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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Questions HHS Secretary Nominee RFK Jr. in Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today during the Senate Finance Committee’s hearing on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Trump administration, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed with him the need to locate the unaccompanied migrant children who were lost in the interior U.S. under Joe Biden, improve Americans’ access to mental and behavioral health services, and strengthen the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program after its success in the first Trump administration. Excerpts are below, and video can be found here.
    On Locating Unaccompanied Migrant Children Lost by the Biden Administration:
    CORNYN: “There were roughly 500,000 children—unaccompanied minors—that were placed with sponsors in the interior of the United States. The previous administration took the position that it was not the federal government’s responsibility once these children were placed with these sponsors.”
    “I look forward to working with you to find those children and to make sure that they’re not being abused.”
    KENNEDY: “Many of them we know have been sex trafficked, and childhood slavery, and it is a plight on America’s moral authority, and we need to find those kids.”
    On Improving Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Services:
    CORNYN: “Millions of Americans are experiencing mild to moderate mental health and substance abuse issues, yet many struggle with timely and effective access.”
    “Primary care physicians are most likely to be seeing these individuals as opposed to a specialist, and it makes it important that these individuals, primary care physicians, be trained in patient-centered care, which would strengthen the integration of behavioral health care with primary care services. Is this something that you are concerned about, something you’d be willing to work with us on in order to implement?”
    KENNEDY: “This is a priority for me.”
    “I was a heroin addict for 14 years. I’m in 42 years in recovery… I hear the many stories about denial or the barriers to access to care, and we need to improve that.”
    On Strengthening PEPFAR:
    CORNYN: “Under the first Trump administration, the number of people receiving HIV treatment in Africa through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, otherwise known as PEPFAR, it increased.”
    “Failure to continue this program, in my view, would risk ceding that leadership to adversaries like China… Would you work with me and my colleagues to make sure that this program continues to provide lifesaving antiviral drugs to people who are most in need?”
    KENNEDY: “I absolutely support PEPFAR, and I will happily work with you to strengthen the program.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Votes to Confirm Lee Zeldin for EPA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after former Congressman Lee Zeldin was confirmed as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
    “Lee Zeldin is a fantastic choice by President Trump to cut the bureaucratic red tape, radical Green New Deal policies, and anti-American energy agenda that defined the Biden EPA. The days of bowing to environmental activists are rightfully coming to a close with Lee in charge, and I am eager to work with him to slash burdensome regulations that have kneecapped Texas energy producers for far too long.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, De La Cruz Introduce Bill to Combat Cattle Fever Tick Infestations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representative Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the following statements after Senate introduction of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act, which would help combat cattle fever tick infestations across the country:
    “Cattle fever tick infestations can cause devastating losses for ranchers across Texas and the nation,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would kickstart improvements to the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and help mitigate losses caused by these parasites, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
    “With cattle fever tick infestations on the rise, it is critical that we are taking steps to curb the spread of the disease,” said Rep. De La Cruz. “I am committed to working with the USDA to monitor the efficacy of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and make any improvements necessary to ensure Texas ranchers and producers have the resources to protect the health of their cattle and the viability of their herds.”
    This legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 14, 2025. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) is also a cosponsor of this legislation.
    Background:
    In recent years, cattle fever tick infestations have skyrocketed, threatening the cattle industry across Texas and the nation. This legislation would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a contract with a land-grant college or university or a non-land-grant college of agriculture to study the effectiveness of the USDA’s Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and would require a report on any suggestions for improvements to the program.
    This legislation is endorsed by the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Cruz Accepting Applications for District Court, U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal Vacancies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced that they are accepting applications for federal judicial vacancies in the Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas. These vacancies are located in Dallas, Houston, McAllen, Austin, and Waco. The Senators are also accepting applications for U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal vacancies in the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas.
    “As a former judge and Attorney General of Texas, I know firsthand how critical it is for our state to have the best and brightest jurists sitting on the federal bench and working to uphold the rule of law,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I encourage qualified Texans who are interested in serving to submit their applications to our review committee.”
    “Selecting lawyers to serve as federal judges is one of the most important duties I have as a U.S. Senator,” said Sen. Cruz. “Texans deserve principled, unwavering leaders who will defend the Constitution, honor the rule of law, and serve with integrity. Texas is home to some of the nation’s most brilliant legal minds, and Senator Cornyn and I will recommend exceptional candidates who embody those strengths.”
    Senators Cornyn and Cruz have established the Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee (FJEC), a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas, which reviews applications, interviews candidates, and makes recommendations to the Senators to help fill judicial vacancies. 
    Application Information:
    Sens. Cornyn and Cruz invite qualified candidates to seek appointment by submitting their resumes and completed questionnaires to both lawmakers’ offices. The questionnaire is available here. Completed application packets must be received at the below email addresses no later than March 3, 2025. Email is strongly recommended because of delays due to security procedures involving Congressional mail. Submitted questionnaires for judicial vacancies will be reviewed by the Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee, and selected candidates will be invited to interview. Questions regarding applications may also be directed to the contacts listed below.
    U.S. Senator John Cornyn
    FJEC@cornyn.senate.gov
    Attn: Franci Rooney Becker
    U.S. Senator Ted Cruz
    FJEC@cruz.senate.gov
    Attn: Kenneth Lee

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Luján Introduce Bill to Combat Cattle Fever Tick Infestations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) today introduced the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act, which would help combat cattle fever tick infestations across the country:
    “Cattle fever tick infestations can cause devastating losses for ranchers across Texas and the nation,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would kickstart improvements to the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and help mitigate losses caused by these parasites, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
    “Cattle fever ticks are a major risk for livestock across the Southwest, including in eastern and southern New Mexico. As New Mexico becomes a major hub for cattle imports from Mexico, it’s critical that Congress addresses the risk of cattle fever ticks,” said Sen. Luján. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to support New Mexico farmers, ranchers, and producers, and keep livestock safe.”
    Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives by Monica De La Cruz (TX-15).
    Background:
    In recent years, cattle fever tick infestations have skyrocketed, threatening the cattle industry across Texas and the nation. This legislation would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a contract with a land-grant college or university or a non-land-grant college of agriculture to study the effectiveness of the USDA’s Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and would require a report on any suggestions for improvements to the program.
    This legislation is endorsed by the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Introduces Legislation to Decouple American AI Development from Communist China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, January 29, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation to protect America’s artificial intelligence (AI) development from China.
    “Every dollar and gig of data that flows into Chinese AI are dollars and data that will ultimately be used against the United States,” said Senator Hawley. “America cannot afford to empower our greatest adversary at the expense of our own strength. Ensuring American economic superiority means cutting China off from American ingenuity and halting the subsidization of CCP innovation.”
    Senator Hawley’s new legislation comes after China unveiled “DeepSeek,” a data-harvesting, low-cost AI model that sparked international concern and sent American technology stocks plummeting.
    Senator Hawley’s Decoupling America’s Artificial Intelligence Capabilities from China Act would:
    Prohibit the import from or export to China of artificial intelligence technology;
    Prohibit American companies from conducting AI research in China or in cooperation with Chinese companies; and
    Prohibit U.S. companies from investing money in Chinese AI development.
    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Joins Sen. Cory Booker in Reintroducing FDA Modernization Act 3.0

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    January 29, 2025
     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
     
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Kennedy (R-LA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) reintroduced the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, a bipartisan bill to direct the FDA to implement the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 (FDAMA 2.0), legislation passed by Congress to modernize drug testing protocols and improve patient outcomes.
    The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 is a bipartisan effort to reduce unnecessary animal testing while advancing scientific innovation. By fully implementing FDAMA 2.0, drug development can be both more humane and more efficient, ultimately leading to faster and more reliable treatments for patients. An astonishing 90-95% of drugs that pass animal tests go on to fail in human clinical trials, wasting precious time for patients.
    “The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 builds on the critical reforms we achieved with FDA Modernization Act 2.0, ensuring that modern, humane, and scientifically advanced testing methods can finally replace outdated animal testing. For too long, bureaucratic inertia has delayed the implementation of these changes, which are vital to saving lives, reducing costs, and bringing life-saving treatments to patients more efficiently. This legislation sends a clear message: Americans deserve a regulatory system that embraces innovation, not one stuck in the past,” said Dr. Paul.
    “It’s been over two years since Congress ended the statutory mandate that investigational new drugs (INDs) undergo mandatory animal testing before human clinical trials,” said Senator Booker. “We cannot allow the FDA to continue to delay on implementing this critical law. If passed, this bipartisan legislation will require FDA to finally update its regulations and will pave the way for more scientifically reliable and humane methods of drug development.
    In 2022, FDAMA 2.0 was signed into law by President Biden. This law removed the longstanding requirement under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) that investigational new drugs (INDs) undergo mandatory animal testing before human clinical trials. Instead, the law provided FDA and drug developers the option to use advanced, non-animal methods such as cell-based assays, organ chips, computer modeling, and bioprinting.
    Despite FDAMA 2.0 being enacted into law over two years ago, the FDA has yet to update its regulations to conform with the law, leaving numerous FDA regulations that continue to require animal testing. The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 seeks to resolve this by mandating the FDA to update its regulations within twelve months of the bill’s enactment. It also includes a technical correction to the statute by addressing a duplicated section heading.
    To read the full text of the bill, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Senate Must Stop RFK Jr.’s Dangerous Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – Ahead of confirmation hearings this week on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) again urged his colleagues to vote no, highlighting Kennedy’s pivotal role in causing a measles outbreak in Samoa in 2019, which resulted in over 5,700 people getting infected and 83 people – mostly young children – dying.
    “The unique threat that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poses to our country really cannot be overstated. And now it is up to us, the 100 members of the United States Senate, to deny him the opportunity to use America as one big test lab for bygone diseases,” said Senator Schatz. “I understand my Republican colleagues are facing a lot of pressure from within. But this nomination is not actually like the others. Look at what he’s done. Time and time again, he’s abandoned every physician’s first principle: Do no harm. He has caused disease. He has caused pain. He has caused death.”
    Senator Schatz continued, “The vote we’re going to be taking on this nominee is much more than your party or mine. It’s life or death. And I promise you, if this person is confirmed, it will not age well: not in a Republican primary, not in a Democratic primary, not in your family, not in your community. Nowhere will an RFK ‘aye’ vote age well. This person is going to cause disease across the United States. I urge a no vote.”
    Schatz likened Kennedy’s desire to run a “natural experiment” to see how people in Samoa would fare against the measles without protection to the Tuskegee experiment, in which the United States Public Health Service purposefully withheld treatment from men with syphilis in order to study the disease’s progression. The first person to raise the alarm about the cruelty of the experiment in 1965 was Schatz’s father, Dr. Irv Schatz.
    “I never thought that 60 years later, I’d be standing in the very body that passed legislation in response to that shameful period, arguing against confirming someone who wants to replicate that experiment at scale. That’s what RFK Jr. wants to do. He wants to use Americans as lab rats in a national experiment. And if it means bringing back the measles or the mumps or rubella or polio, so be it. That is the cost of doing business, as he sees it,” said Senator Schatz.
    A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here.
    If you heard your doctor say, ‘there’s no vaccine that is safe or effective.’ Or ‘there are much better candidates than HIV for what causes AIDS.’ Or ‘school shootings started happening with the introduction of Prozac and other drugs.’ If your physician said any of those things to you, you would look for a new physician.
    And yet, this week, my colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee and Health Committee are going to consider the nomination of someone who’s not only said all those things – and more. But if confirmed, he would be responsible for the health and well-being of the entire nation.
    The unique threat that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poses to our country really cannot be overstated. And now it is up to us, the 100 members of the United States Senate, to deny him the opportunity to use America as one big test lab for bygone diseases. And I want to explain what I mean by that. He thinks that FDA trials are not enough to determine the efficacy of a vaccine. And so he’s suggesting that we use placebo in the population. What does that mean? Something might save someone’s life, and something might be essentially a sugar pill. But you don’t get to know. There are international conventions against this approach. The Tuskegee experiments conducted by the United States Public Health Service were universally rejected, and the Congress banned this approach because you cannot withhold lifesaving care from anyone.
    Now, saying crazy things doesn’t seem to be disqualifying for a nominee these days, I understand. But it’s not just that he said crazy things or holds deranged views. It’s that he has acted on them. And I want everybody to listen to what exactly happened in Samoa – not 20 years ago, not ten years ago, but in 2019. While he was chairman of the anti-vaccine group, he flew to Samoa because he sensed an opportunity to exploit people’s hesitations about taking the measles vaccine.
    People were understandably worried after an accident… involving improperly prepared vaccines killed two babies. It was a tragedy, and it was a costly mistake, but not a reason to abandon the measles vaccine altogether. But RFK sought to make people more afraid. He discouraged people from taking the vaccine because he wanted to run a “natural experiment.” To see how people fared against the disease without protection. To see how people fared against the disease without protection? This guy is up for HHS, Health and Human Services? This guy just wants to see what would happen if we didn’t give people the lifesaving protection that they need. He literally flew to the other side of the planet to turn people’s fears into a data collection opportunity.
    For some context here. Samoa is a small country and had a population of around 200,000 people at the time. People knew each other and word got around fast. A Kennedy was in town saying a thing. And so it was no small thing that this man from America, with the last name Kennedy, pretending to be a health expert, was there peddling all kinds of lies to prevent people from getting a lifesaving vaccine.
    And those lies spread fast. Vaccination rates plummeted, and within five months, Samoa had a measles outbreak. 5,700 people were infected with the measles. 83 people died. Almost all of them were children. That was the conclusion of Mr. Kennedy’s natural experiment. Children died. This isn’t some ancient history I’m digging up here. This was less than six years ago, and it is alarmingly reminiscent of one of the darkest chapters in our country’s history with the Tuskegee experiment.
    For 40 years, beginning in 1932, the United States Public Health Service ran an experiment with 600 black men in Alabama. The majority of them had syphilis, and the objective was to “observe the disease process.” And so even when penicillin became the standard of care in 1947, the men who needed that treatment, who could have been given lifesaving care, were denied penicillin. Researchers did nothing as men died and they went blind because they wanted to see how the disease would develop. A natural experiment.
    It took a young doctor, not long out of medical school, who read about the study in a medical journal and couldn’t believe his eyes. He could not understand how the United States government had come to view these poor sharecroppers as expendable, as subhuman. He thought about the Hippocratic Oath, that he and every doctor like him had sworn to. What happened to, “first, do no harm”?
    And so, not knowing what else to do, but knowing he was risking a whole lot by speaking out, he wrote to the study’s authors. And I want to read a bit of what he wrote: “I’m utterly astounded by the fact that physicians allow patients with a potentially fatal disease to remain untreated when effective therapy is available. I assume you feel that the information which is extracted from the observation of this untreated group is worth their sacrifice. If this is the case, then I suggest the United States Public Health Service and those physicians associated with it in this study need to reevaluate their moral judgments in this regard”.
    The man who wrote that letter, and was the first, and for a long time, the only person to sound the alarm about the depravity of the Tuskegee experiment was my dad, Dr. Irv Schatz. It’s one of the many reasons that he’s my hero. But I never thought that 60 years later, I’d be standing in the very body that passed legislation in response to that shameful period, arguing against confirming someone who wants to replicate that experiment at scale. That’s what RFK Jr. wants to do. He wants to use Americans as lab rats in a national experiment. And if it means bringing back the measles or the mumps or rubella or polio, so be it. That is the cost of doing business, as he sees it.
    I understand my Republican colleagues are facing a lot of pressure from within. It’s a new administration, and you want to give them deference. An executive, generally speaking, gets to have their team. But this nomination is not actually like the others, even if you don’t want to take Mr. Kennedy’s words so literally, maybe you think he’s just wondering aloud, look at his actions. Look at what he’s done. Time and time again, he’s abandoned every physician’s first principle: Do no harm. “I shall do by my patients as I would be done by. And I shall minimize suffering whenever a cure cannot be obtained.” That’s part of the oath every medical student takes at graduation before they can practice. And yet, the person nominated to lead the country’s entire health system has consistently done the exact opposite. He has caused disease. He has caused pain. He has caused death.
    And so the vote we’re going to be taking on this nominee is much more than your party or mine. It’s life or death. And I promise you, if this person is confirmed, it will not age well: not in a Republican primary, not in a Democratic primary, not in your family, not in your community. Nowhere will an RFK ‘aye’ vote age well. This person is going to cause disease across the United States. I urge a no vote.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: President Trump’s Proposed Freeze On NIH’s Work Is Cruel And Will Have Life Or Death Consequences

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 29, 2025
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the serious consequences the Trump Administration’s plan to freeze federal assistance would have on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and medical research. NIH supports more than 400,000 jobs nationwide—jobs focused on conducting vital medical research that leads to new cures and treatments that improve and save lives. Each year, NIH awards nearly $38 billion in research grants to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They support hundreds of thousands of jobs, generate $92 billion in economic activity, and facilitate life-saving medical research.
    On Monday night, President Trump ordered a stop to federal grant funding, including at NIH. Today, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the White House Press Secretary sent out conflicting information related to whether or not the freeze had been rescinded.
    Durbin said, “Because of work funded by NIH with taxpayer dollars, people with cancer are living longer and even being cured, HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence, and groundbreaking treatments exist to slow the progression of neurological disorders such as ALS and dementia. Chances are, if you or a loved one take any medication, you have NIH to thank—because 99 percent of drugs approved over the past decade benefited from NIH research funding. And, chances are, if you or a loved one ever get sick and are wondering what options exist to save your life, your doctor will suggest a treatment developed with NIH funding.”
    “Do you know what the leading causes of death are in the U.S.? The number one cause of death in the United States is heart disease,” Durbin continued.  “But there are others. Cancer; unintentional injuries, such as drug overdoses; stroke; respiratory disease; Alzheimer’s; and diabetes. NIH researchers work every day to find breakthroughs to save lives in America from these leading causes of death in the U.S. When you freeze this agency’s work, when you tell your researchers to stay home and not to spend a penny because it can’t be compensated, it means you’re putting a stop to the research that critically is trying to keep us alive. You handicap our nation’s effort to develop new cures and treatments that address the top causes of death.”
    Durbin continued, “NIH is considered the world’s leader in biomedical research—providing treatments and cures that other people across the world dream of. President Trump’s proposed freeze on NIH’s work is cruel and will have life or death consequences. If your parent has dementia, you want NIH’s work to continue. If your husband or wife has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, ALS, or Parkinson’s, you need NIH’s work to continue. If you have a child diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer or heart condition—you are desperate for NIH’s work to continue.”
    “This should not be a partisan issue,” Durbin concluded. “Over the past decade, Congress has, on a bipartisan basis, increased NIH’s budget by 60 percent because we believe in their work. This federal freeze must not be allowed to take effect. I would hope my Republican colleagues would join me in calling on President Trump to reconsider this harmful policy. Lives depend on it.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: Many Insurrectionists Pardoned By President Trump Pose a Clear Threat To Public Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 29, 2025
    In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin recounts the threats posed by insurrectionists who have been released by President Trump’s pardons just nine days ago
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, rebuked President Trump for his pardon of approximately 1,500 January 6th insurrectionists, several of whom have already been rearrested or are wanted for vile crimes committed prior to January 6, 2021, including soliciting a sexual relationship with a minor.  Because of President Trump’s pardons, dangerous individuals, who have recently made extreme statements calling for more violence, are threatening public safety.
    Durbin began his remarks by recalling his own experience in the Capitol on January 6, 2021. 
    “I was in this chair when the mob that you’ve seen on television, in the videos over and over again, were taking control of this Capitol.  Presiding over the United States Senate—we were all in our seats—was the Vice President of the United States.  We were counting the electoral votes in each state to decide who was the official winner of the presidential election.  It was happening right after President Trump had his rally not far from here and told his supporters and demonstrators [to] come up to the Capitol building, which they did in vast numbers,” Durbin began.  “They didn’t just come here for a casual visit.  They came to break down the doors and break down the windows and to invade this building.”
    “The net result is a lot of brave men and women, who were part of the Capitol police force and the D.C. police force, stood in their way and tried to stop them and were beaten back.  Over 140 of these officers were seriously injured by the demonstrators and the insurrectionists coming into this building.  Several lost their lives.  That was the reality of what happened,” Durbin said.  “The net result was one of the largest prosecutions in the history of the United States, ultimately hundreds of them paid a price for that violent activity on January 6 and what they did to our police.”
    During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as more than 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.  As a result of the insurrection, five law enforcement officers died and at least 140 officers were seriously injured.
    “The men and women, who were dedicated to their cause, did things that were outrageous in terms of desecrating this building.  The United States Capitol Building, a symbol of America, they desecrated it, and they had to be stopped.  A lot of brave men and women in uniform risked their lives, some gave their lives as a consequence of it,” Durbin said.
    Last week, President Trump, who incited the violence, commuted the sentences of 14 individuals and granted full, complete, and unconditional pardons to approximately 1,500 others convicted of offenses related to the January 6th attack.  Many of the perpetrators have shown a stunning lack of remorse following their violent assaults on the brave members of the U.S. Capitol Police and D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department who protected the Capitol that day.
    “You would think these men, largely men, who had served time in jail, some of them for lengthy sentences up to 20 years, when they were released with this pardon by President Trump would go about their business and resume a normal, law-abiding life.  That was not the fact,” Durbin continued.
    Durbin then spoke about the vial crimes of insurrectionists who were released with President Trump’s pardon just nine days ago.  At least one of the rioters has already returned to jail while another is wanted for a sex crime involving a minor.
    “Matthew Huttle, released by President Trump by pardon, [was] shot and killed by the Indiana State Police earlier this week after a traffic stop when he resisted arrest while in possession of a firearm,” Durbin said.  “Daniel Ball has already been rearrested since he was released with the Trump pardon, on gun charges related to past convictions for domestic violence by strangulation and battery against a law enforcement officer.”
    “Andrew Taake, assaulted the police at the Capitol with bear spray and a metal whip, [is] now wanted in the State of Texas for soliciting a minor for sex, a felony carrying up to ten years in prison,” said Durbin. 
    “Enrique Tarrio, the head of the Proud Boys organization, a domestic terrorist group which has been identified for many years.  He was convicted of seditious conspiracy on January 6 for his role in planning that riot.  Here’s what he said after his release, ‘Success is going to be retribution.  Now it’s our turn,’” Durbin continued.
    “Stewart Rhodes, the head of the Oath Keepers, another domestic terrorist group, convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in planning the riot, said after his pardon by Trump and release, ‘The people who did this, they need to feel the heat.  They need to be put behind bars and they need to be prosecuted.’  He said January 6 should be remembered as ‘Patriots’ Day’ and said he has no regrets, ‘Because we did the right thing,’” Durbin said.
    “Jacob Chansley, the so-called ‘QAnon Shaman’ posted on X after his pardon, ‘NOW I AM GONNA BUY SOME MF GUNS!!!’ and ‘EVERYTHING done in the dark WILL come to light!’”Durbin said.
    Durbin concluded his remarks, noting that law enforcement may have to engage with these insurrectionists who violently attacked Capitol Police Officers on January 6, 2021.
    “Sadly, for law enforcement officers across the country, they are going to face many of these people again,” Durbin concluded.
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.
    Earlier this week, Durbin joined more than 40 of his Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning President Trump’s pardons of more than 1,500 individuals who were found guilty of assault Capitol Police Officers on January 6, 2021.  Yesterday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) brought the resolution to the floor, but its passage was blocked by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY).
    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, approximately 1,572 defendants have been federally charged with crimes associated with the attack of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.  This includes approximately 598 charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 171 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer.  As proven in Court, the weapons used and carried on Capitol grounds during the January 6th attack include firearms; OC spray; tasers; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, such as destroyed office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping, and reinforced knuckle gloves.
    Last week, Durbin delivered a speech on the Senate floor further denouncing President Trump’s decision to pardon the violent insurrectionists.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  My Administration has fought and will continue to fight anti-Semitism in the United States and around the world.  On December 11, 2019, I issued Executive Order 13899, my first Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism, finding that students, in particular, faced anti-Semitic harassment in schools and on university and college campuses.  Executive Order 13899 provided interpretive assistance on the enforcement of the Nation’s civil rights laws to ensure that they would protect American Jews to the same extent to which all other American citizens are protected.  The prior administration effectively nullified Executive Order 13899 by failing to give the terms of the order full force and effect throughout the Government.  This order reaffirms Executive Order 13899 and directs additional measures to advance the policy thereof in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, against the people of Israel.  These attacks unleashed an unprecedented wave of vile anti-Semitic discrimination, vandalism, and violence against our citizens, especially in our schools and on our campuses.  Jewish students have faced an unrelenting barrage of discrimination; denial of access to campus common areas and facilities, including libraries and classrooms; and intimidation, harassment, and physical threats and assault.  A joint report by the House Committees on Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce, Judiciary, Oversight and Accountability, Veterans’ Affairs, and Ways and Means calls the Federal Government’s failure to fight anti-Semitism and protect Jewish students “astounding.”  This failure is unacceptable and ends today. Sec. 2.  Policy.  It shall be the policy of the United States to combat anti-Semitism vigorously, using all available and appropriate legal tools, to prosecute, remove, or otherwise hold to account the perpetrators of unlawful anti-Semitic harassment and violence.
    Sec. 3.  Additional Measures to Combat Campus Anti-Semitism.  (a)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the head of each executive department or agency (agency) shall submit a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, identifying all civil and criminal authorities or actions within the jurisdiction of that agency, beyond those already implemented under Executive Order 13899, that might be used to curb or combat anti-Semitism, and containing an inventory and analysis of all pending administrative complaints, as of the date of the report, against or involving institutions of higher education alleging civil-rights violations related to or arising from post-October 7, 2023, campus anti-Semitism.(b)  The report submitted by the Attorney General under this section shall additionally include an inventory and an analysis of all court cases, as of the date of the report, against or involving institutions of higher education alleging civil-rights violations related to or arising from post-October 7, 2023, campus anti-Semitism and indicate whether the Attorney General intends to or has taken any action with respect to such matters, including filing statements of interest or intervention.(c)  The Attorney General is encouraged to employ appropriate civil-rights enforcement authorities, such as 18 U.S.C. 241, to combat anti-Semitism. (d)  The report submitted by the Secretary of Education under this section shall additionally include an inventory and an analysis of all Title VI complaints and administrative actions, including in K-12 education, related to anti-Semitism — pending or resolved after October 7, 2023 — within the Department’s Office for Civil Rights.(e)  In addition to identifying relevant authorities to curb or combat anti-Semitism generally required by this section, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with each other, shall include in their reports recommendations for familiarizing institutions of higher education with the grounds for inadmissibility under 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3) so that such institutions may monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff relevant to those grounds and for ensuring that such reports about aliens lead, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to investigations and, if warranted, actions to remove such aliens.
    Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/29/2025 Blackburn, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Prison Staff

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) reintroduced the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, which passed the Senate last year, to help address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates:

    “No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would help us end the sexual abuse of prison staff who are simply trying to do their jobs.”

    “I remain focused on oversight of the Federal prison system and ending sexual abuse in prisons and jails, including the abuse of prison staff,” said Senator Ossoff. “Senator Blackburn and I are introducing this bipartisan bill to help end sexual abuse in Federal prisons.” 

    Representative Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives last Congress and is reintroducing the bill this week:

    “It is unacceptable that nearly half of Bureau of Prisons staff experience sexual harassment or assault by inmates. The Bureau of Prisons must take stronger action to protect corrections officers and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Representative Lee. “That is why I am reintroducing the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act to provide much-needed oversight to the federal prison system and to combat these ongoing abuses. I want to thank Senator Blackburn for her leadership on this bill in the Senate.” 

    BACKGROUND:
    • According to a February 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), a staggering 40% of 7,000 surveyed BOP staff stated they had been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted by an inmate.

    THE PRISON STAFF SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT:
    • The Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would require:
      • The BOP to fully implement the recommendations in the Inspector General’s 2023 report regarding mitigating inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and assault and fully ascertaining the scope of the problem; 
      • The DOJ OIG to conduct an analysis of punishments for sexual harassment and sexual assault in BOP facilities; and
      • The U.S. Attorney General to promulgate a rule adopting national standards for prevention, reduction, and punishment of sexual assault and harassment of BOP staff by inmates. 
    • Senators Blackburn and Ossoff sent a letter to BOP Director Colette Peters requesting that BOP release information about inmate-on-staff sexual assault and harassment reporting procedures, correctional methods, and staff assistance programs.

    ENDORSEMENTS:

    This legislation is endorsed by the American Correctional Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Council of Prison Locals 33.

    “The American Correctional Association (ACA) applauds Senators Blackburn and Ossoff for their leadership on the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, which addresses the critical issue of sexual assault and harassment of Bureau of Prisons employees by those in custody. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on bipartisan efforts to ensure safe working conditions for correctional officers nationwide.” – Robert Green, American Correctional Association Executive Director

    “Federal correctional officers and other prison staff deserve the same standards of safety as law enforcement patrolling our communities. Every employee—both officer and staff—deserve a safe working environment. The passage of this critical legislation would mean the basic human rights and dignity of prison employees would be better safeguarded, and Bureau of Prison employees would be better suited to perform their duties at full capacity and free from fear. We greatly appreciate Senator Blackburn and Senator Ossoff’s introduction of this bill and look forward to working together to get it across the finish line.” – Patrick Yoes, President of the Fraternal Order of Police

    “This legislation sends a powerful message that the safety and dignity of BOP staff are non-negotiable. By prioritizing their protection, the Act not only improves working conditions but also contributes to a more effective and professional correctional system. I urge Congress to fully support the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act and work towards its swift passage. It is imperative that we stand with those who serve in our federal prisons and take action to create a safer and more respectful environment for all.” – Brandy Moore White, National President of National Council of Prison Locals 33

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Supports Confirmation of Pam Bondi for Attorney General

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on his vote to advance the nomination of Pam Bondi to serve as Attorney General out of the Senate Judiciary Committee to the Senate floor:

    “I am proud to support Pam Bondi’s nomination, and I have no doubt she will be an exceptional Attorney General who will uphold the law fairly and without bias. Throughout her distinguished career as a prosecutor, Pam worked relentlessly to take dangerous criminals off the streets and protect communities. As Florida’s Attorney General, she earned bipartisan support for her unwavering advocacy on behalf of victims of the opioid crisis while also leading successful efforts to dismantle drug cartels, combat organized crime, and strengthen public safety across the state. Pam’s vast experience and clear vision make her uniquely qualified to serve as our nation’s top law enforcement officer. I was honored to support her nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and I look forward to voting to confirm her on the Senate floor.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: KEY MOMENTS: In Back-to-Back Nomination Hearings, Luján Presses RFK Jr. and Howard Lutnick on their Commitment to Working for the American People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Howard Lutnick in their respective nomination hearings on their commitment to preserving programs that provide critical services for New Mexicans. Senator Luján pressed both nominees on their commitment to upholding the law and serving the American people – not being a rubber stamp for the President.

    In the nomination hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to become Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Luján questioned Mr. Kennedy on his understanding of the importance of Medicaid and pressed Mr. Kennedy for his commitment to protect Medicaid from cuts. Mr. Kennedy did not commit to not cutting Medicaid if asked to by the President.

    In the nomination hearing for Howard Lutnick to become Secretary of Commerce, Senator Luján questioned Mr. Lutnick on whether he would commit to not cutting funding that has been awarded to connect thousands of New Mexicans to the internet. Despite Mr. Lutnick’s acknowledgement of the importance of broadband buildout, he would not commit to maintaining crucial support for broadband.  

    Key Moments from the Nomination Hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to become Secretary of Health and Human Services:

    Watch the exchange with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. here.

    On Medicare:

    Sen. Luján: Do you know how many babies born in this country are covered through Medicaid?

    Mr. Kennedy: I would guess, I don’t know the answer, I would guess about 30 million.

    Sen. Luján: I have it Mr. Kennedy, about 41% or 1.4 million babies, births are financed by Medicaid according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

    Sen. Luján: If President Trump asks you to cut Medicaid will you do it?

    Mr. Kennedy: It’s not up to me to cut Medicaid, it’d be up to Congress.

    Sen. Luján: Mr. Kennedy, if you don’t want to answer, I’ll move on.

    On Native American Health:

    Sen. Luján: What are you going to do when programs are eliminated to require the inclusion of Native Americans in clinical trials when it comes to life-saving medicine?

    Mr. Kennedy: I’m going to do everything I can to make sure there are Native American trials.

    Sen. Luján: Will you commit to finalizing the Congressionally mandated FDA guidance to increase clinical trial diversity?

    Mr. Kennedy: Yes.

    Sen. Luján: Will you commit to reinstating all of the pages that were eliminated and people that were fired from this administration that have this responsibility?

    Mr. Kennedy, in part: I cannot commit to that.

    On Autism Services:

    Sen. Luján: I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record and article from Autism Speaks titled “Do Vaccines Cause Autism” and I’ll note that the first sentence states “Vaccines do not cause autism.”

    Key Moments from the Nomination Hearing for Howard Lutnick to become Secretary of Commerce:

    Watch the exchange with Howard Lutnick here.

    Sen. Luján: If you’re asked to cut that program (broadband access) by the President of the United States, will you?

    Mr. Lutnick: I work for him.

    Sen. Luján: Is your response that if the president asks you to cut broadband infrastructure funding, you will do that? Is that what I just heard?

    Mr. Lutnick, in part: I work for the President of the United States, and I am here to executive his policies.

    Sen. Luján: We have a responsibility to communicate to each other for the people we work for. It’s not that you just work for Donald Trump sir, you work for the American people if you get this position.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Baldwin Questions Commerce Secretary Nominee if He Will Cut Funding for Wisconsin Tech Hubs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) questioned Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of the Department of Commerce (DOC), in the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on if he will cut funding for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. The questioning comes as the Trump Administration holds up federal funding approved by Congress and already awarded to states, local governments, and nonprofits. The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub was awarded a $49 million investment to grow the state’s personalized medicine and biohealth sector – advancing research and innovation, growing our economy and creating jobs, and boosting American competitiveness in a cutting-edge industry. 
    “Wisconsin has a rich history of innovation and making things, and our Tech Hub is going to carry that into the future, creating good paying jobs, growing our Made in Wisconsin economy, and revolutionizing health care as we know it. But, cutting funding for it puts it all at risk,” said Senator Baldwin. “Cutting this investment would put Wisconsin jobs on the line, hurt our economy, and put breakthroughs that could keep families healthy out of reach. I will keep fighting to get what Wisconsin is owed so we can continue to grow our economy and keep families healthy.”
    On Monday night, the Trump Administration ordered a freeze on federal grants and loans. While the Administration continues to send mixed signals about the future of this order, which now faces challenges in court, Senator Baldwin asked Mr. Lutnick to confirm whether funding for Wisconsin’s Tech Hub would be impacted. Mr. Lutnick was not able to provide an answer.
    If the Committee approves his nomination to be DOC Secretary, Howard Lutnick will advance to a confirmation vote by the whole Senate.
    A full video of Senator Baldwin’s questions is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Proud to Confirm Zeldin as EPA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Lee Zeldin as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
    “Lee Zeldin served our country honorably in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Army, where he remains a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve. I’m grateful his service to our nation will continue as President Trump’s Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is in desperate need of reform after four years of radical climate policies that almost always came at the expense of American workers, farmers and job creators. Lee Zeldin understands the urgency of returning the agency to its core mission of clean air and clean water – without crippling our economy. I’m confident he will lead the EPA in a more balanced direction with commonsense environmental policies that are sustainable over the long-term.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell to Serve as Chair of Senate Agriculture Subcommittee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that he will Chair the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research in the 119th Congress. The subcommittee is one of five under the authority of the Senate Agriculture Committee and will allow the Senator to drive the narrative on federal agriculture research, specialty crop policy, and our nation’s nutrition assistance programs.
    “I’ve been proud to be a strong voice for Kentucky’s farmers my entire time in the Senate from the Agriculture Committee. I look forward to taking the helm of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, and Research in the 119th Congress. Research has long been essential to maintaining America’s competitive edge in agriculture, and I’m proud that Kentucky’s universities are leaders in agricultural research today. As I’ve said in the past, Congress has work to do to address the immediate concerns of American farmers, and that’s exactly what I intend to do from this new perch in the years ahead,” said Senator McConnell.
    “Kentucky’s agricultural industry has never been more vital than it is now to the economic well-being of our state – from nutritional and equine health to the vibrancy of our bourbon industry and the sustainability of forage-based enterprises that raise beef cattle, horses, sheep and goats,” said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto. “Sen. McConnell’s stalwart leadership in protecting and promoting agriculture over many decades and now as chair of this critical subcommittee overseeing research underscores the importance of agriculture to Kentucky and to our country. We look forward to working with him and supporting his efforts to ensure the long-term strength and competitiveness of the agricultural industry, so central to the commonwealth’s future.”
    During the 119th Congress, Senator McConnell also serves as Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Questions RFK Jr.’s Lack of Experience, Character During Confirmation Hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch highlights RFK Jr.’s lack of plans to fix broken health care system 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today raised concerns about the character and fitness of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), to lead HHS’ ten public health service agencies and three human services agencies. Senator Welch also expressed concern about the lack of concrete plans by the Trump Administration and Mr. Kennedy to lower health care costs for Vermont families. 
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health: 
    Read excerpts of Senator Welch’s questioning below: 
    “This is not just about a debate about vaccines. It’s a debate about the qualifications, experience, and priorities as to the person that will head Health and Human Services. And it’s not just about what your answers are today or what the questions are.” 
    “The question I fundamentally have is whether your willingness to disrupt and maybe break rules is going to be dangerous and destructive.”  
    “There’s incidents that do, I think, concern the question of whether the stability is there to be in charge of this major organization. That’s compounded by my concern that you don’t have any experience managing a large organization. That you don’t have any experience in government. So, those are things that have to be taken into account…” 
    ••• 
    “I’ve seen nothing coming out of the Trump Administration–and I’ve seen nothing coming out of your advocacy–that is going after what is a rampant abuse by the insurance companies and overcharging people and not doing the job. 
    “It’s a broken health care system. We spend the most and get the least. And I think there should be collective anger about on this by both sides. Because all of our people are dependent on that health care system.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Call on Secretary Rubio to Immediately Restore Refugee Resettlement Services

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Colleagues Call on Secretary Rubio to Immediately Restore Refugee Resettlement Services

    Letter Calls on State Department to Restart Program Providing Basic Services to Refugees, Including Afghan Allies Who Supported U.S. Troops
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately restore vital services for refugees already resettled in the United States. The letter comes after the State Department abruptly halted services for refugees last week, despite the fact that resettlement agencies are vital in helping refugees settle into their new homes and contribute to the U.S. economy and to their communities.
    “This unprecedented order threatens to deprive refugees already in the United States of the vital assistance known as Reception and Placement (R&P) services, which help them during their first three months in the United States as they rebuild their lives here,” wrote the lawmakers.
    “We also call on you to do everything in your power to swiftly resume refugee processing and admissions—and restore this life-saving humanitarian program that advances U.S. security, foreign policy work, and diplomatic interests,” continued the lawmakers.
    Since the start of Fiscal Year 2025, more than 32,000 refugees have arrived through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), thousands of whom remain eligible for R&P services. These refugees were forced to flee their home countries to escape war or persecution and were deemed eligible to resettle in the United States after undergoing thorough vetting. These services also provide temporary assistance to the approximately 10,000 Afghan nationals who are in the United States on Special Immigrant Visas (SIV), which they received after risking their lives to assist U.S. troops and U.S. government efforts in Afghanistan. These SIVs also remain eligible for such benefits.
    The stop work orders undermine legal obligations that the State Department has entered into through its contracts with U.S.-based and intergovernmental organizations, increasing newly arrived refugees’ vulnerability to homelessness and food insecurity at a time when they still have no lifeline for support. The R&P program covers basic needs like rent, food, and clothes in the first few months after arrival, providing core services for refugees who often resettle with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Suspending R&P services causes undue, unnecessary suffering and hardship, while breaking a promise the United States made to refugees and Afghan allies after approving them for resettlement in America.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Rubio:
    Congratulations on your confirmation and extraordinary new position.
    We write as the Ranking Members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees and Immigration Subcommittees.  We urge you to immediately revoke the stop work orders that the Department issued on January 24, 2025, to the 10 national resettlement agencies that provide services to refugees who were forced to flee their home countries in order to escape war or persecution and were deemed eligible to resettle in the United States after undergoing thorough vetting.  This unprecedented order threatens to deprive refugees already in the United States of the vital assistance known as Reception and Placement (R&P) services, which help them during their first three months in the United States as they rebuild their lives here.
    More than 32,000 refugees have arrived through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) to the United States since the start of FY 2025, thousands of whom remain eligible for R&P services.  This is on top of the approximately 10,000 Afghan nationals who are in the U.S. on Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), which they received after risking their lives to assist U.S. troops and U.S. government efforts in Afghanistan; these SIVs also remain eligible for such benefits.
    The stop work orders undermine legal obligations that the Department has entered into through its contracts with U.S.-based and intergovernmental organizations, increasing new arrivals’ vulnerability to homelessness and food insecurity at a time when they still have no lifeline for support.  The R&P program covers basic needs like rent, food, clothes, and furnishing in the first few months after arrival, providing core services for refugees who often resettle with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.  Barring R&P services, including Virtual R&P available to self-traveling SIVs, will cause undue and unnecessary suffering and hardship, breaking a promise we made to the refugees and SIVs when we approved them for resettlement in America.
    Furthermore, the stop work orders are purportedly being issued as part of the Administration’s 90-day moratorium on “foreign development assistance.”  But the R&P program is not “foreign development assistance” by any stretch of the imagination.  R&P dollars are spent on refugees in the United States, to facilitate their entry and assimilation into our country.  By accessing the minimal but critical support services offered through the R&P program, refugees build a foundation for a successful new life in America.
    These actions are particularly troubling given your previous support for the refugee program.  In August 2019, you joined a letter addressed to the Trump Administration in strong support of the refugee resettlement program. You also led the World Refugee Day Resolution in 2015. In support of the World Refugee Day Resolution, you stated: “Recent conflicts and persecution, especially religious persecution, have resulted in the largest number of displaced persons since World War II. The U.S. must continue to lead on this issue and work to ensure that refugees who flee war, torture and persecution are provided safe environments to live and thrive in.”
    These harmful stop work orders follow the President’s Executive Order on “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” suspending the USRAP and grinding refugee processing and admissions to a halt, effective January 27, 2025.  Beyond its powerful humanitarian logic, the U.S. resettlement program is a vital tool for advancing U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic interests.  The sudden suspension of activities related to the program 24 hours later, even before the Executive Order’s effective date, threatens global security and countless lives.
    During your confirmation hearing, you said: “Every dollar we spend, every program we fund and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?” Unequivocally, the U.S. resettlement program does all three.  Welcoming refugees and newcomers makes America safer and stronger.  The United States has welcomed refugees, including Albert Einstein, Madeleine Albright, Gloria Estefan, Sergey Brin, and Wyclef Jean, among many others, who enrich who we are as a nation.  A record number of community supporters have worked alongside resettlement agencies to welcome, sponsor, and support refugees and Afghan SIVs upon their arrival to the United States.  The federal government found that over a 15-year period, refugees and asylees contributed over $123 billion to the U.S. economy, including a $31.5 billion net benefit to the federal government. Our assistance to refugees strengthens America.
    Therefore, we urge you to reverse course by excluding or granting a waiver to the R&P program from the definition of “foreign development assistance,” as used in the President’s Executive Order on “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” revoking the stop work orders, and permitting a resumption in R&P services for all eligible populations, including refugees and certain SIVs.
    We also call on you to do everything in your power to swiftly resume refugee processing and admissions—and restore this life-saving humanitarian program that advances U.S. security, foreign policy work, and diplomatic interests.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Votes Against Advancing Attorney General Nominee Pam Bondi

    US Senate News:

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

    WATCH: Padilla criticizes Bondi’s ability to serve as an independent Attorney GeneralWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted against advancing the nomination of Pamela Jo Bondi to be U.S. Attorney General during a Senate Judiciary Committee (SJC) executive business meeting. In his remarks, Padilla voiced serious concerns over Bondi’s ability to run the Department of Justice independently from President Trump’s improper influence, especially given her support for Trump’s false claims of 2020 presidential election fraud. He criticized Bondi for her refusal to commit to defending birthright citizenship as clearly defined by the 14th Amendment after President Trump issued an unlawful Executive Order attempting to overturn the constitutional right.
    The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Bondi’s nomination on a party-line vote of 12-10.
    Key Quotes:
    Colleagues, after carefully evaluating Ms. Bondi’s record and after her testimony before this committee, I continue to have significant reservations about her ability to serve as an independent Attorney General who will put her duty to the Constitution and to the American people above her loyalty to President Trump. So for that reason, I’m unable to support Ms. Bondi’s nomination to serve as our nation’s chief law enforcement officer.
    I was particularly struck by the fact that despite practicing law for decades, two terms as Attorney General of the State of Florida, private practice experience, despite all that, Ms. Bondi claimed to be unfamiliar with the 14th Amendment and the citizenship clause within it? She and I discussed the very issue when we met one-on-one, it’s clearly been in the news, and when given the opportunity to discuss it during the hearing, here in public, she refused to answer. Even worse, offensively, either claimed that she needed to study or telling me that she was not going to be doing my homework. Colleagues, in that moment, I wasn’t asking her to do my homework. I was asking her if she did hers.
    The law is clear. The Constitution is clear. But what’s increasingly clear is that when push comes to shove, Pam Bondi is not the kind of person who will defend the Constitution, defend the 14th Amendment, or defend Americans when the President instructs otherwise.
    There were some glimmers of potential agreement in areas that I’d be hopeful to maybe agree and work together on. Things like tackling the threat and the dangers of human trafficking. Things like her positions on gun safety, building on some of the work in the state of Florida, where she served as Attorney General, that seemed to be commonsense ideas that can and should be spread across the country. But instead of focusing on those, Ms. Bondi kept coming back to her unwillingness to answer some key questions.
    I remain deeply concerned about Ms. Bondi’s willingness to go on national television and propagate lies about the results of a free and fair election despite a total lack of evidence. I raised this during the hearing, colleagues, as you recall, not because they were political talking points that she was pushing that I might have happened to disagree with, but they were outright lies that pose a real threat to our democracy, a threat to voters, and a threat to the election workers who dedicate themselves to administering our elections.
    Ms. Bondi will face far more daunting challenges as Attorney General to shield the department’s work and professional civil servants from politicization and weaponization, and we’ve seen what’s happened just in the last couple of days as evidence of what will continue to happen. It is not hypothetical. Look at the President’s activities this last week alone. Despite some of my colleagues’ assurances that he would refrain, President Trump has issued roughly 1,500 blanket pardons for January 6th insurrectionists and commuted the sentences of 14 of his supporters, including those convicted of violence against police officers.
    The American people need and deserve to have faith that the Department of Justice enforces the law fairly, neutrally, and free from political interference. We need and deserve an Attorney General who will push back against illegal, immoral, and unethical requests. And unfortunately, I don’t believe Ms. Bondi is up to the task.
    Bondi was one of the leading defense lawyers for President Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial. She traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the day after the general presidential election in 2020 to appear alongside Rudy Giuliani where she falsely asserted that Trump had won Pennsylvania despite there being at least 1 million outstanding ballots still left to count. She has continued to double down in her support of President Trump’s false claims of election fraud.
    Padilla pressed Bondi for refusing to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed principle of birthright citizenship and declining to disavow the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen during an SJC hearing earlier this month.
    Video of Senator Padilla’s remarks is available here.
    Footage of his remarks can be downloaded here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, Klobuchar Reintroduce Bill to Support Individuals Living with FASD

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    01.29.25
    Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) reintroduced the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Respect Act of 2025, legislation which reauthorizes programs and funding to aid individuals and families impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
    “We made significant progress on this bill in the 118th Congress, and we were close to getting this legislation across the finish line. That momentum has only motivated Senator Klobuchar and I to work even harder to reauthorize this critical bill,” said Senator Murkowski. “Preventing and mitigating the risks posed by FASD requires comprehensive education, support, and intervention programs. Ensuring communities have access to these resources has the potential to make a genuine difference in the lives of families across Alaska.”
    “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders affects at least one in 20 people in the U.S., and too many lack access to diagnosis, treatment, and support services,” Senator Klobuchar said. “Our bill will renew federal resources for programs that support evidence-based services for families that need access care and help put impacted children on the best path forward towards a successful future.”
    “I first became aware of FASD over 2 ½ decades ago while serving as Minnesota’s First Lady and a Juvenile Court judicial officer,” said Susan Shepard Carlson, FASD United Board Chair.  Many youths from families with long substance use histories were failing and not responding to traditional interventions. It became clear then and is still true today that our systems of care are failing this population by not recognizing and/or understanding their FASD complex needs. As a country, we can and should do so much better for those with an FASD and their families. The FASD Respect Act will bring much-needed focus and resources to systemically address this huge societal problem. The FASD community thanks the Senate sponsors for leading the charge to enact this much-needed bipartisan FASD legislation.”
    “Thanks to the determined efforts of Senators Murkowski and Klobuchar we have a bill that balances ongoing research and public health with vital, overdue direct assistance benefiting children and adults living with FASD. A bill that all lawmakers can support and one that respects and ranks first the needs of a grateful and deserving FASD community,” said Tom Donaldson, CEO of FASD United.
    The FASD Respect Act of 2025:
    Reauthorizes federal FASD programs by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish or continue a comprehensive FASD prevention, identification, intervention, and services delivery program which may include:
    Educational and public awareness programs for professionals in systems of care
    Developing and expanding screening and diagnostic capacity for FASD
    Research on FASD as appropriate
    Building State and Tribal capacity for the identification, treatment, and support of individuals with FASD and their families
    Establishes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Centers for Excellence to build local, Tribal, State, and national capacities to prevent the occurrence of FASD and other related adverse conditions, and to respond to the needs of individuals with FASD and their families. These Centers may:
    Develop and support public awareness and outreach activities
    Act as a clearinghouse for evidence-based resources on FASD prevention, identification, and culturally aware best practices
    Disseminate ongoing research and developing resources on FASD to help inform systems of care for individuals with FASD across their lifespan.
    Increase awareness and understanding of evidence-based FASD screening tools and culturally- and linguistically appropriate evidence-based intervention services and best practices across systems of care
    Improve capacity for State, Tribal, and local affiliates dedicated to FASD awareness, prevention, and identification and family and individual support programs and services (technical assistance provided by FASD Center of Excellence).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Supports President Trump’s Action to End Woke Curriculum in Classrooms, Expand School Choice

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – During National School Choice Week, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) issued a statement in support of President Donald Trump’s latest executive orders prohibiting federal funds from going to any K-12 school that teaches critical race theory (CRT) or radical gender ideology and expanding school choice for students:
    “I fully support President Trump’s decision to prohibit federal funds from going to any K-12 school that teaches woke, anti-American ideologies. For four years, I have sounded the alarm about the Biden administration’s attempts to make our schools ground zero for Marxist, hateful indoctrination. Despite the fact that we spend the most money per student in the world, our education system has failed our kids. We need to be focused on helping kids learn to read, write, and do math—not on brainwashing them.
    I am also grateful for President Trump’s action to increase access to school choice. As a former coach and educator, I know how important it is to make sure every child gets the best possible education, regardless of their zip code. Every child’s educational journey looks different—and we have had tremendous success with magnet, charter, and technical schools in Alabama. This decision from President Trump comes during National School Choice Week and reaffirms the President’s commitment to empowering parents, not the government, to determine a child’s educational future. I’m grateful for President Trump’s leadership and unwavering commitment to helping every child succeed.”
    Sen. Tuberville also joined his colleagues Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) today to introduce the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), bicameral legislation to expand education freedom and opportunity for students. Specifically, it provides a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education. U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S House of Representatives. 
    BACKGROUND:
    As a former coach, mentor, and educator for more than 40 years, Senator Tuberville is committed to ensuring each child is given the tools to lead a successful life. During his time in the Senate, he has been proud to represent Alabama on the Senator Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee where he has been a tireless advocate for ending woke ideology in schools and boosting school choice programs.
    ENDING WOKENESS IN SCHOOLS
    Sen. Tuberville joined his colleagues in asking the U.S. Department of Education under President Biden to withdraw its plans to skew U.S. History and Civics towards an anti-American agenda.
    Sen. Tuberville reintroduced the Saving American History Act, legislation to prohibit the use of federal funds to teach the 1619 Project by K-12 schools or school districts. Under the bill, schools that teach the 1619 Project would also be ineligible for federal professional-development grants.
    Sen. Tuberville has repeatedly raised concerns about the Chinese Communist Party’s influence on American education. The CCP has made it clear their plan of action is to infiltrate the American education system and indoctrinate students. 
    Sen. Tuberville cosponsored the Safeguarding American Education from Foreign Control Act. This bill would tighten the enforcement of rules surrounding foreign donations to higher education institutions and their contracts with foreign entities. 
    He specifically urged Troy University in Alabama to close its CCP-backed Confucius Institute, and hopes other universities will follow their lead. 
    INCREASING ACCESS TO SCHOOL CHOICE
    Sen. Tuberville joined his colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Education to reconsider proposed rules to redefine the Charter School Program (CSP) and strip parents of their ability to choose the best school for their child. 
    Sen. Tuberville advocated for school choice on the floor of the U.S. Senate and helped introduce a resolution for National School Choice Week. 
    Last year, Sen. Tuberville hosted a roundtable discussion during National School Choice Week with parents, students, teachers, and administrators about making sure that parents, not the federal government, are in charge of their kids’ education.
    Sen. Tuberville visited the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) in Huntsville. ASCTE is America’s only high school primarily focused on the integration of cyber and engineering into all academic areas. This unique public school is equipping kids with the skills needed to enter the workforce and achieve the American dream. 
    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 Praises Alabama Students, Teachers for Leading the Nation in Math Education Improvement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    Alabama was only state with improvements in post-COVID math scores
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Alabama’s voice on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), issued the following statement celebrating Alabama being the only state with improvements in post-COVID math scores among fourth graders:
    “Our children have suffered emotionally and cognitively because of Democrat lockdowns during the COVID pandemic. In many states, students were unnecessarily forced out of the classrooms to learn at home, where many of them didn’t have access to adequate technology and resources. While schools across the nation are still struggling to overcome this setback, Alabama is leading the way in math progress among fourth graders. This is a testament to Alabama’s dedicated educators who were unwavering in their dedication to equipping our students with the tools to succeed. I couldn’t be more proud of Alabama’s progress, and know that we will continue to lead the way in setting the gold standard for education.”
    The statement follows a disturbing report from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) that shows students have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels of achievement, and in some cases have declined further. Alabama was the ONLY state that did not see a decline in post-COVID math scores among fourth graders.
    Senator Tuberville has been a strong advocate for returning students to the classroom, and continues to be a leader in the fight for school choice. 
    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 Security: Mescalero Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a teen 20 years his junior.

    According to court documents, Thomas Lee Chaffins, 35, an enrolled member of Mescalero Apache Tribe, admitted to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on September 27, 2024, in Otero County, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.

    Chaffins will remain detained pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Chaffins faces up to 15 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Alyson Hehr are prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: President Trump Signs the Laken Riley Act into Law

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, President Trump signed his first piece of legislation into law, the Laken Riley Act. This law mandates the federal detention of illegal immigrants who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and any crime that causes death or serious bodily injury.  

    A statement from Secretary Noem on the signing of the bill is below:  

    “Thank you, President Trump, for signing the Laken Riley Act. This law restores commonsense to our broken immigration system. Under President Trump, violent criminals and vicious gang members will no longer be released into American communities.” 

    The Laken Riley Act is named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed by a Venezuelan alien who was previously arrested and paroled into the U.S. under the previous administration.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: DRC: MSF appeals for humanitarian access in Goma as casualties seek medical care.

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    30 January, 2025: Goma/Kinshasa- An influx of wounded people is arriving at Kyeshero hospital in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams in the hospital are treating people through the armed clashes and insecurity that have hit the city in recent days. We have been affected by several incidents since the beginning of the week, some of which have limited our ability to provide people with the medical care they need. We are now preparing to send new teams to Goma and need guaranteed humanitarian access from the involved parties.

    Fighting between M23, the Congolese army, and their respective allies reached Goma’s city centre earlier this week, causing panic and impacting residents. Goma, the capital city of North Kivu province, has been cut off from the rest of the world for several days, and victims of the fighting are arriving at medical facilities whenever they can.

    Humanitarian and medical facilities have not been spared during the violence.

    “At Kyeshero hospital, a bullet pierced the roof of the operating theatre during an operation,” says Virginie Napolitano, MSF’s emergency coordinator in North Kivu, speaking from Goma. “Some of our stock of equipment and medicines has been looted, jeopardising our medical assistance inside and outside Goma. Armed looting has also affected our colleagues in Goma. One of them was wounded by gunshot in his home during an attack. Other organisations and medical facilities have also come under fire. This is totally unacceptable.”

    Despite the situation, an MSF team continues to provide care for wounded patients at Kyeshero hospital, in support of Ndosho hospital, where the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is receiving an even greater influx of wounded.

    Since Thursday, 142 wounded patients have been treated at Kyeshero. On Tuesday alone, MSF received 37 injured people, half of them civilians and the majority of whom are women. Most of the injuries were caused by shrapnel, while other patients suffered gunshot wounds.

    Since Friday, people have had to cope with continuous water and electricity cuts. The supply of meals that MSF provides to patients and their families is in jeopardy, as insecurity, the risk of looting, and the closure of roads are preventing us from replenishing food stocks, which only last two to three days.

    The worsening insecurity and intense fighting have forced MSF to temporarily reduce the number of active teams in Goma and in the camps for internally displaced people on the outskirts of the city. Meanwhile, medical and humanitarian needs in and around Goma will only grow. In recent weeks, tens of thousands of people have joined the 650,000 people who had already been living in camps around Goma for more than two years. Fighting has also reached areas around camps, sending people fleeing once again.

    “The impact of this fighting on the civilian population is enormous. In addition to the wounded and dead, we are receiving devastating reports from internally displaced people camps where our teams can no longer go,” says Stephan Goetghebuer, MSF’s head of programmes in North Kivu. “In the Kanyaruchinya displaced people’s site, the health centre we support continues to operate, but the team has seen two children die this week because they could not be transferred to any hospital.”

    MSF is preparing to send teams back into Goma to assess what response can be provided, and how best we could scale up, following the looting of the past few days. We would like to replenish our stocks and scale up emergency care as soon as possible. One possible way to move new teams and equipment into Goma would be through the Great Barrier, which separates DRC from Rwanda. This requires facilitation and guarantees from the involved parties.

    As the situation continues to deteriorate, MSF urges the warring parties to do more to protect civilians. They must also respect the most basic rules of international humanitarian law and guarantee humanitarian access, so that essential medical assistance can be provided to people.

    MSF teams are still present in other conflict-affected areas of both North and South Kivu provinces.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  
     

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven to Serve as Chairman of Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    01.29.25
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that he will again serve as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee. Hoeven has served as the lead Republican on the committee since 2017, having previously fulfilled the role of chairman in the 115th and 116th Congresses.
    “The hard work of our farmers and ranchers provides a solid foundation for North Dakota’s economy, while ensuring Americans continue to benefit from the lowest-cost, highest-quality food supply in the world,” said Hoeven. “My role on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee has been a tremendous opportunity to address the needs of our producers, agri-businesses and rural communities. I look forward to serving as chairman once again, where I will continue working to provide the tools and resources needed to support a strong ag economy, while advancing new innovations and market access to give our producers a competitive edge in the global economy.”
              As chairman, Hoeven will continue his efforts to advance critical priorities for farmers, ranchers and rural America through annual funding legislation. This includes:
    Advancing implementation of the $33.5 billion in disaster assistance that he worked to secure for producers in the year-end legislation.
    Securing strong support for agriculture research, including:
    The precision agriculture work being undertaken by Grand Farm, North Dakota State University (NDSU) and their partners.
    The agriculture policy research center the senator is working to stand up at NDSU.

    Ensuring access to credit for producers to better enable them to manage their operations, cover their costs and weather challenges.
    Improving access to foreign markets for producers and agri-businesses.
    Supporting greater transparency and competition in cattle markets, including through his Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program.
    Providing regulatory relief to reduce costs for producers and making sure programs are voluntary and farmer-friendly.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Signs the Laken Riley Act into Law

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Trump Signs the Laken Riley Act into Law

    A statement from Secretary Noem on the signing of the bill is below:  

    “Thank you, President Trump, for signing the Laken Riley Act. This law restores commonsense to our broken immigration system. Under President Trump, violent criminals and vicious gang members will no longer be released into American communities.” 

    The Laken Riley Act is named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed by a Venezuelan alien who was previously arrested and paroled into the U.S. under the previous administration.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Cowsert Column: Week Two Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens)

    The second week of the legislative session is commonly referred to as “Budget Week” at the State Capitol. The budget process begins with Gov. Brian Kemp presenting a proposed budget for consideration by the General Assembly. This year’s budget proposal is presented in a printed report of 390 pages, which is just the increases to the 2025 budget. Various agencies present budget requests during joint Senate and House Appropriations Committee meetings. The House then passes an appropriations bill setting forth governmental spending for the upcoming year. Finally, the Senate makes its changes and the differences are worked out by a joint conference committee and the final version is sent to the Governor for his signature. The General Assembly’s most important endeavor is passing a balanced, commonsense budget, addressing the needs of Georgia citizens each year. In fact, the only bill which the General Assembly is required to pass each year is the annual appropriations bill.

    Over the past 15 years, Georgia’s state budget has experienced steady growth, reflecting the state’s expanding economy and increasing demands for public services. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, Georgia’s budget was approximately $17.4 billion during the heart of the Great Recession. Fast forward to FY 2026, and that figure has more than doubled to $37.71 billion. In addition, approximately $22.46 billion in federal funds are included in Georgia’s 2026 budget.

    Without going into extensive detail, the Governor proposes spending 20.33 billion (53.9%) on education, 8.76 billion (23.2%) on healthcare, 3.05 billion (8.1%) on public safety and 2.78 billion (7.4%) on transportation. This leaves only $2.79 billion (7.4%) for all other areas of government spending.

    A key factor in Georgia’s economic stability is our unwavering commitment to maintaining a balanced budget. Unlike the federal government, which has spent both recklessly and unapologetically, Georgia is constitutionally required to balance its budget every year. This requirement ensures that the state lives within its means, preventing excessive debt accumulation and promoting long-term financial health for all citizens. Maintaining a balanced budget encourages responsible spending, requiring lawmakers to prioritize essential services and eliminate wasteful expenditures. It also enhances Georgia’s credit rating, allowing us to finance large-scale projects at lower interest rates, saving taxpayers money in the long run. Perhaps most importantly, a balanced budget fosters public confidence in our state’s financial management, reinforcing Georgia’s reputation as a great place to live, work and raise a family. By adhering to a balanced budget and prioritizing critical investments, we continue to build a prosperous future for all Georgians.

    Thanks to our responsible fiscal management, Georgia has built a robust Revenue Shortfall Reserve (RSR), commonly known as the “rainy day fund.” The reserve was depleted to less than $50 million during the great recession, however, By FY 2023, the reserve had reached its statutory cap of 15% of the prior year’s revenue, totaling $5.4 billion. This financial cushion allows the state to weather economic downturns without resorting to drastic spending cuts or tax increases, ensuring continuity in essential public services. In addition, Georgia has over $11 billion in additional undesignated reserves over and above the funds held in the rainy day fund. There is really no authority for the State to accumulate taxpayer funds above the amounts needed to fund basic state needs. Fortunately, Gov. Kemp and the legislature have refunded at least $1 billion per year to taxpayers and significantly reduced taxes in response to our financial good fortune.

    It’s important to highlight the stark contrast in spending at the federal level due to the Biden administration’s recent mismanagement of funds. Unfortunately, both political parties are guilty of irresponsible budgeting at the federal level. In fact, the last time that the federal budget was balanced was in the early 1990s when Bill Clinton was President and John Kasich was Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the United States House. As of 2024, our national debt exceeded $35 trillion, with annual budget deficits contributing over $1 trillion annually to this growing burden. Persistent federal deficits pose risks such as higher interest rates, reduced national savings and potential economic uncertainty for future generations. These misguided spending practices have led our country down a dangerous path. Calls are growing for a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to pass a balanced budget just like Georgia and almost all other states must do.

    It is a privilege and an honor to serve the people of the 46th Senate District. As always, don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon.

    # # # #

    Sen. Bill Cowsert serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. He represents the 46th Senate District which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Oconee and Walton Counties. He may be reached at (404) 463-1366 or via email at bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: North American Construction Group Ltd. Announces Early Redemption of 5.5% Debentures Due June 30, 2028

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ACHESON, Alberta, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG” or “the Company”) (TSX:NOA/NYSE:NOA) announced today that it has delivered notice to the holders of the Company’s outstanding 5.5% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures due June 30, 2028 (the “Debentures”) that pursuant to Section 4.3 of the trust indenture governing the Debentures dated June 1, 2021 (the “Trust Indenture”), the Company will, effective February 28, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”), redeem all issued and outstanding Debentures, plus accrued interest thereon.

    In accordance with the Trust Indenture, holders of these Debentures may convert the outstanding Debentures into common shares of the Company at a price of $24.23 per share, which is at a discount to the closing price of NACG’s common shares of $28.45 per share on January 29, 2025, the date of this press release.

    The Company encourages individual holders of Debentures (“Debentureholders”) to review redemption instructions from their financial institution to ensure a request for conversion is submitted in advance of the cutoff time set by the Debentureholder’s financial institution. This can be several days in advance of the Redemption Date and is not controlled by the Company.

    As of the date hereof, there was $74,106,000 ($1,000 per Debenture) aggregate principal amount of Debentures issued and outstanding. Accordingly, on the Redemption Date, subject to compliance with the Trust Indenture, the holder of each Debenture (unless converted prior to the Redemption Date in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture) will receive a total payment of $1,008.86111 (the “Redemption Price”), comprised of a principal repayment of $1,000.00 and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon from the interest payment date of December 31, 2024 of $8.86111 until the Redemption Date. All interest on the Debentures shall cease from and after the Redemption Date.

    The Company intends to pay the Redemption Price in cash. Subject to regulatory approval, the Company intends to have the Debentures de-listed from the Toronto Stock Exchange following their redemption.

    About the Company

    NACG is one of Canada and Australia’s largest providers of heavy construction and mining services. For more than 70 years, NACG has provided services to the mining, resource, and infrastructure construction markets. For more information about North American Construction Group Ltd., visit www.nacg.ca.

    For further information contact:
    Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    North American Construction Group Ltd.
    (780) 948-2009
    jveenstra@nacg.ca
    www.nacg.ca

    Forward-Looking Information

    The information provided in this release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “will”, “intends”, “may”, “could” or similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the redemption of the Debentures, the issuance of Common Shares as payment of the Redemption Price, the payment of cash in respect of interest and fractional shares and the anticipated de-listing of the Debentures. These forward-looking statements are being made by NACG based on certain assumptions that NACG has made in respect thereof as at the date of this news release, regarding, among other things that all required regulatory approvals will be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; and that NACG will, on the Redemption Date, meet all of the required terms and conditions of the Debentures (including those set forth in the applicable debenture indentures) in order to effect the redemption on the terms currently contemplated (which includes assumptions respecting trading prices of the Common Shares). These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the risk that regulatory approvals will not be obtained in the timelines or on the terms required thereby delaying the redemption or causing it to not occur at all; the risk that NACG will not be able to meet the requirements for redemption on the Redemption Date, including with respect to the price of its Common Shares, which ability may be impacted by a number of risk factors. The material factors or assumptions used to develop the above forward-looking statements and the risks and uncertainties to which such forward-looking statements are subject are highlighted in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2023 and quarter ending September 30, 2024. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements because of any number of factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond NACG’s control. For more complete information about NACG, please read our disclosure documents filed with the SEC and the CSA. These free documents can be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or on the CSA website at www.sedarplus.com.

    The MIL Network –