NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: National Energy Dominance Council Paves Way for Unleashing American Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Last week, President Donald J. Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council — a cornerstone in the Trump Administration’s pursuit of unleashing American energy. Led by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, the Council will play a key role in the Trump Administration’s work to lower energy prices, meet the rising demand for affordable energy, strengthen economic security, and ensure the American energy industry is best positioned as a global leader over the next century.
    The move was hailed by lawmakers, workers, and industry:
    House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY): “Energy security is national security. By utilizing our domestic energy resources to create baseload power, we can lower prices, secure our grid, and provide the energy needed to grow manufacturing, heat our homes, and fill our gas tanks. The creation of this council under the leadership of Secretary Wright and Secretary Burgum is a strong step toward securing our energy future, and ensuring we have the resources necessary to meet the demands that AI will place on our grid. President Trump is continuing to fulfill his promise to the American people to return our nation to energy dominance, and I look forward to working together to achieve that goal.”
    American Exploration and Production Council: “Our nation is stronger, more secure, and more prosperous when America is the world leader in energy production, and AXPC applauds the Trump administration’s recognition that a whole of government approach is necessary to address the challenges related to American energy dominance. Sound energy policy across agencies will support our ability to meet rising national and global demand for affordable, reliable energy. We will continue to work with Congress and the Trump administration and the new National Energy Dominance Council on sensible, durable policies that allow American energy companies to continue to innovate and produce the energy America needs.”
    North America’s Building Trades Unions: “North America’s Building Trades Unions look forward to engaging with the National Energy Dominance Council recently established by the White House. This effort, chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and vice-chaired by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, comes at a critical moment for our nation. As our country’s energy demands continue to rise and we work to meet the needs of artificial intelligence, confront rising adversarial powers, and provide our citizenry with stable and affordable energy, we at NABTU are ready to meet the moment. The men and women of the Building Trades have built the existing energy infrastructure of this nation and are eager to partner with this Council to provide the highly skilled workforce necessary to advance America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and bring about the next generation of expanded, domestic and affordable power supply.”
    National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson: “We are thrilled that President Trump has established the National Energy Dominance Council to tackle some of the biggest energy policy challenges facing our nation. Electricity demand is skyrocketing, yet due to bad policy decisions, always-available baseload power is being forced to retire before it can be reliably replaced. As a result, much of the country faces an increased risk of energy shortfalls over the next decade. Under the leadership of Chairman Doug Burgum and Vice Chairman Chris Wright, the Council is perfectly positioned to address the growing threats to reliable and affordable power. We believe the Executive Order’s focus on improving key processes, including those for permitting, producing and distributing American energy, is exactly the right place to start.”
    United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters General President Mark McManus: “The men and women of the United Association are the best trained and most highly skilled craftspeople in the energy industry, and for generations we have built the critical infrastructure that delivers affordable domestic energy to our homes and businesses across the nation. We are now poised to deliver the next generation of energy production at this critical point in our nation’s history, but all too often government red tape and environmental activist groups stand in the way of these good paying and family-sustaining jobs. We look forward to working with President Trump and the new National Energy Dominance Council to cut government red tape and modernize our permitting processes to boost domestic production of critical energy like oil, gas, hydrogen, carbon capture, and nuclear, and to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.”
    Power The Future Executive Director Daniel Turner: “The National Energy Dominance Council is a long-overdue course correction that prioritizes American energy workers, revitalizes domestic production, and ensures affordability for families. The NEDC has the opportunity to right the many wrongs of the Biden administration’s failures by working alongside the private sector to create policies that increase production, drive down costs, and protect the environment. By cutting through burdensome regulations and anti-energy mandates, the NEDC will unleash America’s full energy potential and pave the way for an era of prosperity, affordability, and innovation.”
    National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons: “President Trump is moving quickly to unleash America’s full energy potential by establishing the National Energy Dominance Council, setting America up to lead on energy and secure our energy independence. This action demonstrates President Trump and his administration’s commitment to ensuring manufacturers have the energy they need to drive economic growth. […] The National Energy Dominance Council, under the leadership of Interior Secretary Burgum and Energy Secretary Wright, will help power the future of manufacturing in America because when manufacturing wins, America wins.”
    Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Marlo Lewis: “This is welcome news. Unlike the previous administration, which increased US reliance on oil imports from OPEC and critical minerals from China by rigging domestic markets against reliable energy from fossil fuels, President Trump seeks to emancipate all sources of reliable American energy to compete in domestic and overseas markets. The president also seeks to accelerate the permitting of new energy infrastructure, including the power plants needed to support hundreds of new data centers and US leadership in artificial intelligence. President Trump is correct that clearing away impediments to America’s global leadership in energy production and exports will lower energy prices, enhance US economic security, create millions of new well-paying jobs, and strengthen US competitiveness in advanced technologies such as AI.”
    Growth Energy: “#ICYMI last week @POTUS established the National Energy Dominance Council, noting that #biofuels ‘reduce our dependency on foreign imports, and grow our economy’ – #ethanol producers are ready to deliver for American consumers and the president’s priorities!”
    Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council: “The National Energy Dominance Council is greatly needed to promptly reduce onerous barriers and rules that work against an abundant energy supply. Rather than federal government agencies finding ways to expand their regulatory turf and stymie the energy sector, the Council is tasked with reducing outdated red tape and moving with speed on recommendations and action, which will facilitate the significant investment needed for big projects. A modern regulatory system and commitment to U.S. energy supremacy will generate quality jobs, economic vibrancy and growth, and innovations that will yield efficiencies and cleaner energy. As both energy consumers and as significant players in the U.S. energy sector, small businesses will greatly benefit. SBE Council thanks President Trump for prioritizing this critical sector and for his commitment to more affordable, reliable and abundant energy for America.”
    Americans for Prosperity: “Coupled with earlier Executive Orders signed by President Trump, with this Order, the current administration is well on its way in laying the groundwork for a future where energy abundance can become a reality.  Americans for Prosperity applauds President Trump’s actions in this Executive Order and anticipates a bright future for energy production in this country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Urges Action at Senate Judiciary Hearing on Children’s Safety Online

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, today delivered the following opening statement at the Judiciary Committee hearing on Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.

    A transcript of Klobuchar’s full opening statement is available below and a video can be downloaded here. 

    Senator Klobuchar: Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman, and I am truly looking forward to working with Senator Blackburn on this important Subcommittee. As many of you know, Senator Lee and I chaired the Antitrust Subcommittee for a long time, but I actually think this situation right now, with the possibility of moving on these bills, is going to be a very positive development.

    As Senator Blackburn just pointed out, despite the strong support that we have had from Senator Durbin and Senator Grassley and Senator Graham when he chaired this Committee, or was the ranking on this Committee, we’ve just continued to run into roadblocks to passing these laws, and it’s getting absolutely absurd.

    Senator Grassley is well aware of the antitrust tech bill that he and I lead, that hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars are spent against it in TV ads, and despite the fact that the companies, FAANG [Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google] as we call them, have agreed in other countries to some of these consumer protections that did not happen in America.

    I think that this piece of it—whether it’s Instagram’s promotion of content that encourages eating disorders, frightening rise of non-consensual AI-generated pornographic deep fakes, or the tragic stories of kids losing their lives to fentanyl-laced pills—will most likely be leading the way as we continue to push our antitrust and privacy and news bills.

    Just this month, this committee heard from Bridgette Norring of Hastings, Minnesota. Her son, Devin, was struggling with migraines, and bought what he thought was a Percocet over Snapchat to deal with the pain. But it really wasn’t a Percocet, it was a fake pill laced with fentanyl. And with that one pill, as we say, “one pill kills,” he died at age 19.

    For too long, the companies have turned a blind eye when young children joined their platforms; used algorithms that pushed harmful content—they have done that; and provided a venue for dealers to sell deadly drugs like fentanyl.

    We know that social media also increases the risk of mental illness, addiction, exploitation, and even suicide among kids. I will never forget the testimony of the FBI Director telling us that in just one year, I believe it was 2023, over 20 kids had committed suicide just because of the pornography and the images that had been put out there when they were innocently sending a picture to who they thought was a girlfriend or a boyfriend.

    That’s why this committee has taken this on on a bipartisan basis, and I am hopeful that this hearing will be the beginning of actually passing these bills into law.

    Representative Guffey, you and I met through Senator Cruz, and the bill that he and I have, the TAKE IT DOWN Act. We have an additional bill that Senator Cornyn and I have that’s really important, that’s passed through this committee, the SHIELD Act. And as you know all too well, the threat of dissemination alone can be tragic, especially for kids. We need to enact the Kids Online Safety Act, which, thanks to Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn, [has] passed the Senate on a 91-3 vote. As we know, some of these are stalled out in the House.

    We need to get the federal rules of the road in place for safeguarding our data. According to a recent study, social media platforms generated $11 billion in revenue in 2022 from advertising directed at kids and teenagers, including $2 billion in ad profits derived from users age 12 and under.

    I am supportive, as was mentioned by Senator Durbin, of the legislation that he and Senator Graham and Hawley and many others have to open the courtroom doors to those harmed by social media by making those reforms to Section 230. That legislation was enacted long before any of this was going on.

    And somehow, with respect to other industries, we’ve been able to make smart decisions to put more safety rules in place. Just ask those passengers that were on that flight that flipped upside down in Toronto, who were in those seats that were the result of safety rules that were put in place. And yet, when it comes to this, we just put up our hands and say, “no, they’re lobbying against us,” or “they have too [much] money,” or “we like some of the people that work there.” And we do nothing.

    And by doing nothing, instead of reaching some reasonable accommodations of settlements or things we can do on legislation, we just let them run wild at the expense of our kids’ lives. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US’ new tariffs worsen global prospects

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    After US President Donald Trump’s first punitive tariffs targeted the United States’ major trade partners — Mexico, Canada and China — tariff threats are shifting to the European Union, even the rest of the world. The tariff threats are also shifting from steel and aluminum to computer chips and pharmaceuticals.

    In the latest move, Trump said on Tuesday he intends to impose auto tariffs “in the neighborhood of 25 percent” and similar duties on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports.

    The US has a major trade deficit with many other trading economies, including Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam, which are likely to be in the firing line later, if not soon.

    A tariff is a tax levied on imported goods and services. In its haste to target the three countries, the Trump administration has ignored concerns about these tariffs fostering inflation or snarling global supply chains. This is a serious mistake on the part of the administration. In the US, wholesale prices are already rising on higher food and energy costs, adding to the growing pile of bad inflation news ahead of more US tariffs. Globally, these risks are real, costly and damaging.

    As the new US administration has been launching another tariff war, China’s economy has been showing progressive signs of stabilization — especially since the fourth quarter of 2024, as the impact of the November stimulus measures has kicked in. During this period, growth accelerated from 4.6 percent to 5.4 percent to reach 5.0 percent year-on-year in 2024, which prompted the International Monetary Fund to recently upgrade China’s GDP growth.

    But what’s fueling these gains?

    China’s industrial production has proved resilient on the back of both domestic and international demand, particularly in electric vehicles and solar panels. The most prominent part of the growth story is the strong expansion of China’s advanced technology, electronics and automobile sectors. The pace of development in industrial robotics is almost as strong, while consumption is being fueled by equipment and durable goods upgrade.

    Yet two main challenges remain. At home, the nearly 11 percent decline in real estate investment suggests the property market is still ailing. But in about 300 Chinese cities, the decline of residential inventory is slowing.

    The external challenges China faces include the impending trade and tech wars, which the first Trump administration launched in 2017, the Biden administration expanded and the new Trump administration is broadening worldwide.

    On Feb 1, Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs and 10 percent duties on energy products imported from Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent tariffs on Chinese goods. The three countries are the US’ biggest trade partners and the US has a trade deficit with each one of them. These tariffs alone would cost an average US household more than $1,200 a year.

    After separate talks between Trump and the Canadian and Mexican presidents, the US agreed to delay levying the extra tariffs for 30 days. But the threatened tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, if they are imposed, could reduce long-run GDP by 0.3 percent.

    Moreover, a trade war between the US and its two largest trading partners would hit incomes in the US, impact employment and accelerate inflation. As Trump’s tariffs went into effect against China, Beijing announced a broad package of economic measures against Washington on Feb 10. And more countermeasures are likely to follow.

    Half a decade ago, the US’ punitive tariffs on Chinese goods covered goods worth $396 billion, or more than 90 percent of the total trade. But the first round of Trump’s tariffs against Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods alone will cover far more traded goods in dollar terms.

    Trump’s four tranches of tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018-19 covered imports worth $360 billion. Today, Canada and Mexico and China account for more than two-fifths of all US imports. New tariffs on the goods imported from the two countries plus additional tariffs on Chinese goods would likely cover imports valued at more than $1.3 trillion. That’s more than 3.5 times the value than half a decade ago.

    This might be just the opening salvo in a series of tariffs the Trump administration is likely to announce in the coming weeks. Factor in the potential/likely retaliatory tariffs and duties by the affected countries and the Trump administration’s “reciprocal tariff” plan, and the final toll could be much higher.

    Ironically, US tariffs are legitimized by a flawed victimization narrative in which Washington is portrayed as a target of wrongful economic and geopolitical measures. In reality, the US’ imposed tariff levels are about geopolitical coercion, not economic factors.

    The threatened wave of tariffs could further heighten trade tensions, reduce investments, hit market pricing, distort trade flows, disrupt supply chains and undermine consumer confidence. In fact, much worse could happen.

    Due to the new US tariffs, we are in for a far costlier, global déjà vu all over again.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Defense Chief of Staff Joseph Kasper Statement on U.S. NORTHCOM Commander Gen. Gregory M. Guillot’s Meeting With General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense of Mexico (Defensa) Regarding Cooperative Activities Along the United States and Mexico Border

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander, US Northern Command, and General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense of Mexico (Defensa), met recently to discuss cooperation on security along the Mexico and U.S. border. The engagement resulted in the formulation and signing of a Joint Statement of Understanding regarding cooperative activities along the border.

    General Trevilla and General Guillot agreed to conduct coordinated patrols on their respective side of the border, increase information sharing, and establish methods for immediate communications. The agreement emphasizes that each country will respect the sovereignty of the other.

    Both leaders expect their agreement will serve to enable further conversations and coordination in greater detail at varied levels to ensure the mutual security of the border. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of CARICOM 48th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    our Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, all protocol observed.
     
    It is a joy to be with you in Barbados and an honour to be back in the Caribbean. 
     
    I am delighted to meet Prime Minister Mottley again so soon after the African Union Summit in Ethiopia, where you delivered such a powerful message on the legacies of slavery and colonialism, and reparatory justice. 
     
    Excellencies, 
     
    The exquisite beauty of the Caribbean is famed the world over. 
     
    But there is trouble in paradise. 
     
    Wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands – with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes: 
     
    Geopolitical tensions fuelling uncertainty…
     
    The scarring effects of COVID-19 leaving a trail of socio-economic crisis… 
     
    Soaring debt and interest rates, on top of a surge in the cost of living…  
     
    All amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds, and blowing holes through your national budgets… 
     
    And all as you remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.
     
    Excellencies, Dear Friends,
     
    The cure for these ills is global. 
     
    International solutions are essential to create a better today and a brighter tomorrow for this wonderful region, and for the world. 
     
    We have progress on which to build – hard-won global commitments to address the immense challenges we face. 
     
    But we need the world to deliver. 
     
    The irrepressible strength of a unified Caribbean, and commitment to multilateralism – which have done so much to advance global progress – is vital to achieving that aim. 
     
    And your theme for this year – Strength in Unity – is truly a theme for our times. 
     
    I see three key areas where, together, we must drive progress. 
     
    First, unity for peace and security…
     
    Particularly to address the appalling situation in Haiti – where gangs are inflicting intolerable suffering on a desperate and frightened people. 
     
    CARICOM, and the Eminent Persons Group, have provided invaluable support.  
     
    We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections.
     
    And I will soon report to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Haiti, including proposals on the role the UN can play to support stability and security and address the root causes of the crisis.
     
    It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one that we have presented for Somalia, in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary to put the force in place. And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.
     
    And if the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive.
     
    And I urge you to continue your work and advocacy to tackle the weapons and drug trafficking that is fuelling violence across the region, including through prevention.
     
    But let’s be clear: to fight drug trafficking or to fight weapons trafficking, we also need to address the countries of origin and the countries of destination.  Without their cooperation, we will never be able to win this battle, and the people of the Caribbean are paying a heavy price for the lack of cooperation that unfortunately, we still face.
     
    Second, unity on the climate crisis. 
     
    You face a deplorable injustice: 
     
    A crisis you have done next to nothing to create is wrecking economies, ruining lives, and threatening your very existence.  
     
    Together, you have fought tooth and nail for the global commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. 
     
    This year, countries must deliver new national climate action plans, ahead of COP30, that align with that goal, with the G20 – the big polluters – leading the way. 
     
    This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions. 
     
    And it is also a chance for the Caribbean to seize the benefits of clean power… 
     
    To tap your vast renewables potential… 
     
    And to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports.  
     
    But this requires finance. 
     
    We need confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at COP29 will be mobilized.  
     
    And we need the world to get serious in responding to the disasters that we know will keep coming.  
     
    Adaptation is critical for this region. To save lives. And to make economies resilient. 
     
    And we need developed countries to honour their promises on adaptation finance – and more. 
     
    And we need meaningful contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund. 
     
    When the fund was created, the pledges made are equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City. Let’s be clear: the Loss and Damage Fund must be a serious thing.  
     
    And we must be able to find new, innovative sources of financing and namely, to finally put seriously a price on carbon – and there are different ways to achieve this goal.
     
    Excellencies, 
     
    This must be part of broader efforts:
     
    Because, third, we need unity for sustainable development. 
     
    Globally, the Sustainable Development Goals are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered.  
     
    Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change – pioneering bold and creative solutions. 
     
    And the Pact for the Future agreed last year, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, now 3.0, marks significant progress – and I thank you all for your support. 
     
    The Pact commits to advancing an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year;
     
    And it asks Multilateral Development Banks to consider structural vulnerabilities in access to concessional funds, including through using the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. 
     
    With this, or any other instrument, it is absolutely essential that middle-income countries that have dramatic vulnerabilities, especially because of climate change, have access to concessional funding.  Without it, it is impossible to recover and to build the resilience that is so much highlighted in this congress.
     
    It also calls for representation in international financial institutions to correct for the world’s vast inequalities and injustices…
     
    And for effective action on debt… 
     
    Without debt relief, and without new debt strategies, it will be impossible to fully recover your economies.
     
    At the same time, we need bigger and bolder Multilateral Development Banks, with more capital, more lending capacity and more capacity to also leverage private funding for the kind of investments that are essential to build resilience and to promote sustainable development in countries like the countries of the Caribbean.
     
    We must push the world to deliver on those commitments. 
     
    And we must ensure all countries can reap the benefits of technologies for sustainable development – by delivering on the Global Digital Compact. 
     
    Excellencies, Dear Friends,
     
    A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force. 
     
    I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promise.
     
    And I can guarantee that the United Nations and myself are with you, and will remain with you, every step of the way. 
     
    Thank you very much.
     
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Questions Witnesses on WOTUS at EPW Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    Click here to download video. Click here for audio.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing today to discuss how to improve the federal permitting process, which has long been a frustration for those trying to build infrastructure, housing, energy, and transportation projects. Recent efforts to streamline and reform the process have not gained consensus, but the EPW Committee is exploring bipartisan solutions to provide clarity and consistency in the permitting process.
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chairman of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, questioned witnesses on the 2023 Supreme Court decision, Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Sackett ruling explicitly defined Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and significantly narrowed the scope of federal regulation over jurisdictional waters. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett, paired with West Virginia v. EPA and the overturning of the Chevron Doctrine in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondowhich peeled back bureaucratic overreach, Cramer stated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) still has not adequately responded to the ruling.
    [embedded content]
    Cramer asked Leah Pilconis, the General Counsel for the Associated General Contractors of America, and Carl Harris, Chairman of National Association of Homebuilders, “why do we even have to seek jurisdictional determination or permission when any home builder can read the law and see this isn’t a jurisdictional water? In other words, we don’t put a highway patrolman on every car on the interstate, just in case one of them speeds. We presume most of them are not going to violate the law. How can we simplify?”
    “The problem is that it’s not clear, and you can ask one person if something is jurisdictional and the next person if something is jurisdictional, and you might get two different answers,” responded Pilconis. “For the construction community we need clarity. It’s very difficult to move forward when you don’t know what is a Water of the United States. Not getting a permit when you are in federally controlled water has very significant civil and criminal penalties. The consequences and what’s at risk are huge for the developer, for the contractor. [Sackett v. EPA] did provide some guardrails. It provided some clarity, but what came out of that Supreme Court decision is not being implemented by the agencies. As Mr. Harris said, there are very unclear terms that have not been defined in the regulations, and that’s what’s causing a lot of confusion.”
    “Along with clarity, we need consistency,” replied Harris. “We need consistency between the [Army Corps] districts. If we could get true definitions of the terms that we were talking about, then our builders, our developers would know when they could take reasonable risk before they make a tremendous investment in the property and start moving dirt. We do need that consistency and clarity.”
    Cramer referenced permitting for electricity transmission projects. He warned against building out transmission and generation absent a planning process by local utilities and state regulators, and the potential for costs to be shifted to customers. “We have to find a federal backstop, but I think on linear siting for a transmission line should be the same as it is for a water pipeline or any other any other linear infrastructure. We can do that, but we do have to recognize those state regulators, having been one at one point myself.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Luján Calls Out Republican Budget That Will Increase Everyday Costs for American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Senate Republicans are pushing a partisan budget resolution that will make it harder for families to afford their health care, put food on the table, and get a quality education

    Video of the speech is available HERE.
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, delivered a floor speech calling out Republican plans to dramatically cut funding for programs that all Americans rely on like health, nutrition, and public services. He highlighted the staggeringconsequences for working families, including diminished access to health care and higher costs, at a time when federal employees are being illegally fired.
    Senator Luján’s full speech is available below: 
    Mr. President, over the past week, Elon Musk and Donald Trump have fired thousands of federal workers, many of them in New Mexico, without warning. The calls that I get to my office from constituents all across New Mexico express concern, surprise, and alarm. They don’t know what’s going to happen next. They’re worried about a project.
    A professional that I spoke to, who works for the Bureau of Indian Education and has a responsibility to help diagnose and support students with disabilities, asked, “Do I stay and help these kids? What’s going to happen with this stuff?”
    Now, whether it’s our neighbors who work to support the national labs to keep us safe, or friends who work at the United States Department of Agriculture helping our farmers and ranchers feed our nation, these illegal mass firings are impacting communities across every corner of New Mexico. Let me sum this up: what I keep hearing from New Mexicans every day is: Please help me. Speak up. Say something. Do something. Bring attention to what’s happening—to the harm that’s being caused in our communities, for all of our constituents.
    This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about right or wrong. It’s about real people. Now, instead of protecting these jobs and helping our fellow Americans, Senate Republicans are pursuing a partisan budget resolution that will make it even harder for families to afford their health care, put food on the table, or get an education for their kids.
    Now, this is, quite frankly, chaos, and it’s chaos that the American people cannot afford. New Mexicans and Americans from all walks of life rely on the programs that Republicans are now attacking. These are programs that feed seniors, veterans, children, and the disabled. These are programs that house our veterans and keep folks warm during these winter months.
    And why are Republicans ripping these services away from people who need them? To fund this Trump tax scam—now it’s 2.0. The American people and constituents across New Mexico told me back in 2017, “This feels like a scam.” What Republicans are saying is that middle-class families are going to get everything in this tax cut. But what we saw play out was that if you were making millions of dollars, you did okay—you got the brunt of everything in this tax scam. Lying to the face of the American people. That’s what happened in 2017, and it certainly feels the same now.
    Now, let’s talk about one possible outcome of this budget resolution. In New Mexico, Medicaid covers 75% of births and supports around 92,000 children in my home state. Across the country, nearly 40% of babies are born with the help of Medicaid. For these babies and pregnant women, this program is vital—offering a chance to grow up healthier and have the best opportunity to succeed. We should all want that for our constituents. That’s not partisan.
    Now, unfortunately, Republicans have made it clear that they are determined to slash Medicaid. They tried it in 2017. When my Republican colleagues are interviewed and asked the question, “Are you going to cut Medicaid?” they certainly attempt, in every form and fashion, to say, “No, no, no, we’re not going to touch it—we’re just going to leave it up to the states.” Let me translate what that means.
    What Republicans in Congress are going to do is work to eliminate every federal dollar for Medicaid. There’s this acronym—FMAP—it’s a federal matching program to make Medicaid work across America. That’s what they’re going after. And if you visit with anyone across America who knows anything about how this program works, they will all tell you—without these federal dollars, this program goes away.
    This Republican budget resolution sets the stage for dismantling Medicaid, which could result in pregnant moms and babies losing health care. That’s just one possible outcome.
    As I said earlier, the American people deserve honesty and transparency. Look, I understand if my Republican colleagues want to do this. Just own up to it. Tell the American people what you want to do. Let them know. Just be honest with them. That’s the least the American people deserve.
    Last week in the Budget Committee, I offered a number of commonsense amendments to help lower costs for families, strengthen border security, safeguard health care, promote American manufacturing and businesses, and invest in public safety.
    Top of mind for many Americans, I offered an amendment to ensure that Elon Musk and his companies are not profiting off the same government that he’s dismantling. Elon Musk, who was not elected by the American people, is pursuing an extreme agenda to serve his own interests and greed—all while the American people are paying the price for it.
    If Republicans are serious about tackling the issues and lowering costs, let’s work together. You have partners here ready to do this for the American people. But my Republican colleagues know better than I that what’s happening under this president and Elon Musk is that the cost of goods continues to go up.
    I don’t know how many of you were at the grocery store this weekend in this chamber, but if you haven’t been—go by. Go by and try to buy some eggs. You will see a sign that limits you to maybe a dozen, maybe two, and you’re going to see the costs going up and up and up. Milk, butter—you look at it, you see it, you name it—it’s all increasing in price.
    What happened to President Trump saying on day one he was going to lower the cost of these goods for the American people? It’s not happening.
    Look, to sum this up—Americans will not be able to make ends meet if Senate Republicans dismantle the programs that make our country strong and secure to advance yet another tax scam.
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Palestine and Gaza’s Hamas resistance condemn Fiji over embassy plan

    By Anish Chand in Suva

    Palestine has strongly condemned Fiji’s decision to open a Fiji embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

    The Palestinian Foreign Ministry and the Hamas resistance group that governs the besieged enclave of Gaza issued separate statements, urging the Fiji government to reverse its decision.

    According to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, the Fijian decision is “an act of aggression against the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights”.

    The Palestinian group Hamas said in a statement that the decision was “a blatant assault on the rights of our Palestinian people to their land and a clear violation of international law and UN resolutions, which recognise Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian territory”.

    Fiji will become the seventh country to have an embassy in Jerusalem after the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay.

    Republished from The Fiji Times with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Announces Appointments to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-left”>Alex Meyer will join the White House as a Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Meyer previously served as the Deputy Political Director for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign directly managing President Trump’s victorious operations in the battleground states of Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Meyer in the 2024 Presidential Primary served as the Senior Advisor for President Trump’s Iowa Caucus Campaign. Meyer brings over a decade of successful campaign experience up and down the ballot. Jared Borg will join the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for State Governments. Jared is a campaign veteran of both President Trump’s 2020 and 2024 campaigns. He has also been a part of several high-profile national races throughout his career. Borg is a graduate of The Ohio State University and is a United States Navy Veteran. Christine Serrano Glassner will join the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for Local and Tribal Governments. Prior to joining the White House, she served as Mayor of the Borough of Mendham, New Jersey for the last six years and on Council for two years. Connor Reardon will join the White House as Associate Director in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to this role, Reardon served as Pennsylvania State Director for the Republican National Committee and, most recently, as Pennsylvania Director of Operations for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign. Chase Wilson will join the White House as Associate Director in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to joining the White House, Wilson served as State Director of Oklahoma during the 2024 Presidential Primary and then Deputy State Director in North Carolina for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign. Michael Silvio will join the White House as Associate Director in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Most recently, Michael served as the Nevada State Director for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign. Prior to that, Michael served as Political Director for Trump-endorsed Daniel Cameron for Governor (KY). Sam Martinez will join the White House as Associate Director in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to joining the White House, Martinez served as Pennsylvania Deputy State Director for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign. Hope Moreland will join the White House as Deputy Associate Director in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to joining the White House, Moreland served as Iowa Political Coordinator and Fulton County Field Director for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign. Finley Varughese will join the White House as Coordinator in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to joining the White House, he served as Programming & Political Manager and Regional Political Coordinator at the Republican National Committee. Elizabeth McAlindon will join the White House as Staff Assistant in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to joining the White House, McAlindon served as Assistant to the Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (TN). 
    About the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs:The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) reports to Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair. The Office is managed by Deputy Assistant to the President and IGA Director Alex Meyer. The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs serves as the Administration’s principal liaison to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, fostering an open channel for advancing key administration priorities and interagency coordination.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Ms. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Ms. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, during the 38th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Barbados’ active role as Chair of CARICOM and underscored the strong CARICOM-UN partnership. He commended Barbados for spearheading efforts to advance reforms to the international financial architecture through the Bridgetown Initiative 3.0.

    The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister exchanged views on regional and global issues, particularly the situation in Haiti, climate change and the global agenda for antimicrobial resistance.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Guterres urges Caribbean leaders to keep pushing for peace, climate action and sustainable development

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    In an address on Wednesday to Caribbean leaders meeting in Barbados, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a potential plan to support an “effective force” in Haiti as armed gangs continue to terrorize the population. 

    Mr. Guterres was speaking during the opening of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Meeting in the capital Bridgetown, where he called for unity to achieve progress in peace and security, climate and sustainable development.

    “A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force,” he said. “I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promises.”

    ‘Trouble in paradise’

    The Secretary-General noted that the region’s “exquisite beauty is famed the world over, but there is trouble in paradise.”

    He told leaders that “wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands – with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes.”

    Caribbean countries are experiencing uncertainty fuelled by geopolitical tensions, the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring debt and interest rates, and a surge in the cost of living. 

    Global solutions exist

    These are all happening “amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds, and blowing holes through your national budgets,” and as countries “remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.”

    The UN chief insisted that “the cure for these ills is global,” and the world needs to deliver on hard-won global commitments to address the immense challenges the international community is facing.

    He listed three key areas “where, together, we must drive progress.” 

    Peace in Haiti

    Mr. Guterres called for unity for peace and security, “particularly to address the appalling situation in Haiti – where gangs are inflicting intolerable suffering on a desperate and frightened people.”

    He said CARICOM and its Eminent Persons Group have provided invaluable support in this regard. 

    “We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections,” he said.

    Security and stability

    A UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission is currently on the ground to back up the Haitian National Police.

    The Secretary-General said he will soon report to the Security Council on the situation in the country, including proposals on the role the UN can play to both support stability and security, and address the root causes of the crisis.

    He intends to present a proposal similar to the one for Somalia, in which the UN assumes responsibility for the structural and logistical expenditures necessary to put the force in place. Salaries are paid through a trust fund that already exists.

    “If the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive,” he said, drawing applause.

    © WFP/Fedel Mansour

    Hurricane Beryl last July caused devastation on Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

    Climate crisis opportunity

    His second point – unity on the climate crisis – underlined “a deplorable injustice” as Caribbean countries “have done next to nothing” to create it. Moreover, they have “fought tooth and nail for the global commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.”

    Mr. Guterres said countries must deliver new national climate plans ahead of the COP30 UN climate conference later this year.  The plans must align with the 1.5 goal, with the G20 group of industrial nations leading the way.

    “This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions,” he said. “And it’s a chance for the Caribbean to seize the benefits of clean power, to tap your vast renewables potential, and to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports.”

    As finance is required, he underscored the need for confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at the previous COP will be mobilized. Developed countries also must honour their promises on adaptation finance and make meaningful contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.

    “When the Fund was created, the pledges made were equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City,” he remarked.

    Finance for sustainable development

    Meanwhile, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered.”

    The Secretary-General said Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change, pioneering bold and creative solutions.  He said the Pact for the Future, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, marks significant progress.

    Mr. Guterres thanked Caribbean leaders for supporting the Pact, which UN Member States adopted last year. 

    Key deliverables include support for an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion annually and commitment to reform international financial institutions to allow greater participation by developing countries. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of CARICOM 48th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, all protocol observed.
     
    It is a joy to be with you in Barbados and an honour to be back in the Caribbean. 
     
    I am delighted to meet Prime Minister Mottley again so soon after the African Union Summit in Ethiopia, where you delivered such a powerful message on the legacies of slavery and colonialism, and reparatory justice. 
     
    Excellencies, 
     
    The exquisite beauty of the Caribbean is famed the world over. 
     
    But there is trouble in paradise. 
     
    Wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands – with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes: 
     
    Geopolitical tensions fuelling uncertainty…
     
    The scarring effects of COVID-19 leaving a trail of socio-economic crisis… 
     
    Soaring debt and interest rates, on top of a surge in the cost of living…  
     
    All amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds, and blowing holes through your national budgets… 
     
    And all as you remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.
     
    Excellencies, Dear Friends,
     
    The cure for these ills is global. 
     
    International solutions are essential to create a better today and a brighter tomorrow for this wonderful region, and for the world. 
     
    We have progress on which to build – hard-won global commitments to address the immense challenges we face. 
     
    But we need the world to deliver. 
     
    The irrepressible strength of a unified Caribbean, and commitment to multilateralism – which have done so much to advance global progress – is vital to achieving that aim. 
     
    And your theme for this year – Strength in Unity – is truly a theme for our times. 
     
    I see three key areas where, together, we must drive progress. 
     
    First, unity for peace and security…
     
    Particularly to address the appalling situation in Haiti – where gangs are inflicting intolerable suffering on a desperate and frightened people. 
     
    CARICOM, and the Eminent Persons Group, have provided invaluable support.  
     
    We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections.
     
    And I will soon report to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Haiti, including proposals on the role the UN can play to support stability and security and address the root causes of the crisis.
     
    It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one that we have presented for Somalia, in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary to put the force in place. And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.
     
    And if the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive.
     
    And I urge you to continue your work and advocacy to tackle the weapons and drug trafficking that is fuelling violence across the region, including through prevention.
     
    But let’s be clear: to fight drug trafficking or to fight weapons trafficking, we also need to address the countries of origin and the countries of destination.  Without their cooperation, we will never be able to win this battle, and the people of the Caribbean are paying a heavy price for the lack of cooperation that unfortunately, we still face.
     
    Second, unity on the climate crisis. 
     
    You face a deplorable injustice: 
     
    A crisis you have done next to nothing to create is wrecking economies, ruining lives, and threatening your very existence.  
     
    Together, you have fought tooth and nail for the global commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. 
     
    This year, countries must deliver new national climate action plans, ahead of COP30, that align with that goal, with the G20 – the big polluters – leading the way. 
     
    This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions. 
     
    And it is also a chance for the Caribbean to seize the benefits of clean power… 
     
    To tap your vast renewables potential… 
     
    And to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports.  
     
    But this requires finance. 
     
    We need confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at COP29 will be mobilized.  
     
    And we need the world to get serious in responding to the disasters that we know will keep coming.  
     
    Adaptation is critical for this region. To save lives. And to make economies resilient. 
     
    And we need developed countries to honour their promises on adaptation finance – and more. 
     
    And we need meaningful contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund. 
     
    When the fund was created, the pledges made are equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City. Let’s be clear: the Loss and Damage Fund must be a serious thing.  
     
    And we must be able to find new, innovative sources of financing and namely, to finally put seriously a price on carbon – and there are different ways to achieve this goal.
     
    Excellencies, 
     
    This must be part of broader efforts:
     
    Because, third, we need unity for sustainable development. 
     
    Globally, the Sustainable Development Goals are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered.  
     
    Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change – pioneering bold and creative solutions. 
     
    And the Pact for the Future agreed last year, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, now 3.0, marks significant progress – and I thank you all for your support. 
     
    The Pact commits to advancing an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year;
     
    And it asks Multilateral Development Banks to consider structural vulnerabilities in access to concessional funds, including through using the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. 
     
    With this, or any other instrument, it is absolutely essential that middle-income countries that have dramatic vulnerabilities, especially because of climate change, have access to concessional funding.  Without it, it is impossible to recover and to build the resilience that is so much highlighted in this congress.
     
    It also calls for representation in international financial institutions to correct for the world’s vast inequalities and injustices…
     
    And for effective action on debt… 
     
    Without debt relief, and without new debt strategies, it will be impossible to fully recover your economies.
     
    At the same time, we need bigger and bolder Multilateral Development Banks, with more capital, more lending capacity and more capacity to also leverage private funding for the kind of investments that are essential to build resilience and to promote sustainable development in countries like the countries of the Caribbean.
     
    We must push the world to deliver on those commitments. 
     
    And we must ensure all countries can reap the benefits of technologies for sustainable development – by delivering on the Global Digital Compact. 
     
    Excellencies, Dear Friends,
     
    A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force. 
     
    I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promise.
     
    And I can guarantee that the United Nations and myself are with you, and will remain with you, every step of the way. 
     
    Thank you very much.
     
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Visits Next Gallery Highlighting Artists and Casa Bonita, and Celebrates Black History Month

    Source: US State of Colorado

    LAKEWOOD – Today, Governor Polis visited Next Gallery’s 8th Annual Casa Bonita Art Show, which brought together over 60 artists to imagine and create a piece of what Casa Bonita could look like in 2074 on its 100th birthday.

    “I love viewing the work of Colorado’s artists and seeing one of our state’s landmark attractions reimagined through the creativity of artists. I hope this art show inspires Coloradans and tourists alike to visit Casa Bonita, and explore all that our state has to offer,” said Governor Polis.

    Next Gallery is owned and operated by 28 working artists with a mission to support local artists and promote art appreciation and education through community outreach.

    The Governor will also visit African Grill and Bar to celebrate Black History Month, and highlight small businesses in Colorado. African Grill and Bar gives back to its community by supporting school cultural programs, charity organizations, and helping feed community members in need.

    “Colorado is home to many vibrant cultures, cuisines, and businesses. I am excited to be visiting African Grill and Bar to enjoy authentic African food, celebrate Black History Month, and highlight one of the many black-owned businesses that contribute to our growing economy, and make Colorado the best state to live, work, and start a business,” said Governor Polis.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Introduces Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Buy Assault Weapons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 19, 2025
    More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles
    Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today said that he is joining legislation to raise the minimum age to buy assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. 
    “If you’re not old enough to purchase alcohol, you shouldn’t be allowed to buy an assault weapon either,” Wyden said. “We need to be doing everything we can to stop America’s gun violence epidemic, including raising the legal age of purchase to 21. I am proud to support this bill that will help keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of teenagers.”
    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming more than 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in U.S. history. Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
    The same age requirement already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. This bill would expand the ban to assault weapons, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition. Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces. 
    In addition to Wyden, the Age 21 Act was introduced by Senator Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Chris Coons,  D-Del., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
    The Age 21 Act is endorsed by organizations, including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.
    A one-pager on the bill is here.
    The bill text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Urge Trump to Reject Republican Budget That Raises Costs for Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Jacky Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined 30 of their Senate colleagues in urging President Donald Trump to reject Congressional Republicans’ legislative plans to increase the cost of living for Americans.

    Last week, Congressional Republicans in both chambers approved for floor consideration their 2025 budget proposals, their blueprints for a large package that would raise costs for hardworking families and target critical services like Medicaid.

    “But the Republican budget plans do not focus on lowering costs, and in fact will raise costs for American families by forcing them to pay more for groceries, health care, education, and caregiving,” wrote the 32 U.S. Senators.

    Congressional Republicans’ budget plans will:

    Raise food costs: The Republican budget plans tee up extensive cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Meals on Wheels. 

    Raise health care costs: The Republican budget plans also pave the way for 15 Republican proposals to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act coverage. These Republican cuts would raise health care costs for over 160 million Americans.

    Raise education costs: The Republican budget plans set up cuts to programs that help families afford college, including Pell Grants and income-driven repayment plans, and tax scholarships for hard-working students.

    Raise caregiving costs: The Republican budget plans pave the way to cut programs that help families care for kids, people with disabilities, and aging loved ones. Cuts to these essential programs will make it impossible for many working families to live and work with dignity.

    “If Congressional Republicans are successful at passing their proposals, it will mean that families will pay more for food, healthcare, education, and caregiving – while Republicans plot more tax cuts for billionaires,” the Senators wrote. “We urge you to stand by the promises you made to the American people about lowering costs, including by committing not to sign any legislation that raises their costs.”

    In addition to Reed and Whitehouse, the letter is also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Peter Welch (D-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).

    Full text of the letter follows:

    February 17, 2025

    President Donald Trump

    The White House

    1600 Pennsylvania Ave

    Washington, DC 20500

    Dear President Trump:

    We write to you today to urge you to honor the promises you made on the campaign trail to lower costs for American families. You promised the American people that you would immediately lower costs, “starting on Day One.”

    However, weeks into your Presidency, Congressional Republicans are moving forward with legislative plans to increase the cost of living for hardworking Americans. Congressional Republicans have released their 2025 budget proposals – their blueprints for a large legislative package that they hope to pass in the coming months.  Congressional Republicans have also circulated a “menu” of policies they want to include in that budget legislation.3But the Republican budget plans do not focus on lowering costs, and in fact will raise costs for American families by forcing them to pay more for groceries, health care, education, and caregiving.

    1. Raising food costs. The Republican budget plans tee up extensive cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Meals on Wheels. Republican cuts to SNAP will make it harder for senior citizens, disabled individuals, and working families to afford groceries. Republicans also want to defund meals for poor schoolkids, forcing already-struggling families to shoulder additional costs while grocery prices are skyrocketing, and slash funding for meals for elderly people.

    2. Raising health care costs. The Republican budget plans also pave the way for 15 Republican proposals to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act coverage. These Republican cuts would raise health care costs for over 160 million Americans who rely on these programs to make ends meet and stay healthy, and force the closures of community health centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and doctor’s offices across the country. The proposals especially target low-income seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

    3. Raising education costs. The Republican budget plans set them up to pass cuts to programs that help families afford college, including Pell Grants and income-driven repayment plans. These Republican cuts would hike loan payments for millions of Americans, drive families deeper into debt, and in some cases make it impossible for students to pay for school and achieve the American Dream.

    4. Raising caregiving costs. The Republican budget plans pave the way to cutting programs that help families care for kids, people with disabilities, and aging loved ones. Large cuts to Medicaid, Head Start, and other essential programs will make it impossible for many working families to live and work with dignity.

    The Republican budget plans are deeply troubling. If Congressional Republicans are successful at passing their proposals, it will mean that families will pay more for food, healthcare, education, and caregiving – while Republicans plot more tax cuts for billionaires. We urge you to stand by the promises you made to the American people about lowering costs, including by committing not to sign any legislation that raises their costs.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT MP congratulates Labour MP for pro-freedom bill

    Source: ACT Party

    Responding to the draw of the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide) Amendment Bill:

    “Finally, the House of Representatives will have a chance to debate the wokery in the banking sector that has seen farmers and other unfashionable sectors treated like second-class borrowers,” says ACT Rural Communities spokesperson Mark Cameron, who is also leading an inquiry into rural banking practices.

    “The ACT team will be looking at the detail of this bill. We’ll continue to make the case for tackling woke banking practices at its cause. That includes the Net Zero Banking Alliance, which major banks in the United States, Canada, and Australia are rightly fleeing. We’ve also challenged the stupid climate commitments placed on banks by the Financial Markets Authority.

    “In the meantime, I’m celebrating the fact that these issues, once only discussed with frustration across the farm fence, are now being addressed in New Zealand’s highest chambers of power.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Markey Statement on Senate Confirmation of Senator Kelly Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (February 19, 2025) – Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate vote to confirm Senator Kelly Loeffler to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
    “While I admire Kelly Loeffler’s personal story and work ethic, I am troubled by an unapologetic defense of a Trump agenda that cut off federal funding, has ignored the law, and created chaos and uncertainty for America’s 34 million small businesses,” said Ranking Member Markey. “My goal is to protect small businesses and entrepreneurs and not allow partisan politics to jeopardize their funding or their future. The vibrancy of our communities depends on ensuring small businesses can compete, expand, and create jobs.”
    Ranking Member Markey delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate last week to object to the confirmation of Senator Loeffler as SBA Administrator.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Van Hollen, Whitehouse, and Sanders Demand Answers from Justice Department on Forced Resignation of Assistant U.S. Attorney Over Illegal Pressure to Freeze National Green Bank Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    Washington (February 19, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today wrote to Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz about revelations that Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Cheung was pressured to find evidence of a crime as a justification for freezing the release of billions of dollars in congressionally approved federal funds for the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. These programs, which are part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, leverage private capital to cut energy bills for families and small businesses, improve resiliency against climate change-fueled disasters, and create local economic opportunity while combatting climate change. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also signed the letter. 

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “The reports that Ms. Cheung was pressured to circumvent this standard suggest a deliberate attempt to weaponize the Justice Department for political purposes. Indeed, according to one report, ‘Cheung’s resignation came in connection with a Justice Department effort to assist President Donald Trump’s new head of the Environmental Protection Agency, who said last week that he would try to rescind $20 billion in grants awarded by the Biden administration for climate and clean energy projects.’” 

     
    The lawmakers continue, “Federal prosecutors have an obligation to comply with the legal ethics rules governing their conduct, including their duty to refuse illegal or unethical orders from superiors. Not even a month into the second Trump administration, several career prosecutors have already resigned rather than participate in legally and ethically questionable actions, igniting a crisis within the Justice Department. The Department must not become an instrument of political retribution or partisan maneuvering.” 

    The lawmakers urge the Office of the Inspector General, “to immediately open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms. Cheung’s resignation, the directives she received, and the broader pattern of political interference in prosecutorial decisions. The integrity of our justice system depends on the independence of prosecutors and their ability to enforce the law free from political influence. If substantiated, these allegations represent an existential threat to the rule of law and demand swift corrective action.” 

    Senator Markey secured numerous provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, including the creation of a $27-billion national climate financing network based on the National Climate Bank Act, which he introduced along with Senator Van Hollen. Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, Senators Markey and Van Hollen and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) — the House lead on the climate financing legislation — welcomed the launch of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in April 2023.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Says Lee Plan to Feed Children is Inadequate

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who asked Governor Bill Lee to reconsider a decision not to participate a summer food program for children then released a statement saying his decision was “cruel,” tonight condemned the inadequate alternative summer food program the governor has proposed.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “At first, the decision to leave $75 million in federal funds on the table that could have reached nearly 700,000 Tennessee children seemed like ineptitude. Then, when the intention was clear, it seemed like cruelty. The proposed alternative — $3 million in funding for summer food programs in 15 rural, deeply Republican counties — is clearly inadequate and doubles down on the cruelty to children in Shelby, Davidson and Hamilton counties where the vast majority of needy children live. I hope that this careless and shortsighted policy will be reversed and that our children, who are neither Democrats nor Republicans, get the nutrition they need from the federal summer food program.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works with USDA to Fight HPAI, Protect Iowa Poultry Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, are working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a roadmap and enhance the agency’s response to the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). They led their colleagues in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the USDA outlining solutions they can collaborate on as the administration responds to the outbreak.  
    “The United States is now entering the fourth year of an outbreak of HPAI that has devastated farms, required the depopulation of more than 136 million birds on commercial poultry operations, and infected a small but growing number of farm workers. A new urgency is required from the USDA to address the evolving situation,” the lawmakers wrote. “We stand ready to work with you as you provide leadership on this vitally important issue, the largest animal health outbreak that the department has ever dealt with.”
    “It’s crucial to highlight the impact of avian influenza (HPAI) on Iowa’s turkey farmers. The 260,800 turkeys lost in 2024 and the current outbreak in 2025 emphasize the ongoing threat this virus poses to the Iowa turkey industry. Senator Ernst’s leadership in bringing attention to this issue is vital. A stronger focus on H5Nx vaccinations could help reduce the risk and spread of HPAI, giving farmers more tools to prevent and manage outbreaks. This kind of action will be key to safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and the broader agricultural economy in Iowa,” said Gretta Irwin, Executive Director, Iowa Turkey Federation.
    “Poultry and egg farmers across Iowa are working diligently to navigate the challenges posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), but they can’t face this growing problem alone. We applaud Senator Ernst for her continued leadership in ensuring producers have the tools they need to slow the spread of HPAI. She has been a steadfast partner in protecting the livelihoods of our farmers and safeguarding our food supply throughout this ongoing outbreak,” said Dr. Craig Rowles, North Central Poultry Association President and Bruce Dooyema, Iowa Egg Council President.
    In the letter, the senators proposed:
    A forward-looking strategy for vaccination in affected laying hens and turkeys;
    Outreach to partners overseas to protect and maintain international trade;
    The establishment of an HPAI Strategic Initiative to engage with industry experts and develop methods for prevention and response;
    Support for states using the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy;
    Ensuring auditors are both in place and qualified to carry out biosecurity assessments; and
    Revising indemnity rates for laying hens and pullets to accurately compensate impacted producers.
    Read the full letter here, which was supported by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), David McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and led by Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) in the House.
    Background:
    Ernst has long been a champion of foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts including the bipartisan Animal Disease and Disaster Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act and her Beagle Brigade Act, which was recently signed into law.
    Following the increase in HPAI outbreaks in both Iowa poultry flocks and dairy herds, she has also worked to hold federal agencies accountable to provide public and state agencies with coordinated, up-to-date, and accurate information on the spread of HPAI.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Leads Senate to Confirm Kelly Loeffler as SBA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, spoke on the Senate floor ahead of successfully leading her colleagues in confirming the Honorable Kelly Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
    The Senate confirmed Loeffler in a bipartisan 52-46 vote.

    Watch Ernst’s full remarks here.
    After Chair Ernst advanced Loeffler’s nomination out of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, she highlighted Loeffler’s plan to fix the broken SBA and called on her colleagues to confirm Loeffler.
    Ernst’s full remarks:
    “Mr. President, in just a few minutes we will be asked to decide whether the Honorable Kelly Loeffler should be confirmed as Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
    “As Chair of the Small Business Committee, I would like to strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote yes and support her nomination.
    “As a successful business leader, Kelly Loeffler is the perfect person to increase transparency and accountability at the SBA and prioritize the needs of small businesses.
    “Throughout the Committee’s rigorous nomination process, Senator Loeffler has been thoroughly cooperative and impressive. She passed out of the Committee with a bipartisan vote of 12 to 7.
    “Over the course of her career, Senator Loeffler has shown how hard work, grit, and midwestern common sense can take you from Illinois’ soybean fields to CEO of your own company, and now, to lead a government agency.
    “I am confident that Senator Loeffler will ensure SBA once again works for all small businesses, and usher in a golden age for America’s small businesses. 
    “Senator Loeffler is the right person to lead the Small Business Administration – she understands the burdens facing small businesses and recognizes how Washington can often serve as a barrier and a hinderance to their success.
    “I have no doubt that she will fight to make sure Main Street is heard.
    “Again, I urge all of my colleagues to support her nomination and confirm Senator Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: CDC layoffs strike deeply at its ability to respond to the current flu, norovirus and measles outbreaks and other public health emergencies

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jordan Miller, Teaching Professor of Public Health, Arizona State University

    The CDC played an instrumental, if imperfect, role in the response to COVID-19. JHDT Stock Images LLC/iStock via Getty Images

    In just a few short weeks, the Trump administration has brought drastic changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health. Beginning with the removal of websites and key public health datasets in January 2025, the Trump administration has taken actions to dismantle established public health infrastructure as part of its second-term agenda.

    In addition, the administration has begun a widespread purge of the federal public health workforce. As of Feb. 19, around 5,200 employees at the CDC and the National Institutes of Health had been let go. About 10% of the CDC’s staff have been removed, with plans for additional firings.

    As a teaching professor and public health educator, I, like thousands of other health professionals, rely on CDC data and educational resources throughout my work. CDC websites are the first stop for health information for my students and for health care practitioners, and are vital to protecting the U.S. from infectious diseases, like avian flu and COVID-19, as well as noninfectious health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

    Here’s a quick look at what the CDC does to protect Americans’ health, and how it’s likely to be affected by the Trump administration’s actions:

    Gutting the CDC’s capacity

    Prior to the February cuts, the CDC employed over 10,000 full-time staff in roles spanning public health, epidemiology, medicine, communications, engineering and beyond to maintain this critical public health infrastructure.

    In addition to the centers’ wide variety of functions to protect and promote public health in the U.S., a vast amount of research in the U.S. relies on CDC data. The CDC obtains data from all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia, which is collated into widely utilized databases such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Health Interview Survey and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

    Several of these datasets and CDC websites were removed at the start of the second Trump term, and while they are currently back online due to a federal court order, it remains to be seen if these important sources of information will remain accessible and updated going forward.

    The CDC also publishes the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which allows for ongoing and timely surveillance of key health conditions. The reports cover a wide range of topics, including wildfires, motor vehicle accidents, autism, asthma, opioids, mental health and many others. The CDC plays a central role in monitoring and reporting the spread of flu in winter months through its FluView, which informs clinical practice as well as public health interventions.

    Physicians are reporting that their ability to respond to the surges in respiratory viruses they are seeing has been hobbled by the missing data and by prohibitions on CDC staff communicating outside the agency.

    The CDC’s famed “disease detectives,” part of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, appear to have been spared following public outcry after more than half of its members were initially told they would be let go as part of the Feb. 14 mass layoffs.

    It remains to be seen if this group will remain intact long term. Concerns are growing that shakeups to the nation’s infectious disease surveillance teams will hamper the government’s ability to respond effectively at a time when avian flu and measles are growing concerns in the U.S.

    The CDC’s headquarters are in Atlanta.
    Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

    History of the CDC

    The CDC began as a small branch of the U.S. Public Health Service in 1946 as an outgrowth of successes fighting malaria in southern states during World War II and before. Its founder, Dr. Joseph W. Mountin, envisioned that it would come to serve all states, addressing all communicable diseases. Since that time, the CDC has evolved into the nation’s premier public health organization, leveraging both clinical and population health sciences to prevent and mitigate challenges to the nation’s health.

    In its first 40 years, the CDC helped eradicate smallpox and identify the causes of Legionnaires’ disease, toxic shock syndrome and HIV.

    As the country’s primary health challenges have shifted from communicable diseases to noncommunicable ones over recent decades, the organization has adapted, expanding its reach and priorities to meet changing public health needs. The CDC also has the ability to flex and scale up efforts rapidly when needed to respond to novel outbreaks, which is essential for containing infectious diseases and preventing escalation.

    CDC’s global reach

    Recognizing that health does not exist in a vacuum, the CDC also operates internationally to mitigate health challenges that could threaten health in the U.S. over time. The agency is active in addressing diseases that are endemic in certain areas, such as tuberculosis and HIV. It also responds to outbreaks from emerging threats, like Ebola and Marburg virus disease.

    The CDC played a crucial role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating with the World Health Organization, domestic health agencies and others to plan and execute a robust response.

    In 2024, the CDC worked with the WHO to respond to a Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda that lasted for several months. On average, about half of people infected with Marburg virus do not survive, so early detection and effective response are essential to prevent loss of life and contain outbreaks before they spread widely.

    On Jan. 20, 2025, the White House announced President Donald Trump’s plans to withdraw from the WHO. This move further weakens the country’s ability to manage and mitigate threats to Americans’ health and national security.

    Not only does the WHO do essential work to protect children around the world from needless death due to starvation, but it monitors and responds to infectious diseases. The U.S. has been the largest contributor to the WHO, with approximately 12%-15% of its operating costs coming from the U.S. That means that removal of U.S. support will also affect the WHO’s capacity to respond to international public health issues.

    As the COVID-19 pandemic made plain, a delayed response to infectious disease outbreaks can exponentially increase long-term costs and consequences. It remains to be seen what impact the established relationships between the CDC and the WHO will have on their ability to coordinate effectively during times of crisis.

    The CDC’s work around the world helps to stop outbreaks before they spread – and reach the U.S.

    Future health care workforce threatened

    The reach, flexibility, adaptability and robust foundation of relationships developed over the past eight decades enable the CDC to respond to threats quickly, wherever in the world they arise. This is important for protecting health, and it plays a vital role in global and national security as well.

    In addition to its direct actions to promote public health, the CDC provides workforce development and training to help create an enduring public health infrastructure in the U.S. and abroad. This is more important than ever, as systemic factors have placed pressure on health professionals. The domestic public health workforce has shrunk drastically, losing 40,000 workers since the start of the Great Recession in 2009 due to economic constraints and social pressures during the pandemic. The CDC’s workforce development efforts help counteract these trends.

    Public health workers were reporting high rates of burnout and stress even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which the pandemic worsened. Cuts to the federal workforce, as well as funding for public health programs, will no doubt add to these strains.

    Jordan Miller received funding from CDC in the past.

    – ref. CDC layoffs strike deeply at its ability to respond to the current flu, norovirus and measles outbreaks and other public health emergencies – https://theconversation.com/cdc-layoffs-strike-deeply-at-its-ability-to-respond-to-the-current-flu-norovirus-and-measles-outbreaks-and-other-public-health-emergencies-248486

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Questions Labor Secretary Nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer During Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) participated in the confirmation hearing today for President Donald Trump’s Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary nominee, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). 
    Lori Chavez-DeRemer served as a congresswoman in the U.S. House of Representatives for Oregon’s 5th district from 2023 to 2025. Senator Marshall met with Mrs. Chavez-DeRemer ahead of her confirmation hearing and believes she will be an excellent champion for the American worker.
    Senator Marshall questioned former Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer on expanding workforce development opportunities and how she will address the needs of both union and nonunion laborers and employers alike. 

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks. 
    Highlights from Mrs. Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation hearing include: 
    On supporting workforce development: 
    Senator Marshall: “Welcome, Congresswoman. Thank you for being here today. I’m so grateful for President Trump nominating you. I think when he did this, it was certainly a shout-out to the hard-working men and women across this country.”
    “I want to talk about workplace development for a second. Though unemployment is relatively low, supposedly, our participation rate isn’t as good. And I think there’s an opportunity there to get people back in the workforce, and if they don’t have the skills, the education to do that, then let’s help them out. I see there are so many great opportunities – our community colleges, our technical colleges, the unions, apprenticeships, all those pieces are out there. What can we do? What can you do to help support them and help them be successful?”
    Mrs. Chavez-DeRemer: “Thank you, Senator Marshall…it was great meeting with you because we had that conversation about workforce development and workforce investment in our communities, and how it can differ oftentimes, in, you know, a metro area versus a rural area and all of the above.”
    “I commit to you that I will work hard for the Department of Labor and the agencies within the Department of Labor to make sure that our young people are ready to go into the workforce. I also know we talked about the average age of a community college entrance is 27 years old. Sometimes people are looking to upskill or get another certificate so they can stay in their communities where they’re raising their families, and that’s their investment. So I look forward to making this wholeheartedly a pillar of the Department of Labor, is workforce investment and development.”
    On supporting both union and nonunion workers and employers alike:
    Senator Marshall: “I want to take a moment and talk about the franchise model again… In my mind, what the franchise model has done has helped many people achieve their American dream of owning their own business – and being successful too. And I think it’s been a great opportunity, especially for women, for minorities, and for veterans as well. And we have to work on this balance. I want the unions to be successful. I want the franchises to be successful as well. How do we achieve that balance? Any thoughts on where’s the win/win opportunity when it comes to that issue?”
    Mrs. Chavez-DeRemer: “Well, a lot of times the references to the gig economy, and I understand the franchise model as well. And I support the efforts of, you know, the franchise model, as it does allow the flexibility for business owners to determine, do they want to be in business for themselves? Do they want to work for somebody else?”
    “But I think the only change that can be talked about today that will work in all of these is everybody has to have that voice and understanding at the table… I want everybody at that table to have that voice and what is valuable to them and their membership, or them and their employees, or a business owner when they’re struggling.”
    “We can protect all American workers. There’s a continuum from the first day that we have our first job all the way through retirement – wherever a worker is, or a retiree is on that continuum, they should be respected for the hard work that they’ve put in. I can tell you, bringing everybody to the table is going to do just that, and reinforce the things that we care about.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Charts Path to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) reintroduced his Alan Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act. The legislation takes a three-fold approach to addressing the fentanyl crisis fueled by the expiration of Title 42 during the Biden administration. This legislation would allow the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expedite the processing and removal of migrants illegally entering the country in response to the fentanyl-related public health emergency. 

    “The former president left a disaster on our southern border that infected communities and families across our nation. A couple of years ago, my friend Alan Shao lost his son to the crisis curated by the Biden administration’s open border policies. This legislation is named in honor of his son to remind us that one life lost is one too many and that we can’t continue to sit idly by allowing devastation to rip through our homes,” said Senator Scott. “I am grateful to lead efforts to put an end to this public health crisis and clean up our border. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to ensure more Americans can live in a safer nation.”

    “The fentanyl crisis is a national emergency. It was driven by the Biden administration’s open-border policies and will require decisive, sustained, and specific action to stem. This bill will protect American lives and secure our border. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this critical issue,” said Senator Cruz.

    “Sheriffs across North Carolina have told me that every one of our counties is a border county after four years of the Biden administration. To reverse this dangerous situation, I am proud to join Senator Tim Scott’s bill to speed up the removal of illegal aliens who pose safety risks to communities across the nation,” said Senator Budd. “The Trump administration needs more tools to get the southern border under control, and this bill would be another major step in the effort to restore law and order in our country.”

    In addition to Senator Scott, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). 

    Expedited processing and removal would apply to migrants who:

    • Are attempting to enter the US from Canada or Mexico illegally; 
    • Do not possess necessary travel documents for admittance into the US; and 
    • Are being held at a point of entry or a Border Patrol station facilitating immigration processing. 

    BACKGROUND

    The Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act is named after the son of Dr. Alan Shao, the former Dean of the School of Business at the College of Charleston. Alan T. Shao II passed away at the age of 27 due to a fentanyl overdose. 

    Senator Scott’s legislation utilizes powers similar to those under Title 42, which allows the Department of Homeland Security to expedite the processing and removal of migrants illegally entering the country, and applies them in response to the fentanyl-related public health emergency.  

    According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the agency seized more than 367 million deadly doses (2 mg of fentanyl equates to a deadly dose) in 2024. More than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses during 2023, with the majority of such deaths caused by fentanyl. 

    In addition to the Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act, Senator Scott introduced the Securing Our Border Act, which redirects $22.4 billion of unobligated funding passed by Democrats to hire 87,000 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and utilizes it to bolster security measures along our southern border.

    Furthermore, he introduced the Stifling Transnational Operations and Proliferators by Mitigating Activities that Drive Narcotics, Exploitation, and Smuggling Sanctions Act – or the STOP MADNESS Act, which would also ensure the president can sanction foreign governments that resist efforts to repatriate their citizens who unlawfully enter the United States.

    In April 2024, Senator Scott’s FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which directs the Department of Treasury to use U.S. economic national security tools to choke off the profits of the Chinese precursor manufacturers and the Mexican cartels that push fentanyl across the border, was signed into law. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Introduces Bill To Raise Minimum Age To Buy Assault Weapons; Legislation Would Help Prevent Tragedies Like 2022 Buffalo Supermarket Shooting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating shootings in U.S. history, including the 2022 mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY, in which 10 people were killed.

    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming over 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history. Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds. More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles. Furthermore, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in more than 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms.

    “Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America today. Year after year, deadly assault weapons inflict devastating and avoidable harm on our families, schools, and communities, causing children, parents, and teachers to live with the fear that the next school shooting may happen in their community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Age 21 Act offers a critical safeguard to prevent such tragedies, decreasing the threat of gun violence against our kids. I am proud to support this legislation, and I will fight hard for its passage this Congress.”

    The Age 21 Act’s restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers. Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

    The Age 21 Act was originally introduced by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). In addition to Senator Gillibrand, it is cosponsored by 17 senators: Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Senator Gillibrand is a longtime champion for commonsense gun safety legislation. She wrote the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act, which formed the centerpiece of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s (BSCA) anti-gun trafficking statute. So far, law enforcement has used the statute to take over 3,000 illegal guns off the streets and charge hundreds of suspected traffickers. In 2023, Senator Gillibrand also cosponsored the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act, federal legislation that would ban online distribution of blueprints for the 3D printing of firearms and help prevent the proliferation of “ghost guns,” and the Fair Legal Access Grants (FLAG) Act, which would ensure that any person filing a red flag petition, also known as an extreme risk protection order (ERPO), has access to the legal representation, counsel, and resources needed to be heard and successfully file an ERPO. She has also supported legislation to expand background checks to the sale and transfer of all firearms.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Crapo, Thune Led Effort to Permanently Repeal the Death Tax

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) led 43 Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, commonly known as the death tax. The Death Tax Repeal Act would end this unnecessary, punitive tax that can significantly impact family-run farms, ranches, and businesses after the death of a family member.

    “The death tax unfairly targets Idaho’s multi-generational farms and small businesses by saddling them with a costly tax bill after the death of a loved one. We must stop this madness and protect America’s family-run operations,” said Risch. 

    “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Idaho’s economy, and family farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs have often worked lifetimes to grow their businesses,” said Crapo. “The death tax can be a devastating blow to American families who want to pass down their farm or small business to the next generation. It’s time to permanently provide relief from this unfair tax.”

    “Family farms and ranches play a vital role in our economy and are the lifeblood of rural communities in South Dakota,” said Thune. “Losing even one of them to the death tax is one too many. It’s time to put an end to this punishing, burdensome tax once and for all so that family farms, ranches and small businesses can grow and thrive without costly estate planning or massive tax burdens that can threaten their viability.”

    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). ?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski to hear from Alaskans in “Teletownhall” tonight

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    02.19.25
    Washington, DC – Tonight, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) will host a “Teletownhall” to hear from Alaskans who want to engage on federal funding, programs, grants, and jobs that are being impacted by executive orders and recommendations by the Department of Government Efficiency. All Alaskans are encouraged to participate.
    TIME: 5:00pm – 6:00pm AKST, Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
    TELEPHONE NUMBER: 855-756-7520, Ext. 120665#
    Alaskans can call in to listen, or they can speak with a member of Senator Murkowski’s staff to be placed in a queue to speak with the Senator. All callers dialed into the call will have the opportunity to leave a voicemail following the conclusion of the event. Staff will go through voicemails, and follow-up with Alaskans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Fight Avian Flu Outbreak

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in writing to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, urging the administration to explore all available mitigation and prevention options to address the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

    “The United States is now entering the fourth year of an outbreak of HPAI that has devastated farms, required the depopulation of more than 136 million birds on commercial poultry operations, and infected a small but growing number of farm workers. A new urgency is required from the USDA to address the evolving situation,” the lawmakers wrote. “We stand ready to work with you as you provide leadership on this vitally important issue, the largest animal health outbreak that the department has ever dealt with.”

    “The ongoing HPAI outbreak continues to wreak havoc on turkey producers across the country, underscoring the need for decisive action and proactive solutions. We appreciate Senator Warner joining his Senate colleagues in urging USDA to explore every available tool to mitigate this threat. A comprehensive strategy — including global coordination on a vaccination strategy to ensure minimal trade impact — is critical to protecting poultry health, stabilizing our industry and ensuring consumers have access to safe, affordable turkey products for years to come,” said Leslee Oden, President and CEO, National Turkey Federation.

    In the letter, the senators proposed:

    • A forward-looking strategy for vaccination in affected laying hens and turkeys;
    • Outreach to partners overseas to protect and maintain international trade;
    • The establishment of an HPAI Strategic Initiative to engage with industry experts and develop methods for prevention and response;
    • Support for states using the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy;
    • Ensuring auditors are both in place and qualified to carry out biosecurity assessments; and
    • Revising indemnity rates for laying hens and pullets to accurately compensate impacted producers.

    In addition to Sen. Warner, the letter was signed by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tedd Budd (R-NC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Todd Young (R-IN), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Roger Marshall (R-KS), David McCormick (R-PA), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

    A copy of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $10 million Good Neighbours Program to tackle pest and weeds across NSW

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 20 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture

    The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to tackle pest and weed infestations between neighbouring public and private lands across the state through its $10 million investment in new or expanded, on the ground, biosecurity projects.

    The Good Neighbours Program, led by Local Land Services, will undertake 21 initial projects in priority areas across NSW.

    The initiative is part of the Government’s $945 million commitment to addressing biosecurity threats to the state’s $20 billion primary industries sector.

    The Good Neighbours projects will target pest animals and problem weeds, including feral deer, feral pigs, tropical soda apple and hudson pear.

    Improved on-ground outcomes will be achieved through coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, as well as capacity-building workshops, training and education for landholders and land managers.

    The 21 projects will be delivered in partnership with respective public land managers including Forestry Corporation, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local councils.

    The Good Neighbours Program highlights the importance of public and private land managers working together to prevent the spread of pests and weeds and protect the NSW economy, environment and community.

    Pest animals and weeds impact more than 70 per cent of the state’s threatened species and endangered ecological communities, posing a significant agricultural threat.

    The Good Neighbours Program brings together a range of stakeholders and agencies to combat the issue and educate landholders and land managers about their shared general biosecurity duty under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 to control pests and weeds on their properties.

    The program will run until mid-2026, with additional projects to be funded. Visit nsw.gov.au/good-neighbours to learn more.

    Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

    “Effective pest and weed management are critical to supporting agricultural productivity and biodiversity in NSW, and it’s best achieved by working as a united front.”

    “The Good Neighbours program demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to protecting our natural environment and agricultural industry by focusing our resources on areas where we can work together to achieve the best results.

    “As the saying goes, everybody needs good neighbours. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all have a part to play.”

    Local Land Services Project Manager Good Neighbours Program, Dale Kirby said:

    “When it comes to coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, many hands make light work.”

    “We can achieve far better outcomes when private and public landholders work together, with expert advice and support from Local Land Services, to reduce impacts and limit the spread of pests and weeds across the landscape.”

    MEDIA: Michael Salmon | Minister Moriarty | 0417495018

    Good Neighbours projects

    • Cane Toad Program (North Coast) – Joint efforts between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Local Land Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Landcare and private landholders to control cane toads on the North Coast.
    • Chinese Violet Program (North Coast) – This program is based in the Tweed Shire, where Rous County Council is targeting Chinese violet on the fringes of the Heritage Wollumbin National Park and Jerusalem National Park.
    • Job’s Tears Eradication Program (North Coast) – Led by Rous County Council, Landcare and landholders, this program aims to eradicate Job’s tears from creek lines in the Kyogle and Lismore shires.
    • Tropical Soda Apple Eradication (TSA) Program (North Coast) – This program targets Tropical soda apple across the Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas, led by Rous County Council, community groups and landholders.
    • Far South Coast Coastal Weeds Program (South East) – Tackling weeds such as coastal bitou bush and sea spurge on the Far South Coast between Tuross and Wonboyn, led by Far South Coast Landcare, local councils, Local Land Services and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
    • Hudson Pear Control Program – Kinchega National Park (Western) – Combating Hudson Pear in the middle reaches of Stephens Creek to the west of Kinchega National Park, led by the managers of Kars and Eureka stations, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
    • Jumping Cholla Control Program (Western) – Targeting Jumping cholla in the Living Desert State Park and nearby Limestone and Nine Mile stations in the Broken Hill area, with the help of the station owners, Broken Hill City Council, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
    • Parthenium Weed Eradication (North West)  Management and control of Parthenium weed across two Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR) at Croppa Creek, led by North West Local Land Services and supported by local councils, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, TSR users, landholders and Traditional Owners.
    • Mt Stuart Boxing Glove Control Program (Western) – Tackling the spread of Boxing glove cactus in Tibooburra, south of the Sturt National Park, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Mt Stuart Station neighbours, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, Crown Lands and Local Land Services.
    • North Coast Branch Pig Control Program (North Coast and Northern Tablelands) – Feral pig control led by the North Coast branch of the National Parks and Wildlife Service across 12 reserves from western Richmond River to the coast, from Ballina in the north to Hat Head in the south.
    • Orange Hawkweed Eradication Program (South East) – A collaboration between Snowy Monaro Council, Snowy Valleys Council, Local Land Services, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and private landholders targeting Hawkweed in the Kosciuszko National Park and surrounding private land.
    • Strategic Weed Management and Control – Blackberry and St John’s Wort (Central West) – Coordinated control of priority weeds within Goobang National Park, led by Parkes Shire Council, Macquarie and Lachlan Valley Weeds Committee, Central West and Central Tablelands regional weeds committees and neighbouring landholders.
    • Wild Horse Cross Tenure Eradication Program (North Coast) – Wild horse control focused on the Barcoongere area, south of Grafton, in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service and landholders.
    • Bathurst Joint Weed Program (Central Tablelands) – Working with the Forestry Corporation of NSW and private landholders to control weeds such as broom, gorse and Chilean needle grass between state forest and private land in Bathurst.
    • Bathurst Pest Program – Feral Pig Management Program (Central Tablelands) – Support for a feral pig baiting program involving the Forestry Corporation of NSW, Crown Lands and neighbouring land managers.
    • Feral deer control – Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Central Tablelands, Hunter, Greater Sydney and South East) – Coordinated efforts between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services, the Invasive Species Council, Crown Lands and public land managers to reduce the impacts of feral deer.
    • Forestry Pest Management Neighbour’s Program (Western, Central West, Central Tablelands, North West, Riverina and Murray) – Targeting feral pig populations on properties with state forest boundaries in the Western NSW region, led by the Forestry Corporation of NSW and state forest neighbours.
    • Koala Habitat Restoration (North Coast) – Protecting and restoring koala habitat in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas in conjunction with private landholders, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Landcare groups, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
    • North Coast Feral Deer Management Program (North Coast) – An existing feral deer coordinated control program based in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas involving local councils, Forestry Corporation of NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and private landholders.
    • Red Cestrum Management and Control (North Coast) – This program is focused on controlling Red cestrum infestations on the Dorrigo Plateau, led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Bellingen Shire Council and private landholders.
    • Tamworth Peri Urban Pest Species Project (North West) – Targeting feral goats, pigs and deer within the Tamworth Local Government Area, supported by Tamworth Regional Council, Crown Lands and private landholders.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Charge Woman with Involuntary Manslaughter

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Casamero Lake woman faces federal charges for involuntary manslaughter following a fatal car crash on tribal lands in New Mexico last summer.

    According to the indictment, on August 6, 2024, Debbie Rojack, 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, killed John Doe by operating a motor vehicle with disregard for human life when she knew and should have known that her conduct imperiled the lives of others.

    Rojack will remain in third party custody on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Rojack faces up to 8 years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –