NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: Project Tundra Receives First Portion of $350 Million Award, Supporting Final Stage of Development

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    09.25.24
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, today announced that Project Tundra, a carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) effort led by Minnkota Power Cooperative, has received an initial $4.2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The funds come as part of a $350 million award Hoeven secured for the project last year, with Hoeven having:
    Worked to fund DOE’s Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program.
    Led the North Dakota delegation in outlining the benefits of the project to DOE.
    Previously secured $43 million in federal funding for the project, as well as loan guarantees and the 45Q tax credit necessary to make the CCUS projects commercially viable.
    “Every day, our nation relies on affordable baseload power that is available 24/7, regardless of weather. Project Tundra is about implementing new technologies to ensure a future for critical baseload power sources like coal,” said Hoeven. “We’ve worked to put the tools in place to move this and other CCUS efforts forward on a commercially-viable basis. Today’s award, which is the first distribution from the $350 million of funding we secured last year, is an important milestone as Project Tundra progresses through its final stage of development.”
    The initial award comes as part of Hoeven’s efforts to advance Project Tundra to provide a way forward for the state’s coal-fired electric industry and ensure the affordability and reliability of the electric grid. Last year, Minnkota announced that Project Tundra had entered its final stage of development as new affiliates, including TC Energy, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kiewit, were added to build the project.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: O2Gold Announces AGM Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O2Gold Inc. (TSX-V: OTGO) (“O2Gold” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the results of its annual and special meeting of shareholders (“AGM”) held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

    AGM Results

    The nominees listed in the Company’s management information circular dated August 23, 2024 (the “Circular”), which was mailed to O2Gold shareholders of record as of August 26, 2024, were elected to the board of directors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly appointed or elected.

    Nominee Percentage of Votes For Percentage of Votes Against
    Scott Moore 74.90% 25.10%
    Kam Gill 99.93% 0.07%
    Roger Lemaitre 76.20% 23.80%

    A total of 11,067,073 common shares were voted at the AGM, representing approximately 40.33% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.

    In addition, O2Gold shareholders received the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023, and approved all of the other resolutions detailed in the Circular and put forward at the AGM, namely:

    • Re-appointing McGovern Hurley LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year;
    • Approving the proposed omnibus incentive plan of the Company (the “Omnibus Plan”), to be implemented upon completion of the uplisting of the Company’s common shares from the NEX board of the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) to Tier 2 of the TSXV (the “Uplist”);
    • Re-approving the existing stock option plan of the Company, which will remain in effect if the Uplist is not completed or the Omnibus Plan is otherwise not implemented; and
    • Approving the acquisition of a gold mining exploration property in Quebec through the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding securities of Quebec Aur Ltd. from its shareholders, one of which is a related party (as such term is defined in MI 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions) of the Company.

    The Circular is available under O2Gold’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    About O2Gold

    O2Gold is a mineral exploration company.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Scott Moore, Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: (416) 861-1685
    Email: smoore@miningsm.com

    Cautionary Notes

    Certain of the information contained in this news release may constitute ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, including (but not limited to) statements with respect to the election and appointment of directors and the Uplist, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, obtaining regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The Government of Canada and the Municipality of the District of Clare invest in the renovation of the Clare Veterans Centre

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Regional Government of Canada – in French 2

    Press release

    Saulnierville, Nova Scotia, July 14, 2023 – Today, Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, and Yvon LeBlanc, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Clare, announced a joint investment of more than $2.9 million to renovate the Clare Veterans Centre in Saulnierville.

    This investment will improve the building’s accessibility, including the addition of a new accessible entry point with a concrete ramp and an interior elevator. It will also install photovoltaic solar panels that will produce renewable energy and reduce operating costs. In addition, the building’s exterior cladding will be re-done with sustainability in mind, and a new façade will be constructed. Inside, numerous renovations and equipment upgrades will be carried out, including the installation of a new heating and cooling system, modernization of electrical systems and lighting, construction of new accessible washrooms, renovation of the kitchen, construction of a cold room, installation of new drywall and application of new paint.

    These improvements are expected to reduce the building’s energy consumption by approximately 31.9% and greenhouse gas emissions by 33.2 tonnes annually. In addition, the improvements will create an accessible environment for users and extend the life of the building, while enhancing its versatility and improving its overall appearance.

    The Clare Veterans Centre in Saulnierville is located in the largest rural Acadian community in Nova Scotia. The centre is widely used by groups from all sectors and demographics. In addition, it hosts many annual events.

    By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resilience of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

    Quotes

    “The Government of Canada’s investment will help ensure that the Clare Veterans Centre remains a welcoming and inclusive place for all members of the community. The renovations will allow the community to continue to successfully host cultural events in a comfortable environment. In addition, by reducing the facility’s carbon footprint, this project contributes to provincial and federal climate change mitigation efforts.”

    Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

    “The upgrade to the Clare Veterans Centre is necessary and well deserved. The building is used daily by residents of the municipality, and I am confident that the planned renovations will be enjoyed by all those who make good use of public space. The planned work will certainly improve the aesthetics of the building, but also more functional elements such as its accessibility and carbon footprint.”

    Yvon LeBlanc, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Clare

    Quick Facts

    Our government is investing $2,356,494 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program. The Municipality of the District of Clare is contributing $589,124.

    The BCVI program aims to improve the places where Canadians work, learn, play, live and gather by reducing pollution, making life more affordable and supporting thousands of good jobs. Through green upgrades and other work to existing public community buildings, and new construction in underserved communities, the BCVI program helps ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible and have a long lifespan, and help Canada achieve its net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

    At least 10 percent of the funds are allocated to projects for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, which includes Indigenous populations in urban centres.

    The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created to support Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, and supports the first pillar of the Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency and building resilience to climate change. The program provides $1.5 billion over five years for retrofits, repairs or improvements that promote the environment and accessibility.

    The funding announced today is part of the work the Government of Canada is doing under the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create good-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies and build inclusive communities.

    For more information, please consult Infrastructure Canada website.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Jean-Sébastien Comeau Press Secretary and Senior Communications AdvisorOffice of the Honourable Dominic LeBlancMinister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities343-574-8116Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca

    Media Relations Infrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Pam Doucet Director of Community DevelopmentMunicipality of the District of Clare902-769-2031directorcd@munclare.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Joint Statement in Support of the Recovery and Reconstruction of Ukraine

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Prime Minister of Canada – in French

    We, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine today and in the future, in times of war and peace. As stated in the Leaders’ Communiqué issued at the G7 Summit in Puglia, together with our international partners, we remain committed to providing Ukraine and the Ukrainian people with military, budgetary, humanitarian and reconstruction support. We are also firmly committed to helping Ukraine meet its urgent short-term financing needs, as well as to supporting its long-term recovery and reconstruction priorities.

    We dispel any misconception that time is on Russia’s side or that Russia could prevail by causing Ukraine’s economic failure. Russia’s war of aggression has caused severe damage to Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Today, we reiterate a range of commitments to neutralize its effects.

    First, under international law, there is no doubt that Russia has a responsibility to pay for the damage it causes. We reaffirm that, in accordance with all applicable laws and our respective legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets in our territories will remain frozen until Russia stops its aggression and pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine.

    Second, we commit to using our economic support to help Ukraine maintain macro-financial stability, repair and build critical infrastructure, including in the energy sector, stimulate economic growth, and foster societal resilience and the implementation of priority reforms. This will include, for example, improving the business climate, strengthening the fight against corruption, reforming the judiciary, and promoting the rule of law in the context of the European Union accession process. We will also provide support to Ukraine to promote the timely and transparent absorption of donor funds.

    Third, we continue to jointly implement the decision taken at the G7 Summit in Puglia to establish loans within the framework of the acceleration of the use of extraordinary revenues for Ukraine by the end of the year, in order to make available to Ukraine additional financing of approximately 50 billion US dollars. The servicing and repayment of these loans will be ensured by future flows of extraordinary revenues from the immobilization of Russian sovereign assets held in the European Union and other administrative territories. Part of this financing will be dedicated to military support for Ukraine. We will maintain our solidarity as part of our commitment to support Ukraine.

    Fourth, we will also continue to deliver on our vision by defining a strategy on Ukraine’s economic recovery and reconstruction, and by coordinating and directing our support in this regard through the Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine. This will include mobilizing private sector contributions, leveraging funds from bilateral sources, the European Union and international financial institutions, and supporting Ukraine’s reform agenda in preparation for its accession to the European Union. We will continue to strengthen Ukraine’s human capital by addressing humanitarian needs and promoting social protection.

    Finally, we will continue to assess and monitor progress against these commitments through the meetings of the Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine and the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the next annual edition of which will be hosted by Italy in 2025.

    In order to implement the above commitments, we will each endeavour to provide Ukraine with targeted bilateral support, in accordance with this Joint Statement and the bilateral security arrangements and agreements negotiated and concluded with Ukraine.

    As for Ukraine, it is committed to implementing its reforms in the areas of economy, justice, anti-corruption, good governance, defense, public administration, public investment management and law enforcement. These reforms are necessary and will be crucial to ensuring long-term support for the country’s reconstruction and recovery.

    Our message is clear: we remain firmly committed to the strategic objective of a free, independent, democratic, and sovereign Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, that is prosperous and capable of defending itself. We emphasize the importance of an inclusive and gender-responsive recovery and the need to address the different needs of women, children, and persons with disabilities, as well as other groups of the population disproportionately affected by Russia’s war of aggression. Through our collective support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery, we will ensure that Russia fails in its goal of subjugating Ukraine, and that Ukraine emerges from this war of aggression with a modernized, vibrant, inclusive society and an innovative economy that can withstand Russia’s threats. Other countries wishing to contribute to these efforts to support Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction and recovery are invited to join this joint statement at any time.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Governments of Canada, Nova Scotia and Bayside Development Corporation invest in energy-efficient renovations at Bayside Travel Centre in Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Regional Government of Canada – in French 2

    Press release

    Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, Nova Scotia, July 11, 2023—Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, the Honourable Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness, on behalf of the Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy, and Rose Paul, CEO and President of Bayside Corporation, announced joint funding of over $1.6 million for energy-efficient green energy retrofits at the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation’s Bayside Travel Centre.

    The project involves the installation of a direct current microgrid energy system consisting of solar photovoltaic panels, a battery storage system and two electric vehicle fast chargers at the Bayside Travel Centre, owned by the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. By integrating three separate technologies, this project is the first microgrid in Nova Scotia to work together to provide energy services.

    This investment will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3,945 tonnes, improve access to electric vehicle chargers and create jobs in the community.

    By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resilience of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

    Quotes

    “The Bayside Travel Centre solar microgrid is a significant milestone for Nova Scotia, the Municipality of Antigonish and the Paq’tnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. Green energy projects like this benefit our communities in many ways. They generate clean electricity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create good jobs. This project will play a vital role in combatting climate change and ensuring a clean energy future for Nova Scotia.”

    Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

    “The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners to make investments in clean energy that will create jobs across the country. Today’s investment is a great example of this ambitious action. We are pleased to deploy EV charging stations, batteries and solar panels at the Bayside Travel Centre with the Paq’tnkek Mi’kmaw Nation and our provincial partners.”

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources

    “Our approach to the energy transition must leave no one behind. Today’s announcement will enable the community to reduce emissions while creating good-paying jobs for its members. Investments in climate-friendly solutions like this will create benefits for years to come, for the environment and for Indigenous peoples. Congratulations to the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation for taking this important step.”

    The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services

    “The technology being deployed in Nova Scotia’s renewable energy sector is truly inspiring. The upgrades completed by the Bayside Development Corporation will serve as an example for other organizations in the province looking to move toward a cleaner, greener future.”

    The Honourable Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness, on behalf of the Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy

    “Developing renewable energy is an example of energy sovereignty and being stewards of the land and resources. Working toward our carbon neutrality goals is an opportunity to be at the forefront of an industry that aligns with our sustainability values while providing social and economic opportunities for our communities.”

    Rose Paul, CEO and President of Bayside Corporation

    Quick Facts

    The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.4 million in this project, the Government of Nova Scotia is investing $200,000 and the Bayside Development Corporation is providing $18,309.

    The Government of Canada’s funding comes from Infrastructure Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Green Infrastructure Stream, Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, and Indigenous Services Canada’s Atlantic Canada Clean Energy Indigenous Economic Development Strategic Partnerships Initiative.

    Federal investments are supporting the development of a coast-to-coast EV charging network along highways, as well as the deployment of chargers in local areas where Canadians live, work and play, with more than 43,600 EV chargers selected to date for funding.

    This green infrastructure component supports the development of greener communities by promoting climate change preparedness, greenhouse gas emission reductions and renewable technologies.

    Including today’s announcement, 63 infrastructure projects or groups of projects have been funded in Nova Scotia under the Green Infrastructure Stream, for a total federal contribution of more than $357 million and a total provincial contribution of nearly $459 million.

    Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

    Infrastructure Canada helps address the complex challenges Canadians face every day, from rapidly growing cities to climate change to environmental threats to our waters and lands.

    The funding announced today is part of the work the Government of Canada is doing under the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create good-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies and build inclusive communities.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Jean-Sébastien Comeau Press Secretary and Senior Communications AdvisorOffice of the Honourable Dominic LeBlancMinister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities343-574-8116Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca

    Media Relations Infrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Patricia Jreige Communications AdvisorNatural Resources and Renewable Energy902-718-7866Patricia.jreige@novascotia.ca

    Richard Perry Public RelationsBayside Development Corporation902-318-7272rgperry@icloud.com

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Regional Government of Canada – in French 2

    Media Advisory

    Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, Nova Scotia, July 10, 2023—Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso; the Honourable Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness, on behalf of the Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy; and Rose Paul, CEO and Chair of Bayside Corporation.

    Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2023

    Time: 11:00 a.m. (ADT)

    Location: Bayside Travel Centre, 86 Bayside Road, Afton Station, NS B0H 1A0

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Kelly Ouimet Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities 343-552-3420 Kelly.Ouimet@iga-aig.gc.ca

    Media Relations Infrastructure Canada 613-960-9251 Toll free: 1-877-250-7154 Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedIn Website: Infrastructure Canada

    Patricia Jreige Communications Advisor Natural Resources and Renewable Energy 902-718-7866 Patricia.jreige@novascotia.ca

    Richard Perry Public Relations Bayside Development Corporation 902-318-7272rgperry@icloud.com

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: International film festival in north China to screen movies from 22 countries, regions

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Visitors are seen at the eighth Pingyao International Film Festival in the ancient town of Pingyao in north China’s Shanxi Province, Sept. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zhihao)

    The eighth Pingyao International Film Festival opened in the ancient town of Pingyao in north China’s Shanxi Province on Tuesday evening, with nearly 60 movies from 22 countries and regions to be screened.

    All the works, from countries such as the United States, France, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Japan, Argentina, Columbia, Uruguay and Denmark, will make their debut on the Chinese mainland’s big screen, and nearly half of them will premiere globally at the festival with the theme of “Earth.”

    “In an era of technological transformation, looking back at our journey on earth will empower us to move forward,” Jia Zhangke, founder of the film festival and a renowned Chinese director, said while interpreting the theme.

    By screening excellent films from around the world, the festival focuses on discovering and promoting exceptional works by young directors, especially from emerging and developing countries.

    The festival will run until Sept. 30.

    Founded in 2017, the Pingyao International Film Festival is held annually in Pingyao, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN BILL TO REIN IN PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS, PROTECT SMALL PHARMACIES VITAL TO RURAL AMERICA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Last week, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) joined a bipartisan group of legislators in front of the U.S. House to raise awareness about H.R. 9096, the Pharmacists Fight Back Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-05) and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01). This bill would prohibit large Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from manipulating drug prices, and restricting network access and patient choice in federal healthcare plans. It also protects pharmacies, patients, and taxpayers from other unfair PBM practices.

    “Pharmacy benefit managers are fleecing independent pharmacists and consumers to the tune of billions of dollars every year… I have visited innovative pharmacies across my district over the last several years and I have seen the spreadsheets and seen the abuses they have suffered,” said Congressman Bishop. “PBM reform is an issue that cannot wait. I promise you that I will do everything in my power along with my colleagues to help pharmacists, particularly independent pharmacists and their customers, fight back.”

    WATCH: Congressman Bishop’s Remarks

    America’s seniors, active-duty service members, national guard/reserve members, military retirees, medal of honor recipients, and federal employees/retirees will see their drug costs lowered, and their choice of pharmacy protected via this bill.

    Joining members of Congress were pharmacists from across the country, including Vic Johnson, owner of Living Well Pharmacy in Augusta and Nikki Bryant, owner of Adams Family Pharmacy in Preston.

    WATCH: Nikki Bryant’s Remarks

    WATCH: Vic Johnson’s Remarks

    Bil and Sharon Schmidtknecht of Wisconsin, also spoke at the event. They are the parents of Cole Schmidtknecht who passed away when a PBM increased the price of his necessary daily asthma medication to nearly the same price as his rent.

    The Federal Trade Commission launched an investigation into PBMs in 2022. In July 2024, it published its interim report which found that the six largest PBMs in the U.S.—Caremark, Express Scripts, OptumRx, Humana, Prime Therapeutics, and MedImpact—had come to manage nearly 95% of all scripts filled in the United States. Using “vertical integration,” these six PBMs had come to own or be owned by or otherwise linked to some of the largest health plans or pharmacies in the nation.

    The report went on to show exactly how this monopolistic situation affects independent pharmacies and their customers. According to the report, the largest PBMs often “exercise significant power over” drug availability and cost and which pharmacies Americans choose to use―while steering people toward larger pharmacies. By prioritizing chain pharmacies, PBMs put forward contract terms that can harm independent pharmacies by cutting into their payment.  They can also harm customers by limiting access to lower-cost generic competitor drugs.

    H.R. 9096, the Pharmacists Fight Back Act, addresses prescription drug coverage in federal programs such as Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid managed care, Tricare, and the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. It proposes a transparent reimbursement model for federal programs that bans spread pricing and caps costs for patients.  In addition, it prohibits PBMs from “steering” patients to specific pharmacies by allowing beneficiaries to use any in-network pharmacy.

    The bill also prohibits PBMs from requiring a beneficiary to use a branded drug when there is a less expensive generic alternative available, among other provisions. The legislation makes it a felony with a $1,000,000 fine for each violation of the act. Finally, it empowers patients by allowing individuals to take civil action against PBMs that breach provisions in this bill.

    ###

    PHOTO CAPTION: Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) discusses H.R. 9096, the Pharmacists Fight Back Act with reporters in front of the U.S. Capitol.

    PHOTOS CAPTION: Nikki Bryant, owner of Adams Family Pharmacy in Preston, and Vic Johnson, Vic Johnson, owner of Living Well Pharmacy in Augusta, speak to reporters about the effects that PBMs have had on pharmacists like them.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Statement on Continuing Resolution Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below on her vote to support the Continuing Resolution which would keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown through December 20, 2024. 

    “The Senate and the House just came together across the aisle to avoid a shutdown as we continue to negotiate on the budget. This means federal law enforcement pay will be uninterrupted, critical clinical trials and medical research can continue, small businesses will still be able to access financing, and our economy will not be subject to a preventable shockwave. Brinkmanship only hurts the American people and our economy, and I’m committed to working in a bipartisan way to get things done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint Declaration of Support for Recovery and Reconstruction of Ukraine

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine today and in the future, in war and in peace. As stated in the Apulia-G7 Leaders’ Communiqué, together with international partners, we remain determined to provide military, budget, humanitarian, and reconstruction support to Ukraine and its people and are strongly committed to helping Ukraine meet its urgent short-term financing needs and to assisting with Ukraine’s long-term recovery and reconstruction.

    We dispel any false notion that time is on Russia’s side or that Russia can prevail by causing Ukraine to fail economically. Russia’s war of aggression has wrought tremendous damage upon Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Today, we reaffirm a series of commitments to counter its effects.

    First, Russia’s responsibility under international law to pay for the damage it is causing is clear. We reaffirm that, consistent with all applicable laws and our respective legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets in our jurisdictions will remain immobilized until Russia ends its aggression and pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine.

    Second, we commit to use our economic assistance to ensure Ukraine maintains macro-financial stability, to repair and build critical infrastructure including in the energy sector, to boost economic growth, to support social resilience as well as the implementation of priority reforms. These include improving the business climate, strengthening anti-corruption efforts, implementing the justice system reform and promoting of the rule of law within the context of the EU accession process. We will also support Ukraine to ensure rapid and transparent absorption of donor financing.

    Third, we are continuing our joint work to implement the decision made at the G7 Summit in Apulia to launch Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine by the end of the year, in order to make available approximately USD 50 billion in additional funding to Ukraine. The loans will be serviced and repaid by the future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilization of Russian sovereign assets held in the European Union and other relevant jurisdictions. Part of these funds will be directed to military assistance to Ukraine. We will maintain solidarity in our commitment to providing this support to Ukraine.

    Fourth, we will continue to pursue our vision also by strategizing, coordinating and steering our support for Ukraine’s economic recovery and reconstruction through the Ukraine Donor Platform. This will include catalyzing private sector contributions as well as leveraging bilateral, European Union, and international financial institution funding, and encouraging Ukraine’s reform agenda in view of the country’s accession path to the EU. We will continue to support Ukraine’s human capital through our ongoing response to humanitarian needs and social protection.

    Finally, we will continue to assess and monitor progress on these commitments through Ukraine Donor Platform meetings and the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference, the next edition of which will be hosted by Italy in 2025.

    In order to implement the above-mentioned commitments, we will each work to provide Ukraine with specific, bilateral support aligned with this joint declaration and with the bilateral security agreements and arrangements that have been negotiated and signed with Ukraine.

    For its part, Ukraine is committed to implementing its economic, judiciary, anti-corruption, corporate governance, defense, public administration, public investment management and law enforcement reforms. These reforms are necessary and will be vital to enabling long-term support for Ukrainian reconstruction and recovery.

    Our message is clear: we remain committed to the strategic objective of a free, independent, democratic and sovereign Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, that is prosperous and able to defend itself. We highlight the importance of an inclusive and gender-responsive recovery and the need to address the different needs of women, children and disabled persons as well as other population groups who have been disproportionately affected by Russia’s war of aggression. Through our collective support for Ukrainian reconstruction and recovery, we will ensure that Russia fails in its objectives to subjugate Ukraine – and that Ukraine emerges from Russia’s war of aggression with a modernized, vibrant, inclusive society and innovative economy, resilient to Russian threats. Other countries that wish to contribute to this effort in support of Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction and recovery may join this Joint Declaration at any time.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Risch, Colleague Introduces Bill to Ban Handgun Rosters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Jim Risch (R-ID), and several colleagues today introduced the Modern Firearms Safety Act, which would prohibit states from enforcing handgun rosters. These lists of pre-approved handguns require manufacturers to include costly features like microstamping, loaded chamber indicators, and magazine disconnect mechanisms on firearms, preventing law-abiding citizens from purchasing the firearm of their choice.
    “Blue states look for every avenue to ban guns for law-abiding citizens,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Requiring unnecessary and imaginary modifications that don’t improve safety is just another tactic out of this playbook. The Second Amendment is a Constitutional right that shouldn’t be infringed upon just because of the state in which you reside.” 
    “Unconstitutional handgun rosters create unnecessary, burdensome requirements for firearm manufacturers while undermining the Second Amendment,” said Senator Risch. “The Modern Firearms Safety Act stops Democrats arbitrary handgun catalogs and protects law-abiding gun owners’ right to bear arms.”
    Several states, including California, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, and D.C., have recently enacted unconstitutional handgun rosters. A 2024 federal district court ruling found California’s handgun roster requirements unconstitutional.
    Cassidy and Risch were joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Braun (R-IN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in introducing the legislation.
    “Those on the Left continue to use every creative avenue possible to stifle Second Amendment rights and restrict gun ownership for law-abiding citizens,” said Senator Crapo. “These practices must stop.”
    “Trying to impose unnecessary and overly stringent requirements on what features handguns must have is a blatant attempt to strip away core constitutional rights,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation ensures law-abiding gun owners in Texas can continue to exercise their Second Amendment right in a safe and responsible way without being subject to impractical restrictions.”
    “Our Founding Fathers were clear—the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed,” said Senator Daines. “Forcing Americans to outfit their firearms with onerous and costly features is a clear attempt to undermine the Second Amendment and law-abiding citizens’ constitutional rights, and it must stop.”
    “I am proud to join Senator Risch in our fight against the Democrats’ never-ending attack on our Second Amendment rights and our constitutional freedoms,” said Senator Marshall. “The Modern Firearm Safety Act will end the unconstitutional gun grab currently underway in far-Left states like California, New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Our legislation rightfully blocks Democrats from enforcing illegal handgun roster requirements designed to target law-abiding Americans.”
    “This commonsense legislation safeguards the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by eliminating unnecessary barriers to purchase firearms,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to support responsible gun owners by introducing this legislation, which aims to prevent government overreach and uphold our constitutional freedoms.”
    The Modern Firearms Safety Act has received support from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Rifle Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Votes to Keep Government Open, Extend Flood Insurance Program, Fund Disaster Relief

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today voted to pass a bill to keep the government open until December 20th, 2024. Cassidy has urged Congress to extend the authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and secure additional funding for disaster relief following Hurricane Francine.
    “Nobody wants a shutdown. We must keep the National Flood Insurance Program going, put more money into FEMA’s disaster relief fund, continue to pay our troops, and give the Secret Service additional resources to protect President Trump. While I’m disappointed the SAVE Act was not included, this bill gives us the time to find a lasting solution without harming Americans,” said Dr. Cassidy.
    Background
    Cassidy spoke on the Senate floor last week about the need to reauthorize and reform NFIP. That speech was the sixth installment of a series of Senate floor speeches Cassidy is using to focus attention on unsustainable flood insurance premiums.
    In January, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance before introducing the bill to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue. Last year, Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, resulting in the second episode of his series Bill on the Hill.
    Earlier this month, President Biden approved a disaster declaration in the wake of Hurricane Francine. Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes were all covered by the declaration.
    Following the second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, Cassidy and seven Senate Republican colleagues called for President Trump to receive the same level of Secret Service protection as a sitting president.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cammack Requests POTUS Grant Category B Disaster Assistance To 3 FL-03 Counties

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    GAINESVILLE, FL — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack sent a letter to President Biden requesting the full scope of Public Assistance Category B for Alachua, Columbia, and Marion Counties prior to Hurricane Helene’s landfall on Thursday, September 26. 

    View the letter below.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Kaine on Congressional Passage of Legislation to Keep Government Funded Temporarily

    US Senate News:

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

    Today, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after the Senate approved a temporary funding bill to prevent a government shutdown on October 1. This bill – passed earlier today by the U.S. House of Representatives – will keep the government open through December 20 by extending Fiscal Year 2024 spending levels.

    “Nobody hurts more than Virginia when Congress fails to do its job of keeping the government open. With just a few days until the government funding deadline, we are glad Congress did the right thing and passed a stopgap bill that will renew funding until December 20. While we should not rely on continuing resolutions to govern, we are glad to know that this bill will help avoid a painful government shutdown. We look forward to working with our colleagues these next three months on long-term funding legislation, and we remain committed to ensuring that any final package includes dedicated dollars for specific projects in communities all throughout Virginia.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Statement on Continuing Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

    WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK), issued the following statement after voting to support a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government, averting a government shutdown on October 1:

    “Today I voted to support a Continuing Resolution to keep the government operating. This provides certainty for our military, veterans, law enforcement, border personnel, and others who rely on the continuity of essential services. However, we cannot continue down this path. This marks yet another year in which we are voting on stopgap measures rather than doing the serious work of passing appropriations bills.

    Majority Leader Schumer has not brought a single appropriations bill to the Senate floor. This failure is deeply concerning. Our national debt continues to grow, and runaway spending remains unchecked because we aren’t taking the time to engage in real debate over how to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars.

    While avoiding a government shutdown is critical, it is equally important that we do the hard work of governing. Congress must get back to passing individual appropriations bills to address both the immediate needs of the nation and plan for the future. Kicking the can down the road is not a plan—it’s just hoping nobody notices the mess. Oklahomans deserve better than the uncertainty of last-minute CRs, and I will continue to push for regular order in the Senate.”

    Sen. Lankford has introduced the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023, which would take government shutdowns off the table and force Congress to stay in town until their work is done.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Grassley Demand Accountability on ATF’s Unlawful Misclassification Scandal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are pushing for accountability after the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) decided to reinstate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) position classification authority, even after claims that ATF repeatedly and unlawfully labeled administrative positions as “law enforcement,”costing taxpayers at least $20 million. 
    “Appropriate corrective action must be taken in regards to all employees that allowed taxpayer dollars to be wasted after notification of the aforementioned misconduct,” the senators wrote. “The American public must know ATF will not revert to its previous impropriety after the restoration of its classification authority.”
    The senators are revealing the far-reaching failures among the agencies and demanding OPM release the full, unredacted Human Capital Management Evaluation (HCME) audit, and questioning why ATF’s five-year position classification review has been put on hold and for the Justice Management Division (JDM) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide all documents related to the classification of law enforcement positions.
    View the letters to the ATF, DOJ’s JDM, and OPM.
    Background:
    Last year, Ernst called out the ATF for posing as law enforcement to scam taxpayers and followed up earlier this year by demanding corrective action.
    Ernst previously blasted ATF’s unwarranted “knock and talk” tactics in which ATF agents in full gear visit private residences without a warrant to request that residents show a recently purchased firearm as proof they did not conduct a straw purchase.
    Ernst and Grassley previously grilled the agency for inappropriately targeting federal firearms license (FFL) holders and stifling Second Amendment rights by abusing its federal regulatory powers.
    To protect gun dealers, Ernst introduced her Fighting Irrational Regulatory Enforcement to Avert Retailers’ Misfortune (FIREARM) Act which would create a safe harbor for lawful gun dealers at risk of having their federal firearm license stripped for a single, minor, clerical error.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Slams White House for Underfunding Veterans After Giving Millions to Taliban and China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – After a report revealed the Biden-Harris administration underbudgeted promises to veterans by $15 billion, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran, blasted the White House for handing over $293 million to the Taliban and having no clue how many millions it gave to Chinese labs for risky research.
    After the Biden-Harris administration lost track of tax dollars being sent to mad scientists in China, Ernst is introducing the Chinese Laboratory Accountability and Watchful Spending (CLAWS) Act, which would require the Office of Management and Budget to annually disclose all taxpayer-funded research conducted in China.
    “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are undervaluing our heroes and underwriting our adversaries,” said Ernst. “When you ask why there are millions for the Taliban and China but not enough for veterans, it appears the cat has this administration’s tongue. We can claw back taxpayer dollars by ending support for terrorist groups, exposing all funding for batty experiments in China, and giving our veterans the highest quality of care.”
    “Taxpayers have a right to know how much of their money is being recklessly shipped to Chinese animal labs that butcher beagles, poison puppies, and supercharge viruses in cruel and dangerous experiments. As the organization that first exposed Fauci’s funding for the Wuhan animal lab and ongoing U.S. government funding for dog tests and dozens of other animal labs in China, we applaud Senator Ernst and Representative Langworthy for introducing the common-sense CLAWS Act to crack down on Uncle Sam’s wasteful spending in China’s unaccountable animal labs,” said Justin Goodman, White Coat Waste Project Senior Vice President.
    Background:
    Over the past four years, Ernst has led the charge in conducting oversight investigations exposing the millions of taxpayer dollars being paid to laboratories and institutions in China and led the successful effort to defund and debar China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology.
    She is the sponsor of the Accountability in Foreign Animal Research (AFAR) Act banning taxpayer funding of animal research in Chinese, Russian, and Iranian labs.
    Last month, Senator Ernst blasted the White House for sending $293 million to the Taliban and amended her TRACKS Act to track and publicly disclose any tax dollars the Pentagon sends to the Taliban or any other foreign adversary.
    Last week, she championed the Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act to hold the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable for a Veterans Benefits Administration budget shortfall of $15 billion.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Statement on Continuing Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement after voting against the Continuing Resolution:
    “Passing a continuing resolution merely kicks the can down the road, and by doing so Congress has shirked its constitutional duty to fund the government and ensure the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. It is not fair to Idahoans to delay another funding fight until after a pivotal election and before the holidays. Congress must do better.”
    The Continuing Resolution funds the government through December 20, 2024. The measure passed the Senate 78-18.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinema Introduces Sharad Desai, Nominee for U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona to the Senate Judiciary Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona)
    Sinema worked directly with the White House to nominate Sharad Desai to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge 

    For a broadcast-quality HD clip, click HERE.
    For an MP3 soundbite, click HERE.WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced Sharad Desai, nominee to the U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Arizona to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sinema recommended Mr. Desai and worked directly with the White House on his nomination to the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.  “Sharad Desai represents the best of the Arizona legal community. He possesses the experience, integrity, and intellect to serve honorably as a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona,” said Sinema.  Earlier this year, Sinema applauded Sharad Desai’s nomination to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Arizona. Mr. Desai is a native Arizonan and, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he would be Arizona’s first South Asian federal district judge. Mr. Desai currently serves as Vice President and General Counsel for Honeywell’s Integrated Supply Chain and Information Technology groups, where he manages legal risk, ensures compliance with laws and regulations across the globe, resolves disputes prior to litigation, and more. At Honeywell, Mr. Desai has served in numerous roles, including as Litigation Counsel for Honeywell’s Aerospace division and Chief Litigation Counsel for the Safety and Productivity Solutions division. In these roles, Mr. Desai managed a docket of federal and state court matters and arbitrations – including commercial, qui tam, product liability, and toxic tort matters. Mr. Desai also selected outside counsel, developed the litigation strategy, and coordinated discovery efforts. He was also responsible for handling government subpoenas and civil investigatory demands, as well as subpoenas received in connection with civil and criminal matters. Mr. Desai also worked almost for a decade at the Arizona law firm Osborn Maledon, becoming a partner in the litigation group where he represented clients – including individuals, small business, and Fortune 100 companies – in commercial litigation and appellate matters. In this role, Mr. Desai regularly appeared in both federal and state courts, mental health court proceedings, and lawyer ethics matters. After graduating from New York University Law School in 2006, Mr. Desai clerked for Arizona Supreme Court then-Vice Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch. Mr. Desai earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Magna Cum Laude, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Arizona in 2003, where he was a Flinn Scholar. Sinema has a track record of earning broad bipartisan support for judicial nominees. Earlier this year, Sinema celebrated the Senate confirmation of Arizona’s Angela Martinez and Krissa Lanham as federal judges for the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona – which Sinema personally ensured both nominees earned a broad bipartisan vote. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Before Trump, there was a long history of race-baiting, fear-mongering and building walls on the US-Mexico border

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marie-Eve Loiselle, Lecturer in Law, Macquarie University

    Last month, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump delivered a one-hour address on the danger of illegal immigration to the United States. His stage was the US-Mexico border in Arizona and the set piece of his performance was the border wall.

    The message was simple: with their border policy, Democrats have “unleashed a deadly plague of migrant crime”. Trump has ratcheted up the tensions on immigration further since then, repeating wild conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants eating pets and, more recently, claiming migrants are “attacking villages and cities all throughout the Midwest”.

    What the US needs, Trump has repeatedly stressed, is a closed border, a walled border.

    A long history of wall-building advocacy

    The US-Mexico border wall, which is currently around 700 miles in length in various stretches, has loomed large in American politics in recent decades, especially since the 2016 US presidential campaign. Yet, current stories about the wall mostly overlook its history.

    Most importantly, the media ignore the long-standing appeal of the wall as a tool of spatial and cultural division in the making of the US-Mexico border.

    In my forthcoming book, I trace the origin of the border wall to the early 1900s, when the US Immigration Service and other federal agencies called for the construction of barriers at the border.

    Congress answered their appeal by adopting an act in 1935 that authorised the secretary of state to construct and maintain fences between the US and Mexico. For decades following its adoption, US officials stood before Congress almost yearly, asking for funding for the construction of border fences.

    This trend culminated in the 1940s with two parallel projects: the Western Land Boundary Fence Project (576 miles or 926 kilometres of fencing from El Paso, Texas, to the west) and the Rio Grande Border Fence Project (415 miles or 668 kilometres of fencing along the Mexico-Texas border).

    Neither one of these projects was ever fully realised. But if they had been built, they would have surpassed the length of the current border wall.

    Immigration, disease and crime

    What is telling when looking at the history is how similar the arguments supporting such fences in the early 1900s were to those deployed today. Immigration, disease and crime have been recurring justifications for the wall, both then and now.

    Indeed, there is an uncanny likeness to Trump’s rhetoric surrounding the US-Mexico border — including during his August speech in Arizona — and the narratives justifying a border wall in the mid-20th century.

    High on the list of justifications was the need to deter “juvenile delinquents”, “thieves”, “beggars”, undocumented workers, narcotic smugglers, “wetbacks” (a derogatory term for Mexicans), and Mexican nationals seeking medical care in the US at public expense.

    These arguments appeared regularly in government reports and during congressional hearings from the 1930s to the late 1950s.

    A 1934 report by the Immigration Services on the feasibility of a short border fence between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, for example, said it would stifle illegal immigration that took employment opportunities from American workers, while lowering wages in the borderland area.

    Reminiscent of recent analogies between the borderland and a “war zone”, the report noted that sending agents to patrol the border without proper equipment was pointless. It was akin to:

    put[ting] a body of troops in the field in an enemy’s theatre of operation without artillery, observation planes, trucks, ammunition and other weapons.

    The fence was “the correct solution to the problem.”

    At times, the fear of the undocumented merged with the fear of contagion. A foot and mouth disease outbreak in Mexico in 1946, for example, provided additional rhetorical support for the wall. As Texas Senator Tom Connally said when the Committee on Foreign Relations considered the issue:

    It has been a dream of the Department of State for many years to have this fence, not because of the hoof and mouth disease, but for immigration and customs and smuggling and all of that sort of thing.

    Senator Tom Connally in 1938.
    Harris & Ewing photographs, via Wikimedia Commons

    Persistent racial faultlines

    The 1935 act has long been forgotten. In fact, by the end of the 1950s, only a few hundred miles of fencing had actually been built.

    These earlier walling plans failed for a range of reasons, including opposition by Texan landowners and industries relying on illegal Mexican labour. Perhaps most importantly, there were serious reservations back then about the efficiency of fences in curbing immigration.

    Yet, these doubts have not weighed in to the same extent in contemporary debates about the border wall. This underscores the performative role of the wall in today’s politics.

    In fact, close to 700 hundred miles (1,126 kilometres) of fencing has been built under the Secure Fence Act of 2006. This includes large portions of the wall built under the presidency of Barack Obama and, to a lesser extent, Trump’s.

    What has filtered through, however, is the racialised narrative that paints Mexicans nationals in a disparaging way.

    This rhetoric relied on generalisations and stereotypes on themes such as criminality, licentiousness and disease. It transformed Mexico into a threat to be curtailed and became a frame of reference that has permeated politics for decades – and is now a defining issue in the upcoming presidential election.

    Marie-Eve Loiselle does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Before Trump, there was a long history of race-baiting, fear-mongering and building walls on the US-Mexico border – https://theconversation.com/before-trump-there-was-a-long-history-of-race-baiting-fear-mongering-and-building-walls-on-the-us-mexico-border-238425

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Westhaven Announces Brokered Private Placement for Gross Proceeds of Up to C$5.0 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (“Westhaven” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the “Agent”) to act as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with a best efforts, private placement (the “Marketed Offering“) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 from the sale of the following:

    • 10,000,000 units of the Company (each, a “Unit”) at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000 from the sale of Units; and
    • gross proceeds of up to C$3,500,000 from the sale of any combination of (i) common shares of the Company that will quality as “flow-through shares” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a “Traditional FT Share”) at a price of C$0.175 per Traditional FT Share and (ii) flow-through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (each, a “Charity FT Unit”, and collectively with the Units and Traditional FT Shares, the “Offered Securities”) at a price of C$0.22 per Charity FT Unit.

    Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a “Unit Share”) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one Traditional FT Share and one half of one Warrant. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.22 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the closing date of the Offering (as defined below).

    The Agent will have an option, exercisable in full or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional C$1,000,000 in any combination of Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units at their respective offering prices (the “Agents’ Option” and together with the Marketed Offering, the “Offering”).

    Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (“NI 45-106”), those Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units representing gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 (the “LIFE Securities”) will be offered for sale to purchasers in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan (the “Canadian Selling Jurisdictions”) pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the “Listed Issuer Financing Exemption”). The Unit Shares, Traditional FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable pursuant to the sale of the LIFE Securities are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Units may also be sold in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “U.S. Securities Act“), as amended.

    Any Units and Charity FT Units sold in excess of gross proceeds of C$5,000,000 as well as the Traditional FT Shares (collectively, the “Non-LIFE Securities”) will be offered by way of the “accredited investor” and “minimum amount investment” exemptions under NI 45-106 in the Canadian Selling Jurisdictions, or in the case of the Units, also in offshore jurisdictions and the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. The Unit Shares, Traditional FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable from the sale of Non-LIFE Securities will be subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Traditional FT Shares and the Charity FT Units will be used for Canadian exploration expenses on the Company’s mineral projects in British Columbia and will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures”, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Qualifying Expenditures”), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2025 and renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2024 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units.

    The Offering is scheduled to close on or around October 15, 2024, or such other date as the Company and the Agent may agree, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    The Company will pay to the Agent a cash commission of 6% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Offering (the “Agents’ Commission”). In addition, the Company will issue to the Agent warrants of the Company (each warrant, a “Broker Warrant”), exercisable for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date, to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6% of the number of Offered Securities sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to C$0.15 per Common Share.

    There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company’s profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at http://www.westhavengold.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

    To the extent that any directors and/or officers the Company participate in the Offering, such participation will constitute a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). The Company expects any participation by directors and officers in the Offering will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 based on the fact that neither the fair market value of the Units, Traditional FT Shares or Charity FT Units subscribed for by directors and officers, nor the consideration for such securities to be paid by them, will exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization.

    The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors

    WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.

    “Gareth Thomas”

    Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director

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

    About Westhaven Gold Corp.

    Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company advancing the high-grade discovery on the Shovelnose project in Canada’s newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls 60,950 hectares (609.5 square kilometres) with four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose property is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhaven’s website at http://www.westhavengold.com

    Forward Looking Statements:

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expectations with respect to the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; completion of the Offering and the date of such completion. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, and without limitation: that the Offering may not close within the timeframe anticipated or at all or may not close on the terms and conditions currently anticipated by the Company for a number of reasons including, without limitation, as a result of the occurrence of a material adverse change, disaster, change of law or other failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Offering; the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete its planned exploration program; that the Company will not derive the expected benefits from its current program; the Company may not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently contemplated; the Company may fail to find a commercially viable deposit at any of its mineral properties; the Company’s plans may be adversely affected by the Company’s reliance on historical data compiled by previous parties involved with its mineral properties; mineral exploration and development are inherently risky industries; the mineral exploration industry is intensely competitive; additional financing may not be available to the Company when required or, if available, the terms of such financing may not be favourable to the Company; fluctuations in the demand for gold or gold prices generally; the Company may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future acquisitions successfully, or to integrate such acquisitions with its current business; the Company’s exploration activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licenses, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents, which may be withdrawn or not granted; the Company’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; there is no guarantee that title to the properties in which the Company has a material interest will not be challenged or impugned; the Company faces various risks associated with mining exploration that are not insurable or may be the subject of insurance which is not commercially feasible for the Company; the volatility of global capital markets over the past several years has generally made the raising of capital more difficult; inflationary cost pressures may escalate the Company’s operating costs; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; social and environmental activism can negatively impact exploration, development and mining activities; the success of the Company is largely dependent on the performance of its directors and officers; the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by First Nations land claims; the Company and/or its directors and officers may be subject to a variety of legal proceedings, the results of which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company may be adversely affected if potential conflicts of interests involving its directors and officers are not resolved in favour of the Company; the Company’s future profitability may depend upon the world market prices of gold; dilution from future equity financing could negatively impact holders of the Company’s securities; failure to adequately meet infrastructure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company’s projects now or in the future may be adversely affected by risks outside the control of the Company; the Company is subject to various risks associated with climate change, the Company is subject to general global risks arising from epidemic diseases, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company’s operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all is uncertain; as well as other risk factors in the Company’s other public filings available at http://www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Company’s expectations, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this offering document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Langworthy Honors the Life of Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford on the House Floor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Langworthy (NY-23) honored the life of Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford during a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Undersheriff Telford, a respected public servant, passed away following a battle with cancer after more than 30 years of service in law enforcement.

     

    Watch the full speech here.

     

    Transcript:

    “Mr. Speaker,

    I rise today to honor the life and service of Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford, a dedicated public servant who spent over three decades protecting and serving the people of our county.

    Rich’s passing is a profound loss for Chautauqua County. Those who had the honor of knowing him, say they knew they could always count on Rich. In remembering him Sheriff Quattrone said, “Rich was a man of integrity, he could always be counted on to do the right thing.”

    Throughout his service, his sense of duty and commitment to the community he grew up in ran very deep.

    After graduating from Jamestown High School and studying criminal justice at Jamestown Community College, Rich began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a deputy, a sergeant overseeing the county’s 911 center, a lieutenant, and later a supervisor for court security. His hard work and leadership were undeniable, and in 2021, he was appointed undersheriff of Chautauqua County—a role in which he continued to lead by example.

    Rich’s dedication to the community wasn’t limited to his badge. He is remembered as a family man, a loving family man, devoted to his wife Amanda and their three children, Katelynn, Andrew, and Alex.

    Throughout his career, Rich embodied the qualities we look for in our public servants—integrity, courage, and respect. His actions over 33 years spoke louder than any words. Whether it was investigating fires with the department’s fire investigation team or attending the prestigious FBI National Academy, Rich never stopped pushing himself to be better for his community.

    Mr. Speaker, our hearts are heavy today, but we are filled with gratitude for the life and legacy of Rich Telford. His dedication and service to Chautauqua County will not be forgotten.

    Your family is in our prayers, Rich. You will be missed, but your contributions will live on through the many lives you’ve touched.

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Moran Votes No on Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01)

    Congressman Moran Votes No on Continuing Resolution

    Washington, D.C., September 25, 2024

    Washington, D.C. ­– Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) released the following statement after voting against the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025:

    “I voted no on today’s ‘clean’ continuing resolution (CR) because it neither reduced spending, nor resulted in substantial policy wins that we would not have otherwise gotten through regular order. And, it only provided funding through December 20th. Congress must take fiscal responsibility seriously and return to a full-year appropriations process that results in 12 bills that are crafted, evaluated, and debated with thoughtful input from Members both in committee and on the House floor.

    “Last week, Speaker Johnson proposed a compromise plan I supported that would have funded our government while also providing leverage to pass critical election integrity reform through the Democrat-run Senate. Unfortunately, that measure fell short, leading to today’s ‘clean’ CR. I commend Speaker Johnson’s work crafting legislation narrow enough to prevent Senate Democrats from packing it full of wasteful spending and pet projects, but I do not believe a vote for today’s spending bill would have accurately represented the values of East Texas. As such, I could not support it.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Pettersen Introduces Bills to Expand Access to Quality Child Care, Bolster Education Workforce

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    WASHINGTON  – Today, at a press conference, Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) joined Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jennifer McClellan (VA-03), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) to reintroduce the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act. Pettersen also introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act with Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19).

    These pieces of legislation would address critical aspects of the affordable child care crisis by increasing access to quality care. Additionally, these bills would strengthen the workforce by providing incentives to recruit and retain skilled educators, while ensuring high-quality, age-appropriate instruction for young children.

    “As a working mom of a four-year-old son with another child on the way, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find affordable child care and the struggles families in my district are facing, especially in more rural communities,” said Pettersen. “That’s why I’m proud to help reintroduce these two pieces of legislation to bolster our child care workforce, help lower costs for parents, and ensure every family can access the care they need for their children to thrive.” 

    “I’m also grateful for Congressman Molinaro’s partnership on the Creating Childhood Leaders Act. Early childhood education lays the groundwork for lifelong learning, and this bill ensures school leaders focus on children from birth to age eight, building a strong foundation and fostering long-term success,” said Pettersen. 

    Background:

    The Child Care Infrastructure Act would create a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide funding to states for building or renovating child care facilities and help ensure safe, high-quality learning environments for children. Additionally, the legislation calls for a nationwide assessment of the current condition of child care facilities. Bill text is available HERE. 

    The Child Care Workforce Development Act would create a student loan repayment program for early childhood educators and establish a grant program for individuals pursuing a childhood development credential. This would help attract and retain skilled educators, addressing workforce shortages in early education and ensuring that young children receive high-quality care and instruction during their most formative years. Bill text is available HERE. 

    The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would modify Title II of the Higher Education Act by mandating that school leadership programs receiving federal Teacher Quality Partnership grants incorporate training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children from birth to age eight. Companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mitt Romney (R-UT). Bill text is available HERE.

    • This legislation is endorsed by The Education Trust, National Association of Elementary School Principals, First Five Years Fund, ZERO TO THREE, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and New America. 

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    To access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manning Votes for Bipartisan Budget to Avert Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Abortion rights defenders facing violence and stigmatization share powerful stories as part of Amnesty’s new podcast

    Source: Amnesty International –

    People defending the right to abortion have revealed what it’s like to provide life-saving healthcare in the face of violence, repression and stigma, as part of Amnesty International’s second season of On the Side of Humanity podcast.

    The three-part series – slated for release on International Safe Abortion Day on 28 September and available via all good podcast apps – features stories from healthcare workers and activists who are defending the right of women, girls and anyone who can get pregnant to take control over their own bodies and to get the best available healthcare when they most need it. Each episode is approximately 30 minutes.

    “Everyone has the right to safe abortion. However, with anti-abortion narratives and legislation gaining ground around the world, people who need abortions, or who make them happen, face increasing, life-changing risks,” said Fernanda Doz Costa, Director of the Gender, Racial Justice, Migrants and Refugees Programme at Amnesty International.

    “People defending the right to abortion, including those providing essential health services such as nurses, midwives, doctors, as well as activists distributing abortion-inducing pills, are being stigmatized, intimidated, attacked and subjected to unjust prosecutions, making their work increasingly difficult and dangerous to carry out. It’s time to shine a light on their stories through Amnesty’s new podcast and show them the support they deserve.”

    Those featured in Amnesty’s new podcast are no different – having faced a tirade of abuse, simply for supporting those in need of an abortion. Some have even been imprisoned, such as Venezuelan teacher and human rights defender Vannesa Rosales, whohelped her 13-year-old student who had been raped to get access to a safe abortion.

    “They raided my house and confiscated a grooming kit for my pets with scissors in it,” said Vannesa. “It was used as evidence that I was operating a clandestine abortion clinic. Immediately after, they arrested both of us, the girl’s mother and myself. She was facing up to five years in prison and I up to 15 years.”

    Alongside Vannesa’s story, the podcast features abortion rights defenders including Verónica Cruz Sánchez, founder of Las Libres – a feminist Mexican organisation that coordinates a network of daring activists sending free abortion pills to women in the USA; midwife Sylvia Hamata from Namibia advocating for safe abortion access and battling against abortion stigma in her country; eminent Maltese gynaecologist and Professor of Medicine Isabel Stabile; gender rights activist and Amnesty’s campaign partner Stephanie Willman Bordat; world-renowned gynaecologist and former president of FIGO (The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) Professor Sabaratnam Arulkumaran; as well as Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard.

    Criminalization of abortion is the biggest contributing factor to the estimated 35 million unsafe abortions happening every year. It means healthcare staff are constantly caught in the conflict between the ethical and professional duty to provide the best available care and being criminally liable if they do not follow harmful laws.

    “Research over several decades has shown that being able to control one’s reproduction and to exercise reproductive autonomy affects all spheres of life. It is central to the achievement of gender equality and social, racial, gender and economic justice. As part of our global campaign on the right to abortion, Amnesty International calls on states around the world to fulfil their obligations to protect the right to safe and legal abortion for all, and to respect and protect the right of all those who defend the right to abortion,” said Fernanda Doz Costa.

    On the Side of Humanity, Season Two, is available to stream on Spotify, Apple and Deezer.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Approves New Drug to Treat Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Aqneursa (levacetylleucine) for the treatment of neurological symptoms associated with Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 15 kilograms. 

    “This is the second treatment the FDA has approved for NPC within the span of a week. Today’s action further underscores the agency’s commitment to support development of new treatments for rare diseases,” said Janet Maynard, M.D., M.H.S., director of the Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine, in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This approval again demonstrates the FDA’s commitment to work with the scientific community to overcome the unique challenges that may arise with rare disease drug development.”

    NPC is a rare genetic disease that results in progressive neurological symptoms and organ dysfunction. It is caused by changes in either the NPC1 or NPC2 gene, affecting the necessary transport of cholesterol and other lipids within a cell. As a result, these cells do not function as they should, ultimately causing organ damage. On average, individuals affected by this devastating disease only live for about 13 years.

    The safety and efficacy of Aqneursa for the treatment of NPC were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period, 24-week crossover study. The duration was 12 weeks for each treatment period. The study enrolled 60 patients. To be eligible for the study patients had to be 4 years of age or older with a confirmed diagnosis of NPC and at least mild disease-related neurological symptoms. Participants could receive miglustat, an enzyme inhibitor, as background treatment in the study. 

    The primary efficacy outcome was a modified version of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), referred to as the functional SARA (fSARA). The fSARA consists of the gait, sitting, stance and speech disturbance domains of the original SARA with modifications to the scoring responses. On average, participants treated with Aqneursa for 12 weeks showed a better outcome in the fSARA score compared to when they were treated with placebo.

    The prescribing information contains a warning that Aqneursa may cause embryo-fetal harm if used during pregnancy. Females should inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy before taking Aqneursa.

    The most common side effects are abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, upper respiratory tract infections and vomiting.

    Aqneursa should be taken orally up to three times per day, with or without food. The recommended dose varies depending on the individual’s body weight, as outlined in the prescribing information.

    The FDA granted Aqneursa Priority Review, Fast Track, Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations for this application.

    The FDA granted approval of Aqneursa to IntraBio Inc.

    Related Information

    Related Information

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    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Roundup: September 24, 2024

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency: 

    • Today, the FDA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to highlight the completion of the 64,000 square foot expansion and renovation of the National Forensic Chemistry Center (NFCC)  located in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The goal of this revitalization effort was to improve FDA’s mission readiness nationally and help attract and retain highly qualified employees. The NFCC is a specialty laboratory that serves as the FDA’s national forensic laboratory providing specialized laboratory services in analytical chemistry and molecular/ microbiology related to adulteration/contamination, counterfeiting, and product tampering of FDA regulated commodities including drugs, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, veterinary feeds, and medical devices.
    • On Monday, the FDA issued a safety advisory cautioning pet owners that samples of two Answers Pet Food products made by Lystn LLC tested positive for Salmonella, a third product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono), and a fourth product tested positive for Salmonella and L. mono. The FDA collected and tested unopened retail samples of products after receiving three consumer complaints of illness in dogs that ate the products. The affected products are sold frozen in 4-pound (half-gallon) cartons and consist of certain batches of Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Detailed Formula for Dogs, Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Straight Formula for Dogs, and Answers Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs. Information to help consumers identify affected batches of product can be found in the Product Information section of the advisory. These products should not be fed to pets.
    • On Friday, the FDA approved isatuximab-irfc (Sarclisa) with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).  The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, fatigue, peripheral sensory neuropathy, pneumonia, musculoskeletal pain, cataract, constipation, peripheral edema, rash, infusion-related reaction, insomnia, and COVID-19 infection. Full prescribing information for Sarclisa will be posted on Drugs@FDA.
    • On Friday, the FDA issued a safety advisory cautioning pet owners that FDA samples of five Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw cat and dog food made by Arrow Reliance, Inc. tested positive for Salmonella and a sixth FDA sample tested positive for Salmonella and L. mono. Affected products are sold in frozen 2-pound packages and consist of certain lots of Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats and Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs. These product lots should not be fed to pets. For specific product information and to learn about potential signs of illness, see the FDA Advisory.

    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey Introduces Legislation to Improve Flood Insurance Affordability for Families, Help Pennsylvanians Protect Their Homes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Fair Flood Protection Act caps insurance premiums, cuts fees

    Casey bill to provide long-term stability for Pennsylvania homeowners

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation to cap the cost of flood insurance, making homeownership more affordable for working families. Across Pennsylvania, as floods become more frequent and intense, homeowners are struggling to keep up with significant increases in flood insurance costs, which can be as high as thousands of dollars per year. The Fair Flood Protection Act would lower the cost of flood insurance by creating a sliding scale premium cap to ensure that families pay fair amounts based on their income.

    “Throughout the Commonwealth, including in my home county of Lackawanna, families’ budgets are being increasingly squeezed by the rising costs of flood insurance. This bill will cut fees and cap flood insurance costs to help ensure that Pennsylvanians can afford to keep their homes safe for generations to come,” said Senator Casey. “Hardworking homeowners should be able to protect their homes without worrying about how to pay the bills.”

    With many Pennsylvanians struggling to get by and raise their families, flooding poses a looming financial threat. Most home insurance does not include flood insurance, making the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) a key safety net to protect against the devastating impacts of flooding. After hearing concerns about rising costs of flood insurance, coupled with reports of increased heavy rain and flood risk, Casey introduced the Fair Flood Protection Act to help working families protect their homes without breaking the bank. This bill would help make and keep flood insurance affordable and strengthen the NFIP. This legislation would help expand flood insurance coverage by reauthorizing NFIP for ten years, increasing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s authorization to provide funding for flood protection and mitigation projects, and creating a cap for NFIP premiums based on a sliding scale determined by income. Currently FEMA has instituted a premium model that sets rates based on an individual’s flood risk, which can lead to prohibitively high costs of flood insurance. Adjusting premium rates to account for income, rather than risk alone, would help to ensure that working class homeowners are not priced out of flood protection.

    Senator Casey has long worked to help Pennsylvania communities mitigate and recover from the devastating impacts caused by floods. Most recently, he successfully pushed President Biden to provide federal disaster relief support to Pennsylvania communities affected by the devastating flooding last month. Additionally, Casey has championed infrastructure investments to improve flood control infrastructure, including through community project funding and FEMA grant programs. Additionally, Casey voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which poured billions of additional federal funding into programs like the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program.  

    Senator Casey has always fought to lower costs for working families in Pennsylvania. From creating tax credits for renewable energy development, to negotiating the price of prescription drugs, Casey has consistently worked to bring prices down Pennsylvania families.

    Read more about the Fair Flood Protection Act HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Tokuda Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jill Tokuda (Hawaii – 2nd District)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement after voting yes on the House bill to prevent a government shutdown.

    “Our communities can’t afford to lose critical services, but House Republicans have yet again been unable to write or pass legislation to keep the government operating. A shutdown would hurt working families in Hawaiʻi who are already struggling to make ends meet and that’s why I voted today to send this stopgap funding bill to the Senate to ensure our government remains open through December. It is frustrating that while we kept government running, we are continuing to fail our disaster stricken communities like Maui by not passing critical funding or the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. This is a rare bipartisan opportunity to help Americans across the country recover, rebuild and heal, and I will keep fighting to bring home the relief Maui needs.

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    MIL OSI USA News –