NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Democratic Republic of Congo: MSF staff member critically injured in Masisi town after shots hit MSF base

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Kinshasa/Goma/Brussels, 20 February 2025 – A staff member from international medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been critically injured after shots hit the MSF base in Masisi town, in Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province, on the morning of 20 February. A child who had sought refuge with his family in the MSF compound was also wounded by gunfire. MSF strongly condemns the shootings, which seriously undermine the principle of protecting aid workers and humanitarian facilities in times of conflict.

    “This morning, one of our colleagues on duty at the MSF base in Masisi was seriously injured by a bullet – one of many bullets to hit our premises over recent weeks,” says MSF head of programmes Stephan Goetghebuer. “Unfortunately his life is in danger. During the shootings, a child who had taken refuge at our base was also slightly injured by a bullet. We strongly condemn this latest episode of violence, which has directly impacted a humanitarian facility that should be protected from gunfire.”

    Since early January, the area in and around Masisi town in southern North Kivu province has been fought over almost daily by VDP/Wazalendo fighters (allied with the Congolese army) and the M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). The clashes have led to an influx of wounded – most of them civilians – at Masisi general referral hospital, which is supported by MSF, while thousands of people have sought refuge at the MSF base and the hospital compound.

    “On Thursday, intense fighting, including the use of heavy weapons, took place in the town itself, which has been controlled by the M23/AFC since mid-January,” says Goetghebuer. “Notably, fighting took place between the MSF base and the market in front of the hospital, where thousands of people have been sheltering for days.”

    Since early January, Masisi hospital, the MSF base and the immediate surroundings have been the scene of numerous serious incidents.

    On 16 January, two civilians were shot in front of Masisi hospital; one was killed. On 19 January, the hospital and MSF base came under fire and two MSF staff were injured when a rocket hit MSF’s garage next to the hospital. On 28 January, a woman was shot dead during clashes that took place between the MSF base and nearby MSF office. On 16 February, a Ministry of Health staff member was wounded by a stray bullet that entered the hospital.

    “These violent, recurring incidents are unacceptable,” says Goetghebuer. “Despite our repeated appeals to the warring parties to protect humanitarian and health facilities, the safety of patients and medical and humanitarian staff is clearly not being taken into account. Humanitarian law is being flouted. This must stop.”

    Masisi hospital, supported by MSF since 2007, has received dozens of war-wounded in recent days.

    In view of the repeated violent incidents affecting MSF’s work in Masisi town, MSF is currently considering how to adapt its activities in the region, where people’s medical and humanitarian needs are massive.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Blasts Musk and Trump for Hurting Tribal Communities by Cutting Health Staff

    US Senate News:

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

    February 20, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues in condemning Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s efforts to lay off Indian Health Service staff at a time when a significant health care workforce shortage already exists for Tribal communities in Oregon and nationwide. 

    “Tribal Nations have a legal and political relationship with the United States, and the federal government has a fundamental obligation to fulfill its treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations – an obligation that includes providing services such as health care to Native communities,” wrote Wyden along with nine other senators. 

    Recent reports show more than 850 IHS employees, who provide critical medical care for Tribal communities, are at risk of being immediately laid off.

    “Not only will this lead to worse health outcomes, but overall costs will also rise. With less health care services at existing IHS facilities, there will be increased Purchased Referred Care referrals. This will increase costs for the Federal government and require increased travel, accommodations, and expenses, creating increased hardships and barriers for patients and families seeking care far from where they live on Tribal lands.,” the senators continued. 

    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján D-N.M. In addition to Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.

    Full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Ensuring Accountability for NYC

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed new actions to restore public trust in New York City government with a sweeping expansion of state oversight and new guardrails to ensure accountability and protect New Yorkers. These actions will require legislative action and would take effect immediately upon passage.

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Good afternoon. You may be aware that over 24 hours ago, I did not respond very well to the Trump administration posting a photo of the president attired like a king, as well as a message declaring that, indeed, he was the king. He did this when he attempted to undermine the duly elected laws of our state related to congestion pricing.

    I reference this again today for one reason. We fought a war, 250 years ago, to depose a king who tried to impose his will on a young country. We don’t have a king today because it conflicts with the very genius of a democracy where the voices and the votes of the people – not a king, not a queen, and not a governor – should prevail.

    Voters determine who they want, or who they do not want to represent them in elective office. As I said last week, I was deeply troubled by the accusations leveled at Mayor Eric Adams, not just the initial indictment, but also the more recent allegation of a quid pro quo with the Trump administration.

    For days, I’ve been deeply involved in discussions with my closest advisors, city leaders, electeds, clergy, business, labor, civic leaders, all people whose opinions matter to me because they care about our city. I consulted them and legal advisors on whether it’s appropriate and necessary at this moment to exercise the power – granted to me as the governor of the State of New York by the New York State Constitution and the City of New York Charter – to remove a mayor from office.

    I’ve also heard from many voices of New Yorkers who feel outraged, who feel hurt. Betrayed by what they have seen. And I want those New Yorkers to know, I understand those feelings as well.

    After careful consideration, I have determined that I will not commence removal proceedings at this time. My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of democratic elections, preclude me from any other action.

    I cannot deny the people of this great city the power to make this decision for themselves.

    And to those who conclude that decision is due to pressure from any groups or individuals, I say this – you do not know me. Constant pressure is what I deal with all day long and it has absolutely no bearing on any decisions I make.

    I will say this – I also have concerns about disruption and chaos that such a move, such a proceeding could bring to the residents of this great city. And those who argue, “Just go and remove him,” fail to appreciate there is a process involved, due process, the length of the process, and the impact that such a process would have on this city.

    And actually with the timing, it’s not impossible that we’d have a scenario where there’s multiple mayors of this city in the course of one year. But make no mistake, the current situation is one that I take very seriously. That’s why I want to spell out my immediate objectives.

    Number one, to stabilize this city and restore calm. Number two, ensure that all services for our residents continue without disruption. And three, to take steps to make sure our leaders are operating only with the city’s best interest in mind, unimpeded by any legal agreements with the Trump Justice Department. I want to be very clear, there are past examples of coordination and cooperation between the federal government, the city, the state. It’s not uncommon.

    But there’s a clear line between cooperation and coercion. Given how aggressive the Trump administration has been, including its attempt yesterday to dismantle a previously approved congestion pricing program, and how deeply disturbing the comments from the President’s Border Czar were, we know they’ll stop at nothing to try and exercise control over New York.

    That is the fight we had yesterday. That is the fight we have today. And that is the fight I’m willing to take on for the next 1,430 days. To move this city forward, I’m undertaking the implementation of certain guardrails that I believe are a first start in reestablishing trust for New York City residents and ensure that all decisions out of City Hall are in the clear interests of the people of this city and not at the behest of the President.

    I’m proposing three immediate actions which I believe will help protect New Yorkers. First, I’m proposing legislation to create a special Inspector General for New York City Affairs within the Office of the State Inspector General. The State Inspector General will be able to direct the New York City Department of Investigations.

    And the Mayor will only be able to move the Department of Investigations Commissioner with the approval of the State Inspector General. This will protect the City’s investigations from any interference. Make sure that there’s no lack of independence as they make their determinations and allow the Inspector General to focus more directly on any improper activity that may arise out of New York City. They’ll also give reports to us. We’ll have access to information.

    Second, I’m proposing giving the City Comptroller, the Public Advocate and the New York City Council Speaker, an independent authority to clarify the independent language to commence litigation against the federal government when necessary, and using outside counsel.

    The City’s law department will still have the opportunity to initiate legal actions within seven days of any request, but the whole-of-city government should not be reliant on City Hall for legal cases where the people of the City may be under attack by the federal government.

    Third, I’m expanding funding for the office of the Deputy State Comptroller for city oversight, because this stepped up oversight, again, gives us an independent line of sight into potential decisions related to the federal government. This will be paid for by city receipts. Once these measures are enacted, they’ll be effective immediately and expire at the end of 2025, subject to renewal.

    I’ve already discussed these proposals with the City Council Speaker and the Speaker of the State Assembly and the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. I also told the Mayor that strong managers need to be identified to fill the roles of the Deputy Mayors before they become vacant, and that we and my administration, with the strong relationships that we have, will work to accomplish that goal. And do whatever he can to keep his key commissioners.

    I want to take a moment to put this all in context: New York is facing a grave threat from Washington. The Trump Administration is already trying to use the legal jeopardy facing our mayor as leverage to squeeze and punish our city. The President is already trying to weaken our public transit system and undermine our state’s sovereignty. I call it the Trump Revenge Tour and I have to stand in its way.

    Not surprising: He’s taking out his anger and frustration over the 35 felony convictions he received here in the State of New York, taking it out on our own New Yorkers. And as Governor, I will be the vanguard against harm to our state and our people, and nothing will stand in our way.

    But once I have made a decision, I execute it, I work hard to make it work. And my decision today did not come lightly, but the path forward for me is clear: I will retain the powers conferred upon me by the New York State Constitution, the City Charter. But it’s my sincere hope that these dark days will pass, elections will occur, and the people of New York will decide who they trust to govern this extraordinary city.

    And we can remain laser focused and united against the storm clouds that are swirling 226 miles away in our nation’s capital. My eyes are on the City, the State, and on Washington. And I am ready and prepared to take on any fight against any threats to the well being of our residents.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: dLocal Refutes Short-Seller Allegations and Reconfirms Independent Investigations were Carried Out.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — dLocal Limited (Nasdaq: DLO), a leading technology-first payments platform enabling global enterprise merchants to connect with billions of consumers in emerging markets deems the allegations made in a recent short-seller report to be inaccurate and misleading, and made by interested parties who profit from the Company’s stock price falling.

    Any suggestion that the Company failed to properly investigate identical or similar allegations in the past is inaccurate. As the Company has stated publicly, it took prompt action to investigate the allegations raised by a prior short seller report. As previously disclosed, the Company’s Audit Committee, consisting solely of independent directors, oversaw an independent review of the allegations with the assistance of independent counsel and an independent global expert services and forensic accounting advisory firm. The Company has disclosed publicly that the review overseen by the Audit Committee concluded that the prior short-seller allegations were not substantiated.

    dLocal remains committed to high standards of corporate governance, financial integrity, and regulatory compliance. It encourages investors to rely on its audited financial statements and disclosures filed with the SEC, rather than on self-serving and inaccurate reports from short-sellers with a clear financial incentive to cause short-term volatility in our stock price.

    The Company has no further comment on these allegations and remains fully focused on executing its strategy and delivering value to its merchants, shareholders, partners, and employees. It looks forward to discussing its performance during FY24 and Q4’24, and outlook going forward during the next earnings call scheduled for February 27, 2025.

    About dLocal
    dLocal powers local payments in emerging markets connecting global enterprise merchants with billions of emerging market consumers across APAC, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Through the “One dLocal” concept (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send pay-outs and settle funds globally without the need to manage separate pay-in and pay-out processors, set up numerous local entities, and integrate multiple acquirers and payment methods in each market.

    Forward-looking statements
    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements convey dLocal’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements regarding dLocal are based on current management expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dLocal’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in the “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections of dLocal’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, dLocal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date hereof.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    investor@dlocal.com

    Media Contact:
    media@dlocal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Valsoft Financial Services Portfolio Strengthened with the Acquisition of Digital Currency Systems

    Source: Valsoft Corporation Inc

    Montreal, Canada, February 20, 2025 – Valsoft Corporation Inc. (“Valsoft”), a Canadian company specializing in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Digital Currency Systems (“DCS”), a leading provider of cash checking point-of-sale systems for the alternative financial services industry.

    DCS solutions and expertise, empower financial service businesses with turnkey solutions, helping them optimize operations and expand service offerings. Its extensive suite of products enables merchants to provide a wide array of financial services, including check cashing, bill payment, debit card loading, money transfer, and more.

    “Joining the Valsoft family is an exciting new chapter for DCS,” said Todd Gagerman, CEO of Digital Currency Systems. “For years, we have been committed to delivering best-in-class technology solutions to our customers. With Valsoft’s support, we look forward to accelerating our growth, enhancing our technology, and expanding our reach.”

    “DCS has built a strong reputation for innovation and customer service, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Valsoft,” said Antonino Piazza, Investment Partner at Valsoft. “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to investing in industry-leading software businesses and providing them with the resources to scale and thrive. We look forward to working alongside the DCS team to drive long-term growth and success.”

    With this latest acquisition, DCS becomes the fifth financial services company to join Valsoft’s portfolio and the second specializing in check-cashing software.  The DCS team remains committed to serving its customers while leveraging Valsoft’s global expertise and resources to drive future growth.

    About Digital Currency Systems

    Digital Currency Systems is a leading technology provider in the alternative financial services space. Merchants utilize their systems and industry knowledge to manage all aspects of providing services such as check cashing, bill payment, debit card loading, money transfer, and more. For more information: https://www.dcsorg.com/.

    About Valsoft
    Valsoft acquires and develops vertical market software companies that deliver mission-critical solutions. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers. Learn more at www.valsoftcorp.com.

    Valsoft was represented internally by David Felicissimo (General Counsel). Digital Currency Systems was represented by Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with premiers to discuss Canada-U.S. relations and Arctic security

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau, met virtually with Canada’s premiers to discuss Canada-U.S. relations and Arctic security.

    The Prime Minister updated the premiers on Canada’s fight against fentanyl and the continued implementation of Canada’s Border Plan since their last meeting on February 5. These measures include listing seven criminal organizations as terrorist entities; launching new anti-money laundering measures; tackling fentanyl trafficking; modernizing the regulatory framework for banning precursors to prevent their illegal importation and use; establishing a joint Canada-U.S. task force on organized crime; issuing a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl; and ensuring 24/7 surveillance of the border by deploying helicopters, drones, and 10,000 border personnel.

    The Prime Minister and the premiers discussed the evolving tariff threat from the U.S., including on aluminum and steel and the possibility of reciprocal tariffs. The premiers reflected on last week’s Council of the Federation mission to Washington, D.C., and shared takeaways from their meetings with U.S. partners. Federal, provincial, and territorial leaders agreed to continue their advocacy with U.S. partners to prevent the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, which threaten the well-being of families, workers, and businesses in Canada and the U.S. alike. The Prime Minister and the premiers discussed the progress being made to remove barriers to internal trade and labour mobility in Canada, which will make it easier to buy and sell Canadian goods within the country and help strengthen our economy. Team Canada is united in our commitment to protect Canadian jobs and defend Canada’s economic interests.

    The Prime Minister and Minister Blair shared updates on Arctic security, and invited the Premier of the Yukon, Ranj Pillai, to share his perspectives as Chair of the Northern Premiers’ Forum. The Prime Minister underscored that defending Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic is essential to our national security, the defence of North America, and NATO’s core mission of collective defence and security. Minister Blair highlighted the Canadian Armed Forces’ important work to defend the Arctic and noted recent commitments to further strengthen Arctic security. Our North, Strong and Free, the $73 billion defence policy update the federal government launched in 2024, includes major investments in the North, such as airborne early warning and control aircraft, specialized maritime sensors, new tactical helicopters, a new satellite ground station in the Arctic, and Northern operational support hubs, in addition to a separate $38.6 billion investment in NORAD modernization.

    The Prime Minister thanked the premiers for their ongoing advocacy and emphasized that maintaining a united front will remain critical in the weeks ahead. The Prime Minister and the premiers expressed their gratitude for the leadership and service of the Premier of Prince Edward Island, Dennis King, and wished him well in his future endeavours.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Man Found Guilty of Illegal Reentry After Deportation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Celso Diaz-Martinez, age 52, of Mexico of Illegal Reentry After Deportation following a day-long jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on February 18, 2025.

    The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Diaz-Martinez was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.

    Evidence at trial established that Diaz-Martinez is not a U.S. citizen and had been deported from the United States on four prior occasions. Diaz-Martinez was found in Meade County, South Dakota, in November of 2024. He had not obtained consent for re-entry into the United States from the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Lindrooth and Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.

    A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Peters lead bipartisan bill to make FEMA response more efficient

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) today reintroduced the bipartisan Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt (HELP) Response and Recovery Act. The bill would enable the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to respond to disasters and other emergencies effectively and promptly.

    “When a disaster hits, time and effectiveness are crucial to supporting communities. However, an outdated emergency response law can limit recovery efforts. Our bill would help Louisianians and all Americans by making sure that private sector and federal officials work together to respond to catastrophes efficiently,” said Kennedy.

    “As natural disasters continue to affect communities across the nation, it is imperative that the federal government is able to help those in need efficiently and effectively. This bill would ensure that DHS can streamline the process of helping disaster survivors rebuild their lives in the wake of these tragedies,” said Peters.

    The HELP Response and Recovery Act would repeal Section 695 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, which restricts the length of non-competitive DHS contracts for urgent and compelling requirements to 150 days. The repeal of this regulation ensures that DHS deadlines for emergency contracts follow current government-wide rules that allow contracts of up to one year. Extending non-competitive DHS contracts to one year gives private businesses and government more time to help communities recover after a disaster.

    In March 2024, the Senate passed the HELP Response and Recovery Act by unanimous consent.

    Text of the HELP Response and Recovery Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Graham Speaks on Senate Floor Ahead of Budget Resolution Vote-A-Rama

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today discussed the Senate’s budget resolution on the floor ahead of a series of amendment votes, known as a “vote-a-rama.”
    The FY 2025 budget resolution is the blueprint for a fully paid for reconciliation bill to secure the border, bolster our military and increase American energy independence.
    GRAHAM: “To my House colleagues: I prefer one big beautiful bill that makes the tax cuts permanent, that does the things we need to do on the border and with our military, and cuts spending. I wish you all the best. I prefer what you’re doing to what we’re doing. But we have to have a Plan B if you can’t get it done soon.” https://youtu.be/kTL4bsK4Ocw?si=wWf9O68lULEXv4mh&t=494
    GRAHAM: “[This resolution] allows the Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee to come up with a… $175 billion plan to secure our border… Those two committees will work with the Trump Administration to meet their priorities.”  https://youtu.be/kTL4bsK4Ocw?si=IPqK3eSDWTNnmcdJ&t=44
    GRAHAM: “This idea that there is somehow money in this resolution for Ukraine… is not true… It’s up to the [authorizing] committees as to what is in the… package. To all my colleagues here, you’ll eventually get to vote on that work product.” https://youtu.be/kTL4bsK4Ocw?si=VbtsDF7FYYnNvWwd&t=122
    GRAHAM: “We’re telling the Armed Services Committee, spend $150 billion the way you see fit [to bolster the U.S. military]. We’re telling two committees to spend $175 billion [total] to secure our border. And we’re telling seven other committees find savings inside your committee to offset the spending we’re creating in this bill. I think they can do that. I think what DOGE is doing is good. This is a form of that. Every committee that’s been instructed to save at least $1 billion will be able – finally – to…reduce spending because we are directing them to.” https://youtu.be/kTL4bsK4Ocw?si=jTegJ7L2YZIuCa_l&t=364

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Federal Government’s Response to Emergencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 02.20.2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters(D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to repeal an outdated section of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA). The legislation would ensure uninterrupted support to disaster survivors following an emergency and improve the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ability to respond to emergencies.
    Current law limits the duration of non-competitive emergency contracts for DHS and FEMA, which are tasked with coordinating emergency response efforts, while other federal agencies follow more recently updated changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The senators’ bill would repeal this outdated section of the law to align the deadlines for DHS emergency contracts with the deadlines the rest of the government already follows, removing roadblocks to getting support to communities in need. 
    “As natural disasters continue to affect communities across the nation, it is imperative that the federal government is able to help those in need efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Peters.“This bill would ensure that DHS can streamline the process of helping disaster survivors rebuild their lives in the wake of these tragedies.”
    The bipartisan Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt Response and Recovery Act addresses outdated restrictions on emergency contracts that currently apply only to DHS. These restrictions, established by Section 695 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA), limit emergency contracts to 150 days, despite newer government-wide regulations allowing such contracts to extend up to one year. This alignment with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), based on section 862 of the FY 2009 National Defense Authorization Act renders section 695 obsolete, ensuring timely delivery of critical services during emergencies. 
    The original bill has been endorsed by several national and international disaster management leaders, including those from the International Association of Emergency Managers, the Disaster Recovery Coalition of America, the National Emergency Management Association. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murkowski Releases Statement on Patel Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    02.20.25
    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement on her decision to vote against confirming Kash Patel as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
    “I will oppose Kash Patel’s confirmation to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI’s mission is “to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States.” Mr. Patel and I agree the bureau has crept past that mission, become an increasingly political agency, and eroded the public’s trust. We have had multiple frank and open discussions about how best to restore that trust. I agree with Mr. Patel that it begins by getting agents out in the field, doing what they signed up to do, rather than sitting behind an administrative desk.
    “My reservations with Mr. Patel stem from his own prior political activities and how they may influence his leadership. The FBI must be trusted as the federal agency that roots out crime and corruption, not focused on settling political scores. I have been disappointed that when he had the opportunity to push back on the administration’s decision to force the FBI to provide a list of agents involved in the January 6 investigations and prosecutions, he failed to do so. 
    “If confirmed, I wish him a successful tenure at the helm of this agency, and will endeavor to work with him to help address issues in Alaska, improve Tribal law enforcement across the country, and make needed changes within the FBI. I truly hope that he proves me wrong about the reservations I have of him today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Engages with Secretary of Labor Nominee During Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    02.19.25
    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) engaged with Secretary of Labor nominee, former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, during a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing. Senator Murkowski articulated Alaska’s workforce demands, and received a commitment from Chavez-DeRemer to work to address these needs at the federal level.
    “Alaska’s key industries require distinct personnel needs in order to keep up with constantly evolving environments,” said Senator Murkowski. “If confirmed, I look forward to working with former Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer to ensure Alaska’s workers and communities have the support they need.”
     
    Click here to watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks.
    The full transcript of Murkowski’s comments is below. 
    FULL TRANSCRIPT
    Senator Murkowski: Welcome to the committee, I enjoyed our conversation. We had a chance to talk a little bit about the Alaska workforce. I’m looking at an article that just came out, and it cites the Alaska State Department of Labor and Workforce Development, looking at Workforce statistics in 2023. We don’t have 2024’s numbers yet, but right now non-resident workers in our state make up 23.5% of the workforce. That’s a lot. It means we get folks that come to us from other states. When you have 82% of your communities that are not connected by road, you can’t move as a worker from one village to another village unless you’re willing to pay several hundred dollars for each leg of your airplane ticket to get you to another community for work, so we rely on out-of-state workers.
    In the oil and gas industry 37.4% of the workers were non-residents. In the mining industry, non-residents accounted for 41.6%. The seafood processing sector, significantly one of our largest employment and economic drivers in the state, produces more than $5 billion in economic activity, so this is big for us. What is even bigger is that in 2023, 82.8% of the workers were non-resident. We process our seafood in small coastal communities. If they have a population at all, it is maybe 500 people. You cannot run a seafood processing industry when you don’t have the workers.
    So, back to the comment that was made earlier about H-2Bs. This is significant for us. Senator Collins asked about your commitment to issue supplemental visas in a timely manner but also to the maximum extent allowable. You do have that discretion. You’ve indicated that you’re going to work to that. I’m going to ask you to look specifically to the seafood processing sector out of all the sectors that are out there. My friend from Virginia knows well- seafood is more truly seasonal than so many other sectors, but right now we are competing for these H-2Bs with other sectors like landscapers. Last I checked, you can do landscaping 365 days practically in most parts of the country. The seafood sector in Alaska- you’re looking at an industry during the summer, at least when it comes to Salmon, that is literally an 8 to 10-week season. We are the poster child for seasonal workers. I need to know that you will not only support the H-2B visa program but commit to working with me on legislation to exempt Seafood processors from the H-2B visa caps. This is something that we’ve been trying to work for years. Basically, we’ve been stalled out by big labor that is so concerned that we are not offering these jobs to people across the country. You can’t get an H-2B visa until you have demonstrated all the efforts that you have made to seek US workers and that none are coming to you. We had the conversation in my office. It’s important to state it here publicly how significant it is, and I need your assurance that you’re going to work with us and work with your partners within Homeland Security as well on this critical issue for us.
    Chavez-DeRemer: Yes ma’am, I will commit to working with you specifically on this issue.
    Senator Murkowski: Thank you, I appreciate that. There is a lot of conversation about apprenticeship, so I’m not going to revisit that. Although, I did just come from a meeting with the head of the Alaska Military Youth Academy who was talking about the benefits of going from that exceptional program to hand-in-glove with the Alaska Works Training Program. These young people can see the benefits right then and there. Maybe I want to be a welder, maybe I want to be a carpenter. You take them hand-in-hand. Last thing I’m going to raise is something in a conversation just yesterday with the head of the building trades. We’re talking about childcare because we can talk about a workforce, but people can’t get to the workforce if they can’t afford childcare. I would hope that you’re going to prioritize families in the workplace and support incentives for on-site childcare. 
    Chavez-DeRemer: Yes ma’am.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville, Katie Britt Congratulate Director Patel, Urge FBI to Immediately Fill Open Slots at Redstone Arsenal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Katie Britt (R-AL) today sent a letter to Kash Patel following his Senate confirmation as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In the letter, they urge Director Patel to immediately fill 1,000 of the open slots at FBI’s campus in Huntsville on Redstone Arsenal.
    The Senators wrote,“We are proud to represent the great state of Alabama, home to Redstone Arsenal which is the epicenter of the FBI’s technological capabilities and advanced training.  As threats to our nation become more sophisticated, FBI-Redstone Arsenal’s operations will need to continue growing.”
    “The North Campus is well prepared to support this mission by delivering state-of-the-art training to address cyber threats, emerging technologies, and the Field Offices’ investigative efforts.  The South Campus is currently under construction and will host even more capacity to address current and future threats,” they continued.
    “Given the strategic investments at Redstone Arsenal and how its synergies align with your mission of restoring the FBI’s focus to the safety and security of the American people, we urge you to assign an additional 1,000 employees to FBI-Redstone as a first step to ultimately filling the approximately 4,000 open slots the campus can accommodate.  This will send a message to our adversaries that the FBI’s leadership is back to prioritizing the pressing threats to our homeland. We look forward to working closely with you to Make America Safe Again,” the Senators added.
    The full text of the letter is available here.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Schmitt Reintroduce the ENABLE Act, Empower Americans with Disabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act. The ENABLE Act preserves the ability of people with disabilities and their families to save and invest through tax-free savings accounts while protecting eligibility to federal programs by making permanent key provisions related to Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts. 
    Sen. Tuberville also cosponsored the legislation last Congress.
    “Every human being is created by God and has inherent dignity, including those with disabilities. After 40 years in the education sector, I have seen firsthand how important it is for teachers, parents, community members, and Congress to work together to ENABLE these people for success. This legislation provides crucial safeguards for people with disabilities to help them invest, save, and achieve independence. I appreciate Senator Schmitt’s leadership on this issue that I know is close to his heart and look forward to working with him to get this legislation across the finish line,” said Sen. Tuberville.
    “I was proud to lead the introduction of the ENABLE Act in the 118th Congress, where this critical legislation passed the Senate. I entered public service to fight for people like my son Stephen. Stephen was born with a rare genetic disease, is on the autism spectrum, has epilepsy, and is non-verbal. I know firsthand how critical ABLE accounts are to individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save for their future and ease burdens on their families. It’s a common-sense solution that provides an easy fix for those who depend on ABLE Accounts, and I’m proud to have bipartisan, bicameral support for this important piece of legislation,” said Sen. Schmitt.
    U.S. Senators Tuberville and Schmitt are joined by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in cosponsoring the legislation.
    U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) led the effort in the House of Representatives.
    Read full text of the legislation here.
    BACKGROUND: 
    ABLE accounts—529A accounts—allow people with disabilities and their families to save and invest through tax-free savings accounts without losing eligibility for federal programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There are three provisions related to these accounts in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA):
    ABLE to Work: an individual with a disability who is employed can contribute an additional amount to his or her ABLE account. This additional contribution cannot be greater than either:
    the prior year’s federal poverty level for a one-person household ($15,060 in 2024), or
    the beneficiary’s yearly compensation.

    ABLE Saver’s Credit: an individual with a disability who make qualified contributions to their ABLE account can qualify for a nonrefundable saver’s credit of up to $1,000.
    529 to ABLE rollover: an individual with a disability may rollover from a 529 education savings account to an ABLE account that are less than or equal to the annual ABLE contribution limit tax and penalty free.
    The ENABLE Act would make permanent the above provisions that are set to expire.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Antonio arrests Tren de Aragua member wanted in Chile for narcotics and weapons trafficking

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    February 19, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Venezuelan national wanted in Chile for narcotics and weapons trafficking Jan. 26. Officers arrested Carlos Daniel Teran-Aguilar, an 18-year-old citizen of Venezuela and Tren de Aragua member, during routine daily operations in Austin. He remains in ICE custody.

    “We will continue prioritizing public safety as targets are identified and arrested,” said ICE Enforcement and Removals Operations San Antonio Field Office Director Miguel Vergara. “Our brave officers are out on the streets everyday removing the most egregious criminal aliens.”

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered Teran-Aguilar at the Port of Entry in Calexico, California, Nov. 1, 2024, and paroled him into the United States.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feb 20, 2025 Local 741 Keolis Grand River Workers Ratify Strong First Contract

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Union Wins Pay Increases and Other Improvements

    Waterloo, ON  – After months of negotiations, Keolis Grand River workers, members of ATU Local 741-London, ON, voted to ratify a strong contract, their first Labor contract.

    “This is a great day for our Keolis Grand River members to ratify their first-ever contract,” said Local 741 President/Business Agent Ian Davies. “These workers showed strength, unity, and solidarity throughout these negotiations. The result was a strong contract that recognizes the commitment and dedication of these workers to providing safe and reliable transportation that the people of Waterloo rely on each day.”

    The new 4-year contract includes wage increases, restoration of health care benefits, including short term disability, grievance rights, and other improvements. The deal comes after the more than 75 Light Rail Operators, Central Control Facilities (CCF), and Electromagnetic Technicians working for Keolis Grand River voted to join the ATU in May and began contract talks in June. Throughout negotiations, the Union conducted open bargaining to allow members to attend all bargaining sessions.

    “Congratulations to our Local 741 Keolis Grand River members for ratifying a first contract that recognizes the sacrifices they make,” said International President John Costa. “This contract ratification is not just an agreement on paper. It’s a testament to the solidarity, resilience, and spirit of our members. This is a win for our members and their passengers. I am so proud they proved that when we negotiate together, we elevate not only our wages, benefits, and rights, but also the passengers we serve each and every day.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Results in Mexican Takedown of Cartel-Linked Alien Smugglers

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Last night, extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in the Mexico Attorney General’s Office “Fiscalía General de la República” (FGR) conducting a significant enforcement operation to dismantle a prolific transnational alien smuggling organization operating in Juarez, Chihuahua, along the U.S.-Mexico border.

    The targeted alien smuggling organization, a group based in Juarez, Mexico, utilizes smuggling corridors centered in the Anapra, Chihuahua / Santa Teresa, New Mexico area, employs Mexican nationals, many of whom are current and former members of various Mexico-based cartels, and is alleged to be responsible for illegally smuggling large numbers of individuals, including children, from Central America into El Paso, Texas. The criminal organization is also alleged to have kidnapped aliens seeking to enter the United States illegally and extorted their families for money before completing their smuggling journey. The enforcement operation included the execution of two arrest warrants in Mexico for alleged alien smugglers Brian Alan Torres Gonzalez and Soledad Morales Nava. Torres and Morales are Mexican citizens and will be prosecuted in Mexico in part with evidence provided by the United States.

    “On her first day in office, the Attorney General directed the Department of Justice to prioritize efforts to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and empowered Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) to increase their contributions to this fight,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s action by Mexican authorities is the latest example of how JTFA provides critical contributions to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department, and its law enforcement partners, to target human smugglers and enhance coordination in transnational law enforcement efforts to better combat these criminal organizations.”

    U.S. authorities provided assistance to the Mexico Attorney General’s Office through coordination under JTFA, which, since its creation in 2021, has marshalled the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, and Panama. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has elevated JTFA to the Office of the Attorney General, to be jointly supervised by the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The task force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, and endanger migrants, pose national security threats, or are involved in organized crime. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border, along with dedicated prosecutor support by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; the Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 350 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 defendants sentenced, including significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeitures of assets and contraband including millions of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso assisted foreign investigative efforts in the United States, working in concert with the U.S. Border Patrol. Support from ICE HSI-Mexico City was critical in providing coordination between American and Mexican law enforcement agencies. The Justice Department — including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas in El Paso, HRSP, and the Office of the Judicial Attache in Mexico City — provided significant assistance in this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Businessman Sentenced in Connection with Migrant Labor Employment Scheme, Payroll Tax Evasion, and Worker Death

    Source: US State of California

    A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in prison and ordered to forfeit more than $5.5 million to the United States as well as forfeit numerous real properties and cash, and to pay over $55 million in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and willful violation of a workplace standard that resulted in the death of his employee. Manual Domingos Pita, of Wesley Chapel, previously pleaded guilty to those charges on July 9, 2024.

    According to court documents, Pita owned and operated Domingos 54 Construction, a subcontracting business for the wood framing of new construction homes. Domingos 54 was a shell construction company that Pita used to provide workers, including undocumented aliens, with construction jobs. However, Pita failed to secure the required workers compensation insurance coverage for these employees by falsifying in worker’s compensation insurance applications the number of workers for which he sought coverage. In addition, Pita failed to pay any federal employment taxes on the wages that these workers earned during the course of the scheme between 2018 and 2022. As a result, Pita caused several worker’s compensation insurance companies to sustain a loss of over $22.7 million in premiums that they could have charged had they been aware of the number of workers which they had been manipulated into covering with their policies. In addition, Pita failed to pay to the IRS over $33.7 million in federal employment taxes on those workers’ wages.

    Between February and July 2019, investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued six citations to Domingos 54 for failure to provide fall protection to workers. Even after being cited for these violations, Pita continued to ignore OSHA requirements. In March 2020, Pita assigned a worker and three other carpenters to install sheeting on the roof of a residential home in windy conditions without providing the required fall-protection gear or ensuring its use. As a result, one of the workers was blown off the roof and died from his injuries.

    “Pita’s history of OSHA violations and deception tragically led to a worker’s death,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law by prosecuting fraud and enforcing worker safety standards.”

    “The defendant in this case engaged in a deliberate scheme to defraud insurance companies, the government and evade taxes, resulting in huge losses to the U.S. Treasury, and to personally enrich himself,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Sara C. Sweeney. “In addition, flagrant violations of OSHA safety standards put workers at unacceptable risk, ultimately resulting in the death of an employee. My office is committed to federally prosecuting and holding accountable anyone who violates these laws and regulations.”

    “Mr. Pita repeatedly violated the longstanding policies designed to protect the workforce which resulted in a tragic death,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. “The FBI and its partners will aggressively pursue those who selfishly ignore the laws and policies in place to protect America’s workforce.”

    “Not only does this type of scheme give an illegal advantage over honest competitors, it intends to allow the use of illegal, undocumented labor to achieve that advantage,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “It’s a blatant form of cheating that undercuts fair competition, costs the government millions of dollars in tax revenue, and skirts our nation’s immigration laws. This case reaffirms our unwavering commitment to prosecuting those who engage in fraud at the expense of workers, taxpayers, and law-abiding businesses.”

    The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Insurance Fraud-Criminal Investigations and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay L. Hoffer for the Middle District of Florida and Senior Trial Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Results in Mexican Takedown of Cartel-Linked Alien Smugglers

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Last night, extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in the Mexico Attorney General’s Office “Fiscalía General de la República” (FGR) conducting a significant enforcement operation to dismantle a prolific transnational alien smuggling organization operating in Juarez, Chihuahua, along the U.S.-Mexico border.

    The targeted alien smuggling organization, a group based in Juarez, Mexico, utilizes smuggling corridors centered in the Anapra, Chihuahua / Santa Teresa, New Mexico area, employs Mexican nationals, many of whom are current and former members of various Mexico-based cartels, and is alleged to be responsible for illegally smuggling large numbers of individuals, including children, from Central America into El Paso, Texas. The criminal organization is also alleged to have kidnapped aliens seeking to enter the United States illegally and extorted their families for money before completing their smuggling journey. The enforcement operation included the execution of two arrest warrants in Mexico for alleged alien smugglers Brian Alan Torres Gonzalez and Soledad Morales Nava. Torres and Morales are Mexican citizens and will be prosecuted in Mexico in part with evidence provided by the United States.

    “On her first day in office, the Attorney General directed the Department of Justice to prioritize efforts to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and empowered Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) to increase their contributions to this fight,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s action by Mexican authorities is the latest example of how JTFA provides critical contributions to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department, and its law enforcement partners, to target human smugglers and enhance coordination in transnational law enforcement efforts to better combat these criminal organizations.”

    U.S. authorities provided assistance to the Mexico Attorney General’s Office through coordination under JTFA, which, since its creation in 2021, has marshalled the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, and Panama. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has elevated JTFA to the Office of the Attorney General, to be jointly supervised by the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The task force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, and endanger migrants, pose national security threats, or are involved in organized crime. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border, along with dedicated prosecutor support by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; the Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 350 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 defendants sentenced, including significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeitures of assets and contraband including millions of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso assisted foreign investigative efforts in the United States, working in concert with the U.S. Border Patrol. Support from ICE HSI-Mexico City was critical in providing coordination between American and Mexican law enforcement agencies. The Justice Department — including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas in El Paso, HRSP, and the Office of the Judicial Attache in Mexico City — provided significant assistance in this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Rescinds Extension of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    “President Trump and I are returning TPS to its original status: temporary.” – Secretary Noem

    WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary Noem vacated a decision by the previous administration to extend Haiti’s Temporary Protect Status (TPS) by 18 months. As part of this move, Haiti’s TPS will end on August 3, 2025, unless extended. This is part of President Trump’s promise to rescind policies that were magnets for illegal immigration and inconsistent with the law. 

    TPS is a type of immigration status available to nationals of certain designated countries that allows aliens, even if they entered the country illegally, the ability to reside temporarily in the U.S. The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to designate a foreign country for TPS if there is an ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. 

    For decades the TPS system has been exploited and abused. For example, Haiti has been designated for TPS since 2010. The data shows each extension of the country’s TPS designation allowed more Haitian nationals, even those who entered the U.S. illegally, to qualify for legal protected status. 

    In May of 2011, DHS estimated that 57,000 Haitians were eligible to register for TPS. In August 2021, DHS estimated that 155,000 Haitians were eligible under the new designation. And by July 2024, the estimate skyrocketed to 520,694. 

    A statement from a DHS spokeswoman: 

    “Biden and Mayorkas attempted to tie the hands of the Trump administration by extending Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status by 18 months—far longer than justified or necessary.

    “We are returning integrity to the TPS system, which has been abused and exploited by illegal aliens for decades. President Trump and Secretary Noem are returning TPS to its original status: temporary.” 

    Last month, Secretary Noem similarly rescinded the previous administration’s Venezuela TPS extension. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace – NZ position at fisheries forum “reckless”

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace is calling the stance taken by New Zealand at an international fisheries forum “short-sighted and reckless”, saying more ocean protection is needed, not further erosion of existing measures in the name of profit.
    The annual meeting of the inter-governmental body that governs fishing in the South Pacific high seas (SPRFMO) is meeting in Chile this week.
    It’s been revealed that New Zealand is pushing to get Australia’s quota for orange roughy, a deep sea fish with a declining population, while also trying to increase the amount of deep sea coral that can be pulled up by bottom trawling nets.
    Greenpeace oceans campaigner Juan Parada says this puts New Zealand at odds with other SPRFMO members, including Australia and the US, who are backing measures to protect vulnerable marine areas.
    “New Zealand’s stance at SPRFMO once again shows the desperate, short-term drive for profit, pushed by this Luxon-led government, which is siding with its fishing industry mates and promoting their interests over ocean protection.
    “Orange roughy is a slow-growing fish whose populations are under pressure, and just a few months ago, a New Zealand trawler was caught hauling up 37kg of coral in the South Pacific – proving they were fishing in areas of high biodiversity.
    “That incident led to the temporary closure of the area to fishing, but now the New Zealand government is calling for these coral ‘trigger’ limits to be lifted so the fishing industry can keep trawling for longer, even if it means destroying deep sea coral reefs.
    Note:Currently, under SPRFMO rules, if a trawler pulls up more than 15kg of coral in its nets it triggers an automatic temporary suspension of fishing in the area. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace – NZ position at fisheries forum “reckless”

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace is calling the stance taken by New Zealand at an international fisheries forum “short-sighted and reckless”, saying more ocean protection is needed, not further erosion of existing measures in the name of profit.
    The annual meeting of the inter-governmental body that governs fishing in the South Pacific high seas (SPRFMO) is meeting in Chile this week.
    It’s been revealed that New Zealand is pushing to get Australia’s quota for orange roughy, a deep sea fish with a declining population, while also trying to increase the amount of deep sea coral that can be pulled up by bottom trawling nets.
    Greenpeace oceans campaigner Juan Parada says this puts New Zealand at odds with other SPRFMO members, including Australia and the US, who are backing measures to protect vulnerable marine areas.
    “New Zealand’s stance at SPRFMO once again shows the desperate, short-term drive for profit, pushed by this Luxon-led government, which is siding with its fishing industry mates and promoting their interests over ocean protection.
    “Orange roughy is a slow-growing fish whose populations are under pressure, and just a few months ago, a New Zealand trawler was caught hauling up 37kg of coral in the South Pacific – proving they were fishing in areas of high biodiversity.
    “That incident led to the temporary closure of the area to fishing, but now the New Zealand government is calling for these coral ‘trigger’ limits to be lifted so the fishing industry can keep trawling for longer, even if it means destroying deep sea coral reefs.
    Note:Currently, under SPRFMO rules, if a trawler pulls up more than 15kg of coral in its nets it triggers an automatic temporary suspension of fishing in the area. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Restoring Public Trust in New York City’s Leadership

    Source: US State of New York

    February 20, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Creates Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs To Support and Protect Independence of City Investigations

    Gives Independently-Elected City Officials Powers To Litigate Against the Federal Government and Defend the Rights of Constituents

    Strengthens New York State Comptroller Oversight of New York City’s Finances

    Special Authorities Designed To Expire at the End of 2025

    Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed new actions to restore public trust in New York City government with a sweeping expansion of state oversight and new guardrails to ensure accountability and protect New Yorkers. These actions will require legislative action and would take effect immediately upon passage.

    “To move this city forward, I am undertaking the implementation of certain guardrails that I believe are a first start toward re-establishing trust for New York City residents,” Governor Hochul said. “These proposed guardrails will help ensure that all decisions out of City Hall are in the clear interests of the people of New York City and not at the behest of the President.”

    [embedded content]

    [embedded content]

    Governor Hochul announced the following actions:

    New Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs and Protection of City Commissioner of Investigation
    A new Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs will be established within the Office of the New York State Inspector General. The Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs will receive updates and information directly from the New York City Department of Investigations (NYCDOI) about corruption investigations, and also be able to direct NYCDOI to commence investigations across city government.

    To ensure her continued independence, the New York City Charter will be revised to provide that the Mayor of New York City will not be able to terminate the New York City Commissioner of Investigation without approval by the State Inspector General.

    To move this city forward, I am undertaking the implementation of certain guardrails that I believe are a first start toward re-establishing trust for New York City residents.

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    This new structure will ensure that state officials have access to information about any current or future investigations. It will also allow the State to closely monitor or advance any such investigations into potential corruption within city government.

    Empowering Citywide Elected Leaders To Utilize Federal Litigation
    Under the Governor’s plan, the City Comptroller, Council and Public Advocate will be given explicit authority to bring litigation against the federal government using outside counsel if the City’s Law Department declines to do so promptly after a request. Such litigation could be filed against any federal government agency or entity.

    This action will ensure that New Yorkers have multiple avenues to initiate legal action in cases where the rights or freedoms of New York City residents are under attack by the federal government.

    Embedded Flickr Album

    Strengthens State Oversight of New York City’s Finances
    Given the unprecedented breadth and number of executive orders and other policy documents and notices issued by the Trump Administration, the Governor is proposing additional funds for the Office of the State Comptroller of the City to support the State’s existing ability to continue to monitor the City and its finances in this complex environment.

    The State will expand the Office of the Deputy State Comptroller for City Oversight. The new funding will be paid for using New York City tax receipts.

    These new resources will enable state officials to more closely monitor New York City’s fiscal operations, and to take any actions needed based on such review.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Cornyn, and GOP Colleagues Urge ATF to Rescind Biden’s Unconstitutional 2A Rules and Align with Trump Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and 28 of their Senate GOP colleagues today sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Marvin Richardson, urging him to align the agency with President Donald Trump’s Second Amendment priorities laid out in his recent Executive Order. 
    They also called on Deputy Director Richardson to identify and rescind former President Joe Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations, including the “Engaged in the Business” rule, pistol brace rule, so-called “ghost gun” rule, and “zero tolerance” policy under which the ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations.
    The Senators wrote: “On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights.  We urge you to immediately align the ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”
    “Under former President Joe Biden, the ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations. We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies.”
    Joining Senator Marshall, Senator Cornyn, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) are Senators Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas).
    The full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Cassidy reintroduce the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) reintroduced the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act to ensure American hostages and wrongful detainees don’t see reduced Social Security earnings as a result of being unlawfully held abroad. In addition to Senators Coons and Cassidy, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). This legislation was previously introduced in the 118th Congress.
    “The financial impact of wrongful detention doesn’t end when Americans come home – the damage can last into their years of retirement,” said Senator Coons. “Americans like Paul Whelan – unjustly held in a Russian prison for six years until the Biden Administration secured his release – see severely reduced Social Security benefits for the rest of their lives and have precious little time to make those earnings back. The Retirement Security for American Hostages Act provides a straightforward and practical solution so that years spent in foreign detention don’t translate into permanently reduced retirement benefits for these Americans who have already suffered so much.”
    “Losing one’s freedom is enough to endure. Americans held hostage should not also lose their Social Security benefits,” said Senator Cassidy. “Ensuring their benefits are protected makes a difference in someone’s life.” 
    “Hostage US strongly supports the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act. As the leading organization providing reintegration support, guidance, and resources to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, we see firsthand the long-term impact captivity has on individuals and their loved ones. This critical piece of legislation prevents reduced retirement security when hostages return home and means former captives can rebuild their lives without additional hardship. Americans who have endured captivity should have financial protections and this commonsense legislation will provide much-needed relief to those who have already suffered so much,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director of Hostage US.
    “The lives of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained are forever altered in damaging ways that can continue upon their release and return home,” said Diane Foley, President, the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. “This bill provides an important measure of relief to reduce the burdens faced by those who are lucky enough to be freed.” 
    Last summer, several Americans were released from wrongful detention in Russia as part of a historic prisoner exchange, and additional Americans have been released from hostage situations since then. These individuals now face financial obstacles resulting from their captivity, including diminished Social Security benefits when they reach retirement. Because they may not have received a paycheck or paid payroll taxes while in captivity, their Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which determines their Social Security benefit upon retirement, may have diminished by a meaningful amount.
    The Retirement Security for American Hostages Act would amend the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) calculation of benefits for individuals identified as wrongful detainees by the federal government. The bill ensures that when calculating Social Security benefits, the SSA would assume “deemed wages” equal to the national average for each month a former hostage or detainee was held, preventing unjust reductions in their retirement benefits.
    Senator Coons has led numerous bills supporting American hostages and wrongful detainees and addressing financial hardships they often face upon their return. He reintroduced the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act alongside two other hostage bills today–– the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act and the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. The first is a bill with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) that would empower former hostages and detainees to restore credit scores that may have been negatively impacted during their detention. The latter is with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and would stop the IRS from imposing fines and penalties on American hostages and wrongful detainees for late tax payments while they are held abroad. Both of those bills unanimously cleared the Senate last year.
    A one-pager is available here.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Tillis reintroduce the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) reintroduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act today to protect the credit scores of Americans who have been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. In addition to Senators Coons and Tillis, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). This legislation was originally introduced in the 118th Congress, and passed the Senate unanimously in December.
    “When you’re held hostage or wrongfully detained in a foreign prison for months or years on end, you’re not thinking about whether there’s enough money coming into your bank account to pay your utility bill—but right now, financial institutions just see someone who’s not paying their bills. Americans who’ve already endured the trauma of wrongful detention abroad shouldn’t come home to find their credit score ruined,” said Senator Coons. “The Fair Credit for American Hostages Act addresses this injustice, providing crucial protection for these heroic Americans and their families who have already endured far too much, so that time spent in foreign detention doesn’t harm their financial futures long after they’re home.”
    “No one should ever have to fear returning home to financial ruin and a damaged credit history due to their inability to make timely payments while being held hostage in a foreign country,” said Senator Tillis. “This commonsense legislation ensures that Americans held captive abroad won’t have to grapple with the financial distress of a ruined credit score, so they can focus on rebuilding their lives.”
    “Hostage US strongly supports the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act. As the leading organization providing reintegration support, guidance, and resources to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, we see firsthand the long-term impact captivity has on individuals and their loved ones. This critical piece of legislation prevents damaged credit when hostages return home and means former captives can rebuild their lives without additional hardship. Americans who have endured captivity should have financial protections and this commonsense legislation will provide much-needed relief to those who have already suffered so much,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director of Hostage US.
    “The Foley Foundation appreciates Senator Coons’ consistent, bipartisan leadership to address the often profound challenges faced by Americans who survive unjust captivity abroad. These bills offer common sense solutions to the financial issues former hostages face as they seek to restore their lives and livelihoods,” said Benjamin Gray, Executive Director of the Foley Foundation.
    Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad often cannot pay their bills while in detention. Upon their release and return to the United States, many find that their credit scores have suffered due to missed payments. This bipartisan legislation would prevent credit rating agencies from considering payments missed during the detention of Americans who have been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.
    Senator Coons has led numerous bills supporting American hostages and wrongful detainees and addressing financial hardships they often face upon their return. He reintroduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act alongside two other hostage bills today––the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act and Retirement Security for American Hostages Act. The first is a bill with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) that would stop the IRS from imposing fines and penalties on American hostages and wrongful detainees for late tax payments while they are held abroad. This bill unanimously cleared the Senate last year. The latter is a bill with Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) that would ensure that hostages and wrongful detainees are not penalized in calculating their Social Security benefits. 
    A one-pager is available here.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo on Extension of Trump Tax Cuts: Failure is Not an Option

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–Ahead of debate on the Senate FY2025 Budget Resolution, U.S. Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) set the record straight on the pro-growth Trump tax cuts, which lowered rates for Americans across the board and benefitted middle-income Americans the most.  He warned that, if the tax cuts are allowed to lapse at the end of the year, American families and businesses will face the largest tax hike in U.S. history.

    Full remarks as delivered:
    “Today, we are debating the narrow Senate FY2025 Budget Resolution that fulfills promises to secure America’s borders, increase our national defense, unleash our energy potential and finally start to get our fiscal house in order. 
    “In the near future, I expect us to move forward with a Budget Resolution that allows us to prevent a more than $4 trillion tax hike on American households–the largest tax hike in history of America–that will be felt by virtually every American if the tax cuts expire at the end of this year.
    “Because the other side has filed a litany of tax amendments that rehash various false narratives and each side will only have one minute to debate, I’m going to spend some time right now explaining why we can’t afford a $4 trillion-plus tax increase; the positive impact the Trump tax cuts had on the economy; and some of the key provisions that expire at the end of year. 
    “At the end of this year, many key provisions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire, triggering an over-$4 trillion tax hike on American families and businesses.
    “While taxes will increase on Americans of all income levels, the majority of this tax hike, about $2.6 trillion, will fall on those making less than $400,000 per year.
    “An average family of four making about $80,000 per year would see a $1,700 tax hike in 2026.
    “Another $600 billion plus will hit millions of small business owners, who could see federal tax rates skyrocket up to 43.4 percent.
    “Tens of millions of families will see their child tax credit cut in half from $2,000 to $1,000.
    “The list goes on, but first I’ll talk about what the Trump tax cuts actually did, and why failing to extend key provisions would be economically devastating for millions of hardworking taxpayers.
    “So, what did the Trump tax cuts do?
    “There’s been a lot of talk recently about how extending these expiring tax cuts are all for billionaires and corporations, but the facts show otherwise.
    “The 2017 tax bill increased take-home pay and powered a growing economy. 
    “Individuals across all income brackets received a tax cut, not just–as opponents suggest–for the uber wealthy.
    “In fact, the Trump tax cuts made the tax code more progressive, meaning the highest income earners now pay a greater share of all income taxes than they did before 2017.
    “The majority of benefits accrued to working middle-class families.
    “Between the bill’s passage in 2017 and 2021, the bottom 50 percent of earners received the largest reduction in average tax rates at 17.3 percent. 
    “In addition to lowering tax rates across the board, the Trump tax cuts doubled the standard deduction and the child tax credit and provided tax relief to America’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.
    “The effects of pro-growth tax reform were almost immediate. 
    “Not only did taxpayers get to keep more of their hard-earned money, but a growing economy helped median household income reach an all-time high.
    “The labor market improved, workers saw wage growth and the unemployment rate fell dramatically to 3.5 percent–the lowest in 50 years. 
    “And the lowest-income workers experienced the largest wage growth.
    “Corporate inversions became a thing of the past, and America became the place to do business. 
    “All Americans reaped the benefits of a booming economy. 
    “Extending this current, proven tax policy–and building on it–is the best way to restore economic prosperity and opportunity for working families, many of whom are still struggling to recover from the historic inflation of the last four years.
    “As American families contend with increased costs of everyday living, the last thing they need is another massive tax hike on top of that inflation.
    “Failure is simply not an option.
    “So, what happens if the Trump tax cuts expire?
    “As I’ve said, if we do not extend these tax policies, Americans will be hit with an over-$4 trillion tax increase.
    “More than $2.6 trillion will fall on households earning less than $400,000 per year.
    “An average family of four making $80,000 will be saddled with a $1,700 tax increase.  This is the equivalent of six to eight weeks’ worth of groceries for a family of four.
    “Tens of millions of families will see their child tax credit cut in half to $1,000, and
    90 percent of taxpayers would see their standard deduction cut in half.
    “Owners of over 20 million small businesses will face a massive tax hike, with tax rates up to 43.4 percent.
    “7 million taxpayers will be impacted by the Alternative Minimum Tax, up from just 200,000 taxpayers currently.
    “Many more small businesses and farms will have their death tax exemption cut in half.
    “The National Association of Manufacturers recently highlighted that if we allow the Trump tax cuts to expire, 6 million jobs would be at risk; $540 billion in employee compensation will be lost, and U.S. GDP will be reduced by $1.1 trillion.
    “So, while we aren’t considering tax policy as part of this reconciliation package, it is important to set the record straight on what’s at stake in the upcoming tax debate. 
    “And the stakes couldn’t be higher.
    “Tonight, you’re going to hear dozens and dozens of tax amendments, and we’re going to respond to each of those by explaining that that debate is not this budget.
    “The budget that we’re debating today is on the border, national defense, and increasing our oil and gas production to strengthen our economy.
    “And Senate and House Republicans are working together to act as quickly as possible to make the Trump tax cuts permanent, but that will be in the next step. 
    “We must prevent a massive tax hike and provide relief and certainty to families and businesses across America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Joins Bill to Protect Western Way of Life

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) introduced legislation to protect multiple use policy on federal lands.  The legislation would block the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) finalized Public Lands Rule.
    “Idaho is fortunate to be home to some of our nation’s most unique landscapes and vast natural resources,” said Crapo.  “We have a responsibility to ensure our local communities are consulted on decisions that impact the land on which they live and depend.  The BLM’s rule goes against both congressional intent and the will of those who work, recreate or live on or near federal lands.”
    Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota).
    Background:
    The final BLM rule runs counter to the agency’s multiple use mandate under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA).
    According to FLPMA, the BLM is required to balance the multiple uses of public lands including recreation, energy, mining, timber and grazing.
    The “Conservation and Landscape Health” rule rearranges agency priorities by putting a new, single use on equal footing with long established uses that Congress explicitly directed. 
    The rule also places an outsized focus on the use of restrictive Areas of Critical Environmental Concern designations that have compromised land and water health across the West.
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Demand VA Secretary Collins Put Veterans First, Reverse Mass Firings of VA Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated last week who serve veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees combatting veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.
    The Trump Administration’s mass terminations of VA employees, which included a substantive number of veterans and military spouses, comes at a time when VA faces critical staffing shortages and increased demand for its services, such as urgently needed mental health care to reduce the veteran suicide rate. In addition, many of these terminated employees had exemplary performance records and multiple years of work experience in government service.
    “Last week, we were outraged by the Administration’s abrupt and indiscriminate termination of tens of thousands of workers across almost every government agency, including more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees,” the senators wrote in a letter to the VA Secretary. “We were further disturbed by the manner in which you publicly celebrated this reprehensible announcement – a clear departure from the assurances provided throughout your confirmation process to never ‘balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits’ and to always ‘put the veteran first.’ Not only will this latest action put veterans’ care and benefits at risk, but it further confuses, demoralizes, and threatens a VA workforce we need to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to our veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much.”
    The senators directly refuted VA Secretary Collins’ vague assurances that these terminations “will not negatively impact VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries,” by detailing the ways the Trump Administration directives to gut VA’s workforce are already harming veterans:
    Openings for new clinics have been delayed because VA cannot hire the necessary staff to open their doors, including a VA clinic in Fredericksburg, Virginia;
    Service lines at VA hospitals and clinics have been halted;
    Beds and operating rooms at VA facilities have been suspended;
    Support lines for caregivers have been reduced;
    Veterans Crisis Line employees have been fired, and suicide prevention training sessions have been postponed or canceled; and
    Transportation options for disabled veterans, which help ensure veterans can attend regular health care appointments, have been cut back because volunteer drivers are now unable to get credentialed.
    The senators underscored how these terminations are a massive waste of taxpayer dollars that have already been spent recruiting, vetting, and training these VA employees: “Because probationary employees tend to be younger, many of them represented the next generation of VA employees – talented men and women who chose a long-term career path of serving veterans. VA already invested in recruiting and training these individuals because veterans deserve the very best staff possible.”
    The senators continued, “The list of real-life negative impacts of this Administration’s directives is expansive and growing every day. Rather than putting the interests of veterans first, you made your priorities abundantly clear in your statement applauding the mass firings: ‘At VA, we are focused on saving money.’ It’s clear from the slashing of services and benefits this priority is coming directly at the expense of veterans.”
    The senators concluded by calling on Collins to put veterans first and rescind the blanket layoffs of the more than 1,000 VA employees: “With the best interests of veterans in mind, and to ensure VA is capable of carrying out its sacred obligation of behalf of veterans, we urge you to immediately reinstate all of the employees dismissed in the latest indiscriminate terminations and commit to VA employees and veterans that no additional widespread terminations will occur without advanced notification to Congress, a detailed justification, coordination with service-level leadership, and an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on veterans’ health care and benefits. Congress remains ready to collaborate with you, if you are willing to come to the table and put the needs of our veterans above all else.”
    The letter was led by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). In addition to Heinrich and Luján, the letter was also joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The full text of the senators’ letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Urges Lutnick to Protect Critical Work at National Weather Service & NOAA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.20.25
    Cantwell Urges Lutnick to Protect Critical Work at National Weather Service & NOAA
    “American lives depend on it,” writes Cantwell
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, calling on him to exempt the National Weather Service (NWS) from the federal hiring freeze, and protect all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) workers from firings “that would jeopardize the safety of the American public.”
    “Without NOAA’s workforce, communities will not be prepared for the next big Nor’easter, hurricane, wildfire, or drought,” wrote Sen. Cantwell. “Ships will not be able to safely navigate through our waterways. Farmers will not have the data they need to manage their crops. NOAA’s workforce keeps people alive and provides communities with the scientific support tools to protect their families and grow their businesses. I urge you to appreciate these critical government functions and reverse the hiring freeze and refrain from mass firings of these invaluable public servants—American lives depend on it.”
    Sen. Cantwell has spoken out forcefully against the firings of federal workers.
    “The Trump Administration is trying to illegally cut the federal workforce in an attempt to come up with a budget and tax increases on middle class Americans, all while giving $4 trillion in tax breaks to corporations and the wealthiest individuals,” Sen. Cantwell said in a statement released Saturday. “Our deficit and essential programs like Medicaid can’t take the Trump hack job.”
    On Sunday, Sen. Cantwell sounded the alarm about reports that safety-critical Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers had been fired. “Now is not the time to fire technicians who fix and operate more than 74,000 safety-critical pieces of equipment like radars, navigational aids, and communications technology,” Sen. Cantwell said in a statement. “The FAA is already short 800 technicians and these firings inject unnecessary risk into the airspace — in the aftermath of four deadly crashes in the last month. The FAA’s safety workforce needs to be a priority for this Administration.”
    On Tuesday, speaking in opposition to the nomination of now-Secretary Lutnick on the Senate floor, Sen. Cantwell cited his “tepid support” for NOAA as a key reason for her decision to vote against his confirmation.
    “When asked for the record, ‘Should NOAA be dismantled, as called for in Project 2025?’, Mr. Lutnick would only say he’ll figure it out once he’s confirmed,” Sen. Cantwell said. “We needed a bigger commitment to NOAA. NOAA already supplies a big, important aspect of what we deal with, with weather forecasting, tracking extreme weather, hurricanes, wildfires, managing our fisheries, operating ships that conduct important charting for national security. Mr. Lutnick gave very tepid support for NOAA.”
    Project 2025 calls for NOAA to be “dismantled and many of its functions eliminated,” calling it part of the “climate change alarm industry.” NOAA provides critical services to the nation including weather forecasts, extreme storm tracking and monitoring, tools to enable communities to adapt to sea level rise and climate change, supporting fisheries management, and conserving marine mammals and other protected species including salmon and orcas.
    Sen. Cantwell is a champion of NOAA and helped secure $3.3 billion in NOAA investments in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities prepare for and adapt to climate change, boost science needed to understand changing weather and climate patterns, and invest in advanced computer technologies that are critical for extreme weather prediction and emergency response. Her Fire Ready Nation Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen NOAA’s ability to help forecast, prevent, and fight wildfires, passed the Commerce committee unanimously earlier this month and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
    The full text of last night’s letter is HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Lutnick,
    I urge the Administration to protect the critical workforce of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”). NOAA’s National Weather Service (“NWS”) should be exempt from the January 20th executive order titled “Hiring Freeze”, which instituted a hiring freeze for all federal civilian employees, due to the critical role the agency plays in public safety and supporting our economy. In light of highly publicized firings at other agencies, all NOAA employees, including probationary or temporary employees, should be protected from firing or reduction in force initiatives that would jeopardize the safety of the American public.
    NOAA is the nation’s leading scientific agency charged with forecasting weather, monitoring our oceans and atmosphere, managing our fisheries, restoring our coasts, and supporting maritime commerce. NOAA products and services, such as forecasts, are crucial to the U.S. economy and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product.
    Within NOAA, the NWS is responsible for protecting public safety and property and supporting the economy by providing timely and accurate weather forecasts and warnings. Our communities are extremely reliant on the data and research that NOAA and NWS scientists make available for decision-makers, emergency responders, and the public. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, last year there were 27 weather disaster events that cost over $1 billion each and resulted in 568 deaths. NWS meteorologists, using a network of satellites, buoys, balloon launches, ships, aircraft, and weather stations, collect data and develop forecasts and warnings on which communities rely for preparedness for hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, tornadoes, blizzards, drought, and other extreme weather events.
    The NWS also supports real-time forecasts and services needed to protect the safety of the traveling public. The NWS Center Weather Service Units embed meteorologists at 21 Air Route Traffic Control Centers to provide tailored forecasts that ensure it is safe for aircraft to fly. The meteorologists identify, forecast, and communicate weather hazards, such as thunderstorms, turbulence, and icing, to help pilots and air traffic controllers make informed decisions that minimize risks to flights and delays.
    When a hurricane approaches our coasts, the National Hurricane Center sends Hurricane Hunters into the eye of the storm to give forecasters a better idea of the storm’s intensity and when it’s likely to make landfall. The Storm Prediction Center warns communities when a tornado or severe storm is developing to give them time to protect property and get to safety. The NWS also creates forecasts for emergency responders to plan for wildfire season, issues warnings to help communities prepare when fire conditions are severe, deploys specially trained forecasters to provide real-time lifesaving forecasts on the frontlines to keep firefighters safe, and models how smoke will move and impact air quality across the country.
    And far beyond our atmosphere, the NWS monitors space weather, such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms, to protect satellite systems, communication networks, and power grids. The Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts and helps mitigate the worst impacts of space weather including the potential for widespread and long-lasting blackouts, significant disruption of satellite and radio communication networks that are essential for safe air travel and military operations, and unreliable GPS signals that hamper navigation for ships, planes, and farm equipment.
    In addition to the NWS, NOAA provides a host of other life-saving data and services. The NOAA Office of Coast Survey ensures safe shipping routes in our waters by charting 95,000 miles of shoreline and 3.4 million square nautical miles of waters, providing more than $2.4 billion in annual benefits to the U.S. economy. NOAA manages the nation’s fisheries, which support 1.7 million jobs across the United States. The two Tsunami Warning Centers monitor seismic activity and ocean conditions to detect potential tsunamis, issuing timely warnings and advisories to protect coastal communities from disaster. And finally, NOAA plays a vital role in monitoring, forecasting, and researching harmful algal blooms (“HABs”) that produce toxins that can be deadly. NOAA scientists track HAB events using satellite imagery, water samples, and oceanographic data to provide early warnings to coastal communities, fisheries, and public health officials, helping to ensure commercially harvested fish and shellfish are safe to eat.
    Without NOAA’s workforce, communities will not be prepared for the next big Nor’easter, hurricane, wildfire, or drought. Ships will not be able to safely navigate through our waterways. Farmers will not have the data they need to manage their crops. NOAA’s workforce keeps people alive and provides communities with the scientific support tools to protect their families and grow their businesses. I urge you to appreciate these critical government functions and reverse the hiring freeze and refrain from mass firings of these invaluable public servants—American lives depend on it.

    MIL OSI USA News –