NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Cramer: Department of Energy Awards $200,000 to SAGE Development Authority

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) announced an award of $200,000 to SAGE Development Authority, a federally chartered Section 17 Corporation created by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. This award, funded through OCED’s Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Program, will support clean energy projects. 
    The ERA Program was established by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It seeks to improve the resilience, reliability, safety, availability, and environmental performance of energy systems serving the nation’s rural or remote areas with populations of less than 10,000 people. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Department of Defense Awards Grand Sky Over $11 Million to Build a New Fire Station

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced an award of $11,600,000 to Grand Sky in Grand Forks to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve safety for its growing community by building a new fire station. The new facility will serve as the primary fire response unit for Grand Sky, in addition to the southern portion of Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB).
    This award, provided under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, will ensure GFAFB’s ability to respond adequately and swiftly to emergencies, protect valuable assets, maintain missions, and safeguard the health and well-being of personnel. The groundbreaking of the fire station will commence once all environmental requirements have been met.
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), issued the following statement regarding the announcement:
    “The partnership between Grand Sky and Grand Forks Air Force Base is essential to our state’s defense ecosystem, and with rapid growth comes infrastructure challenges,” said Cramer. “The completion of this fire station will protect our airmen and Grand Sky by improving resiliency and response time. Meeting these infrastructure needs will ensure safety, while supporting the partnership’s potential.”  
    Cramer has used his seat on SASC to support military installations and defense ecosystem partnerships in North Dakota. In August, Cramer flipped the switch to bring the Space Development Agency (SDA) Operations Center North online at GFAFB, participated in a Grand Forks Base Retention Committee meeting, toured the University of North Dakota (UND) National Security Corridor, and announced new Navy personnel at GFAFB. Cramer also joined E-Space CEO Greg Wyler in meeting with UND faculty and SDA staff to discuss workforce development and initiatives, and announced educational initiatives between SDA and UND.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Meeting of Women Foreign Ministers

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Following their historic meeting in Toronto on September 19-20, 2024, the Co-Chairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Jamaica, the Honourable Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, issued the following statement:

    September 20, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Following their historic meeting in Toronto on September 19-20, 2024, the Co-Chairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Jamaica, the Honourable Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, issued the following statement:

    “We gathered in Toronto with women foreign ministers from around the world and reiterated our commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of women leaders.

    “We are encouraged that women’s political representation around the world has doubled over the past 25 years. However, this still represents only about 1 in 4 parliamentary seats held by a woman.

    “We are committed to promoting women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, and to fostering inclusive and safe spaces for women in politics and public life. We are also committed to deliberately encouraging young women everywhere to enter politics and participate in public life.

    “We are concerned about the growing hateful and misogynistic discourse online that targets women, particularly in civic spaces. Safe online public spaces are a public good for societies and democracies as a whole, and regulations aimed at preserving safety and truth should not be seen as opposed to transparency, freedom of expression or freedom of the press.

    “We therefore agreed to counter gender-based violence online, prevent gender-based disinformation and call on online platforms to take measures to strengthen their accountability.

    “We discussed strategies to amplify the voices of women and other marginalized groups, both at the local level and at the highest levels of government.

    “We have expressed our deepest concerns about the gross violations of human rights suffered by women and girls in Afghanistan, and we call on the Taliban to restore women and girls’ rights to education and meaningful participation in public life, and to end their draconian measures that have erased decades of progress on women’s rights.

    “We discussed the issue of gender imbalance within the United Nations system.

    “It is time to appoint a woman as Secretary General.

    “We strongly encourage Member States considering a nomination for the position of UN Secretary-General to nominate a woman.

    “Noting that there have been only 4 women presidents of the United Nations General Assembly in the last 79 years, we believe that now is also the time to aim for gender parity in this position.

    “Making these significant changes is within our reach.

    “We engaged with various civil society representatives, who stressed the importance of supporting women’s community organizations and human rights activists in policy development. We agreed to foster environments that are conducive to gender equality and recognized that independent members of civil society are essential catalysts for the success and resilience of democracies.

    “The year 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the 25th anniversary of the unanimous adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. We cannot take this hard-won progress towards gender equality and inclusion for granted. Our collective efforts will be essential to ensure that women are fully involved in building inclusive societies and a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future.”

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Bonamici Introduce Bicameral Resolution Designating Malnutrition Awareness Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    September 20, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-1) on Friday introduced a resolution designating the week of September 16 through September 20, 2024, as “Malnutrition Awareness Week.” Food insecurity and malnutrition affect over 40 million Americans, disproportionately impacting older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations. In 2023, an estimated seven million American children lived in food-insecure households. Meanwhile, disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51.3 billion each year.
    The resolution recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists and other nutrition professionals, health care providers, social workers, and advocates for their efforts to advance awareness and prevent malnutrition. It also highlights the cyclical relationship between poverty and malnutrition and recognizes the disproportionate effect felt by communities of color. By raising awareness and promoting better access to nutritious foods and healthcare, this resolution seeks to support nationwide efforts to improve health outcomes.
    “Malnutrition is a public health crisis, and it disproportionately impacts communities of color and the most vulnerable amongst us—seniors, kids, and people with chronic illness. We must continue expanding access to affordable, healthy food through federal nutrition programs like the Older Americans Act, SNAP, and Meals on Wheels. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to bring awareness to this serious problem and recognize those working on frontlines to ensure every family can put nutritious food on the table,” said Murphy.
    “No one should go hungry because of financial distress,” said Bonamici. “Each year we recognize Malnutrition Awareness Week to draw attention to the many nutrition programs that are addressing food insecurity at all stages of life and to highlight what more can be done to finally end hunger. I’m committed to continuing to strengthen proven programs like Meals on Wheels, SNAP, and school nutrition programs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On Approval Of Major Disaster Declaration For Counties Impacted By Last Month’s Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    September 20, 2024

    HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday released the following statement on President Biden’s approval of a major disaster declaration due to last month’s flooding in western Connecticut.
    “Last month’s flooding was catastrophic for so many towns, families, and local businesses, and it will require the might of the federal government to begin to recover and rebuild. I spoke with FEMA Administrator Criswell about the magnitude of devastation and dire challenges Connecticut would face without federal assistance, and my staff and I have stayed in contact with FEMA and the White House to make sure those who suffered losses get the support they need. I’m grateful to the Biden administration for approving a partial major disaster declaration that will begin to unlock millions of dollars for FEMA Individual Assistance Program (IA) applicants in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. My office will continue to closely monitor the Governor’s request for Public Assistance (PA) federal funding for municipalities and local businesses and work to ensure that the FEMA IA funding is released as quickly as possible.”
    Murphy, along with the rest of the congressional delegation, sent a letter urging President Biden to approve this declaration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FTC Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Inflating Insulin Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    09.20.24
    FTC Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Inflating Insulin Prices
    Drug pricing middlemen accused of anticompetitive practices that drive up costs for consumers who rely on common & lifesaving drug; Cantwell’s bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Managers Transparency Act would hold PBMs accountable for deceptive practices
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the organization filed a legal action against the country’s three largest prescription drug benefit managers (PBMs)—Caremark Rx, Express Scripts (ESI), and OptumRx—for engaging in anticompetitive and unfair practices that inflated the price of insulin drugs, blocked patients’ access to more affordable products, and shifted the cost of high insulin list prices to vulnerable patients.
    U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applauded the FTC’s action.
    “Today’s FTC action against the three biggest PBMs for manipulating the price of insulin — a drug that millions of Americans cannot live without — is a big step to help patients. I know of Washingtonians who have had to choose between insulin or paying rent – while PBMs pocket billions. We cannot allow PBMs to raise prices to sky high levels. I hope the FTC will order the PBMs to stop their unfair practices that drive up insulin prices and I also hope that Congress will pass my Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act that will make PBMs’ unfair spread pricing and claw backs permanently unlawful,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    According to data from the American Diabetes Association, approximately 536,600 adults in Washington state, or 8.7% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes.
    PBMs were initially formed to process claims and negotiate lower drug prices with drug makers. Today, they administer prescription drug plans for hundreds of millions of Americans, and just three PBMs control nearly 80 percent of the entire prescription drug market. They serve as middlemen, managing every aspect of the prescription drug benefits process for health insurance companies, self-insured employers, unions, and government programs.
    Currently, PBMs operate out of the view of regulators and consumers — setting prescription costs, deciding what drugs are covered by insurance plans and how they are dispensed – pocketing unknown sums that might otherwise be passed along as savings to consumers and undercutting local independent pharmacies. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to fully understand if and how PBMs might be manipulating the prescription drug market to increase their profits and drive up drug costs for consumers.
    Sen. Cantwell introduced the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act in May 2022 with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and has continued to advocate for increased federal oversight of PBMs, including on the Senate floor in June, in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan in January, and in a press conference at a Seattle pharmacy last October.
    The bill has been endorsed by more than 200 organizations across the country, including AARP. The bill also has strong bipartisan support, with 10 Republican and four Democratic cosponsors. Last March, the bill passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which Sen. Cantwell chairs, 18-9. The legislation awaits a full vote in the Senate.
    The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act would:
    Prohibit unfair or deceptive practices.
    Block PBMs from engaging in spread pricing, unfairly reducing or clawing back drug reimbursement payments to pharmacies, and unfairly charging pharmacies more to offset federal reimbursement changes.

    Incentivize fair and transparent PBM practices.
    Provide exceptions to liability for PBMs that pass along 100% of rebates to health plans or payers and fully disclose prescription drug rebates, costs, prices, reimbursements, fees, and other information to health plans, payers, pharmacies, and federal agencies.

    Improve transparency and competition by requiring PBMs to report:
    The amount of money they obtain from spread pricing, pharmacy fees, and clawbacks.
    Any differences in the PBMs’ reimbursement rates or fees PBMs charge affiliated pharmacies and non-affiliated pharmacies.
    Whether and why they move drugs in formulary tiers to increase costs.

    Direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress its enforcement activities and whether PBMs engage in unfair or deceptive formulary design or placement.
    Authorize the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce the bill.
    Protect whistleblowers from being fired or reprimanded for bringing violations to light.

    In Washington state and across the nation, PBMs are contributing to a hostile business ecosystem, especially for independent community pharmacies. In 2023, the state saw the closure of 60 pharmacies and in the last 18 months a record 83 pharmacies have closed in the state. These closures have a significant impact on Washington consumers.  A recent analysis by the Associated Press found that Washington state is the 6th worst in the nation pharmacy access. There are currently only three 24-hour pharmacies open in the entire western side of the state, none of which are in Seattle.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize “Blue Star Welcome Week”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to designate September 21-29, 2024, as “Blue Star Welcome Week.” Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide campaign to build a better sense of belonging and community for military families, many of whom face frequent moves and transfers. 
    “Many servicemembers and their families are stationed in Virginia, and I’m proud that the Commonwealth has welcomed them into our communities,” said Kaine. “Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to thank military families for their sacrifices, connect with our neighbors, and help military families feel at home in their new communities.”
    “Alaska’s military members and their families sacrifice so much on behalf of our state and our country,” said Sullivan. “Frequent moves can put strain on families trying to establish ties in the communities in which they serve. Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to reach out and connect with our brave men and women in uniform and their loved ones who serve our country to make them feel welcomed and supported by their fellow Americans.”
    As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the father of a Marine Reservist, Kaine has long championed policies to support military families. Kaine has introduced the bipartisan Military Spouse Hiring Act to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses, who consistently experience unemployment rates higher than the national rate.  The provisions of Kaine’s Military Spouse Employment Act that passed in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act expanded hiring and career opportunities for military spouses, improved access to continuing education programs, expanded transition and counseling resources, increased small business opportunities for military spouses, provided more opportunities for family wellness programs on military bases, and addressed the constant transfers and moves military families experience. Following reports of dangerous and unsafe conditions at privatized military housing in Virginia and across the country, Kaine successfully pushed to pass reforms in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to improve housing conditions for military families.
    Full text of the resolution is available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Drive Local Overdose Data Collection Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. The bill would direct the Justice Department (DOJ) to award grants to states, cities, law enforcement units or tribes that operate overdose data collection programs, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).
    “The fight to end addiction and drug abuse in our communities requires a robust understanding of the problem at hand. By investing in local partners, we empower communities to more effectively track drug abuse trends and prevent future overdoses,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to support this cost-effective plan to expand this vital program.”
    “When responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,” Cantwell said. “Tracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.”
    “We commend the efforts of Senators Cantwell and Grassley for their work on the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. Developing a clear picture of where fatal and non-fatal drug poisonings and overdoses occur allows law enforcement and public health professionals to dedicate the needed resources to areas experiencing spikes in incidences,” Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, said. 
    “The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Director’s Association (NHDA) would like to thank Senators Cantwell and Grassley, along with their colleagues in the Senate, for their strong commitment in getting the Opioid Overdose Data Enhancement Act drafted and introduced on the Senate floor.  This act will increase the public awareness on the dangers of synthetic opioids and address the crisis negatively impacting communities across the country. Your sponsorship of this legislation provides both crucial resources to the 33 [High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) programs] across the country, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, and public health to fight against alarming increases in overdose deaths from fentanyl. The NHDA thanks you for your leadership on this important issue,” F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National HIDTA Directors Association, said.
    Grassley and Cantwell are joined by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
    Download bill text HERE.
    Background:
    ODMAP is a free, web-based platform that reports in near real-time suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose events, as well as incidents where overdose reversal medications like Naloxone were administered. ODMAP helps local agencies identify spikes and clusters of overdoses in communities, neighboring communities and nationwide. While ODMAP is a widely favored platform, DOJ would retain discretion in determining which data collection program is best for each grant applicant.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Iowa DOT Awarded Over $68 Million for Southwest Mixmaster Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) secured $68,662,000 to reconstruct the I-80, I-35 and I-235 interchange in Des Moines. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its Mega Grant Program, which is funded by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
    “This interchange has held up for many decades under significant traffic volume. But it’s past time for a revamp to enhance efficiency and ensure drivers’ safety. These federal dollars will help get the millions of people who pass through our capital city each year where they want to go,” Grassley said. “I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with Iowa’s future in mind, and I’m glad our state is seeing a return on that investment.” 
    These federal resources will enable IDOT to reduce congestion and increase navigability at the interchange, where reports indicate nearly 1,000 crashes occurred between 2018 and 2022.  
    Specific construction projects include: 
    New flyover bridges from southbound I-25/80 to eastbound I-235 and to westbound I-80; 
    A new bridge on westbound I-235; and 
    An additional lane on eastbound I-235 between 50th Street and Valley West Drive. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)
    DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)
    ******************************************************************************

         The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS), Mr Poon Kwok-ying, attended the International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) Conference in Vienna, Austria from September 18 to 20 (Austrian time). The Conference was an annual forum for railway safety regulators, operators and relevant stakeholders worldwide to exchange knowledge, experience and lesson learnt on railway safety.            The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) gave presentations on four separate railway safety topics to share its experience in the applications of innovation and technology (I&T) for enhancing railway safety as well as the regulatory experience and preventive measures on handling catastrophic flooding.           At the closing ceremony of the Conference on September 20 (Austrian time), Mr Poon, together with the Administrator of the National Railway Administration, Mr Fei Dongbin, and the Operations and Innovation Director of the MTR Corporation, Dr Tony Lee, were handed over the “IRSC Triangle” by the Organising Committee Chairman of this year’s Conference, symbolising that Hong Kong, China will be the host city of the next Conference.           Under the theme “Advancing Railway Safety through Innovations and Collaborations”, the IRSC 2025 Conference will be jointly hosted by the EMSD, the National Railway Administration and the MTR Corporation. The delegates around the world will be invited to participate the Conference in Hong Kong, China to carry out in-depth exchanges on the issue of railway safety development and also personally experience the China’s railway development in recent years. Over 300 internationally renowned railway experts from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and more are expected to attend the Conference.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch, Daines Push Back Against Forest Service’s Red Tape Proposals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Published: September 20, 2024

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Steve Daines (R-Montana) sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pushing back against a proposed amendment to the National Forest System’s 128 Forest Plans.  The amendment would add unnecessary red tape guidelines on local forests and halt necessary forest management work, increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
    “Every fire season more acres of our western National Forests are scorched in catastrophic wildfires while needed management work is put on hold, the Senators.  “Drought, insects, and disease continue to make our forests more vulnerable to these wildfires.  Already this year 7.3 million acres have burned across the country.  Addressing this crisis should be the top priority of the Forest Service.
    “Instead the Forest Service has moved forward with an unprecedented proposal to amend all 128 Forest Plans at once without making it clear why these changes are needed or even that the proposed changes will address the real threats to old growth forests…  Unfortunately, the proposed Amendment will take staff time away from on-the-ground work to address the wildfire threat and refocus the agency’s limited capacity on deciding if the Forest Plan needs to be updated to comply with the new standards…  This is the opposite of what our forests need during this crisis.  The Forest Service should be focused on expediting needed on the ground work, not putting new hurdles in place to delay hazardous fuels mitigation work.  This new layer of guidelines will also open the door to additional litigation against proposed projects further slowing the process.”
    Read the full letter HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Successfully Pushes USPS to Pause Postage Pricing Increases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not raise prices in January 2025 for Market Dominant products, which includes First-Class mail. This announcement comes after Baldwin called out USPS leadership for unsustainable price hikes and poor service.
    “Wisconsinites rely on the USPS to run their businesses, pay their bills, and communicate with loved ones,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “The proposed price hikes would have burdened hard working Wisconsinites, and I’m pleased to see they heeded my calls and will not be raising the price of stamps at the postal counter. I will continue to push the USPS leadership to halt rate increases, especially as Wisconsin families and small businesses continue to be hurt by unprecedented mail delivery delays.” 
    Senator Baldwin has repeatedly called on the USPS to address rate hikes and delays Wisconsinites are experiencing. Just this week, Senator Baldwin called on Postmaster General Louis Dejoy to immediately address costly mail delays suffered by Wisconsin newspapers that rely on the USPS. These delays have already resulted in lost revenue, customer complaints, and canceled subscriptions. In April, after USPS announced the price increase for First Class Mail stamps, Senator Baldwin questioned DeJoy’s leadership, which has resulted in higher prices for Americans and worse service. Despite the USPS enacting their new “Delivering for America” plan – which they promised would modernize and transform the Postal Service – customers continue to experience poor customer service and significant mail delays, including for rural newspaper delivery.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta’s Sponsored Bill to Protect Children from Social Media Addiction, Adverse Health Effects, Signed into Law

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, September 20, 2024

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement after Senate Bill 976 (SB 976) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. Authored by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), SB 976, also known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, interrupts the ability of social media companies and other website operators to use addictive algorithmic feeds, notifications, and other addictive design features to coerce children and teens to spend hours and hours on their platforms. The law will require parental consent for these features, empowering families to create healthy boundaries around kids’ social media use. 

    “Kids use the internet to find community and learn about themselves and the world. We must protect their ability to do this safely,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Social media companies have shown us time and time again that for profit, they are willing to use addictive design features, including algorithmic feeds and notifications at all hours of the day and night, to target children and teens. SB 976 changes this and puts families in control.”

    “Social media companies have designed their platforms to addict users, especially our kids. Studies show that once a young person has a social media addiction, they experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicide. But social media companies have been unwilling to voluntarily change their practices,” said Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), author of SB 976. “With the passage of SB 976, the California Legislature has sent a clear message: When social media companies won’t act, it’s our responsibility to protect our kids.”

    SB 976 would give parents and guardians the choice of whether users under the age of 18 would receive an algorithmically determined feed of content on social media platforms and other websites. The law does not restrict content in any way, and young users could still search for content, follow or block content from specific sources, and see a chronological feed of posts and content. Algorithmic feeds can be addictive and heavy social media is associated with harms to the mental health of young users. Some social media companies knowingly design platforms in a way that contributes to social isolation and loneliness and harms kids’ mental health during a time that is critically important for brain development.

    SB 976 prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. to users who are not established to be over age 18 unless a parent or guardian has provided consent.

    The Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act also requires social media platforms to provide parents and guardians the ability to: 

    • Prevent notifications during other hours – for example, when the child should be at school or doing homework.
    • Limit the child’s access to any addictive feed from the platform to a length of time per day determined by the parent or guardian, with a default of one hour per day.
    • Limit the visibility of likes and other engagement metrics that contribute to an addictive social media experience.
    • Select a private mode, where only the user’s connections can view or respond to content posted by the child.
    • Select a feed that’s not recommended, selected, or prioritized based on information collected from that child. 

    SB 976 requires the majority of the above safeguards to be turned on by default because safety should always be the default.

    The text of the legislation is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: AMERICA/PUERTO RICO – Appointment of the Special Envoy for the celebration of the VI American Missionary Congress (CAM 6)

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Saturday, September 21, 2024

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Francis has appointed His Eminence Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo, Archbishop Emeritus of Caracas, His Special Envoy to the celebration of the VI American Missionary Congress (CAM6), which will take place in Ponce (Puerto Rico), from 19 to 24 November 2024. (Agenzia Fides 21/9/2024) Share:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Following an Israeli Strike on Lebanese Hizbollah

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    September 27, 2024, Joint Base Andrews, after returning from the AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting Communique in London:

    I know that you’re seeing reports about a significant strike today in Beirut.

    I spoke by phone earlier today to my counterpart in Israel Minister Gallant.

    The United States was not involved in Israel’s operation. We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while Israel’s operation was already underway.

    As you know this operation took place just a few hours ago and they’re still making assessments, so I don’t have any further information or specifics for you at this time. You’ve heard me say a number of times, an all-out war should be avoided.

    Diplomacy continues to be the best way forward — and it’s the fastest way to let displaced Israeli and Lebanese citizens return to their homes on both sides of the border.

    I’ll be talking with Minister Gallant again soon and I look to get an update from him when we have that conversation. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville’s Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) bipartisan Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 was signed into law. Sen. Tuberville’s legislation reauthorizes the Poison Control Centers (PCC) Network program through 2029, providing lifesaving care to millions of families.
    “Poison Centers across the country play a critical role in keeping our families and kids safe,” said Senator Tuberville. “I’m particularly proud of Alabama’s Poison Center at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. In addition to providing life-saving treatments, these centers do a great job helping families in crisis, mitigating the burden on emergency rooms, and tracking valuable data about the flow of illicit drugs across the country. I’m glad to see this important bill signed into law.”
    “For more than 70 years Poison Centers have saved countless American lives and continued to keep communities and families safe from poison-related emergencies. By providing expert, confidential, and free guidance through the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) Poison Centers also save health care dollars and prevent unnecessary hospital visits,” said Richard Fogelson, CEO of America’s Poison Centers. “Today, Poison Centers are often the unsung heroes on the front lines of responding to emerging public threats. We thank and extend our appreciation to Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Sen. Ben Luján (D-NM), and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) for championing our mission and recognizing the critical role the nation’s 55 Poison Centers play in protecting the nation’s public health.”
    Full text of the bill can be found here.
    BACKGROUND:
    In May, Senator Tuberville introduced the Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 with U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Mitt Romney (R-UT). Following the introduction of the bill, Senator Tuberville and his colleagues passed the legislation unanimously out of HELP committee, 21-0.
    Identical legislation cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously in March.
    The PCC Network program runs the Poison Control National Toll-Free hotline (1-800-222-1222) and 55 poison control centers nationwide, which are medical support facilities staffed by toxicologists, nurses, and other professionals operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program is supported by a combination of public and private funding. In 2022, the PCC Network responded to more than 2 million human exposures—receiving an exposure case every 15 seconds on average. Alabama’s Poison Information Center is housed at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham.
    The Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 reauthorizes the PCC Network program, Poison Control National Toll-Free phone number, and national media campaign, through 2029.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Garamendi Introduce Legislation to Expand San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Garamendi Introduce Legislation to Expand San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08) introduced legislation to expand the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge by approximately 5,658 acres.
    The expansion would include adjacent baylands owned by the State of California and nonprofit Sonoma Land Trust, with parcels in Solano County, Marin County, and Sonoma County. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04) are cosponsoring the bill in the House of Representatives.
    “The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge hosts a rich wetland ecosystem and offers numerous recreational activities,” said Senator Padilla. “Expanding the refuge’s boundary by over 5,500 acres would both protect Northern California tidal marshes to support wildlife and advance California’s ambitious conservation goals.”
    “Conserving California’s special places has been a lifelong passion throughout my tenure in the state legislature, as Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, and now as a member of Congress representing Solano County. San Pablo Bay is one of those special places. Our bill will help to restore the saltmarshes in San Pablo Bay for future generations. Expanding the National Wildlife Refuge is part of my ongoing work in Congress to support the redevelopment of historic Mare Island for Bay Area residents and visitors alike, while revitalizing its shipbuilding industry,” said Representative Garamendi.
    “The San Pablo Bay Wildlife Refuge is home to some of the North Bay’s most vital habitats — serving as a safe haven for threatened species, increasing the region’s climate resiliency, and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for folks in the Bay Area. As a time-tested proponent of land conservation, I think this area is the perfect candidate for expansion,” said Representative Huffman. “Our bill will restore and expand this land so it can thrive for generations to come.”
    “San Pablo Bay is an essential part of California, and protecting local saltmarshes and baylands is a priority for Bay Area lawmakers and communities,” said Representative Thompson. “I’m honored to introduce The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act with Congressman Garamendi, Congressman Huffman, and Senator Padilla to ensure we protect the health and longevity of our region’s natural resources for generations to come.”
    The approximately 5,658 acres of state-owned and privately owned conservation land proposed for addition to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge are as follows:
    Parcel Name
    Ownership
    Acreage
    County
    District
    Bel Marin Keys Unit V
    Coastal Conservancy
    1,774
    Marin
    CA-02
    Mare Island Western Early Transfer Parcel (WETP) 
    Lands Commission
    2,449
    Solano
    CA-08
    Camp 4
    Sonoma Land Trust
    1,149.4
    Sonoma
    CA-04
    Camp 5
    Sonoma Land Trust
    285.6
    Sonoma
    CA-04
    TOTAL
     
    5,658
     
     
    The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act would also direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enter into cooperative agreements with state agencies, like California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, to manage the federal National Wildlife Refuge and nearby state conservation lands within the San Pablo Bay watershed. As with all National Wildlife Refuges, the legislation ensures that federally owned land within the expanded San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge boundary remain open to the public for outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing where permitted. The bill would not affect private land ownership or local land use decisions in any way and prohibits the use of eminent domain by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand the National Wildlife Refuge.
    The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge currently encompasses 24,390 acres, much of which is over water. The proposed 5,658-acre expansion would increase the National Wildlife Refuge’s acreage by more than 23 percent, supporting President Biden’s “America the Beautiful” National Conservation Goal to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of the lands and waters in the United States by 2030 and Governor Newsom’s similar conservation goal for California.
    The bill is endorsed by organizations including Sonoma Land Trust, California State Coastal Conservancy, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, CalWild, Sierra Club, Tuleyome, California Waterfowl Association, American Rivers, Friends of the Lost Coast, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, National Wildlife Refuge Association, Endangered Habitats League, Californians for Western Wilderness, Klamath Forest Alliance, Wilderness Society, Save Mount Diablo, Ocean Project, Latino Outdoors, and Resource Renewal Institute.
    Senator Padilla has secured millions of dollars to support San Pablo Bay. The $2.3 million he secured in the FY 2023 and FY 2024 appropriations packages for the Hamilton Airfields Wetlands Restoration project will help restore tidal and seasonal wetlands at the former Army airfield on San Pablo Bay in the city of Novato. He also announced $1.64 million for San Pablo Bay and Mare Island Strait to perform preliminary channel assessments in order to maintain the Mare Island Strait’s authorized width and depth, and to ensure a safe and navigable waterway for current and future economic development of Mare Island and the City of Vallejo.  
    A map of the proposed boundary expansion is available here.
    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Traveler consultation: Have your say on the use of technology at the border

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Traveler consultation: Have your say on the use of technology at the border

    August 1, 2024

    Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is working to make travel easier while keeping our borders secure. We are implementing tools and technologies and updating processes, laws and policies to build the border of the future.

    We are modernizing our services to meet the growing number of travellers, economic and migration trends, security threats including terrorism and organized crime, and the needs of travellers who want easier and faster self-service processing. Digital solutions will improve the border experience by reducing wait times for travellers and person-to-person interactions at the border, and allowing officers to focus on more targeted activities.

    The CBSA today launched a online survey which allows travelers to report their experiences and give their opinions on the Advance Declaration and future border tools. The survey is available from August 1 to September 26.

    The survey results will inform the planning and implementation of new and existing border tools, and identify areas for improvement. In addition to this survey, the Agency has engaged and will continue to engage with civil society groups, Indigenous groups, industry stakeholders, other government departments and its front-line employees.

    For further information or to arrange an interview with a CBSA representative, please contact:

    Media Relations Canada Border Services Agencymedia@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca1-877-761-5945

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski in Attendance as U.S. Navy Formally Apologizes to Village of Kake for Military Bombardment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    09.27.24
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Vice Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, attended and spoke at a ceremony in Kake, Alaska, where the U.S. Navy formally apologized for bombarding the Alaska Native village of Kake, Alaska in 1869.
    Senator Murkowski has advocated for this formal apology for many years. She has heard directly from the leadership of the respective villages and clans about the pain and suffering that was inflicted on the Tlingit people by this bombardment and how, generations later, it continues to affect the community. This formal apology is long overdue but marks the start of healing for the community. 
    “It was incredible to be present at this ceremony to witness the United States military’s historic apology for the devastating 1869 bombardment of Kake. I have heard for many years how the people of Kake have not been able to heal from the trauma of the Navy’s attack. Families have shared the stories of the destruction, which led to deaths among children and elders. These families have had to live with that sadness and unresolved trauma for too long,” said Senator Murkowski. “One of the cultural values the people of Kake carry is spiritual and cultural balance. When trying to find that balance, apologies need to be made, to say ‘I am sorry, we failed you.’ While far overdue, it is appropriate now that our military offered this apology to the people of Kake for their loss. I commend the clan leaders in Kake for their humble acceptance of the Navy’s apology, and hope that this acknowledgment will promote healing from the intergenerational trauma caused by the United States government’s mistakes. It was my great honor to have worked alongside the community of Kake to advocate for this historic event.”
    Senator Murkowski was previously adopted into the Deisheetaan clan by the late Selena Everson. During the ceremony, Senator Murkowski delivered remarks with fellow Deisheetaan clan members at her side, after inviting them to join her at the podium. Senator Murkowski delivered her remarks wrapped in a peace blanket lent to her by Joe Zuboff via Sealaska Heritage Institute’s President, Dr. Rosita Worl.
    For video of Senator Murkowski’s full remarks, click here.
    Excerpts from Senator Murkowski’s remarks
    “This is an historic moment. This is a moment in time, as we have heard, that has been coming for generations.”
    “I was reminded by Liz Medicine Crow that the children in the schools here are the 7th generation to hear, understand, and grieve what happened with the bombardment of 1869. Seven generations of loss.”
    “I was gifted the name Aan shaawátk’I. which means Lady of the Land. It is a tribute and an honor that I carry deeply with me. It is a responsibility that I have to not only the Deisheetaan, but to all of Alaska’s peoples.”
    “The blanket I wear at this moment that Dr. Worl has honored me with wearing for this time is a peace blanket.”
    “I became involved in these discussions – I heard about this story – years ago. Years ago, I’d learned there had been an effort for an apology, which had to work its way up not only through the military leadership, but then needed to be signed off by the Secretary of the Navy and by the President. And that it made its way so far up in the Clinton Administration, but was ultimately rejected. That was before I had heard of these stories, but this effort is one that should not die, that could not die, that must be remedied.”
    “I want to acknowledge Dr. Worl for not only convening so many, but [also for her] very, very direct reach out to our military leadership. It was in 2019 that she reintroduced the story to General Tom Bussiere who was head of the Alaska Command at the time. And General Bussiere said this wrong must be righted. I will work with you. But as happens, Generals come and they go. And General Bussiere worked hard but it was not accomplished.”
    “I was asked in my role as a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee for help from the U.S. Navy on an issue thousands of miles from here, in Nevada, where they were looking to convey property to allow for an extension of a military facility. They said what they were going to do was ensure that the Native people who had been harmed by the military’s actions would receive recognition and would receive a level, a show of apology. And I said ‘I will work with you on that issue in Nevada, but you must understand that the people of Kake have a raw and an open scar that has been left for generations. That the people of Angoon have a raw and open scar that has been left for generations. And the people of Wrangell. So, help us to ensure that these wrongs are corrected.”
    “It was humbling to be in Juneau for Celebration this year. To be part of the lengthy discussions with our military liaisons, some of whom are in this room this afternoon. And our Native leaders and elders from Kake, from Angoon, and from Wrangell, and to finally be to that point where the answer is ‘yes, an apology is necessary. Let’s talk about when.’ And now that ‘when’ is here for the people of Kake. And, so, to be able to announce at Celebration was a truly humbling moment.”
    “It is my hope that we can move together, forward, with respect and understanding for each other’s cultures, for each other’s world views, and that with these words of apology, respect is finally afforded to the people of Kake.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Supportive Housing Institute reveals projects to develop tenant-centered and high-quality permanent supportive housing

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ng>About Oregon Supportive Housing Institute 
    The Oregon Supportive Housing Institute (SHI) is a signature initiative of Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) in collaboration with and support from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). Since its start in the state, 43 teams have participated in the Oregon SHI that has resulted in 339 new PSH units, with more than 360 PSH units in development. The Oregon SHI has had diverse statewide representation from every region in Oregon, including projects from Central Oregon (Bend and Warm Springs), Coastal Regions (Astoria, Coos Bay/North Bend, Manzanita, Toledo), Corvallis, Eastern Oregon (Ontario and Lakeview), Eugene, Portland and greater Portland Metro (Gladstone, Happy Valley, Newberg, Tualatin/Tigard), Salem, and Southern Oregon (Medford/Grants Pass, Roseburg). About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 
    OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.  About Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
    The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is the national champion for supportive housing, demonstrating its potential to improve the lives of very vulnerable individuals and families by helping communities create more than 385,000 real homes for people who desperately need them. CSH engages broader systems to fully invest in solutions that drive equity, help people thrive, and harness data to generate concrete and sustainable results. Visit us at www.csh.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces Deployment of Connecticut Urban Search and Rescue Team to Assist North Carolina in Hurricane Helene Response

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has approved a request for Connecticut to deploy an urban search and rescue team to assist the State of North Carolina in its response and recovery efforts to Hurricane Helene.

    Coordinated by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, a team of eight people consisting of state and local volunteers who are specially trained in search and rescue, including swiftwater rescue, have been organized for this mission. The team, which recently returned from a similar mission in Vermont, departed Connecticut on Friday evening and are expected to remain in North Carolina for seven days.

    The deployment of this urban search and rescue team comes in addition to the deployment of a Connecticut National Guard unit that departed for North Carolina on Friday morning. That unit consists of a five-soldier flight crew from the 1-169th Aviation Regiment, as well as one CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

    “Hurricane Helene has caused extensive damage down south and Connecticut stands ready to help in the recovery efforts,” Governor Lamont said. “I thank the volunteers from this urban search and rescue team for their swift response.”

    Both deployments are occurring under the authorization of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a nationwide system for affected states to request lifesaving resources when the need arises. EMAC is implemented by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security on behalf of the governor.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta’s Sponsored Bill to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality Through Implicit Bias Training Signed into Law

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement in response to the Governor signing Assembly Bill (AB) 2319, which aims to reduce the alarming and disproportionate maternal mortality rate of Black women and other pregnant persons of color by ensuring successful implementation of Senate Bill 464 (SB 464) (Mitchell), the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act of 2019 (Act). AB 2319 is co-sponsored by the Attorney General and authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson, (D-Suisun City), Dr. Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), and the California Legislative Black Caucus.

    “It is painfully clear that we are not doing nearly enough for our nation’s mothers and children, especially those of color, as our country has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries,” said Attorney General Bonta. “No mother should ever have to fear for their health or the well-being of their child. Today’s law will take important steps to continue tackling maternal mortality head-on in California by making significant strides in changing a healthcare system rooted in institutional racism through transparency and accountability. I am deeply grateful to Assemblymembers Wilson and Weber, the entire Black Caucus, and the bill’s co-sponsors, for working with us and their commitment to fighting for equitable healthcare for all Californians.”

    “When giving birth, individuals are asked to listen to their bodies and to share that information with the medical professionals caring for them,” said Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber. “Unfortunately, concerns surrounding discomfort or pain are not taken as seriously when they are made by persons of color, specifically black persons. We have lost too many individuals during the process of bringing life into this world – deaths that were avoidable. AB 2319 ensures that when a pregnant person speaks up, that message is heard by all staff providing perinatal care.”

    “I am deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 2319, a bill that will help save lives by addressing the alarming racial disparities in maternal healthcare outcomes,” said Assemblymember Lori Wilson. “I also want to thank Attorney General Rob Bonta for his commitment to ensuring compliance and transparency, and my colleague, Assemblymember Akilah Weber, for her leadership and unwavering partnership in advancing this legislation. As a priority for both the California Legislative Black Caucus and the Women’s Caucus, this bill represents a critical step forward in ensuring that all people, regardless of their race or identity, receive equitable and unbiased care. Together, we are making real progress in protecting the health and well-being of mothers and babies across our state.”

    The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world — a burden disproportionately borne by communities of color, especially Black women. In California in particular, Black women make up 5% of those pregnant but account for 21% of the total pregnancy-related deaths. This disparity exists across all income levels. Evidence suggests one key cause of this disparity is the implicit bias of healthcare providers. A provider’s level of bias, whether conscious or unconscious, can influence their interactions with patients and their diagnoses and treatment of the patient’s pain, and can undermine patients’ trust and engagement in care.

    Today’s legislation will build on the California Department of Justice’s efforts to ensure and better equip healthcare facilities to come into full compliance with the Act, which requires hospitals and clinics to conduct evidence-based implicit bias training for all health professionals who provide care during a patient’s pregnancy, childbirth, and immediate postpartum period. In February 12, 2024, the Attorney General, alongside members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, held a press conference to highlight the significant importance of this legislation.

    The text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Announce More Than $200K In Federal Funding For Arts Programming In Illinois

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    09.27.24
    CHICAGO — U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $222,400 in federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts through the ArtsHERE grant program for two Illinois organizations.
    Free Spirit Media, which works with young creators primarily from the West and South sides of Chicago, will receive $110,000 for their Reimagining Evaluation project to create new evaluation tools rooted in storytelling, reflection, social justice, and equity. Free Spirit Media focuses on community-building, skill-sharing, and career and education pathways. The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center (UCIMC) will receive $112,400 to support a five-year strategic planning process, including cultural strategy training and a study series for local artists and community leaders. Founded in 2001, UCIMC has transformed a historic post office into a community media and arts center, supporting various community programs and financially sponsoring more than 60 organizations.
    “The arts have not only played a major role in our state’s economy, but they have made substantial contributions to our communities, making these federal investments all the more important,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced funding will help develop young artists and foster creativity and connection.”
    “Arts like theater, music and design are some of the building blocks of a community’s culture,” Duckworth said. “I’m glad this federal support will help allow arts programs across Illinois to continue fostering, sharing and promoting connection and creativity in their communities.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Whitehouse Seek Reauthorization of Critical Juvenile Justice Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) this week introduced the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDPA) Reauthorization Act, renewing a yearslong bipartisan effort to protect and improve outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system. The bill reauthorizes key delinquency prevention programs, empowers community stakeholders and bolsters federal protections for incarcerated minors. Grassley is a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Whitehouse also serves as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee. 
    “Kids in our juvenile justice system ought to receive safe, fair treatment that encourages respect for the law and, ultimately, smooths transitions back to their communities,” Grassley said. “The federal juvenile justice program ensures minors receive adequate protections from these centers operating on the taxpayer’s dime. Our bipartisan bill builds off decades of work to strengthen the core tenets of this critical program, and I thank Senator Whitehouse for his continued partnership.” 
    “Senator Grassley has been my stalwart partner over the years in strengthening protections for kids in the justice system.?I’m very pleased to launch our latest effort together to ensure that young people receive age-appropriate, community-centered support to stay out of the juvenile justice system and have a better chance to get their lives back on track after getting out,” Whitehouse said. 
    The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act:
    Reauthorizes through 2029 the Charles Grassley Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program. This program
    empowers local stakeholders to better meet the needs of their communities,
    improves the effectiveness of State Juvenile Justice Advisory Groups, and
    bolsters federal protections for kids in the justice system.

    Renews the Youth PROMISE Grants and the Tribal Youth Program to support at-risk or delinquent youth at the local level.
    Download bill text HERE.
    Background:
    Grassley and Whitehouse in 2018 championed the first reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act in nearly 16 years. Their landmark legislation made significant updates to the 1974 law, including measures to expand program oversight, promote screening for mental illness and substance abuse, prohibit the shackling of pregnant youth in juvenile detention, ensure the separation of juvenile and adult offenders and provide detained children access to adequate legal representation.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Risch: Biden-Harris Admin Should Work with Western Hemisphere Partners to Arrest and Extradite Maduro

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on reports that Nicolás Maduro has been invited to Mexico’s presidential inauguration next week:
    “For nearly four years, the Biden-Harris administration has failed to do the bare minimum to hold indicted narco-terrorist Nicolás Maduro accountable. We are encouraged to see Argentina and Ecuador join in the call to arrest Maduro. The Biden-Harris administration should follow suit and work with our democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere to seek the arrest and extradition of Maduro if he visits Mexico in the next few days.”
    Background:
    Grassley and Risch wrote Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in November requesting an explanation of what, if any, legal actions the Department of Justice and State Department have taken since 2021 to seek the arrest and extradition of Nicolás Maduro.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $200K in Federal Funding for Arts Programming in Illinois

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    September 27, 2024
    [CHICAGO, IL] — U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $222,400 in federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts through the ArtsHERE grant program for two Illinois organizations.
    Free Spirit Media, which works with young creators primarily from the West and South sides of Chicago, will receive $110,000 for their Reimagining Evaluation project to create new evaluation tools rooted in storytelling, reflection, social justice and equity. Free Spirit Media focuses on community-building, skill-sharing and career and education pathways. The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center (UCIMC) will receive $112,400 to support a five-year strategic planning process, including cultural strategy training and a study series for local artists and community leaders. Founded in 2001, UCIMC has transformed a historic post office into a community media and arts center, supporting various community programs and financially sponsoring more than 60 organizations.
    “Arts like theater, music and design are some of the building blocks of a community’s culture,” Duckworth said. “I’m glad this federal support will help allow arts programs across Illinois to continue fostering, sharing and promoting connection and creativity in their communities.”
    “The arts have not only played a major role in our state’s economy, but they have made substantial contributions to our communities, making these federal investments all the more important,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced funding will help develop young artists and foster creativity and connection.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Senator Cotton, 37 GOP Colleagues Condemning Biden-Harris Administration’s Weak Iran Policy Amid Nuclear Threat

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington, D.C. – U.S Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined U.S Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and U.S. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) in sending a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden criticizing his administration’s weak policies that have emboldened Iran to advance its nuclear program to the brink of nuclear breakout. The Biden-Harris administration’s policies of appeasement have contributed to an urgent nuclear threat and further destabilization throughout the Middle East and beyond.  
    In part, the lawmakers wrote:
    “Your administration allowed Iranian-backed militias to attack our troops more than 180 times while responding only about 11 times, diminishing any fear of American strength. You further empowered Iranian proxies by removing the Houthis from the list of designated terrorist organizations and restoring funding to the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas accomplices in UNRWA. These proxies then attacked and besieged Israel—and you proceeded to impose a weekslong, partial arms embargo on Israel, weakening the chief adversary of Iran capable of destroying its nuclear program.”
    Full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    Additional signatories include Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Katie Britt (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Barrasso (R-WY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Thune (R-SD), Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), Congressman Greg Murphy, (NC-03), Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06), Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22), Congressman Rudy Yakym III (IN-02), Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-15), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01), Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04), Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05), Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Collins Praise President Biden For Signing Their Bipartisan SIREN Reauthorization Act Into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    09.27.24
    President Biden signed the SIREN Reauthorization Act into law yesterday, extending funding for SIREN Act grants to support fire and EMS agencies in rural communities
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today praised President Biden for signing their bipartisan SIREN Reauthorization Act into law yesterday.  The legislation will extend funding for five additional years for SIREN Act grants to rural fire and EMS agencies nationwide.  The funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which was created through Durbin’s Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act, supports rural EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipment, including naloxone to address the opioid overdose epidemic.
    “In rural areas across the country, EMS agencies serve as a lifeline for their communities.  These first responders are on the front lines, providing medical care to Americans in emergencies when the nearest hospital is miles away.  That’s why it’s critical that EMS personnel, many of whom are volunteers, are provided with the resources, staffing, training, and equipment to treat the medical emergency in front of them,” said Durbin.  “Because a Nauvoo, Illinois, constituent and paramedic Mark Kennedy met with me to advocate for rural EMS agencies back in 2018, I worked to pass the bipartisan SIREN Act to support Mark and other rural EMS agencies in caring for their communities.  This week, President Biden signed Senator Collins’ and my bipartisan SIREN Reauthorization Act into law, ensuring that rural EMS agencies will have access to the funding they need for five more years.”
    “It is vital that Americans who live in rural parts of Maine and across the country have access to lifesaving emergency medical services, which is why I have long advocated for funding to support access to quality rural health care,” said Collins.  “This law will help to alleviate staffing shortages, upgrade training and equipment, and ultimately boost response times when seconds count.  This program has made a real difference for recruiting and retaining EMS personnel in Maine’s rural communities.”
    The bipartisan bill was initially signed into law in 2018 as part of the Farm Bill.  Since then, Durbin and Collins have led the appropriations effort to grow the program from $5 million annually to $11.5 million this year, resulting in a total of $40 million in grants nationwide to 42 states.  The SIREN Act has resulted in new funds to rural EMS/fire agencies in Carbondale, Nauvoo, Amboy, Jerseyville, Mt. Carmel, Paris, and Gibson City, Illinois.  Thanks to SIREN Act funding, the Nauvoo Fire Protection District has been able to increase the number of annual calls it responds to across Hancock County, Illinois, from 140 to 360. 
    A decline in primary care and hospital service availability, workforce shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, great distances between health care facilities, and low insurance reimbursement for transport and emergency treatment have all strained rural EMS agencies.  At the same time, EMS agencies today are tasked with ever-greater responsibilities— preparing for natural and manmade disasters and bioterror threats, supporting the chronic and emergency care needs of an aging population, and responding on the front lines of the opioid epidemic.  These first responders are often the only health care providers in their area and face difficulty in personnel recruitment and retention, and securing expensive equipment.
    The companion legislation in the House of Representatives is led by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Dave Joyce (R-OH-14).  The SIREN Reauthorization Act is endorsed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Rural Health Association, National Volunteer Fire Council, and National Fire Protection Association.
    Last week, Durbin spoke about the importance of the SIREN Reauthorization Act on the Senate floor.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA, the Federal Interagency, Private and Nonprofit Partners Continue to Support Hurricane Helene Response Efforts

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA, the Federal Interagency, Private and Nonprofit Partners Continue to Support Hurricane Helene Response Efforts

    FEMA, the Federal Interagency, Private and Nonprofit Partners Continue to Support Hurricane Helene Response Efforts

    President Biden approved South Carolina’s request for an emergency declaration yesterday, enabling FEMA to provide federal resources to the state for emergency protective measures like reimbursement to keep people safe and aid initial response and recovery efforts.

    WASHINGTON — FEMA is coordinating a whole of community response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene while preparing for additional impacts as the storm travels North. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida overnight as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, causing major damage and leaving more than 4 million homes without power. Tropical Storm Helene is now posing a significant flood threat in several states with heavy rain continuing. FEMA continues supporting immediate response efforts in the area as Administrator Deanne Criswell travels to Florida to survey damage alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other government officials. 

    As the storm continues inland, FEMA urges people in its path to heed the warnings of local officials, evacuate immediately if told to do so and check on neighbors if conditions allow. People further inland should also take immediate action to protect themselves as the storm approaches, bringing damaging winds over portions of Georgia and the Carolinas today. People in these areas should be prepared for the possibility of long-duration power outages. 

    Additionally, potentially life-threatening flash flooding is expected across portions of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Numerous significant landslides are expected in steep terrain across the southern Appalachians. The threat of tornadoes continues in the region.

    Storm Safety Tips 

    Residents in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina can find a list of state, tribal and local resources such as evacuation, shelter and important storm updates on FEMA.gov.

    Stay out of floodwater. Walking, swimming or driving through flood waters is extremely dangerous. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as wild or stray animals, human and livestock waste and chemicals that can lead to illness. Never drive through flood water. Turn Around. Don’t Drown™. 

    Have several ways to receive alerts. People in areas along Florida’s Panhandle, west coast and into Alabama and Georgia should follow the forecast carefully and instructions of state and local officials by monitoring local radio or television stations for updated emergency information. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign up. You can also download the free FEMA App available in English and Spanish languages to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in your area.

    Power outage and generator safety. If you lose power, use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting. If using a generator, remember to always use them outdoors and keep it at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Additionally, make sure to keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. 

    Responding to Hurricane Helene is a Whole-of-Government and Community Effort

    The federal interagency response efforts remain focused on providing lifesaving and life-sustaining measures. More than a dozen federal agencies and departments have been mobilized to assist state, local, tribal, nonprofit and private sector partners to help people of the Southeast from the effects of Hurricane Helene.

    • FEMA is coordinating a federal force of more than 1,500 personnel including more than 300 deployed FEMA staff to support states affected by the hurricane. 
    • Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas activated the Surge Capacity Force (SCF). The SCF makes rostered federal employees available to support FEMA’s response and recovery missions. 
    • Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) has deployed a total of 14 teams (940 personnel) to affected states. In Florida, eight US&R teams with two Mission Ready Packages are positioned to respond, all are equipped with Swift Water Rescue Capabilities. In Georgia, two Type 3 teams with water capability have been deployed to support rescue operations. In North Carolina, four teams all equipped with Swift Water Rescue Capabilities are in place.  
    • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) crews will continue to respond with vessels and aircraft to assist search and rescue activities. Approximately 8,000 personnel are working Coast Guard response. They will continue to respond to urgent distress calls to save lives and assist those impacted by the storm. They have begun to conduct post-storm assessments to support rapid reopening of the impacted ports and provide support to interagency, state and local partners. 
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has two teams prepositioned to provide temporary emergency power, with additional personnel deployed and other are prepared to deploy if needed. In addition to temporary emergency power, personnel will assist the states with infrastructure assessments, debris management and temporary roofing assistance as needed. They have activated six emergency operation centers in the region to coordinate operations. 
    • Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a Public Health Emergency for Florida and Georgia to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene. The declaration gives the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Their staff on the ground have begun initial assessments of the public health and health care infrastructure, working with federal and state partners to meet the needs on the ground. Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) prepositioned approximately 200 medical responders who can move to impacted communities in the region. These personnel include Health Care Situational Assessment teams and National Disaster Medical System’ (NDMS) Disaster Medical Assistance Teams along with several tons of medical equipment and supplies to provide medical surge support.
    • Department of Energy (DOE) has activated the Energy Response Organization (ERO) and is closely monitoring for power, fuel and supply chain interruptions. The ERO and field responders are in contact with industry partners and local officials. DOE has responders deployed to the Florida Emergency Operations Center, Georgia Emergency Operations Center.
    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working closely with federal, state, local and Tribal partners to help water systems, prepare for debris management and ensure facilities, including Superfund sites, maintain critical public health and environmental protections. The agency has personnel on the ground in regional and national operations centers who are offering technical assistance and guidance to those affected by Helene. 
    • American Red Cross (ARC) has more than 450 Red Cross responders deployed to affected areas, another 306 responders are traveling today. As of Friday morning, reporting indicates that at least 9,400 people are in approximately 130 evacuation shelters. These numbers expected to increase as the full impact of the storm is realized. There are more than 30 Emergency Response Vehicles active and ready to support this event. Red Cross focus today on the ground across Florida is impact assessment, sheltering and life-sustaining feeding. ARC is prepared to support mass fatality and reunification efforts as well as emergency feeding. Anyone who needs a safe place to go can find information on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
    • Salvation Army has their Emergency Disaster Services Director/State Liaison deployed to the Florida Emergency Operations Center and a liaison at the Georgia Emergency Operations Center. An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been staged in Lakeland, Florida along with seven mobile feeding units and crews, with additional mobile feeding units ready to deploy. Florida IMT in Live Oak has ready-to-serve meal boxes for immediate service delivery. In Georgia, The Salvation Army is supplying food services to a Valdosta, Georgia Emergency Shelter in Lowndes County. Additionally, the Bainbridge Salvation Army will provide feeding for Decatur County Critical Workforce.
    • USA.gov published a one-stop-shop for hurricane information. 

    erika.suzuki

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BREAKING: Chicken Little Marcy DECLINES Toledo Blade debate

    Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    September 27, 2024

    Chicken Little Marcy Kaptur just DECLINED the Toledo Blade debate with Derek Merrin in what can be defined as the most cowardly move from her panicking campaign.

    In the most pathetic fashion, Cowardly Kaptur is hiding from her voters, too afraid to answer for her extreme liberal policies, and refusing to address why she’s only passed 5 bills during her 41 years in Congress while collecting over $5.8 million in taxpayer dollars to pay her salary.

    “Cock-a-doodle do-nothing Marcy has taken over $5.8 million from Ohio taxpayers to pay for her salary, and now she’s taking away the voters’ opportunity to hear the truth about her extreme record that has left Northwest Ohio behind. Voters deserve so much more than the lies and cowardice from Chicken Little Marcy Kaptur.” — NRCC Spokesman Mike Marinella

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    MIL OSI USA News –