NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two previously deported individuals charged with illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. –Acting U.S. Attorney Joel Louis Violanti announced today that Manuel Alejandro Estrada-Gonzalez, 31, of Mexico, and Juan Carlos Castro-Cidcas, 44, of El Salvador, were arrested and charged in separate complaints with illegal re-entry after deportation, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Charles M. Kruly, who are handling the cases, stated that according to the complaint against Manuel Alejandro Estrada-Gonzalez, on February 20, 2025, Estrada-Gonzalez was identified as a suspected illegal alien staying at the Buffalo Airport Inn in Cheektowaga, NY. U.S. Border Patrol Agents surveilled the area and located Estrada-Gonzales. He was arrested at the scene. A records check determined that Estrada-Gonzales was ordered removed by an immigration officer twice, once in January 2019,  and a second time in February 2019.

    According to the complaint against Juan Carlos Castro-Cidcas, on February 11, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol Agents were conducting surveillance in Cheektowaga. A records check of a vehicle parked at the Hilton Garden Inn came back to an illegal alien from El Salvador, later identified as Castra-Cidcas. On February 12, 2025, agents returned to the area to conduct further surveillance and spotted him getting into the vehicle. Agents approached Castra-Cidcas but he refused to exit the vehicle. He did exit the vehicle after Cheektowaga Police were called, at which time he was taken into custody. A records check determined that Castra-Cidcas was previously removed from the country in August 2010, and November 2019.

    Estrada-Gonzalez and Castro-Cidcas made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Martin B. Coombs, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Promote Fair Trade and Remove Barriers for Iowa Agricultural Exports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is working to promote fair markets and protect American agricultural exports by bridging the gap between the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    She introduced the Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act to establish a joint task force between the USTR and the USDA focused on identifying trade barriers to agricultural exports and developing strategies for enforcing violations of trade agreements. The bill will also require the task force to report recommendations to Congress to address unfair practices or subsidies they identify.
    “In Iowa, trade directly impacts the everyday lives of our hardworking farmers and is critical to the success of our entire state,” said Senator Ernst. “Establishing a clearer channel of communication and breaking down the bureaucratic barriers between the USDA and USTR will help ensure Iowa farmers are on a level playing field when engaging with global markets.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Announces Open-to-all Town Hall for Oregonians on March 4

    US Senate News:

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

    February 28, 2025

    Senator Wyden: “Rather than attend the State of the Union, I’m choosing to hear from residents in the best state of the union.”

    Washington, DC –  U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he will co-host a live on-line town hall Tuesday night, March 4 with People’s Town Hall to offer all Oregonians the opportunity to ask questions, share their ideas and offer their views during the State of the Union speech.

    “In this unprecedented time in American history, my top priority is making sure Oregonians from every corner of our state can keep weighing in directly with me,” said Wyden, who’s held 1,105 open-to-all town halls throughout Oregon in fulfillment of his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of the state’s 36 counties. “Rather than attend the State of the Union, I’m choosing to hear from residents in the best state of the union. That’s been my priority at more than 1,100 town meetings. And there’s no reason to make different choices this Tuesday.”

    The on-line town hall on Tuesday, March 4 will begin at 6 pm PT (7 pm MT) and can be watched here on Facebook Live. Oregonians who want to ask a question during the virtual town hall can submit their questions in advance here.

    “Senator Wyden has long led the way in town hall accessibility,” said Nathan Williams of People’s Town Hall, a town hall series from the founders of Town Hall Project. “At this crucial moment in our democracy, we encourage Oregonians from across the state — and political spectrum — to join this conversation with their senior senator.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Sound the Alarm Over EPA Clean School Bus Program Funds Freeze

    US Senate News:

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

    February 28, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined their colleagues in demanding an update from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin on the distribution of funding for the Clean School Bus program to recipients with signed agreements and urging the EPA to immediately release any withheld funding.

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “To provide these health and cost savings benefits to our children and continue supporting the boom in electric bus manufacturing that is creating good-paying jobs across the country, the EPA must implement the Clean School Bus program as Congress directed. Following your confirmation hearing, you committed to the continued implementation of this program when you responded: ‘I commit to following the law. I cannot prejudge the outcome of any particular policy review.’ Recognizing that Congress authorizes and appropriates federal funding—and explicitly established the Clean School Bus program through a bipartisan vote— it is your duty to implement the program and ensure program awardees have confidence in working with the EPA and are receiving funding.” 

    Merkley and Wyden joined the letter led by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). It was also signed by Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). 

    The lawmakers request the following information by March 6, 2025:  

    1. For both rebates and grants under the Clean School Bus program, what is the status of the disbursement of already obligated funds to recipients? 
    2. On what legal basis did the EPA end its disbursement of already obligated funds for the program? Please identify the authority under which the EPA cut off funding. 
    3. If the disbursement of any obligated Clean School Bus Program grants and rebates currently remains frozen for any awardees, when will it resume? If you cannot provide a date, please explain why, including the legal basis for not resuming disbursements and an explanation of the EPA’s grant and rebate-review process. 
    4. Will you commit to following the law by obligating the remaining Clean School Bus program grants and rebates that have yet to be awarded, or that have been awarded but not yet disbursed, through FY2026? 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Recognizes Amber Morgan of Nashua as February’s Granite Stater of the Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    Published:

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Amber Morgan of Nashua as February’s Granite Stater of the Month. Through her flower shop, Fortin Gage Flowers, Amber offers special monthly floral arrangements and donates the proceeds to a local community group. In the two years that Amber has owned her flower shop, she has donated numerous bouquets and arrangements to charity events and local organizations across New Hampshire.

    Amber, an active member of the Nashua community, launched the Flowers for Good Campaign this year, highlighting different local organizations each month with a unique floral arrangement to spread awareness of groups in the area that are helping Granite Staters. Proceeds from the sale of these bouquets go directly to the organization, and each bouquet comes with an information card for the recipient to learn more about the group.

    Amber’s passion for uplifting local organizations is a wonderful example of the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile to support one’s community and is why Senator Hassan named her February’s Granite Stater of the Month.

    Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.

    To read Senator Hassan’s statement for the Congressional Record, see below.

    I am honored to recognize Amber Morgan of Nashua as February’s Granite Stater of the Month. Amber’s flower shop, Fortin Gage Flowers, sells a special floral arrangement every month and donates the proceeds to a local community group.

    Amber is an active member of the Nashua community. She sits on the city’s citizen advisory committee and has built relationships with many local organizations. In the two years that she has owned Fortin Gage Flowers, Amber has often donated bouquets for charity events.

    Amber’s new Flowers for Good Campaign spotlights a different organization every month with a unique bouquet. Amber donates proceeds from the sale of the arrangement to the organization and the recipient of the bouquet can learn about the group from an information card included with the flowers. Amber sees the campaign as a way to spread awareness of groups in the area that are helping Granite Staters in a fun and creative way.

    Amber’s passion for uplifting local organizations is a wonderful example of the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile to support your community. Her commitment to lifting up others is why I am proud to name her February’s Granite Stater of the Month.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Shaheen, and Congressman Pappas Hold Press Conference to Discuss Impact of Trump Job Cuts on Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Local Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    Portsmouth, NH – On Friday, February 28, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Congressman Chris Pappas held a press conference in Portsmouth to discuss the impact the Trump Administration is having on the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. They were joined by the Seacoast Shipyard Association, the Metal Trades Council, and representatives from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard unions to discuss how the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s executive orders and job cuts has led the Shipyard to pause hiring, and other impacts the administration’s actions may have.

    “The shipbuilding workforce at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is critical to maintaining our Navy’s crown jewel—the attack submarines that promote our national security around the globe,” said Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. “We know the Shipyard is already short-staffed so the last thing the Trump Administration should be doing is interfering with their recruitment efforts—these actions don’t make our region stronger nor our nation safer.” 

    “Granite Staters are alarmed and outraged at the Trump Administration’s move to weaken the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard by curtailing the Shipyard’s workforce,” said Senator Hassan. “The Portsmouth Naval shipyard is both a pillar of our national security, helping the United States remain on the cutting edge, and an engine for our economy, providing jobs for Granite Staters who want to do their part to keep our Navy strong.”

    “The men and women of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard do critically important work every day to ensure our nation’s readiness, strengthen New Hampshire’s local economy, and support our military for any battle that lies ahead. These skilled workers are essential for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to meet its critical mission and their job security should not be in question. But the actions we have seen in recent weeks across the federal government and in the Department of Defense, including hiring freezes, layoffs, and the cancelling of contracts, are dangerous and undermine our national security,” said Congressman Pappas. “The Department of Defense must fully exempt the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from these cuts and layoffs, and I will continue fighting to ensure they provide the clarity the Shipyard needs to meet its mission and ensure our country is strong and prepared for the future.”

    “The incredible women and men who make the vital work of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard possible are essential to keeping our state and country safe. Since I took the oath of office exactly two months ago today, I have met with shipyard employees and heard firsthand about the scope of their mission-critical work and the devastating impact that lawless actions of the Trump Administration have had on their lives,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee who previously served for more than a decade as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I will never stop fighting for the support and resources that our civilian and military workforce needs and deserves.”

    The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard provides maintenance for multiple types of ships, including the older Los Angeles-class submarines and newer Virginia-class submarines. It is one of just four public shipyards nationwide that maintain the US Navy’s submarine fleet. The Shipyard is also the region’s largest employer. In 2023, the latest available data, more than 7,400 civilian employees worked at the base with an economic impact exceeding $1.5 billion, according to the Seacoast Shipyard Association’s 2024 report.

    On Monday, February 24th, the Shipyard implemented a pause on hiring and recruiting in response to the Trump administration’s recent executive orders, job cuts, and the announcement of a Department of Defense (DOD) plan to reduce its workforce by laying off approximately 5,400 employees this week. The pause comes as the Shipyard has been working to hire large numbers of workers to increase capacity amid a $1.87 billion dry dock expansion.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the department’s work on Virginia-class submarines was among many priorities deemed “too important” to be included in the overall downsizing, but a spokesperson for him declined to say whether any jobs at the Shipyard would be exempt from ongoing terminations of probationary workers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Condemns Trump-Vance Attack Against Ukraine and Zelenskyy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, after President Trump and Vice President Vance held a press event with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, during which they ridiculed Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s war of survival against Russia, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

    “Today’s spectacle in the Oval Office was a political ambush and a shameful failure of American leadership.

    “President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine are fighting for their very lives and existence. Unlike Donald Trump or JD Vance, I have traveled to Ukraine and seen firsthand the death and destruction wrought by Vladimir Putin against innocent people. To mock Ukraine and our allies is a travesty that only benefits Putin.

    “Furthermore, today’s cruel and callous display does great harm to U.S. standing in the world. Trump and Vance are communicating to the world that the United States is not to be trusted. Adversaries and allies alike will take note.  

    “To my Republican colleagues, where is your voice? We are watching America’s leaders surrender to Russia, forfeit our leadership in the world, and do strategic harm to our country — and for what? This is not who we are, and silence is complicity.

    “I will always stand with Ukraine and place America’s national security interests above theatrics and craven partisanship.”

    Last night, Senator Reed spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to reject the Trump Administration’s weak, dangerous strategy toward Ukraine and NATO. His full remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Blasts Trump’s Staged Oval Office Stunt During Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: “We need to stand with our allies—not shout at them.”

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement in reaction to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s tumultuous meeting in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 
    “Today’s staged Oval Office dressing down of an American ally was a disgrace. President Trump and Vice President Vance’s behavior left the world with no question that the Trump Administration stands with Putin. That’s far from the message President Zelenskyy received this morning when a bipartisan group of colleagues and I met with him and said that America will not abandon the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unjust invasion. 
    “President Trump’s actions are dangerous for Ukraine, dangerous for Europe, and dangerous for the United States. We need to stand with our allies—not shout at them.” 

    Senator Welch meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Dallas removes Pakistani national identified as a national security priority

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DALLAS – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Dallas removed an illegally present Pakistani national identified as a national security priority to his home country Feb 25.  

    Syed Rizvi, 56, a Pakistani national was ordered removed from the U.S. after being identified by U.S. intelligence sources as a national security priority, designated as removable per the Immigration and Nationality Act.     

    “Illegal aliens suspected or known to have ties to organizations that threaten public safety will not find refuge in the U.S.” said Enforcement and Removals Operations Dallas Field Office acting Director Josh Johnson. “Our most important priority is to arrest and remove those who pose an imminent danger to the citizens of the U.S.” 

    Rizvi was residing in Dallas, Texas without authorization prior to his removal.

    ERO Dallas arrested Rizvi Jan. 31, following a routine traffic stop.  He was ordered removed by an immigration judge Jan. 24.

    Rizvi entered the United States legally Sep.20, 2017 near the New York port of entry and he violated the terms of his admission.

    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.

    For more news and information on ICE ERO’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws follow us on X at @ERODallas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by UNFPA Executive Director on the United States Government funding cuts

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, notes with deep regret the termination of all funding agreements by the United States Government. These 48 grants, totalling approximately $377 million, were awarded for UNFPA to provide critical maternal health care, protection from violence, rape treatment and other life-saving care in over 25 crisis-stricken countries, including Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, Haiti, Mali, Sudan, Syria and Ukraine.

    The vast majority of US funding supported UNFPA’s work in emergency settings. The termination includes 16 grants for which UNFPA had received a humanitarian waiver.

    Over the last four years, these life-saving investments prevented more than 17,000 maternal deaths, 9 million unintended pregnancies and nearly 3 million unsafe abortions by expanding access to voluntary family planning. And we reached over 13 million women and young people with sexual and reproductive health services like cervical cancer screening, contraception counselling, and prenatal and safe childbirth care. 

    This devastating decision will force thousands of health clinics to close. Women in crisis zones will be forced to give birth without medicines, midwives or equipment, putting their lives and their babies’ lives in jeopardy. Rape survivors will be denied counselling and medical care. Midwives delivering babies in the world’s worst humanitarian crises will lose their ability to function. Shipments of life-saving medical supplies to refugee camps will be disrupted.

    UNFPA hopes that the US Government will reconsider its stance and retain its position as a global leader working in partnership with UNFPA to alleviate the suffering of women and their families, often as a result of catastrophes not of their own making.

    So much good has been achieved during our more than five decades of close collaboration with the USA, a founding partner. With US support, UNFPA has helped strengthen health systems, save the lives of women, adolescent girls and newborns, and improve the economic prospects of families, communities and countries. 

    Countless studies show that investments in voluntary family planning and reproductive health lead to hundreds of billions in economic returns as girls continue their education and women rise through the workforce. This, in turn, contributes to the peace and prosperity people in the United States and around the world depend on.

    As committed humanitarians and human rights defenders, we at UNFPA will continue to work tirelessly with Member States, UN agencies and local partners, including women and youth-led organizations, to ensure the safety, dignity and freedom of every woman and girl. While circumstances and funding decisions may vary, our mandate and mission remain.

    • You will find a full list of the projects supported by the USA that have been terminated here.
    • For interview requests please contact Eddie Wright (based in NYC): ewright@unfpa.org; +1 917 831 2074

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Second Motion to Enforce Against Trump Administration Amid Ongoing Disruptions to Certain FEMA Funding

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, leading a coalition of 23 states, asked the District Court for the District of Rhode Island to enforce its temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the Trump Administration from implementing its unlawful federal funding freeze as to certain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding. The court granted an earlier motion to enforce amid reports of ongoing disruptions to infrastructure and energy funding. Still, despite multiple court orders, the Trump Administration has continued to block access hundreds of millions of dollars nationally in FEMA funding for critical emergency preparedness and recovery programs to address wildfires, floods, cybersecurity threats, and more.

    “We have been closely monitoring the Trump Administration’s compliance with a court order stopping its radical and unlawful funding freeze,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Despite clear instructions form the court, some states are continuing to experience disruptions in accessing vital FEMA funding. We’re again asking the court to enforce its order and ensure that the Trump Administration immediately reinstates access to this funding for states across the country.”

    In California, the motion to enforce addresses a FEMA grant awarded in 2022 to the Governor’s Office of Land Use & Climate Innovation under the National Flood Insurance Program, which was placed on hold on February 21, 2025. 

    BACKGROUND

    Last month, a coalition of 23 attorneys general, led by the attorneys general of California, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Massachusetts, sued the Trump Administration over its attempt to freeze up to $3 trillion in vital federal funding. The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island quickly granted the attorneys general’s request for a temporary restraining order, blocking the freeze’s implementation until further order from the court. Soon after, the attorneys general filed motions for enforcement and a preliminary injunction to stop the illegal freeze and preserve federal funding that Congress appropriated and that families, communities, and states rely on. The court granted the motion for enforcement, ordering the Administration to immediately comply with the temporary restraining order and stop unlawfully freezing federal funds. 

    In just this fiscal year, California is expected to receive $168 billion in federal funds – 34% of the state’s budget – not including funding for the state’s public college and university system. This includes $107.5 billion in funding for California’s Medicaid programs, which serve approximately 14.5 million Californians, including 5 million children and 2.3 million seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, over 9,000 full-time equivalent state employee positions are federally funded.

    Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin in the seeking the preliminary injunction.   

    A copy of the motion to enforce is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Labor Secretary Nominee Declines to Answer Sen. Murray on Whether Basic Workforce Training Laws are “DEI”; Pressed on Trump Dismantling OFCCP And Enabling Illegal Discrimination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Attempt to Dismantle Longstanding Labor Agency Combating Illegal Employment Discrimination 

    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s FULL questioning 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, questioned Keith Sonderling, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Labor (DOL), at a HELP committee hearing on his nomination. Murray pressed Mr. Sonderling on whether the Trump administration thinks foundational workforce training laws like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act qualify as “DEI.” Murray also questioned Mr. Sonderling about the Trump administration’s unprecedented dismantling of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which has its origins in a 1965 executive order and plays a unique and vital role in combating unlawful employment discrimination for federal contract workers, who make up about one-fifth of the entire U.S. labor force.

    Murray began by pressing Mr. Sonderling on the consequences of the Trump administration’s dismantling of OFCCP, which Murray forcefully condemned in January. “In 2024, following an OFCCP evaluation, one of the largest global financial services companies agreed to allocate $4.2 million in payments to resolve alleged sex discrimination and undergo an outside pay equity analysis. In his first week in office, President Trump rescinded the Executive Order from 1965 that authorized OFCCP to conduct that investigation. Commissioner Sonderling, do you believe that taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate?”

    Sonderling dodged the question and Murray pressed again: “Do you think that taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate?”

    “That is not a determination that the Deputy Secretary of Labor or the Department of Labor deals with,” Sonderling responded.

    “You don’t want to answer the question,” Murray observed. “I will say, I don’t think the taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate. I can easily say that.”

    Murray continued her line of questioning: “In our meeting, you suggested that the Department of Labor is looking at eliminating OFCCP entirely even though it has recovered now more than $260 million dollars for more than 250,000 employees and job applicants who were discriminated against by federal contractors over the last decade. And OFCCP just, today, announced plans to cut 90 percent of its staff and local offices. So let me ask you this: do you think DOL has any role to play in addressing illegal discrimination?”

    Mr. Sonderling said he was not aware of those reports, and declined to answer the question again.

    Murray asked again: “I’m just asking you from your own philosophical personal position. Do you think that DOL, which you want to go to work for, has any role to play in addressing discrimination in this country?”

    Mr. Sonderling responded that addressing discrimination is under the jurisdiction of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), to which Senator Murray replied: “It’s interesting that you say that, because Trump fired two of the EEOC commissioners—in an unprecedented move, I would add. So, it really has undermined our government’s ability to go after anti-discrimination. So I am, and everyone should, be deeply concerned about that.” Senator Murray vocally condemned Trump’s illegal firing of EEOC Commissioners and NLRB members last month.

    Next, Senator Murray pressed Mr. Sonderling on the Trump administration’s definition of “DEI” and their weaponization of the ill-defined term to target all manner of programs and policies. “We’re hearing a lot about DEI, it’s thrown out there everywhere. So, I’m going to ask about some bipartisan laws passed by Congress that were passed to make sure that underserved Americans can receive workforce training and find good employment opportunities. And I want to know if the policies in these laws that I’m going to present to you amount to DEI,” Murray said.

    “The Office of Disability Employment Policy has been statutorily authorized with, ‘Eliminating barriers to the training and employment of people with disabilities.’ Is that DEI? Yes or no?”

    “It is important to protect all rights of disabled workers… and under my leadership, the Office of Disability Employment will continue to do that,” Sonderling relied, without answering the question directly.

    “So that is not DEI?” Murray pressed.


    “That is a civil rights statute that the department enforces to make sure disabled people can prosper in the workforce,”     Sonderling replied.

    “I know you know what it is, but I’m asking if it’s DEI, because, you know, it’s very confusing,” Murray responded.

    Murray continued: “How about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WIOA? It specifically says ‘individuals with a barrier to employment’ and requires grantees to expand training to those individuals. Is that DEI?

    “WIOA is a very important law…,” Sonderling replied. “But do you consider that to be DEI?” Murray pressed.

    “I consider that to be a very important part of the department’s mission to make sure that American workers can get… the training they need,” Sonderling said.

    “The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 requires federal contractors to take affirmative action to hire, retain, and promote veterans? Is that DEI?” Murray asked.

    Sonderling declined to answer the question, saying instead: “It is important to protect all of our veterans. It’s important to protect everybody in the workplace.”

    “Well—Mr. Chairman, I know you’re pounding your gavel—but I just think it’s pretty clear that there is no standard definition of DEI across our federal government,” Murray concluded.

    Throughout her career, Senator Murray has championed workers’ rights and fought to combat employment discrimination, including as the top Democrat on the Senate labor committee from 2015-2022—among other things, Senator Murray fought back against a proposed DOL rule by the Trump administration that would allow federal contractors and subcontractors to justify discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, and members of certain religious groups on ideological grounds. Senator Murray first introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act—comprehensive labor legislation to protect workers’ right to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces—in the 116th Congress. 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.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, DeLauro Statement on Government Funding Talks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on government funding talks:

    “It’s incredibly disappointing that Republican leadership is walking away from bipartisan negotiations to fund the government—and raising the risk of a shutdown in so doing.

    “Republican leadership’s plan to pass a full-year continuing resolution with Musk’s devastating ‘DOGE cuts’ would give Trump new flexibility to spend funding as he sees fit. While Elon Musk has been calling for a shutdown, Democrats have been working to pass bills that make sure Congress decides whether our schools or hospitals get funding—not Trump or Musk.

    “Their plan would only help Trump and Musk cut off support for our veterans, cancel lifesaving cancer research, and threaten seniors’ Social Security benefits. As ever, we remain ready to work with our colleagues to pass full year appropriations bills and invest in families and our national security—and we hope Republicans will return to the table to do just that.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump and Musk’s Plot to Make It Harder for Americans to Get Their Social Security Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Trump admin plans to gut Social Security Administration

     “Massive” staffing reductions planned at an already severely understaffed agency; 90% of SSA staff work across the country outside of the agency’s headquarters in Baltimore

    DOGE touts coming closures of field offices around the country

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, warned of the Trump administration’s plans to gut the Social Security Administration (SSA)–and to make it harder for Americans who’ve paid into Social Security to get the benefits they have earned.

    In a statement, Senator Murray said:

    “People need help getting Social Security at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives—whether that’s the death of a spouse, the onset of a disability, or the loss of income that comes with retirement. Americans pay into Social Security their entire lives–it’s a promise they should be able to count on.

    “But Trump and Elon are decimating the Social Security Administration, and without that staff, there will be people who can’t get their benefits—period. 

    “Trump and Musk will cause wait times to soar for seniors calling in to sort out issues with their benefits. They will force Americans in rural communities to drive hours to get the help they are owed, and their reckless plans will cheat Americans out of the benefits they have earned. 

    “Americans need to be able to talk to real people, often in person, to make sure they get their Social Security check—but Elon wants to shutter field offices people count on to apply for benefits, get a new Social Security card, and talk to someone who can help.

    “Make no mistake: Trump and Elon are breaking Social Security to enrich themselves. It’s seniors who will pay the price.”

    THE BOTTOM LINE

    Trump and Musk’s actions to gut SSA will make it harder for Americans who have spent their lives paying into Social Security to get the benefits they have earned–and to get the help accessing those benefits they need. 

    Trump and Musk plan to demolish SSA and make it much harder for Americans to get answers about their benefits, file for benefits, get a new Social Security card, and much more.

    Each year, SSA:

    • Receives 80 million calls to its 1-800 number.
    • Receives 57 million calls to its 1,200 field offices nationwide.
    • Receives 30 million visitors to its 1,200 field offices.
    • Processes 9 million applications for benefits.

    Without adequate customer service provided by SSA, Americans will be cheated out of receiving the benefits they have earned.

    FIRING STAFF & ERODING SERVICE FOR BENEFICIARIES

    On Thursday, the Social Security Administration announced it will “soon implement agency-wide organizational restructuring that will include significant workforce reductions.”

    Reports indicate SSA may eliminate up to 50% of its workforce in what the agency calls “massive reorganizations,” and SSA has now offered all employees incentives to leave the agency.

    The vast majority of SSA’s 57,000 employees nationwide directly serve Americans who’ve paid into Social Security by:

    • Assisting tens of millions of Americans in field offices across the country;
    • Assisting beneficiaries over the phone;
    • Processing retirement, survivors, and disability benefits; 
    • Much more.

    90% of SSA staff work across the country outside of the agency’s headquarters. SSA staff who are not providing direct service support perform critical work that keeps the agency and Social Security system operational, including supporting SSA’s IT infrastructure.

    SSA staff ensure 73 million Americans get their Social Security benefits each month–which is more beneficiaries than ever before. They do so even though SSA’s 57,000 staff level is already at the lowest level in 50 years.

    Gutting SSA’s workforce will make it significantly harder for Americans to get the benefits they have earned–and much harder to get the help they need.

    • SSA is already very short-staffed. There is simply no way to significantly reduce staff further without seriously jeopardizing customer service for tens of millions of Americans.
    • Wait times to get help on the phone will inevitably increase. 
    • Processing times for retirement and disability benefits will significantly worsen.

    Customer service at SSA has long suffered from historically low staffing levels and inadequate discretionary funding, which Democrats have pushed to increase each year while congressional Republicans push to cut non-defense funding. 

    Trump and Musk are working to guarantee that customer service gets substantially worse–if not impossible to access–for the American people who need help from SSA.

    • Currently, fewer than 40% of people who call SSA seeking to speak to a Social Security agent are able to get through to talk to someone. 
      • The average time someone waits to talk to someone on SSA’s 1-800 number is 30 minutes, but that excludes people who hang up because the wait is too long.  
      • This wait will increase under Trump and Musk’s plans.
    • It now takes on average 240 days to process a disability claim–up from the recent historical average of approximately 110 days. 
      • This wait will increase under Trump and Musk’s plans. 
      • Last year, an estimated 30,000 Americans died while waiting on a decision for their disability benefits.

    Trump and Musk are working to erode customer service provided by SSA–service that Americans have earned–despite the fact that SSA’s administrative expenses already represent less than 1% of total benefits paid.

    Their raze and burn plans have already created an exodus of senior leadership across SSA’s regional offices–jeopardizing SSA’s efforts to improve service for Americans. Just today, SSA announced a bevy of additional departures of senior SSA leadership.

    Breakdowns of the number of Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance beneficiaries by state and county are available HERE. 

    Breakdowns of the number of Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries are available HERE.

    SHUTTERING OFFICES & FORCING BENEFICIARIES TO DRIVE HOURS

    SSA has 1,200 field offices in communities all across the country that help Americans:

    • Apply to receive Social Security and Medicare benefits.
    • Apply to receive Supplemental Security Income and SNAP.
    • Get or replace a Social Security card.
    • Get assistance and address problems with benefits.

    In 2023, SSA field offices had nearly 120,000 Americans visit per day.

    Elon Musk and his DOGE crew are eager to close SSA field offices across the country that Americans count on. DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts” lists dozens of SSA field offices they have or will terminate leases for.

    Closing field offices will force people to drive hours farther to get the basic services they are entitled to. For many–particularly beneficiaries who are disabled or who live in rural areas–the closures could mean losing out on assistance from SSA–and even benefits altogether.

    A full list of SSA’s roughly 1,200 field offices is available HERE. A map is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Leads Senators Demanding Trump Protect Veterans Crisis Hotline Amid Deep Staffing Cuts at VA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) called on the Trump Administration to protect the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) from deep staffing cuts at Veterans Affairs (VA) and return to office orders that will impact this critical service for veterans in crisis. The letter comes as reports show that VA employees working on the VCL were fired. Senator Baldwin wrote the legislation to create the 988 Hotline, including streamlined access to the VCL, which since its launch in July 2022 has answered 2 million calls, texts, and chats.

    “We write to you out of concern for ability of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) to continue to provide critical support to veterans and their loved ones. Over the past month, the Department of Veterans Affairs has fired more than 2,400 federal employees, including dedicated health professionals who man the phones at VA’s suicide crisis line,” wrote the Senators in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins. “We urge you to take immediate action to ensure the Veterans Crisis Line is not disrupted by layoffs or other executive orders.”

    In addition to demanding answers about the Trump Administration and Secretary Collins’ plan to protect this vital service for veterans, the Senators also requested the VA immediately consider an exemption for the vast majority of VCL workers who were hired and work remotely. A January 20th executive order that directed federal departments to end remote work arrangements would mean deep disruptions and workforce reductions at the VCL, directly impacting support for veterans in crisis. 

    “You affirmed during your confirmation process your commitment to addressing the epidemic of veteran suicide and to reaching at risk veterans,” wrote the Senators to VA Secretary Collins. “Risking the loss of access to immediate, life-saving mental health resources is not congruent with that promise. This is a critical time to ensure the VCL has the operational environment to support its substantial call volume and to support our veterans and save lives.”

    A full version of Baldwin’s letter is available here and below.

    Dear Secretary Collins,

    We write to you out of concern for ability of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) to continue to provide critical support to veterans and their loved ones. Over the past month, the Department of Veterans Affairs has fired more than 2,400 federal employees, including dedicated health professionals who man the phones at VA’s suicide crisis line. Moreover, employees that work at the Veterans Crisis Line who remain employed are facing uncertainty about their work status following the President’s January 20th directive that all departments of the executive branch take steps to terminate remote work arrangements. We urge you to take immediate action to ensure the Veterans Crisis Line is not disrupted by layoffs or other executive orders, including by bringing these employees back to work and seeking exemptions to the termination of remote work arrangements.

    The VCL is a dedicated hotline available to our nation’s veterans for assistance in addressing acute mental health issues, particularly thoughts of attempting suicide. The VCL allows veterans to reach assistance through phone calls, text messages, or online chats. The responders fielding these requests for support are trained in evidence-based practices for crisis response and many of them are licensed mental health professionals. Many were hired as fully remote workers and now, the President’s directive jeopardizes veterans’ 24/7 access to this crisis care.

    We understand that some employees have received deadlines for returning to agency facilities while others, such as those covered under bargaining units or those with official duty stations outside 50 miles of an agency facility, are awaiting further guidance. Now is the time for you to seek an exemption for VCL responders and to communicate this intent clearly to the workforce to prevent further uncertainty and avoid any disruptions to the crisis line’s services.

    As Members of Congress who championed the legislation to merge the Veterans Crisis Line with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, thereby streamlining its use for veterans, we have followed its implementation closely. We note the disruptions and intermittent access issues that resulted in disconnected or dropped calls and chats in recent years, and we also note the Department’s ongoing efforts to work with the Office of Information and Technology as well as to comply with Inspector General recommendations to improve services for veterans. Disrupting the professionally-trained response workforce would not support the success of these ongoing improvement efforts.

    The ease of use of this hotline has led to increasing usage, with the VCL reporting receipt of more than 2 million calls, texts, and chats answered since its transition to the 988 line. Due to the dedicated professional response workforce, the VCL reports an average wait time of 9 seconds. We cannot risk failing our nation’s veterans by jeopardizing the continued function of this crisis support line.

    You affirmed during your confirmation process your commitment to addressing the epidemic of veteran suicide and to reaching at risk veterans. Risking the loss of access to immediate, life-saving mental health resources is not congruent with that promise.

    This is a critical time to ensure the VCL has the operational environment to support its substantial call volume and to support our veterans and save lives. We look forward to your prompt attention to this matter and to your response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Pfluger’s Statements on the U.S. House Passing Legislation to Reverse Biden’s Energy Policies

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

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



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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Palmer Statements on the U.S. House Passing Legislation to Reverse a Biden-era Burdensome Regulation Affecting Consumers

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

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

    Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Palmer Statements on the U.S. House Passing Legislation to Reverse a Biden-era Burdensome Regulation Affecting Consumers

    Washington, February 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON — House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statements after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. J. Res. 20, which reverses an overreaching regulation from Biden’s Department of Energy (DOE) that requires gas-fired water heaters to meet higher energy efficiency standards:

    “I applaud my House colleagues in passing my Congressional Review Act to reverse the previous administration’s egregious attempt to ban gas-fired water heaters. This is a major step towards prioritizing consumer choice, protecting natural gas appliances, keeping prices affordable, and undoing the damage inflicted on the American people by the Biden-Harris Administration for the past four years,” Rep. Palmer said. 

    “It’s no surprise that Biden’s disastrous regulations failed to deliver real energy savings and instead burdened seniors and low-income households. We’ve had it with the Democrats’ nonsense. Rep. Palmer’s common-sense legislation will empower consumers and drive down costs,” Chairwoman McClain said.

    H. J. Res. 20 reverses a regulation from Biden’s DOE that requires gas-fired water heaters to meet higher energy efficiency standards, placing undue burdens on manufacturers and consumers, leading to increased costs and limiting consumer choice. The resolution strikes this burdensome DOE regulation that would increase costs for manufacturers and consumers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: El Salvador National Previously Convicted Of Double Homicide Charged With Illegally Reentering The United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A citizen of El Salvador who was previously convicted for double homicide and sentenced to 50 years in prison in El Salvador, was charged with illegally reentering the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    César Eliseo Sorto-Amaya, 28, was charged today by complaint with illegally reentering the United States and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal Court.

    According to documents filed in this case, public statements and statements made in court:

    Since 2015, Sorto-Amaya was deported from and illegally returned to the United States three separate times, including one time where he was deported after being convicted of weapons possession charges in Elizabeth, New Jersey. In April 2024, Sorto-Amaya was convicted in abstentia in El Salvador of double aggravated homicide and sentenced to 50 years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris, and law enforcement authorities in El Salvador, with the investigation.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Stern of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                   ###

    Defense counsel: Carol Dominguez, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: TWFG Announces Unaudited Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TWFG, Inc. (“TWFG”, the “Company” or “we”) (NASDAQ: TWFG), a high-growth insurance distribution company, today announced preliminary unaudited financial highlights for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The following results are preliminary, unaudited estimates and are subject to change. The Company is currently finalizing its fourth quarter and year end 2024 results, and as a result, these preliminary estimates are based solely on information available to management as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results may differ from these estimates due to the completion of its closing procedures, final adjustments and developments that may arise or information that may become available between now and the time the Company’s financial results are finalized.

    Preliminary highlighted results:

    • Expects total fourth quarter revenue to be between $49 million and $51 million, an increase of 23.8% and 28.9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023
    • Anticipates total full-year 2024 revenue to be between $201 million and $203 million, an increase of 16.5% and 18.2% compared to full-year 2023
    • Expects total fourth quarter written premium to be $361 million, an increase of 20% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 
    • Anticipates total full-year written premium of approximately $1.5 billion, an increase of 18% compared to full-year 2023
    • Anticipates fourth quarter Organic Revenue Growth Rate to be between of 20.2% and 20.8% and full-year 2024 Organic Revenue Growth Rate of between 14% and 15% 

    * Organic Revenue Growth Rate is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of Organic Revenue Growth Rate to total revenue growth rate, the most directly comparable financial measure, is outlined in the reconciliation table accompanying this release.

    Conference Call and Full Earnings Release Date

    TWFG expects to release its full fourth quarter and full-year 2024 results mid-March followed by a conference call and webcast to discuss these results. Details for the call will be provided in the forthcoming earnings release.

    About TWFG

    TWFG (NASDAQ: TWFG) is a leading independent distribution platform for personal and commercial insurance in the United States, representing hundreds of insurance carriers. The Company provides innovative insurance solutions through its network of agents, carriers, and technology-driven distribution models. For more information, visit www.twfg.com.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicator

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Organic Revenue Growth included in this release is not a measure of financial performance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and should not be considered a substitute for any GAAP measures, including revenue which we consider to be the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as substitutes for revenues, net income, or other consolidated financial statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

    Organic Revenue Growth. Organic Revenue Growth is the change in Organic Revenue period-to-period, with prior period results adjusted to include revenues that were excluded in the prior period because the relevant acquired businesses had not reached the twelve-month-owned milestone but have reached the twelve-month owned milestone in the current period. We believe Organic Revenue Growth is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of acquisitions, which affects the comparability of results from period to period.

    A reconciliation of our expected Organic Revenue and Organic Revenue Growth Rate to Total Revenue and Total Revenue Growth Rate, the most directly comparable GAAP measures, is as follows (in thousands):

      Three Months Ended 
    December 31, 2024    		   Twelve Months Ended 
    December 31, 2024
      Low End   High End   Low End   High End
    Total revenues $ 49,000     $ 51,000     $ 200,500     $ 203,400  
    Acquisition adjustments(1)   (100 )     (150 )     (3,650 )     (3,700 )
    Contingent income   (2,700 )     (3,850 )     (6,400 )     (7,550 )
    Fee income   (2,500 )     (3,000 )     (10,400 )     (10,900 )
    Other income   (200 )     (300 )     (1,300 )     (1,400 )
    Organic Revenue $ 43,500     $ 43,700     $ 178,750     $ 179,850  
    Organic Revenue Growth(2) $ 7,323     $ 7,523     $ 22,025     $ 23,125  
    Total Revenue Growth Rate(3)   23.8 %     28.9 %     16.5 %     18.2 %
    Organic Revenue Growth Rate(2)   20.2 %     20.8 %     14.1 %     14.8 %
                   
                   
    (1)  Represents revenues generated from the acquired businesses during the first 12 months following an acquisition.
    (2)  Organic Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2023, and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, used to calculate Organic Revenue Growth for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $36.2 million and $156.7 million, respectively, which is adjusted to reflect revenues from acquired businesses with over $0.5 million in annualized revenue that reached the twelve-month owned mark during the year ended December 31, 2024. Organic Revenue Growth Rate represents the period-to-period change in Organic Revenue divided by the total adjusted Organic Revenue in the prior period.
    (3)  Represents the period-to-period change in total revenues divided by the total revenues in the prior period.
     

    Key Performance Indicator

    Total Written Premium. Total Written Premium represents, for any reported period, the total amount of current premium (net of cancellation) placed with insurance carriers. We utilize Total Written Premium as a key performance indicator when planning, monitoring, and evaluating our performance. We believe Total Written Premium is a useful metric because it is the underlying driver of the majority of our revenue.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These statements reflect management’s expectations based on currently available information and involve significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the finalization of the Company’s year-end financial results, economic conditions, and other risks detailed in the Company’s SEC filings. TWFG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact:
    Gene Padgett, CAO
    TWFG, Inc.
    gene.padgett@twfg.com

    Media Contact:
    Alex Bunch
    TWFG, Inc.
    alex@twfg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Eight FBI Subjects from Mexico in U.S. Custody

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    he FBI is announcing eight men, including two former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, who were transferred into U.S. custody from Mexico this week. All are key subjects of FBI investigations spanning several states.

    Rafael Caro Quintero is a former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar in 1985. Caro‐Quintero is widely regarded as one of the Mexican godfathers of drug trafficking and helped to form the Guadalajara Cartel in the late 1970s. Allegedly, he became one of the primary suppliers of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana to the U.S., and oversaw the cartel in Costa Rica and the U.S. and Mexico border. Quintero will face charges in the Eastern District of New York. This case was investigated by the FBI San Antonio Field Office.

    Alder Marin Sotelo faces homicide charges related to the killing of law enforcement officer. On August 23, 2022, Marin-Sotelo was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder following the August 11, 2022, death of Deputy Ned Byrd of the Wake County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office. Sotelo will face federal weapons charges in the Middle District of North Carolina and state murder charges in the North Carolina State Court. This case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte Field Office.

    Jose Rodolfo Villareal-Hernández, also known as “El Gato,” is a former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive allegedly responsible for stalking and orchestrating the murder-for-hire of a 43-year-old male victim on May 22, 2013, in Southlake, Texas. Villarreal-Hernandez previously held a high-level position in the Beltran-Leyva Organization (BLO) Drug Cartel. He is believed to have overseen the importation of large quantities of cocaine into the United States as well as committing violent acts within the Republic of Mexico and the United States to maintain his organization’s power and status. He was arrested on January 7, 2023, in Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico and will face charges in the Northern District of Texas for interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. This case was investigated by the FBI Dallas Field Office.

    Jose Angel Canobbio-Inzunza, also known as “Guerito,” was a key leader and the finance manager of the Sinaloa Cartel’s Los Chapitos faction. He allegedly trafficked narcotics, controlled an armed enforcement group, and managed corrupt relationships on the cartel’s behalf. He will face narcotrafficking charges out of the Northern District of Illinois. The subject was arrested last week in Sinaloa by the Mexican Army. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington and San Diego Field Offices.

    Rodolfo Lopez Ibarra is facing drug-trafficking charges with up to life imprisonment out of the District of Columbia. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office.

    Andrew Clark, a Canadian citizen residing in Mexico, allegedly ran and participated in a transnational drug trafficking operation that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia—through Mexico and Southern California—to Canada and other locations in the United States. Clark is being prosecuted for four murders and one attempted murder, and will face charges in the Central District of California. This case was investigated by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.

    Luis Geraldo Méndez Estevane is facing several federal charges, including murder, racketeering, and drug conspiracy in the Western District of Texas. Mendez was a high-ranking Barrio Azteca lieutenant and responsible for the March 13, 2010, murder of two U.S. consulate employees in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and an El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer. Mendez was indicted in the Western District of Texas. This case was investigated by the FBI El Paso Field Office.

    Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, the former leader of the Juarez Cartel, faces narcotrafficking charges in the Eastern District of New York. Fuentes is responsible for the trafficking of narcotics into the United States. He also assisted in perpetrating significant violence throughout Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, area. The case was investigated by the FBI El Paso Field Office.

    “The FBI and our partners will scour the ends of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The era of harming Americans and walking free is over.”

    Significant and vital assistance was provided by the FBI’s valued international, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners across the country.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cotton, Scott urge SEC to review Consolidated Audit Trail

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today joined Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and colleagues in sending a letter to the acting chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mark Uyeda, urging him to conduct a comprehensive review of the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). 
    The SEC requires brokers to submit investors’ personally identifiable information (PII) to its CAT database. Earlier this month, the Trump administration’s SEC issued an order that exempts certain PII consisting of investors’ names, addresses and years of birth from CAT reporting.
    “The Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) has been a highly controversial endeavor that has raised many concerns from Members of Congress . . . We are pleased that you and fellow Commissioner Peirce have repeatedly acknowledged these longstanding concerns and applaud the Commission for its recent steps to protect the financial privacy of American investors,” the lawmakers wrote.
    “However, there is more work to be done. The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged. Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced. And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed,” they continued.
    “Given these continuing concerns, the Commission should launch a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of the CAT. In doing so, the Commission should take additional steps to pause the CAT’s most controversial elements—not only the collection of customer PII, but also the problematic funding structure that a majority of the current Commission voted against. Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration,” the lawmakers concluded. 
    Background:
    Earlier this month, Kennedy introduced the Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act.
    Kennedy’s bill would prohibit the SEC from requiring market participants to submit investors’ personally identifiable information to the CAT. 
    The bill would also require the SEC to delete personally identifiable information once the agency resolves the investigation or issue that required that information. 
    Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Reps. French Hill (R-Ark.), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) and Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) also joined the letter. 
    The full letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Labour market forecast lands amid tariff threats, immigration cap

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    VICTORIA – B.C.’s new 2024 Labour Market Outlook (LMO) estimates more than one million job openings in B.C. over the next decade.

    The 2025 LMO will consider the impacts of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and federal changes to immigration levels.

    The LMO delivers a comprehensive forecast of job-market trends over the coming decade. Its purpose is to help current and future post-secondary students, organizations, workers and employers make informed decisions about careers, skills training, education and hiring.

    The 2024 edition uses data collected until April 2024, before changes in the federal immigration targets. Slower population growth will impact labour supply, the demand for some goods and services, and the demand for workers in certain sectors, all of which have implications for the provincial economy. The 2024 LMO was likewise created prior to the U.S. government’s threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.

    The accuracy of any forecast depends on various assumptions about the future, some of which are difficult to anticipate. Due to this, labour market forecasts are updated annually to factor in changing circumstances. Work is underway on the next edition of B.C.’s LMO.

    Compared to the 2023 edition, the 2024 LMO projected 122,000 more job openings for a total of 1.12 million over the next 10 years. Of these job openings, 449,000 are identified as the result of economic growth, with the remainder due to replacing retiring workers. By 2034, employment is projected to reach 3.3 million, up from 2.8 million today for average annual growth of 1.4%.

    As government works with partners to safeguard B.C.’s economy and respond to the threat of tariffs, the Province will continue to make education and training more accessible, affordable and relevant, and will continue to prioritize sectors with labour shortages to ensure B.C. has a skilled workforce.

    Learn More:

    For the 2024 edition of the B.C. Labour Market Outlook, the online dashboard, and other links, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/research-labour-market/bc-labour-market-outlook-2024 (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: North American Construction Group Ltd. Announces the Completion of Its Redemption of Its 5.5% Convertible Debentures Due June 30, 2028

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ACHESON, Alberta, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG” or “the Company”) (TSX:NOA/NYSE:NOA) is pleased to announce the completion of its redemption of its 5.5% Convertible Debentures due June 30, 2028 (the “Debentures”) on February 28, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”).

    On January 29, 2025, the Company issued a notice of redemption to the holders of the Debentures to redeem all issued and outstanding Debentures at a redemption price equal to their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to, but excluding, the Redemption Date. Holders of the Debentures had the option to convert such Debentures into common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”) prior to the Redemption Date at a price of $24.23 per Common Share. $72,749,000 principal amount of Debentures were converted into Common Shares between January 29, 2025 and the Redemption Date. On the Redemption Date, Debentures in the principal amount of $1,357,000 were redeemed by the Company.

    About the Company

    NACG is one of Canada and Australia’s largest providers of heavy construction and mining services. For more than 70 years, NACG has provided services to the mining, resource, and infrastructure construction markets. For more information about North American Construction Group Ltd., visit www.nacg.ca.

    For further information contact:
    Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    North American Construction Group Ltd.
    (780) 948-2009
    jveenstra@nacg.ca
    www.nacg.ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HUMBL, Inc. Announces $2 Million Share Exchange Agreement and Strategic Partnership With NUBURU, Inc. to Accelerate Growth and Shareholder Value

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Diego, CA, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HUMBL, Inc. (OTC: HMBL) announced the execution of a $2,000,000 Equity Swap Agreement and strategic partnership with NUBURU, Inc. (NYSE: BURU) designed to accelerate both companies’ growth strategies and deliver immediate value to shareholders.

    Transaction Details

    Under the terms of the Equity Swap Agreement:

    • NUBURU will issue $2,000,000 in common stock to HUMBL (subject to applicable exchange cap, stockholder approval, and registration requirements); and
    • HUMBL will issue an equal dollar amount of Series C Preferred Stock to NUBURU.

    Following satisfaction of any required stockholder or regulatory approvals and registration requirements, it is anticipated that 70% of the shares of NUBURU will be distributed to the stockholders of HUMBL as a dividend. The issuance of the shares by both parties is contingent upon both parties obtaining any required regulatory or stockholder approval and satisfying any applicable registration requirements.

    The companies have also entered into a Master Distribution Agreement, appointing HUMBL as the exclusive distributor in Brazil for both NUBURU’s existing business and its recently announced defense and security portfolio companies. The parties may also negotiate in the future performance-based incentives that would allow HUMBL to expand its exclusivity to all of Latin America upon achieving certain revenue and market penetration targets.

    Strategic Alignment for Accelerated Growth

    “This partnership represents the convergence of two companies with newly transformed business models and leadership teams,” said Thiago Moura, CEO of HUMBL, Inc. “NUBURU, under its new management team, is expanding its business within its defense and security portfolio into new markets. HUMBL, having divested its Web3 assets and transformed into a Berkshire-inspired holding company in partnership with Ybyra Capital, is now executing a shareholder-centric strategy focused on cross-border strategic partnerships and value creation.”

    Alessandro Zamboni, Executive Chairman of NUBURU, Inc., stated: “This partnership with HUMBL provides NUBURU shareholders with dual benefits – exclusive distribution in Brazil’s robust market with potential for all of Latin America, and exposure to HUMBL and Ybyra Capital’s extensive regional network. Our entirely new management team is focused on rapid expansion, and this partnership enables us to leverage HUMBL and Ybyra’s established presence in Brazil to accelerate the deployment of our defense and security portfolio.”

    The alliance builds on NUBURU’s established track record of technological excellence and HUMBL’s revitalized presence in emerging markets, bolstered by Ybyra’s regional expertise and substantial real assets.

    About HUMBL, Inc. (OTC: HMBL)

    HUMBL, Inc. has transformed into a strategic holding company, operating with a business model focused on high-value joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and progressive economic structures. Following the divestiture of its Web3 technology assets, HUMBL has pivoted to a shareholder value-centric approach under the leadership of CEO Thiago Moura, principal of Ybyra Capital—a Brazilian holding company with diversified investments in real estate, commodities, and mining. The company’s unique structure enables it to create two-way distribution pipelines throughout Brazil and Latin America, leveraging Ybyra Capital’s established regional presence to offer strategic partners immediate access to these valuable markets.

    About NUBURU, Inc. (NYSE: BURU)

    NUBURU, Inc. was founded in 2015 as a developer and manufacturer of industrial blue laser technology that is transforming the speed and quality of laser-based manufacturing. Under its new management team led by Executive Chairman Alessandro Zamboni, NUBURU is executing a comprehensive growth and diversification strategy, expanding into complementary domains such as defense-tech, security, and operational resilience solutions. Headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, NUBURU is leveraging strategic partnerships and acquisitions to accelerate growth in high-value sectors. For more information, visit www.nuburu.net.

    Investor and Media Contacts

    NUBURU, Inc. (NYSE: BURU)
    Investor Relations: alessandro.zamboni@nuburu.net
    Media Contact: press@nuburu.net
    Website: www.nuburu.net

    HUMBL, Inc. (OTC: HMBL)
    Investor Relations: ri@ybyracapital.com.br
    Media Contact: media@humbl.com
    Website: www.humbl.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include descriptions of the future strategic plans and growth expectations for HUMBL, including the potential benefits of their partnership, anticipated market expansions, and any statements regarding potential uplisting or future exchange listings. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations, and actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the ability of HUMBL to successfully collaborate and realize the expected synergies of the partnership, market acceptance of new initiatives, regulatory approvals and compliance related to registration, exchange listings, economic conditions in the industries in which they operate, and general market volatility. HUMBL disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement in Support of Enforcement Staff

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    By law and in practice, responsibility for SEC action lies with its presidentially-appointed Commissioners, not its career staff.  Commissioner Peirce, my colleague and head of the SEC Crypto Task Force, spoke to this yesterday when she said that staff “appropriately worked hard to execute as effectively as possible the Commission’s directives” on an enforcement matter.  No matter our policy differences, this is something on which we wholeheartedly agree – there is no critique to be made of hardworking civil servants for simply doing their jobs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Iowa Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Iowa of the March 27, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the May 20‑31, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Cedar, Cherokee, Clay, Dallas, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscatine, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Shelby, Story, Tama and Wright.

    Under the declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature and suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

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

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

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

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

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 27, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Brown statement following PI hearing over Trump’s illegal gender-affirming care order

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE – Washington Attorney General Nick Brown released the following statement after parties argued in federal court over the state’s motion for a preliminary injunction against President Trump’s illegal executive order banning gender-affirming care for young people.

    Judge Lauren King announced at the hearing she would issue a decision at a later time.
     
    “We made a strong case that the president’s disregard for the Constitution here is obvious and intentional,” Brown said. “Children don’t need protection from life-saving care. They need freedom from a lawless president.”
     
    Friday’s hearing came weeks after the judge in the lawsuit granted a temporary restraining order against the White House from banning such care for people under 19, withholding funds from institutions providing gender affirming care to young people, and potentially instigating criminal actions against providers.
     
    The state is joined in the lawsuit by the attorneys general of Minnesota, Oregon and Colorado. Three individual doctors also joined as plaintiffs in the case, bringing claims on their own behalf and that of the minors for whom they provide care.
     
    The states argued the order violates the 5th Amendment’s equal protection guarantee by singling out transgender individuals for mistreatment and discrimination.
     
    Additionally, Congress has already authorized research and education funding for medical institutions in Washington state, and the president cannot unilaterally overrule congressional intent. The president also cannot unilaterally regulate or criminalize medical practices in Washington state, which are protected by the 10th Amendment, states argue.
     
    Work on this litigation is funded by the Attorney General’s Civil Justice Operating Fund, which is funded by recoveries made by the office in civil enforcement actions made on behalf of Washingtonians.
     
    Read more about the lawsuit here.

     -30-

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis: Colorado Continues to Stand with Ukraine

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Colorado Governor Jared Polis released a statement following President Trump and Vice-President Vance’s chaotic meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

    “In Colorado, we support freedom and we will not cater to a brutal Russian dictator who is no friend to America, our interests or future. Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Putin’s illegal and brutal invasion of their country is critical for their freedom, the future of the Ukrainian people and important for American global safety and national security. America plays a crucial role in supporting our international allies and protecting democracy abroad, Colorado continues to stand with Ukraine.” 

    At Governor Polis’s direction, the State of Colorado has cut off all diplomatic and financial connections with Russia and Russian-owned businesses, and previously provided a surplus of combat armor to those who are on the front lines fighting Putin’s tyranny. Governor Polis met with President Zelensky this past summer along with America’s Governors. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Research Effects of Low-Level Blast Injuries on Veteran Mental Health

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – and Angus King (I-ME) – member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – introduced legislation to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other research partners to comprehensively study the impacts of repetitive low-level blast injuries on veterans’ mental health.

    The Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2025 would require VA to work with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to create a ten-year research plan to establish the effects of repetitive low-level blast injuries, where benchmarks must be reported to Congress, in order to develop further legislation for veterans who suffer with the effects of these repetitive blast exposures.

    “Brain injuries are a common, yet misunderstood and often undetectable, injury — and we’re finding they can be caused by exposure to large explosions, as well as consistently being near smaller blasts such as when firing a rifle, so we need to confront this threat from all angles,” said Senator King. “The bottom line is we must expand our understanding of the impact all blasts have on mental health, so that we can take proactive measures and protect the long-term health and well-being of our military community. Here in Maine we know all too well the horrible tragedies that can occur when brain injuries are left untreated. This commonsense bill builds off of previous efforts to deliver on our government’s sacred promise to provide our servicemembers, veterans and their families the very best care and support.”

    “Research has linked low-level blasts, which servicemembers are exposed to during training and in combat, to increased occurrences of brain injuries, mental health conditions and suicides,” said Senator Moran. “The Precision Brain Health Research Act will help us better understand why and how blast injuries are impacting veterans’ mental health and make certain VA is able to quickly incorporate these findings into care for veterans and enable them to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This legislation is a step towards providing veterans the evidence-based health care and benefits they have earned and deserve, and I look forward to its passage.”

    This legislation builds off the Precision Brain Health initiative in the Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which became law in 2020.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    “America’s Warrior Partnership is proud to fully endorse the VA Precision Brain Health Act of 2025, led by Chairman Moran and Senator King,” said Jim Lorraine, President & CEO, America’s Warrior Partnership. “As a former member of United States Special Operations Command and an advocate for many I served with, I know firsthand the long-term health impact of repetitive exposure.  For far too long, our service members and veterans have suffered with unexplained symptoms because of undetected brain injuries caused by repetitive low-level blasts during their time in training and in combat. This legislation will ensure these veterans will no longer be left behind.”

    “The Navy Seal Foundation applauds U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Angus King on their work leading the Precision Brain Health Research Act,” said Robin King, CEO, The Navy Seal Foundation. “This bill will begin groundbreaking federal research—with accountability benchmarks built in—to ensure our Seals and others in the Special Operations community will not be left behind with the wounds they have suffered due to repetitive low-level blast injuries.”

    “The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) supports the Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2025 to expand VA research on repetitive low-level blast exposure, dementia, and other brain injuries affecting veterans,” said Joy Craig, Associate Director of Service Member Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars. “By strengthening VA-DOD data-sharing, funding large-scale studies, and partnering with the National Academies of Sciences, this bill advances cutting-edge care for those suffering from service-related brain injuries. We urge swift passage to ensure veterans receive the timely, evidence-based treatments they deserve.”

    “Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is a complex injury with a spectrum of short- and long-term conditions, and it is a signature wound of post-9/11 military service,” said Brian Dempsey, Director of Government Affairs, Wounded Warrior Project. “Part of keeping our promise to veterans is making sure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is prepared to deliver the best possible care and support to those who suffered brain injuries in service.  The Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2025 would set VA on a course to more effectively treat TBI and better understand the impact of repetitive low-level blast exposure on veterans’ mental and brain health.  Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support this important legislation and thanks Senators Jerry Moran and Angus King for their commitment to improving how we care for veterans with TBIs”

    This legislation is also supported by The American Legion.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Introduce Resolution Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Denver International Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced a resolution to recognize February 28th, 2025 as the 30th anniversary of the Denver International Airport (DIA).

    “DIA has become one of the great airports in the world. It will welcome nearly 100 million passengers this year, almost double what was projected as the original capacity. It is part of the foundation of Colorado’s economy and an essential connection to the rest of America and the world!” said Hickenlooper.

    “For 30 years, the Denver International Airport has connected our communities and helped fuel Colorado’s economy,” said Bennet. “I was glad to introduce this resolution celebrating three decades of this fixture for travelers worldwide.”

    The Denver International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the United States, and the sixth-busiest in the world. In 2024, the airport set a record for passenger traffic, serving more than 82 million passengers.

    The text of the resolution is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –