Category: Americas

MIL-OSI USA: January 30th, 2025 Heinrich, Cassidy, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

Bipartisan legislation would permanently place fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, helping law enforcement combat fentanyl trafficking, while advancing scientific and medical research

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement the tools they need to keep extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets and ensure scientists can research and better understand these substances.

“We’re losing nearly 75,000 Americans each year to illicit fentanyl overdoses. I refuse to accept this reality, and that’s why I’m working to deliver tools law enforcement personnel need to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets and out of our communities,”said Heinrich. “Permanently scheduling fentanyl and its analogues will help federal and local law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases. Our HALT Fentanyl Act will help stop the flow of these deadly drugs into our communities and save lives.”

Background:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths. Since 1999, the overdose crisis has increasingly been characterized by deaths involving these illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl-related substances (FRS), which are commonly sold through illicit drug markets for their fentanyl-like effect, and are often mixed with heroin or other drugs, such as cocaine, or pressed in to counterfeit prescription pills. During this same period, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) increased 103-fold. By comparison, overdose deaths involving heroin and prescription opioids increased 2.5-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively.

Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced. Chinese product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the U.S’s illicit drug market. Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to skirt around committing the crime of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl. The 2023 seizures were equivalent to more than 388.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

In 2018, as an initial response to this unprecedented crisis, the DEA issued a temporary scheduling order that placed FRS in Schedule I, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), after classifying it as an imminent hazard to public safety. Previously, Congress has only closed this loophole temporarily by designating fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Congress has extended the FRS temporary scheduling order several times, most recently on December 21, 2024, with a measure that expires on March 31, 2025.

Heinrich’s HALT Fentanyl Act would finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research Schedule I substances.

Clear and Enforceable Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking:

A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places the strongest controls and penalties on FRS, which have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.

Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:
- Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).
- Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.
Expanded Scientific and Medical Research

More closely aligning the research and registration process for schedule I substances, including FRS, with Schedule II substances will facilitate increased FRS research. By accommodating more medical research into fentanyl-related substances, the bill would establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will enhance our understanding of these illicitly manufactured substances by:
- Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.
- Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added schedule I substances.
- Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.
Support for the HALT Fentanyl Act

The HALT Fentanyl Act is led by Heinrich, Cassidy, and Grassley. The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va,), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).

Full text of the HALT Fentanyl Act can be found here.

A section-by-section summary of the HALT Fentanyl Act can be found here.
MIL OSI USA News –
January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Announces U.S. Military Service Academy Nominees
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
01.30.25

Washington, DC – Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced the names of the young Alaskans she is nominating to the U.S. Military Service Academies for the class of 2029.

“These young Alaskans have shown exemplary leadership and dedication to their communities, and it is an honor to nominate them to our nation’s military service academies,” said Senator Murkowski. “I extend my congratulations and best wishes to each of them.”

U.S. Military Service Academy nominees are selected based on their academic record, extracurricular activities, and leadership capabilities. Senator Murkowski’s nominees will now compete against other candidates nationwide for a spot in the entering class. Though a congressional nomination to a service academy is an accomplishment within itself, it does not guarantee admission; service academies will make final decisions. The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require congressional nominations.

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Alexander Borke – Anchorage

Rylan Forth – Anchorage*

Alexander Gilley – Thorne Bay

Noah Hall – Fort Wainwright*

Casey Knapp – Juneau

Landon Luebke – Eagle River

Donovan Mahoney – Eagle River*

Joshua Pak – Anchorage*

Madeline Rancourt – Chugiak*

Lars Robinson – Anchorage*

Katelinn Satterfield, JBER

Inca Shannon – North Pole*

Dylan Skaggs – Fairbanks

Cole Smith – Eagle River*

Uno Tate – Eagle River

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

Sarah Baisden – Kenai

Maxwell Carson – Anchorage

Landon DeGraff – Anchorage

Rylan Forth – Anchorage*

Bethany Gravel – Anchorage*

Noah Hall – Fort Wainwright*

Malia Ilolio – Anchorage

Jabari Johnson – Eagle River

Dominic Keller – Eielson AFB

Mona Koko – Anchorage*

Grayson McDowell – Wasilla*

Donovan Mahoney – Eagle River *

Emma Marsh – Anchorage

Christian Mills-Price – Wasilla*

Ethan Morico – Anchorage*

Joshua Nelson – Anchorage*

Thomas Owens – Anchorage*

Joshua Pak – Anchorage*

Madeline Rancourt – Chugiak*

Lydia Schwartz – Soldotna*

Inca Shannon – North Pole*

Cole Smith – Eagle River*

Joe Staheli – Fairbanks

Tate Uno – Eagle River*

Isaac Winslow – Soldotna*

U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY

Nina Adams – Wasilla

Tyler Drake – Anchorage

Kydan Echard – Germany

Scott Griffith – Anchorage

Mona Koko – Anchorage*

Christian Mills-Price – Wasilla*

Kai Miner – Anchorage

Thomas Owens – Anchorage*

Joshua Pak – Anchorage*

Lars Robinson – Anchorage*

Colton Savala – Wasilla

Lydia Schwartz – Soldotna*

Abigail Smith – Fairbanks

Tate Uno – Eagle River

Bryce Watts – Eagle River

U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY

Rylan Forth – Anchorage*

Bethany Gravel – Anchorage*

Carvin Hass – Juneau

Carter Johnson – Eagle River

Gordon Macko – Anchorage

Donovan Mahoney – Eagle River*

Grayson McDowell – Wasilla*

Ethan Morico – Anchorage*

Joshua Nelson – Anchorage*

Thomas Owens – Anchorage*

[*received more than one nomination.]
MIL OSI USA News –
January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions FBI Director Nominee, Kash Patel, About Trump Pardoning The Dangerous January 6 Rioters, Connections To Radical Extremist

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

January 30, 2025

In his remarks, Patel could not remember who Stew Peters, a far-right internet personality, is despite going on his podcast eight times; breaks with President Trump on pardoning those who harm law enforcement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), during his nomination hearing. Durbin first asked Mr. Patel about President Trump’s decision to pardon the violent January 6 insurrections—several of whom have already been rearrested or are wanted for vile crimes committed prior to January 6, 2021, including soliciting a sexual relationship with a minor.

“[Matthew Huddle] is a man found guilty of numerous crimes… he beat his three-year-old child to a point where the poor kid could not sit down for a week. Mr. Huddle was one of the demonstrators who came to the Capitol on January 6. He was incarcerated and charged and pled guilty to crimes that he had committed—violence against police officers. After he was released by President Trump, he returned to Indiana. A few days later, he was stopped on the road, pulled a gun on a policeman, and the policeman and the sheriff’s deputy shot and killed him. This is not the only instance of a person who received President Trump’s clemency committing another crime. Peter Schwartz was mentioned this morning on the radio—38 criminal convictions. He had been sentenced to 14 years in prison. He was released because of the President’s unconditional clemency as well. My question is this: was President Donald Trump wrong to [grant] blanket clemency for January 6 defendants?” Durbin asked.

In his response, Mr. Patel broke with President Trump and stated, “I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement.”

“Do you think that America is safer because these [1,500] people have come out of serving their sentences and live in our communities again?” Durbin asked.

Mr. Patel responded that he has “always advocated for imprisoning those who cause harm to our law enforcement and civilian communities,” again, breaking away from President Trump’s views.

Durbin continued, “You will not answer the question. I do not think we are safer that Matthew Huddle was sent back to Indiana. I do not think we are safer with Peter Schwartz, and I can go through a long list of individuals.”

Durbin then asked Mr. Patel about his involvement with the “J6 prison choir.” He co-produced, promoted, and sold a record recorded by the so-called “J6 prison choir”—a group of January 6 insurrectionists who were incarcerated in the D.C. jail in February 2023. Mr. Patel has described the choir’s members as “political prisoners.” Notably, he has declined to identify the members of the choir.

Durbin said, “My understanding is that the performers of this ‘J6 choir’ were the rioters who were imprisoned.”

Mr. Patel responded that “he had nothing to do with the recording.”

Durbin followed up, “You are not aware of who made the recording?”

To which Mr. Patel responded “no.”

Durbin then asked about Mr. Patel’s affiliations with problematic individuals. He has frequently associated with—and sometimes praised—extremist figures with well-documented histories of racist, antisemitic, conspiratorial, or violent statements or beliefs.

“In September of 2023 you appeared with Laura Loomer [at] an event promoting your book, [Government Gangsters]. You shared a photo of yourself where you held her book and she held hers. Just a few months before this event, Ms. Loomer posted on ‘X’ that the September 11 terrorists attacks were ‘an inside job’ and accused Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, of exaggerating her cancer diagnosis to gain voter sympathy. A number of my Republican colleagues have criticized Ms. Loomer’s extremism. One of my colleagues described her as ‘a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage.’ Given all of this, why did you associate with Ms. Loomer?” Durbin asked.

Mr. Patel dismissed the question.

Durbin then asked about his relationship with Stew Peters—an alt-right internet personality. Between October 2021 and June 2022, Mr. Patel made eight separate appearances on a podcast hosted by Stew Peters. Before and during that stint, Mr. Peters promoted outrageous conspiracy theories and worked with a prominent neo-Nazi. In mid-2021, Mr. Peters promoted a baseless assertion that Chief Justice John Roberts and former Vice President Mike Pence were pedophiles.

“Are you familiar with Mr. Stew Peters? Does that ring a bell?” Durbin asked.

“I’m sorry, what?” Patel said.

“Are you familiar with Mr. Stew Peters?” Durbin asked.

“Not off of the top of my head,” said Patel.

“You made eight separate appearances on his podcast, and he promoted outrageous conspiracy theories and worked with a prominent neo-Nazi. The list goes on. I am just asking when it comes to your association with individuals, why are so many of them in this category?” Durbin asked.

Mr. Patel responded that he went on these seriously problematic podcasts “to take on” people who are putting out conspiracy theories and “de-vow them of their false impressions and to talk to them about the truth.”

Video of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Shares Constituent Concerns About Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

January 30, 2025

In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin shared the stories of Illinois constituents who would be dramatically impacted by the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor last night, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) shared stories of constituent calls his office received over the last two days in reaction to the Trump Administration’s decision to issue an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement” of trillions of dollars of Federal financial assistance, which caused mass confusion about the funding and operations of hundreds of government-funded programs ranging from Medicaid, to Head Start, to Violence Against Women Act grants. Shortly before the federal funding freeze was set to begin, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. Alikhan, who was confirmed under Durbin’s tenure as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, temporarily blocked the move by the Trump Administration. The Trump Administration rescinded the memo yesterday but claimed that the federal funding freeze would still take place.

“On Monday night, President Trump threw America into chaos when he abruptly announced a freeze on trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans that so many communities, states, and Americans depend on. The reaction across the nation has been uniform. We had our phone ringing off the hook, computers busy and buzzing, everybody wants to know what does this mean, what has happened,” Durbin said. “Even members of the press were confused, members of Congress were confused, members of the American public were confused. Even members of the President’s own Administration were confused about the intent and scope of the freeze.”

In his remarks, Durbin spoke about the impact of the announcement on Illinoisans, who rely on federal funding to support critical programs and medical research. One woman told Durbin’s office that a halt on federal funding would prevent her brother, who has Down Syndrome, from receiving the care he needs. Another constituent shared that her work on biomedical research would be jeopardized if the Trump Administration’s funding freeze moves forward.

“Toni is a woman from Woodstock, Illinois. She shared with my office that her brother has Down Syndrome, and the care he receives is funded by a federal grant. His health and safety would be at risk if this freeze is allowed to be implemented,” Durbin said.

“Or take Dr. Kay, a professor and scientist at the University of Chicago. Her work depends on funding from the National Institutes of Health and other federal grants. She shared the freeze would ‘interrupt crucial biomedical research, stopping progress, sometimes destroying years’ worth of research that cannot be undone.’ And it would hurt the retention of our nation’s future scientists,” Durbin said.

“Or [take] Sarah, a supporter of community-based organizations that serve youth experiencing homelessness in the city of Chicago. If this freeze, in fact, takes place, the organization will not be able to access the federal funding it needs to provide services for youth, help them escape violence, or help to reunify their families,” Durbin continued.

The OMB memo caused immediate panic across the country as red and blue states’ Medicaid portals shut down and Head Start programs worried that they would not be open the following day to provide critical child care. The Trump Administration failed, when asked repeatedly, to provide clear guidance about what programs would be safe from being defunded.

“Americans across the country faced disruptions in accessing critical funds and services in popular programs like Head Start, Medicaid, and so many more. These are just a few of the many messages my office and others have received from Americans confused, outraged, and impacted by this freeze,” Durbin said.

After Judge Alikhan’s ruling on Monday temporarily blocked the freeze from starting, the Trump Administration claimed to rescind the memo while purporting that the funding freeze would still move forward.

“In response to the backlash from the American public, the organized efforts of many Democratic lawmakers, and the court ruling, President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget today rescinded the memo outlining the funding freeze. But that isn’t the end of the story. The President’s Press Secretary now claims that while the memo ordering the freeze has been rescinded, the freeze itself still stands… How does this make sense, you’re asking? The honest answer is, it doesn’t,” Durbin continued.

“In true Trump fashion, his Administration has made clear that it doesn’t intend to abide by the will of the American people, the letter of the law, or the Constitution. It will do whatever it takes to push through this policy, even if it means hurting Americans across the country,” Durbin said.

Durbin concluded his remarks by reiterating that he will push back against any unconstitutional or harmful policies enacted by the Trump Administration.

“We’re going to continue to fight this unconstitutional, devastating, and grossly unpopular freeze in federal spending. I want every American to know that your voice and participation in our democracy means more now than ever,” Durbin said.

“The President is betting that you won’t notice when he abuses power or breaks the law, that amidst the chaos that surrounds him you will be too confused, jaded, or just too tired to fight back. But I urge Americans to continue monitoring the actions of this new Administration, particularly when they touch you and your family personally,” Durbin said.

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

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

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

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: CMS Statement on Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

Lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Americans is a top priority of President Trump and his Administration. In accordance with the statutory requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the list of 15 drugs selected for the second cycle of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program on January 17, 2025. As the second cycle begins under the Trump Administration, CMS is committed to incorporating lessons learned to date from the program and to considering opportunities to bring greater transparency in the Negotiation Program.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Residents of Mercer County, W.Va., have one week left to apply for disaster assistance

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Residents of Mercer County, W.Va., have one week left to apply for disaster assistance

Residents of Mercer County, W.Va., have one week left to apply for disaster assistance

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Mercer County residents have one week left to apply for FEMA Assistance for damages sustained during the Sept. 25-26, 2024, remnants of Tropical Storm Helene. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by the flooding can cover home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.Survivors can visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to apply and talk face-to-face with FEMA staff. The Mercer County recovery center location and hours are as follows: Princeton Disaster Recovery CenterLifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed SundaysDRCs are accessible to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.The easiest way to apply for FEMA assistance is by phone at 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Residents can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA app to their smartphone or tablet. Feb. 7, 2025, is also the application deadline for homeowners, renters and business owners to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration physical disaster loan. Applicants can apply online at sba.gov/disaster, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay service.For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4851 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.
tiana.suber
Thu, 01/30/2025 – 22:08

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Phoenix Woman Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Possession of a Machinegun and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Cynthia Solano, 40, of Phoenix, was sentenced this week by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow to 87 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, for her involvement in a transnational firearm smuggling organization. On August 14, 2024, Solano pleaded guilty to Possession of a Machinegun and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.

Between February 2022 and January 2023, Solano conspired with others to conduct financial transactions which were designed to conceal proceeds generated from the sale of firearms trafficked from the United States into Canada. After the proceeds were received, Solano used the proceeds to purchase additional firearms.

Beginning in late December 2022, Solano gathered 87 firearms in Phoenix which she intended to deliver to other members of the organization in Michigan.

On January 3, 2023, Solano was driving near Springfield, Illinois when she was contacted by the Illinois State Police. The Illinois State Police troopers searched her vehicle and found 87 firearms, individually wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. One of the firearms was equipped with a machinegun conversion device (also known as a “Switch”) attached. A machinegun conversion device converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.

After Solano was arraigned in Arizona, she was placed on pretrial release. She later removed her electronic monitoring device and fled to Mexico. Through the efforts of the United States Marshals’ Office, she was captured by law enforcement in Mexico and removed to the United States to face prosecution.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

The OCDETF Arizona Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Arizona Army National Guard, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Scottsdale Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER:      CR-23-00408-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER:   2025-012_Solano

# # #

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 –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Four Members of Online Neo-Nazi Group that Exploited Minors Charged with Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

Source: US State of California

Note: View the indictment here.

Two men were arrested today on charges of participating in a neo-Nazi child exploitation enterprise that groomed and then coerced minors to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and images of self-harm. The group allegedly victimized at least 16 minors around the world, including two in Southern California.

Colin John Thomas Walker, 23, of Bridgeton, New Jersey, and Clint Jordan Lopaka Nahooikaika Borge, 41, of Pahoa, Hawaii, were arrested this morning pursuant to a grand jury indictment that charges them with one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. They are expected to make their initial appearances in court later today in New Jersey and Hawaii.

The indictment also charges two other defendants who are already in custody: Rohan Sandeep Rane, 28, of Antibes, France, and Kaleb Christopher Merritt, 24, of Spring, Texas. The indictment returned by a grand jury on Jan. 17 and unsealed today, also charges Rane and Walker with one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.

According to the indictment, from at least 2019 to 2022, Rane, Walker, Merritt, and Borge were members of CVLT (pronounced “cult”), an online group that espoused neo-Nazism, nihilism, and pedophilia as its core principles. Members of the international enterprise engaged in online child sexual exploitation offenses and trafficked CSAM. Rane, Walker, and Merritt acted as leaders and administrators in the CVLT enterprise, hosting and running CVLT online servers and controlling membership for the group.

CVLT members worked collectively to entice and coerce children to self-produce CSAM on a platform run by CVLT members where they groomed children for the eventual production of CSAM through various means of degradation, including exposing the victims to extremist and violent content. CVLT specifically targeted vulnerable victims, including ones suffering from mental health challenges or a history of sexual abuse.

Victims were encouraged to engage in increasingly dehumanizing acts, including cutting and eating their own hair, drinking their urine, punching themselves, calling themselves racial slurs, and using razor blades to carve CVLT members’ names into their skin. CVLT members’ coercion escalated to pressuring victims to kill themselves on a video livestream.

When victims hesitated, resisted, or threatened to tell parents or authorities, CVLT members would threaten to distribute already-obtained compromising photos and videos of the victims to their family and friends. For victims who stopped participating in the CSAM, CVLT would sometimes carry through on their threats.

Rane previously was charged with several child exploitation and related offenses in France and has been in French custody since 2022. Merritt is currently in Virginia state custody, serving a 50-year sentence for child sex abuse crimes committed in 2020 and 2021.

If convicted, the defendants would face a minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Los Angeles Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia), Iowa State University Police, Police Nationale (France), the National Crime Agency (United Kingdom), the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, and EUROPOL are investigating this matter.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Catharine A. Richmond for the Central District of California and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Resolves Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Township and Sewage Authority Over Allegations They Substantially Burdened Amish Residents’ Religious Exercise

Source: US State of California

Note: View the complaint here and the proposed consent order here.

The Justice Department today announced an agreement with Sugar Grove Township, Pennsylvania, and the Sugar Grove Area Sewage Authority (SUGASA), to resolve allegations that they violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by enacting and enforcing two ordinances against Old Order Amish residents: one mandating that certain households connect to the Township’s municipal sewage system, which requires the use of an electric grinder pump, and one banning privies on property intended for permanent residence. The lawsuit alleges that these acts substantially burdened Old Order Amish residents’ religious exercise, which restricts the use of electricity and requires adherents remain separate and apart from the modern world, and that the Township and SUGASA lacked a compelling reason for doing so.

“The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act protects the rights of religious communities across the country, including the Old Order Amish, from the enforcement of land use rules that unreasonably burden their religious exercise,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is proud to support this longstanding Amish community’s religious rights.”

“No one should have to choose between keeping their home or practicing their faith,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This office will continue to defend religious communities against zoning ordinances that penalize them for adhering to their religious beliefs.”

The proposed consent order, which was filed today in the Western District of Pennsylvania and must still be approved by the court, would resolve a lawsuit the United States also filed today alleging that Sugar Grove Township and SUGASA violated RLUIPA by enacting the connection ordinance over Old Order Amish religious objections, enforcing the ordinances against Old Order Amish residences, and imposing municipal liens and fines against Old Order Amish property owners because the property owners did not comply with the ordinances.

As part of the consent order, the Township and SUGASA will exempt certain Old Order Amish households from mandatory connection to the municipal sewage system, permit Old Order Amish residents to use privies on their private properties, and forgive any outstanding liens, fines, or other monetary penalties against Old Order Amish households for prior noncompliance with the two ordinances. The consent order also requires the Township and SUGASA to train its officials and employees on RLUIPA’s provisions, establish a procedure for receiving and resolving RLUIPA complaints, and provide reports to the United States.

RLUIPA is a federal law that protects persons and religious institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the department’s efforts to enforce it can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage.

Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (800) 896-7743, or through the online RLUIPA complaint portal.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: The Province welcomes new Lieutenant Governor

Premier David Eby offered his congratulations to Wendy Cocchia, CM, OBC, LLD (Hon), on being sworn in on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, as British Columbia’s 31st Lieutenant Governor.

“It is my honour to welcome Wendy Cocchia as the new Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia,” Premier David Eby said. “Her lifelong leadership and exemplary dedication to community service are examples for us all. I wish her the greatest success in fulfilling her important role as vice-regal representative.”

Her Honour swore the Oath of Allegiance and the Oaths of Office at an installation ceremony at the Parliament Buildings. The oaths were administered by Chief Justice Leonard Marchand before an audience including family, friends, First Nations leaders, dignitaries and members of the legislative assembly.

The lieutenant governor’s standard was raised atop the flagpole at the Parliament Buildings as part of a venerable tradition.

One of the Lieutenant Governor’s first acts was to inspect a 50-person Guard of Honour provided by Maritime Forces Pacific and Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. Her Honour was accompanied by Lt.-Cmdr Marjorie Gaulin-Riffou.

The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy played The Vice-Regal Salute, which consists of the six opening bars of God Save the King, followed by the four opening and four closing bars of O Canada.

A 15-gun salute was fired by troopers of the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.

The lieutenant governor is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister, usually serving a term of at least five years.

Her Honour succeeds Janet Austin, OBC, who was sworn in on April 24, 2018, as the monarch’s representative in British Columbia.

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Making Investments in Bronx Hospital and Health Systems

Source: US State of New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced State investments in a new partnership between St. Barnabas Hospital Health System (SBH), Cityblock Health and Union Community Health Center. The preliminary approval is part of the Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program, and includes an up to $142 million investment in the Bronx, a recognition of the health facilities’ critical services for Bronx residents and the wider region. Today’s announcement follows the significant steps Governor Hochul has taken to improve the health of New Yorkers. Established in the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program incentivizes partnerships between safety net hospitals and health care organizations to improve the resilience of safety-net institutions.

“I’m committed to ensuring that everyone has access to affordable and dependable healthcare, regardless of where they live,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “The investments we are making today will ensure the availability of essential resources for the Bronx community for years to come.”

The Governor also highlighted her proposal to add an additional $45 million for home- and community-based services for older adults statewide, helping older New Yorkers age in the environment of their preference and ensuring their caregivers and families have the resources to fulfill their needs.

St. Barnabas Hospital (SBH) Health System President and CEO Dr. David Perlstein said, “We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with UCHC and Cityblock. This funding will be transformative in how we deliver care to our community. Our Emergency Department is often our front door where we treat our neighbors in their most dire times. Transforming this space will help us serve more patients and serve them in a more dignified manner. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Commissioner McDonald, and our entire NYS legislative delegation for their support, commitment and leadership in getting this across the finish line.”

Cityblock Health CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Toyin Ajayi said, “Cityblock’s mission to provide radically different healthcare built on trust, empathy, and understanding began right here in the communities of New York City. We commend Governor Hochul for launching this transformative program that aligns with our mission – enhancing access to care, improving quality of care, and driving better outcomes for those who need it most. The Bronx community we serve through our collaboration with St. Barnabas Hospital will benefit greatly from the state’s investment in both emergency department care as well as critical behavioral health and care management services. With the New York State Department of Health’s support, Cityblock and St. Barnabas will be able to focus on improving health outcomes for thousands of Bronx residents.”

Union Community Health Center President and Chief Executive Officer Douglas L. York, Ph.D., M.P.H. said, “Union Community Health Center (UNION) extends great appreciation and thanks to Governor Hochul and applauds her commitment to strengthening healthcare access in the Bronx and across New York State. This investment in UNION recognizes the critical role of public-private partnerships in delivering high-quality, community-based care to our most vulnerable populations. By supporting safety net providers like UNION and SBH Health System, in conjunction with private mission-aligned organizations like Cityblock Health, New York State is ensuring that frontline primary care remains a pillar of our healthcare system. Community health centers serve as a trusted resource, addressing social drivers of health and keeping patients healthy, engaged in their care, and accessing preventive services that reduce costly complications and improve long-term health outcomes. Debt retirement allows UNION to make significant reinvestments in much-needed primary care and specialty services, expanding access and enhancing the quality of care for the communities we serve. Union Community Health Center looks forward to working alongside our partners to advance this initiative and expand access to equitable, comprehensive healthcare for all.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “St. Barnabas Hospital was the first hospital I visited as Health Commissioner, and it makes me proud to see that the hospital continues to enhance and provide critical services to Bronx residents. I thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to provide essential services to vulnerable communities and improve the health of all New Yorkers.”

New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “Governor Hochul recognizes the immense contributions of older adults to communities in the Bronx and statewide. The Governor’s budget and State of the State agenda advance historic funding increases for community-based services to help individuals achieve what we all want as we age: to remain independent in our community of choice. These investments are coupled with bold measures for affordability, safety, and health that create new opportunities for older adults – and people of all ages – to succeed.”

SBH Health System, Cityblock Health and Union Community Health Center
Through a partnership with Cityblock Health and Union Community Health Center, SBH Health System will improve health outcomes and reduce unnecessary emergency department visits, while also helping provide the Bronx Community with greater access to local behavioral health services. Plans include launching a value-based partnership to manage the complex health needs of approximately 35,000 Healthfirst members — 50 percent of whom have behavioral health needs. This project will include an upgrade to St. Barnabas’ emergency department, which currently sees 75,000 visits each year in a space designed to accommodate only 55,000 visits annually.

Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program Award
Governor Hochul established the Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program in the FY25 Executive Budget and announced additional funding for the program in her 2025 State of the State address. Through this program, New York encourages partnerships between safety net hospitals and health care partners that improve the resilience of safety-net institutions by providing strategic capital and operating support, in addition to required regulatory flexibility.

Expanding Funding for Home-Based and Community-Based Services for Older Adults
Governor Hochul’s FY26 Executive Budget provides $45 million of funding for non-medical home- and community-based services for older adults – the largest investment in community-based aging services in New York State history. This funding will help more older adults age in the environment of their preference, and provides resources to the families and caregivers they rely on. It will also help alleviate wait lists that many older adults statewide face for in-home services such as delivered meals, personal care and case management.

State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda said, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for her steadfast commitment to improving the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, especially those in underserved communities like the Bronx. I was proud to work alongside the Governor to ensure SBH was selected for the Safety Net Transformation Initiative. Through this critical initiative, and in partnership with Cityblock Health and Union Community Health Center, SBH will receive vital investments that will significantly enhance care for our community. These improvements, including upgrades to the emergency department, will make a direct and positive impact on the thousands of Bronx residents who rely on SBH for their healthcare needs. I look forward to seeing the positive change all these initiatives will bring to the Bronx and beyond.”

Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for allocating over $140 million to St. Barnabas Hospital through the Safety Net Transformation Program Award. This funding will make transformative improvements to the SBH emergency room and expand partnerships with other community organizations. Bronx residents will be able to access more high-quality health care services through these investments.”

Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. said, “Today’s announcement by Governor Hochul marks the beginning of a long battle to measurably improve the health of our Bronx community and allow our seniors to age gracefully and respectfully in the environment of their choosing,” said Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. (AD-80). “I would like to thank the Governor for investing in our often-forgotten community to ensure that future generations live healthier lives and that our cherished senior population and their caregivers have the resources they deserve.”

1199SIEU United Healthcare Workers East President George Gresham said, “Investing in our safety net hospitals, home care and community-based services is crucial to reducing healthcare inequities and supporting the wellbeing of New Yorkers at every age. The caregivers of 1199SEIU applaud Governor Hochul for this initiative, which brings crucial funding to meet the needs of Bronx residents.”

These investments complement ongoing work by the State and stakeholders to develop the Governor’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA), established by Governor Kathy Hochul under Executive Order 23 in November 2022 with the goals of improving the lives of today’s older New Yorkers and people with disabilities, and building a better system of care and more inclusive communities for the future.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025

MIL-OSI: Baker Hughes Announces Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Fourth-quarter highlights

Orders of $7.5 billion, including $3.8 billion of IET orders.
RPO of $33.1 billion, including IET RPO of $30.1 billion.
Revenue of $7.4 billion, up 8% year-over-year.
GAAP diluted EPS of $1.18 and adjusted diluted EPS* of $0.70.
Adjusted EBITDA* of $1,310 million, up 20% year-over-year.
Cash flows from operating activities of $1,189 million and free cash flow* of $894 million.

Full-year highlights

Orders of $28.2 billion, including $13.0 billion of IET orders.
Revenue of $27.8 billion, up 9% year-over-year.
Attributable net income of $2,979 million.
GAAP diluted EPS of $2.98 and adjusted diluted EPS* of $2.35.
Adjusted EBITDA* of $4,591 million, up 22% year-over-year.
Cash flows from operating activities of $3,332 million and free cash flow* of $2,257 million.
Returns to shareholders of $1,320 million, including $484 million of share repurchases.

HOUSTON and LONDON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Baker Hughes Company (Nasdaq: BKR) (“Baker Hughes” or the “Company”) announced results today for the fourth-quarter and full-year 2024.

“2024 proved to be a momentous year for Baker Hughes. We closed out the year with exceptional fourth-quarter results, setting new quarterly and annual records for revenue, free cash flow and our adjusted measures of EPS, EBITDA, and EBITDA margin. Our strategy to drive profitable growth and continuous margin improvement is working. Looking forward, we will continue our journey to transform the Company, and we expect 2025 to demonstrate another strong year of EBITDA growth, led by our IET segment,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, Baker Hughes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“IET booked $3.8 billion of orders in the fourth quarter, supported by strong LNG orders and another gas infrastructure award. Including this strong end to the year, 2024 orders totaled $13 billion, the second highest order year ever. This order performance highlights the end-market diversity and versatility of our portfolio.”

“Overall, our margin increase across both segments continues to demonstrate strong progress on the journey toward 20% segment EBITDA margins. Transformation actions will continue to be a major driver of our margin improvements as we progress through 2025 and beyond. We remain confident in achieving our 20% EBITDA margin targets for OFSE this year and IET in 2026.”

“As reflected in our strong 2024 results and our exceptional margin improvement, Baker Hughes has evolved into a more profitable energy and industrial technology company. Company results are benefiting from strong execution, sharpened commercial focus and improved productivity gains. Our confidence in the durability and growth of our earnings and free cash flow positions us to continue growing our dividend, highlighted by the announcement to increase our quarterly dividend by 10% to $0.23.”

“I would like to thank the Baker Hughes team for yet again delivering outstanding results. As we continue our journey to move Baker Hughes forward, we remain committed to our customers, shareholders, and employees,” concluded Simonelli.

* Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliations in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

	Three Months Ended						Variance
(in millions except per share amounts)	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		December 31, 2023		Sequential		Year-over-year
Orders	$	7,496	$	6,676	$	6,904	12	%	9	%
Revenue		7,364		6,908		6,835	7	%	8	%
Net income attributable to Baker Hughes		1,179		766		439	54	%	168	%
Adjusted net income attributable to Baker Hughes*		694		666		511	4	%	36	%
Operating income		665		930		651	(29	)%	2	%
Adjusted operating income*		1,019		930		816	10	%	25	%
Adjusted EBITDA*		1,310		1,208		1,091	8	%	20	%
Diluted earnings per share (EPS)		1.18		0.77		0.43	54	%	171	%
Adjusted diluted EPS*		0.70		0.67		0.51	4	%	37	%
Cash flow from operating activities		1,189		1,010		932	18	%	28	%
Free cash flow*		894		754		633	19	%	41	%

* Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliations in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Certain columns and rows in our tables and financial statements may not sum up due to the use of rounded numbers.

Quarter Highlights

Industrial & Energy Technology (“IET”) recorded another strong quarter of gas infrastructure orders, booking an equipment award from Tecnicas Reunidas for the third expansion phase of the Jafurah unconventional gas field in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Gas Technology Equipment (“GTE”) will supply a total of 12 electric motor-driven compression trains and auxiliary treatment equipment for gas processing. This contract builds upon Baker Hughes’ long-standing relationship with Aramco and follows previous contract awards in 2022, bringing the total to 24 electric motor-driven compressors and an additional 14 compressors supplied by Baker Hughes for multiple Jafurah gas processing plants.

In demonstration of its well-established leadership position in liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) technology solutions, Baker Hughes received multiple project awards in the fourth quarter. As part of a master equipment supply agreement, IET received a major contract to provide a modularized LNG system and power island to Venture Global. IET also received, from Bechtel Energy, a GTE award to supply eight LM6000 PF+ driven main refrigeration compressors and eight expander compressors across two LNG trains for a nameplate capacity of approximately 11 million ton per annum for Phase 1 of Woodside Energy’s Louisiana project.

Gas Technology Services (“GTS”) continues to demonstrate leadership in turbomachinery aftermarket service, booking several notable service and upgrade awards to backlog. GTS signed a long-term services agreement to support Phases 1 and 2 of Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG project, and also signed a 25-year services agreement with a NextDecade affiliate to support its Rio Grande LNG facility. Additionally, GTS received an award from an energy operator to provide planned maintenance activities to assure reliability, availability, and efficiency of turbomachinery at their LNG facility in Asia Pacific. The capabilities of IET’s iCenter™ will also be utilized to drive improved outcomes for the customer. Finally, GTS booked multiple upgrade awards for gas infrastructure projects in the Middle East and Europe.

Climate Technology Solutions (“CTS”) secured multiple awards targeting flare reduction. As announced at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, CTS will provide SOCAR, the state-owned oil company of Azerbaijan, with an integrated gas recovery and hydrogen sulfide removal system to significantly reduce downstream flaring at the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery. Separately in the Middle East, CTS will supply electric-driven centrifugal compressors for one of the largest gas processing and flare gas recovery projects globally.

Oilfield Services & Equipment (“OFSE”), through its Mature Assets Solutions (“MAS”) offering, received a multi-year contract from Eni to help unlock bypassed reserves in one of Europe’s largest developments. Baker Hughes will utilize its AutoTrak eXact™ rotary steerable drilling system to reduce risks and execution costs for Eni. OFSE also booked another MAS award in the Middle East to provide artificial lift services in a super-giant oilfield, including advanced permanent magnet motors for improved electric submersible pump efficiency.

Baker Hughes experienced a strong order quarter for flexible pipe systems in Brazil. Following a third-quarter 2024 award, OFSE received another flexible pipe systems award from Petrobras after an open tender, reinforcing this important relationship and Baker Hughes’ leading position in the product line. The capability of Baker Hughes’ flexible pipe systems to address the critical issue of stress-induced corrosion cracking from CO₂ resulted in this significant award for approximately 48 miles of flexible pipe systems to be installed across four different fields. Additionally, OFSE received an order from Brava Energia to supply 9 miles of flexible pipe systems to be deployed in the Campos Basin.

OFSE also advanced its digitalization and artificial intelligence capabilities, signing an agreement with AIQ, ADNOC and CORVA to launch the AI Rate of Penetration (ROP) Optimization initiative. The project aims to enhance drilling efficiency in real-time by providing insights and recommendations for optimizing weight on bit, rotations per minute and other critical parameters.

Consolidated Revenue and Operating Income by Reporting Segment

(in millions)	Three Months Ended									Variance
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			Sequential		Year-over-year
Oilfield Services & Equipment	$	3,871		$	3,963		$	3,956		(2	)%	(2	)%
Industrial & Energy Technology		3,492			2,945			2,879		19	%	21	%
Segment revenue		7,364			6,908			6,835		7	%	8	%

Oilfield Services & Equipment		526			547			492		(4	)%	7	%
Industrial & Energy Technology		584			474			412		23	%	42	%
Corporate⁽¹⁾		(91	)		(91	)		(88	)	—	%	(3	)%
Inventory impairment⁽²⁾		(73	)		—			(2	)	NM		NM
Restructuring, impairment and other		(281	)		—			(163	)	NM		(73	)%
Operating income		665			930			651		(29	)%	2	%
Adjusted operating income*		1,019			930			816		10	%	25	%
Depreciation & amortization		291			278			274		5	%	6	%
Adjusted EBITDA*	$	1,310		$	1,208		$	1,091		8	%	20	%

* Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliations in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

“NM” is used when the percentage variance is not meaningful.

⁽¹⁾Corporate costs are primarily reported in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income (loss).

⁽²⁾Charges for inventory impairments are reported in “Cost of goods sold” in the consolidated statements of income (loss).

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $7,364 million, an increase of 7% sequentially and an increase of 8% year-over-year. The increase in revenue year-over-year was driven by IET.

The Company’s total book-to-bill ratio in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 1.0; the IET book-to-bill ratio was 1.1.

Operating income as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $665 million. Operating income decreased $265 million sequentially and increased $13 million year-over-year. Restructuring, impairment, and other charges were $281 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily related to streamlining of the OFSE operating model.

Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1,019 million, which excludes adjustments totaling $354 million. A list of the adjusting items and associated reconciliation from GAAP has been provided in Table 1a in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Adjusted operating income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was up 10% sequentially and up 25% year-over-year.

Depreciation and amortization for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $291 million.

Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1,310 million, which excludes adjustments totaling $354 million. See Table 1b in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was up 8% sequentially and up 20% year-over-year.

The sequential increase in adjusted operating income and adjusted EBITDA was driven by higher volume in IET and structural cost-out initiatives in both segments, primarily offset by lower volume in OFSE. The year-over-year increase in adjusted operating income and adjusted EBITDA was driven by higher pricing and structural cost-out initiatives in both segments, and increased volume in IET primarily from higher proportionate growth in GTE, partially offset by decreased volume in OFSE and cost inflation in both segments.

Other Financial Items

Remaining Performance Obligations (“RPO”) in the fourth quarter of 2024 ended at $33.1 billion, a decrease of $0.3 billion from the third quarter of 2024. OFSE RPO was $3.0 billion, down 6% sequentially, while IET RPO was $30.1 billion, down $100 million sequentially. Within IET RPO, GTE RPO was $11.8 billion and GTS RPO was $15.0 billion.

Income tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $398 million reflecting the impact of a valuation allowance release in the U.S. The valuation allowance has been released primarily as a result of the U.S. moving into a cumulative three-year profit position.

Other non-operating income in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $181 million. Included in other non-operating income were net mark-to-market gains in fair value and gains from sale for certain equity investments of $196 million.

GAAP diluted earnings per share was $1.18. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a non-GAAP financial measure) was $0.70. Excluded from adjusted diluted earnings per share were all items listed in Table 1c in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Cash flow from operating activities was $1,189 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the quarter was $894 million. A reconciliation from GAAP has been provided in Table 1d in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposal of assets, were $295 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, of which $195 million was for OFSE and $87 million was for IET.

Results by Reporting Segment

The following segment discussions and variance explanations are intended to reflect management’s view of the relevant comparisons of financial results on a sequential or year-over-year basis, depending on the business dynamics of the reporting segments.

Oilfield Services & Equipment

(in millions)	Three Months Ended									Variance
Segment results	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			Sequential		Year-over-year
Orders	$	3,740		$	3,807		$	3,874		(2	)%	(3	)%
Revenue	$	3,871		$	3,963		$	3,956		(2	)%	(2	)%
Operating income	$	526		$	547		$	492		(4	)%	7	%
Operating margin		13.6	%		13.8	%		12.4	%	-0.2pts		1.1pts
Depreciation & amortization	$	229		$	218		$	217		5	%	6	%
EBITDA*	$	755		$	765		$	709		(1	)%	7	%
EBITDA margin*		19.5	%		19.3	%		17.9	%	0.2pts		1.6pts

(in millions)	Three Months Ended						Variance
Revenue by Product Line	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		December 31, 2023		Sequential		Year-over-year
Well Construction	$	943	$	1,050	$	1,122	(10	)%	(16	)%
Completions, Intervention, and Measurements		1,022		1,009		1,086	1	%	(6	)%
Production Solutions		974		983		990	(1	)%	(2	)%
Subsea & Surface Pressure Systems		932		921		758	1	%	23	%
Total Revenue	$	3,871	$	3,963	$	3,956	(2	)%	(2	)%

(in millions)	Three Months Ended						Variance
Revenue by Geographic Region	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		December 31, 2023		Sequential		Year-over-year
North America	$	971	$	971	$	1,018	—	%	(5	)%
Latin America		661		648		708	2	%	(7	)%
Europe/CIS/Sub-Saharan Africa		740		933		707	(21	)%	5	%
Middle East/Asia		1,499		1,411		1,522	6	%	(2	)%
Total Revenue	$	3,871	$	3,963	$	3,956	(2	)%	(2	)%

North America	$	971	$	971	$	1,018	—	%	(5	)%
International		2,900		2,992		2,938	(3	)%	(1	)%

* Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliations in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.” EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by revenue.

OFSE orders of $3,740 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased by $67 million sequentially. Subsea and Surface Pressure Systems orders were $802 million, up 3% sequentially, and up 23% year-over-year.

OFSE revenue of $3,871 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 was down 2% sequentially, and down 2% year-over-year.

North America revenue was $971 million, flat sequentially. International revenue was $2,900 million, down 3% sequentially, driven by declines in Europe/CIS/Sub-Saharan Africa region partially offset by growth in Middle East/Asia and Latin America.

Segment operating income for the fourth quarter was $526 million, a decrease of $22 million, or 4%, sequentially. Segment EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $755 million, a decrease of $10 million, or 1% sequentially. The sequential decrease in segment operating income and EBITDA was driven by lower volume, partially mitigated by positive price and productivity from structural cost-out initiatives.

Industrial & Energy Technology

(in millions)	Three Months Ended									Variance
Segment results	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			Sequential		Year-over-year
Orders	$	3,756		$	2,868		$	3,030		31	%	24	%
Revenue	$	3,492		$	2,945		$	2,879		19	%	21	%
Operating income	$	584		$	474		$	412		23	%	42	%
Operating margin		16.7	%		16.1	%		14.3	%	0.6pts		2.4pts
Depreciation & amortization	$	56		$	54		$	51		4	%	8	%
EBITDA*	$	639		$	528		$	463		21	%	38	%
EBITDA margin*		18.3	%		17.9	%		16.1	%	0.4pts		2.2pts

(in millions)	Three Months Ended						Variance
Orders by Product Line	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		December 31, 2023		Sequential		Year-over-year
Gas Technology Equipment	$	1,865	$	1,088	$	1,297	71	%	44	%
Gas Technology Services		902		778		808	16	%	12	%
Total Gas Technology		2,767		1,866		2,105	48	%	31	%
Industrial Products		515		494		514	4	%	—	%
Industrial Solutions		320		293		288	9	%	11	%
Total Industrial Technology		835		787		802	6	%	4	%
Climate Technology Solutions		154		215		123	(28	)%	25	%
Total Orders	$	3,756	$	2,868	$	3,030	31	%	24	%

(in millions)	Three Months Ended						Variance
Revenue by Product Line	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		December 31, 2023		Sequential		Year-over-year
Gas Technology Equipment	$	1,663	$	1,281	$	1,206	30	%	38	%
Gas Technology Services		796		697		714	14	%	11	%
Total Gas Technology		2,459		1,978		1,920	24	%	28	%
Industrial Products		548		520		513	5	%	7	%
Industrial Solutions		282		257		276	10	%	2	%
Total Industrial Technology		830		777		789	7	%	5	%
Climate Technology Solutions		204		191		170	7	%	20	%
Total Revenue	$	3,492	$	2,945	$	2,879	19	%	21	%

* Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliations in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.” EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by revenue.

IET orders of $3,756 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased by $726 million, or 24% year-over-year. The increase was driven primarily by GTE orders which were up $568 million, or 44% year-over-year.

IET revenue of $3,492 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased $613 million, or 21% year-over-year. The increase was driven primarily by Gas Technology, up 28% year-over-year.

Segment operating income for the quarter was $584 million, an increase of $172 million, or 42% year-over-year. Segment EBITDA for the quarter was $639 million, an increase of $176 million, or 38% year-over-year. The year-over-year increase in segment operating income and segment EBITDA was driven by increased volume primarily from higher proportionate growth in GTE, positive pricing, and productivity, partially offset by cost inflation.

2024 Total Year Results

(in millions)	Twelve Months Ended						Variance
	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			Year-over-year
Oilfield Services & Equipment	$	15,240		$	16,344		(7)%
Industrial & Energy Technology		13,000			14,178		(8)%
Orders	$	28,240		$	30,522		(7)%

Oilfield Services & Equipment	$	15,628		$	15,361		2%
Industrial & Energy Technology		12,201			10,145		20%
Segment Revenue	$	27,829		$	25,506		9%

Oilfield Services & Equipment	$	1,988		$	1,746		14%
Industrial & Energy Technology		1,830			1,310		40%
Corporate⁽¹⁾		(363	)		(380	)	5%
Inventory impairment⁽²⁾		(73	)		(35	)	(110)%
Restructuring, impairment & other		(301	)		(323	)	7%
Operating income		3,081			2,317		33%
Adjusted operating income *		3,455			2,676		29%
Depreciation & amortization		1,136			1,087		4%
Adjusted EBITDA *	$	4,591		$	3,763		22%

* Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliations in the section titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

⁽¹⁾Corporate costs are primarily reported in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income (loss).

⁽²⁾Charges for inventory impairments are reported in “Cost of goods sold” in the consolidated statements of income (loss).

Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management provides non-GAAP financial measures because it believes such measures are widely accepted financial indicators used by investors and analysts to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance (including adjusted operating income; EBITDA; EBITDA margin; adjusted EBITDA; adjusted net income attributable to Baker Hughes; and adjusted diluted earnings per share) and liquidity (free cash flow) and that these measures may be used by investors to make informed investment decisions. Management believes that the exclusion of certain identified items from several key operating performance measures enables us to evaluate our operations more effectively, to identify underlying trends in the business, and to establish operational goals for certain management compensation purposes. Management also believes that free cash flow is an important supplemental measure of our cash performance but should not be considered as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities presented in accordance with GAAP.

Table 1a. Reconciliation of GAAP and Adjusted Operating Income

	Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,		September 30,		December 31,		December 31,
(in millions)		2024		2024		2023		2024		2023
Operating income (GAAP)	$	665	$	930	$	651	$	3,081	$	2,317
Restructuring, impairment & other		281		—		163		301		323
Inventory impairment⁽¹⁾		73		—		2		73		35
Total operating income adjustments		354		—		165		375		358
Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)	$	1,019	$	930	$	816	$	3,455	$	2,676

⁽¹⁾Charges for inventory impairments are reported in “Cost of goods sold” in the consolidated statements of income (loss).

Table 1a reconciles operating income, which is the directly comparable financial result determined in accordance with GAAP, to adjusted operating income. Adjusted operating income excludes the impact of certain identified items.

Table 1b. Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Baker Hughes to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

	Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,			September 30,			December 31,		December 31,
(in millions)		2024			2024			2023		2024			2023
Net income attributable to Baker Hughes (GAAP)	$	1,179		$	766		$	439	$	2,979		$	1,943
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		11			8			11		29			27
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(398	)		235			72		257			685
Interest expense, net		54			55			45		198			216
Other non-operating (income) loss, net		(181	)		(134	)		84		(382	)		(554	)
Operating income (GAAP)		665			930			651		3,081			2,317
Depreciation & amortization		291			278			274		1,136			1,087
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		956			1,208			926		4,216			3,405
Total operating income adjustments⁽¹⁾		354			—			165		375			358
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	1,310		$	1,208		$	1,091	$	4,591		$	3,763

⁽¹⁾See Table 1a for the identified adjustments to operating income.

Table 1b reconciles net income attributable to Baker Hughes, which is the directly comparable financial result determined in accordance with GAAP, to EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA excludes the impact of certain identified items.

Table 1c. Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Baker Hughes to Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Baker Hughes

	Three Months Ended									Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,			September 30,			December 31,			December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Net income attributable to Baker Hughes (GAAP)	$	1,179		$	766		$	439		$	2,979		$	1,943
Total operating income adjustments⁽¹⁾		354			—			165			375			358
Other adjustments (non-operating)⁽²⁾		(189	)		(99	)		89			(335	)		(554	)
Tax adjustments⁽³⁾		(650	)		(1	)		(181	)		(663	)		(124	)
Total adjustments, net of income tax		(485	)		(100	)		72			(623	)		(320	)
Less: adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—
Adjustments attributable to Baker Hughes		(485	)		(100	)		72			(623	)		(320	)
Adjusted net income attributable to Baker Hughes (non-GAAP)	$	694		$	666		$	511		$	2,356		$	1,622


Denominator:
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding diluted		999			999			1,010			1,001			1,015
Adjusted earnings per share – diluted (non-GAAP)	$	0.70		$	0.67		$	0.51		$	2.35		$	1.60

⁽¹⁾See Table 1a for the identified adjustments to operating income.

⁽²⁾All periods primarily reflect the net gain or loss on changes in fair value for certain equity investments.

⁽³⁾All periods reflect the tax associated with the other operating and non-operating adjustments. 4Q’24 and fiscal year 2024 include $664 million and 4Q’23 and fiscal year 2023 include $81 million, respectively, related to the release of valuation allowances for certain deferred tax assets.

Table 1c reconciles net income attributable to Baker Hughes, which is the directly comparable financial result determined in accordance with GAAP, to adjusted net income attributable to Baker Hughes. Adjusted net income attributable to Baker Hughes excludes the impact of certain identified items.

Table 1d. Reconciliation of Net Cash Flows From Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow

	Three Months Ended									Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,			September 30,			December 31,			December 31,
(in millions)		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Net cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)	$	1,189		$	1,010		$	932		$	3,332		$	3,062
Add: cash used for capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposal of assets		(295	)		(256	)		(298	)		(1,075	)		(1,016	)
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)	$	894		$	754		$	633		$	2,257		$	2,045

Table 1d reconciles net cash flows from operating activities, which is the directly comparable financial result determined in accordance with GAAP, to free cash flow. Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows from operating activities less expenditures for capital assets plus proceeds from disposal of assets.

Financial Tables (GAAP)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
(In millions, except per share amounts)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
Revenue	$	7,364		$	6,908		$	6,835
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue		5,833			5,366			5,386
Selling, general and administrative		585			612			634
Restructuring, impairment and other		281			—			163
Total costs and expenses		6,699			5,978			6,183
Operating income		665			930			651
Other non-operating income (loss), net		181			134			(84	)
Interest expense, net		(54	)		(55	)		(45	)
Income before income taxes		792			1,009			522
Benefit (provision) for income taxes		398			(235	)		(72	)
Net income		1,190			774			450
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		11			8			11
Net income attributable to Baker Hughes Company	$	1,179		$	766		$	439

Per share amounts:
Basic income per Class A common share	$	1.19		$	0.77		$	0.44
Diluted income per Class A common share	$	1.18		$	0.77		$	0.43

Weighted average shares:
Class A basic		990			993			1,001
Class A diluted		999			999			1,010

Cash dividend per Class A common share	$	0.21		$	0.21		$	0.20

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

	Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts)		2024			2023			2022
Revenue	$	27,829		$	25,506		$	21,156
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue		21,989			20,255			16,756
Selling, general and administrative		2,458			2,611			2,510
Restructuring, impairment and other		301			323			705
Total costs and expenses		24,748			23,189			19,971
Operating income		3,081			2,317			1,185
Other non-operating income (loss), net		382			554			(911	)
Interest expense, net		(198	)		(216	)		(252	)
Income before income taxes		3,265			2,655			22
Provision for income taxes		(257	)		(685	)		(600	)
Net income (loss)		3,008			1,970			(578	)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		29			27			23
Net income (loss) attributable to Baker Hughes Company	$	2,979		$	1,943		$	(601	)

Per share amounts:
Basic income (loss) per Class A common share	$	3.00		$	1.93		$	(0.61	)
Diluted income (loss) per Class A common share	$	2.98		$	1.91		$	(0.61	)

Weighted average shares:
Class A basic		994			1,008			987
Class A diluted		1,001			1,015			987

Cash dividend per Class A common share	$	0.84		$	0.78		$	0.73

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

	December 31,
(In millions)		2024		2023
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,364	$	2,646
Current receivables, net		7,122		7,075
Inventories, net		4,954		5,094
All other current assets		1,771		1,486
Total current assets		17,211		16,301
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation		5,127		4,893
Goodwill		6,078		6,137
Other intangible assets, net		3,951		4,093
Contract and other deferred assets		1,730		1,756
All other assets		4,266		3,765
Total assets	$	38,363	$	36,945
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	4,542	$	4,471
Short-term and current portion of long-term debt		53		148
Progress collections and deferred income		5,672		5,542
All other current liabilities		2,724		2,830
Total current liabilities		12,991		12,991
Long-term debt		5,970		5,872
Liabilities for pensions and other postretirement benefits		988		978
All other liabilities		1,359		1,585
Equity		17,055		15,519
Total liabilities and equity	$	38,363	$	36,945

Outstanding Baker Hughes Company shares:
Class A common stock		990		998

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended December 31,			Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(In millions)		2024			2024			2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	1,190		$	3,008		$	1,970
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		291			1,136			1,087
Benefit for deferred income taxes		(706	)		(671	)		(59	)
Gain on equity securities		(196	)		(367	)		(555	)
Stock-based compensation cost		49			202			197
Property, plant and equipment impairment, net		77			77			(1	)
Gain on business dispositions		—			—			(40	)
Working capital		63			7			42
Other operating items, net		421			(60	)		421
Net cash flows provided by operating activities		1,189			3,332			3,062
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for capital assets		(353	)		(1,278	)		(1,224	)
Proceeds from disposal of assets		58			203			208
Proceeds from sale of equity securities		71			92			372
Proceeds from business dispositions		—			—			293
Net cash paid for acquisitions		—			—			(301	)
Other investing items, net		6			(33	)		(165	)
Net cash flows used in investing activities		(218	)		(1,016	)		(817	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt		(9	)		(143	)		(651	)
Dividends paid		(208	)		(836	)		(786	)
Repurchase of Class A common stock		(9	)		(484	)		(538	)
Other financing items, net		(8	)		(64	)		(53	)
Net cash flows used in financing activities		(234	)		(1,527	)		(2,028	)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(37	)		(71	)		(59	)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		700			718			158
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		2,664			2,646			2,488
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	3,364		$	3,364		$	2,646
Supplemental cash flows disclosures:
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	307		$	1,040		$	595
Interest paid	$	99		$	298		$	309

Supplemental Financial Information

Supplemental financial information can be found on the Company’s website at: investors.bakerhughes.com in the Financial Information section under Quarterly Results.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company has scheduled an investor conference call to discuss management’s outlook and the results reported in today’s earnings announcement. The call will begin at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, 8:30 a.m. Central time on Friday, January 31, 2025, the content of which is not part of this earnings release. The conference call will be broadcast live via a webcast and can be accessed by visiting the Events and Presentations page on the Company’s website at: investors.bakerhughes.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available on the website for one month following the webcast.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (each a “forward-looking statement”). Forward-looking statements concern future circumstances and results and other statements that are not historical facts and are sometimes identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “would,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “target”, “goal” or other similar words or expressions. There are many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31,2024; and those set forth from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The documents are available through the Company’s website at: www.investors.bakerhughes.com or through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval system at: www.sec.gov. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

Our expectations regarding our business outlook and business plans; the business plans of our customers; oil and natural gas market conditions; cost and availability of resources; economic, legal and regulatory conditions, and other matters are only our forecasts regarding these matters.

These forward-looking statements, including forecasts, may be substantially different from actual results, which are affected by many risks, along with the following risk factors and the timing of any of these risk factors:

Economic and political conditions – the impact of worldwide economic conditions and rising inflation; the impact of tariffs and the potential for significant increases thereto; the effect that declines in credit availability may have on worldwide economic growth and demand for hydrocarbons; foreign currency exchange fluctuations and changes in the capital markets in locations where we operate; and the impact of government disruptions and sanctions.
Orders and RPO – our ability to execute on orders and RPO in accordance with agreed specifications, terms and conditions and convert those orders and RPO to revenue and cash.
Oil and gas market conditions – the level of petroleum industry exploration, development and production expenditures; the price of, volatility in pricing of, and the demand for crude oil and natural gas; drilling activity; drilling permits for and regulation of the shelf and the deepwater drilling; excess productive capacity; crude and product inventories; liquefied natural gas supply and demand; seasonal and other adverse weather conditions that affect the demand for energy; severe weather conditions, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, that affect exploration and production activities; Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) policy and the adherence by OPEC nations to their OPEC production quotas.
Terrorism and geopolitical risks – war, military action, terrorist activities or extended periods of international conflict, particularly involving any petroleum-producing or consuming regions, including Russia and Ukraine; and the recent conflict in the Middle East; labor disruptions, civil unrest or security conditions where we operate; potentially burdensome taxation, expropriation of assets by governmental action; cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents or attacks; epidemic outbreaks.

About Baker Hughes:

Baker Hughes (Nasdaq: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions for energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Chase Mulvehill
+1 346-297-2561
investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

Media Relations

Adrienne Lynch
+1 713-906-8407
adrienne.lynch@bakerhughes.com

The MIL Network –

January 31, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: Amplifying Alberta’s call for U.S. partnership
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Shane Getson, MLA for Lac. Ste. Anne-Parkland and Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat will spearhead this mission to the U.S. as they rejoin U.S. legislators and officials for the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) 2025 capital visits. Their time in Salem will build on conversations that MLAs had with key decision makers and delegates during the first round of PNWER Capital Visits held throughout the month of January.

MLAs Getson and Wright will help to reinforce conversations that Premier Smith had with lawmakers and officials in the U.S. capital during the week of President Trump’s inauguration, further solidifying Alberta as the answer to North American energy, food and data security.

“Alberta’s membership in PNWER has offered us a valuable platform for forging partnerships and having important conversations that have helped form the foundations of our long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S. – a relationship that is more important than ever. The economies of Alberta and the U.S. are highly integrated, which is why Alberta has found, and will continue to find allies at the state level on issues of importance to our province – particularly energy security.”

Shane Getson, MLA for Lac. Ste. Anne-Parkland

“I look forward to this opportunity to lend my voice to the important conversation we are having with our U.S. friends and allies as Alberta’s government continues its efforts to enhance this important trade relationship and promote the common interests that bring Albertans and Americans together.”

Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

While in Salem, MLAs Getson and Wright will participate in meetings with state leadership, Pacific Northwest legislators, academia and corporate leaders to promote the valuable role Alberta can play in supporting North American energy dominance. Other priority topics will include addressing border issues, securing supply chains and economic corridors, and enhancing mutually beneficial trade and investment that will ensure our economies churn out the jobs and goods Americans and Canadians rely on.

PNWER is a non-partisan, public/private partnership that was established in 1991 to advance the economic well-being, quality of life and common interests of its 10 member jurisdictions, which include the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington, the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Quick facts
- The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner and Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter to the U.S.
- In 2023, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$156 billion, accounting for about 90 per cent of total provincial exports in 2023.
  
  Energy products accounted for about C$127.5 billion, or 82 per cent, of the province’s exports to the U.S.
  
  Other important export sectors included plastics, forestry, meat and machinery.
- In 2023, Alberta imported about C$25.8 billion in products from the U.S., including energy, machinery, aircrafts, vehicles and plastics.
- The Pacific Northwest is an important trade region for Alberta. In 2023, bilateral trade between Alberta and the PNWER U.S. member states totalled C$25.7 billion.
- Alberta’s government takes comments made by President Donald Trump about imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian exports to the U.S. very seriously.
- Alberta’s government does not support tariffs on Canadian exports or U.S. imports. Tariffs on Canadian and U.S. goods make life more expensive for everyday Canadians and everyday Americans.
Itinerary for MLAs Getson and Wright*
Feb. 3

Travel to Salem, OR.

Feb. 4-5

Meet with U.S. legislators and officials as part of the PNWER 2025 Capital Visits.

Feb. 6

Travel to Alberta.
*Subject to change.

Related information
- Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER)
Related news
- Championing unity with our partners in the U.S. (Jan. 10, 2025)
- Promoting an era of parnership with the U.S. (Jan. 17, 2025)
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Expanding Connect Care access for paramedics
Alberta’s government is committed to making sure front-line health care workers have the tools necessary to deliver the highest quality of care, especially in emergencies where every second counts. By improving access to critical patient information, this initiative will strengthen the efficiency and quality of emergency care for all Albertans.

Starting Jan. 30, paramedics providing front-line care will have view-only access to Connect Care. They will be able to look up the most up-to-date health information, including medication lists, lab results, electrocardiograms and medical imaging. Allowing paramedics to view patient records on site will empower them to make informed clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes during critical moments.

“The introduction of Connect Care view-only access is a crucial advancement for our emergency medical services. This initiative reflects our commitment to equipping our paramedics with the necessary tools to deliver timely and informed care, ensuring the safety and well-being of Albertans in their most vulnerable moments.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

From June to August 2024, Alberta Health Services (AHS) piloted Connect Care view-only access with fixed-wing air ambulance paramedics stationed in Calgary and Medicine Hat. The pilot assessed the training, access and use of Connect Care, with paramedics providing positive feedback. The trial demonstrated improvements in clinical decision-making and patient safety, leading to the decision for a provincewide rollout.

“Paramedics have a multitude of abilities that make them a valuable part of the health care system. Having swift access to additional tools/data will notably assist them in providing enhanced care to all Albertans.”

Len Stelmaschuk, president, Alberta Paramedic Association

Connect Care operates with rigorous oversight, including a 24-hour Smart Audit system, which flags any unusual activities for immediate review by the AHS privacy breach team. Comprehensive training and support will be provided to ensure a smooth transition, including user guides and other resources to help paramedics access the system.

“Paramedics are highly skilled health professionals who deliver exceptional care, relying both on their clinical expertise and information gathered from patients and bystanders. The expansion of Connect Care view-only access represents a transformative advancement in emergency medical services, enhancing their ability to deliver even higher levels of care.”

Anne MacDonald, acting senior program officer, EMS, Alberta Health Services

Alberta’s government recognizes the essential role a fully integrated clinical documentation system plays in promoting collaboration among health care providers. This expansion of Connect Care access is a significant step forward in ensuring paramedics have timely access to patient health information when it’s most crucial for Albertans.

Quick facts
- Connect Care view-only access will be provided to both AHS emergency medical services paramedics as well as contract service providers delivering front-line care.
Related information
- Connect Care
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Seeking to End Youth Access to Gender Affirming Care

Source: US State of California Department of Justice

Thursday, January 30, 2025

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

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s recent executive order seeking to end access to gender affirming care for transgender youth:

“The President’s attempt to prevent transgender youth from accessing medically necessary healthcare is cruel and irresponsible. Denying this care would only serve to further marginalize and endanger already vulnerable youth and put their health and well-being at risk.

“All Americans have the inalienable right to equal protection under the law, regardless of their gender identity. This includes the right to access healthcare free from discrimination. California will continue to be a safe haven for those who seek the care they need in order to be their authentic selves.

“In California, we seek to promote access to healthcare, not restrict it. California families seeking gender affirming care, and the doctors and staff who provide it, are protected under state laws like the Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGI) Inclusive Care Act. The President’s order does not change that. My office and I will continue to defend California law and stand up for the rights of all who seek this critical, lifesaving care and the people who support them.

“We are reviewing the President’s executive order and monitoring its implementation. Rest assured, the California Department of Justice will continue to stand up for our people and our values.”

RESOURCES

California has a number of resources for transgender youth and the broader LGBTQ+ community:

If you believe your rights are being violated as part of the enforcement of the President’s executive order, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office here or with the California Civil Rights Department here.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: IRS, Oregon to recognize Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
Source: US State of Oregon

s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day approaches on Friday, January 31, the Oregon Department of Revenue is encouraging all workers with income in 2024 to check their EITC eligibility.

The Department of Revenue is working with other state agencies and community partners to encourage taxpayers to learn more about this credit and find out if they’re eligible for the credit, which is celebrating its 50^th year in 2025. The IRS estimates that nearly 25 percent eligible Oregon taxpayers are not claiming the EITC. One Oregon organization says that adds up to an estimated $100 million in unclaimed credits.

While many are unaware of the EITC and other credits, another hurdle is the need for free help filing tax returns. Free tax filing assistance is available at sites across the state.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for people for making up to $66,819 in 2024. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,830 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon Earned Income Credit of $940 on their state tax return. Certain taxpayers without children may also be eligible for these credits.

Individuals may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Oregon EIC, and other credits, even if they are not required to file. To receive the refundable credits, however, they must file a federal and state tax return.

Basic qualifications for EITC include:
- All filing statuses are eligible, but some have specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify.
- You, your spouse, or any qualifying child must have a Social Security number to claim the federal credit.
- Your earned income in 2024 must be below certain limits based on your number of qualifying dependents.
- You may be eligible even if you do not have a qualifying child.
- Taxpayers can use the IRS EITC Assistant to check their eligibility further. The assistant is available in English and Spanish.
State tax credits for families

The qualifications for the Oregon Earned Income Credit are the same as those listed above for the federal EITC, except that the Oregon credit is also available to taxpayers who use an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) to file their taxes or have a qualifying child with an ITIN. If you have an ITIN, claim the Oregon EIC using schedule OR-EIC-ITIN.

The Oregon Kids Credit is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,750 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,750.

To encourage Oregonians to save for higher education and career training, the Education Savings Credit for Oregon 529 Plan contributions allows single filers to receive a refundable credit of as much as $180 ($360 for joint filers) if they contribute to an Oregon College Savings Plan account before tax day. The refundable tax credit is also available for contributions to an Oregon ABLE Savings Plan account, which empowers people experiencing disabilities to invest and build financial security without jeopardizing their eligibility for vital state and federal benefits.

More information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax benefits for families page.

Taxpayers can visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using the interactive map. For more information on the EITC, visit https://www.eitc.irs.gov/. For questions about Oregon taxes, call the Department of Revenue at 503-378-4988, or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI: Viper Energy Launches Offering of Class A Common Stock

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viper Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VNOM) (“Viper”) announced today the launch of an underwritten public offering of 22,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock, subject to market and other conditions (the “Primary Offering”). The underwriters will have an option to purchase up to an additional 3,300,000 shares of Class A common stock from Viper in the Primary Offering.

Viper intends to use the net proceeds from the Primary Offering to fund a portion of the cash consideration for its previously announced pending acquisition of all of the equity interests of certain mineral and royalty-interest owning subsidiaries of Viper’s parent, Diamondback Energy, Inc. (the “Pending Drop Down”), if it closes. If the Pending Drop Down does not close, Viper will use the net proceeds from the Primary Offering for general corporate purposes.

J.P. Morgan, Citigroup, Mizuho and Morgan Stanley are acting as joint book-running managers for the Primary Offering. Copies of the written base prospectus and prospectus supplement for the Primary Offering may be obtained on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission, www.sec.gov or, when available, may be obtained from J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com; Citigroup, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at (800) 831-9146; Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Attn: Equity Capital Markets, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020, by telephone at 1-212-205-7600 or by email at US-ECM@mizuhogroup.com; or Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014.

The Class A common stock will be issued and sold pursuant to an effective automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Registration Statement”).

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The Primary Offering may only be made by means of a prospectus supplement and related base prospectus.

About Viper Energy, Inc.

Viper is a publicly traded Delaware corporation that owns and acquires mineral and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, regarding the completion of the Primary Offering, Viper’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “could,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “goal,” “plan,” “target” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Be cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risk and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Viper’s control, incident to the development, production, gathering and sale of oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, risks relating to the Pending Drop Down, including its consummation or the realization of the anticipated benefits and synergies therefrom. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Viper’s filings with the SEC, including the base prospectus and prospectus supplement relating to the Primary Offering, the Registration Statement, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, under the caption “Risk Factors,” as may be updated from time to time in Viper’s periodic filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date of this release. Viper undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.

Investor Contacts:
Adam Lawlis
+1 432.221.7467
alawlis@diamondbackenergy.com

Austen Gilfillian
+1 432.221.7420
agilfillian@diamondbackenergy.com

Source: Viper Energy, Inc.

The MIL Network –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape, Help Small Businesses Adopt Digital Tools

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced legislation to cut red tape and help small business owners integrate digital tools into their businesses. The bipartisan Small Business Technological Advancement Act would clarify that small businesses can utilize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 7(a) loan program to finance technology that supports daily operations, including inventory management, product delivery, and accounting systems.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Nevada’s economy, and I’m committed to helping them thrive in any way I can,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m helping to introduce this bipartisan bill that will free up federal resources to make sure small businesses have the technological support they need to modernize their operations and continue to compete.”
As a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Rosen has worked to support Nevada’s small businesses. Each year, she leads her Senate colleagues in pushing for robust funding to support small businesses and cut burdensome red tape. Last year, she introduced the Tax Relief for New Businesses Act to increase the startup tax deduction for entrepreneurs looking to start a small business and reduce barriers for startups. Senator Rosen has also introduced the bipartisan Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act to establish a Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program through the SBA and award grants to Minority Serving Institutions to promote and increase opportunities for students to start their own businesses.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 01.30.2025 Sen. Cruz, Rep. Roy Introduce Legislation to Expand Health Care Availability

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas-21) introduced the Personalized Care Act (PCA). The bill makes Americans’ health care more portable, accessible, and tailored to meet their unique needs. It expands Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), enabling millions of Americans to access and utilize these tax advantaged savings tools to manage their health care costs.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “I’m fighting to return control to patients and their doctors—not Washington bureaucrats. Democrats are pushing for full government control of America’s health care. The Personalized Care Act expands Health Savings Accounts, increases portability, and makes it easier for families to make health care decisions for themselves. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation expeditiously.”
Rep. Roy said, “Every year America’s healt hcare system becomes more expensive and less accessible due to the crony capitalist swamp of corporate and government interests that prioritizes power and profits over patients and doctors. The Personalized Care Act would re-empower the American people to break out of this broken system to make their own health care decisions with control over their health care dollars — as outlined in my recent report on America’s health care system. I am proud to introduce this bill with my friend Senator Ted Cruz to take on the Big Health Care racket. If we want to Make America Healthy Again — if we want to make care truly affordable — the answer is health care freedom. The Personalized Care Act is a needed step towards that goal.”
This legislation was cosponsored by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).
Rep. Roy (R-Texas-21) introduced the companion legislation in the House.
Read the bill text here.
BACKGROUND
Sen. Cruz has led this effort to provide greater health care freedom since 2019.
The PCA would:
Offer millions of Americans access to Health Savings Accounts. Decouples HSAs from high deductible health insurance plans, expands HSAs for individuals with Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, direct medical care, health care sharing ministries, short-term limited-duration plans, and medical indemnity plans.
Increase annual contributions. Increases HSA contribution limits from $3,550 (2020 limit) to $10,800 for individuals and from $7,100 (2020 limit) to $29,500 for families.
Expand eligible usage. Extends allowable HSA withdrawals to include direct medical care fees, health care sharing ministry fees, insurance premiums, and over the counter medications.
Eliminate regulatory confusion for patients and doctors. Defines direct medical care and health care sharing ministries as qualified medical expenses and not health plans or insurance plans.
Decrease tax penalty for nonqualified distributions. Reduces the penalty for nonqualified distributions from 20 percent to 10 percent.
This legislation is endorsed by Direct Primary Care Council, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom, Heritage Action, Americans for Prosperity, Association of Mature American Citizens, Independent Medical Alliance, Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, and Health Savings Account Council.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla, Budget Democrats Boycott Russell Vought’s OMB Nomination Vote

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
After the OMB-directed federal funding freeze causes chaos, Padilla sounds alarm on Trump pick’s record of withholding federal aid

WATCH: Padilla delivers remarks opposing Vought’s reckless nominationWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined his fellow Democratic members of the Senate Budget Committee and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to protest the Budget Committee advancing Russell Vought’s nomination to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) behind closed doors, despite the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attempt to freeze federal funding.
The Monday night OMB memo paused all congressionally approved federal grants and loans, stoking widespread confusion and chaos while threatening essential services like disaster relief, health care, public safety, education, nutrition, and housing for millions of Californians.
In his previous tenure with OMB, Vought blatantly disregarded spending laws and congressional appropriations, operating as if the President has unchecked, unilateral power to make funding decisions despite the clear language of the Constitution giving that authority to Congress. As one of the primary architects of Project 2025, Vought wrote that the OMB Director should be “aggressive in wielding the tool of apportionments on behalf of the President’s agenda,” and “defend the apportionment power against attacks from Congress.”
His nomination poses a serious threat to Congress’ constitutional authority and to critical disaster aid for Southern California fire victims. Vought tried on numerous occasions in his previous tenure to withhold and slow the distribution of disaster relief, which was agreed to and appropriated by Congress, based on political motives. During his confirmation hearing, Vought continued to hedge on answers that he would not politicize government assistance and refused every opportunity to commit to following the law.
Senator Padilla also spoke on the Senate floor yesterday in strong opposition to the chaotic OMB funding memo and Russell Vought’s nomination. Earlier this week, Budget Committee Democrats and Leader Schumer demanded that Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) delay Vought’s nomination until he satisfactorily answers questions regarding his advice to the President relating to the illegal impoundment of congressionally appropriated funds through the Monday OMB directive. Padilla also questioned Vought on disaster relief funding to help Southern California recover and rebuild after the recent fires during a Senate Budget Committee nomination hearing earlier this month.
Video of Padilla’s remarks is available here.
A full transcript of Padilla’s remarks is available here and below:
Thank you, Senator Luján, and I want to begin by also expressing my condolences to the victims of the crashes last night, their families. Over the coming days, we’ll hear the names, and we’ll hear the stories of those that have perished. And yes, Senator Luján, it comes at a time where we’re still grappling with the impacts of these unprecedented and devastating fires, plural, in the Los Angeles region. And I think that couldn’t underscore the stakes here any more.
In a time of crisis, when people turn to not just local leadership, but to their federal government to be there for them, it is unconscionable that in those moments, there’s efforts to promote funding freezes, hiring freezes, and in so many ways, go back on our fundamental obligations to our constituents and to the American people.
The past few days have been anything but business as usual. I agree: this is an attempt at a one-man government shutdown, brought to us by President Trump — an effort to block billions of dollars approved by Congress, directed by Congress, funds that would support families recovering from catastrophic wildfires, funds for law enforcement agencies that we rely on to keep our communities safe, funds to support nutrition programs for children and families that depend on us for their next meal. And you see a much longer list, just a very partial list here on the board.
But it’s because of that real-world impact that Americans from throughout the country, they knew immediately what was at stake, and so many of them jumped into action, speaking out, writing our offices, calling our offices, to share their concerns, their questions, looking for guidance, looking for help.
And it’s in that context that our Republican colleagues have the audacity, the nerve, to move forward with President Trump’s nominee to lead the very agency responsible for the chaos and the heartache, and not even with the courage to agree to Senator Merkley’s request to do this in a committee hearing room where we can have this conversation and vote in public.
They’re literally in a back room, not accessible, not visible. What are they trying to hide? What are they afraid of? And so, yes, we are here in this room today because this kind of behavior cannot be business as usual. This is not the Senate. The stakes are too high. The impacts too real.
Now, as others have said, during his previous tenure at OMB, Russell Vought tried to repeatedly politicize, withhold, and slow the distribution of federal funds, including disaster relief, including foreign aid. Through his conduct, he has demonstrated that he holds himself above the law, above the Constitution, and above the funding decisions made by Congress. Maybe that’s why President Trump likes him so much.
But for any of my colleagues, not just Democrats, but our colleagues on the other side of the aisle too, who have worked so hard to secure funding for their constituents back home, they too should be concerned. They too should be alarmed. Consider Mr. Vought’s work from the first Trump Administration, his role in crafting Project 2025, and his arrogance during the confirmation hearing last week. It’s clear he is coming after Congress’s constitutional authority, and he intends to repeat the events of this week over and over again if he’s confirmed.
And I say it’s “if” because there is still time. To my Republican colleagues: there is still time, you have the power to stop this if you have the courage to do so. Don’t give up that power to President Trump. Use that power for your constituents and for our country. Thank you.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Grassley, Heinrich Lead Reintroduction of Legislation to Combat Illegal Fentanyl

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) led 11 colleagues in reintroducing the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act. This legislation makes permanent the temporary classification of fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Drug overdoses, largely driven by fentanyl, are the leading cause of death among young adults 18 to 45 years old. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl account for 66 percent of the total U.S. overdose deaths. The drug’s Schedule I classification is set to expire on March 31, 2025.
“The Biden administration’s open border was an invitation to drug cartels smuggling Chinese fentanyl into the U.S., fueling the U.S. overdose epidemic,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Law enforcement must have the tools necessary to combat this trend. We cannot let this Schedule I classification lapse.”
“Today, roughly 150 Americans will die from fentanyl poisoning. Cartels’ fuel this crisis by marketing their poison as legitimate prescription pills. They also avoid regulation by chemically altering the drugs to create powerful fentanyl knock-offs,” said Senator Grassley. “Congress closed that loophole by temporarily classifying fentanyl related substances under Schedule 1. The HALT Fentanyl Act would make permanent fentanyl related substances’ Schedule 1 classification and ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to combat these deadly drugs.”
“We’re losing more than 100,000 Americans each year to illicit fentanyl overdoses. I refuse to accept this reality, and that’s why I’m working to deliver tools law enforcement personnel need to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets and out of our communities,” said Senator Heinrich. “Permanently scheduling fentanyl and its analogues will help federal and local law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases. Our HALT Fentanyl Act will help stop the flow of these deadly drugs into our communities and save lives.”
Cassidy, Grassley, and Heinrich were joined by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Todd Young (R-IN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-VW), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in introducing the legislation.
The legislation also removes barriers that impede the ability of researchers to conduct studies on fentanyl-related substances and allows for exemptions if such research provides evidence that it would be beneficial for specific substances to be classified differently than Schedule I, such as for medical purposes.
From August 2021 to August 2022, a record-breaking 107,735 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses. The surge was primarily fueled by synthetic opioids, including illegal fentanyl, which are largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China. In 2022, there were over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more than doubling the amount seized in 2021.
Click here for a one-pager. Click here for a section-by-section.
Background
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023. This was primarily fueled by synthetic opioids, including illegal fentanyl, which are largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China. In 2022, there were over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more than doubling the amount seized in 2021.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the HALT Fentanyl Act in March 2023.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Stressing Peacebuilding Commission’s Critical Role amid Rise in Conflicts Worldwide, Secretary-General Urges Increased, Innovative Funding to Support Its Work

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Speakers Highlight Pact for Future’s Prioritization of Conflict Prevention, Mediation and Peacebuilding

Amid escalating conflicts, widening geopolitical divisions and deepening climate crisis, the Peacebuilding Commission is “more critical than ever”, said the UN Chief, stressing that the Pact for the Future charts a course to reforming international cooperation by prioritizing prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.

“Now we have the chance to consolidate and expand [the Commission’s] work,” said António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, recognizing its vital advisory role to the Security Council — including in the context of UN mission transitions. He also commended its convening role within the UN and beyond, engaging civil society, the private sector, international and regional organizations and financial institutions.

This year’s Review of the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture offers an opportunity to strengthen the Commission’s role, he said, pointing to his recent report on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace, which suggests mobilizing political and financial support for nationally owned peacebuilding and prevention strategies.

On the issue of financing, he said the General Assembly’s approval of assessed contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund marks “an important step”. However, it is still a far cry from the “quantum leap” of $500 million per year that is needed. Emphasizing that “voluntary contributions remain paramount”, he encouraged countries to provide additional support to the Fund. Additionally, given the urgent and expanding needs for peacebuilding support, the Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture shall further examine how to ensure the Fund’s predictability, adequacy and sustainability by exploring innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships and blended funding models.

“We must never waver in our commitment to pursue, achieve and sustain peace,” he stated, noting that the UN’s peacebuilding architecture — in collaboration with UN country teams — is essential to help “translate aspirations into reality”.

Following the Secretary-General’s opening remarks, the Commission adopted the body’s report on its eighteenth session, whose final version will be transmitted to the General Assembly and the Security Council for their respective annual consideration.

Election of Officers for Nineteenth Session

The Commission also elected officers for its nineteenth session by acclamation, including Germany as Chair and Japan, Poland, Brazil and Morocco as Vice-Chairs. Further, it re-elected the following countries to chair the Commission’s country-specific configurations: Morocco, for the Central African Republic; Brazil, for Guinea-Bissau; and Sweden, for Liberia.

Outgoing Commission Chair Highlights 2024 Efforts to Address Peacebuilding Challenges

As outgoing Chair of the Commission’s eighteenth session, the representative of Brazil noted the Commission’s “robust” mandate as a platform for countries seeking assistance for their peacebuilding and conflict-prevention priorities. “Through the [Commission], political, technical and financial support can be mobilized, and real impact on the ground can be achieved,” he said. In that context, he highlighted that the body’s work in 2024 focused on exploring “concrete peacebuilding challenges” and showcasing “what has worked, lessons learned, frustrations and challenges different countries face”.

He added that, during 2024, the Commission also engaged in preparation for the 2025 peacebuilding architecture review. Expressing hope that Member States see such review “as an opportunity that should not be missed”, he urged better synergy between the Commission, the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund. “We should also explore ways to provide adequate institutional support to the [Commission] at all levels,” he said, expressing hope that the Trusteeship Council room may one day be renamed the Peacebuilding Council room.

Pointing out that the Security Council’s permanent members are also permanent Commission members, he expressed hope that those States will participate more in Commission meetings in the future. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he observed.

Incoming Commission Chair Cites Strong Focus in 2025 on National Ownership, Closer Relationship with Peacebuilding Fund and Improving Impact

The representative of Germany, Chair of the Commission’s nineteenth session, noted her intention to continue supporting a strong emphasis on national ownership, the body’s convening power and its “unique bridging role” across the pillars of the United Nations. Also pointing to opportunities to improve the Commission’s coherence and efficacy, she said that she will ensure follow-up with countries after a Commission meeting, work on a closer relationship between the Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund, and make the Fund’s work more visible — “especially with a view to the first-time-ever use of assessed contributions”.

She also detailed her hope to strengthen evidence-based discussion and peer-to-peer learning and consider the question of peacebuilding impact — “to ensure that the work we do here in New York has an impact on people’s lives on the ground”. Work will also be done to build on previous efforts to foster the Commission’s relationship with regional organizations, strengthen coherence within the UN and enhance cooperation with international financial institutions. She added that a close, meaningful exchange with other UN bodies is “key”.

Assistant Secretary-General Says Commission Uniquely Positioned to Offer Platform for Member States

The Assistant Secretary-General of the Peacebuilding Commission said that, in the current context of the proliferation of conflict and violence worldwide, the Commission is “uniquely positioned” to offer a platform for Member States that wish to come to it. She added that 2025 presents new opportunities to strengthen the Commission’s role, including by accompanying countries’ peacebuilding journey.

Incoming Vice Commission Chairs and Chairs of Country-Specific Configurations Share Perspectives

Incoming Vice Chairs for the nineteenth session echoed that sentiment, with the representative of Poland saying 2025 “presents itself as a truly unique and exceptional year”. The Pact for the Future, adopted in 2024, must be made to work “in the best possible way”, he said, particularly in the context of strengthening peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

Morocco’s speaker stressed that the Commission should expand its geographic and thematic scope while upholding the principle of national ownership. Underscoring the need to optimize the Commission’s collaboration with the Council and other UN organs, he called for a comprehensive approach towards sustaining peace by leveraging and utilizing each body’s unique characteristics in a mutually complementary manner.

The representative of Morocco said he will work to promote reconciliation, post-conflict reconstruction, development and inclusive peace processes. As Chair of the Commission’s country-specific configuration for the Central African Republic, he will continue to work to mobilize the necessary resources for organizing upcoming local elections in that country — a “crucial stage for strengthening local governance and legitimacy of the authorities”.

Brazil’s delegate stated: “Our region faces its own peacebuilding and conflict prevention challenges [while] developing solutions.” Noting his country’s readiness to share lessons learned, he said “this exchange is most useful in our common task as peacebuilders”.

The representative of Sweden, Chair of the Commission’s country-specific configuration for Liberia, said that Liberia has made “remarkable gains over the years”. Peaceful elections held in 2023 and the orderly transfer of power in 2024 “were true milestones”, he stressed, noting that the configuration’s focus for 2025 will be consolidating long-term peacebuilding gains in the country. Liberia, he added, “has important experiences and lessons learned” to share with the Commission, including sustaining peace, inclusive development and reconciliation.

Commission Members Stress Need to Invest in Addressing Root Causes of Conflict and Violence

In the ensuing discussion, Commission members underscored the need to invest in addressing the root causes of conflict and violence, adding that the Pact for the Future has gained recognition for conflict prevention as a universally shared responsibility.

“2025 will be a crucial year for peacebuilding,” said the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer. The Council has demonstrated overwhelming support for this agenda by holding two open debates on conflict prevention. “We have collectively recognized that elaborating national prevention strategies, anchored in national ownership, should be an aspiration for all countries,” he stressed. The peacebuilding architecture review is “an opportunity to consolidate these gains” and to further strengthen the Commission as “an institution that can act as a bridge at the UN”, he continued. As the Commission’s biggest donors, the bloc and its member States have matched this political commitment with funding support.

Spotlighting the Commission’s “significant achievements”, Australia’s delegate said it expanded its regional engagement, provided input into the review and facilitated the revised terms of reference for peacebuilding funding. Underlining the need to strengthen the Commission’s engagement with his region, he said it should encourage Member States to present their peacebuilding priorities.

“Although, at times, we may have had divergent views on how peacebuilding should be conducted, we continue to agree on the foundational principles of peacebuilding,” said his counterpart from South Africa. Namely, that it should be nationally owned and led, context-specific and adaptable, and that more can be done to support peacebuilding in post-conflict contexts.

“It is high time to match the ambitions with the capacities,” said Egypt’s delegate, underscoring the need to expand resources and guarantee the Commission’s more structured cooperation with the Council.

Colombia’s representative, noting that the Commission regularly invites her delegation to share his country’s “experience of peace”, said that doing so helps States “better elucidate a horizon of peace in other places”. The legitimacy of the UN and the future of multilateralism “depend on our capacity to tackle complex crises, contribute to peace and security and ensure a better life for our peoples”, she asserted.

The speaker for Bangladesh, noting that the Commission has “always” based its work on national ownership, said that the body should continue supporting local needs and national priorities “by bringing all stakeholders into the discussion”. Further, the Commission should strengthen its advisory role to facilitate the smooth transition of peacekeeping operations, leading to long-lasting peace.

For his part, the Russian Federation’s representative said that the upcoming peacebuilding-architecture review “should not reinvent the wheel but, rather, use existing mechanisms”. He also stressed that the Commission must not focus solely on conflict prevention, losing sight of countries affected by conflict and post-conflict countries. “It is them that need the political and financial support so that crises don’t return,” he said. Also emphasizing the need to avoid duplication of work, he observed: “The strong suit of the UN system is the principle of division of labour between its main organs.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Nearly $600K Settlement with Amazon Resolving Proposition 65 and UCL Claims Relating to Sales on its Website of Skin-Lightening Face Creams Containing Mercury

Source: US State of California

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a settlement with Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon) resolving allegations under Proposition 65 and the Unfair Competition Law arising from Amazon’s facilitation of sales into California of skin-lightening creams with high mercury levels. As part of the settlement, which is subject to court approval, Amazon will pay nearly $600,000 in civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, and costs to the Attorney General, and will agree to injunctive provisions aimed at preventing creams with high mercury levels from being sold through Amazon’s website into California. The Attorney General’s settlement will also resolve the claims of two Proposition 65 private enforcers, Larry Lee and As You Sow, the latter an environmental non-profit organization, which prior to Attorney General Bonta’s investigation had discovered that Amazon had facilitated the sale of mercury-containing face creams in California, and had litigated against the company.

“At the California Department of Justice, we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding laws that protect the safety and well-being of Californians,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s settlement reflects that commitment, and we will continue to hold accountable those who violate our state environmental and consumer laws.”

Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin that impairs the nervous system, and prenatal exposure can impede normal development in fetuses and young children. Exposure to mercury can lead to irritability, muscle incoordination, memory loss, brain damage, and even death. Mercury is capable of being absorbed through skin, and the transfer of mercury from a consumer’s hand to a common surface area can also create an exposure source for children and other household members.

The Attorney General investigated Amazon for facilitating third-party sales of skin-lightening face creams that contain mercury following lawsuits by the private enforcers. The California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) investigation identified several face creams that contained very high mercury levels—ranging from 121 to 16,000 parts per million, well in excess of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s maximum limit of 1 part per million—and that required a warning about those mercury levels under Proposition 65. Amazon had failed to provide such warnings for creams sold through its site, thereby violating both Proposition 65 and the Unfair Competition Law.

Following his investigation, the Attorney General asked Amazon to cease and desist from facilitating the sale of face creams identified as containing excessive mercury. Amazon, which does not manufacture these products, agreed to implement a sale-prevention protocol, or “suppression rule,” to prevent face creams with dangerous levels of mercury from being available for sale on its website.

Under the proposed consent judgment, Amazon will pay $218,560 in civil penalties to the Attorney General’s Office pursuant to Proposition 65 and the Unfair Competition Law, $278,942 to reimburse a portion of the Attorney General’s Office’s attorneys’ fees and costs, and $65,000 for future monitoring costs. Amazon will pay additional penalties and fees to resolve the claims of the private enforcers. The settlement also contains injunctive provisions, including that Amazon must do the following: continue to implement the suppression rule, and continuously adjust it to ensure that it remains effective; retain an independent product consultant who has significant experience with these skin-lightening products; and create a list of pre-approved brands that do not include mercury in their products.

A copy of the complaint and proposed consent judgment, which remain subject to court approval, can be found here and here.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien from Costa Rica Sentenced for Firearm Possession

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILTON RAYO CASTILLO (“RAYO CASTILLO”), age 26, a native of Costa Rica, was sentenced on January 28. 2025 by United States District Judge Wendy Vitter, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A). RAYO CATILLO was sentenced to fifty-two (52) months incarceration, supervised release for three (3) years, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, on or about March 10, 2024, RAYO CASTILLO, an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, after brandishing the weapon at a patron at a Kenner, Louisiana restaurant.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

MIL Security OSI –

January 31, 2025

MIL-OSI: Ellomay Capital Announces Results of Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Tel-Aviv, Israel, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ellomay Capital Ltd. (NYSE American; TASE: ELLO) (“Ellomay” or the “Company”), a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe, Israel and the USA, today announced that at the extraordinary general meeting of the Company’s shareholders, held on January 30, 2025 (the “EGM”), the Company’s shareholders approved the terms of service and compensation of Mr. Ben Sheizaf, the Company’s Chairman of the Board.

For more information, please see the Company’s Notice and Proxy Statement relating to the EGM, submitted on Form 6-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2024.

About Ellomay Capital Ltd.

Ellomay is an Israeli based company whose shares are registered with the NYSE American and with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ELLO”. Since 2009, Ellomay Capital focuses its business in the renewable energy and power sectors in Europe, USA and Israel.

To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Texas, USA, including:

	●	Approximately 353.9 MW of operating solar power plants in Spain (including a 300 MW solar plant in owned by Talasol, which is 51% owned by the Company) and approximately 38 MW of operating solar power plants in Italy;

	●	9.375% indirect interest in Dorad Energy Ltd., which owns and operates one of Israel’s largest private power plants with production capacity of approximately 850MW, representing about 6%-8% of Israel’s total current electricity consumption;

	●	Groen Gas Goor B.V., Groen Gas Oude-Tonge B.V. and Groen Gas Gelderland B.V., project companies operating anaerobic digestion plants in the Netherlands, with a green gas production capacity of approximately 3 million, 3.8 million and 9.5 million Nm3 per year, respectively;

	●	83.333% of Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., which is involved in a project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel;

	●	Solar projects in Italy with an aggregate capacity of 195 MW that have reached “ready to build” status; and

	●	Solar projects in the Dallas Metropolitan area, Texas, USA with an aggregate capacity of 49 MW that are under construction.

For more information about Ellomay, visit http://www.ellomay.com.

Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding the Company’s plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements, including changes in electricity prices and demand, regulatory changes increases in interest rates and inflation, changes in the supply and prices of resources required for the operation of the Company’s facilities (such as waste and natural gas) and in the price of oil, the impact of the war and hostilities in Israel and Gaza, the impact of the continued military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, technical and other disruptions in the operations or construction of the power plants owned by the Company and general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates, including Israel, Spain, Italy and the United States. These and other risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business are described in greater detail in the filings the Company makes from time to time with Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
Kalia Rubenbach (Weintraub)
CFO
Tel: +972 (3) 797-1111
Email: hilai@ellomay.com

The MIL Network –

January 31, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Pressley Bill Renaming Post Office on Dorchester Ave Signed into Law Last Month by President Biden

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Washington (January, 29, 2025) – Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) marked the Lunar New Year by celebrating the enactment of their legislation to name the U.S. Postal Service office on Dorchester Avenue in Boston after the late Caroline Chang (1940-2018), a community leader and lifelong AAPI activist in Boston’s Chinatown community. The bill passed the House in February of last year and was signed into law by President Biden in November.
“I am proud that our legislation to honor community leader, public servant, and activist Caroline Chang is law,” said Senator Markey. “Caroline Chang played an instrumental role in Boston’s Asian American community and her decades of public service to her community will now finally be physically memorialized.”
“Who we honor in our federal buildings and monuments matters, and I am so thrilled that Caroline Chang is getting the recognition she deserves for her lifelong service to Boston, the Massachusetts 7th, and our Commonwealth,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I was especially honored to celebrate the Lunar New Year with Caroline’s family and celebrate the enactment of this bill, the very first federal building in the Commonwealth to be named in honor of an AAPI individual. This is a living tribute to her life, values, and incredible impact she’s had on Boston’s Chinatown community and beyond. I’m grateful to Caroline’s family, our community partners, our Senate colleagues, and President Biden for working with us to get this bill over the finish line.”
“Caroline dedicated her life to ensure all people were treated equally and fairly. Born to an immigrant family, Caroline spoke for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. She saw firsthand, discrimination towards her community and did something about it. She recognized the deficiencies in health care in minority neighborhoods, and did something about it. She recognized shortages in affordable housing, and did something about it. Her career and achievements will forever be remembered through the dedication of this post office in her name,” said Russell Eng, Caroline Chang’s nephew. “Our family is proud of Caroline’s work, and are very grateful to Congresswoman Pressley, her incredible staff, the Massachusetts delegation to Congress and the Senate, President Biden for signing this law, and especially the Asian Community of Massachusetts for nominating her.
“The Asian American community is forever great full for the work of Caroline Chang in uplifting the needs and rights of the Chinese Immigrant community. She is a pioneer in our community to fight for equal access to government resources for the public good. Many of our non profit community organizations such as South Cove Health Center, Asian American Civil Association, Asian American Community Development Corporation and Chinese Historical Society are the fruit of Caroline’s work,” said Suzanne Lee, Founder of Chinese Progressive Association. “We are excited to have the Post Office named in honor of her. There’s no better representation of public service than Caroline Chang.”
There are currently 617 postal facilities in Massachusetts. Of those facilities renamed, only one honors a woman and five honor a person of color. With the enactment of this bill, the USPS office at 25 Dorchester Avenue is now the first federal building in Massachusetts to be named after an AAPI individual.
Caroline Chang spent her life serving the Boston Chinatown community. Born and raised in Chinatown, Caroline served as an interpreter in her early life for community members seeking medical care. In 1970, Boston Mayor Kevin White appointed Chang as the manager of Chinatown’s Little City Hall, where she advocated on behalf of residents. Chang went on to receive her law degree from Suffolk Law School in 1970 and spent more than 30 years with the United States Department of Health and Human Services as the Regional Manager for the Office for Civil Rights, making her the highest-ranking Asian American in the federal government in New England at the time.
Throughout her years of public service, Caroline Chang played a founding role in several organizations that continue to serve the Boston Chinatown community, including:
The South Cove Community Health Center
The Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC)
The Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE)
The Harry H. Dow Memorial Legal Assistance Fund
The Asian American Civic Association (AACA)
The Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center
A copy of the bill text can be found here, and Caroline’s biography is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Confirm Doug Burgum and Chris Wright to Lead America’s Golden Age of Energy Dominance

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate floor ahead of confirmation votes for Governor Doug Burgum, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to be the Secretary of the Interior, and Chris Wright, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to be the Secretary of Energy.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
“I rise today to talk about prices, energy, and the economy.
“My message is simple: Unleashing American energy will help lower prices. It is essential.
“Energy is often called the master resource. By controlling our own energy production, we control our own future.
“Not long ago, America was the leading producer of energy in the world. President Trump made America energy independent for the first time in decades.
“That changed in four short years under the prior administration. We went from energy dominance to energy dependence.
“The previous administration went on a regulatory rampage. It was disastrous. The result was painfully high prices for food and for fuel.
“Suddenly, Washington was attacking energy producers and energy workers in states like my home state of Wyoming. America found itself turning to adversaries for energy.
“Let me ask a simple question.
“Does anyone believe we were better off relying on dictators in China, Russia, Venezuela and Iran to power America?
“Does anyone believe we were better off when energy prices were sky high?
“Were Americans more prosperous?
“The answer is no.
“For the past four years, the previous administration treated energy as the enemy.
“Governor Doug Burgum and Chris Wright will treat American energy as the God-given blessing it is.
“Available, affordable, reliable, American energy is an asset.
“Energy is the source of American strength. It is a solution to bring down painfully high prices.
“America is an energy superpower. We should act like it.
“Working together, Governor Burgum and Chris Wright will be a powerhouse energy team.
“Governor Burgum grew up in Arthur, North Dakota – population: 400.
“He studied business at Stanford University. He built Great Plains, a software company, into a global public company.
“As Governor of North Dakota for the last 8 years, he drove his state’s transformation into an energy and technology leader.
“Instead of blocking energy production, he invited and incentivized companies to operate in North Dakota. In turn, his state produced more and more energy.
“In his Senate hearing, Governor Burgum explained this success.
“He said, ‘We live in a time of tremendous abundance, and we can access that abundance by prioritizing innovation over regulation.’
“He is spot on.
“I questioned Governor Burgum in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
“We have more than 600,000 acres of federal land in Wyoming that were previously approved for energy production.
“The previous administration never offered those acres for lease.
“It also blocked using land even though energy explorers purchased the right to that land over 4 years ago.
“I am glad Governor Burgum committed to quickly address this issue. He will take the common-sense action of unlocking our lands for oil and gas production.
“Chris Wright is also an innovative leader.
“He studied nuclear fusion at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then worked in solar and geothermal engineering.
“At Liberty Energy – a fracking company he founded and where he is currently the CEO – Wright’s creative, data-driven leadership kickstarted the American fracking revolution.
“What I like most about Mr. Wright is that he tells the truth about energy production.
“He acknowledges climate change is real. He knows more American energy is the solution, not the problem. His energy realism is welcomed news.
“When I spoke with Mr. Wright in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, we agreed about the need for an all-of-the-above energy strategy,including nuclear energy.
“Mr. Wright agrees with me that it is not in America’s best interest to be dependent on imported uranium from Russia.
“Congress passed my legislation to ban the import of Russian uranium in the United States. The Secretary of Energy has discretion to provide waivers to companies to import Russian uranium.
“I am pleased that Mr. Wright committed to using these waivers only in very limited and extreme circumstances.
“He also pledged to work with us to end uranium imports from Communist China.
“These are positive steps towards rebuilding America’s nuclear supply.
“Both Governor Burgum and Mr. Wright are optimistic about America’s energy future.
“I strongly support them. They are America’s energy all stars.
“They have laid out an inspiring vision for lowering prices, building up our energy supply, and dealing with our adversaries from a position of strength.
“Later today, the Senate will vote to confirm Governor Burgum. Chris Wright’s confirmation will soon follow. They deserve strong support here in the Senate.
“With their leadership, the age of climate alarmism is over. The golden age of American energy dominance is here.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Reintroduces Bill to Develop National Broadband Strategy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today reintroduced the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. The legislation requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a national strategy to close the digital divide, as well as a plan to implement this strategy. Previous reports from the Government Accountability Office found that federal broadband efforts are fragmented and overlapping. The office has recommended that the executive branch develop the national broadband strategy outlined in this bill.
“Under the previous administration, broadband programs were utterly mismanaged, keeping resources out of the communities that need reliable internet connection the most. The PLAN for Broadband Act would prevent wasteful spending and help streamline communication and coordination between the agencies tasked with rolling out broadband initiatives,” Senator Wicker said.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Welch Speaks on the Senate Floor About the Ceasefire in Gaza

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) last night took to the Senate floor to express his relief by the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and stress the importance of creating a viable, secure, independent, and demilitarized Palestinian state.
Senator Welch emphasized that there is no solution that offers lasting peace, and continued U.S. support, other than two independent states.
Watch Senator Welch’s speech below:
Senator Welch’s remarks, as delivered, can be read here and below:
“Like all of us I was enormously relieved by the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, the gradual release of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid for the two million desperate Palestinians who are trapped inside Gaza.
“Despite the daunting challenges ahead and the many factors that could derail negotiations to implement Stage Two of the agreement, I’m cautiously hopeful that this could be the beginning of the end of a war that has traumatized millions of Palestinians and Israelis for more than 16 months.
“There will come a time for the accounting of the conduct of the war, which has caused such appalling loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives, including tens of thousands of children, of health workers, aid workers, and journalists, and massive destruction of property, including practically every hospital, every school, and university in Gaza. These things must not be forgotten, and that means investigating and holding people accountable under the laws of war.
“But today, I want to speak briefly on an issue that is key to the lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis that we seek. And that is the creation of a viable, secure, independent, and demilitarized Palestinian state.
“The war in Gaza was triggered, of course, by the merciless slaughter on October 7, 2023, of 1,200 innocent Israelis, Americans and others, and the abduction of some 250 hostages, many of whom have died. But as we all know, the Middle East conflict began many decades earlier. And some would say centuries ago. Ethnic hatred and religious intolerance passed down from one generation to the next have fueled seemingly endless violence perpetrated by extremists on both sides. And it’s created a chronic state of insecurity for Israelis, and insecurity and humiliation, poverty, and hopelessness for Palestinians.
“In the West Bank, Israel’s ever-expanding settlement construction—in violation of UN resolutions and contrary to U.S. policy—has created a patchwork of separate and unequal enclaves and illegal outposts, provoking frequent acts of deadly violence by Israeli settlers and also by Palestinian extremists.
“Gaza, with the overt support of the Netanyahu government, became an open-air prison for two million impoverished Palestinians dependent on international aid and under the ruthless control of Hamas.
“And throughout this period, the wealthy Arab states have called for a Palestinian state. But they have expended minimal political capital or resources in furtherance of that goal. A lot of talk, very little action.
“Successive Palestinian leaders have squandered opportunities to make necessary political and economic reforms, while Mr. Netanyahu has worked to create conditions on the ground that would actually make a Palestinian state impossible.
“Despite this grim reality—and it is a grim reality—the attention focused on the remarkable life of President Jimmy Carter after his death on December 29th, reminded us that even in the most difficult circumstances peace is possible between long-standing enemies. It happened. But that possibility depends on the quality of leadership.
“If there ever were a time when the leaders of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, their Arab neighbors, and the United States should put the interests of regional peace and economic cooperation and development, including an independent Palestinian state, over personal and political ambition—it is now. It is now.
“Gaza is in ruins. Hamas and Hezbollah—still a threat—pose less of a threat than at any time in recent history. The horrific Assad regime is gone. Iran is also weaker. Most Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians want peace. But given the absence of visionary and courageous leaders in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the possibility that a path to a Palestinian state will emerge really does depend on the Trump Administration using its diplomatic influence far more forcefully and effectively than previous U.S. administrations—including the first Trump Administration—were willing to do.
“We’ve got to act. And it will require the same of Congress, which in the past has restricted itself to enacting tighter and tighter sanctions on the Palestinians causing increasing desperation and resentment for innocent Palestinians, while at the same time, opposing any incentives on Israel to stop settlement construction and settler violence.
“There are those who believe that because of Israel’s construction of settlements, walls, fences, separate highways, factories, and farms in the West Bank, that the West Bank and Gaza can never be reconfigured into a viable Palestinian state. Having seen a current map of the West Bank, I can certainly understand that.
“But others reject the very idea of a Palestinian state as incompatible with Israel’s security, without proposing any alternative that would preserve Israel as a democracy in which all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity; religion, have equal rights. Given Hamas’ horrific attack on October 7th, I can also easily understand that.
“Then, on January 25th, President Trump called for “cleaning out” of Gaza, suggesting that a million and half Palestinians should be resettled in Jordan and Egypt. And you know, seriously, there’s just so many things wrong and unrealistic with that reprehensible and unworkable idea that it barely deserves a response, beyond the predictable and immediate repudiation by all those who would be impacted. It’s not serious.
“But to me, as elusive as it may seem, there really is no solution that offers lasting peace, and continued U.S. support, other than two independent states—Israel and Palestine, side-by-side. A Palestinian state will only be possible if both sides are pressured to make the difficult compromises both sides they so far refused to make. And only the United States and our heretofore reluctant Arab allies can exert the kind of pressure that’s necessary to bring people to an agreement.
“Mr. President, there have been far too many missed opportunities and disappointments since the Oslo and Camp David Accords, and far too much needless death and destruction resulting from the unchecked ambitions of leaders motivated by their worst instincts. History will judge us whether we seize this moment to finally chart a different course. A course that does enable Israelis and Palestinians to finally accept that there is no turning back the clock, that both are there to stay, and that as many Palestinian and Israeli neighbors have shown throughout years of conflict and loss, they have far more in common than their differences.
“Mr. President, I yield back.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Welch Grills Nominee for FBI Director Kash Patel on Election Denialism: “What’s so hard about just saying that Biden won the 2020 election?”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today grilled Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), about his refusal to acknowledge that President Biden won the 2020 Presidential Election. Senator Welch highlighted that Trump’s ‘Big Lie’ that President Biden did not win the election led to the January 6th insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. Senator Welch also stressed the importance of combatting any attempt to weaponize the Justice Department and the FBI under the Trump Administration.
Sen. Welch: “What’s so hard about just saying that Biden won the 2020 election? What’s hard about that?”
Mr. Patel: “Senator, as I’ve said before, that President Biden was certified and sworn in, and he was the president. I don’t know how else to say it.”  Sen. Welch:“Well, the other way to say it is he won.”
Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Kash Patel during Mr. Patel’s confirmation hearing on his nomination to be the next Director of the FBI:
Read key excerpts of the exchange:
Senator Peter Welch: Let me tell you the source of my ongoing concern, which I regret it sometimes does not seem to be a common concern. We had a catastrophe for our democracy on January 6th…It troubles me that so many people have difficulty saying that Biden won the election…What’s so hard about just saying that Biden won the 2020 election? What’s hard about that?
Kash Patel, Nominee for FBI Director: Senator, as I’ve said before, that President Biden was certified and sworn in, and he was the president. I don’t know how else to say it.  Welch:Well, the other way to say it is he won.
Patel:He was the president.
Welch: The other way to say it is he won. I can say Trump won. I didn’t vote for him—but he won. Al Gore said Bush won when they were having that recount in Florida. And we have had a peaceful transfer of power here in very contested elections. I’ll just be very direct with you about why I think this is of consequence. Donald Trump has never acknowledged that he lost in 2020, and he invited people to come to the Capitol on January 6th to ‘stop the steal’. After that happened, police officers died. People were injured. It created enormous, ongoing bitterness within the country. That’s your boss. Do you believe that the 2020 election was stolen as President Trump says it is?
Patel: My opinions on the 2020 election have been expressed in this hearing and he’s entitled to whatever opinions he wants.
Welch: Do you agree with him that the election was stolen in 2020?
Patel: Millions of Americans have expressed concern going back to multiple elections over election integrity.
Welch: You know, you’re so skillful. You understand what I’m asking you. Can you say the words: Joe Biden won the 2020 election?
Patel: Joe Biden was the president of the United States.
Welch: I’m just saying this: there’s a difference. I can say the words ‘Donald Trump won.’ I don’t like to say it, but I must say it. And you cannot say that Joe Biden won the election.
Patel: What I can say is the same for both of them, Senator. Both of their elections were certified, and one was, and one now is president.
•••
Welch: Bottom line here: you’re going to have tough job. And you’re going to have a tough boss, because he gets it in his mind he wants to do something, nothing gets in the way. And there’s going to come a time when an FBI Director, or an Attorney General, has to make a decision about the Constitution and what is being requested, and can that person at that time—when the important values of the Constitution are at stake—say no to a person who is insisting you take an action?
Patel: Senator, that’s why I think it’s time, for the first time in this country’s history, that a public defender be the next Director of the FBI because no one knows more about the Constitution and due process than PD’s.
Welch: Well, you know you’re appealing to mutual pride here, with a public defender. But you know what? I still understand you didn’t answer the question. That’s the public defender in me, ok?
And I say this to my colleagues: We cannot have a weaponized Justice Department or FBI. What’s weaponized is in the eye of the beholder, like the prosecutions of President Trump, and I get that. We cannot, cannot have it. But what I think we all have to acknowledge, when we’ve got a president who’s basically saying a political enemy—whether it’s [Kamala] Harris, whether it’s Liz Cheney, whether it’s Adam Schiff—should be prosecuted, that’s doing damage to the mutual goal we have of not weaponizing a department.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 31, 2025

Feb. 3	Travel to Salem, OR.
Feb. 4-5	Meet with U.S. legislators and officials as part of the PNWER 2025 Capital Visits.
Feb. 6	Travel to Alberta.

Category: Americas

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