NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Action Taken by Governor Phil Scott on Legislation – June 27, 2025

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly.

    On June 27, Governor Scott signed bills of the following titles:

    • H.480, An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to education law

    When signing H.480, Governor Scott issued the following statement:

    “This bill includes many technical changes but also takes a meaningful step forward to develop and implement a “phone-free” policy in schools across Vermont. The things our cell phones can do today are amazing; however, the one area they seem to be very good at, is their ability to distract us from everything. We need kids to be focused on learning, interacting with their peers, teachers, and friends while they’re at school. And it’s clear now that phones can get in the way of important conversations and class discussions and can also be used for harmful interactions, like bullying. Taking a break from our phones is probably a good policy for all of us to follow – and hopefully, find that healthy balance we could all use a little more of.”

    To view a complete list of action on bills passed during the 2025 legislative session, click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners Announces Final June 2025 Cash Distribution for Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the final June 2025 cash distribution for the Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series. The record date for the distribution is June 30, 2025. This distribution is payable on July 8, 2025.

    The per-unit final June 2025 distribution is detailed below:

    Ninepoint ETF Series Ticker Cash Distribution per
    unit    		 Notional Distribution
    per unit    		 CUSIP
    Ninepoint Cash
    Management Fund    		 NSAV $0.12456 $0.00000 65443X105


    About Ninepoint Partners

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

    Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.

    The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.

    Sales Inquiries:

    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Historic partnership unites B.C. for FIFA World Cup 26

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), the Province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver have signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to work together as partners to host FIFA World Cup 26 matches in Vancouver.

    “Musqueam is excited and honoured to be working alongside Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, the Province of B.C. and the City of Vancouver for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam. “Throughout the planning and negotiations, Musqueam has been a part of all discussions across every table with FIFA. We are continuing to strengthen and build on the 2010 Olympic legacy with the opportunity to share our history and culture with the world. We’re thankful to be able to have our voice heard and to take part in the planning process of a successful FIFA tournament on our traditional territory.”

    Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson, Squamish Nation, said: “We at Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) believe deeply in the power of sport as a catalyst for growth and change. We are honoured to welcome guests to our shared traditional territories for FIFA World Cup 26. These matches provide an opportunity for us all to share our history and culture with a global audience. And as a true partner throughout every step of the planning process for FIFA World Cup 26, this tournament will generate legacies that will bring positive and lasting benefits to each of our communities for years to come.”

    Chief Jen Thomas, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), said: “We’re excited to welcome FIFA World Cup 26 to our shared, traditional territories next year and proud that the world will learn more about the passion that our Tsleil-Waututh community has for the beautiful game. The signing of this MOU is significant as it recognizes the role our Nations have as equal partners at the table in our active collaboration with the Province and the City of Vancouver to host this historic tournament.”

    This landmark agreement reflects a shared commitment to deliver a world-class event that honours Indigenous rights, advances reconciliation through collaboration on FIFA World Cup 26, and brings lasting benefits to people throughout British Columbia.

    “British Columbia is ready to welcome the world for the biggest event our province has ever hosted,” said Premier David Eby. “I want to thank the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations for their ongoing contributions toward making this a memorable event for all. It represents our commitment to work together to realize the benefits of some of the Men’s World Cup being played on their shared traditional territories in Vancouver. We are ready to showcase our welcoming and open province to guests from every corner of the globe.”

    The MOU sets out a framework for how xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), the Province and the city will work together to plan, stage and host the FIFA World Cup 26 matches, while ensuring interests of the Nations are reflected throughout and approaches to shared opportunities are co-developed.

    “Hosting FIFA World Cup 26 is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our province to the world, and we are determined to do it in a way that reflects who we are and what we value,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This partnership ensures that First Nations are at the table from planning through to match day, so the cultural, social and economic opportunities of the FIFA World Cup reach these communities.”

    FIFA World Cup 26 is expected to draw approximately 350,000 spectators to BC Place, generate significant economic activity and create opportunities for local businesses, artists and workers across sectors.

    “Partnerships with First Nations strengthen everything we do here in B.C. and hosting FIFA World Cup 26 is no exception,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “As we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors to Vancouver next year, our partnership with the City of Vancouver and Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh honours the resilience, legacy and leadership of these Nations.”

    The Province and its partners are committed to helping ensure the event leaves social and cultural legacies that benefit British Columbians well beyond the final whistle.

    “FIFA World Cup 26 is set to unite our region through sport and celebration, and with the signing of today’s historic MOU, we take the next step forward,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “Vancouver is proud to be the city of reconciliation. As was the case with the 2010 Olympics, it is our hope that FIFA World Cup 26 will serve as an opportunity to showcase the art, culture and history of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) peoples.”

    Planning for FIFA World Cup 26 is underway. Seven matches are scheduled to be played in Vancouver in 2026.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 91 tasks officials and host countries of international sporting events, such as the World Cup, to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ territorial protocols are respected and local Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of planning and participation in such events.
    • The economic benefits of hosting seven FIFA World Cup 26 matches are estimated to include more than one million out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, generating more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending and potentially as much as $224 million in direct, indirect and other related provincial tax revenues.
    • More than five billion global viewers watched FIFA World Cup 22 in Qatar.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about Vancouver, host city for FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver, visit:
    https://www.vancouverfwc26.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Votes Against GOP Legislation Justifying Trump Immigration Raids, Weaponization of Law Enforcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    Rep. Pettersen Votes Against GOP Legislation Justifying Trump Immigration Raids, Weaponization of Law Enforcement

    Vote follows Los Angeles ICE protests

    Washington, June 27, 2025

    Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) voted against Republican-backed legislation – H.Res. 516 – that spreads falsehoods about the immigration protests in Los Angeles, California, and legitimizes Trump’s ICE raids and deployment of the military to communities across the country. 

    “Let’s be clear: every American has the right to peacefully take to the streets and speak out against the horrific actions of this administration,” said Pettersen. “This resolution is just Republicans giving Trump a green light to weaponize law enforcement and target immigrant communities. He deployed the military on civilians for doing exactly what we should all be doing right now: raising our voices against this brazen lawlessness.”

    Pettersen supports legislation introduced by Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) that:

    • Recognizes the right to peacefully protest;
    • Condemns any acts of violence by agitators; 
    • Opposes the deployment of federal military against civilians without legal justification; 
    • Commends local law enforcement for their work to ensure public safety and protect peaceful protest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Limit National Injunctions, Enabling Trump’s Plan to End Constitutional Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Washington, DC— Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), proud daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and citizen by birthright, released the following statement after the Supreme Court limited the power of lower courts, allowing the Trump administration to temporarily implement its proposal to end birthright citizenship. The legal case against Trump’s plan has not been heard by the Supreme Court:

    “I agree, Judge Sotomayor, no right is safe under the new regime, not even the ones clearly guaranteed under our Constitution. For more than 100 years, the 14th Amendment has reaffirmed that all people born in the U.S. are U.S. citizens, with equal rights under the law.  It has been and is the law of the land, consistently upheld by courts and scholars across the political spectrum. But in limiting nationwide injunctions, Trump’s loyalists have decided to – once again – put him above the rule of law, our Constitution, and the principles of our nation. 

    Let’s be clear: While Trump is posing the question of who the “right” people are to be an American, Birthright Citizenship is still a right affirmed in our Constitution. Today’s decision does not end birthright citizenship; it creates a two-tier system for those born in states that uphold and defend the Constitution versus those born in states willing to undermine the Constitution to bow before Trump’s regime. Some Americans– sons and daughters of immigrants– will be born with citizenship, and other Americans will be born without the rights that constitutionally belong to them by birthright. The decision is not only deplorable, it is dangerous and confusing. It will result in chaos and violence, subjecting newborns and their families to the terror of ICE. 

    At the same time, the Supreme Court has weakened the Judicial Branch’s ability to serve as a co-equal branch of government. It rolls back the court’s ability to protect our communities from the Trump Administration’s attacks. Without the checks and balances ensured in the Constitution, an unaccountable executive branch is nothing less than an authoritarian government.

    As a birthright citizen myself who swore an oath to the Constitution — not to Trump — I believe in and fight for a land of freedom, checks and balances, and equality for all. To live into that promise, we must stand against white nationalism and the authoritarianism threatening our country and its people. As we continue to support litigation against Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship, NOW is the moment for members of both parties to uphold their oath. Let’s pass my Born in the USA Act to stop Trump from moving forward with his white supremacist plan, uphold the Constitution, and fight against a regime threatening the very soul of our nation.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Limit National Injunctions, Enabling Trump’s Plan to End Constitutional Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Washington, DC— Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), proud daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and citizen by birthright, released the following statement after the Supreme Court limited the power of lower courts, allowing the Trump administration to temporarily implement its proposal to end birthright citizenship. The legal case against Trump’s plan has not been heard by the Supreme Court:

    “I agree, Judge Sotomayor, no right is safe under the new regime, not even the ones clearly guaranteed under our Constitution. For more than 100 years, the 14th Amendment has reaffirmed that all people born in the U.S. are U.S. citizens, with equal rights under the law.  It has been and is the law of the land, consistently upheld by courts and scholars across the political spectrum. But in limiting nationwide injunctions, Trump’s loyalists have decided to – once again – put him above the rule of law, our Constitution, and the principles of our nation. 

    Let’s be clear: While Trump is posing the question of who the “right” people are to be an American, Birthright Citizenship is still a right affirmed in our Constitution. Today’s decision does not end birthright citizenship; it creates a two-tier system for those born in states that uphold and defend the Constitution versus those born in states willing to undermine the Constitution to bow before Trump’s regime. Some Americans– sons and daughters of immigrants– will be born with citizenship, and other Americans will be born without the rights that constitutionally belong to them by birthright. The decision is not only deplorable, it is dangerous and confusing. It will result in chaos and violence, subjecting newborns and their families to the terror of ICE. 

    At the same time, the Supreme Court has weakened the Judicial Branch’s ability to serve as a co-equal branch of government. It rolls back the court’s ability to protect our communities from the Trump Administration’s attacks. Without the checks and balances ensured in the Constitution, an unaccountable executive branch is nothing less than an authoritarian government.

    As a birthright citizen myself who swore an oath to the Constitution — not to Trump — I believe in and fight for a land of freedom, checks and balances, and equality for all. To live into that promise, we must stand against white nationalism and the authoritarianism threatening our country and its people. As we continue to support litigation against Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship, NOW is the moment for members of both parties to uphold their oath. Let’s pass my Born in the USA Act to stop Trump from moving forward with his white supremacist plan, uphold the Constitution, and fight against a regime threatening the very soul of our nation.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trustees Announced to NYS Interest Lawyer Account Fund

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced six trustee appointments to the New York State Interest on Lawyer Account Fund (IOLA). IOLA helps low-income New Yorkers obtain civil legal services to protect their needs. Established in 1983, IOLA pools interest from lawyer trust accounts to provide civil legal aid and support justice system improvements at no cost to taxpayers, lawyers or their clients.

    “I’m committed to helping New York’s most vulnerable secure legal resources in times of need, and the IOLA board helps bring those resources to bear — providing vital legal services to thousands of New Yorkers in need of legal assistance,” Governor Hochul said. “These appointees embody what it means to serve others. I am encouraged by their commitment to the law, civil legal services and the most vulnerable, and I am confident that with their leadership, IOLA will continue to fulfill its important mission.”

    As Chair and Trustee:

    Pei Pei Cheng de Castro

    Pei Pei Cheng de Castro is a partner in Commercial Litigation & Complex Trials and White Collar & Government Investigations at Barclay Damon LLP. Previously, Cheng de Castro was a Deputy Counsel to Governor Kathy Hochul from 2021 to 2024.

    Cheng de Castro obtained a J.D. from New York Law School in 2000 and a B.A. in Environmental Science and Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1997.

    As Trustees:

    Rahul Agarwal

    Rahul Agarwal is a Partner in White Collar and Litigation at Friedman Kaplan Seiler Adelman & Robbins LLP, a position he began in 2024. Previously, Agarwal was a Deputy Chief Counsel in the office of the Mayor of the City of New York from 2022 to 2023.

    Agarwal obtained a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2006, and a B.A. from Brown University in 2001.

    Darren J. Cohen

    Darren J. Cohen is the Associate General Counsel for Clipboard Health, a position he has held since 2023. Previously, Cohen was the Senior Counsel for the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023.

    Cohen obtained a J.D. from Yale Law School in 2004 and a B.A. in English from Columbia University in 2004.

    Jason C. Hegt

    Jason C. Hegt is a Partner in the Litigation and Trial Department at Latham & Watkins, a position he has held since 2018. Previously, Hegt was an Associate at Latham & Watkins from 2009 to 2017.

    Hegt obtained his J.D. from American University Washington College of Law in 2009 and a B.A. in Political Science from Emory University in 2004.

    Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix

    Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix was most recently the Corporate Counsel for the City of New York from 2022 to 2024. Previously, Hinds-Radix was an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Second Department, from 2012 to 2022.

    Hinds-Radix obtained a J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 1984, an M.A. in Political Science from Long Island University in 1978, and a B.S. in History from the University of Massachusetts in 1976.

    Daniel M. Kummer

    Daniel M. Kummer is the Principal at DKummer Photography, LLC, a position he began in 2023. Previously, Kummer was a Senior Vice President for Litigation at NBCUniversal Media LLC from 1997 to 2023.

    Kummer obtained a J.D. from the New York University School of Law in 1987, and a B.A. from Wesleyan University in 1982.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom statement on nationwide injunctions

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 27, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after the U.S. Supreme Court announced its ruling on Trump v. CASA, Trump v. Washington, and Trump v. New Jersey:

    In a challenge to the Trump Administration’s blatantly unconstitutional birthright citizenship executive order, the Supreme Court declined to decide whether a nationwide injunction is necessary and appropriate in the lawsuits brought by the States. While the executive order is still temporarily blocked from going into effect, this decision is deeply disappointing. However, California remains hopeful that the lower courts will ensure blatant federal overreach doesn’t go unchecked.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Recent news

    Jun 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Kira Younger, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Finance and Accounting Division at the California Department of Social Services. Younger has…

    Jun 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: La Passeggiata on Lindsey Street in Stockton is the latest site to be transformed from excess, underutilized state land into affordable housing under Governor Newsom’s executive order. STOCKTON — Today, state leaders broke ground on a new…

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.   SACRAMENTO – California gas prices…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Statement on Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship Ruling: “None of Us Are Safe”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 27, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Casa, Inc. that district court judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions.

    “This ruling is what happens when the Supreme Court is packed with right-wing extremists who are not only unwilling to stand up to Donald Trump, but are happy to bend over backwards for him,” said Senator Markey. “Since retaking office, Donald Trump has issued unconstitutional policy after unconstitutional policy, and it has been the federal district courts that have been doing the job of upholding our Constitution and holding Trump to account, especially the judges on the Massachusetts federal district court. Today’s ruling in the birthright citizenship case preventing a federal district court judge from protecting individuals all across the country undermines our democracy. With decisions like this, it is becoming clearer every day that none of us are safe from this administration’s attacks. We must continue to stand up, speak out, and fight the Trump administration’s authoritarian march.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Statement on Supreme Court Ruling to Uphold the E-Rate Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 27, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers’ Research that the Universal Service Fund (USF) is constitutional. The USF funds broadband programs, including the E-Rate program, which provides funding to connect schools and libraries to the internet.

    “Today’s ruling reaffirms that the E-Rate program is the essential broadband lifeline for education in the twenty-first century, benefitting millions of students in Massachusetts and across the country. Without it, too many classrooms would fall into digital darkness and too many students would be left offline and unable to compete. Thanks to this ruling, E-Rate will continue serving as a great technological equalizer for millions of students. I will continue fighting to protect and expand the E-Rate program, so that every child — regardless of their zip code — has access to the internet.”

    Senator Markey is the House author of the original E-Rate program, which has invested more than $62 billion to connect schools and libraries to the internet across the country. Massachusetts schools and libraries have received more than $930 million from the E-Rate program and another $97 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a $7 billion program that Senators Markey and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) created within the American Rescue Plan to provide devices and connectivity for students and educators at home.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Health Canada launches public consultation on proposed changes to increase oversight of precursor chemicals and drug equipment

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 27, 2025 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

    The Government of Canada is taking action to keep communities safe on both sides of the border. This includes detecting and disrupting the illegal fentanyl trade.

    Today, the Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, launched a 45-day public consultation on proposed changes to how Canada regulates precursor chemicals and devices such as pill presses and encapsulators that could be used in the illegal production of drugs. The consultation is open until August 12, 2025.

    The public consultation will allow impacted stakeholders, such as regulated industries that use precursors for legitimate uses, pharmacies and individual pharmacists, to provide feedback on the proposed changes. These changes would strengthen controls around precursor chemicals and drug equipment to support law and border enforcement as they take action to stop their illegal importation and distribution.  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff, TN Delegation Introduce Resolution to Honor FedEx Founder Frederick W. Smith

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) and the entire Tennessee House Delegation introduced a Resolution in the House of Representatives to honor the founder, chairman, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, Frederick W. Smith. 

    “I am pleased to introduce this Resolution to honor the Founder of FedEx, Fred Smith, in the House of Representatives,” said Congressman Kustoff. “Under his leadership, FedEx grew into a global enterprise: revolutionizing international supply chains, transforming how businesses operate, and changing how people connect. However, he will be remembered as not just a titan of industry, but as a lifelong Memphian who dedicated his life to giving back to his community. With this Resolution, we honor and celebrate Fred’s lifetime of inspiring service and leadership.”

    The Resolution was cosponsored by Reps. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Andy Ogles (TN-05), John Rose (TN-06), Mark Green (TN-07), and Steve Cohen (TN-09).
     

    Click here to read the full text of the resolution. 

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Stealing Over $38 Million in County Funds

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Elizabeth Gutfahr, 63 of Rio Rico, Arizona, was sentenced on June 23, 2025, by United States District Judge Rosemary C. Márquez to 120 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Gutfahr previously pleaded guilty to Embezzlement by a Public Official, Money Laundering, and Tax Evasion. Gutfahr was also ordered to pay approximately $51.8 million in restitution to Santa Cruz County and the United States Treasury.

    “The people of Santa Cruz County and all Arizonans have a right to expect their elected leaders to serve with integrity and in the best interest of their constituents,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Ms. Gutfahr stole more than money from the people of her county, she betrayed the confidence of the voters who elected her. This sentence shows that abuse of public trust will be punished.”

    “Ms. Gutfahr will now be held accountable for using her official position for huge financial gain at the expense of the residents of Santa Cruz County,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. “Each act of greed and dishonor negatively affected fundamental aspects of the county’s operations. The FBI continues to investigate public corruption cases, and we remain committed to identifying and pursuing those who violate the public’s trust.”

    “Ms. Gutfahr violated her sworn duty by enriching herself with the public money she was entrusted to protect,” said Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office. “Taxpayers deserve to know that their elected leaders are working in the community’s best interest — not just their own. IRS-CI remains committed to rooting out corruption at every level.”

    According to court documents, Gutfahr, who served as Santa Cruz County Treasurer from 2012 through 2024, embezzled and laundered approximately $38.7 million by wiring public funds from Santa Cruz County’s account to accounts in the names of fake companies she had created that performed no legitimate business. Gutfahr then used the money to purchase real estate, to renovate her family ranch, to pay expenses for her cattle business, and to buy at least 20 vehicles.

    Gutfahr’s 10-year scheme involved approximately 187 wire transfers, which she was able to complete by undermining the two-step approval process required for transfers. Gutfahr used the token of a subordinate Santa Cruz County employee so that she could both initiate and approve the wire transfers. To cover up the scheme, Gutfahr falsified accounting records, cash reconciliation records, and reports of the County’s investment accounts, thereby hiding the millions of dollars that she had stolen from Santa Cruz County. Gutfahr also failed to report any of the stolen funds as income for tax purposes.

    The FBI and IRS-CI conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane L. Westby for the District of Arizona and Senior Litigation Counsel Nicholas W. Cannon of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           24-CR-08132-TUC-RM
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-098_Gutfahr

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Reward in Search for Fugitive Miguel Angel Aguilar Ojeda

    Source: US FBI

    Today, the FBI announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of Miguel Angel Aguilar Ojeda, who is wanted for allegedly killing his wife on October 27, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    On October 30, 2024, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Philadelphia, issued an arrest warrant for Ojeda after he was charged with murder, possessing instruments of crime, abuse of corpse, and tampering with evidence.

    On November 21, 2024, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Ojeda in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

    Ojeda has tattoos on both of his wrists, including the name “Miguelito” in black script with a yellow crown on his right wrist. He has ties to Camden, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Mexico.

    Ojeda should be considered armed and dangerous.

    If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Continuity planning empowers businesses to adapt, recover, and thrive

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Businesses often struggle to recover from extreme weather events and natural hazards because they are not ready. 

    It has been estimated that 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not reopen after a disaster and many of those that do, fail within a year. Businesses need to rethink their operating models before disruptions happen. Yet building disaster resilience does not always have to require a resource intensive process or lead to something new.  It does not mean changing what a business does, but how it does it. This is where business continuity planning comes in.

    A business continuity plan (BCP) outlines what is needed for a business to continue operating or resume operations after a disruption. It serves as a guide for pivoting operations if and as needed. Yet according to some estimates, only 20-30% of SMEs have written BCPs in place.

    In partnership with local governments, chambers of commerce and ARISE networks, UNDRR is implementing a project in Barcelona (Spain), Bridgetown (Barbados) and Sendai (Japan) to support SMEs in developing and testing business continuity plans to strengthen their disaster resilience. Early lessons are already emerging. 

    Here are five noteworthy things about business continuity planning that further highlight its importance:

    Business continuity plans can separate those that recover from those that do not

    With the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, preparation is no longer optional. It makes all the difference. In many parts of the world, the question is not whether but when the next extreme weather event or natural hazard will strike. What businesses do today will determine how they fare in the face of a disaster tomorrow. A systemic approach to developing a BCP – conducting even quick multi-hazard risk assessments, identifying critical functions, outlining response and communications protocols, assigning roles, and stress-testing the plan – outline a clear roadmap that enables faster, risk informed decision-making and more effective resource allocation. Those without BCPs will inevitably face more chaos, operational delays, and significant losses – many times leading to business closure. Businesses that are risk-aware, with tested and up-to-date BCPs, however, are able to absorb shocks better, pivot operations, recover faster and become more resilient.  

    Business continuity plans are cost-effective mitigation measures

    Business continuity plans are a quick, low-cost way to mitigate potentially high-impact disaster risks. They typically require low financial investment especially when compared against the potentially significant losses of being unprepared for disasters. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often do not have the resources – human or financial – for developing more holistic disaster risk reduction approaches or undertaking disaster recovery efforts.

    Business continuity plans are a mechanism to operationalize resilience

    While resilience encompasses more than just business continuity, a well prepared BCP provides the foundation for reducing organizational vulnerabilities, pivoting operations and building resilient recovery capabilities. They clarify roles and actions that are needed to continue operations or resume quickly after a disruption. While resilience may be the ultimate goal, business continuity planning represents the practical steps to achieve it.

    Business continuity plans can offer a strategic advantage during uncertainty

    Business continuity plans can significantly enhance a company’s competitiveness and safeguard long-term success during disruptions. Those that have BCPs – and have tested and updated them regularly – are in a better position to minimize downtime and continue or quickly resume their operations. They are better equipped to protect their physical assets and data, while also retaining customers as well as contributing to the resilience of the communities where they operate. The operational flexibility – agility and ability to adapt to changing circumstances – can even help in capturing more market share.

    Business continuity plans can improve financial reserves

    Limited access to finance and no or inadequate insurance coverage are often cited among the key reasons why SMEs do not recover from disasters. Partners want to ensure that their supply chains and services are not disrupted, investors and lenders are keen to protect their capital, and insurers want to minimize payouts. A robust BCP can help improve financial cushioning by providing a form of assurance that operations will continue. As operational and financial risks are lowered, the business becomes a more stable, and thus attractive investment. Business continuity planning can also improve insurability: turning the business into a lower-risk policyholder, potentially leading to better policy terms and/or lower insurance premiums. In general, BCPs signal commitment to proactivity, stability and sustainability – making the business more credible and trustworthy in the eyes of all key stakeholders.

    To support businesses in understanding their resilience capacities, UNDRR has also developed the Resilience Maturity Assessment Tool (ReMA). ReMA helps businesses – particularly SMEs – identify gaps in their disaster preparedness and assess the maturity of their resilience strategies, offering a structured path toward stronger continuity planning and risk governance.

    Business continuity planning is more than a safeguard – it’s a strategic choice that empowers businesses to adapt, recover, and thrive amid disruption.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Homicide Suspect

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Albuquerque, NM – The U.S. Marshals Service Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team on June 26 arrested near Coal Avenue SE and University Boulevard SE here a New Mexico man wanted for two felony warrants.

    Jonathan Torres, 38, was wanted for a New Mexico state felony warrant out of Metropolitan Court, charging him with murder, kidnapping, three counts of aggravated assault against a household member, aggravated assault, felon in possession of a firearm, and battery against a household member. 

    Additionally, Torres was wanted for a federal probation violation warrant, following a 2024 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    “The United States Marshals Service is dedicated to joining forces with our law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico David O. Barnett, Jr. “We are committed to working together to improve the lives of our New Mexico communities.”

    Following his arrest, Torres was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, with a federal detainer attached.

    This arrest was the result of efforts by multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, the New Mexico Department of Corrections-Probation and Parole and the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or submit information via the USMS Tips App.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García’s Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Nationwide Injunctions and Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which guts federal courts’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions and enables lawlessness by the Executive Branch: 

    “I represent a district where one out of every three people is an immigrant. Today, the Supreme Court betrayed them, millions of others, and the rule of law itself. By gutting the ability of federal courts to strike down illegal policies—like Trump’s Executive Order to ban birthright citizenship—nationwide, the right-wing justices have further opened the floodgates of presidential lawlessness. Unless this Executive Order is stopped by a class action lawsuit within 30 days, Trump will begin to deny citizenship to children born in the United States—a right that is explicitly enshrined in the Constitution. He will continue to succeed in his mission of creating a permanent underclass of immigrants, violating their rights, exploiting and criminalizing their existence, and denying them access to basic services like health care, housing, and food benefits.

    “From now on, any President will be able to violate any person’s rights unless that person can hire a lawyer, be part of a complicated class action lawsuit process, or live in a state that is willing to protect their rights. This absurd and lawless regime is incompatible with democracy and justice, and Congress must act to clarify the role of federal courts in blocking illegal policies nationwide. I will continue to fight for my community and for a government that upholds the rights of all people instead of a chosen few.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Working Group announces Small Business Champions, discusses digitalization and MC14 plan

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Small Business Champions

    The winners of the 2025 Small Business Champions Competition are Silaiwali (India), a company which empowers women artisans by upcycling waste fabric from garment factories into handcrafted products, and NetZero Pallets (Viet Nam), which specializes in converting biomass into carbon-neutral shipping pallet materials.

    The fifth edition of the competition was held under the theme “Completing the Loop: Helping Small Businesses Contribute to the Circular Economy.” It was jointly organized by the Informal Working Group on MSMEs, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and in partnership with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for the first time.

    At the award ceremony, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala congratulated the winners and reiterated the vital role of MSMEs in global value chains and supply chains. She emphasized that small businesses are a bedrock of innovation and agility, and that the Small Business Champions Award reflects their invaluable contributions to sustainable development. She also stressed the importance of supporting MSMEs in times of uncertainty, as they often face significant trade barriers, particularly in accessing knowledge and finance. “They’re the ones that need the stability and predictability of the world trading system the most. We cannot do without their voice,” she said.

    ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton and ICC Secretary General John Denton also delivered opening remarks. Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD, Pedro Manuel Moreno, addressed the ceremony via video message. All three speakers reaffirmed their organizations’ commitment to fostering a supportive business ecosystem where MSMEs can thrive and actively contribute to the circular economy.

    The award ceremony can be watched here.

    Digitalization, other thematic issues

    Lively discussions focused on capacity building for MSMEs through digital transformation, with members and international organizations sharing experiences in helping small businesses reduce costs and improve efficiency.

    The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) introduced its Cross-Border Paperless Trade Database, developed with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), as a hub offering innovative resources and legal support. China presented its single-window customs platform designed to simplify cross-border procedures for MSMEs. The International Trade Centre (ITC) provided an update on its digital trade policy and regulatory work. It also outlined its work on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through the “One Trade Africa” project, which supports African MSMEs in participating in trade. Georgia proposed a peer-learning session to explore how to scale up digital solutions and streamline regulations.

    Building on previous thematic sessions, members also discussed good regulatory practices (GRPs) and the informal sector. They emphasized the importance of ensuring interoperability between regulatory frameworks to facilitate MSME trade. Participants expressed support for continued dialogue on informal MSMEs and recommended monitoring relevant developments in other international forums.

    MC14 strategies, implementation of 2020 MSME Package

    Following discussions at the March meeting, the Coordinator, Ambassador Matthew Wilson of Barbados, proposed tentative outcomes and issues to be developed in the lead-up to MC14. Group members agreed to focus on a primary deliverable: a joint study report by the World Customs Organization, ICC and the WTO on the integration of MSMEs into Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes (INF/MSME/W/62/Rev.2), as adopted by the Group in March.

    Additional outcomes will include the Coordinator’s reports summarizing the Group’s work between MC13 and MC14, a summary of exemplary small enterprises and a review of key findings from the thematic discussions.

    The MSME Group Coordinator announced new funding from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Organization for Trade Development and Standards Cooperation (ODCCN) for the Trade4MSMEs website to ensure its operation for the next six years. This contribution has already enabled the translation of the website into Mandarin, thereby enhancing its accessibility to a broader international audience.

    In addition, members agreed to continue deliberating on a possible policy guidance document (a compendium) for good regulatory practices (GRPs). Further discussion is also planned on how to advance joint work with the Trade and Gender Initiative, particularly in improving access to finance for women-led MSMEs.

    The Group also reviewed progress in implementing its December 2020 MSME Package — a set of policy recommendations aimed at supporting MSMEs. Several members, along with the WTO Secretariat, provided updates on their respective actions in support of the package’s implementation.

    Strengthening engagement with private sector

    A special session open to the business community took place on 25 June. Small traders were invited to share their views on the impact of recent trade tensions on their businesses, their engagement in good regulatory practices, and other challenges they face.

    The Coordinator reflected on key takeaways from the constructive discussion. Businesses described a challenging landscape created by economic uncertainty and ongoing trade tensions, including regarding tariffs. They also noted benefits from newly implemented efficiencies and other significant challenges, especially in relation to planning and day-to-day operations.

    While good regulatory practice (GRP) initiatives exist, MSMEs reported that they are often not adequately informed or consulted. They also noted that GRPs tend to be fragmented and country-specific, lacking global harmonization. Small businesses further highlighted limited access to tariff and trade regulation information, lack of clarity regarding customs regulations, and high shipping costs as major trade obstacles. They called for easier access to tariff information and greater support from national authorities.

    Members welcomed the discussion and proposed further discussions on how to incorporate feedback from the business community into the Group’s future agenda.

    Next

    The next meeting of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs is scheduled for 3 October 2025.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Agriculture negotiations Chair reports on prospects for progress ahead of MC14

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Agriculture negotiations Chair reports on prospects for progress ahead of MC14

    Ambassador Hussain told members he had held consultations on market access, domestic support and export restrictions on food as well as on food procurement at administered prices for developing economies’ public stockholding (PSH) programmes, and the proposed new Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM), which would allow developing economies to raise duties temporarily in the event of a sudden surge in import volumes or price depression.
    The Chair reported that since the last meeting on 30 April, he had held 14 meetings where he explored with members several potential MC14 outcomes. These included: agreement on a framework for continued negotiations on outstanding topics; a political declaration reaffirming the value of existing disciplines and committing  to continue negotiations beyond MC14; recognition of progress made so far; and an agreement delivering early results for vulnerable WTO members facing food insecurity. These approaches could complement one another.
    “Overall, I was encouraged by the constructive tone and positive engagement throughout the consultations,” Ambassador Hussain said.
    He told the meeting that, despite the prevailing geopolitical tensions and challenges, there was broad support for advancing substantive work across all pillars. During his consultations, many members had underscored the importance of securing at least some concrete and meaningful outcomes as part of the MC14 package, he said.
    The Chair also noted that several delegations had emphasized the need to focus on realistic yet meaningful deliverables, and had cautioned that outcomes perceived as overly modest could risk further eroding confidence in the multilateral trading system.
    The Chair will continue his consultations on the various topics in different configurations, with the next consultation scheduled for 30 June with the cotton quad plus members, namely the C4+ cotton-producing countries (Benin, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire) and other key players in the negotiations related to the trade-related aspects of cotton.
    During the meeting, proponents of easing agricultural market access stressed the importance of  reducing and simplifying tariffs and other trade barriers in order to support economic development, food security and environmental sustainability. 
    Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay told participants that their November 2023 proposal JOB/AG/255 remains a substantive contribution to the talks, and that an MC14 outcome lacking progress on market access would be insufficient.
    Many members stressed that enhancing food security must remain a central objective in the negotiations. Some members also identified strengthening rural livelihoods and development — as well as promoting sustainable agriculture — as key priorities. Several members also reaffirmed the importance of a well-functioning multilateral rules-based trading system, emphasizing that it is essential for ensuring predictability and reducing costly uncertainty.
    The Cairns Group of agricultural exporting countries and the African Group updated participants on their continued consultations. which have mainly focused so far on domestic support to the farm sector. The consultations were being held in a constructive spirit, they said. The Cairns Group proposal  JOB/AG/243 and the African Group proposal JOB/AG/242 were serving as a basis for dialogue.
    Some members told the meeting that it was critical to also address the issue of export restrictions on food as part of the negotiations to enhance food security. These members also noted that elements from their previous submissions remained relevant for ongoing discussions. Other ideas for further work were also mentioned, such as looking to facilitate trade in agricultural products including by looking at cross-cutting issues, such as agriculture-related supporting services.
    Ambassador Hussain noted that several members prefer to continue engaging with one another informally before widening discussions to the membership as a whole. These members also recognized that broader participation would soon be necessary.
    Several delegations called for more technical, data-informed discussions, including expert-led side events, to advance dialogue on complex, cross-cutting issues.
    Members had also acknowledged that it was too early to define the contours of a potential outcome for MC14, the Chair said. Their general view was that process and substance must continue to evolve in tandem to keep options open and ambition credible. He added that, overall, members had advocated for a balanced approach to negotiations, emphasizing the need for a spirit of engagement and transparency and the importance of avoiding maximalist positions.
    Ambassador Hussain told the meeting he will continue to facilitate focused discussions. He will encourage members to explore innovative approaches, collaborate effectively, and report their progress to the full membership. Delegations could usefully share written contributions which could be adopted at MC14, he said.
    Public food stockholding and Special Safeguard Mechanism
    Members held dedicated sessions on the procurement of food at administered prices for public stocks in developing economies and on the proposed Special Safeguard Mechanism  to facilitate more focused discussions on both topics. The Chair reported on his recent consultations on public food stockholding and noted that open and frank exchanges remain essential to making meaningful progress on this key issue.
    “I continue to believe that progress is possible if we focus on bridging differences through constructive and solution-oriented dialogues,” he said. He also told participants that he plans to pursue consultations in various configurations over the coming weeks to explore pragmatic and effective ways forward.
    During the meeting, developing economies that call for fast-tracking action in this area highlighted the importance of revisiting WTO rules in order to address food insecurity and called for text-based negotiations. Some other members called for technical sessions to enhance understanding of the technical aspects of the issue as well as the proposal on the table. Some noted that they were open to discussing the food security challenges faced by developing economies.
    On the Special Safeguard Mechanism, while developing economy proponents of the safeguard continue to consider it ought to be adopted as a stand-alone tool, agricultural exporting economies argue it should be addressed in parallel with talks on reducing barriers to the export of agricultural goods.
    Ambassador Hussain reported that, during his consultations, proponents of this issue made suggestions on how to break the current impasse and move the discussions forward. These included holding thematic sessions and targeted group discussions on specific technical issues and pursuing an interim price-based safeguard mechanism.
    The Chair urged members to continue exploring ways that could help to bridge differences and result in substantive progress.
    “We need to work towards identifying a practical way forward that could facilitate a meaningful conversation on various technical elements of an SSM,” he said.
    Next meeting
    The next meeting, followed by the dedicated sessions on public food stockholding and the Special Safeguard Mechanism, is tentatively scheduled for 9-10 July.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Agriculture negotiations Chair reports on prospects for progress ahead of MC14

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Agriculture negotiations Chair reports on prospects for progress ahead of MC14

    Ambassador Hussain told members he had held consultations on market access, domestic support and export restrictions on food as well as on food procurement at administered prices for developing economies’ public stockholding (PSH) programmes, and the proposed new Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM), which would allow developing economies to raise duties temporarily in the event of a sudden surge in import volumes or price depression.
    The Chair reported that since the last meeting on 30 April, he had held 14 meetings where he explored with members several potential MC14 outcomes. These included: agreement on a framework for continued negotiations on outstanding topics; a political declaration reaffirming the value of existing disciplines and committing  to continue negotiations beyond MC14; recognition of progress made so far; and an agreement delivering early results for vulnerable WTO members facing food insecurity. These approaches could complement one another.
    “Overall, I was encouraged by the constructive tone and positive engagement throughout the consultations,” Ambassador Hussain said.
    He told the meeting that, despite the prevailing geopolitical tensions and challenges, there was broad support for advancing substantive work across all pillars. During his consultations, many members had underscored the importance of securing at least some concrete and meaningful outcomes as part of the MC14 package, he said.
    The Chair also noted that several delegations had emphasized the need to focus on realistic yet meaningful deliverables, and had cautioned that outcomes perceived as overly modest could risk further eroding confidence in the multilateral trading system.
    The Chair will continue his consultations on the various topics in different configurations, with the next consultation scheduled for 30 June with the cotton quad plus members, namely the C4+ cotton-producing countries (Benin, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire) and other key players in the negotiations related to the trade-related aspects of cotton.
    During the meeting, proponents of easing agricultural market access stressed the importance of  reducing and simplifying tariffs and other trade barriers in order to support economic development, food security and environmental sustainability. 
    Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay told participants that their November 2023 proposal JOB/AG/255 remains a substantive contribution to the talks, and that an MC14 outcome lacking progress on market access would be insufficient.
    Many members stressed that enhancing food security must remain a central objective in the negotiations. Some members also identified strengthening rural livelihoods and development — as well as promoting sustainable agriculture — as key priorities. Several members also reaffirmed the importance of a well-functioning multilateral rules-based trading system, emphasizing that it is essential for ensuring predictability and reducing costly uncertainty.
    The Cairns Group of agricultural exporting countries and the African Group updated participants on their continued consultations. which have mainly focused so far on domestic support to the farm sector. The consultations were being held in a constructive spirit, they said. The Cairns Group proposal  JOB/AG/243 and the African Group proposal JOB/AG/242 were serving as a basis for dialogue.
    Some members told the meeting that it was critical to also address the issue of export restrictions on food as part of the negotiations to enhance food security. These members also noted that elements from their previous submissions remained relevant for ongoing discussions. Other ideas for further work were also mentioned, such as looking to facilitate trade in agricultural products including by looking at cross-cutting issues, such as agriculture-related supporting services.
    Ambassador Hussain noted that several members prefer to continue engaging with one another informally before widening discussions to the membership as a whole. These members also recognized that broader participation would soon be necessary.
    Several delegations called for more technical, data-informed discussions, including expert-led side events, to advance dialogue on complex, cross-cutting issues.
    Members had also acknowledged that it was too early to define the contours of a potential outcome for MC14, the Chair said. Their general view was that process and substance must continue to evolve in tandem to keep options open and ambition credible. He added that, overall, members had advocated for a balanced approach to negotiations, emphasizing the need for a spirit of engagement and transparency and the importance of avoiding maximalist positions.
    Ambassador Hussain told the meeting he will continue to facilitate focused discussions. He will encourage members to explore innovative approaches, collaborate effectively, and report their progress to the full membership. Delegations could usefully share written contributions which could be adopted at MC14, he said.
    Public food stockholding and Special Safeguard Mechanism
    Members held dedicated sessions on the procurement of food at administered prices for public stocks in developing economies and on the proposed Special Safeguard Mechanism  to facilitate more focused discussions on both topics. The Chair reported on his recent consultations on public food stockholding and noted that open and frank exchanges remain essential to making meaningful progress on this key issue.
    “I continue to believe that progress is possible if we focus on bridging differences through constructive and solution-oriented dialogues,” he said. He also told participants that he plans to pursue consultations in various configurations over the coming weeks to explore pragmatic and effective ways forward.
    During the meeting, developing economies that call for fast-tracking action in this area highlighted the importance of revisiting WTO rules in order to address food insecurity and called for text-based negotiations. Some other members called for technical sessions to enhance understanding of the technical aspects of the issue as well as the proposal on the table. Some noted that they were open to discussing the food security challenges faced by developing economies.
    On the Special Safeguard Mechanism, while developing economy proponents of the safeguard continue to consider it ought to be adopted as a stand-alone tool, agricultural exporting economies argue it should be addressed in parallel with talks on reducing barriers to the export of agricultural goods.
    Ambassador Hussain reported that, during his consultations, proponents of this issue made suggestions on how to break the current impasse and move the discussions forward. These included holding thematic sessions and targeted group discussions on specific technical issues and pursuing an interim price-based safeguard mechanism.
    The Chair urged members to continue exploring ways that could help to bridge differences and result in substantive progress.
    “We need to work towards identifying a practical way forward that could facilitate a meaningful conversation on various technical elements of an SSM,” he said.
    Next meeting
    The next meeting, followed by the dedicated sessions on public food stockholding and the Special Safeguard Mechanism, is tentatively scheduled for 9-10 July.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Joins Bill to Protect Striking Workers’ Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to protect workers’ health care benefits and prevent retaliatory employers from using their power to cancel or alter health insurance for workers exercising their right to strike.
    “Cutting off health insurance is not some negotiating tactic for companies to bully striking workers into accepting a bad deal. It’s retaliation. I’m proud to stand with workers and support a bill that would make sure their health and their families’ health are never put at risk when fighting for better pay and working conditions,” said Murphy.
    The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) established the right to strike as a protected activity, and employees cannot be fired for exercising that right. However, employers can, and often do, threaten to cut workers’ health care as a tactic to end strikes and intimidate workers. In many cases, this forces workers to decide whether they should exercise their right to strike or accept poor wages or working conditions in order to protect their health care for themselves and their families. 
    This legislation would create a separate unfair labor practice category for when employers cut or alter workers’ health insurance while they are on strike or locked out, and violators would be subject to increasing levels of civil penalties. Creating a new unfair labor practice would allow workers to bring cases with the NLRB when employers cancel or change their health coverage while they are on strike.
    In addition to Murphy, Gallego, and Baldwin, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
    The legislation is supported by the AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers (USW), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Teamsters, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), International Association of Iron Workers (IW), American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, National Education Association (NEA) International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART), Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM), and NewsGuild-CWA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Joins Bill to Protect Striking Workers’ Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to protect workers’ health care benefits and prevent retaliatory employers from using their power to cancel or alter health insurance for workers exercising their right to strike.
    “Cutting off health insurance is not some negotiating tactic for companies to bully striking workers into accepting a bad deal. It’s retaliation. I’m proud to stand with workers and support a bill that would make sure their health and their families’ health are never put at risk when fighting for better pay and working conditions,” said Murphy.
    The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) established the right to strike as a protected activity, and employees cannot be fired for exercising that right. However, employers can, and often do, threaten to cut workers’ health care as a tactic to end strikes and intimidate workers. In many cases, this forces workers to decide whether they should exercise their right to strike or accept poor wages or working conditions in order to protect their health care for themselves and their families. 
    This legislation would create a separate unfair labor practice category for when employers cut or alter workers’ health insurance while they are on strike or locked out, and violators would be subject to increasing levels of civil penalties. Creating a new unfair labor practice would allow workers to bring cases with the NLRB when employers cancel or change their health coverage while they are on strike.
    In addition to Murphy, Gallego, and Baldwin, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
    The legislation is supported by the AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers (USW), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Teamsters, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), International Association of Iron Workers (IW), American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, National Education Association (NEA) International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART), Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM), and NewsGuild-CWA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2444, Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2444 would require the Department of Commerce to assess and prepare for disruptions to supply chains for goods that are critical to national or economic security. H.R. 2444 would establish an interagency working group to identify actions that the federal government can take to mitigate the economic effects of incidents that cause gaps in manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and distribution networks for those critical goods. The department would need to report annually to the Congress on the effectiveness of its efforts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2458, Secure Space Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2458 would prohibit the FCC from issuing licenses or granting access to U.S. markets to entities that control orbiting satellite systems or Earth stations that are connected to orbiting satellite systems and that pose a risk to national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2449, FUTURE Networks Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2449 would require the FCC to establish a task force on sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology. The task force would report to the Congress on issues, including the status of 6G standards-setting bodies; the uses and limitations of 6G technology; and how federal, state, and local governments could use that technology. Using information from the FCC, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2449 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. However, because the FCC is authorized to collect fees each year sufficient to offset the appropriated costs of its regulatory activities, CBO estimates that the net cost to the FCC would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2481, Romance Scam Prevention Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2481 would impose intergovernmental and private-sector mandates, but CBO estimates that the costs to comply with those mandates would not exceed the thresholds established in UMRA ($103 million and $206 million in 2025, respectively, adjusted annually for inflation).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2481, Romance Scam Prevention Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2481 would impose intergovernmental and private-sector mandates, but CBO estimates that the costs to comply with those mandates would not exceed the thresholds established in UMRA ($103 million and $206 million in 2025, respectively, adjusted annually for inflation).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2480, Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2480 would direct the Department of Commerce, through its SelectUSA program, to solicit comments from economic development organizations in the states about how to support foreign direct investment in semiconductor production in the United States. H.R. 2480 also would require the department to report to the Congress on strategies that SelectUSA could implement to increase such investment.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Eliminates Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for Autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor CAR T cell Immunotherapies

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    June 27, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that it has eliminated the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for currently approved BCMA- and CD19-directed autologous chimeric antigen receptor CAR T cell immunotherapies.  
    These products are gene therapies that are currently approved to treat blood cancers, such as multiple myeloma and certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.
    “The FDA has taken the bold step to remove the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy requirement from giving CAR T therapies. REMS is a useful safety system, but reevaluation over time helps inform whether a REMS is still needed to ensure that the benefits of a product outweigh its risks,” said FDA Vinay Prasad, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical and Scientific Officer and Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Eliminating the REMS that is no longer needed also expedites the delivery of potentially curative treatments to patients and reduces burden on providers.”
    A REMS is a safety program that the FDA can require for certain medications with serious safety concerns to help ensure the benefits of the medication outweigh its risks.
    The FDA determined that the approved REMS for the following products should be eliminated because a REMS is no longer necessary to ensure that the benefits of the autologous CAR T cell immunotherapies outweigh their risks.  

    Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel)
    Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel)
    Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel)
    Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel)
    Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel)
    Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel)

    The elimination of REMS for the above products removes the requirements that hospitals and their associated clinics that dispense products must be specially certified and have on-site, immediate access to tocilizumab. The information regarding the risks for these CAR T cell immunotherapies can be conveyed adequately via the current product labeling, which includes a boxed warning for the risks of cytokine release syndrome and neurological toxicities, and medication guides.
    “Physicians and institutions now have greater experience identifying and managing toxicities with the currently approved CAR T products,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., FDA Oncology Center of Excellence Director. “This approach will potentially facilitate patient access to these treatments while continuing to prioritize safety.”
    Continuous monitoring and assessment of the safety of all biological products, including the CAR T cell immunotherapies, is an FDA priority and we remain committed to informing the public when we learn new information about these products.
    These products will continue to be subject to safety monitoring, through adverse event reporting requirements in accordance with regulations (21 CFR 600.80). The elimination of the REMS for these products does not change FDA requirements for manufacturers to conduct post marketing observational safety studies to assess the risk of secondary malignancies and long-term safety with follow up of patients for 15 years after product administration.
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    Content current as of:
    06/27/2025

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  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Announces Winners of 2025 Human Lander Challenge

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Human Lander Challenge marked its second year on June 26, awarding $18,000 in prize money to three university teams for their solutions for long-duration cryogenic, or super chilled, liquid storage and transfer systems for spaceflight.
    Building on the crewed Artemis II flight test, NASA’s Artemis III mission will send astronauts to explore the lunar South Pole region with a human landing system and advanced spacesuits, preparing humanity to ultimately go to Mars. In-space propulsion systems that use cryogenic liquids as propellants must stay extremely cold to remain in a liquid state and are critical to mission success. The Artemis mission architecture will need these systems to function for several weeks or even months.

    NASA announced Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott as the overall winner and recipient of the $10,000 top prize award. Old Dominion University won second place and a $5,000 award, followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology in third place and a $3,000 award.
    Before the winners were announced, 12 finalist teams selected in April gave their presentations to a panel of NASA and industry judges as part of the final competition in Huntsville. As part of the 2025 Human Lander Challenge, university teams developed systems-level solutions that could be used within the next 3-5 years for Artemis.

    “Today’s Golden Age of Innovation and Exploration students are tomorrow’s mission designers, systems engineers, and explorers,” said Juan Valenzuela, main propulsion systems and cryogenic fluid management subsystems lead for NASA’s Human Landing System Program at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “The Human Lander Challenge concepts at this year’s forum demonstrate the ingenuity, passion, and determination NASA and industry need to help solve long-duration cryogenic storage challenges to advance human exploration to deep space.”
    The challenge is sponsored by the agency’s Human Landing System Program within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate and managed by the National Institute of Aerospace.
    Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars – for the benefit of all.
    For more information about Artemis missions, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/artemis

    Corinne Beckinger Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 256.544.0034  corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov 

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