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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Garamendi, Randall, Begich, Malliotakis Launch Bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus to Improve Ferry Transportation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    The Public Ferry Coalition applauds the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus, welcomes this important step in raising awareness of the vital role ferries play in transportation

    FAIRFIELD, CA – Yesterday, Representative John Garamendi (CA-08), announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus for the 119th Congress, alongside co-chairs Representatives Emily Randall (WA-06), Nick Begich (AK-At Large), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11).

    This bipartisan caucus was created to advocate for the unique needs of communities where ferry transportation is essential. The Congressional Ferry Caucus aims to promote the benefits of and advocate for the long-term federal investment in public ferry systems, including marine, shoreside, and workforce needs. The Caucus will educate Members on the vital role ferries play in America’s transportation network, connecting both urban and rural communities to jobs, schools, health care, and recreation. The Ferry Caucus will serve as a platform to address the need for increased federal funding and improvements to these essential waterway transportation systems, from the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Northwest to Alaska and New York.  

    “With rising sea levels and increasing congestion on our bridges, people are increasingly turning to ferry service as a reliable means of transportation. In my district, the San Francisco Bay Ferry is leading the way in groundbreaking projects to electrify their ferry boats and develop America’s first high-speed, high-capacity zero-emission vessels,” said Representative Garamendi. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Congressional Ferry Caucus to ensure this vital innovation can continue, and that these vessels are built in America by skilled American workers.”

    “Washington State’s ferry system isn’t just transportation infrastructure—our ferries are a lifeline for communities,” said Representative Randall. “From daily work commutes and medical appointments to connecting with loved ones, my constituents rely on these boats every day. Without reliable service, we face hours long drives just to reach Seattle—making daily life unnecessarily difficult for those living on the Peninsula. Ferries also bring visitors from around the world to experience the natural beauty and unique local businesses of our region, and without them, our local economies would struggle. I know my neighbors are excited about the recent return to full service on the Bremerton-Seattle run with the addition of a second boat. And I’m proud to be launching the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus to advocate for the federal funds and support our marine highways deserve, to ensure we meet the unique needs of our coastal and rural communities and to build a more connected, resilient future.”

    “I’m pleased to join Congresswoman Emily Randall as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Ferry Caucus. Alaska’s Marine Highway is a crucial lifeline in Alaska that connects our coastal communities and ensures access to essential services across our state while also supporting local economies. Whether you live in Ketchikan, Kodiak, or any of the dozens of coastal towns that rely on these routes, Alaskans deserve a strong and well-maintained Marine Highway System,” said Representative Begich. “This caucus provides an important platform to build bipartisan support and secure the resources necessary to keep our ferries running – and I look forward to serving as a Co-Chair to advocate for Alaskans.”  

    “I join my colleagues in launching the Congressional Ferry Caucus. For decades, ferries have connected communities and states, providing convenient transportation and access for everyday commuters and visitors,” said Representative Malliotakis. “As the representative of an island surrounded by water, I’m committed to supporting the Staten Island Ferry, fast ferries and other maritime transportation as critical links for my constituents.”  

    “The Public Ferry Coalition applauds the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus and welcomes this important step in raising awareness of the vital role ferries play in our transportation system. Ferries are more than just a mode of transit—they are essential to connecting communities, reducing congestion, and strengthening regional resilience. We look forward to working with the Caucus to advance shared priorities and ensure that America’s public ferry systems remain strong, sustainable, and equipped to meet the demands of the future.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi Statement on Trump’s Unilateral Military Action in Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Senior Armed Services Committee Member Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s unilateral military action against Iran:

    “President Trump’s unilateral and unauthorized decision to conduct military strikes against Iran demonstrates how he continues to put his own ego above the safety of our country. Without a clear and imminent threat, Trump has now dragged our country into a regional war and unnecessarily put thousands of service members at risk.  

    “The Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. Trump’s reckless action, taken without a vote of Congress or an imminent threat to U.S. forces, violates the clear intent of our founders – that Congress, not a king-like executive, should decide when the country goes to war.

    “Trump broke his promise to bring peace to the Middle East and to keep the United States out of another war in the region. In fact, he has done the opposite—dramatically increasing the risk of the U.S. being drawn into yet another conflict. He will bear full responsibility for every harmful consequence of this reckless action.

    “Trump once warned that President Obama would conduct military strikes due to an ‘inability to negotiate.’ He had it backwards: Obama had a deal—Trump started a war.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi Statement on Supreme Court Birthright Citizen Decision

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to limit national injunctions blocking President Trump’s executive order targeting birthright citizenship:

    “I am deeply concerned that today’s decision will limit future federal courts from protecting the rights of Americans for years to come. This reckless ruling limits the ability of federal courts to block presidential executive actions that are contrary to the Constitution and the law. As Justice Jackson wrote, ‘May a federal court in the United States of America order the Executive to follow the law?’ Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, conservative or progressive, the answer should be – yes, it must.

    “The Fourteenth Amendment is clear: If you are born in the United States, you are an American citizen. No ruling can change that, which is why the legal fight to protect birthright citizenship will prevail.

    “Every child born in the United States is an American citizen, and I will not rest until that constitutional right is fully and unequivocally protected.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Bridge Corrosion and Collapses

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Garamendi (CA-08), along with Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) introduced the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act. This bipartisan legislation will strengthen standards for federally funded infrastructure projects by ensuring that critical corrosion prevention work is done by qualified workers using proven techniques. The legislation would also build on a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board and direct the Department of Transportation to study and generate best practices for inspecting and addressing corrosion on bridges made of weathering steel.

    Corrosion costs the United States billions of dollars every year while putting public safety at risk. According to a 2001 study from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), using currently available corrosion control practices could directly save between $85.5 and $199.5 billion, with indirect savings even higher.

    “The persistent corrosion of our roads and bridges needs to be addressed with the urgency this issue demands. Our bill builds on the historic success of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest federal investment to modernize our nation’s infrastructure. It requires all federally funded bridge projects to use certified contractors for any corrosion control work and employ industry-recognized standards for corrosion mitigation and prevention,” said Congressman Garamendi. “America’s corrosion professionals, union painters, and new apprentices are ready, willing, and able to do the job. I am thrilled to work with my colleagues to pass this critically important legislation to strengthen our nation’s bridges.”

    “We should have the strongest, safest, and most resilient infrastructure in the world,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I support the Bridge Corrosion, Prevention and Repair Act, which will protect our communities by toughening safety standards for our nation’s bridges and improving structural conditions.”

    “Too often, corrosion is overlooked as a serious threat to the safety and longevity of our nation’s bridges,” said Congressman Bost. “This legislation takes a proactive approach by putting clear standards in place to prevent costly failures before they happen. It’s a responsible step that will help extend the life of our infrastructure and ensure federal investments deliver real results for the communities that depend on them.”

    “In 2021, the Infrastructure Report Card gave Pennsylvania’s bridges a D+—an unacceptable risk to our communities and economy. I helped pass the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to rebuild infrastructure in PA-1 and nationwide, and while we’ve made progress, there’s more work ahead. This legislation builds on that work by requiring federally funded bridge projects to meet rigorous corrosion prevention standards, engage certified professionals, and use proven methods that extend the life of our bridges. It ensures taxpayer dollars deliver lasting value and keeps our infrastructure safe and reliable for generations to come,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

    The bill is endorsed by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).    

    “AMPP commends Representatives Garamendi, Bost, Fitzpatrick, and Deluzio for their continued leadership and advocacy in championing legislation to address the hidden but urgent threat of corrosion on America’s bridges. The introduction of this bill reinforces what experts have long known: corrosion is a preventable safety risk that demands national attention. AMPP stands ready to support efforts that prioritize corrosion prevention, promote the use of industry standards, and invest in a skilled workforce capable of protecting the infrastructure that millions of Americans rely on every day,” said Alan Thomas, CEO, Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).

    “Keeping our bridges safe and corrosion free not only makes our communities safer, but has the power to help create thousands of good jobs that drive our economy. The IUPAT thanks Representatives Garamendi, Bost, Fitzpatrick, and Deluzio for their leadership in re-introducing the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act.  Safe infrastructure and investing in good jobs is something that should unite us all and we look forward to the passage of this bill with strong bipartisan support,” said Jimmy Williams, Jr, General President, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

    Read a section-by-section summary here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Golar LNG Limited Closes Offering of $575 Million of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030 and Repurchase of 2.5 Million Common Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hamilton, Bermuda, July 1, 2025 — Golar LNG Limited (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GLNG) announced today the closing of its previously announced offering of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”), in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company sold $575 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes, including $75 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes sold pursuant to the initial purchasers’ exercise in full of their 30-day option to purchase additional Notes in connection with the offering.

    The Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the Company, bear interest at a rate of 2.75% per annum, are payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2025, mature on December 15, 2030, and are convertible into the Company’s common shares, cash, or a combination of shares and cash, at the Company’s election. The conversion rate for the Notes initially equals 17.3834 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $57.53 per common share, representing an initial conversion premium of approximately 40% over the closing price of the Company’s common shares of $41.09 on June 25, 2025, and is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.

    The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repurchase 2.5 million of the Company’s common shares in connection with the offering of the Notes and intends to cancel these shares, reducing the total outstanding share count to 102.3 million shares. The Company plans to use the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, future growth investments including a contemplated fourth FLNG unit, MKII FLNG conversion costs, FLNG Hilli redeployment costs, repaying indebtedness, and funding working capital and capital expenditures.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    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 jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any offer of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum.

    The Notes and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) which reflect management’s current expectations, estimates and projections about its operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities and events that will, should, could or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Words such as “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “propose,” “potential,” “continue,” “subject to” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements and include statements related to the offering of the Notes, the terms and conditions, the intended use of proceeds and other non-historical matters.

    These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict and which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include risks relating to the actual use of proceeds and other risks described in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC.  You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Golar LNG Limited undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

    Hamilton, Bermuda
    July 1, 2025

    Investor Questions: +44 207 063 7900
     Karl Fredrik Staubo – CEO
    Eduardo Maranhão – CFO
    Stuart Buchanan – Head of Investor Relations

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    This announcement is not being made in and copies of it may not be distributed or sent into any jurisdiction in which the publication, distribution or release would be unlawful.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Leonardo sinks Man City to send Al Hilal into last eight at Club World Cup

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Starting players of Al Hilal pose for photos before the round of 16 match between Manchester City of England and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida, the United States, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Marcos Leonardo struck a dramatic extra-time winner as Al Hilal reached the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 win over Manchester City on Monday.

    City led early through Bernardo Silva before the Saudi Arabian side responded with goals from Leonardo and Malcom at Camping World Stadium.

    Erling Haaland brought City level in a frenetic second half, and the sides traded further goals in extra time through Kalidou Koulibaly and substitute Phil Foden.

    The result means Al Hilal will meet Brazil’s Fluminense at the same venue on Friday for a place in the last four, while Manchester City bows out after having progressed from the group stage with a perfect record.

    Silva put the Premier League club ahead in the ninth minute when he tapped in from close range, having pounced on a loose ball after Renan Lodi’s clearance ricocheted off Ilkay Gundogan.

    Yassine Bounou then made a series of saves to deny City a second goal.

    The Morocco international kept out dangerous attempts from Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan before blocking a powerful effort from Silva.

    The four-time Asian Champions League winners lacked fluency with the ball early, and on the rare occasion they ventured into the box, City’s defence was able to quickly defuse the danger.

    Al Hilal’s best chance of the opening half came when Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo headed over after Mohamed Kanno’s cross from the right.

    Al Hilal emerged from the break with newfound purpose. Leonardo put his side on level terms less than two minutes after the restart when he nodded in after City failed to deal with Joao Cancelo’s cross and the ball fell kindly for the former Benfica player.

    Malcom was causing problems for Manchester City’s defense and the former Barcelona winger released Cancelo with a marauding run down the right wing – only for the ex-City full-back to blast over from a tight angle.

    Malcom then broke free following a City corner, running almost half the length of the pitch before calmly slotting a low shot into the far corner to give his side the lead.

    The hectic pace continued, with City drawing level three minutes later through Haaland. The Norway international bundled home from inside the six-yard box after Al Hilal allowed the ball to spill loose from a corner.

    Al Hilal was dealt a major blow shortly after as Malcom was forced off with an injury, robbing the team of its most effective attacking outlet on the night.

    Undaunted, the Riyadh-based club continued to push forward in search of a third goal. Kanno had the chance to restore his team’s advantage in the 79th minute but failed to make clean contact with a header with only the goalkeeper to beat.

    Haaland was denied a late winner when his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Ali Lajami as the game was forced into extra time.

    Al Hilal made the breakthrough soon after as Koulibaly rose highest following Ruben Neves’ corner to send a superb header past Ederson.

    City equalized again 10 minutes later as Foden, a 104th-minute substitute for Rodri, latched onto Rayan Cherki’s diagonal pass with a lunging volley at the far post.

    But Al Hilal refused to yield and Leonardo prodded home the winning goal from point-blank range after Ederson had acrobatically palmed away Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: FIFA Club World Cup 2025: FC Inter Milan vs Fluminense FC

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Hercules (C) of Fluminense FC celebrates scoring during the round of 16 match between Italy’s FC Inter Milan and Brazil’s Fluminense FC at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina, the United States, June 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Framing the Past: Controversial portrait sparks dialogue on confronting uncomfortable legacies The portrait of a University philanthropist and enslaver will be used to prompt discussion and debate on how we respond to contested artefacts and their legacies.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Gilbert Ramsay portrait

    The portrait of a University philanthropist and enslaver will be used to prompt discussion and debate on how we respond to contested artefacts and their legacies.
    ‘Framing the past, imagining the future’ will be held at the University of Aberdeen on July 3 as part of the institution’s work to address its historical links to transatlantic slavery – with the wider community invited to join the conversation.
    Gilbert Ramsay (1658-1728) was a graduate of Marischal College who left a substantial bequest to his alma mater as well as to the Aberdeenshire village of Birse, where he grew up, to build a parish school and establish a poor fund.
    But his fortune was built on human suffering as Ramsay, who served at churches in Antigua and Barbados, amassed his fortune through slaveholding and the sale of enslaved people.
    The source of Ramsay’s wealth was revealed earlier this year in The University of Aberdeen and the Legacies of Slavery report, researched and written by Aberdeen historian Dr Richard Anderson.
    Ramsay’s portrait hangs above a fireplace in a classroom in the University’s College Bounds building, accompanied by a short interpretation panel which outlines his life and his links with slavery.
    It will be used as a conversation starter for the event organised by organised by Dr Catriona McAra for the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History and University Collections.
    Professor Beth Lord, Head of the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History, said: “Ramsay is a significant figure in the School’s history as he donated funds that supported our longest-established subjects, Divinity and Philosophy. Now that we know about Ramsay’s connection to transatlantic slavery, we are faced with the question of what to do with the portrait that hangs in our main building – and how, more broadly, we should respond to the material legacies of slavery in our academic subjects.
    “Through exploring the issues raised by this portrait, and in seeking to diversify the voices that are heard, the School and University Collections acknowledge their shared historical foundation whilst looking towards more equitable presents and futures that reflect our values.”
    The forum will include an in-conversation event with anti-racist activist Zandra Yeaman, Head of Strategy Development and Implementation at the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow, in conversation with Professor Emma Bond from the University of Oxford whose work focuses on the legacies of empire and colonialism in contemporary literary and visual cultures.
    Other speakers include artist Ade Adesina and Vanessa Mabonso Nzolo, PhD Candidate and former University of Aberdeen Student President, as well as academics from the School.
    Neil Curtis, Head of University Collections, added: “Transatlantic slavery has a left a substantial legacy that permeates the University and North-East Scotland in some unexpected ways. Some is tangible such as this portrait and the Powis Gateway which is now accompanied by a plaque and interpretation panel.
    “Events like this will help us to explore options and to decide how best to truthfully display this portrait in a way that helps those who see it to understand and act on our legacies.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Multi-stakeholder Round Table 2: Leveraging Private Business and Finance

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Conference holds its second multi-stakeholder round table this morning on “Leveraging private business and finance”.

    Co-Chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue of Pakistan, and Christopher MacLennan, Deputy Minister for International Development of Canada, it will feature a keynote address by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union Commission Chairperson.

    Antonio H. Pinheiro Silveira, Vice-President for the Private Sector, CAF, will moderate the discussion.

    Panellists will include:  Neal Rijkenberg Minister for Finance of Eswatini; Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, Minister for Finance and Development Planning of Lesotho; Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister for Finance and National Planning of Zambia; and Boris Titov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Relations with International Organizations for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, of the Russian Federation.

    Mary Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and Eric Pelofsky, Vice-President of the Rockefeller Foundation, will be the discussants.

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for former Japanese Economic Security Minister and current Representative Kobayashi

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for former Japanese Economic Security Minister and current Representative Kobayashi

    Date：2025-06-27
    Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

    June 27, 2025 
    No. 223 

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome luncheon on June 26 for Takayuki Kobayashi, former Japanese Minister in Charge of Economic Security and current member of the House of Representatives. They exchanged views on issues such as integrated diplomacy, response strategies for countering gray-zone tactics, and Taiwan-Japan cooperation in third countries.

    Minister Lin stated that since assuming office, he had been proactively implementing integrated diplomacy. He said that the policy combined the strengths of the public and private sectors to expand Taiwan’s international presence and promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, which aimed to deepen substantive and mutually beneficial relations with diplomatic allies and like-minded countries. He added that Taiwan was pleased that the Japanese government had recently bolstered strategic partnerships with Palau, Paraguay, Guatemala, and other diplomatic allies of Taiwan, and thanked Japan for actively advancing cooperative relations with Taiwan’s allies. He emphasized that Taiwan and Japan faced similar regional security and economic challenges and that the two sides should enhance collaboration and joint strategic responses.

    Furthermore, he indicated that the industries of Taiwan and Japan were highly complementary and that, in the face of China’s aggressive pursuit of global high-tech industry dominance, Taiwan and Japan should work together to build non-red supply chains and boost economic resilience and industrial competitiveness to ensure that democracies steadily keep pace with technological developments worldwide.

    Representative Kobayashi stated that Taiwan and Japan had a close friendship in terms of history, the economy, and personnel exchanges. He expressed hope that the visit would increase his understanding of Taiwan. In addition, he affirmed his desire to help further Taiwan-Japan ties in the future, which would contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability.

    Also in attendance at the luncheon were Taipei University of Marine Technology President Lu Yao-zhi, Institute for National Defense and Security Research Chief Secretariat Office Director Lin Yen-hung, and Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Kazuyuki Katayama. The atmosphere was lively and cordial. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Notifies Individuals Potentially Impacted by Data Incident

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is notifying Medicare beneficiaries whose personal information may have been involved in a data incident affecting Medicare.gov accounts. CMS identified suspicious activity related to unauthorized creation of certain beneficiary online accounts using personal information obtained from unknown external sources. CMS takes this situation very seriously. The safeguarding and security of personally identifiable information is of the utmost importance to CMS. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Calendar Year (CY) 2026 End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule – CMS-1830-P

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    On June 30, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to update payment rates and policies under the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for renal dialysis services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2026. This proposed rule would also update the acute kidney injury (AKI) dialysis payment rate for renal dialysis services furnished by ESRD facilities for calendar year (CY) 2026 and proposes to update requirements for the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule Fact Sheet (CMS-1828-P)

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    On June 30, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that proposes updates to Medicare payment policies and rates for home health agencies (HHAs) under the Home Health (HH) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Proposed Rule for calendar year (CY) 2026. CMS is publishing this proposed rule consistent with the legal requirements to update Medicare payment policies for HHAs annually. This fact sheet discusses the major provisions of the proposed rule.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatar in Contact with All Parties to Reach a Broader Nuclear Agreement with Iran

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 30 (QNA) – Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari has affirmed that the State of Qatar is deeply involved in efforts to reach an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, especially after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and the end of the escalation witnessed in the region.

    He said that there are currently no talks on a ceasefire in Gaza.

    During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Ansari said Qatari interest, as well as that of various countries around the world, is now directed towards reaching a broader, more comprehensive nuclear agreement between Iran and the United States of America, noting that Qatari contacts are ongoing daily between various parties in this regard.

    He added there are no talks about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but the State of Qatar, along with its mediation partners, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, continue to communicate with various parties to reach a formula that will enable us to return to negotiations.

    The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza in light of the current Israeli escalation, saying, it has become very difficult for us, as an international community, to accept that this crisis continues for nearly two years, and that these human losses remain insignificant figures in the media.

    He said that more than 500 martyrs have fallen so far as a result of standing in lines waiting for aid, noting that there are very disturbing reports published in the Israeli press, speaking of orders issued to Israeli soldiers to open fire against unarmed individuals who were standing regularly waiting to receive humanitarian aid.

    He emphasized that this catastrophe has exceeded all possible limits from a humanitarian standpoint, emphasizing that it is unacceptable to continue linking the humanitarian aspect with the security aspect in this context.

    He noted that the state is continuing its contacts with various parties with the aim of reaching a new mechanism, which is difficult to comment on at this time.

    He stressed that this process is constructive and ongoing, and is subject to formulas that are being developed based on developments on the ground.

    In a related context, Al Ansari explained that the State of Qatar sees positive American positions to push for a return to negotiations on Gaza, saying in this regard the US administration has brought us to the longest ceasefire during this war.

    We also saw how the US administration led to a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and obligated both parties to abide by it.

    Today, we see renewed, positive language coming from the United States to reach an agreement, and therefore we are very optimistic about this language.

    We believe that there are very clear American intentions regarding a final resolution to this crisis.

    However, there are complications on the ground that are evident to everyone, he added.

    He emphasized that the State of Qatar will continue to pressure, through its partners and relations in the international community, to separate negotiations from the entry of humanitarian aid, saying there is nothing preventing the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip except Israeli intransigence, and therefore the Israeli position today cannot be accepted. 

    Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari pointed out that the entire world sends humanitarian aid, but it does not enter the Gaza Strip.

    Qatar’s humanitarian aid, like international aid, is only a few meters away from reaching those in need, as it is in the Egyptian city of El Arish.

    He called on the international community to compel Israel to open all crossings and allow aid into the Strip without any restrictions or conditions.

    Al Ansari said the system of international agencies and institutions is present on the borders of the Gaza Strip, and it was clearly functioning and did not lead to the humanitarian tragedy we see today in the delivery of aid.

    This system can achieve its goals and is ready to be implemented immediately once the Israeli side allows it, he said.

    He reiterated that there is no specific timeframe for announcing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, especially since the ongoing discussions have not yet got to the level they reached previously, and the accumulated language does not indicate the possibility of reaching an agreement now.

    Al Ansari noted that the Iranian president offered an official apology to the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, during a phone call he held with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, noting that the main guarantee against a return to such escalation lies in ensuring that there is no escalation in the region.

    He further said that the State of Qatar is working directly towards finding a way to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and then reach a general agreement in the region that ensures the absence of any threat from any party there.

    He said that the irresponsible Israeli position of continuing the escalation in this manner will result in unforeseen challenges, and the region today is not far from escalation, even if a ceasefire is the main theme at this time.

    He called on all parties in the region to engage in positive action to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire and de-escalation.

    The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s appreciation for the 49th Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Doha one day after the Iranian attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, which clearly affirmed the condemnation of this attack, GCC solidarity in this regard, and the GCC position in support of diplomatic efforts.

    He noted that the statement issued at the meeting welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the Qatari role in this regard, adding that there is a clear regional position on the need to de-escalate the situation in the region.

    Al Ansari also addressed the calls received by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani from Their Excellencies the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of several brotherly and friendly countries, during which they expressed their great solidarity with the State of Qatar and their condemnation of the Iranian attack on Al-Udeid Air Base.

    He expressed Qatar’s high appreciation for this great international solidarity with Qatar.

    Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari noted that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs will be in the Republic of Ireland tomorrow, Tuesday, to receive the Tipperary Peace Award, a prestigious global honor in this field.

    The award is presented annually in recognition of humanitarian efforts and activities aimed at building peace globally.

    He explained that this award, presented by the Tipperary Peace Convention, aims to honor individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the fields of peace, justice, and human rights around the world.

    He highlighted that this recognition reflects the significant role played by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in various mediations, and also underscores the important position enjoyed by the State of Qatar in global peacemaking.

    Al Ansari noted that this award represents an opportunity to affirm Qatar’s commitment to its role not only as a peacemaker, but also as an engineer of global peace, saying that this is what Qatar is currently doing, whether through contacts regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, or between the Congo and Rwanda, or various regional and international issues.

    He pointed out that Qatar participated in the World Humanitarian Forum, held in London on June 26, where HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented Qatar at the meeting.

    In her speech during the meeting, Her Excellency emphasized the importance of adhering to a principled and consistent approach to humanitarian work, especially in light of escalating global crises and challenges.

    Her Excellency also stressed that adherence to international humanitarian law and relevant agreements is not an option, but rather a legal and moral obligation to ensure the protection of civilians and the preservation of human dignity. She affirmed that the State of Qatar is committed to making every effective effort to promote dialogue and strive to achieve stability.

    Al Ansari noted that on the sidelines of the meeting, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation met with a number of figures, including CEO of the World Humanitarian Forum, HE Lord of Wimbledon, former Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia and United Nations at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Tariq Ahmad, and member of the Advisory Board of the World Humanitarian Forum Richard Hawkes.

    He noted that the State of Qatar participated in the signing ceremony of the peace agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which took place on June 27 and 28 in Washington, D.C., facilitated by the United States.

    HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi represented the State of Qatar at the signing ceremony.

    His Excellency expressed Qatar’s welcome of the conclusion of this agreement and commended the sincere will and genuine commitment shown by both parties to peaceful and diplomatic solutions.

    He added that His Excellency also expressed Qatar’s pride in contributing positively to facilitating the achievement of this agreement through hosting several negotiation sessions between the two parties, as a result of Doha’s hosting of the trilateral meeting between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani; HE President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame and HE President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi in March 2025, which constituted a significant milestone for direct dialogue and confidence-building between the two sides.

    His Excellency also commended the constructive role played by the United States of America in completing these efforts and reaching the Agreement.

    Al Ansari added that HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met in Washington, with HE Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States of America, Allison Hooker, and with HE Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, along with a number of Senators. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: G7 calls for resumption of Iran nuclear talks

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    OTTAWA, July 1 (Xinhua) — The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers on Monday called for a resumption of talks to reach a comprehensive, verifiable and lasting deal on Iran’s nuclear program.

    In a joint statement on Iran and the Middle East issued by Global Affairs Canada, the G7 foreign ministers called on Iran to urgently resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in accordance with its safeguards obligations and to provide the IAEA with verifiable information on all nuclear materials in Iran, including by providing access to IAEA inspectors.

    “We underscore the central importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. It is critical that Iran remain a party to and fully implement its obligations under the Treaty,” the statement said.

    The foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Union’s high representative, met in The Hague on June 25 to discuss recent developments in the Middle East. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Over half of sports fans are turning to AI or gen AI for more personalized content

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Elsa Estager Bergerou
    Tel: +33 6 59 62 55 13
    Email: elsa.estager-bergerou@capgemini.com

    Over half of sports fans are turning to AI or gen AI for more personalized content

    • AI has overtaken traditional search engines as the main source for sports information, with 67% of fans wanting all sports data aggregated in one place.
    • Digital insights are filling gaps in the live sports experience, with nearly 70% of fans seeking stats related to team, players and playing conditions primarily pre-match and during breaks.
    • Spectators want balance between tech innovation and authenticity, with almost three out of five fans worrying that too much technology could impact the thrill of live sport.

    Paris, July 1, 2025 – The Capgemini Research Institute today released its latest report, “Beyond the game: The new era of AI-powered sports engagement”, revealing how AI and generative AI (gen AI) are reshaping the global fan experience. As AI-powered tools become the primary gateway for sports content and data, fans still seek the thrill of authentic, in-person moments, therefore highlighting the need to strike a balance between the digital and physical worlds of sport.

    AI and gen AI power the next era of fan engagement
    AI is redefining how fans interact with sports. Over half (54%) of them now use AI or gen AI tools as their main source of information with 59% trusting content generated by these technologies. From personalized match summaries to real-time highlights reels, fans increasingly expect AI and gen AI to aggregate all sports-related content – 67% want a single, streamlined platform where they can discover information aggregated from websites, search engines and social media.

    However, personalization and interactivity are key to ensuring a genuine and authentic fan experience. While the report finds fans are returning to stadiums since the pandemic, with 37% already having attended live matches this year, AI is transforming how fans engage with sports overall. The technology is delivering tailored updates that enhance their experience of the game, with stats and facts about their favorite teams, fixtures, and players.

    Indeed, 64% of fans want AI to provide updates customized to their preferences, a similar number want to compete against well-known players in a virtual space during live games, and 58% would like to replay matches using ‘what-if’ scenarios. Just over a quarter (27%) are even willing to pay a premium for these AI-driven, interactive experiences. For instance, Tour de France fans can now play and follow their Fantasy team in real time, vote and elect the most combative rider of the day or even experience the race from inside an official fans car.

    “The true power of AI in sports, and especially gen AI, lies in its ability to transform how fans connect with the game, with athletes, and with each other,” explained Pascal Brier, Chief Innovation Officer at Capgemini and Member of the Group Executive Committee. “As technology evolves, unlocking new ways for fans to curate their own unique experience, will be a blend of real-time data with immersive, interactive opportunities. The challenge is to ensure that these innovations deepen the emotional connections that make sport so powerful for passionate supporters, while preserving the authenticity and integrity that defines the spirit of the game.”

    Balancing innovation with responsibility and the thrill of live sports
    Sports fans today are hungry for data but the report shows their digital engagement peaks before matches and during breaks, rather than during the live play itself. Nearly 70% of fans want access to player metrics and live match data, using these insights to enrich their understanding when the action pauses. By meeting fans’ appetite for insights at these key moments, data enriches the overall viewing experience while keeping the thrill of live sports intact.

    While digital innovation is widely embraced, nearly 60% of sports fans are concerned that too much technology could dampen the excitement of attending events, and over half fear it could diminish their overall enjoyment of the game or match. This highlights the importance of finding the right balance – leveraging technology to elevate the fan experience while preserving what makes live sports so uniquely compelling.

    The report finds that there is a lack of awareness about data privacy aspects of AI-powered sports viewing tools.
    For example, whereas about half of Gen Y and Gen Z fans are aware of the various kinds of data collected and explicitly consent to its storage, this is true for only 38% and 36% of baby boomers, respectively.

    There are also concerns about misinformation, as two-thirds of fans admit being worried that the spread of unverified content on AI or gen AI platforms could increase the risk of athletes being targeted or harassed by disgruntled supporters. What’s more, 57% of fans are concerned about the generation of false content resulting in the spread of misinformation about players or sports teams.

    Stadiums invest in tech to meet rising fan expectations
    The report finds that stadium operators are investing in apps and smart technologies to create smoother, more immersive experiences for digital-native audiences. Over half of attendees say ticketing, scheduling, and real-time apps enhance their stadium experience, while facial recognition entry and digital navigation are also valued.

    Download the full report here.

    Report methodology
    The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed f 12,017 sports fans across 11 countries, in March and April 2025: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US. The research explored fan behaviors, attitudes, and expectations around AI, gen AI, and digital innovations in sports.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.

    Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m going to send letters’: the deadline for Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ trade tariffs is looming

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide

    Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

    US President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on implementing so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on some 180 trading partners ends on July 8.

    How are countries responding to the threat, and will the tariffs be re-applied from July 9?

    What the US thinks ‘reciprocal’ means

    The United States is demanding four things from all trading partners, while offering little in return. So these negotiations are anything but “reciprocal”.

    The main demand is to rebalance bilateral goods trade between the US and other countries. Nations with trade surpluses – meaning they export a greater value of goods than they import from the US – will be encouraged to import more from the US and/or export less to it.

    The US is also pushing countries to eliminate a range of “non-tariff barriers” that may affect US export competitiveness. These barriers are drawn from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) March 2025 report and include a variety of perceived “unfair” practices, from value-added taxes (such as the Goods and Services Tax) to biosecurity standards such as those Australia applies to agricultural imports.

    In a nod to the “tech bros”, (alleged) restrictions on digital trade services, such as Australia’s media bargaining code, and digital service taxes must be removed, along with taxes on the tech giants. On Monday, Canada dropped a new digital service tax on firms such as Google and Meta after Trump suspended trade talks.

    Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla CEO Elon Musk at President Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
    Saul Loeb/Pool/AFP via Getty Image

    Countries must also agree to reduce reliance on inputs from China in any exports to the United States. That means companies that moved manufacturing from China to countries such as Vietnam during President Trump’s first term trade wars will face challenges in sourcing input components from China.

    Put together, this is a difficult package for any government to accept without securing something in return.

    Who holds the cards?

    Trump has been fond of saying the United States holds “all the cards” in trade negotiations.

    It’s not known precisely how many countries are negotiating bilateral deals with Washington. Between 10 and 18 countries are priority “targets”, or to use an early, colourful phrase, were targeted as the “Dirty 15”.

    Category 1 likely comprises many more countries than those in the US’s naughty corner. These countries were saddled with large reciprocal tariffs despite the tariff formula’s evident shortcomings. To paraphrase Trump, these countries don’t hold the cards and have limited negotiating power.

    They have no choice but to make concessions. The smarter ones will take the opportunity to make reforms and blame the bully in Washington. Mostly these are developing countries, some with high dependency on the US market, including the poorest such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Lesotho.

    To make matters worse, they must keep one eye on China for fear of retribution in case Beijing perceives any promises to reduce dependence on Chinese inputs would compromise Chinese interests.

    Category 2 consists of countries that “hold cards”, or have some degree of leverage. Some, such as Canada, Japan, India and the EU, will secure limited US concessions although they may resort to retaliation to force this outcome. From discussions with our government and academic sources, Japan and India likely won’t retaliate, but Canada has previously and the EU likely will.

    Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese initially said he would not negotiate and has repeated US reciprocal tariffs “are not the act of a friend”.

    However, the Australian government is wisely looking to bolster its negotiation cards, such as creating a critical minerals strategic reserve.



    Read more:
    Plans to stockpile critical minerals will help Australia weather global uncertainty – and encourage smaller miners

    No doubt policy makers are also reminding the US of their favourable access to Australia’s military infrastructure which could be essential to any US-China military confrontation.

    China is category 3.

    The Chinese government is determined not to kowtow to Washington as they did in Trump’s first term. The so-called “Phase 1 deal” was signed but instantly forgotten in Beijing.

    Beijing has several cards, notably dominance of processed critical minerals and their derivative products, particularly magnets, and the US’s lack of short-term alternative supply options.

    After China expanded export controls on rare earths and critical minerals, shortages hit the auto industry around the world and Ford was forced to idle plants.

    What happens next?

    Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, suggested on Friday more deals may be signed before July 8. But Trump is likely to undermine and/or negate them as his transactional whims change.

    The British, after announcing their US deal that included relatively favourable automotive and steel export market access, watched in horror as Trump doubled tariffs on steel imports to 50%, and reimposed the 25% tariff on the UK.

    The UK government was reminded this US administration cannot be trusted. That is why countries negotiate binding trade treaties governed by domestic and international laws.

    Many countries are waiting on the outcomes from various US court battles testing whether the president or Congress should have the power to impose unilateral tariffs. After all, if there is a chance the Supreme Court rules Trump cannot change tariffs by decree, then why negotiate with a serially untrustworthy partner?

    The Japanese government, for example, recently announced it is pausing negotiations after the US demanded increased defence spending.

    ‘I’m going to send letters’

    Trump on Sunday suggested he would simply send letters to foreign nations setting a tariff rate. “I’m going to send letters, that’s the end of the trade deal,” he said.

    That does not bode well for countries negotiating in good faith. It’s likely tariffs will be reimposed and bilateral negotiations will drag on to September or beyond as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.

    After all, even the US government has limited bandwidth to process so many simultaneous negotiations. Category 2 trading partners will increasingly test their own political limits. And the rest of the world is hoping for a favourable Supreme Court ruling that may, like the character Godot in the play Waiting for Godot, never come.

    Nathan Gray receives funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Kumuthini Sivathas and Peter Draper 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. ‘I’m going to send letters’: the deadline for Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ trade tariffs is looming – https://theconversation.com/im-going-to-send-letters-the-deadline-for-trumps-reciprocal-trade-tariffs-is-looming-259983

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m going to send letters’: the deadline for Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ trade tariffs is looming

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide

    Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

    US President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on implementing so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on some 180 trading partners ends on July 8.

    How are countries responding to the threat, and will the tariffs be re-applied from July 9?

    What the US thinks ‘reciprocal’ means

    The United States is demanding four things from all trading partners, while offering little in return. So these negotiations are anything but “reciprocal”.

    The main demand is to rebalance bilateral goods trade between the US and other countries. Nations with trade surpluses – meaning they export a greater value of goods than they import from the US – will be encouraged to import more from the US and/or export less to it.

    The US is also pushing countries to eliminate a range of “non-tariff barriers” that may affect US export competitiveness. These barriers are drawn from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) March 2025 report and include a variety of perceived “unfair” practices, from value-added taxes (such as the Goods and Services Tax) to biosecurity standards such as those Australia applies to agricultural imports.

    In a nod to the “tech bros”, (alleged) restrictions on digital trade services, such as Australia’s media bargaining code, and digital service taxes must be removed, along with taxes on the tech giants. On Monday, Canada dropped a new digital service tax on firms such as Google and Meta after Trump suspended trade talks.

    Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla CEO Elon Musk at President Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
    Saul Loeb/Pool/AFP via Getty Image

    Countries must also agree to reduce reliance on inputs from China in any exports to the United States. That means companies that moved manufacturing from China to countries such as Vietnam during President Trump’s first term trade wars will face challenges in sourcing input components from China.

    Put together, this is a difficult package for any government to accept without securing something in return.

    Who holds the cards?

    Trump has been fond of saying the United States holds “all the cards” in trade negotiations.

    It’s not known precisely how many countries are negotiating bilateral deals with Washington. Between 10 and 18 countries are priority “targets”, or to use an early, colourful phrase, were targeted as the “Dirty 15”.

    Category 1 likely comprises many more countries than those in the US’s naughty corner. These countries were saddled with large reciprocal tariffs despite the tariff formula’s evident shortcomings. To paraphrase Trump, these countries don’t hold the cards and have limited negotiating power.

    They have no choice but to make concessions. The smarter ones will take the opportunity to make reforms and blame the bully in Washington. Mostly these are developing countries, some with high dependency on the US market, including the poorest such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Lesotho.

    To make matters worse, they must keep one eye on China for fear of retribution in case Beijing perceives any promises to reduce dependence on Chinese inputs would compromise Chinese interests.

    Category 2 consists of countries that “hold cards”, or have some degree of leverage. Some, such as Canada, Japan, India and the EU, will secure limited US concessions although they may resort to retaliation to force this outcome. From discussions with our government and academic sources, Japan and India likely won’t retaliate, but Canada has previously and the EU likely will.

    Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese initially said he would not negotiate and has repeated US reciprocal tariffs “are not the act of a friend”.

    However, the Australian government is wisely looking to bolster its negotiation cards, such as creating a critical minerals strategic reserve.



    Read more:
    Plans to stockpile critical minerals will help Australia weather global uncertainty – and encourage smaller miners

    No doubt policy makers are also reminding the US of their favourable access to Australia’s military infrastructure which could be essential to any US-China military confrontation.

    China is category 3.

    The Chinese government is determined not to kowtow to Washington as they did in Trump’s first term. The so-called “Phase 1 deal” was signed but instantly forgotten in Beijing.

    Beijing has several cards, notably dominance of processed critical minerals and their derivative products, particularly magnets, and the US’s lack of short-term alternative supply options.

    After China expanded export controls on rare earths and critical minerals, shortages hit the auto industry around the world and Ford was forced to idle plants.

    What happens next?

    Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, suggested on Friday more deals may be signed before July 8. But Trump is likely to undermine and/or negate them as his transactional whims change.

    The British, after announcing their US deal that included relatively favourable automotive and steel export market access, watched in horror as Trump doubled tariffs on steel imports to 50%, and reimposed the 25% tariff on the UK.

    The UK government was reminded this US administration cannot be trusted. That is why countries negotiate binding trade treaties governed by domestic and international laws.

    Many countries are waiting on the outcomes from various US court battles testing whether the president or Congress should have the power to impose unilateral tariffs. After all, if there is a chance the Supreme Court rules Trump cannot change tariffs by decree, then why negotiate with a serially untrustworthy partner?

    The Japanese government, for example, recently announced it is pausing negotiations after the US demanded increased defence spending.

    ‘I’m going to send letters’

    Trump on Sunday suggested he would simply send letters to foreign nations setting a tariff rate. “I’m going to send letters, that’s the end of the trade deal,” he said.

    That does not bode well for countries negotiating in good faith. It’s likely tariffs will be reimposed and bilateral negotiations will drag on to September or beyond as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.

    After all, even the US government has limited bandwidth to process so many simultaneous negotiations. Category 2 trading partners will increasingly test their own political limits. And the rest of the world is hoping for a favourable Supreme Court ruling that may, like the character Godot in the play Waiting for Godot, never come.

    Nathan Gray receives funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Kumuthini Sivathas and Peter Draper 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. ‘I’m going to send letters’: the deadline for Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ trade tariffs is looming – https://theconversation.com/im-going-to-send-letters-the-deadline-for-trumps-reciprocal-trade-tariffs-is-looming-259983

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China loses to Canada at 2025 Men’s Volleyball Nations League

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Jiang Chuan (R) of China spikes during the Pool 5 match between China and Canada at the Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 in Chicago, the United States, June 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Chinese team lost 3-0 to Canada in the 2025 Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Chicago leg on Sunday.

    In the first set, the two teams were tied from 1-1 to 12-12 before Canada pulled away with five straight points to lead 17-12. China closed the gap to 20-21 with blocks from Zhang Zhejia and Li Yongzhen and powerful attacks by Jiang Chuan. However, Canada held on to take the set 25-23 with strong serving and offense.

    China fell behind 4-7 in the second set but responded with four straight points to lead 8-7. The teams stayed close until 16-16, when Canada pulled ahead to win 25-20. China committed more errors, saw a drop in offensive efficiency, and struggled to contain Canada’s momentum.

    In the third set, China trailed 6-1 early but narrowed the gap to 8-7 before losing steam. Led by captain Jiang Chuan, the team rallied to 19-17, but Canada held on to win the set 25-23 and seal the match.

    Zhang Jingyin missed the match due to a knee injury, while Jiang Chuan returned to the starting lineup. China had opportunities to tie or take the lead in both the first and third sets but fell short in key moments.

    The team continues to face challenges with first-pass stability, quick-attack execution from middle blockers, and setter variation.

    Ranked 11th in the world, Canada holds a clear advantage over 24th-ranked China. This latest defeat marks China’s fourth straight loss to Canada, compounding a psychological disadvantage.

    Jiang expressed his frustration. “Losing four matches in the Chicago leg is a wake-up call. We need to change some things in the next leg and strive for better performance,” he said.

    “We didn’t play our best match. One or two players did a good job, a lot of players could not bring what they can do,” said China’s Belgian head coach Vital Heynen. “But (for sports) sometimes you don’t play as good as you are. We have to accept.”

    “Seeing our whole situation, injuries, putting players coming back, some players have to take a lot of loads who are not used to do that, and cannot always bring that, that’s normal,” Heynen said. “I blame myself and the team, like we together are not good enough.”

    “I think every match is so difficult for us. So we will try next week to win at least one match, to have at least a good ending of this VNL.”

    Five national teams from China, the United States, Brazil, Italy and Canada competed in the Chicago leg of the 2025 VNL. China lost all four of its matches.

    The VNL group stage spans three weeks, with Chicago hosting the second week. The third week will take place in Gdansk, Poland; Ljubljana, Slovenia; and the Kanto region of Japan. The finals are scheduled for July 30 to August 3 in Ningbo Beilun, east China’s Zhejiang Province. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Defending champion Alcaraz labors to opening round win at Wimbledon

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Carlos Alcaraz reacts during the men’s singles first round match between Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Fabio Fognini of Italy at Wimbledon Tennis Championship in London, Britain, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Men’s singles defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was dragged into a five-set marathon battle by Italy’s Fabio Fognini, as the Spaniard needed four hours and 37 minutes to progress from the first round at Wimbledon 7-5, 6-7(5) 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 here on Monday.

    Alcaraz, 22, struggled on his serve under the scorching sun, while 38-year-old Fognini, who was making his final Wimbledon appearance, showed great resilience and net skills.

    The world No. 2 was forced to play until the deciding set before extending his winning streak to 19 matches. The two-time defending champion will face British wildcard Oliver Tarvet in the second round.

    “I knew at the beginning that it was going to be really difficult playing against Fabio,” said Alcaraz who defended his French Open title earlier this month. “The talent that Fabio has is immense. In every match he can show his best tennis. I think today he has shown one of his best tennis.”

    Eighth seed Holger Rune of Denmark and ninth seed Daniil Medvedev were both knocked out of the first round.

    Rune lost to Nicolas Jarry of Chile 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, while Medvedev was defeated by France’s Benjamin Bonzi 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2.

    This is the first ever opening round exit for Medvedev at the grass-court Grand Slam.

    “I felt him playing very well. I felt like I didn’t play too bad. I don’t see much I could do better. I mean, it’s grass, so I could serve better on the tiebreak,” said the 29-year-old former US Open champion.

    In the women’s singles, top seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus saw off Canada’s Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5 to set up a second round clash with Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic.

    Sabalenka admitted she met some challenges from her opponent as she could hardly read her serve.

    “I think the goal is to win as quickly, as easier as possible, so physically you’re more fresh in the next rounds. But I think it was really good for me to have this little fight in the second set just to see where my level is and if I’m mentally ready to fight,” said Sabalenka, who withdrew from Wimbledon last year due to a shoulder injury.

    But Sabalenka’s close friend Paula Badosa failed to reach the second round as the ninth seed from Spain was beaten by local favorite Katie Boulter 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.

    Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai, who entered the main draw by winning three qualifying matches, lost to Serbia’s Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-4. Zhang’s compatriot Yuan Yue also exited after being defeated by Eva Lys of Germany, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: No time for friendships as Luis Enrique’s PSG crush Messi’s Inter Miami in Club World Cup

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Lionel Messi (Front L) of Inter Miami CF competes during the round of 16 match between Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) and Inter Miami CF (USA) at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, the United States, June 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    European champions Paris Saint-Germain highlighted the gulf in class between European and North American football on Sunday, as Luis Enrique’s side overwhelmed Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 to book a place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals.

    PSG was simply much sharper than a rival that may have Messi as its standard-bearer, but is clearly not quick or strong enough to compete with the elite.

    The Inter Miami squad had a familiar look to PSG coach Luis Enrique, with five key figures from his time at FC Barcelona – Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Messi – in the starting 11, and Javier Mascherano on the coaching staff.

    He may have known them well, but that didn’t mean Luis Enrique’s side showed any mercy.

    The problem for Inter was age. Busquets and Alba are both 36, while Messi and Suarez are 38. Although their talent and legacy are unquestioned, against Europe’s best, it wasn’t enough.

    Just three minutes into the match, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was called into action to stop Bradley Barcola after a brilliant run by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

    It was only a matter of time. PSG opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Joao Neves ghosted in at the far post to head in Vitinha’s free kick.

    Fabian Ruiz had a goal ruled out, but with PSG completely overrunning its opponent, the second goal felt inevitable. It came in the 39th minute when Neves finished a smooth passing move set up by Ruiz.

    The third came five minutes later, just before halftime, when Tomas Aviles deflected Desire Doue’s drilled cross into his own net. In first-half stoppage time, PSG carved open Inter’s defense again, with Achraf Hakimi adding a fourth.

    With the result all but sealed, PSG eased off in the second half, giving the game a more open feel and allowing Messi a few flashes of activity. He forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 80th minute with a header, while at the other end, Ustari tipped over a Barcola shot in a half that did little to change the outcome. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: EUR 150 million share buyback completed

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Schiphol, July 1, 2025 – Aegon today announces the completion of its EUR 150 million share buyback program that began on January 13, 2025.

    Between January 13, 2025, and June 30, 2025, 25,200,170 common shares were repurchased for a total amount of EUR 150 million at an average price of EUR 5.9641 per share. Aegon will use 6,720,045 common shares to meet its obligations resulting from share-based compensation plans for senior management and cancel the remainder of the repurchased shares in the second half of 2025.

    For further details, visit our share buyback updates page at aegon.com.

    Contacts

    About Aegon
    Aegon is an international financial services holding company. Aegon’s ambition is to build leading businesses that offer their customers investment, protection, and retirement solutions. Aegon’s portfolio of businesses includes fully owned businesses in the United States and United Kingdom, and a global asset manager. Aegon also creates value by combining its international expertise with strong local partners via insurance joint-ventures in Spain & Portugal, China, and Brazil, and via asset management partnerships in France and China. In addition, Aegon owns a Bermuda-based life insurer and generates value via a strategic shareholding in a market leading Dutch insurance and pensions company.

    Aegon’s purpose of helping people live their best lives runs through all its activities. As a leading global investor and employer, Aegon seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues. Aegon is headquartered in Schiphol, the Netherlands, domiciled in Bermuda, and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the New York Stock Exchange. More information can be found at aegon.com.

    Forward-looking statements
    The statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following are words that identify such forward-looking statements: aim, believe, estimate, target, intend, may, expect, anticipate, predict, project, counting on, plan, continue, want, forecast, goal, should, would, could, is confident, will, and similar expressions as they relate to Aegon. These statements may contain information about financial prospects, economic conditions and trends and involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, any statements that refer to sustainability, environmental and social targets, commitments, goals, efforts and expectations and other events or circumstances that are partially dependent on future events are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Aegon undertakes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which merely reflect company expectations at the time of writing. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from expectations conveyed in forward-looking statements due to changes caused by various risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the following:

    • Changes in general economic and/or governmental conditions, particularly in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom and in relation to Aegon’s shareholding in ASR Nederland N.V. and asset management business, the Netherlands;
    • Civil unrest, (geo-) political tensions, military action or other instability in countries or geographic regions that affect our operations or that affect global markets;
    • Changes in the performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, such as with regard to:         
      • The frequency and severity of defaults by issuers in Aegon’s fixed income investment portfolios;
      • The effects of corporate bankruptcies and/or accounting restatements on the financial markets and the resulting decline in the value of equity and debt securities Aegon holds;
      • The effects of declining creditworthiness of certain public sector securities and the resulting decline in the value of government exposure that Aegon holds;
      • The impact from volatility in credit, equity, and interest rates;
    • Changes in the performance of Aegon’s investment portfolio and decline in ratings of Aegon’s counterparties;
    • The effect of tariffs and potential trade wars on trading markets and on economic growth, globally and in the markets where Aegon operates.
    • Lowering of one or more of Aegon’s debt ratings issued by recognized rating organizations and the adverse impact such action may have on Aegon’s ability to raise capital and on its liquidity and financial condition;
    • Lowering of one or more of insurer financial strength ratings of Aegon’s insurance subsidiaries and the adverse impact such action may have on the written premium, policy retention, profitability and liquidity of its insurance subsidiaries;
    • The effect of applicable Bermuda solvency requirements, the European Union’s Solvency II requirements, and applicable equivalent solvency requirements and other regulations in other jurisdictions affecting the capital Aegon is required to maintain and our ability to pay dividends;
    • Changes in the European Commissions’ or European regulator’s position on the equivalence of the supervisory regime for insurance and reinsurance undertakings in force in Bermuda;
    • Changes affecting interest rate levels and low or rapidly changing interest rate levels;
    • Changes affecting currency exchange rates, in particular the EUR/USD and EUR/GBP exchange rates;
    • The effects of global inflation, or inflation in the markets where Aegon operates;
    • Changes in the availability of, and costs associated with, liquidity sources such as bank and capital markets funding, as well as conditions in the credit markets in general such as changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness;
    • Increasing levels of competition, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, emerging markets and in relation to Aegon’s shareholding in ASR Nederland N.V. and asset management business, the Netherlands;
    • Catastrophic events, either manmade or by nature, including by way of example acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics, could result in material losses and significantly interrupt Aegon’s business;
    • The frequency and severity of insured loss events;
    • Changes affecting longevity, mortality, morbidity, persistence and other factors that may impact the profitability of Aegon’s insurance products and management of derivatives;
    • Aegon’s projected results are highly sensitive to complex mathematical models of financial markets, mortality, longevity, and other dynamic systems subject to shocks and unpredictable volatility. Should assumptions to these models later prove incorrect, or should errors in those models escape the controls in place to detect them, future performance will vary from projected results;
    • Reinsurers to whom Aegon has ceded significant underwriting risks may fail to meet their obligations;
    • Changes in customer behavior and public opinion in general related to, among other things, the type of products Aegon sells, including legal, regulatory or commercial necessity to meet changing customer expectations;
    • Customer responsiveness to both new products and distribution channels;
    • Third-party information used by us may prove to be inaccurate and change over time as methodologies and data availability and quality continue to evolve impacting our results and disclosures;
    • As Aegon’s operations support complex transactions and are highly dependent on the proper functioning of information technology, operational risks such as system disruptions or failures, security or data privacy breaches, cyberattacks, human error, failure to safeguard personally identifiable information, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including with respect to third parties with which Aegon does business, may disrupt Aegon’s business, damage its reputation and adversely affect its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows;
    • Aegon’s failure to swiftly, effectively, and securely adapt and integrate emerging technologies;
    • The impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items, including Aegon’s ability to complete, or obtain regulatory approval for, acquisitions and divestitures, integrate acquisitions, and realize anticipated results from such transactions, and its ability to separate businesses as part of divestitures;
    • Aegon’s failure to achieve anticipated levels of earnings or operational efficiencies, as well as other management initiatives related to cost savings, Cash Capital at Holding, gross financial leverage and free cash flow;
    • Changes in the policies of central banks and/or governments;
    • Litigation or regulatory action that could require Aegon to pay significant damages or change the way Aegon does business;
    • Competitive, legal, regulatory, or tax changes that affect profitability, the distribution cost of or demand for Aegon’s products;
    • Consequences of an actual or potential break-up of the European Monetary Union in whole or in part, or further consequences of the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union and potential consequences if other European Union countries leave the European Union;
    • Changes in laws and regulations, or the interpretation thereof by regulators and courts, including as a result of comprehensive reform or shifts away from multilateral approaches to regulation of global or national operations, particularly regarding those laws and regulations related to ESG matters, those affecting Aegon’s operations’ ability to hire and retain key personnel, taxation of Aegon companies, the products Aegon sells, the attractiveness of certain products to its consumers and Aegon’s intellectual property;
    • Regulatory changes relating to the pensions, investment, insurance industries and enforcing adjustments in the jurisdictions in which Aegon operates;
    • Standard setting initiatives of supranational standard setting bodies such as the Financial Stability Board and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors or changes to such standards that may have an impact on regional (such as EU), national (such as Bermuda) or US federal or state level financial regulation or the application thereof to Aegon;
    • Changes in accounting regulations and policies or a change by Aegon in applying such regulations and policies, voluntarily or otherwise, which may affect Aegon’s reported results, shareholders’ equity or regulatory capital adequacy levels;
    • The rapidly changing landscape for ESG responsibilities, leading to potential challenges by private parties and governmental authorities, and/or changes in ESG standards and requirements, including assumptions, methodology and materiality, or a change by Aegon in applying such standards and requirements, voluntarily or otherwise, may affect Aegon’s ability to meet evolving standards and requirements, or Aegon’s ability to meet its sustainability and ESG-related goals, or related public expectations, which may also negatively affect Aegon’s reputation or the reputation of its board of directors or its management;
    • Unexpected delays, difficulties, and expenses in executing against Aegon’s environmental, climate, or other ESG targets, goals and commitments, and changes in laws or regulations affecting us, such as changes in data privacy, environmental, health and safety laws; and
    • Reliance on third-party information in certain of Aegon’s disclosures, which may change over time as methodologies and data availability and quality continue to evolve. These factors, as well as any inaccuracies in third-party information used by Aegon, including in estimates or assumptions, may cause results to differ materially and adversely from statements, estimates, and beliefs made by Aegon or third-parties. Moreover, Aegon’s disclosures based on any standards may change due to revisions in framework requirements, availability of information, changes in its business or applicable governmental policies, or other factors, some of which may be beyond Aegon’s control. Additionally, Aegon’s discussion of various ESG and other sustainability issues in this document or in other locations, including on our corporate website, may be informed by the interests of various stakeholders, as well as various ESG standards, frameworks, and regulations (including for the measurement and assessment of underlying data). As such, our disclosures on such issues, including climate-related disclosures, may include information that is not necessarily “material” under US securities laws for SEC reporting purposes, even if we use words such as “material” or “materiality” in relation to those statements. ESG expectations continue to evolve, often quickly, including for matters outside of our control; our disclosures are inherently dependent on the methodology (including any related assumptions or estimates) and data used, and there can be no guarantee that such disclosures will necessarily reflect or be consistent with the preferred practices or interpretations of particular stakeholders, either currently or in future.

    This document contains information that qualifies, or may qualify, as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014). Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting Aegon are described in its filings with the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the 2024 Integrated Annual Report. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, Aegon expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Aegon’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EUR 200 million share buyback begins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Schiphol, July 1, 2025 – Aegon today begins a EUR 200 million share buyback that was announced on May 16, 2025. The share buyback is expected to be completed by December 15, 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances.

    Aegon has entered into an agreement with its largest shareholder, Vereniging Aegon, to participate in the new EUR 200 million share buyback program. Vereniging Aegon will participate pro-rata in the share buyback program based on its combined common shares and common shares B which represent about 18.4% of the total shareholders’ voting rights that are currently exercisable. This results in a buyback amount of EUR 37 million. The number of common shares that Aegon will repurchase from Vereniging Aegon will be determined based on the daily volume-weighted average price per common share on Euronext Amsterdam.

    Aegon will engage a third party to execute the buyback transactions on its behalf. The common shares will be repurchased at a maximum of the average of the daily volume-weighted average price per common share during the repurchase period. Aegon intends to cancel the shares it repurchases during this share buyback program.

    The share buyback program will be executed in compliance with the EU’s Market Abuse Regulation and within the limitations of the existing authority as granted by our shareholders at our annual general meeting held on June 12, 2025. For further details, visit our share buyback updates page at aegon.com.

    Contacts

    About Aegon
    Aegon is an international financial services holding company. Aegon’s ambition is to build leading businesses that offer their customers investment, protection, and retirement solutions. Aegon’s portfolio of businesses includes fully owned businesses in the United States and United Kingdom, and a global asset manager. Aegon also creates value by combining its international expertise with strong local partners via insurance joint-ventures in Spain & Portugal, China, and Brazil, and via asset management partnerships in France and China. In addition, Aegon owns a Bermuda-based life insurer and generates value via a strategic shareholding in a market leading Dutch insurance and pensions company.

    Aegon’s purpose of helping people live their best lives runs through all its activities. As a leading global investor and employer, Aegon seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues. Aegon is headquartered in Schiphol, the Netherlands, domiciled in Bermuda, and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the New York Stock Exchange. More information can be found at aegon.com.

    Forward-looking statements
    The statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following are words that identify such forward-looking statements: aim, believe, estimate, target, intend, may, expect, anticipate, predict, project, counting on, plan, continue, want, forecast, goal, should, would, could, is confident, will, and similar expressions as they relate to Aegon. These statements may contain information about financial prospects, economic conditions and trends and involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, any statements that refer to sustainability, environmental and social targets, commitments, goals, efforts and expectations and other events or circumstances that are partially dependent on future events are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Aegon undertakes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which merely reflect company expectations at the time of writing. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from expectations conveyed in forward-looking statements due to changes caused by various risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the following:

    • Changes in general economic and/or governmental conditions, particularly in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom and in relation to Aegon’s shareholding in ASR Nederland N.V. and asset management business, the Netherlands;
    • Civil unrest, (geo-) political tensions, military action or other instability in countries or geographic regions that affect our operations or that affect global markets;
    • Changes in the performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, such as with regard to:         
      • The frequency and severity of defaults by issuers in Aegon’s fixed income investment portfolios;
      • The effects of corporate bankruptcies and/or accounting restatements on the financial markets and the resulting decline in the value of equity and debt securities Aegon holds;
      • The effects of declining creditworthiness of certain public sector securities and the resulting decline in the value of government exposure that Aegon holds;
      • The impact from volatility in credit, equity, and interest rates;
    • Changes in the performance of Aegon’s investment portfolio and decline in ratings of Aegon’s counterparties;
    • The effect of tariffs and potential trade wars on trading markets and on economic growth, globally and in the markets where Aegon operates.
    • Lowering of one or more of Aegon’s debt ratings issued by recognized rating organizations and the adverse impact such action may have on Aegon’s ability to raise capital and on its liquidity and financial condition;
    • Lowering of one or more of insurer financial strength ratings of Aegon’s insurance subsidiaries and the adverse impact such action may have on the written premium, policy retention, profitability and liquidity of its insurance subsidiaries;
    • The effect of applicable Bermuda solvency requirements, the European Union’s Solvency II requirements, and applicable equivalent solvency requirements and other regulations in other jurisdictions affecting the capital Aegon is required to maintain and our ability to pay dividends;
    • Changes in the European Commissions’ or European regulator’s position on the equivalence of the supervisory regime for insurance and reinsurance undertakings in force in Bermuda;
    • Changes affecting interest rate levels and low or rapidly changing interest rate levels;
    • Changes affecting currency exchange rates, in particular the EUR/USD and EUR/GBP exchange rates;
    • The effects of global inflation, or inflation in the markets where Aegon operates;
    • Changes in the availability of, and costs associated with, liquidity sources such as bank and capital markets funding, as well as conditions in the credit markets in general such as changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness;
    • Increasing levels of competition, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, emerging markets and in relation to Aegon’s shareholding in ASR Nederland N.V. and asset management business, the Netherlands;
    • Catastrophic events, either manmade or by nature, including by way of example acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics, could result in material losses and significantly interrupt Aegon’s business;
    • The frequency and severity of insured loss events;
    • Changes affecting longevity, mortality, morbidity, persistence and other factors that may impact the profitability of Aegon’s insurance products and management of derivatives;
    • Aegon’s projected results are highly sensitive to complex mathematical models of financial markets, mortality, longevity, and other dynamic systems subject to shocks and unpredictable volatility. Should assumptions to these models later prove incorrect, or should errors in those models escape the controls in place to detect them, future performance will vary from projected results;
    • Reinsurers to whom Aegon has ceded significant underwriting risks may fail to meet their obligations;
    • Changes in customer behavior and public opinion in general related to, among other things, the type of products Aegon sells, including legal, regulatory or commercial necessity to meet changing customer expectations;
    • Customer responsiveness to both new products and distribution channels;
    • Third-party information used by us may prove to be inaccurate and change over time as methodologies and data availability and quality continue to evolve impacting our results and disclosures;
    • As Aegon’s operations support complex transactions and are highly dependent on the proper functioning of information technology, operational risks such as system disruptions or failures, security or data privacy breaches, cyberattacks, human error, failure to safeguard personally identifiable information, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including with respect to third parties with which Aegon does business, may disrupt Aegon’s business, damage its reputation and adversely affect its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows;
    • Aegon’s failure to swiftly, effectively, and securely adapt and integrate emerging technologies;
    • The impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items, including Aegon’s ability to complete, or obtain regulatory approval for, acquisitions and divestitures, integrate acquisitions, and realize anticipated results from such transactions, and its ability to separate businesses as part of divestitures;
    • Aegon’s failure to achieve anticipated levels of earnings or operational efficiencies, as well as other management initiatives related to cost savings, Cash Capital at Holding, gross financial leverage and free cash flow;
    • Changes in the policies of central banks and/or governments;
    • Litigation or regulatory action that could require Aegon to pay significant damages or change the way Aegon does business;
    • Competitive, legal, regulatory, or tax changes that affect profitability, the distribution cost of or demand for Aegon’s products;
    • Consequences of an actual or potential break-up of the European Monetary Union in whole or in part, or further consequences of the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union and potential consequences if other European Union countries leave the European Union;
    • Changes in laws and regulations, or the interpretation thereof by regulators and courts, including as a result of comprehensive reform or shifts away from multilateral approaches to regulation of global or national operations, particularly regarding those laws and regulations related to ESG matters, those affecting Aegon’s operations’ ability to hire and retain key personnel, taxation of Aegon companies, the products Aegon sells, the attractiveness of certain products to its consumers and Aegon’s intellectual property;
    • Regulatory changes relating to the pensions, investment, insurance industries and enforcing adjustments in the jurisdictions in which Aegon operates;
    • Standard setting initiatives of supranational standard setting bodies such as the Financial Stability Board and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors or changes to such standards that may have an impact on regional (such as EU), national (such as Bermuda) or US federal or state level financial regulation or the application thereof to Aegon;
    • Changes in accounting regulations and policies or a change by Aegon in applying such regulations and policies, voluntarily or otherwise, which may affect Aegon’s reported results, shareholders’ equity or regulatory capital adequacy levels;
    • The rapidly changing landscape for ESG responsibilities, leading to potential challenges by private parties and governmental authorities, and/or changes in ESG standards and requirements, including assumptions, methodology and materiality, or a change by Aegon in applying such standards and requirements, voluntarily or otherwise, may affect Aegon’s ability to meet evolving standards and requirements, or Aegon’s ability to meet its sustainability and ESG-related goals, or related public expectations, which may also negatively affect Aegon’s reputation or the reputation of its board of directors or its management;
    • Unexpected delays, difficulties, and expenses in executing against Aegon’s environmental, climate, or other ESG targets, goals and commitments, and changes in laws or regulations affecting us, such as changes in data privacy, environmental, health and safety laws; and
    • Reliance on third-party information in certain of Aegon’s disclosures, which may change over time as methodologies and data availability and quality continue to evolve. These factors, as well as any inaccuracies in third-party information used by Aegon, including in estimates or assumptions, may cause results to differ materially and adversely from statements, estimates, and beliefs made by Aegon or third-parties. Moreover, Aegon’s disclosures based on any standards may change due to revisions in framework requirements, availability of information, changes in its business or applicable governmental policies, or other factors, some of which may be beyond Aegon’s control. Additionally, Aegon’s discussion of various ESG and other sustainability issues in this document or in other locations, including on our corporate website, may be informed by the interests of various stakeholders, as well as various ESG standards, frameworks, and regulations (including for the measurement and assessment of underlying data). As such, our disclosures on such issues, including climate-related disclosures, may include information that is not necessarily “material” under US securities laws for SEC reporting purposes, even if we use words such as “material” or “materiality” in relation to those statements. ESG expectations continue to evolve, often quickly, including for matters outside of our control; our disclosures are inherently dependent on the methodology (including any related assumptions or estimates) and data used, and there can be no guarantee that such disclosures will necessarily reflect or be consistent with the preferred practices or interpretations of particular stakeholders, either currently or in future.

    This document contains information that qualifies, or may qualify, as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014). Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting Aegon are described in its filings with the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the 2024 Integrated Annual Report. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, Aegon expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Aegon’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China firmly opposes forced closure of Hikvision’s business in Canada

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes Canada’s order to cease the operations of Chinese firm Hikvision in Canada, the Ministry of Commerce said Monday.

    China has noticed that the Canadian side has forcibly ceased Hikvision’s operations in Canada and banned Canadian government departments from purchasing or using Hikvision products under the pretext of “national security,” a spokesperson with the ministry said.

    The Canadian side’s so-called national security review lacks transparency and produces uncertain outcomes, the spokesperson said, calling it a typical act of overstretching the concept of national security.

    “Such a move undermines the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, erodes the confidence for business cooperation between the both sides, and sabotages the normal economic and trade relations between the two countries,” the spokesperson added.

    China urges Canada to immediately rectify its erroneous actions, stop politicizing and overstretching the concept of national security in economic and trade issues, and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for businesses from all countries, including Chinese enterprises, to invest and operate in Canada, the spokesperson noted.

    China will take necessary measures to resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the spokesperson said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa Group appoints Kevin Markette as Senior Director – Regional Sales South Asia

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Markette as Senior Director – Regional Sales South Asia. Based in New Delhi, Kevin will oversee all commercial activities across the South Asia region, including the strategically important Indian market.

    A seasoned aviation executive, Kevin brings over 20 years of leadership experience within Lufthansa Group, having successfully managed commercial, customer, and operational teams across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Raised in Spain and South Africa and trained as a Commercial Pilot, Kevin offers a truly global perspective and strong intercultural fluency.

    Kevin began his career with Lufthansa in South Africa in 2000, eventually managing Pricing, Reservations, and Ticketing for Southern Africa. In 2008, he moved to Dubai to lead Marketing and Business Development for the Gulf States, and later became Country Manager for Ghana, where he was responsible for Lufthansa’s operations in Accra.

    From 2016 to 2020, Kevin served as Head of Sales for the Southeast USA, based in Atlanta, overseeing six major gateways operated by four Lufthansa Group airlines. He was subsequently promoted to Head of Customer Relations for the Americas, based in New York, where he managed service recovery, customer feedback strategy, and commercial insights across North and South America until the end of 2022.

    Since 2022, Kevin has been based in Nairobi as General Manager for East Africa, leading the Group’s commercial strategy and partnerships across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. In this role, he spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, supported Brussels Airlines’ regional expansion, and championed sustainability efforts.

    According to Lufthansa Group Vice President Asia Pacific and Joint Ventures East, Felipe Bonifatti:

    “With over two decades at Lufthansa Group, Kevin brings extensive international experience to the Asia Pacific region. His sharp commercial insight and passion for our industry make him an invaluable addition. I am delighted to welcome him to Delhi, where he will lead all commercial activities for the Lufthansa Group in this strategically important market.”

    Kevin is passionate about building high-performing, cross-cultural teams and cultivating long-term partnerships with customers and stakeholders. Outside of work, he and his wife Jolene enjoy traveling, culinary adventures, and spending time outdoors.

    About Lufthansa Group

    The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees from 164 nations worldwide, Lufthansa Group generated revenue of €37.6bn in the financial year 2024. Our largest business segment is Passenger Airlines while other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training form complementary components of the Group. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Alcaraz survives Wimbledon scare, Sabalenka serene, but others feel the heat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz survived Wimbledon’s hottest-ever opening day although the Spaniard was far from his sizzling best as he began his quest for a hat-trick of titles with a scare against Fabio Fognini at the All England Club on Monday.

    With air temperatures soaring to 32 degrees Celsius, Alcaraz needed more than four hours to subdue veteran Fognini, winning 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 – the last set interrupted after a spectator became unwell in the heat and required assistance.

    Women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka, bidding to win Wimbledon for the first time, had no trouble as she dispatched Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1 7-5 but last year’s runner-up, fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, was pushed hard by Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova in a 2-6 6-3 6-2 win.

    While five-times Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who won the Queen’s Club title in the build-up, lives to fight another day, several high-profile players departed the men’s draw.

    No arena at Wimbledon gets as hot as bowl-like Court Two and the conditions were clearly not to the liking of ex-world number one Daniil Medvedev as the ninth seed saw his hopes scorched by Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, who won 7-6(2) 3-6 7-6(3) 6-2.

    Eighth seed Holger Rune of Denmark, yet to really make his mark at a Grand Slam, won the opening two sets against Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry but succumbed 4-6 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4.

    Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, twice a Grand Slam runner-up was left despondent after retiring with a back injury having fallen two sets behind against French qualifier Valentin Royer.

    American fifth seed Taylor Fritz looked to be on his way out before battling back to force a fifth set against big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard before their match was suspended with the Grand Slam’s 11 p.m. curfew looming.

    German third seed Alexander Zverev summoned up similar fighting spirit to draw level at one set apiece with Arthur Rinderknech in another match scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

    WINNING STREAK

    Only two defending men’s champions had ever lost in the first round at Wimbledon, but there were moments when Alcaraz looked in danger of joining compatriot Manuel Santana on that short list as Fognini rolled back the years.

    Alcaraz arrived at Wimbledon on an 18-match winning streak, which included a spellbinding French Open final win over Jannik Sinner. But the spark was missing on Monday in front of a Centre Court crowd that included David Beckham.

    Heat is second nature to Alcaraz, but it was Fognini who flourished in the sun and when he broke serve twice to level the match at two sets apiece a massive shock looked possible.

    But Alcaraz, regularly using an ice towel to cool down, found an extra gear in the decider and even charmed the crowd by offering his water bottle to the distressed fan.

    He then led the warm applause for former top-10 player Fognini, for whom this was his final Wimbledon.

    “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon because the level he has shown, you know, he can still play three or four more years. It’s unbelievable,” Alcaraz said of Fognini.

    Next up for Alcaraz is British qualifier Oliver Tarvet who marked his Grand Slam main draw debut with a superb 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat of fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi of Switzerland.

    Tarvet is one of 23 British players in the singles draw, the most since 1984. The home charge was led Sonay Kartal who upset 20th seed and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 7-5 2-6 6-2. She was joined in round two by British number one Emma Raducanu who comfortably passed a tricky test against Mingge Xu, one of three British teenaged wild cards to play on Monday.

    When Katie Boulter later knocked out Spanish ninth seed Paula Badosa 6-2 3-6 6-4 on Centre Court, seven British players had enjoyed victories, the most in a single day for the home nation in the professional era.

    Home hope Jacob Fearnley could not follow suit though as he was outshone 6-4 6-1 7-6(5) by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, who showed why he is creating such a stir with carnival tennis on a steamy Court One.

    TOUGH WORKOUT

    World number one Sabalenka won the opening five games against part-time model Branstine but was given a far tougher workout after that as she moved into round two.

    The 27-year-old from Minsk missed last year’s event because of a shoulder injury and arrived this time with a point to prove after losing in the Australian and French Open finals this year.

    Several other women’s contenders sparkled in the sunshine, none more than 13th seeded American Amanda Anisimova who served up a dreaded ‘double-bagel’ 6-0 6-0 defeat to Yulia Putintseva.

    Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina beat Anna Boindar in straight sets while 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova continued her return to form by knocking out American 30th seed McCartney Kessler, setting up a second-round clash with Raducanu.

    Australian Open champion Madison Keys, seeded sixth, battled for two hours and 41 minutes to beat Romania’s Elena Ruse and played down the impact of the heat.

    “It’s funny coming from the States, because this is quite literally a very typical summer day,” she said.

    Four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka overcame some first-round jitters to beat Australian qualifier Talia Gibson, prevailing 6-4 7-6(4).

    There was a sad end for Tunisia’s twice runner-up Ons Jabeur though as she retired against Viktoriya Tomova due to illness.

    (Reuters)

  • Alcaraz survives Wimbledon scare, Sabalenka serene, but others feel the heat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz survived Wimbledon’s hottest-ever opening day although the Spaniard was far from his sizzling best as he began his quest for a hat-trick of titles with a scare against Fabio Fognini at the All England Club on Monday.

    With air temperatures soaring to 32 degrees Celsius, Alcaraz needed more than four hours to subdue veteran Fognini, winning 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 – the last set interrupted after a spectator became unwell in the heat and required assistance.

    Women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka, bidding to win Wimbledon for the first time, had no trouble as she dispatched Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1 7-5 but last year’s runner-up, fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, was pushed hard by Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova in a 2-6 6-3 6-2 win.

    While five-times Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who won the Queen’s Club title in the build-up, lives to fight another day, several high-profile players departed the men’s draw.

    No arena at Wimbledon gets as hot as bowl-like Court Two and the conditions were clearly not to the liking of ex-world number one Daniil Medvedev as the ninth seed saw his hopes scorched by Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, who won 7-6(2) 3-6 7-6(3) 6-2.

    Eighth seed Holger Rune of Denmark, yet to really make his mark at a Grand Slam, won the opening two sets against Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry but succumbed 4-6 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4.

    Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, twice a Grand Slam runner-up was left despondent after retiring with a back injury having fallen two sets behind against French qualifier Valentin Royer.

    American fifth seed Taylor Fritz looked to be on his way out before battling back to force a fifth set against big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard before their match was suspended with the Grand Slam’s 11 p.m. curfew looming.

    German third seed Alexander Zverev summoned up similar fighting spirit to draw level at one set apiece with Arthur Rinderknech in another match scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

    WINNING STREAK

    Only two defending men’s champions had ever lost in the first round at Wimbledon, but there were moments when Alcaraz looked in danger of joining compatriot Manuel Santana on that short list as Fognini rolled back the years.

    Alcaraz arrived at Wimbledon on an 18-match winning streak, which included a spellbinding French Open final win over Jannik Sinner. But the spark was missing on Monday in front of a Centre Court crowd that included David Beckham.

    Heat is second nature to Alcaraz, but it was Fognini who flourished in the sun and when he broke serve twice to level the match at two sets apiece a massive shock looked possible.

    But Alcaraz, regularly using an ice towel to cool down, found an extra gear in the decider and even charmed the crowd by offering his water bottle to the distressed fan.

    He then led the warm applause for former top-10 player Fognini, for whom this was his final Wimbledon.

    “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon because the level he has shown, you know, he can still play three or four more years. It’s unbelievable,” Alcaraz said of Fognini.

    Next up for Alcaraz is British qualifier Oliver Tarvet who marked his Grand Slam main draw debut with a superb 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat of fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi of Switzerland.

    Tarvet is one of 23 British players in the singles draw, the most since 1984. The home charge was led Sonay Kartal who upset 20th seed and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 7-5 2-6 6-2. She was joined in round two by British number one Emma Raducanu who comfortably passed a tricky test against Mingge Xu, one of three British teenaged wild cards to play on Monday.

    When Katie Boulter later knocked out Spanish ninth seed Paula Badosa 6-2 3-6 6-4 on Centre Court, seven British players had enjoyed victories, the most in a single day for the home nation in the professional era.

    Home hope Jacob Fearnley could not follow suit though as he was outshone 6-4 6-1 7-6(5) by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, who showed why he is creating such a stir with carnival tennis on a steamy Court One.

    TOUGH WORKOUT

    World number one Sabalenka won the opening five games against part-time model Branstine but was given a far tougher workout after that as she moved into round two.

    The 27-year-old from Minsk missed last year’s event because of a shoulder injury and arrived this time with a point to prove after losing in the Australian and French Open finals this year.

    Several other women’s contenders sparkled in the sunshine, none more than 13th seeded American Amanda Anisimova who served up a dreaded ‘double-bagel’ 6-0 6-0 defeat to Yulia Putintseva.

    Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina beat Anna Boindar in straight sets while 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova continued her return to form by knocking out American 30th seed McCartney Kessler, setting up a second-round clash with Raducanu.

    Australian Open champion Madison Keys, seeded sixth, battled for two hours and 41 minutes to beat Romania’s Elena Ruse and played down the impact of the heat.

    “It’s funny coming from the States, because this is quite literally a very typical summer day,” she said.

    Four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka overcame some first-round jitters to beat Australian qualifier Talia Gibson, prevailing 6-4 7-6(4).

    There was a sad end for Tunisia’s twice runner-up Ons Jabeur though as she retired against Viktoriya Tomova due to illness.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Block Murray Amendment to Stop Republicans’ Big Ugly Betrayal Bill From Defunding Planned Parenthood

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Ruling Allowing Republicans to Defund Planned Parenthood in Budget Reconciliation Bill

    ICYMI: In Senate Floor Speech, Murray Rails Against Republican Bill That Will Rip Away Health Care, Nutrition Assistance, Abortion Access & Balloon National Debt to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    In Murray-led forum for Dobbs anniversary, Senator Murray laid out how defunding Planned Parenthood is part of Republicans’ strategy for a Backdoor Nationwide Abortion Ban

    ***VIDEO HERE of Senator Murray speaking on her amendment***

    Washington, D.C. — Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, put forward an amendment to Senate Republicans’ reconciliation bill to fully strike Section 71115 of Republicans’ reconciliation bill, the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 71115 would achieve anti-abortion extremists’ long-sought goal of “defunding” Planned Parenthood by cutting off Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving federal Medicaid funding for the care they provide for millions of low-income women across the country—including birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and wellness exams.

    Section 71115 is estimated to cost taxpayers $52 million over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The revised data comes after Senate Republicans put forth new bill text late Friday night that changes the “defund” Planned Parenthood provision from 10 years to one year.

    Defunding Planned Parenthood will put at least 200 health centers across the country at risk of closure— 90 percent of them in states where abortion is legal—and rip away health care for more than 1.1 million people, many of whom might not be able to get care anywhere else. Recent research from the Guttmacher Institute found that, contrary to Republicans’ claims, Federally Qualified Health Centers do not have the capacity to readily serve the millions of people who currently rely on Planned Parenthood for care.

    Republicans blocked Senator Murray’s amendment, 51-49.

    MURRAY AMENDMENT #2771: Senator Murray offered an amendment to strike Section 71115 of the reconciliation bill, “Federal Payments to Prohibited Entities,” which would cut off Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving federal Medicaid funding for one year.

    Senator Murray said on the Senate floor when offering her amendment, #2771:

    “Mr. President, my amendment is about a really important issue that has not gotten near enough attention for how devastating it will be for women in our country.

    “Republicans’ bill will cut millions of women off from birth control, cancer screenings, essential preventive health care—care that they will not be able to afford anywhere else. And it will shutter some 200 health care clinics in our country.

    “And it will take another step towards enacting Republicans’ plan for a Backdoor Nationwide Abortion Ban. How does it do this? By defunding Planned Parenthood.

    “This is a long-sought goal of anti-choice extremists—no surprise, it is overwhelmingly unpopular with the American people.

    “But Republicans are bent on ripping away any access to abortion care, and happy to cut off this lifesaving care. No matter that women may not have another place to get the care that they can afford, or another place they can get any care at all!

    “This amendment, that I’m offering, will strip the awful provision to defund Planned Parenthood from this bill, and protect health care access for the millions of patients who rely on Planned Parenthood health centers.

    “I urge a Yes vote.”

    Senator Murray has been the leading voice in the Senate speaking out and raising the alarm against Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Earlier this week, at her forum on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Senator Murray spoke about Republicans’ plan to institute a backdoor nationwide abortion ban and laid out how defunding Planned Parenthood is a key part of that strategy.

    Earlier on Sunday, Senator Murray delivered a lengthy speech on the Senate floor where she laid out in detail how Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will rip away health care from millions of Americans, shutter the doors of hospitals and health care clinics across the country, make the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history, and blow up the national debt—all so Republicans can fund massive tax breaks for billionaires. Murray also spoke out repeatedly during debate on the Senate floor against Republicans’ use of a so-called “current policy baseline” to hide the true cost of their deficit-busting tax cuts for billionaires.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • USAID cuts may cause over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, study says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Deep funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development and its potential dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, according to research published in The Lancet medical journal on Monday.

    WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

    President Donald Trump’s administration, since taking office in January, has made funding cuts to USAID and its aid programs worldwide in what the U.S. government says is part of its broader plan to remove wasteful spending.

    Human rights experts and advocates have warned against the cuts. USAID funding has had a crucial role in improving global health, primarily directed toward low and middle-income countries, particularly African nations, according to the study.

    BY THE NUMBERS

    The study estimated that over the past two decades, USAID-funded programs have prevented more than 91 million deaths globally, including 30 million deaths among children.

    Projections suggest that ongoing deep funding cuts – combined with the potential dismantling of the agency – could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million deaths among children younger than 5 years, the study in The Lancet said.

    Washington is the world’s largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38% of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $61 billion in foreign assistance last year, just over half of it via USAID, according to government data.

    KEY QUOTE

    “Our estimates show that, unless the abrupt funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030,” the study said.

    CONTEXT

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in March the Trump administration canceled over 80% of all programs at USAID following a six-week review.

    The remaining approximately 1,000 programs, he said, would now be administered “more effectively” under the U.S. State Department and in consultation with Congress.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: US stocks extend gains to conclude first half of 2025

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    U.S. stocks continued to climb higher on Monday as signs of progress in trade negotiations buoyed investor sentiment, closing out one of the most volatile first halves in recent years.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 275.50 points, or 0.63 percent, to 44,094.77. The S&P 500 added 31.88 points, or 0.52 percent, to 6,204.95. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased 96.28 points, or 0.47 percent, to 20,369.73.

    Nine of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended higher, with technology and financials leading the advance by rising 0.98 percent and 0.86 percent, respectively. Consumer discretionary and energy lagged behind, falling 0.86 percent and 0.66 percent.

    Monday’s gains came after Canada announced it would withdraw its digital services tax, a move widely seen as an effort to smooth relations with the United States just days after U.S. President Donald Trump declared an end to all trade discussions with Ottawa. The tax, which was set to take effect Monday, would have targeted major tech firms such as Google, Meta, and Amazon.

    Market participants are now looking ahead to the expiration of Trump’s 90-day tariff pause next week. Also on Monday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said some countries are “negotiating in good faith,” though he warned that tariffs could return to previously announced levels if talks falter.

    Meanwhile, attention turned to the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers began a marathon session to debate amendments to Trump’s proposed 4.5 trillion U.S. dollars tax package. The Congressional Budget Office projected the bill could add 3.3 trillion dollars to the federal deficit over the next ten years.

    Despite the looming tariff deadline and uncertainty surrounding the tax legislation, analysts believe strong equity fundamentals and broader market participation could sustain the recent rally. Terry Sandven, chief equity strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management, noted that improving breadth supports the view that gains may continue into the second half of the year.

    “While the market has had much to digest the first six months of 2025, resiliency has prevailed,” Leslie Falconio, head of taxable fixed income strategy at UBS Financial Services, wrote last Friday. “However, we are not out of the woods just yet, as bouts of volatility and pockets of vulnerability are expected in the second half of the year.”

    Among individual movers, Apple surged 2.03 percent after Bloomberg reported the company may integrate AI technology from OpenAI or Anthropic into its Siri voice assistant. Broadcom rose 2.34 percent, while Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms posted modest gains. On the downside, Amazon and Tesla fell nearly 2 percent, and Alphabet declined 0.49 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –