Category: Americas

MIL-OSI USA: 10.16.2024 Cruz, Cramer, Capito File Bicameral Amicus Brief to Overturn FHWA’s Unlawful Emissions Rule

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and several Republican colleagues in filing a bicameral amicus brief against the Biden-Harris administration’s greenhouse gas emissions rule on highways.
The Members of Congress requested that the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit uphold the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas’s decision to vacate the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) final rule requiring states to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highways.
In the brief, the members argued, “Congress considered, and ultimately rejected, providing [FHWA] with the authority to issue a GHG performance measure regulation, but [FHWA] contorted ancillary existing authorities to impose one anyway. In doing so, [FHWA] impermissibly usurped the Legislative Branch’s authority and promulgated the GHG performance measure without statutory authority delegated by Congress.
“Put simply, when [FHWA] established a GHG performance measure regulation, it exceeded the powers Congress authorized. And it did so both at the expense of separation of powers and in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act.”
Sens. Cruz, Cramer, and Capito were joined by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ark.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) in filing the brief.
The senators were also joined by Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.-6) and Rick Crawford (R-Ark.-1) in filing the brief.
Read the full amicus brief here.
BACKGROUND
In November 2023, the FHWA adopted a final rule requiring state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to measure GHG emissions on the highway system and set declining targets. Sen. Cruz previously joined a bipartisan Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the rule. The resolution passed the Senate in April by a vote of 53 to 47, reiterating Congress’s opposition to FHWA’s overreach.
Shortly after the rule was finalized, 21 state attorneys general, including Texas, filed litigation challenging the regulation. The U.S. District Court found the Biden-Harris administration rule to be illegal, but FHWA appealed the decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and it remains under further consideration.
The bicameral amicus brief requests the Appeals Court uphold the District Court’s decision vacating the rule. The brief argues that Congress debated and rejected granting the FHWA the authority to issue GHG performance measure rules and the FHWA then intentionally misconstrued Congressional intent to justify its improper exercise of authority. It also argues the rulemaking is not consistent with recent Supreme Court decisions paring back Executive Branch overreach, and FHWA is bypassing principles of federalism to further its own policy agenda.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 10.16.2024 Sen. Cruz Celebrates Announcement of Direct Flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced their intent to award an additional, beyond perimeter slot for a nonstop flight between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
In May, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which Sen. Cruz co-authored as the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, was signed into law allocating five new, round-trip flights between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and previously excluded beyond-perimeter locations. In July, Sen. Cruz and Reps. Roy and Castro led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in urging the DOT to award a direct flight for the proposed SAT-DCA route.
Upon the announcement, Sen. Cruz said, “I’m proud to have led Republicans and Democrats in delivering a landmark victory not just for the City of San Antonio but the entire Lone Star State. The new American Airlines SAT-DCA flight is the culmination of a years-long effort to connect our nation’s capital with the fastest-growing city in the country. My bipartisan provision adding five long-haul slots in this year’s FAA reauthorization bill overcame fierce, well-funded opposition. I am thankful to the many city leaders, partners, and stakeholders across the greater San Antonio region who entrusted me with this responsibility and united behind our effort to deliver for Military City USA. I am looking forward to soon celebrating with my friends in San Antonio as we step foot onto the very first direct flight from SAT to DCA.”
Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System said, “The City of San Antonio has been fighting for a direct flight to Washington, D.C. for decades. Today’s announcement from the Department of Transportation is tremendous news for San Antonians and Texans and would not have been possible without the strong leadership of Senator Ted Cruz and Representatives Chip Roy and Joaquin Castro. San Antonio is excited for American Airlines to begin flying from Military City USA to Washington, D.C. very soon.”
Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, President and CEO, greater:SATX said, “Today is monumental for San Antonio with the approval of a new nonstop route from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. We are grateful to Senator Ted Cruz who championed this effort and to the Texas congressional delegation. San Antonio—previously the largest U.S. city without nonstop DCA service—now gains critical access to D.C. and Northern Virginia. This route will boost corporate retention, expansion, and recruitment, supporting San Antonio’s rapid growth and future development.”
Lamar Smith, Former U.S. Representative, 21st Congressional District of Texas said, “Today’s announcement that the Department of Transportation will award a direct flight from Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport to San Antonio is a tremendous win for Texans, and especially for the people of San Antonio. This victory is the result of years of hard work and a united effort from countless stakeholders, including the City of San Antonio and organizations across South Texas. I was proud to play a part in that effort during the years I represented Texas’s 21st congressional district, and I am delighted to see it finally come to a positive resolution. The strong, bipartisan leadership from Senator Ted Cruz, who authored the provision and fought to include it in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, deserves special recognition as well. His relentless advocacy for San Antonio ensured this got over the finish line, even in the face of stiff opposition. This new, direct flight will help provide lower prices for consumers, bolster Military City USA’s connection to D.C., and grow the region’s leadership in healthcare, science, and defense sectors, and that is something we can all be proud of.”
Wayne Peacock, CEO, USAA said, “Nonstop air service connecting Military City, USA to DCA in our nation’s capital has been a top priority for our region for decades. Securing direct-service flights will have a significant impact on the military community and their families serving here, as well as our fast-growing business community. This is a phenomenal milestone and the culmination of decades of persistent effort by local and statewide leaders working on behalf of our San Antonio region. Business leaders stand ready to support this new nonstop route and continue to build San Antonio’s presence as one of America’s leading cities for economic growth and development.”
Joe Straus, Former Speaker, Texas House of Representatives said, “San Antonians have long sought nonstop air service to the heart of our nation’s capital and today is a victory in that effort. Nonstop air service to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is critical to San Antonio’s economic strength — especially in the sectors of cybersecurity, defense contracting, aerospace and financial services. Thanks to the dedicated advocacy of our elected leaders in Washington and key voices here in our community, our region is now positioned for continued opportunity and economic activity.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Joins Bipartisan Letter Calling on Administration to Ensure Iran’s Regime Cannot Benefit from Petroleum Trade

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

Senator Rosen Helped Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Later Signed into Law To Block the Iranian Regime’s Petroleum Trade
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined a bipartisan group of senators in a letter urging the Biden Administration to fully implement bipartisan legislation she helped introduce and pass into law to ensure Iran’s regime cannot benefit from its petroleum trade. As Iran and its proxies escalate their attacks on Israel and efforts to destabilize the Middle East, Senator Rosen and her colleagues are calling on the Administration to report to Congress on efforts to deny Iran’s regime the ability to engage in destabilizing activities, terrorism, and weapons development activities. To date, the Administration has failed to meet several of these reporting deadlines, which are required by law.
“For decades, there has been evidence that Iran has funded direct attacks on America and our allies. Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Iran has only become more emboldened to act against democratic interests across the globe,” wrote the Senators. “Due to the quantity of oil that Iran is able to trade and the subsequent profits, as well as their historical pattern of utilizing these funds to foster violence and chaos, it is vital that the United States take concrete action to disrupt their petroleum trade. Therefore, we ask the administration to honor the reporting deadlines and enforcement requirements prescribed within the SHIP and Fight CRIME Acts that were included in H.R. 815, the emergency supplemental appropriations.”
“Given the havoc Iran is wreaking in the Middle East and the wider region, this information is both timely and vital for Congress to carry out appropriate sanctions oversight and understand what greater legislative action is required to ensure Iran does not have the resources to harm the United States or our partners and allies,” they continued. “We look forward to these timely reports and enhanced understanding of the Administration’s plan to counter Iranian oil trade and accessible revenue for their funding of terrorism.”
The full text of the letter can be found HERE.
Senator Rosen has been fighting to protect U.S. national security and counter Iran’s destabilizing actions in the Middle East. Earlier this year, she introduced bipartisan legislation to counter space threats posed by Iran. Last year, Senator Rosen called on the Biden Administration to refreeze $6 billion in Iranian assets held in Qatar following Hamas’ October 7th terrorist attack on Israel. She also stood up to her party and voted in favor of several Republican amendments to combat Iranian aggression and support Israel. Senator Rosen also helped introduce the bipartisan Solidify Iran Sanctions Act to make the Iran Sanctions of 1996 permanent, allowing the President to impose sanctions on Iran’s energy sectors.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Visits Thornton Police Department to Tour New Training Facility, Meets With Interim Chief and Officers

Source: US State of Colorado

THORNTON – Today, Governor Polis visited the Thornton Police Department to tour a new state-of-the-art training facility and to meet with interim police chief Greg Reeves and officers following the recent incident that injured two Thornton Police officers.

“Violent crime has no place in Colorado. Thank you to the brave peace officers across the state who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our fellow Coloradans and to keep our communities safe. I’m grateful for the service of our men and women in uniform and was honored to visit a new state-of-the-art police training facility in Thornton, which will help train and retain high-quality officers,” said Governor Polis.

Recently two Thornton Police officers were injured during an incident while on duty. Governor Polis spoke with Chief Reeves and officers at the facility to express his relief that both officers were not seriously harmed and wished both officers a speedy recovery. Under Governor Polis the state has invested millions to enhance law enforcement recruitment, retention, and training, including awarding a recruitment and training assistance grant specifically for the Thornton Police Department.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Barragán, García, and Horsford Introduce Resolution to Recognize September 22, 2024, as National Hispanic Nurses Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 October 2024

Contact: Kevin G. McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)

Kevin.McGuire@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44), alongside Reps. Jesus “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Steven Horsford (NV-04), introduced a resolution to designate September 22, 2024, as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and to recognize the work of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) as the leading organization in representing and advocating for Hispanic Nurses.

The designation of National Hispanic Nurses Day would raise awareness of the significant contributions of Hispanic nurses in their communities and the country, recognizing the importance of culturally and ethnically competent care within the nursing profession, particularly within underserved communities.

The resolution also shows support for the goals and ideas of NAHN, including the promotion of health care equity and the elimination of health care disparities within the United States. Since 1975, NAHN has been the nation’s leading professional society for Latino nurses. With a growing membership and more than 40 local chapters, the non-profit organization represents the voices of Latino nurses throughout the United States.

“As the sister of a nurse, I see firsthand the hard work of Hispanic nurses within all of our communities,” said Rep. Barragan. “Hispanic nurses play a critical role in advancing healthcare for under resourced communities and add much needed diversity to the nursing profession. As we close out National Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the history and contributions of all Hispanic Americans, I am proud to reintroduce this resolution to recognize the unique care provided by Hispanic nurses as well as NAHN’s work to support our current workforce and future nursing generations. Today, and every day, we must advocate for increased honor and support for our healthcare professionals.”

“Hispanic nurses are key advocates for our community’s health care needs,” said Rep. García. “They provide care through culturally sensitive practices including speaking the language our community prefers. Their efforts uplifting appropriate treatments and approaches to address Latino community needs is critical to policy-making and resource allocation across federal, state and local agencies. On National Hispanic Nurses Day I’m proud to co-lead this resolution recognizing their work.”

“Hispanic nurses often serve as the backbone of our healthcare system, leading the charge in providing lifesaving care and reducing health disparities in underserved communities,” said Rep. Horsford. “By recognizing National Hispanic Nurses Day, we can honor their commitment and contributions to the well-being of millions. I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the essential role Hispanic nurses play in creating a healthier, more equitable future.”

“The collective strength of Hispanic nurses is rooted not only in our professional expertise but also in our unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Veronica Vital, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, President. “The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) has played a pivotal role in advancing health equity, promoting higher education, and empowering our members to become influential leaders shaping health policy. As a rich, diverse mosaic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and safe environment where every voice is heard and valued.”

In addition to García and Horsford, the National Hispanic Nurses Day resolution is cosponsored by 13 original cosponsors: Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Rául Grijalva (AZ-7), Delia Ramirez (IL-3), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Darren Soto (FL-9), Mark Takano (CA-39), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

The resolution is endorsed by the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

# # #

Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44^th District.  She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues.  She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: COP16: States must reinforce human rights protections in Global Biodiversity Framework

Source: Amnesty International –

Ahead of the COP16 Biodiversity summit, which runs from 21 October to 1 November in Cali, Colombia, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, said:

“At the last meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal in 2022, states agreed the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a set of ambitious targets to strengthen the protection and promotion of biodiversity globally by 2030. That was an important first step towards tackling the biodiversity crisis that has brought about the total or near extinction of countless species and threatens the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

“The Global Biodiversity Framework includes many human rights safeguards, but it will only prove effective if states agree on a robust mechanism to monitor and enforce it. Delegates at COP16 must finalize a monitoring framework that comprehensively tracks all of those human rights safeguards and the appropriate channelling of funds, holds states accountable for failing to respect them, and is informed by submissions from Indigenous Peoples, peasant and Afro-descendant organizations, and civil society.

“The Global Biodiversity Framework, including its monitoring mechanism, is particularly crucial for Indigenous Peoples and land-dependent communities who are bearing the brunt of the loss of biodiversity but are also victimized by the responses to this loss. In particular, and as documented by Amnesty International, they are at risk of being thrown off their land in the name of creating protected conservation areas – a shameful practice known as fortress conservation.

The Global Biodiversity Framework includes many human rights safeguards, but it will only prove effective if states agree on a robust mechanism to monitor and enforce it.

Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard

“It is therefore crucial that the monitoring framework to be agreed in Cali contain indicators to measure the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ land rights and their traditional and scientific knowledge and practices, as well as the rights of Afro-descendants, peasants and other local land-dependent communities. The monitoring mechanism must track the channelling of biodiversity financing directly to those actors, and formally recognize their conservation work on their lands, which is often more effective than state-sanctioned protected areas.

“Similarly, environmental defenders and land protectors often risk their lives to protect our planet and its biodiversity. Delegates must keep this harsh reality at the front of their minds as they meet in Colombia, long the world’s deadliest country for environmental activists. The monitoring framework must thus include metrics to capture initiatives and legal protections for land defenders, and their impact and outcome, including on impunity.”

MIL OSI NGO –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mfume, Team Maryland Announce $13.9 Million in Federal Funds to Support Workforce Development and Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

BALTIMORE – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, with Governor Wes Moore and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey, announced $13.9 million in federal funding to support workforce development and postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Administered through the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the funding will help increase access to resources, promote data sharing, and improve employment outcomes.

“Team Maryland continues to drive federal investment in Marylanders’ futures. These new funds will bolster the use of evidence-based strategies to engage individuals with disabilities in careers of their choice, enhancing inclusion, economic mobility, and career growth,” said members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation Congressman Mfume, Senators Cardin, Van Hollen, and Hoyer; and Congressmen Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, Raskin, Trone and Ivey. “One in four Americans has a disability, and these investments will empower those Americans to achieve greater economic independence while supporting our changing economic and workforce needs. This is an important investment in ensuring people with disabilities are able to continue playing a meaningful role in their community.”

“’Leave no one behind’ is not just a talking point for us, it’s a governing philosophy. Today’s action reaffirms Maryland’s commitment to building a state where every person is seen and supported,” said Gov. Moore. “I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their partnership. Together, we will open paths to work, wages, and wealth for Marylanders; grow our economy; and create an equitable future for all.”

The U.S. Department of Education allocated $9.4 million from the Disability Innovation Fund Program to develop a tool that connects students with accessible services, including vocational rehabilitation and long-term support. The tool represents a pioneering data-sharing system that will enable school and state agency personnel—including the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitative Services and the Developmental Disabilities Administration at the Maryland Department of Health—to share information about student applications, eligibility, and services.

The Maryland Department of Disabilities also received $4.5 million from the Social Security Administration’s Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program. The funding will be used to assess the impact of outreach and assistance for children with disabilities who qualify for both Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, in an effort to enhance access to transition services and improve employment outcomes through competitive, integrated employment.

The two grants begin this month and will continue over five years.

“Both grants underscore our unwavering commitment to advancing opportunity, access and choice for individuals with disabilities,” said Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol A. Beatty. “Allowing them to live a life of their own choosing in their communities. Everyone can work with the right support and services and jobs are a critical element of independence.”

Governor Moore issued a proclamation in support of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, highlighting that people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than their non-disabled peers. By removing barriers to employment, Maryland is putting young people with disabilities on the road to financial independence.

For more information on the Disability Innovation Fund grant visit ed.gov.?

For more information on the Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program grant visit ssa.gov.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Del Toro Travels to Argentina for the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas

Source: United States Department of Defense

MENDOZA, Argentina – From October 13-16, 2024, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro led the United States delegation to the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA) in Mendoza, Argentina. The delegation included senior officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy. U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command were also represented.

CDMA is the premier defense forum in the Western Hemisphere, convening the senior most national security and defense officials biennially to address hemisphere-wide challenges while forging strong partnerships throughout the region. This year’s event featured discussions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and climate and environmental challenges from a defense perspective.

Secretary Del Toro held bilateral meetings with Ministry of Defense leaders from the following countries:

Argentina

Secretary Del Toro and Minister of Defense Petri reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.- Argentina defense relationship and discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in Women, Peace, and Security, and peacekeeping operations. Secretary Del Toro thanked Minister Petri for hosting the XVI CDMA and for Argentina’s contributions to global security.

Brazil

Secretary Del Toro and Minister Múcio discussed cooperating on emerging defense areas, including cyber, space, and special operations; military-to-military activities in the South Atlantic; and expanding defense industrial base cooperation. The two sides recognized the progress made towards finalization of the U.S.-Brazil Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement.

Colombia

Secretary Del Toro and Vice Minister Suárez discussed the strong bilateral U.S.-Colombia defense relationship, and tackling emerging challenges such as counter-unmanned aircraft system, climate change, and support to special operations. The delegations discussed countering transnational criminal organizations, and regional security.

Peru

Secretary Del Toro and Minister Astudillo discussed the strength of the U.S.-Peru bilateral defense relationship, especially in areas of security cooperation and countering transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The U.S. commended Peru’s recent progress toward the lifting of aerial interdiction restrictions.

The Ministers endorsed the United States’ proposal to host the XVIII CDMA in 2028.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NDDOT Receives $20 Million to Improve Safety with Freight Reliability, Preservation on US 52 Route

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

***Click here for audio.***

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) received a $20,000,000 award through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. This funding will help NDDOT enhance the US 52 route by adding railroad bypass lanes, improving safety, and increasing the efficiency of passenger and freight transportation across the state.

Specifically, this project will rehabilitate approximately 45 miles of existing asphalt pavement from west of Drake to Fessenden, consolidate access points at the intersection of US 52 and North Dakota Highway 3 in Harvey, and add acceleration and deceleration lanes at existing at-grade railroad crossings. It will also add turn lanes at intersections from seven miles south of Portal to Carrington.

“As we say, North Dakota feeds and fuels the world, and Highway 52 is an essential artery for the flow of many of our goods getting to markets,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “This grant will help expand this really important transportation corridor and then at the same time, improves the safety for producers and the traveling public.”

In May, the North Dakota delegation sent a letter in support of NDDOT’s Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant application. Cramer led an amendment to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act which passed the Senate EPW Committee in 2021, requiring the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize states which have never received an INFRA grant. After Cramer’s efforts, North Dakota received its first INFRA grant the same year. This is North Dakota’s second INFRA award since the passage of Cramer’s amendment to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Allens advises lenders on reaching financial close for BCI Minerals’ $981m Mardie Project financing

Source: Allens Insights

Allens has advised the lenders on the successful financial close of BCI Minerals’ $981 million financing for the Mardie Salt Project (the Mardie Project), marking a significant milestone in the development of Australia’s first large-scale salt project in decades.

The syndicate of lenders includes Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, Export Finance Australia, Export Development Canada, Westpac Banking Corporation, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited.

The financing package comprises $830 million for construction loans, $70 million for bank guarantees, and $81 million for potential cost overruns. The Mardie Project has been accredited as a Green Loan aligned with the Green Financing Framework.

‘We are proud to have played a key role in this significant financing deal for the Mardie Project,’ said lead Partner Ben Farnsworth.

‘This not only represents a major investment but also highlights the growing importance of sustainable financing in the global market. The Green Loan accreditation underscores the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic growth.’

Financial close was reached on 4 October. Allens continues to work with Lenders and BCI on satisfying the further conditions to the first drawdown of the construction loan facilities.

Allens legal team

Banking & Finance

Ben Farnsworth (Partner), Louise Barbato (Senior Associate), Madeleine Ninkov (Associate), Megan Lee (Associate), Mariella Panegyres (Lawyer)

Real Estate & Development

Naomi Bergman (Partner), Layth Zumot (Associate)

Projects

Jodi Reinmuth (Partner), Lewis Pope (Associate)

Contact for further information

Communications & Corporate Affairs Manager

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: World’s Largest Debt Conversion for Conservation of a River and its Watershed Completed in El Salvador

Source: CAF Development Bank of Latin America

All savings generated by the transaction will be applied over time to support conservation, water security, and ecosystem restoration in the Lempa River (Rio Lempa) watershed. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acted as sole arranger and lender for the loan and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as dealer manager in the tender offer for El Salvador’s bonds.

DFC, the U.S. Government’s international development bank, is providing $1 billion in political risk insurance (PRI) while CAF is providing a $200 million standby letter of credit (SBLC). The combination of the DFC PRI and the CAF SBLC will provide integral credit enhancements that support the transaction, which in turn catalyzes the additional investment in El Salvador’s conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts in the Rio Lempa watershed. ArtCap Strategies acted as financial advisor and global coordinator for the transaction.

The Rio Lempa watershed is one of the longest rivers in Central America and plays an important role in the well-being of cities, communities and the economy in El Salvador by providing drinking water, as well as supporting industry and hydropower generation, and irrigation. It also supports diverse ecosystems that represent a large portion of the country’s environmental heritage. Projects funded by the savings from the transaction are expected to enhance water quality, quantity, and reliability; strengthen climate resilience; protect the watershed’s natural ecosystem; and mitigate water security risk in the region.

Through this transaction, the Government of El Salvador will realize more than $352 million in lifetime savings through a combination of immediate notional debt savings and material reductions in debt service costs. $350 million of these savings will be applied to the Rio Lempa Conservation and Restoration Program (the “Program”) over the next 20 years in support of the country’s commitment to watershed conservation in the Rio Lempa basin. Specifically, $200 million, or an average of $9.75 million annually over 20 years, will fund the Program directly, while $150 million, or approximately $7 million per year, will fund an endowment. The funds in the endowment will be invested and are intended to become a source of ongoing funding for the Program beyond 2044. This $350 million allocation represents the largest funding commitment a country has ever made for conservation in a debt conversion transaction.

CRS and FIAES will jointly manage the Program and will collaborate with key government water and environmental agencies to enhance water security and watershed health, promote biodiversity, stimulate economic development through regenerative agriculture, and strengthen planning and management capacities in the Rio Lempa watershed. The Program will make grants to non-governmental organizations operating in El Salvador in support of these goals, with initial grants set to disburse in 2025.The Program will be governed by a seven-member Board of Directors that includes one representative from the Government of El Salvador, one representative from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and five non-governmental representatives.

In addition, the Government of El Salvador has committed to: (i) establish a zonal organization to oversee conservation and restoration of the Rio Lempa watershed; (ii) approve a National Integrated Water Resources Plan; (iii) establish a water resources data monitoring system for the Rio Lempa watershed; (iv) develop protocols for issuing water use permits; (v) establish a public feedback and complaint mechanism for violations of the National Water Resources Law and Environmental Law; (vi) contribute to the decision-making process by developing standards for calculating costs related to drinking water and sanitation services; and (vii) declare 75,000 hectares of protected aquifer recharge zones throughout the watershed by 2044.

White & Case LLP acted as legal adviser to the Republic.

“This debt conversion represents the most ambitious and impactful environmental action in El Salvador’s history. It not only reaffirms this government’s commitment to economic growth, it also enables us to achieve this growth while preserving one of our most precious natural resources: the Lempa River watershed. With support from international parties, we are executing the largest debt conversion transaction of its kind to date. This debt conversion project promotes sustainable development for our communities, strengthens our water security, and protects our ecosystems to secure the well-being of this generation and those to come. With this debt conversion, we aim to transform the environmental and economic future of El Salvador,” said Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador.

“Since its inception, DFC has been a pioneer in the field of debt conversions. Today’s announcement presents the world’s first-ever debt conversion for watershed conservation and water security. This transaction will protect critical resources while helping unburden the Salvadoran economy and promoting the growth of a vibrant private sector that will create more opportunities for Salvadoreans to find employment in their communities. DFC is committed to continuing to leverage our unique financial tools in innovative ways in pursuit of our developmental priorities around the world,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan.

“At CAF, we are committed to becoming the green bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Therefore, we are investing $25 billion by 2026 to finance environmental, climate change, and biodiversity initiatives, such as the one we are announcing today in partnership with the Government of El Salvador, DFC, CRS, and FIAES. This historic financing demonstrates that, through joint efforts, we can advance innovative financial mechanisms that accelerate sustainable development,” said Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.

“CRS is excited to be part of this transformative program in El Salvador, which sets a new standard for the scale and long-term funding needed to restore and protect critical water resources for current and future generations. This program came together because of bold leadership and collective action by a dynamic and diverse team,” said Carla Fajardo, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Catholic Relief Services.

“FIAES is pleased to participate in the Rio Lempa Conservation and Restoration Program, acting as a strategic partner of the Government of El Salvador and the Government of the United States of America, as a fund administrator and program co-manager. The Río Lempa watershed is a valuable natural resource for our country since it covers 49 percent of the territory and supplies 68 percent of the national water needs; therefore, its preservation is essential to guarantee the sustainability of its ecosystem services”, said Jorge Oviedo, Executive Director of FIAES.

“ArtCap is proud to have spearheaded the coordination of this landmark transaction, uniting public and private stakeholders to help develop a comprehensive financial and conservation strategy. This program will deliver an important source of long-term funding for projects focused on the Rio Lempa watershed. By acting as a private sector catalyst, ArtCap was able to set a new precedent for collaboration among public and private stakeholders that helped to achieve a program with an impressive scale. We hope the success of this transaction will encourage further innovation in conservation finance,” said Antonio Navarro, Managing Partner, ArtCap Strategies.

About DFC:

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and small business and financial services. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.

About CAF:

CAF – Development Bank of Latin American and Caribbean – has the mission to promote sustainable development and regional integration by financing public and private sector projects, providing technical cooperation, and offering other specialized services. Established in 1970 and currently composed of 21 countries – 19 from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Spain and Portugal – and 13 private banks, it is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and a significant knowledge generator for the region.

About Catholic Relief Services:

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS works at the nexus of sustainable agriculture, watershed management, and water supply to support governments, partners, communities, and all stakeholders to provide truly sustainable solutions that increase crop production, improve water for human health, and mitigate climate change. CRS has worked in El Salvador for over 50 years, supporting a network of local partners.

About FIAES:

FIAES was launched in 1993 as a Conservation Trust Fund as a result of a debt-for-nature swap between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of El Salvador to support the restoration and conservation of natural resources in El Salvador. FIAES manages multiple funds including several debt-for-nature swaps, environmental compensation funds from the Government of El Salvador, and several conservation grants from international organizations. Over the past 31 years, FIAES has invested more than $90 million in conservation and restoration of coastal marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

About ArtCap Strategies:

ArtCap Strategies is a private credit fund and a leading financial advisory firm specializing in innovative, sustainable financing solutions for public and private sector clients (among other strategies). With a focus on structuring and investing in deals that address global challenges such as climate resilience, water security, and sustainable development, ArtCap works closely with governments, multilateral institutions, and private investors to create impactful financial strategies. ArtCap’s expertise lies in coordinating complex transactions that not only generate economic value, but also drive environmental and social progress, setting new standards in responsible finance.

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on El Salvador’s current plans, estimates, assumptions, and projections. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and El Salvador undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. This announcement is not for release, publication or distribution in or into, or to any person located or resident in, any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to release, publish or distribute such announcement.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust Files Initial Public Offering Final Prospectus and Sets Closing Date for Offering

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

The final long form prospectus is accessible through SEDAR+

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust (the “REDT”) announced today that it has received expressions of interest and commitments that in the aggregate are expected to achieve the maximum offering amount of C$82 million and has filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, and obtained a receipt for, a final prospectus (the “Prospectus”) for an initial public offering of its trust units (the “Offering”).

It is expected that the Offering will close on October 29, 2024.

The REDT is a newly created, unincorporated investment trust and was established for the primary purpose of indirectly owning an interest in a mixed-use, transit-oriented development project (the “Project”) located in Burnaby, British Columbia. The Project comprises 372 condominium units, 200 market rental units, 73 non-market, affordable rental units, 176 hotel suites and 4,881 square feet of retail space. The Project is currently beneficially owned by a subsidiary of Anthem Developments (Canada) Ltd. and its non-managing, co-investment partner.

CIBC World Markets Inc. (the “Agent”) is the sole agent for the Offering.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities of the REDT in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities of the REDT in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This Offering is only being made to the public by prospectus. Access to the Prospectus and any amendment to the Prospectus is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a prospectus and any amendment. The Prospectus is accessible on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.com. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus and any amendment to the Prospectus may be obtained, without charge, from CIBC World Markets Inc. by telephone at 1-416-956-6378 or by email at mailbox.canadianprospectus@cibc.com, by providing such contact with an email address or address, as applicable. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.

Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust

Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust was formed for the primary purpose of indirectly owning an interest in the development of a mixed-used, transit-oriented development project in Burnaby, British Columbia expected to develop and operate a building containing 372 condominium units, 200 market rental units, 73 non-market, affordable rental units, 176 hotel suites and 4,881 square feet of retail space.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of the REDT regarding future events, including statements concerning commitments and expressions of interest in connection with the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the timing of closing of the Offering, and expectations with respect to the development of the Project. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “occur”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “seek”, “aim”, “estimate”, “target”, “project”, “predict”, “forecast”, “potential”, “continue”, “likely”, “schedule”, or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

Material factors and assumptions used by management of the REDT to develop the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the REDT’s current expectations about: real property ownership and revenues; construction and development risk; obtaining necessary building permits for the Project; the realization of property value appreciation and timing thereof; the inventory of mixed-use properties; competition from developers of mixed-use properties; the Burnaby, British Columbia real estate market; government legal and regulatory changes; property encumbrances relating to the Project; significant fixed expenditures and fees in connection with the maintenance, operation and administration of the Project; closing and other transaction costs in connection with the acquisition and disposition of the Project; the availability of financing and current interest rates; revenue shortfalls; assumptions about rental growth rates, hotel occupancy and average daily rates in the Canadian mixed-use real estate market; demographic trends; fluctuations in interest rates; litigation risks; the relative illiquidity of real property investments; the Canadian economic environment; the geographic concentration of the REDT’s business; natural disasters and severe weather; demand levels for mixed-use properties in the metro Vancouver area and local economic conditions; negative geopolitical events; public health crises; the capital structure of the REDT; distributions; capital depletion; potential conflicts of interest; reliance on the good faith and ability of the Project’s project manager to manage and operate the Project; reliance on property management companies; the limited operating history of the REDT; the limited experience of management of the REDT with respect to managing a reporting issuer; the limited liquidity of the Class A Units and Class F Units; and tax laws. While management of the REDT considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on currently available information, they may prove to be incorrect.

Although management believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable and represent the REDT’s internal projections, expectations and beliefs at this time, such statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities may not be achieved. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond the REDT’s control, could cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from current expectations of estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the risks identified in the Prospectus, including under the heading “Risk Factors” therein. Readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable Canadian securities laws, the REDT undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Additional information regarding Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust is available at http://www.citizenbyanthemdevtrust.com and on http://www.sedarplus.com.

About Anthem Properties

Anthem is a real estate development, investment and management company that strives, solves and evolves to create better spaces and stronger communities, with more than 385 residential, commercial, and retail projects. Founded in 1991, Anthem is a team of 800 people, with a diverse portfolio consisting of 41,700 homes, 11.5 million square feet of retail, industrial and office space and has developed more than 60 communities across 9,800 acres of land across in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and California. We are Growing Places.

Contact:

Elisha McCallum
Vice President, Communications
Phone: 604.488.3612 Mobile: 778.668.0185
Email: emccallum@anthemproperties.com

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: The Wall Street Journal Sounds the Alarm on Harris-Biden Administration For $5 Billion Election Year Prescription Drug Bribe

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

“Democrats failed to appreciate that there’s no such thing as a free entitlement expansion.”
Washington, D.C. – The Wall Street Journal’s Editorial Board recently published a piece titled, “A Medicare Election Bribe for Seniors.” In the piece, the Editorial Board exposes a new Harris-Biden Administration subsidy for large insurance companies as a deficit-busting, cynical attempt at influencing American seniors ahead of the November election.

You may click HERE or on the image above to read the Editorial Board’s take on this Harris-Biden Administration policy.
Topline takeaways from the article:

The Biden-Harris Administration “announced lower Medicare prescription drug premiums, which will naturally be paid for by taxpayers.”
“The political irony is that Biden officials are increasing subsidies to insurers they otherwise vilify to mitigate pre-election harm from the Inflation Reduction Act.”
“CMS uses a complicated formula to subsidize premiums, but healthcare analysts projected that premiums would rise by hundreds of dollars.”
“Insurers projected that Part D premiums would balloon next year, when the $2,000 cap and other freebies kick in. Providing basic Part D benefits next year is estimated to cost $179.45 a month on average, up from $64.28 this year and $34.71 in 2023, according to CMS.”
“Some insurers warned they might exit the market to avoid losing money. Seniors are notified of the premium spikes before open enrollment begins in mid-October. Talk about a surprise bill.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this plan would cost taxpayers an extra $5 billion next year alone. You may click HERE to read CBO’s analysis of this policy.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Presents Stone on Behalf of President Biden at the Cathedral of the Pines Peace Memorial

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

Published: 10.16.2024

(Rindge, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) delivered remarks and read a letter from President Joe Biden before presenting a stone from the President’s home state of Delaware to the Cathedral of the Pines. The Cathedral of the Pines is an interfaith memorial dedicated to the memory and honor of all Americans who serve the nation in search of peace. Photos from today’s event can be found here.

“Including stones representing nearly every president going back to Harry Truman, the Cathedral of the Pines’ Altar of the Nation is a powerful memorial to those who have died fighting for peace,” said Senator Shaheen. “Today in Rindge, I was delighted to help keep this special tradition going by presenting a stone on behalf of President Biden from his home state of Delaware.”

In May of 2016, Shaheen presented a stone from Pearl Harbor on behalf of former President Barack Obama to the memorial. It is a longstanding tradition for stones to be placed in the Altar of the Nation, a Congressionally recognized memorial to all American war dead, which includes stones from nearly every president going back to Harry Truman.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Mexican Secretary of Public Security Genaro Garcia Luna Sentenced to Over 38 Years’ Imprisonment

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

Former Highest Ranking Law Enforcement Official in Mexico Took Millions of Dollars in Bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel and Enabled Transportation of More Than One Million Kilograms of Cocaine to the United States

Genaro Garcia Luna, the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico from 2006 to 2012, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan to 460 months’ imprisonment and a $2 million fine for his decade-long assistance to the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Following a four-week trial in February 2023, Garcia Luna was convicted by a jury of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, international cocaine distribution conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine and making false statements.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Katrina W. Berger, Executive Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced the verdict.

“Today’s sentencing of Genaro Garcia Luna is a critical step in upholding justice and the rule of law. His betrayal of the public trust and the people he was sworn to protect resulted in more than one million kilograms of lethal narcotics imported into our communities and unleashed untold violence here and in Mexico. This sentence sends a strong message that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is above the law.” stated United States Attorney Peace. “After years of destructive narcotrafficking and deceit, Garcia Luna will spend nearly 40 years where he belongs: federal prison.”

“Today’s sentencing of Mexico’s former Secretary of Public Security, Genaro Garcia Luna, sends a clear message to corrupt leaders around the world who use their positions of power to help the cartels: no amount of power will shield you from justice,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Garcia Luna accepted millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel to allow millions of kilograms of cocaine to flood the streets of the United States. Instead of protecting the citizens of Mexico, Garcia Luna was protecting drug cartels. The DEA will continue to relentlessly pursue drug trafficking organizations and those who protect them.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a powerful message that no one is above the law,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger. “HSI continues its partnered commitment to disrupting and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for bringing deadly narcotics into the U.S.”

As proven at trial, from 2006 to 2012, Garcia Luna was Mexico’s top law enforcement official, serving as Secretary of Public Security and, in that capacity, controlled Mexico’s Federal Police Force. Previously, from 2001 to 2005, the defendant was the head of Mexico’s Federal Investigative Agency (AFI). The defendant used his official positions to assist the violent Sinaloa Cartel (the Cartel) in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Garcia Luna’s conduct included facilitating safe passage of the Cartel’s drug shipments, providing sensitive law enforcement information about investigations into the Cartel and helping the Cartel attack rival drug cartels, thereby facilitating the importation of multi‑ton quantities of cocaine and other drugs into the United States.

In exchange for bribes, the defendant’s Federal Police Force acted as bodyguards and escorts for the Cartel, allowing Cartel members to wear police uniforms and badges and helping to unload shipments of cocaine from planes at Mexico City’s airport, then delivering the cocaine to the Cartel. The defendant was paid in U.S. currency, stuffed variously in suitcases, briefcases and duffel bags. The bribe amounts increased over the years as the Sinaloa Cartel grew in size and power through the assistance of the defendant. Former members of the Cartel testified that bribe money was handed off to the defendant in a variety of locations, including at a “safe house” located in Mexico City where large amounts of cash were hidden in a false wall, at a car wash in Guadalajara and at a French restaurant in Mexico City across the street from the U.S. Embassy. Further, in exchange for the millions of dollars in bribes, the defendant’s Federal Police Force leaked sensitive information that enabled the Cartel to evade detection by law enforcement or use the information in attacks on rival traffickers. Finally, after moving to the United States in 2012, Garcia Luna submitted an application for naturalization in 2018, in which he lied about his past criminal conduct on behalf of the Cartel in an attempt to become a U.S. citizen.

In connection with post-trial proceedings, the Court also found that, while he was awaiting sentencing, Garcia Luna obstructed justice when he sought to bribe fellow inmates to provide false testimony in an attempt to overturn the jury’s verdict.

The investigation was led by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The Strike Force is based at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, United States Marshals Service, New York National Guard, Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force (EDTF) played an important role in this investigation. The EDTF is comprised of more than 200 law enforcement personnel representing approximately thirty-five (35) federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the DEA.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy, Erin Reid, Ryan C. Harris, Philip Pilmar and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Huda Abouchaer and Melissa Bennett.

The Defendant:

GENARO GARCIA LUNA
Age: 56
Miami, Florida

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-576 (S-1) (BMC)

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Secures Additional Direct Flight to Las Vegas, Boosting Local Tourism Economy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she has secured a new direct flight to Las Vegas, helping bring more visitors and boost the local tourism economy. Following a Rosen-led letter of support, the Department of Transportation has awarded Southwest Airlines a direct flight between Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
“Travel and tourism are critical for the Las Vegas economy, which is why I’ve been working to increase transportation options and bring more visitors to our city. I’m proud to announce that I helped secure a new direct flight route to Las Vegas from Ronald Reagan National Airport,” said Senator Rosen. “The addition of this flight will bolster Nevada’s travel and tourism economy that sustains thousands of good-paying jobs.”
Senator Rosen has been a leader in working across party lines to support Nevada’s travel and tourism industry. Last year, she officially announced $3 billion in funding she secured for the historic Brightline West high-speed rail project that will serve Las Vegas and Southern California. As a lead author of the airports section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Senator Rosen helped create the Airport Terminal Program to provide funding to help airports expand and rebuild their terminals. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen and Senator Cortez Masto announced nearly $28 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for improvements at Harry Reid International Airport.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on U.S. Airstrikes in Houthi-Controlled Areas of Yemen

Source: United States Department of Defense

Today, U.S. military forces, including U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers, conducted precision strikes against five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. U.S. forces targeted several of the Houthis’ underground facilities housing various weapons components of types that the Houthis have used to target civilian and military vessels throughout the region. This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified. The employment of U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers demonstrate U.S. global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere.

For over a year, the Iran-backed Houthis, Specially Designated Global Terrorists, have recklessly and unlawfully attacked U.S. and international vessels transiting the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis’ illegal attacks continue to disrupt the free flow of international commerce, threaten environmental catastrophe, and put innocent civilian lives and U.S. and partner forces’ lives at risk. At the direction of President Biden, I authorized these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ capability to continue their destabilizing behavior and to protect and defend U.S. forces and personnel in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

Again, the United States will not hesitate to take action to defend American lives and assets; to deter attacks against civilians and our regional partners; and to protect freedom of navigation and increase the safety and security in these waterways for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks. I am grateful for the professionalism and skill of the brave American troops who took part in today’s actions and who continue to stand guard in defense of our Nation.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Forestry firefighters brief Minister on bushfire preparations

Source: New South Wales Government 2

Headline: Forestry firefighters brief Minister on bushfire preparations

Published: 17 October 2024

Released by: Minister for Regional NSW

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty has met with Forestry Corporation fire specialists to discuss bushfire preparations on the Mid North Coast.

Minister Moriarty attended Forestry Corporation’s Wauchope depot to speak with fire crews, who are geared up and ready to put their training into action protecting forests and communities during the NSW bushfire season.

Forestry Corporation is one of the state’s four fire authorities joining the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and National Parks and Wildlife.

The organisation oversees land management, bushfire preparation and response across more than 2-million hectares of state forests.

Forestry Corporation has more than 500 trained firefighters rostered on to respond to state forest fires across NSW.

Firefighters are trained in national firefighting competencies and its highly experienced managers undertake Incident Management Team roles on major firegrounds.

Forestry Corporation has a statewide fleet of more than 450 fire appliances, 35 pieces of heavy plant, four contracted aircraft and over 130 drones and trained pilots.

Heavy plant machinery, which the broader forestry industry uses to harvest sustainable timber is also available to fight fires.

This machinery including bulldozers, excavators and specialist harvesting machines are used to create control lines for firefighting, set up back burns and remove dangerous trees for firefighting safety.

In 2023/24 Forestry Corporation firefighters and fire managers were engaged in a total of 184 fires, this impacted 98,250 hectares of land.

During the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires, this heavy plant machinery played an instrumental role in stopping the spread of fast burning bushfires saving life, property and assets across NSW.

Outside of the bushfire season, Forestry Corporation also conducts forest hazard reduction burns and undertakes cultural burns in partnership with local Aboriginal communities.

Forestry Corporation also sends its expert fire specialists abroad in the winter months to assist international firefighting agencies in the Northern hemisphere.

Six staff members deployed to the United States and Canada this year and last year Port Macquarie local Matt Model was one of Forestry’s fire specialists, who deployed to Canada bringing back firefighting skills and expertise to the region.

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty:

“The NSW Forestry Corporation has managed fire in state forests for more than 100 years.

“Forestry Corporation’s trained firefighters work in State forests every day of the year, protecting lives, the environment, forestry resources and local communities.

“They have decades of experience in managing forest fires, working with the RFS, managing heavy equipment across major firegrounds and maintaining thousands of kilometres of fire trails,

“When bushfires are reported in our NSW state forests, our forest firefighters rapidly respond using their large fleet of appliances and bringing in heavy plant machinery from the broader forest and timber industry.”

Forestry Corporation Senior Manager Fire and Natural Hazards Rebel Talbert:

“As one of the four statutory firefighting authorities in NSW, Forestry Corporation works collaboratively with the other agencies to protect communities, the environment and the State’s essential timber assets from the risk of fire.

“We are well prepared heading into the fire season with a workforce of skilled firefighters, a fleet of equipment, drones and heavy plant ready to deploy and networks of fire trails and fire towers maintained to aid rapid detection and early suppression of fires.

Forestry Corporation Fire and Operations Team Leader, Wauchope, Matt Model:

“In managing more than 200,000 hectares of state forests here on the Mid North Coast, we keep the Mid Coast Bush Fire Management Committee briefed on fuel loads and fire conditions in state forests.

“Since the Black Summer Bushfires here on the Mid North Coast firefighting technology has been rapidly expanded across NSW to include drones and satellite technology, which this summer will help our crews with early detection, mapping, response and containment of forest fires.”

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Expeditionary Medical Forces provide care for partner nation, raises health security and capabilities

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras –Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Kilo personnel partnered with Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF) for a Global Health Engagement (GHE) at Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Sept. 14-28, 2024.

Bringing with them an array of medicine and equipment, EMF Kilo’s 11-person team worked alongside Hospital Escuela medical staff treating and performing surgical procedures on patients with oncologic or orthopedic traumatic injuries.

“During our time there we were able to complete 50 surgical cases, with 13 of those cases utilizing consumables donated from Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune or from Joint Task Force-Bravo, which is the local military organization that we are working in conjunction with here,” said Cmdr. Louis Lewandowski, EMF Kilo team lead and orthopedic surgeon.

JTF-Bravo has supported operations in Honduras for more than 20 years; this is the first Global Health Engagement that EMF Kilo has provided support for in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

“The entirety of the surgical procedures has been performed working very much shoulder-to-shoulder with the residents from the partner nation hospital, hospital Escuela, and that integration has been a key component in the ability to execute these cases,” said Lewandowski. “Many times, with some of the more complex cases, their hospital staff attending and facilitating both the exchanging of ideas and concepts was very much a two-way street in execution.”

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Marylyn Masmela, EMF Kilo’s surgical technologist, said the team planned for the lack of resources and worked closely with the local hospital to identify the caseload and the supplies required to meet that mission, but some challenges arose.

“From a tech standpoint it was a little tough getting used to their sets because they were very different from ours,” Masmela said. “But everyone was very helpful with getting everything that we needed and were able to coordinate as best as they could.”

As JTF-Bravo and EMF Kilo worked alongside Honduran medical professionals, providing orthopedic trauma capabilities to an underserviced population, the teams were able to build upon shared knowledge for future joint operations while raising Honduras’ overall health security and capability.

“The benefit [to the host nation] came from having our surgical technologist, our anesthesiologists, our nurses come to support evolutions that their surgical teams were already doing. It provided the hospital a little bit more opportunity to expand the number of rooms they were running in order to facilitate the cases,” said Lewandowski. “We’ve been able to both help them provide care, but also learned a lot from their experiences and how they are able to provide the best care they can with the tools that they have in a resource constrained environment.”

EMF Kilo donated the remaining consumables brought along for the mission back to Hospital Escuela.

Dr. Ery Martinez with Hospital Escuela shared his heartfelt appreciation, thanking HM3 and the group in general upon their departure. “Thank you for sharing your knowledge, time, and unconditional support for our hospital. [You] have strengthened ties between our counties and have shown the true meaning of solidarity and commitment.”

EMF Kilo was formally established in 2023 with U.S. Navy Captain Darryl Arfsten taking command. EMF Kilo is the readiness platform of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Camp Lejeune and is comprised of approximately 400 personnel ready to deploy field hospital capabilities during humanitarian or combat missions.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: KC Man Pleads Guilty to Three Fentanyl Overdose Deaths

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing fentanyl, which resulted in three overdose deaths in Belton and Raymore, Mo., as part of a drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Tiger Dean Draggoo, 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and three counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death.

By pleading guilty today, Draggoo admitted that he distributed fentanyl on Sept. 3, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person. Draggoo admitted that he distributed fentanyl between Aug. 22 and Sept. 13, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person. Draggoo admitted that he distributed fentanyl between Dec. 7 and 20, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person.

Draggoo also admitted that the government’s evidence of the total amount of drugs he is responsible for distributing or possessing is at least 22,364 pills that contained a total of 2,460 grams of fentanyl.

Victim #1 Fatality

On Sept. 4, 2022, Cass County, Mo., sheriff’s deputies found a juvenile, identified in court documents as “Victim #1,” deceased in her bedroom. An autopsy report identified “Fentanyl Intoxication” as the cause of death. Investigators determined that Draggoo was selling fentanyl pills to the victim and had supplied her with fentanyl pills on the evening of Sept. 3, 2022.

Victim #2 Fatality

On Sept. 13, 2022, a deceased person, identified in court documents as “Victim #2,” was found in the Belton residence where she lived with her mother. A blue pill was found in her bedroom, which was tested and determined to contain fentanyl. An autopsy report identified the cause of death as “Acute Fentanyl Toxicity.” Investigators learned that Draggoo was selling fentanyl pills to Victim #2. Draggoo typically would drop off pills near midnight at Victim #2’s bedroom window, and cell phone GPS information indicated Draggoo was in the area of Victim #2’s residence at approximately 12:20 a.m on Sept. 13, 2022.

Attempted Arrest of Draggoo

On Sept. 22, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance of Draggoo’s apartment and attempted to arrest him. Draggoo got into a Jeep Renegade driven by his brother, co-defendant Colt Justin Draggoo, 21, of Kansas City, Mo. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle, but the vehicle fled. Tiger and Colt Draggoo later returned to the apartment complex, but when an officer drove into the parking lot, Tiger Draggoo ran into the apartment building and was able to escape.

Colt Draggoo was arrested. Officers found a loaded Springfield Armory 9mm handgun sitting on the driver’s seat of the Jeep. A laundry bag in the back seat contained two fire safes that had a total of $184,500 in cash. Colt Draggoo has pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Officers searched Tiger Draggoo’s apartment and found 17 firearms, including two machine guns, ammunition of various calibers, $246,769 in cash, a ballistic vest with plates, a money counter, numerous pills that contained fentanyl, eight suspected LSD tabs, and marijuana. The 17 firearms included a Del-Ton 5.56-caliber rifle (converted into a machine gun), a Glock switch (used to convert a Glock pistol into a machine gun), three Marlin .22-caliber rifles, a Norinco 7.62-caliber rifle, a Mosin-Nagant rifle, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-caliber rifle, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, an Armscorp USA .308-caliber rifle, a Century Arms 7.62-caliber rifle, a Herbert Schmidt .22-caliber revolver, a New England Firearms .22-caliber revolver, a Kimber 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and a Metro Arms .45-caliber pistol.

Victim #3 Fatality

On Dec. 20, 2022, Raymore police officers were dispatched to a residence in Raymore regarding a non-breathing female, identified in court documents as Victim #3. Victim #3 was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. A small jewelry box in Victim #3’s bedroom contained three broken segments of a blue pill that were tested and determined to contain fentanyl. An autopsy report identified the cause of death as “Acute Fentanyl Toxicity.” Investigators learned that Tiger Draggoo had been selling fentanyl to Victim #3 since as early as May 31, 2022. The last Facebook Messengers conversation between Tiger Draggoo and Victim #3 occurred on Dec. 7, 2022, when they agreed to meet and an amount of $50 was agreed upon.

Arrest of Draggoo

Tiger Draggoo was arrested at his residence on Jan. 20, 2023. Tiger Draggoo was in possession of almost $2,000 in cash in his billfold and pockets. Officers searched Tiger Draggoo’s apartment and recovered pills from the toilet. Officers also found suspected psilocybin mushrooms, 144 grams of yellow THC wax, and more than $62,000 in additional cash. Officers searched Tiger Draggoo’s Honda Accord and found three handguns, a Palmetto State Armory multi-caliber rifle, an unregistered short-barreled 12-gauge shotgun, and $1,250 in cash. Officers searched his girlfriend’s Jeep Renegade, which was located at the apartment complex, and found a backpack that contained more than $82,000 in cash.

Under federal statutes, Tiger Draggoo is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Raymore, Mo., Police Department, the Cass County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Despite health gains, urgent action needed to meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals in the Western Pacific Region

SOURCE: World Health Organization (WHO)

Manila, Philippines, 17 October 2024 – According to a new report released today, countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region experienced the smallest decline in life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other WHO regions. Life expectancy in the Western Pacific fell by only 0.07 years during 2020-21, a minimal drop compared to the global average decline of 1.7 years. The Western Pacific now has the highest life expectancy among WHO’s six regions, rising from 72.0 years in 2000 to 77.4 years in 2021.

However, despite this progress, the Region – comprising 37 countries and areas across Asia and the Pacific – is still grappling with critical challenges and is off-track in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are the global goals adopted by world leaders to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity by 2030. The new WHO report, Health statistics in the Western Pacific Region 2023: Monitoring health for the SDGs, highlights advancements made across the Region while also emphasizing the urgent need for action. The report shows that while the COVID-19 pandemic may have done less damage to life expectancy in the Western Pacific than other regions, it nevertheless exacerbated health inequalities and disrupted progress in other areas.

Noncommunicable diseases on the rise

While infectious diseases and injuries were previously major causes of illness and death in the Western Pacific, the Region is undergoing a significant epidemiological shift. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer now account for nearly nine in 10 deaths. While the probability of premature death from NCDs has declined in the Region by over 25% since 2000, major challenges remain. Moreover, the Region is experiencing rapid population ageing. There are now more than 245 million people aged 65 and older in the Region – a number that is projected to double by 2050. And many older people are living with NCDs.

A major risk factor for NCDs is alcohol and tobacco use. Consumption of alcohol in the Region has risen by 40% since 2000. Despite a decline from 7.2 litres per capita per year in 2015 to 6.1 litres in 2019, the overall increase highlights an ongoing concern for public health. Similarly, although tobacco use declined from 28.0% of adults smoking in 2000 to 22.5% in 2022, this was still above the global average of 20.9%.

Mental health issues are also taking their toll on the population, with alarmingly high suicide rates in some countries of the Western Pacific Region, influenced by factors such as stigma, limited access to mental health services and socioeconomic challenges.

Climate- and environment-related health concerns are yet another major challenge. While air pollution in urban areas of the Region was found to have decreased from 2010 to 2019, air quality levels are still much worse than the WHO-recommended levels. Populations living in urban areas are therefore continuing to breathe unhealthy air.

Mixed progress towards universal health coverage

Universal health coverage (UHC) is another important SDG target for which the Western Pacific Region has had mixed progress. The UHC service coverage index measures access to essential health services such as reproductive, maternal, newborn and child care, and prevention and treatment services for both NCDs and infectious diseases. Over the past 20 years, the overall UHC service coverage index in the Western Pacific increased impressively, from 49 to 79 points out of 100 between 2000 and 2021. However, people’s ability to access health-care services varies greatly across the Region. In some countries, the UHC service coverage index score is as low as 30, meaning many people struggle to access basic health care, while in others, it exceeds 80, indicating a much higher level of service availability and coverage. Despite these advancements, progress has slowed and stagnated since the adoption of the SDGs in 2015, and particularly since 2019.

Despite the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, access to essential health services for NCDs did not improve significantly, increasing only slightly from 52 points in 2000 to 58 points in 2010. Even more troubling, there has been no further progress since 2010, and access to services remains low, particularly in Pacific island countries and areas.

In contrast, access to services for infectious diseases improved significantly, rising from just 18 points in 2000 to 82 points in 2021. Immunization coverage for the WHO-recommended three doses against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, or DTP3, showed mixed results from 2000 to 2023: coverage increased in 15 countries, while four countries experienced no change and eight saw a decrease.

In the Western Pacific Region, average health spending has increased substantially, tripling from around US$ 383 per person in 2000 to US$ 1336 in 2021. On average, health spending accounted for 6.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) at country level in 2000, and rose to 8.2% by 2021. However, despite efforts to increase public spending for health, the proportion of people in the Western Pacific experiencing catastrophic health expenditure − defined as spending more than 10% of their income on health-care − has nevertheless doubled, rising from 9.9% in 2000 to 19.8% in 2019.

Critical action needed to achieve SDGs

“While we celebrate the significant health gains that the Western Pacific Region has achieved, we must also acknowledge urgent challenges in sustaining progress,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “We are living longer than ever, and more than any other region of the world, but this isn’t enough. We’re off-track to meet many of the SDG targets, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health disparities. Now is the time for concerted action to address these issues. We look forward to working with health leaders from across the Region next week to finalize our new vision to weave health for families, communities and societies.”

New vision for health in the Region

Ministers of health and other senior officials are preparing for discussions at the seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Manila on 21−25 October 2024. The meeting will focus on the most pressing health needs in the Region and chart a course to address them.

Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025-2029): Working together to improve health, well-being and save lives is the proposed new vision for the Region. The vision centres on the analogy of weaving a mat – a traditional activity across Asia and the Pacific – symbolizing the collaborative efforts required by WHO, governments and partners to improve population health and well-being. The vision centres on five vertical strands of action led by governments interwoven with three horizontal strands of action by WHO.

The five vertical strands of action led by governments, working with WHO and other stakeholders include:

Transformative primary health care for UHC
Climate-resilient health systems
Resilient communities, societies and systems for health security
Healthier people throughout the life course
Technology and innovation for future health equity.

The three horizontal strands of action by WHO are:

Country offices equipped with skills for scaling up and innovation
Nimble support teams in the Regional Office
Effective communication for public health.

These strands reflect the reality that the Western Pacific Region faces complex health challenges that cannot be addressed by the health sector alone. Achieving the goals of SDG 3 − Good health and well-being – will require a concerted effort from multiple sectors. Social determinants of health, including education, housing, employment, social protection, gender equality and the environment, significantly impact health outcomes. Therefore, collaboration between the health, education, urban planning, agriculture and environmental sectors, to name but a few, is crucial. Collaboration can create synergies and co-benefits for all these sectors while accelerating progress towards achieving SDG 3.

“The commitment of governments, WHO and partners to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is a commitment to health and well-being for all,” added Dr Piukala. “We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind as we weave a healthier future.”

In addition to the vision, the Regional Committee will also consider new regional action frameworks on digital health and on health financing to achieve UHC and sustainable development. There will be panel discussions on climate-resilient health-care facilities, transformative primary health care and oral health, as well as a special event on the Investment Round to resource WHO’s work for 2025–2028.

Notes:

The seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee will run from Monday, 21 October through Friday, 25 October, at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The Agenda and timetable are available online. A livestream of proceedings, all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed can be accessed here. For real-time updates, follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube and the hashtag #RCM75.

Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has its regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

Related links:

Health statistics in the Western Pacific Region 2023: Monitoring health for the SDGs
Draft vision Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029): Working together to improve health and well-being and save lives
WHO data on progress towards universal health coverage (UHC)
Other WHO data which can be searched by country.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of missing World War Two soldier identified in Italy
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The grave of a Scottish soldier who lost his life in Italy during World War Two has been identified and rededicated 80 years after his death.
A bugler and piper from the Royal Regiment of Scotland at Bolsena War Cemetery (Crown Copyright)

Today’s service for Private (Pte) George Alister Walker Ewan was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’.

The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Bolsena War Cemetery in Italy.

George Alister Walker Ewan was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1915 to Scottish parents Thomas Ewan, a farmer, and his wife Christina Walker Alister. George was their second, and youngest child – having a sister called Catherine, who was five years older than him.

The family returned to Scotland in the summer of 1916, living initially in Dollar with Thomas’ mother. Sadly, Christina died in 1919 and following this the family were separated for a time with George and Catherine living away from their father.

George Ewan joined the army in June 1940 and spent two years on home defence duties with a Territorial battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. In late 1941 he was transferred to the 8th Battalion and embarked with them for North Africa in October 1942. He was posted as missing in November 1942 during the second battle of El Alamein but was able to rejoin his battalion a few weeks later.

Padre David Anderson leads the service for Pte George Ewan at Bolsena War Cemetery (Crown Copyright)

Pte Ewan was wounded in an action in the Vaiano area in late June 1944, he was initially posted as missing, but this was later revised to record that he was presumed to have died of his wounds on or soon after 21 June 1944. He was buried at the civilian cemetery at Castiglione del Largo, possibly by the German army or by local civilians though the records are not clear. Either way, his name was not recorded, and he was listed in the cemetery records as an unknown British soldier.

Following the war, his remains were recovered from Castiglione del Largo and moved to the war cemetery at Bolsena, his cap badge showed that he had been a member of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, but no other identifying artefacts were found.

Recently an independent researcher submitted evidence to the CWGC hoping to have located the final resting place of Pte Ewan. This research was reviewed, and extra work was conducted by the National Army Museum and the JCCC which concluded that now, 80 years after his death, it was possible to clearly identify where Pte Ewan was buried and notify his family that he had been found. Pte Ewan’s cousins were in attendance at the service.

Pte Ewan’s cousins stand at his graveside with members of the military party (Crown Copyright)

JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said:

I am grateful to the researcher who submitted this case. Their work has led us to recognise the final resting place of Pte Ewan, to restore his name to him and to allow his family to honour his sacrifice. It has been a privilege for me to have contributed to this case and to have organised the service for the rededication of Pte Ewan’s grave today.

Director for Central and Southern Europe at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:

We are grateful to everyone involved in identifying the grave of this brave soldier, who died 80 years ago today. It is our duty – and privilege – to care for the grave of Private Ewan, in perpetuity.

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Published 17 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: ICC DSI launches digital trade reliability assessment tool

Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: ICC DSI launches digital trade reliability assessment tool

Developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)’s Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) and the Digital Governance Council (DGC) of Canada, the new assessment framework enables an entity to deploy ETRs in place of paper trade documentation assessing a platform’s ability to effect the transfer in conformity with the definition of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) definition of reliability. As more economies align to the MLETR, the assessment allows for service providers to assert their reliability through a commonly accepted market standard.

Pamela Mar, Managing Director, ICC DSI said :

“The reliability assessment framework is a collective effort drawing on the knowledge and work of technical and commercial experts from various entities involved in digital trust, standards, certifications and assessment. This launch is an important first step in the development of a framework for ensuring digital trust at scale, an important pillar of the digital trade ecosystem.”

ICC DSI and the DGC led a working group of standards bodies, technical experts, assessment firms, and commercial and industry entities to develop the tool that holds potential to become a major credential for this part of digital trade services. The working group operated with advice from the Industry Advisory Board of ICC DSI.

Keith Jansa, CEO, DGC of Canada said :

“The collaborative effort between ICC and DGC has resulted in a groundbreaking technical self-assessment for the reliability of systems that enable the transfer of Electronic Transferable Records (ETRs). This is a major step towards international standardisation and formal recognition of digital service providers enabling the global digital trade and we look forward to continuing the work with ICC and the ETR community.”

The assessment framework was recently piloted by several ETR service providers to test its robustness, utility and market relevance. It has been released as a beta version for self-assessment, while plans for a certification with third party assessment are in development.

To access the assessment framework, visit: https://github.com/dgc-cgn/CAS-Digital-Trade-Documentation

A 30-min webinar with a live Q&A will take place on 30 October, Wednesday, 9pm SGT / 9am Ottawa / 3pm CET. Register, free of charge here.

For more details about the ICC Digital Standards Initiative, please visit: http://www.dsi.iccwbo.org. 

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Two CPAs Sentenced in Billion-Dollar Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

Source: US State of California

Defendants Helped Clients File Tax Returns Claiming Millions in False Charitable Deductions

Two accountants were each sentenced today to 20 months in prison for their roles in the promotion and sale of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Victor Smith was a CPA and founding partner of an Atlanta-based accounting firm. Beginning at least in 2014 and through at least 2019, Smith promoted and sold tax deductions to his wealthy clients in the form of units in illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters organized and created by co-defendants Jack Fisher, James Sinnott and others. Smith, along with his firm, sold approximately $14 million in false tax deductions to their clients, causing a tax loss to the IRS of about $4.8 million. He earned $491,400 in commissions from Fisher and Sinnott for his role in the scheme.

William Tomasello was a CPA at another accounting firm who, at least in 2015 and through at least 2019, also promoted and sold units to his wealthy clients in these same syndicated conservation easement tax shelters. Tomasello sold approximately $8.5 million in false deductions, causing a tax loss of about $2.3 million. He earned approximately $525,072 in commissions.

The scheme entailed the creation of partnerships that would purchase land and land-owning companies and then donate conservation easements over that land or the land itself. Appraisers would value the land and the partnerships would then claim a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the appraised value of the conservation easement, resulting in tax deductions flowing to the wealthy clients who purchased units in the partnership. Many of these clients joined the tax shelters after the donation of the interest in land and after the close of the relevant tax year.

Smith and Tomasello both knew that, contrary to law, these syndicated conservation easement tax shelters lacked economic substance and that their wealthy clients participated in these sham investments only to obtain a tax deduction and received only a tax benefit for their participation in the tax shelters. For example, a client who purchased units in a partnership had to “vote” ostensibly on what to do with the partnership’s land. However, Smith and Tomasello knew that the “vote” held by the partnerships each year was just optics and that the land invariably would be donated largely as a conservation easement. Smith and Tomasello also knowingly instructed and caused their clients to falsely backdate documents — such as subscription agreements and checks — related to the illegal tax shelters.

In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy C. Batten Sr. for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Smith to serve two years of supervised release and to pay $4,878,990.90 in restitution. Judge Batten ordered Tomasello to serve three years of supervised release, to perform 120 hours of community service and to pay $2,386,816.04 in restitution.

Seven additional defendants have previously pleaded guilty to criminal conduct related to the syndicated conservation easement tax shelter scheme of Fisher and Sinnott (who were convicted after trial). These other defendants include appraiser Walter Douglas “Terry” Roberts, accountant Stein Agee, CPA Corey Agee, CPA Ralph Anderson, CPA James Benkoil, CPA Herbert Lewis and CPA and Attorney Randall Lenz.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco made the announcement. They also thanked U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.

IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr. of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, for the Northern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut Fisherman Sentenced for Tax Evasion

Source: US State of California

A Connecticut man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for evading taxes on income he earned from commercial fishing in Massachusetts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Kobus, of Durham, worked as a commercial fisherman and deckhand for various fishing companies in Massachusetts. After each fishing trip, the companies paid Kobus by check. Despite receiving over $1.2 million in fishing income between 2011 through 2013, and 2017 through 2021, Kobus never filed a federal income tax return or paid the taxes that he owed. To conceal the source and disposition of his income from the IRS, Kobus regularly cashed his paychecks from the fishing companies and used the cash to fund his personal lifestyle.

In total, Kobus caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $377,839.90.

In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton for the District of Massachusetts ordered Kobus to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $377,839.90 in restitution to the United States.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Wild for the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ohio Man Who Concealed Croatian War Crime Charge Sentenced to Prison for Immigration Fraud

Source: US State of California

An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to immigrating to the United States.

According to court documents, Jugoslav Vidic, 56, of Parma Heights, in applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he knew he had been charged in Croatia with a war crime against the civilian population. Vidic also falsely stated that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989, when, in fact, he fought with the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these materially false statements, Vidic was approved for lawful permanent resident status and received a green card.

“Jugoslav Vidic lied about war crimes charged against him in an attempt to escape his past and live in the United States unlawfully,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our international partners, Vidic will serve prison time in the United States followed by his removal. His sentence demonstrates that human rights violators will not be allowed to hide from their crimes in the United States.”

“Vidic committed serious human rights violations and was convicted of war crimes in Croatia as a result. Yet, he lied to U.S. immigration officials about his conviction and participation in a violent military force to claim refugee status and obtain a green card — becoming a permanent legal resident of our country — when he was not eligible to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Those who run away from violent crimes they commit elsewhere in the world and then enter our country by brazenly lying about their past will be held to account, as yesterday’s sentence demonstrates. Vidic’s deceitful actions are detestable, and unfairly hurt people in need who legitimately seek refuge to flee real harms in their home countries.”

“Our communities here in Ohio and across the United States are not safe havens for war criminals to escape accountability in their home countries,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It is my hope that this sentencing provides some measure of solace to the victims’ families with the knowledge that despite the passage of time, the United States will seek justice.”

“Jugoslav Vidic intentionally circumvented the laws of the United States by lying on his green card application about his war crimes conviction in Croatia,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This case should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those like Vidic who seek to violate U.S. law by fraud of any kind.”

“Jugoslav Vidic knowingly avoided the truth of his past to enjoy the freedoms and liberties of the United States for over two and a half decades,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “Yesterday’s sentence underscores the work of the FBI and its local, state, federal, and international partners and sends a clear message that people in the United States who take part in war crimes, regardless of when or where they occurred, or by masking their involvement, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.”

Vidic admitted in his plea agreement that he was charged with a war crime in Croatia in 1994 and convicted in absentia in 1998. The Croatian court found that during an attack by ethnic Serb forces in Petrinja, Croatia, on Sept. 16, 1991, Vidic cut off the arm of civilian Stjepan Komes, who died afterward. Vidic further admitted that he knew about the Croatian charges when he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999, applied to become a lawful permanent resident in 2000, and was interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and received his green card in 2005.

Vidic pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an alien registration receipt card knowing it had been procured through materially false statements. As part of the plea agreement, Vidic agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States.

HSI and the FBI investigated the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering the investigation.

Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

Members of the public who have information about human rights violators or immigration fraud in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form, or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Former Louisiana Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Using Excessive Force Against Detainee

Source: US State of California

A former Louisiana sheriff’s office deputy was sentenced yesterday to 37 months in prison for assaulting a pretrial detainee.

Javarrea Pouncy, 31, a former sergeant with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), previously pleaded guilty to one count of using excessive force against the detainee. During his plea, Pouncy admitted that, in September 2019, he and another DPSO deputy conducted a strip search of a detainee in the DeSoto Parish jail, as part of the detainee’s booking. Pouncy admitted further that, during the search, the deputies repeatedly punched the detainee in his head, face and body, even though the detainee did not pose a threat to either officer. As a result of the assault, the detainee was hospitalized and sustained a broken eye socket and broken nose, among other injuries.

“The defendant pledged to protect and serve his community, but instead, he repeatedly punched a detainee without justification, leaving him bloodied and broken,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “People in detention have the right to be treated humanely and not to be brutalized by excessive force. This sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such abuses behind bars. The Justice Department will hold accountable officials who violate detainees’ civil rights.”

“Pouncy took advantage of his position, the power that it yields and the prestige of the badge in committing this criminal act,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “Decency and order can co-exist with the preservation of an offender’s civil rights. Prosecutions such as these are critical to ensure that the good work of law enforcement officers is not hampered by the heinous acts of bad law enforcement officers.”

“Yesterday, Pouncy faced the consequences of his unnecessary and violent actions toward someone he was supposed to protect,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “It’s a sad day when we have to investigate someone who took an oath to uphold the law. His actions undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system, and I want the public to know we will not tolerate it. The FBI is committed to investigating criminal misconduct, no matter who the subject is or what position they hold in their community.”

The other deputy involved in the assault, DeMarkes Grant, previously pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice in connection with the assault. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in August 2024

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in August 2024
Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in August 2024
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Further to the external merchandise trade statistics in value terms for August 2024 released earlier on, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (October 17) the volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade for that month. In August 2024, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 3.1% and 4.9% respectively over August 2023. Comparing the first eight months of 2024 with the same period in 2023, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 7.2% and 4.2% respectively. Comparing the three-month period ending August 2024 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods decreased by 0.1%, while the volume of imports of goods increased by 4.7%. Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted. Comparing August 2024 with August 2023, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 3.1% and 2.6% respectively. As regards price changes in the first eight months of 2024 over the same period in 2023, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 4.0% and 3.5% respectively. Price changes in external merchandise trade are reflected by changes in unit value indices of external merchandise trade, which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data. The terms of trade index is derived from the ratio of price index of total exports of goods to that of imports of goods. Compared with the same periods in 2023, the index increased by 0.5% in August 2024 and 0.4% in the first eight months of 2024. Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1. Comparing August 2024 with August 2023, increases were recorded for the total export volume to Vietnam (23.9%), the mainland of China (the Mainland) (8.6%) and Taiwan (7.0%). On the other hand, the total export volume to the USA (-2.0%) and India (-20.3%) decreased. Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to the USA (5.3%), the Mainland (3.9%), Taiwan (3.5%) and Vietnam (2.1%) increased. On the other hand, the total export prices to India decreased by 1.8%. Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2. Comparing August 2024 with August 2023, increases were recorded for the import volume from Singapore (21.3%), Korea (14.5%), the Mainland (6.8%) and Taiwan (6.8%). On the other hand, the import volume from Japan decreased by 0.4%. Over the same period of comparison, the import prices from all main suppliers increased: Singapore (5.2%), Korea (4.6%), the Mainland (2.9%), Japan (0.9%) and Taiwan (0.4%). Further information Details of the above statistics are published in the August 2024 issue of “Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers”. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020006&scode=230). Enquiries on merchandise trade indices may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4918).

Ends/Thursday, October 17, 2024Issued at HKT 16:30

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Over 1 Million Public Service Workers Have Received Student Debt Cancellation Under the Biden-⁠ Harris Administration
Source: The White House

Today, President Biden announced an additional $4.5 billion in student debt cancellation for over 60,000 borrowers through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, bringing the number of public service workers who have had their student loans cancelled to over 1 million people during the Biden-Harris Administration. Before President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, only 7,000 borrowers had ever received forgiveness through PSLF. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s significant improvements to the PSLF program, over 1 million teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officials, nurses, servicemembers, and other public service workers who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities are getting the student debt relief they are entitled to under the law. Last week, President Biden met with a kindergarten teacher who has been paying her loans for 12 years and let her know that she is one of the 1 million people approved for PSLF under his Administration, and over $46,000 of her loans are being cancelled. In total, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved $175 billion in student debt relief for nearly 5 million borrowers through various actions.

From Day One of their Administration, President Biden and Vice President Harris vowed to fix the student loan system and make sure higher education is a ticket to the middle class – not a barrier to opportunity. Already, the Biden-Harris Administration has delivered life-changing relief to students and families. While Republican elected officials try every which way to block millions of their own constituents from receiving student debt relief – even proposing to get rid of the PSLF program altogether – President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting to provide borrowers student debt relief and making higher education affordable.

Delivering Life-Changing Relief to Over 1 Million Public Servants

In 2007, Congress enacted bipartisan legislation creating PSLF to recognize the critical role public servants play in our communities and support them in their service. Under PSLF, people who dedicate at least 10 years of their careers to giving back to their communities – like teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officials, nurses, and servicemembers – can get relief on their student loans. However, the program was poorly implemented. Many public servants found out that they had spent years in the wrong student loan repayment plan or did not take out the right type of loan and were therefore ineligible for PSLF and denied forgiveness. Before the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, only 7,000 people had ever received forgiveness through PSLF and the rejection rate, in part due to administrative errors and difficult processes, was as high as 98% in some years. Public servants were also being told that, because they didn’t file the right forms years ago, there was nothing for them to do but keep paying their loans longer than the program requires.

Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration has significantly improved the PSLF program to help more borrowers than ever before. This includes establishing and implementing new regulations to help borrowers earn more credit toward PSLF, simplifying criteria to help borrowers certify employment, creating fairer eligibility criteria, and providing borrowers the opportunity to apply for reconsideration of previous denials. The Biden-Harris Administration launched the Limited PSLF Waiver, providing public service workers affected by the pandemic with the opportunity to get PSLF credit for prior payments on their federal student loans regardless of repayment plan or loan type. To simplify the application process for borrowers, the Biden-Harris Administration made it so borrowers and employers can complete the entire PSLF application and submit required forms online, made it easier for borrowers to find qualifying employers and get necessary signatures verifying employment, and recently, announced new steps to allow borrowers to manage all aspects of their PSLF journey on StudentAid.gov.

Thanks to these improvements, as of today, over 1 million public service workers have been approved for debt cancellation through PSLF. The Department of Education today also released new state-by-state data showing how many borrowers have had their loans approved for cancellation under PSLF in each state under the Biden-Harris Administration.

Economic Benefits of Student Debt Relief for Public Service Workers

Today, the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) published a new analysis underscoring that the Biden-Harris Administration’s student debt policies not only benefit borrowers, but also the entire economy.

The CEA highlights that PSLF has the potential to deliver considerable benefits to those who receive it – including the ability to buy a home, start a business, and improve overall financial health. In addition, the CEA analysis shows how the PSLF program strengthens the public sector by making it more feasible for students with postsecondary debt to pursue and remain in public service careers that are essential to our economy and communities.

Despite these benefits to the U.S. economy and hard-working Americans, Republican elected officials have tried to stop the Biden-Harris Administration every step of the way, and have even attempted to end PSLF altogether, which would block millions of dedicated public servants from receiving the student debt relief they have earned. President Biden and Vice President Harris will not stop fighting for our nation’s dedicated public servants.

Encouraging Public Servants to Take Advantage of the PSLF Program

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is also announcing a series of new steps to encourage public servants across the nation to take advantage of the PSLF program.

A number of public sector unions, including the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), are amplifying today’s announcement through member-to-member outreach, social media campaigns, and more, and are encouraging people to sign up for PSLF:
- AFT will be encouraging its members to sign up for student debt clinics to help members get on track with PSLF, with a goal of reaching another 500 teachers and nurses by the end of the year. This is on top of the 34,000 members AFT has reached since starting their student debt clinic series.
- NEA will continue to help its members with the NEA Student Debt Navigator, a tool that provides 1-on-1 support for NEA’s members who need additional support with their PSLF application, or any other federal program related to student loans. Since the launch of the Student Debt Navigator, over 48,000 NEA members have signed up to receive support.
- To celebrate this milestone, AFSCME will launch a new interactive map on its website, detailing PSLF forgiveness across the country based on Department of Education data. Additionally, AFSCME will update its online resources to facilitate applications for PSLF and create a social media toolkit its members can use to promote PSLF and forgiveness on their own social media platforms.
- To encourage people to take advantage of the PSLF program, the Department of Education will send emails from President Biden to public servants who have received PSLF, encouraging them to share their stories to raise awareness about the benefits of the program. The Biden-Harris Administration will also share information about PSLF with federal employees to encourage more people to enroll in PSLF.
- The Department of Education is reaching out to governors and mayors across the country to encourage state and local public service workers to take advantage of the PSLF program.
These new steps are in addition to previous actions by the Administration including working with over 15 major federal agencies to develop PSLF agency action plans. In implementing these plans, federal agencies have encouraged thousands of additional federal employees to take advantage of the PSLF program through extensive social media campaigns, principal-level engagement, engagement with stakeholder groups, press, and mass email communications.

Building On an Unparalleled Record of Student Debt Relief

Today’s announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader set of actions to reduce the burden of student debt and ensure that student loans are not a barrier to educational and economic opportunity for students and families. President Biden and Vice President Harris secured a $900 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award – the largest increase in more than a decade. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved through various actions $175 billion in student debt relief for nearly 5 million Americans, each of whom have been approved for an average of roughly $35,000 in student debt cancellation. These actions have benefitted borrowers in every state, territory, and congressional district in the United States.

This approved relief includes:
- $74 billion for over 1 million borrowers through the PSLF program.
- $56.5 billion for more than 1.4 million borrowers through Income-Driven Repayment, including the Saving on a Valuable Education SAVE plan. This includes administrative adjustments to income-driven repayment that brought borrowers closer to forgiveness and addressed longstanding problems due to past inaccuracies and the misuse of forbearance by loan servicers.
- $28.7 billion for more than 1.6 million borrowers who were cheated by their schools, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements.
- $16.2 billion for nearly 572,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability.
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MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Statement from President Joe Biden on Student Debt Cancellation for Over 1 Million Public Service Workers Under the Biden-⁠ Harris Administration

Source: The White House

Today, my Administration is approving another $4.7 billion in student debt cancellation for over 60,000 public service workers – bringing the total number of Americans who have had their debt cancelled under Public Service Loan Forgiveness during my Administration to over 1 million people.

Public service workers – teachers, nurses, firefighters, and more – are the bedrocks of our communities and our country. They dedicate their careers to giving back to others, and were given the promise of student debt forgiveness after 10 years of public service and 10 years of payments under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. But for too long, the government failed to live up to its commitments, and only 7,000 people had ever received forgiveness under Public Service Loan Forgiveness before Vice President Harris and I took office.

We vowed to fix that, and because of actions from our Administration, now over 1 million public service workers have gotten the relief they are entitled to under the law.

Today’s announcement comes on top of the significant progress we’ve made for students and borrowers over the past three years. That includes approving debt cancellation for nearly 5 million Americans across all our various debt relief actions; providing the largest increases to the maximum Pell Grant award in over a decade; fixing Income-Driven Repayment so borrowers get the relief they earned; and holding colleges accountable for taking advantage of students and families.

From day one of my Administration, I promised to fight to ensure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity. I will never stop working to make higher education affordable – no matter how many times Republican elected officials try to stop us.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025