NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Ratcliffe for CIA Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm John Ratcliffe to serve as Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director. Ratcliffe was confirmed by a vote of 74 to 25.

    “John Ratcliffe is a strong choice by President Trump to serve as CIA Director. The men and women of the CIA have some of the most difficult, most impactful jobs in our government. They need a leader to provide a steady hand as they carry out the dangerous work that keeps Americans safe. I have confidence that Mr. Ratcliffe will bring his valuable experience as Director of National Intelligence to this role, empowering our CIA to excel in its operations while trimming any bureaucratic hurdles that detract from its core missions. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with him to provide the CIA with the resources it needs to protect the American people,” Senator Capito said.

    Senator Capito previously met with Ratcliffe in December of 2024 to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead the agency.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Votes Yes on Zeldin to be EPA Administrator, Nomination Passes EPW Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, click here or the image above.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today voted to advance the nomination of Lee Zeldin to be the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Zeldin’s nomination was favorably reported by the EPW Committee with a bipartisan vote of 11-8, and now heads to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.

    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.

    “Last week we heard from Congressman Zeldin on his plans for the Agency and his views on the EPA’s role in protecting public health and the environment, and how the Agency’s actions intersect with our economy.

    “Congressman Zeldin, I think, was an excellent witness. He described his intent to take a collaborative approach both as Administrator, and demonstrated also through his work with Congress, and this Committee, and all its members to address the pressing issues of environmental needs that our nation faces in this moment.

    “In particular, I deeply appreciated Congressman Zeldin’s efforts to meet with all members of the Committee prior to his hearing and his commitment to work with all of us to address the issues we have raised that impact our constituents, states, and our country.

    “If he said it once, he said it probably a dozen times that transparency is going to be one of the hallmarks of his service.

    “I believe he is well qualified for the position of Administrator and will be an excellent addition to the President’s Cabinet.

    “His past experience as the Congressman representing New York’s 1st Congressional District gives him a unique understanding of how Congress makes laws, oversees the Executive Branch, and what is expected when it gives a mandate to federal agencies. 

    “As a Representative from a northeastern state and a district with a diverse set of political views, he understands what it means to build consensus to achieve durable results.

    “He also has the necessary experience and integrity as a veteran of the war of terrorism, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army reserve, an attorney, and a former Congressman to implement the President’s agenda at the Agency pursuant to congressionally provided authority. 

    “Finally, I was very pleased during his testimony to see how he intends to run the Agency in line with the laws that Congress has passed, with the goal of prioritizing EPA’s actions on the core responsibilities of the Agency that are essential to protecting health and our land, air, and water.

    “As we have seen over the past 25 years, the policies of the EPA can have a significant impact on not just the environment, but our economy.

    “The EPA should support policies and set rules that improve the environment while allowing innovators to grow the economy and protecting the pocketbook of American families. I believe that’s a win-win.

    “Unfortunately, too often the EPA has strayed from its mission, instead smothered small businesses and communities, I can speak from experience – my state of West Virginia, with red tape and forced higher costs on our constituents, a lose-lose. 

    “My home state of West Virginia, as I stated, has felt the negative impacts of EPA’s regulatory overreach in [recent] years, devastating portions of the State’s economy and putting my constituents out of work.

    “Congressman Zeldin has shown that he understands the importance of striking the right balance to improve the lives of Americans across the country and to protect the environment, while also uplifting communities and cities across the nation.

    “I urge our colleagues to support Congressman Zeldin’s nomination so we can get the EPA back to the basics of improving the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land that we use.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Europe gravitates to greater self-reliance as Trump begins new term

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Dec. 18, 2024 shows a view of the Voelklingen Ironworks in Saarland, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s first days in the White House have sent ripples of unease through Europe. Accusing the EU of unfair treatment, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs to address trade imbalances.

    In response, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Paris on Wednesday, describing Trump as “a challenge” for Europe while stressing Europe’s strength and unity.

    Trump’s policies are poised to affect not just U.S.-Europe trade relations but also Europe’s territorial integrity, defense priorities and economic outlook.

    “President Trump’s initial statements and executive orders put transatlantic relations under pressure, not only because of their unpredictability, but also because raw power seems to be more important than legality and international cooperation,” said Philippe Monnier, former executive director of the Greater Geneva Berne Area’s Economic Development Agency.

    Bleak economic outlook

    The specter of U.S. tariffs on EU imports threatens to send shockwaves through the European economy. Although many EU countries have taken lessons from Trump’s first term and braced themselves for such scenarios, the potential impact remains significant.

    Yannis Stournaras, governor of the Bank of Greece, warned that the projected eurozone economic growth of 1.1 percent in 2025 could decline by 0.5 percentage point within two years if the United States imposes 10-percent tariffs.

    The effects are expected to be more pronounced in European economies with substantial exports to the United States. Export-oriented countries like Germany are likely to bear the brunt first.

    Germany’s exports to America could decline by 10-15 percent in the long term, potentially reducing its GDP by 0.3 percent, said Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. “It might not sound like much, but we’ve barely had any growth beyond that level recently.”

    “Trump isn’t concerned with the interests of the Old Continent. He just wants to squeeze more money out of Europeans,” Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Austrian newspaper Der Standard.

    Italy, a close U.S. ally notwithstanding, is also expected to face challenges. With its significant trade surplus with the United States and relatively low defense spending, Italy is likely to be targeted by Trump’s tariff policies, according to the Italian Institute for International Political Studies.

    Speaking at the Handelsblatt Energy Summit in Berlin on Tuesday, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that while Germany should engage with the new government under Trump with “an outstretched hand… We should not crawl in submission.”

    He warned that Germany is ready with countermeasures should tariffs be imposed. “We do not need to be pushed around.”

    Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU’s economy commissioner, also affirmed the EU’s readiness to respond in “a proportionate way” to any U.S. actions.

    Monnier cautioned that strained transatlantic ties could escalate further.

    Pushback in Europe

    On top of trade, Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) has deepened rifts with his European counterparts, who remain strong advocates of climate action and global health initiatives.

    Addressing the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The world is not at a single inflection point; it is at multi-inflection points.” She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and urged countries to “deepen global collaboration more than ever before.”

    In an interview on Tuesday with Bel RTL, a local media outlet, Belgian Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin voiced concerns over Trump’s isolationist tendencies, viewing them as a culmination of a longstanding trend of U.S. unilateralism.

    Critics argue that Trump’s withdrawals allow the United States to evade its financial responsibilities toward global climate protection and public health initiatives.

    “This is certainly not a good sign for international climate protection” if the United States is not included, climate researcher Niklas Hoehne from the NewClimate Institute told Germany’s dpa news agency, saying such moves made global climate achievements “more difficult.”

    An analysis by Climate Action Tracker, a Berlin-based non-profit climate science and policy institute, estimates that the U.S. withdrawal alone could add 0.04 degree Celsius to global warming by the end of the century.

    Europe’s sense of urgency

    Trump’s “America First” agenda has galvanized European leaders to advocate for greater autonomy from Washington.

    In the realm of defense, Macron has called for a reevaluation of Europe’s defense spending. He said on Monday that Europe’s military budgets of billions of euros should not be directed toward purchasing American weapons.

    A report on Europe’s future competitiveness authored by Mario Draghi, former Italian prime minister and former European Central Bank president, revealed that between June 2022 and June 2023, nearly two-thirds of the EU’s defense spending was directed to U.S. companies.

    During a joint press conference with Scholz on Wednesday, Macron stressed the need for Europeans “to play their full part in consolidating a united, strong and sovereign Europe.” France and Germany should ensure that Europe is capable of defending its interests while maintaining transatlantic ties, he said.

    The recent revelation of Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has further alarmed European nations.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has warned of the resurgence of “might makes right” policies, calling on Europe to bolster its strength. Speaking to France Inter radio recently, Barrot noted that Greenland is a “territory of the European Union and of Europe.”

    “It is undoubtedly no way that the European Union would let other nations of the world, whoever they are, attack its sovereign borders,” he said.

    Schularick, the Kiel Institute president, said: “What is certain is that Trump is more interested in deals than in a rules-based global economy. The era of faster globalization, lower tariffs and dispute resolution within the framework of the World Trade Organization is now temporarily over.”

    “Europeans cannot remain passive at the risk of disappearing tomorrow,” Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally party and member of the European Parliament, said at the European Parliament on Tuesday.

    With Trump’s comeback, Europe faces a critical juncture — whether to remain tethered to Washington or chart its own course in the face of renewed challenges.

    “The EU needs to make changes, and this is a good opportunity to get rid of its dependence on Washington and implement its own independent policies by cooperating with other countries in Asia, South America and Africa,” said Croatian political analyst Robert Frank.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Privatisation and asset sales puts profits ahead of people’s needs – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Privatising public services like health that we all rely on will move the focus from delivering for people in need to cutting costs to boost profits of companies.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi strongly opposes increased delivery by private providers of public services like health and education, and asset sales as mooted today by ACT leader David Seymour.
    Acting PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says the ACT proposals would take money from public services and funnel it towards private providers. This defunding of public services would see the interests of private companies and a limited number of shareholders prioritised over the common good in the provision of vital services.
    “Privatisation will inevitably mean syphoning money off from providing services for all to pay profits to private corporations, says Fitzsimons.
    “This will result in only those who can pay being able to access adequate health care and other vital services.
    “Just look at the health system in the USA where the private sector dominates and sick people without health insurance are left at hospital doors. We don’t want that here.
    “Assets sales have been tried and failed in New Zealand. The only winners are private companies.
    “Public services and assets belong to all of us and are there to deliver for people not shareholders.
    “Privatisation will also mean that the workers who deliver quality public, health and community services will see their livelihoods threatened by redundancies and reduced pay and conditions,” Fitzsimons says.
    “The coalition Government’s savage attacks on, and funding cuts to public, health and community services, are clearly aimed at destroying trust in these services as a step towards privatisation.
    “The PSA calls on Prime Minister Luxon to rule out privatising public services now and in the future,” Fitzsimons says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Celebrates Trump’s Historic Digital Asset Executive Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    January 23, 2025

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s historic digital asset executive order.
    “President Trump has promised to make this administration the most pro-digital asset in U.S. history, and within these first days, he is already fulfilling that promise with this executive order,” said Lummis. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will be the global leader in financial innovation and digital asset advancement. I look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues to pass bipartisan bitcoin and digital asset legislation in the coming months, and ensuring regulatory overreach like SAB 121, Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and lawsuits against digital asset companies are resolved.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 01.23.2025 Sen. Cruz Introduces MEDAL Act to Decrease Financial Burden on Medal of Honor Recipients

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced the Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act. The legislation increases the monthly pension for living Medal of Honor recipients to $100,000 annually. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration bestowed by the United States. There are only 61 living Medal of Honor recipients.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Our Medal of Honor recipients are heroes who embody the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness. They continue to serve our nation by sharing their stories, inspiring generations, and encouraging the next wave of America’s heroes. Yet, they often lack the resources for these activities. The MEDAL Act addresses those shortfalls. Congress should act swiftly to advance and pass this badly needed fix.”
    Sen. Cruz was joined by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in introducing the legislation.
    Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22) and Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-01) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Read the MEDAL Act here.
    BACKGROUND
    Medal of Honor recipients are often neither formerly nor medically retired from the United States Military, and cannot be compensated for the financial burdens of public engagements. In these engagements, they share stories of their heroism, which directly and significantly influence military recruiting and retention, as well as more broadly enhancing American life and public memory. Increasing the monthly pensions for living Medal of Honor recipients is essential to reducing the financial burden on their families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Shaheen Raises National Security Concerns with Nomination of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense, Announces She Will Vote Against His Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), took to the Senate floor to outline her concerns for our national security ahead of the possible confirmation of Pete Hegseth as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense. Specifically, Shaheen addressed Hegseth’s inconsistencies on various foreign policy issues, including respect for the norms of armed conflict, support for our alliances like NATO and Putin’s war on Ukraine. At the conclusion of her remarks, Senator Shaheen announced she will vote against the Secretary of Defense nominee—the first time she’s done so since joining the U.S. Senate. You can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.

    Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:

    • “The almost three million men and women who serve our nation in uniform deserve a Secretary of Defense who will not needlessly throw them in harm’s way or seek to divide them with partisan politics.”
    • “Just as America’s national security interests are not to be trifled with, neither is our commitment to defending democracy and the international world order. And any inconsistency in our commitment to support our allies and partners, to support democracy around the world, to support the international world order is going to be seen and exploited by our adversaries.”
    • “And again, I think it’s very important that we stand by our ally Ukraine, because of the message it sends not just to the Russians and Vladimir Putin, but because of the message it sends to Xi in China, to the Iranians, to the North Koreans, to anyone who is an adversary of the United States. If they think we’re going to walk away from our allies, they’re going to do everything they can to divide us.”
    • “He [Mr. Hegseth] has a documented history of supporting individuals who have violated military and international law by committing war crimes […] I don’t think we can afford to entrust the safety and success of our men and women in uniform to a man who would himself disregard the laws of armed conflict and leave American credibility and moral authority in tatters on the world stage.”  
    • “I am very concerned that Mr. Hegseth lacks the consistency and the moral clarity to lead the most combat-credible military in the world […] Our men and women in uniform deserve better. And therefore, the first time since I was elected to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate, I plan to vote against this nominee for Secretary of Defense.”   

    Remarks as delivered can be found below:

    Mr. President, I come to the floor today to address some of my concerns about the qualifications of the President’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense, Mr. Pete Hegseth. 

    Like many of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, I left Mr. Hegseth’s hearing last week with a number of unanswered questions and some real concerns about his qualifications and abilities to serve in the role of Secretary of Defense. 

    Now, every single nominee for Secretary of Defense—from both Democrat and Republican administrations—have met with me and other members from both sides of the aisle on the committee before their confirmation hearings.  

    And I voted for every one of those nominees from both Democrat and Republican administrations: Secretaries Panetta, Hagel, Carter, Mattis, Esper and Austin.  

    I didn’t always agree with their views or their policies, but I felt that they had the qualifications and the temperament to be Secretary of Defense, so I supported their confirmations. 

    But Mr. Hegseth chose not to meet with me or any other Senate Democrats, except the Ranking Member, Jack Reed. And he broke with strong, longstanding tradition to ensure that our work on national security remains free from partisanship.

    And I think that’s the important point: we are stronger as Senators, as Congress, as a nation if we are acting together.

    The Committee unfortunately was not afforded the opportunity to ask a number of rounds of questions, and so there were a number of questions about his views, particularly regarding foreign policy and military policy that we did not get an answer to.

    I’ve become the Ranking Member on the Foreign Relations Committee, and so I’m very concerned about the role of the United States in the world.

    I think the American people expect transparency regarding Mr. Hegseth’s ability to stand by our allies and partners, to uphold international agreements, to abide by rules of engagement and the bottom line—support the men and women in the military in a way that not only keeps us safe, but protects them as well.

    The almost three million men and women who serve our nation in uniform deserve a Secretary of Defense who will not needlessly throw them in harm’s way or seek to divide them with partisan politics. 

    So, I’d like to address a few issues now that we were not able to get to at the hearing, because we were not able to ask more than one round of questions. And I want to start with the role alliances and that our allies and partners play in our own national security.

    I believe – and we’ve seen it many times since the start of this nation – that we are stronger and safer when we lead together with our allies. 

    And we’re fortunate, because we have strong allies and partners. We don’t see that coming from Vladimir Putin, from Xi in China, we don’t see it from the North Koreans or the Iranians, but the United States has strong allies who can stand with us.

    The most important security agreement we’ve had, I think any time in our nation’s history, is NATO.

    It is a critical, indispensable part of our national security, and yet, the President’s nominee for Secretary of Defense wrote in his book, American Crusade, that NATO is quote “a relic” and quote that it “should be scrapped.”

    Now since his nomination, Mr. Hegseth has tried to walk back his opposition to one of our key international alliances, to NATO. 

    In advance policy questions for the Committee, he calls NATO a quote, “vital U.S. interest” in defending Europe and American interests from Russia and Vladimir Putin. 

    This sudden reversal is welcome, because I think it’s very important that our Secretary of Defense understand how critical NATO is, and that it’s stronger now than it was any time since it was formed, probably. We now have 32 members of NATO.

    But Mr. Hegseth’s 11th hour conversion to understanding the importance of our allies and partners raises questions about what he really believes.

    We asked on our questions for the record about NATO, and we didn’t get much of a response.

    Now, if I had had the opportunity, I would have brought up Ukraine and Mr. Hegseth’s head-spinning contradictions on this matter.

    Just as America’s national security interests are not to be trifled with, neither is our commitment to defending democracy and the international world order. 

    And any inconsistency in our commitment to support our allies and partners, to support democracy around the world, to support the international world order, that is going to be seen and exploited by our adversaries. 

    So again, I’m puzzled about how we should think about Mr. Hegseth’s contradictory positions on a variety of national security and foreign policy issues.

    For example, he was critical of the Biden administration—as have many of us on both sides of the aisle been in this chamber—for not moving fast enough to aid Ukraine. But then question the wisdom of sending any U.S. assistance to Ukraine at all. 

    In 2022, Mr. Hegseth called Vladimir Putin a “war criminal” and called for faster U.S. aid to Ukraine. Now, he says the idea of Russia launching a nuclear war is “over-inflated” and plays down the severity of the conflict as merely Putin’s “give-me-my-shit-back war.”

    Well, I don’t think that our NATO allies, those in the Baltics and Poland and Eastern Europe, think Vladmir Putin’s nuclear ambitions are “over inflated.”

    They know the threat he poses to their countries and the world.

    And to be flippant about the threat of nuclear war, I think is beneath the office of the Secretary of Defense, who will have to engage with those partners on a regular basis. 

    Now, I agree with President Trump that the American people want to see a resolution to this years-long war. I’m sure that’s true of the Ukrainians as well.

    But Mr. Hegseth has not, either in his hearing nor in response to the questions that we submitted to him for the record, expanded on what the Department of Defense’s role should be with respect to Ukraine, even though we have already invested $66 billion in military assistance.

    And again, I think it’s very important that we stand by our ally Ukraine, because of the message it sends not just to the Russians and Vladimir Putin, but because of the message it sends to Xi in China, to the Iranians, to the North Koreans, to anyone who is an adversary of the United States.

    If they think we’re going to walk away from our allies, they’re going to do everything they can to divide us.

    Now, on Afghanistan, Mr. Hegseth has also been inconsistent on his views of the President’s foreign policy.

    Actually, he’s been inconsistent in general on the President’s foreign policies.

    In the lead up to the 2016 election, Mr. Hegseth was highly critical of then-candidate Trump’s foreign policy stances, particularly on Iraq and Afghanistan. 

    Mr. Hegseth called Mr. Trump, who was a candidate at the time, and I quote “all bluster, very little substance” and again quoting, “an armchair tough guy.” 

    He criticized then-candidate Trump in 2015 for advocating for the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, but then he took the criticism back. 

    He sharply criticized the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, as did I, but he’s failed to publicly comment on President Trump’s 2020 deal with the Taliban, which is what set the date certain for withdrawal in 2021 that then the Biden administration was actually tied to.

    Now, I agree. I agree that that withdrawal was not what I wanted to see. I didn’t support it.

    But they were terms that President Trump, in his first term, set with the Taliban. 

    Terms that I thought gave away the store to the Taliban. Because there were no concessions from them, on what we were to get from the United States. The Government of Afghanistan was not at the table and now we’re seeing the fallout from that.  

    And I know that no one is watching for gaps in U.S. national security policy more closely than President Xi and the People’s Republic of China. 

    Now Mr. Hegseth identifies China as our peer competitor, something that I think all of us on the Armed Services Committee and probably everyone this chamber agree with.

    But if Mr. Hegseth is so concerned about China, then he should realize that nothing will encourage President Xi’s aggression more than seeing America abandon our allies and partners. 

    Mr. Hegseth sees China’s ambitions as, quote, “a fait accompli,” and yet, he does not seem to recognize that his own inconsistencies on all these foreign policy positions could contribute to this.

    A question I would like Mr. Hegseth to attempt to answer is: What message would it send to our adversaries if the U.S. ceases its support not just for Ukraine, but for the international rules and norms that underpin the global order?

    Now, I’m also concerned about that with respect to the conduct of conflict. In his book “The War on Warriors,” Mr. Hegseth argued, and again I’m quoting, “our boys should not fight by rules written by dignified men in mahogany rooms eighty years ago. America should fight by its own rules.”  

    Well, the rules that he’s talking about are the Geneva Conventions—which established bare minimum protections against violence, torture and inhumane treatments.

    And they don’t just protect those people we’re fighting on the battlefield, they protect American soldiers.

    During his hearing, he even doubled down to say, quote, “restrictive rules of engagement” have “made it more difficult to defeat our enemies,” and that it would be his priority, quote, “that lawyers aren’t getting in the way.”

    Unfortunately—and dangerously—this appears to be the few issues that Mr. Hegseth is consistent on. 

    He has a documented history of supporting individuals who have violated military and international law by committing war crimes.  

    These are individuals who were turned in not by our enemies, but by members of their own units who were convicted of crimes by military juries. Individuals for whom Mr. Hegseth lobbied to get pardons.  

    I don’t think we can afford to entrust the safety and success of our men and women in uniform to a man who would himself disregard the laws of armed conflict and leave American credibility and moral authority in tatters on the world stage.  

    Now, while embracing officers convicted of war crimes, Mr. Hegseth has stated it is his intent to review all general officers currently serving in the Department of Defense. 

    And when asked if he would remove the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mr. Hegseth responded, on the record, that, quote, “all senior officers will be reviewed.”

    So, let’s just think about what that means – subjecting our general officers, in our military that is not politicized, to a political litmus test is not only unprecedented, it is dangerous. 

    It will convey to the American public that their leadership is political. 

    One of the most important roles of the Secretary of Defense is to seek out and consider open, honest and direct military advice from the senior officers in charge of our forces.  

    I don’t know how Mr. Hegseth expects to receive open and honest advice from his commanders when he is advocating for a purge of anyone who disagrees with him. 

      

    And I am also deeply troubled by the idea that Mr. Hegseth would act as a “yes man” himself, putting his own personal political interests above the wellbeing of our military men and women.

    At Mr. Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, when asked what he would do if he received orders from President Trump that he knew to be illegal or unconstitutional, Mr. Hegseth wouldn’t give a straight answer. All he could do was deny that President Trump was capable of giving an illegal order.

    And just for the record, to be clear: in his first term, President Trump did give an illegal order that then-Secretary Esper refused to follow. 

    And for that, Secretary Esper was fired by the President. 

    So, Mr. President, I am very concerned that Mr. Hegseth lacks the consistency and the moral clarity to lead the most combat-credible military in the world. 

    And I’m very disappointed that this body would put a nominee on the floor without the due process of advise-and-consent that the position of the Secretary of Defense deserves. 

    Our men and women in uniform deserve better. 

    And therefore, the first time since I was elected to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate, I plan to vote against this nominee for Secretary of Defense.  

    Thank you, I yield the floor.

    As the second-ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Shaheen is instrumental in helping to accomplish top national security objectives and enhancing New Hampshire’s role in support of America’s national defense. A member of the Committee since 2011, Shaheen has voted to confirm multiple nominees from both parties under multiple administrations. During his confirmation hearing, Shaheen questioned Hegseth about his support for women service members and the Shaheen-led Women, Peace and Security law. The bipartisan Women, Peace and Security Act, was signed into law by President Donald Trump, which Shaheen leads with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), was signed into law in 2017 and requires the U.S. Government to strengthen the meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention and peace negotiations. 

    Senator Shaheen is the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and also serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs and Defense. In 2018, Shaheen re-established the bipartisan U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group with U.S. Senator Tillis (R-NC). Senator Shaheen believes that a strong and active United States is fundamental to securing our national interests at home and abroad. She also believes that U.S. global leadership is directly tied to the strength of our ideals, our alliances and our diplomacy, and she is constantly working to ensure our national security policies reflect our broader democratic values. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Hassan Join Senate Colleagues Urging Republican Leadership to Pursue Bipartisan Solutions on Border and Immigration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – This week, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joined 11 of their Senate colleagues, led by U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) in sending a letter to Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune stressing the importance of working together on pressing border security and immigration needs. Along with Shaheen, Hassan and Kelly, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Warner (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Chris Coons (D-DE) signed this letter.

    In part, the Senators wrote: “As we have shown, Democrats and Republicans can work together on real bipartisan solutions. We can solve big challenges when we work together, and there is much work to do to improve border security, protect Dreamers and farmworkers, and fix our immigration system to better reflect the needs of our country and our modern economy.”

    In the letter, the lawmakers stress that bipartisan cooperation is necessary to craft and advance meaningful and long-lasting solutions.

    They continued, “We understand that Senate Republicans have discussed using the budget reconciliation process to advance border security budget measures without any Democratic input. While that’s your right, in working together on a bipartisan basis, we can achieve the best outcome for the American people. There are also limitations to what can be done under budget reconciliation, and as we’ve seen time and time again, no party has all the solutions on this or any issue.”

    At the conclusion of the letter, the Democratic senators emphasize their willingness to work with their Republican counterparts on legislation that can pass the Senate: “We remain ready to work with you in good faith to craft legislation that can achieve bipartisan support and 60 votes in the Senate. While there will be challenges, addressing the pressing needs of our nations’ borders and finding bipartisan solutions to our outdated immigration system are too important to ignore in the 119th Congress.” 

    Click here to read the full letter.

    Last year, Shaheen and Hassan twice voted in favor of the bipartisan border security agreement – which would have supplied the border with critical resources that are necessary to increase security, stop the flow of illicit drugs and better protect all Americans – negotiated by Senate Republicans and Democrats. This week, Shaheen and Hassan voted to pass the bipartisan Laken Riley Act and called for comprehensive reform.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Toronto ETO celebrates Year of Snake at joint reception with HKTB (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) welcomed over 120 guests and friends to celebrate the Year of the Snake together at a spring reception jointly hosted with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (Canada) (HKTB) on January 23 (Toronto time) in Toronto. Business, cultural, academia and community partners came together and learned about the latest developments of Hong Kong on its economic and cultural fronts.

         In her welcoming speech at the reception, the Director of the Toronto ETO, Ms Emily Mo, said that Hong Kong achieved a series of encouraging results in 2024.

         “We shone brightly on the world stage,” she said. “Hong Kong is recognised as the world’s freest economy and the third-largest international financial centre. It has risen two places to fifth in world competitiveness, and re-entered the top 10 for talent competitiveness. The city continues to maintain the world’s top position in investment environment, international trade, business legislation, and air freight volume.”

         The International Monetary Fund Executive Board just published a Staff Report today acknowledging Hong Kong’s economic recovery and resilient financial system. The Report recognised that Hong Kong’s economy is on a path of gradual recovery, reaffirmed Hong Kong’s status and function as an international financial centre and recognised that Hong Kong’s financial system remains resilient, supported by robust institutional frameworks, ample room for policy buffers, and the smooth functioning of the Linked Exchange Rate System.

         Looking ahead to the Year of the Snake, Ms Mo added that Hong Kong will better leverage its unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement. The city will continue to be a “super-connector” and “super value-adder,” bridging traditional and emerging markets and creating opportunities for global investors, including Canadian businesses. 

         At the reception, the Senior Manager of Marketing and Public Relations of the HKTB, Mr Jorge Lee, shared with participants the HKTB’s achievements in 2024 and tourism publicity initiatives in 2025.

         “In 2024, Hong Kong welcomed almost 45 million travellers, with 1.2 million visitors from North America. For our Canada market, over 320,000 Canadians visited Hong Kong last year, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth rate of nearly 50 per cent. We introduced unique offerings centred around iconic events with our trade partners, bringing Canadians closer to Hong Kong’s vibrant culture. To our trade partners, we extend our deepest gratitude to and appreciation for their continued collaboration.

         “In the coming years, visitors to Hong Kong can expect a vibrant and evolving destination that seamlessly blends its ‘East-meets-West’ cultural identity with sustainable tourism initiatives. Hong Kong will continue to showcase distinctive experiences by integrating culture, art, sports, nature, and mega events, appealing to diverse interests.”

         This year, the Toronto ETO invited internationally renowned Hong Kong sand artist Hoi Chiu to showcase his skills at the spring reception. Through sand and his exquisite technique, the artist told the traditional story of the Lunar New Year. His performance was a perfect fusion of skill, art, and storytelling, drawing the audience into an engaging narrative world.

         In closing, Ms Mo invited the guests to visit Hong Kong to experience its unique East-meets-West culture and seize the tremendous opportunities presented by Asia’s world city.

         The Toronto ETO and the HKTB will jointly host a spring reception in Vancouver on January 28, celebrating the Lunar New Year with local guests and friends.            

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH ON PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING

    Source: Australian Education Union

    Prime Minister Albanese has today delivered an historic commitment for full funding of Australia’s public schools.

    Australian Education Union Federal President Correna Haythorpe said the AEU welcomes the announcement that the Commonwealth Government will lift their commitment to a full 25% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2034, with states expected to get rid of the 4% accounting trick brought in by the Morrison Government in 2018.

    The Albanese and Malinauskus Governments have today signed the first heads of agreement under the new offer, providing $1 billion in additional funding for South Australian public schools.

    The Prime Minister also announced an agreement has been signed with the Allan Government for Victorian public schools.

    “This heralds a major breakthrough on full and fair funding negotiations for public schools,” Ms Haythorpe said.

    “With the signing of these agreements, public schools in South Australia will see guaranteed funding increases every year, allowing them to employ more teachers, more education support staff and to provide more help for those students who need it.”

    “That is lifechanging for students and for the teachers and support staff who give 100% every day.”

    “Teachers, students and parents will finally see their public schools funded to the level needed for every child to reach their potential.”

    AEUSA President Jennie Marie Gorman welcomed today’s announcement, and the benefits it will bring to South Australian teachers and students.

    “As a former principal, I know the realities facing schools everyday and I understand the value of what this funding deal will bring for schools across our state. For students who need support with their learning, for teachers who need resources to address escalating workloads and to provide high quality learning programs, this announcement will be welcome news indeed,” Ms Gorman said.

    AEUVIC President Justin Mullaly said the Victoria agreement will see teachers and students better resourced in public schools.

    “Additional Commonwealth funding for Victorian public schools means dedicated and hardworking teachers, Education Support staff, and principals will have more of the resources they need to better meet the learning and wellbeing needs of all students,” Mr Mullaly said.

    “The commitment to increase funding means it will be easier to attract and retain school staff and better address teacher shortages. Public schools will be able to employ extra teachers and ES so that every student gets more of the individual support they need and that school staff workloads can be managed.”

    This announcement ends the practice of states artificially inflating their SRS share by 4% through the inclusion of non-school spending and sets a precedent that must be followed in new agreements in every state and the NT.

    “Today’s announcement provides all state governments the opportunity to ensure that public schools are genuinely on the pathway to 100% SRS funding. We urge all state governments to finish negotiations and deliver full funding for their public school communities. Further delay means that public schools will be denied the vital resources that they need to deliver high quality teaching and learning programs,” Ms Haythorpe said.

    “We welcome South Australia and Victoria signing on to this historic agreement and look forward to the other states signing. We call on the states not to delay.”

    “Teachers know the importance of this funding, and the need for it to be rolled out as quickly as possible because of the difference it will make in classrooms, and parents understand the importance of teachers being supported to do their jobs well,” Ms Haythorpe said.

    The AEU now calls on all political parties to support this full funding, for the future of Australian public schools.

    “With a federal election looming, all political parties must back the Albanese Government’s offer in. Further, the Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton must give an iron clad guarantee to public school communities that he will honour all school funding bilateral agreements in full should he become Prime Minister in any future election,” Ms Haythorpe said.

    “Australia’s students cannot afford further delays in negotiations. It is time to get the deals done so that public schools have certainty.”

    ENDS

    MEDIA CONTACT:

    Kylie Jensen – 0402 298 728

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Tenney Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation Allowing Pregnant Mothers to Receive Child Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pro-life members of Congress like U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have long recognized the importance of providing additional support for pregnant mothers. In recent sessions of Congress, Cramer has co-sponsored legislation to expand child support payments for expectant mothers, implement tax credits, and create a clearinghouse for pregnancy and post-partum resources.
    In honor of the annual March for Life in Washington, Cramer and U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) reintroduced the Unborn Child Support Act in support of mothers-to-be and their children. Cramer is a co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and received an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony List for voting “consistently to defend the lives of the unborn and infants.”
    The Unborn Child Support Act allows pregnant women to receive child support payments. It recognizes the needs of mothers and allows them to opt-in to receive prenatal payments, should they choose to pursue them via the court system. Specifically, the judges would be required to consult with mothers on payment plans and give mothers discretion as to whether or not child support payments will be awarded retroactively. The bill also directs all paternity tests be at the discretion of the mother and not be conducted if the test puts the child at risk.
    “I believe life begins at conception and therefore, our duty to care for mothers also begins at conception,” said Cramer. “What our bill does, is empowers moms to simply seek prenatal child support and rightly puts the financial obligation on fathers to help provide for their unborn children. We should encourage motherhood and fully support them along the way.”
    “By enabling child support to begin at conception, we empower mothers with financial assistance while respecting their freedom to make the best choices for themselves and their unborn children,” said Tenney. “The Unborn Child Support Act emphasizes the value of life from the very beginning of pregnancy and provides vital support to mothers. If a mother chooses to seek prenatal child support, we must ensure she and her unborn child receive the resources and assistance they deserve.”
    Additional cosponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).
    The Unborn Child Support Act is endorsed by several organizations, including Concerned Women for America, March for Life Action, Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Pro-Life America, Students for Life Action, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), CatholicVote, Family Policy Alliance, Family Research Council, Americans United for Life, National Right to Life, Christians Engaged, and National Association of Pro-Life Nurses.
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Bags Bureaucrat Swag

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – After a recent report estimated that Washington spends more than $1.8 billion annually on “advertising” and millions more on mascots, trinkets, and trash, U.S. Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is introducing the Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government (SWAG) Act to end unnecessary spending on government propaganda, taxpayer-funded trinkets, and mascots.
    Senator Ernst found taxpayer funds being spent on creepy bug mascots for the Department of Agriculture, graphic novels for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coloring books featuring bird-watching ICE agents at DHS, and much more.
    “You might mistake Washington for a very expensive kid’s birthday party, with federal employees playing dress up, appearing as mascots, and making coloring books,” said Ernst. “I am going to crash the party and bag this costly swag. Misbehaving bureaucrats need to stop wasting tax dollars trying to refurbish their bad reputation, and focus on serving the American people.”
    Congressman Michael Cloud (R-Texas) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “The American people demand a better return on their investment from the federal government than frivolous spending on self-promotion and propaganda,” said Cloud. “They expect transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a government focused on delivering results.  Especially as so many families are working to make ends meet, DC agencies should not squander the People’s money on mascots, trinkets, and giveaways. The SWAG Act will ensure taxpayer dollars are no longer spent on these wasteful gimmicks.”
    Click here to view the bill.
    Background:
    As chair of the Senate DOGE Caucus, Senator Ernst unveiled a $2 trillion plan, featuring the SWAG Act, to cut down federal spending, save taxpayer dollars, and downsize the government – in addition to her telework reportthat exposed an absent federal workforce.
    Her playbook has already racked up a win with the announcement of the sale of the Wilbur J. Cohen building, a 1.2 million square foot monument to waste, where just 72 of 3,341 workers were showing up to work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Experience Zone Excitement All Around: Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Strikes Awe in Guests With New AI-Powered Possibilities

    Source: Samsung

    Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in San Jose, California, saw Samsung Electronics unveil the next generation of mobile AI with the Galaxy S25 series.
     
    [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Highlights From Galaxy Unpacked: A New Era of AI Integration
     
    ▲ Galaxy enthusiasts crowd the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Experience Zone as they try the Galaxy S25 series out for themselves.
     
    At the end of the hour-long visual spectacle at the SAP Center, Samsung opened the floor to welcome guests into the Experience Zone hidden behind the main stage. Excitement buzzed throughout the space as attendees explored the innovative technologies packed into Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones. They shared their first impressions, praising the upgraded devices and advanced AI features.
     
    ▲ Andrea and Geraldine Tshibuabua, an influencer duo of twin sisters from Belgium known as the Angetwins
     
    “I’m really impressed with the Now Brief feature. If I’m scheduled to go somewhere in the morning, all I need to do is take a quick look at my phone to be informed on what I have planned for the day,” said Andrea and Geraldine Tshibuabua (@angetwins), an influencer duo of twin sisters from Belgium. “We also love the Galaxy S25’s AI-powered photo editing features, especially the Best Face feature that allows us to pick our best shots in case we blink in some of them. It’s also amazing that we can remove unwanted objects in the backgrounds of photos as well.”
     
    ▲ Pawel Warzecha, a Polish content creator and magazine reporter known as Mobzilla
     
    “Audio Eraser is a really great feature that is useful not just for content creators like me, but ordinary people who want to film their kids playing in the playground or themselves singing a silly song,” said Pawel Warzecha (@MobzillaTV), a tech content creator from Poland. “It was fascinating to catch a glimpse of the Galaxy S25 Edge as well,” added the influencer, who also reports for Lounge Magazyn, a Polish lifestyle magazine.
     
    ▲ Samsung Members Stars Mica Moreno from Argentina
     
    The praise was echoed by a delighted young Samsung Members Star who just graduated from university, majoring in actuarial science. “It’s always an honor to be part of these great events organized by Samsung. As a Samsung Member, it’s such a pleasure for me to be creating content for Samsung and many young Argentinians,” said Mica Moreno from Argentina.
    Explore more behind-the-scenes moments and watch the full replay of Galaxy Unpacked 2025 below.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Blumenthal, Senate Democrats Demand Trump Exempt All VA Employees from Hiring Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a group of 24 Democratic Senators led by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to call on President Trump to put veterans first and immediately exempt all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees from the hiring freeze he issued on Monday. In a letter to Trump, the Senators stressed concerns about the negative impact the hiring freeze will have on the delivery of veterans’ health care and benefits nationwide – if not quickly reversed.
    “As written, this Memorandum could dramatically impair the ability of veterans across the country to get the care and benefits they desperately need,” wrote the Senators. “It could also delay or deny various other services across VA – from burial services to job training to assistance for homeless veterans to life-saving assistance from the Veterans Crisis Line. That is why it is imperative for you to provide an immediate, clear, and full exemption to this hiring freeze for VA so it can continue to deliver on its sacred mission for veterans.”
    The group of Democratic Senators also underscored that despite assurances of exemptions, they have heard from employees on the ground that the hiring freeze will extend to certain positions promised to be exempt: “In your Memorandum, little detail is provided to understand the scope of its exemptions. And despite assurances that VA benefits would be exempt, we have become aware the hiring freeze will extend to the Veterans Benefits Administration – a decision that will dramatically impact the processing of disability claims, growing the backlog and making it more difficult for veterans to access their earned benefits, including those promised in the PACT Act.”
    The Senators pressed Trump for scaling back on VA employees, rather than continuing efforts to address chronic workforce shortages Congress has implemented over the last few years: “Instead of building upon those efforts, one of your first actions was to stop them entirely, and to issue new directives to VA personnel across the country to not only leave vacancies unaddressed, but to revoke job offers that have already been made. That is a betrayal of trust to veterans on day one of your Administration, and it is a betrayal of trust to prospective VA employees intent on serving veterans – an action that will undoubtedly have long-term impacts on VA’s ability to effectively recruit and retain the physicians, nurses, and other critical positions that make VA the preferred option for care for veterans.”
    The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    In addition to the Senate Democrats’ letter to Trump, a group of House Democrats led by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) are sending a letter today calling on Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter to also exempt all VA employees from the hiring freeze.
    The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Kim Statement on Newark ICE Raid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
    “We are deeply concerned about the news of an ICE raid in Newark today. Our offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to demand answers.
    “Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities — and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics.
    “We will continue to work with Mayor Baraka and other local officials to gather more information to ensure all New Jerseyans are safe and their dignity and rights are protected.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Votes to Advance Rep. Collins’ Nomination as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – Today in the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan voted to advance the nomination of Representative Doug Collins to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

    “I had a good conversation with Representative Collins at his confirmation hearing about the challenges facing our veterans and was glad to vote to advance his nomination today,” Senator Hassan said. “In particular, I appreciated his willingness to visit the Manchester VA Medical Center and to support efforts to modernize VA infrastructure, like Manchester’s VA Medical Center. I am also grateful for his service to our country in uniform and look forward to working with him to find more ways to support and honor the heroes who have kept America safe, secure, and free.”

    During Representative Collins’ confirmation hearing, Senator Hassan raised the importance of modernizing Manchester’s VA Medical Center and building a full-service veterans hospital in New Hampshire, and Representative Collins committed to visiting the Manchester facility. Senator Hassan and New Hampshire’s Congressional Delegation had previously successfully pushed the VA to prioritize improvements to the Manchester VA Medical Center.

    Click here to watch Senator Hassan’s questioning at Representative Collins’ confirmation hearing.  

    “[President] Trump supported a full-service VA hospital for New Hampshire when he was on the campaign trail. I’ve supported a full-service hospital in our state for years and will gladly work with you and the President to make that happen,” said Senator Hassan at Representative Collins’ confirmation hearing. “In the meantime, though, the current Manchester VA Medical Center is almost 75 years old and it needs significant upgrades…So following a push from the New Hampshire delegation to prioritize improvements to the Medical Center, the VA has begun implementing a multiyear upgrade plan. Will you commit to continuing these upgrades to make sure that Granite State veterans have the best possible medical facility to receive their care at? And will you come up to New Hampshire to visit the facility and meet our veterans?”

    “I’ll tell you the last one first, yes,” Representative Collins responded, committing to visiting the Manchester VA Medical Center and meeting with Granite State veterans.

    “But I will show you not only Granite State veterans but all across the country, they will be taken care of… The infrastructure needs – I’m glad we’re talking about them today – because it’s not just the new facility. It’s not just the new [Community Based Outpatient Clinics], it’s taking these older facilities that as you said once they’re shut down – and then the bureaucratic process to get it fixed,” continued Representative Collins. “So that is it, but also with President Trump’s commitment, look I’m going to support the President, we’re going to look to that hospital. But look you’ve brought up a bigger issue that I hope all the committee members will understand. I wish, as we said before have this rose colored, all pixie dust, it’ll just fix itself, but construction issues are going to be one of our hardest because of aging facilities.”

    Senator Hassan also discussed her bipartisan legislation to make it easier for veterans to schedule medical appointments through one phone call or online, which can be particularly helpful for reducing the number of the often-lengthy trips that rural veterans must make to receive their care. Representative Collins expressed interest in the bill and added, “from a conceptual standpoint, the better question for me is why haven’t we almost got there anyway?” Representative Collins also committed to Senator Hassan that he would effectively implement the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act, bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan helped introduce which, among other measures, expands home care services for veterans.

    As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Senator Hassan has led bipartisan efforts to support service members, veterans, and their families. In addition to the Dole Act, Senator Hassan helped develop and pass the bipartisan PACT Act into law to help veterans secure the benefits and care that they have earned. Senator Hassan also helped create and fund the 9-8-8 national suicide hotline, which has a specified veterans crisis line, as well as helped pass into law bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Solid Start program, which contacts every veteran three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty service to check in and help connect them to VA programs and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Advocates for Farmers With ‘Dirt Under Their Fingernails’ During Exchange with Agriculture Secretary Nominee Brooke Rollins

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong farmer, highlighted the needs and priorities of family farmers during a hearing to consider Brooke Rollins’ nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture. Grassley discussed the importance of payment limits, reining in federal spending and enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act. He also drove home the importance of answering congressional requests for oversight and protecting agency whistleblowers.

    Video and excerpts follow.

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO

    Payment Limits

    “The legal term, ‘actively engaged in farming’ is not being enforced. We have too many people on Wall Street getting farm payments that shouldn’t be getting them… You ought to have dirt under your fingernails if you’re going to get payments from the taxpayers for your farming operation. I expect the term ‘actively engaged’ to be fully enforced.

    “There can be tremendous savings to the taxpayers… if you put a cap on what one farmer can get from the farm program, so we aren’t subsidizing big farmers to get even bigger.”

    Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Spending

    “The first Trump administration and the Biden administration used money from the Commodity Credit Corporation that I don’t think should have been used. The power of the purse rests with Congress under Article I of the Constitution. Money can’t be spent without the authority of Congress, and billions have been wasted that way.”

    Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act

    “I think the Packers and Stockyards Act is stronger than anything the Justice Department can do under antitrust laws to protect the welfare of farmers and make sure the marketplace is working… The Packers and Stockyards Act is the most effective tool to make sure the marketplace works for the American farmer.”

    Whistleblower Protections

    “You’ll have tens-of-thousands of people working under you, and you can’t know everything they do. You ought to listen to whistleblowers. It’s not just you yourself listening to whistleblowers, it’s you establishing a culture within your agency that middle management is going to listen to whistleblowers.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ossoff Reintroduce Justice for Murder Victims Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) today reintroduced the Justice for Murder Victims Act. The bipartisan bill would strike down the “year-and-a-day” rule, a 13th century legal precedent that prohibits a defendant from being prosecuted for murder if their victim dies more than a year-and-a-day after the date of their assault. The bill passed the Senate unanimously in the 118th Congress.

    “Murderous criminals shouldn’t get off the hook because modern medicine prolonged the lifespan of their victim. Our bipartisan bill will eliminate the medieval “year-and-a-day” rule to ensure justice is served, violent criminals are held accountable and families get the closure they deserve,” Grassley said.

    “Murderers and violent criminals must be held accountable,” Ossoff said.?“Senator Grassley and I are introducing bipartisan legislation to help secure justice for homicide victims and their families.”

    The Justice for Murder Victims Act is endorsed by the National District Attorney’s Association, the Iowa County Attorney’s Association, the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Murder Accountability Project, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

    “NDAA is proud to support Senator Grassley and Senator Ossoff as they introduce the Justice for Murder Victims Act. This legislation updates an archaic rule that limits the ability of federal prosecutors to hold offenders accountable and provide justice for victims and their families. We look forward to moving this bipartisan proposal through Congress at a time when violent crime is plaguing communities across the country,” said Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association.

    “The MCCA proudly endorses the Justice for Murder Victims Act. The updates made by this legislation will help increase accountability throughout the criminal justice system by helping ensure violent offenders can be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The MCCA thanks Sen. Grassley and Sen. Ossoff for introducing this bill,” said Chief Mike Brown, Chairman of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

    “The timing of a victim’s death should never stand in the way of justice. Families who have watched their loved ones fight courageously for survival should not have to endure the pain of losing them only to discover their attacker cannot be prosecuted. Advances in modern medicine now allow victims to survive longer, but outdated legal rules unintentionally penalize those who fight to stay alive. The Justice for Murder Victims Act ensures that justice is possible, regardless of when a victim succumbs to their injuries. FLEOA fully supports this critical legislation and commends Senator Grassley for his leadership in addressing this injustice,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

    Find bill text HERE.

    Background:

    The “year-and-a-day” rule is a legal principle that bars prosecution for homicide in cases where the victim dies more than 366 days after the attack. However, modern medicine and advances in life support technology have helped more victims of homicide live past the set 366-day mark. Many states have already abolished the antiquated rule due to modern developments. The Justice for Murder Victims Act would amend existing federal law to ensure there’s no maximum prosecutorial time period between the assault and death of a victim.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Colombia announces tit-for-tat tariffs on US goods following Trump threat

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Sunday announced 25-percent tariffs on all goods from the United States in a tit-for-tat measure after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Colombia.

    Trump said he would impose 25 percent tariffs and various sanctions on Colombia after the South American country refused to allow the landing of two military aircraft carrying deported immigrants.

    “I order the Minister of Foreign Trade to raise tariffs on imports from the United States by 25 percent,” Petro posted on social media platform X. The president also said the government will assist in replacing those U.S. products with Colombian products.

    He said in another message that he would never allow Colombian immigrants to be transported in military aircraft handcuffed as if they were criminals.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives investigating a rape in Westminster release E-FIT of man they want to identify

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a rape in Westminster have released an E-FIT image of a man they are working to identify.

    On Tuesday, 14 June 2022, a woman reported walking alone along Bradiston Road, W9, when a car, believed to be a dark coloured Audi A3, stopped at the junction ahead of her.

    An unknown man pushed the woman from behind into the vehicle, then drove away with her inside before raping her.

    After the assault the woman was pushed back out of the vehicle not far from where she’d been picked up.

    The incident happened at 21:00hrs one evening in March 2022.

    Detectives have released an e-fit of the man they urgently need to trace.

    He was described as speaking with a Jamaican accent and believed to be in his late 30s, tall with short dreadlocks, and a significant facial scar.

    Detective Constable, Leon Riley, from the policing team covering Westminster, said:

    “If you recognise the man in the image please contact us without delay.

    “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries since the incident and we continue to support the victim who, as far as possible, has been trying to live her life as normal since it happened.

    “It was a horrifying ordeal for her and we thank her for supporting the investigation to trace the man responsible for assaulting her, and now helping us build an e-fit of the suspect.

    “Women should be able to walk alone without fear and we are dedicated to protecting women and girls from predatory offenders such as this.

    “Anyone who recognises the man, or has information, please contact police on 101 quoting 6533840/22.

    “Or, to remain completely anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Democratic Republic of Congo

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Amar Bendjama (Algeria):

    The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms ongoing advances by the M23 in North-Kivu, including the control of Masisi centre on 4 January 2025 and of Sake on 23 January 2025, and expressed serious concerns regarding imminent threats against Goma, which are putting hundreds of thousands of civilians at heightened risk. These advances represent a serious violation of the ceasefire, exacerbate the grave humanitarian and displacement crisis in the Eastern DRC and undermine efforts to reach a lasting peaceful and political solution to the conflict through the Luanda process. The members of the Security Council echoed the statement by the Secretary-General dated 26 January 2025 and demanded that the ongoing offensive and advances towards Goma immediately stop. They further called on the M23 to reverse its territorial expansion without delay.

    The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to MONUSCO, which is acting within its mandate and doing essential work in the DRC, including near Goma, and expressed their strong commitment to the safety and security of its peacekeepers. They paid tribute to all peacekeepers who risk their lives. They expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the peacekeepers killed, as well as to South Africa, Malawi and Uruguay.  They also expressed their condolences to the United Nations. They wished a speedy and full recovery to the peacekeepers injured. They reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. They stressed that involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against MONUSCO peacekeepers constitutes a basis for sanctions designations pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolutions.

    The members of the Security Council condemned the ongoing flagrant disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, including the unauthorized presence in the Eastern DRC of external Forces as reported by the Group of Experts and demanded that these forces withdraw immediately and that the M23 put an end to the establishment of parallel administrations in the DRC territory. They urged all parties to scrupulously abide by the ceasefire. They further reiterated their condemnation of the systematic illicit exploitation of the natural resources in eastern DRC, noting that these actions fuel the conflict. 

    They urged Rwanda and the DRC to return to diplomatic talks to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution of the protracted conflict in the region including by addressing respective issues pertaining to the presence of Rwanda Defence Forces in the Eastern DRC and DRC support to the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR) respectively, as reported by the Group of Experts. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their unwavering support for the ongoing mediation efforts between the DRC and Rwanda through the Luanda Process led by the AU -designated mediator President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola.

    The members of the Security Council are also deeply alarmed by continued occurrences of GPS jamming and spoofing activities in support of M23 operations in North Kivu, which represent imminent risk to civil aviation safety and negatively impact the delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations in need. They called for an end to reported GPS jamming and spoofing and deployment of Surface to Air Missiles, which threaten the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, and impede the implementation of their Protection of Civilians mandate.

    The members of the Security Council condemned persistent violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights in the eastern part of the DRC, including sexual and gender-based violence, the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and summary killings by armed groups. The members of the Security Council called for all perpetrators to be held accountable. They urged both parties to fully and rapidly implement their commitments agreed under the Luanda process, and to fully cooperate in good faith with Angola in order to accelerate the implementation of the harmonized plan for the neutralization of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR) and the disengagement of Forces. Council members also stressed the importance of resuming consultations under the Nairobi Process under the guidance of former President Uhuru Kenyatta to address the protracted issue of armed groups, including the M23, operating in the DRC, and to identify pathways to peace and stability in the region.

    The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as all States in the region. They recalled resolution 2765 (2024) and expressed their full support to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Five Names Forwarded for County Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Danner, Michael W. Jensen, Tamara T. Mosby, Patrick R. Runge, and David M. Wear, all of Omaha.

    The Fourth Judicial District consists of Douglas County. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Judge Darryl R. Lowe.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Names Forwarded for District Court Judge in the Ninth Judicial District

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Brandon Brinegar and Kane Michael Ramsey, both of Kearney.

    The Ninth Judicial District consists of Buffalo and Hall counties. The primary place of office for the judicial vacancy is Kearney. The vacancy is due to the appointment of Judge Ryan Carson to federal court.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Releases Executive Order Establishing Support for Federal Immigration Policy Implementation

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Releases Executive Order Establishing Support for Federal Immigration Policy Implementation

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order establishing the Support for Federal Immigration Policy Implementation for the state of Nebraska. The document outlines actions to be undertaken by state agencies to effectuate the executive orders issued Jan. 20 by President Donald J. Trump.

    “This document demonstrates Nebraska’s alignment with the new federal immigration policy and provides guidance to state agencies for carrying out provisions contained in the President’s recently issued executive orders,” said Gov. Pillen.

    State agencies have no later than May 31 to ensure they have met the requirements of the Governor’s executive order. 

    A signed copy of EO 25-01 is included with this release.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB, Ayala Sign $100 Million Financing Deal to Support Electric Mobility in the Philippines

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (27 January 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a financing package of up to $100 million to support Ayala Corporation’s contributions to the development of an electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines. This funding will be used to procure and install electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and to purchase electric vehicles for commercial distribution.

    The package includes a concessional loan from the Canadian Climate and Nature Fund for the Private Sector in Asia (CANPA). ADB’s financing, along with the concessional loan, will be used to develop a network of EVCS in the Philippines. This blended financing features an innovative pricing structure aimed at accelerating deployment of EVCS infrastructure. A portion of the ADB financing will be allocated to procure electric vehicles from leading manufacturers for distribution across the country.

    “This project is a significant step towards a sustainable and low-carbon future for the Philippines,” said ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran. “By fostering the development of a robust electric mobility ecosystem, we are not only addressing critical environmental challenges such as air pollution, but also driving economic growth through the creation of green jobs, enhancing energy security, and promoting inclusive and resilient urban development.”

    Electric vehicle (EV) development is still nascent in the Philippines. High initial costs, limited charging infrastructure, and evolving technologies have posed significant barriers to adoption of EVs in the country. But the Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act and various tax incentives are helping create a more favorable environment for the growth of the EV sector.

    The creation of an EVCS network is crucial for electric vehicles to become more popular. The EVCS to be set up with the ADB financing package will address gaps in EV charging infrastructure, thereby facilitating faster adoption of electric vehicles.

    “This innovative blended financing comes at an opportune time as Ayala, through ACMobility, continues to ramp up its electric mobility investments. As we help build a comprehensive EV ecosystem for the Philippines, we wish to thank like-minded institutional partners like ADB for helping us expand our electric mobility initiatives, accelerate our contribution to the Philippines’ climate goals, and reaffirm our purpose of building businesses that enable people to thrive,” said ACMobility’s President and CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala.

    Established in 2024, CANPA is a trust fund managed by ADB, supported by a commitment of Can$360 million from the Government of Canada. The fund builds on the success of the two previous funds, namely the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia II (CFPS II) and its predecessor CFPS. CANPA aims to support private-sector projects in Asia and the Pacific that focus on climate and nature-based solutions, while also promoting gender equality.

    Ayala Corporation is one of the Philippines’ largest and most enduring conglomerates. With a diverse portfolio that includes real estate, banking, telecommunications, and renewable energy, the company is well-positioned to lead the development of the electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines. Key to Ayala’s growing sustainable business portfolio is its access to innovative financing options such as blended finance, which is supported by public, private and philanthropic funds.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Colombia after US deportation flights denied landing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday announced 25-percent tariffs on all goods imported from Colombia after the Latin American country refused to allow the landing of two flights carrying deported immigrants.

    “I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of Illegal Criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia,” Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social.

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s rejection of these flights has “jeopardized the National Security and Public Safety of the United States,” Trump wrote, noting that he has directed his administration to immediately take “urgent and decisive retaliatory measures.”

    Trump’s retaliatory measures include: emergency 25-percent tariffs on all goods coming from Colombia, to be raised to 50 percent in one week; a travel ban and immediate visa revocations on Colombian government officials and all allies and supporters; visa sanctions on all party members, family members and supporters of the Colombian government; enhanced customs and border protection inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo on national security grounds; International Emergency Economic Powers Act sanctions.

    Earlier Sunday, Petro posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that his government would not accept U.S. deportation flights until a protocol is established by the Trump administration to treat migrants with dignity. He also urged the United States to use civilian planes instead of military ones.

    After Trump’s announcement, Petro posted on X that he had ordered his foreign trade minister to raise tariffs on U.S. imports by 25 percent.

    Just a few days ago, the United States sent four deportation flights carrying immigrants to Mexico. However, according to multiple U.S. media reports, at least one flight was refused entry.

    The United States also sent deportation flights to other countries, including Guatemala and Brazil. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry recently condemned the action, saying the immigrants on the deportation flights were subjected to humiliating treatment.

    During his presidential campaign, Trump promised to carry out large-scale deportations of illegal immigrants once he took office. After his inauguration on Jan. 20, deportation operations began in several parts of the United States, allegedly focusing on criminals. The White House claimed that over 1,000 illegal immigrants had been arrested on Thursday and Friday, and hundreds of them were deported via military aircraft.

    According to the Associated Press, Colombia accepted 475 deportation flights from the United States from 2020 to 2024. In 2024 alone, it accepted 124 deportation flights.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: President Trump is Already Securing Our Border and Deporting Criminal Aliens

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Immediately after being sworn in President Trump took executive action to stop the invasion at the southern border and to empower law enforcement agents to deport criminal aliens

    “In a move fulfilling one of now-President Donald Trump’s campaign promises, the Trump administration shuttered the use of CBP One, a President Joe Biden-era app meant to help process migrants seeking to apply for asylum in the U.S.” USA Today: Trump kills Biden-era CBP One app for asylum-seekers at the border

    “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday issued memos to repeal limits on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents imposed by former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas…ICE agents who spoke to Fox News said they believe that rescinding the Mayorkas order is going to free them up to go after more illegal immigrants.” Fox News: Trump DHS repeals key Mayorkas memo limiting ICE agents, orders parole review

    On January 22, ICE law enforcement’s officers arrested Franz Cadet a 43-year-old citizen of Haiti. Cadet was convicted of multiple drug offenses. 

    ” data-asset-id=”58359″ data-asset-link=”1″ data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” src=”/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/e6077616e171e1c4f72056e53f9c4470.jpg.webp?itok=_0eQ4Ikk”/>

    On January 22, ICE law enforcement’s officers arrested Franz Cadet a 43-year-old citizen of Haiti. Cadet was convicted of multiple drug offenses.  | View Original

    “Federal officers swept into sanctuary cities on President Trump’s first full day in office Tuesday, nabbing more than 300 illegal migrant criminals — including an attempted murderer and a child molester — to hold them for deportation.” The New York Post: ICE arrested 308 illegal migrants — including attempted murderer and a child molester — on Trump’s first full day in office

    “The Trump administration is attempting to amass a larger force of law-enforcement officials to help carry out deportations by granting agents across the federal government the same powers as an immigration officer, according to an internal memo.” The Wall Street Journal: Trump Gives Gun, Drug Agents Deportation Power

    “The number of Border Patrol encounters at the southern border in the first three days of the Trump administration is 35% lower than the final three days of the Biden administration, the sources said.” Fox News: Border encounters drop sharply as Trump launches crackdown on illegal immigration 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump is Already Securing Our Border and Deporting Criminal Aliens

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Trump is Already Securing Our Border and Deporting Criminal Aliens

    “Federal officers swept into sanctuary cities on President Trump’s first full day in office Tuesday, nabbing more than 300 illegal migrant criminals — including an attempted murderer and a child molester — to hold them for deportation.” The New York Post: ICE arrested 308 illegal migrants — including attempted murderer and a child molester — on Trump’s first full day in office
    “The Trump administration is attempting to amass a larger force of law-enforcement officials to help carry out deportations by granting agents across the federal government the same powers as an immigration officer, according to an internal memo.” The Wall Street Journal: Trump Gives Gun, Drug Agents Deportation Power
    “The number of Border Patrol encounters at the southern border in the first three days of the Trump administration is 35% lower than the final three days of the Biden administration, the sources said.” Fox News: Border encounters drop sharply as Trump launches crackdown on illegal immigration 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, President Donald J. Trump held a call with His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. King Hamad congratulated President Trump on his inauguration and the two leaders discussed their support for regional peace and security, including building upon their work to promote peace through the Abraham Accords.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency

    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 as follows:
    Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  The Federal responses to Hurricane Helene and other recent disasters demonstrate the need to drastically improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (“FEMA’s) efficacy, priorities, and competence, including evaluating whether FEMA’s bureaucracy in disaster response ultimately harms the agency’s ability to successfully respond.  Despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each of the past three years, FEMA has managed to leave vulnerable Americans without the resources or support they need when they need it most.
    There are serious concerns of political bias in FEMA.  Indeed, at least one former FEMA responder has stated that FEMA managers directed her to avoid homes of individuals supporting the campaign of Donald J. Trump for President.  And it has lost mission focus, diverting limited staff and resources to support missions beyond its scope and authority, spending well over a billion dollars to welcome illegal aliens.
    Americans deserve an immediate, effective, and impartial response to and recovery from disasters.  FEMA therefore requires a full-scale review, by individuals highly experienced at effective disaster response and recovery, who shall recommend to the President improvements or structural changes to promote the national interest and enable national resilience.
    Sec. 2.  Establishment.  (a)  There is hereby established the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council (“Council”).
    (b)  The Council shall be composed of not more than 20 members.  The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense shall be members of the Council.  The remaining members shall include relevant agency heads and distinguished individuals and representatives from sectors outside of the Federal Government appointed by the President.  These non-Federal members shall have diverse perspectives and expertise in disaster relief and assistance, emergency preparedness, natural disasters, Federal-State relationships, and budget management.
    (c)  The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Council.  The Co-Chairs may designate up to two Vice Chairs of the Council from among the non-Federal members of the Council, to support the Co-Chairs in the leadership and organization of the Council.
    Sec. 3.  Functions.  (a)  The Council shall advise the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on the existing ability of FEMA to capably and impartially address disasters occurring within the United States and shall advise the President on all recommended changes related to FEMA to best serve the national interest.
    (b)  The Council shall meet regularly and shall:
    (i)   respond to requests from the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Affairs, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, or the Co-Chairs for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice;
    (ii)  solicit information and ideas from a broad range of stakeholders, including Americans affected by natural disasters; the research community; the private sector; State, local, and Tribal governments; foundations; and nonprofit organizations;
    (c)  The Council shall produce a report for the President that includes the following:
    (i)     An assessment of the adequacy of FEMA’s response to disasters during the previous 4 years, including sufficiency of staffing;
    (ii)    A comparison of the FEMA responses with State, local, and private sector responses — including timeliness of response, supplies provided, efficacy, and services (including communications and electricity) provided — during the same period;
    (iii)   An account of the commentary and debate about the role and operation of FEMA in our Federal system and about the functioning of disaster relief, assistance, and preparedness in the United States;
    (iv)    The historical background of other periods in the Nation’s history both before FEMA was part of DHS and before FEMA existed and methods by which disaster aid and relief were then provided;
    (v)     The traditional role of States and their coordination with the Federal Government in securing the life, liberty, and property of their citizens in preparation for, during, and after disasters;
    (vi)    An evaluation of whether FEMA can serve its functions as a support agency, providing supplemental Federal assistance, to the States rather than supplanting State control of disaster relief;
    (vii)   Other recommended improvements to FEMA in the current statutory structure; and
    (viii)  An analysis of the principal arguments in the public debate for and against FEMA reform, including an appraisal of the merits and legality of particular reform proposals.
    (d)  The Council shall solicit public comment, including other expert views, to ensure that its work is informed by a broad spectrum of ideas.
    (e)  The Council shall hold its first public meeting within 90 days of the date of this order and submit its report to the President within 180 days of the date of the Council’s first public meeting.
    Sec. 4.  Administration.  (a)  The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the Council with information concerning disaster preparedness and relief matters when requested by the Council Co-Chairs and as required for the purpose of carrying out the Council’s functions.
    (b)  In consultation with the Co-Chairs, the Council is authorized to create standing subcommittees and ad hoc groups, including technical advisory groups, to assist the Council and provide preliminary information directly to the Council.
    (c)  The Department of Homeland Security shall provide such funding and administrative and technical support as the Council may require, to the extent permitted by law and as authorized by existing appropriations.
    (d)  Members of the Council shall serve without any compensation for their work on the Council, but may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707).
    (e)  Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), may apply to the Council, any functions of the President under that Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.
    Sec. 5.  Termination.  The Council shall terminate 1 year from the date of this order unless extended by the President.
    Sec. 6.  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.
    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        January 24, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –