NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Groundbreaking of Cora Whitley Family Center Promises More Job Opportunity in Tacoma, Says Cantwell

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    01.24.25
    Groundbreaking of Cora Whitley Family Center Promises More Job Opportunity in Tacoma, Says Cantwell
    Cantwell secured $3 million for the project in the FY2024 budget; Will nearly double capacity at one of Tacoma’s top day cares, so more local parents can seek full-time work
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released this statement in advance of tomorrow’s groundbreaking of the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center’s Cora Whitley Family Center in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood.
    “Once complete, the Cora Whitley Family Center will open up nearly 250 more spots at one of Tacoma’s best day cares — nearly doubling the previous capacity – and hire about 100 more people. The expanded day care will give more Tacoma parents the freedom to seek full-time jobs, helping the local economy grow and thrive. The new family center will also free up space in the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center’s existing building, so the organization can provide more family resources, veteran services, and homeless outreach to uplift the community,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    Sen. Cantwell advocated for and secured $3 million in funding for the project as part of the FY 2024 congressionally directed spending process. The Cora Whitley Family Center project was one of dozens of community-led projects across the state that received funding thanks to Sen. Cantwell’s efforts.
    The Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center currently provides child care for about 250 children. The expansion will open up at least 242 more spots, and create more than 100 new jobs.
    With child care moving to the new 32,000 sq. ft. building, the center will have more space in its current building for their many other services including parenting services like classes, a diaper bank, and free Sunday grocery store, as well as intervention and outreach services ranging from peer therapeutic drug court services, homeless street outreach, mental health services, veteran services, and substance support programs.
    Sen. Cantwell is a strong advocate of expanding child care options in the State of Washington to meet the needs of individual communities. In June, she visited Rosemary’s Place in Dayton to meet with child care providers and discuss how to make care more accessible and affordable for families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James and Acting Tax Commissioner Hiller Announce Conviction of Capital Region Car Dealership Owner for Failing to Pay Over $160,000 in Taxes 

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) Amanda Hiller today announced the sentencing of Guy Kennedy Nicolas of Colonie, New York and his business, G&A Auto Care, Inc., for stealing over $160,000 in sales tax by underreporting more than $2 million in taxable sales. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Nicolas failed to file annual sales tax returns for his car dealership business for all but two years from 2013 to 2023. Nicolas and his company pleaded guilty to felony charges in November 2024 and yesterday judgments were entered against them requiring them to pay back the full amount of the stolen sales tax. Nicolas was also sentenced yesterday to five years of probation.

    “When New York businesses fail to pay taxes, they cheat New Yorkers out of critical resources that support education, health care, transportation, and other essential services,” said Attorney General James. “Guy Nicolas and his business violated the law and failed to pay over $160,000 in sales tax, and he was ordered to pay back what he owes. My office will continue to hold anyone accountable who attempts to defraud the tax system and cheat hardworking New Yorkers.”

    “We appreciate the efforts of the Attorney General’s office in prosecuting those who seek to evade tax laws,” said Acting Tax Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “This case and others like it will help level the playing field for honest business owners across the state.”

    “The sentencing of Mr. Nicolas sends a strong message that dishonest business practices will not be tolerated in New York State,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “This sentencing demonstrates that collaborative work among law enforcement partners is vital in reaching the same goal: holding those who break our laws accountable. I thank the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Taxation and Finance for their shared commitment to investigating those who deceive others for their own gain.”

    “Having a license to operate a car dealership in New York carries a responsibility to follow the law in the process of running that business, including paying your taxes,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “I am pleased that our team was able to assist in this case and I applaud the efforts of the Office of the Attorney General and partner agencies to hold this business accountable on behalf of all New Yorkers.”

    As the owner of G&A Auto Care, Inc., Nicolas was the sole person responsible for sales tax at his business. Nicolas was required to report all taxable sales, including sales of cars, from his dealership and file sales tax returns on at least a yearly basis. A joint investigation by OAG, DTF, and the New York State Police (NYSP), with assistance from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) found that from at least 2013 through 2023, G&A Auto Care, Inc. and Nicolas failed to file all but two annual sales tax returns. According to an audit conducted by OAG, between June 2013 and March 2023, Nicolas failed to report more than $2 million in total sales and stole over $160,000 in sales tax due.

    In November 2024, Nicolas and his business pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony. Yesterday, G&A Auto Care, Inc. and Nicolas were sentenced in Albany County Court before Judge William T. Little. Nicolas was sentenced to five years of probation, and G&A Auto Care, Inc. was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge. As part of their sentences, both defendants admitted to the full amount of sales tax owed and had judgments entered against them requiring them to pay back the $160,000 owed to the state. 

    Attorney General James thanks DTF, NYSP Financial Crimes Unit and Special Investigations Unit, and DMV for their invaluable assistance on this case. 

    This case is the latest example of Attorney General James taking action to ensure all New Yorkers pay their fair share in taxes. In November 2024, Attorney General James secured more than $6 million from Sotheby’s for tax fraud. In December 2023, Attorney General James recovered $1.8 million from the owner of a New York City diner for failing to report more than $650,000 in cash receipts and lying on tax statements. In August 2023, Attorney General James and Acting Tax Commissioner Hiller announced the conviction of a Nassau County auto body shop owner for failing to pay over $700,000 in taxes.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General John R. Healy and Philip V. Apruzzese of the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau (CEFC). Forensic accounting was performed by Senior Auditor Investigator Brenna Magruder, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Auditor Sandy Bizzarro, and Chief Auditor Kristen Fabbri. Analytical work was provided by Legal Support Analysts Kai Tsurumaki and Brooke Starkey, under the supervision of Deputy Supervising Analyst Jayleen Garcia and Chief Analyst Paul Strocko. CEFC is led by Bureau Chief Stephanie Swenton and Deputy Bureau Chief Joseph G. D’Arrigo.

    The OAG investigation was conducted by Detective Jason Johnston, under the supervision of Assistant Chief Samuel Scotellaro and Deputy Chief Juanita Bright of the Major Investigations Unit. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Investigator Oliver Pu-Folkes. Both the Investigations Bureau and CEFC are part of the Division of Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado. The Division of Criminal Justice is overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “America’s Best Deserves the Best” – Senator Hassan Outlines Risk Pete Hegseth Poses to U.S. National Security in Senate Floor Speech

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today outlined how Pete Hegseth’s lack of qualifications to serve as Secretary of Defense would put U.S. national security, and our men and women in uniform, at risk.
    Some key quotes from the Senator’s remarks include:
    “Unfortunately, it is clear that Mr. Hegseth does not have the skills, experience, record, or character to lead a department that has a budget of more than $800 billion, and is the largest employer of men and women in our country, and is tasked with safeguarding our nation’s security and freedom.”
    “If Mr. Hegseth could not and did not effectively manage organizations with around 100 employees, surely no one can actually believe that he is ready to manage one of 3.4 million people.”
    “In the past, when we have looked for leaders of our armed forces, we have searched for our country’s best and brightest; the most gifted minds of America’s boardrooms, the brightest stars to come out of West Point, the most revered public servants to serve in these halls… we did not need then, nor do we need now to turn to the green rooms of cable TV networks for the Secretary of Defense.”
    “Surely the armed forces of the United States of America…the victors of the Ardennes, of Gettysburg, and Midway and a thousand places in between and since…surely, they need a leader who they can have full faith in; surely America’s best deserves the best.”
    “There are strong, experienced, and able members of the President’s party whose views align with his who could be exceptional leaders of the Department of Defense. Mr. Hegseth is not one of them.”
    Click here to see Senator Hassan’s remarks, or see a transcript below:
    Mister President, I rise right now and today for the purpose of joining my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in opposing Mr. Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense. I appreciate Mr. Hegseth’s military service, indeed when evaluating his nomination, his service was what I appreciated most about his background.
    But unfortunately, it is clear that Mr. Hegseth does not have the skills, experience, record, or character to lead a department that has a budget of more than $800 billion, and is the largest employer of men and women in our country, and is tasked with safeguarding our nation’s security and freedom.
    We take pride as Americans in the fact that our military is the very best. The standard of excellence and professionalism set by the men and women of our armed forces is central to our military’s success and our country’s success.
    This high standard of competency and character, of both unmatched ability and uncommon virtue, is why America’s armed forces command the respect of our friends, the fear of our foes, and the abiding faith of freedom-loving people everywhere.
    America boasts the greatest fighting force in the history of the world…the heroes who serve in our armed forces deserve a leader who is worthy of that greatness. And Mr. Hegseth is plainly not up to that task.
    Like many of my colleagues, I have concerns regarding Mr. Hegseth’s character – the documented accusations about his excessive and uncontrolled drinking, his sexual harassment, sexual assault, and now, accusations of being abusive to his ex-wife.
    It is ironic that Mr. Hegseth and some of my colleagues have dismissed these concerns as partisan, because sadly if this wasn’t a partisan confirmation process – for example, if my Republican colleagues were considering hiring Mr. Hegseth to join their staffs – we would all agree that these accusations would immediately be disqualifying.
    Mr. Hegseth dismisses these multiple accusations from disparate people as “a coordinated smear campaign.” I don’t think that the concerns of his former colleagues, friends, and family should be quickly dismissed as smears. And many other of the nominees who are being considered by this body aren’t facing similar accusations even though there are people who vehemently oppose their confirmation. Which begs the question of why Mr. Hegseth continues to face multiple, similar accusations from different sources. But for a moment, let’s do as Mr. Hegseth asks and put aside these accusations.
    Let us say for a moment that those who occupy the highest positions in public life shouldn’t be above reproach, though indeed they should;
    Let us say that our service members do not deserve a leader whose strength of character matches their own, though I believe they do;
    And let us say for a moment that character does not count, though indeed it surely always does.
    Let us, in short, ignore everything that Mr. Hegseth demanded we ignore in his hearing. Even if we did that, I would submit that based on experience alone, Mr. Hegseth is plainly unqualified for the job as Secretary of Defense.
    The Secretary of Defense is responsible for a budget of more than $800 billion and responsible for 3.4 million employees who serve on every continent across the globe. To lead the Defense Department is a daunting task that requires leadership and managerial skills of the highest order.
    However, Mr. Hegseth’s managerial experience begins and ends with his leadership at two small nonprofits. And his tenure at both resulted in concerns about his financial mismanagement at their helm. If Mr. Hegseth could not and did not effectively manage organizations with around 100 employees, surely no one can actually believe that he is ready to manage one of 3.4 million people. 
    We live in a dangerous and uncertain world. Iran and its proxies continue to menace our forces in the Middle East. Vladimir Putin is on the march in Europe. North Korea persists in testing our allies and testing its missiles. And China…China looks with a conqueror’s gaze toward Taiwan.
    To my Republican colleagues, I understand that you wish to support President Trump. But Presidents are sometimes wrong. We are talking about our nation’s vital security. We are considering the confirmation of the person who will be entrusted to marshal our resources as the enemy approaches, attacks our cyber defenses, or invades an ally.
    It matters. It matters that we have the right person in this job. It matters that we get this one right. Surely there is someone in this great country of brilliant and brave people of all political stripes who is more capable; who has the experience and character necessary to forge under pressure the judgement that will keep us safe and free.
    This is America, we have the finest fighting force ever assembled, we have more strength and power than any fighting force has had in human history.
    And in the past, when we have looked for leaders of our armed forces, we have searched for our country’s best and brightest; the most gifted minds of America’s boardrooms, the brightest stars to come out of West Point, the most revered public servants to serve in these halls… we did not need then, nor do we need now to turn to the green rooms of cable TV networks for the Secretary of Defense.
    Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the [end of the] Battle of the Bulge, a campaign in which my father served. In freezing temperatures, outnumbered and often undersupplied, our forces held the line against Hitler’s onslaught. Our soldiers won because they were brave, they won because they were skilled, and they won because they were well led.
    Surely the armed forces of the United States of America…the victors of the Ardennes, of Gettysburg, and Midway and a thousand places in between and since…surely, they need a leader who they can have full faith in; surely America’s best deserves the best.
    Government’s most important task is to keep America safe, secure, and free. It is a complex, fast moving, and evolving challenge. It is a job that at times presents its occupant, the Secretary of Defense, no good or easy options. It is, in short, a deadly serious job where both success and failure have enormous ramifications. It’s a job that depends on experience and character – the prerequisites for good judgement – like no other.
    No Senator should vote for someone who they can only hope will learn on the job. Not for the Secretary of Defense. No Senator should vote for a nominee on the hope that he will display more personal discipline once he gets the job.
    There are strong, experienced, and able members of the President’s party whose views align with his who could be exceptional leaders of the Department of Defense. Mr. Hegseth is not one of them. I urge my colleagues to reject this nominee, and I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Praises Pres. Trump for Dismantling Biden’s Discriminatory DEI Regime

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) tore into the Biden-Harris administration’s DEI regime and praised President Trump for dismantling it as one of his first actions of this new administration. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “It’s been four days… since President Trump took the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States.”

    “I’m particularly pleased to see him dismantling the Biden-Harris administration’s DEI regime throughout the federal government.”

    “DEI initiatives do the exact opposite of what they purport to do, and they fly directly in the face of everything that America stands for.”

    “The policies that were intended to end racial discrimination have evolved into the modern DEI apparatus, creating a new kind of discrimination, something we sought to avoid but which has now crept back into our country.”

    “President Trump’s actions earlier this week are not a reversal of the progress we’ve made since the civil rights movement. They are better understood as the righting of the ship back to what Congress and the nation intended to accomplish: a nation where all people have a chance to succeed or fail based on their merit and not on race.”

    “This action by President Trump, rather than reversing progress, is a return to the ideal that the United States of America should have always stood for but unfortunately did not, which is that the equal dignity and equal treatment of every American under the law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch: “I want a Secretary of Defense who is as good as the soldiers he leads. Mr. Hegseth, in my view, fails to meet that standard.” 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight delivered remarks from the Senate Floor about his opposition to President Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, Peter Hegseth.  
    “The big concern I have about him, in addition to the character issues, the experience issues, the drinking issues…what distresses me so much about Mr. Hegseth is how he used his very powerful forum on FOX TV—in my view—to dishonor the soldiers who acted with restraint, and valor, and integrity,” said Senator Welch. 
    Watch Senator Welch’s remarks here: 
    Key quotes from Senator Welch’s speech: 
    “There’s been a lot of discussion by my colleagues about the lack of experience of Mr. Hegseth—I share that concern. There’s been a lot of discussion about his views on women in the military. Our own distinguished Senator, Tammy Duckworth, is the most preeminent example of the capacity of women to serve effectively and bravely. Mr. Hegseth has repudiated his well-founded and longstanding view that he’s against women in the military, frankly, it sounds to me like a nomination-eve consideration.” 
    ■■■ 
    “Our democracy so profoundly depends on the idealism of young people who are willing to subject themselves to the decisions of the commander in chief. And I believe that every one of us here, who’s involved in the decisions about authorizing the use of military force, have an absolutely profound obligation to do that with care, because the folks who are going to do the work and be in harm’s way are going to be there because we sent them there. It’s why I’ve been so insistent—as many of us here—that we have to have a good VA, we have to have medical care for our soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines.  
    “But what we need, too, is a Secretary of Defense who honors that idealism of these young Americans who decide to enlist. And that idealism is born in a sense of common commitment, a sense of common good, and it’s also to live by the code of military conduct. There is great honor in our services.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Leads Legislation to Streamline Federal Permitting Process  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act to address the current federal permitting system plagued with ambiguous, time-consuming, and costly policies. Permit by rule is proposed as a more efficient alternative, allowing for specific written standards and streamlined approval processes.

    “Under four years of the Biden administration’s failed leadership, our permitting process is woefully backlogged and incredibly difficult to navigate,” said Lummis. “The federal permitting process has become years-long, which discourages investment and innovation all together. Implementing permit by rule processes will streamline approvals and help us address backlogs.”

    “All too often, the federal permitting process is slow, expensive, and confusing,” said Budd.“That is why President Trump directed federal agencies to consider a ‘permit by rule’ system in his day one Unleashing American Energy Executive Order. Now Congress should make this policy permanent to reduce bureaucratic delays and compliance costs, and create a transparent and predictable regulatory environment. I’m proud to partner with Senator Lummis and Representative Maloy in this effort to implement a ‘permit by rule’ system to federal permitting.” 

    “Utah is growing rapidly,” said Maloy. “Unfortunately, executive agencies are often excruciatingly slow at granting permits, delaying critical projects that support rapid growth– especially in states like Utah where the majority of the land is federally controlled. The time is now to reform and streamline the permitting processes. I’m excited to see that President Trump, by executive order, has already directed his administration to begin that reformation– including through Permit by Rule– and I look forward to working with Senator Lummis and Senator Budd on advancing this bill.” 

    Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) also cosponsor this legislation. 

    Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

    Full text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis, Barrasso Team Up with Wyoming High School to Introduce a U.S. Resolution Honoring the First Female Governor 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso (all R-WY) today introduced a resolution to honor the 100th anniversary of Wyoming’s Nellie Tayloe Ross becoming the first female governor elected in the United States. The bill proposal originated with Green River High School students, and Senators Lummis and Barrasso introduced the resolution to the United States Senate.

    “Wyoming has long been a home for trailblazing women. Honoring Governor Ross on the 100th anniversary of her election reminds us of the women who paved the way for the opportunities we have today,” said Lummis. “As we celebrate her legacy, we also recognize the lasting impact of her leadership on our state and nation. I want to thank the students at Green River High for sharing their fabulous idea to make this possible.”

    “Wyoming women have blazed the trail for women’s rights and equality since our state’s founding. 100 years ago, Governor Nellie Tayloe Ross was elected as the first female governor in America. Her historic election reminds us of the lasting impact Wyoming women have had on our state and nation for generations,” said Barrasso. “Senator Lummis and I are proud to team up with students at Green River High School to honor Governor Ross’ legacy and all Wyoming women who continue to live out the Code of the West.”

    Governor Ross was inaugurated as Wyoming’s 14th governor on January 5, 1925, and served for two years. She went on to become the first female director of the United States Mint.

    A copy of the resolution can be found here.

    Green River High School students with the Nellie Tayloe Ross resolution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Discovery to unravel mystery of early universe

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Scientists have revealed new insights into the distant X-ray universe, with the Einstein Probe satellite offering fresh perspectives on the distant explosions in the cosmos.
    The research results of its discovery of a mysterious blast of X-rays in March — less than three months after EP was launched in January last year — was published on international academic journal Nature Astronomy on Thursday.
    The discovery could require us to change the way we explain the extraordinary explosions known as gamma-ray bursts, said Liu Yuan, co-first author of the paper and a scientist from National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
    The burst of low-energy X-rays EP’s Wide-field X-ray Telescope detected in March lasted for more than 17 minutes, and fluctuated in brightness before fading away again. Such an event is known as a fast X-ray transient, or FXRT, and this particular transient was designated as EP240315a.
    “EP240315a was the first time astronomers had detected soft X-rays for such a long duration from such an ancient explosion,” Liu said. “It was really good to see the WXT onboard trigger algorithm working fine for this event.”
    About one hour after the X-rays were seen, a telescope situated in South Africa as part of the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System detected visible light from the same location.
    Follow-up observations from the Gemini-North telescope on Hawaii Island and the Very Large Telescope in Chile returned redshift measurements that confirmed that the burst had come from around 12.5 billion light-years away, beginning its cosmic journey to us when the universe was just 10 percent its current age.
    “The detection of EP240315a demonstrates Einstein Probe’s great potential for discovering transients from the early universe. The mission will play an important role in international observations and collaborations,” said Wu Xuefeng, one of the paper’s authors and a researcher at the Purple Mountain Observatory of the CAS in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.
    In later analyses, the X-rays were found to be coincident with a gamma-ray burst.
    These results show that a substantial fraction of FXRTs may be associated with gamma-ray burst, and that sensitive X-ray monitors such as EP can pinpoint them in the distant universe, said Roberto Ricci, a research fellow from University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy.
    Combining the power of X-ray and radio observations hands researchers a new way to explore these ancient explosions even without detecting their gamma rays, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Joins Playbook Deep Dive Podcast

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this week joined Eugene Daniels on POLITICO’s Playbook Deep Dive podcast to discuss immigration policy, reconciliation, presidential pardon authority and the importance of bipartisanship.

    Audio and excerpts of the interview follow.

    On Kash Patel and President Trump’s nominees:

    “I did meet with Kash [Patel] in my office… I want somebody that’s going to help me do my constitutional responsibility of oversight… that’s my job, and I do a lot of oversight. I want Kash Patel to get me the answers to these questions and provide me the documents I need.

    “Whether it’s RFK or the CIA Director… I think there’s a lot of things in this town that need to be shaken up… they’re coming in to deliver on the mandate of this election, which is that people are fed up with the way Washington’s going. You’ve been in this town long enough to know that it’s an island surrounded by reality. The common sense that we have in the Midwest – we need more of it in Washington, D.C. and I think the [nominees] are going to bring it in, and Kash is one of them.”

    On immigration policy, the Laken Riley Act and deportations:

    “Talking about comprehensive immigration [policies], what makes it so difficult to do that is, you’ve got people on the right, maybe 10 to 15 Republicans that say, ‘I’m not going to vote for anything unless you get all 20 million people out of this country.’ And then you have people on the left that say, ‘I’m not going to vote for any immigration bill that doesn’t make everybody citizens yesterday.’ It’s tough to put together.

    “The last time you could get 65 or 70 votes for a comprehensive immigration bill was 2013… but I think it’s difficult to be any Republican or Democrat and say that we shouldn’t change laws that allow people with a criminal record to come into this country, and not only with a criminal record, committing a crime by coming here against our law, but then committing a murder.”

    “First of all, [deportations will focus on] people that are on the terrorist watch list, people that have a criminal record and the 1.5 million people who have been adjudicated that they’re not entitled to asylum… I think we’ve got to see how successful that is before we move to the people that maybe the only crime they committed was entering our country illegally.”

    On reconciliation:

    “The House has a view [that] we should have one reconciliation bill. The Senate has a view [that] there should be two reconciliation bills. A President helping us maneuver through that disagreement is very important, and Trump’s a good person to do that.”

    On presidential pardons:

    “I think it’s wrong the way [pardons] have been used recently… But I think the Constitution would have to be amended to change it, and I think it’s very clear that what Biden did, even if I disagree, or Clinton, what he did, or maybe some future president… I think they got the power to do it.

    “Biden’s pardoned people like Fauci, that’s never been accused of anything. Some president could say, you know, we’ve got 340 million people in this country, I’m going to pardon them all. That doesn’t make sense… It’s a way of protecting people, but it’s an abuse of their authority.”

    On the importance of bipartisanship:

    “[Partisanship] is a major problem now, more so than it’s been in the 45 years since I’ve been in the Senate, but it’s not as bad as what my constituents see… I think that people get the impression that Republicans don’t talk to Democrats, and that’s not true. There’s not a single Republican or Democrat that I dislike in the United States Senate. I don’t think any of them dislike me, and if they do, I don’t want to know who they are. 

    “You can’t get anything done in the United States Senate if it’s not bipartisan, except for reconciliation, and so the institution drives some of that [bipartisanship]… I believe that when people are talking, things get done. It’s when you don’t talk that things don’t get done.”

    On Grassley’s personal priorities:

    “Peace around the world. I thought after we broke up the Soviet Union, that would bring in a whole new world, and it did for a while. But there’s a lot of leaders that want more, and you wonder, why? Why does China want Taiwan? Why does Putin want Ukraine? Why does he want to reestablish the Soviet Union? That’s my concern.

    “I think there’s got to be something bigger than just yourself, or bigger than 340 million Americans. There’s got to be some certainty to life. It can’t be as simple as, ‘question authority.’ It can’t be as simple as, ‘just do it.’ There’s got to be a measure that you measure yourself against, and I think that’s a being beyond humanity. I call it God. For me, it’s following Jesus Christ.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Turning Promises into Policy Realities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: What’s your take on the first week of the new Trump administration?

    A: On January 20, President Trump was sworn into office, becoming only the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms. With his historic comeback victory, voters delivered a clear mandate to the White House and Congress. President Trump led on a commonsense agenda to restore law and order, secure our borders and fix the damage the Biden administration did to the economy through inflationary spending. In addition, the Biden administration rewired sectors of the economy with government mandates and regulatory overreach to push its climate agenda that weakened U.S. energy security and raised the cost of living for Americans. President Trump wasted no time to signal his administration would work to unleash America’s natural resources to strengthen U.S. energy and national security.

    On his very first day in office, President Trump delivered on promises to secure the border and restore energy dominance. For example, he reversed President Biden’s immigration policies that allowed more than 10 million people to enter the country without our permission in the past four years. President Trump signed executive orders that declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border enabling the administration to continue construction on the border wall; resume a policy that requires people seeking asylum to wait in Mexico while an immigration judge considers their case; enforce the DNA Fingerprint Act (a policy I pushed during the Biden administration) to curb human trafficking and help law enforcement track down violent criminals; trim the refugee resettlement program; prevent the entry of illegal border crossings; and direct the Secretary of State to look into designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has oversight and legislative jurisdiction over the nation’s immigration laws, I’m focused on working with this administration to help turn President Trump’s promises to secure the border and stop the flow of illegal immigration into policy realities.

    Q: What was the first piece of legislation Congress sent to the president’s desk?

    A: To kick off the 119th Congress, I’m happy to report legislation I co-led with Sen. Joni Ernst for nearly 10 years was included in the first bill sent to President Trump. Our bill is named after a young Iowan from Council Bluffs who was killed in 2016 by an illegal immigrant who was driving drunk. Sarah Root lost her life just 16 hours after graduating with honors from Bellevue University. The driver was released on bail and never seen again, evading justice. Our bill would require that illegal immigrants who kill or commit serious bodily injury to another person are detained and prosecuted. The Senate approved Sarah’s Law as an amendment to legislation named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student killed in Georgia last year by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Previous to her murder, her killer had been arrested for shoplifting, but then released. The Laken Riley Act will require U.S. immigration officials to detain illegal immigrants who commit certain crimes, including robbery, theft and assaulting a police officer. As an original co-sponsor of these bills, I’m glad to help restore law and order on our streets and deliver justice to victims of crime. As Senate President pro tempore, I signed the bill on Capitol Hill before sending it to the president’s desk for his signature. The American people deserve and expect nothing less. If illegal immigrants hurt or kill someone in America, the federal government must prioritize their detention, prosecution and deportation. It’s common sense.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Most Historic 100 Hours in American History

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw_w3vjWGMk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Environment – First global gathering of Food and Plastics Networks to prevent devastating environmental impacts

    Source: WRAP

    Pact Network Connect 2025 – First global gathering of Food and Plastics Networks share actions to cut food and plastic waste and prevent devastating effects on planet.

    Representatives from 15 countries met in Mexico this week for Pact Network Connect 2025, a three-day programme focussed on addressing the issue of our broken food systems, and the spiralling environmental cost of plastic pollution and waste.

    Convened by global environmental action NGO WRAP, Pact Network Connect 2025 was the first time the two networks – 13 international Plastics Pacts run in conjunction with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation – and 11 Food Pacts met as one to share experiences and strategies to strengthen collaborative efforts on the two environmental crises.

    The Pacts represent collaborative action initiatives formed in country by private and public sector organisations, charities and NGOs. Representatives from the Pact Secretariats joined investors and philanthropic organisations to co-design solutions to key food and plastics triggers. Focus was on generating practical steps and actions to tackle plastics pollution within the 19 countries comprising the Plastics Pact Network – and share more widely, and address food waste and loss in the 10 countries encompassing the first Food Pact Network.

    Harriet Lamb, CEO WRAP, “The numerous Pacts are the engine rooms driving forward a new circular economy for plastics and food. They give me hope that we can correct the failures of our food and plastic systems. They show that ahead of securing global inter-governmental agreements at scale, companies, ngos and governments can get behind voluntary action as an agile and effective front runner along the road to transformation. We’re delighted to be in Mexico, bringing together leaders from the food and plastics Pacts for the first ever joint global meeting to share solutions and accelerate change.”

    Pact Network Connect 2025 built on the learnings and progress achieved in the first Plastic Pact Network meeting, held in South Africa in 2024 inspiring the move to bring together both Food and Plastics Pacts to amplify impact. The Plastics Pact Network meeting had an added sense of urgency this year, given the lack of agreement on key elements for a global treaty to end plastic pollution at INC5 negotiations in Busan 2024. To achieve this, we need ambitious regulation to complement and accelerate voluntary efforts and create a level playing field for all businesses. The Plastics Pacts are uniquely placed to inform and enable policymaking and treaty implementation through the Network’s large repository of tools, insights, guidance, and standardised definitions.

    Marta Longhurst, Pacts and Field-building Lead Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “The Plastics Pacts have proved that such a network can deliver real impact towards eliminating plastic waste and pollution. Thanks to Plastics Pacts, tens of billions of problematic or unnecessary plastic items have been eliminated; design for reusability, recyclability, and composability in practice and at scale has increased by 23%; and incorporation of recycled content back into packaging has increased by 44%. We are pleased to see the tangible impact of the Plastics Pacts, and to see this knowledge shared and applied to other sectors to accelerate the transition to a circular economy worldwide.”

    The Plastics Pact Network is a global coordinated response to the hazards plastics pose to people and the planet. Managed through a partnership between WRAP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in just six years the Plastic Pacts have led work tackling pollution and delivering impact on national and global scales. The Network includes over 900 local and global organisations across a 19-country membership. Its members have eliminated more than 360,000 tonnes of problematic and unnecessary plastics and increased recycled content in their packaging by 44% – reducing virgin plastic by 2.2 million tonnes by 2022. All Plastics Pacts align in a common vision to create a circular economy for plastics and eliminate waste and pollution.

    Alejandra Kopaitic, Directora Consumo y Producción Sustentable y Pacto Chileno de los Plásticos, “Pact Network Connect is a key event when many countries can share experiences, foster regional collaboration, and strengthen our global partnerships. It will enrich the Chilean Plastics Pact as part of this international network committed to systemic change. We are here to listen, learn, and collaborate, while showcasing the work we are doing in Chile and aligning our goals with international experience and best practices.”

    Ninel Escobar, Director of Climate Change WWF Mexico, “In México, between 38% and 58% of plastic waste is mismanaged. Resolving this problem requires us to work along the whole life cycle of plastic, using a systemic approach. We are pleased to join our Pact partners at Pact Network Connect to share our experiences of resolving these complex problems.”

    The Food Pact Network connects collaborative action initiatives within individual countries to a global community dedicated to reducing food loss and waste. This is the first time the group has joined forces in person as the Food Pact Network, and through the universal adoption of the principles of Target-Measure-Act the Pacts are changing how food is produced and consumed to support the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 to halve global food waste by 2030.

    Notes

    The Plastics Pact Network includes: ANZPAC Plastics Pact, The Canada Plastics Pact, Polski Pakt Plastikowy – The Polish Plastics Pact, The U.S. Plastics Pact, Pacto Português para os Plásticos- The Portuguese Plastics Pact, The South African Plastics Pact, UK Plastics Pact, Pacte National sur les emballages plastiques – French Plastics Pact, Circula El Plástico – The Chilean Plastics Pact, The Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP), Colombia Plastics Pact, India Plastics Pact and Mexico Plastics Pact.

    The Food Pact Network includes: Courtauld Commitment 2030 (UK), South Africa Food Loss and Waste Initiative, Pacific Coast Food Waste Commitment, Pacto Por La Comida (Mexico), GRASP 2030 (Indonesia), Brasil Sem Desperdisio  (Brazil, launching in 2025), U.S. Food Waste Pact, Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling (Netherlands) , Kai Commitment (New Zealand) and the International Food Waste Coalition.

    WRAP is a global environmental action NGO catalysing policy makers, businesses and individuals to transform the systems that create our food, textiles and manufactured products. Together these account for nearly 50% of global greenhouse emissions. Our goal is to enable the world to transition from the old take-make-dispose model of production to more sustainable approaches that will radically reduce waste and carbon emissions from everyday products. To do so we examine sustainability challenges through the lens of people’s day-to-day lives and create solutions that can transform entire systems to benefit the planet, nature and people.

    Our work includes: UK Plastics Pact, Courtauld Commitment 2030, Textiles 2030 and the campaigns Love Food Hate Waste and Recycle Now. We run Food Waste Action Week and Recycle Week.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Joins Legislation to Protect Survivors of Abortion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator James Lankford (R-OK) to introduce the Born–Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to protect newborns who survive abortions by requiring they receive care from health care practitioners.
    The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act adds clear expectations of care, hospital transfer requirements, mandatory reporting, private rights of action for moms and reasonable criminal penalties for health care professionals who violate the law. Current law does not provide measures to enforce the protection of these infants, which has allowed the current practice of leaving a child to die after a botched abortion to continue.
    “As a society, we should always uphold the dignity of every life. Neglecting to provide life-saving care after a failed abortion is a cruel and inhumane violation of the oath every medical provider swears by to ‘do no harm,’” said Boozman. “I am proud to join my colleagues to protect vulnerable babies regardless of the circumstances of their birth.” 
    “No child should be denied medical care simply because they are ‘unwanted.’ Today, if an abortion procedure fails and a child is born alive, doctors can just ignore the crying baby on the table and watch them slowly die of neglect. That’s not an abortion, that’s infanticide,” said Lankford.
    This legislation is endorsed by March for Life Action, American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs Action, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Concerned Women for America LAC, National Right to Life, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Live Action, Americans United for Life, Family Research Council, Students for Life Action, Alliance Defending Freedom, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Heritage Action, Family Policy Alliance, Human Coalition, Liberty Council Action, Ethics and Public Policy Center, Christian Employers Alliance, Advancing American Freedom, Focus on the Family, First Rights Global, AdvanceUSA, Coalition for Jewish Values, National Association of Evangelicals, Eagle Forum, Christian Legal Society, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, Faith and Freedom Coalition, Christ Medicus Foundation, Christians Engaged, Children’s AIDS Funds International, Capability Consulting and Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance. 
    The Born–Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act is cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Roger Wicker, (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Curtis (R-UT), Todd Young (R-IN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Mike Lee (R-UT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Dave McCormick (R-PA). 
     Click here to read the text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Wicker Introduce Legislation to Block Taxpayer Funded Abortions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON ––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act to make the Hyde Amendment, which prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions, permanent.
    Under current law, the Hyde Amendment must be reauthorized by Congress every year.
    “There has a been longstanding, bipartisan agreement that Americans should not be forced to subsidize abortions with their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Boozman. “Recent attempts to undermine that standard are troubling and we should set a standard across the federal government that protects the consciences of millions in the pro-life community.
    “Millions of Americans share my belief that unborn life should be protected in the womb. Using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions is wrong,” Wicker said. “My Senate Republican colleagues, and I will continue fighting to preserve life.” 
    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Todd Young (R-IN).
    Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ-04).
     The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2025is endorsed by multiple pro-life groups. Here’s what they are saying about the bill. 
    “No matter which party holds power in Washington, Americans should never be forced to fund the violence of abortion with their tax dollars. For nearly 50 years, the Hyde Amendment and its family of policies have protected babies in the womb and their mothers from abortion by prohibiting taxpayer funding of abortion on demand. Despite Americans’ strong support of this policy, pro-abortion members of Congress attack the Hyde family in every spending bill. The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act would finally apply Hyde principles permanently across the whole federal government, including stopping abortion subsidies in Obamacare,” said Vice President of Government Affairs of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Marilyn Musgrave.
    “This Act rightly prevents hard-earned taxpayer dollars from paying for harmful abortions. We at March for Life Action will continue to advocate for legislation that ensures our taxpayer dollars promote life-saving, pro-women, and pro-family policies,” said March for Life Action President Jeanne F. Mancini.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner on the Passing of Henry Marsh III

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on the passing of Henry Marsh III:

    “It is with a heavy heart that Lisa and I join the Commonwealth and the nation in mourning the passing of Henry Marsh III, a true giant of the civil rights movement and a tireless champion for justice and equality.

    “From his pivotal role in desegregating Virginia’s public schools to his years of service on the Richmond City Council, as the first Black Mayor of Richmond, in the Virginia Senate, and as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Henry Marsh’s legacy is one of courage, integrity, and relentless pursuit of justice. Lisa and Henry worked closely together to commission the statue depicting Barbara Johns on Capitol Square – honoring at the seat of our government a pivotal figure and moment in the struggle for civil rights in Virginia.

    “Henry taught us all that the fight for civil rights is never truly over – that it is one of constant effort, requiring us to stay vigilant and engaged. As we remember Henry’s remarkable life, let us also rededicate ourselves to carrying forward the cause for which he dedicated so much of his own. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who were blessed to know him.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Griffith Announce over $26 Million in Federal Funding for Lee County Sewer Improvement Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced $26,250,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Lee County Sewer Improvements Project. The funding was awarded courtesy of the disaster relief package that the lawmakers pushed for and passed in December 2024 as part of legislation to fund the government.

    “High-quality water infrastructure is crucial to the health and well-being of our communities,” said the lawmakers. “We’re thrilled to have helped secure this substantial funding for Lee County that will modernize and expand public wastewater collection for the region.”

    The project, which has received critical support through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide wastewater service to hundreds of households and over 1,000 residents in Lee County, Virginia. The project will also serve as the basis for expansion of Lincoln Memorial University, which is an integral driver of the region’s economy.

    This funding proved more urgently needed in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The storm caused significant damage to wastewater infrastructure across Southwest Virginia. This project will help to ensure that the community’s wastewater systems are better protected against future disaster events.

    The lawmakers have been longtime supporters of this project. Sens. Warner and Kaine requested funding for the project as part of Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process, and earlier this month, the lawmakers wrote to the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to request funding for this project made available by the December 2024 funding bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses and Private  Nonprofits Hit by Spring Drought:   Don’t Miss the Deadline to Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan!

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the deadlines to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that occurred in the counties listed below.

    Declaration Number

    Primary
    Counties

    Neighboring
    Counties

    Incident
    Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline
    20423 Meade and Sedgwick Butler, Clark, Cowley, Ford, Gray, Harvey, Haskell, Kingman, Reno, Seward and Sumner in Kansas;
    Beaver in Oklahoma    		 Drought April 23, 2024, and continuing 02/24/25
    20425 Haskell and Seward Finney, Grant, Gray, Kearny, Meade and Stevens in Kansas;
    Texas and Beaver in Oklahoma    		 Drought April 30, 2024, and continuing 02/26/25

    Under these declarations, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses as a direct result of the drought. The SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the drought and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    “When disasters hit rural communities, access to working capital offers a lifeline to impacted small businesses and private nonprofits,” said Randle Logan, acting associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “SBA’s EIDL program is designed to help keep businesses operational during recovery, covering financial obligations and necessary expenses until normal operations resume.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    For KS 20423 submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Feb. 24. For  KS 20425 submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Feb. 26.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Relief Still Available to Texas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Hit by Spring Drought: Don’t Miss the Deadline to Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan!

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas of the Feb. 24, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began April 23, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Brewster, Crane, Crockett, Dimmit, Frio, Irion, Jeff Davis, La Salle, Maverick, Pecos, Reagan, Reeves, Schleicher, Sutton, Terrell, Upton, Val Verde, Ward, Webb and Zavala.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the drought and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    “When disasters hit rural communities, access to working capital offers a lifeline to impacted small businesses and private nonprofits,” said Randle Logan, acting associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “SBA’s EIDL program is designed to help keep businesses operational during recovery, covering financial obligations and necessary expenses until normal operations resume.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Feb. 24.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Hit by Spring Drought: Don’t Miss the Deadline to Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan!

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oklahoma of the Feb. 24, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began April 30, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Beaver, Ellis, Harper, and Texas in Oklahoma, as well as Clark, Meade and Seward counties in Kansas, and Lipscomb and Ochiltree counties in Texas.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the drought and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    “When disasters hit rural communities, access to working capital offers a lifeline to impacted small businesses and private nonprofits,” said Randle Logan, acting associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “SBA’s EIDL program is designed to help keep businesses operational during recovery, covering financial obligations and necessary expenses until normal operations resume.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Feb. 24.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Lee introduce bill to permanently stop funding for abortions overseas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) in introducing the Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act.
    The bill would permanently codify the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy (formerly the Mexico City Policy), which forbids the funding of foreign non-governmental organizations that perform or promote abortions. The Mexico City Policy was first instituted by Pres. Ronald Reagan and has since been rescinded and reinstated by various presidential administrations. Pres. Donald Trump expanded this policy to close previously existing loopholes and renamed it the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy.
    “America shouldn’t fund abortions in foreign countries—no matter which party holds the White House. It’s time for Congress to show some moral clarity on this issue once and for all by passing this bill,” said Kennedy.
    “In our quest to build a society where every precious human life is protected, we cannot allow the tax dollars of American families to be used against the most vulnerable people in our country and across the world: the unborn,” said Lee.
    Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) cosponsored the legislation. 
    Text of the Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Joins Warren, Fellow Senate Armed Services Committee Democrats in Joint Statement on New Hegseth Report

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 22, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in releasing the following statement on the sworn affidavit containing abuse allegations against Pete Hegseth, nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense:
    “In a sworn statement under the penalty of perjury, a new report shows U.S. Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth was ‘erratic and aggressive’ toward his second wife over many years, to the point that she feared for her safety. The report also details repeated instances of his drinking alcohol in excess, including the need to be dragged out of a strip club while in uniform. This affidavit is part of a disturbing pattern of behavior that has been documented through numerous public and private reports. The affidavit also raises additional questions about the thoroughness of his FBI background check during a rushed confirmation process.
    “Despite repeated requests, Mr. Hegseth has refused to meet with the vast majority of  Democratic members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. We request that Mr. Hegseth meet privately with every interested lawmaker on the committee before the Senate votes on his nomination so that we can have frank discussions about the new information that has come to light. It would be irresponsible and contrary to our constitutional duty for the Senate to vote to confirm this nomination before such meetings have occurred.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Final Annual 2024 Capital Gains Distributions for Purpose Fund Corp.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce the final annual 2024 capital gain distributions for Purpose Fund Corp. The distributions represent capital gains realized by Purpose Fund Corp. during the year.

    Shareholders of record at the close of business on January 30, 2025, will receive the 2024 annual capital gains distribution on February 5, 2025, and such gains will be applicable for the 2025 tax year. The final year-end capital gain distribution for Purpose Fund Corp. will be paid in cash.

    Details of the per-unit distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Ticker
    Symbol    		 Exchange Final Annual
    Capital Gains
    Distribution
    Per Share    		 NAV Per
    Share (as of
    Jan 23, 2025)    		 Final Distribution
    (% of Jan 23,
    2025 NAV)
    Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF
    Series    		 PDF TSX $0.1800 $33.85 0.53%
    Purpose Tactical Hedged Equity Fund
    – ETF Series    		 PHE TSX $0.0800 $36.72 0.22%
    Purpose Tactical Hedged Equity Fund
    – Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Series    		 PHE.B TSX $0.6700 $42.83 1.56%
    Purpose Diversified Real Asset Fund
    – ETF Series    		 PRA TSX $0.2100 $30.15 0.70%
    Purpose Best Ideas Fund – ETF
    Series    		 PBI TSX $1.5700 $48.09 3.26%
    Purpose Best Ideas Fund – Non-
    Currency Hedged – ETF Series    		 PBI.B TSX $2.5700 $64.21 4.00%
    Purpose International Tactical
    Hedged Equity Fund – ETF Series    		 PHW TSX $0.3500 $19.73 1.77%
    Purpose Canadian Financial Income
    Fund – ETF Series    		 BNC TSX $1.2000 $29.24 4.10%
    Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund –
    ETF Series    		 PDIV TSX $0.0150 $9.46 0.16%
    Purpose Core Equity Income Fund –
    ETF Series    		 RDE Cboe
    Canada    		 $0.1600 $27.40 0.58%
    Purpose Tactical Asset Allocation
    Fund – ETF Series    		 RTA Cboe
    Canada    		 $0.9500 $31.31 3.03%
    Purpose Tactical Thematic Fund –
    ETF Series    		 RTT Cboe
    Canada    		 $0.7000 $24.81 2.82%

    Purpose confirms that Big Banc Split Corp. will not declare a 2024 annual capital gain distribution.

    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Financial, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information, please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Delivers Remarks in California

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

    Pacific Palisades, CA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxyu6l_XzH0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Casper man sentenced to 10 years for transportation of a minor for sex

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    James Warren Martin, 38, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, with a lifetime of supervised release, for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. This sentence is to run concurrently with his 37-to-45-year sentence imposed in Wyoming’s Seventh Judicial District state court for his victimization of the same minor. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 23, in Casper.

    According to court documents, the defendant was brought to the attention of law enforcement in October of 2022 when the minor victim’s family member and guardian reported to the Casper Police Department that a male, identified as James Warren Martin, was grooming the girl. Detectives began investigating Martin. Then, on Nov. 16, 2022, Martin picked up the girl from school and fled the state with her. An Amber Alert was issued in Wyoming. Investigators determined that Martin and the minor victim may have been in Arizona. An Amber Alert was also issued in Arizona.

    A deputy with the La Paz County (Ariz.) Sheriff’s Office located Martin and the minor victim in Arizona. Law enforcement arrested Martin and rescued the girl. Electronic evidence showed Martin intended to take the girl to Mexico. Evidence also proved Martin had sexual intercourse with the girl after taking her from Wyoming. Martin was interviewed and ultimately confessed to having sexual intercourse with the girl numerous times in Natrona County, Wyoming in the years before taking her to Arizona.

    Martin was indicted on Jan. 11, 2023, and entered federal custody on July 15, 2024. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2024.

    The Casper Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and La Paz County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the federal crime. The Natrona County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the accompanying state crimes.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

    Case No. 23-CR-00005

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Demands Insurance Companies Answer for ‘Morally Obscene’ Disaster Claim Denials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    Today, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to insurance companies regarding reports that claims related to Hurricane Helene are being denied after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton devastated American communities. In his letter, the Senator calls on them to publicly testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management—which Senator Hawley chairs—and pushes for answers about their claim processing practices.
    “These reports [of coverage denials] are outrageous. Americans purchase insurance so that when disaster strikes, they and their loved ones will have some recourse. That is the reason insurance companies exist in the first place,” wrote Senator Hawley. “Denying coverage to American policyholders, at a time when so many of them have been displaced and left grieving, is not merely a betrayal—it is morally obscene.”
    The letter comes on the heels of President Trump’s Friday visit to western North Carolina to meet with hurricane victims who are still struggling with the destruction and loss caused by the hurricane. During his press conference, President Trump invited victims to share their stories and specifically name the insurance companies denying their claims. 
    Read the full letter here or below.  
    January 24, 2025
    Dear Insurer:
    Earlier this year, American communities were devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Countless Americans lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and beloved towns in the violence of the storm. Now, all across the eastern seaboard, thousands are struggling to recover and rebuild their lives. 
    Widespread reports indicate that some companies are standing in the way. Seizing the opportunity to limit their own liabilities, insurance companies processing claims related to these hurricanes are reportedly engaged in a pattern of denying homeowner insurance claims.1 If this is true, Americans who’ve already lost nearly everything now face the ultimate insult: loss of any chance to rebuild. They will be left with virtually nothing.
    These reports are outrageous. Americans purchase insurance so that when disaster strikes, they and their loved ones will have some recourse. That is the reason insurance companies exist in the first place. Denying coverage to American policyholders, at a time when so many of them have been displaced and left grieving, is not merely a betrayal—it is morally obscene.
    In the wake of these reports of denials of coverage, I invite you to publicly testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management, which has jurisdiction over disaster recovery efforts.
    In the interim, please provide answers to the following questions: 
         1. How many insurance claims, brought by homeowners in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Milton, has your company denied?
         2. On what grounds were these claims denied? Please provide an itemized breakdown.
         3. What is your average response time when customers submit a claim after a disaster?
    I look forward to your response. 
    Sincerely, 
    Josh HawleyUnited States Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Joins Colleagues In Urging President Trump to Exempt All VA Employees from Federal Hiring Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    While The Trump Administration Has Backtracked To Exempt Health Care Employees From Freeze Following Rosen-Backed Letter, Other Personnel Are Still Being Affected
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined a letter urging President Trump to exempt all Veterans Affairs (VA) employees from the federal hiring freeze he issued this week. In response to this letter, the Trump Administration has announced it’s exempting health care and law enforcement positions, but other jobs related to veteran’s benefits are still affected. The hiring freeze will negatively impact Nevada’s veterans, including by blocking the hiring of personnel needed to process benefits.
    “As written, this Memorandum could dramatically impair the ability of veterans across the country to get the timely 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.”
    “Mr. President, to prevent the delay or denial of life-saving services and benefits for our nation’s heroes, we urge you to provide an immediate, clear, and full exemption to VA personnel from your hiring freeze,” they continued. “We are hopeful to work with you to build upon our nation’s promise to these men and women, but we also vow to fight every effort that dishonors their service and reneges upon that sacred promise.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has worked consistently to deliver for Nevada’s veterans. Earlier this year, a bipartisan bill she supported to expand veterans’ benefits outreach became law. Senator Rosen’s bipartisan bill to require the VA to maintain a permanent helpline for veterans to use for information on VA services is now law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. She also successfully pushed President Biden to include the construction of a new VA hospital in Reno in his 2024 Budget Request and helped introduce and pass bipartisan legislation to officially authorize its construction.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Set to Open Altadena Disaster Recovery Center

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Set to Open Altadena Disaster Recovery Center

    FEMA Set to Open Altadena Disaster Recovery Center

    LOS ANGELES – FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Altadena to assist Californians who experienced damage to their primary home, personal property loss or have disaster-caused emergency needs related to the wildfires. At DRCs, you can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on your FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process. Additionally, the DRC located at the Pasadena City College Community Education Center’s last day of operations is Friday, Jan. 31.The Altadena location will open Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. PST.Altadena Disaster Recovery Center540 W. Woodbury Rd.Altadena, CA 91001Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.Other DRC locations include:UCLA Research Park West10850 West Pico Blvd.1Los Angeles, CA 90064Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pasadena City College Community Education Center (last day of operations is January 31st)3035 East Foothill Blvd.Pasadena, CA 91107Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.There are other ways to apply for assistance aside from going to a DRC. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4856. Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance.
    barbara.murien…
    Fri, 01/24/2025 – 23:57

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FAQ: Direct Housing Updates

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FAQ: Direct Housing Updates

    FAQ: Direct Housing Updates

    FEMA continues to house survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires through its Direct Housing Program. Currently all households that remain eligible for the Direct Housing Program are licensed into direct housing units. Participants will continue to be housed as long as they remain eligible for the program and should remain in contact with their FEMA recertification advisor.     Q&A for Direct Housing Participants Q. Why are participants being asked to relocate?  A. There are various reasons why survivors in Direct Lease units may need to be relocated, with safety always being a top priority. FEMA’s goal is to ensure all survivors have a safe, sanitary, and habitable place to live. Currently, FEMA is focused on efforts to bring survivors back to West Maui, closer to their homes, while reducing their overall footprint on the island. This includes prioritizing properties nearer to Lahaina.Q. What happens if a participant is offered housing to return to West Maui and declines? A. Wildfire survivors in FEMA’s Direct Housing Program that have previously expressed interest in returning to West Maui are currently being contacted by FEMA. If they choose to decline the West Maui unit, they may remain in their current housing situation. However, they will not be offered another West Maui unit after declining the initial offer. Q. What happens to participants if their landlord’s contract is not extended? A. Wildfire survivors in FEMA’s Direct Housing Program may remain in the program through Feb. 10, 2026, as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. If their current unit’s contract is not extended and they must move out, an alternative housing solution will be provided by FEMA to accommodate them, as long as they remain eligible or until the end of the Direct Housing Program. Q. How will displaced families be informed about having to move if their current property owner’s contract is not extended? A. Tenants will be informed by FEMA in advance if they will be required to move to another location. FEMA will then provide alternative housing solutions for these households. Q. How do wildfire survivors feel reassured about their housing security? A. While housing situations may change, participants in the Direct Housing Program can rest assured that if they continue to meet the requirements in their license agreement they may remain in the program and will be housed until they find their permanent housing solution or until the program ends. Q. When will Direct Housing participants be required to begin paying rent? A. All Direct Housing households will begin paying rent to FEMA on March 1, 2025. Q. When will households be notified of the requirement to begin paying rent? A. Households received 30- 60- and 90-day notices informing them of the rent requirement that will begin on March 1, 2025, and of the process to appeal the rental amount. Q. How is the rental amount determined? A. The rental amount is based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2025 Fair Market Rent on Maui along with the household’s ability to pay.  Q. If individuals have questions about the rental requirement and the appeal process who do they talk to?A. Direct Housing households are encouraged to talk to their recertification advisor if they have any questions on the appeal process and what documentation is needed to be considered for rent reduction.For Direct Housing households with further questions call the Individual Assistance Housing Hotline at 808-784-1600.
    shannon.carley
    Sat, 01/25/2025 – 00:27

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/23/2025 Blackburn, Cruz, Self, Colleagues Introduce MACARTHUR Act Reaffirming West Point’s Commitment to Meritocracy and American Leadership

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) along with Representative Keith Self (R-Texas-03) introduced the Maintaining Academy Culture and Assuring Retention of Tradition, Honor, and Unity of the Republic (MACARTHUR) Act, after the United States Military Academy at West Point decided to remove the phrase “Duty, Honor, Country” from its mission statement. Sen. Cruz’s legislation would restore the phrase in the mission statement.
    Sen. Blackburn said, “Under the leadership of President Trump, our military will return to its core mission of protecting the security of our country above all else and defending the Constitution. The United States Military Academy is responsible for teaching the future generation of servicemembers about the values of ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ as they prepare to serve our nation, and there is no reason why this phrase should have been removed from its mission statement. The MACARTHUR Act will officially restore these virtues to the mission of our nation’s oldest service academy.”
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “For centuries, the United States Army has set the global standard for military excellence because its leaders embrace a lifetime of selfless service and embody the values of ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ West Point’s removal of these core values from its mission statement risks eroding the foundation of American military leadership. I am proud to introduce the MACARTHUR Act to restore these principles, reaffirm West Point’s mission, and emphasize the meritocracy that has shaped American military excellence for generations—ensuring our armed forces remain the most capable, disciplined, and formidable fighting force in the world.”
    Rep. Self said, “On November 5th, 2024, President Trump overwhelmingly won a mandate to restore greatness to America. This mandate includes our military institutions, which have been weakened and neutered by wokeism. During my time as a cadet at West Point and throughout my 25-year military career, I was inspired by West Point’s motto: ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ This hallowed phrase, emphasized by General Douglas MacArthur in his farewell speech to West Point in 1962, embodies the dedication of service that our men and women in uniform exemplify. Congress should pass this legislation to reaffirm ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ as the motto of the U.S. Military Academy, so these three words can continue to inspire future generations of America’s warfighters.”
    Sen. Scott said, “The days of the Biden administration working to make our armed forces woke are over. It is time to return our military to the most lethal fighting force in the world, and that starts with maintaining a culture at the United States Military Academy guided by the principles of duty, honor, country. I am looking forward to seeing this legislation across the finish line, and thank my colleague Senator Ted Cruz for sponsoring this bill to reaffirm West Point’s mission of building our nation’s best military leaders.”
    Sen. Britt said, “Our nation’s preeminent service academies train, educate, and empower the next generation of servicemembers and leaders. The MACARTHUR Act recognizes and reaffirms West Point’s guiding principle of ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ to ensure its foundational values continue to shape the character of cadets for decades to come. As we work to return the Pentagon’s focus to the lethality of our Armed Forces, I’m proud to join Senator Cruz in protecting the venerated legacy and integrity of our country’s oldest service academy.”
    Sen. Tuberville said, “Over the last four years, the Biden administration has taken our military away from its core mission. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris caving to the woke left has weakened our military and made our world less safe. It’s time to refocus our military to its core mission so that America remains the strongest fighting force in the world. This starts with our new recruits and military academies. I’m proud to join this fight with Senator Cruz to return our military to its core mission and the ideals of ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’” 
    CO-SPONSORS: 
    Senators Blackburn and Cruz was joined by Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Katie Britt (Ala.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in introducing the legislation.
    Rep. Self led the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    BACKGROUND:
    West Point first began using the phrase “Duty, Honor, Country” in 1898. The significance of that phrase gained prominence during General Douglas MacArthur’s memorable 1962 speech to the Corps of Cadets, in which MacArthur celebrated “Duty, Honor, Country” as essential virtues for military officers. His speech transformed those three words from an informal motto to a revered creed that would shape West Point’s identity.
    In 1998, West Point added “Duty, Honor, Country” to its official mission statement:  To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation. 
    In March 2024, West Point leadership revised that mission statement, removing “Duty, Honor, Country.” To build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation.
    Read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/24/2025 Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statements after introducing the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would help improve veterans’ access to health care by reducing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) role in the community care referral process:
    “Under the Biden-Harris administration, veterans were discouraged from seeking community care by layers of bureaucratic red tape and a lack of accessibility to their local medical providers,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would right this wrong by empowering veterans to directly schedule appointments at non-VA medical facilities, which will remove unnecessary barriers and provide veterans with greater autonomy to access the care they need.” 
    “Our veterans should be able to see a doctor as quickly and easily as possible,” said Senator Tuberville. “Taking care of our veterans is a sacred duty. They should have access to the best medical care in the country. Streamlining the VA community care program is a commonsense way we can increase access to care and cut through red tape. I’m proud to join this legislation to eliminate the community care referral process and make life easier for those who have served.”
    “Veterans must have access to community health care facilities. This legislation gives them more choices for medical care and helps avoid long wait times at VA facilities,” said Senator Wicker. “By enabling community care, transportation burdens will be reduced for veterans who live in rural areas. These changes will greatly improve the lives of our nation’s heroes.”
    “For too many veterans, especially those in small towns and rural communities, barriers to access and bureaucratic red tape have stood in the way when seeking medical care,” said Senator Sheehy. “Our nation has a solemn responsibility to take care of those who have put their lives on the line for our freedoms, and I am proud to join my Senate colleagues on this important legislation that will increase health care options and make it easier for our veterans to seek the quality care they deserve.”
    “America’s veterans deserve access to quality health care and the freedom to make decisions involving their health without unnecessary government interference,” said Senator Cruz. “The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act gives back those choices, cutting through bureaucratic red tape that often delays or denies access to life-saving care. This bill honors our commitment to those who have served and ensures they receive the respect and care they have earned.”
    Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mike Rounds (R- S.D.) also co-sponsored this legislation. It was introduced in the House by Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.).

    BACKGROUND:

    The VA MISSION Act was enacted in 2018 to enhance veterans’ access to healthcare by expanding their options to receive care from community providers outside the VA system.
    This landmark legislation aimed to streamline and consolidate community care programs, establish clear eligibility criteria, and ensure timely access to care, reducing both wait times and travel burdens for veterans.
    However, in the years following its passage, veterans have frequently reported challenges in obtaining referrals for community care. Despite the VA MISSION Act’s objectives, evidence suggests that the Biden administration’s VA introduced extensive bureaucratic obstacles, discouraging veterans from seeking community care in favor of retaining them within the VA’s direct care system. These actions have undermined the intent of the VA MISSION Act by creating unnecessary delays and complexities in the referral process.
    Currently, veterans must meet certain eligibility criteria, and the VA must approve the provider referral to seek care in non-VA facilities under the Veterans Community Care Program. The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would remove the VA from the referral process to allow veterans to seek care where it is most convenient. 

    VETERANS HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT:

    Specifically, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would:
    Create a three-year pilot program within the VA Center for Innovation Care and Payment to improve veterans’ access to health care in the free market;
    Require that the pilot program be carried out in at least four Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISN);
    Improve access to free market health care by allowing veterans to access primary, specialty, and mental health care outside of their corresponding VISN and at non-VA facilities;
    Require the VA to give veterans information about eligibility, cost sharing, treatments, and providers so that they can make informed decisions with respect to selection of primary and specialty care providers and other available treatments;
    Make the pilot program permanent nationwide four years after enactment of the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act;
    Require the VA to submit reports to House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees on the implementation and results of the pilot program, as well as the final design; and
    Fund the pilot program using appropriations otherwise made available to the Veterans Health Administration.
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –