NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: 02.06.2025 Sen. Cruz Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Prevent Democrats from Court Packing the Supreme Court

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, introduced a constitutional amendment to maintain a total of nine Supreme Court justices on the bench at a time.
    Once approved by Congress, the amendment would go to the states for ratification.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “For years, Democrats have openly said they intend to pack the Supreme Court. They seek to use the Court to advance policy goals they can’t accomplish electorally. Such a move would be a direct assault on the design of our Constitution, which is designed to ensure the Supreme Court remains a non-partisan guardian of the rule of law. This amendment is a badly-needed check on their efforts to undermine the integrity of the Court.”
    Sen. Grassley said, “Democrats’ radical court packing scheme would erase the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and destroy historic precedent. The Court is a co-equal branch of government, and our Keep Nine Amendment will ensure that it remains independent from political pressure.”
    Sen. Cornyn said, “Democrats have turned the legal system into a vehicle for advancing policy goals they can’t achieve at the ballot box or in Congress. I’m proud to join Sen. Cruz in supporting this resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to prevent the Democrats from packing the Court and undermining the rule of law.”
    Sen. Lee said, “It is vital that we protect the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court. Radical Democrats will not stop trying to rig the decisions they want through court packing, and this legislation would permanently take that dangerous option off the table.”
    Sen. Crapo said, “Throughout our nation’s history, the Supreme Court has successfully safeguarded our Constitution. Packing the Court would unnecessarily increase partisanship within the institution, creating greater challenges in settling the pressing cases that matter to Americans in a constitutional and just way.”
    Sen. Capito said, “A nine Justice court has worked for our country for more than 150 years. Increasing that number in a partisan effort to achieve a desired policy result is a never-ending proposition. If court-packing were pursued, respect for the Supreme Court would plummet and the checks and balances of our constitutional order would be threatened. We should preserve our independent judiciary by closing the door to the Democrats radical court packing proposals.”
    Sen. Blackburn said, “The radical left wants to pack the Supreme Court to implement their socialist agenda. The number of justices on our nation’s highest court should stay the same regardless of which party is in power.”
    Sen. Cassidy said, “Packing the courts to achieve a preordained outcome is not what our Founding Fathers had in mind. Nine justices has been a good number for 156 years; I’m sure it will be for another 156.”
    Sen. Young said, “Though there is less talk about court packing these days from Democrats, adding to the Supreme Court remains a bad idea. I am again supporting this legislation to protect the constitutional credibility of the Supreme Court.”
    Sen. Hyde-Smith said, “The Supreme Court was designed by our Founders to protect justice, not be used as a political pawn.  We need to keep it that way.  Packing the Court for political leverage destabilizes the integrity of the institution and is dangerous for our country.  If this constitutional amendment is approved by Congress and the states, the issue will be settled for good.”
    Sen. Banks said, “Americans forcefully rejected Democrats at the ballot box last year. Their backup plan is to override the will of the voters by packing the Court. This amendment crushes that plan.”
    Sen. Risch said, “Democrats’ attempts to pack the Supreme Court with radical appointees undermines our democracy and American confidence in our judicial system. The Keep Nine Constitutional Amendment would ensure justices focus on upholding the rule of law rather than legislating from the bench.”
    The proposed constitutional amendment was co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).
    Read the complete text of the amendment here.
    BACKGROUND
    Sen. Cruz previously introduced this amendment in 2023 and 2020.
    Over the past several years, top Democrats have pledged to expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court when they are able to.
    Former Vice President Kamala Harris said “We are on the verge of a crisis of confidence in the Supreme Court […] We have to take this challenge head on, and everything is on the table to do that.” Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) posted online “Mitch McConnell set the precedent. No Supreme Court vacancies filled in an election year. If he violates it, when Democrats control the Senate in the next Congress, we must abolish the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court.” Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)called court-packing “long-overdue court reform.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said “I’m open. […] Actually, I mean, we could. […] Look, there are a lot of different ways to do it. The number of people on the Supreme Court is not constitutionally constricted.”
    Meanwhile Democrats, including Joe Biden, falsely called Senate Republican’s efforts to confirm Judge Barrett “court-packing.” Sen. Cruz has said, “Court-packing does not mean nominating a justice to fill a vacancy. […] It is expanding the number of justices. And, you know, Joe Biden in 1983 said court-packing was ‘a bone-headed idea,’ and now that bone-headed idea I think is their agenda number one if they win on Election Day.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 02.06.2025 Sen. Cruz, Rep. Jackson Introduce Legislation to Bring Cutting-Edge Technological Training to Sheppard Air Force Base

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Advancing Innovation and Maintenance through Headquarters for Instruction, Growth, and High-Tech Training (AIM HIGH) Act. The legislation would establish an Air Force Technical Training Center of Excellence at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, which would function as a state-of-the-art training center and position Texas at the forefront of military and technical training. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) introduced parallel legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “America’s military strength depends on the skill and readiness of our servicemembers. Providing them with the best training centers and equipment is of the utmost importance. The AIM HIGH Act will establish Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, as the nation’s center of excellence for cutting-edge technological education, ensuring the U.S. Air Force remains the world’s most advanced and capable fighting force.”
    Rep. Jackson said, “Sheppard Air Force Base is vital to the continued success of Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District and the national security of our great nation. As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, advocating for Sheppard’s growth has been one of my top priorities. This legislation aims to elevate critical support functions within our military. By establishing a Technical Training Center of Excellence, we will create new opportunities for the next generation of airmen while ensuring our Air Force remains at the forefront of technical training innovation. I’m proud to work alongside my friend, Senator Cruz, in advocating for this crucial initiative and will continue to push for its inclusion in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.”
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    During the 118th Congress, Sen. Cruz introduced the Air Force Technical Training Center of Excellence Act as a standalone bill in 2024 and an amendment to the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
    About Sheppard Air Force Base:
    Texas’ Sheppard AFB is home to the Air Force’s largest technical training wing, the 82nd Training Wing, as well as the 80th Flying Training Wing, the world’s only internationally manned and managed flying training program.
    Sheppard AFB trains pilots and maintainers as well as the propulsion, avionics maintenance, flight equipment, fuels, munitions, and aerospace ground equipment specialists needed to keep planes in the air, and the civil engineers, plumbers, telecommunications specialists, and electricians. It graduates more than 65,000 Airmen annually in roughly 1,000 courses across 73 career fields.
    Sheppard AFB is also home to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program headquarters. ENJJPT is the world’s only multi-nationally managed and conducted flying training program, designed to train fighter pilots for 14 NATO partner nations. The program is a critical component of the U.S. Air Force’s and NATO’s pilot training pipeline, emphasizing coalition interoperability and high-quality aviation instruction.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: India Country Analysis Brief

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    Petroleum & Other Liquids

    Crude oil, gasoline, heating oil, diesel, propane, and other liquids including biofuels and natural gas liquids.

    Natural Gas

    Exploration and reserves, storage, imports and exports, production, prices, sales.

    Electricity

    Sales, revenue and prices, power plants, fuel use, stocks, generation, trade, demand & emissions.

    Coal

    Reserves, production, prices, employment and productivity, distribution, stocks, imports and exports.

    Total Energy

    Comprehensive data summaries, comparisons, analysis, and projections integrated across all energy sources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Trisura Announces Timing of Fourth Quarter and 2024 Annual Results Release and Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trisura Group Ltd. (“Trisura” or “Trisura Group”) (TSX: TSU), a leading specialty insurance provider, announces the timing of fourth quarter and annual 2024 results release and earnings conference call.

    Trisura will release its fourth quarter and annual 2024 results after market close on Thursday, February 13th, 2025. The company will host a conference call for analysts and investors on Friday, February 14th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Conference call participants will be David Clare, President and Chief Executive Officer and David Scotland, Chief Financial Officer.

    To listen to the call via live audio webcast, please follow the link below:
    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/mghkbw3a

    A replay of the call will be available through the link above.

    About Trisura Group

    Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance provider operating in the Surety, Warranty, Corporate Insurance, Program and Fronting business lines of the market. Trisura has investments in wholly owned subsidiaries through which it conducts insurance operations. Those operations are primarily in Canada and the United States. Trisura Group Ltd. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSU”.

    Further information is available at https://www.trisura.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Details regarding the operations of Trisura Group Ltd. are also set forth in regulatory filings. A copy of the filings may be obtained on Trisura Group’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For more information, please contact:
    Name: Bryan Sinclair
    Tel: 416 607 2135
    Email: bryan.sinclair@trisura.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Amnesty International – Trump’s claim that US will take over Gaza and forcibly deport Palestinians is appalling and unlawful

    Source: Amnesty International

    Israel/ OPT: President Trump’s claim that US will take over Gaza and forcibly deport Palestinians appalling and unlawful

    Reacting to President Donald Trump’s comments that the USA will “take over the Gaza Strip”, advocating again for the forcible transfer of around 2 million Palestinians from Gaza to neighbouring countries, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:

    “President Trump’s remarks calling for the forcible transfer of Palestinians from the occupied Gaza Strip must be unequivocally and widely condemned. His language is inflammatory, outrageous and shameful, and his proposal amounts to a flagrant violation of international law.

    “Any plan to forcibly deport Palestinians outside the occupied territory against their will is a war crime, and when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack on the civilian population, it would constitute a crime against humanity.

    “President Trump’s comments dangerously dehumanizes Palestinians, who for the last 16-months have been victims of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and for decades have been living under illegal occupation and apartheid. Most of Gaza’s Palestinians are descendants and survivors of the 1948 Nakba, they have already been repeatedly uprooted and dispossessed by Israel and denied their right of return yet have continued to struggle to remain on their lands and defend their human rights.

    “Israel’s genocide in Gaza, including through unlawful killings, injuries and the deliberate infliction of conditions of life that are calculated to bring about their physical destruction,  has been accompanied by an alarming rise in unlawful killings in the occupied West Bank, state-backed settler violence, mass land confiscation and arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment of Palestinians across the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.

    “President Trump repeatedly referenced the destruction, killing and unlivable conditions in Gaza calling it a ‘demolition site’ while seated next to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, yet he completely failed to mention the Israeli government’s responsibility for causing this devastation. Nor did he acknowledge the US government’s role in providing arms that have repeatedly been used to carry out deadly, unlawful attacks in Gaza.

    “In the face of President Trump’s dangerous threats, it’s more important than ever for the rest of the international community to categorically reject these proposals and expedite diplomatic efforts, in line with international law, to end Israel’s unlawful occupation, dismantle apartheid and uphold human rights for Palestinians and Israelis. History has abundantly demonstrated that sidelining international law for political expediency is a recipe for the perpetuation of violations.

    “Amnesty International also warns against the misuse of desperately needed humanitarian aid and reconstruction as a bargaining chip or as a means to coerce Palestinians in Gaza into leaving. No state is entitled to treat a protected population living under occupation as pawns in a geopolitical chess game.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s push to shut down USAID shows how international development is also about strategic interests

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Nelson Duenas, Assistant Professor of Accounting, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is on the verge of being shut down by United States President Donald Trump’s administration.

    On Feb. 4, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the agency would be taken over by the State Department. He stated that “all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally.”

    This move comes after Trump and his officials have heavily criticized the role and ineffectiveness of the agency. Trump said USAID had “been run by a bunch of radical lunatics, and we’re getting them out,” while Tesla CEO and special government employee Elon Musk said it was “time for it to die.”

    The closure of USAID will have significant consequences for many countries in the Global South. USAID is one of the largest development agencies in the world and funds programs that benefit millions of people, from supporting peace agreements in Colombia to fighting the spread of HIV in Uganda.

    Around US$40 billion is allocated annually from the U.S. federal budget for humanitarian and development aid. If USAID is dismantled, it raises questions about how these funds will be redirected and the long-term impacts it will have on global development efforts.

    A geopolitical fallout?

    The potential dismantling of USAID has raised concerns among international development experts about a potential geopolitical fallout that could create unintended consequences for the U.S. itself.

    Global issues, such as human security and climate change, are expected to be heavily affected. The U.S. also risks losing influence in the fight for soft power since dismantling USAID could leave behind a power vacuum. Other countries like Russia or China may occupy the space left by what was the largest international aid program in the world.



    Read more:
    USAid shutdown isn’t just a humanitarian issue – it’s a threat to American interests

    This shift could result in the U.S. losing its influence in regions like Africa, South America and Asia, where the country distributed aid to a number of non-governmental organizations, aid agencies and non-profits.

    While the future of U.S. foreign assistance remains uncertain, other world powers have a role to play. European donors, despite some limitations in resources, remain committed to the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda.

    Beyond humanitarianism

    If the agency is shut down, it may be widely condemned on moral and humanitarian grounds. However, its closure would respond to a logic of strategic and ideological interests that has long shaped the international development system. This a key finding from my longstanding field research with organizations that receive funding, not only from USAID, but also from Canadian and European donors.

    International development largely unfolded in the aftermath of the Second World War when global powers competed to establish a new world order. This led to the creation of international agreements and multilateral institutions, with major industrialized nations emerging as the primary donors of foreign aid.

    While many international initiatives, like the Millennium Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, have guided development as we know it, the governments of main donor countries have their own interests in mind when providing aid.

    In my research, I have interviewed many people involved in the foreign aid chain, including directors and offices of international non-governmental organizations and governmental co-operation agencies. Many said development relationships are shaped by both the interests of donors and those of recipient populations and organizations.

    While these relationships may be based on humanitarian objectives, such as disaster relief or human rights advocacy, they can also be influenced by ideological, geopolitical, economic and social agendas.

    In this context, the American move to eliminate USAID could be seen as one that prioritizes national security and economic goals over traditional global humanitarian concerns. Governments steer the wheel of international development according to their political ideologies and interests, regardless of the shock this may generate among citizens.

    Canada’s role in all this

    The U.S. is not the only country re-evaluating its international development policy. Sweden, another major country in the foreign aid sphere, is also changing its co-operation strategy following changes in its government and criticism of the NGOs that deploy their development assistance.

    Canada’s role in this unfolding situation remains uncertain. With the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberal Party and the upcoming federal election, it’s unclear what will happen to Canada’s international development strategy going forward.

    Under Stephen Harper, the country’s international development strategy was closely tied to expanding trade with developing countries based on maximizing the value of extractive economies and a strong defence policy. This approach aimed to bring value not only to the recipient country of aid, but to Canada as well.

    When Trudeau took office, Canada’s development strategy turned to a more progressive agenda centred on peace keeping, feminist approaches and humanitarian programs.

    Will Canada continue to champion human rights, human security and progressive agendas? Or will Canada reduce funds for foreign assistance, which seems to be the wish of many of its citizens?

    The answer to these questions will depend on the direction that our political leaders decide to take, and the sentiments of citizens. Still, Canada’s approach to development aid will probably remain in a trade-off between moral imperatives of humanitarianism and strategic national interests.

    Nelson Duenas receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
    Nelson Duenas is a researcher associated to l’Observatoire canadien sur les crises et l’action humanitaires

    – ref. Trump’s push to shut down USAID shows how international development is also about strategic interests – https://theconversation.com/trumps-push-to-shut-down-usaid-shows-how-international-development-is-also-about-strategic-interests-249118

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Congratulates the Florida Panthers

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    “Congratulations once again to the Florida Panthers on just an unbelievable season. You gave the fans one of the most riveting comebacks in NHL history.” – President Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtSnpuSlWkk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Welcomes Netanyahu to the White House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    “The bonds of friendship and affection between the American and Israeli people have endured for generations, and they are absolutely unbreakable.” – President Donald J. Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoAQd6zvv7k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Pam Bondi Sworn In as Attorney General

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bho5dlf3tbA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Women Celebrate as President Trump Signs Order Protecting Women’s Sports

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Women’s sports are for WOMEN.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x478DZMLnSM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: National Prayer Breakfast

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    “It’s great to be back at the Prayer Breakfast… IN GOD WE TRUST.” – President Donald J. Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWiEODTMBkc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Crapo reintroduce Hearing Protection Act to remove regulatory burden for lawful gun owners

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and colleagues in reintroducing the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) to help law-abiding gun owners better access suppressors to preserve their hearing and safety. The HPA would reclassify suppressors so that they receive the same regulation as traditional firearms, removing regulatory burdens.

    “Big government shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting lawful gun owners’ hearing. I’m proud to help introduce this bill to make it easier for Louisianians and all Americans to practice their Second Amendment rights safely,” said Kennedy.

    “Federal red tape continues to follow the false Hollywood narrative that suppressors are silent, and ignores the reality that they serve a genuine purpose in protecting the hearing of law-abiding American citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. It is past time Congress removes the burdensome barriers to accessing this equipment for the safety of Idaho’s hunters and sportsmen,” said Crapo. 

    Suppressors are currently subject to additional regulatory burdens under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The HPA would remove suppressors from regulation under the NFA and replace the overly burdensome federal transfer process with an instantaneous background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This process would make the purchasing and transfer process for suppressors equal to that for a rifle or shotgun.

    By taxing suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, rather than the NFA, the bill would also generate funding for state wildlife conservation agencies. 

    The legislation does not impact any state laws that prevent suppressors, and it does not eliminate background check requirements.

    The full bill text is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy: America won’t forget if UK gives away Chagos Islands with US military base

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) warned the United Kingdom that it could damage its relationship with the United States if it threatens the future of the joint U.S.-U.K. military base on the island of Diego Garcia by ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

    Key excerpts of the speech are below:

    “Do you know who is loving all of this? China, because China has a close relationship with Mauritius. And do you know what? It is going to get a lot closer.

    “This is insane. This is cell-deep stupid. This is bone-deep, down-to-the-marrow stupid. Because the United Nations wants the United Kingdom to feel guilty, they want to give our military base and their military base to Mauritius. Now, the prime minister of the United Kingdom can stop this.”

    . . .

    “Please, Mr. Prime Minister, don’t do this. Don’t do this. We will stand with you in telling the United Nations, who is upset with you, to go fill out a hurt feelings report because we are not doing it. We will stand with you. Please say no. Don’t give our military base away. It is going to really hurt the relationship between the United States of America and the United Kingdom.”

    Background

    • The U.K. had previously announced on Oct. 3, 2024, that it had reached a deal with Mauritius to cede the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. This deal between the U.K. and Mauritius would jeopardize the security of a key U.S.-U.K. military base on Deigo Garcia by potentially exposing the island to Chinese espionage efforts, according to a report from the Policy Exchange.
    • Negotiations between the U.K. and Mauritius followed a years-long pressure campaign from the United Nations to get England out of the Chagos Islands. The Biden administration also reportedly pressured the U.K. to enter the deal with Mauritius before the American and Mauritian elections took place—an idea Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially endorsed. 
    • On Oct. 23, 2024, Kennedy wrote to then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeking answers about the Biden administration’s involvement in the deal between the U.K. and Mauritius.
    • Kennedy also penned this op-ed in Oct. 2024 arguing that the Biden administration owes the American people an explanation for its decision to allow this deal between the U.K. and Mauritius to move forward.
    • On Jan. 15, 2025, Starmer announced that he wanted President Trump and his administration to weigh in on any deal struck between the U.K. and Mauritius regarding the transfer of the Chagos Islands, including the transfer of the U.S.-U.K. shared military base on the island of Diego Garcia. 
    • Kennedy published this op-ed in Jan. 2025 welcoming the U.K.’s change of heart after Starmer announced that he would include the Trump administration in the ongoing negotiations with Mauritius.
    • Former Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), President Trump’s nominee for National Security Advisor, has criticized the deal, saying, “Should the U.K. cede control of the Chagos to Mauritius, I have no doubt that China will take advantage of the resulting vacuum.”
    • Secretary of State Marco Rubio has similarly condemned the deal and said it “poses a serious threat to our national security interests in the Indian Ocean and threatens critical U.S. military posture in the region.”

    Watch Kennedy’s full speech here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy: Americans understand what DOGE is doing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) explained why many Americans support the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to uncover wasteful spending at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in a speech on the Senate floor.

    Key excerpts of the speech are below:

    “[Americans] have had to live through 20% inflation under President Biden. They understand what [Elon] Musk is doing. They understand spending porn and wasting taxpayer money.

    “Now, Mr. Musk started with USAID. . . . He found that USAID gave money to support electric vehicles in Vietnam—our money, taxpayer money. He found that USAID gave money to a transgender clinic in India. I didn’t know that. I bet you the American people didn’t know that.

    “He found that USAID gave $1.5 million to a Serbian LGBTQ group. . . . They got $1.5 million to ‘advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities.’ What else did Mr. Musk find that my colleagues don’t want to talk about?”

    . . . 

    “Now, I am not saying everything that USAID does is wasted, but I am saying a lot of it is—a hell of a lot of it is—and we ought to be on the floor of this United States Senate thanking Mr. Musk, and we ought to be asking him to go through every agency and look at everybody’s budget—everybody’s budget.

    “That is what the American people want. They don’t want to talk about process. They don’t want to continue with the Washington way. They want to save some money.”

    Watch Kennedy’s full speech here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Daines Introduce Bill to Give Small Businesses Permanent Tax Break

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to permanently extend the 20 percent tax deduction for pass-through businesses. Should these tax cuts expire, small businesses will face an immediate and massive tax hike.

    “Inflicting a 20% tax increase on Idaho’s small businesses would be damaging to our economy and local communities,” said Risch. “The Main Street Tax Certainty Actensures these establishments remain the driving force Idaho’s economy and thrive for generations to come.”

    “As the son of a contractor, I’ve seen firsthand the hard work it takes to keep a small business flourishing- especially as Americans are still grappling with the effects of Joe Biden’s inflation. It’s absolutely crucial that we pass this legislation to prevent a 20 percent tax increase for hardworking Montanans and I’ll keep fighting for ways to support Montana small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs in our state,” said Daines.

    The 20% small business deduction was created as a part of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts to level the playing field between small businesses and large corporations. Without Congressional action, 9 out of 10 small businesses will be hit with a massive tax hike when this deduction is set to expire at the end of 2025.  

    Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Kennedy (R-La.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Risch and Daines in introducing the legislation.

    Recently, a new study from Ernst and Young (EY) highlighted the economic activity supported by this small and family-owned business tax deduction, including 2.6 million jobs and $325 billion of the GDP.?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 6th, 2025 Heinrich’s first bill in new Congress focused on apprenticeship programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Sen. Martin Heinrich is continuing his focus on apprenticeships and workforce development in the 119th session of Congress, putting forth a bill aimed at creating grants for new high school apprenticeship programs.

    Heinrich, D-N.M., introduced the bipartisan Apprenticeship Pathways Act in January with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. The pair introduced the same legislation in 2023.

    The bill, if approved, would direct the Secretary of Labor to provide grants for the creation and development of apprenticeship programs for high school students — targeting industries like construction, health care, early childhood education, technology and manufacturing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 6th, 2025 Heinrich Sounds the Alarm on “DOGE” Risk to National Security & American Privacy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, pressed the White House on the risks of allowing unvetted “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) staff and representatives to access classified and sensitive government materials. In a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Heinrich sounded the alarm on the risk DOGE poses to our national security and Americans’ privacy.

    In the letter, Heinrich, U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), and several colleagues demanded that the administration provide details to Congress about how DOGE staff and representatives are being vetted, which systems, records and information are being shared, and what steps the Trump administration is taking to safeguard them from misuse or disclosure.

    “According to press reports, DOGE inspectors already have gained access to classified materials, including intelligence reports, at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sensitive government payment systems, including for Social Security and Medicare, at the Treasury Department, and federal personnel data from the Office of Personnel Management. Further, as of today the scope of DOGE’s access only seems to be expanding, as reports indicate DOGE has now entered the Department of Labor and other agencies,” Heinrich wrote. “No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority or regulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting and monitoring its staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information.”

    Heinrich added, “As you know, information is classified to protect the national security interests of the United States. Government employees and contractors only receive access to such information after they have undergone a rigorous background investigation and demonstrated a ‘need to know.’ Circumventing these requirements creates enormous counterintelligence and security risks. For example, improper access to facilities and systems containing security clearance files of Intelligence Community personnel puts at risk the safety of the men and women who serve this country. In addition, unauthorized access to classified information risks exposure of our operations and potentially compromises not only our own sources and methods, but also those of our allies and partners. If our sources, allies, and partners stop sharing intelligence because they cannot trust us to protect it, we will all be less safe.”

    Heinrich also raised alarms about the privacy implications of allowing an unknown number of DOGE staff to access unclassified systems containing information about individual American taxpayers and organizations.

    Heinrich continued, “Unclassified government systems also contain sensitive data, the unintended disclosure of which could result in significant harm to individuals or organizations, including financial loss, identity theft, and exposure of medical and other private personal information. The U.S. Treasury payment systems, in particular, are used to disburse trillions of dollars each year, and contain everyday Americans’ personal information, such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, and bank accounts. Allowing DOGE access to this information raises unprecedented risks to Americans’ private personal and financial information.”

    The letter also noted that there are strict cybersecurity controls in place for federal networks that DOGE does not seem to be following, including by reportedly connecting personal devices to sensitive government systems.

    “Such unregulated practices with our government’s most sensitive networks render Americans’ personal and financial information, and our classified national secrets, vulnerable to ransomware and cyber-attacks by criminals and foreign adversaries. The recent unprecedented Salt Typhoon and Change Healthcare attacks that affected tens of millions of Americans further underscore the importance of rigorously fortifying our government systems,” Heinrich stated.

    Alongside Heinrich and Warner, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Angus King (I-Maine), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) joined the letter.

    The full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 6th, 2025 Heinrich, Moran Introduce Legislation to Create Pathways to Stable Careers, Expand Access to Apprenticeships & Technical Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to high-demand careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeships and technical education. Heinrich introduced the bill with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).

    Apprenticeships and technical education offer a direct path to acquiring in-demand skills, and early exposure to industries can encourage more students to pursue careers in those professions. Expanding apprenticeship programs for high school students can help address workforce shortages and ensure a sustainable workforce pipeline. This legislation particularly focuses on apprenticeship programs for occupations with high need, including the building trades, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, and early childhood education.

    “If we want to set the next generation up for success, we need to go all in on expanding access to career-connected learning like apprenticeships as early as high school. By providing students with more preparation and job skills, we will ensure more New Mexicans have the opportunity to access careers in their own communities that they can build their families around, while strengthening New Mexico’s middle class and growing our state’s economy,” said Heinrich.

    “Apprenticeships bridge the gap between education and production, providing hands-on learning opportunities that benefit both students and employers in technical fields,” said Moran. “Aligning tech training with industry demands will help meet the workforce needs in Kansas and expand high-paying career opportunities in the IT industry.”

    The Apprenticeship Pathways Act would direct the U.S. Secretary of Labor to provide grants to industry intermediaries to develop and establish apprenticeship programs for high school students in the building trades, health care, early childhood education, technology, and manufacturing — based on local, regional, and national workforce trends. This model provides students on-the-job training and instruction, real-world experiences and responsibilities, and inspiring career pathways ahead of their entrance to the workforce.

    “Thanks to Senator Heinrich, and this legislation, New Mexico will soon provide pre-apprenticeship opportunities to young people around the state, especially in our underserved communities. Pre-apprenticeship is an essential on-ramp for high schoolers and recent graduates to access in demand, high wage careers. It’s a critical step in making our communities more prosperous,” said Mike May, Director of Workforce Learning for Future Focused Education.

    The text of the bill is here.

    Heinrich’s Longtime Support for Workforce Training and Apprenticeships:

    This week, Heinrich announced $1,350,000 in federal funding that he secured through the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process for the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 412 (U.A. Local 412). The funding will support specialized journeyman training focused on filling jobs created by the CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act, including needs specific to semiconductor plants, hospitals, and heat pump installation, service, repair, and maintenance. Through his work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich has further supported the U.A. Local 412’s workforce development efforts by securing $1.2 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Bill.

    In October 2024, Heinrich visited U.A. 412’s mobile training unit, which is creating more pathways to in-demand careers in the skilled trades and has already trained dozens of New Mexicans in Española, Taos, Las Vegas, Mora, Raton, and Santa Fe. Heinrich also participated in a training demonstration with U.A. Local 412 leadership and apprentices who are learning skills in the plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC trades.

    The U.A. Local 412 Mobile Training Unit was initially paid for by an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Good Jobs Challenge Grant, as part of a $6.4 million award to the Northern N.M. Workforce Integration Network. The Good Jobs Challenge funds were authorized by the American Rescue Plan, the critical economic recovery legislation that Heinrich was proud to pass in 2021.

    Heinrich is continuing to press for passage of Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Bills. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed bills last year that included an additional $870,000 CDS award that he secured within the Senate Appropriations Committee-passed Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Bill to sustain the U.A. Local 412’s mobile training unit’s operations past the original EDA funding, and to expand its reach to new communities including Grants, Gallup, Silver City, and Zuni Pueblo.

    Heinrich has long championed proven workforce training programs like U.A. Local 412’s apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs that are growing the middle class, creating and connecting New Mexicans to high-quality careers they can access in their communities, and continuing New Mexico’s leading role in the clean energy transition that is being built by union workers in the skilled trades.

    Last year, Heinrich hosted a “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” roundtable to talk directly with New Mexicans about how federal legislation he helped pass into law, like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Law, is creating careers in high-demand sectors and strengthening New Mexico’s health care, early childhood education, and skilled trades workforce. 

    In the last Congress, Heinrich introduced the bipartisan Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeship programs for occupations with high need, including the building trades, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, and early childhood education. Last year, Heinrich also introduced the Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act, legislation to strengthen the pipeline for careers in New Mexico, address rising workforce shortages, and grow the state’s economy through quality pre-apprenticeship programs.

    Last Congress, Courtenay Eichhorst, Business Manager of U.A. Local 412 and President of New Mexico Building Trades, testified about the importance of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships during a hearing that Heinrich convened as the Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee on “Job Training for the Clean Energy Transition.”

    Eichhorst said during that JEC hearing, “In addition to our ‘gold standard’ apprenticeship programs, the UA and other Building Trades’ unions are also increasingly investing in pre-apprenticeship programs that can be designed to help prepare high school students or individuals from underrepresented communities for a career in the trades. These programs help fill the role that used to be filled by the ‘shop classes’ that were found in high schools but have become increasingly rare. Pre-apprenticeship programs also focus on the ‘soft skills’ that are necessary for success in any industry, such as showing up on time and other work etiquette.”

    Also in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Bills, Heinrich secured $1,200,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the SMART Local Union No. 49 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to enhance and expand specialized HVAC apprenticeship training.

    Last March, Heinrich introduced the Providing Resources and Opportunities for Health Education and Learning (PRO-HEAL) Act, legislation that will tackle the health care provider shortage in New Mexico and nationwide by expanding pathways to high-quality, in-demand health care careers that medical professionals can access in their communities. Specifically, the PRO-HEAL Act addresses medical provider shortages by incentivizing states and institutions of higher education to expand or create health care provider pipeline programs, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The legislation is inspired by the success of the Combined BA/MD Degree Program at the University of New Mexico, where over 65% of students who have graduated from their program practice medicine in New Mexico.   

    Heinrich previously introduced the Pathways to Health Careers Act, legislation that reauthorizes and modernizes the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program to help address health care shortages in New Mexico and across the country and create pathways to high-quality, in-demand health care careers. The HPOG program has a proven track record of successfully educating workers for jobs in the health care industry, while also providing career coaching, job placement, and a mix of other support services. The Pathways to Health Careers Act would restart and expand the HPOG Program, providing $425 million to make HPOG available nationwide from FY2024 through FY2028 and includes set asides for Tribes and U.S. Territories. 

    In 2021, Heinrich and Moran introduced the Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act, bipartisan legislation to create earlier pathways to high-paying careers in the information technology (IT) industry. Heinrich previously introduced the bipartisan legislation in 2019 with former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help More Americans Access High-Quality Job Training, Get Good-Paying Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, bipartisan legislation to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants—need-based education grants for lower-income individuals—to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time. Currently, students can only use Pell Grants for two- and four-year colleges and universities. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act would help close the skills gap by allowing people to access job training they might otherwise be unable to afford but need for careers in high-demand fields.
    “The JOBS Act will provide an incredible opportunity for students in an ever-changing job market,” Senator Marshall said.  “Our legislation will give Americans the chance to learn critical skills for a successful career. I look forward to getting the JOBS Act across the finish line with my colleagues.”
    “No one should be priced out of an education—including a technical education—but I hear from many Virginians that access to high-quality job training programs that align with their goals is out of reach because of financial barriers,” said Senator Kaine. “Simultaneously, I hear from employers throughout the Commonwealth about their struggles to fill skilled labor positions. With these Virginians in mind, I wrote the JOBS Act to help remedy these issues and provide more workers with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs and provide for their families. This bill is good for workers, good for employers, and good for our economy as a whole.”
    The JOBS Act would allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality job training programs that are at least eight weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. Under current law, Pell Grants can only be applied toward programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length, rendering students in shorter-term high-quality job training programs ineligible for crucial assistance.
    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (D-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall in Senate Ag Committee Hearing: Farmers’ Mental Health is Near and Dear to My Heart

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. gave remarks in the Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing this week regarding the mental health of America’s farmers. Senator Marshall discussed the immense pressure America’s food producers are under in today’s market, stressing the importance of mental health awareness and community support for farmers and ranchers. 

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s remarks include: 
    On mental health awareness for America’s food producers:
    U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.: “I want to talk about farmer mental health for a second, and farmer suicide. This is something near and dear to my heart for many reasons. Over the past several years, we try to go out in the communities, doing round tables, trying to connect the dots. The resources are out there to help. And I want to back up and just say to all my farmers and ranchers, the pressure is very real. The pressure is very real. The pressure of losing a fifth, sixth, seventh generation farm, to be that person that couldn’t keep the farm together in the family.”
    “…I wanted to talk about solutions, and I know American Farm Bureau has been out here trying to connect these dots as well, on the resources, and appreciate the education programs you’re doing with the farmers. I’m trying to work with lenders out there. The lenders are some of the first people to see the signs and symptoms of depression, and I think we’re making progress, but it’s still tough times in ag land.
    Mr. Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation: “…Our organizations have worked arm in arm to try to bring awareness to this, you know, and this is a difficult subject to talk about. It really is. But we did a survey in Georgia, Florida area, and the alarming fact that we heard is that young farmers…I think that in less than 10 years, that 50% of them had considered suicide in that 10 years. 50%.”
    “…And you know, I’m a crusty old farmer, and when my wife died, yeah, I bottled it all up inside, like crusty old farmers do, and they say we don’t talk about our feelings. Well, I was wrong. It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay not to talk about it, and we got to get rid of the stigma that goes along with it, and the only way to do that is to talk to farmers, make farmers in the families aware, to be noticeable what’s going around, just like you’re working with the Farm Credit System, because they see them every day.”U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.: “…I just encourage everybody to be a good neighbor. Most of us notice when our neighbor suddenly is not going to church, or they’re not going to a ball game. And there’s some of those very subtle hints out there that we’re all aware of.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AFL Clubs Choose Tradable Bits to Revolutionise Fan Engagement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tradable Bits, the leading provider of fan marketing technology, has been selected by 17 Australian Football League (AFL) clubs to drive fan engagement, data collection, and activation strategies for the upcoming season.

    With over six years of collaboration with the AFL, Tradable Bits continues to expand its role in the league, enhancing data intelligence across in-venue, broadcast, email, and mobile SMS platforms.

    Tradable Bits provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of sports organizations, including seamless fan engagement tools, a purpose-built CRM for teams, and integrations with ticketing, merchandise, and marketing automation systems.

    Since its initial partnership with the AFL in 2019, Tradable Bits has seen exponential growth, now powering fan engagement initiatives for 17 of the league’s 18 clubs, including Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Gold Coast Suns, GWS Giants, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Richmond, St Kilda, Sydney Swans, West Coast Eagles, and the Western Bulldogs.

    North Melbourne Football Club’s Digital Marketing and Analytics Manager, Jackson Zilco, highlighted the impact of the long-term partnership:

    “Partnering with Tradable Bits has been instrumental in helping our club better understand and engage with our fans. They’ve grown with us as we’ve evolved our Fan Engagement and Data strategies and are always proactive when it comes to ideas and strategy.”

    “We’re aiming for record membership numbers in 2025, and Tradable Bits is key to our lead generation efforts. It remains an integral part of our technology stack and plays a big role in helping us reach membership targets,” added Zilco.

    Tim Mullaly, General Manager, APAC at Tradable Bits, emphasised the company’s fan-centric philosophy:

    “At Tradable Bits, we’re fans first and foremost. We understand that the core of fandom is connection, and our clubs are always looking to get closer to their fans by delivering unique and authentic experiences. With the vast majority of the AFL industry now using our data intelligence and activation tools, Tradable Bits is powering more fan engagements than ever before.”

    In 2024 alone, Tradable Bits campaigns were responsible for more than 100,000 hours of engagement time by AFL fans.

    Danielle Wooley, Head of Customer Experience & Insights at the Western Bulldogs, noted how Tradable Bits’ automation capabilities have streamlined their fan communications:

    “By integrating directly with Ticketmaster Archtics, we’ve cut our fan welcome email turnaround time from up to three weeks to under 24 hours. Timeliness and relevance matter. Prioritizing this shows our fans that we understand them; it goes a long way in fostering genuine connection.”

    Wooley also highlighted the revenue-driving potential of fan engagement initiatives:

    “We ran a Tradable Bits Personality Quiz during the season, garnering over 3,000 participants. The campaign fed a tailored experience journey, resulting in a 500% attendance increase in one season.”

    As AFL clubs gear up for an exciting 2025 season, Tradable Bits continues to play a crucial role in driving engagement, strengthening connections, and delivering measurable results for teams.

    About Tradable Bits
    Tradable Bits is a leading provider of cutting-edge fan engagement, data analytics, and marketing solutions to the global sports, music, and entertainment industries. Tradable Bits’ proprietary fan engagement platform and CRM leverages zero-party data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning so promoters, sports leagues and teams, and live event organisations can market more effectively, generate revenue, and foster brand loyalty. Tradable Bits’ technology is built exclusively in-house by award-winning engineers and mathematicians working alongside veteran sports and entertainment executives to meet the unique needs of live audience organisations. More than 100 leading organisations rely on Tradable Bits including sports partners in the AFL, NBA, NFL, NRL, NHL, MLB and MLS, and entertainment partners AEG Presents’ GoldenVoice, BMG, Live Nation Canada, Front Gate Tickets, Country Music Association, Danny Wimmer Presents, Life is Beautiful, and Outside Lands. Tradable Bits is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and has offices in North America, Australia, and Europe. More information is available at www.tradablebits.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Moms of Victims of Illegal Aliens SLAM Selena Gomez:You Didn’t Cry for Our Daughters

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ8aQF7u1oM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump welcomed pro-school choice leaders for National School Choice Week

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Trump reaffirms his commitment to empowering parents and expanding access to quality education.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KugA9PA0G9E

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Angel Moms Sigh in Relief Over Trump’s Immigration Crackdown: ‘Finally Ridding Country of Illegals’

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Trump is PROTECTING AMERICAN FAMILIES.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzwMGCFoygA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT: Karoline Leavitt Breaks Down President Trump’s First 2 Weeks

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    In just two weeks, President Trump is delivering HUGE wins- securing our border, restoring law & order, unleashing energy, and more. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt breaks it down in 95 seconds!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc5tBjgMGTU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Sanders, Baldwin, DeLauro, Scott Demand Answers on Trump’s Plans to Dismantle Education Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education; and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee alongside Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education sent a letter warning against the Trump administration’s reported plans to unilaterally dismantle the Department of Education. The lawmakers asked the acting Secretary of Education for answers on recent actions taken by the Trump administration to put federal workers on administrative leave, coerce employees into leaving their jobs, provide access to students’ sensitive data, and illegally freeze vital funding.

    “Over the course of two weeks, the Trump Administration issued sweeping executive orders and sought to broadly and illegally freeze federal financial assistance,” wrote Sanders and the lawmakers. “Federal employees have been targeted, in some cases for simply following the law. Elon Musk is attempting to shut down the work of entire agencies while gaining access to some of the federal government’s most far reaching and sensitive data systems. Media reports indicate a similar effort may be underway at the Department of Education.”

    “We will not stand by and allow this to happen to the nation’s students, parents, borrowers, educators, and communities. Congress created the Department to ensure all students in America have equal access to a high-quality education and that their civil rights are protected no matter their zip code,” continued the lawmakers. “We urge you to provide information on the steps the Department is taking to ensure the continuity of programs that Americans depend on, the ability of the Department to effectively administer programs for their intended purposes without waste, fraud and abuse, and the safeguards in place to protect student data privacy.”

    The lawmakers note that Trump and Elon Musk have not shared any plans regarding intended changes to the Department of Education with the Congressional committees responsible for its oversight and funding. In their letter, they request information about access to the Department’s sensitive data and steps taken to safeguard it, communications and details regarding Department employees who have been placed on leave and confirmation that no awards have been blocked or terminated.

    The full letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Merkley, DeLauro, Pingree Demand Answers on Illegal EPA Funding Cuts That Harm Public Health, Environment, and Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-OR), House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (ME-01) demanded recently confirmed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin answer urgent questions about funding freezes at the agency.

    The letter to Administrator Zeldin follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders that stopped funding for programs that families and communities depend on, such as access to clean drinking water and affordable clean energy, and ongoing efforts to block access to federal funds in communities across the United States.

    “The Trump Administration’s memo freezing vast swaths of federal funds, its failed attempt to clarify the scope of the memo, and its subsequent rescission of the memo have created mass chaos and added to the confusion about what investments are currently being blocked. Today, our understanding is that much of the Agency’s funding is still frozen, but some select programs may resume in the near future. Yet let us be clear – all of EPA’s funding must be made available and disbursed pursuant to the law with no exceptions,” the senior members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees wrote.

    “Funding freezes – which the administration intentionally implemented before court intervention – devastate programs that protect public health and the environment while increasing costs for families,” the lawmakers continued. “The Trump Administration will be raising energy costs for families and businesses will be losing out on thousands of potential jobs as programs like Solar for All and Clean School Bus rebates are terminated. Continuing to freeze these investments—or permanently blocking them—will unravel critical progress the Agency has made towards clean air and clean water and cost American households and businesses dearly.”

    “Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance,” the lawmakers stressed.

    Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on Richmond supportive housing

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, has released the following statement about supportive housing in Richmond: 

    “Our government is committed to connecting people with the housing and supports they need to get on a better path and live full, healthy lives. We’re also dedicated to keeping communities and businesses safe.

    “In summer 2024, we temporarily paused moving forward with the proposed supportive housing project at 3780 Sexsmith Rd. in Richmond so BC Housing staff could explore other potential sites.

    “Since then, staff have evaluated five other locations within the community.

    “Upon review, it was determined that these sites would not meet the needs for supportive housing for various reasons, such as location, lot size and proximity to key services. These are important factors that support residents’ abilities to stabilize their lives, successfully integrate within the community and access required services.

    “Furthermore, shifting to a new location at this stage would require new project designs, adding significant delays to project completion.

    “After careful consideration and exploring all viable options within the community, we have determined the Sexsmith site remains the best option for a supportive housing site in Richmond.

    “This project is crucial to helping address the urgent need for long-term, supportive housing to deal with the growing number of people facing homelessness in Richmond, which has increased 91% since the pandemic to more than 160 people at last count.  

    “We will now initiate engagement with neighbours by organizing facilitated dialogue sessions starting in March 2025. Invitations will be sent to neighbours, providing an opportunity to further discuss the project. We will also continue working with city staff and stakeholders to safely integrate this housing into the community.

    “Following this engagement, the site will be put forward to Richmond city council for final consideration. I would like to acknowledge the work of Richmond city council to date, and members of council’s assertions on the need to move forward with permanent supportive housing in Richmond.

    “Lastly, there has been a significant amount of misinformation about this project. I encourage neighbours to engage directly with BC Housing on the project, either through the upcoming neighbourhood dialogue sessions, submitting questions and feedback directly to BC Housing, and learning more about the proposal online. 

    “This building will be purpose-built for supportive housing, allowing residents to gather indoors. It will have 24/7 staffing and security features, such as cameras, fencing and lighting. Clean-up teams will help keep surroundings tidy, and neighbours will be able to report concerns via a dedicated phone line with the housing provider.

    “We will continue working with BC Housing, the City of Richmond and residents, to bring inside people who are sheltering outdoors, and build a safer and healthier community for everyone.”

    Learn More:

    Learn more about BC Housing’s proposal here: 
    https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/richmond-cambie-sexsmith

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Re-Entering the United States as a Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who illegally re-entered the United States as a felon was sentenced yesterday to 2 years in federal prison.

    Erasmo Roberto Mendez-Lopez, age 29, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 4, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal re-entry as a felon.

    At the guilty plea, Mendez-Lopez admitted he illegally re-entered the United States after being deported as a felon in 2019.  On May 17, 2024, he was arrested by Sioux City police for operating while under the influence (OWI) 2nd offense, eluding, and an active failure to appear warrant for a prior OWI 2nd offense charge out of Woodbury County.  He also had 4 active warrants out of Plymouth County, Iowa for Eluding – speed over 25 over limit, speeding, open container, and improper use of lanes from 2022.  Mendez-Lopez is a citizen of Guatemala and has been removed from the United States on two separate occasions.

    Mendez-Lopez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Mendez-Lopez was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Mendez-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the Enforcement and Removal Office of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau. 

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-CR-04038.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Aftermath Of Tragedies, Cantwell Tells Trump She’ll Hold Him Accountable To Promises On Aviation Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.06.25

    In Aftermath Of Tragedies, Cantwell Tells Trump She’ll Hold Him Accountable To Promises On Aviation Infrastructure

    “The president says he wants to see an increase in aviation infrastructure […] So great, Mr. President, we will be calling on you for your help in that effort”; Cantwell is leading ongoing efforts to boost hiring of air traffic controllers & make flying safer

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, committed to delivering answers to the families of the people who died in two major aviation tragedies in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia last week.

    In a meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation yesterday, Sen. Cantwell also called on President Donald Trump to make good on his promise to improve aviation infrastructure:

    “Our heart goes out to these families for the tragedies they are suffering, for the long-term impacts that they will have from this, and the remaining questions that they want us to answer. I am dedicated, Mr. Chairman, to moving quickly once we have information on resolutions of issues that will enhance the air safety of our system.

    “Having worked both during COVID, and in 25 days working with Senator Wicker, we came up with a transportation solution to what we needed to do for our airspace during that time period. And also working with Senator Wicker in short order after the two MAX crashes to push and finalize through Congress a major aviation safety bill.

    “It is imperative that we tell the families we are going to have the same fervor now in getting aviation safety enhancements that will prevent this from happening again.

    “I hope that we can work together in a very bipartisan fashion, along with our two colleagues, Senator Duckworth and Senator Moran, the subcommittee chair and ranking member on doing that.

    “And I take the President at his word. The President says he wants to see an increase in aviation infrastructure. He’s frustrated by the fact that, on a global basis the system of digitizing our airspace off a radar has moved faster than the United States. So great, Mr. President, we will be calling on you for your help in that effort,” Sen. Cantwell said.

    Last year, when Sen. Cantwell served as chair of the committee, she sounded the alarm about the staffing shortage of air traffic controllers, need for more FAA safety inspectors, a series of aviation incidents and near-misses on and around runways, and the midair blowout of an emergency exit door plug in January 2024. She led the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act, signed into law in May 2024, which boosts controller staffing, ensuring a five-year commitment to maximum hiring and training to close the current staffing gap. The law requires upgraded safety technologies – giving controllers better visibility into all aircraft and ground traffic – to be installed at every large and medium airport nationwide, includes stricter safety standards for aircraft operators and plane manufacturers as well as provisions to boost staffing to put more FAA safety inspectors on factory floors.

    In yesterday’s meeting, Sen. Cantwell also addressed:

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks in yesterday’s committee meeting is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –