Category: Americas

MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Reduce U.S. Dependence on China and Other Adversaries for Critical Minerals

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
Published: 03.05.2025

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee reintroduced bipartisan legislation to decrease the United States’ reliance on adversarial nations like China for critical minerals. China is currently the dominant supplier for more than half of America’s critical mineral imports. These minerals are essential for the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries, military equipment, and other technology crucial to American economic competitiveness and homeland security. The Senators’ bill would address this threat to our manufacturing supply chains by creating an intergovernmental task force to find opportunities for increased domestic production and recycling of critical minerals.
“America’s economic and national security interests are at risk when we depend on foreign adversaries like China for materials that are vital to our manufacturing and defense industries,” said Senator Peters.“This task force will coordinate efforts across federal, state, and local governments to develop a unified approach to producing and recycling critical minerals here at home, creating American jobs while ensuring our manufacturers have reliable access to these important materials.”
The bipartisan Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Taskforce Act requires the President to create a task force and appoint representatives from federal agencies who must consult with state, local, and Tribal governments. The task force will work to determine how to address national security risks associated with America’s critical mineral supply chains and identify new domestic opportunities for mining, processing, refinement, reuse, and recycling of critical minerals. The legislation would also require the task force to publish a report to Congress and publish findings, guidelines, and recommendations to combat the United States’ reliance on China and other foreign nations for critical minerals.
The bill is endorsed by leaders from the Sierra Club, General Motors, Ford, and the American Automotive Policy Council.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Prevent Foreign Influence in U.S. Policy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

Published: 03.06.2025

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced two bipartisan bills to improve our nation’s ability to prevent foreign governments, including adversaries like the Chinese and Russian governments, from attempting to influence U.S. policy without making appropriate disclosures. The legislation would help close loopholes that foreign governments could exploit to conceal their roles in lobbying efforts.

“The American people deserve complete transparency about who is trying to influence our political process,” said Senator Peters. “These bipartisan bills will help ensure foreign actors can’t exploit loopholes to hide their activities while attempting to shape policy in the United States. It’s a commonsense step to protect our national security and ensure our government is working in the best interests of the American people.”

The Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act would improve transparency of the activities of lobbyists who represent foreign persons or organizations by requiring them to indicate whether they are taking advantage of an exemption under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) when they register under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. This would help the Department of Justice narrow the pool of registrants they are examining for potential violations, while not imposing any meaningful additional burden on registrants.

The Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act closes a loophole in the Lobbying Disclosure Act that foreign adversaries – including the Chinese government – can exploit to conceal their roles in lobbying efforts. Think tanks and law enforcement agencies have identified instances in which foreign adversaries exploited this loophole by using closely connected organizations and businesses to push their interests when lobbying the U.S. government. The bill makes clear that lobbying organizations must disclose when foreign governments and political parties participate in their lobbying efforts, regardless of any financial contribution to the lobbying effort.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murray Presses NIH Nominee on Mass Firings, Trump Attempts to Cut Billions from Biomedical Research, Unprecedented Halt on NIH Advisory Council Meetings

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Meeting with NIH Nominee Jay Bhattacharya

ICYMI: Republicans Block Murray Amendment to Reverse Devastating and Illegal Cuts to NIH Research

*** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s FULL questioning HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chairof the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, questioned Dr. Jayanta “Jay” Bhattacharya, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at a HELP committee hearing on his nomination. Murray pressed Dr. Bhattacharya on the state of crisis at NIH, with Trump and Elon Musk’s wide-ranging attacks on biomedical research and NIH’s mission—from the unprecedented grant freezes, to the halting of advisory committee meetings and clinical trials, and the indiscriminate and senseless mass firings being carried out by Musk’s “DOGE.” Murray also pressed Dr. Bhattacharya on the Trump administration’s recent attempt to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent—a move Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Senator Murray met with Dr. Bhattacharya last month.

Murray began by pressing Dr. Bhattacharya on Elon Musk’s unprecedented influence on NIH and the massive, indiscriminate firings of skilled scientists and researchers—over 1,100 employees at NIH have already been fired, many of whom held critical research positions. “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that right now, President Trump and Elon Musk are really putting a lot of lifesaving research at risk,” Senator Murray said. “We’ve had grant freezes, pauses on advisory meetings, pauses on clinical trials, mass firings being carried out by the so-called DOGE, and it is really threatening our ability to treat childhood cancers, to mitigate the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and to better understand and treat women’s health issues.”

“Do you support the recent researcher firings and grant freezes that have been implemented by Trump and DOGE?,” Murray asked.

Dr. Bhattacharya said he was not involved in those decisions and that, if confirmed, he would “fully commit to making sure that all the scientists at the NIH and the scientists that the NIH supports have the resources they need to meet the mission of the NIH.”

“Do you support further cuts at NIH funding, or staff?,” Murray pressed.

“I don’t have any intention to cut anyone at the NIH,” Bhattacharya responded.

“How about all the grant freezes and the pauses on the all the advisory committee meetings, all the pauses that are now in effect on clinical trials that are happening there right now?” asked Murray.

Bhattacharya responded that he had only read the press accounts of it and had “not interacted with people in the agency.”

“Well if you’re confirmed, Day One, what will you do about that?” Murray pressed. Bhattacharya said he would assess it and “understand what resources the whole NIH needs and make sure that the scientists that are working at the NIH have the resources to do the lifesaving work that they do… the personnel decisions are hard to talk about unless I’m actually confirmed.”

“Well I’ll just tell you right now, I am deeply concerned about the funding there, the research that’s been stopped, and all that’s going on. And I want a very strong assurance that you will get that moving again, Day One,” Murray replied.

“Absolutely, I’m going to be looking very carefully at the personnel decisions; I want the NIH to be staffed absolutely appropriately to match the mission of the NIH,” Bhattacharya replied.

Next, Murray asked about the Trump administration’s illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, which Senator Murray has forcefully decried. “It amounts to a massive funding cut for research institutions, large and small, red and blue states, everyone,” Murray explained. “And it brings a lot of lifesaving research to a screeching halt—sick kids wouldn’t get treatment, and clinical trials shut down.”

Murray asked Dr. Bhattacharya about the effect a drastic 15 percent cap on indirect costs would have on critical research at Stanford—his own institution—and what he would say to his former colleagues, researchers in Washington state, and other scientists about the Trump administration’s attempt to illegally impose a 15 percent cap on indirect costs. In his response, Dr. Bhattacharya referred to indirect costs as “a tip” and claimed: “I don’t know where that goes, I think a lot of it likely goes to things that are worthwhile… But there’s a lot of distrust about where the money goes because the trust in the public health establishment has collapsed… I think transparency regarding indirect costs is absolutely worthwhile.”

Finally, Murray pressed Dr. Bhattacharya on whether he would “get the research committees going again, the Advisory Councils immediately on Day One.” Bhattacharya replied: “yes, if I’m confirmed I want those Advisory Councils, I want all that to go.”

“Well I think we should all recognize that NIH is the largest medical researcher in the world, they’re a global leader, we should be extremely proud of what they do. Nearly a third of all the Nobel Prizes to date have been awarded to scientists at NIH and supported by NIH funds,” Murray concluded. “I’m extremely concerned by the dramatic cuts and firings and stopping of the research that’s going on at NIH right now.”

As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Workers’ Right to Organize, Blast Trump and Musk for Attacks on Workers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Murray helped author and introduce the PRO Act in the 116th Congress
Murray: “Reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward, charting a positive vision for workers, and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words.”
***VIDEO HERE***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to reintroduce the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, comprehensive legislation to protect workers’ right to come together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. Joining Senator Murray at the press conference for the bill reintroduction today were Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D, NY-08), House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), HELP Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), House Education Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D, VA-03), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01), and union worker Kieran Cuadras.
Large corporations and the wealthy continue to capture the rewards of a growing economy while working families and middle-class Americans are left behind. From 1979 to 2023, annual wages for the bottom 90 percent of households increased just 44 percent, while average incomes for the wealthiest one percent increased more than 180 percent. Unions are critical to increasing wages and creating a strong economy that rewards hardworking people. Through the power of bargaining, the typical union worker earns 16 percent more than the typical non-union worker. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions—near record highs. But despite growing support for unions, billionaire- and special interest-funded attacks on workers’ unions and labor laws have eroded union density and made it harder for workers to organize. The share of American workers who are union members has fallen from roughly one in three workers in 1956 to a new low of 9.9 percent in 2024. The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal law that protects workers’ right to join a union and bargain for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces.
“Right now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attacking workers, including mass firing people by the tens of thousands, left and right, regardless of how important that work is,” said Senator Murray. “Reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward: charting a positive vision for workers, and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words. Who do you stand with—the billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump—whose favorite two words are ‘you’re fired?’ Or, do you stand with hard working American women and men. People who just want fair pay, decent treatment, and a government that works to make their lives better, not worse? That should not be too much to ask! I’m going to keep fighting, come hell or high water, to make it easier for workers to join together and fight for the better pay and working conditions they deserve.”
The PRO Act protects the basic right to join a union and:
Holds employers accountable for violating workers’ rights by authorizing meaningful penalties, facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements, and closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors.
Empowers workers to exercise their right to organize by strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights, protecting workers’ right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring workers’ unions can collect “fair share” fees, and authorizing a private right of action for violation of workers’ rights.
Secures free, fair, and safe union elections by preventing employers from interfering in union elections, prohibiting captive audience meetings, and requiring employers to be transparent with their workers.
The PRO Act is supported by: AFL-CIO, American Federation of Musicians (AFM), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Department of Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), National Nurses United (NNU), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO (TWU), United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and United Steelworkers (USW).
Throughout her career, Senator Murray has championed workers’ rights and fought to protect their right to join and form a union in order to stand together and demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions. Senator Murray first introduced the PRO Act in the 116th Congress and she also leads the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act, comprehensive legislation to put hard-earned wages back in workers’ pockets and crack down on employers who unfairly withhold wages from their employees. Murray also introduced the CHILD Labor Act last Congress, new legislation to protect children from exploitative child labor practices and hold the companies and individuals who take advantage of them accountable. Among many other pieces of pro-worker legislation, Murray also leads the Paycheck Fairness Act to combat wage discrimination and help close the wage gap, and has helped lead the fight for paid family and medical leave since she first joined Congress.
The full text of the PRO Act is HERE.
A fact sheet on the PRO Act is HERE.
A section-by-section summary of the PRO Act is HERE.
Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered at today’s press conference, are below and video is HERE:
“The difference in values between Democrats and Republicans, the difference in who we are fighting for, could not be more clear, or more stark.
“Right now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attacking workers—including mass firing people by tens of thousands, left and right—regardless of how important their work is or the skill and pride with which they are doing it.
“In fact, he fired NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox—leaving workers in limbo simply due to President Trump’s unprecedented and illegal firing!
“Meanwhile, I want you to know, Democrats are fighting for workers—we’re fighting to protect those who are being attacked by Trump and Musk and fighting to empower workers across our country to better advocate for themselves and wield their rights at this pivotal moment.
“That is why reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure that we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward, charting a positive vision for workers, and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words.
“Who do you stand with—the billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump—whose favorite two words are ‘You’re fired?’
“Or do you stand with hard working American women and men—people who just want fair pay, decent treatment, and a government that actually works to make their lives better, not worse? That should not be too much to ask!
“I’m very proud to be a leader of this bill, and I want you to know, I will keep fighting—come hell or high water—to make it easier for workers to join together and fight for the better pay and working conditions they deserve. Thank you.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murray Statement on Trump & Elon Plans to Decimate the VA, Firing 80,000 Employees and Putting Veterans’ Care in Grave Danger
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s plans to fire 80,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), seriously risking the medical care and benefits that veterans have earned and deserve.More than 25 percent of VA’s workforce are veterans themselves.

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are escalating their full-scale, no-holds-barred assault on veterans–and putting the health care and benefits they have earned in grave danger. It’s infuriating that two billionaires think they can fire tens of thousands of people responsible for administering the services and care that over nine million veterans across the country count on. It’s flat-out immoral and a breach of the sacred commitment we make to our veterans to take care of them when they return home.

“Just yesterday, I spoke with a disabled veteran who worked at the Seattle VA helping homeless veterans. He told me how devastating it was when, without warning, without cause, and without explanation, he was suddenly terminated from a role that meant everything to him and was cast aside by the very system he had fought in combat to defend. Now, there will be thousands more stories like his and millions more veterans who will pay the price. Trump’s own attorney has said that this administration thinks veterans they laid off for NO REASON may not be ‘fit to have a job at this moment’ —it’s an astounding level of contempt for our veterans that’s reflected throughout this administration’s thoughtless mass firings.

“These arbitrary mass layoffs, at the very least, are going to mean longer processing times for disability or education claims veterans are desperately waiting on, and longer wait times for veterans to see a doctor–to say nothing of the serious threat to patient safety or the threat of VA medical centers closing. Make no mistake: this will only empower Elon to privatize VA by breaking it first. The consequences of Trump and Elon’s sheer recklessness will reverberate for generations—in more veterans sick and unable to get their benefits, more veterans out of a job, and fewer men and women willing to sign up to serve a nation that shows it will not keep their promises to them.”

ENDANGERING VETERANS’ ACCESS TO BENEFITS AND CARE—AND PATIENT SAFETY

Firing VA employees will–among much else–likely force veterans to wait longer:
- To see health care providers;
- To have their disability claims adjudicated;
- To have someone to pick up their calls at the Veterans Crisis Line;
- To have burial and funeral expense reimbursement requests processed;
- And much more.
A number of staff supporting the Veterans Crisis Line–which provides 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones–were among those fired by Trump and Musk.

In 2022, Congress also passed the PACT Act, the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in two decades, which requires a significant influx of resources and staff to deliver the benefits and care under the law. Trump and Musk’s firings–and hiring freeze–badly undercut VA’s ability to process claims under the law. The mass firings and the ongoing hiring freeze, which prohibits new disability claims raters from coming on board, will force the backlog of unprocessed claims to grow above 254,000.

Firing long-time VA researchers also puts clinical trials that veterans are enrolled in at risk and jeopardizes research that could yield critical breakthroughs for veterans.
- Ongoing VA research is examining treatment options for PTSD and opioid addiction, as well as for cancer that was caused by veterans’ exposure to toxic chemicals, among much else.
- According to VA, in fiscal year 2024, there were 102 active research sites nationwide, with 3,685 active principal investigators who led 7,278 active funded research projects involving teams of researchers. In addition, VA investigators authored or coauthored 11,732 published research articles.
Recent dangerous directives from VA last week, which they have already begun to walk back, cause more harmful chaos and confusion and also have detrimental impacts on the ability of veterans to receive their care and benefits.
- VA issued a blanket cancellation last Tuesday of nearly 900 contracts–supporting patient safety efforts like chemical waste disposal and monitoring of hospital air quality, systems providing secure storage of veterans’ private records, clinical recruitment efforts, and more.
- VA also implemented a decision to reduce purchase card limits to $1–curbing VA medical centers’ ability to purchase supplies and equipment they need to serve veterans or to provide lodging for transplant patients.
While the Trump administration tries to rehire clinical staff they have already fired and may ultimately walk back the purchase card limits and contract cancellations, it is clear that they are acting before thinking–and the people paying the price are veterans.

BETRAYING VETERANS WITH ZERO JUSTIFICATION

Beyond indiscriminately firing workers who help get veterans the benefits and care they have earned, Trump and Musk have also already indiscriminately fired thousands of veterans who have served our country in uniform. In firing probationary and other federal workers across government, Trump and Musk have fired scores of veterans.
- Veterans make up 30% of the federal workforce, and the federal government is the largest single employer of veterans in the country.
- Trump and Musk have already fired nearly 6,000 veterans, by one recent estimate.
- Federal agencies uniquely work to hire and accommodate veterans with service-related disabilities. Longstanding law requires, for example, that veterans who are disabled or who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others in hiring from a list of eligible, competitive applicants. In 2021, there were 337,000 disabled Veterans serving in the federal government, making up 16% of the federal workforce.
As veterans working at VA in Washington state who were recently laid off through no fault of their own have told Senator Murray:

“I swore an oath to serve our country—first in the U.S. Army and then at the VA—only to be abruptly terminated by the very institution that promised to care for those who have served. My termination isn’t just a personal tragedy; it’s a stark reminder that our federal government is dismantling essential support systems for veterans and vulnerable communities. When cost-cutting means sacrificing dedicated, disabled service members and committed federal employees, it isn’t about efficiency—it’s about eroding the trust and dignity that our nation owes to those who answer the call to serve.” — Raphael Garcia, former Management Analyst for VA, Seattle

“Working at the VA gave me purpose. I understood the struggles veterans faced, whether physical, mental, or emotional. I took pride in being part of something bigger than myself, in continuing to serve even after taking off the uniform… The next chapter in my service led me to working with unhoused Veterans. Limiting roles like mine, means other VA employees will have to take on more and cutting into valuable clinical time directly serving veterans. That’s why it was so devastating when, without warning, without cause, I was terminated. No explanation, no justification just a cold dismissal from a role that meant everything to me. It felt like a betrayal, not just of my dedication but of the values I thought the VA stood for. I had fought through war, through cancer, and through every challenge life had thrown at me only to be cast aside by the very system I had believed in.” — Scott Olson, former Program Support for VA’s Community Housing Program, Seattle
MIL OSI USA News –
March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: First Ministers’ statement on eliminating internal trade barriers in Canada
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

“In the face of the United States’ unjustified decision to impose tariffs on Canadian goods, Canada’s First Ministers recognize this is a pivotal moment for Canada to take bold and united action. We must increase our economic resilience, reduce dependence on one market, and strengthen our domestic economy for the benefit of Canadian workers and businesses now and in the future. One key step is to make it easier for Canadians to do business with each other from coast to coast to coast.

“At their meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister and Canada’s premiers agreed to build on the foundational work of the Committee on Internal Trade and strengthen Canada’s domestic economy by reducing barriers to internal trade and labour mobility across the country. All First Ministers agreed that now is the time to take meaningful action to further liberalize and support the Canadian market so that goods, services, and workers can move freely.

“First Ministers agreed that certified professionals with credentials in one jurisdiction should be able to work anywhere in Canada. Whether relocating for family reasons or pursuing job opportunities elsewhere, workers should be free to do what they are trained to do and contribute to the Canadian economy. Due to its linguistic specificity among other things, Quebec, while adhering to the overall goal of increasing workforce mobility, intends to implement measures for credentials recognition when it deems it in line with its own objectives.

“The Prime Minister and premiers directed the Committee on Internal Trade to work with the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, to develop a service standard of 30 days or better to get people working faster, and provide a plan for Canada-wide credential recognition, while taking into account jurisdictional specificities such as language provisions, by June 1.

“First Ministers also agreed that now is the time to choose Canada. We must ensure that all Canadians have access to Canadian-made goods, no matter where they are in the country. The Prime Minister and premiers applauded Internal Trade Ministers for undertaking a review of exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement by June 1 in addition to those removed by governments in recent years, and for their efforts to reconcile and reduce regulatory differences between jurisdictions, particularly through the negotiation of mutual recognition requirements in the trucking sector and the movement of consumer goods. Most First Ministers also committed to allowing direct-to-consumer alcohol sales for Canadian products. These efforts will benefit Canadian businesses and citizens by opening new domestic markets, reducing the cost of consumer goods at a time when U.S. tariffs will impact affordability.

“First Ministers recognized that removing these barriers will make it easier for businesses in Canada to access new revenue and market opportunities here at home, while attracting greater foreign investment and trade.

“The Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to continue working together as they implement the shared plan to strengthen internal trade in Canada. Team Canada stands firm, united, resolute, and ready to face this challenge, and any others that come our way.”

Quick Facts
- Last year, more than $530 billion worth of goods and services moved across provincial and territorial borders, representing almost 20 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product.
- Trade within Canada is an essential driver of the Canadian economy, and eliminating barriers to internal trade will lower prices, increase productivity, and add up to $200 billion to the Canadian economy. Internal trade without barriers means more affordable everyday items and a greater choice for Canadians.
- The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) came into force on July 1, 2017, to reduce and eliminate barriers to the free movement of persons, goods, services, and investments within Canada and to establish an open, efficient, and stable domestic market.
- The Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) consists of all federal, provincial, and territorial ministers responsible for internal trade, and is responsible for supervising the implementation of the CFTA, including providing oversight over a number of CFTA working groups; assisting in the resolution of disputes; approving the annual operating budget of the Internal Trade Secretariat (ITS); and considering any other matter that may affect the operation of the CFTA.
- Committee on Internal Trade (CIT): On February 28, 2025, the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Committee on Internal Trade was convened and agreed to the following actions:
  - Enhancing the commitments under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA): All governments committed to conducting a rapid review of all remaining party-specific exceptions in the CFTA and swiftly conclude negotiations for incorporating the financial services Sector into the Agreement. This will ensure a free and open internal market for Canadian businesses and workers. Building on removals some governments have completed since 2017, to date, a minimum of 40 exceptions have been identified for removal by five governments, with all exception reviews to be completed by June 1, 2025.
  - Reducing regulatory and administrative burden through mutual recognition: A strong domestic market starts with goods freely moving between provinces and territories. Building on the pilot project on mutual recognition in trucking, all governments have now agreed to immediately launch negotiations for mutual recognition of all consumer goods (excluding food). This would guarantee that a good certified in one province can be bought and sold in any other, without additional red tape. Parties may also pursue a broader mutual recognition agreement covering most or all sectors of the economy through unilateral, bilateral, or multilateral initiatives. The CIT committed to tabling an Action Plan for Mutual Recognition of Consumer Goods by March 31, 2025.
  - Facilitating labour mobility: Internal trade and labour market ministers will prioritize efforts to further improve transparency and reduce administrative burden for labour mobility applicants to support the timely and seamless mobility of workers to fill jobs wherever they are available, including by adopting a service standard of 30 days or better to process applications.
  - Launching pan-Canadian direct-to-consumer alcohol sales for Canadian products: The Governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada have committed to improve the trade of alcohol products between participating jurisdictions by advancing direct-to-consumer sales for Canadian products. Currently, British Columbia allows for direct-to-consumer sales for wine, while Manitoba is already open to direct-to-consumer sales on all alcoholic beverages. The Yukon is exploring options for direct-to-consumer alcohol sales within the territory.
  - Employing a Team Canada approach to promote the domestic economy: All governments committed to working together to promote growth and resiliency in the domestic market by helping Canadian businesses identify and access new opportunities in other provinces and territories including through domestic trade missions.
MIL OSI Canada News –
March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Pours a Pint For Colorado Pint Day at Novel Strand Brewing Co.

Source: US State of Colorado

DENVER – Today, Governor Polis visited Novel Strand Brewing Co. to highlight Colorado’s microbreweries, and take part in the festivities by pouring a pint.

“Colorado is home to many small business breweries that strengthen our economy, are important community gathering places, and create good jobs. As we celebrate Colorado Pint Day, which spreads Colorado’s love for craft beer, I encourage Coloradans to support our local small businesses,” said Governor Polis.

Today marks the 10th Annual Colorado Pint Day, a time-honored tradition that has reached a high status with beer lovers flocking to participating breweries every year to purchase Colorado Pint Day limited edition glassware. $1 of each pint glass sold is donated to the Colorado Brewers Guild whose mission is to promote, protect and propel independent craft breweries in the State of Colorado. This year also marks the 4th annual Colorado Pint Day art competition, spotlighting local artist and pint designer Leanne Bridie of Denver. Titled, Beer Is For Everyone, Birdies pint design aims to promote and highlight a Colorado for all. Birdie, previously won Cohesion Brewings coaster design contest, and has designed a series of label art for Novel Strand Brewing.

(Title: Beer is for Everyone)

###

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: South Bow Reports Fourth-quarter and Year-end 2024 Results, Provides 2025 Outlook, and Declares Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Bow Corp. (TSX & NYSE: SOBO) (South Bow or the Company) reports its fourth-quarter and year-end 2024 financial and operational results and provides its 2025 outlook. Unless otherwise noted, all financial figures in this news release are in U.S. dollars.

Highlights

Spinoff transaction

Launched as an independent company on Oct. 1, 2024, completing the planned separation (the Spinoff) from TC Energy Corp. (TC Energy).
Completed an initial notes offering on Aug. 28, 2024, raising approximately $5.8 billion, in aggregate, of U.S. and Canadian dollar-denominated senior unsecured notes and U.S. dollar-denominated junior subordinated notes. As part of the Spinoff, South Bow repaid the outstanding long-term debt owed to affiliates of TC Energy on Oct. 1, 2024.

Safety and operational performance

Demonstrated safety excellence in 2024, achieving record occupational and process safety performance during a transformative period.
Delivered record system availability in 2024, with an annual System Operating Factor (SOF) of 95% for the Keystone Pipeline due to continued improvements in system reliability.
Recorded annual average throughput on the Keystone Pipeline of approximately 626,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) in 2024, an increase of 5% relative to 2023. Throughput on the U.S. Gulf Coast segment of the Keystone Pipeline System averaged approximately 795,000 bbl/d, increasing by 15% relative to 2023.
- Fourth-quarter 2024 throughput on the Keystone Pipeline and the U.S. Gulf Coast segment of the Keystone Pipeline System averaged approximately 621,000 bbl/d and approximately 784,000 bbl/d, respectively.
Advanced the Blackrod Connection Project in Alberta, anticipated to be ready for in-service in early 2026. South Bow is in the final stages of completing construction of the project’s 25-km crude oil and natural gas pipeline segments, with welding complete and hydrostatic testing activities underway. Facility construction, including the tank terminal, is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Received approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in Jan. 2025 of South Bow’s remedial work plan, substantially completing the conditions in the Amended Corrective Action Order (ACAO) related to the Milepost 14 incident (MP-14). In early March 2025, South Bow received approval from PHMSA to lift the pressure restriction on the affected segment to 72% of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipeline. The affected segment includes the section of the pipeline where the MP-14 incident occurred.

Financial performance

Delivered strong financial performance in 2024, underscored by the highly contracted nature of South Bow’s assets. Revenue and normalized earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (normalized EBITDA) increased relative to 2023 due to significant demand for uncommitted capacity on the Keystone Pipeline in the first quarter of 2024, and strong demand for capacity on the U.S. Gulf Coast segment of the Keystone Pipeline System throughout the year.
- Generated revenue of $488 million and $2,120 million for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2024, respectively.
- Recognized net income of $55 million ($0.26/share) and $316 million ($1.52/share) during the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2024, respectively.
- Recorded normalized EBITDA¹ of $290 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024, an increase of 11% from the three months ended Sept. 30, 2024, primarily due to the timing of trade settlements within South Bow’s Marketing segment. Normalized EBITDA for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024 was $1,091 million, an increase of 2% from 2023.
- Delivered distributable cash flow¹ of $183 million and $608 million for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2024, respectively.
Exited 2024 with total long-term debt and net debt¹ outstanding of $5.7 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively. South Bow’s net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio¹ was 4.5 times at Dec. 31, 2024, supported by the Company’s starting working capital balances and strong normalized EBITDA generated in 2024.
- South Bow expects that its net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio will increase modestly through the course of 2025 as the Company continues to invest in the Blackrod Connection Project and incur one-time costs of approximately $40 million to $50 million associated with the Spinoff. Consistent with the Company’s outlook on leverage, South Bow anticipates exiting 2025 with a net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio of approximately 4.8 times and that the Company will begin reducing its leverage once the Blackrod Connection Project starts generating cash flow in 2026.

Returns to shareholders

Committed to paying a strong and sustainable dividend, declared South Bow’s inaugural quarterly dividend of $104 million ($0.50/share) on Nov. 7, 2024. The dividend was paid on Jan. 31, 2025 to shareholders of record on Dec. 31, 2024.
South Bow’s board of directors (the Board) has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.50/share, payable on April 15, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2025. The dividends will be designated as eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes.

South Bow’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes (the financial statements), management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A), and annual information form (AIF) as at and for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024 are available on South Bow’s website at www.southbow.com, under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in South Bow’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at www.sec.gov. The disclosure under the section “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in South Bow’s MD&A as at and for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024 is incorporated by reference into this news release.

South Bow’s standalone financial statements were prepared using information derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of TC Energy, including the historical cost basis of assets and liabilities comprising the Company, as well as the historical revenues, direct costs, and allocations of indirect costs attributable to the operations of the Company, using the historical accounting policies applied by TC Energy. The presentation of certain prior period comparatives have been updated for consistency with current year presentation.

_________________________

¹ Non-GAAP financial measure or ratio that do not have standardized meanings under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and may not be comparable to measures presented by other entities. See “Non-GAAP financial measures” of this news release.

Financial and operational results

$ millions, unless otherwise noted	Three Months Ended					Year Ended
$ millions, unless otherwise noted	Sept. 30, 2024		Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023		Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Revenue	534		488	540		2,120	2,005
Income from equity investments	12		12	13		49	50
Net income	61		55	103		316	442
Per share¹	0.29		0.26	0.50		1.52	2.13
Normalized net income²	86		112	94		383	504
Per share^{1 2}	0.41		0.54	0.45		1.84	2.43
Normalized EBITDA²	262		290	278		1,091	1,074
Keystone Pipeline System	257		250	264		1,028	981
Marketing	(7	)	24	(2	)	12	42
Intra-Alberta & Other	12		16	16		51	51
Distributable cash flow²	163		183	161		608	785
Dividends declared	—		104	—		104	—
Per share¹	—		0.50	—		0.50	—
Capital expenditures³	61		28	11		122	37
Total long-term debt	10,452		5,716	5,967		5,716	5,967
Net debt^{2 4}	4,827		4,901	5,715		4,901	5,715
Net debt-to-normalized EBITDA (ratio)²	4.5		4.5⁵	5.3		4.5⁵	5.3
Common shares outstanding, weighted average diluted (millions)⁶	207.6		208.4	207.6		208.2	207.6
Common shares outstanding (millions)⁶	207.6		208.0	207.6		208.0	207.6

OPERATIONAL RESULTS
Keystone Pipeline SOF (%)	95		96	92		95	93
Keystone Pipeline throughput (Mbbl/d)	616		621	612		626	595
U.S. Gulf Coast segment of Keystone Pipeline System throughput (Mbbl/d)⁷	815		784	783		795	694
Marketlink throughput (Mbbl/d)	636		615	610		614	537

Per share amounts, with the exception of dividends, are based on weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.
Non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio that do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to measures presented by other entities. See “Non-GAAP financial measures” of this news release.
Capital expenditures per the investing activities of the consolidated statements of cash flows of the financial statements.
Includes 50% equity treatment of South Bow’s junior subordinated notes.
South Bow expects that its net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio will increase modestly through the course of 2025 as the Company continues to invest in the Blackrod Connection Project and incur one-time costs of approximately $40 million to $50 million associated with the Spinoff. Consistent with the Company’s outlook on leverage, South Bow anticipates exiting 2025 with a net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio of approximately 4.8 times and that the Company will begin reducing its leverage once the Blackrod Connection Project starts generating cash flow in 2026.
The common shares issued on Oct. 1, 2024 have been used for comparative periods, as the Company had no common shares outstanding prior to the Spinoff. For periods prior to Oct. 1, 2024, it is assumed there were no dilutive equity instruments, as there were no equity awards of South Bow outstanding prior to the Spinoff.
Comprises throughput originating in Hardisty, Alta. transported on the Keystone Pipeline, and throughput originating in Cushing, Okla. transported on Marketlink for destination in the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Outlook

Capital allocation priorities

South Bow takes a disciplined approach to capital allocation to preserve optionality and maximize total shareholder returns over the long term. The Company’s capital allocation priorities are built on a foundation of financial strength and supported by South Bow’s stable, predictable cash flows. South Bow’s capital allocation priorities include:
- paying a sustainable base dividend;
- strengthening the Company’s investment-grade financial position; and
- leveraging existing infrastructure within South Bow’s strategic corridor to offer customers competitive connections and enhanced optionality.

Market outlook

Every day, South Bow safely and reliably transports crude oil to key demand and refining markets in the U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast. With substantially all of the crude oil imported into the U.S. Midwest originating from Canada, and refining facilities in the U.S. Gulf Coast set up to process heavy crude oil, these markets rely heavily on Canadian crude oil supplies to meet their energy needs.
While approximately 90% of South Bow’s normalized EBITDA is contracted through committed arrangements, which carry minimal commodity price or volumetric risk, demand for uncommitted capacity on the Keystone System is anticipated to remain subdued in 2025 as Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) crude oil pipeline capacity exceeds supply.
The potential for, and continuation of, tariffs on energy imposed by the U.S. government and counter-tariffs imposed by the Canadian government have created economic and geopolitical uncertainty, resulting in volatility in pricing differentials. Persistence of this uncertainty may create additional headwinds for uncommitted capacity on South Bow’s pipeline systems and impact South Bow’s Marketing segment results. Given the uncertainty, South Bow’s guidance for 2025 does not account for the future potential impact of sustained tariffs.

2025 guidance

South Bow’s guidance aims to inform readers about Management’s expectations for financial and operational results in 2025. Readers are cautioned that these estimates may not be suitable for any other purpose. See “Forward-looking information and statements” of this news release for additional information regarding factors that could cause actual events to be significantly different from those expected.
The financial outlook for South Bow in 2025 is supported by the Company’s highly contracted cash flows and strong structural demand for services. Normalized EBITDA is projected to be approximately $1.01 billion, within a range of 3%, with approximately 90% secured through committed arrangements. South Bow reaffirms its long-term normalized EBITDA growth outlook of 2% to 3%.
South Bow has reduced its outlook for normalized EBITDA for its Marketing segment by approximately $30 million relative to 2024, due to continued impacts of WCSB crude oil pipeline capacity exceeding supply and South Bow’s response to market uncertainty caused by the potential for, and continuation of, tariffs, including the unwinding of certain positions to minimize South Bow’s exposure to further pricing volatility.
South Bow anticipates that its interest expense for 2025 will be approximately $325 million, within a range of 2%, and that the Company’s current tax rate will range from 23% to 24%.
Distributable cash flow is expected to be approximately $535 million, within a range of 3%, which South Bow will use to fund its expected annual dividend of $416 million ($2.00/share), subject to approval and declaration by the Board, and investments required to continue advancing the Blackrod Connection Project.
South Bow expects that its net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio will increase modestly through the course of 2025 as the Company continues to invest in the Blackrod Connection Project and incur one-time costs of approximately $40 million to $50 million associated with the Spinoff. Consistent with the Company’s outlook on leverage, South Bow anticipates exiting 2025 with a net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio of approximately 4.8 times and that the Company will begin reducing its leverage once the Blackrod Connection Project starts generating cash flow in 2026.
South Bow plans to invest approximately $110 million, within a range of 3%, in growth capital expenditures for the Blackrod Connection Project in 2025. The total expected capital cost of the project is estimated to be $180 million, targeted to be ready for in-service in early 2026. As of Dec. 31, 2024, South Bow has invested $62 million in the project.
Maintenance capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $65 million, within a range of 3%, in 2025, as South Bow proactively completes maintenance activities while demand for uncommitted capacity is expected to be subdued, and invests in information services infrastructure. These expenditures are generally recoverable through South Bow’s tolling arrangements.

South Bow’s 2025 annual guidance and a review of 2024 actual results are outlined below:

$ millions, except percentages ¹	2024 Actuals	2025 Guidance
Normalized EBITDA	1,091	1,010 ± 3%
Interest expense	388	325 ± 2%
Current tax rate (%)	23%	23% – 24%
Distributable cash flow	608	535 ± 3%
Capital expenditures
Growth	73	110 ± 3%
Maintenance ²	61	65 ± 3%

Assumes average foreign exchange rate of C$/U.S.1.4286.
Maintenance capital expenditures are generally recoverable through South Bow’s tolling arrangements.

Refer to the section entitled “Guidance” in South Bow’s MD&A as at and for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, available on South Bow’s website at www.southbow.com, under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in South Bow’s filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Conference call and webcast details

South Bow’s senior leadership will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s fourth-quarter and year-end 2024 results and 2025 outlook on March 6, 2025 at 8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET).


Date	March 6, 2025
Time	8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET)
Webcast link	https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/fqe5oacv
Conference call link	https://register.vevent.com/register/BIbb6663202d26443895983db438ccaf6e

Register ahead of time to receive a unique PIN to access the conference call via telephone. Once registered, participants can dial into the conference call from their telephone via the unique PIN or click on the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly on their telephone.

Visit www.southbow.com/investors for the replay following the event.

Non-GAAP financial measures

In this news release, South Bow references certain non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios that do not have standardized meanings under GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. These non-GAAP measures include or exclude adjustments to the composition of the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Management considers these non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios to be important in evaluating and understanding the operational performance and liquidity of South Bow. These non-GAAP measures and non-GAAP ratios should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.

South Bow’s non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios include:

normalized EBITDA;
normalized net income;
normalized net income per share;
distributable cash flow;
net debt; and
net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio.

These measures and ratios are further described below, with a reconciliation to their most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Normalizing items

Normalized measures are, or include, non-GAAP financial measures and ratios and include normalized EBITDA, normalized net income, normalized net income per share, distributable cash flow, and net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio. Management uses these normalized measures to assess the financial performance of South Bow’s operations and compare period-over-period results. During certain reporting periods, the Company may incur costs that are not indicative of core operations or results. These normalized measures represent income (losses), adjusted for specific normalizing items that are believed to be significant; however, they are not reflective of South Bow’s underlying operations in the period.

These specific items include gains or losses on sales of assets or assets held for sale, unrealized fair value adjustments related to risk management activities, acquisition, integration, and restructuring costs, and other charges, including but not limited to, impairment, contractual costs, and settlements.

South Bow excludes the unrealized fair value adjustments related to risk management activities, as these represent the changes in the fair value of derivatives, but do not accurately reflect the gains and losses that will be realized at settlement and impact income. Therefore, South Bow does not consider them reflective of the Company’s underlying operations, despite providing effective economic hedges. Realized gains and losses on grade financial contracts are adjusted to improve comparability, as they settle in a subsequent period to the underlying transaction they are hedged against.

Separation costs relate to internal costs and external fees incurred specific to the Spinoff. These items have been excluded from normalized measures, as Management does not consider them reflective of ongoing operations and they are non-recurring in nature.

Normalized EBITDA

Normalized EBITDA is used as a measure of earnings from ongoing operations. Management uses this measure to monitor and evaluate the financial performance of the Company’s operations and to identify and evaluate trends. This measure is useful for investors as it allows for a more accurate comparison of financial performance of the Company across periods for ongoing operations. Normalized EBITDA represents income before income taxes, adjusted for the normalizing items, in addition to excluding charges for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and interest income.

The following table reconciles income (loss) before income taxes to normalized EBITDA for the indicated periods:

$ millions	Three Months Ended						Year Ended
$ millions	Sept. 30, 2024		Dec. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023		Dec. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023
Income before income taxes	90		72		131		418		562
Adjusted for specific items:
Depreciation and amortization	61		62		61		246		244
Interest expense	115		84		105		388		220
Interest income and other	(27	)	28		(7	)	(12	)	(32	)
Risk management instruments	(23	)	57		(15	)	8		25
Keystone variable toll disputes	11		(3	)	—		8		42
MP-14 costs	—		4		—		4		—
Separation costs	20		(1	)	3		29		3
Keystone XL costs and other	15		(13	)	—		2		10
Normalized EBITDA	262		290		278		1,091		1,074

The following table reconciles income (loss) before income taxes to normalized EBITDA by operating segment for the indicated periods:

$ millions	Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2024
$ millions	Keystone Pipeline System		Marketing		Intra-Alberta & Other		Total
Income (loss) before income taxes	173		17		(100	)	90
Adjusted for specific items:
Depreciation and amortization	59		—		2		61
Interest expense	(1	)	—		116		115
Interest income and other	—		(1	)	(26	)	(27	)
Risk management instruments	—		(23	)	—		(23	)
Keystone variable toll disputes	11		—		—		11
MP-14 costs	—		—		—		—
Separation costs	—		—		20		20
Keystone XL costs and other	15		—		—		15
Normalized EBITDA	257		(7	)	12		262

$ millions	Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2024
$ millions	Keystone Pipeline System		Marketing		Intra-Alberta & Other		Total
Income (loss) before income taxes	205		(32	)	(101	)	72
Adjusted for specific items:
Depreciation and amortization	59		—		3		62
Interest expense	(1	)	—		85		84
Interest income and other	(1	)	(1	)	30		28
Risk management instruments	—		57		—		57
Keystone variable toll disputes	(3	)	—		—		(3	)
MP-14 costs	4		—		—		4
Separation costs	—		—		(1	)	(1	)
Keystone XL costs and other	(13	)	—		—		(13	)
Normalized EBITDA	250		24		16		290

$ millions	Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2023
$ millions	Keystone Pipeline System		Marketing		Intra-Alberta & Other		Total
Income (loss) before income taxes	203		14		(86	)	131
Adjusted for specific items:
Depreciation and amortization	60		—		1		61
Interest expense	3		1		101		105
Interest income and other	(2	)	(2	)	(3	)	(7	)
Risk management instruments	—		(15	)	—		(15	)
Keystone variable toll disputes	—		—		—		—
MP-14 costs	—		—		—		—
Separation costs	—		—		3		3
Keystone XL costs and other	—		—		—		—
Normalized EBITDA	264		(2	)	16		278

$ millions	Year Ended Dec. 31, 2024
$ millions	Keystone Pipeline System		Marketing		Intra-Alberta & Other		Total
Income (loss) before income taxes	778		6		(366	)	418
Adjusted for specific items:
Depreciation and amortization	238		—		8		246
Interest expense	1		1		386		388
Interest income and other	(3	)	(3	)	(6	)	(12	)
Risk management instruments	—		8		—		8
Keystone variable toll disputes	8		—		—		8
MP-14 costs	4		—		—		4
Separation costs	—		—		29		29
Keystone XL costs and other	2		—		—		2
Normalized EBITDA	1,028		12		51		1,091

$ millions	Year Ended Dec. 31, 2023
$ millions	Keystone Pipeline System		Marketing		Intra-Alberta & Other		Total
Income (loss) before income taxes	687		19		(144	)	562
Adjusted for specific items:
Depreciation and amortization	239		—		5		244
Interest expense	7		2		211		220
Interest income and other	(4	)	(4	)	(24	)	(32	)
Risk management instruments	—		25		—		25
Keystone variable toll disputes	42		—		—		42
MP-14 costs	—		—		—		—
Separation costs	—		—		3		3
Keystone XL costs and other	10		—		—		10
Normalized EBITDA	981		42		51		1,074

Normalized net income and normalized net income per share

Normalized net income represents net income adjusted for the normalizing items described above and is used by Management to assess the earnings that are representative of South Bow’s operations. By adjusting for non-recurring items and other factors that do not reflect the Company’s ongoing performance, normalized net income provides a clearer picture of the Company’s continuing operations. This measure is particularly useful for investors as it allows for a more accurate comparison of financial performance and trends across different periods. On a per share basis, normalized net income is derived by dividing the normalized net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding at the end of the period. This per share measure is valuable for investors as it provides insight into South Bow’s profitability on a per share basis, assisting in evaluating the Company’s performance.

The following table reconciles net income to normalized net income for the indicated periods:

$ millions, except common shares outstanding and per share amounts	Three Months Ended						Year Ended
	Sept. 30, 2024		Dec. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023		Dec. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023
Net income	61		55		103		316		442
Adjusted for specific items:
Risk management instruments	(23	)	57		(15	)	8		25
Keystone variable toll disputes	11		(3	)	—		8		42
MP-14 settlement	—		4		—		4		—
Separation costs	20		27		3		67		3
Keystone XL costs and other	15		(13	)	3		2		17
Tax effect of the above adjustments	(8	)	(15	)	—		(22	)	(25	)
Normalized net income	76		112		94		383		504
Common shares outstanding, weighted average diluted (millions)	207.6		208.4		207.6		208.2		207.6
Normalized net income per share	0.41		0.54		0.45		1.84		2.43

Distributable cash flow

Distributable cash flow is used to assess the cash generated through business operations that can be used for South Bow’s capital allocation decisions, helping investors understand the Company’s cash-generating capabilities and its potential for returning value to shareholders. Distributable cash flow is based on income before income taxes, adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest income and other, the normalizing items discussed above, and further adjusted for specific items, including income and distributions from the Company’s equity investments, maintenance capital expenditures, which are capitalized and generally recoverable through South Bow’s tolling arrangements, and current income taxes.

The following table reconciles income before income taxes to distributable cash flow for the indicated periods:

$ millions	Three Months Ended						Year Ended
$ millions	Sept. 30, 2024		Dec. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023		Dec. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023
Income before income taxes	90		72		131		418		562
Adjusted for specific items:
Depreciation and amortization	61		62		61		246		244
Interest income and other	(27	)	28		(7	)	(12	)	(32	)
Normalizing items, net of tax¹	18		34		(9	)	39		62
Income from equity investments	(12	)	(12	)	(13	)	(49	)	(50	)
Distributions from equity investments	17		20		15		70		71
Maintenance capital expenditures²	(22	)	(15	)	(2	)	(61	)	(19	)
Current income tax recovery (expense)	38		(6	)	(15	)	(43	)	(53	)
Distributable cash flow	163		183		161		608		785

Normalizing items per normalized EBITDA reconciliation, net of tax.
Maintenance capital expenditures are generally recoverable through South Bow’s tolling arrangements.

Net debt and net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio

Net debt is used as a key leverage measure to assess and monitor South Bow’s financing structure, providing an overview of the Company’s long-term debt obligations, net of cash and cash equivalents. This measure is useful for investors as it offers insights into the Company’s financial health and its ability to manage and service its debt obligations. Net debt is defined as the sum of total long-term debt with 50% treatment of the Company’s junior subordinated notes, operating lease liabilities, and dividends payable, less cash and cash equivalents, per the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio is used to monitor the South Bow’s leverage position relative to its normalized EBITDA for the trailing four quarters. This ratio provides investors with insight into the Company’s ability to service its long-term debt obligations relative to its operational performance. A lower ratio indicates stronger financial health and greater capacity to meet its debt obligations.

$ millions, except ratios	Sept. 30, 2024		Dec. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023
Current portion of long-term debt to affiliates of TC Energy	4,677		—		—
Senior unsecured notes	4,686		4,629		5,967
Junior subordinated notes	1,089		1,087		—
Total long-term debt	10,452		5,716		5,967
Adjusted for:
Hybrid treatment for junior subordinated notes¹	(545	)	(544	)	—
Operating lease liabilities	22		22		10
Dividends payable	—		104		—
Cash and cash equivalents	(622	)	(397	)	(262	)
Restricted cash held in escrow²	(4,480	)	—		—
Net debt	4,827		4,901		5,715
Normalized EBITDA	1,079		1,091		1,074
Net debt-to-normalized EBITDA (ratio)	4.5		4.5		5.3

Includes 50% equity treatment of South Bow’s junior subordinated notes.
Senior unsecured notes and junior subordinated notes were issued on Aug. 28, 2024, of which $1.25 billion was used to repay long-term debt to affiliates of TC Energy; the remaining proceeds were held in escrow until completion of the Spinoff on Oct. 1, 2024.

Forward-looking information and statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements), including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of applicable securities legislation, that are based on South Bow’s current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. All statements other than statements of historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as, “anticipate”, “will”, “expect”, “estimate”, “potential”, “future”, “outlook”, “strategy”, “maintain”, “ongoing”, “intend”, and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance.

In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements, including certain financial outlooks, pertaining to, without limitation, the following: South Bow’s corporate vision and strategy, including its strategic priorities and outlook; the Blackrod Connection Project, including completion of crude oil and natural gas pipeline segments, testing activities, in-service dates, and costs thereof; expected in-service dates and costs related to announced projects and projects under construction; PHMSA approvals and completion of the ACAO; expected interest expense and tax rate; expected capital expenditures; expected dividends; expected one-time costs relating to the Spinoff; expected shareholder returns and asset returns; demand for uncommitted capacity on the Keystone System; treatment under current and future regulatory regimes, including those relating to taxes, tariffs, and the environment; South Bow’s financial guidance for 2025 and beyond, including 2025 normalized EBITDA and long-term normalized EBITDA growth, 2025 interest expense, 2025 distributable cash flow, and 2025 capital expenditures; and South Bow’s financial strength and flexibility.

The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that South Bow has made in respect thereof as of the date of this news release regarding, among other things: oil and gas industry development activity levels and the geographic region of such activity; that favourable market conditions exist and that South Bow has and will have available capital to fund its capital expenditures and other planned spending; prevailing commodity prices, interest rates, inflation levels, carbon prices, tax rates, and exchange rates; the ability of South Bow to maintain current credit ratings; the availability of capital to fund future capital requirements; future operating costs; asset integrity costs; that all required regulatory and environmental approvals can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; and prevailing regulatory, tax, and environmental laws and regulations.

Although South Bow believes the assumptions and other factors reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and factors will prove to be correct and, as such, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: the regulatory environment and related decisions and requirements; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; reliance on third parties to successfully operate and maintain certain assets; the strength and operations of the energy industry; weakness or volatility in commodity prices; non-performance or default by counterparties; actions taken by governmental or regulatory authorities; the ability of South Bow to acquire or develop and maintain necessary infrastructure; fluctuations in operating results; adverse general economic and market conditions; the ability to access various sources of debt and equity capital on acceptable terms; and adverse changes in credit. The foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the results implied by forward-looking statements, refer to South Bow’s AIF dated March 5, 2025, available under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and, from time to time, in South Bow’s public disclosure documents, available on South Bow’s website at www.southbow.com, under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in South Bow’s filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Management approved the financial outlooks contained in this news release, including 2025 normalized EBITDA and long-term normalized EBITDA growth, 2025 interest expense, 2025 distributable cash flow, and 2025 capital expenditures as of the date of this news release. The purpose of these financial outlooks is to inform readers about Management’s expectations for the Company’s financial and operational results in 2025, and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof. South Bow does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

About South Bow

South Bow safely operates 4,900 kilometres (3,045 miles) of crude oil pipeline infrastructure, connecting Alberta crude oil supplies to U.S. refining markets in Illinois, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Gulf Coast through our unrivalled market position. We take pride in what we do – providing safe and reliable transportation of crude oil to North America’s highest demand markets. Based in Calgary, Alberta, South Bow is the spinoff company of TC Energy, with Oct. 1, 2024 marking South Bow’s first day as a standalone entity. To learn more, visit www.southbow.com.

Contact information

*Investor Relations*	*Media Relations*
Martha Wilmot investor.relations@southbow.com	Katie Stavinoha communications@southbow.com

The MIL Network –

March 6, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: ADM Recalls Select Pelleted Cattle Nutrition Feed Products

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
March 05, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
March 05, 2025
Product Type:
Animal & VeterinaryFood & BeveragesLivestock Feed
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
Elevated levels or deficient levels of nutrients which may be harmful to cattle

Company Name:
ADM Animal Nutrition
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
ADM Animal Nutrition

Product Description:

Product Description
Cattle Feed

Company Announcement
Specific lots may contain elevated or deficient levels of nutrients which may be harmful to cattle
CHICAGO, March 5, 2025 – ADM Animal Nutrition, a division of ADM (NYSE: ADM), is recalling specific pelleted animal feed products because they may contain elevated levels of copper or have levels of zinc below the represented amounts which could be harmful to cattle.
Possible impacts of chronic copper toxicity include: gastroenteritis characterized by anorexia, signs of abdominal pain, depression, lethargy, diarrhea, and dehydration. Possible impacts of zinc deficiency include: decreases in feed intake, feed efficiency, and growth.
No illnesses or deficiency impacts have been reported to date.
There are 33 lot numbers involved in this recall. The pelleted products were distributed between January 16, 2025 and February 27, 2025, and could have been purchased in Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Iowa, Georgia, and Ohio. All of the products listed, except for GROFAST32, have elevated levels of copper. GROFAST32 has levels of zinc below the represented amounts.
ADM discovered this issue during routine production. The company immediately began investigating and initiated the recall upon receiving confirmation that the pelleted feed had varying levels of copper and zinc that can impact animals. ADM is in the process of notifying customers and distributors involved in this recall, and all affected products are currently being removed from retail shelves.
The lot number of ADM products can be found at the bottom of the label. Click here to view an image of the label. Customers who have purchased the recalled pelleted feed should immediately stop using it and return it to their distributor or directly to ADM for a full replacement or refund. Please direct any customer inquiries to 800-217-2007 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday.
Below is the list of products included in this recall.
Link to Product List
About ADMADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We’re an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. We’re a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature. We’re a trailblazer in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of products for consumers looking for new ways to live healthier lives. We’re a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new bio-based consumer and industrial solutions. And we’re leading in business-driven sustainability efforts that support a strong agricultural sector, resilient supply chains, and a vast and growing bioeconomy. Around the globe, our expertise and innovation are meeting critical needs from harvest to home. Learn more at www.adm.com.
ADM Media RelationsJackie Andersonmedia@adm.com312-634-8484

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
800-217-2007

Product Photos

Content current as of:
03/05/2025

Regulated Product(s)

Follow FDA

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Mar 5, 2025 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

SPC AC 051950

Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0150 PM CST Wed Mar 05 2025

Valid 052000Z – 061200Z

…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SOUTHEAST
VIRGINIA AND THE EASTERN CAROLINAS…

…SUMMARY…
Severe thunderstorms capable of producing scattered damaging-wind
gusts and a few tornadoes are possible today across parts of the
eastern Carolinas into southeast Virginia. Other strong to severe
storms may occur from the Allegheny Plateau into the Mid Atlantic.

…20z Update…
The previous forecast remains on track with no substantial changes
required beyond clearing probabilities behind a broken squall line
currently traversing the Carolinas and Virginia. Damaging gusts
continue to be observed with portions of the line, and transient
embedded circulations have been noted within the line per KAKQ
velocity imagery. Within the past 30 minutes, GOES IR imagery shows
cooling cloud top temperatures across southern NC, indicative of a
gradual strengthening trend that is likely the result of peak
daytime heating within the narrow warm sector ahead of the line.
Recent forecast guidance has captured this trend well and suggests
that the intensifying convection across southern NC will spread
northeast into northeastern NC/southeast VA through early evening.
Given these trends, the Enhanced risk has been maintained, though
convection will likely begin moving off the Mid-Atlantic coast
between 23-01z. See MCD #152 for additional short-term details
regarding the severe threat across the Mid-Atlantic, and MCD #153
for forecast concerns regarding the upper OH River Valley.

..Moore.. 03/05/2025

.PREV DISCUSSION… /ISSUED 1028 AM CST Wed Mar 05 2025/

…VA and the Carolinas…
A strongly forced convective line continues to push eastward across
the central Carolinas and south-central VA. Thus far, updraft depth
has been limited by modest buoyancy, as evidenced by the lack of
lightning within the line. However, the downstream airmass is
expected to undergo modification as low 60s dewpoints advect
northward just ahead of the line. This increased moisture should
lead to greater buoyancy, and the potential for deeper, more
persistent updrafts within the line. As storms deepen, the very
strong low to deep-layer shear (i.e. 0-1 km bulk shear over 50 kt
and 0-6 km bulk shear over 70 kt) in place over the region will
support storm organization mainly in the form of bowing
structures/mesovortices. An attendant threat for tornadoes will
probably develop with the more persistent/long-lived embedded
circulations in addition to wind damage focused near inflections and
bowing segments of the convective line.

Additional details for this region can be found in recently issued
MCD #0149.

…Upper OH Valley/PA vicinity…
Recent surface analysis places a deep, occluded low (i.e. 980 mb)
over southern Lake Michigan. An occluded front extends
east-southeastward from this low to a triple point in the western WV
Panhandle/northern VA vicinity. A cold front also extends
south-southeastward from this low across western IN before arcing
more southerly across the TN Valley. Visible satellite indicates
that a mid-level dry-slot has contributed to some clearing over OH,
in the vicinity of the occluded front. This should allow for some
modest daytime heating, with the resultant steepening of the
low-level lapse rates. This will occur beneath cold mid-level
temperatures, contributing to fairly steep lapse rates profile
throughout much of the troposphere. Some low to mid-level moistening
is also possible as large-scale forcing for ascent attendant to the
approaching upper low persists, resulting in modest buoyancy (i.e.
MLCAPE less than 500 J/kg) across the region ahead of the cold
front. Thunderstorm development appears possible as the front
interacts with this airmass, and vertically veering wind profiles
with effective shear values near 40 kt will support the potential
isolated low-topped transient supercells and perhaps bowing linear
segments.

CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0100Z

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Thu Mar 6 00:35:02 UTC 2025

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated: Thu Mar 6 00:36:03 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

Notice: The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Thu Mar 6 00:35:02 UTC 2025

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated: Thu Mar 6 00:36:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: James Curran on Trump, Ukraine, shifting tectonic plates, and a bigger Australian defence bill

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

The Trump presidency is turning much of the world order on its head. Tne United States president is arm-twisting Ukraine, playing nice with Russia, and using protection as an economic and political weapon.

The Australian government is pessimistic about escaping American tariffs on aluminium and steel when a decision is announced next week. Meanwhile, the message from the US is clear: we need to boost defence spending.

To discuss Trump Mark 2 on the world stage and what that means for Australia, we’re joined by James Curran, professor of modern history at the University of Sydney.

Curran says,

One gets the sense that we are looking at the kind of tectonic plates of world politics shifting before our very eyes.

Trump is about might is right. He does have an expansionary view of American power in the western hemisphere if we are to judge him by his statements on the Panama Canal and Greenland. But I think more broadly, his interpretation of American power is to simply “get out of America’s way”.

In terms of economic implications, [it’s] a confirmation that we are looking at the permanence of protectionism in the United States. This administration, along with the Biden administration and the first Trump administration, have been putting a wrecking ball through the multilateral trading system and the WTO. And that is certainly a not a good thing for free trade and for countries like Australia.

Curran explains what America’s expectation that countries need to spend more on defence would mean for Australia,

This has been the great concern, if you like, over a number of years – that Australia has got defence on the cheap, that it’s put so much of its national wealth into the middle class and welfare and infrastructure and developing the nation that it’s been able to rely on the American blanket of protection while it pursues its prosperity.

So if [defence spending] is to rise to 3% [of GDP], then that’s going to mean, firstly, a concentration on what are the lower cost alternatives to defend this continent? And secondly, where will the trade offs come? What will be sacrificed from the national budget? And what political leader in this country will front the Australian people and squarely and honestly and earnestly have a conversation about these dramatic strategic circumstances and why greater sacrifice is required from Australians to enable a higher defence expenditure.

Is the Trump world the new normal, or will this be over when Trump eventually leaves the White House?

I’m a little bit sceptical about this idea that we grit our teeth and close our eyes and hope that the nightmare is over in four years time. There is a really big question mark over how America can snap back in terms of its institutional robustness. The pressure that the courts, the media and the Congress are under. Does this all just snap back in four years time? Do we really think that either a Republican or a Democrat successor to Trump will ride into Washington, down Pennsylvania Avenue in a glittering chariot of liberal internationalism? To say everyone shouldn’t worry because the liberal international order is back and it’s gleaming and it’s working.

I really think this is up to America’s allies, both in Europe and in East Asia, to continue to protect as many of those rules and those institutions that have worked so well for so many of us, as much as they possibly can.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: James Curran on Trump, Ukraine, shifting tectonic plates, and a bigger Australian defence bill – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-james-curran-on-trump-ukraine-shifting-tectonic-plates-and-a-bigger-australian-defence-bill-251486

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Global: Electric shock equipment widely abused by law enforcement agencies due to alarming lack of regulation – Amnesty International

Source: Amnesty International

States and companies are manufacturing, promoting and selling electric shock equipment that is being used for torture and other ill-treatment, said Amnesty International, in a new report calling for a global, legally-binding treaty to regulate the unchecked production of and trade in law enforcement equipment.

“I Still Can’t Sleep at Night” – The Global Abuse of Electric Shock Equipment, documents how law enforcement agencies are using inherently abusive direct contact electric shock weapons – including stun guns and electric shock batons– on the street, at borders, in migrant and refugee detention centres, mental health institutions, police stations, prisons, and other places of detention.

These inherently abusive devices, which deliver painful shocks at the press of a button, have been used against protesters, students, political opponents, women and girls (including pregnant women), children and human rights defenders, among others. Survivors have suffered burns, numbness, miscarriage, urinary dysfunction, insomnia, exhaustion and profound psychological trauma.

The report also looks at the escalating misuse of Projectile Electric Shock Weapons (PESWs), which can have a legitimate role in law enforcement, but are often misused. Cases include the unnecessary and discriminatory use against vulnerable groups resulting in serious injuries and in some cases even death.

“Direct contact electric shock weapons can cause severe suffering, long-lasting physical disability and psychological distress. Prolonged use can even result in death,” said Patrick Wilcken, Amnesty International’s researcher on military, security and policing issues.

“PESWs are being used against individuals who pose no risk of violence, simply for punishment or compliance with orders. They are also being used in direct contact ‘drive stun’ mode, which should be prohibited. Despite the clear human rights risks associated with their use, there are no global regulations controlling the production of and trade in electric shock equipment. Direct contact electric shock weapons need to be banned immediately and PESWs subject to strict human-rights-based trade controls.”

The extensive report draws on research carried out by Amnesty International from 2014 to 2024 in over 40 countries across all regions across the world, where cases involving torture and other ill-treatment using electric shock equipment have been documented.

Vulnerable groups targeted by electric shock weapons

Testimonies gathered by Amnesty International are harrowing.

During the 2022 “Woman Life Freedom” uprising in Iran, the military unit IRGC Basij battalion forced several boys to stand with their legs apart in a line alongside adult detainees and administered electric shocks to their genitals with stun guns.

In another case, several schoolboys were abducted for writing the protest slogan “Woman Life Freedom” on a wall. One of the boys told Amnesty International: “They hit my face with the back of a gun, gave electric shocks to my back, and beat me with batons on the bottom of my feet and hands…”

PESWs have often been used as de facto direct contact electric shock weapons when deployed in “drive stun” mode.

Recounting a raid by border guards on the Medininkai detention centre in Lithuania on 2 March 2022, one detainee from Sub-Saharan Africa said: “I was lying on the ground and still they have used tasers on me three times, and at the same time they beat me with the batons.” Another described being threatened by police officers who placed a “taser” on her forehead, telling her “‘Shut up or I will shoot you!’”

“Even when used as a stand-off weapon, PESWs have been linked to serious injuries and deaths,” said Patrick Wilcken. “These include dart lacerations and penetration of the skull, eye, internal organs, throat, fingers and testis; electrical discharge induced burns, seizures and arrythmias; and a variety of injuries and deaths from falls.”

Amnesty’s report reveals patterns of PESWs’ discriminatory deployment against racialized and marginalized groups, such as young Black men. In April 2024, police in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, were filmed using a TASER directly on the leg of a Black protester at a Palestine solidarity demonstration while he was pinned to the ground by three police officers and handcuffed.

“Given the high risks of primary and secondary injuries, the use of PESWs must be set at a high threshold. These weapons should only be used only in situations involving a threat to life or risk of serious injury which cannot be contained by less extreme options,”said Patrick Wilcken.

The urgent need for prohibitions and trade regulation

At least 197 companies from all regions manufactured or promoted direct contact electric shock equipment for law enforcement between January 2018 and June 2023 – with most companies based in countries such as China, India and the USA.

According to US-based Axon Enterprise, Inc., their TASER brand models are currently used by over 18,000 law enforcement agencies in more than 80 countries.

“There is an urgent need for a legally-binding treaty which would prohibit inherently abusive electric shock equipment and strictly control the trade in PESWs,” said Patrick Wilcken.

“Companies should implement robust human rights due diligence and mitigation measures to ensure their products and services are not being systematically misused for torture or other ill-treatment. This includes ceasing production of direct contact electric shock devices and removing the ‘drive stun’ function from PESWs.”

Amnesty International, along with a global civil society network of over 80 organizations worldwide, is campaigning for the negotiation of a Torture-Free Trade Treaty that would introduce global prohibitions and controls on a wide range of law enforcement equipment, including electric shock weapons and equipment.

Background

In September 2017, the EU, Argentina and Mongolia launched the Alliance for Torture-Free Trade at the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The Alliance currently comprises 62 states from all regions of the world pledging to “act together to further prevent, restrict and end trade” in goods used notably for torture or other ill-treatment. In October 2023, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture presented a thematic report on the torture trade at the UNGA which argued for a legally binding instrument to regulate the production of and trade in law enforcement equipment and included lists of goods considered prohibited and controlled.

This is one of a series of in-depth research reports showing the devastating human rights impact of law enforcement equipment; previous reports include work on tear gas, batons, rubber bullets, and the trade in less lethal weapons used to repress protesters.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Tariffs are an act of economic war – The global fallout begins – deVere Group

Source: deVere Group

March 5 2025 – Tariffs are “an act of economic war,” and the latest US tariffs are a direct assault on the global economy, warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial and asset management organizations.

The comments from deVere Group’s Nigel Green comes as President Donald Trump’s joint congressional address made it clear: his administration is deploying tariffs as a weapon, not just a policy.

The sweeping 25% duties on Canada and Mexico, an additional 10% on Chinese imports, and threats against the European Union mark an economic confrontation that will redefine global markets.

Beijing wasted no time in firing back, saying they are prepared for a tariff war or “any other type of war,” signaling that the world’s second-largest economy is ready to retaliate with full force.

Investors are now bracing for a prolonged and destabilizing economic war, with market volatility and financial uncertainty taking center stage.

Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, warns: “Tariffs are an act of economic war.

“This aggressive escalation could cause the most severe economic disruption since the global financial crisis, barring the pandemic.

“The fallout will extend far beyond tariffs themselves, with ripple effects threatening corporate profits, inflation levels, and supply chains.

“Trade barriers of this scale are not a pathway to strength. They’re self-inflicted wounds that create higher costs for businesses, dampen consumer spending, and erode economic resilience.

“Tariffs are not a show of power; they are a tax on prosperity.”

Despite Trump’s insistence that tariffs will restore America’s economic dominance, reality is painting a different picture.

Increased costs on imports mean businesses will either absorb the financial hit or pass it along to consumers, leading to inflationary pressures that weaken household purchasing power. The result? A slowing economy disguised as a policy win.

“From manufacturing to tech, industries are now forced to face a storm of rising costs and shrinking global competitiveness,” says Nigel Green.

“This is not a win, it’s reckless brinkmanship with high stakes for the US and global economy.”

Trump’s vow to roll out even more trade penalties by April 2 is triggering concern through global markets.

Washington’s latest trade war salvos are setting off countermeasures from Beijing, Brussels, and beyond.

China’s retaliatory tariffs are expected to hit US exports where it hurts—targeting agriculture, technology, and other key industries with strategic precision. The European Union is weighing its response, while Mexico and Canada have already signaled their intent to push back.

“Trade conflicts don’t happen in isolation. They trigger chain reactions—capital flight, fractured supply chains, and heightened uncertainty for investors,” explains the deVere CEO.

The notion that tariffs will fortify the US economy is fundamentally flawed.

“The cost of this economic war will be borne by households, businesses, and investors worldwide. And unless there’s a change in course, the worst may still be ahead.”

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Hickenlooper Defends American Consumers on Senate Floor as Trump Admin Guts CFPB

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Hickenlooper: “If the Trump administration gets its way, it’s clear who the winners will be: loan sharks, shady mortgage companies, junk fee merchants. And the losers will be the rest of America”
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor against the Trump administration’s effort to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the federal agency responsible for protecting American consumers from financial abuse. Hickenlooper spoke before a Senate vote on a Republican-led resolution to strip the CFPB’s power to supervise popular digital payment apps like Venmo and PayPal in order to prevent harms to consumers.

“Today’s Republican-led resolution weakens the CFPB’s ability to protect consumers. And it’s part of a broader effort by the administration to shut down consumer protections entirely,” said Hickenlooper. “Bottom line: More money in the pocket of fraudsters, scammers, and the unscrupulous. Less for the little guy to save.”
At the beginning of February, the Trump administration shut down the CFPB headquarters and ordered all employees to immediately stop all of the agency’s work. On Monday, a federal judge extended an order pausing mass firings at the CFPB.
Since its founding, the CFPB has recovered $20 billion for Americans who have been taken advantage of by scams, junk fees, and high-cost loans. In Colorado, nearly 67,000 people have sought the help from CFPB, including more than 6,200 service members. Thousands of those complaints led to relief for consumers.
To download a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks is available below:
“Mr. President,
“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is, at its core, a law enforcement agency.
“Congress established the CFPB 15 years ago to protect Americans from fraud, from getting ripped off by banks, and credit card companies, financial institutions.
“Today’s Republican-led resolution weakens the CFPB’s ability to protect consumers. And it’s part of a broader effort by the administration to shut down consumer protections entirely.
“Let’s take a minute to go back in time to the time before the CFPB existed – right before the 2008 financial meltdown.
“Back then, abusive fees and misleading disclosures meant that Coloradans paid more for mortgages. More for credit cards. More for student loans.
“Fly-by-night lenders made massive profits by targeting vulnerable families with excessively high-cost loans – turning credit from a tool for opportunity into a tool for scams.
“Financial scammers could all too easily slip through the cracks in oversight. There just wasn’t enough oversight. In some case, there was no oversight.
“Our neighbors were getting hit with hidden fees and frauds when they took out a mortgage, when they used a credit card, or if they were just paying for school.
“There was no cop on the beat. The result?
“By 2008, years of this shady, abusive practice helped spark a devastating global financial crisis.
“Six million households lost their homes to foreclosure. A quarter of our families lost 75% of their wealth.
“Americans lost faith in our financial system.
“In 2010, Congress created the CFPB to help make sure that this could never happen again.
“Congress gave it a simple job: to protect Americans from getting ripped off.
“The Bureau cleaned up mortgage markets, debt collection, student loans, and much, much more. It worked to protect veterans and other service members.
“Fast forward to today and the CFPB’s results really speak for themselves. The Bureau has delivered 20 billion dollars – that’s billion dollars with a B – back to Americans through its enforcement actions.
“It’s brought relief to 200 million Americans and small businesses facing scams or abusive practices.
“In Colorado, nearly 67,000 people have sought the help from CFPB, including more than 6,200 service members. Thousands of those complaints led to relief for consumers.
“It really is a remarkable track record.
“That is, until it’s been decided by Republicans that they wanted to eliminate many of these protections – if not all of them.
“This vote today would unwind protections designed for the modern financial system – for the everyday payment apps we all use, like Venmo or PayPal. It would allow some of the largest financial firms in a consumer’s life to stay in the shadows, to operate outside of any oversight.
“That’s exactly the approach to consumer protection we had 20 years ago, before the CFPB, before the 2008 financial crisis.
“This is but the latest attempt to leave consumers vulnerable to scams. In fact, the Trump administration is trying, I think many people believe illegally, to abolish the CFPB entirely.
“They fired dedicated staff who protect consumers. They cancelled the lease on the CFPB’s office. And they literally ordered a total shutdown of the agency – an unprecedented effort to defy Congress.
“The administration believes that CFPB doesn’t deserve to exist. And maybe they think that scammers and fraudsters have finally hung it up and have gone to find honest work.
“But I think the American people know better.
“The administration wants to take our economy back to the time before the financial crisis of [2008] – with weaker protections and no one looking out for consumers.
“If the Trump administration gets its way, it’s clear who the winners will be: loan sharks, shady mortgage companies, junk fee merchants.
“And the losers will be the rest of America – any Coloradan that wants a fair deal on a credit card or a mortgage.
“Bottom line: More money in the pocket of fraudsters, scammers, and the unscrupulous. Less for the little guy to save.
“I urge my colleagues to stand up for American consumers and vote no on this resolution.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Capitol Hill Highlights Key Pillars of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress in Op-Ed Blitz

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
America Is Back. President’s Joint Address Will Celebrate ItU.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)
The last four years were a dumpster fire—a total disaster. “Sleepy Joe” was worn slap out as soon as he got up in the morning. Thinking back on it now, I really don’t know how our country survived. It’s a miracle that we made it through those dark days. One thing is for sure: President Trump’s address will be nothing like the clown show we endured the last four years.
But today, America is ready to usher in its golden age under President Donald J. Trump. We’re only a month and a half in, and President Trump is well on his way to renewing the American dream by reversing some of the Democrats’ most destructive policies. Most importantly, President Trump is keeping his promises to the 77 million Americans who voted for him and his “America First” agenda. A recent poll showed 70 percent of Americans believe President Trump is doing what he said he would do.
Read full op-ed here.
It’s Time To Take Trump’s Win On Women’s Sports To The Next LevelU.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)
Democrat politicians and extreme woke ideologues have shrugged their shoulders at the humiliation and disenfranchisement of millions of young women and girls, even though 80% of Americans agree with President Trump’s view that biological boys should not compete in girls’ sports.
I believe America’s women and girls deserve to know that someone is fighting to protect the integrity and fairness of their competitive sports and standing up for their right to safe and protected spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.
Thankfully, President Trump has taken up the mantle. Last month, he signed an executive order protecting women’s and girls’ sports.
Read full op-ed here.
Renewing the American Dream for the American WorkerU.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN)
President Trump is renewing the hope of the American Dream from the ashes of an historic low point. Our nation has emerged stronger with a leader and an administration whose defining feature is their commitment to working families.
Despite the downturn in prosperity and security America faced over the last four years, the American Dream is not an outdated ambition.
Under President Trump, the possibility of achieving the American Dream is back and within the grasp of every hard-working American.
Already, President Trump has made good on a range of his promises, reinvigorating American society across the board—an achievement that’s unheard of for a president only 44 days into his term.
Read full op-ed here.
President Donald Trump is keeping his promise to Jewish studentsHouse Committee on Education and Workforce Chairman, U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05)
Columbia [University] leaders have made public and private promises to Jewish students, faculty, and Members of Congress that the university would take the steps necessary to combat the rampant antisemitism on its campus. Columbia has failed to uphold its commitments. But that is coming to an end. Now, the Committee and Jewish students and faculty have a strong ally in the White House. During the campaign Trump promised his administration would combat antisemitism on American campuses.
On day one, the Trump administration signed an executive order to combat antisemitism. As part of the executive order, the Department of Education has launched investigations into five universities for tolerating “widespread antisemitic harassment” in violation of Title VI.
The disease of antisemitism must be rooted out before it spreads to the next generation. President Trump’s firm hand on this issue is the remedy we need. We owe it to our youth to ensure they never face harassment, threats, or violence because of their faith. This is a promise we should always honor because it goes hand in hand with the promise of the American Dream. Thankfully, President Trump is delivering on this promise.
Read full op-ed here.
America is backU.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09)Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, President Donald J. Trump has worked tirelessly to restore border security, enforce our nation’s laws and make clear that your constitutional rights shall not be infringed. Following four years of chaos, Trump has sent a clear message: America is back, and he’s just getting started.
After just one month back in office, Trump reestablished the successful “Remain in Mexico” policy, restarted construction of the border wall, ramped up deportation flights of criminal illegals, and ended the dangerous Biden-era “catch-and-release” policy. These are just a few of the actions Trump has taken to regain control of our border and crack down on illegal immigration.
Trump’s efforts to secure the border have been nothing less than historic, including sharply reducing illegal border crossings in just his first 11 days back in office. This is the “Trump Effect” in action, and it’s only just the beginning.
Read full op-ed here.
Under President Trump, America’s Borders Are Secure AgainU.S. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)
In a few weeks, Donald Trump has done what his prevaricating predecessor declared to be impossible: he has brought the border under control.
The policies of Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas will forever be a stain on America. The border is now almost completely controlled by America, not Mexican drug and human trafficking cartels. That only has happened because President Trump has the will and leadership skills to allow our law enforcement to actually enforce the law. Trump said he would do it. He is doing it.
America is safer now. Our borders are better now. Trump is delivering on one of his signature campaign promises. While the Left in America is face-melting, the majority of us recognize the success on the border of President Trump.
Read full op-ed here.
Trump Gives America A Much-Needed Shot Of OptimismU.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)
We’re now 44 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, and a renewed sense of optimism is sweeping across America, reminiscent of the enduring promise of the American Dream. Central to this resurgence is the administration’s policies aimed at reigniting prosperity for small businesses, particularly evident in South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District.
President Trump has been keen on drawing back the red tape in the federal bureaucracy and reminding everyone in the swamp that our government is supposed to serve the American worker, not the other way around.
Last night the president made it clear: ‘We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in 4 years…and we are just getting started!’
Read full op-ed here.
Trump is Reviving the American Dream and Common SenseU.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01)
Tuesday night, President Donald Trump did what he does best — he told it like it is. He reviewed his administration’s impressive accomplishments, laid out his action plan to put our economy back on track, urged Congress to deliver additional funding for the United States Border Patrol, and shared his bold vision to bring peace and stability around the world.
Only weeks ago, the president signed an executive order keeping men out of women’s sports. I attended the signing, and it was a sight to see — the president with dozens of female athletes and young women who would now have a level playing field because of Republicans’ commitment to this cause — Trump’s commitment to this cause.
The president reiterated this commitment Tuesday night when he spoke on this issue, highlighting the story of Payton McNabb, saying, “When her girls’ volleyball match was invaded by a male, he smashed the ball so hard in Payton’s face, causing traumatic brain injury … ending her athletic career.
This story has become all too common. When Trump told Payton’s story, not a single Democrat stood in solidarity.
Read full op-ed here.
Ending Biden’s disgraceful erosion of American deterrence U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-01) andU.S. Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03)
With Trump back in the White House, alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and national security adviser Mike Waltz, we’re setting a clear path forward for the U.S.: rebuild the military, restore our warrior ethos, and reestablish American deterrence.
Unlike his predecessors, who viewed the military through the lens of social experimentation, Hegseth recognizes that the Department of Defense has one primary mission: to produce the most lethal fighting force on Earth. Under his leadership, we’re already seeing a renewed focus on combat training, eliminating wasteful programs, and stripping away ideological distractions.
Read full op-ed here.
Congress Must Act to Solidify Trump’s Border WinsU.S. Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08)
For the past four years, the most powerful nation in the history of the world has been under attack. Deadly cartels, gangs, human smugglers, and other criminal aliens flooded American communities and harmed our citizens. This chaos was an orchestrated attack led by the last administration not only on our nation, but on the American dream.
But on January 20th, a new era of leadership began. After being sworn into office, President Trump wasted no time taking action to take back our country and set our nation back on course.
Last night, President Trump said, “The media and our friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed new legislation to secure the border. But it turned out that all we really needed was a new president.” And he is exactly right.
President Trump’s decisive action and bold leadership has drastically changed the state of our border for the better.
Read full op-ed here.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Opportunity for girls to become British Ambassador for a day
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story

Opportunity for girls to become British Ambassador for a day

English

العربيَّة

To mark International Women’s Day, the Embassies of the United Kingdom, Canada and Jordan are collaborating on the ‘Ambassador for a Day’ competition for the third year.
Ambassador For A Day 2025

We encourage girls from all backgrounds living in Lebanon, aged 15 to 18 years old to apply. The competition closes Monday 7 April 2025.

Ambassador for a Day is a national essay competition for girls between 15-18 years of age. Each AFAD winner will get to shadow an Ambassador or senior UN Official in Lebanon for one day, to see first-hand how girls can become leaders and advocates for change. This promises to be an unforgettable opportunity to build skills in diplomacy, confidence, and leadership.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is For ALL women and girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment. To enter the competition, participants should submit either a video or short essay in English or Arabic answering the question:

“If you were an Ambassador for a Day, what actions would you take to accelerate gender equality including equal rights, power and opportunities?’’

For more details, see:

how to enter Ambassador for a Day competition (ODT, 328 KB)

كيفية المشاركة (ODT, 119 KB)

Terms and conditions (ODT, 32.2 KB)

شروط المسابقة (ODT, 109 KB)

Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook/X/Instagram: @UKinLebanon / @CanadaLebanon

Instagram: @embassyofjordanbeirut //Facebook: سفارة المملكة الاردنية الهاشمية لدى الجمهورية اللبنانية / X: @joembassybeirut

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Published 6 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Pens Op-Ed in The Daily Caller: It’s Time to Take Trump’s Win on Women’s Sports To The Next Level

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) penned an op-ed in The Daily Caller highlighting the importance of protecting women’s and girls’ sports and calling out Senate Democrats for voting against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.
Click HERE or on the image above to read Senator Marshall’s full op-ed in The Daily Caller.
Highlights from Senator Marshall’s op-ed include:
“As a doctor who has delivered over 5,000 babies, I can say with full confidence that boys are boys and girls are girls. This basic biological statement — that even third graders know as truth — should not be radical. But it’s sad that in 2025, we must even say it.
“Democrat politicians and extreme woke ideologues have shrugged their shoulders at the humiliation and disenfranchisement of millions of young women and girls, even though 80% of Americans agree with President Trump’s view that biological boys should not compete in girls’ sports.
“The Biden-Harris Administration abused Title IX and forced its gender theory madness onto America. The result was confused men and boys unfairly competing against women and girls in sports and these biological males invaded protected personal spaces.
“I believe America’s women and girls deserve to know that someone is fighting to protect the integrity and fairness of their competitive sports and standing up for their right to safe and protected spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.
“Thankfully, President Trump has taken up the mantle. Last month, he signed an executive order protecting women’s and girls’ sports. I was honored to attend President Trump’s ceremony and celebrate at the White House as he signed this critical order.
“To expand on this effort in the Senate, I was proud to cosponsor my good friend Coach Tommy Tuberville’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. On Monday evening, I joined all my Republican colleagues to vote in support of this common-sense legislation.
“Even though this bill would have preserved Title IX protections for female athletes, every single Senate Democrat voted against it.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall to NIH Director Nominee Dr. Bhattacharya: We Need to Get to the Bottom of the Chronic Disease Epidemic

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today participated in the confirmation hearing for President Donald Trump’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director nominee, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP).
Dr. Bhattacharya, M.D., PhD, is a professor of health policy at Stanford University, where he directs the Center for Demography and Economics of Health and Aging. Having published 135 articles in top peer-reviewed scientific journals, Dr. Bhattacharya’s research has focused on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations with a particular emphasis on the role of government programs, biomedical innovation, and economics. Most recently, Dr. Bhattacharya focused on the epidemiology of COVID-19 and evaluated policy responses to the epidemic, advocating for focused protection over widespread lockdowns.
Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Bhattacharya on scientific progress, the concept of ‘Food is Medicine,’ and his strategy to tackle the chronic disease epidemic America is facing.
You may click HERE to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
Highlights from Dr. Bhattacharya’s confirmation hearing include:
On humility as the key to scientific progress:
Senator Marshall: “As I listen to the conversation today, I’m reminded that we all should doubt our own infallibility, and we should doubt the infallibility of the NIH as well. I’m flabbergasted as I listen to this conversation of people that really have never been involved in the scientific process and that they don’t understand infallibility.”
Dr. Bhattacharya: “I agree with you about humility. That’s the key to scientific progress. We have to as scientists say we might be wrong, because when we meet data that disagrees with us, where we have ideas that we disagree with, maybe that other idea is right, and we’re the one that’s wrong. It’s only if I’m confirmed as NIH Director, I want to make sure that all the range of hypotheses are supported. That’s how you make progress. One of the reasons I think that we have not made progress in Alzheimer’s as much as we ought to have is because the NIH has not supported a sufficiently wide range of hypotheses.”
On the chronic disease epidemic and the concept of ‘Food is Medicine’:
Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about chronic disease just for a second. The NIH has spent a disproportionate amount of money on research on diseases that impact a very small, minuscule amount of Americans. Meanwhile, 60% of Americans have a chronic disease. Speak a little bit about your vision of researching for figuring out the causes and treatments of chronic disease, specifically how food is medicine might be intertwined in your in your vision.”
Dr. Bhattacharya: “Senator, I think the chronic disease problem is something that the NIH ought to have done a better job in the last several decades. The mission of the NIH is to address the health needs the American people have, and to expand life expectancy of the American people and we have not achieved that. It’s flat-lined.”
“I think we should expand the set of ideas to address a problem that we don’t know how to address. The chronic disease problems in the United States are so broad. We need to have a lot more tolerance that the top scientists who control the ideas in their fields may be wrong. We need to allow other scientists who have other ideas, and food as medicine might be one of them, to have support.”
Senator Marshall: “Are you committed to helping us figure out the causes of these chronic diseases?”
Dr. Bhattacharya: “I absolutely am, Senator…That is the heart and soul of the Make America Healthy Again movement, and millions and millions of Americans have been looking to us to do that. If I’m confirmed, I absolutely commit to you.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Multistate coalition secures nationwide preliminary injunction against Trump’s defunding of medical and public health innovation research

Source: Washington State News

SEATTLE – Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of 21 other attorneys general have secured a nationwide preliminary injunction in Massachusetts v. NIH. The order prevents the Trump administration, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from cutting billions of dollars in funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and institutions across the country regardless of whether their states have joined the lawsuit.

“This is a major win for research institutions across Washington state and the country,” said Brown. “NIH provides lifesaving medical, agricultural, and public health research the people of Washington depend on. President Trump attempted the same thing during his first term and the administration must know blocking NIH funding like this is illegal.”

The preliminary injunction protects critical funds that facilitate biomedical research, like lab, faculty, infrastructure, and utility costs. Without them, the lifesaving and life-changing medical research in which the United States has long been a leader could be compromised.

Most NIH-funded research occurs outside of federal government institutions, including at public and private universities and colleges in Washington state. The money goes to fund critical and time-sensitive research into life-saving medicine such as cures for cancer, as well as numerous treatments and therapies for a wide array of medical, physiological, and public health issues. The money funds animal laboratories that are instrumental for research into human and animal health alike. It funds clinical trials for treatments of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, pediatric cancer, kidney cancer, and many other life-threatening diseases. It also goes into the facilities that are critical for monitoring and detecting emerging health threats, such as avian influenza, that present imminent danger to Washington’s agricultural and public health.

On February 10, less than six hours after the coalition filed their lawsuit against the administration, a judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order against NIH, barring its attempts to cut the critical research funding. Today’s order takes the place of the temporary restraining order and prevents the Trump administration from cutting this important category of funding as the case proceeds. It will remain in effect until a final ruling is made.

This lawsuit is being co-led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan. Joining this coalition are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

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Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Media Contact:

Email: press@atg.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 753-2727

General contacts: Click here

Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Alleged International Leader of MS-13 Extradited to Face Racketeering Charge Connected to at Least One Murder

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

           WASHINGTON – Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, also known as Viejo Santos, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent MS-13 drug gang, made an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court following his extradition from Guatemala to the United States to face a racketeering charge connected to at least one murder. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ordered Rivera-Luna held without bond.

           The extradition was announced today by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Rivera-Luna is one of seven defendants charged in a fourth superseding, nine-count indictment, which was returned on May 3, 2013 alleging a racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering and other offenses. Rivera-Luna is charged only with committing racketeering conspiracy. The government alleges that Rivera-Luna, while incarcerated in El Salvador, supervised operations of MS-13 cliques in the Washington, D.C. area. Upon release, he traveled to Guatemala where he was subject to extradition.

“The decade-long pursuit of this alleged violent gang member illustrates our office’s resolve to remain focused and bring to justice those who violate the law no matter where they are, no matter how long it takes,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr.

           “Keeping Americans safe from transnational criminal gangs is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Supervisory Official Bacon. “This defendant’s appearance in federal court in Washington today demonstrates our relentless commitment to seeking justice for victims, no matter how long it takes. Thanks to the incredible work by our federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we are one step closer to bringing closure for the many victims of this defendant’s alleged brutal violence.”

“Moise Humberto Rivera-Luna will have his day in court, but he stands accused of very serious crimes. His alleged criminal activity combined with his leadership of the MS-13 transnational criminal organization, makes Rivera-Luna a significant threat to the safety of the American people,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. “We are grateful for the strong relationships we enjoy with our local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners. Without their cooperation, none of this would be possible. ICE HSI Washington, D.C. will continue to work relentlessly and exhaust all resources to investigate and apprehend anyone who presents a threat to national security or the residents of our communities.”

           The indictment alleges that MS-13 engages in racketeering activity to include murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice and other crimes. The indictment specifically states that some of the defendants allegedly participated in assaults against persons they believed to be rival gang members, made threats against persons they believed to be cooperating with law enforcement, and carried out extortions.

           The range of criminal activity alleged in the indictment includes acts committed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and other states. The indictment alleges that there was frequent contact between MS-13 members in the Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area and El Salvador, and that persons incarcerated in El Salvador encouraged or ordered assaults and murders.

           Rivera-Luna is alleged to be an international leader of MS-13 who was sending orders and advice to an MS-13 clique operating in the Washington area, via cellular telephone calls from his prison cell in El Salvador. The indictment alleges that he and another MS-13 leader, Marvin Geovanny Monterrosa-Larios, also incarcerated in El Salvador, directed that a coalition of MS-13 cliques be formed in the Washington area. They advised local clique members that the coalition’s aim was to seek and kill MS-13 members who were found to be cooperating with law enforcement officials.

           Among other allegations, the indictment charges Rivera-Luna with ordering the murder of Louis Alberto Membreno-Zelaya, 27. Membreno-Zelaya was found stabbed to death on Nov. 6, 2008, near 11th Street and Otis Place, in Northwest Washington, D.C.

           The indictment also alleges that Rivera-Luna authorized the murder of Felipe Enriquez, 25, whose body was found on March 31, 2010, in Montgomery County, MD.

           This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Lakeita F. Rox-Love of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case is being investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

           The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition of Rivera-Luna from Guatemala.

           Assistance was provided by the Montgomery County and the Prince George’s County, MD. Police Departments, the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County, MD., the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

           The prosecution grew out of the efforts of the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a multi-agency team that conducts comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the nationwide program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.

           An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Petrolympic Announces Closing of Private Placement

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Petrolympic Ltd. (the “Company“) (TSX.V: PCQ – OTCQB:PCQRF) is pleased to announce the closing of a non-brokered private placement (the “Offering“), consisting of 3,000,000 units (“Units“) at a price of $0.05 per Unit to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $150,000.

Each Unit consists of one common share (“Common Share“) of the Company and one Common Share purchase warrant (“Warrant“). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase a Common Share at $0.10 per share for a period of 24 months from closing, subject to acceleration in the event that the Common Shares trade at or above $0.20 for 20 consecutive trading days.

All securities issued in connection with this Offering are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About Petrolympic

Petrolympic is a Junior Canadian gold and lithium mining company in North America. The Company is presently focused on its lithium exploration assets in the James Bay region, Basserode and Fournière in Abitibi region as well as its gold exploration assets at Vauquelin and Rayon d’Or in the Val d’Or region, all in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

For further information please contact:

Mendel Ekstein – President & CEO

82 Richmond St East
Toronto, ON M5C 1P1
Tel. 845-656-0184 Fax 845-231-6665

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information regarding the proposed acquisition, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, geological and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: economic and global market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in market prices, exploration and exploitation successes, continued availability of capital and financing, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, expropriation or nationalization of property and general political, economic, market or business conditions. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release, or incorporated by reference, are qualified by these cautionary statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

The MIL Network –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Extreme Tariffs on Everyday Goods, Agriculture

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Extreme Tariffs on Everyday Goods, Agriculture

Senator Reverend Warnock is the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness
Tariffs will impact cost of produce, canned soda, beer, lumber for housing, aluminum for cars and manufacturing equipment, fertilizer for producers, and more
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, issued the following statement on the newly announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
“When I hear from ordinary Georgians, they tell me the cost of everything from housing to prescription drugs to groceries are too expensive. Georgians feel like their dollar isn’t going far enough, and these tariffs only make the problem worse.”
“These sweeping tariffs and this impending trade war will hurt our farmers, who are now seeing a hike in fertilizer prices going into planting season. With retaliatory tariffs already being implemented, I fear that my years of bipartisan efforts to open up international markets for our farmers will be erased. This will make produce in the grocery stores more expensive and producers losing their farms more likely.”
“I’m not opposed to all tariffs. They can be a useful tool to protect American jobs and coerce bad actors like China to play by the rules. But these chaotic and impulsive tariffs do nothing but punish Georgians who are just trying to balance their checkbook and save for the future. I will continue to speak out against policies that hurt Georgia families and farmers.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Celebrates Senate Passage of His CRA Resolution to Overturn CFPB’s Regulatory Overreach of Consumer Payment Companies

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated Senate passage of his Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)’s latest overreach in the digital consumer payment market. The legislation would nullify the CFPB’s burdensome “Defining Larger Participants of a Market for General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications” rule, which took effect on January 9, 2025. Ricketts introduced the resolution last week.
“It’s great to see the Senate acting first to reverse this eleventh-hour Biden administration rule that expands the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s authority unnecessarily,” said Ricketts on the Senate floor. “This will be an early victory for President Trump. I am hopeful that the House will take up my CRA, with my Nebraska colleague Congressman Mike Flood leading, and give it a vote soon. This is an opportunity for us to ease the regulatory burden the previous administration placed on the American people. That’s what President Trump was elected to do. Now, we’re helping him deliver on his campaign promises.”
Bill text can be found here.
BACKGROUND
On November 21, 2024, the CFPB finalized a rule entitled “Defining Larger Participants of a Market for a General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications”— one of the Biden Administration’s many midnight rulemakings at the end of the year. Effective Jan. 9, 2025, the rule stretches CFPB’s powers to establish new supervision and examination authority over nonbank entities identified as “larger participants” in the general-use digital consumer payment applications market. These entities include payment apps, digital wallets, peer-to-peer payment apps, and other entities. “Larger participants” are entities that facilitate at least 50 million consumer payment transactions annually.
Many payment companies are already regulated at the federal and state level. Consumers are having positive experiences in engaging with these services. Despite minimal consumer complaints about payment services—accounting for only 1% of the CFPB’s 1.3 million complaints in 2023—the CFPB chose to layer additional oversight on an already well-regulated industry.
This one-size-fits-all solution in search of a problem expands CFPB’s authority without properly identifying a specific market it seeks to supervise or the risks within a specific market that pose harm to consumers that existing regulation doesn’t already mitigate. It will layer overreaching, duplicative regulation that could stifle innovation and lead to fewer services and increased costs.
Further, the cost-benefit analysis supporting the rule is insufficient, unrealistic, and notably underestimates a CFPB exam to cost just $25,001.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto’s Bills Supporting Tribal Communities Pass Senate Indian Affairs Committee with Bipartisan Support

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – Today, three of Senator Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.) bills supporting Tribal communities passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs with bipartisan support. The Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act, the Indian Health Service (IHS) Workforce Parity Act, and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act now all head to the Senate floor. Last Congress, each of these bills passed the Senate unanimously, but did not receive votes in the House of Representatives.
“Whether it is by advancing public safety, expanding health care access, or ensuring the federal government pays the debts it owes, I will always fight to support Tribal communities,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am glad these commonsense bills were voted out of committee with bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to swiftly pass them into law.”
The BADGES for Native Communities Act would support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, bolster federal missing persons resources, and give Tribes and states tools to combat violence.
The IHS Workforce Parity Act would improve health care in Tribal communities by allowing providers working part-time to access IHS scholarship and loan repayment programs.
The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act would allow the Tribes to collect over $5 million in interest they are owed for their 2009 water rights settlement, which left out commonplace interest payments.
Senator Cortez Masto has long been a champion for Tribal communities. She repeatedly called on the Biden administration to do more to address the epidemic of violence against Native women and girls, including securing federal funding to protect Native communities, urging the administration to draft a plan to address this issue, and requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the federal response to this crisis.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Marshall Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Americans Afford Skills Training

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which would allow Americans to use 529 education savings accounts to pay for training programs. By broadening the scope of qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing, the bill would expand tax-advantaged resources to families, students, and workers who are pursuing career growth outside of a traditional four-year degree. This will expand Americans’ access to well-paying jobs that require training and credentialing such as licenses and certifications.
“Workforce training is key to expanding opportunity and strengthening our economy by providing workers with the tools and resources they need to succeed,” said Klobuchar. “By allowing Americans to use their ‘529’ educational savings to pay for training and certification outside of a four-year degree, our bipartisan legislation will enable more people to access these valuable programs and open doors to good-paying jobs.”
“Back home, not a day goes by that I don’t hear about the workforce shortages across the state. We have high-paying jobs at the ready but struggle to find qualified employees. Our bill helps fill these workforce gaps and empowers Kansans to pursue non-traditional educational opportunities more easily,” said Marshall. “Allowing 529 funds to be used beyond a four-year education makes sense. Whether it’s a bachelor’s degree or an apprenticeship opportunity, 529 savings plans need to be flexible to meet the growing demands of our workforce.”
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Susan Collins (R-ME). Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA) leads companion legislation in the House. This bill has garnered the support of more than 800 trade associations, professional societies, and businesses.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Warner Slams Trump Administration Plan to Cut over 80,000 Employees from Veterans Affairs

US Senate News:

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

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on Trump administration’s short-sighted plan to slash over 80,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs:

“Our nation’s veterans have served our country valiantly and we owe it to them to take care of them when they come home. The Department of Veterans Affairs serves nearly 10 million veterans nationwide providing quality health care, disability services, and financial and career counseling. In recent years, with legislation like the PACT Act, we have made significant improvements to delivering quality care to these heroes. This move by the Trump administration would completely erase that progress. Eliminating over 80,000 jobs would not only decimate our workforce, but would hurt the veterans who too often struggle to access the benefits they have earned. To put it simply: our veterans deserve better, and I’m going to fight this move tooth and nail.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Applauds Final Approval of Legislation on Special Education and Nonprofit Funding

Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement regarding final approval of two bills by the Connecticut General Assembly today that invest an additional $40 million in special education services for municipalities and $3 million for nonprofit organizations during this current fiscal year:

“The improved versions of these bills that the legislature passed today maintain the fiscal discipline and adhere to the sound fiscal management practices that we need to keep our state on the right track. I appreciate legislative leaders for maintaining an open dialogue and understanding our important responsibility of sustaining a balanced budget. I look forward to signing these bills into law.”

The legislation is House Bill 7163, An Act Concerning Emergency Grants to Municipalities for Special Education, and Senate Bill 1453, An Act Concerning Emergency Nonprofit Assistance.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Alleged International Leader of MS-13 Extradited on RICO Charge

Source: US State of North Dakota

Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, also known as Santos and Viejo Santos, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent MS-13 drug gang, made an initial appearance today in the District of Columbia following his extradition from Guatemala to the United States to face racketeering conspiracy charges.

“Keeping Americans safe from transnational criminal gangs is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This defendant’s appearance in federal court in Washington today demonstrates our relentless commitment to seeking justice for victims, no matter how long it takes. Thanks to the incredible work by our federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we are one step closer to bringing closure for the many victims of this defendant’s alleged brutal violence.”

“The decade-long pursuit of this alleged violent gang member illustrates our office’s resolve to remain focused and bring to justice those who violate the law no matter where they are, no matter how long it takes,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia.

“Moise Humberto Rivera-Luna will have his day in court, but he stands accused of very serious crimes,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. “His alleged criminal activity, combined with his leadership of the MS-13 transnational criminal organization, makes Rivera-Luna a significant threat to the safety of the American people. We are grateful for the strong relationships we enjoy with our local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners. Without their cooperation, none of this would be possible. ICE HSI Washington, D.C., will continue to work relentlessly and exhaust all resources to investigate and apprehend anyone who presents a threat to national security or the residents of our communities.”

Rivera-Luna is one of seven defendants in a nine-count fourth superseding indictment, which was returned on May 3, 2013, charging the defendants with committing racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering, and other offenses. Rivera-Luna is charged only with committing racketeering conspiracy. The government alleges that Rivera-Luna, while incarcerated in El Salvador, supervised operations of MS-13 cliques in the Washington area. Upon release, he traveled to Guatemala where he was subject to extradition.

The indictment alleges that MS-13 engages in racketeering activity to include murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice, and other crimes. The indictment specifically states that some of the defendants allegedly participated in assaults against perceived rival gang members, made threats against people they believed to be cooperating with law enforcement, and carried out extortions.

The range of criminal activity alleged in the indictment includes acts committed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and other states. The indictment alleges there was frequent contact between MS-13 members in the Washington metropolitan area and El Salvador, and that members incarcerated in El Salvador encouraged or ordered assaults and murders.

Rivera-Luna is alleged to be an international leader of MS-13 who was sending orders and advice to an MS-13 clique operating in the Washington area via cellular telephone calls from his prison cell in El Salvador. The indictment alleges that he and another alleged MS-13 leader, Marvin Geovanny Monterrosa-Larios, also incarcerated in El Salvador, directed a coalition of MS-13 cliques to be formed in the Washington area. They advised local clique members that the coalition’s aim was to seek and kill MS-13 members who were found to be cooperating with law enforcement officials.

Among other allegations, the indictment charges Rivera-Luna with ordering the murder of Louis Alberto Membreno-Zelaya, 27. Membreno-Zelaya was found stabbed to death on Nov. 6, 2008, in Northwest Washington.

The indictment also alleges that Rivera-Luna authorized the murder of Felipe Enriquez, 25, whose body was found on March 31, 2010, in Montgomery County, Maryland.

ICE HSI Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the case. The Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, Maryland, Police Departments; State Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County; and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Maryland and the Eastern District of Virginia provided assistance.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition of Rivera-Luna from Guatemala.

Trial Attorney Lakeita F. Rox-Love of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.

This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 6, 2025

Category: Americas

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