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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Member States’ Briefing on the Second Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    HE Amb. Tesfaye Yilma Sabo, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations, 

    HE Amb. Maurizio Massari, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, 

    Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is a real pleasure to join our Permanent Representatives and welcome you all today. 

    As you all know transforming our food systems is essential to driving progress across the Sustainable Development Goals and delivering for everyone, everywhere – sufficient, nutritious food – now and in the future, particularly as we go towards the five years to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.

    That is why, in 2021, the UN Secretary-General convened the UN Food Systems Summit.  This established the foundation for a new, integrated approach to food systems—placing food at the heart of our efforts to address poverty, zero hunger, inequality, climate change, and biodiversity loss. 

    It has reshaped the global narrative, building an engine of transformation that recognizes food systems as a key lever to accelerate and reinforce SDG progress.

    Building on this momentum, the first Summit Stocktake, hosted by the Government of Italy in 2023, reaffirmed strong political will among nations. Countries pledged to increase the pace of their efforts towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems transformation.

    But it also highlighted persistent gaps and challenges. Among them, an urgent need to enhance public-private-community partnerships, and strengthen private sector engagement. 

    These crucial issues identified at the first stocktake, resulted in the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action. 

     The Call identified six critical areas for concerted action, including: securing concessional finance, investments, budget support, and debt restructuring. It also emphasized addressing food security in crisis situations. 

    The proposed SDG stimulus – of $500 billion a year – was recognized as a game-changer, offering fiscal space and resources, including through SDR rechannelling. 

    Finance was emphasized as a critical component of food systems transformation, along with support of our Multilateral Development Banks in unlocking investments in this field. 

    Given the global context riddled with challenges of rising living costs, social inequalities, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, we will need all hands on deck to reach food systems transformations with the impact to advance on the 2030 Agenda. 

    Now, in just over five months, Addis Ababa will host the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake. 

    We are grateful to the Government of Ethiopia for hosting this important event and for making our commitment to take the second stocktake to a developing country, a reality. Worth noting also is its leadership and extensive work on its policy environment, infrastructure development and the production of food that engages small holder farmers across the country. We are grateful to Italy, which has agreed to co-host, for its legacy and continued leadership and support to food systems transformation. It is important that we see leadership and sustainability of that support at country level.
     
    The Stocktake will be different, it has to be, in response to many of the requests for us to have more focus and impact.

    First, we will be reflecting on progress since 2023, with a Report from the system, but also a shadow report from our stakeholders.

    Second, we will be partnering to track commitments and outcomes through national food systems pathways to accelerate SDG implementation. 

    And third, unlocking investments to sustain and scale transformative initiatives aligned with the SDGs.

    In preparations for the Stocktake, we are committed to an inclusive, cross-sectoral efforts and consultations. 

     We will hold a second briefing in Nairobi next week engaging UN Headquarters in Nairobi, Rome and Geneva. 

    In addition, we will hold five regional briefings, on the margins of the United Nations Regional Forums on Sustainable Development, from March to May. 

    We will also be engaging all our Resident Coordinators in UN Country Teams, at the country level so that they are fully engaged with our member states in bringing to Addis Ababa, the progress and of course, the challenges and opportunities.

    At the same time, we will push progress towards food systems transformation, including through important gatherings this year – the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Spain, UNFCCC COP 30 in Brazil, the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar, and the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in France. 

    These are all critical platforms to drive progress, harness collective action and create new investment opportunities.

    As Member States, you are at the forefront of this transformation. Your leadership and coordination will be instrumental in ensuring that the Stocktake inspires real action at the national level.

    The United Nations is with you –committed to creating sustainable, inclusive, healthy and resilient food systems everywhere, across all our regions, reaching everyone.

    We thank you for this important opportunity that will help us to shape the Stocktake in Addis Ababa in July. 
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Reintroduces Legislation to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying American Farmland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    Legislation would prohibit the sale of agricultural land to Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia 
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) reintroduced the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act, which would prohibit the sale of U.S. agricultural land to any individual or entity tied to the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia. The legislation follows Senator Tuberville’s recent reintroduction of the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act to better vet foreign purchases of America’s farmland.
    1819 News first reported the reintroduction of the bill. 
    “For too long, we’ve sat by while foreign nations have been trying to take over our nation’s agricultural industry,” said Senator Tuberville. “Our adversaries are always looking for any way to get their foot in the door and jeopardize our national security—including our agricultural assets. There’s no reason why foreign adversaries should be allowed to buy American farmland. Not only is it dangerous for our farmers, but it’s disastrous for our national security. It’s past time to take action to protect our American farmers and consumers from threats to our food security. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Banks, and will continue fighting to protect America’s farmland and put our farmers and producers first.”
    “Food security is national security. Leaving America’s basic needs vulnerable to extortion by foreign control is not an option,” said Senator Banks. “This bill prevents foreign adversaries, including communist China, from owning American farmland in Indiana and across the U.S.—a no-brainer. Proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Tuberville and Rep. Strong.”
    U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL-05) also introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “Chinese investment in U.S. farmland, much of which is in close proximity to sensitive national security sites, presents an enormous threat not only to our food, fiber, and fuel markets but also to our national security. As the CCP, Iran, Russia, and North Korea look to exploit weaknesses in our free and open society, it is our responsibility to ensure that the American people are protected against those who seek to undermine our national interest,” said Congressman Strong. 
    Specifically, the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act would:
    Restrict foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land, forests, and timberland by Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia,
    Prohibit participation in certain USDA programs for individuals from Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia,
    Close loopholes to ensure adequate reporting of foreign owned U.S. agricultural land,
    Establish a federal tax lien if a violation occurs and amend civil penalties,
    Establish more in-depth public data sets through online database,
    Require U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of National Intelligence (DNI), and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit individual reports to Congress.
    Read the bill or learn more here.
    BACKGROUND
    Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threaten our country’s national security and ability to survive. Senator Tuberville has long been a vocal critic of foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, Senator Tuberville has been sounding the alarm about foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain.
    According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. This represents an increase of over 1.5 million acres in one calendar year. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increased modestly increased from 2012 to 2017 at an average increase of 0.6 million acres per year. However, since 2017, this number skyrocketed to an annual average of 2.6 million acres annually. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, entities or individuals from China increased their ownership of U.S. agricultural land more than twentyfold, from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres. Alabama has the fourth-highest amount of foreign-owned agricultural land in the United States, with 2.2 million acres, most of which is forestland.
    Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville reintroduced the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) acknowledges the importance of our agricultural industry and supply chains by adding the Secretary of Agriculture as a permanent member of the committee. Currently, CFIUS does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses. 
    MORE:
    Tuberville Continues Efforts to Secure America’s Farmland from Foreign Adversaries
    Tuberville Continues Fighting Foreign Influence in American Agriculture
    Second Democrat Ag Secretary Endorses Central Provision in Tuberville’s FARM Act
    Biden Ag Secretary Endorses Central Part of Tuberville’s FARM Act
    Tuberville Continues Push to Combat Chinese Influence in U.S. Agriculture 
    Tuberville, Jackson Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Protect Ag Industry from Foreign Interference
    Tuberville Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying U.S. Farmland
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: PIMCO Global Income Opportunities Fund Renews At-The-Market Equity Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

    TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PIMCO Global Income Opportunities Fund (TSX: PGI.UN) (the “Fund”) announced today that the Fund has renewed its at-the-market equity program (the “ATM Program”). The ATM Program allows the Fund to issue Class A units of the Fund (the “Units”) having an aggregate sale price of up to $80,000,000, to the public from time to time, at the discretion of PIMCO Canada Corp. (the “Manager”). Any Units issued under the ATM Program will be sold at the prevailing market price at the time of sale through the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) or any other marketplace in Canada on which the Units are listed, quoted or otherwise traded. This ATM Program replaces the prior at-the-market equity program of the Fund, which commenced on January 20, 2023 and expired on February 16, 2025.

    The volume and timing of distributions under the ATM Program, if any, will be determined at the Manager’s sole discretion. The ATM Program will be effective until March 14, 2027, unless terminated prior to such date by the Fund. The Fund intends to use the proceeds from the ATM Program in accordance with its investment objectives, investment strategies and investment restrictions.

    Sales of Units through the ATM Program will be made pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement entered into by the Fund (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”), dated February 18, 2025, with National Bank Financial Inc. (the “Agent”).

    Sales of Units will be made by way of “at-the-market distributions” as defined in National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions on the TSX or on any marketplace for the Units in Canada. Since Units will be distributed at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, prices may vary among purchasers during the period of distribution. The ATM Program is being offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated February 18, 2025 (the “Prospectus Supplement”) to the Fund’s short form base shelf prospectus dated February 14, 2025 (the “Shelf Prospectus”).

    Copies of the Prospectus Supplement, the Shelf Prospectus and the Equity Distribution Agreement may be obtained from your registered financial advisor using the contact information for such advisor, or from representatives of the Agent, and are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    The Manager retains Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”), to provide investment management services to the Fund.

    About PIMCO

    PIMCO is a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets. PIMCO invests their clients’ capital across a range of fixed income and credit opportunities, drawing upon PIMCO’s decades of experience navigating complex debt markets. PIMCO’s flexible capital base and deep relationships with issuers have helped PIMCO become one of the world’s largest providers of traditional and nontraditional solutions for companies that need financing and investors who seek strong risk-adjusted returns.

    This is not an offer to sell Units and not a solicitation of an offer to buy Units in any region where the offer or sale is not permitted. Before you invest, you should carefully read the Fund’s disclosure documents and consider carefully the risks you assume when you invest in the Units. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives or be able to structure its investment portfolio as anticipated. Copies of the Fund’s disclosure documents may be obtained from your financial advisor.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions “expect”, “intend”, “will” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Fund. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Fund, the Manager and/or PIMCO’s current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, market factors. Although the Fund, the Manager and/or PIMCO believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Fund, the Manager and/or PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

    You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell Units on the TSX. If the Units are purchased or sold on the TSX, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying the Units and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning the Units. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in these documents.

    Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    A short form base shelf prospectus and a prospectus supplement containing important detailed information about the securities being offered have been filed with securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. Copies of the Equity Distribution Agreement, the short form base shelf prospectus and the prospectus supplement may be obtained from the Agent. Investors should read the short form base shelf prospectus and the prospectus supplement before making an investment decision.

    PIMCO as a general matter provides services to qualified institutions, financial intermediaries and institutional investors. Individual investors should contact their own financial professional to determine the most appropriate investment options for their financial situation. This material contains the current opinions of the Manager and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America LLC in the United States and throughout the world. ©2025, PIMCO

    The products and services provided by PIMCO Canada Corp. may only be available in certain provinces or territories of Canada and only through dealers authorized for that purpose.
    PIMCO Canada has retained PIMCO LLC as sub-adviser. PIMCO Canada will remain responsible for any loss that arises out of the failure of its sub-adviser.

    PIMCO Canada Corp. 199 Bay Street, Suite 2050, Commerce Court Station, P.O. Box 363, Toronto, ON, M5L 1G2, 416-368-3350.

    Contact:
    Agnes Crane
    PIMCO – Media Relations
    Ph. 212-597-1054
    Email: Agnes.Crane@pimco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed, Magaziner Join RI Education Leaders to Warn RIers About Trump’s Plan to Dismantle the U.S. Department of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    ***WATCH***

    CRANSTON, RI – In an effort to stand up to President Trump’s proposal to slash education funding and shutter the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner rallied with educators from across Rhode Island.  The lawmakers stressed the need to continue investing in public schools and ensuring all children have access to a high-quality education in a safe and healthy environment.

    The U.S. Department of Education’s mission is to support students, schools, and communities. The department conducts important research and administers funding to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

    After winning office, President Trump said that he would like to shutter the U.S. Department of Education “immediately.”

    Though education is largely under state and local control in the U.S., the U.S. Department of Education was created to provide critical guidance, support, protections, and funding for students, teachers, and public education across the nation. 

    While the standalone federal department does not control what is taught in U.S. schools, its responsibilities include:

    • Administering billions in federal funding to almost every public school;
    • Providing and monitoring federal financial aid for postsecondary education, including Pell Grants and student loans;
    • Collecting data on schools;
    • Disseminating research;
    • Focusing national attention on educational issues, and;
    • Prohibiting discrimination and upholding civil rights.  

    According to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), the state receives approximately $275 million in federal funds to support public education, including $65 million for ‘Title I’ programs that serve low-income students and families, $60 million to support students with disabilities, $48 million to help feed students, and $11 million for career and technical education. Additionally, in 2024, more than $95 million in Pell Grants flowed to Rhode Island students and families to help pay for college.

    Senator Reed said that the Trump Administration should be focused on improving public education and helping students succeed. Instead, Trump’s proposed plans to cut key programs and dismantle critical supports for teachers would have a disastrous effect on Rhode Island families and would hurt public schools and school departments throughout the state.

    “Education is the foundation for our nation’s competitiveness and the prosperity of our communities.  It is essential for a strong society and a brighter future for America.  We can’t afford to leave anyone behind.  But that’s what the Trump Administration is suggesting they will do,” said Senator Reed.  “President Trump and the Republicans in Congress have declared war on public education.  It’s clear that their actions will have devastating impacts on our students and families.”

    Reed continued: “We stand with educators. We stand with students and families. And we will fight Trump, Elon Musk, and his DOGE wrecking crew, who are intent on demolishing educational opportunities and our future.”

    Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner were joined at the event by Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Angélica Infante-Green; Rhode Island Commissioner of Postsecondary Education, Shannon Gilkey; Rhode Island College President Jack Warner; Executive Director of the National Education Association of Rhode Island, Mary Barden; President of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers, Maribeth Calabro; and Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, Paige Parks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Works to Nix “Carried Interest” Tax Loophole & Make Wall Street Pay Its Fair Share

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC –In an effort to restore fairness to the tax code, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is seeking to close the “carried interest” tax loophole, which lets private equity firms and Wall Street managers at investment partnerships pay a lower tax rate on their income than most American workers.

    Reed is teaming up with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) to introduce the Carried Interest Fairness Act (S. 445).  Their legislation would ensure that income earned by investment managers of private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds is taxed at the same rate paid by the vast majority of Americans.  The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that ending the loophole could reduce the federal deficit by $13 billion through 2034.

    Under the current system, fund managers get paid up to two percent of assets as a regular fee, plus twenty percent of the fund’s profits.  The managers pay regular income tax on the two percent, but when it comes to their share of the profits, which is called “carried interest,” they usually pay only the lower long-term capital gains tax rate.  In a sense, they are converting income from labor into capital gains.  So even though the investors are putting up the fund’s capital and taking the risk, the fund managers are able to treat their part of the fund’s earnings as a capital gain, subject only to a top capital gains tax rate at 20 percent compared to the top federal income tax rate of 37 percent for the wealthiest Americans. 

    “Americans feel the system is fixed against them, and this big, fat loophole sure seems that way. This commonsense legislation would close a glaring loophole in the tax code and restore a key measure of fairness so that wealthy fund managers pay the same rate as regular working Americans.  It would end preferential treatment for Wall Street elites and prevent these wealthy executives from paying lower rates than their salaried employees.  Everyone has a right to earn their pay, but there shouldn’t be a special set of tax breaks just for the wealthy and well-connected.  Congress needs to close this loophole, simplify the tax code, and enact other sensible reforms that will strengthen our economy,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee.

    “Wall Street investors should not be paying less in taxes than Wisconsin firefighters, teachers, and small business owners. But right now, the wealthiest Americans are gaming our tax system to get out of paying their fair share, passing their tax burden onto working Wisconsinites,” said Senator Baldwin.

    Despite President Donald Trump previously pledging “we will eliminate the carried interest deduction and other special interest loopholes…”  during the 2016 election, his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “failed to eliminate [the] key deduction used by wealthy investment firms that Trump had vowed to kill,” leading PolitiFact to rate this a “Promise Broken.”

    In 2017, Senate Republicans rejected an amendment to the Trump tax bill by Senator Baldwin to close the carried interest loophole.

    In 2022, Senator Reed and the majority of his Democratic colleagues pushed for a provision to eliminate the carried interest loophole as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.  But with a 50-50 split in the U.S. Senate, the measure was stripped out of the underlying bill after then-Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) objected to its inclusion.

    In addition to Baldwin and Reed, the Carried Interest Fairness Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

    Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03).

    The legislation is endorsed by Communications Workers of America, Americans for Tax Fairness, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Public Citizen, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Alliance for Retired Americans, Americans for Financial Reform, Take on Wall Street, Patriotic Millionaires, 20/20 Vision, Community Catalyst, Main Street Alliance, American Federation of Government Employees, Small Business Minority, Economic Policy Institute, and the National Women’s Law Center.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Condemns President Trump’s Art Of Appeasement To Russian President Vladimir Putin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 18, 2025

    Durbin: President Trump has always had a strange affinity for assorted autocrats and dictators—a troubling stain and liability for the leader of the free world

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) condemned President Trump’s appeasement to Russian President Vladimir Putin—where Trump announced key concessions to Putin regarding Ukraine, while apparently ignoring Ukraine’s key demands. Durbin began his speech by recounting history in which British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain touted the now infamous Munich Agreement as the way to stave off Hitler’s Nazi Germany. One year later, Hitler invaded Poland and triggered World War II.

    “Over time, Chamberlain’s name became synonymous with the term ‘appeasement.’ And for good reason. You see, while Chamberlain’s goal of peace may have been honorable, he was dangerously naïve about the human nature of a tyrant in Germany who was bent on territorial and maniacal ambitions—pursuits that could only be thwarted with strength,” said Durbin. “Well, President Trump’s ‘art of the deal’ opening negotiation with Vladimir Putin has the same naïve odor of appeasement.”

    Durbin continued, “Trump and his fledgling Defense Secretary publicly gave away huge concessions at the start—signaling they would not insist on a return to Ukraine’s sovereign 2014 borders or future NATO membership. It’s also not clear from the Administration’s bewildering Munich Security Conference remarks if Trump plans to even include Ukraine, or our European allies, in the negotiations over its own future. It is no wonder that in the UK—where they remember Chamberlain’s folly all too well—Donald Trump’s early pronouncements were lambasted for their misreading of history by leaders across the political spectrum.”

    Members of the UK Parliament are speaking out against President Trump’s attempt to work with Putin. One Member of Parliament lamented that the West now “might be facing the worse betrayal of a European ally since Poland in 1945.” Another stated, “This is less the Art of a Deal and more a charter for Appeasement.”

    Durbin concluded, “President Trump has always had a strange affinity for autocrats and dictators—a troubling stain and liability for the leader of the free world. He almost seems to want their adoration and admiration—especially compared to the clear-eyed leadership of Ronald Reagan in his dealing with the Soviets. But there are real consequences to Trump’s autocrat liaisons for American and allied security—ones Republicans in the Senate must take more seriously. His crazy rants about Greenland, Canada as a 51st state, Panama, and the Gulf of Mexico may be amusing to some including himself, but it certainly does not portend well for the foreign policy of the United States. Simply caving to Putin and walking away from Ukraine—just as Chamberlain did to Hitler—is an invitation for more confrontations in the future.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Slams Senate Republicans For Blindly Supporting Kash Patel For FBI Director Despite Serious Concerns On Fitness To Serve

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 18, 2025

    Ahead of procedural vote, Durbin: “My Senate Republican colleagues are willfully ignoring myriad red flags about Mr. Patel, especially his recurring instinct to threaten retribution against his and President Trump’s perceived enemies.”

    WASHINGTON – Ahead of tonight’s procedural vote on the nomination of Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate Floor regarding his serious concerns about Mr. Patel, which includes whistleblower reports that Mr. Patel has been personally involved in the ongoing purge of FBI officials.

    Key Quotes:

    “After meeting with Mr. Patel, reviewing his record, and questioning him under oath at his hearing, I am deeply concerned about his fitness to serve as FBI Director. He has neither the experience, the judgment, nor the temperament to lead the FBI.”

    “My Senate Republican colleagues, sadly, are willfully ignoring myriad red flags about Mr. Patel, especially his recurring instinct to threaten retribution against his political enemies and President Trump’s perceived enemies. This is an extremely dangerous characteristic for someone who seeks to lead the nation’s most powerful domestic investigative agency for the next 10 years.”

    “On day one, [Kash Patel] plans to ‘shut down the F.B.I. Hoover Building and reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.’’ He even wrote a book on this subject, and I punished myself by requiring that I read it from cover to cover so I understood exactly what this man believed. He has peddled outrageous conspiracy theories that benefit President Trump, claiming that January 6th—the assault on the Capitol—was ‘never an insurrection’ and that the FBI ‘was planning January 6 for a year.’ Where is this man coming up with these wild theories?”

    “He compiled an enemies list and published it in the back of his book. Sixty names—‘members of the deep state,’ which includes distinguished public servants from both political parties—like former Attorneys General Bill Barr and Merrick Garland and former FBI Directors Robert Mueller and Chris Wray as the so-called ‘members of the deep state’… whatever that may be.”

    “[Patel] decided to assemble a choir of the January 6th individuals who were prosecuted. Then he was involved in making a recording of a patriotic song that these prisoners were singing. Then, he was selling this recording and playing it at the rallies for President Trump… which he denied during our hearing, under oath.”

    “Before even being confirmed as the FBI Director, Mr. Patel is already seeking retribution on behalf of President Trump despite Patel’s status as a private citizen. Multiple whistleblowers have disclosed highly credible information to my staff, indicating that Mr. Patel has personally directed the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. Senior leaders with collectively hundreds of years of experience have been forced out at the FBI, creating a leadership vacuum.”

    “In the FBI’s long history, this has never happened before—never. Keep in mind that the Director is the only [political] appointee at the FBI, and [that] the leaders have been forced out despite their career commitment to law enforcement. This purge has dramatically weakened FBI’s ability to protect the country from national security threats and made America less safe.”

    “If these whistleblower allegations are true that Kash Patel, as a private citizen, has been orchestrating the purging of the ranks at the FBI because of political loyalty questions, I will tell you that he came dangerously close to perjuring himself during his nomination hearing when he was asked about the possible firings of FBI officials and he answered, under oath, ‘I don’t know what’s going on right now’ at the FBI. Mr. President, we’re told that’s not true.”

    “Mr. Patel has been open about his plans to dismantle the FBI and seek retribution against his and President Trump’s enemies. His directives as a private citizen have already thrown the Bureau into absolute chaos.”

    “Mr. Patel’s recent actions and testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee confirm my belief that he is dangerous, inexperienced, and he’s been dishonest in portraying his role in what’s happening at the FBI.”

    “It will be a political and national security disaster if he is confirmed.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Missouri Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by November Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced that low‑interest federal disaster loans are available to Missouri businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred Nov. 3‑9, 2024. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Kehoe on Feb. 14, 2025.

    The disaster declaration covers Pulaski County.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    SBA has established a virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) where customer service representatives will be on hand to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their electronic loan application. Applicants may call or email as indicated below.

    Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Monday – Friday
    8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PT
    FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
    (916) 735-1531

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

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

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is April 21, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 18, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Proud to Confirm Lutnick as Commerce Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Howard Lutnick as U.S. Secretary of Commerce:

    “The American people handed the Trump Administration a crystal-clear mandate to hit the brakes on President Biden’s reckless spending and runaway inflation. It’s time to provide working families some much-needed relief through commonsense, pro-growth policies that drive investment and get Americans back to work. I’m optimistic that Secretary Lutnick, with his decades of experience in the private sector, will be a valuable partner as Republicans work to reverse the last four years of economic heartache.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Yes, Australia needs new homes – but they must be built to withstand disasters in a warmer world

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francesca Perugia, Senior Lecturer, School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University

    Australia’s housing crisis has created a push for fast-tracked construction. Federal, state and territory governments have set a target of 1.2 million new homes over five years.

    Increasing housing supply is essential. However, the homes must be thoughtfully located and designed, to avoid or withstand natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones.

    Recent severe weather, including floods in Queensland and severe storms in north-east Victoria, underscore the growing vulnerability of Australian homes. As climate change worsens, the risk becomes ever-greater.

    Our new research examined how disaster risk informs housing location and design in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. We spoke to planners, developers, insurers and housing providers, and found crucial problems that leave communities exposed.

    Getting to grips with disaster data

    Australia’s towns and cities are increasingly affected by natural disasters. The consequences extend beyond physical destruction to social, psychological and health effects. Disasters also harm the economy.

    Despite this, government housing policies and strategies often fail to adequately focus on natural disasters.

    Accurate, up-to-date information is crucial when seeking to protect new homes from natural disasters. Informed decisions typically require three types of data:

    • foundational: relating to vegetation, landscape features, weather, climate change and building characteristics such as height and materials

    • hazards: the risks of different disaster types such as historical flood data, maps of bushfire-prone areas and the recurrence of cyclones

    • vulnerability: the potential and actual impacts of natural disasters such as building damage, fatalities and injuries, displacement, psychological and health impacts and insurance losses.

    Our research, for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, examined how data could be better used and shared to plan and deliver new housing and protect Australians from disasters.

    What we did

    We started by identifying what data was available in Australia for bushfire, flood and cyclone risk.
    Then we examined who owned and managed the data and how it was, or wasn’t, shared.

    The next step was to explore how decision-makers use the data to assess disaster risks for new housing. This involves interviews, workshops and questionnaires with:

    • government planning agencies (both state and local government)

    • housing providers (public and not-for-profit/community housing)

    • housing and land developers (private and public)

    • banks and insurers.

    What we found

    Overall, we found data on disaster risk was fragmented and inconsistent across multiple agencies, and not regularly updated.

    Decision-makers in state and local planning agencies often cannot access accurate information about disaster risk. This means they lack the power to restrict housing in areas prone to bushfires, floods or other extreme events.

    Flood hazard data is particularly problematic. One planner from Queensland described it as “patchy, of variable quality and currency and not always open source” – the latter meaning it was hard to access.

    Many households only learn about their disaster risk when discovering their homes are uninsurable or premiums are prohibitively high. Others become aware of the problem when premiums rise with an existing insurer.

    A community housing provider told us:

    I think the way people are finding out about risk now is by their insurance policies going up. That’s the market reality. When they get an increase in their insurance policy next year, that will wake them up that they are actually in a high-risk area.

    Data held by emergency service agencies and insurers is mostly inaccessible to planners, developers and households due to privacy and commercial sensitivities.

    However, this information is crucial. Government agencies should establish protocols to enable data-sharing while protecting privacy and commercial interests.

    Lack of transparency for homebuyers

    A recent report suggested only 29% of Australian home buyers know the disaster risks associated with the homes they live in.

    Disclosure statements are required by the vendor (seller) when marketing their house or land for sale. These vary between states and territories and, in most cases, do not compel the owner to reveal all known risks.

    For example, in Victoria, a vendor is required to disclose whether the land is in a designated bushfire-prone area, but not whether it is exposed to flooding.

    What’s more, a vendor motivated to sell a house is probably not the best source to provide accurate, impartial information about its exposure to disaster. This is better left to an independent entity such as a local council.

    Thorough investigations into a home’s disaster risk is usually at the discretion of the buyer.

    Making this information readily available to prospective homebuyers prior to purchase would allow more informed consumer decisions. It would also pressure governments and housing suppliers to address disaster risks.

    Where to next?

    Australia urgently needs a national framework to ensure data on housing and disaster risk is comprehensive, current and embedded in housing development decisions.

    The federal government’s Digital Transformation Agency could establish and implement this system, with input from state and local governments.

    Technology known as “spatial digital twins” could also vastly improve how disaster risk is assessed and communicated. These tools enable users to pull together and arrange large amounts of data, to visualise it in the form of models.

    For example, a spatial digital twin could combine real time flood sensor data with historical flooding patterns to predict and visualise flood risks before they occur. Federal and state governments are already investing in such technology.

    Australia’s push to increase housing supply must be matched with a commitment from governments to ensure the homes are safe, resilient and sustainable in the face of our changing climate.

    Addressing the housing crisis isn’t just about numbers – it’s about making sure homes are built in the right places, with the right protections, for the long-term safety of communities.

    Francesca Perugia
    receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)

    Courtney Babb receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) and is a member of the Greens (WA).

    Steven Rowley receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute and the Australian Research Council. He is a member of the Housing Industry Forecasting Group in Western Australia

    – ref. Yes, Australia needs new homes – but they must be built to withstand disasters in a warmer world – https://theconversation.com/yes-australia-needs-new-homes-but-they-must-be-built-to-withstand-disasters-in-a-warmer-world-249702

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy champions bill to stop bureaucrats from crushing America’s chemical industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced the No Industrial Restrictions In Secret (No IRIS) Act to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using data from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) to make rules that punish America’s chemical manufacturing industry. 

    “For four years, the Biden administration weaponized the EPA’s IRIS program against America’s chemical industry. My bill would prevent this kind of abuse from happening again and safeguard American businesses from government overreach,” said Kennedy.

    The No IRIS Act would prohibit the federal government from using the IRIS to inform its rulemakings unless Congress explicitly authorizes the program.

    Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) is leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

    “Unelected bureaucrats have often disrupted the work of Wisconsin’s chemical manufacturers and inhibited the success of the industry through the abuse of the EPA’s IRIS program. Instead of grounding regulatory decisions in sound science, IRIS has demonstrated a poor track record by issuing assessments that conflict with the industry’s best available scientific expertise and methodologies. The No IRIS Act will protect American jobs, promote innovation, and hold the EPA accountable for acting against the best interest of the industry and our economy,” said Grothman.

    “American success relies on American chemistry. Computer chips, national defense, modern healthcare, housing, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy are all made possible by America’s chemical industry. Unfortunately, the EPA’s IRIS program puts many critical chemistries in jeopardy. The IRIS program has a troubling history of being out of step with the best available science and methods, lacking transparency, and being unresponsive to peer review and stakeholder recommendations. It’s time for Congress and EPA to take action and put sound science at the forefront of regulatory decision-making, and we applaud Senator Kennedy and Congressman Grothman for their leadership on this important issue,” said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council.

    Background: 

    • The EPA established the IRIS program in 1985 to gather data on how chemicals impact human health. The EPA designed the system to spot health hazards—not make policy.
    • The IRIS program is not currently authorized in statute. As a result, unelected bureaucrats have abused the system to hurt chemical makers in Louisiana and across the country with virtually zero Congressional oversight.
    • President Joe Biden’s EPA used unscientific methods in the IRIS to justify rules that hurt businesses and cost Americans their jobs. 
    • As of 2023, Louisiana was the second-largest chemical-producing state in the country, with its chemical industry paying $3.49 billion in wages.

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Orca Energy Group Inc. Announces Independent Reserves Evaluation for Year End 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — February 19, 2025 – Orca Energy Group Inc. (“Orca” or the “Company” and includes PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited (“PAET“) and its other subsidiaries and affiliates) (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) announces the approval of its Independent Reserves Evaluation as at December 31, 2024. All currency amounts in this news release are in United States Dollars ($) unless otherwise stated.

    INDEPENDENT RESERVES EVALUATION
    The Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2024 for the period to the end of the primary 25-year term of the production sharing agreement (the “Songo Songo PSA“) with the Tanzanian Petroleum Development Corporation (the “TPDC“) have been evaluated by independent petroleum engineering consultants McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel“), an independent reserves evaluator, in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGE Handbook“) and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101“). The Songo Songo PSA expires upon the expiry of TPDC’s Songo Songo licence in respect of the Songo Songo gas field (the “Songo Songo Licence“) in October 2026. The preparation date of the independent reserves evaluation prepared by McDaniel is February 18, 2025 and the effective date of the evaluation is December 31, 2024 (the “McDaniel Report“).

    All of the Company’s reserves are located in Tanzania. Reserves included herein are stated on a Company gross reserves basis unless noted otherwise. Company gross reserves are the total of the Company’s working interest share in reserves.

    The Company’s Board of Directors has reviewed and approved the McDaniel Report. Additional reserves information required under NI 51-101 is included in Orca’s reports relating to reserves data and other oil and gas information under NI 51-101, which will be filed on its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The following discussion is subject to a number of cautionary statements, assumptions, contingencies and risks as set forth in this news release.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Total Proved (“1P”) Gross Company conventional natural gas reserves at year ended December 31, 2024, were 40.2 billion standard cubic feet (“Bcf“) compared to 85.0 Bcf at year end 2023, representing a 53% decrease.
    • Total Proved plus Probable (“2P”) Gross Company conventional natural gas reserves at year ended December 31, 2024, were 41.5 Bcf compared to 93.9 Bcf at year end 2023, representing a 56% decrease.
    • The Company estimated gas sales of 26.7 Bcf in 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 15% compared to year end 2023. The reduction in Gross Company 1P reserves from year end 2023 to year end 2024 was primarily attributed to 26.7 BCF of production in 2024 and 18.1 Bcf of negative technical revisions. The technical revisions were primarily due to lower forecasted gas sales to the end of the license (October 2026) attributed to increased hydro power in Tanzania and the removal of Proved Undeveloped reserves due to the unsuccessful well intervention on SS-7.
    • Net present value of 1P future net revenue discounted at 10% was $61.8 million at year end 2024, compared to $108.4 million at year end 2023, representing a 43% decrease.
    • Net present value of 2P future net revenue discounted at 10% was $64.7 million at year end 2024, compared to $118.7 million at year end 2023, representing a 45% decrease.
    • The 43% reduction in net present value of 1P future net revenues from year end 2023 to year end 2024 was primarily attributed to lower reserves at year end 2024 and the associated 33% reduction in the number of years outstanding on the current Songo Songo Licence.
    • The following tables outline the Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2024 and the net present value of future net revenue attributable to such reserves as evaluated in the McDaniel Report utilizing McDaniel’s forecast price and cost assumptions to the end of the Songo Songo Licence term in October 2026.
      Company Gross Reserves   Company Net Reserves
      Conventional.

    Natural Gas

    		   Conventional.

    Natural Gas
      MMcf   MMcf
    Proved      
      Developed Producing 40,244   28,020
      Developed Non-Producing –   –
      Undeveloped –   –
    Total Proved 40,244   28,020
    Probable 1,224   803
    Total Proved plus Probable 41,469   28,823

    Net Present Value of Future Net Revenue of Gas Reserves

        Before and After Future Income Tax Expenses Discounted at   Unit Value
          Before and
    After Tax at
    10%
        0 %   5 %   10 %   15 %   20 %   $/Mcf
    ($’000)                        
    Proved                        
    Developed Producing   67,574     64,549     61,824     59,357     57,112     2.21
    Developed Non-Producing   –     –     –     –     –     –
    Undeveloped   –     –     –     –     –     –
    Total Proved   67,574     64,549     61,824     59,357     57,112     2.21
    Probable   3,160     3,016     2,887     2,769     2,663     3.60
    Total Proved plus Probable   70,735     67,565     64,710     62,126     59,775     2.25

    Notes:

    1. During the third quarter of 2015, The Petroleum Act, 2015 (the “Act“) was passed into law by Presidential decree. The Act repeals earlier legislation, provides a regulatory framework over upstream, mid-stream and downstream gas activity, and as well consolidates and puts in place a single, effective and comprehensive legal framework for regulating the oil and gas industry in Tanzania. The Act also provides for the creation of an upstream regulator, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority. The mid and downstream petroleum as well as gas activities are proposed to be regulated by the current authority, the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (“EWURA“). The Act also confers upon on the TPDC the status of the National Oil Company, mandated with the task of managing the country’s commercial interest in the petroleum operations as well as mid and downstream natural gas activities. The Act vests TPDC with exclusive rights in the entire petroleum upstream value chain and the natural gas mid and downstream value chain. However, the exclusive rights of TPDC do not extend to mid and downstream petroleum supply operations. The Act does provide grandfathering provisions upholding the rights of the Company under the Songo Songo PSA as it was signed prior to the passing of the Act.
    2. On October 7, 2016, the Government of Tanzania issued the Petroleum (Natural Gas Pricing) Regulation made under Sections 165 and 258 (1) of the Act (the “Natural Gas Pricing Policy“). Article 260(3) of the Act preserves the Company’s pre-existing right with TPDC to market and sell natural gas together or independently on terms and conditions (including prices) negotiated with third party natural gas customers. To date, the Natural Gas Pricing Policy has not impacted the Company’s ability to market and sell natural gas at prices freely negotiated with natural gas customers. The future impact of the Natural Gas Pricing Policy, if any, cannot be determined at this time.
    3. On January 16, 2018, Orca sold (the “First Swala Transaction“) 7.933 percent of the Class A common shares (7,933 Class A common shares) of its wholly owned subsidiary PAE PanAfrican Energy Corporation (“PAEM“), a Mauritius registered Company and sole shareholder of PAET, a Jersey registered Company, to a wholly owned subsidiary of Swala. The Songo Songo PSA is held by PAET. While Swala had no management or control of PAEM and no shareholding in, or management or control of PAET, the McDaniel Report was previously prepared based on Orca’s ownership of 92.07 percent of PAET’s gross reserves. On July 21, 2023, the Company repurchased (the “Second Swala Transaction”) the 7.933% shares in PAEM eliminating Swala’s interest in the reserves. Accordingly, the 2024 McDaniel Report is prepared based on Orca’s ownership of 100% of PAET’s gross reserves.
    4. “Company Gross Reserves” are the total of the Company’s working interest share in reserves before deduction of royalties owned by others and without including any royalty interests of the Company.
    5. “Company Net Reserves” are the total of the Company’s working interest share in reserves after deducting the amounts attributable to royalties and Profit Gas owned by others (as defined in the PSA), plus the Company’s royalty interests in such reserves.
    6. Company Gross and Net Reserves are based on the Company’s 100 percent ownership interest in the reserves following the Second Swala Transaction.
    7. Under the terms of the Songo Songo Production Sharing Agreement with TPDC and the Government of Tanzania (“PSA“), the Company is required to pay Tanzanian income tax, but this is recovered by the Company through the profit sharing arrangements with TPDC. Where income tax is accrued, the Company’s revenue will be grossed up by the tax due and the tax will be shown as a tax in the Company’s accounts. However, the income tax has no material impact on the cash flows emanating from the PSA and accordingly it has not been identified as a separate cash flow stream in the analysis of the net present values.

    McDaniel employed the following gas sales, pricing and inflation rate assumptions as of December 31, 2024 in estimating the Company’s reserves data using forecast prices and costs. The Company received an average gas price of $4.67/Mcf in 2024 and $4.22/Mcf net of the transportation tariff imposed by Songas Limited as determined by the energy regulator, EWURA.

        Songo Songo gas prices  

    Year

    		 Brent crude

    $/bbl

    		 Proved

    $/Mcf

    		 Proved plus probable

    $/Mcf

    		 Annual inflation

    %

    		  
               
    2025 76.50 5.15 5.20 2  
    2026 78.03 5.25 5.32 2  
               

    Note:   Brent price forecast based on the McDaniel January 1, 2025 price forecast.

    The price of gas for the Industrial sector is based on a formula related to discounts to heavy fuel oil prices and includes caps and floors. This has been reflected in the above pricing.

    Orca Energy Group Inc.

    Orca is an international public company engaged in natural gas development and supply in Tanzania through its subsidiary PAET. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.A and ORC.B.

    For further information please contact:

    Jay Lyons                                
    Chief Executive Officer                        
    +44 (0)20 8434 2754                        
    ir@orcaenergygroup.com                 

    For media enquiries:
    Celicourt (PR)
    Mark Antelme
    Jimmy Lea
    Orca@celicourt.uk
    +44 (0)20 8434 2754

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Abbreviations

    bbl cubic meters
    Mcf thousand cubic feet
    MMcf million standard cubic feet


    Forward Looking Information

    Certain information regarding Orca set forth in this news release contains forward-looking information and statements as defined under applicable securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements” or “statements“) that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The use of any of the words “plan”, “expect”, “prospective”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “should”, “anticipate”, “estimate” or other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Although the Company’s management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause Orca’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Orca.

    In particular, statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated, and that the resources described can be profitably produced in the future. Additional forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding: expectations regarding demand for natural gas and the implications of decreasing demand; expiration of the Songo Songo PSA and the Songo Songo Licence and pending extension of the Songo Songo Licence and Songo Songo PSA; reserves and future net revenue from the Company’s reserves; assumptions regarding the increased demand for hydro power in Tanzania; and assumptions regarding gas sales, pricing and inflation rates.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties regarding or associated with: drilling wells, including the costs of drilling and whether development drilling results in commercially productive quantities of oil and gas; the terms of Orca’s future petroleum contracts, including potential obligations to drill wells and declare discoveries in order to retain Orca’s exploration and production rights; Orca’s local operational dependence and focus of its existing contracts; Orca’s future control over the Songo Songo Licence areas and facilities, including its status as operator thereof, and the timing and extent of costs in association therewith; estimations of reserves and the present value of future net revenues derived from them; Orca’s dependency on its management and technical team; Orca’s business plan including the additional capital required to execute such plans; commercializing Orca’s interests in any hydrocarbons produced from future licence areas; Orca’s ability to access appropriate equipment and infrastructure in a timely manner; the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, including but not limited to drilling and other operational and environmental risks and hazards; severe weather including but not limited to tropical storms and hurricanes; disagreements with TPDC regarding the Songo Songo PSA; the political and economic circumstances in the countries in which Orca operates; disputes with the Government of Tanzania; technological development; activism against oil and exploration and development; limitations on insurance coverage; Orca’s operations in a litigious environment; global populism; Orca’s future capitalization which may include additional indebtedness; acquisitions and the integration of any target entity or business into Orca’s current business; cybersecurity and data breaches; impacts of pandemics; share price volatility and dilution; Orca’s controlling shareholder and its control over key decision making as a result of its control of a majority of the voting rights attached to Orca’s issued and outstanding securities; Orca’s status as a holding company that’s ability to declare and pay dividends and purchase its own securities is dependent upon the receipt of funds from Orca’s subsidiaries by way of dividends, fees, interest, loans or otherwise; the impact of general economic conditions, including global and local oil and gas prices; industry conditions including changes in laws and regulations, and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced; competition; lack of availability of qualified personnel; risks related to obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities; risks associated with negotiating with governments and other counterparties; fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates; risks and uncertainties associated with obtaining an extension to the Songo Songo PSA and related Songo Songo Licence or successfully renegotiating them; changes in income tax laws or tax rates; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; associated with the failure of counterparties to perform under the terms of their contracts, including collectability of Orca’s receivables from such parties; reduced global economic activity as a result of global pandemics, including lower demand for natural gas and a reduction in the price of natural gas; prolonged deficiency in Tanzania’s official reserve and foreign exchange losses; political instability and the impacts of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Israel-Hamas conflict, conflicts in the Middle East and related actions; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon assumptions which management believes to be reasonable, Orca cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this news release, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this news release, Orca has made assumptions regarding, among other things: continued and timely development of infrastructure in areas of new production; obtaining an extension to the Songo Songo PSA and related Songo Songo Licence on terms acceptable to Orca; accuracy of estimates of Orca’s reserves volumes; the impact of any pandemics or political conflicts on the demand for and price of natural gas, volatility in financial markets, disruptions to global supply chains and the Company’s business, operations, access to customers and suppliers, availability of employees to carry out day-to-day operations, and other resources; future commodity prices and commodity price fluctuations; availability of skilled labour; availability of transactions to facilitate Orca’s growth strategy; growth of demand and consumption of natural gas in Tanzania and throughout Africa; the impact of increasing competition; conditions in general economic and financial markets; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; receipt of partner, regulatory and community approvals; future operating costs; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; that Orca’s conduct and results of operations will be consistent with its expectations; current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated as described herein; and other matters. There are a number of assumptions associated with the development of the evaluated areas, including continued performance of existing wells, future drilling programs and performance from new wells, the growth of infrastructure, well density per section, and recovery factors and development necessary involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those risks identified in this news release. Orca believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct.

    Management has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this news release in order to provide investors with a more complete perspective on Orca’s current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Orca’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits Orca will derive. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Orca disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    Oil and Gas Advisory

    The Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2024 disclosed herein were evaluated by McDaniel in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the COGE Handbook and NI 51-101. The McDaniel Report had an effective date of December 31, 2024. The Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2023 disclosed herein were evaluated by McDaniel in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the COGE Handbook and NI 51-101. Such report had an effective date of December 31, 2023.

    Additional reserves information required under NI 51-101 are included in Orca’s reports relating to reserves data and other oil and gas information under NI 51-101, which are filed on its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

    This news release contains estimates of the net present value of Orca’s future net revenue from the Company’s reserves. The net present value of future net revenue attributable to the Company’s reserves is stated without provision for interest costs and out of country general and corporate administrative costs, but after providing for estimated royalties, production costs, development costs, other income and future capital expenditures. It should not be assumed that the undiscounted or discounted net present value of future net revenue attributable to the Company’s reserves estimated by McDaniel represent the fair market value of those reserves. Such amounts do not represent the fair market value of the Company’s reserves. The recovery and reserve estimates of the Company’s conventional natural gas reserves provided herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 02.18.2025 Sen. Cruz Files Bill to Repeal Costly Chemical Tax on American Manufacturers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reintroduced the Chemical Tax Repeal Act today. The bill eliminates the Superfund excise tax imposed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021. That law re-imposed taxes on 42 different chemicals, critical minerals, and metallic elements used in common household items such as plastics, rubber, concrete, soap, lightbulbs, and electronics.
    Upon reintroduction, Sen. Cruz said, “We should be unleashing American manufacturing and strengthening our economy, not increasing the tax burden on Texan and American businesses. Repealing this tax will strengthen the competitiveness of American industries, protect jobs, and ensure everyday essentials remain affordable for American families. I urge my colleagues to expeditiously take up and advance this bill.”
    U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the efforts of Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Beth Van Duyne to repeal the Superfund Tax. This tax has increased costs for essential household items and undermined the competitiveness of American manufacturers, yet the EPA has failed to accelerate site cleanups despite the additional revenue. We urge Congress to act swiftly to remove this burden and strengthen the U.S. economy.”
    American Chemistry Council said, “We welcome the Senate reintroduction of the Chemical Tax Repeal Act and commend Senators Cruz, Barrasso, Kennedy, Lee, and Cornyn for their leadership on this key issue for America’s economy. Estimates by the Joint Committee on Taxation indicate that the excise taxes could result in a nearly $15 billion hit to the U.S. economy by the time they expire at the end of 2031. The taxes are affecting chemical supply chains and markets and continue to increase costs for consumers and businesses. … We urge additional lawmakers to join the legislation and look forward to swift passage by both chambers.”
    Eric R. Byer, President & CEO, Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) said, “The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) commends Senators Cruz, Kennedy, Cornyn, Barrasso, and Lee for championing the Chemical Tax Repeal Act, which aims to alleviate the undue burdens and uncertainties imposed by the reinstated Superfund Tax. Since its reimplementation in 2021, this tax has posed significant regulatory and financial hurdles for our members, many of whom operate small, family-owned businesses. The situation is further exacerbated by unclear guidance from the Internal Revenue Service. ACD strongly advocates for the prompt enactment of the Chemical Tax Repeal Act to enable the chemical distribution industry to continue its essential operations without the constraints of this excise tax.”
    The bill was co-sponsored by Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah).
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    The Chemical Tax, also known as the Superfund Tax, existed from 1987-1995 and was used to mitigate certain contaminated sites around the country with mixed success and high costs. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act re-imposed the tax at twice its prior levels. The costs imposed by this measure travel down the supply chain, increasing prices for manufacturing materials to final products. Texas is home to forty percent of the nation’s chemical manufacturing plants.
    Sen. Cruz’s legislation received support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Chemistry Council, Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD), Vinyl Institute, National Taxpayers Union (NTU), Taxpayer Protection Alliance (TPA), Battery Council International (BCI), Americans for Prosperity (AFP), and Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME).
    Sen. Cruz previously introduced the Chemical Tax Repeal Act in April 2023 and December 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: arner, Colleagues Warn IRS that Staffing Cuts will Wreak Havoc on Tax Refunds, Taxpayer Service, and Undermine Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined colleagues in warning the Trump administration and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) leadership that staffing reductions at the IRS resulting from Trump’s hiring freeze and potential layoffs would likely delay tax refunds, harm taxpayer service and undermine law enforcement efforts.
    The senators urged the administration to end the IRS hiring freeze immediately, avoid further staffing cuts, and protect the Criminal Investigation division that plays a key role in combating drug and human trafficking, terrorism and sanctions evasion. 
    Regarding the impact of the hiring freeze and layoffs on taxpayer refunds and service, the senators wrote: “Americans need the IRS to be fully staffed with employees who can answer their questions, process their returns, send refunds, and keep IRS systems online and functional. It is nearly inevitable that this hiring freeze, compounded by layoffs and further reductions in staff mandated as a result of Elon Musk’s unprecedented power grab, will delay refunds and degrade taxpayer service. Millions of Americans plan their budgets around timely refunds every filing season. These reckless decisions on the part of Elon Musk and the Trump administration will likely cause serious financial hardship for people across the country.”
    Regarding the impact on law enforcement and national security they continued, “IRS Criminal Investigation is at the forefront of federal law enforcement efforts to investigate fentanyl trafficking by cartels, human trafficking, terrorism financing, and sanctions evasion. For example, CI was the lead investigative agency in the largest international fentanyl/opioid seizure in U.S. history. This operation took down a massive drug trafficking operation and seized 864 kg of drugs, including an astounding 64kg of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced opioids, enough to kill thousands of people. CI was also responsible for the dismantling of several large fentanyl trafficking networks operated by the Sinaloa cartel, including a collaboration with Chinese money laundering organizations. An indefinite hiring freeze at CI would endanger both public safety and national security by directly hampering multi-agency efforts to pursue and dismantle these highly dangerous criminal networks.”
    The letter was also signed by Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) Bernie Sanders, (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Provides Opening Remarks at NOFA’s Winter Conference 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    BURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) delivered remarks to a gathering of over 300 organic farmers and food businesses at the Northeast Organic Farmers’ Association of Vermont’s (NOFA-VT) annual winter conference this weekend.  
    “Vermont was an early pioneer of organic farming, and our organic farmers and producers remain crucial to our economy. Last year, I was proud to work across the aisle and secure bipartisan provisions in the Farm Bill to support Vermont’s organic industry. But thanks to Elon Musk’s influence, Republicans removed crucial funding for organic programs from the bill at the eleventh hour,” said Senator Welch. “Finding common ground to protect people and industries under threat from the Trump Administration, like our organic farmers and producers, will be vital in the days ahead. I’ll do everything I can to find common ground to support and strengthen our organic farms in Vermont. 
    As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch has led efforts to support Vermont’s organic farms and the transition to organics.  
    Senator Welch has introduced several bills to support Vermont’s dairy, organic, and specialty crop farmers; strengthen rural development and infrastructure; increase energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption; improve access to nutrition; strengthen our local food systems and expand markets; and make our communities more resilient to flooding—all of which were included in the Senate’s draft Farm Bill text during the 118th Congress, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. Senator Welch plans to reintroduce many of these bills and policy provisions in the 119th Congress. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces February 2025 Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of February 2025 for its open-end exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”).

    The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is February 26, 2025. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is February 28, 2025.

    Open-End Funds Ticker
    Symbol    		 Distribution
    per
    share/unit    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date    		 Distribution
    Frequency
    Apple (AAPL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units APLY $0.1667 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Financial Income Fund – ETF Series BNC $0.1225¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Fund – ETF Units BND $0.0840 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units BRKY $0.1000 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Units BTCY $0.0850 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units BTCY.B $0.0970 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF USD Units BTCY.U US $0.0815 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF Units CROP $0.0875 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF USD Units CROP.U US $0.0975 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield – ETF Units ETHY $0.0405 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units ETHY.B $0.0500 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Units Non-Currency Hedged USD Units ETHY.U US $0.0395 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Units FLX $0.0461 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units FLX.B $0.0551 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged USD – ETF Units FLX.U US $0.0385 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Class – ETF Units IGB $0.0860¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Microsoft (MSFT) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF units MSFY $0.1100 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PAYF $0.1375¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Total Return Bond Fund – ETF Series PBD $0.0590¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDF $0.1050¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDIV $0.0950¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Real Estate Income Fund – ETF Series PHR $0.0720¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose International Dividend Fund – ETF Series PID $0.0780 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Monthly Income Fund – ETF Series PIN $0.0830¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Multi-Asset Income Fund – ETF Units PINC $0.0840 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Conservative Income Fund – ETF Series PRP $0.0600¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PYF $0.1100¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Series PYF.B $0.1230¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF USD Series PYF.U US $0.1200¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Equity Income Fund – ETF Series RDE $0.0875¹ 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Emerging Markets Dividend Fund – ETF Units REM $0.0950 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Preferred Share Fund – ETF Units RPS $0.0950 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund – ETF Series RPU $0.0940 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units2 RPU.B / RPU.U $0.0940 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Strategic Yield Fund – ETF Units SYLD $0.0970 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    AMD (AMD) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAMD $0.2000 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Amazon (AMZN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF- ETF Units YAMZ $0.4000 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Alphabet (GOOGL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YGOG $0.2500 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    META (META) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMET $0.1600 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YNVD $0.7500 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Tesla (TSLA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YTSL $0.5500 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
               
    Closed-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution
    per share/unit    		 Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Big Banc Split Corp, Class A BNK $0.1200¹ 02/28/2025 03/14/2025 Monthly
    Big Banc Split Corp, Preferred Shares BNK.PR.A $0.0700¹ 02/28/2025 03/14/2025 Monthly
               

    Estimated February 2025 Distributions for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund

    The February 2025 distribution rates for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Ticker
    Symbol    		 Estimated
    Distribution
    per unit    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date    		 Distribution
    Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $0.3407 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $0.2707 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $0.1125 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $0.3244 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
               

    Purpose expects to issue a press release on or about February 25, 2025, which will provide the final distribution rate for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund. The ex-distribution date will be February 26, 2025.

    (1) Dividend is designated as an “eligible” Canadian dividend for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.
    (2) Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units have both a CAD and USD purchase option. Distribution per unit is declared in CAD; however, the USD purchase option (RPU.U) distribution will be made in the USD equivalent. Conversion into USD will use the end-of-day foreign exchange rate prevailing on the ex-distribution date.
       

    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com

    Media inquiries:
    Keera Hart
    keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Press Trump Admin on Treatment of Federal Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Blanket buyouts and layoffs threaten Colorado’s 40,000 federal employees and raise potential for severe delays in federal services
    Hickenlooper and Bennet: “Our federal workers keep Colorado, and America moving.”
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pushing the Trump administration to respond to concerns regarding OPM’s blanket buyout offer to federal employees. The senators argue that the buyout threatens severe delays and pauses to ongoing federal services in Colorado including health care for veterans, childcare for underserved families, and access to national parks.
    “In Colorado alone, there are more than 40,000 federal workers across agencies and areas of expertise. Such a sweeping reduction of the workforce could have a devastating impact on the programs that our constituents rely on,” the senators wrote.
    “…While every administration has the right to review and make changes to the executive branch personnel, doing so without a strategic plan, without appropriated funds, and without adhering to workers’ legal protections, is a misleading overreach. Further, these changes will likely lead to workforce shortages and talent gaps that delay timely and effective service to our constituents,” they continued. 
    In late January, OPM sent an e-mail to over two million federal workers offering them the opportunity to resign in exchange for their full pay and benefits. According to OPM, an estimated 75,000 federal employees have accepted the buyout offer.
    The senators’ letter raises questions about the legality and legitimacy of the Trump administration’s offer. The OPM promised full pay and benefits to employees who accepted the offer, but Congress has not appropriated funding to make good on that commitment. Given the lack of clarity, federal employees across Colorado have received confusing instructions or no guidance at all from their supervisors.
    The buyout offer is part of a larger Trump administration initiative to drastically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Last Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order paving the way for “large-scale” layoffs and pauses in hiring. In accordance with the executive order, the Department of the Interior fired 2,300 employees, and the Department of Veterans Affairs fired 1,000.
    Last week, Hickenlooper pushed the Department of the Interior to resolve looming staffing shortages at the National Park Service following news that the Trump administration had fired thousands of National Forest Service and National Park Service workers. 
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.
    Dear Acting Director Ezell:
    The State of Colorado’s federal workforce is essential to ensure that the work we do, in Congress and in the Executive Branch, benefits our constituents. We are deeply concerned about the implications of the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) January 27th Memorandum on Agency Return to Office Implementation Plans and the agency’s subsequent “Fork in the Road” e-mail, issued January 28. This offer was accepted by over 75,000 federal employees as of the February 12th deadline. Given the decision by the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts to uphold OPM’s offer, it is critical that this process is transparent and that OPM works in earnest to prevent delays or pauses in federal services.
    Historically, under the Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002, OPM could not pay more than $25,000 per person in a lump sum payment for resignations. OPM currently includes this policy on its website. Under OPM’s deferred resignation plan, the federal government will be responsible for paying billions of dollars in salary and benefits to employees that would be doing important work, had they not been chased away by the administration’s offer to resign.
    Despite OPM’s guidance about how agencies implement the new return-to-work and deferred resignation offer, we continue to hear from Coloradans who received confusing instructions or no guidance at all from their supervisors. Colorado’s federal workforce consists of workers who provide unique services across the state. For many of our workers, remote work and telework policies have been in place long before COVID-19. Workers are also increasingly skeptical that this deferred resignation offer will not actually allow them to continue receiving their full salary and benefits or protect them from future federal employee layoffs.
    In Colorado alone, there are more than 40,000 federal workers across agencies and areas of expertise. Such a sweeping reduction of the workforce could have a devastating impact on the programs that our constituents rely on. For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs (V A) Health Administration comprises more than 7,000 workers in Colorado. While the VA has taken steps to minimize impacts related to veterans’ direct care, mass resignations could delay administration of other VA services like veterans’ disability or burial benefit payments. Denver, Colorado also houses one of 12 regional Head Start offices that helps ensure that our more than 8,000 Head Start children in Colorado receive high-quality child care. Just as importantly, our four national parks, 11 national forests, eight wildlife refuges, and 65 national conservation lands all depend on the federal employees who keep these areas safe, well-maintained, and welcoming to Coloradans and visitors from around the world.
    A highly skilled and stable workforce is key to making our government efficient and effective. However, under OPM’s offer, roughly 3 percent of federal employees will exit the workforce in just a matter of days. Further, the Trump Administration set a goal to see an initial 10 percent reduction across the federal workforce. While every administration has the right to review and make changes to the executive branch personnel, doing so without a strategic plan, without appropriated funds, and without adhering to workers’ legal protections, is a misleading overreach. Further, these changes will likely lead to workforce shortages and talent gaps that delay timely and effective service to our constituents.
    We question whether the Administration can achieve its goal of streamlined and efficient service to Colorado–and the nation–while making such sweeping changes to the federal workforce. To ensure transparency in this ongoing process, we ask that you answer the following questions:
    How many federal workers nationally and based in Colorado accepted OPM’s resignation offers and from which agencies? Which agencies had the highest concentrations of resignations?
    Will OPM and relevant agencies ensure employees continue receiving their contractually obligated salaries, and benefits, including any previously negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), through September 30, 2025? If not, why not?
    Have senior agency staff since been consulted about the next steps to implement resignation processes? How soon should workers expect to receive specific information about their agency’s expectations for workers who accept the resignation offer?
    How does OPM plan to work with agencies to prevent delays to constituent services in the event of future workforce shortages these resignations may cause? Has OPM submitted guidance to each agency about preserving mission-critical staffing for services like health care and child care facilities, care for the elderly or veterans’ affairs?
    Consistent with the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, workers are protected against retaliation if they a) choose to exercise their right to appeal, file a complaint or grievance against their agency; b) testify in support of another worker’s appeal, complaint or grievance process, c) cooperate or disclose information to an Inspector General or other federal entity responsible for internal investigations; or d) refuse to obey an order that would require that they violate a law, rule or regulation. Will OPM adhere to these protections for workers? How will you continue to enforce these protections?
    Many federal workers are protected by union–negotiated collective bargaining agreements, which are legally binding. Does OPM acknowledge and agree to adhere to these bargaining agreements and the agreed upon protections for workers?
    Our federal workers keep Colorado, and America moving. We implore you to implement these resignations thoughtfully and to take every step to prevent unintended harm to our constituent services. We look forward to hearing from you by Monday, March 10, 2025.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Demand Answers About Elon Musk and DOGE’s Access to Disaster Victims’ Personal Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 18, 2025
    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined Senate colleagues to demand answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, on the potential security breach created by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has reportedly accessed the sensitive personal data of disaster victims. 
    The senators in their letter to Cameron Hamilton, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator also sought more information on the procedures FEMA follows to protect data from misuse, and if DOGE’s unaccountable agents complied with federal law.
    “The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years—from severe flooding in Vermont and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii and California. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents,” the senators wrote. 
    “Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it,” the senators continued. “But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.” 
    “When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust—perhaps in violation of federal privacy law,” the senators concluded.
    In their letter, the senators requested responses to the following questions to understand the scope of that breach and the extent of FEMA’s compliance with federal law: 
    Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.  
    What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?  
    What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?   
    How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems? 
    The letter was led by U.S. Senators Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. 
    Full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Joins Rosen, Scott in Introducing Antisemitism Awareness Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Tim Scott (R-SC) in introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, legislation to address antisemitic sentiment and actions on college campuses.
    In the year following the October 7th attack, the Anti-Defamation League reported 1,400 antisemitic incidents on campuses across the nation, all-time high, with 73 percent of Jewish students reporting they had witnessed or experienced some form of antisemitism.
    “In the wake of the horrific October 7th terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas, we have seen growing rates religious discrimination across the country. This legislation aims to address the alarming rise of antisemitism on college campuses, and help investigate these reprehensible acts.” Sen. Warner said.
    The Antisemitism Awareness Act would require the Department of Education to take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The IHRA definition has been used to clarify and identify the various manifestations of antisemitism. Since 2018, the Department of Education has used the IHRA definition when investigating Title VI violations.
    In addition to Sens. Warner, Rosen, and Tim Scott, the Antisemitism Awareness Act is sponsored by U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), James Lankford (R-OK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Barrasso (R-WY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chris Coons (D-DE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), John Boozman (R-AR), John Fetterman (D-PA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Gary Peters (D-MI), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Steve Daines (R-MT).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Honoring the 80th Anniversary of Iwo Jima

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    02.18.25
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced a resolution with his Senate colleagues recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began on February 19, 1945, and lasted until March 26, 1945. 
    “Eighty years ago, the brave Marines who stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima turned the tide of the Pacific Theater in one of the greatest displays of valor and sacrifice in our military’s history,” Senator Sullivan said. “It is an honor to introduce this resolution with my colleagues to recognize the members of the U.S. military who fought in Iwo Jima and inspired enduring peace and allyship between the United States and Japan. The United States, and our military members in particular, has done more to liberate humankind from tyranny and oppression than literally any other force in history. Hundreds of millions of people have been liberated because of our military and our country—and Iwo Jima was a proud part of that legacy.”
    Specifically, the resolution:
    Honors the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew, and Coast Guardsmen who fought bravely on Iwo Jima;
    Remembers the brave servicemembers who lost their lives in the battle;
    Encourages Americans to honor the veterans of Iwo Jima; and
    Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and shared values that have developed between the United States and Japan over the last 80 years.
    The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Angus King (I-Maine), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    Full text of the resolution can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Scott, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would direct the U.S. Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on campus. 
    This bill ensures the Education Department has a clear definition of antisemitism when determining whether an antisemitic incident on campus crosses the line from free speech into harassing, unlawful or discriminatory conduct. 
    “Disturbing acts of antisemitism and violence increased on college campuses in the wake of Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel, it is more important than ever for universities to fulfill their responsibility to provide students with a safe learning environment,” said Boozman. “University leaders should move swiftly to hold individuals who take part in abhorrent, antisemitic behavior accountable and I am proud to support this commonsense legislation that gives them clear guidance and federal support.”
    “In the continued aftermath of the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas and Iran, we have seen college campuses across our nation become hotbeds of antisemitism where Jewish students’ rights are being threatened,” said Scott. “It’s critical the Department of Education has the tools and resources it needs to investigate antisemitism and root out this vile hatred wherever it rears its ugly head. There can be no equivocating when it comes to the issue of anti-Jewish violence and harassment.” 
    “Antisemitism is on the rise across the nation, particularly on college campuses, and Congress has a responsibility to do everything in its power to fight back against this hate,” said Rosen. “I’ll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill passed and signed into law.” 
    The Antisemitism Awareness Act is also cosponsored by Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mark Warner (D-VA), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Gary Peters (D-MI).
    Further, the Antisemitism Awareness Act is endorsed by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Christians for United Israel Action Fund, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Federations of North America. Here’s what they are saying: 
    “Since Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, there has been a dramatic increase in antisemitism on college campuses. We continue to see university administrators show they have little understanding of how to identify antisemitism. The Conference of Presidents urges swift passage of AntisemitismAwareness Act,” said COO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Stephanie Hausner.
    “Advancing this legislation is important in making American campuses safe and welcoming for all. We must defeat the vile cancer of antisemitism and defining it under US law is a critical step in that righteous effort,” said Christians for United Israel Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.
    “As Anti-Defamation League data shows, antisemitism is at crisis levels in the United States, creating the urgent need for decisive action. The AntisemitismAwareness Act makes clear that antisemitism, including anti-Zionist harassment, has no place in our schools or society and, importantly, reinforces the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as a critical tool for the U.S. Department of Education,” said Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.
     “According to American Jewish Committee’s upcoming State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report, three in ten American adults are either unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term. This number jumps for young Americans (ages 18-29): 41% of young Americans are unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term, while, at the same time, young American Jews (ages 18-29) are more likely to have experienced antisemitismin the past year than Jews ages 30 and older. These numbers show why it is critical to have a clear understanding of what antisemitism is and why it matters for American society because to even begin to solve the problem of antisemitism, there must be clarity about what it is and what it isn’t. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a clear and concise description of antisemitism in its various forms. AJC has supported efforts by both Republican and Democratic Administrations to use this definition at the Department of Education when investigating Title VI complaints,” said CEO of American Jewish Committee Ted Deutch.
    “This bill provides a clear framework for identifying antisemitism, offering concrete examples to help distinguish between constitutionally protected speech and targeted attacks against Jewish individuals. Congress must act now to send a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our society,” said Jewish Federations of North America Vice President of Government Relations Karen Paikin Barall.
    Congressmen Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05) are leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Blackburn, Duckworth Work to Encourage Domestic Violence Recognition, Reporting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to introduce the bipartisan Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor (SALONS) Stories Act to promote domestic violence awareness and response training for cosmetologists and beauty professionals. 
    One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Violent Death Reporting System data indicates three women were victims of homicide by an intimate partner every day from 2018-2021. The SALONS Stories Act preserves states’ autonomy in setting their cosmetology standards while incentivizing lifesaving support for abused and at-risk patrons.
    “Domestic violence often goes underreported because victims are unable to confide in others and the signs of mistreatment can be difficult to identify,” said Boozman. “Cosmetologists, who routinely build trust and close familiarity with their clients, can help break down those barriers. Encouraging more states follow this example and adopt programs that help them recognize signs of domestic violence can bring victims one step closer to the resources and support needed to escape dangerous, abusive situations.” 
    “Domestic violence is a tragic epidemic in the United States, impacting millions of women every year who often suffer in silence,” said Blackburn. “Given their close relationship with their clients, beauty professionals have the unique opportunity to be a first line of defense against domestic violence by identifying the signs of abuse and helping victims and survivors escape dangerous situations. The SALONS Stories Act would help save the lives of vulnerable and isolated women across the country, and the nation should follow Tennessee’s lead by equipping cosmetologists to recognize and support victims of domestic violence.”
    “Victims of domestic violence often don’t know where to turn or who to talk to, but they do often continue going to their salons—which puts beauty professionals in a unique position of potentially being among the first people who can recognize signs of abuse,” said Duckworth. “How they handle these critical moments could be life-saving.”
    The SALONS Stories Act provides grants to states that have implemented initiatives requiring cosmetologists to undergo free and easily accessible domestic violence awareness training while preserving states’ autonomy in setting their cosmetology standards. Arkansas, Tennessee and Illinois have passed legislation requiring cosmetology students to complete training on recognizing the signs of domestic violence. The Arkansas law, passed in 2017, serves as a model for the nation, providing free, accessible training to cosmetologists.
    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
    The SALONS Stories Act is endorsed by the Professional Beauty Association, National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and YWCA USA.
    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Welch Lead Push to Demand Answers About Elon Musk and DOGE’s Access to Disaster Survivors’ Personal Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Welch Lead Push to Demand Answers About Elon Musk and DOGE’s Access to Disaster Survivors’ Personal Data

    Senators: “When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) demanded answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reportedly accessed sensitive personal data of disaster survivors.

    Senators Padilla and Welch led 10 of their colleagues from disaster-impacted states in sounding the alarm on DOGE’s potential security breach. This breach is particularly concerning as Californians request federal disaster assistance following the devastating Southern California fires last month.

    The Senators also requested more information on the procedures FEMA follows to protect data from misuse, and questioned whether DOGE’s unaccountable agents were in compliance with federal law.

    “In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents,” wrote the Senators.

    “When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm,” continued the Senators. “Reports indicate you have breached that trust—perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.” 

    In their letter, the Senators also expressed that while Congress must better equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to cut through red tape and quickly assist disaster victims, these reforms “do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.” 

    In addition to Senators Padilla and Welch, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also signed the letter.

    The Senators requested responses to the following questions to understand the scope of the breach and the extent of FEMA’s compliance with federal law: 

    • Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.  
    • What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?  
    • What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?   
    • How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems? 

    Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Last month, Padilla delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation. He also sharply rebuked the order from President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to freeze all congressionally approved federal grants and loans, including disaster relief for Californians, and raised the alarm on OMB Director Russell Vought’s record of withholding federal disaster aid.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Mr. Hamilton,

    We write with serious concern about reports that Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has obtained access to sensitive information at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including the personal data of thousands of disaster victims.

    The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years—from severe flooding in Vermont, Minnesota, and Connecticut and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawai’i, California, New Mexico, and Oregon. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents.

    Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it.

    But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.

    When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust —perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.

    To understand the scope of that breach and the extent of your compliance with federal law, we request responses to the following items by no later than February 28, 2025:

    1. Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.

    2. What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?

    3. What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?

    4. How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Introduces Bill to Standardize Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Retired Federal Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Introduces Bill to Standardize Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Retired Federal Employees

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced the Equal COLA Act to ensure cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are applied equally to all federal retirees. The legislation comes as President Trump and Elon Musk conduct a massive purge of longtime federal employees.

    The Social Security Administration announced a 2.5 percent COLA increase for 2025. While federal employees who retired under the Civilian Service Retirement System (CSRS) will enjoy this 2.5 percent boost in benefits, those under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) will only receive a 2.0 percent increase. This legislation would end the disparity between the two federal retirement systems and ensure all federal workers receive full cost-of-living adjustments.

    “Federal retirees who have worked in service to our country should receive the full cost-of-living adjustment each year that is consistent with national economic trends,” said Senator Padilla. “As President Trump and Elon Musk threaten the hard-earned benefits of our federal workforce, we must ensure the nearly 800,000 federal retirees living on fixed incomes receive the full amount they deserve to keep up with the cost of living.”

    Civilian federal employees who were hired in 1984 or later participate in FERS, as do employees who have voluntarily switched from the CSRS, which was only available to those hired before 1984. COLAs for CSRS annuities are based on the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) in the third quarter of the current calendar year compared with the third quarter of the prior year. While COLA benefits paid under FERS are also based on the percentage change in the CPI-W, they are limited if the rate of inflation exceeds 2 percent.

    Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) are cosponsoring the bill. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va.-11) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

    The Equal COLA Act is endorsed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Federal Managers Association (FMA), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), and the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Attends EPA Signing Event Approving West Virginia’s Class VI Well Authority

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Congressman Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a final rule approving West Virginia’s request to regulate the injection of carbon dioxide into deep rock formations. This action officially grants West Virginia the authority to oversee and administer the Class VI well program for deploying carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects. Video of today’s event is available here.
    “I’m thrilled that Administrator Zeldin has affirmed his support for West Virginia’s approval to permit Class VI wells for carbon capture, and that we are officially bringing this important authority to those who know our state best. West Virginia has proven ourselves as a leader in this field, and with this announcement, has become the fourth state to receive Class VI well primacy. Today’s signing marks an important step in the continuation of West Virginia’s proud tradition of being an energy state and our efforts to contribute to American energy dominance,”Chairman Capito said. 
    “To Power the Great American Comeback, we need to produce more energy right here in the United States, and that requires cooperative federalism and permitting reform. As one of my first acts as EPA Administrator, I am proud to sign this rule to allow West Virginia the independence it needs to permit and regulate itself, while also working to safeguard our environment and drinking water. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue to advance conservation and foster economic growth for families across the country,” Administrator Zeldin said. 
    BACKGROUND: 
    Senator Capito has continuously advocated for West Virginia to be granted Class VI well primacy. In May 2023, Senator Capito introduced legislation to streamline state primacy applications for Class VI wells. In November 2023, Senator Capito urged the EPA to more quickly grant state primacy for Class VI storage wells and disburse funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which she fought to include for future CCUS projects in the state. Last November, Senator Capito applauded EPA’s proposal to grant West Virginia this authority, and sent a letter in support of approval to the Agency in December. Senator Capito applauded West Virginia’s final approval to permit Class VI wells last month.
    Photos from today’s event are included below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is introduced by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum at the signing event approving West Virginia’s Class VI well program primacy

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) provides remarks at the signing event approving West Virginia’s Class VI well program primacy

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joins EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Congressman Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) for the signing event approving West Virginia’s Class VI well program primacy

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven Chilean Nationals Charged Following Nationwide Burglaries Of Several Professional Athletes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the  unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Pablo Zuniga Cartes (24, Chile), Ignacio Zuniga Cartes (20, Chile), Bastian Jimenez Freraut (27, Chile), Jordan Quiroga Sanchez (22, Chile), Bastian Orellano Morales (23, Chile), Alexander Huiaguil Chavez (24, Chile), and Sergio Ortega Cabello (38, Chile) with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. 

    According to the complaint, the individuals were members of a South American Theft Group that burglarized the homes of professional athletes around the country. These individuals targeted high-profile athletes in the National Football League (“NFL”) and National Basketball Association (“NBA”), all of whom were away or playing in professional games at the times of the burglaries. These individuals stole valuables worth over $2 million.    

    On October 5 and 7, 2024, in the Kansas City area, the homes of two Kansas City Chiefs football players were burglarized and jewelry, watches, cash, and other luxury merchandise was taken. The October 7 burglary occurred while the team played in Kansas City, Missouri.

    As detailed in the complaint, in Tampa on October 21, 2024, the home of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was burglarized while the team played in Tampa. Jewelry, designer watches, a luxury suitcase, and a firearm were stolen.

    On November 2, 2024, the Wisconsin home of a Milwaukee Bucks player was burglarized during a game in Milwaukee. A safe containing several watches, chains, personal items, jewelry, and cash was stolen, along with a designer suitcase and designer bags. The total value of property stolen was approximately $1.484 million.       

    The below photograph depicts Pablo Zuniga Cartes, Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, Bastian Jimenez Freraut, and a fourth individual posing with the stolen safe and jewelry taken shortly after the theft:

    On December 9, 2024, the Cincinnati home of a Cincinnati Bengals player was burglarized while the team played Arlington, Texas. Designer luggage, glasses, watches, and jewelry valued at about $300,000 was stolen. Sergio Ortega Cabello rented a vehicle used in the burglary. 

    Between the late afternoon on December 19, 2024, and the early morning of December 20, 2024, the Tennessee home of a Memphis Grizzlies player was burglarized while the team played in Memphis, Tennessee. Jewelry, watches, and luxury bags valued at about $1 million were stolen. 

    A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, United States Customs and Border Patrol, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Hamilton County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office, the Shelby County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office, the Dallas (Texas) Police Department, the Indian Hill (Ohio) Police Department, the Leawood (Kansas) Police Department, the River Hills (Wisconsin) Police Department.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious transnational criminal organizations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Baeza and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Haynes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 52-Month Prison Sentence for a D.C. Convicted Felon Who Traveled to the Jersey Shore to Rob an Overnight Pharmacy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Ashawntea Henderson, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. to 52 months in federal prison for participating in an early morning robbery of a drug store at the Jersey Shore. During the May 2020 robbery, he and his co-conspirators jumped the counter, overpowered the night pharmacist, stole thousands of prescription narcotics, and then – as they attempted to flee to the District – crashed into a responding police cruiser.

               The sentencing was announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Brian Driscoll of the Newark Field Office.

                Henderson pleaded guilty on October 30, 2024, to interference of commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery). In addition to the 52-month prison sentence, Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Henderson to serve three years of supervised release.

    According to court documents, Henderson and his co-conspirators researched potential targets including Walgreens and CVS pharmacies which were open all night. On May 9, 2020, Henderson and others drove more than 200 miles from Washington, D.C. to a Walgreens Pharmacy on State Road 33, in Neptune, New Jersey.

    At 3:09 a.m., Henderson and two others dressed in masks and gloves entered the Walgreens. All three jumped over the pharmacy counter and demanded codeine, Adderall, and Percocet. One of the co-conspirators grabbed the night pharmacist, demanded that he open the locked cabinets containing additional pills, and forced the pharmacist to assist them. After grabbing thousands of prescription medicines – including Oxycodone, morphine, amphetamine, and Nucynta – Henderson and the two co-conspirators fled in a black Nissan Altima operated by a fourth co-conspirator. At one point, the Nissan collided with a responding police officer’s patrol car but continued at high speed back to Washington D.C.

    After returning to the District, as they celebrated at a hotel, one of the co-conspirators received a text from a known drug distributor asking the price for a drug of the same type stolen from Neptune, New Jersey. The co-conspirator and the drug distributor continued to exchange texts about the sale of drugs for the following weeks.

               Henderson is currently serving a five-year prison sentence in Maryland in connection with his 2022 possession of a firearm. 

               The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Neptune Township Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by AUSAs Justin Song, Sarah Martin and Cameron Tepfer.

    23cr190

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Value Partners Announces Proposed Fund Merger

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Value Partners Investments Inc. (“Value Partners”), the manager of the Value Partners Pools, today announces its proposal to merge (the “Merger”) VPI Mortgage Pool (the “Terminating Fund”) into a high interest savings pool, effective on or about April 17, 2025, subject to unitholder approval. The high interest savings pool is anticipated to begin operations on or about March 24, 2025, pending regulatory approval. Effective on or about March 17, 2025, securities of the Terminating Fund will no longer be available for purchase.

    A unitholder meeting of the Terminating Fund will be scheduled on or about April 16, 2025, where unitholders will be asked to approve the Merger. A notice of meeting will be mailed on or about March 26, 2025 to all investors of record as of March 17, 2025.

    The Independent Review Committee has provided a positive recommendation that the Merger, if implemented, will achieve a fair and reasonable result for the Terminating Fund.

    About Value Partners Investments Inc.
    Value Partners is an investment management firm founded in 2005 that offers investment products and services through experienced financial advisors at investment dealers and mutual fund dealers across Canada. Value Partners is a registered investment fund manager, portfolio manager and exempt market dealer with approximately $5.4 billion in assets under management on behalf of Canadian families and businesses.

    For further information, please contact:

    Gregg Filmon
    President
    Value Partners Investments Inc.
    Phone: (204) 949-0059

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Help Unveil Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Buy Assault Weapons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 14, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – On the seventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) in announcing 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 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.

    “Congress cannot sit by and do nothing while gun violence remains the number one killer of children in America,” said Duckworth.  “As we remember the 17 lives cut short at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we must honor their memory with action.  The Age 21 Act is commonsense gun safety legislation that would help prevent mass shootings and do more to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who would seek to harm themselves or others.  If Republicans were truly ‘pro-life,’ they would support our bill and help us save lives.”

    “Gun violence continues to shatter families and communities throughout America.  Our existing laws allow far too many guns to fall into the wrong hands.  That is why I’m signing onto the Age 21 Act, which prohibits the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21,” said Durbin.  “This legislation is one of many steps we must take to address the gun violence epidemic across the United States.”

    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. 

    The bill’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.

    In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, and Padilla, the Age 21 Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    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.

    Durbin and Duckworth are fierce advocates for common-sense gun safety legislation that would help save lives.  Durbin and Duckworth were strong supporters of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which cracks down on straw purchasing and gun trafficking, expands background checks for buyers under 21 years of age, takes steps to close the “boyfriend loophole,” supports state red flag laws, and offers billions in funding for counseling, mental health, and trauma support for victims of gun violence. Durbin and Duckworth are also continuing to push for the Assault Weapons Ban and additional gun safety measures.

    While Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin held a full committee hearing on public safety and gun safety laws in a post-Bruen America; filed an amicus brief in opposition to legal challenges in U.S. v. Rahimi, in which the Supreme Court ultimately ruled to uphold a ban on firearm possession for domestic violence offenders; condemned the Supreme Court decision in Garland v. Cargill, which ruled a bump stock does not convert a rifle into a machine gun; and introduced legislation to curb firearms trafficking enabled by weak American gun laws, among other efforts.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Joins Durbin, Casten, Illinois Delegation Members’ Letter to Protect Regional EPA Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 18, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging him to reconsider reported plans to terminate more than 1,100 probationary EPA employees, including many based in Illinois.

    “We are deeply concerned about the negative impacts such terminations—done across the board without consideration for positional need or programmatic impact—would have on the agency’s ability to protect public health and the environment in the state of Illinois and across the nation,” the lawmakers wrote.  “ The Trump Administration’s environmental policy agenda, led by EPA Director Zeldin, has already resulted in the termination of 388 probationary employees and 168 Environmental Justice (EJ) employees after the EPA dismantled its EJ office earlier this month. Though they are probationary, many of these employees are long-standing federal workers and subject matter experts with experience vital to running the EPA effectively and efficiently. They perform critical functions protecting Americans from dangers related to pesticides, waste management, chemical control, and ground and drinking water.”

    EPA Region V, which employs many EPA workers, is headquartered in Chicago.

    “The potential dismissal of employees based out of the EPA Region V Office in Chicago threatens the health and safety of communities across Illinois, as well as the rest of the states in Region V, and will undermine ongoing efforts to monitor and improve air and water quality, manage hazardous waste, and restore the ecosystem of the largest freshwater system in the world,” the lawmakers continued.

    “In light of these concerns, we request that you reconsider any plans to terminate probationary EPA employees. We urge you to consider the critical importance of these workers to the EPA’s mission and the potential adverse effects these terminations would have on the public health and environment of the American people,” the lawmakers urged Administrator Zeldin.

    In addition to Duckworth, Durbin and Casten, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Representatives Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17).

    The full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below:

    Dear Administrator Zeldin,

    As members of the Illinois delegation, we write to express our profound concern about the potential immediate termination of over 1,100 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees, many based in Illinois, as well as the impact this could have on public health and our environment.

    Reports indicate that EPA staff members have received emails informing them of possible immediate dismissal due to their probationary status. We are deeply concerned about the negative impacts such terminations—done across the board without consideration for positional need or programmatic impact—would have on the agency’s ability to protect public health and the environment in the state of Illinois and across the nation.

    Though they are probationary, many of these employees are long-standing federal workers and subject matter experts with experience vital to running the EPA effectively and efficiently. They perform critical functions protecting Americans from dangers related to pesticides, waste management, chemical control, and ground and drinking water. They are essential to the EPA’s mission and to the well-being of our constituents.

    Illinois is home to industrial sites, precious natural resources, and unique environmental challenges that require diligent oversight, remediation, and ongoing enforcement. As just one example, the Chicago area has more lead pipes than any other American city, requiring EPA water technical assistance to help communities identify lead service lines, develop replacement plans, and apply for funding for lead pipe removal.

    The potential dismissal of approximately employees based out of the EPA Region V Office in Chicago threatens the health and safety of communities the state, as well as the rest of the states in Region V, and will undermine ongoing efforts to monitor and improve air and water quality, manage hazardous waste, and restore the ecosystem of the largest freshwater system in the world.

    In light of these concerns, we request that you reconsider any plans to terminate probationary EPA employees. We urge you to consider the critical importance of these workers to the EPA’s mission and the potential adverse effects these terminations would have on the public health and environment of the American people.

    Sincerely,

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    MIL OSI USA News –