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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by President Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>THE WHITE HOUSE

    Office of Communications

    ________________________________________________________________

    For Immediate Release                         

    U.S. Capitol

    Washington, D.C.

    8:18 A.M. EST

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  This is very beautiful, I must say.  This is a beautiful place.  And our country is starting to do very well again.  It’s happening fast — a little faster than people thought. 

    Thank you especially to Senator Marshall for the beautiful introduction.  Appreciate it very much.  Thank you.  Great senator you are. 

    I also want to thank a friend and a man of profound faith and tremendous patriotism who’s also become a great friend.  You become much friendlier when you have a majority of two or three or four.  Could even be five pretty soon.  (Laughter.)  But for a little while, it was one.  That’s Mike Johnson, speaker.  Thank you very much, Mike — very much.  (Applause.)

    And thanks, as well to somebody who’s doing a fantastic job: Senator Thune.  Thank you very much, Senator.  (Applause.)  It’s not easy.  It’s not easy.  It’s really great. 

    And Leader Scalise — Steve, wherever you may be.  I think you’re here someplace.  There he is.  A brave guy, too.  A brave guy.  I always say it. 

    And Senator Chuck Schumer.  Chuck, thank you very much.  Thank you.

    Senator Hassan, thank you very much.  Thank you.  Very nice to see you. 

    Congressman Jeffries, thank you.

    And many other very distinguished leaders in the room.  Great, great group of people.  If we could ever come together, it would be unbelievable.  It may not happen, but it should and maybe it will. 

    From the earliest days of our republic, faith in God has always been the ultimate source of the strength that beats in the hearts of our nation. 

    We have to bring religion back.  We have to bring it back much stronger.  It’s one of the biggest problems that we’ve had over the last fairly long period of time.  We have to bring it back. 

    Thomas Jefferson himself once attended Sunday services held in the old House Chamber on the very ground where I stand today, so there could be nothing more beautiful than for us to gather in this majistic place — it is majestic — and reaffirm that America is and will always be “one nation under God.” 

    At every stage of the American story, our country has drawn hope and courage and inspiration from our trust in the Almighty.  Deep in the soul of every patriot is the knowledge that God has a special plan and a glorious mission for America.  And that plan is going to happen.  It’s going to happen.  I hope it happens sooner rather than later.  It’s going to happen. 

    And it’s His hand that guides us every single step of the way.  And all of you and the things we have to do is to see the defining role that faith and prayer have played in the life of our nation.  And you just have to look at this building, and you can look at each other.  You can really look at each other.  It’s defined almost everyone in this room.  I think faith has been very strong with the people in this room. 

    Just steps away from here, in the Hall of Columns, is the statue of John Winthrop, who famously proclaimed that America would stand as “a city upon a hill, a light to all nations with the eyes of all people upon us.”

    Today, almost 400 years after that famous sermon, we see that with the Lord’s help, the city stands taller and shines brighter than ever before — or at least it soon will. 

    In that same hall, we also find the statue of the great Roger Williams, who founded the state of Rhode Island, named its capital city Providence, and built the First Baptist Church in America. 

    It’s Williams that we have to thank for making religious liberty part of the bedrock of American life.  And today we must protect the fundamental freedom with absolute devotion.  We must stand strong, just like generations of Americans have done on the battlefields all around the world. 

    Feet away from the magnificent rotunda, another statue watches over visitors to the Capitol.  George Washington, the founder of our country, often called for Americans to join together in prayer — very often.  And more than two centuries later, this morning, we heed President Washington’s wisdom and follow in his mighty footsteps.  He was a strong man and of great religious strength. 

    The stories of legends like Washington, Winthrop, and Williams remind us that without faith in God, there would be no American story.  Every citizen should be proud of this exceptional heritage.  We have an unbelievable heritage, and we have to use that and make life better for everyone. 

    That’s why, as we approach the 25th-times-10 anniversary — think of that, 250; 250 years we’ll be celebrating next year — of our country’s founding, I have signed an executive order to resume the process of creating a new national park full of statues of the greatest Americans who ever lived. 

    We’re going to be honoring our heroes, honoring the greatest people from our country.  We’re not going to be tearing down.  We’re going to be building up. 

    It will be called the National Garden of American Heroes.  Some of you will be on that soon-to-be hallowed ground — some of you.  Let’s see.  I can pick a few of you right now by looking — (laughter) — because there’s a couple of you right now, I can see.  Let’s see.  (Laughter.)  It’s the president’s sole opinion.  (Laughter.)  And I’ve given myself a 25-year period — (laughter) — and then somebody else.  By that time, it will be very, very built up.  (Laughter.)

    No, it will be something very special, and I hope that Congress will fully fund this wonderfully unifying project at the first possible opportunity — it’s not going to be a lot of money; going to be very important, however — so that more of our people can be inspired by the faith and courage of patriots like those who we honor in these halls.  One of the incredible Americans whose memory my order will celebrate is also recognized with a statue in the Capitol, representing the great state of North Carolina, and that’s a man known — who everybody loved: Reverend Billy Graham. 

         He was something.  My father used to take me to watch the “Crusades.”  He would take me to Yankee Stadium.  I remember it so well.  I remember it more than I remember any Yankee game, and I’ve seen a lot of Yankee games.  (Laughter.)  Can you believe it?  And Billy didn’t have a bat, so, you know, he’s pretty good.  It was amazing.  You’d have 60- or 70,000 people, and they loved him.  They loved him. 

         I saw him with Franklin.  I don’t know if Franklin is here.  I just don’t know, but I’ve gotten to know Franklin.  He’s done a great job with helping on tragedies, on problems like in North Carolina, California.  He’s always the first one there.  The work he does is — his father is very proud of him, I can tell you that.  But Billy Graham was very special. 

         One floor below us, Reverend Graham’s statue stands with an open Bible, the page turned to a letter from the apostle Paul, which reads, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up.”  Never give up.  Never ever give up.  You can’t. 

         How about me?  If I would have given up, I would not be here right now.  Who the hell knows where I’d be?  (Laughter.)  It might not be a good place.  If it was up to the Democrats, it would not be a good place at all.  (Laughter.)  

         Never ever give up.  There could be no better message for the leaders gathered here — and you are real leaders — that we must never give up, and we must never grow tired.  We must never grow weary, and we always must practice good.

         As you know, last week, only a few miles from here, our nation witnessed a terrible tragedy when 67 people were killed in a horrible accident near Reagan Airport.  As one nation, we take solace in the knowledge that their journey that night did not end in the icy waters of the Potomac, but in the warm embrace of a very loving God.  None of us knows exactly when our time on Earth will be over.  You never know.

         A truth I confronted a few short months ago when there was an incident that wasn’t — it was not fun.  It was not a good thing.  But God was watching me.  The chances of me being here — my sons are shooters.  They’re really good shooters, Don and Eric.  And they said the chances of missing from that range with that gun are — but Don equated it to a one-foot putt.  That’s pretty bad.  Two feet I can see missing.  (Laughter.)  But one foot you can’t miss.  It was the equivalent of a one-foot putt, is what he told me. 

         He said — in fact, he gained some religion.  He gained — he went up 25 percent.  (Laughter.)  And if you know him, that’s a lot.  (Laughter.)  But he said, “There had to be somebody that saved you, and I think I know who it is.”  And he looked up.  And I said, “Whoa, Don, that’s come — you’ve come a long way.”  (Laughter.)  He’s a good guy.

         But they my two sons just really couldn’t believe it.  Had I not turned that right turn just at that time — and the audience — 55,000 people standing this way.  There were just a few people in the back on the bleachers.  There was nobody over there, except for my all-time favorite chart in history, a chart on immigration.  Immigration saved my life.  See?  So, we’re going to be good for immigration, okay? 

    But had I not made that turn — boom — and quickly.  It was almost as though a deer bolted.  You know, they say the only way you miss when you’re a good shot is if it bolts?  I bolted.  I turned to the right to look at the chart, and I said, “Wow, what was that?  What was that?” 

         So, you never know, but God did that.  I mean, it had to be.  The chances of turning, because there’s no reason to turn to the right.  You know, the chart is rarely brought down.  I brought it down maybe 20 percent and — 20 percent of the time.  And it’s never on my right.  It’s always on my left.  And it’s always at the end of the speech, never the beginning of the speech. 

    And if I was a little more than that 90-degree angle, it would be no good.  And if I was a little less, it would be no good.  It had to be perfect.  The thing went “shhh” right along the edge.  It didn’t affect my hair.  Can you believe that?    (Laughter.)  It might’ve touched it.  Might have touched it, but not where it counts, not — (laughter) — not the skin part.

         But it changed something in me, I feel.  I feel even stronger.  I believed in God, but I feel much more strongly about it.  Something happened.  And so — (applause) — thank you.  Thank you.

         But that event, like the tragedy last week, should remind us all that we have to make the most out of every single day that we have.  Who would think that you’re in space and two things collide?  The odds of that happening are so small, even without proper control. 

    We should have had the proper control.  We should have had better equipment.  We don’t.  We have obsolete equipment.  They were understaffed, for whatever reason.  I guess the helicopter was high, and we’ll find out exactly what happened.  But the odds, even if you had nothing — if you had nobody, the odds of that happening are extremely small. 

         It’s like, did you ever see — you go to a driving range in golf and you’re hitting balls, hundreds of balls, thousands of hours.  I never see a ball hit another ball.  Balls going up all over the place.  You never see them hit. 

     It was amazing that that could happen.  There was a lot of mistakes made, and it should have never happened.  But

    regardless of that, it’s amazing that it happened. 

     And I think that’s going to be used for good.  I think what is going to happen is we’re all going to sit down and do a great

    computerized system for our control towers, brand-new — not pieced together, obsolete, like it is — land-based — trying to hook up a land-based system to a satellite system. 

    And the first thing that some experts told me when this happened is you can’t hook up land to satellites, and you can’t hook up satellites to land.  It doesn’t work.  And we spent billions and billions of dollars trying to renovate an old, broken system, instead of just saying, “Cut it loose, and let’s spend less money and build a great system.”  Done by two or three companies — very s- — good companies, specialists.  That’s all it is. 

         They used 39 companies.  That means that 39 different hookups have to happen.  And I don’t know how many people of you are good in terms of all of the kind of things necessary for that — and it’s very complex stuff — but when you have 39 different companies working on hooking up different cities and different people — you need one company with one set of equipment. 

    And there are some countries that have unbelievable air controller systems, and they would have — bells would have gone off when that helicopter literally even hit the same height, because it traveled a long distance before it hit.  It was just like — just wouldn’t stop — you follow the line.  But bells and whistles would have gone off.  They have them where it actually could virtually turn the thing around.  It would have just never happened if we had the right equipment. 

    And one of the things that’s going to be — I’m going to be speaking to John and to Mike and to Chuck and to everybody.  We have to get together and just — as a single bill, just pass where we get the — the best control system.

    When I land in my plane, privately, I use a system from another country, because my captain tells me — I’m landing in New York, and I’m using — I won’t tell you what country, but I use a system from another country, because the captain says, “This thing is so bad.  It’s so obsolete.”  And we can’t have that. 

    So, we’re going to have the best system and it’s a lot of money, but it’s not that much money.  And it’ll happen fast, and it’ll be done by total professionals.  And when it’s done, you’re not going to have accidents.  It’s just not — they’re not — they’re virtually not possible to have. 

    Each of us is blessed with a precious chance to help lead America to renew our pledges of faith and everything else and bring us to new heights and create a future of promise for our people and for ourselves. 

    You know, we have the most important people in the country, in a true sense, here, because you’re the ones that are going to make the decision.  You’re the ones that are leading us into so many different things, whether it’s the right air control system or the right size military or what to do and what not to do — most important people.

    And many of you are very religious.  I know so many of you are very religious.  And I just think that our country has been so badly hurt.  We’re very hurt by what COVID did to religion.  It really hurt it badly.  People couldn’t go to church for a long period of time.  Even going outside, they were given a hard time.  And I’m not blaming anybody for that, but — but it was very hard to gather. 

    So, they start using computers, if that.  And when they come back, it’s just, you know, a whole new experience they have to get used to.  But it is starting to come back. 

    We had a fantastic thing happen yesterday.  The Army had the best recruitment numbers that they’ve had in more than 15 years.  They think it could be 25 years, actually — they’re going to probably put that out — but more than 15 years just now.  (Applause.)

    And we were worried about it.  We were talking about it numerous times that, you know, we don’t have people joining our military services.  We don’t have people joining our police force.  We have to cherish our police. 

    It’s so dangerous.  You open a car and somebody starts shooting.  They have blackened windows.  You don’t even have any idea who’s in the car.  Oftentimes, they have the dark windows — which they’re not, in theory, supposed to have, but they have them.  The door opens and a gun is pointed at your face, and you can’t do a thing about it.  It’s just nothing you’re going to do about it.  Your friends will take them out, and it’s happened so many times, but you just — it’s so — such a dangerous thing.  We have to cherish these people. 

    So, today, we join our hearts and prayers in recommitting to putting our country first.  We have to put our country first, making America stronger and greater and more exceptional than ever before.

    And we have to make religion a much more important factor now.  We have to make it an important factor.  And if we do that, it’s going to be — our job is just going to be much easier.  It unifies people.  It brings people together.  Democrats are going to be able to have lunch again and dinner with Republicans. 

    And I remember, just as — growing up, I’d see — you know, I revered senators and congressmen as something very special, but they were out to dinner all the time.  We had an old congressman, maybe some of — Sey Halpern from Queens,

    and he was a friend of my father.  But he’d have dinner with — he was a Democrat, but he would have dinner with Republicans, and he’d be at it.  It wouldn’t even make a difference.

    Today, it’s like shocking.  And it shouldn’t be.  You have to get together.  We really have to get together. 

    We all know what’s right and what’s wrong, and

    there’s going to be compromise on both sides, but we have to just do the right thing, and we have to get together.  

    You did it with Marco Rubio.  He got everybody who was — 99 votes.  And the only vote was our VP, who — who maybe we should have been there just to make it a hundred, but I think I would have been angered if it was a hundred.  That might be a step too far, right?  (Laughter.)  But, no, it was great to see a vote. 

    Pam Bondi had support from Democrats, and some of the others had some pretty good support.  So, you know, it’s doable.

    We had a recent bill having to do with a very beautiful young lady who was killed from Georgia, and that bill was very bipartisan.  It was a very beautiful thing to watch, actually.  And so, I think we just have to — if possible, we have to unify.

    There’s big division.  I mean, some people want an open border and some people want a closed border.  We want it closed, and they want it open.  Now, that’s a big difference.  How do you solve that problem?  It’s a big difference. 

    Some people want men in women’s sports and some people don’t.  And I was with somebody yesterday who was so upset that the bill was signed, where men cannot participate in women’s sports.  And I said — he’s a very smart guy —

    went to a great school, was a great student.  And he actually feels, you know, that that should happen: Men should be able to play — meaning transition into women sports.

    And you talk to him, and it’s just — you know, I don’t understand it. I think it — I don’t understand how the problem ever got started in the first place.  It just seems so simple.

    But he’s a good person and just believes it.  He just believes it.  Not going to be easy to convince him otherwise. 

    So, where is a middle ground?  It’s just hard to have a middle ground if there’s two ways.  I mean, you can either do it or you can’t. 

    But I think a lot of good things are going to happen.  You know, a lot of people might be surprised to hear me say that, of all people, but I think a lot of good things are going to happen.  Because our country has got some big headaches, but we have tremendous spirit right now. 

    The spirit is as high as it’s been.  It was up 49 points this morning — 49 points.  That’s the biggest increase in the history of whatever the poll was. 

    So, the spirit is there.  That’s a big factor.  That’s probably the hardest thing to get back, to be honest.  The rest is easy.  The rest is easy. 

    So, I want to just thank you all.  I want to congratulate a lot of the new members.  I see so many of you that ran great races.  David, that was a great race.  But so many that ran great races.  And on both sides, you ran some incredible races.  So, it’s good to be with you. 

    And God bless everybody.  We want to come together.  And the happiest — the person, the element, the everything that’s going to be happy.  People of religion are going to be happy again. 

    And I really believe you can’t be happy without religion, without that belief.  I really believe it.  I just don’t see how you can be.  (Applause.)

    So, let’s bring religion back.  Let’s bring God back into our lives. 

    Thank you all very much.  Thank you very much.  Great honor.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

    END                  8:42 A.M. EST

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Structural change, supply shocks and hard choices

    Source: Bank of Canada

    Good afternoon. I’m pleased to be able to join you virtually to talk about the challenges that lie ahead for central banks. There’s a lot to discuss.

    But my first order of business is to congratulate and thank Agustín Carstens for his leadership as General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Your term, Agustín, has been marked by significant global upheaval—from pandemic shutdowns to war in Europe and double-digit inflation. These past few years have not been easy.

    Through it all, you have been a source of unwavering wisdom. Your clear thinking in the face of the unknown, your long view and your deep understanding of our global interdependence—all combined with the experience and pragmatism of a former minister of finance and then central bank governor—have made you an invaluable leader.

    More than that, through the BIS, you’ve brought us together with your friendship and your ability to get directly to the heart of the issue. You’ve helped us learn from each other. And you’ve made us better together.

    I know there will be an opportunity to celebrate you in Basel as your retirement in June approaches. But I wanted to recognize your exceptional leadership in your home country. For those of us in the Americas, your special interest in our region has been deeply appreciated. Whatever you do next, I know Mexico and the Americas will be an important part. Thank you, my friend.

    Now, let me turn to the challenges ahead. We are facing a global economic landscape that has shifted in recent years, and this shift has important implications for central banks.

    As Agustín has highlighted in a series of insightful speeches, the structural tailwinds of peace, globalization and demographics are turning into headwinds—and the world looks increasingly shock-prone.

    Higher long-term interest rates, elevated sovereign debt, slower economic growth and lagging productivity make all of our economies more vulnerable. Compounding these vulnerabilities are war, rising trade protectionism and economic fragmentation. In addition, new technologies—including artificial intelligence—are set to disrupt existing industries and create new ones. And we are seeing more frequent catastrophic weather events as the impacts of climate change become more pervasive.

    As 2025 begins, we are facing new uncertainty with a shift in policy direction in the United States. President Donald Trump’s threats of new tariffs are already affecting business and household confidence, particularly in Canada and Mexico. The longer this uncertainty persists, the more it will weigh on economic activity in our countries.

    If significant broad-based tariffs are indeed imposed, they will test the resilience of our economies in the short run and reduce long-run prosperity. Tariffs mean economies work less efficiently. There will be less investment and lower productivity. That means our countries will produce less and earn less. Monetary policy can’t change that.

    What monetary policy can do is help with the short-run adjustment. But even here, monetary policy has to strike a balance. Significant, broad-based tariffs will sharply reduce demand for our exports. At the same time, a weaker exchange rate, retaliatory tariffs and supply chain disruptions will raise import prices, putting upward pressure on inflation.   

    With a single instrument—our policy interest rate—central banks can’t lean against weaker output and higher inflation at the same time. So we will need to carefully assess the downward pressure on inflation from weaker economic activity, and weigh that against the upward pressures from higher input prices and supply chain disruptions.

    Other structural headwinds pose similar challenges for monetary policy. They’ll impact both demand and supply, slowing growth while adding cost. Monetary policy cannot address these headwinds directly or offset their economic consequences.

    In a world with more structural change and more negative supply shocks, central banks will be faced with harder choices. And harder choices bring risks of public disappointment and frustration. We will face criticism about our decisions—and about how well monetary policy is seen to have worked when confronted with forces that are mostly out of our hands. We will be called ineffective or criticized for not doing enough. And some will challenge our independence.

    So, what can all of us do?

    First, we can be humble about what we don’t know, but also confident in the effectiveness of our frameworks. We didn’t get everything right through the pandemic. And elevated inflation and higher interest rates have been difficult for our citizens. But in Canada, as in many other countries, inflation has come down. And we restored low inflation without causing a recession or major job losses.

    Guided by our frameworks, we can maintain confidence in price stability.

    Second, we can be just as clear about what monetary policy cannot do. There will always be forces beyond our influence, and while we need to understand those forces, we should also be clear that understanding is not the same as controlling. And we need to avoid the temptation to overload monetary policy by expecting more of it than it can deliver.

    Third, we can recognize that the world has changed. Structural headwinds and supply shocks require different types of information and analysis. This means investing in richer information about the supply side of the economy and building models that can analyze sectoral shocks and their transmission. It means reaching out and listening to households and businesses. It means looking at our economies through different lenses, regularly challenging our assumptions, and using scenarios to help manage uncertainty.

    Fourth, let’s acknowledge that working together has never been easy and it’s getting harder. But let’s also remember that it’s important. We are more effective if we confront our shared challenges together. The shared resolve of central banks to fight the post-pandemic surge in inflation helped all of us bring inflation down. This was a positive international spillover and, together, we can generate other positive international spillovers.

    Finally, we need to remain evidence-based, technocratic and professional, and free of political influence. We need to be open, accountable and transparent. And we need to be learning institutions—when faced with valid criticism, we should critically evaluate our policy actions and be willing to improve. Being independent and accountable and continuously learning is how we build trust.

    The world is a tougher place today than it was a few short years ago. And facing the headwinds before us will not be easy. But that’s why we have independent central banks—we are designed for tough times.

    I look forward to hearing from my esteemed colleagues on this panel.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Sentenced for Selling Unapproved Drugs with Intent to Defraud over the Internet

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on February 3, 2025, Jeremy Brown, 55, of Simi Valley, California, was sentenced for introducing into interstate commerce new drugs not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) with the intent to defraud or mislead. The Honorable Christina Reiss, Chief United States District Judge, sentenced the defendant to one year of supervised release and ordered the defendant to pay $100,000 in forfeiture.

    According to court records, between March 2019 and December 2023, Brown operated a company, Warrior Labz SARMs, and accompanying websites through which he sold unapproved versions of prescription drugs and other substances. Specifically, Brown sold Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (“SARMs”), which are substances similar to anabolic steroids; unapproved versions of erectile-dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis; and unapproved versions of weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

    Brown falsely claimed on his websites that the drugs offered for sale were for “research purposes only” and “not for human consumption.” Alongside those claims, however, were claims that the drugs would provide various benefits affecting the structure and function of the human body.

    Brown obtained the bulk of the drugs he sold from China. Brown did not verify shipping or storage conditions, nor did he use a lab to verify the contents of the drugs he received from China. But he falsely claimed on his websites that his company used only the highest quality pharmaceutical grade ingredients and U.S. manufacturing practices.

    After receiving a warning letter from the FDA in June 2023, Brown continued to sell unapproved drugs over the internet. Between August and December 2023, Brown made three sales of unapproved drugs to an undercover law enforcement account in Vermont.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Brown is represented by Rick Collins, Esq. and Lisa Shelkrot, Esq. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Indian National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on February 3, 2025, Nitin Mishra, 33, of Jaipur, India, was sentenced for conspiring to distribute controlled substances and distributing controlled substances, including the opioids Tapentadol and Tramadol, in connection with his involvement in an international drug trafficking operation. Mishra had been extradited from Albania to the United States to face these charges. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Mishra, who had already spent approximately 28 months in custody, to time served and ordered the defendant to pay $7,300 in forfeiture.

    According to court records, from around the beginning of 2019 through about June 2021, Mishra, who was based in India, conspired with two Vermont residents, among other individuals, to send multiple shipments of controlled substances, including opioids and misbranded drugs, into the United States. Mishra then worked with his co-conspirators to reship and distribute these drugs to individuals located throughout the United States. The investigation revealed that the conspiracy involved tens of thousands of pills, and included the Schedule II controlled substance Tapentadol, as well as the Schedule IV controlled substances, Tramadol, Carisoprodol, and Zolpidem.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Rutland City Police Department.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Mishra is represented by Robert L. Sussman, Esq.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feb 06, 2025 ATU: Solidarity of Workers Transcends Borders As Tensions Rise Between U.S. and Canada Governments

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Silver Spring, MD – ATU International President John Costa and ATU Canada President John Di Nino issued the following statement on tensions between the U.S. and Canadian governments.

    “We find ourselves in difficult times and the tensions between the United States and Canadian governments are palpable and undeniable. The ATU reinforces its steadfast commitment to improving the lives of our members and all workers in both countries.

    “The solidarity of workers transcends borders. Stronger together, we form a collective force that is both powerful and necessary to push back against the forces that seek to undermine our rights and diminish our hard-earned progress. Our joint efforts across North America will continue to lay the foundation for a better tomorrow, a better future.

    “For over 150 years, Canada and the United States have stood side by side as partners, allies, friends, and neighbors. We cannot allow the actions of a single leader to cloud the relationship that has existed between our people. The bond between Canadian and American workers and our shared struggles is much stronger than any political rhetoric. We must resist the narrative that seeks to create division, especially from those who have little regard for the well-being of working people.

    “This is a moment in history when unions are more essential than ever. Workers across both of our countries need to come together and fight against the harmful agendas seeking to weaken the labor movement. Our strength lies in our collective action, and the solidarity we have generated across borders is a beacon of hope in these times of uncertainty. Together, we can continue to move forward, building a future where the needs and dignity of working people come first. Don’t let them divide us. Stay strong. Stay united. We are Stronger Together!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Four Pharmacists Sentenced for Roles in $13M Medicare, Medicaid, and Private Insurer Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: US State of California

    Four pharmacy owners have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud.

    Pharmacist Raef Hamaed, of Maricopa County, Arizona, was sentenced on Jan. 8 to 10 years in prison; pharmacist Tarek Fakhuri, of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, was sentenced on Jan. 13 to seven years in prison; pharmacist Ali Abdelrazzaq, of Macomb County, Michigan, was sentenced on Jan. 15 to two years in prison; and pharmacist Kindy Ghussin, of Greene County, Ohio, was sentenced today to five years and five months in prison.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hamaed, Fakhuri, Ghussin, and Abdelrazzaq billed Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for prescription medications that they did not dispense at five pharmacies they owned and operated: Eastside Pharmacy, Harper Drugs, and Wayne Campus Pharmacy in Michigan, and Heartland Pharmacy and Heartland Pharmacy 2 in Ohio. The defendants collectively caused over $13 million of loss to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

    On Sept. 5, 2024, a federal jury convicted Hamaed, Fakhuri, Ghussin, and Abdelrazzaq of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. The jury also convicted Fakhuri of one count of health care fraud. Hamaed was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy at all five pharmacies; Fakhuri was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy at Harper Drugs, Wayne Campus Pharmacy, and Heartland Pharmacy; Ghussin was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy at Wayne Campus Pharmacy and both Heartland pharmacies; and Abdelrazzaq was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy at Wayne Campus Pharmacy.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Claire Sobczak Pacelli, Kelly M. Warner, and S. Babu Kaza of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Dealer Arrested with Firearm, Agents Seize Seven Kilograms of Fentanyl Powder, 12 Kilograms of Fentanyl-Laced Pills From His Apartment in Phoenix

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jose Manuel Arellano-Noriega, 37, a Mexican national living in Phoenix, was arrested in Phoenix on Monday and charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute More than 400 Grams of Fentanyl.

    According to the complaint, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force were in the area of 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix when they observed a red Fiat 500 traveling approximately 55 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone. Based on the traffic violation, investigators conducted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Arellano-Noriega based on his Mexican passport. A police canine conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

    Investigators searched the vehicle and located a black backpack which contained a black semi-automatic 9mm handgun with a loaded magazine. During a post-Miranda interview, Arellano-Noriega stated he was the owner of the handgun and informed investigators he was in possession of large amounts of fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder at his apartment. Arellano-Noriega provided investigators verbal and written consent to search his apartment and provided the exact locations of the pills and powder located at his apartment.

    In Arellano-Noriega’s apartment, investigators seized seven bricks, weighing over 7,800 grams of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for fentanyl. Investigators also seized approximately 100,000 blue pills which weighed approximately 12,146 grams and that field tested positive for fentanyl.

    Possession with the Intent to Distribute More than 400 grams of Fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

    A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The DEA Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           MJ-25-0964-PHX-ESW
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-013_Arellano-Noriega

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Pharmacists Sentenced for Roles in $13M Medicare, Medicaid, and Private Insurer Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Four pharmacy owners have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud.

    Pharmacist Raef Hamaed, of Maricopa County, Arizona, was sentenced on Jan. 8 to 10 years in prison; pharmacist Tarek Fakhuri, of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, was sentenced on Jan. 13 to seven years in prison; pharmacist Ali Abdelrazzaq, of Macomb County, Michigan, was sentenced on Jan. 15 to two years in prison; and pharmacist Kindy Ghussin, of Greene County, Ohio, was sentenced today to five years and five months in prison.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hamaed, Fakhuri, Ghussin, and Abdelrazzaq billed Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for prescription medications that they did not dispense at five pharmacies they owned and operated: Eastside Pharmacy, Harper Drugs, and Wayne Campus Pharmacy in Michigan, and Heartland Pharmacy and Heartland Pharmacy 2 in Ohio. The defendants collectively caused over $13 million of loss to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

    On Sept. 5, 2024, a federal jury convicted Hamaed, Fakhuri, Ghussin, and Abdelrazzaq of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. The jury also convicted Fakhuri of one count of health care fraud. Hamaed was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy at all five pharmacies; Fakhuri was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy at Harper Drugs, Wayne Campus Pharmacy, and Heartland Pharmacy; Ghussin was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy at Wayne Campus Pharmacy and both Heartland pharmacies; and Abdelrazzaq was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy at Wayne Campus Pharmacy.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Claire Sobczak Pacelli, Kelly M. Warner, and S. Babu Kaza of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Seizes Venezuelan Aircraft Involved in Violations of U.S. Export Control and Sanctions Laws

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Dassault Falcon 2000EX Aircraft Was Used by Venezuela’s State-Owned Oil and Natural Gas Company and Illegally Maintained and Serviced Using Parts from the United States

    The Justice Department announced today that Dominican Republic authorities seized a Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft used by Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural-gas company, at the request of the U.S. government based on violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

    “The use of American-made parts to service and maintain aircraft operated by sanctioned entities like PdVSA is intolerable,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department, along with its federal law enforcement partners, will continue to safeguard our national security by identifying, disrupting, and dismantling schemes aimed at procuring American goods in violation of our sanctions and export control laws.”

    “Today’s announcement — the seizure of a sanctioned aircraft used by the Maduro regime — clearly shows that sanctions and export control laws have teeth,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Kevin J. Kurland of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “BIS will continue to aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our regulations.”

    “The seizure of the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft provides yet another example of this office’s commitment to enforcing America’s export control laws against Venezuelan-owned PdVSA and other sanctioned entities,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Asset forfeiture is a powerful law enforcement tool, which we will continue to use aggressively to deter, disrupt, and otherwise combat criminal activity.”

    “This seizure demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. export control and sanctions laws around the globe,” said Edwin F. Lopez, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Santo Domingo Country Attaché. “By working closely with our partners in the Dominican Republic and across the U.S. government, we successfully prevented the violation of U.S. laws designed to protect national security and foreign policy interests. HSI will continue to use its global reach and investigative expertise to target those who seek to evade justice and undermine the rule of law.”

    In August 2019, President Trump issued Executive Order (EO) 13884, which, among other things, prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with persons who have acted or purported to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of PdVSA. Pursuant to the EO, on Jan. 21, 2020, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified 15 aircraft as blocked property of U.S. law that generally prohibit transactions by U.S. persons within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in blocked property.

    According to the U.S. investigation, in July 2017, PdVSA purchased the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft from the United States and exported it to Venezuela where it was registered under tail number YV-3360. Following the imposition of sanctions on PdVSA and identification of the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft as blocked property of PdVSA, the aircraft was serviced and maintained on multiple occasions using parts from the United States. The servicing included a brake assembly, electronic flight displays, and flight management computers: all in violation of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

    According to a public statement issued by OFAC, since at least January 2019, the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft has transported Venezuelan Oil Minister Manuel Salvador Quevedo Fernandez, who is also sanctioned by the U.S. government, to an Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting in the United Arab Emirates and has been used to transport senior members of the Maduro regime in a continuation of the regime’s misappropriation of PdVSA assets.

    The Justice Department previously announced in September 2024 the seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft in the Dominican Republic that was owned and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros and persons affiliated with him in Venezuela.

    The BIS Miami Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from HSI Santo Domingo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jorge Delgado and Joshua Paster for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Stratton and Ajay J. Alexander for the Southern District of Florida also provided assistance.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI El Dorado Task Force Miami provided significant assistance. The United States thanks the Dominican Republic for its assistance in this matter.

    The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kendrick Lamar’s big Super Bowl moment

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christina L. Myers, Assistant Professor of Journalism, Michigan State University

    Lamar’s Super Bowl appearance marks a political reckoning for the NFL. Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images

    In the September 2024 NFL ad announcing Kendrick Lamar as the halftime performer at Super Bowl 59, the 37-year-old rapper stands before a colossal American flag, feeding footballs into a machine that launches the balls to wide receivers.

    “Will you be pulling up? I hope so,” he says, plugging his forthcoming appearance on one of the world’s biggest stages, where the cultural stakes can be as high as the athletic ones. “Wear your best dress too, even if you’re watching from home.”

    The casual yet evocative scene was classic Kendrick.

    As a world-renowned Grammy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, Lamar stands in a league of his own. His unflinching critiques of racial injustice, systemic inequality and the exploitation of Black culture have made him a boundary-pushing artist and cultural visionary.

    My work examines how race and racism are constructed, represented and challenged in mass media, particularly in news, music and sports. I think the NFL’s complicated history with social justice makes his participation even more significant.

    With a discography expansive enough to eclipse the time constraints of Sunday’s game, I’m eager to see whether Lamar will weave his lyrical masterpieces into a performance that entertains, educates and challenges viewers.

    Sports, politics and backlash

    Sports have always been political, despite persistent calls to keep politics out of sports.

    The tradition of playing the national anthem before sporting events is but one example: The song is rooted in wartime sorrow and serves as a call to patriotism.

    Then there are unsanctioned acts of protests by players and fans. Whenever professional athletes go on strike, it’s political. When fans unfurl banners in support of Palestinians, it’s political.

    From Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ fist-raising at the 1968 Olympics in solidarity with Black communities during the Civil Rights Movement, to Muhammad Ali’s refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling to protest police brutality, athletes have long used their platforms to confront injustice and challenge norms.

    Yet, acts of protest often incite backlash, and the NFL has haphazardly tried to police political speech.

    Kaepernick’s protests sparked a national debate about ideas of patriotism and the appropriateness of protest on the playing field. At the same time, NFL owners appeared to effectively blacklist him from the league.

    Nick Bosa, a defensive end with the 49ers, was fined for violating a rule forbidding players from wearing clothes conveying “personal messages” when he wore a MAGA hat during a postgame interview in 2024. Meanwhile, NFL owners have donated millions to presidential campaigns, with most of those contributions given to Republican candidates.

    Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has donated to Republican politicians and causes, even as the league tries to muzzle players’ political speech.
    Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

    An artist and activist

    The Super Bowl halftime show has long been more than just a musical interlude. It’s a stage where cultural and political currents converge.

    During Beyoncé’s 2016 appearance alongside headliner Bruno Mars, she paid homage to the Black Panthers, Malcolm X and the Black Lives Matter movement. U2’s act during the 2002 Super Bowl provided a moment of collective mourning and hope for a country still reeling from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. More recently, Dr. Dre’s 2022 performance celebrated hip-hop’s rise from a marginalized genre to a dominant cultural force. Eminem, who also participated in that performance, took a knee on stage to critique the NFL’s treatment of Black athletes and activists.

    Rapper Eminem takes a knee as he performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl 56 on Feb. 13, 2022.
    Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

    To me, Lamar’s Super Bowl appearance symbolizes a broader reckoning with how the NFL handles the tension between politics and corporate entertainment.

    That’s because Kendrick Lamar’s artistry is more than just music. It’s activism.

    From his Grammy award-winning album “To Pimp a Butterfly” to the raw, introspective, Pulitzer Prize-winning album “DAMN.,” Lamar has consistently confronted themes of systemic oppression, racial injustice and Black life in America.

    Tracks like “DNA.” are unapologetic celebrations of Blackness and generational resilience: 

     I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
 Quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA
 I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA
 I got hustle, though, ambition flow inside my DNA

    “The Blacker the Berry” delves into the complexities of Black identity and confronting systemic racism:

      I said they treat me like a slave, cah me Black
  Woi, we feel whole heap of pain cah we Black
  And man a say they put me inna chains cah we Black

    And “XXX.” confronts the greed, violence and hypocrisy at the core of American life.

      Hail Mary, Jesus and Joseph
  The great American flag
  Is wrapped and dragged with explosives
  Compulsive disorder, sons and daughters
  Barricaded blocks and borders, look what you taught us
  It's murder on my street
  Your street, back streets, Wall Street

    Unlike many mainstream artists, Lamar seems to have mastered the delicate balance between commercial success and politically charged content. His genius lies in his ability to write songs that transcend race, gender and class.

    At a time when the nation grapples with efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion practices, and as corporate power continues to go unchecked, conversations about race and inequality remain at the fore.

    Lamar has never hesitated to confront uncomfortable truths through his music. He has a unique opportunity to merge art, activism and a critique of the nation. I expect this moment will be no exception.

    Will you be pulling up? I will.

    Christina L. Myers is affiliated with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

    – ref. Kendrick Lamar’s big Super Bowl moment – https://theconversation.com/kendrick-lamars-big-super-bowl-moment-247976

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Hickenlooper Calls Out Vought’s Project 2025 Agenda on Senate Floor, Vows to Use Every Tool to Fight

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    Hickenlooper: “It’s time to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt what Mr. Vought and his Project [2025] are trying to do.”

    Senate Democrats held the Senate floor overnight to oppose Vought’s nomination

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor against the nomination of Russell Vought, President Trump’s pick to lead the Office of Budget and Management (OMB). Hickenlooper’s remarks come ahead of the final confirmation vote, where he will vote “No” on Vought.

    “If confirmed, Mr. Vought and Project 2025 could have devastating consequences for Colorado,” Hickenlooper said on the Senate floor.

    “…At a time when grocery prices are rising on everything from eggs to meat, Project 2025 is going to make life harder for Colorado farmers and ranchers – and more risky,” he continued. “Project 2025 would cut safety nets for our Ag producers when they have a bad season…Hanging small farmers out to dry does nothing to lower grocery prices for [Americans].”

    “…I will oppose every nominee that poses a genuine threat to Coloradans. That’s why I’m here on the floor and will vote “No” on Mr. Vought today.”

    “…It’s time to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt what Mr. Vought and his Project [2025] are trying to do.”

    The OMB oversees the performance of federal agencies and administers the federal budget. Vought previously served as acting OMB director during President Donald Trump’s first term and was a primary architect of Project 2025, which details MAGA Republicans’ far-right agenda to dismantle the federal government under a Trump administration.

    Last week, in response to an executive order from President Trump, the OMB ordered a freeze on all federal grants and loans. The pause threatened hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, which would have impacted thousands of organizations in Colorado and hurt millions of Americans. 

    On Monday, a federal court issued a restraining order against the Trump administration, extending a temporary pause on the President’s plan.

    More information about how a freeze would impact Coloradans is available HERE.

    Yesterday, Hickenlooper posted a video to social media where he commits to use every tool at his disposal, including opposing any nominees who will harm Colorado, to disrupt the administration’s illegal actions. This morning, Hickenlooper joined Democrats in holding the Senate floor overnight to oppose Trump’s nominee.

    To download a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks is available below:

    “Mr. President,

    “I take to the floor today to urge my colleagues to vote “No” on President Trump’s nominee to the Office of Budget and Management, Russell Vought.

    “Some remember Mr. Vought from when he served as the head of the same agency during President Trump’s first term. He is one of the very few “repeat” appointments – clearly a reflection of his loyalty.

    “You may also know him for his leadership – his authoring – of Project 2025, that far-right agenda that the President – during the campaign – swore up and down he had no idea about. 

    “And I believe that, although I think he understood many discussions, perhaps outlined the framework.  

    “Project 2025 would gut our longstanding and globally admired framework of checks and balances. It would gut them.  It would ensure civil servants would be hired and fired on the basis of political loyalty – something that this country has struggled for many decades to get rid of.

    “It would truly weaponize our system of justice. Again something that almost everyone works towards keeping nonpartisan.

    “It lays out in detail a plan to dramatically change our American system of government – perhaps for a very long time.

    “It’s really not a question of “if” anymore. The plan and the people putting it in place are disregarding laws and norms dating back to the Constitution. They are throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks.

    “This means firing or pushing out vast swaths of the federal workforce of civil servants. These are career civil servants, many of whom have devoted their lives to keeping our government running – from processing social security checks, and keeping our weather systems afloat, or helping to stop waste, fraud and abuse.

    “Some would say our federal workers don’t do anything. But they are honest, hard-working Americans.

    “Project 2025 is just getting started. If confirmed, Mr.Vought and Project 2025 could have devastating consequences for Colorado.

    “Deep in Project 2025 are plans to heavily restrict access to contraceptives and abortion medication, denying women and families the freedom to make their own reproductive decisions. 

    “Plans to make health care more expensive by repealing policies that empower Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and drive down the cost of health care for seniors.

    “Plans to make Colorado less resilient to these increasingly frequent disasters caused by extreme weather.

    “And they’re already reinstating cruel immigration policies, and threatening to come after the LGBTQ+ community.

    “At a time when grocery prices are rising on everything from eggs to meat, Project 2025 is going to make life harder for Colorado farmers and ranchers – and more risky. 

    “Project 2025 would cut safety nets for our Ag producers when they have a bad season. It includes plans to gut essential crop insurance. Project 2025 even wants government to get involved in the specific techniques our ranchers use to farm.

    “Now, our Colorado farmers know their land better than anyone else. Hanging small farmers out to dry does nothing to lower grocery prices for America. 

    “We’ve been hearing in our offices from producers across the state who are very concerned about what this Project 2025 means to them. We have over 38,000 farm operations in Colorado. Some harvest wheat, some raise meat or poultry, some specialize in dairy. All of them help support our rural communities and play an essential role in feeding families really all across the country.

    “We don’t have to speculate about what Mr.Vought would do to the Office of Management and Budget – he’s really laid it all out in Project 2025. He wrote Project 2025 to a large extent himself.

    “One of his finest contributions: a section championing the Executive Branch’s ability to overreach and “impound funds.”

    “Let’s not mince words: This is, by all historic measures, blatantly unconstitutional.

    “Congress alone has the authority to decide how the government spends its money.

    “This isn’t an opinion. It says explicitly in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7: “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.”

    “Made by law, designated by Congress.

    “And again in Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: “Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States.”

    “We got a taste of how Mr. Vought would attempt to execute something like this last week.

    “In a truly chaotic late-night, two-page memo, the Trump administration halted all federal grants and loans. We’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars in federal spending for a staggering number of programs. Programs that provide Americans health care, food, nutrition, housing, child care, so much else.

    “The memo stemmed from an executive order calling on federal agencies to review and eliminate spending on “woke” ideologies or “The [Green New] Deal” – both things that aren’t clearly defined and don’t in any specific way exist. 

    “In this rush to create chaos and jumbled policy, the implementors didn’t bother to specify which programs would continue and which programs would end. 

    “Our office and staff were immediately flooded with calls. Hundreds and then thousands of calls. We heard from folks in every corner of Colorado – big cities, small towns – asking ‘what does this mean’ for them and their families. There was real fear, real worry, and for good reason.

    “The Trump administration tried to walk back the original memo to clarify that the freeze wouldn’t affect individual payments, like Social Security or food stamp benefits.

    “But that didn’t clear up too much. And it certainly didn’t help that the White House Press Secretary couldn’t answer specific questions like pertaining to specific government programs like Medicaid, whether they were going to be affected. Frustrating as it is – and I get how frustrating it is – there are reasons why government moves slowly. 

    “All of this, if implemented as requested, would’ve had a devastating impact on Colorado. A devastating impact.

    “Federal programs and funds make up roughly 25 percent of our state’s effort to build transportation and infrastructure, provide needed services for the most needy in our state. 

    “Head Start, a truly vital service for over 9,000 low-income kids in Colorado, would be forced to shutter its operations that provide for these low-income kids of all communities with the early childhood education, health, and nutrition that they need. Even as we speak, there are reports that Head Start providers around the nation are not able to access funds.

    “If implemented it would cut off 83,000+ low-income Colorado families from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps heat their homes in the cold winter. These are folks that in many cases are unable to pay their heating bills or wouldn’t be able to heat their homes without this assistance.

    “Our public safety and law enforcement would be weakened. The pause would strip funding that helps our local agencies prevent terrorism, helps them crack down on drug trafficking, and prevent crimes and provide services for those who have been victimized by crime.

    “Colorado has one of the largest veteran populations in the country, something we’re very proud of. But this funding [pause] would cut resources for those vets. It would cut resources for community-based suicide prevention efforts, organizations that provide care for veterans experiencing homelessness, and services for veterans living with disabilities – many of them taken in the defense of our nation. Hard to be cruel to those who have given their country so much.

    “Before entering public service, I was in the restaurant business. At our brewpub in downtown Denver, we’d cook, pack, and donate meals every year to Meals on Wheels to feed seniors throughout the Metro Denver area. I’ve seen firsthand the difference this makes, the relief it provides to seniors who need it. Many of them don’t leave the house, and are so grateful to have someone come and they can talk to as they get their meal. 

    “But the federal funding freeze left Meals on Wheels in Colorado, but all across the country, unsure of how and whether they’ll be able to continue serving meals. Over 25,000 Coloradan seniors everyday rely on Meals on Wheels to access food. Why would we leave our seniors hungry and unsure of where their next hot lunch is going to come?

    “Our office also heard directly from a Colorado rural health organization about how this federal funding freeze would have life-or-death effects on Coloradans in 47 rural counties. 

    “When we’re in towns like Cortez or Hugo or Julesburg, we hear all the time about how our rural hospitals, clinics, and community health centers are already strained by workforce shortages, by rising costs. 

    “These medical providers are on the frontlines of dealing with our nation’s mental health and opioid crisis. And we’re cutting their ability to provide these services.

    “These folks in rural Colorado, and in suburbs around every city in Colorado, are watching their friends, family, and neighbors struggle with mental health issues that rose up after the pandemic.  

    “This funding freeze wouldn’t just strip funding from these programs. It would force our critical rural hospitals to lay off staff or turn away patients at a time when they need it the most.

    “We should be fighting to increase access to quality, affordable health care no matter where people live – not take it away.

    “The federal funding freeze has already been blocked by the courts several times because it is blatantly illegal. It makes no sense.

    “But make no mistake, Mr. Vought and the Trump administration will keep poking and prodding our courts and our Constitution until they get their way.  

    “All of these actions serve a sinister purpose: to completely transform our government into one that gives enormous, enormous tax cuts, largely directed at those who don’t need them – and in many cases in Colorado don’t want them – and puts working-class Americans out to pasture.

    “The federal funding freeze is just one of many chaotic actions that Mr.Vought and the administration are pushing. We see Project 2025 come into clarity in this administration’s illegal attempts to dismantle agencies without congressional approval, or their attempts to access Americans’ sensitive data.

    “Look, I’m all for cutting government waste. If you want to seriously look at how we spend money and where we can cut actual fraud, waste, and abuse – I’m game. A more efficient government will help us all, but that’s not what’s happening. 

    “I’ve worked as hard as I could to find ways to work across the aisle, and that’s not going to change. When I was Mayor of Denver, when I was Governor of Colorado, we balanced the budget every year and we worked hard to try and streamline government processes. Just like every mayor and every governor in this country.

    “You can’t just shove working families under the bus or violate the law to do it.

    “We’ll fight these attempts in the courts, on the floor of the Senate – like now – and everywhere else we can to defend Colorado and the Constitution.

    “It’s time to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt what Mr. Vought and his Project [2025] are trying to do. We’ve supported these lawsuits, opposed executive actions, and voted against nominees. 

    “But if we need to hold the Senate floor like we’re doing now, vote all night, disrupt business as usual, we’ll do that too.

    “I will oppose every nominee that poses a genuine threat to Coloradans. That’s why I’m here on the floor and will vote “No” on Mr. Vought today.

    “Coloradans sent us to Washington to solve problems, not to create more. Project 2025, it’s a brutal plan to wreak havoc on our nation, and really change the way our government operates, the way our democracy functions. 

    “I hope people all over the state emulate that old movie “Network”, that they can shout out on every corner, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to stand for it!”

    “Let’s hope they get so loud that they can’t be drowned out.

    “Mr. President, I yield back the floor.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and Coalition of 12 Attorneys General Release Statement on DOGE Access to Sensitive Personal Information

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, February 6, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general in releasing the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of the Treasury granting Elon Musk and his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) staffers access to sensitive payment systems containing Americans’ personally identifiable information:

    “In the past week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has given Elon Musk access to Americans’ personal private information, state bank account data, and other information that is some of our country’s most sensitive data.

    “As the richest man in the world, Elon Musk is not used to being told ‘no,’ but in our country, no one is above the law. The President does not have the power to give away our private information to anyone he chooses, and he cannot cut federal payments approved by Congress. 

    “This level of access for unauthorized individuals is unlawful, unprecedented, and unacceptable. DOGE has no authority to access this information, which they explicitly sought in order to block critical payments that millions of Americans rely on – payments that support health care, childcare, and other essential programs. 

    “In defense of our Constitution, our right to privacy, and the essential funding that individuals and communities nationwide are counting on, we will be filing a lawsuit to stop this injustice.”

    Joining Attorney General Bonta in releasing this statement are the attorneys general of New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Demands Answers from Trump Administration After Funding Blocked for Wisconsin Head Start

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is demanding answers from the Trump Administration on why half of Wisconsin’s Head Start programs, which provide childcare and preschool education to children, were unable to access previously approved federal funding, forcing at least one program to shutter. After the Trump Administration illegally ordered a pause on previously Congressionally approved federal grants and loans, half of Wisconsin Head Start programs were locked out of systems they use to pay staff and keep operations running. 

    “Head Start is a critical lifeline for families,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to the Acting Secretaries of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Head Start. “Disruptions in services impact entire communities – from the children who are unable to be in the classroom, to the parents who are unable to work due to the lack of childcare, and Head Start professionals who love their jobs but are unable to be in their classrooms. I am also deeply concerned about the impact this chaos will have on the recruitment and retention of staff at Head Start centers.”

    Last week, the Trump Administration sent a letter from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directing a pause on virtually all federal grants and loans, with minimal details on what programs would and would not be impacted. While the memo was later rescinded, eight Head Start programs around the state have continued to experience issues accessing their federal funding, forcing one Head Start Center in Waukesha to close last week and leaving more than 250 families without childcare.

    “It is clear that funding issues persisted even after the Administration attempted to backtrack on the OMB memo and clarify that it did not apply to Head Start programs and following federal court orders that blocked the implementation of the memo,” wrote Senator Baldwin. “I am still hearing from Head Start grantees in Wisconsin who are continuing to have problems accessing their funds. I request your immediate attention to resolve any outstanding issues for Head Start payment systems.”

    In her letter, Senator Baldwin asked Dorothy A. Fink, M.D., Acting Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, and Tala Hooban, Acting Director of the Office of Head Start, to immediately respond with the following: 

    • A full accounting of the directives your department and agency received from the Trump Administration regarding the initial freeze of federal funds in the OMB memo. 
    • A full accounting of the directives received from the Trump Administration regarding the disbursement of federal funds after the clarification that the freeze did not apply to Head Start programs and after federal court orders were issued blocking implementation of the OMB memo.
    • The number of Head Start grantees who were unable to access or experienced difficulties in accessing the Payment Management System – the system used to access their federal funding – on or after January 28 and the dates in which they were unable to access the system.
    • Detail the reasons as to why these users were unable to access the Payment Management System.
    • Information on what resources you need, funding or otherwise, to ensure these issues do not happen in the future.

    A full version of this letter is available here and below.

    Dear Acting Secretary Fink and Acting Director Hooban:

    I write to you out of concern for what is happening at Head Start programs in Wisconsin during the first few weeks of the Trump Administration.  After the Administration ordered a pause on federal grants and loans, half of Wisconsin Head Start programs were locked out of systems they use to pay staff and keep operations running.  A Head Start Center in Waukesha closed last week and left more than 250 families without childcare.  Still today, Head Start programs in Wisconsin are having problems accessing their funds, which raises continued uncertainty about their ability to keep their doors open.  This is unacceptable and requires your immediate attention.

    There has been a long bipartisan history of providing federal funding for Head Start.  For Fiscal Year 2024, as Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee, I was proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide $12.3 billion for Head Start in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 which was signed into law by President Biden on March 23, 2024.  This carefully negotiated and bipartisan appropriation was a $275 million increase over Fiscal Year 2023 levels, which was celebrated in both red and blue states.

    Despite this history of strong bipartisan support and a clear Congressional directive, on January 28th President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memorandum (M-25-13) ordering a halt to all federal grants and loans. This memo caused widespread chaos and confusion across the federal government and impacted every state in our nation.  While I understand the Trump Administration sought to clarify that they did not intend for Head Start to be included in the funding freeze, the reality for Head Start across the country and in Wisconsin was an inability to access funding that had already been approved by Congress.

    In the wake of this chaos, I met with and heard from Head Start programs across Wisconsin about the devastating impact the unlawful federal funding freeze had on their individual programs and in our communities.  About half of the Head Start programs in Wisconsin experienced prolonged issues in accessing their funds.  When attempting to draw down these federal dollars, these programs were met with only a response that the funding was ‘pending.’

    Head Start is a critical lifeline for families.  Disruptions in services impact entire communities –

    from the children who are unable to be in the classroom, to the parents who are unable to work due to the lack of child care, and Head Start professionals who love their jobs but are unable to be in their classrooms.  I am also deeply concerned about the impact this chaos will have on the recruitment and retention of staff at Head Start centers.  Head Start programs have continued to endure staffing shortfalls which has resulted in a reduction in slots for children and the number of families being served.  Disruption and uncertainty only serves to compound staffing recruitment challenges. 

    The years before a child reaches kindergarten are among the most critical in their life.  Research has shown participating in early childhood education programs helps better prepare children for their future and can result in better grades, higher school completion rates, reduction in the criminal justice system, and greater economic self-sufficiency as adults.  This is why programs like Head Start enjoy broad bipartisan support and are so critical in ensuring that our youngest children will be prepared to succeed later in their educational careers.  We know these long-term benefits make early childhood education programs a cost-effective way to strengthen society as a whole.

    It is clear that funding issues persisted even after the Administration attempted to backtrack on the OMB memo and clarify that it did not apply to Head Start programs and following federal court orders that blocked the implementation of the memo. I am still hearing from Head Start grantees in Wisconsin who are continuing to have problems accessing their funds. I request your immediate attention to resolve any outstanding issues for Head Start payment systems.

    Additionally, I ask you to provide the following:

    • A full accounting of the directives your department and agency received from the Trump Administration regarding the initial freeze of federal funds in M-25-13 OMB memo. 
    • A full accounting of the directives received from the Trump Administration regarding the disbursement of federal funds after the clarification that the freeze did not apply to Head Start programs and after federal court orders were issued blocking implementation of the M-25-13 OMB memo.
    • The number of Head Start grantees who were unable to access or experienced difficulties in accessing the Payment Management System on or after January 28 and the dates in which they were unable to access the system.
    • Detail the reasons as to why these users were unable to access the Payment Management System.
    • Information on what resources you need, funding or otherwise, to ensure these issues do not happen in the future.

    I thank you for your attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Leads Colleagues on Bill to Close Tax Loophole and Make Wall Street Pay Its Fair Share

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led thirteen of her colleagues in introducing the Carried Interest Fairness Act to eliminate a tax loophole that benefits wealthy money managers on Wall Street. The current carried interest loophole allows investment managers to often pay almost half the tax rate compared to most other Wisconsin workers.

    “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. “Closing the carried interest loophole will ensure super-wealthy Americans do their part, reducing the deficit and increasing fairness in our tax code. As President Trump has previously said, this loophole is ‘unfair to American workers’ and I look forward to working with him to finally close it.”

    The carried interest loophole allows investment managers to pay the lower 23.8 percent capital gains tax rate on income received as compensation, rather than the ordinary income tax rates of up to 40.8 percent that they would pay for the same amount of wage income. The Carried Interest Fairness Act requires carried interest income to be taxed at ordinary wage rates. According to the Treasury proposal, closing this loophole will raise $6.5 billion in revenue over 10 years.

    Despite President Donald Trump previously saying, “…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.” Senate Republicans rejected an amendment to the tax bill by Senator Baldwin to close the loophole, which all Senate Democrats supported in 2017.

    The bill is co-sponsored by 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), Jack Reed (D-RI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) also introduced this bill today in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    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, Main Street Alliance, American Federation of Government Employees, Small Business Minority, Economic Policy Institute, and the National Women’s Law Center.

    “The carried interest loophole is an expensive subsidy of the billionaire executives who are raiding the public purse right now to pay for their next private island,” said Porter McConnell, Senior Director of Take on Wall Street at Americans for Financial Reform. “We commend Senator Baldwin for her leadership on closing this egregious loophole so that working families can stop subsidizing ultra wealthy hedge fund and private equity executives.”

    “The carried interest loophole is an unfair Wall Street tax break that enriches billionaires who end up paying lower tax rates than teachers, nurses, and firefighters.” said Oscar Valdés Viera, research manager at Americans for Financial Reform. “We applaud Senator Baldwin for her unwavering leadership in introducing the Carried Interest Fairness Act and urge the Senate to swiftly move on this legislation.”

    “The carried interest loophole gives a class of the wealthy elite – hedge fund managers and executives – an enormous and unfair advantage by allowing them to pay a significantly lower tax rate on their compensation than working- and middle-class Americans. Senator Baldwin’s Carried Interest Fairness Act would work to close this loophole, enhancing tax fairness, narrowing the growing wealth gap, and providing crucial revenue for investments in the American people,” said Casey Conroy, Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst at 20/20 Vision.

    “Small business owners work hard every day to keep their doors open, staff on payroll and shelves stocked. Meanwhile, investment managers pay a lower tax rate than Main Street because of a ridiculous loophole. Main Street Alliance and our 30,000 members strongly support Senator Baldwin’s Carried Interest Fairness Act. Our tax code should focus on supporting the 20 million new small business owners who have started since 2020, not glitzy hedge funds,” said Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance Executive Director.

    “There are a lot of economically and morally unjustifiable tax loopholes that disproportionately benefit wealthy people like me, but the carried interest loophole may just take the cake. Ultra-wealthy hedge fund managers should not receive a tax break on the income they earn managing other people’s money, as the last time I checked, nurses don’t get a tax break on the money they make ‘managing’ people’s lives with their blood, sweat, and tears. It’s time for lawmakers to pass the Carried Interest Fairness Act and close this egregious loophole once and for all,” said Morris Pearl, Chair of the Patriotic Millionaires and a former Managing Director at BlackRock.

    “The carried interest tax loophole stands as one of the most glaring examples of how the ultra-wealthy exploit and rig our broken tax system to their advantage,” said David Kass, executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness. “It’s common sense—Wall Street hedge fund managers shouldn’t pay lower federal tax rates than nurses, teachers, and most working Americans. This change is long overdue and represents a critical step toward a fairer tax system that ensures these uber-wealthy individuals pay their fair share like everyone else.”

    “There is no reason that private equity managers, some of the wealthiest people in the country, should get away with paying lower tax rates than average families, especially as the care crisis continues to strain family budgets. Closing the carried interest loophole is an important step towards making sure the wealthiest are paying their fair share and that our tax code works for all of us, not just those at the top,” said Melissa Boteach, Vice President for Income Security and Child Care/Early Learning at the National Women’s Law Center.

    A one-pager on this legislation is available here. Bill text of this legislation is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Judiciary Democrats Condemn Trump’s Unfit Nominee for FBI Director Kash Patel

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Judiciary Democrats Condemn Trump’s Unfit Nominee for FBI Director Kash Patel

    WATCH: Padilla urges Republicans to reject Patel based on alarming and radical record

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined his Democratic colleagues on the Committee in speaking out against Kash Patel’s dangerous nomination to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During this morning’s Judiciary Committee business meeting, Padilla objected to Patel’s nomination and urged his Republican colleagues to do the same ahead of the Committee’s vote next week.

    Padilla raised significant concerns regarding Patel’s lack of judgement, independence, and preparedness — flaws made clear both during his nomination hearing and throughout his career. He highlighted Patel’s troubling record, including his publication of a political enemies list, threats to prosecute journalists, and his stated plan to “shut down the FBI Hoover Building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.’”

    Padilla also denounced Patel’s reckless actions as Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, where he put the lives of U.S. military personnel at risk by providing false information during a high-stakes hostage rescue operation. He also slammed Patel’s opposition to background checks and his apparent support for civilian ownership of machine guns.

    The Senators reiterated calls for an additional hearing to address Patel’s misleading testimony and his involvement in the removals and investigations of career FBI employees. During Patel’s nomination hearing last week, Senator Padilla raised serious concerns about his fitness to lead the FBI independently.

    Key Excerpts:

    • In addition to a lot of the specific concerns about Kash Patel and how he would be as an FBI director, I feel compelled to remind us of the moment that we are in right now in the first few weeks of the second Trump administration — the chaos that has been created.
    • In times of chaos and crisis like this, the public deserves to see trusted leaders in the most important positions of our federal government, trusted leaders who will stand up and say “no” to a president trying to blow through the very guardrails put in place by the Constitution. So it’s in that context that makes the nomination and potential confirmation of Kash Patel even more alarming.
    • When I asked him about his thoughts on what should be commonsense gun safety policies and protocols, what his position was on things like universal background checks, he either failed to answer or chose not to answer. Poor judgment, clear lack of preparation for the position of FBI director that oversees our background check system for a reason.
    • Let alone his lack of ability or lack of willingness to serve independently. It’s not just the Department of Justice. It’s been the FBI specifically that has performed at its best when it serves the people, when it honors the Constitution, and respects the rule of law. Clearly, Kash Patel puts that secondary to his loyalty to Donald Trump.
    • It’s up to the Senate to either confirm this nominee or not. It’s clear where Senate Democrats stand. I think my biggest question is, where are Senate Republicans going to stand at this important moment in history? Will they choose the rule of law? Will they choose the Constitution? Will they choose to stay loyal to the very oath of office they’ve taken and their important advice and consent role? Or will they choose loyalty to a reckless president?

    Video of Padilla’s remarks is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Introduces Resolution to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced a Senate Resolution to declare racism a public health crisis. The resolution calls on Congress to establish a nationwide strategy to address health disparities and inequities across all sectors in society.

    “Racism and its compounding impacts have harmed the health and well-being of communities of color across America for generations,” said Senator Padilla. “Declaring racism as a public health crisis is an initial step to bring more attention to these deep-rooted inequities, but we have much more work to do to address these disparities and deliver justice for millions of Americans.”

    “This resolution is an important step toward recognizing that communities of color, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities, face disproportionate rates of chronic illness, shorter life expectancies, and increased barriers to quality health care,” said Senator Booker. “These disparities are not accidents. They are the direct result of decades of unjust policies and systems that determine whether your air or water is clean, or how close your family is to a toxic waste site. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to dismantle the systemic injustices that continue to impact the health outcomes of communities of color across America.” 

    “Racism is deadly for people of color, adversely impacting access to health care resources and disproportionately exacerbating health outcomes of marginalized communities including life expectancy, infant mortality, maternal morbidity, risk of cancer, and more,” said Senator Hirono. “The first step in addressing a crisis is naming it, which is why I am proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing the impacts of systemic racism on the health of minority groups, and reaffirming our commitment to addressing health disparities and inequity across all communities.”

    The resolution acknowledges the history of racism and discrimination within health care and the systemic barriers that people of color continue to face when seeking care. It also highlights the effects of systemic racism on the health and wellness of communities of color, resulting in shorter life expectancy, worsened health outcomes, and increased exposure to harmful or dangerous environments. Additionally, the resolution encourages concrete action to address health disparities and inequity across all sectors in society.

    Additionally, the resolution calls on the United States Congress to: 

    • Dismantle systemic practices and policies that perpetuate racism. 
    • Advance reforms to address years of neglectful and apathetic policies that have led to poor health outcomes for members of racial and ethnic minority groups. 
    • Promote efforts to urgently address the social determinants of health for all racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. 

    In addition to Padilla, Booker, and Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.-03) introduced a companion resolution in the House. 

    Full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New legislation will accelerate B.C. renewable energy projects

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    To ensure rapid permitting and robust regulation of renewable energy projects, the Province will introduce legislation in spring 2025 allowing the regulation of renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, to move under the authority of the BC Energy Regulator (BCER). Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, made the announcement in the presence of successful First Nations and clean-energy partners who gathered to celebrate the signing of their electricity purchase agreements (EPAs) with BC Hydro, which will generate between $5 billion and $6 billion in private capital spending throughout the province.

    The legislation will also enable the BCER to be the primary regulatory authority for authorizations associated with the construction of the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) and other high-voltage electricity transmission projects. This will help accelerate the expansion of British Columbia’s electricity grid and meet the demand in growth arising from critical mineral and metal mining, port electrification, hydrogen and fuel processing, and shipping projects under consideration. 

    “Along with other natural resources projects, these critical projects have been identified by the Province as priorities that are ready to move forward, with the potential to generate significant employment to support our economy in the face of potential tariffs by the U.S. government,” said Dix. “Now, with electricity purchase agreements signed by all of the wind and solar projects selected in the recent BC Hydro Call for Power and the BC Energy Regulator poised to be regulator for permitting these projects, British Columbia is on a clear trajectory to deliver the clean, affordable and reliable power people and industry need, and meaningfully grow and diversify our economy.”

    This announcement builds on the Province’s intent to exempt all future wind projects from the environmental assessment process, including the nine wind projects that are now under signed electricity purchase agreements with BC Hydro. It will create a single-window permitting process for renewable energy projects. The BC Energy Regulator will take a staged approach, focusing initially on the North Coast Transmission Line and other prescribed high-voltage transmission lines, and the wind and solar projects.

    The new legislation, to be introduced by the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, will extend the BC Energy Regulator’s existing legal authorities and responsibilities to the new development activities relevant to the different energy projects.

    The BC Energy Regulator is an experienced organization that has demonstrated expertise at getting projects moving quickly, while providing robust regulatory oversight through the lifecycle of projects. This is a natural evolution of the BC Energy Regulator’s role, which initially focused on oil, gas and geothermal development, then expanded to include hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, and now to renewable energy. The BC Energy Regulator will bring its expertise and capacity to the province’s broader stewardship efforts for water, land and resources.

    “The BC Energy Regulator is committed to permitting efficiency and robust regulatory oversight of B.C.’s oil, gas and other energy resources,” said Michelle Carr, commissioner and chief executive officer, BC Energy Regulator. “With our single-window approach to permitting through the full lifecycle of development, commitment to operational excellence and stewardship in the public interest, commitment to First Nation consultation and management of land-owner interests, the BC Energy Regulator is well positioned to apply that expertise to renewables and to support the province’s transition to low-carbon energy.”

    The Province is committed to working in co-operation with First Nations partners, and is engaging with Nations across the province on the approach to the proposed legislation.

    “Designating the BCER as the single regulator for renewables helps ensure B.C. can meet its growing electricity demand and bring renewable energy projects online sooner,” said Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, executive director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia. “In the 2024 Call for Power, 11 CEBC members, including First Nations and industry leaders, were selected as successful proponents for both wind and solar projects, demonstrating how meaningful partnerships drive major projects and deliver sustainable energy solutions. An effective regulatory framework must foster investment in these collaborations, uphold Indigenous rights and title, and maintain B.C.’s world-class environmental standards. We look forward to working alongside government, First Nations and industry to shape a clean-energy future that benefits all British Columbians.”

    The BC Energy Regulator has a team of more than 300 professionals in seven offices located throughout B.C. Subject-matter experts include biologists, engineers, hydrologists, agrologists, compliance and enforcement officers, First Nations liaison officers, heritage conservation officers and archeologists. The BC Energy Regulator will hire additional staff and subject-matter experts as authorities are added. 

    Quick Facts:

    • Under the Clean Energy Act, a renewable or clean resource means biomass, biogas, geothermal heat, hydro, solar, ocean, wind (small scale) or any other prescribed resource.
    • The new act would provide an enabling framework for government to extend the various powers and authorities of the BC Energy Regulator under the Energy Resource Activities Act through new regulations that would apply to specified transmission and generation projects. 
    • Government is not contemplating other changes to the environmental assessment triggers for renewable energy projects.
    • Environmental assessments will still be required for projects that exceed thresholds identified in the Reviewable Projects Regulation.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the BC Energy Regulator, visit: https://www.bc-er.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: The Taxpayer Data Protection Act will rein in Republican corruption

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

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

    February 06, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Representatives Sean Casten and Haley Stevens to introduce the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which would prevent unelected billionaires from gaining unlawful access to the Department of Treasury payment system and from illegally cutting programs to help pay for their own tax cuts.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Thank you, Whip Clark and Leader Jeffries, and I want to thank the leadership of Haley Stevens and Sean Casten for introducing this bill because House Democrats will not sit by as an unelected billionaire with controversial ties to China is given access to the most sensitive personal data about the American people—and to potentially use that data to illegally cut programs that are vital to our national security just to help pay for tax cuts to benefit his own bottom line. 

    We will not stay silent as House Republicans surrender Congress’ constitutional power in order to allow MAGA extremists and conspiracy theorists to continue. We know that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are just as outraged as we are, but they have to keep quiet out of fear of retribution from the MAGA extremists. We only need three Republicans with the courage of their convictions to join our efforts to protect the American people from this extreme and illegal overreach. 

    Today, they’re illegally gutting USAID, which prevents China and adversaries from expanding their influence. But, tomorrow, it’s your health insurance. The next day, it’s your mother’s Social Security check. This is not what the American people voted for. 

    The Taxpayer Data Protection Act will rein in the corruption we’re seeing in the White House and put an end to the chaos. 

    Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army breaks ground on state-of-the-art 6.8 mm ammunition production facility

    Source: United States Army

    INDEPENDENCE, Missouri – The U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition, along with the Joint Munitions Command, officially broke ground on a new 6.8 mm ammunition production facility in support of the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The 6.8 mm family of ammunition, set to be produced at the new facility, will play a vital role in advancing the Army’s modernization priorities.

    The U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition, along with the Joint Munitions Command, officially broke ground on a new 6.8 mm ammunition production facility in support of the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The 6.8 mm family of ammunition, set to be produced at the new facility, will play a vital role in advancing the Army’s modernization priorities. (Photo Credit: Courtesy: Olin Corporation) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Developed collaboratively by the JPEO A&A, the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Armaments Center, and the Army Research Laboratory, the 6.8 mm family of ammunition is specifically engineered to maximize the performance of the XM7 Rifle and the XM250 Automatic Rifle. When fired through these Next Generation Squad Weapons, 6.8 mm rounds deliver increased range, improved accuracy, and enhanced lethality, ensuring Soldiers maintain overmatch on the battlefield.

    “It is not lost on me that victory on the battlefield begins in our production facilities,” said Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition. “Lake City has been central to our nation’s ammunition production since 1941, and this new facility builds on that proud and historic legacy.”

    The cutting-edge facility, which will be operated by Olin Winchester, is the culmination of an 18-month design process led by JPEO A&A with support from a diverse team of U.S. government and commercial contractors.

    Spanning 450,000 square feet, the facility will feature modern manufacturing systems

    capable of producing all components of 6.8 mm ammunition. This includes cartridge case and projectile manufacturing, energetic operations for loading and charging ammunition, product packaging, process quality controls, testing laboratories, maintenance operations and administrative areas.

    With 90% of the work supported by industries in the Kansas City region and nearly 50 local businesses involved in the construction, the new facility will strengthen the defense industrial base, create well-paying jobs, and will drive economic growth in the local community.

    Once operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 385 million cases, 490 million projectiles and 385 million load-assemble-pack operations for 6.8 mm ammunition. This enhanced capacity will significantly bolster U.S. munitions production, ensuring the Army maintains its readiness and ability to serve as a credible deterrent to would-be adversaries.

    JPEO A&A and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Command Armaments Center are headquartered at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Together, they play a critical role in developing, procuring and fielding cutting-edge armaments and ammunition, ensuring the readiness and modernization of the U.S. Army and its international partners.

    For more information, please contact Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition’s Public Affairs Office at usarmy.pica.jpeo-aa.mbx.jpeo-aa-public-affairs@army.mil.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders on judge blocking White House Fork Directive: ‘This is a great first step’

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after a federal judge granted AFSCME’s motion to temporarily block the Trump administration’s deferred resignation deadline for federal employees:

    “This is a great first step. We all depend on federal workers to keep our communities safe, healthy and strong, and politics should never get between them and the essential services they provide. They deserve to be treated with respect for their public service. We look forward to presenting our full case in the days to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ninth Air Force’s largest-ever RADR exercise executed by 379th ECES

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: Ninth Air Force’s largest-ever RADR exercise executed by 379th ECES

    The 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron executed the Ninth Air Force’s largest-ever no-notice Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery exercise, setting a benchmark across the branch. The multi-day RADR exercise played a part in the broader Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) directed operation Agile Spartan 25.1.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $9.6M in Mental Health Support for Rural Areas of NYS

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $9.6 million in state funding is available to provide additional mental health assistance services for rural areas of the state, including a program dedicated to helping farmers, agribusiness workers and their families. The State Office of Mental Health is providing $7.6 million to establish four new Critical Time Intervention teams to support individuals living with mental illness in rural areas of the state during periods of transition and $2 million for the Farmers Supporting Farmers program to help those working in agriculture to navigate the stress often associated with the industry.

    “We have an obligation to bring mental health assistance to New York’s farmers and the rural areas of our state where these supports aren’t always readily available,” Governor Hochul said. “The combined impact of the Farmers Supporting Farmers program and Critical Time Intervention teams will help bring additional mental health resources to parts of our state where behavioral health services are much needed.”

    OMH is providing $7.6 million over five years to establish two new Critical Time Intervention teams to serve counties in Western New York, and two others to serve counties in the North Country. These teams will join three others awarded last year and expected to be operational later this year, with the unique flexibility to offer support services and care coordination in rural communities.

    Each team must have a well-defined working relationship with at least one community-based hospital and be involved in discharge planning so they can provide subsequent linkages to services. These teams will continue to work with individuals to ensure that their immediate needs are met and that they remain connected to community support.

    OMH is also providing $2 million over five years for a service provider to implement the Farmers Supporting Farmers program statewide, specifically in the 44 counties that support farms and agribusinesses. The state has roughly 43,000 square miles of rural land area with about 3.4 million New Yorkers — more than 17 percent of the state’s population — living in communities considered rural.

    Farmers Supporting Farmers was developed in response to the well-documented link between economic crises and the resulting stress that puts farm workers and their families at an increased risk for poor behavioral health outcomes. The funding will provide this population technical assistance to address their business and financial needs, along with wellness support to promote improved behavioral health outcomes.

    Approximately 20 percent of rural residents aged 55 or older live with a mental health issue, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Likewise, rural communities report significantly higher suicide rates than urban areas for both adults and youth.

    OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Our effort to strengthen New York State’s mental health care system includes bringing services to traditionally underserved areas, which include many of our rural communities. These programs are providing critical supports to an at-risk segment of the population that might otherwise be disconnected from our system of care. Through investments like this, Governor Hochul is demonstrating her continued commitment to expanding mental health services to all New Yorkers, including traditionally underserved New Yorkers.”

    New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “From unpredictable weather to rising costs, farmers face many challenges that are specific to the industry and can take not only a financial toll but also an emotional toll. This new program, through the Office of Mental Health and supported by the Governor, will provide invaluable mental health resources to farmers and their families, helping New York’s agricultural industry manage and better cope with uncertainty and stress for their overall health and well-being.”

    State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, “We need to ensure that gaps between need and access for mental health care are being actively addressed. Peer support in underserved areas can change lifelong outcomes for community members in crisis. Governor Hochul’s $9.6 million support for rural areas and OMH’s $7.6 million for CTI teams will support peer-driven, culturally competent responses to individuals with mental illness to keep our communities safe.”

    Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “Rural communities have long suffered from sparse or non-existent mental health services. Investing in access to mental health care in rural communities is desperately needed. This funding will allow us to investigate where the need is greatest and where the barriers to treatment have been so as to improve access to quality care. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her commitment to strengthening mental health services throughout our state,”

    Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, OMH continues to invest funding and undertake initiatives focused on improving mental health in rural areas of the state. In 2023, the agency created the position of rural behavioral health coordinator to work with the upstate regional field offices, and the state Office of Rural Health and Office of Addiction Services and Supports to identify local, state, and federal resources to address the unique needs of our rural communities.

    Last year, OMH established a new Assertive Community Treatment or ‘ACT’ team so that New Yorkers living with serious mental illness in rural areas of the state can receive critical mental health services in their community, rather than a more restrictive hospital setting. The rural ACT team is now providing around-the-clock services to individuals who need it most, bringing a person-centered, recovery-based approach to their care.

    Under Governor Hochul’s direction, OMH also reconvened the Suicide Prevention Task Force with a goal of strengthening public health approaches, enhancing health system competencies, improving data surveillance methods, and infusing cultural competency in the state’s suicide prevention strategy. Specifically, this task force has a charge to look at special populations in New York, including rural communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: IBEX Reports Record Quarterly Revenue and Strong EPS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Quarterly revenue grew 6.1% versus prior year quarter – highest growth in 9 quarters
    • Strong adjusted EBITDA margin expansion year-over-year – 10 out of the last 11 quarters
    • Adjusted EPS of $0.59 – an increase of 36% to prior year quarter
    • Raises guidance on revenue and lower end of EBITDA range
    • Repurchased approximately 3.6 million shares from TRGI during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, representing 21% of our shares outstanding and eliminating controlled company status

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IBEX Limited (“ibex”), a leading provider in global business process outsourcing and end-to-end customer engagement technology solutions, today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.

      Three months ended
    December 31,    		   Six months ended
    December 31,
    ($ millions, except per share amounts)   2024       2023     Change     2024       2023     Change
    Revenue $ 140,682     $ 132,634     6.1 %   $ 270,399     $ 257,243     5.1 %
    Net income $ 9,268     $ 6,075     52.6 %   $ 16,799     $ 13,500     24.4 %
    Net income margin   6.6 %     4.6 %   200bps     6.2 %     5.2 %   100bps
    Adjusted net income (1) $ 9,615     $ 8,024     19.8 %   $ 18,647     $ 15,598     19.5 %
    Adjusted net income margin (1)   6.8 %     6.0 %   80bps     6.9 %     6.1 %   80bps
    Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 16,537     $ 14,324     15.4 %   $ 32,125     $ 28,035     14.6 %
    Adjusted EBITDA margin (1)   11.8 %     10.8 %   100bps     11.9 %     10.9 %   100bps
    Earnings per share – diluted (2) $ 0.57     $ 0.33     73.6 %   $ 1.00     $ 0.72     38.0 %
    Adjusted earnings per share – diluted (1,2) $ 0.59     $ 0.44     36.3 %   $ 1.11     $ 0.84     32.5 %
                           
    (1)See accompanying Exhibits for the reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.
    (2)The current period percentages are calculated based on exact amounts, and therefore may not recalculate exactly using rounded numbers as presented.
     

    “Coming off an outstanding start to fiscal year 2025, I am thrilled to report another quarter of record financial results,” said Bob Dechant, ibex CEO. “Q2 saw our highest revenue growth for ibex in two years with revenues growing over 6%. Our growth continues to be driven by winning new clients and increasing market share within our embedded base clients. These key wins resulted in 14% revenue growth in our most profitable offshore regions. I am also excited to report that we have continued to add key AI opportunity wins that will be deployed in the second half of the year that are expected to drive accretive revenue and margin.”

    “Q2 fiscal year 2025 was a strong quarter on all profitability metrics as adjusted EPS grew 36%, adjusted EBITDA grew 15%, and adjusted net income increased 20%, compared to prior year quarter,” added Dechant. “Beyond this, over the last three months we completed a number of important strategic actions, highlighted by the $70 million share repurchase from The Resource Group International Limited (“TRGI”) in November, which has numerous benefits including removing our controlled company status, the additions of JJ Zhuang and Patrick McGinnis to our Board of Directors, and the most recent addition to our Board in January, Karen Batungbacal.”

    Second Quarter Financial Performance
    Revenue

    • Revenue of $140.7 million, an increase of 6.1% from $132.6 million in the prior year quarter. Growth in HealthTech (+31.2%), Travel, Transportation and Logistics (+16.7%), and Retail & E-commerce (+4.4%), was partially offset by declines in the FinTech vertical (-14.7%).

    Net Income and Earnings Per Share

    • Net income increased to $9.3 million compared to $6.1 million in the prior year quarter. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.57 compared to $0.33 in the prior year quarter. The increases were primarily the result of the impact of revenue growth particularly in our higher margin offshore regions, improved gross margin performance, and fewer diluted shares outstanding compared to the prior year quarter.
    • Net income margin increased to 6.6% compared to 4.6% in the prior year quarter.
    • Non-GAAP adjusted net income increased to $9.6 million compared to $8.0 million in the prior year quarter (see Exhibit 1 for reconciliation).
    • Non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share increased to $0.59 compared to $0.44 in the prior year quarter (see Exhibit 1 for reconciliation). The increase per share was primarily attributable to the impact of higher revenue, improved operating margins and a lower share count.

    Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA

    • Adjusted EBITDA increased to $16.5 million compared to $14.3 million in the prior year quarter (see Exhibit 2 for reconciliation).
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 11.8% compared to 10.8% in the prior year quarter (see Exhibit 2 for reconciliation).

    Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

    • Repurchased approximately 3.6 million shares from TRGI for an aggregate price of $70 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
    • Capital expenditures were $4.3 million compared to $2.9 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in capital expenditures during this quarter was driven by capacity expansion to meet growing demand in our offshore and nearshore regions.
    • Cash flow from operating activities was $1.1 million compared to $(1.6) million in the prior year quarter. Free cash flow was $(3.2) million compared to $(4.5) million in the prior year quarter (see Exhibit 3 for reconciliation).
    • Net debt was $13.7 million compared to net cash of $61.2 million as of June 30, 2024 (see Exhibit 4 for reconciliation). The utilization of cash and debt is primarily attributable to the share repurchase from TRGI.

    “We achieved strong top and bottom line second quarter results. We accelerated our top-line momentum with over 6% revenue growth, driven by new client wins over the last year and continued expansion of our embedded client base made possible by our strong service delivery,” said Taylor Greenwald, CFO of ibex.

    “Our profitability continues to improve, where for 10 of the last 11 quarters we have delivered year-over-year adjusted EBITDA margin expansion, enabling strategic investments in AI capabilities and sales resources. These results instill continued confidence in the execution of our strategy throughout 2025, enabling us to raise our fiscal year guidance and continue to return value to shareholders.”

    Raised Fiscal Year 2025 Guidance

    • Revenue is expected to be in the range of $525 to $535 million versus a previous range of $515 to $525 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $68 to $69 million versus a previous range of $67 to $69 million.
    • Capital expenditures are expected to remain in the range of $15 to $20 million.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information
    IBEX Limited will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its second quarter of fiscal year 2025 financial results at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today, February 6, 2025. We will also post to this section of our website the earning slides, which will accompany our conference call and live webcast, and encourage you to review the information that we make available on our website.

    Live and archived webcasts can be accessed at: https://investors.ibex.co/.

    Financial Information
    This announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as defined in Financial Accounting Standards ASC 270, “Interim Reporting.” The financial information in this press release has not been audited.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    We present non-GAAP financial measures because we believe that they and other similar measures are widely used by certain investors, securities analysts and other interested parties as supplemental measures of performance and liquidity. We also use these measures internally to establish forecasts, budgets and operational goals to manage and monitor our business, as well as evaluate our underlying historical performance, as we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a more helpful depiction of our performance of the business by encompassing only relevant and manageable events, enabling us to evaluate and plan more effectively for the future. The non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies, have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios are not measurements of our performance, financial condition or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to operating profit or net income / (loss) or as alternatives to cash flow from operating, investing or financing activities for the period, or any other performance measures, derived in accordance with GAAP.

    ibex is not providing a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain significant items without unreasonable effort. These items include, but are not limited to, non-recurring expenses, foreign currency gains and losses, and share-based compensation expense. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the guidance period.

    About ibex
    ibex helps the world’s preeminent brands more effectively engage their customers with services ranging from customer support, technical support, inbound/outbound sales, business intelligence and analytics, digital demand generation, and CX surveys and feedback analytics.

    Forward Looking Statements
    In addition to historical information, this press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “expect,” “predict,” “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future financial and operating performance, including our outlook and guidance, and our strategies, priorities and business plans. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that could impact our actual results include: our ability to attract new business and retain key clients; our profitability based on our utilization, pricing and managing costs; the potential for our clients or potential clients to consolidate; our clients deciding to enter into or further expand their insourcing activities and current trends toward outsourcing services may reverse; general economic uncertainty in global markets and unfavorable economic conditions, including inflation, rising interest rates, recession, foreign exchange fluctuations and supply-chain issues; our ability to manage our international operations, particularly in the Philippines, Jamaica, Pakistan and Nicaragua; natural events, health epidemics, global geopolitical conditions, including developing or ongoing conflicts, widespread civil unrest, terrorist attacks and other attacks of violence involving any of the countries in which we or our clients operate; our ability to anticipate, develop and implement information technology solutions that keep pace with evolving industry standards and changing client demands, including the effective adoption of Artificial Intelligence into our offerings; our ability to recruit, engage, motivate, manage and retain our global workforce; our ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those regarding privacy, data protection and information security, employment and anti-corruption; the effect of cyberattacks or cybersecurity vulnerabilities on our information technology systems; our ability to realize the anticipated strategic and financial benefits of our relationship with Amazon; the impact of tax matters, including new legislation and actions by taxing authorities; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” described in our periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and past filings on Form 20-F, and any other risk factors we include in subsequent filings with the SEC. Because of these uncertainties, you should not make any investment decisions based on our estimates and forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    IR Contact:  Michael Darwal, EVP, Investor Relations, ibex, michael.darwal@ibex.co
    Media Contact:  Daniel Burris, VP, Marketing and Communication, ibex, daniel.burris@ibex.co

    IBEX LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands)

      December 31,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    Assets      
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,206     $ 62,720  
    Accounts receivable, net   120,581       98,366  
    Prepaid expenses   6,905       7,712  
    Due from related parties   317       192  
    Tax advances and receivables   8,968       9,080  
    Other current assets   2,039       1,888  
    Total current assets   159,016       179,958  
           
    Non-current assets      
    Property and equipment, net   32,168       29,862  
    Operating lease assets   54,057       59,145  
    Goodwill   11,832       11,832  
    Deferred tax asset, net   5,052       4,285  
    Other non-current assets   10,373       8,822  
    Total non-current assets   113,482       113,946  
    Total assets $ 272,498     $ 293,904  
           
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity      
    Current liabilities      
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 19,924     $ 16,719  
    Accrued payroll and employee-related liabilities   33,278       30,674  
    Current deferred revenue   7,223       4,749  
    Current operating lease liabilities   12,208       12,051  
    Current maturities of long-term debt   8,217       660  
    Convertible debt   25,000       —  
    Due to related parties   149       60  
    Income taxes payable   4,643       6,083  
    Total current liabilities   110,642       70,996  
           
    Non-current liabilities      
    Non-current deferred revenue   1,119       1,128  
    Non-current operating lease liabilities   48,286       53,441  
    Long-term debt   695       867  
    Other non-current liabilities   2,819       1,673  
    Total non-current liabilities   52,919       57,109  
    Total liabilities   163,561       128,105  
           
    Stockholders’ equity      
    Common stock   1       2  
    Additional paid-in capital   212,116       210,200  
    Treasury stock   (101,606 )     (25,367 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (7,250 )     (7,913 )
    Retained earnings / (deficit)   5,676       (11,123 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   108,937       165,799  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 272,498     $ 293,904  

    14IBEX LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except per share data)

      Three Months Ended December 31,   Six Months Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenue $ 140,682     $ 132,634     $ 270,399     $ 257,243  
                   
    Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization presented separately below)   98,762       95,884       188,803       184,080  
    Selling, general and administrative   25,706       24,857       51,921       47,897  
    Depreciation and amortization   4,286       4,946       8,655       9,988  
    Total operating expenses   128,754       125,687       249,379       241,965  
    Income from operations   11,928       6,947       21,020       15,278  
                   
    Interest income   311       512       894       1,098  
    Interest expense   (620 )     (111 )     (782 )     (215 )
    Income before income taxes   11,619       7,348       21,132       16,161  
                   
    Provision for income tax expense   (2,351 )     (1,273 )     (4,333 )     (2,661 )
    Net income $ 9,268     $ 6,075     $ 16,799     $ 13,500  
                   
    Other comprehensive income              
    Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (911 )   $ 679     $ 477     $ (22 )
    Unrealized (loss) / gain on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax   (193 )     395       186       201  
    Total other comprehensive (loss) / income   (1,104 )     1,074       663       179  
    Total comprehensive income $ 8,164     $ 7,149     $ 17,462     $ 13,679  
                   
    Net income per share              
    Basic $ 0.61     $ 0.34     $ 1.05     $ 0.75  
    Diluted $ 0.57     $ 0.33     $ 1.00     $ 0.72  
                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding              
    Basic   15,126       17,885       16,007       18,084  
    Diluted   16,456       18,440       16,977       18,667  

    IBEX LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands)

      Three Months Ended December 31,   Six Months Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES              
    Net income $ 9,268     $ 6,075     $ 16,799     $ 13,500  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization   4,286       4,946       8,655       9,988  
    Noncash lease expense   3,083       3,297       6,409       6,522  
    Warrant contra revenue   —       307       —       594  
    Deferred income tax   (637 )     52       (767 )     296  
    Share-based compensation expense   1,235       1,427       1,905       2,275  
    Allowance of expected credit losses   240       (5 )     323       6  
    Change in assets and liabilities:              
    Increase in accounts receivable   (14,856 )     (14,544 )     (22,505 )     (18,336 )
    Decrease / (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets   722       (936 )     (1,013 )     (2,192 )
    (Decrease) / increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (1,496 )     338       3,078       544  
    Increase in deferred revenue   2,386       673       2,465       301  
    Decrease in operating lease liabilities   (3,090 )     (3,267 )     (6,446 )     (6,451 )
    Net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities   1,141       (1,637 )     8,903       7,047  
                   
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES              
    Purchase of property and equipment   (4,319 )     (2,892 )     (7,949 )     (4,944 )
    Net cash outflow from investing activities   (4,319 )     (2,892 )     (7,949 )     (4,944 )
                   
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES              
    Proceeds from line of credit   9,100       59       9,160       96  
    Repayments of line of credit   (1,600 )     (59 )     (1,660 )     (148 )
    Proceeds from the exercise of options   342       6       724       11  
    Principal payments on finance leases   (182 )     (116 )     (353 )     (204 )
    Purchase of treasury shares   (46,562 )     (8,442 )     (51,369 )     (10,274 )
    Net cash outflow from financing activities   (38,902 )     (8,552 )     (43,498 )     (10,519 )
    Effects of exchange rate difference on cash and cash equivalents   (19 )     68       30       3  
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (42,099 )     (13,013 )     (42,514 )     (8,413 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning   62,305       62,029       62,720       57,429  
    Cash and cash equivalents, ending $ 20,206     $ 49,016     $ 20,206     $ 49,016  
                   
                   

    IBEX LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    EXHIBIT 1: Adjusted net income, adjusted net income margin, and adjusted earnings per share

    We define adjusted net income as net income before the effect of the following items: warrant contra revenue, foreign currency gain / loss, and share-based compensation expense, net of the tax impact of such adjustments. We define adjusted net income margin as adjusted net income divided by revenue. We define adjusted earnings per share as adjusted net income divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income, net income margin to adjusted net income margin, and diluted earnings per share to adjusted earnings per share for the periods presented:

      Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31,
    ($000s, except per share amounts)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income $ 9,268     $ 6,075     $ 16,799     $ 13,500  
    Net income margin   6.6 %     4.6 %     6.2 %     5.2 %
                   
    Warrant contra revenue   —       307       —       594  
    Foreign currency (gain) / loss   (912 )     697       545       (100 )
    Share-based compensation expense   1,235       1,427       1,905       2,275  
    Total adjustments $ 323     $ 2,431     $ 2,450     $ 2,769  
    Tax impact of adjustments1   24       (482 )     (602 )     (671 )
    Adjusted net income $ 9,615     $ 8,024     $ 18,647     $ 15,598  
    Adjusted net income margin   6.8 %     6.0 %     6.9 %     6.1 %
                   
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.57     $ 0.33     $ 1.00     $ 0.72  
    Per share impact of adjustments to net income   0.02       0.11       0.11       0.11  
    Adjusted earnings per share $ 0.59     $ 0.44     $ 1.11     $ 0.84  
                   
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   16,456       18,440       16,977       18,667  
                   
                   

    EXHIBIT 2:  EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin

    EBITDA is a non-GAAP profitability measure that represents net income before the effect of the following items: interest expense, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP profitability measure that represents EBITDA before the effect of the following items: interest income, warrant contra revenue, foreign currency gain / loss, and share-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA margin is a non-GAAP profitability measure that represents adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA and net income margin to adjusted EBITDA margin for the periods presented:

      Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31,
    ($000s)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income $ 9,268     $ 6,075     $ 16,799     $ 13,500  
    Net income margin   6.6 %     4.6 %     6.2 %     5.2 %
                   
    Interest expense   620       111       782       215  
    Income tax expense   2,351       1,273       4,333       2,661  
    Depreciation and amortization   4,286       4,946       8,655       9,988  
    EBITDA $ 16,525     $ 12,405     $ 30,569     $ 26,364  
    Interest income   (311 )     (512 )     (894 )     (1,098 )
    Warrant contra revenue   —       307       —       594  
    Foreign currency (gain) / loss   (912 )     697       545       (100 )
    Share-based compensation expense   1,235       1,427       1,905       2,275  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 16,537     $ 14,324     $ 32,125     $ 28,035  
                   
    Adjusted EBITDA margin   11.8 %     10.8 %     11.9 %     10.9 %
                   
                   

    EXHIBIT 3: Free cash flow

    We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.

      Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31,
    ($000s)   2024       2023       2024     2023
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1,141     $ (1,637 )   $ 8,903   $ 7,047
    Less: capital expenditures   4,319       2,892       7,949     4,944
    Free cash flow $ (3,178 )   $ (4,529 )   $ 954   $ 2,103

    EXHIBIT 4: Net (debt) / cash

    We define net (debt) / cash as total cash and cash equivalents less debt.

      December 31,   June 30,
    ($000s)   2024       2024
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,206     $ 62,720
           
    Debt      
    Current $ 8,217     $ 660
    Convertible debt   25,000       —
    Non-current   695       867
    Total debt $ 33,912     $ 1,527
    Net (debt) / cash $ (13,706 )   $ 61,193

    1The tax impact of each adjustment is calculated using the effective tax rate in the relevant jurisdictions.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CarGurus To Report Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarGurus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited digital auto platform for shopping, buying, and selling new and used vehicles1, announced it will issue a press release reporting financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, after the close of the market on February 20, 2025.

    CarGurus will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss those financial results for investors and analysts at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 20, 2025. To access the conference call, dial (877) 451-6152 for the U.S. or Canada, or (201) 389-0879 for international callers. The webcast will be available live on the Investors section of the company’s website at https://investors.cargurus.com.

    An audio replay of the call will also be available to investors beginning at approximately 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 20, 2025, until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 6, 2025, by dialing (844) 512-2921 for the U.S. or Canada, or (412) 317-6671 for international callers, and entering passcode 13750508. In addition, an archived webcast will be available on the Investors section of the company’s website at https://investors.cargurus.com.

    About CarGurus, Inc.

    CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational, online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles that is building upon its industry-leading listings marketplace with both digital retail solutions and the CarOffer online wholesale platform. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle either online or in-person, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, instantly acquire, and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms, and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience. CarGurus is the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S. 1

    CarGurus also operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in Canada and the U.K. In the U.S. and the U.K., CarGurus also operates the Autolist and PistonHeads online marketplaces, respectively, as independent brands.

    To learn more about CarGurus, visit www.cargurus.com, and for more information about CarOffer, visit www.caroffer.com.

    CarGurus® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. All other product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    1Similarweb: Traffic Report [Cars.com, Autotrader, TrueCar, CARFAX Listings (defined as CARFAX Total visits minus Vehicle History Reports traffic)], Q3 2024, U.S.

    Investor Contact:
    Kirndeep Singh
    Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
    investors@cargurus.com

    Media Contact:
    Maggie Meluzio
    Director, Public Relations & External Communications
    pr@cargurus.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix Reports Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Second Quarter Net Revenue of $31.2 Million
    • Second Quarter GAAP EPS of ($0.06)
    • Second Quarter Non-GAAP EPS of $0.04

    IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions enabling Artificial Intelligence (AI) Edge Intelligence, today reported results for its second quarter of fiscal 2025.

    Net revenue totaled $31.2 million, near the midpoint of the guidance range provided for the quarter.

    GAAP EPS of ($0.06), compared to ($0.07) in the prior year and $(0.07) in the prior quarter.

    Non-GAAP EPS of $0.04, compared to $0.08 in the prior year and $0.06 in the prior quarter.

    “Lantronix has the key assets in Compute and Connect to drive Edge Intelligence, and the company remains focused on three key vertical markets: Enterprise; Smart Cities including critical infrastructure; and Transportation,” said Lantronix President and CEO Saleel Awsare. “We are actively advancing Edge AI solutions, integrating the recently acquired IoT assets from Netcomm, and positioning Lantronix for exciting future growth.”

    Business Outlook

    For the third fiscal quarter of 2025, the company expects revenue in a range of $27.0 million to $31.0 million and non-GAAP EPS of $0.01 to $0.05 per share.

    Conference Call and Webcast

    Management will host an investor conference call and audio webcast on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) to discuss its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 that ended Dec. 31, 2024. To access the live conference call, investors should dial 1-844-802-2442 (US) or 1-412-317-5135 (international) and indicate that they are participating in the Lantronix Q2 FY 2025 call. The webcast will be available simultaneously via the investor relations section of the company’s website.

    Investors can access a replay of the conference call starting at approximately 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Feb. 6, 2025, at the Lantronix website. A telephonic replay will also be available through Feb. 13, 2025, by dialing 1-877-344-7529 (US) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) or Canada toll-free at 1-855-669-9658 and entering passcode 3433776.

    About Lantronix

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth markets, including Smart Cities, Enterprise and Transportation. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that enable AI Edge Intelligence. Lantronix’s advanced solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing.

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Lantronix believes that the presentation of non-GAAP financial information, when presented in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures, provides important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to the company’s financial condition and results of operations. Management uses the aforementioned non-GAAP measures to monitor and evaluate ongoing operating results and trends to gain an understanding of our comparative operating performance. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the company should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the company may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. The company has provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

    Non-GAAP net income consists of net loss excluding (i) share-based compensation and the employer portion of withholding taxes on stock grants, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) interest income (expense), (iv) other income (expense), (v) income tax provision (benefit), (vi) restructuring, severance and related charges, (vii) acquisition related costs, (viii) impairment of long-lived assets, (ix) amortization of purchased intangibles, (x) amortization of manufacturing profit in acquired inventory, (xi) fair value remeasurement of earnout consideration, and (xii) loss on extinguishment of debt.

    Non-GAAP EPS is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net loss by non-GAAP weighted-average shares outstanding (diluted). For purposes of calculating non-GAAP EPS, the calculation of GAAP weighted-average shares outstanding (diluted) is adjusted to exclude share-based compensation, which for GAAP purposes is treated as proceeds assumed to be used to repurchase shares under the GAAP treasury stock method.

    Guidance on earnings per share growth is provided only on a non-GAAP basis due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing or amount of certain items that have been excluded from the forward-looking non-GAAP measures, and a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP guidance has not been provided because certain factors that are materially significant to Lantronix’s ability to estimate the excluded items are not accessible or estimable on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements concerning our revenue and earnings expectations for the third fiscal quarter of 2025, the market opportunities offered by the current shift towards edge computing and our positioning to capitalize on this trend, and our expectations regarding the benefits of our acquisition of Netcomm Wireless Pty Ltd. and our cost reduction initiatives. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based our forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about trends affecting our business and industry and other future events. Although we do not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our results or experiences, or future business, financial condition, results of operations or performance, to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. Other factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to: the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to a pandemic or similar outbreak, wars and recent conflicts in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, hostilities in the Red Sea, or other causes; our ability to successfully convert our backlog and current demand;  the impact of a pandemic or similar outbreak on our business, employees, customers, supply and distribution chains and the global economy; our ability to successfully implement our acquisition strategy or integrate acquired companies; uncertainty as to the future profitability of acquired businesses, and delays in the realization of, or the failure to realize, any accretion from acquisition transactions; acquiring, managing and integrating new operations, businesses or assets, and the associated diversion of management attention or other related costs or difficulties; our ability to continue to generate revenue from products sold into mature markets; our ability to develop, market, and sell new products; our ability to succeed with our new software offerings; our use of AI may result in reputational, competitive or financial harm and liability; fluctuations in our revenue due to the project-based timing of orders from certain customers; unpredictable timing of our revenues due to the lengthy sales cycle for our products and services and potential delays in customer completion of projects; our ability to accurately forecast future demand for our products; delays in qualifying revisions of existing products; constraints or delays in the supply of, or quality control issues with, certain materials or components; difficulties associated with the delivery, quality or cost of our products from our contract manufacturers or suppliers; risks related to the outsourcing of manufacturing and international operations; difficulties associated with our distributors or resellers; intense competition in our industry and resultant downward price pressure; rises in inventory levels and inventory obsolescence; undetected software or hardware errors or defects in our products; cybersecurity risks; our ability to obtain appropriate industry certifications or approvals from governmental regulatory bodies; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to protect patents and other proprietary rights and avoid infringement of others’ proprietary technology rights; issues relating to the stability of our financial and banking institutions and relationships; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; the impact of rising interest rates; our ability to attract and retain qualified management; and any additional factors included in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report; in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024, to be filed with the SEC on Feb. 7, 2025, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part II of such report; and in our other public filings with the SEC. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.

    © 2025 Lantronix Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark.

    Lantronix Investor Relations Contact:
    investors@lantronix.com

    LANTRONIX, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     (In thousands)
           
      December 31,
    		   June 30,
        2024       2024  
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,210     $ 26,237  
    Accounts receivable, net   30,472       31,279  
    Inventories, net   29,070       27,698  
    Contract manufacturers’ receivables   3,473       1,401  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,329       2,335  
    Total current assets   85,554       88,950  
    Property and equipment, net   3,155       4,016  
    Goodwill   30,491       27,824  
    Intangible assets, net   4,910       5,251  
    Lease right-of-use assets   9,430       9,567  
    Other assets   683       600  
    Total assets $ 134,223     $ 136,208  
           
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 15,975     $ 10,347  
    Accrued payroll and related expenses   2,968       5,836  
    Current portion of long-term debt, net   3,056       3,002  
    Other current liabilities   11,436       10,971  
    Total current liabilities   33,435       30,156  
    Long-term debt, net   11,630       13,219  
    Other non-current liabilities   11,245       11,478  
    Total liabilities   56,310       54,853  
           
    Commitments and contingencies      
           
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock   4       4  
    Additional paid-in capital   305,433       304,001  
    Accumulated deficit   (227,895 )     (223,021 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   371       371  
    Total stockholders’ equity   77,913       81,355  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 134,223     $ 136,208  
           
    LANTRONIX, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (In thousands, except per share data)
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net revenue $ 31,161     $ 34,423     $ 37,038     $ 65,584     $ 70,069  
    Cost of revenue   17,877       19,948       22,007       37,825       40,941  
    Gross profit   13,284       14,475       15,031       27,759       29,128  
    Operating expenses:                  
    Selling, general and administrative   8,811       9,467       10,224       18,278       19,394  
    Research and development   4,984       4,956       4,725       9,940       9,831  
    Restructuring, severance and related charges   193       900       530       1,093       550  
    Acquisition-related costs   208       29       –       237       –  
    Fair value remeasurement of earnout consideration   –       –       –       –       (9 )
    Amortization of intangible assets   1,248       1,251       1,310       2,499       2,694  
    Total operating expenses   15,444       16,603       16,789       32,047       32,460  
    Loss from operations   (2,160 )     (2,128 )     (1,758 )     (4,288 )     (3,332 )
    Interest expense, net   (126 )     (119 )     (232 )     (245 )     (570 )
    Other income (loss), net   8       (37 )     (23 )     (29 )     (4 )
    Loss before income taxes   (2,278 )     (2,284 )     (2,013 )     (4,562 )     (3,906 )
    Provision for income taxes   94       218       580       312       573  
    Net loss $ (2,372 )   $ (2,502 )   $ (2,593 )   $ (4,874 )   $ (4,479 )
    Net loss per share – basic and diluted $ (0.06 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.12 )
    Weighted-average common shares – basic and diluted   38,631       38,024       37,354       38,330       37,170  
                       
    LANTRONIX, INC.
    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP ADJUSTMENTS
    (In thousands, except per share data)
                       
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    GAAP net loss $ (2,372 )   $ (2,502 )   $ (2,593 )   $ (4,874 )   $ (4,479 )
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                  
    Cost of revenue:                  
    Share-based compensation   48       64       64       112       105  
    Employer portion of withholding taxes on stock grants   2       5       1       7       5  
    Amortization of manufacturing profit in acquired inventory   –       –       189       –       506  
    Depreciation and amortization   114       123       109       237       195  
    Total adjustments to cost of revenue   164       192       363       356       811  
    Selling, general and administrative:                  
    Share-based compensation   1,044       1,126       1,628       2,170       2,901  
    Employer portion of withholding taxes on stock grants   20       78       10       98       47  
    Depreciation and amortization   348       351       338       699       672  
    Total adjustments to selling, general and administrative   1,412       1,555       1,976       2,967       3,620  
    Research and development:                  
    Share-based compensation   421       410       484       831       912  
    Employer portion of withholding taxes on stock grants   2       19       5       21       18  
    Depreciation and amortization   111       69       52       180       160  
    Total adjustments to research and development   534       498       541       1,032       1,090  
    Restructuring, severance and related charges   193       900       530       1,093       550  
    Acquisition related costs   208       29       –       237       –  
    Fair value remeasurement of earnout consideration   –       –       –       –       (9 )
    Amortization of purchased intangible assets   1,248       1,251       1,310       2,499       2,694  
    Litigation settlement cost   158       40       –       198       –  
    Total non-GAAP adjustments to operating expenses   3,753       4,273       4,357       8,026       7,945  
    Interest expense, net   126       119       232       245       570  
    Other (income) expense, net   (8 )     37       23       29       4  
    Provision for income taxes   94       218       580       312       573  
    Total non-GAAP adjustments   4,129       4,839       5,555       8,968       9,903  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 1,757     $ 2,337     $ 2,962     $ 4,094     $ 5,424  
                       
                       
    Non-GAAP net income per share – diluted $ 0.04     $ 0.06     $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ 0.14  
                       
    Denominator for GAAP net income (loss) per share – diluted   38,631       38,024       37,354       38,330       37,170  
    Non-GAAP adjustment   953       1,257       1,228       901       938  
    Denominator for non-GAAP net income per share – diluted   39,584       39,281       38,582       39,231       38,108  
                       
    GAAP cost of revenue $ 17,877     $ 19,948     $ 22,007     $ 37,825     $ 40,941  
    Non-GAAP adjustments to cost of revenue   (164 )     (192 )     (363 )     (356 )     (811 )
    Non-GAAP cost of revenue   17,713       19,756       21,644       37,469       40,130  
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 13,448     $ 14,667     $ 15,394     $ 28,115     $ 29,939  
    Non-GAAP gross margin   43.2 %     42.6 %     41.6 %     42.9 %     42.7 %
                       
    LANTRONIX, INC.
    UNAUDITED NET REVENUES BY PRODUCT LINE AND REGION
    (In thousands)
                       
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Embedded IoT Solutions $ 10,784     $ 13,387     $ 11,764     $ 24,171     $ 23,137  
    IoT System Solutions   18,592       18,759       23,022       37,351       42,058  
    Software & Services   1,785       2,277       2,252       4,062       4,874  
      $ 31,161     $ 34,423     $ 37,038     $ 65,584     $ 70,069  
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Americas $ 16,386     $ 17,420     $ 20,601     $ 33,806     $ 43,534  
    EMEA   9,036       10,484       12,886       19,520       19,477  
    Asia Pacific Japan   5,739       6,519       3,551       12,258       7,058  
      $ 31,161     $ 34,423     $ 37,038     $ 65,584     $ 70,069  
                       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global-e to Announce Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year End 2024 on February 19, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH-TIKVA, Israel, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global-e (Nasdaq: GLBE), the platform powering global direct-to-consumer e-commerce, today announced it will report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, before market open on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

    Global-e management will host a conference call to review its financial results and outlook.

    Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
    Time: 8:00 AM ET
    United States/Canada Toll Free: +1-800-717-1738
    International Toll: +1-646-307-1865
       

    Please join the call 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time, to avoid a delay in connecting. A live webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Global-e’s website at https://investors.global-e.com/news-events/events-presentations

    A replay of the webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Global-e’s website at https://investors.global-e.com/news-events/events-presentations approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 30 calendar days.

    About Global-e Online Ltd.

    Global-e (Nasdaq: GLBE) is the world’s leading platform enabling and accelerating global, Direct-To-Consumer e-commerce. The chosen partner of over 1,000 brands and retailers across the United States, EMEA and APAC, Global-e makes selling internationally as simple as selling domestically. The company enables merchants to increase the conversion of international traffic into sales by offering online shoppers in over 200 destinations worldwide a seamless, localized shopping experience. Global-e’s end-to-end e-commerce solutions combine best-in-class localization capabilities, big-data best-practice business intelligence models, streamlined international logistics and vast global e-commerce experience, enabling international shoppers to buy seamlessly online and retailers to sell to, and from, anywhere in the world. For more information, please visit: www.global-e.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
    Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
    IR@global-e.com
    +1 617-542-6180

    Press Contact:
    Sarah Schloss
    Headline Media
    sarah.schloss@headline.media
    +1 914-506-5104

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: APA Corporation Declares Cash Dividend on Common Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The board of directors of APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA) has declared a regular cash dividend on the company’s common shares.

    The dividend on common shares is payable May 22, 2025, to stockholders of record on April 22, 2025, at a rate of 25 cents per share on the corporation’s common stock.

    About APA
    APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.apacorp.com.

    Contacts
    Investor: (281) 302-2286 Ben Rodgers
    Media: (713) 296-7276 Alexandra Franceschi
    Website: www.apacorp.com

    APA-F

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin to Serve as Adviser to Apollo and Appointed to Athene Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) and Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”), today announced that former U.S. Senator Joseph Manchin III has been named an adviser to Apollo and appointed to the Athene Board of Directors, effective February 3, 2025. Senator Manchin will provide advisory services to Apollo on various matters including energy markets, given the firm’s leading role in providing capital to enable the global industrial renaissance.

    Senator Manchin served as a United States Senator for West Virginia from 2010 to 2025. He was Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, as well as a member of the Appropriations, Armed Services, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, he served as the 34th Governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010 and as West Virginia Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. He graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in business administration.

    Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo, said, “Senator Manchin’s distinguished career experience and expertise will be incredibly valuable to Apollo and our clients and partners. We look forward to his contributions to help meet the unprecedented capital need required to drive the global industrial renaissance and support the significant retirement needs of Americans and families around the globe.”

    Jim Belardi, CEO of Athene, said, “Senator Manchin is a great addition to Athene’s Board as we address the significant need for next generation retirement products. His public sector experience, expertise on a broad range of issues, and track record of independent thinking make him a valuable member of our Board.”

    Senator Manchin said, “Apollo is a forward-thinking financial services firm that has been able to offer capital at scale to drive the American economy forward. Athene provides critical retirement services to millions of Americans and is the leading innovator in tackling modern retirement challenges. I look forward to bringing a unique perspective to both the team at Apollo and the Athene Board, contributing to the firm’s continued success in retirement services and providing capital to enable energy accretion and transition.”

    About Athene
    Athene is a leading retirement services company with over $350 billion of total assets as of September 30, 2024, and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene is focused on providing financial security to individuals by offering an attractive suite of retirement income and savings products and also serves as a solutions provider to corporations. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.

    About Apollo
    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2024, Apollo had approximately $751 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Contacts:

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    212-822-0491
    communications@apollo.com

    Jeanne Hess
    Vice President, External Relations
    Athene
    646-768-7319
    jeanne.hess@athene.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Introduces Bill to Make More Federal Lands Available for Housing Development, Protect Public Lands in Washoe County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    The Washoe County Lands Bill Would Protect Public Lands, Support Tribal Communities, Allow For Responsible Development, And Create New Opportunities To Lower Housing Costs
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she is reintroducing the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act, also known as the Washoe County Lands Bill, to expand economic development opportunities and make more land available for housing in Washoe County, support local Tribal communities, increase access to outdoor recreation, and protect public lands . As the state with the highest percentage of public land in the nation, Nevada relies on federal legislation to make land available for development, like affordable housing, and to permanently protect outdoor spaces for future generations.
    For years, Senator Rosen has been working with a wide range of stakeholders across Washoe County to develop this comprehensive legislation. In 2023, she unveiled a working draft of the bill and collected feedback from hundreds of Nevadans during a public comment period, which she then incorporated into this legislation, which was previously introduced last year with the support of local government officials, conservation advocates, and business leaders.
    “As Nevadans continue to deal with high housing costs, I’m working to increase the amount of federal land available for housing development to bring down home prices and support sustainable growth for Washoe County,” said Senator Rosen. “My Washoe County Lands Bill will do that while also protecting hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands and supporting our state’s Tribal communities. I’ll keep working to ensure that this bill passes this new Congress to lower housing prices for hardworking Nevada families and help shape a better future for our state.”
    “I’m so proud that the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners supported Senator Rosen’s Truckee Meadows Public Lands Bill,” said Alexis Hill, Chair of the Washoe County Board of Commissioners. “We are committed to preserving our natural resources while allocating appropriate land for affordable and workforce housing, local governmental and tribal interests. We are especially excited about the potential revenue opportunities for Truckee River investments. This Bill will be a game changer for the future of northern Nevada.” 
    “Thank you to Senator Rosen for taking this all-important step to introduce a Lands Bill, which I believe is the single largest federal priority for the City of Sparks, Washoe County, and Reno areas,” said Ed Lawson, Mayor of the City of Sparks. “It will have a significant impact for all of us as we address the affordable housing issues throughout the region.”
    “With the collaborative effort from all stakeholders and Senator Rosen’s Office since 2017, a lands bill was created to greatly benefit the entire Truckee Meadows region,” said Daryl D. Gardipe, Chair of the Reno Sparks Indian Colony. “We are hopeful the re-introduction of this bill will pass unanimously as it represents all parties’ interests in an equitable fashion. Reno-Sparks Indian Colony is appreciative of all the support we received from all stakeholders to preserve our culturally important areas and our future growth.”
    “This legislation is a milestone in the history of public lands conservation in Nevada,” said Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness. “Northern Washoe County is home to critical wildlife habitat, uniquely dark skies, priceless cultural resources, and amazing outdoor recreation opportunities. Because Senator Rosen and her team spent countless hours consulting with multiple stakeholders, we now have a widely supported bill that will protect these values. We thank the Senator for her persistent leadership and look forward to working with her to help move this bill through Congress.”
    “The Nevada Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is pleased to support the Truckee Meadows Public Land Management Act as recently introduced by Sen. Rosen and we thank her for her leadership. We see this legislation as a good representation of compromise by many stakeholders and interests that took many years and many versions to achieve,” said Bryce Pollock, Vice Chair, Nevada Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “We are very appreciative of Sen. Rosen’s consideration to ensure that public land access would not be limited for hunters and anglers along the Truckee River. We look forward to the conservation of more than one million acres of public lands, including many valuable recreation areas in North Washoe County, and are excited for the addition of a public shooting range that hunters can utilize for many generations to come.”
    “The Nevada Wildlife Federation thanks Senator Rosen for bringing all stakeholders together to create the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act,” said Russell Kuhlman, Executive Director of Nevada Wildlife Federation. “This legislation provides the county with the opportunity to balance our increasing human population while safeguarding our access to public lands, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation, which includes hunting and fishing.”
    “EDAWN truly appreciates the dedication Senator Rosen has given this critical issue,” said Taylor Adams, President and CEO of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN). “In addition to safeguarding the natural beauty of Northern Nevada for future generations, this bill provides much-needed land that will ensure our region can continue to deliver sustainable growth of commercial development, housing, and the infrastructure required for both.”
    “The Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support Senator Rosen’s land management legislation,” said Ann Silver, CEO of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce. “The legislation provides a pathway for communities in the Truckee Meadows to develop much-needed affordable housing and expanded land uses that can be managed as we continue to grow. The legislation also conserves pristine areas in northern Nevada where residents, tribes, and visitors can explore and recreate.”
    Senator Rosen’s Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act will: 

    Permanently protect more than 1,000,000 acres of public lands.
    Promote sustainable growth and economic development by directing over 15,200 acres of public lands to be made eligible for sale, all of which must be assessed for its suitability for new affordable housing. An additional 33 acres are set aside to only be sold for affordable housing. Any land sold for affordable housing would have to be sold at less than fair market value.
    Support local Tribal communities by expanding land held in trust by more than 8,400 acres for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, 11,300 acres for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and over 1,000 acres for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
    Provide local governments over 3,700 acres for public purposes such as parks, water treatment facilities, and schools. Land is specifically conveyed to Washoe County, the City of Reno, the City of Sparks, the Incline Village General Improvement District, the Gerlach General Improvement District, the State of Nevada, the Truckee River Flood Management Authority, the Washoe County School District, and the University of Nevada Reno.

    Senator Rosen has been working tirelessly to pass her Washoe County Lands Bill. Last year, she successfully urged the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to hold a hearing on this legislation. After it passed out of committee, she took to the Senate floor to try to pass the legislation by unanimous consent, but was blocked by Washington politicians. She vowed to reintroduce the Washoe County Bill in her second term and is fulfilling that promise today.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Rosen Opposes Confirmation of Project 2025 Co-Author Russell Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Senator Rosen: “Nevadans are hurting, and they are looking to Congress for help. If Vought is given the power to shape our federal budget, we risk seeing critical programs slashed, leaving our seniors, working people, families facing higher costs, fewer services, and with less financial security.”

    Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took the Senate floor to oppose the confirmation of one of the key authors of Project 2025, Russell Vought, to lead the Office of Management and Budget. In her speech, Senator Rosen highlighted Mr. Vought’s extreme far-right views and plans that would harm hard-working families, including putting programs like Medicare and Social Security on the chopping block, and giving tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations on the backs of seniors and working families.
    Below are excerpts of Senator Rosen’s floor remarks:
    Mr. President,
    Nevadans sent me to the Senate to stand up and fight for hardworking families throughout our state.
    And that’s exactly why I’m here today – to sound the alarm about Russell Vought’s nomination to lead the Trump Administration’s Office of Management and Budget. They oversee virtually every agency and the entire federal budget.
    Mr. Vought would be a disaster if he’s put in this role again. 
    Russell Vought vote is an extremist who will betray working families, betray your family – and there’s simply no other way to put it.
    After all, he was the main architect behind [the] Project 2025 agenda.
    You might have heard of it, but for those who don’t know, Project 2025 is Russell Vought’s far-right playbook for seizing full control of the federal government. I’m going to repeat that: this is he wrote the playbook to seize full control over the federal government. Our government. Your government.
    It’s filled with extreme ideas that would hurt families like yours. Ideas like putting essential government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security on the chopping block. And it’s going to give handouts to billionaires and big corporations on the backs of America’s middle class. On your backs.
    Seeing how much power this Administration has already given to unelected, unelected billionaire CEOs, it’s not hard to imagine what’s coming next.
    […]
    I urge my colleagues who are considering a vote for this nomination to think about what working people in this country are going through at this moment.
    I urge my colleagues to think about the Moms and the Dads who come home from a hard day at work. They have dinner with their family, they put their kids to bed, and then, instead of relaxing in front of the TV, they sit at the kitchen table, and they worry. And they’re worried sick about how they’re going to pay the bills, how they’re going to keep a roof over their head, how they’re going to keep putting food on the table.
    They’re going back and forth, trying to figure out what essentials they can live without just to make ends meet.
    At the same time, the billionaires that Russell Vought is looking out for, well, they don’t understand the struggle, I can bet you that. I’m going to say here: let’s ask those billionaires last time they went grocery shopping and worried about the price of eggs or milk. I bet they don’t have an answer for that. That’s who Mr. Vought fights for. And these struggles that real families are going through, they’re tough choices that far, far too many working families face every single day.
    And these are the people who will be hurt most by Russell Vought’s extreme, extreme agenda.
    And we know that, right now, these same families are feeling the squeeze of rising costs – it’s everywhere, the grocery store to the gas pump. 
    And with the added price spikes from President Trump’s reckless tariff threats, it’s going to get even harder to afford food, pay off an energy bill, or make rent – let alone, let alone buy a home.
    And so, it’s no wonder people are so frustrated with the way things are –  it shouldn’t have to be this way.
    We should be looking for opportunities to help make their lives better – to make things a little easier.
    At a time when Americans are already paying an arm and a leg for essentials – when they desperately need the support of critical government programs that make such a meaningful difference, why on earth would we confirm someone who will just make their lives harder? Why on earth would we do this?
    So, make no mistake: if Russell Vought is allowed to head up the OMB, he, Vought will work to make sure the ultra-wealthy get more, while struggling families get even less than they have now. This is who Russel Vought is, and this is what he’ll do – what he’ll do to you.
    Mr. President, Nevadans are hurting, and they are looking to Congress for help. 
    If Vought is given the power to shape our federal budget, we risk seeing critical programs slashed, leaving our seniors, working people, families facing higher costs, fewer services, and with less financial security. 
    And this isn’t just an ideological difference; it’s a real threat to millions of people’s well-being. To the very core of what’s most important to them: their families.
    And the stakes couldn’t be higher. And so, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to reject this reckless nomination for the sake of all of our families.

    MIL OSI USA News –