NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Joins Partnership for a Lead-Free Future

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (24 September 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today announced a set of actions to mainstream lead exposure mitigation into its operations, as part of its participation in the newly formed Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, a global initiative led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The partnership aims to eliminate childhood lead exposure by 2040.

    The initiative, launched at the United Nations General Assembly today, will target high-risk countries including Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, and Nepal, among others throughout Asia and the Pacific.

    ADB’s participation in the partnership underscores its ongoing commitment to addressing health and environmental challenges in developing Asia and the Pacific. Lead contamination, particularly from informal used lead-acid battery recycling sites, presents a major health crisis. Toxic lead exposure is affecting at least 400 million children in the region, leading to cognitive impairments, health complications, and major economic losses. The global economic cost of lead-related cognitive underdevelopment is estimated at about $1 trillion annually.

    “Lead exposure doesn’t just affect children’s health—it holds back entire economies,” said ADB Vice-President for East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Scott Morris. “The Partnership for a Lead-Free Future is an important step in addressing this environmental, health, and economic issue. We will dedicate ADB’s expertise and resources to help ensure that countries across Asia and the Pacific can mitigate lead exposure, enhance public health, and secure a healthier, more productive future for all.”

    ADB is embedding lead management into its broader environmental safeguards and technical assistance programs, and has already begun engaging with governments in Indonesia, India, and the Philippines to tackle lead contamination. The bank will co-host a technical side event on lead pollution at the 12th Asia Pacific Regional Forum on Health and Environment in Jakarta on 25 September, which will serve as a platform to advance the lead elimination agenda. Co-organized with the governments of Indonesia, Japan and Thailand, USAID, and the World Bank, the forum will highlight cutting-edge research on lead exposure and showcase effective strategies for reducing lead poisoning. 

    In collaboration with the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, ADB is also developing the Chemical and Wastes Financing Partnership Facility, the first of its kind. This facility will scale chemical management, including lead mitigation, across the region. The initiative complements ADB’s work in managing hazardous waste, providing governments with the resources to regulate industries, replace hazardous materials, and enforce environmental standards.

    ADB plans to integrate lead elimination into its universal health care support programs, starting in the Philippines. Through these programs, ADB has been working to ensure equitable access to health services, address gender-specific health needs, and mitigate the health impacts of climate change.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CAF and UNOPS Join Forces to Boost Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

    Source: CAF Development Bank of Latin America

    CAF- development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The agreement, signed by CAF’s Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados and UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira Da Silva, outlines key areas of cooperation. These include technical assistance and implementation of infrastructure projects, conducting feasibility studies and project structuring, development of joint training activities in project management and procurement, resource mobilization to support regional countries, as well as information exchange and capacity building initiatives.

    This agreement strengthens the relationship between the two organizations, as since 2017, CAF and UNOPS have worked together in Latin America on technical assistance projects in Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay.

    By combining CAF’s financial strength with UNOPS’ technical expertise, we are better positioned to address the complex challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean

    Sergio Díaz-Granados

    Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF, stated: “This partnership with UNOPS represents a significant step towards enhancing our capacity to deliver impactful projects across the region. By combining CAF’s financial strength with UNOPS’ technical expertise, we are better positioned to address the complex challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of our member countries.”

    We’re consolidating the efforts we have made together with CAF to continue to improve the lives of millions of people across the Latin America and Caribbean region

    Jorge Moreira Da Silva

    “In a world facing multiple global crises, partnerships like this are instrumental. We’re consolidating the efforts we have made together with CAF to continue to improve the lives of millions of people across the Latin America and Caribbean region”, said Jorge Moreira Da Silva, UNOPS Executive Director.

    The MOU provides a foundation for future specific agreements between the two organizations. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge sharing, joint communication efforts, and the potential for collaborative resource mobilization.

    This collaboration between CAF and UNOPS is expected to bring valuable synergies to development efforts in the region, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to promote sustainable growth and improved quality of life for Latin American and Caribbean communities.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Readout Of Meeting With Foreign Minister Of Lebanon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    September 23, 2024

    NEW YORK–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday released the following statement after meeting with Foreign Minister of Lebanon Abdallah Bou Habib.

    “This is a critical moment where the focus on the region and world must be on de-escalating the deepening conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. I spoke with Foreign Minister Bou Habib today and we exchanged views on how the United States, Lebanon and Israel can take steps to avoid the devastating consequences of a larger conflict breaking out in the Middle East. We had a candid, serious discussion about the importance of de-escalation in the immediate term, but also the need to establish a plan for the day after in Gaza and a credible path forward for a Palestinian state.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with  H.E. Mr. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President of the Government of Spain [scroll down for Spanish version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President of the Government of Spain. The Secretary-General and the President of the Government discussed the situation in the Middle East and in Venezuela. They also exchanged views on the Summit of the Future and Spanish support for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, including through the upcoming Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Seville, Spain in 2025.

    *****
    El Secretario General se reunió con el Excelentísimo Señor Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, Presidente del Gobierno de España. El Secretario General y el Presidente del Gobierno abordaron la situación en el Medio Oriente y en Venezuela. También intercambiaron puntos de vista sobre la Cumbre del Futuro y el apoyo de España para la implementación de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, incluyendo mediante la próxima Conferencia sobre la Financiación para el Desarrollo que tendrá lugar en Sevilla, España en el 2025.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA to Open Business Recovery Centers in Gonzales and Donaldsonville to Help Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Francine

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced the opening of its SBA Business Recovery Centers in Gonzales on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and Donaldsonville on Wednesday, Sept. 25, to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by Hurricane Francine that occurred Sept. 9 – 12.

    “Due to the severe property damage and economic losses inflicted on Louisiana businesses, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “The centers will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives will be available to meet individually with each business owner,” he added. No appointment is necessary. All services are provided free of charge. The centers will open as indicated below.

    ASCENSION PARISH
    Business Recovery Center
    Ascension Credit Union
    Small Business Center
    2430 S. Burnside Ave.
    Gonzales, LA  70737

    Opens at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24

    Mondays – Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

     

    ASCENSION PARISH
    Business Recovery Center
    Ascension Credit Union
    2256 LA-70
    Donaldsonville, LA  70346

    Opens at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25

    Wednesdays – Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    According to Louisiana’s Small Business Development Center’s State Director Bryan Greenwood, SBDC business advisors will provide business assistance to clients on a wide variety of matters designed to help small business owners re-establish their operations, overcome the effects of the disaster and plan for their future. Services include assessing business working capital needs, evaluating the business’s strength, cash flow projections, and most importantly, a review of options with the business owner to help them evaluate their alternatives and make decisions that are appropriate for their situation.

    Businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    SBA representatives will also provide help to business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers when they are opened in the impacted area.

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

    The deadline to apply for property damage is Nov. 18, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is June 16, 2025.

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    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Baird’s Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act Passes U.S. House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

    Rep. Baird’s Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act Passes U.S. House

    Washington, September 23, 2024

    Today, Congressman Jim Baird’s (IN-04) Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Baird is the Republican lead on the bipartisan legislation, which was introduced by Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). The Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act modernizes math curricula to make it more applicable to real-world scenarios and improves science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in K-12 schools.

    “As a PhD scientist, I know the impact STEM education has on American innovation, and we must ensure students have the mathematical problem-solving skills necessary to succeed,” said Rep. Baird. “I am grateful to work with Representative Houlahan on this important bill to update school curricula to better equip our students with the STEM education they need to tackle the challenges of our modern world. I am proud to see this bill pass the full U.S. House, and I hope to work with the Senate to get this legislation signed into law soon.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gallego Calls on Administration to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Havasupai Tribe

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ruben Gallego (AZ-07)

    September 23, 2024

    PHOENIX – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) sent a letter to President Biden calling on his administration to approve the Havasupai Tribe’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to the recent severe flooding on their reservation.  

    On August 22nd, severe flash flooding at Havasu Creek inundated Supai Village on the Havasupai reservation, requiring the rescue and evacuation of over one hundred tribal members and tourists. The flooding resulted in significant damage to bridges, homes, roads, campgrounds, and trails as well as challenges to emergency response due to limited trail access to the reservation, and the Tribe has declared a state of emergency.

    “I appreciate your administration’s quick response, as FEMA staff were on the ground in a matter of days to begin assessing the damage, and the National Park Service immediately assisted with search and rescue efforts,” Rep. Gallego wrote. “Further providing the resources unlocked through a major disaster declaration will be crucial in rebuilding homes, fortifying tribal resources, and ensuring the resilience of Havasupai communities after this devastating flood.”

    Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Plateau care center offers homely comfort to orphans, elderly

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Tsechok Dorje (1st L) and Tsering Drolma (2nd R) pose for a photo at a care center in Ngari Prefecture, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Seeing Tsechok Dorje’s scar on the right side of his face, Tsering Drolma couldn’t help but feel heartbroken, with tears welling up in her eyes.
    Several days ago, the eighth grader accidentally fell onto a heater and injured his face at school. When a teacher called Tsering Drolma about the accident, she was so panicked that she immediately asked her husband to drive her to the hospital to check on Tsechok Dorje’s condition.
    “I dared not be present while he was receiving treatment,” said Tsering Drolma, 36. “Luckily, his eyes are fine. Otherwise, I would feel guilty for the rest of my life.”
    Tsering Drolma is not Tsechok Dorje’s biological mother, but a Tibetan worker at a care center in Ngari Prefecture, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. She serves as a custodian-like “mother” of 12 orphans, including Tsechok Dorje.
    Sheltering 81 children and 54 elderly people without any family members or living with disabilities, the care center combines the functions of an orphanage and a nursing home, with workers serving like family members and creating an atmosphere like a big family.
    Tsering Drolma still remembers when Tsechok Dorje first arrived there two years ago. “Back then, he was still immersed in the sorrow of losing his loved ones. He would often sit alone in the corner without uttering a word,” Tsering Drolma recalled.
    To help him embrace the new environment, the workers in the care center often took him out to play, made his favorite meals for him and helped him study. These acts of affection and care have gradually transformed him, turning his quiet and reserved persona into a sociable and outgoing one.
    In addition to helping his “mother” take care of the younger children, Tsechok Dorje also shares what happened in school as well as his observations during a museum visit with his “siblings.” Over the two years, his academic performance has also significantly improved.
    To better take care of the children, Tsering Drolma often attends various training sessions, including caring for the orphaned and children living with disabilities, performing first aid and preparing nutritious meals. “Our only wish is for these children to grow up healthy and happy,” she said.
    The care center was established in 2015 under the support of central and regional governments and the donation of an insurance company, with a total spending of more than 58 million yuan (about 8.2 million U.S. dollars). The center has facilities including a massage therapy room, a dining hall and a laundry room. It also gives allowance to elderly people and children every month.
    Compared with the traditional charity institutions that separate children and elderly people, the two-in-one care center offers space as well as an atmosphere for social interactions like a big family, said Jampel, the legal representative of the center, adding that they also organize galas during festivals such as the Tibetan New Year.
    After a cup of buttered tea in the morning, Tseten, 83, likes to go to the sunlight hall during the weekends, with children surrounding him to hear his stories about his misery in the past when he was a serf.
    “I used to be whipped hard by the master for losing a yak. I had no time to wait for my wounds to heal and had to stand on my feet the next day to herd cattle,” said Tseten, who has been living in the center since 2016.
    Tseten was in a wheelchair due to his bad knees when he first arrived there. Now, with years of meticulous care and treatment from doctors from a Tibetan medicinal hospital and nurse assistants in the care center, he is able to walk without a cane.
    Lhadro, a nursing assistant, is responsible for caring for Tseten and five other elderly people. In addition to bringing buttered tea, doing the laundry and changing sheets regularly for them, she conducts massage therapies and applies Tibetan medicine for external use on them based on doctors’ prescriptions.
    “Seeing the elderly gradually regain their health, I have a great sense of achievement,” said Lhadro.
    In recent years, a total of 80 nursing homes for elderly people with extreme financial difficulties have been built in Xizang. By the end of 2022, more than 5,800 elderly people in extreme financial difficulty had been cared for at nursing homes with government support, according to government figures.
    A soccer player at school, Tsechok Dorje likes wearing his training vest even at “home” and dreams of becoming a professional soccer player when he grows up. On a wall in his room, where four children live in bunk beds, is a poster of the Brazilian soccer player Neymar.
    “I hope I can play soccer as well as Neymar someday,” Tsechok Dorje said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Join us on Sept 29 for the USGS Open House in Flagstaff!

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Get ready to launch into a day of discovery! Join us on September 29, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the USGS campus in Flagstaff, AZ, to explore interactive displays and activities related to geology, geography, biology, hydrology, planetary science, and mapping.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: BRICS helps build fairer, more equitable global governance system

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The BRICS mechanism contributes to building a fairer and more equitable global governance system, said a survey published Monday.

    The Global Survey: BRICS Cooperation in the New Era of Global Development 2024, conducted in 30 countries with 12,316 valid samples, showed the average recognition of the role of the BRICS mechanism in improving the global governance system reached 94.6 percent among the participants.

    The respondents believed that the BRICS mechanism would enhance the representation of developing countries in global governance and enhance the reform and improvement of the global governance system, the survey said.

    Such sentiment is stronger among developing countries, with recognition in the BRICS countries and other developing nations exceeding 95 percent, the survey noted, adding that countries like Russia, Brazil, Pakistan, Cuba, Peru and Mexico all have a recognition rate of over 96 percent.

    The survey was conducted from May to July 2024 by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies in collaboration with Beijing Dataway Technology Co. Ltd. It was released at the BRICS Seminar on Governance & Cultural Exchange Forum 2024 in Moscow.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy issues statement on H.R. 8958

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

    WASHINGTON, DC — On Monday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement:

    “Today, I voted against H.R. 8958. 

    I have long supported the mission of NASA and its many contributions to the State of Texas, and to the country as a whole. However, the bill authorizes tens of billions of dollars in unpaid-for spending and was brought under suspension of the rules, meaning debate was limited and no amendments were considered. 

    That amounts to an unconscionable end run around the legislative process for an important authorization of a major federal agency. The American people deserve far more from us.

    Moving forward, Congress must work to responsibly fund NASA and ensure proper oversight is conducted over what this government is doing with the American people’s money.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: World leaders hail adoption of pact at UN Summit of the Future

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (at the podium) speaks at the Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As the Summit of the Future entered its second and final day at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday, leaders from the world body’s member countries continued to hail the adoption of the Pact for the Future, with Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations as its annexes.

    The pact and its annexes cover a broad range of themes including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations and the transformation of global governance.

    “The Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future,” said the world organization in its release. “This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may yet be over the horizon.”

    President of Angola João Lourenço said that the adoption of the Pact for the Future represents “a real turning point” for a more dynamic, engaged and assertive approach to the issues that are of concern to the humanity. Stressing the importance of including youth and women as “vital drivers” of transformation and modernization, he called for a commitment “to step up the fight against poverty in all forms and dimensions.”

    President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel said that the Pact for the Future creates a solid base for a better and more effective multilateral system. Particularly, he insisted, it is critical to “contribute to our shared understanding of how to handle technology safely on a daily basis and protect ourselves against its misuse by malign actors.”

    President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa said that all global decisions and commitments must be determined with “the involvement and contribution of those who today can build tomorrow.” To tackle “the alarming and growing rates of youth unemployment” through targeted investment, he said that this is the only way “to pull youth from the grasp of crime, drugs and transnational organized criminal activities.”

    President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon said that the inclusion of climate and water issues in the final document “underscores the imperative for sustained and urgent action” to secure a peaceful and sustainable future. Despite some progress, “access to filtered water and sanitation remains insufficient,” he said, voicing the commitment of his country to enhancing collaboration with other nations to advance water resource management and climate change action.

    Albert II, Prince of Monaco, said that the Pact for the Future establishes a bedrock for a more prosperous world and allows young people to flourish in an environment protected from security threats such as transnational crime. “Peace is our most valuable asset,” he added, noting that without access to human rights, a world benefiting all people is impossible.

    Speaking on behalf of the least developed countries (LDCs) group, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli said that millions of their children are going hungry every day, highlighting the clear inequality evident around the globe. “Nothing could be more unjust and ethnical than to be ignorant to the fact that millions of people in LDCs live in extreme poverty while a small minority in some corners of the world accumulate billions in wealth,” he said, noting that this is not the future that humanity should aspire towards. “The International community must act now to ensure every child and young person has the chance to thrive.”

    Nangolo Mbumba, president of Namibia, noted that the world is at a crossroads. One path leads to environmental catastrophe, widening inequality, global conflict, destruction and the rise of dangerous technology that threatens peoples’ security and civil liberties; the other, to peace, the eradication of poverty and hunger and the responsible harnessing of digital technologies for the benefit of humanity.

    Olaf Scholz, chancellor of Germany, urged those present to take steps towards a more peaceful, fairer world, stating that, while “the road ahead is rocky,” history will judge member states for their commitment to the plan at hand. The pact can serve as a compass towards cooperation instead of conflict, showing determination to restore international justice and expelling all the talk of polarization, he added.

    “We do not have time to waste,” stressed Sadyr Zhaparov, president of Kyrgyzstan, urging “decisive” action to strengthen the connections between nations and forge global partnerships to address challenges such as forced migration, climate threats and the unjust distribution of resources.

    Stressing that “inaction is not an option,” Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president of Suriname, pointed to Caribbean nations’ lack of financial resources to invest in health, education and infrastructure due to external debt.

    The failure to share global resources will continue to drive humanity to war, social disintegration and migration and “condemn us to live in two separate worlds”, said Mia Amor Mottley, prime minister of Barbados.

    “The future is not distant,” stressed Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, president of Ghana. “It is here, and the choices we make here will determine the fate of generations to come.” No nation, regardless of power, can solve today’s challenges alone, he stated.

    Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, highlighted the “great responsibilities to those who will succeed us,” and urged them not to back down from the promotion of equality between men and women and the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination. He also stressed that “we cannot live with nuclear threats again, nor fuel new arms races on Earth or in space,” noting that it is unacceptable to regress to a world divided into ideological borders or zones of influence.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Griffin Global Asset Management Announces Closing of $400 Million Senior Unsecured Notes Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ireland, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Griffin Global Asset Management (“Griffin”) announces the successful closing by GGAM Finance Ltd. of an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $400 million senior unsecured notes. The notes were priced at par.

    The offering comprises $400 million of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2030 (the “Notes”). The Notes will be guaranteed by Griffin Global Asset Management Holdings, Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries. Proceeds from the issuance will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include financing the acquisition of new aircraft deliveries and the future repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

    John Beekman, Griffin CFO, commented: “We are delighted to announce the closing of our latest unsecured notes offering. This issuance reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the unsecured capital markets and brings our total volume of unsecured notes issued to $2.5 billion in under 18 months. With the issuance of these notes we also disclosed that our secured warehouse was previously reduced to zero, which means inclusive of this issuance we currently have a fully unsecured balance sheet. We are grateful to our expanding investor base for the support they have shown us as we continue along our path to achieving investment grade ratings.”

    The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the securities laws of any jurisdiction and may be offered or sold only in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Notes were offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    About Griffin Global Asset Management

    Griffin is a commercial aircraft leasing and alternative asset management business with offices in Dublin, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and Los Angeles, CA. Griffin’s team of professionals works closely with airlines, manufacturers, maintenance providers, and financiers to deliver innovative capital solutions globally.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tillis Discusses State Travel, Bipartisanship on Spectrum News’ In Focus with Loretta Boniti

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently appeared on Spectrum News’ In Focus with Loretta Boniti to discuss his state travel and recent bipartisan legislative achievements, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and theBipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation that Senator Tillis helped write, negotiate, and pass into law.
    Watch the full interview HERE.

    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:
    “We are approaching $13 billion coming to North Carolina. I was just in Wilmington yesterday, where we were celebrating a $250 million grant, about half of what it’s going to take to upfit the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, and a $100 million grant for the Alligator River Bridge. Every county in the state is benefitting from this bill. This bill includes a billion dollars in connectivity for broadband, and it’s proving to have the impact that I thought it would. That’s why I was willing to take the hits to get it done.”
    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:
    “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the single largest investment in mental health in the history of this country… I’m working very hard to make sure that everyone understands a full implementation of this bill is transformational. And I think North Carolina is on pace to be one of the most successful states to implement it. It’s coming at a perfect time. We are making progress on a challenge that still exists, and it’s the stigma of mental health.” 
    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisanship:
    “The reason why being bipartisan is so difficult today is that people can spread what I think are blatant lies in some cases about what we are trying to accomplish, and it causes people to be very careful and not take risks. I think that the American people suffer when we do that. We’re in D.C. to make changes, we’re not up there to get re-elected.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bicameral Statement of Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism on Release of 2023 FBI Hate Crime Statistics Report

    US Senate News:

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

    Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes Increased By Nearly 63 Percent, Reaching Highest Level In Decades
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK), and Representatives Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, respectively, released the following statement in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 2023 Hate Crime Statistics Report. The FBI data shows anti-Jewish hate crimes increased in 2023 by nearly 63 percent from 2022, which is the highest number recorded in almost three decades.
    “We are deeply alarmed by the dramatic increase in hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans over the past year, as noted in the FBI’s 2023 Hate Crimes Statistics Report,” said the members. “With antisemitism skyrocketing across the United States following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, a whole-of-government approach is needed to protect Jewish communities from violence and hate.”
    Anti-Jewish hate crimes rose from 1,122 to 1,832 incidents from 2022 to 2023. According to the FBI, a total of 16,009 law enforcement agencies, which represent 95.2 percent of the agencies enrolled in the hate crime data collection program, participated in hate crimes reporting for 2023.
    They continued: “As the co-chairs of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, we remain steadfast in our commitment to root out the scourge of antisemitism. We’ll continue working across party lines to ensure the federal government keeps Jewish Americans safe from discrimination.”
    Jewish Americans make up around two percent of the U.S. population, yet antisemitic hate crimes accounted for 15.4 percent of all hate crimes reported by the FBI. Anti-Jewish incidents comprised a little over two-thirds of all religion-based hate crimes. 
    As co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Taskforce for Countering Antisemitism, Senator Rosen has been leading the fight against rising antisemitism. Senator Rosen, along with the co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces, introduced a bipartisan bill to take historic action to counter antisemitism in the United States by establishing a first-ever National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism. In May, Senators Rosen and Lankford sent a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Education to designate a senior official to oversee efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. They also called on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to hold a full hearing on rising antisemitism on college campuses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HOUSE PASSES MATSUI’S RARE ACT

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), co-chair of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, released the following statement after the House passed the Give Kids a Chance Act, a package of rare disease legislation that included her Retaining Access and Restoring Exclusivity (RARE) Act. The RARE Act would ensure that promising options for rare disease patients with no approved therapies are able to come to market without being blocked by other pharmaceutical companies.

    “With less than five percent of rare diseases having FDA-approved therapies, we need all the help we can get to ensure rare disease patients can access the cutting-edge care they need,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The RARE Act will prevent pharmaceutical companies from abusing their orphan drug status to keep other innovative drugs from coming to market. Every rare disease patient deserves a fighting shot. Their access to medicine shouldn’t be sacrificed for drug companies’ bottom line.”

    Specifically, the RARE Act clarifies FDA’s longstanding interpretation of the Orphan Drug Act to ensure that the scope of the orphan drug exclusivity applies only to the same approved use or indication within such rare disease or condition, instead of the same disease or condition. This will give FDA the necessary authority to approve the same drug from different manufacturers if they aim to serve different patient populations.

    Full text of the RARE Act is available HERE.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emergency Management – Nearly half a million people signed up for ShakeOut with one month to go

    Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

    With one month to go, nearly half a million people have already signed up for New Zealand ShakeOut 2024, our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says over 480,000 people have signed up to Drop, Cover and Hold and practice their tsunami hīkoi on Thursday 24 October at 9:30am. You can join them and sign up at www.ShakeOut.govt.nz.

    NEMA’s Director Civil Defence Emergency Management, John Price says it’s fantastic to see almost half a million people already signed up, and he encourages schools, businesses, community groups and whānau to sign up if they haven’t already.

    “All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis at any time. Shake Out gives us the chance to practice, exercise and test the correct actions to take during an earthquake and tsunami.

    “A large earthquake such as an Alpine Fault rupture will be a defining event for all of New Zealand. We need to be ready.

    “By practising Shake Out each year, knowing what to do to stay safe in an earthquake and tsunami will become second nature. Exercising regularly improves our ability to cope on the day and keep ourselves and our communities safe.”

    Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake Chief Resilience and Research Officer, Dr Jo Horrocks says they are proud to support ShakeOut again. “At NHC Toka Tū Ake, we’re working really hard to minimise the impact of future natural hazards on communities. Our beautiful land is one of the highest-risk countries in the world for a range of natural hazards, but there is a lot we can all do to prepare for them.”

    Dr Horrocks is pleased to see that almost half a million Kiwis have already signed up for ShakeOut and is hopeful more will join the challenge. “Taking a bit of time to think about how hazards could affect us at home, work or school, and then taking steps to prepare – these are things that will make a big difference in a disaster.”

    John Price says, “Before the drill, check your tsunami evacuation zone using our map and make plans for your tsunami hīkoi if you are in a coastal area. (ref. https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones/ )

    “Remember that no matter where you live, visit, work or play –  if you are near the coast, or any large body of water and you’re in an earthquake that is strong enough to make it difficult to stand up, or lasts a minute or more, you should immediately head inland or for higher ground. Remember, if it’s long or strong, get gone.”

    New Zealand ShakeOut 2024 is sponsored by the Natural Hazards Commission and supported by New Zealand Red Cross. The drill is taking place on Thursday 24 October 2024 at 9:30am.

    New Zealand ShakeOut is based on the highly successful California ShakeOut which began in 2008 and has now expanded to numerous other US states and countries such as Canada and Japan.

    Sign up and go into the draw to win a prize pack! Find more information at www.ShakeOut.govt.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: World leaders hail adoption of Pact for the Future

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (at the podium) speaks at the Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As the Summit of the Future entered its second and final day at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday, leaders from the world body’s member countries continued to hail the adoption of the Pact for the Future, with Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations as its annexes.

    The pact and its annexes cover a broad range of themes including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations and the transformation of global governance.

    “The Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future,” said the world organization in its release. “This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may yet be over the horizon.”

    President of Angola João Lourenço said that the adoption of the Pact for the Future represents “a real turning point” for a more dynamic, engaged and assertive approach to the issues that are of concern to the humanity. Stressing the importance of including youth and women as “vital drivers” of transformation and modernization, he called for a commitment “to step up the fight against poverty in all forms and dimensions.”

    President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel said that the Pact for the Future creates a solid base for a better and more effective multilateral system. Particularly, he insisted, it is critical to “contribute to our shared understanding of how to handle technology safely on a daily basis and protect ourselves against its misuse by malign actors.”

    President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa said that all global decisions and commitments must be determined with “the involvement and contribution of those who today can build tomorrow.” To tackle “the alarming and growing rates of youth unemployment” through targeted investment, he said that this is the only way “to pull youth from the grasp of crime, drugs and transnational organized criminal activities.”

    President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon said that the inclusion of climate and water issues in the final document “underscores the imperative for sustained and urgent action” to secure a peaceful and sustainable future. Despite some progress, “access to filtered water and sanitation remains insufficient,” he said, voicing the commitment of his country to enhancing collaboration with other nations to advance water resource management and climate change action.

    Albert II, Prince of Monaco, said that the Pact for the Future establishes a bedrock for a more prosperous world and allows young people to flourish in an environment protected from security threats such as transnational crime. “Peace is our most valuable asset,” he added, noting that without access to human rights, a world benefiting all people is impossible.

    Speaking on behalf of the least developed countries (LDCs) group, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli said that millions of their children are going hungry every day, highlighting the clear inequality evident around the globe. “Nothing could be more unjust and ethnical than to be ignorant to the fact that millions of people in LDCs live in extreme poverty while a small minority in some corners of the world accumulate billions in wealth,” he said, noting that this is not the future that humanity should aspire towards. “The International community must act now to ensure every child and young person has the chance to thrive.”

    Nangolo Mbumba, president of Namibia, noted that the world is at a crossroads. One path leads to environmental catastrophe, widening inequality, global conflict, destruction and the rise of dangerous technology that threatens peoples’ security and civil liberties; the other, to peace, the eradication of poverty and hunger and the responsible harnessing of digital technologies for the benefit of humanity.

    Olaf Scholz, chancellor of Germany, urged those present to take steps towards a more peaceful, fairer world, stating that, while “the road ahead is rocky,” history will judge member states for their commitment to the plan at hand. The pact can serve as a compass towards cooperation instead of conflict, showing determination to restore international justice and expelling all the talk of polarization, he added.

    “We do not have time to waste,” stressed Sadyr Zhaparov, president of Kyrgyzstan, urging “decisive” action to strengthen the connections between nations and forge global partnerships to address challenges such as forced migration, climate threats and the unjust distribution of resources.

    Stressing that “inaction is not an option,” Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president of Suriname, pointed to Caribbean nations’ lack of financial resources to invest in health, education and infrastructure due to external debt.

    The failure to share global resources will continue to drive humanity to war, social disintegration and migration and “condemn us to live in two separate worlds”, said Mia Amor Mottley, prime minister of Barbados.

    “The future is not distant,” stressed Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, president of Ghana. “It is here, and the choices we make here will determine the fate of generations to come.” No nation, regardless of power, can solve today’s challenges alone, he stated.

    Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, highlighted the “great responsibilities to those who will succeed us,” and urged them not to back down from the promotion of equality between men and women and the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination. He also stressed that “we cannot live with nuclear threats again, nor fuel new arms races on Earth or in space,” noting that it is unacceptable to regress to a world divided into ideological borders or zones of influence.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. House Members Introduce Resolution Designating Sept. 16-20 as Medical Research Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andre Carson (7th District of INDIANA)

    Today Representatives Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) recognized the unique contributions of medical research to improve the lives of patients, families, and communities nationwide by introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives declaring Sept. 16-20 as Medical Research Week.  

    Medical research, much of which is conducted at academic medical centers nationwide, has led to breakthrough discoveries that improve the health and well-being of patients and communities while also promoting global competitiveness in science, boosting job creation, preparing the next generation of scientists, and strengthening economic growth.  

    Through the support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), medical research serves a vital and unique role in the U.S. research enterprise. This work leads to cutting-edge preventative strategies and improved and emerging treatments and cures for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, obesity, the mental health and opioid epidemics, and emerging threats like yet unknown infectious diseases.  

    “Investing in the NIH today pays a lifetime of dividends in saving lives, promoting better health, and improving the quality of life for all Americans,” said AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD. “The nation’s medical schools, academic health systems, and teaching hospitals conduct approximately 60% of all NIH extramural research and are proud to pioneer many critical advances that bring the promise of better health to patients, families, and communities nationwide.” 

    “Now, more than ever, it’s important to ensure strong funding growth for NIH so that today’s discoveries can culminate in major breakthroughs in medical research,” said AAMC Chief Scientific Officer Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH. 

    As noted in the resolution, NIH funding ripples far beyond its headquarters into every state, drives demand for medical supplies and research equipment, and boosts local and regional economies to benefit manufacturers and suppliers across the country and into many U.S. territories, generating nearly $93 billion in new economic activity and supports approximately 412,000 jobs across the U.S in FY 2023 alone. 

    “Medical research has shaped breakthroughs in science that change lives,” said Rep. André Carson. “The cure for diseases like cancer and diabetes could be possible in our lifetimes, as long as we continue to invest in this important work. I am proud to have led bipartisan efforts over several years to fully fund the National Institutes of Health, expand pancreatic cancer research at the U.S. Department of Defense, and fully fund veteran medical and prosthetic research. We also need to collect more data on how minorities are disproportionately impacted by certain health issues and widen clinical trials to include those left out. I am proud to introduce this resolution highlighting Medical Research Week and will continue to work across the aisle on lifesaving legislation.” 

    “Innovation in health care starts with the groundbreaking medical research that leads to life-changing treatments and cures,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty. “As we celebrate Medical Research Week, we honor the scientists and institutions whose work not only saves lives but also drives our economy and keeps our nation at the forefront of global health innovation. As a stroke survivor, I’ve experienced firsthand the critical importance of these advancements. That’s why I continue to advocate for billions in federal funding to the NIH to reduce the incidence of heart disease, stroke, and other threats to the health and vitality of all Americans. The future of medicine depends on what we invest in today, and I’ll keep fighting for that funding.” 

    “Medical Research Week is an opportunity to celebrate the innovations and efforts of so many scientists who have created the treatments, cures, and diagnostics that tackle terrible conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s, kidney failure, and the opioid epidemic. This inspirational work and the strong federal investments that power it make the United States the global driver of medical research and development,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene. “Medical Research Week is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to building on this progress by not only defending but expanding funding for our government’s lead health research agency – the National Institutes of Health – so we can continue to develop the cures of tomorrow.” 

    “Medical research is the foundation of progress: saving lives, driving economic growth, and ensuring our leadership on the world stage. By celebrating Medical Research Week, we are not merely recognizing past breakthroughs but committing to a future where innovation propels our communities forward. I am dedicated to fighting for the vital funding that fuels progress and gives researchers the tools to discover groundbreaking cures and tackle the most devastating diseases. Together, through continued innovation, we will forge a healthier, stronger future for generations to come,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. 

    “It is by no accident that America leads the world in medical innovation. America’s free enterprise system alongside strong federal support of medical research has led to new cures, treatments, and hope for tomorrow that more therapies are on the horizon. I am proud that Pennsylvania institutions and companies play leading roles in developing these new technologies and am glad to join my colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize Medical Research Week,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker. 

    During Medical Research Week, the AAMC – along with its member medical schools, academic health systems, research institutions, and collaborators – are celebrating the achievements in medical research and breakthrough innovations on social media using the hashtag #StartsInAcademicMedicine to highlight the immeasurable impact of research on patients and communities.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise, Louisiana Delegation Urge President Biden to Approve Major Disaster Declaration in Wake of Hurricane Francine

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    JEFFERSON, La. – Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and the entire Louisiana delegation sent a letter to President Biden urging him to approve Governor Landry’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration in the aftermath of Hurricane Francine that made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, La. on Wednesday.
     
    “We write in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana on September 11, 2024. As you know, Hurricane Francine formed as a Tropical Storm in the Gulf of Mexico on September 9, 2024, before intensifying and making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm brought heavy rainfall, a life-threatening storm surge, and sustained winds of 100 mph,” the letter reads.
     
    The full letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Carson, Jayapal, Schakowsky Introduce UNRWA Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andre Carson (7th District of INDIANA)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Representative André Carson (IN-07) has introduced H.R. 9649, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA).

    The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of this year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.

    Following the UN’s investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.  Approximately 1.9 million people – 9 in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once, and an estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable. It is estimated that over 1 million Gazans will not have enough food this month, and availability of basic hygiene items has dropped to 15%. In addition to a polio outbreak, Gazans are suffering from malnutrition and treatable diseases due to “systematic dismantling of healthcare”from bombardments on civilians.

    “The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. UNRWA has taken appropriate and proactive steps towards accountability and transparency, conducting multiple independent reviews that continue to prove the organization is both in compliance and imperative to provide the region with lifesaving assistance.  It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”

    “UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees for decades. Their on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensure that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment in Gaza,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “There is no question in my mind that revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding.”

    “For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians, providing food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, education, and livelihoods. Today, UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza as it endures ongoing war and a dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding in January and our allies have all resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.”

    “J Street is proud to be supporting the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Carson, Jayapal, and Schakowsky. We should restore funding, as all our major allies have, and stop playing politics with Palestinian welfare and Israel’s security,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami. “As UNRWA’s largest donor and Israel’s key security guarantor, the United States has a special obligation to address this crisis.”

    “Gaza isn’t starving. It’s being starved,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “Over two million Palestinian civilians are enduring a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading due to blocked aid access. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and Congress continue to withhold all U.S. funding for the largest aid operation in Gaza—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is the backbone of aid delivery in Gaza, ensuring that millions receive desperately needed assistance. Blocking U.S. funding for UNRWA’s critical work is a cruel and unjustified decision that only deepens Gaza’s humanitarian suffering. Congress and the Administration must act swiftly to correct this wrong by supporting the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act and restoring this urgently needed aid.”

    “Restoring funding to UNRWA is a humanitarian imperative,” said Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “For over six decades, the United States has been one of the strongest supporters of UNRWA, which provides lifesaving aid and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Those services are desperately needed in Gaza right now, and UNRWA is the only organization with the capacity and expertise necessary to provide them at scale. The United States must uphold its commitment to the human rights of the Palestinian people and pass this legislation to reinstate funding to the humanitarian agency immediately. Failing to do so would lead to further human suffering.”

    “In restoring funding for food, water, shelter, and medical care for Palestine refugees, the UNRWA Restoration Act honors this most basic and inalienable truth — that the people of Palestine are human beings, just like all of us, and all lives are sacred, not just some,” said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director UNRWA USA.

    “UNRWA is indispensable to providing Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria with the education, healthcare, and other critical services that are key to successful, productive livelihoods and citizenry, and a future of peace and prosperity, which should be in everyone’s interests. We support full restoration of funding to UNRWA,” said Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera.

    “We express our gratitude to Representatives André Carson, Pramila Jayapal, and Jan Schakowsky for introducing the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024,” said James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute. “This lifesaving legislation aims to restore critical U.S. financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by repealing previous funding restrictions and encouraging the Secretary of State to lift the temporary pause on federal funding. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The ongoing genocide in Gaza has resulted in increased displacement, starvation, and death. It is both inhumane and unconscionable to continue withholding financial support from UNRWA. We recognize that the majority of Americans are horrified by the death and destruction they witness daily in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA’s humanitarian aid and services often mean the difference between life and death for these vulnerable populations. Restoring U.S. funding to UNRWA is urgent, just, and the only morally responsible option. We urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this crucial legislation and ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide life-saving assistance to Palestinian refugees in the region.”

    The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 has been endorsed by the following organizations as of 9/19/24: 

    18 Million Rising
    Action Against Hunger
    Action Corps
    ActionAid USA
    AFSC, American Friends Service Committee
    American Baptist Churches USA
    American Friends of Combatants for Peace
    American Friends Service Committee
    American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
    Americans for Justice in Palestine Action
    Americans for Peace Now
    Anera
    Avaaz
    Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)
    Carolina Peace Center
    Center for American Progress
    Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
    Center for Constitutional Rights
    Center for Gender & Refugee Studies
    Center for International Policy
    Center for Jewish Nonviolence
    Center for Security, Race and Rights
    Center for Victims of Torture
    Charity&Security Network
    Christian Aid
    Church World Service
    Climate Refugees
    Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
    CODEPINK
    CommonDefense.us
    Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces
    Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
    Danish Refugee Council
    DAWN
    Demand Progress
    Doctors Against Genocide
    Emgage Action
    FCNL
    Foreign Policy for America
    Friends of Sabeel North America
    Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ
    Health Advocacy International
    Hindus for Human Rights
    Historians for Peace and Democrcy
    Human Rights First
    Human Rights First
    Humanity & Inclusion
    IfNotNow Movement
    International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)
    International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
    International Rescue Committee
    Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
    J Street
    Jewish Voice for Peace Action
    KinderUSA
    MADRE
    Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
    Middle East Children’s Alliance
    Middle East Democracy Center (MEDC)
    Migrant Roots Media
    MoveOn
    MPower Change Action Fund
    Muslim Advocates
    National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
    National Council of Churches
    National Iranian American Council Action
    National Partnership for New Americans
    Nonviolent Peaceforce
    Norwegian Peoples aid
    Norwegian Refugee Council USA
    Oxfam
    Partners for Progressive Israel
    Pax Christi USA
    Peace Action
    People’s Action
    Presbyterian Church (USA), Office of Public Witness
    Progressive Democrats of America
    Project HOPE
    Project South
    Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
    Rebuilding Alliance
    Refugee Congress
    Refugees International
    ReThinking Foreign Policy
    RootsAction.org
    Save the Children US
    Save the Children US
    Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team
    Terre des hommes – Lausanne
    The Episcopal Church
    The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP)
    The United Church of Christ
    UNRWA USA National Committee
    US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action (USCPR Action)
    Veterans For Peace, Chapter #63 (Albuquerque)
    War Child Alliance
    We Are All America (WAAA)
    Welcoming America
    Win Without War
    Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US
    Working Families Party
    Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation
    ACCESS of WNY
    Al Otro Lado (CA and Tijuana)
    Atlanta Multifaith Coalition for Palestine
    CAIR-Ohio
    Christian Jewish Allies for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine
    Church Women United in New York State
    Council on American-Islamic Relations, New York chapter (CAIR-NY)
    Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Washington DC
    Jewish Voice for Peace Albuquerque
    Minnesota Peace Project
    Muslim Justice League (MA)
    New York Progressive Action Network
    Oasis Legal Services (CA)
    OnceAForest.org (NM)
    Peace Action WI
    Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!
    Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) Bay Area
    Veterans For Peace – Santa Fe NM Chapter
    Muslims United PAC (MUPAC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise on Violent Democrat Rhetoric: Enough is Enough

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), and Congressman Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) to discuss the impact – which he has experienced personally – of dangerous rhetoric from the Left that has led to now multiple attempts on President Trump’s life. Leader Scalise pointed to specific quotes of Democrat leaders whose words have been used by unhinged people as calls to engage in political violence. Leader Scalise also highlighted legislation on the House floor this week that would provide the same amount of Secret Service for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as that of a sitting president.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 

    On House Republicans’ legislation to combat violence against women by illegal aliens:

    “Before I talk about that, we have a very busy agenda on the floor this week, and Speaker [Johnson] will talk about some of that, especially the CR with SAVE Act. But today, one of the other bills we’re going to be voting on is a bill that says, if someone is here illegally and they assault a woman – we’ve seen people come here illegally and murder women. That seems like the only time where some of these woke prosecutors will actually arrest the illegal. But there’s so many other horrible things being done to women by illegals. The bill says if they assault a woman in any kind of way, it’s a deportable offense. Now, I’m curious to see how this vote is going to be. Everybody on the House floor should vote for that bill. But if any Democrat dare vote against it, they’re going to have to explain to people back home who are watching this be carried out in every community in America why they would rather stand with illegals than women in their own districts that they represent. That’s going to be today.”

    On protecting Americans workers from woke policy:

    “Tomorrow, we’re going to continue moving forward on our agenda, continue going after wokeness, continue to stand up for families who are struggling. And then Friday, we’re going to be bringing a few bills. One, CRA on tailpipes. Kamala Harris has always been for eliminating the combustion engine and mandating EVs. Her values haven’t changed. That’s what she’s been for her whole life. It’s crushed thousands of jobs in states like Michigan. So [Congressman] John James from Michigan, who has seen the devastation of these horrible policies coming out of the Biden-Harris administration, is bringing a bill to reverse that, to end that mandate on the tailpipe emission, which was designed to kill the combustion engine, fossil fuel cars, in exchange for mandating EVs. People don’t even want to buy the EV cars. The batteries are made in China, and yet they continue their drumbeat. So we’re going to stand up for American workers Friday in that vote.”

    On strengthening the Secret Service: 

    “But one of the last votes we’re going to have, this is what I really want to talk about, is a bill by [Congressman] Mike Lawler that will ensure that both nominees for president, not just Donald Trump, also Kamala Harris, get the same level of Secret Service protection as the president of the United States. As has been talked about by so many already, it’s unacceptable that now we’re at two assassination attempts on President Trump. And luck cannot be a strategy by the Secret Service to have stopped these attempts. He came within inches, as we all know, on the first assassination attempt where shots actually rang out. If not for the advanced Secret Service agent seeing that muzzle just barely coming through a chainlink fence, we may have been talking about something very different right now. Luck cannot be a strategy. Clearly, I think there’s divine intervention. I know Speaker [Johnson] has said that, too. But at the same time, the Secret Service has to do better. Keep in mind, as we talk about adding this extra protection, every year since 2017, Congress has added more money to the Secret Service’s budget than they even requested in their budget.

    “And so it’s not an issue of money. What they’re doing with the money we’ve had a lot of serious questions about before the first assassination attempt – trying to carry out a woke agenda, focusing on the wrong things, and forgetting their main mission, and that is to protect presidents and vice president of the United States. The Secret Service has to shift that focus and shift their priorities and provide this protection.”

    On dangerous Democrat rhetoric:

    “Now I’m going to be very specific because we talk about the rhetoric. When there’s an incident like this, there’s always talk that the rhetoric needs to dial down. I’m one of those who says it, too. But this isn’t generic. There is very specific rhetoric we can now point to that we know is triggering some of these people who are unhinged who take it the wrong way and want to carry out what is being sent to them by Democrats talking about this. We all know Kamala Harris, her quote, where she says, ‘Trump is a threat to our democracy and fundamental freedoms.’ She said this over and over again, not just before the first attempt. Even after the first attempt on President Trump’s life, there might have been a two or three-day pause, and then they went right back to it.

    “In fact, just days before the second assassination attempt, Kamala Harris made that quote. And then the second shooter, attempted shooter, he was regurgitating the same language as Kamala. So this is no longer a dog whistle, which it’s been on the left. It’s now being received by some unhinged people as a call to action when Democrats say this. Kamala needs to stop saying that President Trump is a threat to democracy. There are unhinged people that are taking that as a call to go and try to eliminate President Trump. She needs to stop it now. Leadership starts at the top, and then you’ve got to go down.President Biden has said that as well, along with the quotes, and you’ve heard it from others. It’s important to repeat. President Biden, ‘It’s time to put Trump in a bullseye.’ The President of the United States said that, and then now, two different people have taken that as a call to action. Where is the real scrutiny coming from the press to ask them do you now denounce what you said? Because people are taking it the wrong way and are actually trying to carry it out. It’s not just rhetoric.

    “We almost lost President Donald Trump. And it shouldn’t happen on either side. But you’re seeing this language from the other side get higher and higher. Got to say it again, Congressman Goldman, ‘It is destructive to our democracy, and he, President Trump, has to be eliminated.’ Does anybody need an interpretation of that? One unhinged person hearing that, and what does that mean to them? That they’re going to carry out as a call to action what they’re being called to do. Cannot happen. It cannot happen. Congresswoman Plaskett, ‘Trump needs to be shot.’ Has she been scrutinized on that quote? Are other Democrats being asked to call her out and stop doing that thing that is being taken the wrong way? I’ve seen it personally when people are called to action, one person is all it takes to take it the wrong way and then look at what could be. We don’t want this to happen again. But they, the Democrats that are saying this, starting with Kamala Harris, have to stop the language they’re saying. Talk about your policy differences, but stop all of this language about threats to democracy and Hitler comparisons, and he needs to be shot. Enough is enough.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Statement on Major Disaster Declaration Approval Following Hurricane Francine

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    JEFFERSON, La. — Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after a major disaster declaration was granted in the wake of Hurricane Francine for Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes:
     
    “As South Louisiana continues to assess the damages from Hurricane Francine, it is critical that we have the right resources to help people and communities rebuild and recover.

    “This major disaster declaration covers a number of parishes that received some of the greatest impact, and additional parishes may be added to this list as damage estimates continue to come in from individual communities and parishes.
     
    “I’ve spoken directly with local, state and federal officials, and will continue to work to ensure the communities and families impacted by this storm have the resources they need to fully recover.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU team successfully performed at the ICPC World Finals

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – From September 15 to 20, Astana hosted the 48th ICPC World Finals, a world championship in competitive programming. 142 teams from more than 111 countries took part in the competition, selected from 72,000 participants representing 103 countries and more than 3,000 universities. The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is an international student programming contest founded in the 1970s in the United States. The first international ICPC was held in 1977 in the United States, at the University of Michigan. Since then, the competition has been held annually in various countries, such as the United States, Russia, the Netherlands, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Japan, Sweden, Poland, Thailand, Morocco, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Portugal. The NSU team includes students Faculty of Information Technology: Sofia Lylova (4th year), Anton Mokrousov (2nd year postgraduate student), Artem Plyusnin (master’s graduate). The team solved six problems, sharing 20-50 places with such leading universities as ITMO, HSE, Stanford University, University of Cambridge and others. – The problem set turned out to be very interesting and balanced, our team solved six problems, and the winner of the championship only nine. Of all the problems, there was one that no team solved. As in previous years, the level of teams at the world championship is very high, it cannot be otherwise – the best university teams qualify. There is a lot of pressure – to compete with the strongest, especially with those who have already won medals in previous seasons of the championship. Our team took a long time to get to the world championship final and trained a lot. For example, the guys have repeatedly participated in training camps in Petrozavodsk, where the best teams of our region practice, and at the end of August they went there for in-person participation, – said Vladimir Isachenko, coach of the NSU team in sports programming, senior lecturer of the Department of Informatics Systems of the NSU FIT. In the final table, Peking University took first place, and MIPT took second place. MIPT’s team in algorithmic programming Yolki-Palki became the only one from Russia to climb the ICPC podium. MIPT overtook their strongest rivals from the University of Massachusetts and Xinhua University.

    Saint Petersburg University took 22nd place, HSE University — 29th, ITMO University — 36th, MAI — 43rd, NSU — 45th, Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design — 92nd, and Skoltech — 102nd. — Despite the successful performance of the NSU team, we know that we still have room to grow and develop, our goal is to prepare better and win medals. According to the rules, Artem and Anton can no longer participate in ICPC competitions, they will join the coaching staff and help prepare the teams. And Sofia can still participate, so she will prepare for next year with a different team, — concluded Vladimir Isachenko.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/education/team-nsu-successfully-performed-at-the-world-championship-in-sports-programming-ispc-world-final/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rubio, Scott Support Florida Request for Pre-landfall Emergency Declaration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

    Rubio, Scott Support Florida Request for Pre-landfall Emergency Declaration
    Sep 23, 2024 | Press Releases

    Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, soon to be Hurricane Helene, is expected to make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane later this week. The storm will bring strong winds, heavy rain, severe storm surge, flooding, and hazardous seas to Florida’s impacted areas. Additionally, this inclement weather has the potential to cause isolated tornadic activity across Florida. 
    U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging his immediate approval of the State of Florida’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for 41 counties. 
    “Ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property, and our communities. As such, we request that you promptly approve Governor DeSantis’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration.”
    The full text of the letter is below. 
    Dear Mr. President:
    We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for 41 of Florida’s counties due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine (Helene), which is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane and impact Florida in the coming days.
    Currently, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine (Helene) is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast by Thursday afternoon. In addition to strong winds and heavy rain, this approaching storm is expected to bring severe storm surge, flooding, hazardous seas, and the potential for isolated tornadic activity across Florida. Although Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, this storm approaches as many areas of the Florida Big Bend coastline remain particularly vulnerable to tropical-related impacts due to damage caused by Hurricane Debby in August.
    Ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property, and our communities. As such, we request that you promptly approve Governor DeSantis’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Legislation to Expand Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Passes House Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement regarding the House Natural Resources Committee passage of his legislation to include Lafourche Parish, La., as part of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area (ANHA):
     
    “Louisiana is world-famous for our unique culture. From our distinct bayou landscapes to the diverse array of wildlife, so much of our storied culture is connected to the uniqueness of the Atchafalaya River Basin and the communities and people connected to it. 

    “I’m pleased to see my bill, which expands the boundaries of the existing Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish, pass out of the House Natural Resources Committee today, and I look forward to continuing to work through the legislative process to get this bill signed into law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise on Homeland Security Committee Report on the Biden-Harris Border Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement on the House Committee on Homeland Security’s report on the Biden-Harris Administration’s border crisis:

    “Today, the Committee on Homeland Security released a report exposing the many ways the Biden-Harris Administration knowingly and intentionally undermined U.S. border security to create the crisis we currently see at the border. 

    “The Committee’s report revealed even before taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration was warned by experienced border security professionals about the dangers of their plan to open our borders and dismantle our border security. President Biden and ‘Border Czar’ Vice President Harris ran on the platform that they would undo Trump-era border security measures and open our borders, incentivizing migrants to surge the border when they assumed office – which is exactly what happened.

    “Thanks to the Biden-Harris open border policies, over 8.2 million illegal immigrants have crossed our southern border, including more than 384 people on the terrorist watchlist. With this massive influx has come deadly fentanyl – which has taken around 200,000 American lives since 2021 – and dangerous gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. Headlines about illegal aliens committing horrific crimes against innocent citizens like Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin, and too many others, flash across our screens and papers daily, and more than 52,000 illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds have been arrested. This crisis has touched every American. 

    “The Committee’s report underlines that the Biden-Harris border crisis was not some inevitable phenomenon – it was directly caused by the actions taken by President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. House Republicans won’t stop fighting to secure our border and hold the Biden-Harris Administration accountable for the tragic consequences of their disastrous policies.”

    Click here to view the Committee on Homeland Security’s report.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Surrogacy is booming. But new research suggests these pregnancies could be higher risk for women and babies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University

    Helena Lopes/Pexels

    A new study from Canada has found women who agree to carry and birth babies in surrogacy arrangements face a higher risk of complications than other pregnant women.

    These women were at two to three times the risk of health problems such as postpartum haemorrhages and pre-eclampsia. They were also more likely to give birth prematurely.

    With an increasing number of people in Australia and elsewhere having children via surrogacy arrangements, what can we make of these findings?

    First, what is surrogacy?

    Surrogacy is a situation where a woman becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby (or babies) for another person or a couple in a planned arrangement.

    There are two types of surrogacy.

    The first is where the pregnant woman is the full biological mother, with the child conceived using her own egg (sometimes called “traditional” or “genetic” surrogacy).

    The second is where the pregnant woman is not the genetic mother and the child is conceived using the egg of a different woman (called “gestational surrogacy”).

    Gestational surrogacy involves the transfer of an embryo or embryos into the uterus of a woman who has agreed to carry and birth the child using in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Gestational surrogacy is now the most common form of surrogacy arrangement in Australia.

    The new study looked at gestational surrogacy specifically.

    What the researchers did

    The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, was retrospective. This means it used existing data that is gathered routinely on people using health services.

    It included 863,017 women who had a single baby between April 2012 and March 2021 (multiple births were excluded).

    The researchers compared outcomes for women and babies where the pregnancy was achieved naturally, those who got pregnant using IVF, and those who were pregnant in a gestational surrogacy arrangement where the woman had no genetic link to the baby.

    Most babies were conceived naturally, 16,087 were IVF pregnancies, and 806 women were pregnant in gestational surrogacy arrangements.

    The study looked at more than 860,000 women in Canada who had a baby over a nine-year period.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    The researchers found pregnant women in gestational surrogacy arrangements had a rate of severe maternal complications of 7.8%, more than three times the rate of those who became pregnant naturally (2.3%) and almost twice the rate among those who got pregnant through IVF (4.3%).

    These risks included postpartum haemorrhage (losing excessive amounts of blood following the birth), severe pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure associated with pregnancy) and serious postpartum infection (sepsis). There was also a higher risk of the baby being born preterm (before 37 weeks) in gestational surrogacy situations.

    The researchers attempted to take into account differences between the three groups like age, weight, health problems and socioeconomic status, which can all influence the risk of complications for pregnant women and their babies. Despite this, they still saw these concerning results.

    Why might the risk be higher?

    Previous research looking at outcomes with gestational surrogacy has had mixed results. But it is thought the reason risks could be greater for the woman and baby in gestational surrogacy arrangements may be because the baby is genetically unrelated to the woman.

    Pregnancy has a strong impact on the immune system. During pregnancy, women’s immune systems are altered so they do not reject the growing baby.

    An imbalanced or overactive immune response can contribute to pregnancy complications including preterm birth and pre-eclampsia. Having a baby with different genetic material may affect a woman’s immune response during pregnancy, and increase the risk of complications in this way.

    Some limitations

    Only women having a single baby were included in the study, so we don’t know the outcomes where a multiple pregnancy was involved. However, multiple birth is common in surrogacy, and there are increased risks associated with multiple births for women and babies.

    Multiple embryo transfer increases the risk of twins and triplets and is prohibited in the context of surrogacy in Australia (and discouraged in IVF treatments more broadly). But Australians engaging in overseas surrogacy commonly request it.

    Also, the study includes a relatively small number of women pregnant in a gestational surrogacy arrangement (806), meaning there’s an increased risk for statistical error and limited ability to detect rare outcomes.

    People may use a surrogate to have a baby for a range of reasons.
    Lopolo/Shutterstock

    Ethical questions

    An increasing number of Australians are having children via surrogacy arrangements. This is due to a combination of factors including a decline in adoption, women delaying motherhood, and increased social acceptability of male same-sex parenting.

    Australia only allows altruistic surrogacy, where the woman who agrees to have the baby for others is not paid.

    However, some other countries allow women to be paid to become pregnant for others (commercial surrogacy). Concern regarding the exploitation of women via commercial surrogacy is such that Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have made it illegal for residents to travel overseas to engage in commercial surrogacy.

    Even so, most Australia children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements are born through overseas commercial surrogacy.

    Despite some limitations, this research indicates increased risks for women becoming pregnant in gestational surrogacy arrangements, and the babies they carry. It seems important the potentially elevated risks should be made clear to women considering carrying and birthing a baby for someone else, and to the prospective parents.

    Considering the rise in surrogacy globally it’s important more research is undertaken on the potential health and other impacts of this practice on women and babies. Health, ethical and human rights implications should inform legislative frameworks, policy and practice.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Surrogacy is booming. But new research suggests these pregnancies could be higher risk for women and babies – https://theconversation.com/surrogacy-is-booming-but-new-research-suggests-these-pregnancies-could-be-higher-risk-for-women-and-babies-239574

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse ESA Reform Bill Advances Through Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse ESA Reform Bill Advances Through Committee

    Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee approved the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act of 2024, a bill by Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) that makes reforms to the ESA to incentivize conservation, protect landowners’ rights, and implement transparency in the recovery of species.

    “The ESA is in dire need of serious changes, and I am thankful that the committee understands that. Our species and landowners have suffered far too long from misuse of the ESA and my bill puts an end to that. If we are to truly prioritize species recovery and de-listing, then we must prioritize advancing this legislation,” said. Rep. Newhouse.

    Newhouse continued, “I thank House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman for taking up this important bill, and I look forward to working to get it across the finish line.”

    This legislation is the final product of the ESA Working Group co-founded by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse and Chairman Bruce Westerman in July 2023.

    Original co-sponsors include Reps. Pete Stauber (MN-08), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), and Harriet Hageman (WY-AL).

    Background:

    This legislation:

    • Incentivizes wildlife conservation on private lands.
    • Prevents the Secretary of the Interior from designating privately owned or controlled land as critical habitat, protecting landowners’ rights.
    • Empowers states to enact species recovery plans as state and local officials know best how to manage populations without harming communities.
    • Requires that removal of a species is not subject to judicial review.
    • Creates greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species.
    • Appropriations authorizing number- $431,755,000 – which is the total authorized in House FY25 bills for Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) ESA activities.

    Full original bill text can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI… Rep. Richard Hudson, Heritage Foundation Director of the Center for Health in the Washington Examiner: The Harris-Walz healthcare plan: Fewer options, higher prices

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Representative Richard Hudson and Heritage Foundation Director of the Center for Health and Welfare Policy Nina Owcharenko Schaefer wrote an op-ed for the Washington Examinerslamming Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz, and the Democrats’ government-run healthcare policies that are leaving patients and families with fewer, lower quality choices and higher costs.

    In theop-ed, Rep. Richard Hudson and Nina Owcharenko Schaefer wrote, “While issues such as the border crisis, global conflicts, and persistent inflation continue to dominate headlines, healthcare remains a key concern for voters.

    That’s especially important because, last month, Vice President Kamala Harris picked Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) as her running mate, solidifying the duo as the first ticket ever to feature two candidates who have fully embraced government-run, single-payer healthcare.

    …

    It would cost tens of trillions of taxpayer dollars and reduce medical productivity, giving patients fewer healthcare choices, worse quality care, and longer wait times while hiking taxes for everyone.

    Harris and Walz have also embraced the Biden administration’s disastrous prescription drug price controls. In North Carolina, these liberal policies are actually making prescription drug costs more expensive while limiting future access to life-saving drugs for seniors.

    …

    Democrats once promised people that the ACA would solve our healthcare woes. But a decade later, their efforts are more focused on masking its failures than fixing what is wrong. Premiums are still rising, families have fewer choices, and the choices that are available are more limited and lower quality.

    …

    Instead of addressing these shortcomings, the Biden-Harris administration’s solution has been to simply slap a Band-Aid over them with more taxpayer-funded subsidies.

    …

    A Harris-Walz administration would take away the coverage you have today and put the government in charge of your care, giving it the power to decide what kind of care you get, where you get it, when you get it, and if you can get it at all.

    …

    While Harris and Walz are focused on expanding government control and eroding your freedom, conservatives in the House of Representatives are focused on making coverage more affordable, prices fully transparent, care more accessible, and overall costs more reasonable.

    …

    It’s time to move away from the Democrats’ failed big-government policies and toward a healthcare agenda that is patient-centered, not government-centered.”

    

    Read the full op-ed in the Washington Examiner HERE.

    -###-

    MIL OSI USA News –