These items are in the RSS feed format (Really Simple Syndication) based on categories such as topics, locations, and more. You can install and RSS reader browser extension, software, or use a third-party service to receive immediate news updates depending on the feed that you have added. If you click the feed links below, they may look strange because they are simply XML code. An RSS reader can easily read this code and push out a notification to you when something new is posted to our site.
U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the bipartisan First Responders Wellness Act. The legislation would establish a national mental health hotline for first responders in addition to expanding mental health services for those on the frontlines of major disasters.
“Congress should prioritize the wellbeing of those first on the scene of life’s crises. That starts with investing in the health and safety of our police officers, firefighters, and EMTs,” said Senator Hawley. “This bipartisan legislation would provide first responders with the mental health tools they need to cope with past trauma and the resources necessary to support them in their jobs.”
“Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face unique stressors, and as a result, they are at high risk of developing PTSD and other mental health problems,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We owe it to our first responders to do more to help. I am introducing bipartisan legislation to establish a mental health hotline specifically tailored to the needs of first responders and staffed by peer specialists and counselors who have an understanding of the occupational stressors experienced by first responders and have completed trauma-informed training. The bill would also expand professional mental health services for first responders during times of major disasters. I am proud to be introducing this legislation with Senator Hawley and hope to get it passed soon.”
First responders—including our men and women in blue, firefighters, EMS personnel, and public safety telecommunicators—face higher rates of PTSD than civilians.
To address this, the First Responders Wellness Act would:
Amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to develop a professional program to provide confidential and independent mental health services to law enforcement officers.
Increase the number of mental health service providers available to law enforcement officers.
Establish a first responders mental health hotline to provide peer and emotional support, information, brief intervention, and mental or behavioral health and substance use disorder resources.
Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report to Congress on the hotline and its implementation.
Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) reintroduced his legislation to prohibit the Department of Defense and other federal agencies from contracting with consulting firms, like McKinsey & Company, which provides services to the Chinese government or its affiliates while being contracted by the United States government. The Time to Choose Act would force these firms to choose whether to stand with the U.S. in its efforts to protect America against China’s global ambitions, or forfeit U.S. government contracts entirely.
This bipartisan legislation passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with strong bipartisan support in the 118th Congress. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) are both original cosponsors.
“For too long, these companies have basked in the financial security of government contracts while actively undermining our own national security,” said Senator Hawley. “It is unconscionable that we’ve allowed them to sell us out to the Chinese Communist Party by advancing their agenda rather than putting America’s interests first. My bill would bring that to an end.”
“The Chinese Communist Party is actively working to undermine our country at every turn,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would prohibit companies that are providing consulting services to the Chinese government from receiving highly competitive government contracts, paid for by American taxpayers, to protect both our national security and our competitive edge in the global economy.”
“Any firm who wants to help, support or represent Communist China’s best interests clearly is choosing to work against America’s best interests and choosing to forfeit access to federal tax dollars. It’s a clear conflict of interest,” said Senator Scott. “The Chinese Communist Party is one of our greatest adversaries, hellbent on destroying our way of life, crippling our industries and spying on our citizens. Our bill, the Time to Choose Act, requires firms to make a choice: support the freedom-loving United States or support the regime in Communist China. There’s no in between.”
The Time to Choose Act would:
Prohibit federal agencies from contracting with consulting firms that hold a contract with the Chinese government and other foreign adversaries.
Impose penalties on consulting firms that intentionally hide or misrepresent contracts with the Chinese government and other foreign adversaries, including:
Terminating affected federal contracts.
Debarring relevant firms from future work with the federal government.
Requiring relevant firms to pay damages equivalent to three times the amount spent by the U.S. government on the contracts.
“When Albertans and Canadians across the country wear pink, we take a stand against bullying and show those who have experienced bullying they are not alone.
“Pink Shirt Day is dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and promoting kindness, empathy and respect in our communities. It is a reminder that each person makes a difference by choosing to be kind and respectful in their daily lives.
Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services
“All students deserve to feel safe, welcome and respected in school. Alberta Education recognizes that preventing bullying is a shared responsibility – one that includes parents, students, teachers and the wider community. On Pink Shirt Day, we encourage all Albertans to wear pink to honour the courageous students who first started this movement to stand up against bullying in 2007. The initiative shown by those students serves as a reminder that bullying has no place in schools – or anywhere else – and that each of us can drive positive change.
“By wearing pink, we send a clear message of unity against all forms of bullying. This simple act fosters inclusive environments where everyone feels safe and valued. Whether in the classroom or our broader communities, our actions matter. Let’s continue to choose kindness and ensure that every individual feels respected, supported and included.”
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement ahead of the Senate’s confirmation vote of Jamieson Greer to be United States Trade Representative (USTR):
“President Trump has proposed disastrous trade policies, including tariffs on our closest trading partners, which will raise costs and hurt Virginia businesses. We need a United States Trade Representative who will seek to expand markets for American exports, foster relationships with our allies, and reduce costs for American families. I don’t believe Jamieson Greer will do that, and that’s why I’m voting no on his confirmation.”
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questioned two of President Trump’s nominees: Mr. Michael Kratsios, nominated to be the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Mr. Mark Meador, nominated to be a Federal Trade Commissioner.
During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Mr. Kratsios about emerging technologies and the Department of Defense’s essential role in shaping national spectrum policy, especially given its unique testing abilities for wireless technology. She also asked about the lessons learned from the America’s Mid-Band Initiative Team (AMBIT) spectrum auction.
Additionally, Senator Fischer questioned Mr. Meador about how he would effectively use agency resources to uphold the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) mission. She emphasized the importance of the FTC’s coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on enforcement efforts to protect consumers.
Click the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer’s questioning
Click here to download audio
Click here to download video
On the DoD’s Cutting-Edge Spectrum Testing and Innovation:
Senator Fischer: Mr. Kratsios, I welcome your enthusiasm for advancing American leadership on emerging technologies. As you know, OSTP is responsible for coordinating science and tech policy among federal agencies.
When you were the United States Chief Technology Officer, one of your focuses was advancing DoD’s unique testing abilities to drive innovation. And at the time, you stated that the Department of Defense is “at the forefront of cutting-edge 5G testing and experimentation.” Do you still believe that?
Michael Kratsios: I do, yes. Senator Fischer: And when it comes to 5G and other spectrum matters, do you believe that DOD testing should be faithfully integrated into a national spectrum policy?
Michael Kratsios: Yes, DOD is a critical component of the spectrum strategy.
On AMBIT:
Senator Fischer: Previously, I understood you were involved with “America’s Mid-Band Initiative Team,” known as AMBIT, and you brought that up a couple times yesterday in our discussion. And so, I looked into it a little bit more to familiarize myself with it. That was an auction of mid-band spectrum held by DOD, and it was to make those licenses available to wireless companies. Is that correct?
Michael Kratsios: Yes.
Senator Fischer: Did the AMBIT auction cause more congestion for defense systems operating in the lower 3 [GHz] band? Michael Kratsios: In my opinion, I think AMBIT provided an opportunity for a technical analysis of that spectrum range and find a way to be able to still complete the national security mission by moving some of the workloads that were in the auction band to lower bands. Senator Fischer: So, they had to compress that band even more then in order to accommodate that into the lower 3. Is that correct? Michael Kratsios: Yeah, so some of the activities that were in the band that ultimately were auctioned were moved down to lower bands. Senator Fischer: I also understand that AMBIT struggled on the back end with major relocation costs from the defense systems that were displaced in that process of compressing them. Is that correct? Michael Kratsios: I haven’t tracked the details of that since I left office, but there’s always transition costs associated with freeing up bands, typically.
Senator Fischer: Are you familiar with any of the costs? Are those readily available, so we can access those? Do you know how that cut into the net revenue that was expected from the auction? Michael Kratsios: I’m not familiar with those details, but I can try to see what’s publicly available.
Senator Fischer: That would be great.
On Responsible FTC Enforcement: Senator Fischer: Mr. Meador, over the years, the Federal Trade Commission has faced off in court against the deepening pockets of major corporations, especially when it comes to Big Tech. If confirmed, how would you prioritize litigation and effectively use agency resources in upholding the FTC mission?
Mark Meador: That’s a very important topic. I will say the FTC staff have gotten very good at doing a lot with often much less. If confirmed, my first step will be to consult with the Chairman and the Commissioners and of course, the staff, who understand what challenges they are facing. What do we have on our docket and what resources do we have available? And then we’re collaborating with all of them to determine which cases are the highest priority to protect the largest number of consumers from the gravest threats.
On FTC Coordination with the Department of Justice:
Senator Fischer: It’s my understanding that at times there can be tension with that enforcement coordination with the Department of Justice. Do you have any comments on that? Or if that would occur, what would you do?
Mark Meador: Sure, this is something that has happened frequently in the past. Some of it has unfortunately been very public. I’m confident that President Trump has selected leaders for this administration who can work very well together. I think it is of paramount importance that both agencies be singing from the same hymn sheet, be aligned on policy and enforcement decisions, and there should really be no daylight between them when it comes to how they’re enforcing the antitrust laws.
I think anything is possible if you don’t care who gets the credit. And so, when it comes to merger clearance, we should be focusing on protecting consumers as fast as possible, not trying to get one up on the other agency.
Senator Fischer: Thank you both for putting yourselves forward to serve in these very dangerous times that we live in. I really appreciate it and thank you to your families as well.
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned Stephen Feinberg at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Deputy Secretary of Defense.
During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Feinberg whether the Department of Defense deserves a seat at the table in shaping spectrum policy. She also asked him to clarify that, while sharing with commercial entities may be possible, the national security risks posed by forcing the Department to vacate airwaves entirely far outweigh economic considerations.
Click the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer’s questioning
Click here to download audio
Click here to download video
On Spectrum Defense:
Senator Fischer: Mr. Feinberg, there are currently efforts underway to force the Department of Defense to vacate critical bands of spectrum, including the lower 3 band and the 7-8 GHz band, and this would mean that the Department would not be allowed to operate radar systems or satellite systems that allow our warfighters to detect, discriminate, track, and shoot incoming missiles and enemy targets.
I adamantly believe that forcing national security systems to vacate these bans would be detrimental to national security. It would degrade our missile defense capabilities when we should be aggressively pursuing an Iron Dome for America. That would be off the table if these were vacated.
However, I also understand that sharing these bands with commercial entities may be possible. This would potentially allow DoD systems to operate and coexist with commercial systems in the same exact bands without forcing us to lose these capabilities. Do you believe the Department of Defense must have a meaningful co-leadership role in interagency determinations about the future of federal spectrum? Should DoD be at the table to be involved in those decisions?
Stephen Feinberg: I totally agree we need spectrum to defend our country. We also need commercial use of it to develop the technologies that will defend our country. The best solution is sharing. But we have to get it right, make sure sharing can be done without risk. That needs to get tested, and until that it’s clear that it can be done without risk, we must protect DoD’s spectrum position. Senator Fischer: Thank you. It must be clear that it can be done without risk, correct?
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A modelling study published in Nature suggests that Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) may withstand climate extremes.
Dr Alessandro Silvano, Oceanographer, University of Southampton said:
“AMOC will control extreme weather events, sea level rise and temperature over many areas, including Europe, and communities will need to adapt to changes, especially in case of collapse. This new study shows that what will happen is still not completely clear and a more “global approach” is needed, an approach that looks at the ocean as one large scale system where changes on one side of the planet can control what happens on the other side.
“Whether an AMOC collapse could occur is one of the most pressing questions for the scientific community. Especially if this can happen over the next century. Some studies suggest the AMOC might be approaching a tipping point, others instead suggest AMOC to be more resilient to change in CO2 concentrations, melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet and changes in the precipitation. Therefore, at present, there is a debate about a potential collapse, while an AMOC weakening seems likely.”
Dr René van Westen, Postdoctoral Researcher, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, (KNMI), said:
“The press release for this paper slightly oversells the point that the AMOC is ‘able to withstand future global warming’. In fact, the study still supports the conclusion that the AMOC is expected to severely weaken under extreme climate change, which is in line with the results from the latest IPCC report.
“The study’s results should certainly not be interpreted as showing that AMOC is a resilient system, given it finds that the AMOC still reduces to (very) weak strengths under human-caused global warming.
“In principle it is possible that all the AMOCs reached their collapsed state by the end of the 150-year long simulation. This can only be tested by continuing the simulation much longer to reach an equilibrium state, the simulations are too short to verify this. Nevertheless, the authors clearly demonstrate that the AMOC does not fully collapse (i.e. to 0 Sv strength) under 4xCO2 and show a prominent role for the Southern Ocean and Indo-Pacific Ocean.
“The study is still an exciting contribution to the literature. One of its key strengths is the inter-model comparison analysis under both 4xCO2 and hosing set-up. The authors show a clear relation in 34 different CMIP6 and demonstrate why the AMOC remains in a (very) weak state.
“It also demonstrates an important role for Southern Ocean dynamics, also suggested by previous research. However, Southern Ocean dynamics can only be adequately captured with high-resolution climate models in which large swirls (i.e., ocean eddies) are resolved. None of the 34 climate models used in this study have such a high resolution. It would be very interesting to see whether the proposed mechanism remains robust when resolving these swirls.
“The key message of this paper is that the AMOC may be partly stabilised by ‘remote’ (i.e. outside the Atlantic Ocean) feedback processes. It is therefore good to consider these remote feedback processes when analysing the AMOC in future work. This will help to understand the future AMOC trajectory under climate change.”
Prof Stefan Rahmstorf, Head of Research Department, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said:
“This new paper does not (and does not claim to) contradict other modeling studies about future AMOC changes and their climatic impact.
It has been well-established since the 1990s that the AMOC has a smaller, shallower part which is driven by the winds, meaning that a part remains once the density-driven (thermohaline) overturning has stopped. However, that wind-driven part is not nearly as important for climate as the part driven by differences in sea-water density. It is the latter which has a tipping point.
In previous studies about the risk of future AMOC collapse, the wind-driven part also persists since the winds won’t stop blowing, so this is not new information. The new study investigates the remaining wind-driven overturning in more detail, which is a valuable contribution to the scientific literature. It does not, however, change the assessment of the risk and impact of future AMOC changes in response to human-caused global warming.
A false impression of contradicting our and other results may however easily arise from their different usage of the word ‘AMOC collapse’. To the new paper, this word implies zero or negative overturning in the North Atlantic north of the equator below 500 m, while in previous studies this term has been used for states with greatly weakened AMOC. The new study has used the same models as previous studies and its findings change nothing about the climate risk of a major AMOC weakening, which remains significant and would have global ramifications.”
Dr Joel Hirischi, Associate Head of Marine Systems Modelling, UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC), said:
Does the press release accurately reflect the science?
“Yes, it does. As it stands, the only bit that could be confusing is the statement saying that “…AMOC can only collapse if a Pacific meridional overturning circulation (PMOC) develops”.
“It would be clearer to say that for the AMOC to stop, the Southern Ocean upwelling must be entirely compensated in the Pacific Ocean.
“The authors clarify this later in the press release but it would be better to say this upfront.
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“I enjoyed reading this article and I find the research to be of excellent quality. The work and methodology are closely related to an earlier study by the same authors in Geophysical Research Letters but the key message about AMOC stability is new.
“The authors used a large number of numerical models and the key results are robust across a range of model solutions. This enhances my confidence that the key findings of the study are robust.
How does this work fit with the existing evidence?
“This latest work fits nicely in the ongoing debate as to whether the AMOC is likely to shut down or not as climate warms. During the last two years, several studies have re-ignited the debate about whether the AMOC is likely to shut down, suggesting that the AMOC is more likely to shut down than we previously expected. This study provides a counterbalance and provides evidence for stabilising AMOC mechanisms linked to winds in the Southern Ocean.
“Direct observations of the AMOC do not suggest that the AMOC is shutting down and the results from this study are consistent with a view that the AMOC is not in immediate danger of shutting down.
Have the authors accounted for confounders? Are there important limitations to be aware of?
“The numerical models used in this study test the impact of a very strong greenhouse gas forcing (4xCO2) or a freshwater hosing north of 50N in the Atlantic. Neither the CO2 forcing nor the hosing on their own can cause the AMOC to shut down.
“In our warming world, both global CO2 concentrations and freshwater discharge into the North Atlantic, are increasing in parallel. It is not obvious how both effects put together would combine. The possibility of non-linear, amplifying AMOC interactions possible. To test that would require a new set of numerical experiments where CO2 and freshwater forcing are applied at the same time.
“The models used in the study typically have a low spatial resolution (in the order of 100km). Important features, such as ocean mesoscale eddies are missing and sharp temperature and salinity fronts are not realistically simulated. How strongly this affects the findings reported in this study, we do not yet know.
What are the implications in the real world? Is there any overspeculation?
“The study highlights the importance of the wind-driven Southern Ocean upwelling to understand the AMOC and its stability. Observations in the North and South Atlantic, where the AMOC is currently being observed may not be enough to decide where the AMOC is heading and knowing the amplitude and variability of the wind-driven Southern Ocean upwelling could be key.
“The authors are careful and their results should be considered when discussing the probability of a future AMOC shut down. The applied perturbations are large: 4xCO2 is higher an anomaly than what we will get – even in a pessimistic outlook. The freshwater discharge (0.3 Sv = 300000 m^3/s) applied during 100 years is roughly equivalent to melting about 1/3 of the Greenland ice sheet. Both perturbations are large compared with what we will likely experience in the real World.”
Sofia Palazzo Corner, PhD Researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said:
“This paper investigates the AMOC response to extreme climate change and finds that as waters continue to be pulled to the surface by wind in the Southern Ocean, so must waters sink elsewhere.
“This leads to two important results: an AMOC that weakens but doesn’t shut down completely, and the formation of a new overturning circulation in the Pacific: a PMOC.
“Though AMOC here shows resilience to complete collapse, ocean circulation definitely does not show a general resilience to climate change. Even a weakened AMOC will result in major impacts to global and regional climate, and the formation of a new overturning circulation in the Pacific is an extraordinary and dramatic change to global ocean dynamics.
“What’s unambiguous is that increasing carbon emissions are increasing the risk of major changes in global ocean circulation, including the AMOC. This study takes an extreme case to investigate the interactions between the Atlantic, the Southern Ocean and the Pacific, and finds that although the AMOC does not collapse completely, there is significant weakening, and a major transformation in the Pacific Ocean to accommodate the new balance between rising and sinking waters.
“These results are a signal to pay increased attention to other parts of the global ocean which may hold clues to the trajectory of AMOC in the 21st century.”
Prof Jonathan Bamber, Director of the Bristol Glaciology Centre, University of Bristol, said:
“This paper presents a careful and thorough analysis of how the AMOC responds to both extreme greenhouse gas and freshwater forcing that could result from accelerated fossil fuel consumption and increased melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Their analysis is based on examining 34 state of the art climate models and strongly suggests that the AMOC is not close to a tipping point for present-day and near-future climate. That is good news. While they find no evidence for a switch off or collapse of the AMOC they do find a weakening in all cases and this, alone, should be cause for concern. Because the AMOC is responsible for so much of the oceanic poleward heat transport, changes in its strength have a huge impact on the climate of northwest Europe and globally.
“A collapse of the AMOC would be devasting for civilisation so it is understandable that there has been a lot of focus on whether this might happen in the near future but a weakening of the AMOC should also be of concern. While it might not grab the headlines in the same way and its impact is a little more complicated to explain, it is still extremely important to model, understand, monitor and predict.”
Dr Lee de Mora, Marine Ecosystem Modeller, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, said:
“The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is hugely important to the global climate, influencing heat transport, carbon drawdown and deep water formation. Despite its importance, the future of the AMOC is not yet fully understood.”
“On one hand, the climate models from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) universally projected a weakening in the AMOC as temperatures increase, but they did not project a full collapse to zero at any warming level. On the other hand, some experiments have suggested that the AMOC is too stable in those CMIP-style models, and the real AMOC may be more prone to collapse.”
“This paper from Baker et al. identifies AMOC-stabilizing mechanisms in the Southern Ocean and Pacific Ocean that may explain why the CMIP6 models have a stable AMOC”.
‘Continued Atlantic overturning circulation even under climate extremes’by Baker et al. was published in Nature at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 26 February.
DOI:10.1038/s41586-024-08544-0
Declared interests
Dr Alessandro Silano “None”
Dr. René van Westen “None”
Prof Stefan Rahmstorf “None”
Dr Joel Hirischi “None”
Sofia Palazzo Corner “No interests to declare. I’m a PhD student funded by the Grantham Institute, and research assistant funded by ESM2025.”
Prof Johnathan Bamber “I am a member of the Advisory Committee for Earth Observation of the European Space Agency and a member of the European Space Science Committee, which receives funding from a number of national space agencies. I also receive funding from the European Commission.”
Dr Lee de Mora “LdM was supported by the UK Natural Environment Research Council through The UK Earth System Modelling Project (UKESM, grant no. NE/N017951/1) and by the UK Natural Environment Research Council through the TerraFIRMA: Future Impacts, Risks and Mitigation Actions in a changing Earth System project, Grant reference NE/W004895/1.”
EL PASO, Texas – A Jamaican national with multiple felonies was arrested at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry.
According to court documents, Dwight Donovan Moulton, 43, allegedly presented a Texas identification card to a Customs and Border Protection officer (CBPO) and claimed that he was a United States citizen traveling to El Paso after visiting his girlfriend in Mexico. The CBPO recognized facial discrepancies between Moulton and the photo ID, and escorted Moulton to the Passport Control Secondary (PCS) office for further inspection. At the PCS, he allegedly stated his true identity and admitted to being a citizen of Jamaica. A criminal complaint also alleges that Moulton admitted to finding the ID card he had presented and intended to use it to travel to El Paso.
Further investigation revealed that Moulton had been previously removed to Jamaica from Houston, most recently on or about Sept. 22, 2005. Additionally, his criminal record included three felonies, including a firearm offense and sale of a controlled substance.
If convicted, Moulton faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Customs and Border Protection is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Aguayo is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Delegation Letter Comes Amid Measles Outbreak in New Mexico and Texas;
Measles is One of the Most Highly Infectious Diseases and Can Lead to Serious Complications Like Pneumonia, Blindness, Brain Swelling, and Death
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding immediate action to contain the recent outbreak of measles in New Mexico. Measles, once declared eliminated in the U.S. over two decades ago, has sickened nine individuals in Lea Country.
“Given the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) important responsibility to stop the spread of infectious diseases, we request that you utilize HHS’ authorities for testing and monitoring and vaccine education and promotion, as well as rehire critical federal employees, to stop the spread of this dangerous infection,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Secretary Kennedy.
The lawmakers urged Secretary Kennedy to maintain regular reporting on measles cases, “States report confirmed measles cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Previously, measles tracking on the CDC website was consistently updated weekly. These updates are critical for public health officials to effectively track the rapid spread of this life-threatening disease. We urge you to maintain posting updated measles tracking data weekly.”
Following the firing of federal public health officials, the lawmakers demanded the reinstatement of these officials to contain the outbreak, “Just last Friday, two dozen employees at the CDC charged with training public health laboratory staffers and supporting outbreak response efforts were fired. These firings will worsen outbreaks and ultimately threaten the health of all Americans in the face of the next public health emergency. We urgently request that you reinstate the fired federal health workers to help stop the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.”
Additionally, to prevent future outbreaks, the lawmakers pressed Secretary Kennedy to support life-saving measles vaccines, “Given that most of the infected individuals are unvaccinated, more must be done to increase vaccination rates against measles. Vaccination rates can and should be increased and therefore we request that HHS launch a national campaign to improve measles vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks.”
The text of the letter is here and below:
Dear Secretary Kennedy,
We are concerned about the recent outbreak of measles in New Mexico. As of Wednesday, there are nine people with confirmed cases of measles in isolation in Lea County, New Mexico. This news comes as the nearby counties of Gaines, Terry, Lubbock, and Yoakum in Texas have recently reported 90 cases with 16 people hospitalized. Given the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) important responsibility to stop the spread of infectious diseases, we request that you utilize HHS’ authorities for testing and monitoring and vaccine education and promotion, as well as rehire critical federal employees, to stop the spread of this dangerous infection.
Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases because the virus can survive in the air for up to 2 hours. Ninety percent of people who are susceptible will become infected if exposed. While many recover, some experience serious complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.
Preventing and mitigating outbreaks is only possible through effective disease tracking and communication, an adequate workforce, and vaccination. States report confirmed measles cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Previously, measles tracking on the CDC website was consistently updated weekly. These updates are critical for public health officials to effectively track the rapid spread of this life-threatening disease. We urge you to maintain posting updated measles tracking data weekly.
The public health workforce protects community health by tracking disease and communicating with the public about health threats. But on January 29, 2025, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that there are still health care workforce shortages that inhibit the U.S.’s ability to protect and improve the health of American communities. Despite these health care workforce shortages, federal employees have been fired from the CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Indian Health Service (IHS). Just last Friday, two dozen employees at the CDC charged with training public health laboratory staffers and supporting outbreak response efforts were fired. These firings will worsen outbreaks and ultimately threaten the health of all Americans in the face of the next public health emergency. We urgently request that you reinstate the fired federal health workers to help stop the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.
Finally, the most effective way to protect people from contracting measles is to increase vaccination rates as quickly as possible. The measles vaccine, which also inoculates against mumps and rubella, has been in use for about 60 years and has consistently been found to be safe and effective. We urge you to keep your commitment to maintain the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccination. The ACIP is critical for ensuring safe and effective vaccination practices among American adults and children. The resources provided by the ACIP not only help health care providers make vaccination recommendations to their patients but also empower everyday Americans to make informed decisions about their health. Given that most of the infected individuals are unvaccinated, more must be done to increase vaccination rates against measles. Vaccination rates can and should be increased and therefore we request that HHS launch a national campaign to improve measles vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks.
In closing, your action is urgently needed to stop the spread of measles in New Mexico and across America. In order to mitigate the further spread of this life-threatening disease, we urge you to utilize HHS’ authorities and proven outbreak mitigation strategies. Specifically, we are asking that you maintain weekly disease tracking data updates, rehire federal health workers, launch a vaccination promotion campaign against measles and other life-threatening infectious diseases, and trust the recommendations of public health experts, physicians, and scientists.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
In today’s Wall Street Journal, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins lays out the Trump Administration’s comprehensive plan to bring down the price of eggs.
“The Biden administration did little to address the repeated outbreaks and high egg prices that followed. By contrast, the Trump administration is taking the issue seriously. To that end, today I am announcing a comprehensive strategy to combat avian influenza. The Agriculture Department will invest up to $1 billion to curb this crisis and make eggs affordable again. We are working with the Department of Government Efficiency to cut hundreds of millions of dollars of wasteful spending. We will repurpose some of those dollars by investing in long-term solutions to avian flu, which has resulted in about 166 million laying hens being culled since 2022.”
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Pink Shirt Day:
“Today is Pink Shirt Day, a day for all of us to celebrate kindness and work together against bullying.
“In 2007, two Nova Scotia high school students encouraged classmates to wear pink in support of a boy who had been teased for wearing a pink shirt. This act of solidarity inspired Pink Shirt Day, which is observed on the last Wednesday in February every year as Canada’s official anti-bullying day.
“Bullying is still far too common. According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 71% of Canadian youth, ages 12 to 17, experienced at least one form of bullying in the previous reporting year. One in four reported being cyberbullied.
“Our government is committed to making sure that every student in every community in B.C. feels safe and supported – at school and at home.
“The Erase (expect respect and a safe education) program is dedicated to helping students, adults and school staff build safe, caring and inclusive school communities, and offers resource support for diversity and inclusion, mental health and substance use, and school and online safety.
“Recognizing the significant harms that can result from online harassment and cyberbullying, we launched services to remove images from the internet and pursue predators who share images without consent.
“We invested nearly $75 million over three years to enhance and expand Foundry services in the province. Foundry provides integrated health and wellness services for young people, ages 12 to 24, and allows young people to access mental-health care, substance-use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer supports, and social services all in one location.
“In B.C., we celebrate the diversity that makes our province strong and vibrant. There’s no place for bullying in schools, on the streets or at home.”
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said:
“On the 18th anniversary of Pink Shirt Day, we join British Columbians taking a stand against bullying. Every MLA who celebrates this day recognizes our immense responsibility to do the work that keeps every child in B.C. safe.
“Alongside our partners, we continue the critical work to make schools free from bullying and discrimination. Together, we must ensure that we create the environment where all B.C. students feel safe, cared for and included, so they can be their authentic selves at school and thrive out in the world.
“Both as a minister and a parent, I am proud to celebrate this day. Now more than ever, we need everyone to come together to stand up to bullies.”
The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote.
At the request of the Majority Leader and the House Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time to review the legislation before consideration. Although it is possible in most cases to determine whether the legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to appropriation, may be included.
CBO’s estimates of the bills that have been posted for possible consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of March 3, 2025, include:
H.R. 579, Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2025
H.R. 758, Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act of 2025
H.R. 856, Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act
H.R. 872, Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025, as amended
H.R. 919, Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act
H.R. 1515, GOOD Act
H. Res. 153, Expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25, and for other purposes
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
strong>ALBUQUERQUE – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded Bernalillo County of over $447,000.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Oscar Kipikirui Ngeno, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Kenya, was involved in a business email compromise scheme targeting the government of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Between October and December 2019, while residing in New York on an immigrant visa, Ngeno allowed others to have access to his bank account, which was used for fraudulent transfers.
The scheme involved a spoofed email sent to Bernalillo County, purportedly from a legitimate vendor, containing falsified payment information and a phone number controlled by Ngeno. As a result, the county transferred a total of $447,372.89 to Ngeno‘s account over several months.
Ngeno became aware of the illegal nature of these transfers and the criminal origin of the funds in his account. On November 6, 2019, he used approximately $13,090.82 of the fraudulently obtained money to pay off a personal vehicle loan with Capital One Auto.
On November 15, 2024, Ngeno pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, acknowledging his role in the scheme. Ngeno was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000 to Bernalillo County.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Buffalo Field Office, the Rochester Resident Agency, Richmond FBI Field Office and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley is prosecuting the case.
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today contacted the commander of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) to express concern that military families are experiencing delays and poor communication from the contractor that handles moving of household goods. In a letter to General Randall Reed, Warner urged immediate action to address the failures reported by more than 1,000 military families, including missed household goods pickups, delivery issues, and difficulties communicating with the contractor responsible for the moves, HomeSafe Alliance.
“My constituents and press reporting indicate that HomeSafe Alliance is struggling to support military moves in a timely and predictable manner, calling into question performance on the contract, and ultimately degrading the readiness of our nation’s servicemembers and their families. As the military community enters the permanent change of station (PCS) peak season, it is essential that our servicemembers and their families have the logistical support they need to meet the mission,” wrote Sen. Warner.
In the letter, Warner requested a briefing from USTRANSCOM to discuss how the command plans to resolve these issues and ensure HomeSafe Alliance fulfills its obligations in a timely and efficient manner.
“I am disappointed to once again find that intervention is necessary to ensure the military community has what they need to focus on their jobs and families. Public reporting that cites USTRANSCOM officials indicates that more than 1,000 military families have already experienced missed household goods pickup or delivery dates, contractor communication challenges, or other issues associated with this contract. Your Director of the Defense Personal Property Management Office said that failures on a program this size, in the midst of transformation, are ‘to be expected,’” Warner added. “I can assure you that the military families missing their beds, kitchen appliances, and comforts of home expect far more in terms of support.”
A copy of today’s letter is available here.
Warner has previously engaged with USTRANSCOM on behalf of military families experiencing problems with moving. In 2014, Warner was forced to step in when more than 160 Virginians reported that their personal vehicles had been significantly delayed or misplaced by the contractor responsible for moving their vehicles during permanent change of station moves to and from overseas duty stations.
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
This may be “the last chance” to achieve a two-State solution — the creation of independent Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully side by side — a United Nations mediator told the Security Council today, as it considered the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the first phase of which is set to expire on 1 March.
While welcoming the implementation of this initial phase, including the release of 34 hostages, Sigrid Kaag, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, added: “None of us will forget the harrowing pictures of the coffins of the Bibas children taken hostage with their mother and killed while in captivity.” Condemning Hamas’ public parading of hostages, she also noted the release of 1,135 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and reports of the ill treatment and humiliation they experienced.
In Gaza, far more remains to be done to address over 15 months of deprivation of basic human necessities and “above all, a loss of human dignity”, she said, while noting some improvements in humanitarian aid access. “Palestinians must be able to resume their lives, to rebuild and to construct their future in Gaza,” she stressed, adding that there can be no question of forced displacement. Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian State, and the Strip must be unified with the West Bank including East Jerusalem, “politically, economically and administratively”, she said, calling on the Council to ensure continued support for the full realization of the ceasefire deal, urgent de-escalation in West Bank and support for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction — which would cost $53 billion.
Also briefing the Council today was Daniel Levy, President of the US/Middle East Project, who stressed that Israelis and Palestinians both deserve security, while acknowledging the “power asymmetry” between a colonizing State and a colonized people. Recalling the Israeli ambassador’s “gimmick” of shredding the UN Charter at the General Assembly podium, he said: “When a State like Israel conducts itself in ways that render the Charter meaningless and which assault [international] conventions, including on genocide […] then that is a challenge that cannot be allowed to pass.”
Calling for a full ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages and a surge in humanitarian assistance, he cautioned: “There is good reason to fear that this could collapse.” In that vein, he warned against the attempt to permanently depopulate the north of Gaza, adding: “Hamas non-governance in Gaza is achievable, the movement itself has said so.” But, there will be resistance if the structural violence of occupation and apartheid continue. He also cautioned against zero-sum thinking, also stressing that the unlawful forced displacement of Palestinians must not be endorsed or encouraged by any State, let alone, one of the permanent five.
Testimony from Ex-Hostage
“I was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on 7 October 2023 from the Nova music festival with my partner,” recalled Noa Argamani, who also addressed the Council today. She added that she was taken by force into Gaza and “held in total fear, living in a nightmare”. Noting that she was rescued by Israeli soldiers after eight months in captivity, she said: “Being here today is a miracle, but I’m here today to tell you we have no time.” There are still 63 hostages in captivity — 24 believed to still be alive — “the [ceasefire] deal must go on, in full”, she urged.
Recalling that her captors murdered her friend, she underscored: “Every second in captivity is dangerous.” The Council must “not let the darkness take over”, she warned, stating that she came to the Council so that the international community understands that “the hostages are in hell” and deserve to return home immediately.
Determined to Eradicate Hamas
“This is the story of every hostage and every family shattered by Hamas’ terror,” said Israel’s delegate, urging the Council to adopt a resolution condemning the group — a move he argued the 15-member organ could have taken 16 months ago. Stressing that the tragedy will not end “until each one of them is back home”, he continued: “The question now is whether this Council will help write that ending, or continue to look away.”
“No matter what happens, our commitment to freeing all the hostages and completely eradicating Hamas is unshakeable,” he underscored. Turning to the humanitarian situation, he pointed to thousands of trucks entering Gaza every week to deliver aid and stressed: “The only starved people in Gaza are the hostages.” He added that “it is time to think beyond the frameworks of the past and build a new reality — one where terrorists do not hold entire communities hostage and where life is sacred once more”.
Recordings of Gunfire at Family
Riyad H. Mansour, Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, said while “nothing justifies” what happened to the Bibas family, Palestinian children are “not any less deserving of your outrage for their killing”. He went on to play recordings of the calls made to emergency services by 15-year-old Layan Hamadeh and her 6-year-old cousin Hind Rajab — both found dead later — after their family members were shot dead while evacuating Gaza City by car. He also remembered the Palestinian parents who had to collect “what remained of their children’s bodies in plastic bags”.
“Did you see the images of our released prisoners, often starved, with marks and scars on their bodies?”, he asked, noting that Israel subjects them to beatings and humiliating treatments. “How many hostages were released by military actions and how many hundreds of Palestinians have perished in these military attacks that were supposed to rescue the hostages but led to the death of many of them?”, he asked, adding: “Ceasefire works.” The next few days is a test of Israel’s true priorities, he said.
Support for Ceasefire’s Second Phase
Council members stressed the need to uphold the ceasefire and reach an agreement on the second phase, which aims to establish a permanent truce. Under this phase, Israel would fully withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas would release all remaining hostages in exchange for additional detainees.
The representative of Sierra Leone, voiced a “renewed sense of relief and optimism” despite “the uncertainty that still looms”. The representative of the Republic of Korea noted that the agreement shows “what firm political will can bring to the region” as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners reunite with their families. The ceasefire is also saving lives, Denmark’s delegate said, adding that it is vital that it moves to its second phase. Georgios Gerapetritis, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, added that the ceasefire will “allow planning for a more prosperous and secure ‘day after’ for the whole region”.
The representative of France said that his country has deployed specialized personnel within the framework of the European Union Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point to support the ceasefire. He also noted that his country and Saudi Arabia will co-chair an international conference for the implementation of a two-State solution in June.
The Russian Federation’s delegate expressed concern about the “opaque monitoring mechanism”, highlighting accusations from both sides about the other side’s bad faith in the implementation of individual steps. Somalia’s delegate said that the continued attacks, illegal arrests, settlement-expansion and excessive use of force “undermine the spirit of the ceasefire deal” and that “mediation efforts will not succeed if the aggression continues unchecked”. If the ceasefire fails, Panama’s delegate warned, “then the human toll will be incalculable and prospects for regional peace and stability will fade further”.
The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed improved aid supplies since the ceasefire agreement as having “demonstrated the central role of the UN and humanitarian actors, including UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East]”. She also expressed concern over tightening humanitarian space, as well as the expansion of Israel’s operations killing and displacing civilians in the West Bank.
Gaza’s Future without Hamas
The representative of the United States expressed support for Israel’s “sovereign decision” to close UNRWA offices in Jerusalem, adding: “UNRWA is not and never has been the only option for providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza”. Her country stands with all hostages, she said, adding that the desecration of the remains of Shiri Bibas shows “the depth of Hamas’s cruelty”. President Donald J. Trump has made clear that the future of Gaza must look different, she said, adding that Hamas must be fully removed from power and held accountable for its 7 October 2023 terrorist massacre.
Save West Bank from Becoming Next Gaza
Other speakers, however, highlighted the impact of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, and the escalation of settlements and violence in the West Bank. “Israel is not trying to return to calm,” said Kuwait’s delegate, speaking for the Arab Group. Asking the Council if it is waiting for a repeat of the Gaza tragedy, he called on the international community to help end the occupying Power’s aggression in the West Bank and its attacks on Christian and Muslim holy sites in the Aqsa Mosque compound.
Algeria’s delegate drew attention to the Israeli Finance Minister’s declaration that the “goal for 2025 is to demolish more than what Palestinian are building in the West Bank”. Stressing the need to support UNRWA and empower the Palestinian Authority, he added that weakening the Authority is a deliberate strategy by the Israeli occupying Power which dreams “of a land free of Palestinians”, from the river to the sea. Five newborn babies froze to death yesterday in a hospital in Gaza City, he noted, adding “we have no more time to waste”. The ceasefire agreement should serve as a foundation for a durable peace plan.
Slovenia’s delegate stressed: “Gaza belongs to Gazans and it is an integral part of the Palestinian State.” Pointing to the “many more steps” needed for lasting peace to persist in the Middle East, he observed: “While peace seems to be a big word, it essentially boils down to everyday decisions to work for it.”
“The cumulative effect of Israel’s violent occupation of Palestinian territories has entrapped the Palestinian people in a cycle of violence and poverty,” Guyana’s delegate noted. Pakistan’s representative pointed to the forcible displacement, military raids, settler violence and illegal land annexations Israel is conducting, describing these as “ethnic cleansing in real time”.
The representative of China, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity, urged the international community to support the parties in moving ahead with negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire and called on Israel to cease its military and settler activity in the West Bank, underscoring: “The West Bank must not become the next Gaza.”
The Province will establish a new Health System Performance and Accountability Council to improve health outcomes and experiences for Nova Scotians.
The council will monitor the quality and performance of the health system and make evidence-based recommendations to the Minister of Health and Wellness in areas where there could be improvement.
“We’ve made many improvements across our healthcare system, both behind the scenes and on the front lines to provide Nova Scotians with better and faster healthcare,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We can always do more, and we will do more. This council will help us identify further areas of improvement to ensure patients continue to receive the care they expect and deserve.”
Areas of focus for the council include acute care, primary care, addictions and mental health, public health and health promotion, emergency health services, and seniors and long-term care.
The council will have between three and nine members appointed by the Minister of Health and Wellness. Members can serve up to a three-year term and can only be re-appointed once.
The council will meet quarterly and report its recommendations to the Minister on or before August 1 each year.
The government has also appointed Chris Power as the new administrator of Nova Scotia Health. She will take over from Janet Davidson, who held the position since 2021 and has resigned.
“I want to thank Janet for her service and commitment to providing the leadership and guidance needed to support our journey to transform healthcare for Nova Scotians,” said Minister Thompson. “The work she has started will continue as we welcome Chris, who has extensive experience working in and providing leadership within our healthcare system.”
Ms. Davidson’s resignation and Ms. Power’s appointment are both effective November 6.
Action for Health is the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia. The Health System Performance and Accountability Council supports Solution 4 in the plan, to build accountability at every level.
Quick Facts:
Nova Scotia will join provinces such as Alberta and Ontario that have quality councils in place to provide strategic, system-level advice on performance and improvement opportunities
Ms. Power began her career in healthcare as a front-line nurse and later became president and CEO of the former Capital District Health Authority.
she has served as CEO of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, which later merged with the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to become Healthcare Excellence Canada
Additional Resources:
Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/
Mandate letter for the Minister of Health and Wellness: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DHW.pdf
February 26, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal
SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Edwin Eli Maldonado-Paredes, a 39-year-old citizen of Honduras, Feb. 18. Maldonado-Paredes has been removed from the U.S. twice, and was illegally present when arrested.
Maldonado-Paredes was ordered removed by an immigration judge on Oct. 12, 2012 and removed to Honduras on Oct. 24, 2012.
Maldonado-Paredes attempted to reenter the U.S. on Dec. 30, 2013. The U.S. Border Patrol reinstated the previous removal order on that same date and he was again removed to Honduras on Jan. 10, 2014.
Maldonado-Paredes is in U.S. Marshals Service custody pending prosecution for reentry of a removed alien, a felony federal crime. He could face up to two years in prison if convicted.
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.
With the fulfillment of her term, and the nomination of Brian Quintenz to succeed her, Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero will step down from the Commission upon Mr. Quintenz’s confirmation, and retire from federal service. Commissioner Goldsmith Romero said, “It’s been a tremendous privilege to serve in the federal government for 23 years. Following my wonderful tenure at the SEC and as the Special Inspector General for TARP at the Department of the Treasury, it has been a joy to be a CFTC Commissioner and serve alongside my fellow Commissioners and the CFTC staff. History has shown how sound regulation plays a critical role in U.S. financial markets being the envy of the world, and I am honored to have played a part in promoting U.S. markets and protecting investors and customers.” “I congratulate my friend and fellow Commissioner, Christy Goldsmith Romero, on her retirement from decades of dedicated federal service” said Acting Chairman Caroline Pham. “Throughout her distinguished career, she has worked tirelessly to protect the American public and address risks in banking and financial services. I have appreciated her notable accomplishments towards our shared goal of supporting the CFTC’s robust enforcement program—to hold those who break the law accountable and deter bad actors from causing harm to our markets. In particular, Christy has been a thought leader in combatting fraud and addressing cybersecurity in new technologies such as AI and blockchain as sponsor of the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee. I will miss her partnership and collegiality on the Commission.”Commissioner Goldsmith Romero is a well-regarded, trusted, and internationally recognized leader in financial regulation and oversight. She has served as a Presidential appointee since 2012, was twice unanimously confirmed by the Senate, has testified before Congress 14 times, and was recently nominated to be the FDIC Chairman and Board Member. Her work has received substantial media coverage, and she is a sought-after speaker. Commissioner Goldsmith Romero led the CFTC during a time of expansion of derivatives markets and amid geopolitical uncertainty. Her overriding priority has been to ensure that markets work well—that they remain vibrant, resilient and have integrity. She has visited farmers, agricultural and energy providers, and critical mineral providers, and met with exchanges, trading platforms, clearing houses, banks and brokers.During her term, Commissioner Goldsmith Romero prioritized risk management, focusing on the Commission’s mission to promote market resilience. Her work led to increased surveillance to ensure prices for food and fuel were not artificially increased by fraud or manipulation. She led the drafting of the CFTC’s first proposed rule on cyber resilience for banks and brokers, which garnered a unanimous Commission vote. She spoke about resilience to climate risk, given the impact of severe climate events on agricultural and energy markets. Commissioner Goldsmith Romero built on her career-long enforcement record of combating fraud and other illegality and of advancing investor and customer protection. She changed the CFTC’s routine practice of settling all cases without requiring defendants to admit their misconduct and called for stricter penalties for recidivism and violations of anti-money laundering laws. She proposed the creation of a National Financial Fraud Registry, and advocated that Congress define “retail customer” for derivatives markets.Commissioner Goldsmith Romero has been a leader at the CFTC on future of finance issues. She promoted responsible innovation and competition in the CFTC’s regulation of trading of digital assets and engaged with technology innovators. She sponsored the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee, to which she added technology experts in cryptocurrency, stablecoins, blockchain, digital identity, AI, fintech, and cybersecurity. The committee examined emerging technology and cyber resilience and released first-of-its-kind reports on “Decentralized Finance” and “Responsible AI in Financial Markets.”Commissioner Goldsmith Romero was the first AANHPI lawyer to serve as a CFTC Commissioner and the first LGBTQIA+ Commissioner. She thanks President Biden for her nomination, the U.S. Senate for its unanimous confirmation, and her current and former staff and CFTC for their outstanding public service.About Commissioner Goldsmith RomeroCommissioner Goldsmith Romero was sworn in as a CFTC Commissioner on March 30, 2022, after being nominated by President Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. In June 2024, President Biden nominated her to be the FDIC Chairman and Board Member (nomination returned by the Senate in January 2025).Prior to becoming a CFTC Commissioner, she served for 12 years at the Department of Treasury, including for a decade as the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), after being nominated by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. She continued to serve in that position throughout President Trump’s administration and the beginning of President Biden’s administration. There, she led a nationwide law enforcement and audit watchdog office conducting oversight over TARP, the government’s response to the financial crisis that covered banks, derivatives, housing, the automotive industry and insurance. She testified before Congress and served as a non-partisan Congressional resource on the U.S. financial system, the global financial crisis and TARP. SIGTARP returned more than $11 billion to taxpayers and other victims, a 27 times return on investment. SIGTARP developed a unique ability to find hidden fraud in banks. SIGTARP investigations led to criminal charges against 465 defendants (including 75 bankers sentenced to prison and 121 homeowner scammers sentenced to prison), as well as civil charges by the DOJ, the SEC & others against 25 entities including large financial institutions.Commissioner Goldsmith Romero served for six years at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including as counsel to two SEC Chairs, Christopher Cox (R) and Mary Schapiro (I), after serving on the staff of the Enforcement Division. She also was an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center teaching a class on the SEC and securities regulation, and at the University of Virginia Law School teaching classes on cryptocurrency regulation and federal oversight. Prior to joining the SEC, she worked at national law firms including Jenner & Block, Snell and Wilmer, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, and served a federal clerkship.
Approximately 60 Unifi Aviation ground handling workers based in San Jose, Calif., last week voted nearly 70 percent to join the IAM Union. Unifi Aviation is 49% owned by Delta Air Lines Inc. and waged a scorched-Earth union-busting campaign, led by the anti-worker law firm Jones Day. The workers cited low and stagnant wage rates, poor benefits and working conditions as reasons to form a union and gain a seat at the table.
Although the IAM Union filed the petition to hold a representation election in July 2024, it took six months for an election to be held due to Delta management’s stall tactics.
“I am very proud to welcome these determined and courageous workers into aviation’s largest union, the IAM,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “And a special thanks to District 141 Director of Membership Services Frank Giannola, Local 1781 veteran organizer Danny Paulazzo, and the IAM Legal Department for leading the campaign to a successful conclusion.”
The IAM Union is currently working to organize approximately 20,000 Delta Air Lines ramp, cargo and tower workers nationwide.
“District 141 salutes these Unifi workers who never backed down and took on Delta’s high-priced union-busters and sent them packing,” said IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm. “We will now continue this campaign and negotiate the dignified first contract that these workers deserve.”
Unifi Aviation employs approximately 60 workers at San Jose Mineta International Airport who perform ground handling services for Delta Air Lines.
“Proud is an understatement,” said IAM District 141 Director of Membership Services Frank Giannola. “Not only do these workers endure the disrespect of low wages and poor treatment on a daily basis, but they had to withstand the lies and threats for six months because of Delta’s stalling and union-busting tactics.”
Unifi Aviation operates in approximately 180 airports across the United States performing ground handling and other services for airlines.
Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – February 25, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle and Rep. Veronica Escobar for a press conference on the Republican budget scheme that betrays working families by cutting Medicaid to pay for tax breaks to billionaires.
CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. Pleased to be joined, as always, with Vice Chair Ted Lieu and also Ranking Member Brendan Boyle of the Budget Committee and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar of the Budget Committee, as well.
Folks, Donald Trump’s first month has been a disaster. The only president less popular than Donald Trump in the first month of his second term is Donald Trump in the first month of his first term. People are angry that Trump and Republicans broke their promise to lower costs on day one, and the Trump-endorsed Republican Budget does nothing to bring down the costs of gas, groceries, housing, rent or utilities. It is yet another reminder of Republicans’ only priority, which is lowering taxes for billionaires.
The Republican Budget is going to take health care away from millions of working Americans—and even children—to pay for a tax cut that Elon Musk and Republican billionaire donors asked for. Now, some of our friends on the other side of the aisle will say this is just a procedural step. Please don’t hold this vote against me. Here’s the truth: this vote doesn’t just open the door for Medicaid cuts, it guarantees them. Republicans are hiding because they’re terrified of voting against Trump’s endorsed budget, but their constituents are banging down their doors and demanding answers on why they care more about reducing costs for billionaires instead of working families.
Our challenge to House Republicans is, after you pass this budget today, which cuts Medicaid by $880 billion, go home and have a town hall with your constituents, see how they feel about what you just did. If you’re going to rip away health care from people, then you ought to be able to defend your vote directly to them, but that would require the House Republican Conference growing a spine, so we’ll see. Next Vice Chair Ted Lieu.
VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. It’s an honor to be here with Brendan Boyle and Veronica Escobar on the Budget Committee
At the beginning of Donald Trump’s term, shortly after the inauguration, Donald Trump was at plus six approval. Reuters has been tracking Donald Trump’s approval and disapproval for the first 30 days, and they recently released a poll showing that Donald Trump is now at minus seven. So less than one month, that’s a swing of 13 points. And why are Trump’s numbers free-falling? One reason is because Trumponomics sucks. His indiscriminate tariffs are increasing prices and increasing inflation. Firing people who work on the bird flu, or cutting funding for folks who work on bird flu is going to increase egg prices. And by the way, a lot of places you can’t even get eggs.
And nowhere is the harm of Trumponomics more exemplified than the Republican Budget. This GOP Budget is going to cut $880 billion of Medicaid to then fund huge tax cuts for the super-wealthy and for billionaires. And what does $880 billion in Medicaid look like? It means the shutting down of community health clinics, the shutting down of hospitals, the shutting down of nursing homes, and approximately two-thirds of nursing home patients are paid for by Medicaid. This is going to have a huge impact on the middle class, on the poor, all so that billionaires can get even richer. We’re asking everyone to stand up and oppose this Republican Budget betrayal.
I’m so honored now to introduce the Ranking Member of our Budget Committee, the great Brendan Boyle from Philadelphia, home of the Super Bowl-winning Eagles.
RANKING MEMBER BOYLE: I did not pay Ted to introduce me in that way, but I appreciate it. Brendan Boyle, Congressman, proudly of Philadelphia, and also the Ranking Member of the Budget Committee.
Let’s be clear: the Republican budget represents the Republican betrayal of the middle class. It cuts at least one and a half trillion dollars, including at least $880 billion from Medicaid, in order to partially pay for trillions of dollars in tax cuts, most of which go to the richest 1% of Americans. It also increases the deficit and the national debt to the tune of $4 trillion. Even a number of House Republicans have come out upon reading the bill and recognized this fact. And by the way, this is from the same crowd that for the last four years, did nothing but shed crocodile tears over the national debt. So, you can see why this is such a Republican betrayal of the middle class. It betrays the very folks who voted for Donald Trump in order to bring down costs at the supermarket. We haven’t seen one second spent on that subject. What we have seen is that, yet again, the top priority for my Republican colleagues is to cut and slash government programs, most especially Medicaid, in order to finance tax cuts for the richest 1%. And let’s be clear about it, because there are some on the other side who are attempting to confuse people. This absolutely guarantees Medicaid cuts that would amount to the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history, all to deliver tax cuts for the richest 1%.
With that, I’m happy to yield to a great Budget Committee Member, my friend, Veronica Escobar.
REP. ESCOBAR: Thank you, Chairman. Thank you, Vice Chair. Thank you, Ranking Member. Buenos días. It’s my privilege to be here standing with great champions for hard working American families.
I think it’s really important for us to remember what happened last year. Last year, the American people went to the polls and overwhelmingly told candidates and told incumbents, ‘we want you to focus on the cost of living. We want you to lower our everyday costs. We want you to tackle inflation.’ Where are we today? We are seeing inflation increase. We are seeing costs go up, and the American people need our help.
This budget not only doesn’t help hard working Americans, this budget will devastate hard working Americans in a way that is absolutely a betrayal of the middle class. This budget will make Americans sicker, poorer, and this budget will make their lives more challenging. You cannot make the kind of deep cuts that this budget resolution unlocks without harming the people who are depending on us to make their lives better. And as my colleagues mentioned in Medicaid alone, in the cuts that will have to happen as a result of this resolution, we are going to see Americans have their premiums, their Affordable Care Act premiums, double. Does that make their lives better? Does that make things more affordable? We are going to see families who have a loved one who is disabled lose their benefits. Does this make their lives better? Does this make the cost of living more affordable for them? We are going to see families who have a loved one in a nursing home have to figure out the future for their elderly parent or grandparent, because Medicaid cuts will impact them. Will that make their lives better or more affordable? When community hospitals close, when community clinics close, will that make people’s lives better or more affordable? Absolutely not.
And there will also be an impact on local economies. We have data that shows for every dollar spent on SNAP, that means $1.50, that means it impacts the local economy by $1.50. By removing the support that the American people look to us to guarantee, we are not just going to hurt everyday Americans. We’re going to hurt economies around the country at a time when Americans want us to do the opposite.
Let every Republican considering voting in favor of this terrible budget explain to their constituents how this improves their lives or makes their lives better. I’ll tell you who it does, whose life it does improve – those billionaires who will be able to buy another yacht because of these tax cuts; another jet because of these tax cuts; another luxury home because of these tax cuts. But go talk to Thomas Massie also, about what this will do to the debt, and he’ll tell you what it’ll do to the debt. Thank you.
Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.
Nova Scotia opened a new centre that will see internationally trained physicians get licensed faster to practise in communities across the province.
The Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence and its clinic are now open with four internationally trained physicians who will be providing primary care to 2,600 patients. All patients are assigned from the Need a Family Practice Registry.
“We know there are many talented and in-demand internationally trained doctors who are eager to practise primary care medicine in our beautiful province. This assessment centre is the first of its kind in North America, and it will get these doctors seeing patients much faster than before while providing the quality of care Nova Scotians expect,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness.
The internationally trained physicians are supervised by a team of Nova Scotia physicians who will assess them for independent licensure. The program takes about 12 weeks to complete, and individuals who become licensed will be required to sign a three-year return-of-service agreement to practise in the province.
The centre takes over from Dalhousie University’s Practice Ready Assessment Program, which did similar work and since 2019, issued 39 licences. The timeline was about 18 months from the date of application to licensure.
It is anticipated that once the program is fully implemented, it will issue more licences than have been issued over the last five years. The duration of the new program is 12 continuous weeks if the candidate meets all requirements.
Over time, the centre will expand to include five physician-led teams of up to three internationally trained physicians each. At full scale, the clinic will have capacity for 6,500 patients.
The new centre is a partnership between the Province, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia and the Medical Council of Canada, which oversees physician assessment standards in Canada.
Quotes:
“Having been a family physician for over 20 years in a more rural setting, I understand some of what internationally trained primary care providers will experience in our healthcare system. I welcomed the opportunity to become trained in workplace-based physician assessment, and I am excited to make a contribution to improving access to care by assessing internationally trained family care providers for practise in Nova Scotia.” — Dr. Andria MacAulay, physician assessor, Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence
“PACE will help improve access to care for Nova Scotians. PACE has a hybrid mission: it will assess internationally trained family care providers for independent licensure while delivering excellent primary care in a busy clinic. It is the first primary care model of its kind in Canada.” — Dr. Gus Grant, Registrar and CEO, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
28 per cent of new physicians who began practising in Nova Scotia last year were recruited internationally
Additional Resources:
News Release – New Centre to Support More International Medical Graduates: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/10/08/new-centre-support-more-international-medical-graduates
Other than cropping, Province of Noa Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
February 25, 2025
Senate Judiciary Democrats to Pam Bondi: “We write to object to the recent decision to use Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities to detain immigrants swept up in the Trump Administration’s mass deportation efforts and urge you to reconsider this plan”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) led a group of Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi stating opposition to the Trump Administration’s intended use of Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities to detain immigrants. The move is a policy revival from President Trump’s first Administration, where detained immigrants described allegations of mistreatment and unconstitutional detention conditions.
The Senators begin by describing the allegations of mistreatment and unconstitutional detention conditions experienced under the previous Trump Administration, which this announcement revives, writing:“We write to object to the recent decision to use Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities to detain immigrants swept up in the Trump Administration’s mass deportation efforts and urge you to reconsider this plan. During the previous Trump Administration, detained immigrants described alleged mistreatment and unconstitutional detention conditions in federal prisons. The detainees, many of whom were seeking asylum, lacked access to legal counsel, religious rights, phone calls, educational or other programming, and even clean clothing. Despite this troubling history, the current Trump Administration is apparently relying on the same poorly conceived detention scheme.”
The Senators continue by stating concerns with the February 7th memo from BOP’s Correctional Programs Branch directing the policy change, writing: “[This memo fails] to provide meaningful guidance and direction to staff on the serious questions raised by these instructions. These questions include how to manage interactions between civil immigration detainees and the existing criminally incarcerated population; how the Department of Justice (DOJ) and DHS will ensure BOP staff receive adequate training and resources to meet the needs of the civil immigrant detainee population; and whether BOP facilities would even be able to meet basic immigration detention standards. Due to BOP already suffering from years of understaffing, inadequate resources, and crumbling infrastructure, the Administration’s decision to revive immigration detention in BOP facilities seriously threatens the safety and well-being of BOP staff, incarcerated individuals, and immigrant detainees.”
The Senators then outline the long-faced staffing and infrastructure challenges that this policy change would perpetuate, as detailed by labor unions and previous Senate Judiciary Committee hearings. Additionally, they describe understaffing as just “one symptom of chronic underinvestment in the Bureau,” among which include growing maintenance needs that executive staff characterize as a “foundational, enterprise-wide challenge” to the tune of $3 billion.
The Senators conclude by summarizing the challenges facing the Bureau that make immigration detention at BOP facilities problematic, writing: “Until serious funding and staffing challenges outlined above are addressed, federal prisons simply cannot safely and humanely meet the needs of its current inmate population, much less the needs of civil immigration detainees. Immigration detainees in federal prisons will face substandard conditions and care and their detention will only exacerbate significant institutional problems facing the Bureau. We therefore urge you to reconsider this plan and instead work with us to address BOP’s existing challenges.”
In addition to Durbin and Schiff, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
For a PDF copy of the letter to Attorney General Bondi, clickhere.
During his tenure as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin prioritized oversight of BOP and revived the Committee’s practice of holding annual BOP oversight hearings. In April 2021, the Committee held a BOP oversight hearing with then-Director Carvajal to address chronic understaffing issues and other concerns. Later, Durbin called for a new, reform-minded BOP Director after an Associated Press report that found that BOP is a “hotbed of abuse, graft and corruption, and has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct.” Then-Director Carvajal’s resignation was announced less than two months later.
In September 2022, the Committee held its second BOP oversight hearing under Durbin, which was BOP Director Peters’ first time testifying before Congress since taking over as head of the Bureau. At that hearing, Durbin pressed Director Peters about abuse in federal prisons. In September 2023, Durbin held his third BOP oversight hearing.
In February 2024, Durbin convened a hearing entitled “Examining and Preventing Deaths of Incarcerated Individuals in Federal Prisons” at which Director Peters and DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz testified regarding issues related to the operation and management of BOP, including staffing shortages, that contributed to deaths in custody.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
February 25, 2025
Durbin asked for unanimous consent from the Senate to pass a resolution in support of NIH; Republicans rejected it
WASHINGTON – Today, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution he introduced with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), as well as 21 other Senators, that would pledge support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as President Trump and Elon Musk continue to illegally cut funding and resources at NIH. The resolution simply says that the work of NIH should not be subject to interruption, delay, or funding disruptions in violation of the law, and it reaffirms that the NIH workforce is essential to sustaining medical progress. U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) rejected Durbin’s UC request.
“All the progress we have made [at NIH], all the progress we hope to make is in danger because of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. That’s right—these two men promised to bring down the price of eggs, gasoline, and make housing more affordable. None of that has happened. Instead, they are carrying out an unprecedented and devastating campaign to cut research funding for cancers, ALS, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and infectious diseases,” Durbin said. “Instead of making life better for Americans, they want to slash research funding for the National Institutes of Health.”
Durbin continued, “NIH funding is why people are beating cancer, why babies are being spared from preventable illnesses, why HIV is no longer a death sentence, why progress is being made on dementia and other neurological diseases.”
Since the start of this Administration, the White House has unleashed a lawless, chaotic attack on everything from funding for farmers to biomedical research.
“Let me tell you this—there is nothing to cheer about when it comes to [cutting] medical research. It was this bizarre memo from the Office of Management and Budget that illegally froze federal grant funding. They even prohibited the recipients of federal grants and medical research from physically meeting in the same place… The cuts that were announced by this Administration were quickly halted by a federal judge… but it seems even though the Court made a ruling, this Administration is still holding up funding, in violation of the court’s order. As a result, NIH has delayed awarding approximately $1 billion in grant funding—delaying research at institutions nationwide,” Durbin said.
Durbin spoke about how the Administration’s cuts to NIH is harming one of his constituents, Dr. Timothy Koh—a Professor of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago. For 15 years, Dr. Koh has been researching why people with diabetes develop wounds that do not heal, as well as researching treatments to address these wounds. While having steady federal funding for his research through the years, Dr. Koh was recently informed that his NIH grant application is on hold because of the federal funding freeze. His current grant is scheduled to end on Friday, and if his grant is not renewed, he will have to lay off lab staff and will see major setbacks in his research. Dr. Koh recently said, “It’s going to potentially put an end to my research career, and we won’t be able to develop these new therapies for diabetic [patients].”
“Make no mistake: under the Constitution, Congress is supposed to have the ‘power of the purse’ and over the past decade, bipartisan members of Congress have worked on a bipartisan basis to [increase] NIH’s funding [by 60 percent]… We did this because we know that NIH funding leads to new cures and treatments for patients in need, it supports well-paying jobs nationwide, and it cements our global leadership,” Durbin continued.
Illinois universities and hospitals receive approximately $1.2 billion in NIH funding—which supports 14,000 jobs in the state and $3.5 billion in economic activity. Reports indicate that 1,200 NIH employees have been fired so far under President Trump and Musk’s direction—from experienced vaccine researchers to the next generation of scientists, to the Acting Director of the NIH’s Alzheimer’s and dementia program. Further, President Trump and Musk have reportedly ended a popular trainee program that brought 1,600 young scientists just out of college to the NIH’s world-renowned campus in Maryland to help run labs.
Durbin concluded, “NIH research leads to the new cures and treatments that extend, improve, and save lives which is why I am introducing a resolution today to simply say of Senators on both sides of the aisle: let’s pledge support to make NIH an exception. Let’s not let wanton cuts stop something very valuable. This resolution is straight-forward—it says that the work of NIH should not be subject to interruption, delay, or funding disruptions in violation of the law, and it reaffirms that the workforce of the NIH is essential to sustaining medical progress… This is not controversial—Americans get sick on a bipartisan basis—shouldn’t we support medical research on a bipartisan basis? For as long as I can stand, for as long as I can speak, I will fight to protect NIH and the medical research it supports… I hope my Republican colleagues wake up and join me before it’s too late.”
Van Hollen and Alsobrooks—whose state is home to NIH’s campus—helped lead the introduction of today’s resolution with Durbin. Along with Durbin, Van Hollen, and Alsobrooks, today’s resolution was cosponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Angus King (I-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Jack Reed (D-RI).
“The dedicated civil servants at NIH work tirelessly on behalf of the American people to develop medical advancements that save lives. Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless efforts to attack the agency are not only throwing this critical work into chaos, they’re also flat-out illegal. It’s disgraceful that Republicans refuse to join us in defending what has been a long record of bipartisan investment in biomedical research that helps Americans live longer, healthier lives,” said Van Hollen.
“The Marylanders who work at NIH are contributing to lifesaving research and medical advancements. To stop this work will literally cost lives. The President and this Administration are no longer just targeting civil servants—they’re targeting the American people,” said Alsobrooks.
Video of Durbin’sremarks on the floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
News story
World Trade Organisation 2nd Trade Policy Review of Ukraine – Joint Statement
At the second Trade Policy Review of Ukraine, the UK and Members from across the WTO reiterated their unwavering solidarity and support for Ukraine in a joint statement at the World Trade Organization.
We, the delegations of the undersigned WTO Members, on the occasion of the Second Trade Policy Review of Ukraine in the WTO, held on 26 and 28 February 2025, reiterate our full support for and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We express our deep sadness at the devastating human losses and profound suffering caused by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which continues for the fourth year in gross violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
We reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and call for the Russian Federation to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to have devastating global and regional impacts, including on Ukraine’s economy and ability to trade. The destruction of significant parts of Ukraine’s transport routes, port infrastructure, and grain storage facilities as well as the mining of millions of hectares of agricultural land is impeding Ukraine’s ability to produce, export, and import. We are gravely concerned about the consequences of this destruction for Ukraine and for global trade, in particular with regard to the supply to international markets of a number of key commodities produced by Ukraine, including agricultural and food products, fertilisers, and critical minerals. We are also deeply concerned by reports of attacks on civilian vessels transporting agricultural goods from Ukrainian Black Sea ports and millions of tonnes of grain being plundered by Russia from illegally occupied regions of Ukraine using falsified phytosanitary certificates and hiding vessels’ data. These actions violate the principles and values of the WTO.
Ukraine is one of the world’s top exporters of key agricultural commodities such as wheat, maize, barley, soybeans and sunflower oil. We recognise Ukraine’s determination, despite Russia’s war of aggression, to ensure global food security and supply to some of the most vulnerable parts of the world, particularly developing countries and LDCs. In this regard, the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, which has already helped to feed 20 million people in 13 countries, continues to be an important tool to help to respond to world hunger. We praise Ukraine’s achievement of maintaining under difficult conditions food exports by its Black Sea corridor to global markets and commend the ongoing functioning of the EU Solidarity Lanes and their contribution to global food security and Ukraine’s economy. This benefits all countries, notably the most in need. In this context, it is necessary to ensure free, full, and safe navigation in the Black and Azov Seas and that sea routes and ports are not threatened or blocked by threat of or use of force.
We underscore the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in full respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We welcome Ukraine’s efforts aimed at achieving peace, including through the principles laid out in the Peace Formula and Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework adopted at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine on Bürgenstock. We reiterate that the Russian Federation must bear the legal consequences of all of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for injury and loss, including for any humanitarian, economic, and environmental damage caused by such acts.
We will continue work to support Ukraine and to facilitate its exports and supply chains for the benefit of global food security. We encourage all WTO Members to do likewise in a manner commensurate with their capacity, including by facilitating the use of infrastructure, as well as facilitating and simplifying customs procedures. Within the capacity of each WTO Member, we will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine to alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian people. We will also continue to look for practical ways to help and assist Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts, economic recovery, activities, and projects to overcome the negative consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.
Albania, Australia, Canada, Chile, European Union, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, New Zealand, Republic of Moldova, Norway, Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Ukraine
Today, the Division of Enforcement released an Enforcement Advisory on Self-Reporting, Cooperation and Remediation (Advisory). I thank the Division staff for receiving and considering the comments shared by my office. While I am supportive of the goals of greater transparency, clarity, and efficiency in enforcement practices designed and developed to enhance registrants’ willingness to be forthcoming and cooperative with the Commission, I believe that we must be careful not to muddy the waters. To best enable market participants to develop internal compliance infrastructure, is critical that the Commission offer clear, consistent guidance that enables effective compliance as well as a well-defined pathway to report, cooperate, or remediate. We must exercise caution when advancing new reporting, cooperation, and remediation regimes or rescinding long-standing guidance. Any effort to adopt new reporting processes, particularly processes that require inter-division guidelines and infrastructure, must be consistent with the mandates of our statue and regulation. Consequently, I am unable to support the Division’s recent Advisory. In developing the Advisory, the Division may have benefited from deeper engagement with other divisions at the Commission, market participants, and the Commissioners and their staff. I stand ready to work with all of the divisions at the Commission and our registered market participants to develop further clarity on the Commission’s policies articulated in the Advisory.
Washington, D.C., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MissionSquare Retirement is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Bouchard as its new Defined Contribution Investment Only (DCIO) Platform Director, alongside Niles Monica, who joined earlier this year as Institutional Client Advisor. Both will work together to enhance the organization’s investment offerings and accelerate its growth in the DCIO market.
Bouchard is a highly accomplished leader in retirement plan sales and DCIO, with a proven track-record of driving revenue growth and building high-performing programs. His extensive experience in sales leadership, business development, and relationship management positions MissionSquare to expand its investment strategies and strengthen its presence in both public and private retirement markets.
Niles Monica brings over 20 years of experience in sales and sales management, specializing in distribution of asset management and technology solutions to large institutions, consultants, advisors, and defined contribution providers. His expertise in fintech and asset management will be instrumental in connecting emerging businesses in the industry to the audiences that can meaningfully grow their revenue with a scalable distribution strategy.
“This appointment underscores MissionSquare’s strategic commitment to the DCIO market, reflecting our focus on providing innovative and effective investment solutions that help retirement plan participants and sponsors achieve their financial goals,” said Andre Robinson, CEO and President of MissionSquare Retirement. “With the combined leadership of Brian and Niles, we are confident that their expertise and vision will help position MissionSquare as a premier provider of investment solutions for defined contribution plans.”
Bouchard joins MissionSquare from the TransamericaSM DCIO team, where he served as Vice President of Institutional Retirement. During his industry tenure, Bouchard achieved multiple top sales awards and successfully expanded distribution within the retirement consulting marketplace. His previous leadership roles at Morgan Stanley and as Head of Investment Only at USAA® further demonstrate his ability to build relationships, execute strategic initiatives, and grow market share.
Monica, currently serving as Institutional Client Advisor at MissionSquare Retirement, has held senior level roles at multiple fintech firms and spent over a decade with JP Morgan Asset Management’s Defined Contribution business. Leveraging his extensive experience in fintech and asset management, Monica develops and implements scalable distribution strategies that drive innovation and growth. His expertise in connecting emerging businesses with key market players supports MissionSquare’s strategic vision of expanding its footprint in the DCIO space and delivering cutting-edge investment solutions that create substantial value for clients and partners.
Bouchard holds a Graduate Certificate in Administration and Management from Harvard University Extension School and a Bachelor of Arts from The Catholic University of America. He is also a registered representative. Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Villanova University.
For more information about MissionSquare Retirement’s investment solutions, visit MissionSquare Retirement .
About MissionSquare Retirement Since our founding in 1972, MissionSquare Retirement has been dedicated to simplifying the path to retirement security for public service employees. As a mission-based financial services company, we manage and administer over $72.0 billion in assets.* Our commitment to delivering results-oriented retirement plans, education, investments, and financial education sets us apart. Explore how we enable public service workers to build a secure financial future. For more information, visit www.missionsq.org or follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
*As of December 31, 2024. Includes 457(b), 401(k), 403(b), Retirement Health Savings (RHS) plans, Employer Investment Program (EIP) plans, affiliated IRAs, and investment-only assets.
ATLANTA – Following a five-day jury trial, Ivan Van Beverhoudt, 45, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, has been convicted of importing and possessing with intent to distribute more than 16 kilograms of cocaine.
“Van Beverhoudt used his trusted position as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to circumvent the law and smuggle dangerous drugs into our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, Van Beverhoudt is now being held accountable and faces time in federal prison.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: On January 10, 2020, Van Beverhoudt, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, boarded a commercial flight from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to Atlanta with 16 bricks of cocaine in two carry-on bags. To avoid TSA screening in St. Thomas, Van Beverhoudt traveled in his official capacity with his loaded CBP-issued firearm. Upon arriving at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, en route to his final destination of Baltimore, Maryland, a trained narcotics K-9 officer in the jetway alerted to Van Beverhoudt’s luggage, resulting in the discovery of the cocaine.
At the conclusion of his jury trial, Van Beverhoudt was convicted of conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, importation of cocaine into the United States, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Bret R. Hobson are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel B. Milam also contributed to the prosecution of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Mahashivratri:
“Tonight, on the eve of the new moon, Hindu communities across Canada and around the world will celebrate Mahashivratri, also known as the Great Night of Shiva.
“One of the most important Hindu festivals, Mahashivratri is a time of reflection and new beginnings. The festival brings families, friends, and communities together to signify the triumph of light over darkness and the pursuit of a better, brighter future.
“Canada is proud to be home to a vibrant Hindu community. On this special occasion, I encourage Canadians to learn more about Mahashivratri as well as the contributions of Canadians of Hindu faith.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish a happy Mahashivratri to those celebrating.”
Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Chairman on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs, called on the Trump Administration to expose the Biden Administration’s border crisis by providing an update on the over 810,000 aliens who were released under President Biden’s Notice to Report policy and are now roaming the country freely.
Lankford sounded the alarm on the Biden Administration’s policies when they were first rolled out and later highlighted contradicting requirements. He also released report after report outlining how the Biden Administration’s policies were failing the American people.
Lankford wrote in the letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan, “While these programs are no longer in operation, over 800,000 aliens were caught and released under these programs during the Biden Administration…Given ICE’s unwillingness to provide basic answers about this program and the continued delays in addressing this population, I ask that you prioritize this population as you work toward fully enforcing immigration law in the interior of the United States. I am concerned that the Biden Administration’s operation of these programs has resulted in hundreds of thousands of aliens absconding after receiving minimal vetting.”
View full letter HERE or below.
Dear Secretary Noem and Mr. Homan,
I write today to request that you take action to address the population of aliens who were released with a “Notice to Report,” “Parole+Alternatives to Detention,” and “Parole with Conditions” under the Biden Administration. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found significant coordination issues in the administration of these Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs, and a Federal judge set aside these programs as unlawful. While these programs are no longer in operation, over 800,000 aliens were caught and released under these programs during the Biden Administration. As of January 29, 2025, roughly 445,000 of the more than 800,000 aliens released under these programs have not yet received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court, the first step in the deportation process. Many of the aliens released under these pathways have received minimal vetting and have not complied with the terms of their release. Accordingly, I ask that you prioritize the vetting of and removal of inadmissible aliens who were released under this program.
In March 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) instituted a new policy called “Notices to Report” to address overcrowding in its facilities at the border. Under this policy, CBP would release illegal aliens who crossed the border and ask them to call a 1-800 number to report themselves to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for processing. Oversight I led found that CBP did not communicate this new policy to ICE whatsoever, and ICE had to pull resources away from its important interior enforcement mission to figure out this new policy and process the illegal aliens who were subject to this policy for release.
As I and my staff looked at this program, we discovered that CBP collected limited biometrics and performed minimal security checks before releasing an illegal alien under this program. It took months for CBP and ICE to develop a process to track and monitor illegal aliens who were released. GAO reported that ICE had significant difficulties in validating the addresses that aliens processed through this pathway provided to the government, noting that “many of the addresses […] were often incomplete or invalid.” GAO noted that many of the aliens who sought to comply with the terms of their release were turned away from ICE due to capacity constraints at field offices and were instead instructed to return for processing at a later date.
To address the concerns around ICE’s inability to process these aliens at its field offices, ICE rolled out a website that aliens could use to check-in with ICE and comply with the terms of their release. ICE also began mailing NTAs to the aliens who had not complied with the terms of their release. In subsequent oversight, I found that ICE did not have geo-fencing enabled on the check-in website – this means that an alien who traveled to Nebraska could tell ICE that they went to Miami, and ICE would have no way of knowing where the alien was actually located. ICE also informed my staff that the mailed-out NTAs were not sent via certified mail, which means that there was no signature requirement to confirm receipt. ICE also informed my staff that they were not tracking returned mail from aliens who provided ICE with illegitimate addresses. We do not know how effective ICE’s mail-out NTAs have been, and any mistake made by ICE in mailing out these documents could result in an immigration judge allowing an otherwise inadmissible alien to remain in the United States.
By the time the courts stepped in, CBP had caught and released 810,281 aliens who unlawfully crossed the border under this pathway. ICE reported to my staff on January 29, 2025 that, of the roughly 810,000 aliens released under this pathway:
• 531,425 aliens complied with instructions and checked in with ICE within 60 days of release;
• 180,920 aliens violated the terms of their release and reported to ICE after 60 days of release;
• 97,935 aliens violated the terms of their release and did not report to ICE whatsoever.
While 531,425 aliens who were processed under this program reported to ICE within 60 days, only 354,896 aliens have been served a Notice to Appear in immigration court and began the removal process. ICE has not reported whether the remaining nearly 200,000 aliens have continued to check-in with ICE and abide by the terms of their release, or whether they have since absconded. ICE informed my staff that they will remove an alien’s ankle bracelet and reduce the intensity of the alien’s supervision after the initial 60-day check-in; however, ICE has yet to notify Congress on whether the population that has checked in but has not yet been served a Notice to Appear in immigration court has complied with the terms of their release.
ICE reported that some aliens released under these programs who have “checked in” and made an appointment will have to wait nearly 10 years to receive their initial charging documents and commence the removal process. For example, aliens whose final destination was New York City will need to wait until November 2034 to have their initial removal proceedings commenced and could, then, wait another 8 years as their case moves their way through the backlog facing the immigration courts.
I included this program in my annual Federal Fumbles report due to the Biden Administration’s abject mismanagement of this program. I have also regularly sought answers to how ICE will clean up the mess of this program and ensure that any alien who does not have a lawful basis to remain in the United States is removed. Given ICE’s unwillingness to provide basic answers about this program and the continued delays in addressing this population, I ask that you prioritize this population as you work toward fully enforcing immigration law in the interior of the United States. I am concerned that the Biden Administration’s operation of these programs has resulted in hundreds of thousands of aliens absconding after receiving minimal vetting.
In addition to including this population in your enforcement efforts, I ask the following questions:
1. Of the 810,281 aliens released under these pathways, how many have been served a Notice to Appear in-person?
2. Of the 810,281 aliens released under these pathways, how many have been served a Notice to Appear by mail?
3. Of the 810,281 aliens released under these pathways, how many have committed a criminal offense since release? For each alien who has committed a criminal offense, please provide the NCIC code affiliated with each charge.
4. The parole for many of the aliens released under these pathways has likely expired. Of the aliens who were released through these pathways, how many:
a. Were paroled a second or subsequent time?
b. Did not receive parole a second or subsequent time?
5. What is your plan for addressing this population in the Administration’s enforcement efforts?
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving your response by not later than March 11, 2025.