowing people to save more income that could be put toward realizing the dream of homeownership.

    The Downpayment Toward Equity Act would provide funds toward downpayment and other financial assistance for first-generation homebuyers to purchase their first home, helping alleviate what is considered the chief obstacle for young people in trying to buy their first home. 

    “Ms. Willis, what are the consequences of high rental costs and lack of affordable housing on upward mobility on the broader economy?” Senator Warnock asked Renee M. Willis, who was an expert witness for Wednesday’s Banking Committee hearing.

    “I think on an individual level when people with low incomes can’t afford housing, they’re forced to make impossible trade-offs. So, we’re talking about trade-offs between paying rent and buying groceries, or medications, or investing in their children’s education,” responded Renee M. Willis, Interim President & CEO of National Low Income Housing Coalition. “But more broadly, I’d say that researchers have found housing constraints have lowered GDP growth.”

    “For first-time home buyers, what do they cite most often as the biggest barriers?” Senator Warnock asked.

    “Two words. Downpayment costs,” responded Willis.

    The Stop Predatory Investing Act, previously led by another champion of housing, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), would remove tax advantages enjoyed by private equity investors to disincentivize ownership of more than 50 single-family rental properties.

    These bills together, coupled with Senators Warnock and Warren’s American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, which would invest in building nearly three million new housing units, would address some of the most longstanding issues in the American housing market today.

    “These are important bills that address the affordability issue and the accessibility issue around housing,” said Senator Warnock at the hearing.

    During the hearing, Senator Warnock also questioned Dr. Edward Glaeser, a Professor of Economics at Harvard University, about the impact of the housing crisis on the American GDP.

    “Are you concerned about what you are seeing in the economic data about young Americans and homeownership?” Senator Warnock asked.

    “Senator, I certainly am,” said Dr. Edward Glaeser. “[One of my concerns] is a transfer of housing wealth, from the young to the old.

    “Massive transfers of wealth, and the inability to pass wealth from one generation to the next, it’s moving in the wrong direction, which has implications for all of us regardless of our generation,” continued Senator Warnock.

    Since coming to the Senate, Senator Warnock has worked to increase affordable housing and illuminate a path to homeownership, a cornerstone of the American Dream. As one of twelve brothers and sisters growing up in public housing in Savannah, Senator Warnock deeply understands the importance of having a place to call home and homeownership. In the past few years, Senator Warnock voted for government funding legislation that increased America’s housing supply, strengthened housing affordability, and addressed the homelessness crisis, including by: increasing the supply of affordable housing nationwide with funding to build 10,000 new rental and homebuyer units; extending funding for the Yes In My Backyard (“YIMBY”) grant program to support efforts to increase our nation’s housing supply and lower housing costs through state and local zoning changes; and delivering $275 million in new funding for Homeless Assistance Grants to help address homelessness in communities across the country and providing new resources to better connect people experiencing homelessness with health care services. Senator Warnock has also secured nearly $80 million in housing investments to provide affordable housing options for Georgians at all income levels and repair hazardous housing conditions in low-income housing units. 

    “The predatory practices of institutional investors who buy out single-family homes is a rapidly developing issue in affordable housing policy, and one that must be addressed head-on to protect the rights of tenants and help preserve the nation’s supply of affordable housing,” said NLIHC Interim President and CEO Renee Willis. “I applaud Senator Warnock for his leadership in introducing the ‘Stop Predatory Investing Act’, which will help ensure investors do not buy up available properties only to raise rents and displace tenants.” 

    In addition to Senator Warnock, the Downpayment Toward Equity Act is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ), the Stop Predatory Investing Act is co-led by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and cosponsored by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

    Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning at Wednesday’s Senate Banking Committee hearing HERE.

    Read the legislative package summary HERE.

    Bill text for the Downpayment Toward Equity Act can be found HERE.

    Bill text for the Stop Predatory Investing Act can be found HERE.

    Bill text for the Rent Relief Act can be found HERE.

    Bill text for the American Housing Economic Mobility Act can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Puts Dr. Oz on Record Supporting Medicaid Access for Georgians Caught in Health Care Gap During Nomination Hearing to Oversee Medicare and Medicaid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Puts Dr. Oz on Record Supporting Medicaid Access for Georgians Caught in Health Care Gap During Nomination Hearing to Oversee Medicare and Medicaid

    At Friday’s Senate Finance committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Dr. Oz, President Trump’s nominee to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    Senator Reverend Warnock put Dr. Oz on record as supporting Medicaid access for Georgians caught in the health care gap as the state readies to apply for an extension
    The state’s renewal application comes at a moment when the Trump Administration and Hill Republicans are threatening major slashes in funding for health care programs that largely support low-income families and children
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “You’ll never get any pushback from me about the value of a work ethic and the purpose that work provides, which is why I think people ought to have health care so they can get back to work. Very often they can’t get back to work in Georgia because they can’t get the health care”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock at Friday’s CMS nominee hearing HERE

    Washington, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Finance committee hearing on the nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) put Dr. Oz on the record as supporting Medicaid access for Georgians caught in the health care gap. As CMS Administrator, Dr. Oz will be responsible for approving the Georgia Pathways waiver, which is due to be extended. 

    “You’ll never get any pushback from me about the value of a work ethic and the purpose that work provides, which is why I think people ought to have health care so they can get back to work. Very often they can’t get back to work in Georgia because they can’t get the health care,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Let me give you an example. There is a woman in Dalton, Georgia that I got to know a while ago, her name is Heather Payne. […] She was among those folks who were in the gap. She couldn’t afford private insurance, but she wasn’t poor enough to get conventional Medicaid. So her health challenges and the unpredictable nature of her work as a traveling nurse made it impossible for her to meet George’s onerous work verification requirements to get Medicaid. She found out she had had a series of strokes. She had to save the money to see a neurologist, and then she found out she’d had a series of strokes. Took a long time to be able to afford to go and now she’s in the gap, and she can’t meet Georgia’s onerous work requirements. Do you think Heather Payne, a traveling nurse who spent her career providing health care to others, do you think she deserves Medicaid or not?”

    Dr. Oz replied, “Yes.” 

    “I agree with you. And since we agree, I think that the Medicaid waiver that you will be responsible for reviewing, in fact, I know it, it says that Heather does not deserve Medicaid,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

    The state has already started the process of applying for an extension and comes at a moment when the Trump Administration and Hill Republicans are threatening major slashes in funding for health care programs that largely support low-income families and children. 

    “Georgia’s Pathways to coverage is a roadblock to care. They’ve gotten, I don’t know, 6,000 people, I think the last time I checked. And we got over 500,000 people in the gap. So I’m gonna give you a softball if you are confirmed, will you work with me and will you keep Amanda and Heather in mind as you consider whether or not to renew Georgia’s waiver–which I think is filled with unnecessary and onerous work requirements, paperwork, filling out paperwork every single month–will you keep these two people in mind?” Senator Reverend Warnock asked.

    “Heather and Amanda should be in all of our minds and many others like them. I look forward to working with you,” Dr. Oz replied.

    If confirmed, Oz would take over the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which provides health coverage to more than 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace, and manages a budget of $1.5 trillion. About a quarter of all federal spending runs through CMS, and Oz would take over the institution at a moment when Washington Republicans are threatening major slashes in funding for health care.

    Watch the Senator’s full remarks HERE.

    See below a transcript of key exchanges between Senator Warnock and CMS nominee Mehmet Oz (remarks have been lightly edited for clarity): 

    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “My home state of Georgia is not only one of only ten states in the country that has still not expanded Medicaid, it also has the dubious distinction of being the only state in the country where the limited number of families who do qualify for Medicaid are required to regularly complete bureaucratic paperwork to prove they’re still working the minimum number of hours to get health care. State officials call it ‘Georgia Pathways to Coverage’. I call it ‘Georgia Pathways to Nowhere.’ The program is allowed under the state’s Medicaid waiver, which is up for renewal this year. And if confirmed as head of CMS, you would be responsible for approving or denying the state’s application to renew these onerous paperwork requirements. Dr. Oz, I’m not going to ask you to prejudge the state’s renewal application; that wouldn’t be fair, you need to see it. But since you’d oversee Medicaid if confirmed, yes or no, do you believe families should have to complete government paperwork every single month to prove they are working just to get health care when they’re sick?”

    Mehmet Oz (MO): “I am in favor of work requirements.”

    SRW: “Do you think a family should have to fill out paperwork every month just to get health care?”

    MO: “I don’t think you need to use paperwork to prove work requirements, and I don’t think that should be used as an obstacle, disingenuous effort to block people from getting on Medicaid. However, I believe we would both probably agree that there’s value in work, and it doesn’t have to be going to a job. It could be getting an education, it should be showing that you want to contribute to society. You could volunteer at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where I did a show with you once, that would, for me, fulfill the requirement.”

    SRW: “You’ll never get any pushback from me about the value of a work ethic and the purpose that work provides, which is why I think people ought to have health care so they can get back to work. Very often they can’t get back to work in Georgia because they can’t get the health care. Let me give you an example. There is a woman in Dalton, Georgia that I got to know a while ago, her name is Heather Payne. She’s a traveling nurse. And you know, as a traveling nurse, some jobs were better than others. Sometimes she had health care, sometimes she didn’t. She was among those folks who were in the gap. She couldn’t afford private insurance, but she wasn’t poor enough to get conventional Medicaid. So her health challenges and the unpredictable nature of her work as a traveling nurse made it impossible for her to meet George’s onerous work verification requirements to get Medicaid. She found out she had had a series of strokes. She had to save the money to see a neurologist, and then she found out she’d had a series of strokes. Took a long time to be able to afford to go and now she’s in the gap, and she can’t meet Georgia’s onerous work requirements. Do you think Heather Payne, a traveling nurse who spent her career providing health care to others, do you think she deserves Medicaid or not?”

    MO: “Yes.” 

    SRW: “Thank you. I agree with you. And since we agree, I think that the Medicaid waiver that you will be responsible for reviewing, in fact, I know it, it says that Heather does not deserve Medicaid.”

    […]

    SRW: “Let me tell you about another Georgian. Amanda left her two jobs in New York and moved to Warner Robins to become a full-time caregiver for her 84-year-old father, Thomas. Taking care of her father has become a full-time responsibility for Amanda. He’s 84 years old. She’s taking care of him, which means he is not in a nursing home. She’s taken on that responsibility. But with all of this, she does not have time to hold a full-time job that meets the state’s strict work requirements, and she has no income to cover her own health costs should she get sick. Dr. Oz, do you think Amanda deserves Medicaid?”

    MO: “From what you are describing, yes. These are the opportunities we have to make the system better. If we both agree that people should be trying to get off Medicaid, if they can, we should be able to create a system where we can track that, because there’s the twin paradox, which I think we touched on in the office. Two brothers are at home, one’s working every day, flipping burgers, making minimum wage. Maybe he’s cobbling together 16, $17,000, puts them right above the poverty level. And the other brother doesn’t bother working because he’ll have the exact same coverage if he doesn’t work. We want to make both of them want to move up the ladder, like every small businessman. What’s their goal? To become a big businessman.”

    SRW: “You and I have the basis for meaningful conversation. Georgia’s Pathways to coverage is a roadblock to care. They’ve gotten, I don’t know, 6,000 people, I think the last time I checked. And we got over 500,000 people in the gap. So I’m gonna give you a softball if you are confirmed, will you work with me and will you keep Amanda and Heather in mind as you consider whether or not to renew Georgia’s waiver–which I think is filled with unnecessary and onerous work requirements, paperwork, filling out paperwork every single month–will you keep these two people in mind?”

    MO: “Heather and Amanda should be in all of our minds and many others like them. I look forward to working with you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement Ahead of ‘No’ Vote on Republican Spending Bill

    US Senate News:

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

    WATCH: Senator Padilla on his vote against partisan funding bill

    WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement ahead of his vote against cloture and final passage of Republicans’ partisan bill to fund the government through September:

    “Republicans are trying to jam through a strictly partisan bill that would cut critical services that so many families rely on, while empowering Donald Trump and Elon Musk in their efforts to keep dismantling the federal government. To make matters worse, this measure completely leaves out disaster aid that’s so necessary for Southern California to rebuild after the fires. For me, that’s an absolute non-starter.

    “I’m going to be a ‘no’ vote, both on cloture and on final passage of this bill, which is nothing but a Republican power grab. I’ll continue to stand up for California and fight against this Trump-Musk billionaire agenda.”

    You can watch Senator Padilla speaking out against the bill here. 

    Footage of his remarks can be downloaded here.

    Earlier this week, Senator Padilla blasted the continuing resolution when it narrowly passed the House of Representatives, emphasizing that it did not include the disaster relief funding California needs. Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Last week, Padilla, Schiff, and Representatives Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) led the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging Senior Congressional leadership to provide additional disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Statement on Government Funding Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    March 14, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting for a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through the end of the Fiscal Year.

    “This Continuing Resolution prevents a costly government shutdown. It enables President Trump and DOGE to continue identifying wasteful spending. It also gives Congress time to return to a more regular appropriations process.”

    Print 

    Share 

    Like 

    Tweet 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA’s narrative therapist nominated for Women Changing the World Awards

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa’s world-renowned Narrative Therapist and Psychosocial Specialist, Ncazelo Mlilo, has been nominated in the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards.

    The awards, according to a statement by psychosocial organisation, Phola, are like the Grammy Awards for recognising women across the world who are doing incredible work, making a positive difference in various industries and areas, including business, sustainability, leadership, health, education, product development, innovation, and technology.

    Mlilo, who is based in Johannesburg, has been selected for two categories, the People’s Choice Award for Non-Profit and Social Enterprise, and the Women in Therapy and Counselling Services Award.

    This recognition celebrates the groundbreaking work in mental health, her development of Afrocentric, culturally sensitive narrative-based methodologies, and her dedication to empowering communities worldwide.

    The awards ceremony will take place during a summit in London, in the United Kingdom on 2-3 April 2025.

    Mlilo has over 25 years’ experience in trauma counselling.

    She has worked with children, youth, women, families, and communities to address the effects of HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence (GBV), poverty, conflict, and other hardships.

    Mlilo co-created the Tree of Life (ToL) Methodology, currently used in over 60 countries including the USA, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Iran, India, Germany, Japan, Sweden, and across Africa.

    She has developed other methodologies like COURRAGE, the Narratives in the Suitcase Project, O.U.T.R.R.A.G.E.D. for GBV prevention.

    Mlilo trains over 1 000 mental health practitioners worldwide every year, with her work reaching an estimated 100 000 people, annually.

    She is also a prominent keynote speaker at international conferences, including the Trust’s Collective Narrative Practices Conference, held in 2024 in Australia, the Narrative Therapy Centre Conference, where she spoke about the Narratives in the Suitcase, held in Australia in 2023, among others.

    As a result, her work is the intervention of choice in these global institutions, like the Dulwich Centre Foundation in Australia and NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Youth Must Have Leadership Role in Dismantling Patriarchal Norms, Financing Gender Equality, Women’s Commission Hears as It Concludes First Week

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Gender Justice Cannot Be Achieved without Ending Discrimination against Indigenous Women, Girls, Those with Disabilities, Speakers Stress

    The Commission on the Status of Women wrapped up its first week today, with a dialogue among youth representatives who stressed the need to include the next generation of leaders not only in conversations about women and girls’ empowerment but in leadership roles that fight for disability inclusion, finance gender equality, dismantle patriarchal norms and defend Indigenous voices. 

    The United Nations kicked off the sixty-ninth session of the Commission this week, focusing on accelerating the adoption of the Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women.  Leaders gathered in Beijing 30 years ago to pledge to achieve gender equality and uphold women’s rights.  Discussions this session also focused on contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

    Kateryna Levchenko, Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy of Ukraine and Chair of the meeting, said that 30 years after its adoption, the Beijing Platform for Action still mobilizes Member States, the United Nations, feminist movements, civil society organizations, young people and other stakeholders.  “It continues to be an unprecedented consensus on the actions needed to advance gender equality and women’s and girls’ human rights and their empowerment,” she said.

    However, 30 years after the 1995 World Conference on Women, no country has fully achieved gender equality.  That’s why Member States must recommit to its full implementation, she stressed, and identify synergies with other global commitments, working in partnership with civil society, young people, the UN and the private sector.  With just five years until the 2030 target date for achieving the SDGs, the Platform holds the key to unblock bottlenecks and accelerate much needed progress.

    Fenna Timsi, UN Youth Representative for Human Rights and Security of the Netherlands, said that today’s youth representatives represent large networks who have been on the frontlines of fighting for women and girls rights.  “They will reflect on the progress made since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, sharing insights, voicing challenges and proposing solutions to persistent issues such as gender-based violence, access to education and economic empowerment,” she noted.  The 2024 review and appraisal of the Beijing process with more than 150 States reporting on their actions is a “a clear testament” to the pact’s continued relevance and power. 

    30 Years after Landmark Women’s Conference in Beijing, Gender Equality an Unfulfilled Promise

    Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), delivering opening remarks, commended the young representatives for their activism and “for your constant reminder to us all to do more, to do better, to be better”. Thirty years on, gender equality remains an unfulfilled promise.  “But one thing is clear, you, young people, are not waiting,” she emphasized.  “Each of your contributions has spoken to a truth that we cannot ignore,” she said, stressing:  “Progress cannot be partial.  Change must be transformative and inclusive.”

    The Beijing Platform for Action remains the most powerful framework for gender equality, she went on.  “Since its adoption, we have seen strides — more women in politics, stronger laws against gender-based violence, greater access to education,” she described.  But progress has been too slow and too uneven.  Women still hold only 27 per cent of parliamentary seats, which, while up from 11 per cent in 1995, is not enough.  One in three women globally continues to face physical or sexual violence, “a crisis we cannot accept as inevitable”.  In the face of climate crisis, economic inequalities and humanitarian disasters, it is young women and adolescent girls who bear the brunt, are displaced, denied education, and made more vulnerable to violence. 

    World Not Designed for Women with Disabilities to Thrive

    Eva Chisom Chukwunelo, Amputee Peer Counselor at the Mobility Clinic Limited in Nigeria, said that all women, no matter where they come from, should have the right to education, healthcare and leadership.  But as a young woman with a disability, she wondered, “did that promise include me?”  At 17, she said she stood at the crossroads, between two versions of her life. “One moment, I was a teenage girl with dreams, and the next, I was a girl with a disability, unsure of what my future held,” she added.  “That was when I realized the world is not designed for women with disabilities to thrive, and if we do not demand justice, it never will be,” she said.  Gender justice is incomplete if it does not include women and girls with disabilities. 

    How many girls with disabilities are missing from classrooms, not because they lack intelligence, but because inclusion is seen as too expensive, she asked.  How many women with disabilities are absent from decision-making spaces, not because they lack vision, but because the world refuses to see their potential, she also wondered.  “If you are not counted, then you do not count,” she said, urging countries to disaggregate data by gender, disability and age.  Governments must actively engage young women with disabilities in policy creation and leadership.  Schools must be built for all learners, healthcare systems must train providers to respect and serve women with disabilities, and leadership spaces must be welcoming, “not just in words, but in action”. 

    Meaningful Youth Engagement Key to Shaping Policy

    “Meaningful youth engagement in the Beijing processes is crucial to shape policies that address our concerns, reflect our aspirations and make us part of the leadership, rather than just part of the conversation,” said Ema Mecaj, member of the Beijing+30 Youth Steering Committee.  Over the past few days, the voice of young people has been clear.  “We should not take this progress for granted, but we need to speak up for the challenges and voice the untold stories of many women and girls who daily face the impacts of misogyny and gender stereotypes,” she said. 

    She noted that, according to the World Bank, 712 million people live in extreme poverty, with women and girls being disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of the climate crisis and displacement.  Globally in 2023, 51,000 women and girls were killed by their intimate partners or other family members. “These statistics are unacceptable and unfortunately reflect the broken reality,” she said.  As a medical student, she said that prevention strategies are needed to eradicate poverty, especially the feminization of poverty, and respond to technology facilitated gender-based violence.  

    Role of Boys and Men in Tackling Patriarchal Masculinities

     “We must stop placing the burden on women to endure and navigate the toxicity of patriarchal systems and instead confront patriarchal masculinities as the root cause of their oppression,” said Ahdithya Visweswaran, Governance Coordinator at Young Diplomats of Canada.  It is essential to tackle the ideological roots of patriarchal norms that perpetuate inequality and violence.  Young men and boys must see themselves not as inherent opponents, but as natural allies and co-beneficiaries of the gender equality agenda.  “Men and boys must no longer be seen as peripheral participants, but as indispensable stakeholders in this broader struggle for justice and equality,” he said. 

    But transformation cannot be simply achieved through narratives, it requires institutionalization, and the active participation of families, schools, communities and Governments, he stressed.  For far too long, efforts to engage men and boys have been limited to pilot programmes, often disconnected from the broader systems and the broader work that’s being done.  The socialization of boys is one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for advancing gender equality.  “We’re shaped by the environments in which we are raised,” he said, adding that positive role models can cultivate a new generation of men who embrace equity, reject violence, and build healthier masculinities.  

    Systemic and Structural Discrimination against Indigenous Women

    Laura Huertas, Founder of ANYAR (Indigenous youth organization), said that many of the Beijing commitments have still not been fulfilled, particularly in rural areas, Indigenous areas, and in other marginal sectors of Latin America and the Caribbean.  There and in other regions of the Global South, socioeconomic and political inequalities persist, despite progress in terms of access to education, health, and political participation of women. 

    “Being an Indigenous woman in Latin America is not easy, because we face the forced displacement within our territories, systematic discrimination, and structural discrimination,” she said.  “In my territory alone, 76.9 per cent of people live in multidimensional poverty, and more than 62 per cent have to live outside their ancestral lands,” she said.  Beijing+30 is “a cry of resistance”, she said, adding that “we don’t want just hollow roundtables”. 

    Financial Freedom and Justice Key to Advance Women’s Agency

    Sanjana Chhantyal, Manager at the Criterion Institute, said that financial system was not designed for women and undervalues women’s care work.  “It decides what is valuable, and by extension, who is valuable,” she said.  Systemic barriers have prevented women from building wealth and acquiring financial assets such as land and property; yet financial institutions traditionally look for the presence of financial assets or collateral to decide who gets access to finance. 

    “Let us call it what it is, a poverty trap,” she said.  Gender equality cannot be achieved without financial freedom and financial justice for all women and girls.  “Financial independence supports our agency and our ability to advocate for our rights, step away from abusive situations and make choices about our health, education and careers,” she said.  Empowered women empower other women and their communities.  “Justice is not only about the absence of barriers, but also presence of opportunities,” she stressed. 

    __________

    *     The 9th & 10th meetings were not covered.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Without us, there is no future’: Youth take over UN Women’s Commission

    Source: United Nations 2

    Women

    “Support us and include us” to achieve real progress on advancing equal rights for all, young leaders told the Commission on the Status of Women, as the forum wrapped up the first week of its annual session at the UN Headquarters, in New York, on Friday.

    “Support us and include us in intergovernmental processes,” said Ema Meçaj, a medical student and member of Albania’s youth steering committee, who was among young men and women panellists from around the world at an interactive dialogue at the 69th session of world’s largest annual conference on women (CSW69), which runs from 10 to 21 March.

    In tackling gender-based violence and poverty, prevention is key alongside inclusion, Ms. Meçaj said, emphasising that efforts must centre on reaching the most vulnerable and recommending the establishment of a holistic approach to existing international commitments for gender equality.

    Broadcast of the interactive dialogue.

    Driving towards equality

    The dialogue rounded up a busy first week, with thousands of delegates from around the world seeing the adoption of a landmark declaration on Monday as they continue to take stock of the rights of women and girls and identify challenges and paths forward to realise gender equality while gauging progress on the historical 1995 Beijing Platform for Action.

    During the afternoon dialogue, youth leaders from Canada, Nepal, Nigeria and Panama identified challenges and proposed concrete solutions to pressing issues, from violence against women to equality for all, including Indigenous Peoples and women and girls with disabilities.

    They also described what the Beijing Platform for Action meant for them, from a blueprint for equal rights to a “cry of resistance”.

    Read our explainer on the UN Commission on the Status of Women here

    Gender justice for all

    Eva Chiom Chukwenele, an amputee peer counsellor at the Mobility Clinic Limited in Nigeria, said as a child, the Platform for Action meant that all girls would have the right to education, healthcare and leadership.

    “But, gender justice is incomplete when women with disabilities are not included,” she said. “The world was not designed for women with disabilities.”

    Lamenting the current dearth on data about them, she wondered “if there is no data, how can you be counted?”

    She proposed a range of actions, including inclusive data collection, accessible schools and sharing positive stories in the media to shed light on this “invisible” group.

    “When history looks back on this moment, will you be remembered as someone who broke all the barriers or as someone who allowed them to remain?” she asked the audience. “The time to act is now.”

    When history looks back on this moment, will you be remembered as someone who broke all the barriers or as someone who allowed them to remain?

    Men and boys are key players

    The active, central participation of men and boys is essential in collective efforts to realise gender equality, but this has been challenging, said Ahdithya Viseweswaran, coordinator of the Young Diplomats of Canada.

    “The stakes have never been higher,” he said. “We must stop placing the burden on women to endure and navigate the toxicity of patriarchal systems and instead confront patriarchal masculinities as a root cause of their oppression.”

    He proposed a framework for tackling the roots of inequality and violence, he said, with men and boys being seen as “indispensable” actors for change. At the heart of these efforts is reaching boys, who are not born with an inherent attachment to patriarchy, he said, adding that “we are shaped how we are raised.”

    “As men’s rights influencers and State actors weaponise their platforms to undermine the hard-won gains of gender equality, we cannot afford to falter,” he said.

    “Instead, we need to present young men and boys with a compelling alternative, one rooted in self-liberation, empathy and justice, a redefinition of masculinity that prioritises partnership over domination, liberation over oppression and shared humanity over rigid hierarchies.”

    Without us, there is no future

    We still have a long road to go … being an Indigenous woman in Latin America is not easy

    Laura Dihuignidili Huertas, a youth leader from the Guna Yala province in Panama, said collective action is key to changing the current grim realities as many of the commitments made in Beijing 30 years ago remain unfulfilled, especially in rural areas.

    “We still have a long road to go,” said Ms. Huertas, a human rights activist who founded ANYAR, a youth-led organization. “Being an Indigenous woman in Latin America is not easy.”

    Forced displacement, discrimination and poverty are among pressing daily challenges, she said, stressing that progress cannot be made if people are left behind and that the Beijing Platform for Action was “a cry of resistance”.

    “We want firm commitments and concrete results,” she said. “We are the generation that can make a reality of the dreams of Beijing, but this can only be possible if we rise up, organise and mobilise all those who have yet joined the fight because without us, there is no future.”

    UN Women/Ryan Brown

    Young people at the UN Headquarters, in New York, attending the Commission on the Status of Women.

    Leading and inspiring change

    Joining the dialogue, Sima Bahous, head of UN Women, applauded participants and encouraged their efforts to advance gender equality at a time when rights are being trampled.

    “You are leading and inspiring change,” she said.

    Young feminists are not just participants in change, but are mobilising online and off to work towards a future free of violence, inequality and poverty.

    “We cannot build a just future without those who will inherit it,” she said. “Let this be our call to action.”

    Focus on Afghan women and girls

    In a parallel side event, conference participants gathered to raise international support for and take stock of the rights of Afghan women and girls in light of a bevy of restrictive laws passed since 2021, when the Taliban seized power in the country.

    Upholding the Rights of Afghan Women and Girls Women, Peace, and Security is one of dozens of side events being held during CSW69. Check the full side events schedule here.

    Watch the full event on UN Web TV here

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump: US had very good, productive discussions with Putin

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media Friday that his administration “had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday,” and there is a very good chance that “this horrible, bloody war” can finally come to an end.

    Trump noted in the post on Truth Social that “AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION.”

    “I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared,” he added.

    The Ukrainian army launched an offensive into Russia’s Kursk region in August, seizing about 1,300 square kilometers of land. But as the Russian army intensified its counterattack in recent weeks, the situation of the Ukrainian army in the region is reportedly deteriorating rapidly.

    Kremlin confirmed that Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports the position of Trump on a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, but has concerns over remaining unresolved issues.

    “So, indeed, there is a lot that needs to be done, but, nevertheless, the president expressed solidarity with Mr. Trump’s position,” the spokesman said, adding that there were grounds for “cautious optimism” regarding a settlement of the conflict.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Praises Senate Passage of Anti-Fentanyl Legislation: “We Are Keeping Our Promises”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    March 14, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) praised Senate passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which will permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Services Act. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. Ricketts said the following:
    “Americans elected President Trump and Senate Republicans to secure the border and stop the flow of fentanyl. This bipartisan bill will permanently classify fentanyl and its analogues as Schedule I substances. It will lead to harsher sentences for fentanyl traffickers. This bill shows we are keeping our promises.”
    Ricketts is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

    Print 
    Share 
    Like 
    Tweet 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: We need a Democratic House to protect the American people

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – March 12, 2025

    LEESBURG, VA — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu opened the 2025 Issues Conference alongside Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Welcome everyone. Pleasure to be joined by my colleagues and we’ll be joined by DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene here shortly. Just so thrilled to be here with Vice Chair Ted Lieu in putting this conference together. And of course, Leader Jeffries, Whip Clark and Assistant Leader Neguse. We could not do this without the support of the Democratic Leadership team, and we feel all that support throughout our time here. 

    In the first seven weeks of the Trump Administration, we have seen nothing but chaos, confusion and corruption coming out of the White House. House Republicans have either stayed silent as their constituents get hurt or are voting to rip away health care for millions of Americans to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires. 

    House Democrats have been united in standing up for Medicaid to keep health care more affordable. House Democrats have been united in honoring our veterans who have fallen victim to Elon Musk’s reckless cuts to the VA health care system. We’ve been united in protecting Social Security, even as the President of the United States used his joint address to lay out the groundwork for cutting these benefits—by lying to our country about the claims of 100-year-old beneficiaries. And all of us remain united in our overarching message to make Leader Jeffries, Speaker Jeffries, no later than next year. 

    We’re going to talk about all of this over the course of the next few days, and we’re going to put the needs of the American people front and center in everything that we do. The economy that House Democrats helped build is in a free fall. In 2026, we need a Democratic House to protect the American people from the costly missteps of the Trump Administration. With that, I’ll introduce Leader Jeffries.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar and Vice Chair Lieu for your leadership, for convening House Democrats and for the manner in which you have presided over the House Democratic Caucus in such an effective way during these very challenging times. 

    Donald Trump and House Republicans are crashing the American economy in real time and leading us toward a possible recession. Donald Trump and House Republicans promised that they would lower the high cost of living on day one. Costs aren’t going down. They’re going up. Inflation is going up. The stock market is going down. Consumer confidence is going down. Consumer spending is going down. The retirement security of the American people is going down. And it’s all connected to the chaos, confusion and corruption of the Trump Administration and Extreme MAGA Republicans.

    House Democrats remain united in the effort to protect Medicaid and the health care of the American people. We remain united as it relates to protecting Social Security and Medicare. House Democrats strongly oppose the reckless Republican spending bill that will hurt families, hurt seniors and hurt veterans. House Democrats remain committed to building an affordable economy and driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans. And House Democrats are united in our understanding that we must take back the Majority next year with the fierce urgency of now. 

    One of the Members who has led us in such an extraordinary way, both as it relates to keeping Democrats together, as was the case yesterday, and of course, as it relates to the House Republican devastating budget resolution, is our dynamic Whip, the Honorable Katherine Clark.

    WHIP CLARK: Thank you so much, Mr. Leader. And to Chairman Aguilar and Vice Chair Lieu, we are so grateful to you for, once again, organizing this opportunity to come together as Democrats. 

    This is always a powerful opportunity at Issues Conference, but this year, especially, we are really grateful because we have a lot to dig into. Especially, the last 24 hours have shown a stark illustration of what we’re fighting to stop: a Republican Party that promised to put more money in the pockets of working people. They turned around and stole their money— stole from their own constituents, from their schools, their health care, their retirement—all to cut billionaire taxes and funnel corrupt contracts to Elon Musk. 

    Just look at the split screen. People can’t afford their rent. They can’t afford eggs. And what is Trump doing? He is hawking luxury car brands of his biggest donor on the White House lawn. The same day, he is slashing the Department of Education in half, going after 180,000 teachers whose jobs depend on federal funding, 7.5 million special education teachers who get federal support and the 90% of kids in this country who attend our public schools, and that’s just the start. 

    Yesterday’s defunding bill is going to wreak havoc on working families, and once again, it’s women and girls who will pay the heaviest price. The domestic violence survivors; they’re voting to evict them. The overworked VA nurses; 84% of whom are women who are either fired or being forced to take on even heavier workloads. The patients watching Republicans defund Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer and maternal mortality research. The moms who are searching for affordable child care. Whether it’s born out of cruelty, cowardice or corruption, or all three, the GOP is hell bent on making families at home unsafe. 

    So, we recognize these are brutal and scary times. But here’s our message to the American people: House Democrats stand with you. We are fighting alongside you. We are not going to let House Republicans get away with this crime spree. Every day, leaders from our Caucus are holding the line, and especially, a little preview, the extraordinary women who have joined our ranks this Caucus, that I hope you will come join me at 10:15 a.m. tomorrow to meet our freshman women. But in the meantime, I will turn it over to another remarkable leader, our field general and talented Chair of the DCCC, Suzan DelBene. 

    DCCC CHAIR DELBENE: Good afternoon, everyone. Just a little over two months into their trifecta, House Republicans are well on their way to breaking the economy. Consumer confidence is evaporating. A new CNN poll today shows the majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy. A record high stock market has lost all its gains since January, and prices continue to rise at the grocery store, the gas pump and the pharmacy counter. 

    Affordability was the number one issue for voters last election, but House Republicans have done nothing to lower prices. Promises were made. Promises are broken. Their tariffs will raise prices and create massive uncertainty for businesses, small and large. A small business owner in my district recently told me he’s already losing business. He’s not sure if he can be competitive price-wise going forward. Just the uncertainty alone of whether tariffs will be there or not has caused him to lose business. And what’s more, the stop and start and chaotic nature of these tariffs continues to be extremely harmful. It’s easy to lose business. It’s hard to get it back. And House Republicans seem fine with this. They dismiss the damage they’re causing as a little disturbance. But when a farmer can’t buy the fertilizer they need during planting season right now, or export their crops, that’s not a little disturbance. It’s incredibly harmful to their business. And Republicans promise to support our businesses, our farmers and our workers, but with these tariffs, they’re doing exactly the opposite. 

    House Democrats and the American people are going to hold Republicans accountable for their broken promises, and we’re already seeing across the country people standing up and speaking out against their dangerous agenda. The public is opposed to their cuts to Medicaid. They’re opposed to the mass layoffs of firefighters, of inspectors in charge of combating bird flu, of veterans who are supporting veterans at the Veterans Administration. House Republicans know how unpopular their agenda is, which is why vulnerable House Republicans have stopped holding in person town halls. They can try to hide all they want, but they can’t hide from voters forever. 

    The frustration and anger we’re seeing across the country should send a loud message to House Republicans. People are ready for a change, and they’re ready to help House Democrats take back the gavels. So, now I want to turn it over to our incredible Vice Chair from the great state of California, Ted Lieu

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Good afternoon. Chairman Aguilar and I are excited about this year’s Issues Conference. And let me start by thanking Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Clark and Chairman Aguilar for their strong leadership and unifying the Democratic Caucus against the Republican CR. That was a strong show of force yesterday by House Democrats.

    Donald Trump, last week, came to Congress and he lied to the American people. He promised a Golden Age. Instead, we’re entering a Trump Slump. We see that prices have increased, especially egg prices. We see the stock market is down, approximately 2,500 points since Trump took office. And consumer sentiment is down, and this is because of his chaotic policies such as indiscriminate tariffs, and then his weakness and indecisiveness and flip-flopping on those tariffs that is causing a lot of chaos in the markets. He’s also doing harmful things like cutting scientists and inspectors who work on bird flu. He’s cutting funding for scientists who are working on diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s and cancer. And the American people are noticing. 

    In January, Democrats flipped a state Senate seat in Iowa that Trump had won by 21 points, and just this week, in another special election Iowa for a House Delegate seat, our candidate over performed by 24 points. 

    With our Field General Suzan DelBene, we’re going to flip the House next year, and I look forward to working with this entire Leadership team in doing so. It’s now my honor to introduce Joe Neguse who has done a fantastic job as Assistant Democratic Leader.

    ASSISTANT LEADER NEGUSE: Good afternoon. I thank you all for being here. Thank you to Chair Aguilar, Vice Chair Lieu, for convening us for the important conversations that will ensue over the next two days, and of course to Leader Jeffries, Whip Clark and Chairwoman DelBene for their incredible leadership over the course of these last several years.

    There’s a headline that I came across this morning that I think so well encapsulates the chaos and the dysfunction that we are living through in the precarious moment that we find ourselves in, from CBS News. The headline is this, “Lutnick says Trump’s policies are ‘worth it’, even if they lead to a recession.” The Lutnick, of course, that this article is referring to, is President Trump’s Commerce Secretary. Think about that for a second. That in his view, these reckless economic policies are worth it, even if they cause a recession. And it appears they will get their wish, as you heard Vice Chair Lieu, Chair Aguilar, Leader Jefferies, Whip Clark, Chairwoman DelBene describe the economic havoc that President Trump and his Administration have created over just the course of these last seven weeks. Stock market crashing. Job losses piling up. 401Ks vanishing. The prices for everyday goods going up across the board. Federal workers, folks at the Forest Service, wildland firefighters in my district back home in Colorado, purged from the federal government. Agencies being dismantled. All of this has real world consequences for the people that we are all so privileged to serve here in the United States Congress. 

    The time for the Trump Administration to abandon these reckless policies is now. They warrant a decisive, comprehensive response from House Democrats, which is precisely what we’ve done for the better part of the last seven weeks and we look forward to having more discussions on our response in the days ahead.

    And with that, I’ll turn it back to Chairman Aguilar. 

    Video of the full press conference can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: The American people are asking us to fight back

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

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

    March 14, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark for a press conference on the partisan Republican funding bill.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: I want to thank Whip Clark and Leader Jeffries for their continued leadership of House Democrats, who have been very clear what side we’re on. 

    Leader Jeffries has been consistent in saying we will always stand up for the American people. They are asking us to fight back against this slashing attempt to gut Medicaid, cut Social Security, eliminate the Department of Education, all so the billionaire class can pay less in taxes. This is a fight worth having today and tomorrow, and next week, and as long as we’re here in Congress. Our constituents are worried about how they’re going to pay the bills, how they’re going to buy a home, how they’re going to send their kids to college. They are seeing their prices go up, and these Republican policies tank the stock market. They’re not following the Beltway news of who’s up and who’s down, but they are very attuned to the Republican recession and that it could cost them their health care and their job, and they know when their elected officials are willing to fight for them. They know when someone is looking out for their own pocketbook or they’re looking out for their own self-interest. 

    That’s why House Democrats will continue this fight and to continue everything we have done to center this around the American people, and we’ll continue to do that under the leadership of Hakeem Jeffries. 

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

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Roundup: March 14, 2025

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    March 14, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency:

    On Thursday, the FDA posted information on the flu vaccine composition for the 2025-2026 U.S. flu season. The agency, in consultation with our federal partners, reviewed the available data and made its recommendations to manufacturers of the U.S.-licensed influenza vaccines for the production of updated vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season. Based on this timing, the agency does not anticipate any impact on vaccine supply or timing of availability.
    On Thursday, the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) published two case studies and a case study user guide, developed as part of the Accelerating Rare disease Cures (ARC) Program’s Learning and Education to Advance and Empower Rare Disease Drug Developers (LEADER 3D) initiative. These case studies provide examples of approaches successfully used by sponsors when designing and conducting rare disease drug development programs. The ARC Program launched LEADER 3D to better understand and address the unique challenges in bringing rare disease products to market. As part of the initiative, CDER’s Rare Diseases Team worked with an independent contractor to conduct interviews with the rare disease drug development community and performed a review of public docket comments to identify educational opportunities across regulatory topics of interest in rare disease drug development. These case studies and the other materials on the LEADER 3D website are reflective of the needs and priorities heard from our valuable partners in the rare disease drug development community. Read the case studies at the LEADER 3D website.
    On Wednesday, the FDA announced that the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has issued the final guideline, “The Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Benzodiazepine Risks Outweigh Benefits”. This guideline focuses on evidence-informed and consensus-based strategies to help clinicians determine whether tapering benzodiazepine medications may be appropriate for a given patient, and if so, how to taper them. The FDA awarded a grant to ASAM in 2022 to develop this guideline, which will serve as a standard of care for safe tapering of benzodiazepines. The draft guideline issued in June 2024.
    On Tuesday, the FDA issued a Safety Alert advising restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat certain frozen half-shell oysters from Republic of Korea designated area II, potentially contaminated with norovirus.

    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    03/14/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Har Maspeth Corp Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs in “Jinga Glass Noodles w/ Vegetables (Japche)”

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    March 14, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    March 14, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared eggs

    Company Name:
    HAR Maspeth Corp
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Jinga

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Glass noodles with vegetables

    Company Announcement
    HAR Maspeth Corp, Maspeth NY, is recalling its 8 ounce and 12 ounce packages of “JINGA GLASS NOODLES W/ VEGETABLES (Japche)” because they contain undeclared eggs. Consumers who are allergic to eggs may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
    The recalled “JINGA GLASS NOODLE W VEGETABLES (Japche)” were distributed to H Mart stores in multiple states. The product comes in 8-ounce and 12-ounce clear plastic packaging with Best By dates of March 13, 2025, through March 18, 2025, stamped on top. The product UPC codes are:

    265405006495
    267405004495
    266405008496
    268405005499

    No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date.
    The recall was initiated after being notified by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during a retail inspection and the presence of eggs in the 8 and 12 ounce packages of “JINGA GLASS NOODLES W/ VEGETABLES (Japche)” which did not declare an egg ingredient on the label.
    Consumers who have purchased 8 and 12 ounce packages of “JINGA GLASS NODDLES W/ VEGETABLES (Japche)” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-706-9300, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Eastern Time).

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    HAR Maspeth Corp
    718-706-9300

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    03/14/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: C.H. Guenther & Son LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in “365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese”

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    March 14, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    March 14, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared eggs

    Company Name:
    C.H. Guenther & Son LLC
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    365 Whole Foods Market

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese

    Company Announcement
    C.H. Guenther & Son LLC of San Antonio, TX, is recalling its 365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese because it may contain undeclared eggs and meat ingredients. People who have allergies to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The recalled Small Bites were sold at Whole Foods Market Stores in the frozen food aisle nationwide (8.5 oz cartons). 
    The impacted Product UPC Code and Lot Code are as follows:
    365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese
    UPC Code: 99482499709
    Best-By Date (BB): 11/29/25
    Purchase Dates: 2/6/2025 – 3/11/2025
    No illnesses have been reported to date.
    The recall was initiated after receiving a consumer complaint that the product contained meat and was not a macaroni and cheese bite. This issue has been corrected and no other manufacturing dates or lots are impacted.
    Customers who have purchased “365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese” with the Lot information listed above are urged to destroy any remaining product and can bring a valid receipt into the store for a full refund. Consumers with additional questions regarding this recall may contact CH Guenther & Son LLC at 1-210-227-1401.
    CH Guenther & Son LLC takes allergies and food safety seriously and has implemented preventative measures to prevent any future occurrences.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    CH Guenther & Son LLC
    210-227-1401

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    03/14/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disruptions in Availability of Hemodialysis Bloodlines – Letter to Health Care Providers

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    March 14, 2025
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware that the U.S. is experiencing interruptions in the supply of hemodialysis bloodlines because of recent supplier issues. The disruption in supply of this device is expected to impact patient care and as such may require adjustments to the clinical management of patients receiving acute or chronic hemodialysis. The FDA expects the duration of this shortage to extend through early fall of 2025. The FDA recommends health care providers consider strategies to conserve the use of hemodialysis bloodlines when possible.
    On January 8, 2025, B. Braun issued a customer letter detailing an interruption in the production and supply of certain hemodialysis bloodlines as well as available market alternatives for these products. 
    Recommendations
    The FDA recommends health care providers experiencing interruptions or shortages in supply of hemodialysis bloodlines develop strategies to conserve their use. Providers should use their clinical judgment when developing and implementing conservation strategies.  
    In developing strategies to preserve the supply for patients at highest risk, please consider the following: 

    Continue to provide dialysis treatments to your patients.
    Monitor current and future supplies of bloodlines.
    Develop plans and implement strategies to conserve the supply of bloodlines and reduce the impact on patient care. 
    Be aware the FDA is working with manufacturers to understand the availability of devices and develop mitigation strategies, if needed. 
    Remain alert for further updates and recommendations from the FDA and applicable manufacturers. 
    Refer to the following guidelines for best practices for the care of patients receiving hemodialysis: 

    Voluntarily report any concerns with supply chain and/or shortages of hemodialysis bloodlines to the FDA at deviceshortages@fda.hhs.gov.
    The FDA will keep health care providers and the public informed as new or additional information becomes available.
    Background
    The FDA is updating the Medical Device Shortages List to include hemodialysis bloodlines (product code FJK). Section 506J of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) requires the FDA to maintain a publicly available, up-to-date list of the devices the FDA has determined to be in shortage.
    FDA Actions
    The FDA is:

    Working with manufacturers and dialysis providers to monitor the current situation in order to help ensure hemodialysis bloodlines remain available for patients when medically necessary.
    Evaluating potential solutions for mitigating patient impact.
    Informing the public as new information becomes available.

    The FDA reviews each notification received under section 506J of the FD&C Act and uses this information, along with any additional details about the supply of and demand for a device, to determine whether the device is in shortage.
    Reporting Problems to the FDA
    The FDA encourages health care providers to report any supply chain challenges or suspected adverse events experienced with hemodialysis bloodlines.

    By promptly reporting device availability issues and potential shortages, you can help the FDA understand the scope of the problem and when possible, mitigate the issue.
    Contact Information
    If you have questions about this letter, contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE). 

    Content current as of:
    03/14/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maps, Maps, Maps: Where might scientists search for minerals for microchips and other technologies in the U.S.?

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Maps, Maps, Maps: Where might scientists search for minerals for microchips and other technologies in the U.S.?

    Currently, the U.S. imports many of the minerals required to produce microchips and other advanced technologies. How does the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) support the search for potential domestic resources?  

    Our world today runs on minerals. Microchips, tiny wafer-thin surfaces that are etched with thousands of minute electronic circuits, are the “brains” of advanced technologies as diverse as smartphones, cars, satellites and artificial intelligence supercomputers. Batteries containing cobalt, manganese and rare earth elements are essential for medical devices, home appliances, and energy storage. 

    Yet, if you have used any of these technologies in the US, it is likely that much of the mineral you are relying on came from overseas.  

    Through the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have been exploring where there are sources of important minerals below our own soil. But finding minerals below the ground can be like finding a needle in a haystack: just by looking at the haystack, it would be difficult to know where to start. 

    To solve this problem, USGS scientists developed the “Mineral Systems Map” to predict broad areas where minerals might be.  

    “There are different recipes for minerals. Different suites of minerals form where the right “ingredients” come together to create a mineral deposit.” said Jane Hammarstrom, an emeritus USGS Geologist who worked on developing the Mineral Systems Map. “Mineral systems are areas with similar geologic characteristics and histories that might produce the same suite of minerals.”  

    In 2019, USGS scientists worked with State geological surveys to identify 23 mineral systems across the US that contain critical minerals. The map they produced is used to guide more focused mapping efforts through the Earth MRI. This mapping is accelerating USGS’ ability to conduct nation-wide assessments of critical mineral resources and may ultimately result in the discovery of new mineral resources.  

    The mineral systems map can also show decision makers where local economic opportunities might arise in their area, such as whether their area might contain minerals needed to manufacture advanced technologies. While more data collection is needed to determine whether these areas actually contain undiscovered mineral deposits, and whether those mineral deposits are economically feasible to produce, these maps help guide data collection and investments.  

    Microchips translate electronic pulses into instructions for devices to follow. They are the foundation of electronics in our modern world, allowing our cell phones, computers and even planes and satellites to operate.  

    This map shows areas with the potential for key critical minerals needed for microchip manufacturing. It was made by identifying areas with the same mineral system as a location with a known deposit.   

    High-capacity batteries are foundational to modern energy needs. They store energy for use in advanced consumer and defense technologies, and to power homes by renewable energy sources.   

    This map shows areas in the US with the potential for key minerals needed to manufacture high-capacity batteries.  

    USGS, through the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, has been exploring the 23 mineral systems outlined in the map, collecting geophysical, geochemical, geologic and topographic data to get a higher resolution picture of potential mineral resources. The Initiative has already led to the discovery of a previously unknown deposit of niobium and rare earth elements in Maine.  

    “These maps may be pragmatic tools in the hunt for domestic mineral resources, but they are also beautiful representations of the potential for resource discovery in the US.” said Dr. Colin Williams, program manager for the USGS Mineral Resources Program.  

    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: Who Collects the Nation’s Mineral Statistics? Meet the National Mineral Information Center

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Technology has changed since the U.S. Geological Survey first began assessing U.S. mineral resources and analyzing mineral production and needs in 1879 – and issued its first statistical report on the U.S. mining industry in 1882.  Today, the USGS uses airborne hyperspectral surveys to understand U.S. mineral resources, an option not available to our second director, John Wesley Powell, who descended the Colorado River in wooden rafts.

    Yet, U.S. leaders, industry and the public still need world-class science to decide how to supply the minerals the nation needs.

    Today, the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Minerals Information Center in Reston, Virginia collects the official statistics on the domestic and global production, supply, demand and trade of the minerals the nation needs.

    This mission is carried out by deeply experienced geologists, metallurgists, economists, engineers and supply chain analysts who, each year, collect data on over 90 mineral commodities from the U.S. and its territories, in 180 countries, and across 235 manufacturing industries. 

    Their data is relied on by national security and defense logistics leaders within the U.S. government, as well as manufacturers, mining companies, and investors.  To share all this information, the National Minerals Information Center produces over 675 publications each year, equaling approximately two publications a day, including the annual Mineral Commodity Summaries which are released every year on January 31.

    These data are powerful, providing deep insights into how much and how many minerals the U.S. is producing, which countries it relies on for imports, and how mineral production and consumption is changing over time. When combined with the center’s nearly century-long history, these data become even more valuable. 

    “We do much more than collect and archive data; we serve as a link between the past and what’s to come,” said Elisa Alonso, assistant chief of National Minerals Information Center Minerals Intelligence section. “By studying the mineral economy’s patterns of the past, we can estimate how they will unfold in the future, and help alert our leaders to supply chain risks.” 

    The center’s leaders explained that the mineral economy is complex, comprised of moving parts all over the world. 

    “The minerals used to create a cell phone, for instance, may have been mined in one country, processed in another, combined with other metals, and manufactured in yet another country before being assembled into the final product in your hand,” said Braden Harker, director of the National Minerals Information Center. 

    According to Harker, the supply chains that deliver vehicles, appliances, technology, and military equipment are equally as complex. 

    Tackling these complexities requires mountains of data. Experts at NMIC use the Center’s wealth of data and expertise to understand how supply and demand of minerals is changing, and how hypothetical natural disasters or international crises could send ripple effects through the U.S. and the world. 

    For instance, the center’s experts have studied the impact that earthquakes could have on global copper supplies, since many major copper mines, smelters and refineries are located in areas geologically prone to earthquakes. One take-away: the potential lost revenue for copper mining from earthquake disruptions could be as high as $1.29 billion.

    “Both public and private sectors rely on NMIC to understand how minerals travel through the world and, crucially, which parts of essential supply chains could choke off the supply of minerals to the United States if disrupted,” Harker said.

    NMIC analyses also highlight how potential mineral shortages could impact specific economic sectors within the U.S. 

    Another study estimated the impact of a potential China export ban on gallium and germanium, two critical minerals used in technology and defense, finding a worst-case scenario of $3.4 billion in losses to the U.S. economy, borne largely by the U.S. semiconductor industry. These insights are helping prepare U.S. leaders and the private sector, since China subsequently imposed such a ban.

    As another example, NMIC data show that, while cobalt is a vital ingredient of lithium-ion batteries that power phones, laptops, cordless tools and gas turbines, it is also used in large quantities to manufacture equipment, airplanes and satellites. 

    A disruption to U.S. cobalt supply could disrupt the technology industry within the United States. And cobalt has a high supply risk because cobalt production is overwhelmingly dominated by the Democratic Republic of Congo, and cobalt refining is dominated by China.

    Scientists from NMIC advise the White House, Congress, and numerous other government organizations, including the intelligence agencies, the National Defense Stockpile, the Federal Reserve Board, Homeland Security, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, and State.  

    The value of this kind of information was highlighted in the Energy Act of 2020, which asked the USGS to accelerate and expand NMIC’s critical mineral supply chain forecasting and analysis capabilities. Since then, NMIC has added additional data to its Mineral Commodities Summaries, developed a new World Minerals Outlook that projects global production capacity for critical minerals for the next five years, and is developing new methods to assess the economic impacts of specific disruptions. 

    Teresa Kirschling, Acting USGS Associate Director for Energy and Mineral Resources, lauds the center as a high-quality and consistent source of transparent data essential to sound decision-making. 

    “A comprehensive understanding of our nation’s mineral supply chains is essential for safeguarding the nation’s economy and national security. With its unparalleled data collection, analysis, and deep expertise across diverse mineral-based sectors of the economy, and across the globe, NMIC is uniquely positioned to inform solutions to the pressing supply chain challenges now and into the future.

    The center’s long run of continuous minerals data shows that as technology and infrastructure evolve and trade relationships change, the types of minerals we require and how we source them will continue to change. The information and analysis provided by the USGS are essential for solving pressing supply chain challenges now and into the future.

    To learn more about the. National Minerals Information Center, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Low-level helicopter flights to image geology over Michigan and Wisconsin

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The Michigan and Wisconsin flights are part of a national effort to map critical mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and national security, searching below ground and in tailings from old mines.  As directed by the Energy Act of 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey has identified 50 critical minerals essential to the U.S. economy and national security, with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption.  The USGS partners on this effort with the Michigan Geological Survey, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and many other state geological surveys. 

    Flights will cover areas within Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft Counties in Michigan as well as Florence, Forest, Marinette, and Vilas County in Wisconsin.

    The flights will be based out of various Michigan airports.  Flights and landing areas could shift with little warning to other parts of the survey area as necessary to minimize ferrying distances and avoid adverse flying conditions.

    The purpose of the airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey is to provide images of subsurface electrical resistivity that expand the fundamental knowledge of geology underpinning an area covering parts of the Penokean orogen and the Midcontinent Rift System in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula into Wisconsin. These flights are a part of a two-year airborne data collection project, expected to finish in 2025.  The survey is funded by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and is designed to meet needs related to mineral resource assessments, regional geologic framework and mapping studies, as well as water resource investigations and surficial mapping studies.  The AEM survey is focused on characterizing several major mineral systems, including critical minerals associated with mafic magmatic, volcanogenic seafloor, and porphyry systems.  

    The new geophysical data will be processed to develop high-resolution three-dimensional representations of near-surface geology from the surface to depths up to 1500 ft (roughly 500 meters) below the surface.  The 3D models and maps derived from this project are important for improving our understanding of critical mineral resource potential, water resources, groundwater pathways near legacy mining areas, parameters for infrastructure and land use planning. 

    The helicopter will fly along pre-planned fight paths relatively low to the ground at about 100 – 200 feet (30-60 meters) above the land surface. The ground clearance will be increased as needed and will comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Flight lines will be flown along lines of variable orientation and spacing with approximate typical spacings ranging from 5000 ft (1500 m) to 6.2 miles (10 km).

    Figure 1:  A low-flying helicopter towing a geophysical device collects scientific data on groundwater and geology. (Credit: SkyTEM Canada Inc.)

    The USGS has contracted with NV5 and SkyTEM to collect data.

    A sensor that resembles a large hula-hoop will be towed beneath the helicopter to measure small electromagnetic signals that can be used to map geologic features. 

    None of the instruments carried beneath or on the aircraft pose a health risk to people, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase, typically within one year of flight completion.  The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots that are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. The survey company works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only. Surveys do not occur over densely populated areas and the helicopter will not directly overfly buildings at low altitude. 

    The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, the Michigan Geological Survey, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and other partners, including private companies, academics and state and federal agencies to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources. This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects. 

    To read more about this project and others, visit our newsroom.

    More information about the USGS Earth Mapping Resource Initiative (Earth MRI) can be found here. To learn more about how the USGS is investing the resources from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, visit our website. To learn more about USGS mineral-resource and commodity information, please visit our website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo & Video Chronology — March 14, 2025 — Views of Kīlauea summit

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Photo & Video Chronology — March 14, 2025 — Views of Kīlauea summit

    USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists captured aerial photography during a helicopter overflight on March 14 to map tephra deposits and other changes of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption of Kīlauea within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

    Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists captured this aerial view of Kīlauea summit on March 14, 2025, during a helicopter overflight. Three days after the end of episode 13 of the ongoing eruption, the north and south cones are degassing in the southwest corner of Halema‘uma‘u. The Steam Vents parking lot is in the right foreground, with the Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff) viewing area towards the center left of the photo. USGS photo by N. Deligne.
    On the morning of March 14, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists conducted a monitoring overflight of Kīlauea. This aerial view shows cones formed during the September 2023 eruption, surrounded and partially buried by lava erupted within the past few weeks during the ongoing (and currently paused) eruption within Halema‘uma‘u. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

    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: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 43

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 43
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    255 AM CDT Sat Mar 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    East-Central into Southeast and East Texas

    * Effective this Saturday morning from 255 AM until 1000 AM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Widely scattered to scattered storms are forecast to
    continue to develop and intensify overnight into the morning across
    the Watch area. The stronger storms will be supercells capable of a
    large-hail and damaging-wind risk. A tornado cannot be ruled out as
    storms approach the Sabine River during the morning.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 75
    statute miles north and south of a line from 55 miles west southwest
    of College Station TX to 50 miles east southeast of Longview TX. For
    a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 36…WW 37…WW 38…WW
    40…WW 41…WW 42…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24040.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 43 SEVERE TSTM TX 150755Z – 151500Z
    AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    55WSW CLL/COLLEGE STATION TX/ – 50ESE GGG/LONGVIEW TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM N/S /17ESE CWK – 41S EIC/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24040.

    LAT…LON 31369722 33189393 31029393 29199722

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 43 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

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

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (10%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Newark arrests illegal alien in New Jersey with prior conviction of vehicular homicide for illegal reentry

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended Ismael Efrain Lopez-Bautista, 43, a citizen of Guatemala, March 11 for illegal reentry after deportation in Vineland, New Jersey.

    Lopez-Bautista was previously convicted of vehicular homicide and was arrested by ICE illegal reentry. He is being prosecuted in U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey.

    “Our Cherry Hill office, with support from our with our federal partners, ensured this criminal alien was held accountable for reentering the United States illegally after deportation,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “The FBI and DEA’s assistance aligns with our whole-government-approach in meeting our nation’s priorities in immigration enforcement.”

    The Vineland Police Department arrested Lopez-Bautista Oct. 31, 2012, for knowingly leaving scene of motor vehicle accident and death by auto or vessel and driving while intoxicated. On May 30, 2014, the Superior Court of New Jersey convicted Bautista for death by auto or vessel and sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment.

    An immigration judge ordered Lopez-Bautista removed from the United States May 2, 2019, and ICE removed him May 16, 2019.

    On Aug. 7, 2020, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested Lopez-Bautista near Nogales, Arizona, while he was trying to illegally reenter the United States. The U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, sentenced Bautista Jan. 7, 2021, to 15-months incarceration for illegal reentry after deportation. ICE removed him from the United States for a second time May 25, 2022.

    According to the ICE investigation, Lopez-Bautista illegally reentered the United States in December 2023, through Arizona, and was residing at an address in Vineland, New Jersey. ICE HSI obtained a criminal arrest warrant from the U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey and arrested him March 11.

    ICE transferred Lopez-Bautista into U.S. Marshals Service custody, pending illegal reentry prosecution and lodged an immigration detainer against him.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 4-time removed, twice convicted criminal alien sentenced to 1+ year for illegal reentry

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    March 14, 2025Fort Myers, FL, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    FORT MYERS, Fla. – An investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement led to Tomas Juarez-Santos, 45, a four-time removed criminal illegal alien from Mexico with two prior convictions for illegal reentry after deportation, being sentenced March 11 to more than a year in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States.

    Juarez-Santos, previously convicted in 2010 and 2019 for illegal reentry, pleaded guilty in December 2024.

    Juarez-Santos was arrested in Collier County on state criminal charges Sept. 3, 2024, and found to be present in the U.S. without legal authorization.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Cincinnati arrests Bhutanese national with sex crime conviction

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    March 14, 2025Cincinnati, OH, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    CINCINNATI — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested illegally present Roshan Tamang, a citizen of Bhutan, March 11, who had a final order of removal.

    Tamang has convictions of gross sexual imposition, interfering with an arresting officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass.

    “Tamang’s rap sheet highlights the serious threat that he poses to our community especially with charges like gross sexual imposition,”  said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit Field Office Director Robert Lynch. “Our ICE officers continue to provide for our shared public safety by arresting and removing criminal aliens and immigration violators.”

    Members of the public can report immigration crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Extends Compliance Dates for Amendments to Investment Company Names Rule

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced a six-month extension of the compliance dates for amendments adopted in September 2023 to the Investment Company Act “Names Rule,” which addresses fund names likely to mislead investors about a fund’s investments and risks. The compliance date for larger fund groups is extended from Dec. 11, 2025, to June 11, 2026, and the compliance date for smaller fund groups is extended from June 11, 2026, to Dec. 11, 2026.

    The extension is designed to balance the investor benefit of the amended Names Rule framework with funds’ needs for additional time to implement the amendments properly, develop and finalize their compliance systems, and test their compliance plans.

    To help funds avoid additional costs when coming into operational compliance with the Names Rule amendments, the Commission aligned the compliance dates with the timing of certain annual disclosure and reporting obligations that are tied to the end of a fund’s fiscal year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New York Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Severe Storms and Tornado

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New York of the April 14, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the tornado, hurricane, high winds, flash floods, excessive rain and hail beginning July 10, 2024. 

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Genesee, Erie, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca,  
    St. Lawrence, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates.    

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. 

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. 

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.” 

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and  terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 14, 2025. 

    ### 

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Illinois Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by the Tatra Multi-Family Apartment Complex Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – In response to an administrative disaster declaration issued March 13, 2025, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Illinois businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the Tatra Multi-Family Apartment Complex fire occurring on Jan. 25.  

    The disaster declaration covers Cook County, which is eligible for both Physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA EIDLs: DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will; as well as Lake in Indiana.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.    

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.    

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.    

    SBA’s EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Beginning Wednesday, March 19, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Cook County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) 
    Cook County

    Chicago Ridge Village Hall

    10455 S Ridgeland Avenue

    Chicago Ridge, Illinois 60415

    Opening:  Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Hours: Monday – Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Saturday – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday  

    “SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) have consistently proven their value to business owners and homeowners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Homeowners and Business owners can visit the DLOC to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.  

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 12, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 15, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to New York Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by the Wallace Avenue Apartment Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – In response to a request from Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 10, 2025, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an administrative disaster declaration and announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to businesses, nonprofits, and residents in New York affected by the Five Alarm Apartment Building Fire occurring Jan. 10. 

    The disaster declaration covers the primary county of Bronx, which is eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA EIDLs: Nassau, New York, Queens and Westchester, as well as Bergan County in New Jersey. 

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.    

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.    

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises. 

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster. 

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. 

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to  disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 12. The deadline to return economic injury applications is December 15. 

    ### 

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Alaska Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by October Storm

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low‑interest federal disaster loans to Alaska businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the severe storm and flooding occurring Oct. 20-23, 2024. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Feb. 27, 2025.

    The disaster declaration covers the Northwest Artic Borough in Alaska.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit organizations with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.25% for nonprofits and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement.

    Beginning Monday, March 17, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application.

    Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Monday – Friday
    8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time
    FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
    (916) 735-1501

    Opens Monday, March 17 at 8:00 a.m.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is May 12. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 15.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Oregon Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Summer Wildfires

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low‑interest federal disaster loans to Oregon businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the wildfires occurring July 10-Aug. 23, 2024. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Tina Kotek on Feb. 25, 2025.

    The disaster declaration covers Wheeler County in Oregon.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25%for nonprofits and 2.688% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Beginning Monday, March 17, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application.

    Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Monday – Friday
    8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
    (916) 735-1501

    Opens Monday, March 17 at 8:00 a.m.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is May 12. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 15.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vice President JD Vance and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler Promote America First Manufacturing Agenda in Michigan

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    BAY CITY, Mich. — Kelly Loeffler, the 28th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) traveled to Bay City, Michigan, today with Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance to emphasize the Trump Administration’s commitment to supporting American manufacturing. As part of the visit, Administrator Loeffler highlighted SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, a new effort within the agency designed to empower small manufacturers.

    Administrator Loeffler joined Vice President Vance at Vantage Plastics, a small business that manufactures plastics for the automotive, agriculture and medical industries.

    Following a tour of the facilities, Administrator Loeffler delivered remarks about the importance of restoring American industry to create good-paying jobs, secure supply chains, promote fair trade, and bring back the blue-collar boom of the First Trump Administration. Vice President Vance spoke about America’s economic comeback and the important role that American manufacturing will play in restoring opportunity and prosperity.

    As part of the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, SBA will cut $100 billion in burdensome regulation, expand access to capital, invest in workforce development, and build a dedicated infrastructure to help small manufacturers thrive. The agency will also support President Trump’s pro-growth economic policies, including fair trade practices and tax cuts for manufacturers.

    To learn more about SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative and access available resources for small manufacturers, visit www.sba.gov/manufacturing.

    To view excerpts from Administrator Loeffler’s remarks at Vantage Plastics, click here and here.

    # # #

     

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –