NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Coons Introduce Bill to Strengthen State Department’s Taiwan Strategy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Chris Coons (D-DE) today introduced the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act to require the U.S. Department of State to review and update its policy guidance regarding Taiwan no less than every five years and deliver a report to Congress within 90 days in light of the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and threats of an invasion by China:
    “The threat China poses to the stability of the Indo-Pacific, including our friend and ally Taiwan, is ever-evolving, and our diplomatic guidance must be able to keep up,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would help reinstate a strong Taiwan strategy at the State Department at a time when we need it most.”
    “Our commitment to Taiwan must be backed by an approach that evolves with the changing realities in the Indo-Pacific,” said Sen. Coons. “The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act recognizes the importance of United States-Taiwan relations, supports our shared values, and reinforces stability in this critical region, consistent with our longstanding one China policy.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Luján, Tuberville Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Frozen Produce for SNAP Participants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), today introduced the Supporting All Healthy Options When Purchasing Produce (SHOPP) Act, which would expand access to frozen fruits and vegetables through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
    “Access to whole, nutrient dense foods are essential to making America healthy again,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The SHOPP Act will help meet this need for Texas families and communities across the country by ensuring SNAP participants are able to put well-balanced meals full of fruits and vegetables on their dinner tables.”
    “I am proud to reintroduce the bipartisan SHOPP Act to expand access to fruits and vegetables for families across the country,” said Sen. Luján. “This legislation helps strengthen food security and supports healthier communities in New Mexico and nationwide, especially in rural and Tribal communities where access to fresh produce can be limited. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to move it forward.”
    “SNAP participants deserve access to healthy alternatives,” said Sen. Tuberville. “RFK Jr. has exposed the scary truth behind much of America’s processed food. Expanding access to frozen fruits and vegetables is a step in the right direction of Making America Healthy Again. It is important we continue to increase options and encourage Americans to make healthy choices.”
    Companion legislation is being led by U.S. Representatives Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) and Mark Alford (MO-04).
    Background:
    The Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) are designed to help low-income families and individuals access the healthy food options they need. However, GusNIP projects currently only include funding for fresh produce, not frozen. The SHOPP Act would give local GusNIP providers the ability to provide frozen fruits and vegetables, which work better for SNAP participants who may live in rural or urban food deserts. Increased access to frozen produce makes eating a variety of fruits and vegetables possible for these families and individuals, and it is also easier to transport to areas that are on the last mile of a delivery route. This comes as March is National Nutrition Month and National Frozen Food Month, which raise awareness of the importance of developing healthy eating habits.
    This legislation is endorsed by the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and the Houston Food Bank.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement on Vote Against Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
    “The role of Secretary of Education demands someone with experience and a deep commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to a high-quality education.
    “The Trump administration has made their plan to dismantle the Department of Education clear. If confirmed, Ms. McMahon would be leading the charge to destroy a critical entity that helps distribute federal funds that helps ensure that all students, including those in low-income communities, students with disabilities, students of color and English language learners, have equal access to a quality education. The impacts of eliminating the Department would be detrimental to our teachers, our students, and our country as a whole. As Secretary of Education, Ms. McMahon would decrease access to higher education, raise student loan payments, and weaken civil rights protections for students while using the Office for Civil Rights to promote a far-right political agenda. In New Jersey and across the nation, Ms. McMahon’s plans to cut funding for Title I and IDEA would have damaging impacts on public schools, particularly for low-income and disabled students. Dismantling the Department will make the very real challenges we face, including inadequate school funding, teacher shortages, and declines in student performance, even harder to overcome.
    “Ms. McMahon’s confirmation hearing was deeply concerning. She failed to provide clear answers on whether teaching African American history courses would violate Trump’s executive order on ‘radical indoctrination,’ or whether student organizations like ‘Special Olympics’ and ‘Jewish Student Association’ could put schools at risk of losing federal funding under Trump’s policies. Additionally, she failed to display knowledge of the education laws she would be responsible for enforcing. I am deeply skeptical of her ability to lead the Department of Education effectively. 
    “For these reasons, I will be voting against Ms. McMahon for Secretary of Education.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Proud to Confirm McMahon as Education Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Linda McMahon as U.S. Secretary of Education:
    “Years of steady decline in student achievement make one thing abundantly clear: our education policies are failing America’s children. We need leadership at the Education Department that will check politics at the door and empower local communities, not federal bureaucrats, to shape their children’s education. I’m confident the President’s Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, will take an honest look at our education establishment and implement reforms that put the interests of students first.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: Sanders, Scott, Schumer, Jeffries, Murray, Bipartisan Colleagues to Introduce Legislation to Protect the Rights of American Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 3 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressional and labor leaders, today announced that they will hold a press conference on Wednesday with workers to reintroduce the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), comprehensive labor legislation to protect the rights of workers to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits and safer workplaces. 
    Details 
    What: Press conference to reintroduce the PRO Act
    When: Wednesday, March 5, 3:00 p.m. ET
    Where: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Ground Floor, Room 50 (SD-G50). The press conference will also be livestreamed on Sanders’ social media. 
    Who: 
    Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
    Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce
    Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)
    Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee
    Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
    President Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO
    Kieran Cuadras, Wells Fargo Workers United and former Wells Fargo employee
    Press RSVP: Press interested in attending should RSVP with press@sanders.senate.gov.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Urges Trump Administration to Take Action to Prevent Higher Housing Prices As A Result of Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico to prevent housing prices from rising even further. In her letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, she outlines how President Trump’s tariffs will increase housing costs by driving up the cost of construction materials needed to increase the housing supply and address Nevada’s affordable housing crisis. In the letter, sent before this evening’s expiration of the President’s thirty-day pause on new tariffs, Senator Rosen specifically highlights the role Canadian lumber plays in helping meet the demand to build affordable homes.
    “In Nevada and throughout the nation, exorbitant housing prices are putting a strain on already-tight household budgets. At a time when high interest rates and low inventory are driving up housing costs, the need to build affordable homes is growing more acute by the day,” wrote Senator Rosen. “However, it is simply too expensive to build affordable housing in the current high-cost environment. Labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating material costs all drive up construction costs, making it harder to develop housing that is affordable for low- and middle-income families.”
    “Compounding our nation’s housing affordability crisis through the imposition of reckless tariffs would be devastating and must be reconsidered,” she continued. “To that end, I respectfully ask that you work with the President to exempt critical construction materials, including lumber, from any tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico. Doing so will not harm our national security, but will instead invest in the economic security of Americans across the country who are struggling to afford a home in an era of rising costs.”
    The full text of the letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen is working to lower housing costs and prevent housing prices from increasing further. Earlier this year, she introduced bipartisan legislation to invest in the construction workforce to help lower housing costs. Last year, she urged HUD to increase the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority’s (SNRHA) Housing Choice Vouchers allocation by 10,000 vouchers over five years. Senator Rosen also called on Senate leadership to address rising housing prices and lower costs for Nevada families through a series of Congressional actions she outlined.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Announces 2025 Guest for President’s Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced that he will be joined at President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress by Jason King, a disabled veteran from Fairfax who was fired from his position in the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety division as a result of the Trump Administration’s attacks on the federal workforce.

    “I’m grateful that Fairfax resident and veteran Jason King will join me at this year’s joint address. Jason has served our country for years—first in the military and then at the Federal Aviation Administration where he worked to ensure air safety for millions of passengers. Despite Jason’s service, he is one of many federal employees who were recently fired by the Trump Administration,” Kaine said. “Jason’s story is a powerful example of how indiscriminately firing federal employees disproportionately hurts our veterans and also threatens the safety of the American people who rely on agencies like the FAA. I remain committed to protecting Virginia’s federal workers, our economy, and the safety of our communities from the Trump Administration’s actions.”

    “I served in the United States Army as a transportation coordinator, where I ensured the safest mode of transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies. After the Army, I was given the opportunity to continue serving my country with the FAA as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Safety,” said King. “The tragic midair collision that occurred near DCA serves as a strong reminder that safety can’t be taken for granted. Yet in the wake of this event, our Administration decided to move forward with the firing of hundreds of FAA employees, myself included. Safety doesn’t come by chance. It requires investment, oversight, and expertise of those who work tirelessly to uphold these values. I’m glad to be joining Senator Kaine at the joint address to help send an important message: cutting costs should never come at the expense of safety, especially when it comes to the American people.”

    Last week, Kaine and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) demanded the Trump Administration immediately reinstate all of the estimated 6,000 veterans who were fired during the mass terminations of federal employees and demanded veterans receive their full benefits and back pay. Veterans make up 30% of the federal workforce.

    Kaine has also long advocated for policies to enhance aviation safety and has demanded that the Trump Administration prioritize the safety of America’s air travel system and reverse recent cuts to essential FAA safety roles. Following the deadly DCA collision on January 29, 2025, Kaine pressed the FAA on its plans to protect the flying public and applauded the precautionary safety measures put in place by the agency while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) carries out its investigation into the crash. On February 14, Kaine was briefed by the NTSB regarding the investigation, and continues to follow the situation closely.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA President: “Parents and educators are organizing, advocating, and mobilizing to stop Donald Trump and Linda McMahon from hurting students and gutting public education”

    Source: US National Education Union

    WASHINGTON – NEA President Becky Pringle released the following statement reacting to the U.S. Senate’s party-line vote to confirm Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education.  

    “Every student – no matter where they live, how much their family earns, or the color of their skin – deserves the opportunity, resources, and support they need to grow into their full brilliance.  

    “Linda McMahon has pledged to dismantle public education and take away resources students need by hollowing out the Department of Education, destroying programs that support students with disabilities, making higher education less accessible, and gutting civil rights protections. The Trump administration is working to take away taxpayer dollars from public schools, where 90% of students and 95% of students with disabilities learn, and give them to unaccountable and discriminatory private schools. This means less one-on-one support, fewer learning opportunities and larger class sizes for students. 

    “While educators and parents would hope McMahon will reflect upon the enormous responsibility she has to our nation’s students, sadly there is no evidence to believe she will use her position to focus on strengthening public schools so every student can thrive.  

    “In every community across this country and in every neighborhood public school, parents and educators are partners in the effort to provide all students with the academic lessons and life skills they need to reach their full potential. McMahon was confirmed on a party-line vote, but parents and educators are organizing, advocating, and mobilizing to stop Donald Trump and Linda McMahon from hurting students and gutting public education to pay for their tax handouts to billionaires.”  

    -###- 

    Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social and https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social  

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representingmore than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vaporizer Recall: Getinge Removes Vaporizer Sevoflurane Quick-Fil and Expands Recall of Vaporizer Sevoflurane Maquet Filling due to Risk of Patient and Health Care Professional Exposure to Toxic Chemical Hydrogen Fluoride

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it.
    This is an expansion of the 2024 Class I Recall: Getinge Recalls Vaporizer Sevoflurane Maquet Filling for Risk of Patient and Health Care Professional Exposure to Toxic Chemical Hydrogen Fluoride 
    Affected Product 

    Product Names: Vaporizer Sevoflurane Maquet Filling, Vaporizer Sevoflurane, Quick-Fil 
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model:

    Maquet Filling: 07325710000212/6682282*
    Quick-Fil: 07325710001141/6682285 

    Serial Numbers: 

    Maquet Filling: 17336 – 23784* and all serial numbers greater than 1339
    Quick-Fil: All serial numbers greater than 3761

    *These devices were included in the original recall.
    What to Do  

    Do not use any affected vaporizer if it may have ever been used with Sevoflurane Piramal or Baxter Sevoflurane. 
    Do not leave sevoflurane in any Getinge vaporizer for longer than 30 days or during external transportation.
    Make sure any Getinge vaporizer containing sevoflurane has been used within the last 30 days. 
    Do not empty any vaporizer with signs of discoloration or corrosion, or with an unusual smell. 
    Empty and dry-run (see below) Getinge vaporizers containing sevoflurane if they have not been used in the last 30 days and there are no signs of corrosion or discoloration.

    On January 15, 2025, Getinge and its subsidiary Maquet Critical Care AB, sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall letter recommending the following actions: 

    Quarantine all affected product. 
    Do not empty any vaporizer used with sevoflurane that has signs of discoloration or corrosion, or with an unusual smell. Use protective gloves, goggles and use general chemical handling safety guidelines when moving the vaporizer for storage.
    If there are no signs of discoloration or corrosion within the vaporizer or an unusual smell, empty it and perform dry run instructions (included in the letter and the instructions for use) as follows:

    Reinsert the Vaporizer: After emptying the vaporizer following the instructions in the user manual, reinstall it into the Flow Family anesthesia system.
    Initiate Manual Mode: Start a case and set the Flow Family anesthesia system to Manual mode.
    Adjust Gas Flow: Increase the fresh gas flow to 20 liters per minute (l/min).
    Set Sevoflurane Concentration: Adjust the sevoflurane concentration to 8%.
    Dry-Run Process: Allow the system to run for 5 minutes to ensure the vaporizer is completely emptied.
    Remove or Refill: After the dry run is complete, remove the empty vaporizer from the anesthesia system. Either store it or refill it with fresh sevoflurane if immediate use is required.

    Contact the local Getinge representative or email Sales Support at CSalesSupport@getinge.com to request a return authorization (RMA) and shipping instructions for return of empty affected product. 

    Ask the Getinge representative for specific instructions related to the return of vaporizers with signs of discoloration/corrosion if needed. 

    Forward the notice to anyone who needs to be aware, whether inside the organization or at any other facility where affected devices have been transferred. 
    Complete and sign the Urgent Medical Device Recall Response Form attached to the letter, even if no affected product is present. 

    Reason for Recall   
    Getinge is recalling the Vaporizer Sevoflurane Maquet Filling and Vaporizer Sevoflurane Quick-Fil after receiving reports of discoloration and/or corrosion within the vaporizer after it was used with low water content sevoflurane manufactured by Piramal or Baxter. Sevoflurane used in the vaporizer may degrade to hydrogen fluoride. This toxic and hazardous acid may present a risk to both patients and health care professionals if it is inhaled or comes into contact with the skin. This is an expansion of an earlier recall. 
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including irritation of respiratory tract leading to fluid buildup in the lungs (lung edema) and/or severely low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia), blistering, skin wounds (superficial ulceration), low levels of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia), and death.
    There have been no reported injuries and no reports of death.  
    Device Use 
    Vaporizers Sevoflurane Maquet Filling and Sevoflurane Quick-Fil are part of the Flow anesthesia systems. These vaporizers are used exclusively for containing, vaporizing, and blending liquid sevoflurane with oxygen to start and maintain general anesthesia. The manufacturers Abbvie, Baxter, and Piramal produce different formulations of sevoflurane.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact the local Getinge representative or email Sales Support at CCSalesSupport@getinge.com.
    Additional FDA Resources 

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly. 

    How do I report a problem? 
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    03/03/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Bills to Valuate and Audit Federal Spectrum Bands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON –Sen. Mike Lee’s (R-UT) has introduced the Government Spectrum Valuation Act, legislation that would require the federal government to estimate the value of electromagnetic spectrum currently assigned to federal agencies, as well as a bill to audit the government spectrum and report which bands are being used by which agency.
    “Congress has a clear responsibility to ensure that federal spectrum is being managed effectively and appropriately,” Sen. Lee said. “By calculating the value of federal spectrum allocations, as well as auditing how they are used, Congress and the Trump Administration will be better equipped to identify highly valuable federal spectrum bands, and thus manage each federal spectrum allocation more efficiently.”
    The Government Spectrum Valuation Act can be read HERE.
    The Government Spectrum Audit bill can be HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says 25 pct tariffs on Mexico, Canada to take effect ‘tomorrow’

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada will take effect on Tuesday, March 4.

    U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

    “Very importantly, tomorrow, tariffs, 25 percent on Canada and 25 percent on Mexico, and that’ll start,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

    “What they have to do is build their car plants, frankly, and other things in the United States, in which case they have no tariffs,” Trump said.

    Trump also reiterated that the reciprocal tariffs will start on April 2.

    On Feb. 1, Trump signed an executive order to impose a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, with a 10 percent tariff increase specifically for Canadian energy products.

    On Feb. 3, Trump announced that the additional tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada would be deferred for one month, allowing more time for negotiations. According to this decision, the relevant tariff measures are set to take effect on March 4.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis: Trump’s Tariff Tax will Raise Costs For All

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – President Trump plans to implement a new 25% tax on hardworking Americans through his disastrous tariff tax.

    “Unless President Trump pulls back from tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada, starting at midnight, the President’s horrible sales tax will apply to all hardworking Coloradans. Trump’s tariffs are a costly sales tax that will raise the price of groceries, clothes, homes, technology, cars, and everyday items Americans rely on and hurt North American competitiveness. President Trump is playing chicken with people’s pocketbooks, small businesses, and our economy, and it is harmful. While Colorado is pushing ahead to lower costs, the President’s tariffs alone will cause economic devastation across America in their wake,” said Colorado Governor Polis.  

    Governor Polis has been outspoken in opposition to President Trump’s reckless tariff tax.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Criminal Charges Against 30 Officers for Role in Facilitating “Gladiator Fights” Between Youths at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, March 3, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the unsealing of a grand jury indictment against 30 detention services officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California on charges of child endangerment and abuse, conspiracy, and battery. The indictment alleges that the officers allowed and, in some instances, encouraged 69 fights to occur between youths at Los Padrinos during the period from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The indictment stems from an investigation launched by the California Department of Justice after video footage of one of the so-called “gladiator fights” leaked in January 2024. Twenty-two of the 30 officers were arraigned today at Los Angeles Superior Court. The remaining officers will be arraigned on April 18, 2025.

    “Officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care. Instead, the officers charged today did just the opposite – overseeing ‘gladiator fights’ when they should have intervened,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The indictment – and the filing of criminal charges – is an important step toward holding these officers accountable and addressing shortfalls at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Let today’s charges be a warning for all those who abuse their power: the California Department of Justice is watching, and we will hold you accountable.”

    The officers were indicted on charges, including alleged child abuse/endangerment; conspiracy to commit a crime; and battery impacting 143 victims between the ages of 12 and 18. The indictment also alleges aggravating factors, including the vulnerability of the victims and the officer’s position of trust or confidence, which helped enable them to commit the offense. The indictment identifies 69 incidents over a six-month period where probation officers facilitated and permitted youths in their custody to fight each other. These so-called “gladiator fights” resulted in physical harm to youth involved and, if the charges are proven, were a dereliction of the officers’ duty to protect those in their care.

    Separate and apart from this criminal prosecution, Attorney General Bonta has worked to address systemic shortfalls in Los Angeles County juvenile halls and to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of the youths under their care. In November 2024, Attorney General Bonta separately announced additional monitoring and strengthened protections as part of an amended court judgment to address illegal and unsafe conditions in Los Angeles County juvenile halls, including Los Padrinos. This civil judgment is wholly independent of the criminal charges announced today against Los Padrinos detention officers. 

    A copy of the indictment is available here.  

    It is important to note that a criminal indictment contains charges that must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to sustain international order in an ‘America First’ world

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Daniel Manulak, Postdoctoral Fellow, History, University of Toronto

    The United States is abandoning its traditional role as the anchor of the liberal world order — a set of norms, rules, customs and international institutions designed to maintain global stability and foster peaceful interchange between states.

    From announcing its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Human Rights Council to threatening allies — including Canada — with annexation and damaging tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump has launched an assault on the liberal world order that upholds the post-1945 international system.

    Under these circumstances, it’s more urgent than ever that Canada clarifies its vision in world affairs and accepts its responsibility to sustain the rules-based global order. By looking into the past, we can see what Canada can do in the present.



    Read more:
    Like dictators before him, Trump threatens international peace and security

    How Canada made a difference

    The U.S. isn’t the only country with a vested interest in maintaining the liberal international order — even if it has been the only nation with the will and capacity to serve as its safeguard.

    Canada was also present at the creation of the UN in 1945. They, too, played a fundamental part in the development of its specialized agencies — such as the WHO and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

    In fact, Canada has been an engaged member of the international community. The country played a leading role in establishing the UN Emergency Force during the Suez Crisis, fighting apartheid in South Africa and building a coalition to ban anti-personnel land mines in the 1990s, to name a few examples.

    Canada has done so because it’s been in the best interest of the country. A liberal, rules-based international order is a framework in which Canada can make a meaningful difference in global affairs disproportionate to its limited size and capabilities.

    It also makes for a more prosperous, stable and peaceful world. One where norms, rules and institutions constrain aggressive or malevolent world leaders and facilitates co-operation on global problems.

    But what can lessons from the past offer Canada in sustaining global order in an “America First” world. This is a policy espoused by the Trump administration that is focused inwards. It approaches international affairs as a transactional, zero-sum game.

    Learning from the past

    First, Canada is at its most effective when Canadians act in unison towards a common goal.

    During the Ethiopian famine in the 1980s, Canadians of all stripes and levels of government worked in tandem to organize a truly national response to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Regular citizens contributed more than $30 million — potentially saving over 700,000 people from starvation.

    This domestic political consensus also provided the requisite support for the federal government to co-ordinate an international famine relief effort. This was despite the resistance of Canada’s major allies in the U.S. and the U.K., due to the Marxist orientation of the Ethiopian government.

    Granted, few international causes offer such grounds for unity. Political polarization has only made this type of unity more difficult. And yet, as recent events (such as Trump’s threat to coerce Canada into becoming the 51st state) make clear, Canadians are willing to put aside their differences and rally together when there’s a coherent vision for the country rooted in its values and aspirations.

    Second, Canada needs to work closely with like-minded states through multilateral institutions — such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Under Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservative government, Canada relied on its membership in nearly every major international association to build and maintain the global coalition against South African apartheid.



    Read more:
    Brian Mulroney’s tough stand against apartheid is one of his most important legacies

    Australia, India, Zambia and Zimbabwe emerged as key partners. Such efforts entailed both political and economic costs. But there was a reason why one of Nelson Mandela’s first visits following his release from prison in 1990 was to Canada.

    By redoubling its engagement in international organizations, Canada can punch above its weight in world affairs and shape global priorities. It also provides a counter to the influence of the United States in Canadian foreign policy.

    Third, the U.S. is more than its president. Canada can still cultivate ties with Americans beyond the White House. Returning to the Mulroney government, Ottawa’s efforts to persuade the Ronald Reagan administration to negotiate restrictions on emissions resulting in acid rain were unsuccessful.

    Nonetheless, by lobbying congressional leaders in impacted states and partnering with environmental non-governmental organizations, Canada and the U.S. eventually agreed to the 1991 Air Quality Agreement.

    Surviving hostile administrations

    Canada should also be realistic about the degree to which it can diversify its economic and diplomatic relationships outside of the U.S.

    In the early 1970s, President Richard Nixon imposed a 10 per cent surcharge on Canadian imports. Then, just as it is now, Ottawa looked for alternative markets to offset Canada’s dependency on the Americans. These initiatives ultimately failed to materialize — but the surcharge was rescinded. Canada-U.S. relations ultimately survived the Nixon administration.

    Similarly, while Trump has offered a stark reminder that Canada needs to take an active role in sustaining the rules-based international order on which it depends, the ties that bind the two countries together are deeper and longer-lasting than any one administration or government.

    Even so, with a world in chaos, Canada needs to step up to defend international norms and institutions. It has done so in the past and can do so again — provided it develops a coherent foreign policy strategy moving forward.

    Daniel Manulak receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. How to sustain international order in an ‘America First’ world – https://theconversation.com/how-to-sustain-international-order-in-an-america-first-world-248364

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Cramer Announce Reintroduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Develop New Technology to Identify and Plug Orphaned Wells

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Bipartisan Bill Builds on Successful Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Initiative Championed by Luján and Cramer to Clean Orphaned Wells;
    Orphaned Wells Can Be Hazardous to Public Health and Safety
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) announced the reintroduction the Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA) to identify and remediate abandoned gas and oil wells, which can leak methane, contaminate groundwater, and create community safety risks. The AWRRDA builds on Senators Luján and Cramer’s REGROW Act, which was adopted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and put skilled energy workers back to work to plug abandoned wells. Despite the progress of the REGROW Act, methods for identifying and remediating abandoned wells are currently not well developed. Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-Pa.) leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Senators Luján and Cramer’s AWRRDA will authorize funding to enhance the abandoned well remediation programs currently authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by ensuring that funds are dedicated to thoroughly researched efforts that maximize benefits for affected communities and the energy sector. Specifically, the AWRRDA will support the Department of Energy’s efforts to develop:
    Technology to detect and catalog abandoned wells more rapidly and efficiently, such as remote sensors and optical gas imaging;
    Methods to more accurately quantify methane emissions and how they are affected by well age, geology and other factors;
    Processes to plug and remediate abandoned wells more efficiently, economically, and sustainably;
    Innovative alternative uses for abandoned wells, including geothermal power production or carbon dioxide storage, which will create entirely new economic sectors that leverage abandoned and hazardous infrastructure; and
    An improved understanding of abandoned well impacts on groundwater quality.
    “In New Mexico and across the country, abandoned wells pose serious environmental harm and threaten the health of our communities. That’s why our REGROW Act works to cut methane emissions and lessen public health risks, but more research and development is needed to help identify the thousands of abandoned wells nationwide,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Cramer to build upon our work in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to further develop technology to identify and plug abandoned wells to prevent public health risks, create jobs, and boost economic growth.”
    “North Dakota is a leader in remediating abandoned wells,” said Senator Cramer. “Our legislation builds on the successes of REGROW and keeps the momentum going. It invests in new and innovative ways to track the problem, mitigate any damage, and hopefully prevent degradation in the future. This will help more land be returned to productive use and address safety issues.”
    Full text of the bill is available here. Endorsement quotes can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, FBI arrest high-ranking MS-13 leader who controlled gang activities in U.S., Mexico, Europe

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI apprehended an illegal Salvadoran alien charged in his home country with possession of firearm, extorsion and terrorist affiliation when officers arrested David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, 27, in Hyattsville, Maryland, Feb. 27.

    “The apprehension of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman strikes a significant blow to the leadership and organization of the MS-13 terrorist organization,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “This arrest speaks volumes about the cooperation enjoyed between ICE and the FBI. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our communities.”

    Orellana is a high-ranking leader in the MS-13 transnational terrorist organization and controlled the operation of MS-13 cliques in the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

    “Maryland is immediately safer because of this arrest. Working together, we took custody of one of the highest-ranking gang members in the United States,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman is no longer in his alleged position of power directing violence. His arrest demonstrates the success we can have when we collectively investigate and disrupt violent criminals seeking to exploit our communities.”

    Authorities in El Salvador arrested Orellana Dec. 1, 2016, and charged him for possession of a firearm, extorsion and terrorist affiliation as a documented member of MS-13.

    Orellana illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested Orellana Dec. 9, 2024, and charged him for driving without a license.

    Orellana remains in ICE custody following his arrest.

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

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: Children and workers will suffer the cost of Linda McMahon’s plans to cut education

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in opposition to Linda McMahon’s confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Education:

    “Billionaires led by Elon Musk are hellbent on dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, and wrestling mogul Linda McMahon is ready and willing to do their bidding. She has no reservations about hollowing out the agency responsible for ensuring equal educational opportunities for the nation’s 50 million public school students or protecting the civil rights of students with disabilities, English learners, and students from low-income and rural communities. Having spent her entire career padding the profits of corporate shareholders, it’s no surprise she supports vouchers that siphon funding away from public schools that serve 90 percent of our communities’ schoolchildren.

    “Children and public school workers will suffer the cost of understaffed schools, larger classroom sizes, and fewer extracurricular opportunities – all to give tax cuts to the wealthy. But AFSCME members won’t stand for it. They are among the millions of workers across this nation who have dedicated their careers to educating and supporting America’s children and youth. They don’t do it to get rich – they do it because they believe in the next generation, and we will be standing together against any attack on students.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Invites Minnesota Farmer as Guest to Joint Address

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced that Gary Wertish, a third-generation farmer from Renville County and President of the Minnesota Farmers Union, will be her guest at President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4. 2025.

    “Gary represents so many family farmers and other Minnesotans who are worried about making ends meet because of the Administration’s proposed tariffs, funding freezes, and mass layoffs,” said Klobuchar. “He will be a voice for all Minnesota farmers at the President’s Joint Address.”

    “Family farmers are used to watching the skies and hoping for favorable weather. Now they are watching Washington and wondering what a potential trade war, layoffs at local USDA offices, and proposed cuts to Farm Bill programs are going to mean for their farms and communities,” said Wertish. “This only adds to uncertainty and challenges going into spring planting. We’re grateful Senator Klobuchar is working to build bipartisan support for stable trading relationships and a new Farm Bill. I’m honored by her invitation.”

    Gary Wertish ran a diversified grain and livestock farm and now assists his son, Tom, in operating their family farm near Renville. He was elected Minnesota Farmers Union President in January 2017, is a member of the National Farmers Union board of directors, and a member of the NFU Executive Committee. Wertish is a board member of Farmers Union Enterprises and serves as the livestock facilitator for the World Farmers Organization Livestock Working Group. He has served on MFU and NFU policy committees and as an MFU field representative. 

    Since 1991, Wertish has served as a supervisor for Emmet Township in Renville County. He also served nine years as a director and president of the Renville Volunteer Ambulance Service. From 1993 to 1999, Gary served on the USDA’s Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Sweeteners, and presently is a member of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds. From 2001 to 2007, Wertish served as then-Senator Mark Dayton’s Agricultural Director.

    Wertish graduated from Renville High School and Willmar Area Vocational Technical Institute, with a degree in agriculture business management. He and his wife, Jeanne, are the parents of four adult children.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Extends Al-Shabaab Sanctions Regime, Renews Panel of Experts in Resolution 2776 (2025)

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The Security Council today extended its authorization for Member States to intercept vessels transporting banned items to and from Somalia, including illegal arms imports and charcoal exports, until 13 December 2025, also renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime until 13 January 2026.

    Unanimously adopting resolution 2776 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2776(2025)), the 15-member Council — acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations — decided that “all States shall, for the purposes of preventing Al-Shabaab and other actors intent on undermining peace and security in Somalia and the region from obtaining weapons and ammunition, take the necessary measures to prevent all deliveries of weapons, ammunition and military equipment to Somalia.” 

    It further decided that these measures shall not apply to deliveries or supplies to the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Somali National Army, the National Intelligence and Security Agency, the Somali National Police Force and the Somali Custodial Corps.

    Several Council members spoke after the vote.  The representative of Guyana, also speaking for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, said they supported the Council’s decision “because we continue to ascribe importance to these elements in the fight against Al-Shabaab”.  However, such regime should be assessed to determine its fitness to support the Government’s efforts to combat the group.

    In that regard, she welcomed the mandate given to the Secretary-General to assess the relevant arms embargo and report to the Council on this by 1 November 2025.  She also welcomed the Council’s intention to review the propriety of the sanctions regime once that report is received.  She added: “We urge the Council’s continued support and attention to the priorities identified by the [Government] during that review.”

    “This resolution retains a powerful package of sanctions designed to further degrade Al-Shabaab, disrupt its finances, strengthen international collaboration, and support Somalia in building its own capabilities,” observed the United Kingdom’s delegate.  The adopted resolution also recognizes the particular concern posed by flows of weapons from Yemen to Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s links to the Houthis are part of a wider pattern of Houthi destabilising activity beyond Yemen’s borders, she said, adding that the 2713 and 2140 sanctions committees “should coordinate closely to monitor and counter this trend”. 

    Other speakers also expressed concern for the flow of arms from Yemen to Somalia, with France’s saying the movement violates the relevant arms embargo.  “It is vital to prevent Al-Shabaab from establishing and exploiting ties with groups under sanctions in the region — including the Houthis,” he stressed.

    Echoing a similar sentiment, the representative from the United States expressed concern about growing ties between Al-Shabaab and the Houthis.  He encouraged dialogue between the Yemen and Al-Shabaab sanctions panels and countries in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula “to shed light on and ultimately sever the ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab”.  If fully implemented by Member States, the measures in this resolution will curb Al-Shabaab’s and other non-State actors’ access to funds and weapons needed to carry out attacks.  “We urge our fellow Council members to support additional designations, including those of Al-Shabaab operatives,” he added.

    However, the representative of the Russian Federation countered that “the Yemen issue needs to be considered separately”.  The draft contains elements that meet the aspirations of the Somalian side regarding the upcoming review of the sanctions regime, which has been in effect since 1992, she said, welcoming the restriction on access to weapons acquisition by non-State bodies.  She further stated:  “The Council should pay greater attention to the positions expressed by African States, especially when parameters are being determined for the sanctions regime used against the terrorists which are active on their territories.”

    “Al-Shabaab’s ability to radicalize, recruit, raise funds via extortion and piracy and procure weapons must be disrupted,” stressed Pakistan’s delegate.  Continued humanitarian assistance and support for economic development of Somalia is vital to addressing the root causes of terrorism.  “Fighting the scourge of terrorism would require a united regional and global effort,” he emphasized.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: AHS third-party investigation: DM McPherson

    “While serving as Acting Deputy Minister of Executive Council, Premier Danielle Smith asked me to establish a credible, independent, third-party investigation into the procurement processes used by the Government of Alberta and AHS and their outcomes.

    “I have informed Premier Smith that the Honourable Raymond E. Wyant, former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba, will lead this investigation. I asked Premier Smith to issue a ministerial order to facilitate his work and she has done so. Judge Wyant’s work on this matter begins immediately.

    “Judge Wyant was appointed to the Manitoba bench in 1998 before becoming Chief Judge in 2002. Prior to his service on the bench, Judge Wyant worked as a criminal defence lawyer and Crown attorney and was acting deputy director of Manitoba prosecutions at the time of his appointment to the Bench. He has also taught law for many years at Robson Hall at the University of Manitoba.

    “Judge Wyant will review the relevant legislation, regulations and policies related to procurement typically used by Government of Alberta departments and agencies, specifically AHS, and their application to the procurement of pharmaceuticals and to services offered by chartered surgical facilities. Questions that Judge Wyant will consider are outlined in the attached terms of reference, and include whether or not any elected official, Government of Alberta or AHS employee, or other individuals, acted improperly during the procurement processes. Judge Wyant will make recommendations to the government for improvement or further action as appropriate.

    “Appointed under the Government Organization Act, Judge Wyant will operate independently of government. The Government of Alberta will provide Judge Wyant with access to all relevant documents held by its departments and AHS, as well as facilitate interviews with relevant individuals. 

    “Judge Wyant has been given a budget of $500,000 to undertake this important work, including to retain legal and audit assistance at his discretion. He is being paid $31,900 per month, which is the same remuneration rate as the Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice.

    “To ensure additional independence, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction will hold the budget for this third-party investigation.  

    “Judge Wyant will deliver an interim written report by May 30, 2025. A final written report and recommendations will be delivered by June 30, 2025, and it will be posted on alberta.ca.”

    Related information

    • Ministerial Order and Terms of Reference
    • Biography of Judge Raymond E. Wyant

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Crypto Task Force to Host Roundtable on Security Status

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that its Crypto Task Force will host a series of roundtables to discuss key areas of interest in the regulation of crypto assets. The “Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity” series will begin on March 21 with its inaugural roundtable, “How We Got Here and How We Get Out – Defining Security Status.”

    The initial roundtable on March 21 is open to the public and will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the SEC’s headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. Please note that the number of in-person participants may be limited and visitors will be subject to security checks. The primary discussion will be streamed live on SEC.gov, and a recording will be posted at a later date. In addition to the roundtable, all attendees will be able to participate in small group breakout sessions which will not be broadcast. Information regarding the agenda and roundtable speakers will be posted on the Crypto Task Force webpage in the coming days.

    “I am looking forward to drawing on the expertise of the public in developing a workable regulatory framework for crypto,” said Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, who is leading the Crypto Task Force. “The roundtables are an important part of our engagement with the public.”

    Launched on January 21 by Acting SEC Chairman Mark T. Uyeda, the Crypto Task Force was established to help the Commission draw clear regulatory lines, provide realistic paths to registration, craft sensible disclosure frameworks, and deploy enforcement resources judiciously.

    Members of the public are able to communicate directly on this and other topics and request a meeting with the Crypto Task Force here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Staff Facilitates Capital Formation for Companies Planning Public Offerings

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    We make markets work better.

    Founded to help our country respond to the Great Depression, we’re the agency that protects investors from misconduct, promotes fairness & efficiency in the securities markets, and facilitates capital formation for those looking to hire, innovate, and grow.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Most Transparent Administration in History!

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

    President Trump Hosts the First Cabinet Meeting

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3EBZRRU1BA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Welcomes the Prime Minister of the UK

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmQjf_j44O4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed, SASC Colleagues Demand Answers on Abrupt Firings of JAG Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and ten of their SASC colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, demanding answers regarding the recent abrupt dismissals of several Judge Advocate Generals (JAG).

    In addition to demanding legal justification for these dismissals, the lawmakers requested documentation of the decision-making process, and a response to several oversight questions. The letter also expressed serious concerns about statements made by Secretary Hegseth regarding these actions.

    “By arbitrarily and baselessly removing duly selected and highly qualified JAG officers, the Administration undermines the military justice system and has interfered with the independent legal counsel that uniformed attorneys provide to commanders and the Department itself,” the 12 Senators wrote. “Such removals create an unmistakable chilling effect, signaling to all judge advocates that their positions are contingent not upon their legal expertise and adherence to the law, but rather upon political or personal loyalty. Further, this move undermines the rigorous selection and confirmation process established by Congress.”

    The JAG Corps provides critical independent legal advice to servicemembers and serves as a key component in our military’s operational readiness. JAG officers provide guidance on military justice, international law, operational law, administrative compliance, and ethics, helping to ensure that the U.S. military operates within the bounds of national and international legal frameworks. In their letter, the senators emphasized that in addition to violating federal law, these dismissals also undermine the integrity of the military justice system and effectively politicize military legal advice.

    “Such actions by the Administration amount to a betrayal of public trust and an erosion of the apolitical foundation of our military legal system,” the lawmakers continued. “These arbitrary dismissals are a direct violation of their statutory protections. It sends a dangerous message that military legal professionals who provide objective, legally sound advice may be removed at will, thereby making it impossible for the JAG Corps to function as prescribed by law.”

    The lawmakers also expressed their serious concerns over Secretary Hegseth’s statements following the dismissals, which undermined the JAG officers’ qualifications and the critical, apolitical role they play in ensuring adherence to the Constitution, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and international law. The letter emphasized that Secretary Hegseth’s plan to demote JAG leadership would reduce oversight and eliminate guardrails meant to ensure military operations comply with international law, potentially exposing U.S. forces to war crimes allegations, damaging alliances, and undermining our country’s global leadership.

    “The independence of military legal professionals must be preserved, and any actions that erode this independence must be rectified without delay,” the Senators concluded. “Failing to integrate JAGs into military planning who are free to give independent legal advice to the commander threatens not only compliance with the law but also the safety and effectiveness of U.S. forces.”

    In addition to Senators Reed and Hirono, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

    The full text of the letter follows:

    March 3, 2025

    Secretary Hegseth:

    The Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps is an essential pillar of our military, ensuring adherence to the rule of law, upholding the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and providing critical independent legal advice to commanders at all levels. The JAG Corps is not only a vital element in maintaining good order and discipline within our armed forces, but it is also a key component of operational readiness. By law, JAG officers provide guidance on military justice, international law, operational law, administrative compliance, and ethics, ensuring that our warfighters operate within the bounds of national and international legal frameworks. The stability and impartiality of the JAG Corps are paramount, and any undue interference in its functioning directly impacts the effectiveness and credibility of our military.

    We write to you with deep concern regarding the recent relief of Judge Advocate Generals. This action not only undermines the integrity of the military justice system but also appears to be in direct violation of federal law, specifically 10 U.S.C. §§ 7037(e) (Army) and 9037(f) (Air Force). The Army statute explicitly states: “No officer or employee of the Department of Defense may interfere with— (1) the ability of the Judge Advocate General to give independent legal advice to the Secretary of the Army or the Chief of Staff of the Army; or (2) the ability of judge advocates of the Army assigned or attached to, or performing duty with, military units to give independent legal advice to commanders.” The Air Force and Navy statutes contain substantively identical language.

    By arbitrarily and baselessly removing duly selected and highly qualified JAG officers, the Administration undermines the military justice system and has interfered with the independent legal counsel that uniformed attorneys provide to commanders and the Department itself. Such removals create an unmistakable chilling effect, signaling to all judge advocates that their positions are contingent not upon their legal expertise and adherence to the law, but rather upon political or personal loyalty. Further, this move undermines the rigorous selection and confirmation process established by Congress.

    We are also deeply troubled by your follow-up statement after the firings where you said, “We want lawyers who give sound constitutional advice and don’t exist to attempt to be roadblocks.” This characterization of legal advisors within the military undermines the critical apolitical role they play in ensuring adherence to the Constitution, the UCMJ, and international law. Military lawyers are not “roadblocks” as you describe; they are guardrails, ensuring that orders issued by commanders are lawful and the armed forces uphold the principles that distinguish our military from those that serve autocrats around the world. Furthermore, your assertion that the selection process for senior legal officers is an “insulated” system that perpetuates the status quo disregards the legal framework established by 10 U.S.C. Chapter 36, which specifically governs the appointment, promotion, and selection of military officers, including those of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. This is not a self-perpetuating bureaucracy; it is a system codified by law to ensure that those entrusted with legal oversight are experienced, competent, and independent enough to provide candid legal counsel, even under difficult circumstances. Undermining this structure risks politicizing the military and eroding the very professionalism that has long been its foundation.

    We are also troubled that you plan to reduce the rank of JAG leadership from a three-star to a two-star general or flag officer. This position was elevated to three-stars to signal the United States’ commitment to the rule of law as the foundation of good decisions and to ensure they could advise policymakers on our most critical national security decisions, following the abuses at Abu Ghraib. Demoting the military’s champions for lawfulness sends a clear and troubling message across the force. JAGs play a crucial role in ensuring the U.S. military complies with international law, including the DoD Law of War Manual, DoD Directive 3000.09, and the Army Field Manual on Interrogation, which govern the conduct of armed conflict, the use of autonomous weapon systems, and authorized military interrogation techniques. Without independent legal counsel, military operations risk violating international law, exposing U.S. forces to war crimes allegations, damaging alliances, and undermining global legitimacy. The absence of sound legal advice can lead to unlawful targeting decisions, excessive use of force, or misuse of emerging technologies, increasing operational and strategic risks. It endangers uniformed service members by ceding moral high ground to our adversaries in their own conduct and prosecution of armed conflict.

    Such actions by the Administration amount to a betrayal of public trust and an erosion of the apolitical foundation of our military legal system. These arbitrary dismissals are a direct violation of their statutory protections. It sends a dangerous message that military legal professionals who provide objective, legally sound advice may be removed at will, thereby making it impossible for the JAG Corps to function as prescribed by law.

    Given these grave concerns, we demand immediate clarification on the legal justification for these reliefs and an explanation as to how these actions comply with Title 10 statutes governing the selection and tenure of JAG officers. Additionally, we request a detailed account of the individuals involved in the decision-making process and any documentation that led to these dismissals.

    To facilitate proper congressional oversight, we request responses to the following questions by March 13, 2025:

    1. What is the legal basis for the removal of these JAG officers?
    2. Were any communications or directives issued to justify these removals? If so, please provide them for review.
    3. Do you plan to appoint two- or three-star officers to replace these JAG officers?
    4. What analysis has the Department conducted to determine that the replacements for these JAG officers should be two-stars?
    5. How does the Department plan to ensure the continued independence of the JAG Corps in light of these dismissals?
    6. Were any external political or administrative pressures exerted on the decision to remove these officers?
    7. How will the Department mitigate the chilling effect this decision has had on the ability of JAG officers to provide independent legal counsel?
    8. What measures will be put in place to restore trust in the military justice system and prevent similar actions in the future?
    9. Will you follow the legally-prescribed process in selecting the next Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force?

    The rule of law is a foundational pillar of our nation, and the DoD must uphold it without exception. The independence of military legal professionals must be preserved, and any actions that erode this independence must be rectified without delay. Failing to integrate JAGs into military planning who are free to give independent legal advice to the commander threatens not only compliance with the law but also the safety and effectiveness of U.S. forces. As you committed at your confirmation hearing to respond promptly to the committee, we expect a response to these straightforward questions, along with full transparency in addressing the damage these firings have inflicted upon the military justice system.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Invites Fired Fredericksburg Park Ranger to State of the Union

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today announced that Ms. Ashley Ranalli of Fredericksburg will attend as his guest to President Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday, March 4. Ms. Ranalli was employed as a National Park Service (NPS) ranger at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park until last month, when – despite exemplary performance reviews – she became one of an estimated 1,000-plus Park Service workers who were indiscriminately fired by the Trump administration due to their “probationary” employment status, joining thousands of other federal workers who were fired without cause as part of Elon Musk and President Trump’s attacks on the workforce. Ms. Ranalli, 41, is a survivor of thyroid cancer and now has no health insurance.

    “Ashley Ranalli is one of the many dedicated public servants who have been forced out of their jobs serving Americans by President Trump and Elon Musk. Our national parks are places where we connect with nature, our shared history and one another, and that is made possible by the hard work of national park rangers, whose dedication, expertise, and passion not only safeguard our landscapes and wildlife but also help preserve the stories and history that make these places so special. These indiscriminate cuts of Park Service personnel are devastating to the parks and their local communities,” said Sen. Warner. “I am glad that Ashley is able to join as my guest for the address to Congress, so that President Trump can look out into the audience and face a Virginian directly affected by his short-sighted and reckless choices.”

    “Becoming a national park ranger was my dream and after years of dedication and hard work, it finally became a reality, only to be ripped away,” said Ms. Ranalli. “I am devastated by the effect the purge of federal employees has had on Fredericksburg, a community that I love and which relies upon federal workers and tourism dollars from the national park. When I come to Washington, I hope to represent not just my fellow park rangers, but also to be a voice for the people, communities and small businesses that are suffering because of political choices being made in our nation’s capital.”

    When Ashley Ranalli was hired as a volunteer and youth program coordinator at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in the fall, it was the culmination of years of effort and hard work. Prior to becoming a park ranger, Ashley was a public school English teacher who spent her summers working as a seasonal worker for the National Park Service, living away from her family at various NPS sites in Virginia in order to demonstrate commitment to the job and distinguish herself from a pool of largely younger candidates. On February 14, she received a layoff notice from the Department of the Interior, despite a recent performance review that described her work as “excellent” and “outstanding,” and which noted that she “goes the extra mile” when working with visitors, volunteers, and colleagues.

    While the administration has declined to make public the exact scope of the cuts at NPS and the duties and locations of those affected by the layoffs, the National Parks Conservation Association estimates that in a period of just weeks, nine percent of NPS staff have been lost to mass firings and resignations, in addition to hundreds of vacant positions that can’t be filled due to the ongoing hiring freeze. In addition, the National Park Service has been directed to identify more cuts as part of the larger Reduction in Force (RIF) efforts.

    Warner is the author of the Great American Outdoors Act, one of the largest-ever investments in conservation and public lands in our nation’s history. Signed into law by President Trump in 2020, the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act provided billions of dollars to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands after years of underinvestment led a massive backlog in needed maintenance and repairs to Park Service sites. In Virginia alone, Warner’s Great American Outdoors Act has provided over $470 million for projects at Virginia’s 22 park service units and supported thousands of jobs – investments that are now being undermined by the Trump administration’s reckless layoffs that threaten safe operations at the parks ahead of the peak summer season. Last month, Warner led the Virginia delegation in writing the Secretary of the Interior, pushing the administration to reverse the cuts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Kaine Reintroduce Legislation to Designate Blue Ridge Music Center’s Amphitheater after Former Rep. Rick Boucher

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) reintroduced legislation to formally designate the Blue Ridge Music Center’s outdoor amphitheater the “Rick Boucher Amphitheater” after former Rep. Rick Boucher.

    “We are deeply appreciative of Congressman Boucher’s commitment to public service, and his continued work for Southwest Virginia,” the senators said. “We can think of no better way to honor his years of public service than by dedicating this treasured music center, which he championed during his years in office, after him.”

    Former Rep. Boucher, an Abingdon native, represented Southwest Virginia’s ninth congressional district in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 2011. Rep. Boucher was an early supporter of the development of the Blue Ridge Music Center and continued to advocate for the project throughout his tenure. He also served as the Chairman of the U.S. House Energy Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet as well as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality while in Congress.

    Located in Galax, VA, the Blue Ridge Music Center is home to a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater, indoor interpretive center, and the Roots of American Music Museum, which highlights the historical significance of the region’s musical culture. The museum was featured in USA TODAY’s Top 10 Best Free Museums in the United States for 2025. The Blue Ridge Music Center is operated by the National Park Service with musical programming coordinated through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. On August 25, 2022, Sen. Kaine toured the center and performed at Midday Mountain Music.

    The legislation previously passed the Senate on December 23, 2022 but did not pass the House of Representatives before the end of the 117th Congress.

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Statement on Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement regarding today’s Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

    “I met with President Zelenskyy today as part of a senatorial delegation, and reaffirmed my long-held position that Putin is a dictator who’s not interested in giving up his imperial ambitions. The Constitution makes clear foreign negotiations are led by the President. President Trump wants peace for the Ukrainian people and an end to the bloodshed caused by Putin’s brutal invasion.”

    Grassley recently reflected on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a Senate floor speech.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Conference by Security Council President on Programme of Work for March

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Security Council’s programme of work for March will feature a signature event on increasing the adaptability of peace operations, while also leaving space for additional meetings on new developments, its President for the month said at a Headquarters press conference today.

    Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark), who holds the 15-member organ’s rotating presidency for this month, said the open debate on ensuring that peace operations adapt and respond to new realities, to be held on 24 March, will be chaired by her country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen.  The aim is to “simply to have an honest look” at peacekeeping, she said.

    Denmark will preside over the European Union’s annual briefing to the Council, under the agenda item on cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organizations, to be delivered by the newly-appointed European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.  Stressing that European security architecture is key to the stability of the continent and the wider neighbourhood, she noted that the Union is not only a strategic partner to the United Nations but also a humanitarian and development partner.

    The monthly programme for March focuses on the mandated meetings “because it’s already a very packed agenda”, she said.  “By not stuffing the programme, we are leaving, of course, slots open for the Council to consider new developments as they may arise,” she said, noting that Denmark will also prioritize themes such a women, peace and security and climate, peace and security.

    Her country is returning to the presidency of the Council after 20 years — it will strive “to be constructive, creative and consistent”, she said.  Denmark will bring its strong faith in international law and the Charter of the United Nations into the country-specific files.  “We’ll first and foremost try to be an honest broker” in this difficult and challenging time, she said.

    The quarterly briefing on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is scheduled on the first day of the Commission on Status of Women, she pointed out, adding that this is not completely a coincidence.  “We do want to have a special focus during the meeting on the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan,” she said.  

    Noting several mandated meetings concerning the Middle East, from Gaza to Yemen to Syria to Lebanon, she said that the Council on 27 March will hold a briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, it will monitor that and other crises, and if there are developments that warrant holding a meeting sooner, it will do so.  “We’ve learned that the hard way,” she added.

    She also responded to several questions posed by media correspondents, many of which concerned Ukraine.  While there is hope for “some kind of breakthrough” at the moment, she highlighted the need to ensure “the right terms”.  It is crucial to not reward the aggressor and punish the victim, she added, reaffirming the need to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  There is no doubt about who the threat is, she said, stressing that there must be consequences for invading a neighbouring country.

    As to whether the United Nations has been sidelined on this issue, she pointed to the General Assembly debate last week which aired many concerns.  The resolution that was adopted provides a framework for the many conversations that are happening currently, she said, adding that the United States delegation has clearly articulated a vision to try to move the needle and change the current stalemate.  But Ukraine has to be present when Ukraine is being discussed, and Europe should be participating when its security is being discussed, she said, noting the European amendments to the United States draft text.

    Europe must ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position when negotiations happen, she said.  In per capita terms, Denmark is the biggest contributor of military support to Ukraine right now and will continue to support it, she affirmed.

    Responding to a question about the provision in Chapter VI of the Charter, which would bar a party to the conflict that is the subject of a Council resolution from participating in a vote concerning that text, she pointed out that for this to work, “everybody would have to agree on that”.  It is difficult to see the Permanent Five members of the Council agreeing to such a solution because that would have to be applied to other situations as well.  When the correspondent followed up that answer by noting that it is a procedural issue and therefore would only require a majority vote, she replied:  “in principle, yes, I think you’re right, but I don’t think anybody thinks this is really realistic.”

    Regarding United States President Donald J. Trump’s demand that the Denmark Government give Greenland to his country, she said it is indeed necessary to strengthen security around the Arctic and the High North.  But Greenland belongs to Greenlanders and its future is for them to decide.  Noting that Greenland is an integrated part of Denmark, she said independence is possible, if Greenlanders decide so.

    Several correspondents posed questions concerning Gaza, Israel’s violations and the viability of the two-State solution.  Ms. Lassen noted several meetings concerning the Middle East on the Council’s agenda in March as well as the Arab League Summit on 4 March.  Many positive things have come out of the ceasefire agreement, she said, expressing concern that Hamas is rejecting the extension of its first phase, while Israel is blocking humanitarian aid.  Both parties must continue to negotiate phase 2 of the agreement and eventually make the ceasefire permanent.

    As to why Denmark has not recognized Palestine, she said that “it is not just us”.  This recognition should happen as part of a larger negotiation, she said, adding:  “We need to use that chip when it really, really matters.”

    For the full programme of work, please see:  www.un.org/securitycouncil/events/calendar.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 216, Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 216 would authorize annual appropriations for the Marine Debris Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and would authorize a single-year appropriation for the Marine Debris Foundation. The bill would allow the foundation to match contributions from foreign governments and from tribal and regional organizations. Both the program and the foundation support efforts to remove plastics, discarded fishing gear, and other harmful materials from the marine environment.

    CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted in 2025 and that the authorized amounts will be provided in each year. On that basis, and using historical spending patterns, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $77 million over the 2025-2030 period. The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).

    Marine Debris Program

    S. 216 would reauthorize the appropriation of $15 million annually from 2025 through 2029 for NOAA to operate the Marine Debris Program. In 2024, NOAA allocated $36 million for the program. CBO estimates that implementing this provision would cost $75 million over the 2025-2030 period.

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 216
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Marine Debris Program

    		              

    Authorization

    15

    15

    15

    15

    15

    0

    75

    Estimated Outlays

    13

    15

    15

    15

    15

    2

    75

    Marine Debris Foundation

    		              

    Authorization

    2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    Estimated Outlays

    1

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    Total Increases

    		              

    Authorization

    17

    15

    15

    15

    15

    0

    77

    Estimated Outlays

    14

    16

    15

    15

    15

    2

    77

    Marine Debris Foundation

    The bill would authorize the appropriation of $2 million in 2025 for the Marine Debris Foundation to match external contributions. An appropriation of $10 million a year was authorized for the foundation to match contributions from private individuals or from state and local governments but that authorization expired at the end of 2024; the Congress has not appropriated any funds for the foundation to date. The bill would allow the foundation to match contributions from foreign governments, tribal governments and organizations, and other regional organizations. CBO estimates that implementing this provision would cost $2 million over the 2025-2030 period.

    The foundation is authorized to invest appropriated funds in Treasury securities and to spend any credited interest without further appropriation. The collection and spending of contributions as well as the spending of credited interest are classified in the budget as direct spending. CBO estimates that the net effect on direct spending from the additional contributions to the foundation would be insignificant over the 2025-2035 period because those collections would be spent quickly. CBO also expects that the spending of any interest credited to the foundation would be insignificant.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aurora Swanson. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –