NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fallon Introduces Safeguarding American Innovation Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04)

    Rep. Fallon Introduces Safeguarding American Innovation Act

    Washington, June 12, 2025

    Washington, DC — Upon his reintroduction of the Safeguard American Innovation Act, Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04) commented: 

    “Reintroducing the ‘Safeguard American Innovation Act’ is crucial for protecting U.S. technology and countering foreign threats, especially from China. Recent cyberattacks have exposed vulnerabilities in our defense and IT systems. This legislation addresses these risks by prohibiting Department of Defense contracts with companies linked to China that could compromise national security.”

    “China’s laws require companies to share sensitive technology, including software source code,” said Rep. Fallon. “By barring contracts with entities operating in China, funded by the PRC, or granting China access to critical code, this bill strengthens our IT infrastructure and keeps our technological assets secure. This legislation is vital for safeguarding American innovation, ensuring military safety, and preserving U.S. technological leadership. We must act swiftly to address these modern threats to our national security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rutherford Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Florida Delegation Letter Urging State Management of South Atlantic Red Snapper

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Florida legislators in a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in support of Florida state management of red snapper and other reef fish in the South Atlantic.

    “Every local angler I talk to says there are more red snapper off the coast of Northeast Florida than ever before,” said Rutherford. “Yet, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under President Biden only gave us one day to fish last summer. It’s time to hand over the South Atlantic fishery management to our Governors DeSantis, Kemp, and McMaster.”

    Rutherford was joined by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Representatives Aaron Bean (FL-04), Gus Bilirakis (FL-), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Bryon Donalds (FL-19), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Randy Fine (FL-06), Scott Franklin (FL-15), Carlos Gimenez (FL-26), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Brian Mast (FL-18), Cory Mills (FL-07), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Jimmy Patronis (FL-01), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Daniel Webster (FL-11).

    Read the full letter below:

    Dear Secretary Lutnick,

    We, the undersigned members of Florida’s congressional delegation, write to share our support for the request of Governors DeSantis, Kemp, and McMaster to implement state management of red snapper and other reef fish in the South Atlantic.  For too long, Florida anglers in the South Atlantic have been largely shut out of red snapper harvest opportunities despite unprecedented growth and record abundance in this fishery.

    NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service recently determined that red snapper is no longer overfished and approved a final rule to end overfishing.  We thank you for rejecting the bottom closures that were in the Biden Administration’s proposed rule.  Closing bottom fishing from December to February for 55 species off the east coast of Florida would have been devastating to our state’s economy.  The drastic nature of the proposal highlights the need for significant changes to South Atlantic red snapper management to ensure reasonable harvest opportunities in this fishery, and we look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to achieve that goal.

    Florida has demonstrated its ability to use sound science to successfully manage red snapper in the Gulf. This success was made possible by President Trump during his first administration when he gave the five Gulf states a leading role in managing the red snapper fishery.  Since then, the health of Florida’s Gulf red snapper population has continued to improve, growing the season from 3 to 126 days.  We believe the current abundance of South Atlantic red snapper, combined with strong interest from states in the region to take on a greater role in data collection and management, presents an extraordinary opportunity to make state-led management in the South Atlantic a resounding success, much like the model seen in the Gulf.

    While the federal government has struggled to collect reliable data and timely estimates of recreational red snapper harvests, Florida and the South Atlantic states have the capability of collecting accurate data which will provide more quality fishing opportunities while promoting conservation.  We urge the Department of Commerce to work swiftly with Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to grant the states the authority to manage red snapper and other reef fish in the South Atlantic. We look forward to advancing state management for the benefit of fishermen, conservation, and our coastal economy. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Highlights Worst of the Worst Criminal Illegal Aliens Arrested in Florida Including Murderers, Pedophiles, and Rapists Ahead of Opening of Alligator Alcatraz

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    “Alligator Alcatraz, and other facilities like it, will give us the capability to lock up some of the worst scumbags who entered our country under the previous administration.” – Secretary Noem 

    WASHINGTON – Ahead of President Trump and Secretary Noem’s visit to Alligator Alcatraz this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is highlighting some of the worst of the worst arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida since President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE. This new detention facility expands facility and bed space by the thousands in just days.

    “Alligator Alcatraz, and other facilities like it, will give us the capability to lock up some of the worst scumbags who entered our country under the previous administration,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “We will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida. Make America safe again.” 

    Below are some of the dangerous criminal illegal aliens arrested by ICE in Florida. These are the types of violent criminal illegal aliens who could end up being detained at Alligator Alcatraz. 

    • On May 20, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Santo Villaba-Reyes, an illegal alien from Venezuela, who was convicted of homicide.
    • On February 6, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Alberto Godinez-Lopez, an illegal alien from Guatemala, who was convicted of homicide.
    • On February 7, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Johnny Dieudonne, an illegal alien from Haiti, who was convicted of kidnapping-false imprisonment.
    • On March 1, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Jan Veslino, an illegal alien from the Philippines, who was convicted of obscene communication-traveling to meet a minor for sex.
    • On April 13, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Mauro Gomes-Barbosa, an illegal alien from Brazil, who was convicted of homicide.
    • On March 17, 2025, ICE Miami Paul Urquiza-Orosco, an illegal alien from Peru, who was convicted of producing and distributing child pornography.
    • On March 27, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Noel Acosta-Moya, an illegal alien from Venezuela, who was convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault of a child under 13.
    • On June 9, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Adolfo Santoscoy-Rodriguez, an illegal alien from Mexico, who was convicted of child abuse and forcible rape.
    • On June 13, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Roberto Mosquera-Del Peral, an illegal alien from Cuba, who was convicted of assault, escape from custody, vehicle theft, aggravated assault of a police officer, and homicide. He is also a member of the Latin Kings gang.
    • On June 22, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Maher Elbrahimizada, an illegal alien fromIran, who was convicted of arson and homicide.
    • On June 24, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Mauricio Lopez-Cardona, an illegal alien from Colombia, who was convicted of conspiracy to import cocaine, murder in connection with narcotics trafficking, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and conspiring to support a foreign terrorist organization.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Assistance to Eastern Neighbourhood countries following the loss of USAID funding – E-001472/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU continues to monitor the impacts of the termination of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s programmes as well as the US wider international support.

    The EU will also continue coordinating efforts on identifying and, where possible, meeting the most acute needs and key priorities in the region, including in Ukraine and Moldova .

    Regarding Ukraine, the impact has been significant in several areas including energy, capacity gaps in key institutions (where US-embedded experts were common), civil society and media, as well as social sectors (veterans’ mental health and psycho-social support, and economic reintegration).

    In Moldova, USAID programmes covered sectors such as justice, energy security, support to independent media, civil society and election monitoring.

    The EU will continue to support Moldova in these sectors with the aim to ensure there are no gaps for key priorities, notably for vetting and justice reform as well as energy security.

    The EU humanitarian funding for Ukraine and Moldova currently stands at EUR 1.214 billion (EUR 1.13 billion for Ukraine and EUR 84 million for Moldova) since February 2022.

    The EU will continue its humanitarian and emergency assistance to Ukraine for as long as needed, irrespective of the cuts in funding by other major donors.

    The Commission will not step back from its humanitarian commitments. On healthcare, it will continue supporting programmes related to primary healthcare, medical supplies and equipment, light repairs of health facilities, as well as sexual and reproductive health.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland, Fletcher, Reintroduce Push To Create Reproductive Health Travel Fund

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act to provide grant assistance for those who travel long distances to receive reproductive health care, including abortion care.

    “In 2022, the Supreme Court ripped the promise of equitable access to reproductive medical care away from millions of Americans, and MAGA extremists have spent every day since then trying to enact a national abortion ban,” said Strickland. “Access to safe and legal reproductive health care, including abortion, should be accessible to everyone, but care is too often out of reach for low-income families and women of color across the country. The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act fulfills our responsibility to guarantee reproductive freedom for all women regardless of where they live.”

    “Women and families in Texas and states across our country that have banned abortion are in crisis,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “One way to help people and organizations respond to this crisis is to authorize grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and logistical support for women seeking abortion care in states where it is legal. I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Strickland in this effort to ensure that Americans can get the reproductive care they need no matter where they live.”

    The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act will establish a grant program to help community-based organizations and nonprofits provide financial support to those seeking abortion care. Eligible expenses include round-trip travel, lodging, childcare, doula care, and other travel-related expenses.

    Original cosponsors include Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Sean Casten (IL-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Emmanuel Cleaver (MO-5) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). 

    Endorsing organizations include the National Network of Abortion Funds, Northwest Abortion Access Fund, Texas Equal Access, Fund Texas Choice, The Bridge Collective, Reproductive Freedom for All, The National Partnership for Women and Families, Center for Reproductive Rights, Jane’s Due Process, Physicians for Reproductive Health

    Read the full bill text here.

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland, Fletcher, Reintroduce Push To Create Reproductive Health Travel Fund

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act to provide grant assistance for those who travel long distances to receive reproductive health care, including abortion care.

    “In 2022, the Supreme Court ripped the promise of equitable access to reproductive medical care away from millions of Americans, and MAGA extremists have spent every day since then trying to enact a national abortion ban,” said Strickland. “Access to safe and legal reproductive health care, including abortion, should be accessible to everyone, but care is too often out of reach for low-income families and women of color across the country. The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act fulfills our responsibility to guarantee reproductive freedom for all women regardless of where they live.”

    “Women and families in Texas and states across our country that have banned abortion are in crisis,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “One way to help people and organizations respond to this crisis is to authorize grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and logistical support for women seeking abortion care in states where it is legal. I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Strickland in this effort to ensure that Americans can get the reproductive care they need no matter where they live.”

    The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act will establish a grant program to help community-based organizations and nonprofits provide financial support to those seeking abortion care. Eligible expenses include round-trip travel, lodging, childcare, doula care, and other travel-related expenses.

    Original cosponsors include Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Sean Casten (IL-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Emmanuel Cleaver (MO-5) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). 

    Endorsing organizations include the National Network of Abortion Funds, Northwest Abortion Access Fund, Texas Equal Access, Fund Texas Choice, The Bridge Collective, Reproductive Freedom for All, The National Partnership for Women and Families, Center for Reproductive Rights, Jane’s Due Process, Physicians for Reproductive Health

    Read the full bill text here.

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF REP. DWIGHT EVANS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement after Congressman Dwight Evans announced he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

    For more than four decades, Dwight Evans has served his hometown of Philadelphia as a teacher, community organizer, State Representative and Congressman. He has spent his entire career being a voice for the voiceless and fighting for economic justice in the urban communities that are too often left behind. 

    In Congress, Rep. Evans has served on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, where he has worked to protect Medicare and Social Security and ensure that our nation’s tax code works for everyone – not just the wealthiest 1%. During the 115th Congress as a freshman Member, Dwight introduced and ushered H.R. 6347, the Real Estate Appraisal Harmonization Act, into law to help small business owners get loans. As Republicans push their budget scheme to slash healthcare and nutritional assistance, Dwight has remained in steadfast opposition to this disastrous legislation on behalf of the people he is privileged to represent. 

    Throughout his Congressional career, Dwight has remained rooted in his beloved Philadelphia and has never lost sight of the people back home. He has been a trusted friend to me and so many others in the People’s House and I wish him the best as he begins this next chapter. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Renews the National Coal Council to Strengthen Our National and Economic Security

    Source: US Department of Energy

    U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is advancing President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reinvigorating America’s coal industry by renewing the charter for the National Coal Council (NCC), a Federal Advisory Committee that was terminated during the Biden administration. This follows the President’s April 2025 Executive Order, calling for America to take aggressive action on coal. The coal industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and adds tens of billions to the U.S. economy each year.

    Coal production has long been the backbone of American energy prosperity, ensuring affordable and reliable power. As electricity demand surges, driven by manufacturing growth and the expanding needs of artificial intelligence and data centers, the NCC will provide critical guidance on coal’s role in strengthening the U.S. energy landscape.

    Coal is also an abundant source of the important materials necessary for American industry. Coal is a critical material—necessary to make steel and its combustion byproducts are used to build our roads and homes and fertilize our crops. Importantly, as we seek to counter our industrial dependence on foreign sources of minerals, there is also a growing realization that coal and its byproducts will help secure domestic production of many of the most critical minerals necessary for modern life.   

    Established in 1984, the principal activity of the NCC is to prepare reports for the Secretary of Energy. The NCC activities include providing advice on:

    • Federal policies that directly or indirectly affect the production, marketing, and use of coal;
    • Plans, priorities, and strategies to address more effectively the technological, regulatory, and economic impact of issues relating to coal production and use;
    • The appropriate balance among various elements of Federal coal-related programs;
    • Scientific and engineering aspects of coal technologies, including emerging coal conversion, utilization, or environmental control concepts; and
    • The progress of coal research, development, demonstration, and commercial application. 

    Now that the charter has been published, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will begin the process of selecting and vetting prospective members of the committee. The NCC will be comprised of experts from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, among others, bringing together a well-balanced representation from communities across the country to provide recommendations to Secretary Wright on the topics of coal policy, technology, and markets. 

    Once the Secretary approves the committee members, DOE will announce and hold an initial meeting, during which a committee chair and vice chair will be elected. 

    For more information, visit the NCC website and read the Federal Register notice here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024 Wiretap Report: Intercepts and Convictions Rise

    Source: United States Courts

    Federal and state courts reported a combined 9 percent increase in authorized wiretaps in 2024, compared with 2023, according to the Judiciary’s 2024 Wiretap Report. Convictions in cases involving electronic surveillance increased, while arrests decreased slightly.

    The report covers wire, oral, and electronic intercepts that were concluded between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, exclusive of interceptions regulated by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. The report is submitted annually to Congress by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO).

    A total of 2,297 wiretaps were reported as authorized in 2024, compared with 2,101 the previous year. Of those, 1,290 were authorized by federal judges, a 14 percent increase from 2023. State judges authorized 1,007 wiretaps, a 4 percent increase from the previous year.

    Portable devices, which includes cell phones, accounted for most of the 96 percent of applications for intercepts where no location was specified, as device locations can change.

    There was an increase in the number of state wiretaps in which encryption was encountered, with 258 such reports in 2024, compared with 238 in the previous year. In 220 of the encrypted state wiretaps reported in 2024, officials were unable to decrypt the plain text of messages. A total of 350 federal wiretaps were reported as being encrypted in 2024, of which 313 couldn’t be decrypted.

    Drug offenses were the most prevalent type of crime investigated using intercepts. Forty-nine percent of all wiretap applications in 2024 cited narcotics as the most serious offense under investigation. Conspiracy was the second-most frequently cited crime (10 percent of total applications), and racketeering, the third largest category, was cited in approximately 5 percent of applications.

    A total of 5,463 people were arrested as a result of wiretap investigations in 2024, down 1 percent from 2023, and 717 people were convicted in cases involving wiretaps, up 57 percent from the year before.

    The District of Colorado authorized the most federal wiretaps, accounting for about 8 percent of the applications approved by federal judges. Applications in six states accounted for 80 percent of all wiretaps approved by state judges. Those states were California, New York, Nevada, Florida, Colorado, and New Jersey.

    Federal and state laws limit the period of surveillance under an original order to 30 days. However, the period can be extended if a judge determines that additional time is justified. A total of 1,600 extensions were authorized in 2024, an increase of 15 percent from the year prior.

    The Western District of Texas conducted the longest federal intercept that was terminated in 2024. An order was extended seven times to complete a 212-day wiretap in a narcotics investigation. The longest state-authorized wiretap occurred in Queens, New York, where an original order was extended 24 times to complete a 683-day wiretap used in a narcotics investigation.

    The average cost of a wiretap in 2024 was $80,730, down sharply from approximately $1.7 million the prior year. The reduction in the average cost was attributed to wiretaps conducted during an investigation in Suffolk, New York from the year prior, which totaled $4.5 billion. The average cost of federal wiretaps in 2024 was $111,725, a 6 percent increase from 2023. The numbers include the cost of installing intercept devices and monitoring communications.

    The AO is required by statute to report annually to Congress by June 30 on the number and nature of wiretaps concluded in the prior year. No report to the AO is needed when an order is issued with the consent of one of the principal parties to the communication. No report is required for the use of a pen register unless the pen register is used in conjunction with any other wiretap devices whose use must be recorded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Phoenix removes Mexican fugitive

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NOGALES, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed Edgar Damian Sandoval-Albarran, also known as “La Rana,” a 39-year-old Mexican fugitive wanted in Mexico for the offense of organized crime and forced disappearance of persons, June 26.

    ICE transported Sandoval-Albarran from the Florence Detention Center to the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, where he was transferred to the custody of Mexican authorities.

    “The removal of Sandoval-Albarran demonstrates the collaborative, whole-of-government approach that ICE supports in protecting the citizens of the U.S.,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantú. “Our dedicated officers and partners in law enforcement have worked tirelessly to ensure that such individuals are brought to justice and then removed from the United States.”

    Sandoval-Albarran was previously expelled to Mexico on eight occasions in May, June, Nov., and Dec., 2020. He reentered the U.S. illegally on an unknown date, at an unknown location. ERO Los Angeles Foreign Fugitive Unit (FFU), received an arrest warrant for Sandoval-Albarran issued by the Government of Mexico, for the offense of organized crime and forced disappearance of persons, Sept. 12, 2024. ERO Los Angeles, arrested Sandoval-Albarran during a targeted enforcement operation in Paso Robles, CA. Jan. 7.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423, or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X, @ERO_PHOENIX.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NYS Pays Off Unemployment Insurance Debt

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul rallied with the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO to announce New York State has paid off the nearly $7 billion federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund loan — a move that will bring the fund to solvency, increase benefits for unemployed New Yorkers and cut costs to businesses. The Governor announced this action back in May as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted Budget.

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page has photos of the event here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Thank you, everyone. Is HTC in the house?

    […]

    Then I’m in the right place. So great to see a group of people who understands the power of leadership, and in Rich Maroko, you have the very best. He has been —

    […]

    We all love him. We love you, Richard. Great friend of ours.

    But also I am so fortunate to have partners that I trust and rely on to govern this state, and I want to tell you about Carl Heastie, the Speaker. I don’t think we had a single conversation for months where he didn’t raise the issue of like, “Governor, can we finally fix the unemployment insurance issue, then we get to everything else?” So he was dogged in his determination to make sure we got this done. I want to thank him. And Harry Bronson as well, our Assemblymember from Upstate New York. Anybody find Upstate New York on a map? It’s a great place. Okay. I know we have members up there as well, Harry, but Carl, thank you, thank you, thank you for being conscious.

    And Leader Steward-Cousins, making sure that the Senate was on board to drive this and get this over the finish line. These are the leaders that worked with me to say it is time we stood up for our workers. This is how we get it done. So thank you to them.

    Also, we have an extraordinary Commissioner of Labor who hearkens back to the legacy of Frances Perkins, who was so forward thinking when she was Commissioner of Labor for FDR when he was Governor. Did you know he was Governor first? Yeah, okay. Then he went to be President, he took her with him and they changed the course of history by lifting up people in the greatest time of need. And I want to thank Roberta Reardon for being our 2025 version of Frances Perkins.

    Alright. It’s time to just talk this time. Is this on? It is on. Alright.

    These are really tough times for our people. When we can do something like this, it sends a message that we care so deeply about every stress that people are going through, especially the high cost of living. It is oppressive. It is so discouraging because you work hard and many of you came from immigrant parents or grandparents or yourselves. You came here to live the American — in fact, I’ll say the New York Dream, and no matter how hard you’re working and you’re getting good wages because you have a great fighter — sometimes it just feels like we’re not getting ahead. No one counted on a pandemic to slam us down and to stop people from coming to our city, which is the bread and butter of this union. Remember those times. We tried to help you with resources at that time, and then when you think we’re out of the woods, now we’re going to be okay — this is New York — then inflation knocks us down. Everything you bought for your little kids taking care of your teenagers, your adult kids who needed your help, they sometimes didn’t even leave the basement, right? They couldn’t find a place to live, right? People have struggled, no fault of their own.

    So, I have declared for a long time that your family is my fight. I announced that with a whole set of reforms back as part of my State of the State. You know what we got done? Everything I wanted to do. It’s $5,000 back in families’ pockets and I want to thank our leaders once again because when I said we need a middle class tax cut the largest in seven years, they said yes. When I said we need an inflation rebate, putting $400 back in peoples’ pockets, they said yes. A Child Tax Credit — anybody with little kids? They’re pretty expensive, aren’t they? I mean, I’m New York’s first mom Governor. I know. And I’m a grandma too, so I know what it costs for families today. A $1,000 for families with a child under the age of four or $500 for older kids. And we’re going to pick up the cost of school lunches and breakfast. That adds up to $5,000 for New York families.

    So we have been laser focused on affordability and we’re just getting warmed up. We know we can do more. When I think about our union men and women now, we are the most unionized state in America. The most pro-union state in America? Yes, and I happen to come from the most unionized part of the most unionized State of New York, and that is Western New York. We got a Western New Yorker out there. Really? Where are you from? Alright. I’ll know you’re a real Western New York if you say, “Go Bills,” or — I’ll stop. I’ll stop. I know I’ll keep that for the season. Alright, let me get back on track. I am trying to unite Upstate and Downstate. There are three teams coupled, placed somewhere else, but okay, we’ll work on that.

    But it’s in my blood because grandpa was a very poor immigrant who lived in great poverty, worked as a migrant farm worker himself, came to Buffalo to make steel with his hands. My dad did the same, his brothers did the same. My next door workers worked at the GM plant. So it is in my blood to fight for working men and women. And when I know there’s something that happens periodically, because I’ve been on so many strike lines, then people need to strike for better wages and conditions — that first of all, to wait three weeks for those benefits to take effect. That’s a long hungry time for your family — long time. My dad was on strike when we were little kids at the steel plant. His parents tried to help him out. They struggled. I remember him telling me this. I didn’t know this story until much later in his life. So, families suffer when the parents are out there fighting for good wages and benefits. We can’t let that happen. It’s now three weeks down to two. We made that happen for you.

    But to think because there was this huge debt owed to our unemployment system, and I want to give — everybody give another round of applause to Roberta Reardon, who made sure the checks went out during the pandemic. We owed a lot of money and they said under the rules. You can’t raise that amount up from $504 a week. I said, “$504 a week. Who can live on that? Nobody. Nobody”. And I said, “Well, why aren’t we able to raise it?” Well, you have to pay down the debt. Alright, so we have these reserves, it’s going to be $7 billion that we shipped from here over here to pay it out. And that’s a lot of money. I worked hard and I said, “I’m saving that for a rainy day.” And all of a sudden I declared. It’s raining. It’s raining. It’s time to make sure that if people are on strike or unemployed, lose their job — $869 a week. That’s how we lift people up.

    And I’m going to continue because we have a long road ahead, but I’ll tell you, we’re all New Yorkers. There’s nobody tougher than us, right? We are strong, we’re resilient, and all these policies out of Washington are scarier than hell. Talk about the hotels losing business from the Canadians. It’s hard to blame them because they were insulted by our President, right? We’re trying to win them back. I was up in Elise Stefanik’s district Friday, meeting hotel owners up there and small businesses and people in the restaurants. They’re going to be starving because the Canadians used to come over. They’re our friends, they’re our neighbors. They used to spend weekends here in New York City staying at your hotels. And now they’re saying, we’re not coming. The President needs to reset that relationship now. Let them come back, fix that relationship now.

    And we’re on a high, we’re having a good time. This is New York. But if those bills that you hear about — the Big Ugly Bill that is being worked on by the Senate right now to give tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires out of your pockets — that is going to be devastating for people on Medicaid and people who need the support for childcare. And SNAP benefits, my gosh, so many families rely on this. So, I’m excited about what we can do here in New York, but we must continue to be the firewall to stop the insanity in Washington. Say no matter what they do, we have your back here in the great State of New York. You can count on that.

    Thank you, everybody. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Releases Third Annual State of Pride Report in Honor of Pride Month

    Source: US State of California

    State of Pride Report highlights DOJ’s actions to defend and expand the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community amid ongoing threats to justice and equality

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, in honor of Pride Month, issued a new “State of Pride Report” highlighting the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent actions to support, uplift, and defend the rights of LGBTQ+ communities across California and beyond. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the beautiful strength and diversity of LGBTQ+ communities, as well as reflect on the struggles, sacrifices, and historic accomplishments of the LBGTQ+ equality movement. Despite the immense progress that has been achieved, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face deeply rooted and emerging challenges across the nation. Amidst a rise in attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, DOJ remains steadfast in its commitment to fight alongside LGBTQ+ communities in pursuit of justice and equality.

    “As a proud ally and advocate, I stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month and every month,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Amidst a rise in attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, it is more important than ever that we recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality, safety, and inclusion. Today’s report highlights our commitment to defending, expanding, and advancing LGBTQ+ rights. It also underscores the work that remains to be done to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals have access to all the rights and resources they deserve. As the People’s Attorney, I remain steadfast in my commitment to using every tool at my disposal to safeguard the rights, freedoms, and wellbeing of our LGBTQ+ community.”

    The State of Pride Report presents detailed insight into DOJ’s latest initiatives to confront hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The report emphasizes the importance of the Attorney General’s Hate Crime Rapid Response Protocol, which equips local law enforcement with essential resources to efficiently handle significant hate crimes and extremism. The report also focuses on DOJ’s work to cultivate safe and inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ+ students that are free from discrimination and harassment, enable transgender athletes to participate in sports aligned with their gender identity, and defend access to critical lifesaving care.

    The State of Pride Report also underscores the ongoing adversities LGBTQ+ individuals face in California and nationwide. Despite considerable progress, many LGBTQ+ individuals still experience discrimination, harassment, and violence in their daily lives. Transgender individuals are especially vulnerable, facing high rates of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. These challenges demonstrate the need for ongoing protective efforts to uphold and expand LGBTQ+ individuals’ rights, enable all individuals to live free from discrimination and violence, and collaborate toward creating a more just and inclusive society.

    Key data points in the State of Pride Report depict the reality of hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals: 

    • In 2024, 2.8 million people in this state identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender — the largest number of any state in the nation at 9.5%.
    • Data reported to DOJ in 2024 shows that between 2023 and 2024, there were 172 reported hate crime events motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias (an increase of 13.9% from the previous year), 73 hate crime events motivated by anti-transgender bias (an increase of 12.3% from the previous year), 251 hate crime events motivated by anti-gay bias (an increase of 8.7% from the previous year), and 23 hate crime events motivated by anti-lesbian bias up from 17 the previous year. 
    • In 2024 alone, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the country – targeting healthcare, education, and public spaces.
    • The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most recent annual crime report showed a nearly 16% increase in reports of hate crimes nationally based on gender identity and a nearly 23% increase in reports of hate crimes based on sexual orientation.

    The State of Pride Report can be accessed here. For additional information on hate crimes please visit here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Issues Statement Expressing Disappointment in Supreme Court Decision Not to Hear Case against California’s Proposition 12

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    HULL, IOWA – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement expressing his disappointment in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the Iowa Pork Producers’ case against California’s Proposition 12:

    “I am very disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court decided against hearing the Iowa Pork Producers’ case against California’s Proposition 12. This mandate on Iowa hog farmers increases pork prices for families, makes hog farming needlessly more expensive, harms our rural communities, and threatens our food security,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Last year, my Republican colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee and I passed a Farm Bill that overturned Prop 12. I remain committed to getting a new, five-year Farm Bill signed into law that repeals Prop 12 and delivers certainty and clarity for our hog farmers.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Reject Sen. Markey Effort to Protect Rural Hospitals from Republican Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Over 300 Rural Hospitals at Disproportionate Risk of Closure, Conversion, or Service Reductions Due to GOP Cuts

    Watch: Senator Markey forces vote on Senate floor

    Washington (June 30, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, today forced a vote on a motion to cut any provision of Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that would make it more likely that rural hospitals close or cut services altogether. Republicans overwhelmingly voted down the amendment from passing. The motion failed by a vote of 49-51.

    Earlier this month, Senator Markey released a list of more than 300 rural hospitals across the United States at disproportionate risk of closure, conversion, or service reductions due to proposed health care cuts in the bill. Republicans are proposing over $1.6 trillion in draconian spending cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, and SNAP to pay for tax cuts for people with incomes over $500,0000. These cuts include $930 billion to Medicaid, $500 billion to Medicare, and $300 billion to the Affordable Care Act. 

    Below is an excerpt from Senator Markey’s remarks on the Senate floor.

    “A few weeks ago, I released a list of more than 300 rural hospitals across the country at risk of closing or stopping services because of ANY major cuts to Medicaid or Medicare. Today, that’s what Republicans are guaranteeing with the $1 trillion cut to our health care system they would create with this bill.

    “My Republican colleagues know these risks are real, which is why they’ve tried to create a so-called Medicaid Cuts Replacement Fund that is just a fraction of what they’re taking from Americans’ health care to give to billionaires. This Fund is like giving aspirin to a cancer patient. It is pathetically insufficient.

    “No billionaire tax break or Donald Trump pat on the back is worth the risk to people’s lives and livelihoods. Stop these cuts.”

    Previously, Senator Markey, along with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y), Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, released detailed data from the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concluding that Republican health care cuts in the House Republican-passed bill could place over 300 rural hospitals across the U.S. at disproportionate risk of closure, conversion, or service reductions. This includes 33 hospitals in Louisiana, 35 hospitals in Kentucky, and 21 hospitals in Oklahoma.

    In the face of these Republican cuts, a majority of adults living in rural areas are concerned that health care cuts will “negatively impact hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers in [their] community.” Rural hospitals are struggling; in 2023, there were 50 fewer rural hospitals than in 2017, and a lack of health care access in rural America is contributing to worse health outcomes. Faced with additional cuts to their revenue, many rural hospitals may be forced to stop providing certain services, including obstetric, mental health, and emergency room care, convert to clinics or standalone emergency centers, or close altogether. Rural hospitals are often the largest employers in rural communities, and when a rural hospital closes or scales back their services, communities are not only forced to grapple with losing access to health care, but also with job loss and the resulting financial insecurity.

    The 338 rural hospitals at-risk of reducing service lines, converting to a different type of health care facility, or closing include:

    Alaska

    Providence Valdez Medical Center

    Providence Seward Medical & Care Cen

    Prov. Kodiak Island Medical Center

    Cordova Community Medical Center

    Ketchikan Medical Center

    Alabama

    Community Hospital Inc.

    Marion Regional Medical Center

    Lawrence Medical Center

    Bullock County Hospital

    Hill Hospital of Sumter County

    Arkansas

    Wadley Medical Center at Hope

    Arizona

    Page Hospital

    Winslow Memorial Hospital

    Copper Queen Community Hospital

    Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital

    Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center

    California

    Adventist Health St. Helena

    Mad River Community Hospital

    Oroville Hospital

    St. Elizabeth Community Hospital

    Adventist Health Reedley

    Hi – Desert Medical Center

    Barstow Community Hospital

    Adventist Health Ukiah Valley

    Pioneers Mem. Hospital

    Memorial Hospital – Los Banos

    Eastern Plumas Health Care

    Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley

    Southern Inyo Hospital

    John C. Fremont Healthcare District

    Mayers Memorial Hospital

    Jerold Phelps Community Hospital

    Biggs-Gridley Memorial Hospital

    Mountains Community Hospital

    Kern Valley Healthcare District

    Trinity Hospital

    Fairchild Medical Center

    Adventist Health Clearlake

    Sutter Lakeside Hospital

    Modoc Medical Center

    Bear Valley Community Hospital

    Mee Memorial Hospital

    Hazel Hawkins Mem. Hospital

    Coalinga Regional Medical Center

    Colorado

    Delta County Memorial Hospital

    Conejos County Hospital

    Grand River Hospital District

    Prowers Medical Center

    Southwest Memorial Hospital

    Arkansas Valley Regional Med Center

    Connecticut

    Sharon Hospital

    Delaware

    Nanticoke Memorial Hospital

    Florida

    Lakeside Medical Center

    Georgia

    Washington Co Reg Med Center

    Irwin County Hospital

    Fannin Regional Hospital

    Flint River Community Hospital

    Hawaii

    Kau Hospital

    Kohala Hospital

    Molokai General Hospital

    Lanai Community Hospital

    Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital

    Hale Hoola Hamakua

    Iowa

    MercyOne – Newton Medical Center

    Manning Regional Healthcare Center

    Idaho

    Power County Hospital District

    St. Lukes Jerome Ltd

    Cassia Regional Hospital

    Illinois

    Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital

    OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center

    Richland Memorial Hospital

    Harrisburg Medical Center Inc.

    Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital

    Franklin Hospital

    Massac Memorial Hospital

    Hardin County General Hospital

    Crawford Memorial Hospital

    Indiana

    Daviess Community Hospital

    Memorial Hospital Logansport

    Community Hospital of Bremen Inc.

    Ascension St. Vincent Randolph

    Ascension St. Vincent Jennings

    Ascension St. Vincent Clay

    Ascension St Vincent Salem

    IU Health Jay Hospital

    Franciscan Health Rensselaer

    Sullivan County Community Hospital

    Adams Memorial Hospital

    Harrison County Hospital

    Kansas

    Centura Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital

    UKHS Great Bend Campus

    Kiowa County Memorial Hospital

    Rush County Memorial Hospital

    Norton County Hospital

    Great Plains of Smith County, Inc.

    Kentucky

    Whitesburg ARH

    Highlands Regional Medical Center

    UofL Health-Shelbyville

    T.J. Samson Community Hospital

    St. Claire Medical Center

    Middlesboro ARH

    Spring View Hospital

    AdventHealth Manchester

    Bourbon Community Hospital

    Harlan ARH

    Deaconess Henderson Hospital

    Saint Joseph Mount Sterling

    Tug Valley ARH

    Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical

    Baptist Health Corbin

    Clark Regional Medical Center

    Baptist Health Madisonville

    The Medical Center of Albany

    Three Rivers Medical Center

    Kentucky River Medical Center

    TJ Health Columbia

    Pineville Community Health Center

    Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital

    Our Lady of The Way

    Casey County Hospital

    Carroll County Memorial Hosp

    The Medical Center at Caverna

    Fort Logan Hospital

    Mary Breckinridge Hospital

    Jane Todd Crawford Hospital

    Barbourville ARH Hospital

    Saint Joseph Berea

    Russell County Hospital

    McDowell ARH

    Fleming County Hospital

    Louisiana

    Ochsner St. Mary

    Savoy Medical Management Group Inc.

    Iberia Medical Center

    West Carroll Health Systems LLC

    North Louisiana Medical Center

    Winn Parish Medical Center

    Avoyelles Hospital

    Oakdale Community Hospital

    Morehouse General Hospital

    Desoto Regional Health System

    Allen Parish Hospital

    Franklin Medical Center

    Minden Medical Center

    Richland Parish Hospital Service District 1-B

    Byrd Regional Hospital

    Mercy Regional Medical Center

    Citizens Medical Center

    Caldwell Memorial Hospital

    East Carroll Parish Hospital

    Sabine Medical Center

    Our Lady of The Angels Hospital Mc

    Southeast Regional Medical Center

    Acadian Medical Center

    St. Helena Parish Hospital

    Union General Hospital Inc.

    West Feliciana Parish Hospital

    West Ascension Parish Hospital

    Hood Memorial Hospital

    Franklin Foundation Hospital

    Christus Coushatta Health Care Center

    Madison Parish Hospital

    Trinity Medical

    Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center

    Massachusetts

    Baystate Franklin Medical Center

    Maine

    The Aroostook Medical Center

    Maine Coast Memorial Hospital

    Michigan

    Mclaren Central Michigan

    Carson City Hospital

    Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital

    Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital

    Minnesota

    Range Regional Health Services

    Mayo Clinic Health System-Fairmont

    Missouri

    Bothwell Regional Health Center

    Scotland County Memorial Hospital

    Parkland Health Center – Bonne Terre

    Lafayette Regional Health Center

    Mississippi

    Alliance Healthcare System

    Delta Health-Northwest Regional

    Baptist Mem Hospital Booneville

    Greenwood Leflore Hospital

    Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center

    Highland Community Hospital

    Panola Medical Center

    Baptist Medical Center – Yazoo

    Montana

    Northeast Montana Healthcare-Poplar

    Prairie Community Hospital

    Garfield Co. Health Center

    Logan Health Cutbank

    Big Horn Hospital

    Northeast Montana Health Services

    Providence St Joseph Medical Center

    Big Sky Medical Center

    North Carolina

    UNC Rockingham Hospital

    Person Memorial Hospital Inc.

    Chatham Hospital Inc.

    MH Angel Medical Center LLLP

    Blue Ridge Regional Hospital

    North Dakota

    Nelson County Health System-Hospital

    Presentation Medical Center

    Mercy Hospital

    Nebraska

    Avera Creighton Hospital

    Ogallala Community Hospital

    New Hampshire

    Cheshire Medical Center

    New Mexico

    Alta Vista Regional Hospital

    Eastern New Mexico Medical Center

    Espanola Hospital

    Plains Regional Medical Center – Clovis

    Rehoboth Mckinley Christian Hospital

    Carlsbad Medical Center

    Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital

    Roosevelt General Hospital

    Lovelace Regional Hospital-Roswell

    Socorro General Hospital

    Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital

    Lincoln County Medical Center

    Miner Of Colfax Medical Center

    Mimbres Memorial Hospital

    Holy Cross Hospital

    Nevada

    Battle Mountain General Hospital

    Humboldt General Hospital

    New York

    Wyoming County Community Hospital

    Newark Wayne Community Hospital

    Geneva General Hospital

    Bon Secours Community Hospital

    Westfield Memorial Hospital

    Claxton Hepburn Medical Center

    Massena Memorial Hospital

    Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills

    Clifton-Fine Hospital

    Gouverneur Hospital

    Lewis County General Hospital

    Ohio

    Southern Ohio Medical Center

    Wayne Hospital Company

    East Liverpool City Hospital

    Coshocton Regional Medical Center

    Twin City Hospital

    Harrison Community Hospital

    Bucyrus Community Hospital

    Holzer Medical Center Jackson

    Galion Community Hospital

    Adams County Regional Medical Center

    Fayette County Memorial Hosp

    Oklahoma

    Integris Miami Hospital

    Blackwell Regional Hospital

    McAlester Regional Health Center

    Hillcrest Hospital Cushing

    Choctaw Memorial Hospital

    Sequoyah County City of Sallisaw Hos

    Integris Grove Hospital

    Perry Memorial Hospital

    Wagoner Hospital Authority

    Adair County Health Center

    Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta

    Lindsay Municipal Hospital Authority

    Mercy Hospital Watonga

    Mercy Hospital Tishomingo

    Mercy Health/Love County

    Mercy Hospital Healdton Inc.

    Cleveland Area Hospital

    Carnegie Tri-County Municipal Hospital

    Haskell Regional Hospital

    Harmon Memorial Hospital

    Memorial Hospital of Texas County

    Oregon

    Silverton Hospital

    Providence Seaside Hospital

    St Charles Madras

    Good Shepherd Medical Center

    Pennsylvania

    UPMC Jameson

    UPMC Northwest Hospital

    UPMC Kane

    UPMC Horizon Hospital

    Highlands Hospital

    South Carolina

    Oconee Memorial Hospital

    MUSC Health Chester Medical Center

    MUSC Health Marion Medical Center

    The Regional Medical Center

    Abbeville Area Medical Center

    South Dakota

    Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center

    Bennett County Hospital

    Tennessee

    Unicoi County Hospital

    Wayne Medical Center

    Baptist Mem Hospital Huntingdon

    West Tn Healthcare Volunteer Hospital

    Dyersburg Regional Medical Center

    St Thomas Dekalb Hospital

    Saint Thomas Highland Hospital

    Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital

    Saint Thomas Stones River Hospital

    Texas

    Anson General Hospital

    Ascension Seton Smithville

    Val Verde Regional Medical Center

    Falls Community Hospital and Clinic

    Covenant Hospital Plainview

    Scenic Mountain Medical Center

    El Campo Memorial Hospital

    Covenant Hospital Levelland

    North Runnels Hospital District

    Palacios Community Medical Center

    Haskell Memorial Hospital

    Mitchell County Hospital

    TMC Bonham Hospital

    Mid Coast Medical Center-Central

    Baylor Scott & White – Marble Falls

    Utah

    Fillmore Community Hospital

    Blue Mountain Hospital

    Beaver Valley Hospital

    Virginia

    Southampton Memorial Hospital

    Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center

    Community Memorial Hospital

    Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital

    Rappahannock General Hospital

    Lee County Community Hospital

    Washington:

    Samaritan Hospital

    Toppenish Community Hospital

    Summit Pacific Medical Center

    Odessa Memorial Hospital

    Coulee Medical Center

    Providence St Joseph’s Hospital

    Prosser Memorial Health

    Klickitat Valley Health

    Othello Community Hospital

    Three Rivers Hospital

    Forks Community Hospital

    Mid-Valley Hospital

    Astria Sunnyside Hospital

    Mason General Hospital

    Wisconsin:

    Holy Family Memorial Inc.

    MCHS Oakridge

    Aspirus Stanley Hospital

    West Virginia:

    Logan Regional Medical Center

    Welch Community Hospital

    Broaddus Hospital Association

    Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center

    Grafton City Hospital

    Montgomery General Hospital

    Jackson General Hospital

    Wyoming

    Summit Medical Center LLC

    Platte County Memorial Hospital

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Murray, Crapo, Risch Honor Slain Idaho Firefighters With Moment of Silence on U.S. Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    06.30.25

    Cantwell, Murray, Crapo, Risch Honor Slain Idaho Firefighters With Moment of Silence on U.S. Senate Floor

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Jim Risch (R-ID) in requesting a moment of silence on the Senate floor in remembrance of the two Idaho firefighters ambushed and killed, and a third injured, yesterday while responding to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene.

    “I stand with my Idaho colleagues,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This is a very tight-knit community between Washington and Idaho. Many Washington police and responders participated in yesterday’s activities. Our hearts go out to the people of Idaho and, yes, we want a moment of silence to remember these firefighters.”

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s brief remarks is available HERE. Video of all four Senators’ remarks is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy: Nobody Is Asking for 16 Million People to Lose Their Health Care Just So the Corporations and the Very Rich Can Get a New Tax Cut

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss Senate Republicans’ efforts to ram through a bill that kicks millions of Americans off their health care in the dead of night, the Trump administration’s lawless immigration policies and the Supreme Court’s enabling of his abuse of power, and the lessons Democrats can learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win the New York mayoral primary.

    Murphy highlighted how deeply unpopular the Republican reconciliation bill is: “By almost a two-to-one margin, the American people hate this piece of legislation because it’s going to represent the biggest transfer of wealth and money from the poor and middle class to the rich in the history of the country. It’s not about efficiencies in Medicaid. CBO – which is the Congressional Budget Office, non-partisan – says it’s going to kick between 10 and 15 million people off their health care, and for what? To be able to afford a new $270,000 tax cut for the richest families in the country. New tax cuts for corporations. New tax cuts for billionaires. This bill stinks. It’s a moral abomination. Everybody that learns about it hates it, and so there’s a chance that it won’t pass. That’s in part why we’re forcing them to read it, because every single day that people learn about it, they are flooding their members’ offices with calls to tell them to stop this bill. Nobody is asking for 16 million people to lose their health care just so the corporations and the very rich can get a new tax cut. That’s super unpopular, and we’re going to work this thing until the final vote.”

    Murphy slammed the Trump administration for its blatant disregard for immigration laws: “They are acting in a lawless manner every single day. They are not focusing on dangerous people. They are literally going to Home Depots. They are busting into people’s private homes. They are targeting Latinos all over the country, whether they are undocumented or not. This isn’t about trying to keep the country safer. This is about trying to make this country scared of folks who speak a different language or come from a different place…This is becoming a lawless administration. We are on a road to seeing our democracy atrophy to the point that it will be unrecognizable, and the border is just one example of many ways in which this administration doesn’t care about the law anymore.”

    On the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Murphy said: “Both the Constitution and the law is clear: if you’re born in the United States of America, you’re a US citizen. But now, because there’s no longer going to be a federal policy, it’s going to be different in every state. A child born in Connecticut will be a citizen, but that same child, if they were born in Oklahoma, might not be. That’s chaos. By taking away the power of courts to restrain the President when he is clearly acting in an unlawful manner, as he is when he says that children born in the United States are no longer citizens, you are assisting him in trying to undermine the rule of law and undermine our democracy. So that case is really dangerous because it sets up a patchwork of citizenship laws, but it’s really dangerous because it will incentivize the president to act in a lawless manner. Because now only the Supreme Court, who can only take a handful of cases a year, can ever stop him from violating the laws of the Constitution.”

    Murphy urged the Democratic Party to learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York mayoral primary: “He was laser-like focused on the issue of costs. He was laser-like focused on the issue of transferring power from people who have way too much of it, like the big real estate companies that jack up everybody’s rent in New York, and putting that power in the hands of regular citizens. He was authentic, right? I mean, yeah, he’s got some views that are a little bit out of the conventional mainstream. But you know what? The traditional political pundits have no idea what’s actually mainstream in this country. And when you’re talking about costs, when you’re talking about de-rigging the economy every single day, when you’re presenting big, bold ideas on how to do that, you’re going to do pretty well in elections. And so Democrats should learn from his victory.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy on Meet the Press: Nobody Is Asking for 16 Million People to Lose Their Health Care Just So the Corporations and the Very Rich Can Get a New Tax Cut

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss Senate Republicans’ efforts to ram through a bill that kicks millions of Americans off their health care in the dead of night, the Trump administration’s lawless immigration policies and the Supreme Court’s enabling of his abuse of power, and the lessons Democrats can learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win the New York mayoral primary.

    Murphy highlighted how deeply unpopular the Republican reconciliation bill is: “By almost a two-to-one margin, the American people hate this piece of legislation because it’s going to represent the biggest transfer of wealth and money from the poor and middle class to the rich in the history of the country. It’s not about efficiencies in Medicaid. CBO – which is the Congressional Budget Office, non-partisan – says it’s going to kick between 10 and 15 million people off their health care, and for what? To be able to afford a new $270,000 tax cut for the richest families in the country. New tax cuts for corporations. New tax cuts for billionaires. This bill stinks. It’s a moral abomination. Everybody that learns about it hates it, and so there’s a chance that it won’t pass. That’s in part why we’re forcing them to read it, because every single day that people learn about it, they are flooding their members’ offices with calls to tell them to stop this bill. Nobody is asking for 16 million people to lose their health care just so the corporations and the very rich can get a new tax cut. That’s super unpopular, and we’re going to work this thing until the final vote.”

    Murphy slammed the Trump administration for its blatant disregard for immigration laws: “They are acting in a lawless manner every single day. They are not focusing on dangerous people. They are literally going to Home Depots. They are busting into people’s private homes. They are targeting Latinos all over the country, whether they are undocumented or not. This isn’t about trying to keep the country safer. This is about trying to make this country scared of folks who speak a different language or come from a different place…This is becoming a lawless administration. We are on a road to seeing our democracy atrophy to the point that it will be unrecognizable, and the border is just one example of many ways in which this administration doesn’t care about the law anymore.”

    On the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Murphy said: “Both the Constitution and the law is clear: if you’re born in the United States of America, you’re a US citizen. But now, because there’s no longer going to be a federal policy, it’s going to be different in every state. A child born in Connecticut will be a citizen, but that same child, if they were born in Oklahoma, might not be. That’s chaos. By taking away the power of courts to restrain the President when he is clearly acting in an unlawful manner, as he is when he says that children born in the United States are no longer citizens, you are assisting him in trying to undermine the rule of law and undermine our democracy. So that case is really dangerous because it sets up a patchwork of citizenship laws, but it’s really dangerous because it will incentivize the president to act in a lawless manner. Because now only the Supreme Court, who can only take a handful of cases a year, can ever stop him from violating the laws of the Constitution.”

    Murphy urged the Democratic Party to learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York mayoral primary: “He was laser-like focused on the issue of costs. He was laser-like focused on the issue of transferring power from people who have way too much of it, like the big real estate companies that jack up everybody’s rent in New York, and putting that power in the hands of regular citizens. He was authentic, right? I mean, yeah, he’s got some views that are a little bit out of the conventional mainstream. But you know what? The traditional political pundits have no idea what’s actually mainstream in this country. And when you’re talking about costs, when you’re talking about de-rigging the economy every single day, when you’re presenting big, bold ideas on how to do that, you’re going to do pretty well in elections. And so Democrats should learn from his victory.”

    Click Here to Watch Murphy’s Full Interview

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: PMPRB releases new Guidelines to monitor and review drug prices

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News Release

    For Immediate Release

    June 30, 2025 — Ottawa, ON — Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

    The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) published its new Guidelines for PMPRB Staff today. They will take effect on January 1, 2026. The Guidelines explain the new two-step process used by PMPRB staff to monitor and review drug prices by comparing them to the prices in other countries or to other similar treatments in Canada. If a drug’s price raises concerns, PMPRB staff may recommend a hearing to the Chair. These new Guidelines have been established following a comprehensive consultation process, after much consideration from the Board. They depart significantly from previous Guidelines.

    As per the new Guidelines, the PMPRB will follow a two-step review process. The Initial or Annual Review serves as a screening process. If this step raises concerns, or if a complaint is received from an approved individual or organization, the PMPRB will then start a more in-depth review. During an In-Depth Review the PMPRB staff compare the drug under review to similar drugs and treatments available for the same medical conditions.

    The PMPRB plays a unique and important role in the Canadian health system by ensuring that prices of patented medicines are not excessive. The Guidelines provide a transparent and predictable process to be used by PMPRB staff to review drug prices once they enter the market. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Anand announces funding to promote Indigenous voices on the world stage

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 30, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Global Affairs Canada will provide $3 million to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to support their work with Indigenous Peoples to promote Indigenous voices internationally.

    This funding will support the Indigenous Fellowship Program and the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples. Through these initiatives, Indigenous leaders will receive training, mentorship, and financial support to help them engage effectively with UN human rights mechanisms and to strengthen their ability to advocate within the UN.

    By promoting Indigenous voices in international decision making, these initiatives strengthen the ability of Indigenous leaders to advocate for Indigenous rights, hold states accountable and influence policies that impact Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Minister Anand announces funding to promote Indigenous voices on the world stage

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Global Affairs Canada will provide $3 million to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the following project.

    Project: Indigenous Fellowship Program and UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples

    Funding amount: $3 million

    This project supports Indigenous representatives in strengthening their advocacy skills and participation in international decision-making processes. Through the Indigenous Fellowship Program and the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous leaders will receive training, mentorship and financial support to engage effectively with UN human rights mechanisms.

    The project includes participation from 90 Indigenous representatives, including women, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTIQ+ individuals, and will enhance their advocacy and leadership skills through training and leadership development. Additionally, at least 160 Indigenous representatives will participate in UN forums, including the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. An Indigenous alumni network will be established to share knowledge and experiences globally and a digital platform will be created to support training, engagement and long-term advocacy efforts.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico Announces Intent to Seek Death Penalty Against Labar Tsethlikai

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico filed a Notice of Intent to seek the death penalty against Labar Tsethlikai.

    Tsethlikai, 52, an enrolled Member of Zuni Pueblo, is charged in a 17-count Second Superseding Indictment as follows:

    • Count 1 (October 22, 2022): Kidnapping Resulting in Death of John Doe 1
    • Count 2 (January 18, 2024): First Degree Murder of John Doe 2
    • Count 3 (January 18, 2024): First Degree Felony Murder of John Doe 2
    • Count 4 (January 18, 2024): Kidnapping Resulting in Death of John Doe 2
    • Count 5 (May 19, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 3
    • Count 6 (June 15, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 4
    • Count 7 (June 15, 2023): Assault with Intent to Commit Murder of John Doe 4
    • Count 8 (June 15, 2023): Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury of John Doe 4
    • Count 9 (July 13, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 5
    • Count 10 (July 13, 2023): Aggravated Sexual Abuse of John Doe 5
    • Count 11 (August 24, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 6
    • Count 12 (August 24, 2023): Assault with a Dangerous Weapon of John Doe 6
    • Count 13 (September 7, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 7
    • Count 14 (September 15, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 8
    • Count 15 (February 16, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 9
    • Count 16 (April 5, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 10
    • Count 17 (April 11, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 11

    The maximum penalty for the kidnapping resulting in death charges is death, and Attorney General Bondi has authorized and directed the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Tsethlikai.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Sex Crimes Unit, and Air Support Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley and Jack E. Burkhead are prosecuting the case.

    The FBI continues to investigate Tsethlikai’s involvement in crimes against other victims. If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, or have information about Tsethlikai, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico Announces Intent to Seek Death Penalty Against Labar Tsethlikai

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico filed a Notice of Intent to seek the death penalty against Labar Tsethlikai.

    Tsethlikai, 52, an enrolled Member of Zuni Pueblo, is charged in a 17-count Second Superseding Indictment as follows:

    • Count 1 (October 22, 2022): Kidnapping Resulting in Death of John Doe 1
    • Count 2 (January 18, 2024): First Degree Murder of John Doe 2
    • Count 3 (January 18, 2024): First Degree Felony Murder of John Doe 2
    • Count 4 (January 18, 2024): Kidnapping Resulting in Death of John Doe 2
    • Count 5 (May 19, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 3
    • Count 6 (June 15, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 4
    • Count 7 (June 15, 2023): Assault with Intent to Commit Murder of John Doe 4
    • Count 8 (June 15, 2023): Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury of John Doe 4
    • Count 9 (July 13, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 5
    • Count 10 (July 13, 2023): Aggravated Sexual Abuse of John Doe 5
    • Count 11 (August 24, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 6
    • Count 12 (August 24, 2023): Assault with a Dangerous Weapon of John Doe 6
    • Count 13 (September 7, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 7
    • Count 14 (September 15, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 8
    • Count 15 (February 16, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 9
    • Count 16 (April 5, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 10
    • Count 17 (April 11, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 11

    The maximum penalty for the kidnapping resulting in death charges is death, and Attorney General Bondi has authorized and directed the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Tsethlikai.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Sex Crimes Unit, and Air Support Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley and Jack E. Burkhead are prosecuting the case.

    The FBI continues to investigate Tsethlikai’s involvement in crimes against other victims. If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, or have information about Tsethlikai, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Joins Army Secretary Driscoll at Rock Island Arsenal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    Davenport, IA – Today, U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) joined Secretary of the Army Driscoll for a site visit and mission briefing at the Rock Island Arsenal, one of the nation’s most critical logistics and manufacturing hubs.

    “Rock Island Arsenal has always been a pillar of strength for our national defense and the Quad Cities region,” said Miller-Meeks. “As a 24-year Army veteran, it was an honor to join Secretary Driscoll today and hear directly from the dedicated men and women who keep this installation running. I remain committed to protecting the Arsenal, supporting its workforce, and ensuring it continues to serve our nation for generations to come.”

    During the visit, Miller-Meeks and Secretary Driscoll toured the installation’s manufacturing operations, met with Army personnel and civilian employees, and discussed how provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, like full expensing, can modernize the Arsenal’s equipment production capabilities and drive innovation in defense manufacturing.

    Background:

    This visit follows Miller-Meeks’ April 25, 2025 letter to Secretary Driscoll urging him to protect Rock Island Arsenal amid reports of a potential reduction in force due to a consolidation of Joint Munitions Command (JMC) and Army Sustainment Command (ASC). In the letter, Miller-Meeks emphasized that Rock Island Arsenal is not only essential to America’s military readiness but also a cornerstone of the Quad Cities economy.

    According to the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, Rock Island Arsenal supports more than 15,000 jobs and contributes over $1.2 billion annually to the regional economy. The installation provides command support to the Army Contracting Command, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and plays a unique role in advanced manufacturing, including 3-D printed parts for troops deployed abroad.

    Miller-Meeks, who serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has been a consistent advocate for protecting and strengthening Rock Island Arsenal through the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Nearly half of Arsenal employees live in Iowa, and many are veterans continuing to serve their country in civilian roles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Bipartisan Bill to End Organ Transplant Discrimination Against Individuals with Disabilites

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

    Washington, D.C. – Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, a landmark, bipartisan bill that protects Americans with disabilites from being denied life-saving organ transplants solely based on their disability. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), ensures that disability is never used as a barrier to receiving critical medical care.

    This bill upholds, clarifies, and builds upon protections established under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. It prohibits discrimination by covered entities–including hospitals, transplant centers, and insurance providers–in the organ transplant process. 

    Specifically, the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Act bars the following actions solely based on disability: 

    • Determining that an individual is ineligible to receive an organ transplant
    • Denying an organ transplant or related medical services
    • Refusing to refer an individual to a transplant center
    • Declining to place an individual on a transplant waiting list
    • Denying insurance coverage for a transplant or related services

    “Baby Zion, a young infant with Down syndrome in Florida’s Third Congressional District, was denied a lifesaving heart transplant in 2021, and passed away. His life was worth saving, and we’re fighting to end discrimination in the organ transplant system so the same thing never happens again,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “I am honored to work alongside Congresswoman Dingell and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in safeguarding the rights of those with disabilities.”

    “It’s unthinkable that people with disabilities are passed over for life-saving transplants based on discriminatory and subjective assumptions about their ability to comply with post-operative care,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This bill takes important action to ensure that all Americans, regardless of disability status, receive equitable access to the care they need. I’m thankful to Rep. Kat Cammack for her partnership, and most of all, I’m thankful to Charlotte for her incredible energy, advocacy, and commitment to making a positive change. I’m glad to see it one step closer to becoming law. We need to get it done.”

    Background: 

    Named for Charlotte Woodward, an adult with Down syndrome who received a lifesaving heart transplant over a decade ago, the bill also recognizes the importance of auxiliary aids and services, the ability of an individual’s support network to assist with post-operative care, and the need for reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to make organ transplant systems and facilities more accessible to those with disabilities.

    Rep. Cammack’s inspiration for introducing the legislation is Baby Zion Sarmiento, from Ocala, Florida. Zion was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect in June 2021. After spending 40 days in the NICU and enduring five open-heart surgeries, Zion passed away after being denied a heart transplant because of his disability.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Reintroduces the Remembering Our Local Heroes Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today, alongside Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), reintroduced the Remembering Our Local Heroes Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program to provide funding for memorials honoring veterans, law enforcement officers, and firefighters.

    “Our veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers embody the very best of our nation, and we must honor their courage and selflessness. This includes preserving local memorials, which serve as powerful reminders of these heroes’ legacies and sacrifices. The Remembering Our Local Heroes Act ensures that communities in New York and across the country have the resources needed to maintain and restore these tributes for future generations,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

    “First responders, members of the military, and all those who have served our nation deserve to be honored and remembered for their service and sacrifice. This bipartisan legislation will help communities in New Hampshire and across the country build, maintain, and restore memorials honoring our heroes, ensuring that they will never be forgotten,” said Congressman Pappas. 

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Protect LGBTQI+ Communities from Global Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    June 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have introduced a bill to impose sanctions on foreign actors responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI+ communities abroad. 

    “For far too long, the LGBTQI+ community has faced bigotry, hate, and violence all across the globe,” Wyden said. “We can’t let oppressive regimes get away with jailing or murdering individuals simply because of who they love and how they identify. This bill sends a clear message to bad actors overseas: there is no place for violence and discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.” 

    “We are living in a time in which governments around the world continue to make dangerous threats against our LGBTQI+ family, friends, and neighbors,” said Merkley, author of the Equality Act. “Every person—regardless of who they are, whom they love, or where they live—has the right to be treated with decency and respect. We need legislation like the Global Respect Act to send a clear message to the world that the United States is committed to defending these critical human rights.” 

    Specifically, the Global Respect Act would:  

    • Require the Executive Branch to biannually send Congress a list of foreign persons responsible for, or complicit in, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment of an individual, prolonged detention of an individual without charges or trials, causing the disappearance of an individual by abduction and clandestine detention of an individual, and other flagrant denials of the right to life, liberty or the security of an individual. 
    • Authorize the Administration to deny or revoke visas to individuals placed on the list. 
    • Require the annual State Department Report on Human Rights to include a section on LGBTQI+ international human rights, as well as an annual report to Congress on the status of the law’s effectiveness.
    • Require the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor to designate a senior officer responsible for tracking violence, criminalization and restrictions on the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms in foreign countries based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

    The legislation has been endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, the Council for Global Equality, American Jewish World Service and Human Rights First. 

    The bill is led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.

    The text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Attorney general’s statement on inquiry into event safety

    Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement about the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety in B.C.

    “On Saturday, April 26, 2025, British Columbia experienced one of the worst moments in our history, when a senseless act of violence turned a Lapu-Lapu Day celebration into a tragedy that left 11 people dead and countless more injured and traumatized.

    “In the aftermath, British Columbians understandably raised questions about enhancing public safety so people can feel safe attending and celebrating community events of all sizes this summer. That is why Premier David Eby commissioned a public inquiry into safety at community events, with recommendations to be delivered by June 30, 2025.

    “The commission was established to examine and report on ways to strengthen security and safety at community events. It was tasked with providing practical information and recommendations to event organizers, local governments and public safety officials.

    “I am pleased to have received the report from the commissioner of inquiry into community events safety in B.C., Christopher E. Hinkson. The report will be presented to cabinet in the coming days, in accordance with the Public Inquiry Act. Following cabinet’s review, the report will be filed with the clerk of the legislative assembly and made available to the public.

    “I thank Commissioner Hinkson for the work he and his team have done over the past six weeks to enhance and protect our right to gather and celebrate safely and ensure that fear does not prevent communities from coming together.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Corn planted acreage up 5% from 2024, soybean acreage down 4% from last year

    Source: US National Agricultural Statistics Service

    WASHINGTON, June 30, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimated 95.2 million acres of corn planted in the United States for 2025, up 5% from last year, according to the Acreage report released today. Soybean area planted is estimated at 83.4 million acres, down 4% from last year.

    Following up on the Prospective Plantings report released in March, NASS surveyed approximately 67,700 farm operators during the first two weeks of June to gather information on what farmers actually planted. Key findings released in the Acreage report include:

    Corn

    • Growers expect to harvest 86.8 million acres of corn for grain, up 5% from 2024.
    • Ninety-four percent of all corn acres planted in the United States are biotech varieties, the same as 2024.

    Soybeans

    • Soybean harvested area for 2025 is estimated at 82.5 million acres, down 4% from last year.
    • Producers planted 96% of the soybean acreage using herbicide resistant seed varieties, the same as 2024.

    Cotton

    • All cotton planted area for 2025 is estimated at 10.1 million acres, 10% below 2024.
    • Upland cotton planted is estimated at 9.95 million acres, down 9% from last year.
    • American Pima planted area is estimated at 171,000 acres, down 17% from 2024.
    • Ninety-seven percent of Upland cotton planted acres are biotech varieties, up 1% from last year.

    Wheat

    • All wheat planted area for 2025 is estimated at 45.5 million acres, down 1% from last year.
    • Winter wheat planted area is estimated at 33.3 million acres, down less than 1% from 2024.
    • Other spring wheat planted area is estimated at 10.0 million acres, down 5% from 2024.
    • Durum wheat planted area is estimated at 2.11 million acres, up 2% from last year.

    Today, NASS also released the quarterly Grain Stocks and Rice Stocks reports to provide estimates of on-farm and off-farm stocks as of June 1. Key findings in those reports include:

    Grain Stocks

    • Corn stocks totaled 4.64 billion bushels, down 7% from the same time last year.
    • On-farm corn stocks were down 16% from a year ago, and off-farm stocks were up 6%.
    • Soybeans stored totaled 1.01 billion bushels, up 4% from June 1, 2024.
    • On-farm soybean stocks were down 12% from a year ago, while off-farm stocks were up 18%.
    • All wheat stored totaled 851 million bushels, up 22% from a year ago.
    • On-farm all wheat stocks were up 32% from last year, while off-farm stocks were up 20%.
    • Durum wheat stored totaled 27.9 million bushels, up 32% from June 1, 2024.
    • On-farm stocks of Durum wheat were up 41% from June 1, 2024.
    • Off-farm stocks of Durum wheat were up 25% from a year earlier.

    Grain Stocks

    • Rough rice stocks totaled 69.7 million hundredweight, up 15% from June 1, 2024.
    • On-farm rice stocks were up 94% from a year ago, while off-farm stocks were up 7%.
    • Long grain rice varieties accounted for 69% of the total rough rice, medium grain accounted for 30%, and short grain varieties accounted for 1%.
    • Milled rice stocks totaled 6.09 million hundredweight, up 26% from a year ago.
    • Milled rice stocks were comprised of 4.01 million hundredweight of whole kernel rice and 2.08 million hundredweight of second heads, screenings, and brewers rice.

    All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov/publicationsnass.usda.gov/publications. Join NASS’s Lance Honig for a live Stat Chat about the Acreage, Grain Stocks, and Rice Stocks reports @usda_nass on X at 1:30 p.m. ET today. Have a question about the report? Ask any time with #StatChat in your question.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Files Amendments to Dangerous Republican Budget Megabill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, announced his amendments to President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans’ budget megabill in an attempt to thwart the legislation’s most catastrophic impacts. The partisan proposal—which Republicans are ramming through Congress using a legislative process that enables them to expedite it and pass it with a fewer number of votes than most Senate legislation—would slash critical funding for programs that Virginians rely on to disproportionately give tax cuts to the wealthy.

    “We should be focused on growing and supporting the middle-class, not passing Donald Trump and congressional Republicans’ Hurt People, Kill Jobs, and Spike the Debt to Reward the Rich Act,” said Kaine. “I’m filing amendments to protect Americans from some of the worst of the worst from this Administration and its partisan megabill—from safeguarding our rural hospitals and preventing Americans from losing their health insurance, to keeping families from going hungry, standing up for our veterans, and preventing energy cost increases. I’m also filing amendments to address ways this bill is uniquely bad for Virginia, including to restore funding the Richmond Water Treatment Plant desperately needs and to address the proposed transfer of the Space Shuttle Discovery from Chantilly to Houston at enormous expense to the American taxpayer. The fact that these amendments are necessary in the first place goes to show that Republicans will stop at nothing to give the wealthiest a massive tax break.”

    Kaine filed a series of amendments, including:

    • To rename the legislation the “Hurt People, Kill Jobs, and Spike the Debt to Reward the Rich Act.”
    • To protect Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from cuts by reversing tax cuts that benefit the wealthy and large corporations.
    • To protect Virginia’s rural hospitals by mitigating changes to the Medicaid provider tax program.
    • To crack down on the Trump Administration’s mass firing of veterans from the federal workforce, by prohibiting firings of federal employee veterans without submitting a report to Congress.
    • To protect Virginians’ health care coverage by eliminating the estate tax cut for multi-millionaires.
    • To provide small businesses, farmers, and low- and moderate-income families with relief from Trump’s senseless trade wars.
    • To prevent the weakening and destruction of unions representing federal workers.
    • To require agencies to cease illegal mass firings and illegal withholdings of appropriated funding.
    • To prevent utility bill increases by blocking Republicans’ effort to create a new tax on wind and solar power and undo energy efficiency tax credits Kaine helped create through the Inflation Reduction Act.
    • To include Kaine’s bipartisan Jumpstarting Our Businesses By Supporting Students (JOBS) Act to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants—need-based education grants for lower-income individuals—to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time.
    • To restore funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program within the Federal Emergency Management Agency. BRIC grants were canceled by the Trump Administration for projects across Virginia, including a $12 million grant for the Richmond Water Treatment Plant and a $24 million grant to enhance the Lake Meade Dam in Portsmouth.
    • To prevent the transfer of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia—where it is available for viewing to the public free of charge—to Houston, Texas. The transfer would cost hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars and force Americans to pay an admission fee to view the shuttle.
    • To align a portion of munitions procurement spending to the European Deterrence Initiative to support European partners’ capacity to provide their own national security.
    • To prevent Republicans from hiding the true cost of their bill and violating long-standing Senate rules.

    Full text of Kaine’s amendments is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Baldwin Blasts Republicans’ Disastrous Budget Bill that Slashes Medicaid & SNAP, Rigs Tax Code for the Wealthy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    Baldwin: “This bill will make it harder for working families to have the opportunity to get ahead. Harder for parents to get their kids health care. Harder for families to put food on the table.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) spoke on the Senate floor, condemning the Republicans’ budget bill, which terminates health care for 17 million of Americans, cuts food assistance programs, and increases costs for Wisconsin families – all to make room in the budget to give corporations and the wealthy unfair tax breaks.

    Over the past several months, Senator Baldwin traveled across Wisconsin talking to constituents deeply concerned about the impact the Republicans’ budget bill would have on their families and communities. Because of this bill, over 250,000 Wisconsinites will be kicked off their healthcare, and 90,000 Wisconsinites will lose some or all of their food assistance, while the top 0.1 percent of earners will receive a tax cut of more than $250,000 every year.

    A video of the speech can be is available for download here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –