NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Spain’s secure communications satellite SpainSat NG I successfully launched

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Spain’s secure communications satellite SpainSat NG I successfully launched

    • Starting in the second half of this year, SpainSat NG I will provide services to Spain’s Armed Forces, international organizations such as the European Commission or NATO, and governments of allied countries.
    • Thales Alenia Space, together with Airbus Defence and Space, has led the construction of this satellite and its twin, SpainSat NG II, which is also scheduled for launch in 2025.
    • The company has been responsible, among other activities, for the integration of the Communication Module for both satellites along with Airbus in a clean room built for this purpose at its facilities in Tres Cantos, Madrid. To date, this has been the largest satellite system ever integrated in Spain.

    Madrid, January 30, 2025 – The secure communications satellite SpainSat NG I has been successfully launched early this morning by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral (Florida). An unprecedented milestone for the Spanish space sector.

    The SPAINSAT NG program, owned and operated by Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos S.A., comprises two satellites, SpainSat NG I and II. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), together with Airbus Defence & Space, has led the execution and construction of both satellites, SpainSat NG I and its twin, SpainSat NG II, which will be launched this fall. The two satellites will be positioned in different geostationary positions to operate in X-band, military Ka-band, and UHF, providing coverage to two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, from the United States of America to Singapore. It will provide services for the next 15 years.

    Thales Alenia Space in Spain has been responsible for the UHF and military Ka-band payloads and the integration of the Communication Module for the two satellites along with Airbus. The Communication Module is the main body of the satellite, which embarks the communication payloads that give purpose to the mission.

    © Airbus

    Specifically for this mission, the company built an assembly and integration clean room at its site in Tres Cantos, Madrid, inaugurated in 2021, where the Communication Modules of the two satellites have been integrated. These advanced cutting-edge facilities represent a qualitative leap in Spain’s space industry capabilities for the assembly and integration of large space systems, something within the reach of a few space powers worldwide.

    Being the largest satellite system ever integrated in Spain, the SpainSat NG I Communication Module weights more than 2 tons and measures 6 meters high, and is fully equipped with cutting-edge technology in the field of space communications, comprising hundreds of sophisticated electronic units.

    The company has also designed and manufactured in Spain, France, Italy, and Belgium over 200 of electronic and radiofrequency units that are an integral part of the communications payloads and the satellite’s telecommand and telemetry system. Among them are the UHF processor, the heart of the UHF-band payload; the Transparent Digital Processor (DTP) that interconnects the X-band and military Ka-band payloads; and the Hilink unit, responsible for providing a high-speed service link that will facilitate a quick reconfiguration of the payloads.

    The SPAINSAT NG program

    SpainSat NG I is one of the most advanced secure communications satellites in Europe and ranks among the most innovative in the world. It is expected to begin to provide services early in the second half of 2025 to the Spanish Armed Forces, international organizations such as the European Commission in the GOVSATCOM program, NATO, and other allied governments.

    Its mission is to ensure effective command and control of Armed Forces operations over a large portion of the Earth’s surface, guarantee communication capability in theatres of operations lacking communication infrastructure, ensure secure governmental communications in any operational environment (air, maritime, land), and provide strategic space capabilities to third nations.

    The SpainSat NG satellites, which will replace the current Hisdesat communications satellites, Spainsat and XTAR-EUR, will be capable of providing secure satellite communications with maximum protection against interference or other threats, including a high-altitude nuclear event, with maximum flexibility thanks to its real-time software-defined payload.
     

    About Thales Alenia Space

    Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately €2.2 billion in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 8 countries, with 16 sites in Europe.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Celebrates President Trump’s Signing of Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE)celebrated President Trump’s signing of the Laken Riley Act, with Sarah’s Law included. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.
    “Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. This is landmark legislation,” Ricketts said. “It’s a turning point in our fight to secure our border and keep Americans safe. It’s the strongest immigration legislation signed into law in decades. It closes the dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminal illegal aliens to roam our country and hurt innocent Americans.”
    Ricketts highlighted the inclusion of Sarah’s Law in the legislation. Sarah’s Law is named in honor of Sarah Root. In 2016, Sarah was killed in Omaha by a drunk driver illegal alien named Eswin Mejia. She was killed just hours after graduating from Bellevue University.Due to a loophole in federal law, Mejia posted bail, was released from jail, and was never held accountable for his crime. Sarah’s Law, named in honor of Sarah Root, eliminates that loophole.
    “Sarah’s Law – originally introduced by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa – requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – to detain illegal aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person,” Ricketts continued. “It also requires that ICE must make reasonable efforts to notify victims’ families when they encounter a illegal alien covered by the law. Sarah’s Law puts the safety and security of Americans first.”
    “Last November, Americans spoke loudly and clearly,” Ricketts closed. “They demanded change. They demanded border security. Thanks to President Trump and Senate Republicans, Americans are getting what they voted for. Sarah’s Law is now the law of the land.”
    [embedded content]
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law.
    “This is landmark legislation.
    “It’s a turning point in our fight to secure our border and keep Americans safe.
    “It’s the strongest immigration legislation signed into law in decades.
    “It closes the dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminal illegal aliens to roam our country and hurt innocent Americans.
    “The inclusion of Sarah’s Law is a crucial component of this legislation.
    “Nine years ago, Sarah Root was killed in a car crash in Omaha by an illegal alien named Eswin Mejia (Meh-he-uh).
    “Just hours before, Sarah had graduated from Bellevue University. She was 21 years old.
    “She had her whole life ahead of her. She had her life taken from her by an illegal alien drunk driver.
    “Her killer’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
    “Due to a loophole in federal law, he posted bail, was released from jail, and was never seen again.
    “He was never held accountable for the tragedy he caused.
    “That’s wrong. It should have never happened.
    “Sarah’s Law will end that loophole.
    “Sarah’s Law – originally introduced by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa – requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – to detain illegal aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person.
    “It also requires that ICE must make reasonable efforts to notify victims’ families when they encounter a illegal alien covered by the law.
    “Sarah’s Law puts the safety and security of Americans first.
    “For years, members of the Nebraska and Iowa delegations pushed for this law.
    “For years, Senate Democrats blocked it.
    “Last November, Americans spoke loudly and clearly.
    “They demanded change. They demanded border security.
    “Thanks to President Trump and Senate Republicans, Americans are getting what they voted for.
    “Sarah’s Law is now the law of the land.
    “The tragic stories of Laken Riley and Sarah Root are painful reminders of the consequences of failed open border policies.
    “These women had bright futures ahead of them.
    “Laken was a dedicated nursing student.
    “Sarah was a recent college graduate.
    “Both were taken from their loved ones far too soon.
    “Both were killed by illegal aliens who should never have been allowed in our country.
    “By passing the Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law included, we’ve taken action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
    “It will put Americans first and keep Americans safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Canada: Temporary visa programme enables abuse migrant workers, treating them as disposable, report finds

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP) is designed in a way that facilitates shocking abuse and discrimination of migrant workers, Amnesty International said in a new report today.

    The report, ‘Canada has destroyed me’: Labour exploitation of migrant workers in Canada, exposes the impact of the TFWP, which allows employers to hire migrant workers, primarily for low-paid jobs, across various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, the care system, construction and hospitality. TFWP visas tie workers to a single employer who controls both their migration status and labour conditions.

    People who currently employed or have worked under the programme told Amnesty International that, after arriving in Canada, they were forced to work long hours without rest and received lower pay than agreed. they were often assigned tasks not included in their contract and suffered physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Many of them worked in unsafe conditions, lacked access to adequate housing and healthcare, and faced discrimination in the workplace. Most of them were unable to access effective remedies for the abuses they endured.

    “The abuse experienced by migrant workers in Canada is deeply troubling, especially for a country that claims to be a leader when it comes to protecting human rights,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International. “Many migrant workers have told us they came to Canada hoping to secure a better future, yet instead, they felt they were treated like slaves. These workers are vital for putting food on the country’s tables and caring for the elderly. They deserve much better.”

    Many migrant workers have told us they came to Canada hoping to secure a better future, yet instead, they felt they were treated like slaves. These workers are vital for putting food on the country’s tables and caring for the elderly. They deserve much better.

    Erika Guevara-Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International.

    Many migrant workers under the TFWP work and live in remote locations and therefore depend on their employer for accommodation and access to health insurance or transportation to get medical care. They face termination of their contracts and a swift repatriation if they fall sick, suffer injuries or are no longer considered fit for the job.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Official trustee appointed to replace School District 61 board of education

    Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare has announced that government has appointed an official trustee to School District No. 61 (Greater Victoria) and relieved the trustees of their duties.

    The appointment is effective immediately, clearing the way for the completion and implementation of a safety plan for the district.

    “Students are at the centre of every decision I make, and ultimately their safety in this school district is at risk. Our government has given this board multiple opportunities to act, and they have not delivered,” Beare said. “The decision to remove an elected board is a difficult one, but it is necessary to bring our collective focus in School District 61 back to where it belongs – supporting students.”

    Sherri Bell, former president of Camosun College and superintendent of schools with School District 61, has been appointed as an official trustee to replace the board and carry out its duties and authorities. The official trustee’s appointment takes effect immediately and is expected to continue until the next scheduled elections in fall 2026.

    In early December 2024, Kevin Godden was appointed as a special adviser to assist the board with developing a revised safety and implementation plan. Godden has been reappointed in his role with School District 61, working with the official trustee to collaborate with community partners to finalize the safety and implementation plans for the school district.

    Under Section 172(1) of the School Act, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint an official trustee to conduct the affairs of a school district and replace the current board in specific circumstances. In the case of School District 61, there is evidence that the board did not assist the special adviser, demonstrated significant governance issues and failed to collaborate with partners in the development of a safety plan. 

    Learn More:

    To view the Order in Council appointing the official trustee, visit:
    https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/oic/oic_cur/0040_2025

    To view the special adviser report, visit:
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Special_Advisor_Report.pdf

    To view the ministerial order appointing the special adviser, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/SD61_Special_Advisor_DEC2024.pdf

    To view the ministerial order issuing the September 2024 administrative directive, visit: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0339_2024

    To read the School Act, visit: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96412_00_multi#division_d2e25504

    Two backgrounders follow.

    Sherri Bell was the president of Camosun College from 2015 until her retirement in early 2022. Prior to that, she worked in the Greater Victoria School District for 20 years, serving in various senior administrative capacities, including superintendent of schools/chief executive officer. Success and support for all students has been the primary focus in every aspect of her educational career.

    Bell was appointed chair of the BC Transit Board of Directors in April 2023. She is also the chair of board for Whitecliffe College Canada. She has also served as the board chair of the British Columbia Council for International Education and chair of British Columbia Colleges. Recently, Bell was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her service to public education and the community.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces Seizure of Cybercrime Websites Selling Hacking Tools to Transnational Organized Crime Groups

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Justice Department today announced the coordinated seizure of 39 domains and their associated servers in an international disruption of a Pakistan-based network of online marketplaces selling hacking and fraud-enabling tools operated by a group known as Saim Raza (also known as HeartSender). The seizures were conducted in coordination with the Dutch National Police.

    According to the affidavit filed in support of these seizures, Saim Raza has used these cybercrime websites since at least 2020 to sell phishing toolkits and other fraud-enabling tools to transnational organized crime groups, who used them to target numerous victims in the United States, resulting in over $3 million in victim losses.

    The Saim Raza-run websites operated as marketplaces that advertised and facilitated the sale of tools such as phishing kits, scam pages, and email extractors, often used to build and maintain fraud operations. Not only did Saim Raza make these tools widely available on the open internet, it also trained end users on how to use the tools against victims by linking to instructional YouTube videos on how to execute schemes using these malicious programs, making them accessible to criminal actors that lacked this technical criminal expertise. The group also advertised its tools as “fully undetectable” by antispam software.

    The transnational organized crime groups and other cybercrime actors who purchased these tools primarily used them to facilitate business email compromise schemes wherein the cybercrime actors tricked victim companies into making payments to a third party. Those payments would instead be redirected to a financial account the perpetrators controlled, resulting in significant losses to victims. These tools were also used to acquire victim user credentials and utilize those credentials to further these fraudulent schemes. The seizure of these domains is intended to disrupt the ongoing activity of these groups and stop the proliferation of these tools within the cybercriminal community.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Houston Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department appreciates the cooperation and significant assistance law enforcement partners in the Netherlands have provided.

    Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Paracetamol pack sizes and availability are changing. Here’s what you need to know

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natasa Gisev, Clinical pharmacist and Scientia Associate Professor at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney

    Bowonpat Sakaew/Shutterstock

    Changes are coming into effect from February 1 about how paracetamol is sold in Australia.

    This mainly affects pack sizes of paracetamol sold outside pharmacies and how paracetamol is accessed in pharmacies.

    The changes, announced by Australia’s drug regulator, are in line with moves internationally to reduce the harms of liver toxicity and the risk of overdose.

    However, there are no new safety concerns when paracetamol is used as directed. And children’s products are not affected.

    What is paracetamol?

    Paracetamol is commonly sold under brand names such as Panadol, Dymadon and Panamax. It’s used to treat mild pain and fever for short periods or can be prescribed for chronic (long-term) pain.

    Millions of packs of this cheap and accessible medicine are sold in Australia every year.

    Small packs (up to 20 tablets) have been available from supermarkets and other retailers such as petrol stations. Larger packs (up to 100 tablets) are only available from pharmacies.

    Paracetamol is relatively safe when used as directed. However, at higher-than-recommended doses, it can cause liver toxicity. In severe cases and when left untreated, this can be lethal.

    Why are the rules changing?

    In 2022, we wrote about how the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) was considering changes to paracetamol access because of an increase in people going to hospital with paracetamol poisoning.

    An expert review it commissioned found there were about 40-50 deaths every year from paracetamol poisoning between 2007 and 2020. Between 2009-10 and 2016-17, hospital admissions for this increased (from 8,617 to 11,697), before reducing in 2019-20 (8,723). Most admissions were due to intentional self-poisonings, and about half of these were among people aged ten to 24.

    After the report, the TGA consulted with the public to work out how to prevent paracetamol poisonings.

    Options included reducing pack sizes, limiting how many packs could be bought at once, moving larger packs behind the pharmacy counter and restricting access by age.

    Responses were mixed. Although responses supported the need to prevent poisonings, there were concerns about how changes might affect:

    • people with chronic pain, especially those in regional areas, where it may be harder to access pharmacies and, therefore, larger packs

    • people on limited incomes, if certain products were made prescription-only.

    Although deaths from paracetamol poisoning are tragic and preventable, they are rare considering how much paracetamol Australians use. There is less than one death due to poisoning for every million packs sold.

    Because of this, it was important the TGA addressed concerns about poisonings while making sure Australians still had easy access to this essential medicine.

    If you buy large packs of paracetamol for chronic pain, you’ll need to go to the pharmacy counter.
    StratfordProductions/Shutterstock

    So what’s changing?

    The key changes being introduced relate to new rules about the pack sizes that can be sold outside pharmacies, and the location of products sold in pharmacies.

    From February 1, packs sold in supermarkets and places other than pharmacies will reduce from a maximum 20 tablets to 16 tablets per pack. These changes bring Australia in line with other countries. These include the United Kingdom, which restricted supermarket packs to 16 tablets in 1998, and saw reductions in poisonings.

    In all jurisdictions except Queensland and Western Australia, packs sold in pharmacies larger than 50 tablets will move behind the pharmacy counter and can only be sold under pharmacist supervision. In Queensland and WA, products containing more than 16 tablets will only be available from behind the pharmacy counter and sold under pharmacist supervision.

    In all jurisdictions, any packs containing more than 50 tablets will need to be sold in blister packs, rather than bottles.

    Several paracetamol products are not affected by these changes. These include children’s products, slow-release formulations (for example, “osteo” products), and products already behind the pharmacy counter or only available via prescription.

    What else do I need to know?

    These changes have been introduced to reduce the risk of poisonings from people exceeding recommended doses. The overall safety profile of paracetamol has not changed.

    Paracetamol is still available from all current locations and there are no plans to make it prescription-only or remove it from supermarkets altogether. Many companies have already been updating their packaging to ensure there are no gaps in supply.

    The reduction in pack sizes of paracetamol available in supermarkets means
    a pack of 16 tablets will now last two days instead of two-and-a-half days if taken at the maximum dose (two tablets, four times a day). Anyone in pain that does not improve after short-term use should speak to their pharmacist or GP.

    For people who use paracetamol regularly for chronic pain, it is more cost-effective to continue buying larger packs from pharmacies. As larger packs (50+ tablets) need to be kept out of sight, you will need to ask at the pharmacy counter. Pharmacists know that for many people it’s appropriate to use paracetamol daily for chronic pain.

    Natasa Gisev receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

    Ria Hopkins receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

    – ref. Paracetamol pack sizes and availability are changing. Here’s what you need to know – https://theconversation.com/paracetamol-pack-sizes-and-availability-are-changing-heres-what-you-need-to-know-242200

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on Tragic Collison Near DCA Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on last night’s tragic crash involving a plane and military helicopter at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 
    “The collision at DCA of an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter is a shocking tragedy, and my condolences are with the victims and their families. We don’t yet know the specifics of how this happened, and we are awaiting more details. The National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense have already announced investigations into this terrible incident, which will take time. As we wait, I want to express my gratitude to the emergency responders and dive teams who are on the scene. 
    “Congress has worked to fund and bolster aviation safety measures as well as strengthening Air Traffic Controller (ATC) staffing and training with last year’s passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act, which was a focus of mine as a member of Senate Commerce Committee. That’s now under threat by the Trump Administration. We need to ensure that our aviation safety and staffing measures are as strong as possible to build back the trust of the flying public. We cannot have leaders making detrimental, rash decisions to overhaul critical aspects of our national transportation network for the sake of irrelevant culture wars. We need to immediately confirm a qualified FAA Administrator who is committed to safety and staffing.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: North Carolina Family Takes a Step Forward with FEMA’s Housing Program

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    For Olivia and her family, moving into their new apartment through FEMA’s Direct Lease program marked a significant moment in their recovery after Tropical Storm Helene destroyed their home in North Carolina.

    The Direct Lease program, part of FEMA’s Direct Housing mission, works alongside state and county partners to provide temporary housing for disaster survivors. By covering the costs for property managers to offer ready-to-occupy homes, the program helps families take the next step toward rebuilding their lives.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As4UY1WaOPk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain’s Statement on the U.S. House Passing the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

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

    Chairwoman McClain’s Statement on the U.S. House Passing the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

    Washington, January 23, 2025

    WASHINGTON – House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) released the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: 

    “Democrats don’t want born-alive babies to get life-saving medical care. This is insane. They prefer to do nothing—letting born-alive babies die in the delivery room. Their position is more extreme than communist countries like North Korea and China,” McClain said. “Fortunately, House Republicans just stepped up and passed a law to save babies’ lives. I am proud of Congresswoman Ann Wagner for her tireless effort on this legislation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: English/Español: Collins and McClain’s Statement on President Trump Signing the Laken Riley Act into Law

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

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

    English/Español: Collins and McClain’s Statement on President Trump Signing the Laken Riley Act into Law

    Washington, January 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON– Congressman Mike Collins (R-Ga.) and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) issued the following statement after President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law:  

    “Violent illegal immigrant criminals have no home in our country. With President Trump’s signature, we will now deport the next Jose Ibarra and ensure that no family has to live through the same pain as theRiley family,” Collins and McClain said.“Over seventy-seven millionAmericans demanded a change in our country, and House Republicans are delivering real results.”

    Declaraciones de Collins y McClain sobre la firma de la Ley Laken Riley por el presidente Trump  

    WASHINGTON– El congresista Mike Collins (R-GA) y la presidenta de la Conferencia Republicana de la Cámara de Representantes federal Lisa McClain (R-MI), emitieron las siguientes declaraciones luego de que el presidente Donald Trump firmara el proyecto de ley Ley Laken Riley:  

    “Los inmigrantes ilegales acusados de delitos no tienen lugar en nuestro país. Con la firma del presidente Trump, deportaremos al próximo José Ibarra y nos aseguraremos de que ninguna familia tenga que pasar por el mismo dolor que la familia Riley”, dijeron Collins y McClain. “Más de setenta y siete millones de estadounidenses exigieron un cambio y nuestra Conferencia está logrando resultados reales”.    

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Additional Information About the Economic Outlook: 2025 to 2035

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    In this report, the Congressional Budget Office provides additional details about the economic forecast that it published, along with the agency’s baseline budget projections, in The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2025 to 2035 earlier this year. By statutory requirement, CBO produces annual reports outlining the agency’s projections of what the federal budget and the economy would look like in the current fiscal year and over the next 10 years if current laws governing federal taxes and spending generally remained in place throughout the projection period. The agency’s current economic projections reflect laws enacted and policy measures taken through December 4, 2024.

    In CBO’s economic projections for the 2025–2035 projection period:

    • Economic growth cools in calendar years 2025 and 2026 and then averages roughly 1.8 percent a year from 2027 to 2035;
    • Inflation continues to ease over the next two years, reaching the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2 percent by 2027 and stabilizing thereafter; and
    • In response to falling inflation, slower job growth, and a rising unemployment rate, the Federal Reserve continues to lower the federal funds rate in 2025 and 2026 and then keeps that rate roughly flat over the remainder of the projection period.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Investigating Monterey County Sheriff Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, January 30, 2025

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

     **The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Salinas, California on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at approximately 1:30 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual and involved personnel from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. 

    Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

    More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Businessman Indicted for Tax Evasion

    Source: US State of California

    A federal grand jury in Jacksonville, Florida, returned an indictment yesterday charging a Florida businessman with tax evasion, not filing a tax return and not paying taxes.

    According to the indictment, Phillip Mak, of Jacksonville, was a self-employed businessman who from 2008 through 2020 earned approximately $10.3 million in income. During that same period, Mak allegedly did not pay any federal taxes and, except for two years, did not file tax returns. The IRS allegedly assessed approximately $1.9 million in outstanding taxes, penalties and interest against Mak for tax years 2008, 2009, 2012-2015 and 2019-2020.

    Instead of paying what he owed, Mak allegedly attempted to shield his assets from the IRS by transferring $1 million in cash to his domestic partner’s bank accounts. In addition, the indictment alleges that Mak, after being interviewed by IRS investigators, transferred ownership of his home to his domestic partner’s trust, created a nominee entity and began depositing his income into a bank account held in the name of that entity.

    In total, Mak is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1.92 million.

    If convicted, Mak faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for tax evasion and a maximum sentence of one year in prison for each charge of failure to file a tax return and failure to pay tax. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Join Durbin, Schakowsky in Introducing Mentoring to Succeed Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 29, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in introducing the Mentoring to Succeed Act in recognition of January as National Mentoring Month.  U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04) and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this week.  This legislation would create a strong, sustainable support system through mentorship to help ensure that children who experience barriers like poverty, disability, adverse childhood experiences or drug or alcohol abuse, can successfully transition to high school, college and the workforce.  The Mentoring to Succeed Act would strengthen investments in mentorship programs to help youth facing risk develop the academic, social and workforce skills that lead to success. 
    “Too many young people, particularly young people of color, don’t have access to the academic or economic opportunities that everyone deserves,” said Senator Duckworth.  “At the same time, too many struggle with violence in their communities and other obstacles that stifle their dreams and their ambitions.  Our nation’s children deserve a chance to reach their full potential, and mentoring programs have been proven to help students do just that.  I’m proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing this legislation to help ensure every child gets the guidance and resources they need to succeed in school, in the workforce and in life.”
    “Across Illinois and the country, young kids, especially from underserved communities, face obstacles like community violence and underfunded schools that have a dramatic impact on their ability to graduate from high school and transition to college and the workforce.  But with the guidance of a mentor, youth could lean on a trusted adult to help them navigate these challenges,” said Senator Durbin.  “I’m introducing the Mentoring to Succeed Act to ensure that our most vulnerable children have the opportunity to succeed and achieve their full potential with the guidance of a mentor.”
    “Across the country, young kids lack access to the resources they need to thrive academically and succeed post-graduation,” said Senator Booker.  “Mentorship programs have a proven track record of helping young people stay on track and achieve their dreams by providing a stable support system for the kids who don’t have one at home.  The Mentoring to Succeed Act will expand access to high quality, trauma-informed mentorship programs and help at-risk kids receive the help, support, and skills they need to pursue their aspirations.”
    “In celebration of National Mentoring Month, I am proud to reintroduce the Mentoring to Succeed Act in the House of Representatives,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky.  “Whether it be the gun violence epidemic, the ongoing threat of climate change, the rising cost of college education, or anything in-between, today’s students are dealing with a lot and deserve access to a support system.  The Mentoring to Succeed Act will give students that support system – through a mentor – helping them get the resources and support they need to thrive in school, the workforce, and beyond.”
    A study by MENTOR found that 70 percent of today’s young people could remember a time when they wanted a mentor for support but did not have one.  As a result, these youth missed out on the powerful effects of mentoring that have been shown to make a child more likely to enroll in college, participate regularly in sports and extracurricular activities, volunteer in their communities and hold leadership positions.  Researchers at the University of Chicago found that Youth Guidance’s school-based mentoring program, Becoming a Man, reduced rates of arrests for violent crime, improved school engagement and increased high school graduation rates.
    Mentoring programs help youth develop valuable workforce skills that employers are seeking and prepare young people for future apprenticeships, internships and workforce-based learning opportunities.  A 2024 study found that 84 percent of employers say job candidates must demonstrate social and emotional skills, such as communication and problem-solving—with the majority of employers stating that these types of skills were the most important.  The federal government can strengthen investments in mentoring programs to help youth facing significant barriers develop the academic, social and workforce skills that lead to success in career and life.
    The Mentoring to Succeed Act would:
    Invest in Mentoring Programs. Establish a three-year, competitive grant program that provides federal funding to establish, expand, or support mentoring programs.
    Help Youth Overcome Adversity and Trauma. Provide grant recipients with funding to train mentors in trauma-informed practices and interventions to increase resilience in youth and reduce juvenile justice involvement.
    Strengthen Workforce Readiness.  Support partnerships with local businesses and private companies to help youth facing risk with hands-on career training and career exploration.
    Close the Opportunity Gap.  Give preference to applicants that develop a plan to help prepare youth facing barriers for college and the workforce.
    Support Capacity Building.  Support partnerships with nonprofit, community-based, and faith-based organizations to increase the number of youth facing risk served.
    Enhance Youth Success.  Provide grant recipients with funding for program evaluation and identification of successful strategies.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Votes Against Lee Zeldin’s Nomination to Be EPA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 30, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—co-founder of the U.S. Senate’s first-ever Lead Task Force and Environmental Justice Caucus—released the following statement after the Senate confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin by a vote of 56-42 to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    “Every American deserves the right to breathe safe air, drink clean water and live on uncontaminated land regardless of their race, income or zip code—and the EPA Administrator plays a critical role in protecting that right. In order to help preserve our environment for generations to come, I cannot support someone who has a track record of voting against critical, bipartisan environmental protection and clean energy job investments. Today, I voted against Mr. Zeldin’s nomination as he lacks substantial experience in environmental policy, science and management—all of which are critical qualifications needed to successfully lead EPA.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Pressed Commerce Department Nominee Howard Lutnick on Trump’s Dangerous Pause on Federal Grants That Would Jeopardize U.S. Trade and Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 29, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—pressed Howard Lutnick, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Commerce, on whether he would obey an illegal order from President Trump, such as following through on the President’s dangerous freeze of billions in federal grant funding. In her remarks, Duckworth underscored that the chaos and confusion caused by pausing these legally obligated funds to grant recipients would ultimately make America less globally competitive, stifle innovation and hurt businesses and jobs. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
    “Businesses, tech hubs and other grant recipients should not have to tune in each week to learn whether the funding Congress appropriated for them will actually come through,” said Duckworth. “I made it clear to Mr. Lutnick that this kind of chaos that President Trump unleashed will make America less globally competitive, not more. Any Secretary of Commerce must understand how critical it is that grant funding is disbursed on time, without delay, to support our farmers, boost manufacturing and keep our economy strong.”
    Duckworth highlighted that the Economic Development Administration recently awarded $51 million to the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, which would support its work to strengthen American innovation and ensure our country remains a global leader in the agricultural sector while growing good-paying jobs across the Midwest. This is just one example of the many kinds of critical grants the Department of Commerce is in charge of distributing.
    Duckworth is a proven leader in securing international investments that drive commerce and job growth in Illinois—all while strengthening economic ties with Indo-Pacific nations and improving security in the region. As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth led a bipartisan delegation of her Senate colleagues to Taiwan last year to further enhance our bilateral economic ties, including deepening our trade ties on chip manufacturing and agricultural investments.
    In 2023, Duckworth traveled to Japan where she met with government, trade and economic leaders as well as corporate and business officials to highlight how Illinois is uniquely positioned for greater investment and increased exports with international partners as a hub of agriculture manufacturing and technology. Specifically, Duckworth advocated on behalf of Illinois farmers to increase Japan’s importation of ethanol, corn, soybean, pork and other goods. As a result of her advocacy, Duckworth also helped secure Japan’s open market to all U.S. biofuels as well as Japan’s commitment to double Japan’s ethanol imports from the U.S. by 2030.
    Duckworth also led an official visit to Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines to meet with government and business leaders and discuss opportunities that would increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as economic investments, regional stability and national security. In 2022, Duckworth led a Congressional delegation to Taiwan and South Korea to help strengthen economic ties between our people, specifically highlighting how Illinois is uniquely positioned for greater investment and increased exports with international partners as a hub of agriculture, manufacturing and technology.
    Duckworth championed the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law in 2022, providing $500 million to expand the number of service stations that offer low-carbon ethanol and biodiesel, made from Illinois corn and soybeans and also has incentives to make these low-carbon biofuels even lower-carbon than today. These climate-smart investments in Midwestern-grown fuels will also reduce our reliance on foreign oil.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Crapo, Blackburn Introduce Bills to Protect Women in Sports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced several pieces of legislation to stand up for women and girls in sports. 
    This effort includes a bill to assess and prevent violence against women in athletics, a resolution calling on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to revoke its transgender student-athlete eligibility policy, and a resolution declaring October 10 as ‘American Girls in Sports Day.’ 
    “Life isn’t fair, but sports should be. Allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports undermines the years of hard work and dedication of our female athletes,” said Risch. “I’m proud to introduce legislation to ensure a safe and even playing field for women and girls in sports.” 
    “Our female athletes have invested immense time and effort to excel in sports,”said Crapo. “Allowing biological males to compete in women’s categories undermines both safety and fairness for female athletes. I will continue to do all I can to counter attempts to undermine the integrity of women’s sports.”
    To protect Title IX and women’s sports, Risch, Crapo, and Blackburn introduced: 
    The Fair Play for Girls Act to require the U.S. Attorney General to submit an analysis of violence against women in athletics to Congress as well as policy recommendations to support these young women.  
    A Resolution Calling on the NCAA to Protect Women in Sports: This resolution calls on the NCAA to revoke its transgender student-athlete eligibility policy; urges the NCAA to require its member conferences to conform to this biological sex-based policy across all sports and all divisions; and calls on all sports-governing bodies in the U.S. to protect the category of women’s sport for biological women and girls. 
    ‘American Girls in Sports Day’ Resolution: This resolution would recognize October 10 as ‘American Girls in Sports Day’ to celebrate the accomplishments of female athletes.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Wyden Issue Discussion Draft to Improve IRS Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington D.C.— U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) released a discussion draft of bipartisan legislation making an array of common-sense fixes to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) procedure and administration. 
    “As the tax filing season gets underway, this draft legislation suggests practical ways to improve the taxpayer experience,” Crapo and Wyden said. “These adjustments to the laws governing IRS procedure are designed to facilitate communication between the agency and taxpayers, streamline processes for tax compliance and disputes and ensure taxpayers have access to timely expert assistance.”    
    “This bipartisan draft bill, several years in the making, would significantly strengthen taxpayer rights in nearly every facet of tax administration,” said Erin Collins, the National Taxpayer Advocate.  “I encourage taxpayers and the tax professional community to carefully review the draft and provide feedback to refine it, and I encourage Congress to prioritize the passage of this common sense bill to ensure stronger protections for taxpayers and a more fair and transparent tax system.”
    The discussion draft includes policies that would:
    Require the IRS to improve “math error” notices so that taxpayers are better positioned to timely respond to them;
    Streamline review of offers-in-compromise to facilitate the taxpayers’ resolution of tax debts;
    Simplify foreign bank account report (FBAR) compliance so that fewer taxpayers will fail to file key forms;
    Clarify and expand Tax Court jurisdiction so that more taxpayers can pursue their claims in an appropriate venue;
    Expand the independence of the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) from the IRS;
    Increase civil and criminal penalties on tax professionals that deliberately take actions to harm their clients;
    Expand taxpayer access to the IRS Independent Office of Appeals;
    Extend the so-called “mailbox rule” to electronic submissions so that taxpayers have certainty their materials are submitted on time;
    Protect taxpayers by adopting reasonable standards and due process for issuing and revoking return preparer identification numbers (PTINs);
    Strengthen the IRS whistleblower program while protecting the confidentiality of taxpayer information;
    Protect hostages from unfair tax processes and penalties.
    Proposals in the discussion draft largely reflect nonpartisan legislative proposals recommended by the National Taxpayer Advocate, as well as standalone tax administrative bills introduced by congressional members.  The provisions are centered on seeking to reduce or eliminate challenges faced by taxpayers and other stakeholders within the current federal tax administrative system. 
    The text of the discussion draft is available here.
    A section-by-section of the legislation is available here.
    Comments on this discussion draft are requested by March 31, 2025, and can be sent to discussiondraft@finance.senate.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting between Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and the president of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

    On 30 January, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, vice president of the Federal Council and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), welcomed the president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, to Geneva for a working visit. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on economic and trade issues.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville: “America is facing a public health crisis; We must confirm Robert F Kennedy Jr.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) penned an op-ed supporting President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sen. Tuberville’s op-ed comes ahead of Kennedy’s hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee this morning. In the piece, Sen. Tuberville makes the case for why Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the perfect person to end the chronic disease epidemic in this country and help Americans live longer, healthier lives.

    Read excerpts below or read the full op-ed here.

    “Despite his recent surge in popularity, RFK isn’t new to the scene when it comes to public health. For four decades, he worked in environmental law and in health care policy, specializing in issues like water pollution, vaccine efficacy, and food safety. He is an accomplished attorney who attended Harvard, the London School of Economics, and the University of Virginia.

    One of the most important things RFK has done is shine a light on the fact that we have a public health crisis in this country. As he said in his Senate Finance hearing earlier this week, over 70% of adults and one-third of our children are overweight or obese. The rate of diabetes is ten times more prevalent than it was in 1960. Cancer among our young people is rising by one or two percent each year. Autoimmune diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and addiction rates are on the rise—and meanwhile, more Americans are reliant on pharmaceutical drugs than ever before.

    To address some of these concerns, RFK Jr. has been an outspoken advocate for holistic, healthy living. As a result of his MAHA campaign, many Americans are now researching inexpensive and natural alternatives to medicine, which could end up saving taxpayers millions and helping Americans to live longer. While pharmaceuticals are certainly important and have saved millions of lives, we should also be looking to promote healthier lifestyles as part of our chronic disease prevention efforts.

    Both President Trump and RFK Jr. agree: the status quo isn’t working. Our national health agencies should be singularly focused on helping as many Americans be as healthy as possible. Health officials should want to heal our sick culture. Supporting transparency and consumer-choice in medications doesn’t make RFK anti-vax, anti-industry, or an enemy of food producers. He simply wants to help address America’s chronic disease epidemic. […]

    Sure, RFK may not be the typical pick for the job. But the American people issued a mandate in November: they want President Trump’s agenda, and that includes MAHA. As far as I’m concerned, RFK not being part of the health care establishment class is a good thing. Let’s answer the call of the American people by ushering in a New Golden Age of American Health.”

    MORE:

    Tuberville Joins Sen. Marshall in Launching Make America Healthy Again Caucus

    Tuberville, MAHA Caucus Celebrate FDA’s Decision to Ban Dangerous Red Dye No. 3 from Foods

    1819 News: Tuberville questions FDA over red dyes no. 40 and no. 3 in America’s food supply — ‘It’s not a conservative or a liberal standpoint’

    Tuberville Exposes Harmful Chemicals in American Food and Beverage Industry

    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “National Report” on Newsmax

    Tuberville Meets with RFK Jr. and Todd Blanche

    Coach’s Monthly Column: All in for Trump’s America First nominees

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks on Importance of Boosting U.S. Economy to Help Struggling Seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, during a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) asked about common misconceptions surrounding tariffs and how they can be used to stimulate the economy and create job growth. During the discussion, Sen. Tuberville also focused on the unprecedented amount of credit card debt in our country and how Congress can help Americans return to financial stability. Sen. Tuberville also addressed reining in the unsustainable expansion of the federal welfare system.

    Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for being here this afternoon, fellas.

    Mr. Ferry, a lot of misconceptions about, floating around the media about tariffs and how they’ll hurt the American economy. Can you speak to how tariffs, if they’re done right, will boost the economy?”

    MR. JEFF FERRY: “Thank you for the question, Senator. That’s an absolutely true statement. Tariffs done right will stimulate our economy. I just want to say, following on from what Mr. Lawson said, that there is no money tree. The percentage of old people in our economy continues to grow, I’m sitting here as a living, breathing example of that. And we have fewer people in work earning, in a sense, less real wages than 50 years ago when we had four working people for every retired person. Now, we’re getting close to two, I think. So, we need to make this economy grow and we need to raise the real incomes and the value of the production of every single worker.

    Tariffs are a key way we can do that because what tariffs do is they handicap imports and they allow domestic production to grow. We want to tariff the high value, highly productive, high growth manufacturing sectors, which is roughly three quarters of the entire manufacturing sector in the United States. And by doing so, we will produce more cars, more computers, more machinery, more machine tools, more medical equipment, and more steel, and more aluminum and all of that. All those industries pay higher wages.

    As an example, the average large steel company is, today, paying its average steel worker over a hundred-thousand dollars a year. The average steel worker no longer works with hot molten metal. He works in a computer control room. And tariffs are a key way to stop the handicap this economy has due to an overvalued dollar and due to trade cheating, from countries like China and Germany. So, they’re an absolutely essential tool.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Do you do you see an increase in job opportunities with increased tariffs?”

    MR. JEFF FERRY: “Yes. I mean mathematically well, yes. We will see a higher labor force participation rate with increased tariffs because domestic production will rise, and those jobs will attract people to get off the sofa and go out and get those jobs. But most crucially, I see a transition from people working for places like Jimmy John’s at minimum wage, into high value jobs, which not only pay more today, but offer them career opportunities to get on a rising escalator.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Antoni, Americans are upside down in credit card debt. 1.17 trillion dollars. Eighty-five percent of Americans have credit cards, eighty-five percent of Americans over 65 have a credit card. What can be done at the congressional level to encourage savings and keep more money in the pockets of Americans when it comes to credit.”

    MR. E.J. ANTONI: “Sir, thank you for the question. A big disincentive to save has historically been inflation because as your money is sitting there in the bank, or even if it’s in in equities, whatever the case may be, much of the growth that it’s experiencing is simply just the dollar losing value. So, it doesn’t really, there’s not really much of an incentive there. If you want to get rid of inflation and you want to not only incentivize people to save, but disincentivize them from borrowing, you got to get inflation down. And I think the way you have to do that is by cutting government spending.

    The only other thing I would add is to help the people who are already in so much credit card debt, who are suffering with the combination of high credit card debt and high interest rates, is you need to get the interest rates down. And the interest rate is simply a price. It’s the price to borrow money. If you want to reduce the price of something, reduce the demand. So, reduce the demand for borrowed money. All marginal spending by this congress is by definition borrowed. So, if you reduce that spending, you will also reduce the demand for borrowed money and help bring interest rates down.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Bragdon, you talk a lot about this unsustainable expansion of the federal welfare programs that have caused massive increases in spending, particularly SNAP. SNAP spending has grown by more than seventy-three percent since the last Farm Bill. It’s predicted we’ll spend more on SNAP in the next ten years than we have in the last two decades. This is over the top.

    So, what’s your thoughts here on this massive increase in the TFP and what recommendation do you have to address this farm bill with SNAP?”

    MR. TARREN BRAGDON: “Senator, thank you for the question. I think it’s really twofold.

    One, the authority for setting the food stamp program, the SNAP program, really relies on Congress. And when you look at what the Biden administration did with the Thrifty Food Plan by just through guidance, literally, a bureaucrat with a pen and a power trip, dramatically increasing that benefit, and then that going, as my colleague said, into borrowed money and increasing interest rates.

    You also took away the incentive that people have to go into the workforce because it pays more not to work. And as I talked about, it drives even higher food inflation because SNAP benefits can only be used for food. And as we saw with the research that I cited, that drives increased demand and raises food prices.

    I think there’s really twofold things that need to be done within the SNAP program. One is greater anti-fraud measures. If you look at the improper payments, that’s fraud and waste within the SNAP program, that’s primarily driven by individuals who are receiving benefits, who are no longer eligible, either because an income change, they moved or some other benefit change or life change.

    The second piece is really looking at how do we effectively use work requirements for working age, able-bodied adults. We’ve seen this work well with adults with no kids and disabilities. We recommend that pro-work, anti-poverty policy be expanded to more working-age adults who have school age children.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: DIAGNOS Announces Financial Contribution of $400,000 from the Government of Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROSSARD, Quebec, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diagnos Inc. (“DIAGNOS” or the “Corporation”) (TSX Venture: ADK, OTCQB: DGNOF, FWB: 4D4A), a pioneer in early detection of critical health issues through the use of its FLAIRE platform based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), announces today that it was granted a financial contribution of up to CA$400,000 from the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions organization (CED) to implement an international marketing strategy for CARA (the “Project”).

    As per the terms of the financial assistance agreement signed between DIAGNOS and CED, CED has committed to making a refundable contribution up to $400,000 to DIAGNOS, calculated at 50% of eligible expenses related to the Project, for the period of June 7, 2024 to June 30, 2026. Repayment of the contribution by DIAGNOS will begin 24 months after the end of the Project and span over 60 months, no interest bearing.

    Mr. André Larente, President and CEO of DIAGNOS, said “We would like to thank CED for its support and trust in DIAGNOS. We are proud to be recognized by the Government of Canada as being a key asset in the Canadian economy.”

    More details are available in the press release from CED, dated January 29, 2025, which can be found at this address: link

    About CED
    CED is the key economic development player for Quebec’s regions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In order to accomplish its core responsibility, which is economic development in Quebec, CED fosters business start-ups and growth. It helps them become more innovative, productive and competitive. It supports efforts to engage the regions of Quebec and attract investments that will help boost the economic well-being of Quebec and Canada.

    Additional information is available at CED | About DEC

    About DIAGNOS
    DIAGNOS is a publicly traded Canadian corporation dedicated to early detection of critical health problems based on its FLAIRE Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform. FLAIRE allows for quick modifying and developing of applications such as CARA (Computer Assisted Retina Analysis). CARA’s image enhancement algorithms provide sharper, clearer and easier-to-analyze retinal images. CARA is a cost-effective tool for real-time screening of large volumes of patients.

    Additional information is available at www.diagnos.com and www.sedarplus.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Mr. André Larente, President
    DIAGNOS Inc.
    Tel: 450-678-8882 ext. 224
    alarente@diagnos.ca

    This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. DIAGNOS disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kash Patel Disparages Public Figures On A Regular Basis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 30, 2025
    Kash Patel has frequently posted or reposted attacks on prominent public figures, both Republican and Democratic. The attacks go beyond mere policy disagreements and veer into personal attacks and suggestions of criminality.
    Among others, Kash Patel has publicly disparaged:
    Public servants, who he threatened with a “constitutional guillotine.”
    Journalists, including calling for specific reporters to be stripped of their credentials.
    Members of Congress, who he chainsawed in an AI-generated video of himself.
    Democrats, who he called “vindictive, evil, [and] vicious.”
    Elon Musk, at least eight separate times on Truth Social.
    …and many, many more.
    U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement:
    “On Truth Social, Kash Patel has frequently posted or reposted attacks on Democrats and Republicans—including some on this Committee. The posts go beyond mere policy disagreements and veer into personal attacks, and they do not reflect the integrity we expect from a top law enforcement officer.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing For President Trump’s Pick To Be FBI Director, Kash Patel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 30, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during the Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing for Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
    Key Quotes:
    “Mr. Patel has neither the experience, the temperament, nor the judgment to lead an agency of 38,000 [people] and 400 field offices around the globe. During the time I’ve served on this Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to consider four prior FBI Director nominations. Each one was a Republican, and I voted for all of them. So, my concerns about the Director of the FBI are not partisan.”
    “As much as Republicans claim that President Biden and former Attorney General Garland weaponized the FBI, let’s look at the record: President Biden kept the FBI Director, a lifelong Republican who had been appointed by President Trump. Contrast that with President Trump, who fired his first FBI Director, James Comey, and forced out his second FBI Director, Chris Wray, for being insufficiently loyal. With Mr. Patel, obviously the President has found a loyalist.”
    “Mr. Patel’s loyalty includes touting conspiracy theories and threaten[ing to go after President Trump’s enemies.] How do we know Mr. Patel’s theories? His beliefs, what motivates him, and what he really believes? He wrote it in a book. The book [is titled] Government Gangsters, and I urge all of you to read [it] before you cast a vote for [him]. In it, Mr. Patel has published an enemies list of 60 people who he calls, ‘members of the deep state.’ This list includes many distinguished public servants who have dedicated their lives to our nation.” 
    “Then there is Mr. Patel’s plan to ‘shut down the F.B.I. Hoover Building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.’’ And he has said, ‘We’re going to come after the people in the media, we’re going to come after you, whether it’s criminally or civilly, [and] we’re putting you all on notice.’”
    “Does this sound like the kind of nonpartisan, law enforcement professional who should lead the FBI? Not to me. This is someone who has left behind a trail of grievances throughout his life, lashing out at anyone who disrespects him or doesn’t agree with him.”
    “Mr. Patel’s record is clear: he traffics in debunked conspiracy theories that serve or benefit his political beliefs. Let’s start with January 6… I will always be grateful to the U.S. Capitol police officers who risked their lives defending me, members of Congress, and visitors of the United States Capitol on that day. Mr. Patel posted on social media, ‘Jan. 6 never an insurrection: cowards in uniform exposed.’ Let me repeat that. ‘Cowards in uniform.’ Who was in the Capitol building on January 6 in uniform—the Capitol Police were. Do you think they were cowards?… And Mr. Patel claims that the FBI, the agency he aspires to lead, ‘was planning January 6 for a year.’ Mr. Patel has gone so far as to co-produce and sell musical recordings of a song performed by January 6 rioters who violently assaulted police officers.”
    “The FBI plays a critical role in keeping Americans safe from terrorism, violent crime, and other threats. Our nation needs an FBI Director who understands the gravity of this mission and is ready on day one, not someone who is consumed by his own personal political grievances. The American people deserve an FBI Director who is focused on keeping the public safe from terrorism, drug trafficking, and violent crime, not the checklist of personal grievances we find in this book. Mr. Patel, your record makes clear that you are not that person.”
      
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Forceful and Unprecedented Steps to Combat Anti-Semitism

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    COMBATING ANTI-SEMITISM IN THE UNITED STATES: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to Combat Anti-Semitism.
    Expanding on his Executive Order 13899, President Trump’s new Order takes forceful and unprecedented steps to marshal all Federal resources to combat the explosion of anti-Semitism on our campuses and in our streets since October 7, 2023.
    Every Federal executive department and agency leader will review and report to the White House within sixty days on all criminal and civil authorities and actions available for fighting anti-Semitism.
    Immediate action will be taken by the Department of Justice to protect law and order, quell pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation, and investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities.
    The Order demands the removal of resident aliens who violate our laws.
    GOING ON OFFENSE TO ENFORCE LAW AND ORDER AND TO PROTECT CIVIL RIGHTS: Immediately after the jihadist terrorist attacks against the people of Israel on October 7, 2023, pro-Hamas aliens and left-wing radicals began a campaign of intimidation, vandalism, and violence on the campuses and streets of America.
    Celebrating Hamas’ mass rape, kidnapping, and murder, they physically blocked Jewish Americans from attending college classes, obstructed synagogues and assaulted worshippers, and vandalized American monuments and statues.
    The Biden Administration turned a blind eye to this coordinated assault on public order; it simply refused to protect the civil rights of Jewish Americans, especially students. According to a December 2024 U.S. House of Representatives Staff Report on anti-Semitism, “the failure of our federal government departments and agencies is astounding.”
    PRESIDENT TRUMP KEEPS HIS PROMISES AND BUILDS ON HIS SUCCESS: In his first term, President Trump kept his biggest promises:
    He moved the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem: After decades of broken promises and despite much criticism, President Trump was the President who finally kept his commitment to Israel to move the American embassy from Tel-Aviv to Israel’s true and rightful capital: Jerusalem.
    He established the Abraham Accords: President Trump delivered the greatest breakthrough for peace in the Middle East in decades by brokering the normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, protecting Israel and Jews and spreading security and prosperity to the entire region.
    Now, President Trump has promised that the Federal Government will:
    Protect the civil rights of our Jewish citizens: “My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House.”
    Aggressively enforce the law, protect public order, and prosecute anti-Semitic crimes: “I will issue clear orders to my Attorney General to aggressively prosecute terroristic threats, arson, vandalism and violence against American Jews.”
    Deport Hamas Sympathizers and Revoke Student Visas: “To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut Leaders, IAM Members Embrace Future Challenges, Commit to Renewed Fight for Working Class

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Union members gathered in Mystic, Conn., over the weekend for the semi-annual Connecticut State Council of Machinists meeting. Patrick Buzzee, President of the State Council, opened the conference with a robust agenda. This gathering brought together IAM members from various industries, as well as legislative leaders, to provide an essential platform for discussing labor challenges in the state and advancing collective bargaining strategies.

    IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the delegation with a powerful message of progress and vigilance. He highlighted the recent successes in securing strong contract wins, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and strategic negotiations in achieving these victories.

    However, President Bryant also issued a stark warning about the new administration’s aggressive approach, pointing to over 150 executive orders, many aimed at undermining the working class. Despite these challenges, he urged the members to remain resilient and engaged in the fight for workers’ rights.

    “The IAM will not falter on its promise to protect America’s working middle class, and an IAM union contract is one way to ensure that promise,” said Bryant.

    In a forward-looking moment, Bryant also discussed the importance of embracing new technology, particularly artificial intelligence, urging union members to stay ahead of the curve and harness these tools to strengthen their positions in the evolving workforce.

    IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan passionately addressed the delegation about the growing challenge of foreign competition in military shipbuilding, a sector vital to national security and proudly supported by IAM members in Connecticut. He stressed Connecticut’s critical role in producing these ships and underscored the importance of keeping this work in the hands of skilled American workers.

    “Our members are the backbone of this industry, building the ships that defend our nation’s security,” said Sullivan. “We must continue to protect these jobs and ensure that the work stays here, in the hands of those who know how to get it done.”

    Additionally, Sullivan spoke about the recent successes throughout the Eastern Territory, praising the collective efforts to expand the union’s influence and protect workers’ rights.

    “These victories prove that when we stand together, we are unstoppable,” said Sullivan.

    The delegation was joined by several legislative representatives from both the state and federal levels; members learned about the current challenges and strategies for moving forward during a difficult and uncooperative administration in Washington, D.C. This event highlighted the union’s ongoing commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions in Connecticut and beyond.

    Among the most significant challenges for Connecticuters is the passage of a bill designed to lessen the economic impact on striking workers in Connecticut by providing them unemployment benefits after a two-week waiting period. The bill made it to Gov. Ned Lamont’s (D) desk last year, where the governor vetoed it, dealing a blow to organized labor. The state’s labor force vows to fight for and secure this worker-friendly bill.

    Also speaking at the meeting were working family champions in Connecticut.

    • U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, representing Connecticut’s 2nd District, has been a leading voice for programs that provide young workers with non-traditional education and critical skills, strengthening the backbone of our nation’s infrastructure.
    • Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz comes from a proud union household and has tirelessly advocated for working families across Connecticut, fighting for economic opportunity and fairness.
    • State Rep. Anthony Nolan of the 39th District has dedicated his career to supporting working families and championing vital services for veterans, ensuring that those who serve our nation receive the respect and resources they deserve.
    • State Rep. Kevin Brown of the 56th District is a passionate educator who prioritizes skilled trades, vocational training, and non-traditional education pathways after high school, empowering the next generation with practical tools for success.
    • State Sen. Saud Anwar of the 3rd District and medical doctor has focused on addressing the opioid crisis, particularly its impact on the American workforce due to competitive strain injuries, advocating for both prevention and recovery initiatives.

    These leaders represent a shared commitment to uplifting Connecticut’s working families, expanding educational opportunities, and building a stronger, more inclusive future.

    IAM Assistant Legislative Director Loren Almeroth addressed the delegation, highlighting key legislative priorities, including the increasing threat of foreign competition in the defense sector. He emphasized the need for policies that support domestic manufacturing and ensure the U.S. remains competitive globally. Almeroth also outlined the broad range of legislative initiatives the IAM is pursuing on Capitol Hill, focusing on worker protections, fair wages, and strengthening labor rights, urging continued advocacy and collaboration to push these crucial issues forward. Almeroth also praised National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, recognizing him as a champion on Capitol Hill for tirelessly advocating for IAM members and pushing for policies that safeguard American manufacturing jobs.

    During his remarks, Ed Hawthorne, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, emphasized the importance of unity and strength in solidarity among the state’s unions. Highlighting SEIU’s recent rejoining of the national AFL-CIO after leaving in 2005, he celebrated the renewed commitment to collective action. Hawthorne passionately coined the phrase, “Solidarity isn’t a noun; it’s a verb. It requires action,” reminding everyone to build solidarity through ongoing efforts to stand together for workers’ rights and a better future.

    Closing out the conference portion of the meeting, the Connecticut State Council of Machinists was honored by the Connecticut AFL-CIO with an award for their outstanding commitment to the 2024 election season. Exceeding expectations, the IAM contributed over 7% of their resources—far surpassing the 1% ask—for physical support during the election. The award was presented by Legislative Director Jennifer Berigan, Political Director Joelyn Leon, and Legislative and Political Organizer CC Cienawski, recognizing the IAM’s exceptional dedication to strengthening the voice of working families at the ballot box.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Preparations Begin for Joint IAM Bargaining at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The recent merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines has set into motion the preparation for negotiations of the two airlines on joint collective bargaining agreement contracts for the members of the two carriers. 

    IAM District 142 President and Directing Chair John M. Coveny Jr. recently appointed a 10-member team to serve on the Negotiating Committee.  

    The team recently attended the Negotiation Preparation class at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md., supported by District 142 General Chair Jesse Wilson, David Figueira, and International Representative Jeffrey Tobius. The team reviewed the current contract language, looking at all agreements for upcoming negotiations with the employer. 

    Negotiating Committee Members include:
    Melissa Hopson (Alaska, ANC)
    Jane McGrath (Alaska, ANC)
    Jackson Hartsfield (Alaska, BOS)
    Andrea Mondoy-Honaker (Alaska, SEA)
    Sandra Hagan (Alaska, SEA) 
    Mark Walker (Alaska, SEA)
    Garrett Gebauer (Alaska, ANC)
    Stacy Williams (Hawaiian, HNL)
    Mana Kanahele (Hawaiian, HNL)
    Ku’ulei McGuire (Hawaiian, HNL)

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces 2025 Legislative Proposal: Strengthen the Ability To Prosecute Hate Crimes

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the package of legislative proposals he will ask the Connecticut General Assembly to ratify during the 2025 regular session will include a bill consolidating and strengthening the state’s existing hate crime statutes in order to increase the ability of police and prosecutors to charge criminals with these crimes and seek enhanced penalties.

    Connecticut’s hate crimes statutes originate to 1990 when the legislature established a single crime of intimidation based on bigotry or bias. Since then, the legislature modified that law on several occasions and created numerous other statutes addressing the prosecution of hate crimes and expanding the list of protected classes.

    Governor Lamont supports the overall intent of these laws and applauds their adoption, however he has received reports from police and prosecutors who’ve noted that as these laws have become modified and heightened over the years, they’ve become scattered within various sections of the Connecticut General Statutes and contain some inconsistent terminology, complicating the ability of these laws to actually be used in the prosecution of crimes.

    The legislation the governor is proposing, which originates from the work of the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council, consolidates all of the state’s existing hate crimes laws into a new hate crimes chapter of the Connecticut General Statutes, which will simplify and make it easier for police and prosecutors to charge and prosecute criminals with these crimes. It also modifies the intent standard to align more closely with the hate crimes laws used in other states by removing the element that a defendant must have acted “maliciously.”

    “Connecticut has led the nation in the adoption of hate crimes laws, and that is a good thing, but in order for them to be effective and for police and prosecutors to be able to use them, these laws need to be streamlined within our statutes,” Governor Lamont said. “Hate crimes are intended to induce fear and terrorize entire groups of people, and that is why the prosecution of crimes involving acts of hate must include enhanced penalties.”

    The Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council is an advisory body consisting of volunteers appointed by the governor who represent a wide range of community and civic groups. Recently, the group has been researching data related to the reporting of hate crimes and working with professors from UConn Law School to develop procedures and techniques in which the prosecution of hate crimes can be supported.

    “Over the last couple of years, the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council has been conducting valuable research on the prevalence of hate crimes in the state, and specifically looking into how frequently these crimes get reported to law enforcement and then appropriately prosecuted,” Governor Lamont said. “The council’s research into this topic is going to help us make Connecticut’s hate crimes laws more effective.”

    The following is a list of existing hate crimes laws in the Connecticut General Statutes that Governor Lamont is seeking to consolidate into one new chapter:

    • Hate Crime Causing Physical Injury
    • Hate Crime Causing Physical Contact
    • Hate Crime Affecting Property
    • Hate Crime Affecting Religious Property
    • Hate Crime by Threat of Physical Contact
    • Hate Crime by Threat to Property
    • Hate Crime by Threatening in the First Degree with Respect to House of Religious Worship or Religiously-Affiliated Community Center
    • Hate Crime by Threatening in the Second Degree with Respect to House of Religious Worship or Religiously-Affiliated Community Center
    • Hate Crime by Advocacy or Urging
    • Hate Crime by Deprivation of Civil Rights
    • Hate Crime by Burning Cross
    • Hate Crime by Noose
    • Hate Crime with Mask or Hood
    • Ridicule by Commercial Advertisement
    • Discriminatory Public Accommodations Practice
    • Discriminatory Housing Practice
    • Hate Crime by False Report
    • Hate Crime by False Report to Law Enforcement
    • Hate Crime by False Report Resulting in Serious Physical Injury or Death
    • Hate Crime by Stalking
    • Hate Crime by Misuse of Emergency 9-1-1 System

    Governor Lamont is scheduled to deliver his annual budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Documents containing the full details of his biennial budget proposal and other legislative proposals, including this bill on hate crimes, will be filed on that date.

     

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting First Responders Fighting Cancer

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted the efforts of the State’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s protocols that aim to protect New York’s firefighters and their families during Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Studies have shown firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer than the general public, largely due to their exposure to an increased level of toxins found in smoke at structure fires. As part of the 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul announced new legislation to ban the sale of firefighter gear containing emerging contaminant per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS in New York State to ensure our firefighters have access to the highest quality and safest protective equipment available while mitigating the potential public health and environmental impact of these chemicals.

    “Keeping our state’s firefighters safe while they put their lives on the line to protect the people and communities across New York is absolutely critical, and we will continue to do everything we can to protect them from the harmful toxins they come into contact with on the job.” Governor Hochul said, “I’ll continue making sure our firefighters and first responders have all the equipment and resources they need to protect themselves while they work to protect their communities.”

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “New York’s firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities and loved ones safe every day. Helping them reduce their exposure to the carcinogens that they confront while doing their jobs is critical. Our commitment to assisting them mitigate their risk of exposure and ensuring that they have the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves, will always be a top priority.”

    To ensure New York’s firefighters are not only aware of this threat but also know how to limit their own risk, State Fire officials developed basic protocols for decontaminating firefighting gear following an emergency response and are continuing to offer training and education statewide to promote their use by firefighters. Since 2022, more than 3,200 students have undergone training across New York State.

    Research has shown that fire service members can take simple and inexpensive steps to reduce their exposure to toxins and other carcinogens by up to 85 percent through the turnout gear decontamination process, using sanitation wipes to the face and hands while on scene of a fire, and showering after a fire. These measures also serve to protect their families by reducing unintentional exposure upon returning home from the station after a shift or response.

    State Fire officials partner with county fire coordinators across the State to schedule Firefighter Contamination Reduction and Cancer Prevention classes. During these training programs, State Fire instructors distribute firefighter decontamination kits to attendees. At each session, firefighters view a live demonstration of the decontamination protocols, an educational video that details the risks facing firefighters, and have an opportunity for a Q&A with OFPC personnel. The kits contain information on decontamination immediately after incident response and items such as a five-gallon bucket, post-fire wipes, hose, detergent, brush and spray bottle. Since 2023, more than 1,100 New York State fire stations have received decontamination kits. Additionally, OFPC is expanding its entire roster of firefighting classes and trainings to include a section on cancer awareness and prevention education.

    State Fire Administrator James Cable said, “This training is intended to raise awareness of the cancer risks faced by firefighters and provide simple steps firefighters can take to reduce those risks to themselves and their families. Our goal is to provide a decontamination kit for every fire station in the State.”

    If firefighting turnout gear is not decontaminated properly after a fire, firefighters risk exposing harmful chemicals to their firehouses and homes, potentially harming co-workers and family members. According to two studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters are currently being diagnosed with cancer at a nearly 10 percent higher rate than the general public and experiencing cancer-related deaths at a nearly 15 percent higher rate.

    To combat these trends, DHSES and OFPC have established basic, inexpensive protocols which will go a long way in limiting firefighters’ exposure to harmful chemicals often found in smoke.

    If exposed during a response, firefighters should:

    • Perform on scene gross decontamination, stop the exposure, and stop the spread of contaminates to the apparatus and station.
    • While on scene, use post-fire wipes to reduce exposures.
    • Shower as soon as possible and put on clean clothes.
    • Wash tools, equipment and apparatus after fires.
    • Transport gear in non-porous containers such as a clear garbage bag.
    • Wear only clean gear, including hood.

    Firefighters interested in attending or hosting an educational session can view the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s training calendar or contact their county’s Fire Coordinator.

    As part of the 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul announced new legislation to ban the sale of firefighter gear containing emerging contaminant per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New York State to ensure our firefighters have access to the highest quality and safest protective equipment available while mitigating the potential public health and environmental impact of these chemicals.To safeguard themselves, firefighters rely on specialized protective gear designed to withstand extreme temperatures and repel water and oil. For years, this essential equipment has unfortunately contained the emerging contaminant per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Evolving evidence has revealed the potential dangers of PFAS exposure, raising concerns about the long-term health and safety of our firefighters even as we continue to work to limit the release of this contaminant into New York’s air, lands and waters. The legislation would take effect in 2028.

    About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

    The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. OFPC advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, special operations and technical rescue programs.

    About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, or visit our website.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: DEQ issues six penalties in December for environmental violations

    Source: US State of Oregon

    tatewide, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued six penalties totaling $488,874 in December for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at https://ordeq.org/enforcement.

    Fines ranged from $5,050 to $372,600. Alleged violations included a wastewater treatment and disposal system that exceeded pollution limits and discharged wastewater to a creek when not permitted to, a hazardous waste treatment and disposal facility that failed to properly treat hazardous waste prior to disposing it and a fuel products transloading company that modified its facility and operated that change without authorization from DEQ.

    DEQ issued civil penalties to the following organizations:

    • Chemical Waste Management, Arlington, $49,200, hazardous waste.
    • City of Junction City, Junction City, $5,050, wastewater.
    • City of Lebanon, Lebanon, $33,800, wastewater.
    • Container Management Services, LLC, Portland, $21,224, hazardous waste.
    • HempNova Lifetech Corp., Central Point, $7,000, hazardous waste.
    • Zenith Energy Terminal Holdings, LLC, Portland, $372,600, air quality permitting. Learn more about this case by reading the press release DEQ issued on Dec. 6, 2024.

    Recipients of DEQ civil penalties must either pay the fines to the state treasury or file an appeal within 20 days of receiving notice of the penalty. They may be able to offset a portion of a penalty by funding a supplemental environmental project that improves Oregon’s environment. Learn more about these projects at https://ordeq.org/sep.

    Penalties may also include orders requiring specific tasks to prevent ongoing violations or additional environmental harm.

    DEQ works with thousands of organizations and individuals to help them comply with laws that protect Oregon’s air, land and water. DEQ uses education, technical assistance, warnings and penalties to change behavior and deter future violations.

    Media contact: Michael Loch, public affairs specialist, michael.loch@deq.oregon.gov, 503-737-9435.

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