NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: CISA Releases Anonymous Threat Response Guidance and Toolkit for K-12 Schools

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    New Resources Will Help K-12 Schools and Law Enforcement Entities Create Tailored Approaches to Addressing Anonymous Threats of Violence

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, a new resource to help kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools and their law enforcement and community partners create tailored approaches to addressing anonymous threats of violence, including those received on social media. The toolkit outlines steps school leaders can take to assess and respond to anonymous threats, better prepare for and prevent future threats, and work in coordination with law enforcement and other local partners when these threats arise. It is co-sealed with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which provided expert feedback on the toolkit’s key principles and strategies.

    Social media-based and other types of anonymous threats of violence against K-12 institutions are common. These threats can erode trust that schools are safe places, contribute to losses in learning and instruction time, overwhelm school and law enforcement resources and have lasting psychological impacts on school communities.

    “K-12 schools across the country are experiencing a scourge of anonymous threats of violence. School leaders need scalable solutions to navigate these ever-evolving and burdensome threats,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “The K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance provides step-by-step approaches to help schools better assess and respond to these threats, as well as take action to mitigate future risks in coordination with their law enforcement and other community partners.”

    “Families, students and educators should not have to question whether they’re safe when they walk into a classroom,” said FBI Office of Partner Engagement Assistant Director, Robert Contee. “In the face of these ongoing school threats, the strategies the FBI and our partners at CISA put together will hopefully prepare our educators and administrators to maneuver through difficult challenges. The more parents, teachers and administrators know, the more likely we are to keep our kids safe. The FBI is dedicated to safeguarding schools and communities who are impacted by anonymous threats, but we also want to urge parents to talk with their children about the consequences that come with making these threats. We all need to work together.”

    The K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance was developed to provide K-12 stakeholders with information to both protect school communities and limit the disruption and trauma that can be caused by anonymous threats of violence. By providing guidance to inform decision-making about the urgency and credibility of individual threats, school and public safety leaders may be able to more effectively balance the full range of risks faced by K-12 organizations.

    The toolkit emphasizes six key strategies for schools to consider when addressing anonymous threats:

    • Build awareness about reporting to detect threats early and deter future threats.
    • Develop a partnership structure that will help address threats. This includes school administrators, law enforcement personnel and mental health professionals.
    • Engage law enforcement to manage threat situations and decide when to scale response actions up or down.
    • Balance initial response steps to ensure the campus is safe. Most critically, treat each threat as credible, and from there, work with necessary partners to determine how to approach an immediate response.
    • When appropriate, tap into multidisciplinary threat assessment teams to support interventions and expedite response if the subject who made the threat becomes known.
    • Take steps throughout the school year to prepare for threats. Establish a response protocol and practice other types of emergency management activities, such as training exercises for staff.

    Today’s release also includes a supplemental reference guide that provides streamlined information for K-12 stakeholders to understand and utilize some of the best practices from the full toolkit. Both products were developed to support the diverse range of K-12 school settings across the United States and are based on current practices of K-12 organizations and law enforcement agencies.

    The new toolkit and guide were announced at CISA’s 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, an annual event that brings together K-12 school leaders and practitioners to discuss and share actionable recommendations that enhance safe and supportive learning environments.

    To learn more and access the K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance, please click here. 

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    About CISA 

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris administration awards $71M in grants to improve job quality, prepare workers, expand access to good jobs in critical sectors

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris administration announced the award of approximately $71 million in grants to improve job quality, expand access to good jobs in critical sectors and prepare workers for good-paying jobs being created by the administration’s Investing in America agenda. 

    Funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, Critical Sectors Job Quality Grants Program and Workforce Pathways for Youth program will support 27 organizations serving 14 states and the District of Columbia. 

    “The funding we’re announcing today advances the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of promoting worker-focused training programs that incorporate industry and worker voices,” said Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. “The grants will help enhance access to quality jobs for care workers and people in other critical sectors, broaden high-quality job training and career opportunities for youth and strengthen public-private partnerships that prepare workers for high-quality infrastructure jobs.”

    The department awarded nearly $38 million through the second round of the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program to enable 13 public-private partnerships across nine states to prepare workers for the good-paying infrastructure jobs the Biden-Harris administration is creating. The funding announced today – with the $94 million the department announced in September 2023 – is a combined investment of more than $130 million to support the growing demand for a skilled infrastructure workforce. 

    Through the Critical Sectors Job Quality grants, totaling $13 million, eight organizations will design and deploy programs in 10 states to improve job quality and increase the availability of good jobs in the care, climate resilience and hospitality industries. The round of funding announced today aligns with the Good Jobs Principles developed by the departments of Labor and Commerce and emphasizes improving job quality within the care sector. Three recipients, representing half the total funding, will specifically focus on care occupations, including childcare and direct care workers.

    The department also awarded nearly $20 million in Workforce Pathways for Youth demonstration grants to six national organizations that provide workforce development and training programs to youth after school and over the summer. The grants will help the organizations partner with state and local organizations that serve marginalized and underserved youth, ages 14 to 21, including Native American youth. Through the partnerships, these out-of-school-time organizations will provide workforce readiness programming to expand job training and workforce pathways for youth, including soft skill development, career exploration, job readiness, work-based learning opportunities and work experiences.

    As the Investing in America agenda continues to create good-paying jobs nationwide, recipients of the Workforce Pathways for Youth, Building Pathways to Infrastructure and Critical Sectors grants will help build an “opportunity infrastructure” in which workers understand what skills they need, have access to the training to develop those skills – without roadblocks or barriers – and are connected to those jobs early. 

    The recipients of Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grants are as follows:

    Recipient

    City

    		 State

    Amount
    UNITE-LA Inc. Los Angeles CA

    $2,000,000
    Contra Costa County Martinez CA

    $5,000,000
    Humanmade San Francisco CA

    $2,000,000
    City and County of Denver Denver CO

    $5,000,000
    City of Refuge Inc. Atlanta GA

    $1,944,883
    Jane Addams Resource Corporation Chicago IL

    $4,789,579
    Revolution Workshop Chicago IL

    $2,000,000
    Goodwill Industries International Inc. Rockville MD

    $5,000,000
    Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation Las Vegas NV

    $1,998,841
    Pursuit Transformation Company Inc Long Island City NY

    $2,000,000
    Philadelphia Works Inc. Philadelphia PA

    $1,999,973
    Texas A&M University College Station TX

    $1,997,570
    Workforce Solutions Alamo San Antonio TX

    $2,000,000
    Total Awarded    

    $37,730,846

    The recipients of the Critical Sectors Job Quality grants are as follows:

    Recipient City State

    Amount
    Alaska Southcentral/Southeastern Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 23 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Anchorage AK

    $2,415,709
    SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West Local 2005 Oakland CA

    $3,000,000
    National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Washington DC

    $499,890
    Charles Stewart Mott Community College Flint MI

    $2,971,060
    Workforce Development Board of Herkimer Madison and Oneida Counties Inc. Utica NY

    $398,657
    Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council Seattle WA 

    $3,000,000
    Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO Seattle WA 

    $500,000
    United Way of Dane County Inc. Madison WI

    $147,384
    Total Awarded    

    $12,932,700

    The recipients of the Workforce Pathways for Youth grants are as follows:

    Recipient City

    State

    Amount
    After-School All-Stars Los Angeles

    CA

    $3,159,034 
    STEM Next Opportunity Fund San Diego

    CA

    $3,299,928 
    Bridges From School to Work Inc. Bethesda

    MD

    $3,294,240 
    National Urban League Inc. New York

    NY

    $3,300,000 
    Jobs for America’s Graduates Alexandria

    VA

    $3,300,000 
    Phi Delta Kappa International Inc Arlington

    VA

    $3,299,998 
    Total Awarded    

    $19,653,200 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sep 25, 2024 ATU: FTA’s General Directive Regarding Assaults on Transit Workers is Long Overdue and Needs to Quickly Lead to Meaningful Changes to Save Lives

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Silver Spring, MD – Calling the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) General Directive on transit worker assault an encouraging first step, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the largest union representing transit workers in the U.S., calls on the agency to do more to ensure the safety of transit workers and riders. This is the first-ever General Directive issued by the agency.

    “Each day, hundreds of transit workers are assaulted on the job. ATU members have been shot, stabbed, and struck with canes, fire extinguishers, screwdrivers, hammers, and garbage cans. They have been attacked with pepper spray, burned with hot coffee, and doused in urine and spit. Bus drivers have been robbed for pocket change and operators are regularly sexually assaulted. This constitutes a regular day on the job in the transit industry,” says ATU International President John Costa. “We applaud the FTA for acknowledging for the first time that transit workers are facing hazards on a ‘national level.’ However, in order to keep operators safe, transit systems need to begin immediately the process of retrofitting all fixed route buses with quality floor-to-ceiling-to-windshield barriers to protect transit bus operators from continual vicious attacks.”

    FTA’s directive requiring transit agencies to conduct a safety risk assessment related to assaults on transit workers and to identify safety risk mitigations or strategies to improve transit worker safety using joint labor-management Safety Committees is great news for transit workers.

    The FTA’s action is a welcome contrast to the Trump Administration, which in 2019 issued a notice in the Federal Register disgracefully stating that it was “not necessary” to take any further actions to address transit worker assaults.

    “The ATU is grateful for the FTA’s step forward today,” said Costa. “The agency will soon learn what we have known for years: transit agencies across the country are not doing nearly enough to stop the constant attacks on our members.”

    “Once this information is collected, we hope the agency will then pivot immediately to requiring minimum vehicle safety standards for transit buses, as authorized by the FAST Act nine years ago,” Costa continued.

    “Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, airplane pilots have been protected in the cockpit by barriers. Now, it is time to provide bus drivers with the same level of protections. Like planes, all unauthorized persons should be blocked from gaining access to the bus operator workstation,” said Costa. “Until such infrastructure is mandated by federal regulations, we will continue to see bus operators get hijacked, punched, slapped, shot, stabbed, sexually assaulted, and spit upon. Minimum vehicle safety standards for U.S. buses are needed right now! Not One More operator needs to go through this horror!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor, Albany State University launch partnership to support veterans, enhance employment opportunities at HBCUs

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service today signed a memorandum of understanding with Albany State University designed to enhance career readiness and employment opportunities for veterans and military-affiliated students at historically Black colleges and universities.

    The memorandum of understanding marks the beginning of this unique collaboration, which will give veterans – including Albany State alumni who have served, ROTC cadets, military spouses and servicemembers currently on active duty, in the reserves or the National Guard – access to career resources and support from VETS job training programs. They also will gain access to apprenticeships, internships and employment placement services aimed at easing the transition into the civilian workforce.

    The memorandum was signed by Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez and Albany State University Interim President Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II.

    “Veterans bring a wealth of experience, leadership and skill to the workforce, and we are excited to partner with Albany State University to support their students as they matriculate and move toward civilian careers,” said Assistant Secretary Rodriguez. “This memorandum of understanding formalizes a partnership that will open doors to career development, job training and employment opportunities for veterans and military students at Albany State University and more HBCUs.” 

    The partnership is part of a larger initiative to connect the department with HBCUs nationwide, enhancing opportunities for veteran students, alumni and military-affiliated individuals. It also aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to support HBCUs and veterans, building on executive orders focused on workforce development, education and expanding career pathways for underrepresented groups.

    For more information on the services provided to veterans through VETS please visit dol.gov/vets.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children – Two-thirds of children interact daily online with people they don’t know despite grooming fears – report

    Source: Save the Children

    Over six in 10 children with access to the internet interact with “unknown others” daily despite concerns about online grooming, according to new research released by Save the Children and Western Sydney University that highlighted children’s demands for better online protection.
    The research team held in-depth consultations with about 600 children and young people aged 8 to 18 from Australia, Finland, the Philippines, Cambodia, Colombia, Kenya, and South Africa, who shared their views and experiences of facing inappropriate requests online for personal information or images.
    The report, ‘Protecting Children from Online Grooming’, was written by the Young & Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, and funded by the global child online safety investment vehicle Safe Online as part of the Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund.
    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of online grooming and child sexual and financial exploitation have reached an all-time high [1], with an 82% rise in online grooming crimes against children reported in that period [2]. Online grooming practices have also transformed, with the fastest growing form of online grooming targeting young men for financial extortion [3].
    The report revealed children were more inclined to connect with strangers – or “unknown others” – online as they matured and became more social, motivated by a desire for friendship, fun and play, followed by a wish to stay informed about trends and events, and to connect over shared interests.
    The findings also showed that while children across all cultures and age groups were more suspicious of people they didn’t know online than people they knew in person, most (66%) of the study participants still interacted with “unknown others” daily online.
    Children in high-income settings were twice as likely to use privacy settings to protect themselves from unwanted contacts, compared to children from some low-income settings, but the potential to derive financial benefits was an incentive for children in middle-income countries to connect with strangers online, potentially compromising their safety.
    While children have come up with numerous ways to protect themselves, they are calling for widespread, accessible and targeted online safety education for themselves and their caregivers. In the discussions the children also made concrete suggestions about how technology platforms and governments can implement changes that will keep them safer online.
    Sonisay-, a girl aged 11-12 from rural Cambodia, said:
    “Adults should know that children interact with strangers, monitor them, and read their chats.”
    Angel- aged 15-17 from a city in the Philippines said:
    “Adults need to know about the children of today who are highly computer-savvy… To be able to support and protect the children, adults need to understand that children are comfortable with using the internet which pushes to interact with strangers.”
    Charlie- aged 14 from Australia emphasised the need to start online safety education earlier:
    “Having young children educated about the safety of technology and the dangers … adults only start this education for older kids on social media when the problem can be on video games played by young kids.”
    Children reported that it was very difficult to ascertain the intentions of strangers online. Children were also particularly worried about being asked for personal information or nude pictures, being drawn into inappropriate sexually-oriented exchanges, or exposure to criminal activities.
    The report found that children want and need better online protection, with children primarily using intuition and background checks rather than seeking help from trusted adults to manage their online interactions with people they don’t know.
    The data also showed that children distinguish people they know well both online and in person from those they only know online, with 86% approaching the latter with caution. Yet despite this wariness, children were still three times more likely to ignore or decline an inappropriate or unwanted request than they are to report or block it.
    Steve Miller, Save the Children’s Global Director of Child Protection, said:
    “Children deserve to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment – both online and offline. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the challenges and threats, including the threat of online grooming and exploitation. We need to foster a digital environment that is not only safe but also enriching, allowing children to explore, learn, and grow without fear. Policymakers need to listen to the voices and experiences of children when developing policies that protect them.”
    Professor Amanda Third, Co-Director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre, Western Sydney University, said:
    “Keeping children safe from online grooming requires a whole-of-community approach. Governments, NGOs, technology platforms, teachers, parents, caregivers, and children themselves all have an important role to play. However, to most effectively address this issue it is crucial that we listen to the views and experiences of children and young people and engage them as active partners in the research and policy design process. Children and young people are finding their own ways to tackle this issue and devise solutions but they are also calling on us to help equip them and their caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to be able to safely navigate these rapidly evolving digital environments.”
    Save the Children has launched a major global effort to support digital inclusion and empower the next generation of resilient digital citizens. Save the Children’s Safe Digital Childhood initiative is includes partnering with schools, communities and tech leaders to break down barriers to digital inclusion by making sure the children with the fewest resources can access devices and connectivity; offering targeted digital literacy and citizenship programs; helping technology industry partners embed child-centric safeguards into their platforms; and empowering children to advocate for their rights in the digital world.
    The Young & Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University is an Australian-based, international research centre that unites young people with researchers, practitioners, innovators, and policymakers to explore the role of technology in children’s and young people’s lives and how it can be used to improve individual and community resilience across generations.
    Safe Online is the only global investment vehicle dedicated to keeping children safe in the digital world. Through investing in innovation and bringing key actors together, Safe Online helps shape a digital world that is safe and empowering for all children and young people, everywhere. The Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund, which funded the research, is a groundbreaking collaboration fuelling actionable research and bringing together the tech industry with academia and civil society in a bold alliance to end online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Welcomes $4.8 Million in LWCF Grants for Four Projects

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming congressional notice from the National Park Service of federal grant funding totaling $4.8 million ($4,782,160.96) from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for four projects in American Samoa.

    “Congratulations to American Samoa Government and our Department of Parks and Recreation for these substantial federal funds, and thank you to everyone in the Department involved in the local work to qualify for and fulfill these grants,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you to the National Park Service for this focus on supporting American Samoa’s parks and recreational facilities.”

    Congresswoman Amata received notices of the following four grants, and their described projects:

    $3,285,886 for Onesosopo Park Football Field. The project entails a new football field to serve the east side of the territory, to include restrooms, locker rooms, bleachers, a snack bar, and an observation booth.

    $712,030 for Lions Park Multi Courts to include netball, pickleball, and beach volleyball to promote physical activity, fitness and health in one of the territory’s most-used park sites.

    $500,000 for Vaitogi Park Recreation and Picnic Area, to include eight traditional fale providing shade and shelter for picnics and gatherings.

    $284,244.96 LWCF Administrative Grants for implementation of the LWCF program, including grant applications and projects, site inspections, travel and trainings, vehicle, signs and supplies.

    On August 4, 2020, the landmark Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law, which Amata supported in the Natural Resources Committee, and now supplies $900 million annually for LWCF. Amata has also supported the program’s congressional reauthorization.

    The LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard natural areas, water resources, and cultural heritage, and to provide recreational opportunities, while strengthening communities, preserving history, and protecting the national resource of lands and waters. This flagship conservation program is funded by royalty payments from offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters, putting that financial support back into conservation.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Avoid a Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Avoid a Government Shutdown

    Houston, TX, September 25, 2024

    Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement after voting for the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, H.R. 9747, which extends government funding through December 20, 2024.

    “Keeping our government funded and functioning is a fundamental responsibility of Congress,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Today’s short-term extension of funding provides critical protections and programs that people across our community and country rely on.  While I supported this legislation, I hope that, moving forward, House Republicans will work in good faith to fund our government in a responsible manner before the December 20 deadline.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy issues statement on H.R. 9747

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after voting on H.R. 9747:

    “Today I voted against, H.R. 9747. 

    This three-month continuing resolution is the worst possible outcome the House could have chosen. It punts the expiration of government funding until right before Christmas, which almost certainly sets the stage for a massive, uniparty omnibus spending bill that will tie the hands of a potential incoming Trump administration. 

    It didn’t have to be this way. Last week, we could have passed a bill to avoid a lame duck omnibus by freezing spending for 6 months and force Senate Democrats to take action on non-citizen voting by attaching my bill, the SAVE Act (HR 8281).

    Unfortunately, the House declined to take that route, playing right into the hands of the Washington uniparty. Now, Congress is conducting more of the same reckless business as usual that the American people have rightfully come to despise. 

    This country deserves better from its representatives than that.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on Bipartisan Vote to Avoid Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025: 

    “Today, I voted to pass a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution without any extreme MAGA Republican poison pills. It will keep the government open and avoid a reckless shutdown that would have hurt my constituents and Americans across the country.

    While I’m relieved we reached an agreement to fund the government through December and rejected far-right Republican efforts to sow doubt in our elections, it’s frustrating this deal wasn’t finalized sooner. Speaker Johnson wasted valuable time trying to curry favor with the former president.

    House Democrats are continuing to govern in the minority to meet the needs of the American people and defeat MAGA extremism.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Votes to Keep the Government Open

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act:

    “Today I voted to keep our government open by supporting the continuing resolution. This legislation will ensure we fund vital services that Granite Staters rely on and includes provisions from my bipartisan legislation to safeguard VA’s ability to bury spouses and dependents who predecease service members. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass it and for the President to sign it into law so that we prevent any possibility of a government shutdown.”

    “The next step in keeping crucial government services funded will be securing a full year appropriations bill. The repeated practice of passing continuing resolutions harms our military readiness, creates uncertainty for our small businesses, jeopardizes veterans’ benefits, and fails to adequately meet the needs of Granite Staters, and it must end. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to pass a full year funding bill that advances the priorities of the American people and gives our communities the certainty they need.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Andy Kim’s Statement on the Passage of a 3 Month Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the passage of a 3 month continuing resolution.

    “New Jersey deserves a reliable government that’s working for them. Instead, Speaker Johnson has spent his time picking partisan fights rather than trying to find common ground to deliver on everyday needs. I voted for this resolution to make sure New Jerseyans don’t lose out on the services they depend on every day, and will continue to press for a funding bill that puts working families first.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten Statement on Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    September 25, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has released the following statement regarding the continuing resolution passed by the House to keep the government open:

    “Keeping our government open and functioning is the most basic responsibility of Congress. A government shutdown would have disastrous consequences for Illinois. Troops would be forced to serve without pay, single mothers and children would have lost access to nutrition benefits, travelers would see delays at airports, and food safety inspections would have stopped.

    “For these reasons, I’m proud that House Democrats once again delivered the votes necessary to avert a shutdown and keep the government open.

    “That said, the continuing resolution passed today is not a permanent solution, and we must remain focused on passing a robust government funding package that addresses the needs of the American people. For months, House Republicans have pursued hyper-partisan funding strategies that prioritize politics over keeping the government open. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to work towards bipartisan solutions to fully and responsibly fund the government for FY2025.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING ANTI-HAITIAN RHETORIC FROM REP. CLAY HIGGINS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    September 25, 2024

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the below statement following the anti-Haitian, dangerous rhetoric Rep. Clay Higgins recently tweeted regarding the Haitian Bridge Alliance filing charges against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, for spreading false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH, were eating pets: Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump and Vance.

    “The recent tweet from the official account of Rep. Clay Higgins is vile and reprehensible. I cannot believe the Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee Chair on Border Security and Enforcement would fathom having such ill and racist words for Haitian migrants. His remarks are cruel, dehumanizing, and have been proven time and again as untrue,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Haiti Caucus Co-chair. 

    “Just when you think these MAGA extremists’ xenophobic ideologies can’t get any worse, they continue to spread dangerous falsehoods and threats – endangering the lives of people who are fleeing political persecution and a nation battered from the impacts of climate change. It is simply appalling.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins’ Tweet:

    ‘Lol. These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters… but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP.  All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20th.’

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree, House Democrats Once Again Step in to Avert Government Shutdown with Passage of Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after the House passed a 90-day Continuing Resolution to avoid a government shutdown:

    “Congress should be focused on full-year solutions that invest in our communities, support our veterans, and protect essential services for families and workers. But House Republicans wasted months placating Donald Trump and his extreme agenda, and once again drove us dangerously close to a government shutdown. I voted to pass this funding bill to avoid the devastating consequences of a shutdown, and while I’m relieved that the worst of the extreme MAGA agenda was kept out of this bill, we must ensure this chaos doesn’t continue in December.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amodei Votes in Favor of Continuing Resolution to Avert Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 which extends government funding at current levels through December 20, 2024:

    “I have learned from experience over the years that shutting the federal government down not only fails to force a given policy result, but also results in a significant amount of financial and operational destruction at the federal agency level,” said Rep. Mark Amodei.

    “While it may sound sexy or tough to talk of shut down, without out a plan for what specifically that policy objective is, and a plan for how reopen the shuttered federal government, it looks like a political temper tantrum. So, on balance a shutdown that negatively impacts border patrol agents from handling the crisis at our southern borders, servicemen and women from receiving the care they deserve, and communities devastated by natural disasters from receiving the relief they need to name a few, and which further would occur on the eve of a significant federal election, hardly sounds like a good idea.

    “Everyone knows there is plenty of room for improvement, but a shutdown at this point brings nothing resembling improvement.

    “On the continuing resolution — I voted yes.”

    Background

    This legislation delivers funds to strengthen Secret Service’s Presidential protection efforts, allows respective federal agencies to continue addressing the needs of our veterans and seniors, and keeps the doors open of programs that support communities who have been devastated by natural disasters:

    • Provides an additional $231 million for the Secret Service for protective operations for National Special Security Events and subjects additional money to existing funding caps.
    • Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through the duration of the CR.
    • Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to continue providing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits during the duration of the CR.
    • Extends programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure our veterans continue to receive the care and benefits they have earned.
    • Extends expiring health care programs, including priority review vouchers for rare pediatric diseases, autism support activities, and Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter, Burgess bill reforming CBO health care scores passes House Budget Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter, Burgess bill reforming CBO health care scores passes House Budget Committee

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Budget Committee today passed the HEALTH Panel Act, led by Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), a bill strengthening congressional oversight of and statutory authority for the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) Panel of Health Advisors.


    The bill will help improve the accuracy of CBO’s scores on bills related to health care by codifying the Panel of Health Advisors, establishing congressional appointment authority, and requiring an annual report to the Budget Committees detailing the panel’s work and recommendations.


    “It’s no secret that health care is expensive. As one of the primary drivers of our nation’s runaway $35 trillion in debt, it is critical that CBO have the authority required to accurately project the budgetary impact new health care policies will have. The HEALTH Panel Act is a necessary, common-sense step to improve both cost estimates and congressional oversight of this key panel, and I hope to see it on the House floor soon,” said Rep. Carter.


    “The passage of the HEALTH Panel Act through the House Budget Committee is a major win for American patients, physicians, and the U.S. health care system,” said Congressman Burgess. “Unelected officials in the Congressional Budget Office should not have the power to influence the legislative process as it pertains to health care policies. This commonsense legislation will grant congressional authority to codify a bipartisan Panel of Health Advisors within the CBO that prioritize the needs of the patient and not their own partisan agenda. Thank you to Congressman Carter for joining me in revitalizing this panel with statutory authority.”


    Read the full bill text here.


    BACKGROUND

    The CBO Panel of Health Advisors consists of health care experts and stakeholders that advise CBO on issues pertaining to health care policy.


    The core purpose of the panel is to provide technical and functional expertise and recommendations to CBO to improve its studies, analyses, and cost estimates related to health care issues and policies.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Statement on Continuing Resolution to Avert Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley(IL-05), Ranking Member on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after voting on a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through December 20, 2024:

    “With this vote, a united Democratic party helped Republicans avoid a catastrophic government shutdown. Unlike Republican’s earlier poison pill CR, this bill does what is right for the American people instead of catering to Donald Trump’s whims.

    “However, this CR still ignores pressing matters facing our nation. It lacks critical relief to help communities across the country respond to and recover from disasters and fails to extend President Biden’s ability to assist our allies abroad like Ukraine. While addressing these issues is crucial, a shutdown would only further exacerbate the problems and would have seriously damaging impacts on our nation. Ultimately, continuing resolutions are not a solution; they are a Band-Aid. They create funding uncertainties for agencies and jeopardize our national security. As responsible legislators, we must be responsive to the evolving needs of our government, especially our military, with year-long funding bills that fulfill the basic responsibilities of governing and meet the growing needs of the people we serve.

    “When Congress returns to Washington, I encourage Republicans to put an end to these political games, reach across the aisle, and pass clean, bipartisan funding bills that deliver for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta tourism soars to new heights

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Tourism is Alberta’s number one service export sector, bringing jobs, dollars and prosperity into the province’s economy. The 2023 tourism indicators make it clear: investments made by Alberta’s government in the province’s tourism sector are paying off. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, in 2023 visitors spent $12.7 billion in Alberta, surpassing 2022’s record-setting $10.7 billion by nearly 20 per cent.

    In addition, international visitor spending surpassed pre-pandemic levels, injecting $2.9 billion into Alberta’s economy in 2023. This is an increase of more than 25 per cent from the previous high of $2.3 billion in 2019.

    “This past February, Alberta’s government launched a long-term tourism strategy, setting the bold and ambitious goal of growing Alberta’s visitor economy from $10 billion in annual visitor expenditure to $25 billion annually by 2035. The strength of Alberta’s tourism industry—as demonstrated by our record-breaking year—show that the strategy is working. We are well on our way to reaching our goal.”

    Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

    Alberta’s tourism strategy focuses on the five key pillars of leadership and alignment, competitive product, people and careers, expansion of access and Indigenous tourism to drive the province’s visitor economy to new heights. Travel Alberta, the province’s destination management organization, is key to the tourism strategy.

    Notably, Travel Alberta’s investments in growth projects drove $155 million in total economic impact, creating jobs across the province. The organization also secured more than 300,000 direct airline seats to Alberta from international and transborder target markets, yielding nearly $11 in visitor spending for every dollar invested.  

    “This continued growth demonstrates that our strategies to develop and promote Alberta’s tourism sector are yielding strong results. Together, in partnership with the thousands of hardworking Albertans that make up the tourism industry, we’re building world-class destinations that support long-term prosperity for communities across the province.”

    Jon Mamela, chief commercial officer, Travel Alberta

    Quick facts

    • Statistics Canada determines spending from people travelling from international countries through their Visitor Travel Survey.
    • International expenditures in Alberta grew by 91 per cent year-over-year—faster than in other major provinces such as British Columbia (81 per cent), Ontario (77 per cent) and Quebec (63 per cent).
    • Travel Alberta is the destination management organization of the Government of Alberta. It operates under the Travel Alberta Act within the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

    Related information

    • Travel Alberta visitor spend data
    • Higher ground: a tourism sector strategy
    • Travel Alberta Annual Report 2023-24

    Multimedia

    • Video message from Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow

    Related news

    • En route to Alberta (Apr. 15, 2024)
    • Supporting new adventures in Alberta (Jan. 23, 2024)
    • Tourism spending recovers two years ahead of schedule (Nov. 17, 2023)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Edmonton and Yellowknife Return from Successful Operation CARIBBE

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Edmonton and Yellowknife returned to their home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, after a successful seven-week deployment on Operation CARIBBE.

    September 25, 2024 – Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Edmonton and Yellowknife returned to their home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, after a successful seven-week deployment on Operation CARIBBE.

    During this deployment, on September 5, 2024, HMCS Yellowknife intercepted a drug smuggling vessel, in close partnership with the embarked United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. This interdiction, approximately 430 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, resulted in the seizure approximately 1,400 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $60 million (Canadian).

    Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led Enhanced Counternarcotics Operations under Joint Interagency Task Force – South, which is responsible for conducting interagency and international detection, monitoring operations, and facilitating the interdiction of illicit trafficking. This Operation is one of the many activities undertaken by the Government of Canada to suppress transnational criminal activity at sea and help keep drugs off Canadian streets.

    “The performance of HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife on Operation CARIBBE was outstanding, bringing great credit to Canada’s Pacific Fleet. The skill and professionalism of both crews, in joint operations with our American allies, enabled the seizure of tens of millions of dollars’ worth of dangerous narcotics. This impressive seizure demonstrably showcases how Canada’s Navy contributes to the overall safety of Canadians. Welcome home and congratulations— you’ve earned it.”

    – Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific 

     “I would like to thank the crews of HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife, as well as the embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment team who deployed with us. We are proud of our contribution to multinational efforts impeding the flow of illicit narcotics into North America. Through our collaborative efforts, we helped improve the safety and security of Canada.”

    – Lieutenant-Commander Tyson Babcock, Commanding Officer of HMCS Yellowknife

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation to restrict polluting oil & gas operations near schools, daycares, and across communities

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 25, 2024

    What you need to know: New laws will give local communities more authority to protect their neighborhoods from oil and gas operations and drive faster plugging of old oil and gas wells. 

    INGLEWOOD, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed three bills into law allowing communities to restrict oil drilling and help the state address polluting idle wells. The legislation will help protect public health, the environment, and empower local communities to set greater protections around oil and gas activities in their neighborhoods.

    “The health of our communities always comes first. These new laws allow local leaders to limit dangerous oil and gas activities near homes, schools, and other areas as they see fit for their communities, and give the state more tools to make sure that idle and low-producing wells get plugged sooner. This builds off of our all-of-the-above efforts to protect communities from pollution and hold Big Oil accountable.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Empowering local communities to restrict oil and gas operations

    AB 3233 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) gives cities and counties greater authority to impose restrictions on oil and gas operations, including by limiting or prohibiting new oil and gas developments in their jurisdictions. By providing local jurisdictions with the power to make these decisions, California is taking a major step toward protecting vulnerable communities from the health impacts of industrial operations. The bill overrides recent court decisions that blocked ordinances limiting oil drilling adopted by the voters of Monterey County and the Los Angeles City Council. 

    “The signing of AB 3233 is vital win for communities across the Central Coast, and all of California,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay). “Putting this bill into law affirms our right to clean air and water, free of oil and gas pollution. I’m thankful to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing this important bill into law, to my colleagues for helping me get it to his desk, and to the many community-members and leaders who have been fighting this battle with me. Today is a huge win for the well-being of all Californians.”

    Addressing the dangers of idle wells in communities

    AB 1866 by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) addresses the growing problem of idle oil and gas wells across the state. These wells, which are no longer in active use but have not been properly decommissioned, pose a significant risk to both the environment and nearby communities. Under this new law, fees on idle wells are increased and stricter regulations will be enforced to ensure that oil companies are held responsible for maintaining and safely plugging idle wells, preventing leaks and contamination.

    “This is a landmark victory for taxpayers and communities most affected by the harmful health impacts of neighborhood oil drilling,“ said Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara). “I am proud of this decisive action we are taking today to hold the oil industry responsible for plugging over 40,000 idle oil wells across California. I want to thank Governor Newsom for recognizing the urgency of solving the idle oil well crisis in the state.”

    Shutting down more oil wells in the Inglewood Oil Field

    AB 2716 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) prohibits the operation of low-oil production oil and gas wells located in an oil field within the Baldwin Hills Conservancy (Inglewood Oil Field) and imposes a $10,000 per month penalty on these wells until they are permanently plugged and abandoned. Penalty funds will go to projects like park creation to benefit the community. 

    “The Inglewood Oil Field is the largest urban oil field in our state. Production in recent years has been marginal, but for decades the negative health impacts surrounding it have cost the nearby community with their life expectancy,” said Assemblymember Bryan. “Today, with Governor Newsom’s signature, we will finally shut it down and establish the state’s first repair fund for the frontline communities who have been organizing for years to be seen, heard, and protected.”

    California’s leadership in holding Big Oil accountable

    Together, these laws mark another step forward in California’s ongoing efforts to cut pollution and protect communities. 

    Just last month, Governor Newsom announced a plan to further hold Big Oil accountable for profiting off of Californians while polluting our communities – preventing gas price spikes and saving people money at the pump.

    The state notched a major victory against Big Oil in June, with the industry pulling its referendum to repeal California’s law protecting neighborhoods from the dangerous impacts of drilling. This allowed California’s law requiring setbacks – that oil drilling can’t be within 3,200 feet of sensitive community areas like schools, daycares, and more – to move forward, a crucial protection for public health and safety.  
     
    Last year, California sued Big Oil for more than 50 years of deception, cover-up, and damage that have cost California taxpayers billions of dollars in health and environmental impacts.

    Recent news

    Sep 24, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Steve Juarez, of Truckee, has been appointed to the California State Teachers’ Retirement Board. Juarez served as a Deputy State Treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office…

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today signed a bipartisan legislative package to further reinforce California’s nation-leading gun laws and prevent traumatic incidents of mass violence. The laws build on California’s successful strategies to address gun…

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed two bills to boost access to affordable housing for California’s farmworkers: AB 2240 and AB 3035. Governor Newsom also signed SB 1105 to help protect the health and safety of farmworkers in states of emergency….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fourth Annual Women in STEM Conference Gains Traction

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are experiencing a new period of growth, acceptance, and respect in the modern workforce. 

    But when UConn alumna Jeanine Armstrong Gouin studied civil engineering in the 1980s, it was hard to feel welcome in an engineering building that didn’t even have a women’s bathroom. 

    Despite the dreary beginning, Gouin (who graduated in 1987, about four years before the Castleman Building installed women’s restrooms) delivered an inspirational message to an audience of young female STEM students last week.

    A member of the audience asks a question during the Q&A portion of the Career Panel.

    The Women in STEM Frontiers in Research Expo (WiSFiRE) was held on Friday at the UConn Storrs campus. It brought together university undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and STEM employees and supporters. 

    WiSFiRE was one of the first conferences in the region to specifically highlight the work of women researchers in STEM. That mission has been solidified through a recent endowment by Gouin.

    Gouin, who is both a UConn Trustee and U.S. division president of environmental consulting firm SLR International Corp., made an undisclosed gift in July to endow the Jeanine Armstrong Gouin Initiative for Women in Leadership at the UConn College of Engineering. 

    The gift will provide financial support for leadership programs and activities that are available to all engineering students, not just women.   

    Part of that endowment will continue to support WiSFiRE.

    Friday’s event included panels, technical talks, and networking opportunities for the men and women leading the STEM fields today. 

    Speakers, panelists and moderators included: Gouin; physics professor Nora Berrah; alumna and University of Kentucky professor Gosia Chwatko; earth sciences professor Ran Feng; animal science professor Sarah Reed; chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Kristina Wagstrom; civil and environmental engineering professor Guiling Wang; electrical and computer engineering professor Zongjie Wang; statistics professor Elizabeth Schifano; biomedical engineering professor Leila Daneshmandi; civil and environmental engineering professor Alexandra Hain; molecular and cell biology professor Kat Milligan-McClellan; biomedical engineering professor Kristin Morgan; civil and environmental engineering professor Fatemeh Fakhrmoosavi; animal science professor Maria Gracia Gervasi; mechanical, aerospace, and manufacturing engineering professor SeungYeon Kang; computing professor Lina Kloub; chemistry professor Priya Shah; pharmacy professor Kristin Waters, and mathematics professor Xiaodong Yan. 

    The expo is co-chaired by UConn Engineering professors Qian Yang and Anna Tarakanova. 

    To the students and budding engineers, UConn faculty advised them to challenge themselves, answer the unanswered questions, get involved, and above all else, be the hard worker they always dreamed of being. 

    “Learn the skills you know you need to learn,” Wagstrom said. “Critically look at everything you’re producing. You are the best judge of your own work.” 

    Tarakanova explained that through Gouin’s support, they hope to build momentum throughout the year, with smaller events and opportunities to gather together between the annual exposition. 

    Jeanine Armstrong Gouin presenting during the fourth annual WiSFiRE.

    “We look to establish more mentor/mentee models through the STEM fields in the university,” Tarakanova said. “While many of us are blessed to have found our ‘home’ of supporters early on in our careers, there are many young women who still need to find their ‘STEM sisters.’” 

    After the event, participants supplied feedback about the days’s offerings. 

    “I personally enjoyed seeing that many amazing women in STEM,” one participant said. “It’s been a long time since the last time I felt welcome in an academic environment, but this event reminded me of who I always wanted to be.” 

    Students enjoyed the opportunities for networking, and the panel speakers. 

    “I enjoyed talking to other people, hearing the inspirational words, and hearing students present research,” one student commented. “I didn’t realize how intimidated I was by research before, and this experience has given me confidence and assurance that I can do it too.” 

    View photos from the event online. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation to restrict polluting oil & gas operations near schools, daycares, and across communities

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 25, 2024

    What you need to know: New laws will give local communities more authority to protect their neighborhoods from oil and gas operations and drive faster plugging of old oil and gas wells. 

    INGLEWOOD, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed three bills into law allowing communities to restrict oil drilling and help the state address polluting idle wells. The legislation will help protect public health, the environment, and empower local communities to set greater protections around oil and gas activities in their neighborhoods.

    “The health of our communities always comes first. These new laws allow local leaders to limit dangerous oil and gas activities near homes, schools, and other areas as they see fit for their communities, and give the state more tools to make sure that idle and low-producing wells get plugged sooner. This builds off of our all-of-the-above efforts to protect communities from pollution and hold Big Oil accountable.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Empowering local communities to restrict oil and gas operations

    AB 3233 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) gives cities and counties greater authority to impose restrictions on oil and gas operations, including by limiting or prohibiting new oil and gas developments in their jurisdictions. By providing local jurisdictions with the power to make these decisions, California is taking a major step toward protecting vulnerable communities from the health impacts of industrial operations. The bill overrides recent court decisions that blocked ordinances limiting oil drilling adopted by the voters of Monterey County and the Los Angeles City Council. 

    “The signing of AB 3233 is vital win for communities across the Central Coast, and all of California,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay). “Putting this bill into law affirms our right to clean air and water, free of oil and gas pollution. I’m thankful to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing this important bill into law, to my colleagues for helping me get it to his desk, and to the many community-members and leaders who have been fighting this battle with me. Today is a huge win for the well-being of all Californians.”

    Addressing the dangers of idle wells in communities

    AB 1866 by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) addresses the growing problem of idle oil and gas wells across the state. These wells, which are no longer in active use but have not been properly decommissioned, pose a significant risk to both the environment and nearby communities. Under this new law, fees on idle wells are increased and stricter regulations will be enforced to ensure that oil companies are held responsible for maintaining and safely plugging idle wells, preventing leaks and contamination.

    “This is a landmark victory for taxpayers and communities most affected by the harmful health impacts of neighborhood oil drilling,“ said Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara). “I am proud of this decisive action we are taking today to hold the oil industry responsible for plugging over 40,000 idle oil wells across California. I want to thank Governor Newsom for recognizing the urgency of solving the idle oil well crisis in the state.”

    Shutting down more oil wells in the Inglewood Oil Field

    AB 2716 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) prohibits the operation of low-oil production oil and gas wells located in an oil field within the Baldwin Hills Conservancy (Inglewood Oil Field) and imposes a $10,000 per month penalty on these wells until they are permanently plugged and abandoned. Penalty funds will go to projects like park creation to benefit the community. 

    “The Inglewood Oil Field is the largest urban oil field in our state. Production in recent years has been marginal, but for decades the negative health impacts surrounding it have cost the nearby community with their life expectancy,” said Assemblymember Bryan. “Today, with Governor Newsom’s signature, we will finally shut it down and establish the state’s first repair fund for the frontline communities who have been organizing for years to be seen, heard, and protected.”

    California’s leadership in holding Big Oil accountable

    Together, these laws mark another step forward in California’s ongoing efforts to cut pollution and protect communities. 

    Just last month, Governor Newsom announced a plan to further hold Big Oil accountable for profiting off of Californians while polluting our communities – preventing gas price spikes and saving people money at the pump.

    The state notched a major victory against Big Oil in June, with the industry pulling its referendum to repeal California’s law protecting neighborhoods from the dangerous impacts of drilling. This allowed California’s law requiring setbacks – that oil drilling can’t be within 3,200 feet of sensitive community areas like schools, daycares, and more – to move forward, a crucial protection for public health and safety.  
     
    Last year, California sued Big Oil for more than 50 years of deception, cover-up, and damage that have cost California taxpayers billions of dollars in health and environmental impacts.

    Recent news

    Sep 24, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Steve Juarez, of Truckee, has been appointed to the California State Teachers’ Retirement Board. Juarez served as a Deputy State Treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office…

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today signed a bipartisan legislative package to further reinforce California’s nation-leading gun laws and prevent traumatic incidents of mass violence. The laws build on California’s successful strategies to address gun…

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed two bills to boost access to affordable housing for California’s farmworkers: AB 2240 and AB 3035. Governor Newsom also signed SB 1105 to help protect the health and safety of farmworkers in states of emergency….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Orders Swap Dealer to Pay $1.5 Million Penalty for Position Limit Violations, and Supervision and Position Limit Monitoring Failures

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today issued an order filing and settling charges against Merrill Lynch Commodities, Inc., based in Houston, for exceeding the federal and ICE Futures U.S. position limits in contracts that reference natural gas futures traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange and for swap dealer supervision and position limit monitoring failures.

    MLCI admits the facts in the order in section II.C.1, Position Limit Violations; acknowledges its conduct in that section violated the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations; and otherwise, neither admits nor denies the findings of fact.

    “Federal and exchange position limits are important guardrails that help ensure the integrity of our markets and entities must comply,” said Director of Enforcement Ian McGinley. “Additionally, swap dealers must comply with the business conduct standards in the CEA and CFTC regulations, including diligently supervising their employees and agents and monitoring for position limit violations.”

    The order requires MLCI to pay a $1.5 million civil monetary penalty, cease and desist from further violations of the CEA and CFTC regulations as charged, and comply with conditions and undertakings specified in the order. 

    Case Background

    The CFTC established federal speculative position limits for certain physical-delivery referenced contracts, including the NYMEX Henry Hub Natural Gas Futures (NG) contract. The financially settled ICE Henry LD1 Fixed Price Futures (H) contract references the monthly settlement price published by NYMEX for its NG futures contract. The federal speculative position limit for ICE H contracts, as well as the exchange-set limit, is 2,000 NYMEX NG futures equivalents.

    The order finds on certain trading days during March and April 2023, MLCI held positions in the April 2023, and May 2023, ICE H futures contract, respectively, that ranged from more than 200 contracts to nearly 1,000 contracts in excess of both the federal speculative position limit and the exchange speculative position limit, and MLCI’s positions did not meet the requirements for an exemption under CFTC Regulation 150.3. MLCI also had not been granted an exemption applicable to the relevant positions by the exchange in accordance with ICE’s rules during the relevant period.     

    The order also finds MLCI, a swap dealer registered with the CFTC, did not establish and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to monitor for and prevent violations of applicable federal, exchange, or swap execution facility position limits and to monitor for and prevent improper reliance upon any exemptions or exclusions from such position limits. Additionally, the order finds MLCI did not diligently supervise its employees by lacking an early warning system and written policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and alert its senior management when position limits were in danger of being breached.

    The order acknowledges MLCI’s cooperation and its representations concerning its remediation in connection with this matter.

    The CFTC thanks ICE for its assistance in this matter.

    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this matter are Karin N. Roth, Carrie Kennedy, Gates S. Hurand, Lenel Hickson, Jr., and Manal M. Sultan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman McCaul Speaks on the House Floor Condemning Biden-Harris Admin for Failures During the Afghanistan Withdrawal

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    Washington, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul delivered remarks on the House floor in support of his resolution H.Res. 1469, “Ensuring Accountability For Key Officials In The Biden-Harris Administration Responsible For Decisionmaking And Execution Failures Throughout The Withdrawal From Afghanistan.” Chairman McCaul’s resolution condemns 15 Biden-Harris administration officials for their dereliction of duty in the deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan. During his remarks, Chairman McCaul emphasized his resolution is the first step to holding the Biden-Harris administration accountable for one of the worst foreign policy failures in United States history on behalf of U.S. servicemembers, Gold Star families, and the American people.

    WATCH HERE

    – Remarks as Delivered –

    Mr. Speaker, three years ago, the world witnessed one of the most devastating foreign policy disasters in American history. The Biden-Harris administration withdrew all U.S. forces from Afghanistan with no plan, no care, and no remorse.

    As a result, 13 brave U.S. servicemembers and over 170 Afghan civilians were murdered, and 45 U.S. servicemembers and countless others were injured.

    Just this month, National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby was asked whether there had been any accountability for the administration’s deadly and chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    He responded, ‘We’ve all held ourselves accountable.’

    That answer, Mr. Speaker, is detached from all reality.

    Today, the administration touts that deadly withdrawal as a success, and they have yet to hold a single person accountable for their role in this tragedy.  In fact, many of those responsible for this catastrophe have actually been promoted.

    If the administration refuses to hold itself accountable, then Congress must.

    On April 14, 2021, the president announced the Biden-Harris administration would withdraw all troops from Afghanistan.  No matter the cost or the consequences.

    They ignored the Taliban’s violations of the Doha agreement.

    They ignored objections by our nation’s top military and intelligence experts.

    And they ignored objections by our NATO allies.

    According to the administration’s own admission, the Doha Agreement was, ‘immaterial,’ to that decision.

    Following President Biden’s go-to-zero order, the Taliban captured province after province in Afghanistan and the collapse was all but set in stone.

    Astoundingly, this administration did nothing to plan for an evacuation. Instead, they denied threats to American interests, American citizens, and our decades-long Afghan partners.   

    On August 15, 2021, after months of Taliban advances, Kabul fell. The administration’s utter failure to prepare became painfully clear.

    President Biden claimed the very next day that his administration, ‘had planned for all contingencies.’

    Nothing could be further from the truth.

    At every step, the administration prioritized the optics and politics of the withdrawal over the security of U.S. personnel and diplomats on the ground.

    To protect their partisan aims, they ignored the well-known terrorist threats from ISIS-K and the Taliban to our servicemembers, diplomats, citizens, and allies

    The Biden-Harris administration instead chose to treat the Taliban – the very terrorists we had been fighting for 20 years – as security partners for god sake, security partners, during the evacuation.

    This administration created the very environment that allowed an ISIS-K terrorist to pass through a Taliban checkpoint. Because Mr. Speaker, we put the Taliban in charge of the checkpoint. And guess who let the suicide bomber through, the Taliban.

    The result: the deadliest day for American troops in Afghanistan since 2012.

    And on August 26, 2021, that terrorist detonated a suicide vest, murdering 13 U.S. servicemembers and over 170 Afghan civilians, [and] injuring 45 U.S. servicemembers and countless civilians.

    Rather than admit their failure, this administration continues to this day to celebrate their deadly evacuation. Never once have they said, ‘I am sorry,’ to the Gold Star families it took the Speaker of the House and the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony to say, ‘I am sorry for what your government did to you.’

    Just yesterday, President Biden proclaimed to the world that his withdrawal was, ‘the right decision.’

    I believe that is shameful.

    When I became chairman, I launched an investigation so that we, the Congress, could work to ensure that what happened in Afghanistan never happens again.

    And, as everyone here knows, you cannot fix a problem without first admitting there is a problem. That’s what accountability is all about.

    My 353-page report on this investigation works to provide that accountability.

    So today, we take the first step in fixing the problem by holding those accountable, those leaders who were derelict in their duty and are responsible for this disaster. They are:

    • Joseph Biden, President of the United States.
    • Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States.
    • Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor.
    • Jonathan Finer, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor.
    • Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Deputy National Security Advisor.
    • John Kirby, National Security Council Spokesperson and former Defense Department Spokesperson.
    • Jen Psaki, Former White House Press Secretary.
    • Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State.
    • Brian McKeon, Former Deputy Secretary of State.
    • Ross Wilson, U.S. Ambassador and former Chief of Mission to U.S. Embassy Kabul.
    • Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador and former Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation.
    • Ned Price, Deputy to the U.S. Representative to the United Nations and former State Department Spokesperson.
    • Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense.
    • Derek Chollet, Chief of Staff to Secretary Austin and former Counselor to Secretary Blinken. 
    • And finally, Colin Kahl, Former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

    The American people, U.S servicemembers, veterans, and most importantly the Gold Star families deserve this. They deserve transparency and they deserve Mr. Speaker, accountability.

    This measure is the first step towards that, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Rep. Rose Votes ‘No’ on Another Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) voted ‘No’ on H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which would extend federal government funding until December 20th at levels originally passed in two “minibus” funding bills, the first being on March 6th, 2024 totaling $432 billion and the second on March 22nd, 2024 totaling $1.2 trillion.

    Rep. Rose has voted ‘No’ on every short-term government funding bill known as a Continuing Resolution, or CR, that has not included significant spending cuts or policies to secure the border or safeguard American elections.

                                                                                     

    Rep. Rose released the following statement:

    “Tennesseans sent me to Washington to make difficult decisions on how to spend their hard-earned taxpayer dollars and not take the easy route by voting for a CR that extends inflationary spending into the lame duck session of Congress,” said Rep. Rose. “With the national debt well over $35 trillion and government deficits topping $1.7 trillion a year, I could not in good conscience support a continuation of the status quo. Washington must take after Tennessee and restore fiscal constraint or risk driving the future prosperity of our country off an insurmountable fiscal ledge.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Palmer Leads Letter Condemning Mexican Government for Actions Against Vulcan Materials

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Mexican Government’s continued efforts to seize Vulcan Material’s deep-water port in Quintana Roo, Mexico, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) led a letter to the Ambassador of Mexico to the United States condemning Mexico’s actions. Regarding the letter, Rep. Palmer released the following statement:

    “Mexico’s continued disregard for the rule of law signals to companies in the United States and the rest of the world that Mexico cannot be trusted,” said Rep. Palmer. “By continuing to mistreat Vulcan Materials, the Mexican Government sets a dangerous precedent for our trade relationship. American companies being mistreated by foreign governments will not be tolerated.”

    The letter was signed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Representatives Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Barry Moore (AL-02), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Dale Strong (AL-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Thomas Kean (NJ-7th), Vincente Gonzalez (TX-34), August Pfluger (TX-11), and Beth Van Duyne (TX-24).

    The full text of the letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Introduces Legislation To Support Wildlife Migration and Protect Biodiversity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) today introduced the Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act to establish an American Wildlife Corridors System that allows species to move freely and safely between habitats to access resources, establish new territories, promote gene flow, and adapt to the impacts of changing climate.

    “One of the simplest yet most effective solutions to address biodiversity loss caused by habitat loss, degradation, fragmentation, and obstruction is providing species opportunity to move across lands and waters,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “By connecting different habitat areas, we can allow animals to move safely between them without the threat of barriers that often put species in danger. Our legislation would direct key Federal land and water management agencies to develop and manage national wildlife corridors to enhance biodiversity, support ecosystem stability, and benefit both wildlife and human communities.”

    “Corridors increase wildlife movement between habitat areas by approximately 50 percent compared to areas not connected by corridors. By protecting wildlife corridors, this bill will help conserve and restore America’s wildlife, from Florida panthers to monarch butterflies,” said Susan Holmes, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “We thank Congressman Beyer and Congressman Buchanan for introducing this important bill.”

    “Defenders of Wildlife appreciates Reps. Beyer and Buchanan’s leadership in protecting America’s wildlife and their habitats through this strategic and collaborative approach to conservation planning,” said Mary Beth Beetham, Legislative Director for Defenders of Wildlife. “By allowing animals to move across landscapes to access food and respond to climate change, connecting our lands and waters is key to the survival of a diverse array of species, from the iconic grizzly bear to the monarch butterfly. The Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act is an investment in our natural heritage and the type of proactive wildlife stewardship that transcends political affiliation, speaking to the heart of our American values.”

    The Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act would establish and maintain a habitat connectivity area mapping and science program to support State, local, and Tribal government efforts to protect and designate habitat connectivity areas as American wildlife corridors. The bill would also establish a wildlife corridor grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife to support these efforts.

    Text of the Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Palmer to Host Meet and Greet in District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

    BIRMINGHAM, AL – Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) and his staff will host a Meet and Greet on September 3, 2024. This event is open to the public so that the people of the Sixth Congressional District have the opportunity to ask questions and share their opinion on current events directly with Rep. Palmer and staff.

    Tuesday, September 3

    6:00PM – 7:30PM

    Gardendale City Hall

    925 Main Street

    Gardendale, Alabama 35017

    Any press planning to attend this event must email Hope.Dawson@Mail.House.Gov no later than an hour before the event. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Carbajal Votes to Prevent Harmful Government Shutdown, Avert Pay Cut for Wildland Firefighters

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) voted today on a clean extension of government funding that averts a costly government shutdown, rejects Project 2025 policy riders, and averts an imminent pay cut for federal wildland firefighters currently battling blazes across California.

    “From the beginning of this Congress, House Democrats and I have made it clear that we are prepared to work across the aisle to find bipartisan common ground to responsibly fund our government and sustain programs that help Central Coast families. But since we finalized last year’s budget, House Republican leadership has spent more time pursuing policies from Donald Trump’s Project 2025, putting right-wing extremist priorities like voter suppression ahead of actually governing – all while endangering our national security, veteran’s benefits, and essential services,” said Rep. Carbajal.

    “This lack of bipartisan cooperation has put Congress in a position to once again need to extend government funding to the end of this year while we continue working to finalize a budget for the coming fiscal year. As ever, I remain committed to putting governing ahead of partisan games, and I hope my colleagues will do the same.”

    “I’m glad that this bill averts the impending pay cliff for federal wildland firefighters. As my colleagues and I have advocated for throughout this Congress, I will continue to push for our permanent fix to be included in the final budget agreement later this year. Our wildland firefighters are working day and night to protect our communities from dangerous fires. The last thing we should do is allow a devastating pay cut in the middle of fire season.”

    The funding resolution passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives sustains current government funding levels through December 20, 2024. The measure now advances to the Senate, where it is expected to pass and reach the President’s desk before the end of the Fiscal Year on Monday, September 30.

    Congressman Carbajal pushed to avert the impending pay cut for federal wildland firefighters by advocating for passage of the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to permanently increase the base pay, deployment pay, and benefits for federal wildland firefighters. He introduced this bill with his colleagues last year to make permanent the pay increases provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement Supporting Government Funding Extension

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sander Levin (9th District of Michigan)

    September 25, 2024

    Bill Prevents Government Shutdown & Avoids Extremist Republican Proposals that Hurt Our Nation’s Veterans & Families

    Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) today released the following statement regarding his vote in support of the short-term government funding bill to extend current funding levels through December 20, 2024.

    “I voted for the short-term government funding bill because a shutdown would have been harmful to our service members, families, and workers. I’m pleased this bill does not contain the extremist provisions proposed by House Republicans that threaten our democratic voting rights and national security. It represents a bipartisan solution that will keep the government running into December.

    “That said, I’m disappointed we could not reach an agreement that addresses the Veterans Health Administration’s $12 billion budget shortfall. This lack of funding could jeopardize veterans’ medical care and health services. I will continue to advocate for veterans and their benefits in upcoming funding bills that will be negotiated at the end of the year.

    “However, the ongoing budget fights that require us to pass short-term funding bills are emblematic of the ongoing dysfunction and chaos within the House Republican conference. They have been unable to pass a year-long government funding legislation that puts us on a stable fiscal footing.

    “Ultimately, we need to work together to pass year-long government funding every fiscal year in a timely manner to tackle our nation’s challenges. I am committed to doing just that.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –