NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Auchincloss questions Kennedy on the corruption of Trump Administration healthcare officials

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts, 4)

    June 24, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about conflicts of interest stemming from the Trump Administration’s use of special government employees who still run and own their own health care companies. Earlier this month, Auchincloss sent letters calling on the boards of health companies True Medicine (TrueMed) and Main Street Health to provide information about conflicts of interest regarding their founders’ roles as special government employees overseeing health policy for the Trump administration: Calley Means of TrueMed, and Brad Smith of Main Street Health.

    Mr. Means currently serves as a White House Advisor and as a Special Government Employee detailed to Secretary Kennedy. As a leading policy-maker behind the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, Mr. Means has significant influence in both regulation and legislation. Mr. Means’ TrueMed creates partnerships with businesses to sell health and wellness products, many of which are not FDA-regulated. TrueMed offers “letters of medical necessity” (LMNs) that enable patients to use pre-tax dollars from their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to purchase these products. The Executive Order establishing the MAHA commission ordered health agencies to promote this application of HSAs, ultimately suggesting increased revenue for companies like TrueMed. The ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ also promotes the use of HSAs. 

    Mr. Smith served as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) until his reported departure on May 29, 2025. In this position, Mr. Smith was reportedly the primary official responsible for planning and implementing the major reduction-in-force (RIF) at HHS. Mr. Smith’s Main Street Health’s biggest investors are regulated by or transact with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), including the largest Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs): UnitedHealthcare, Centene, CVS Health Ventures, Elevance, and Humana. These MAOs benefited from the Administration’s reduction in oversight and increase in reimbursement, as well as from Mr. Smith’s ability to win favor with CMS by protecting personnel from RIFs. 

    As Special Government Employees, neither Mr. Means nor Mr. Smith were required to recuse themselves from their private business interests or obtain ethics waivers. Please find below portions of Auchincloss’ questioning of Secretary Kennedy: 

    Auchincloss: Good afternoon, Secretary. You’ve emphasized throughout your career concerns about corruption and conflicts of interest in health care, yes? 

    Secretary Kennedy: About corruption and health care? 

    Rep. Auchincloss: Yes.

    Secretary Kennedy. Yeah. 

    Rep. Auchincloss: And you’ve pledged during your confirmation hearing and then again today, quote. Radical transparency, yes? 

    Secretary Kennedy. Yes.

    Rep. Auchincloss: And you explained to my colleague from New York that you divested yourself, yes?

    Secretary Kennedy. Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss:: And you fired the 17 members of ACIP because you think they have conflicts of interest? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss:: And do you think that everybody within Health and Human Services at a senior level should hold themselves to a standard of radical transparency and divestment? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Well, I’m going to hold them to that standard but–

    Rep. Auchincloss: So not everybody should hold themselves to a standard…?

    Secretary Kennedy. Well, everybody, and OGE makes them all divest. 

    “Rep. Auchincloss:: So, everybody should divest and everybody should be radically transparent–who works for you? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss: Yes. And, does that include people who have involvement in Health and Human Services policymaking, even if they’re not in your department, would you want them to be radically transparent as well? 

    Secretary Kennedy: I don’t have any control over anybody except those in my department.

    Rep Auchincloss: Well, I think you do. Let’s talk, though, about how radically transparent you have been to date, because I want to ensure for the American public that they’re getting what you pledged. Mr. Calley Means is a Special Government Employee. He’s also a White House adviser, you know him well, he actually introduced you to Donald Trump. And he’s the founder and the owner of TrueMed.

    Now, TrueMed is a company that sells saunas and supplements, and maybe medical devices that you describe, to people using pre-tax dollars. And he has described his mission as routing federal funds away from health insurance programs towards these Health Savings Accounts. 

    Now, Mr. Means has tremendous influence over Medicare and Medicaid. Based on the executive order on Making America Healthy Again and the One Big Beautiful Bill, which both call for the expansion of HSA usage for these wellness and supplement products – so that’s a direct revenue stream for his company while he’s working in the government.”

    Please find the full video of Rep. Auchincloss’ exchange with Secretary Kennedy on Mr. Smith and Mr. Means here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Auchincloss questions Kennedy on the corruption of Trump Administration healthcare officials

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts, 4)

    June 24, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about conflicts of interest stemming from the Trump Administration’s use of special government employees who still run and own their own health care companies. Earlier this month, Auchincloss sent letters calling on the boards of health companies True Medicine (TrueMed) and Main Street Health to provide information about conflicts of interest regarding their founders’ roles as special government employees overseeing health policy for the Trump administration: Calley Means of TrueMed, and Brad Smith of Main Street Health.

    Mr. Means currently serves as a White House Advisor and as a Special Government Employee detailed to Secretary Kennedy. As a leading policy-maker behind the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, Mr. Means has significant influence in both regulation and legislation. Mr. Means’ TrueMed creates partnerships with businesses to sell health and wellness products, many of which are not FDA-regulated. TrueMed offers “letters of medical necessity” (LMNs) that enable patients to use pre-tax dollars from their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to purchase these products. The Executive Order establishing the MAHA commission ordered health agencies to promote this application of HSAs, ultimately suggesting increased revenue for companies like TrueMed. The ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ also promotes the use of HSAs. 

    Mr. Smith served as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) until his reported departure on May 29, 2025. In this position, Mr. Smith was reportedly the primary official responsible for planning and implementing the major reduction-in-force (RIF) at HHS. Mr. Smith’s Main Street Health’s biggest investors are regulated by or transact with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), including the largest Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs): UnitedHealthcare, Centene, CVS Health Ventures, Elevance, and Humana. These MAOs benefited from the Administration’s reduction in oversight and increase in reimbursement, as well as from Mr. Smith’s ability to win favor with CMS by protecting personnel from RIFs. 

    As Special Government Employees, neither Mr. Means nor Mr. Smith were required to recuse themselves from their private business interests or obtain ethics waivers. Please find below portions of Auchincloss’ questioning of Secretary Kennedy: 

    Auchincloss: Good afternoon, Secretary. You’ve emphasized throughout your career concerns about corruption and conflicts of interest in health care, yes? 

    Secretary Kennedy: About corruption and health care? 

    Rep. Auchincloss: Yes.

    Secretary Kennedy. Yeah. 

    Rep. Auchincloss: And you’ve pledged during your confirmation hearing and then again today, quote. Radical transparency, yes? 

    Secretary Kennedy. Yes.

    Rep. Auchincloss: And you explained to my colleague from New York that you divested yourself, yes?

    Secretary Kennedy. Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss:: And you fired the 17 members of ACIP because you think they have conflicts of interest? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss:: And do you think that everybody within Health and Human Services at a senior level should hold themselves to a standard of radical transparency and divestment? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Well, I’m going to hold them to that standard but–

    Rep. Auchincloss: So not everybody should hold themselves to a standard…?

    Secretary Kennedy. Well, everybody, and OGE makes them all divest. 

    “Rep. Auchincloss:: So, everybody should divest and everybody should be radically transparent–who works for you? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss: Yes. And, does that include people who have involvement in Health and Human Services policymaking, even if they’re not in your department, would you want them to be radically transparent as well? 

    Secretary Kennedy: I don’t have any control over anybody except those in my department.

    Rep Auchincloss: Well, I think you do. Let’s talk, though, about how radically transparent you have been to date, because I want to ensure for the American public that they’re getting what you pledged. Mr. Calley Means is a Special Government Employee. He’s also a White House adviser, you know him well, he actually introduced you to Donald Trump. And he’s the founder and the owner of TrueMed.

    Now, TrueMed is a company that sells saunas and supplements, and maybe medical devices that you describe, to people using pre-tax dollars. And he has described his mission as routing federal funds away from health insurance programs towards these Health Savings Accounts. 

    Now, Mr. Means has tremendous influence over Medicare and Medicaid. Based on the executive order on Making America Healthy Again and the One Big Beautiful Bill, which both call for the expansion of HSA usage for these wellness and supplement products – so that’s a direct revenue stream for his company while he’s working in the government.”

    Please find the full video of Rep. Auchincloss’ exchange with Secretary Kennedy on Mr. Smith and Mr. Means here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Trump v. CASA, Inc.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which sided with the Trump administration’s request to limit universal injunctions issued by federal courts:

    “The Constitution created three branches of government with equal power: the courts, Congress, and the president. Today, the Supreme Court made clear that one branch – the executive – has free reign to do what it wishes without meaningful checks or review.

    “The Court’s ruling will only embolden President Trump and his illegal, dangerous dismantling of our federal government. It will create an unworkable patchwork of laws that shift depending on who you are or what state you’re in. It means courts will be flooded with case after case about the exact same thing – slowing our legal system and delaying justice for everyone. How will that work for those too poor to hire a lawyer? For children? For working parents? 

    “Barring further intervention by the Court, next month there will be children who will be citizens if they are born in Delaware, but if born in another state, might not be. This is as wrong as it is cruel. The Court has unleashed chaos and confusion. Children, their families, and our nation will pay the price.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Trump v. CASA, Inc.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which sided with the Trump administration’s request to limit universal injunctions issued by federal courts:

    “The Constitution created three branches of government with equal power: the courts, Congress, and the president. Today, the Supreme Court made clear that one branch – the executive – has free reign to do what it wishes without meaningful checks or review.

    “The Court’s ruling will only embolden President Trump and his illegal, dangerous dismantling of our federal government. It will create an unworkable patchwork of laws that shift depending on who you are or what state you’re in. It means courts will be flooded with case after case about the exact same thing – slowing our legal system and delaying justice for everyone. How will that work for those too poor to hire a lawyer? For children? For working parents? 

    “Barring further intervention by the Court, next month there will be children who will be citizens if they are born in Delaware, but if born in another state, might not be. This is as wrong as it is cruel. The Court has unleashed chaos and confusion. Children, their families, and our nation will pay the price.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons announces support for War Powers Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement announcing he would vote for the War Powers Resolution offered by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.):

    “A week after President Trump’s strikes against Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, it is too early to conclude how far Iran’s dangerous nuclear program has been set back and whether it will continue to pursue nuclear weapons. American forces being called back into action for an extended period of time, unfortunately, remains a possibility. Congress, not the president, has the sole power to commit our troops to action. If President Trump chooses to do so, he must consult with Congress and seek our approval. This is why I will vote for Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution. We cannot afford risky military measures against an unpredictable adversary without a clear understanding of the costs and a plan for what comes next.”

    Senator Coons is Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Mahmoud v. Taylor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which decided that parents with religious objections can opt their children out of public school instruction that references same-sex marriage and gender identity:

    “The Supreme Court’s decision today will put an additional burden on our schools and teachers at a time when they are already underfunded and strained to the breaking point. 

    “This decision will be weaponized by the loudest voices in school districts across the country, forcing schools to appease them at the risk of silencing all other voices. Respecting one family’s religious liberty should not mean denying another family the freedom to learn.

    “The world around us will not simply disappear because we ban schools from teaching how it works. This decision tells Americans that certain families and certain kids don’t deserve the same respect as others. Instead of supporting those who most need it, the Court’s opinion pushes them further away. I will keep fighting for all Delawareans’ access to an education that prepares them to thrive.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Terminates Haiti TPS, Encourages Haitians to Obtain Lawful Status

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti. The TPS designation for the country expires on Aug. 3, 2025, and the termination will be effective on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 

    At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and if so, how long to extend the designation.  

    “This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protective Status is actually temporary,” said a DHS spokesperson. “The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home. We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the Department’s resources in returning to Haiti, which can be arranged through the CBP Home app. Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible.”

    After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Haiti no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements. The Secretary’s decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Haiti and in consultation with the Department of State. The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Haitians can return home in safety. She further determined that permitting Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States. Haitian nationals returning home are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Traffic safety bulletin: Don’t drive impaired

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Provide Drought Support with the Doubled Low Yield Appraisal

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 27, 2025

    Today, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison announced the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is implementing measures to offer support to producers facing this year’s challenging dry conditions. SCIC is implementing the double low yield appraisal process, encouraging acres of low-yielding eligible crops to be diverted to make additional feed available to graze, bale or silage. 

    “I’ve spoken with livestock and crop producers in Saskatchewan who are worried about the impact that dry conditions could have this year,” MacDonald said. “Changing the yield threshold will give them some breathing room, so they can make the best decisions for their operations.”

    “In multiple areas throughout the province, our livestock producers are facing challenges from this year’s dry conditions,” Harrison said. “There is a need to quickly adapt to best support producers’ timely, on-farm decisions. In 2021 and 2023, this same initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in over half a million acres of additional low yield crop redirected to feed. Once again, livestock producers are encouraged to work directly with neighbouring crop producers to access additional feed.”

    When crops are severely damaged and the appraised yield falls below an established threshold level, the yield is reduced to zero for the Crop Insurance claim. SCIC is doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values, allowing customers to salvage their eligible crops as feed, without negatively impacting future individual coverage. Prior to compensation, all qualifying acres for double low yield appraisals must be diverted to livestock feed. They cannot be left to harvest. Prior to putting damaged crops to an approved alternate use, producers should contact their local SCIC office.

    “This announcement is welcome news for our livestock producers,” SARM President Bill Huber said. “As in past years, it will help address feed shortages so many ranchers are experiencing. Timely support like this is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the sector in this province.”

    “Many cattle producers throughout the province are facing potential feed shortages,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross said. “The recent rains may help with some of the later seeded crops and possible pasture rebound in some areas. Unfortunately, the hay crop was already burnt off in several places. Writing off some crops through doubling the low yield threshold will provide cattle producers an option for feeding their animals they didn’t previously have. The SCA thanks Ministers Harrison and MacDonald, along with the governments for moving quickly on this.”

    “We appreciate governments recognizing and meeting the need to support access to feed,” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga said. “There are producers struggling with drought conditions. They are assessing and adjusting crop and feed requirements. This action taken helps our producers make those important decisions in a timely fashion. As we move forward, I strongly encourage producers to directly connect with each other to coordinate access to any additional feed made available through this change.”

    “Swift action from government has provided a vital lifeline to many Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers amid this year’s early challenges,” APAS President Bill Prybylski said. “The quick adjustment of support measures reflects a strong commitment to agriculture and sets a high standard for proactive, responsive risk management programming. Producers across the province feel heard, supported and valued.”

    AgriStability can provide support to producers for production losses and increased expenses resulting from dry conditions. In most cases, the additional expense a producer incurs to acquire additional feed for their livestock is an eligible expense through the AgriStability Program. The deadline for producers to enroll in the existing AgriStability program for the 2025 program year is extended to July 31, 2025. The AgriStability Program includes an option to access timely support through an Interim Benefit, which gives producers the option of receiving funds prior to the completion of the fiscal period in the program year. This can help support losses and cover costs. 

    SCIC recognizes the most pressing concern for livestock producers is reduced hay and pasture production. Pasture acres are insured for the impact of dry conditions through the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program. Starting July 15, 2025, eligible producers will begin to receive claim payments, providing timely financial relief to help offset the impact of below average rainfall. By August 15, 2025, remaining claims are automatically calculated based strictly upon weather station data.

    Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line provides support when producers need it the most. This is a confidential service, available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442. Calls are answered by Mobile Crisis Services Regina, a non-profit, community-based agency and there is no call display.

    Crop Insurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

    For more information, producers can call 1-888-935-0000, visit scic.ca or contact their local SCIC office.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Provide Drought Support with the Doubled Low Yield Appraisal

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 27, 2025

    Today, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison announced the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is implementing measures to offer support to producers facing this year’s challenging dry conditions. SCIC is implementing the double low yield appraisal process, encouraging acres of low-yielding eligible crops to be diverted to make additional feed available to graze, bale or silage. 

    “I’ve spoken with livestock and crop producers in Saskatchewan who are worried about the impact that dry conditions could have this year,” MacDonald said. “Changing the yield threshold will give them some breathing room, so they can make the best decisions for their operations.”

    “In multiple areas throughout the province, our livestock producers are facing challenges from this year’s dry conditions,” Harrison said. “There is a need to quickly adapt to best support producers’ timely, on-farm decisions. In 2021 and 2023, this same initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in over half a million acres of additional low yield crop redirected to feed. Once again, livestock producers are encouraged to work directly with neighbouring crop producers to access additional feed.”

    When crops are severely damaged and the appraised yield falls below an established threshold level, the yield is reduced to zero for the Crop Insurance claim. SCIC is doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values, allowing customers to salvage their eligible crops as feed, without negatively impacting future individual coverage. Prior to compensation, all qualifying acres for double low yield appraisals must be diverted to livestock feed. They cannot be left to harvest. Prior to putting damaged crops to an approved alternate use, producers should contact their local SCIC office.

    “This announcement is welcome news for our livestock producers,” SARM President Bill Huber said. “As in past years, it will help address feed shortages so many ranchers are experiencing. Timely support like this is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the sector in this province.”

    “Many cattle producers throughout the province are facing potential feed shortages,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross said. “The recent rains may help with some of the later seeded crops and possible pasture rebound in some areas. Unfortunately, the hay crop was already burnt off in several places. Writing off some crops through doubling the low yield threshold will provide cattle producers an option for feeding their animals they didn’t previously have. The SCA thanks Ministers Harrison and MacDonald, along with the governments for moving quickly on this.”

    “We appreciate governments recognizing and meeting the need to support access to feed,” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga said. “There are producers struggling with drought conditions. They are assessing and adjusting crop and feed requirements. This action taken helps our producers make those important decisions in a timely fashion. As we move forward, I strongly encourage producers to directly connect with each other to coordinate access to any additional feed made available through this change.”

    “Swift action from government has provided a vital lifeline to many Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers amid this year’s early challenges,” APAS President Bill Prybylski said. “The quick adjustment of support measures reflects a strong commitment to agriculture and sets a high standard for proactive, responsive risk management programming. Producers across the province feel heard, supported and valued.”

    AgriStability can provide support to producers for production losses and increased expenses resulting from dry conditions. In most cases, the additional expense a producer incurs to acquire additional feed for their livestock is an eligible expense through the AgriStability Program. The deadline for producers to enroll in the existing AgriStability program for the 2025 program year is extended to July 31, 2025. The AgriStability Program includes an option to access timely support through an Interim Benefit, which gives producers the option of receiving funds prior to the completion of the fiscal period in the program year. This can help support losses and cover costs. 

    SCIC recognizes the most pressing concern for livestock producers is reduced hay and pasture production. Pasture acres are insured for the impact of dry conditions through the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program. Starting July 15, 2025, eligible producers will begin to receive claim payments, providing timely financial relief to help offset the impact of below average rainfall. By August 15, 2025, remaining claims are automatically calculated based strictly upon weather station data.

    Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line provides support when producers need it the most. This is a confidential service, available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442. Calls are answered by Mobile Crisis Services Regina, a non-profit, community-based agency and there is no call display.

    Crop Insurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

    For more information, producers can call 1-888-935-0000, visit scic.ca or contact their local SCIC office.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canadian Multiculturalism Day

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “Canada was built on the bedrock of three peoples – Indigenous, French, and British. In the generations since, Canada has embraced these roots and become a bold, ambitious, and innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation.

    “Our nation is home to many cultures, languages, and traditions, united by shared purpose and values. Enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, multiculturalism is central to who we are as Canadians.

    “Today, we celebrate our multicultural heritage and affirm our commitment to building an ever more inclusive Canada.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kick-off Canada Day with Parks Canada at Signal Hill National Historic Site for the annual sunrise event

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 27, 2025                  St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador                  Parks Canada

    Parks Canada will kick off Canada Day celebrations with a special sunrise event at Signal Hill National Historic Site.

    The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard will bring greetings on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

    Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.

    The details are as follows:

    Date:               Tuesday July 1, 2025

    Time:               6 a.m. (NDT)

    Location:        Signal Hill National Historic Site – Upper Parking Lot

    St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

    **Note – media will be permitted to park their vehicles at the upper parking lot (adjacent to Cabot Tower).

    -30-

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to limit lower court judges’ ability to block President Trump’s birthright citizenship order nationwide. 

    “Today, the Supreme Court disrupted a foundational American principle: that everyone born in our country is rightfully an American citizen. The mixed decision threatens to create a fractured system where a child born in one state is a U.S. citizen, but a child born across state lines in another is not,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Once again, this radical Supreme Court is empowering Donald Trump and abandoning its role as a co-equal branch of government. While this legal battle is not over as the case works its way through the lower courts, I call on Republicans in Congress to uphold their oath and work with Democrats to fight this assault on the Constitution.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to limit lower court judges’ ability to block President Trump’s birthright citizenship order nationwide. 

    “Today, the Supreme Court disrupted a foundational American principle: that everyone born in our country is rightfully an American citizen. The mixed decision threatens to create a fractured system where a child born in one state is a U.S. citizen, but a child born across state lines in another is not,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Once again, this radical Supreme Court is empowering Donald Trump and abandoning its role as a co-equal branch of government. While this legal battle is not over as the case works its way through the lower courts, I call on Republicans in Congress to uphold their oath and work with Democrats to fight this assault on the Constitution.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to limit lower court judges’ ability to block President Trump’s birthright citizenship order nationwide. 

    “Today, the Supreme Court disrupted a foundational American principle: that everyone born in our country is rightfully an American citizen. The mixed decision threatens to create a fractured system where a child born in one state is a U.S. citizen, but a child born across state lines in another is not,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Once again, this radical Supreme Court is empowering Donald Trump and abandoning its role as a co-equal branch of government. While this legal battle is not over as the case works its way through the lower courts, I call on Republicans in Congress to uphold their oath and work with Democrats to fight this assault on the Constitution.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to limit lower court judges’ ability to block President Trump’s birthright citizenship order nationwide. 

    “Today, the Supreme Court disrupted a foundational American principle: that everyone born in our country is rightfully an American citizen. The mixed decision threatens to create a fractured system where a child born in one state is a U.S. citizen, but a child born across state lines in another is not,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Once again, this radical Supreme Court is empowering Donald Trump and abandoning its role as a co-equal branch of government. While this legal battle is not over as the case works its way through the lower courts, I call on Republicans in Congress to uphold their oath and work with Democrats to fight this assault on the Constitution.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strong Leads Alabama Delegation in Celebrating Marshall Space Flight Center 65th Anniversary

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Dale Strong, with the support of Alabama’s entire Congressional delegation, led a resolution commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center and reaffirming continued support for the Center’s mission, programs, and workforce.  

    “Marshall Space Flight Center is a pillar of North Alabama, and the road to space runs straight through the Rocket City,” said Rep. Dale Strong (AL-05). “From the Apollo missions to the Shuttle program, and now to the Space Launch System and everything in between, the United States’ leadership in space cannot happen without Marshall Space Flight Center.” 

    On July 1, 1960, nearly 4,000 employees from the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal swapped their Army badges for NASA credentials, joining the space race to beat the Soviet Union to the moon. At the same time, Redstone transferred roughly 1,900 acres to NASA, and the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was born.  

    Since then, MSFC has led the development of every NASA rocket designed to carry humans into space and continues to lead efforts to return Americans to the Moon. The center has played a pioneering role in propulsion systems and hardware development, space and materials science research, advanced manufacturing, and life support systems, advancing nearly every aspect of space exploration. 

    “For 65 years, the Marshall Space Flight Center has led the way in American space innovation — from launching Saturn V to powering Artemis and beyond. We’re proud to call Huntsville, Alabama our home, and we’re deeply grateful to Congressman Strong and our entire congressional delegation for their steadfast support. Together, we are making history, driving American excellence, and reaching for the stars — and we’re just getting started,” said Marshall Space Flight Center Director Joseph Pelfrey.  

    “I’m proud to join my Alabama colleagues in recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center. For over six decades, the Marshall Space Flight Center has propelled America’s leadership in space,” said Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01). “From putting a man on the Moon to pioneering the next chapter of deep space exploration through the Space Launch System and the Artemis program, the Marshall Space Flight Center continues to embody the best of American ingenuity and innovation. The men and women at Marshall represent the kind of commitment and excellence that make our state and nation great, and I’m proud to join this resolution recognizing them for their help in advancing the future of human spaceflight.” 

    “Marshall Space Flight Center represents the very best of American innovation and engineering. It also stands as a powerful example of the contributions Alabama makes to our nation and the world,” said Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL-02). “I am proud to join Rep. Strong and my colleagues in the delegation in honoring the legacy of this institution and the extraordinary men and women whose work continues to shape the future of space exploration.”  

    “I was proud to join my colleagues and all Alabamians in celebrating the Marshall Space Flight Center’s 65th anniversary,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03). “The Marshall Space Flight Center has played a pivotal role in establishing Alabama as a cornerstone of space innovation. In its 65 years, this center has played key roles in the Apollo Program, the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station, and the Artemis program, among many others. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and a proud Alabamian, I cannot express how much this center has contributed to this country and this state.” 

    “For 65 years, the Marshall Space Flight Center has stood as a symbol of American ingenuity, exploration, and innovation. From the earliest days of the space race to today’s cutting-edge advancements, this center has played a vital role in our nation’s space story,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04). “It continues to inspire future explorers and stands as a testament to what America can achieve when we reach for the stars.” 

    “For 65 years, the Marshall Space Flight Center has played a pivotal role in U.S. space flight research and innovation. From developing the Saturn V rocket, leading the Skylab project, supporting the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, and spearheading development of the Space Launch System and NASA’s most powerful rocket since Saturn V, the Marshall Space Flight Center has made itself indispensable and placed Alabama on the map as a headquarters for space exploration,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06). “Congratulations to the engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff who have made the Marshall Space Flight Center what it is today. I look forward to seeing how the center continues to advance NASA’s mission. Thank you to Representative Strong for his leadership on this resolution.” 

    “The Marshall Space Flight Center has been at the core of American aeronautics and space exploration for the past 65 years,” said Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07). “MSFC continues to be a point of pride for our state from the creation of the Apollo program to today’s low-orbit technology impacting every American’s daily life.” 

    “From helping put the first man on the moon to the Artemis I mission, Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center has led the way in space exploration for the last 65 years. This is because of the talented scientists, technicians, and support staff who’ve poured their heart and soul into earning Huntsville the title of “Rocket City,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). “I’m tremendously proud to represent a state that’s home to this world-renowned facility, and I look forward to seeing MSFC continue to lead the way in space exploration as we look to Artemis II and beyond.”  

    “I couldn’t be prouder to recognize the 65th anniversary of Marshall Space Flight Center along with our entire Alabama delegation. The U.S. space program is vitally important, and Alabama and MSFC continue to play an integral role in redefining the boundaries of human imagination and the heights of human achievement,” said Senator Katie Britt (R-AL).  “As the incredible men and women at MSFC continue to make historic leaps that fuel a new age of American excellence in space exploration, I will continue to ensure that this groundbreaking work is supported now and long into the future.” 

    The bipartisan, bicameral resolution was led in the Senate by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Scholten, Landsman, Tran Launch the Lowering Costs Caucus

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Derek Tran (CA-45) launched the Lowering Costs Caucus. The caucus is focused on bringing down everyday costs for hard working Americans and calling out policies that make life more expensive for families across the country.

    WATCH: Lowering Costs Caucus Press Conference

    “By nearly every measure, life for American families is becoming more unaffordable each day, and the American people are tired of broken promises and political posturing. Our mission is simple: to make life more affordable for the people we serve–not to protect special interests or the ultra-rich,” said Rep. Scholten. “The Lowering Costs Caucus will be laser-focused on delivering real results that ease the burden on families and highlighting the ways Americans are paying the price of the Trump Administration.”

    “I am proud to join my colleagues, Rep. Scholten and Rep. Landsman, as founding members of the Lowering Costs Caucus to find common-sense solutions that make life more affordable for our constituents,” said Representative Tran. “I hear from families across CA-45 that they struggle to afford daycare, groceries, gas, and so much more. We are starting this caucus to shine a light on these challenges and bring members together to find real solutions to lower costs for working families. ” 

    “Folks deserve to see their hard work finally pay off. The Lowering Costs Caucus will push for real fixes that can actually make life more affordable for Americans. The Trump Administration’s chaos isn’t helping,” said Congressman Landsman. “Our goal is to help lower costs and support workers, families, small businesses, and farmers.”

    The Lowering Costs Caucus will serve as a platform to unite around common-sense solutions that make life more affordable for American families. The caucus will also work to elevate stories directly from constituents to shine a light on the ways the Trump Administration and House Republicans are driving up costs and squeezing household budgets.

    President Trump promised to bring down prices on day one but instead, he has delivered reckless tariffs–hitting families with the largest middle-class tax increase in history. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are handing out tax breaks to billionaires while gutting critical programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and other essential services that help working families stay afloat. 

    Republicans’ budget plan not only disproportionately benefits the ultra-wealthy, but it also raises costs for Americans. With this bill, national average electricity costs are expected to increase by $113 and median home loans are predicted to jump by $600-$1240 yearly. Trump’s tariffs, if implemented, would raise prices on food, clothing, and other goods that could cost the average household an additional $4,900 a year. 

    The caucus aims to support legislation that delivers meaningful economic relief for hard-working families, prioritizing kitchen table issues over tax giveaways for the ultra-wealthy. This effort underscores the members ongoing commitment to fighting for policies that help families get ahead, not just get by.

    Reps. Scholten, Landsman, and Tran serve as Co-Chairs of the caucus. Reps. Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) have also joined the Lowering Costs Caucus.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Joins Krishnamoorthi to Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Mental Health Services for Children In Schools

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C — 6/26/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler joined Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) in introducing the Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act, bipartisan legislation with the goal of aiding schools in connecting students with the mental health services needed to succeed and thrive. Students and young people continue to face unprecedented mental health challenges inside and outside of school, with pressure and stress impacting Americans across the country. This legislation seeks to ensure all students, particularly those in underserved communities and under-resourced school districts, have access to appropriate and timely care.

    Also joining Congressman Krishnamoorthi in introducing this bipartisan bill are Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-08).

    “Students across the country are facing a growing mental health crisis, and we have a responsibility to ensure they’re not navigating it alone. The Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act will help break down barriers to care, especially for students in rural and underserved communities, by expanding access to telehealth in our schools. I’m proud to join Rep. Krishnamoorthi and our colleagues in delivering resources for our students and schools,” Congressman Lawler said.

    “Our school systems are lifelines of support when young people need mental health care and don’t know where to turn,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Currently, most American school districts are unequipped to support our children, but our Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act will fill in the gaps and connect young people with the mental health services they need. By investing in the mental health of America’s future generations, we are setting all students up for success, regardless of their background or where they live.”

    “The youth mental health crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time, and schools cannot tackle it without real support,” Congressman Fitzpatrick said. “The Connecting Students to Mental Health Services Act delivers targeted, high-impact resources—especially for underserved communities—to ensure students get the care they need. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, my priority is to advance solutions like this that strengthen our system and ensure every student has a clear path to support, stability, and success.”

    “Getting students better access to mental health resources is so important,” Congressman Landsman said. “As a former teacher and the son of teachers, I’ve seen firsthand what’s happening in our classrooms – and know how much more we can do. Expanding access to care in our schools, especially through telehealth, will give our students what they need to be stronger and healthier. And when it’s easier to connect with professionals to work through what they’re facing, they’re in a much better position to succeed in school and life.”

    “As a mom of four, I know how essential providing mental health services to students is to their success. We need to make sure we are investing in America’s youth, and that starts with making sure they can succeed in the classroom,” Congresswoman Bynum said. “That’s why I’m so proud to introduce the Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act which takes important steps towards providing this vital care to our students in rural and high-poverty areas, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive now and for generations to come.”

    The legislation would support partnerships between public schools and community-based mental health providers by:

    • Establishing a grant program through the Department of Education to fund school-based mental health coordination initiatives;
    • Supporting the hiring and training of school mental health professionals and liaisons;
    • Helping schools create referral pathways to community providers and expand access to tele-mental health options.

    The legislation has been endorsed by leading mental health and education organizations, including the School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and National Association of Social Workers.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler, Hill, Gottheimer, Kean Jr., and Moskowitz Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Countries That Wrongfully Detain Americans

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C — 6/27/25… This week, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), French Hill (AR-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, which would create a designation for countries or nonstate actors that engage in the unlawful or wrongful detention of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, empowering the Secretary of State and Congress to hold them accountable.

    The bill provides congressional oversight by requiring that all state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention designations expire unless Congress passes a joint resolution to approve them within six months. Congress would also have the authority to terminate a designation through a joint resolution, ensuring these decisions reflect the interests of the American people and are subject to public accountability.

    This legislation further directs the Secretary of State to brief Congress on whether the following countries should be designated under this new authority:

    • China
    • Russia
    • Iran
    • Afghanistan
    • Eritrea
    • Nicaragua
    • Syria
    • Venezuela
    • Belarus

    “As a co-lead on the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, I’m proud to be joining a bipartisan group of colleagues working to protect Americans held hostage by rogue nations as political pawns. This legislation will provide the State Department with the necessary tools to exert pressure while ensuring that Congress maintains accountability. American families deserve nothing less,” said Congressman Lawler.

    “When Americans are wrongfully detained abroad, it’s not just a personal tragedy — it’s a direct attack on the United States. Those who wrongfully detain Americans must know that there will be real consequences for using U.S. citizens as political pawns. That’s why our bill gives the State Department the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable while keeping Congress firmly engaged in the process. This bipartisan bill is a strong step toward protecting Americans by deterring and punishing them,” said Congressman Hill.

    “As the United States faces increasing threats from foreign adversaries, protecting Americans abroad must remain a top priority. I am proud to help introduce the bipartisan Countering Wrongful Detention Act alongside Congressman Hill to ensure the State Department has the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “This bipartisan bill will help bring home Americans wrongfully detained around the world and strengthen efforts to prevent future hostage taking. To those being held, and their families, our message is clear: we stand with you and we are fighting every day to bring you home.”

    “My constituent, Sarah Moriarty, lost her father, Robert Levinson, after he was taken hostage by Iran in 2007. Her family spent years wondering where he was, not knowing if he was alive or if they would ever see him again. Sadly, far too many American families have lived through that same kind of fear and heartbreak,” said Congressman Kean Jr. “Hostile regimes like Iran continue to use innocent Americans as bargaining chips, dehumanizing and mistreating them—and in some cases, even taking their lives. The Countering Wrongful Detention Act makes it clear that there will be consequences for this kind of behavior, and the United States will always go to great lengths to protect its citizens.”

    “For years, my constituent Bob Levinson was illegally, unjustly, and unacceptably held by the Iranian regime. Bad actors like these can’t detain Americans without cause and think they can get away with it. I’m helping lead the Countering Wrongful Detention Act because this bipartisan bill puts real tools in place that’ll crack down on this practice and send a strong, bipartisan signal that our government will hold accountable any state or nonstate actors who threaten Americans in this way,” said Congressman Moskowitz. 

    “Since the introduction of PPD30 ten years ago, and the Robert A. Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage Taking Accountability Act in 2019, we have seen marked improvement in how our government handles the cases of American nationals held hostage by state and nonstate actors,” said Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, Co-Founder of R. A. Levinson & Associates and Fellow, New America Future Security Program. “This important bipartisan legislation, coming at such a critical time when Americans continue to be taken on a weekly basis as political bargaining chips, is a giant leap forward in creating tangible deterrence that stops bad actors from continuing this horrific practice. Thank you to Representatives Hill, Gottheimer, Kean Jr., Lawler, and Moskowitz for their leadership on this issue. We hope to see this legislation passed by Congress and swiftly signed into law, as we know it will help prevent so many Americans from falling victim to the suffering that my father, my family, my friends in the hostage community, and far too many others have experienced.”

    “The Foley Foundation supports the bipartisan introduction of this bill in the House of Representatives by Reps. Hill, Kean Jr, Lawler, Gottheimer, and Moskowitz to ensure hostile regimes that take American nationals for political leverage face greater and targeted consequences. We welcome oversight provisions to require public testimony or public reporting that will allow the American people to better understand the threat of international hostage-taking.” 

    The bipartisan legislation creates a new authority for the Secretary of State to formally designate countries or nonstate actors as state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention, creating a deterrent framework similar to the existing state sponsors of terrorism designation. Once designated, the Secretary may impose a range of penalties on those governments, including diplomatic and economic consequences.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs. 

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Announces $4.9 Million for Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Dingell Announces $4.9 Million for Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

    Washington, June 25, 2025

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today announced the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) will receive $4,940,100 from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.

    “It’s critical we invest in strengthening our supply chains and reducing our dependence on foreign competitors. It matters for our economic security and our national security,” Dingell said. “The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center is carrying out important work to keep Michigan manufacturers front and center as we work to improve supply chain resiliency and advance manufacturing.”

    Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) aims to empower Michigan’s small and medium-sized manufacturers by providing essential resources, expert knowledge, and collaborative support. Through a combination of technical assistance, consulting, and education, MMTC enhances the resilience and competitiveness of Michigan’s manufacturing sector.

    See more details about the award here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Announces $4.9 Million for Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Dingell Announces $4.9 Million for Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

    Washington, June 25, 2025

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today announced the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) will receive $4,940,100 from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.

    “It’s critical we invest in strengthening our supply chains and reducing our dependence on foreign competitors. It matters for our economic security and our national security,” Dingell said. “The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center is carrying out important work to keep Michigan manufacturers front and center as we work to improve supply chain resiliency and advance manufacturing.”

    Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) aims to empower Michigan’s small and medium-sized manufacturers by providing essential resources, expert knowledge, and collaborative support. Through a combination of technical assistance, consulting, and education, MMTC enhances the resilience and competitiveness of Michigan’s manufacturing sector.

    See more details about the award here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Nunn, Wyden Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Abusers From Targeting Survivors with Technology

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Zach Nunn (R-IA), along with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), today reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help prevent domestic abusers from using technology to stalk, harass, or control survivors.

    In today’s rapidly growing digital environment, technology-enabled abuse has taken many forms, including social media platforms, phone-based apps, and specialty spyware programs. Because of the diversity of platforms in today’s growing digital environment, it’s clear that abuse does not require huge financial resources or sophisticated understanding of technology, and survivors rarely have the tools they need to recognize and prevent abuse.  

    The Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act would provide new grant funding to clinics and other partnerships focused on domestic violence and technology-enabled abuse prevention. It would also support new training that would give organizations the specialized services necessary to help survivors with a range of experiences.

    “It’s critical that we recognize domestic abuse and sexual harassment often extend beyond physical violence,” Dingell said. “To fully protect survivors, we must keep up with the many ways that abusers can use technology to stalk, harass, control, or otherwise endanger their victims. This legislation will support specialized education and resources for advocates and victim service providers to recognize, prevent, and combat tech-enabled abuse.”

    “In the Iowa statehouse, I led efforts to protect survivors from the growing threat of digital abuse. Now, we’re taking that work nationwide,” Nunn said. “This bill strengthens community-based networks that are on the frontlines, giving them the tools to recognize and address tech-enabled abuse and help victims secure their devices. Survivors deserve both safety and support, and this legislation delivers both.”

    “As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of abusers who are grossly leveraging many different platforms to stalk, harass, and control survivors of domestic violence – from tracking them on social media to hacking into their email,” Wyden said. “Survivors deserve support and the tools to protect against abuse in any shape or form. More education, training, and health care clinics are needed.”

    The legislation would take two steps in combating technology-enabled domestic abuse:

    1. It would authorize a pilot project run by the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women to establish more tech-enabled abuse clinics. The program would provide $2 million grants for up to 15 clinics and other organizations that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence who are experiencing technology-enabled abuse.
    2. It would establish another grant program, which is also under the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women, to ensure nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions develop and implement training and technical assistance for groups working to prevent tech-enabled abuse.

    The Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Act is endorsed by National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Legal Momentum, Clinic to End Tech Abuse, EndTAB, New Beginnings, Natalie Dolci of the Technology-Enabled Coercive Control Initiative (endorsed in her personal capacity), Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Sexual Assault Support Services of Oregon, Center for Hope and Safety of Oregon, and the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force.

    “Technology facilitated abuse is one of the fastest growing threats victims and survivors face today. The reintroduction of the Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act is a vital step toward ensuring survivors have the expert support they need to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. We’re deeply grateful to Rep. Dingell, Rep. Nunn, and Senator Wyden for their leadership in advancing meaningful, survivor-centered solutions to this urgent issue,” said Marium Durrani, Vice President of Policy for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

    “Legal Momentum is proud to endorse the Tech Safety for Victims Act to help ensure that survivors of technology facilitated abuse receive the support and services they need and deserve. As technology makes it easier than ever to upend people’s lives, it’s crucial that survivors are protected not just in their homes and communities, but also in the digital spaces where abuse occurs more and more frequently. This legislation would provide critical resources to help survivors reclaim and rebuild their lives after the trauma of cyber abuse,” said Azaleea Carlea, Legal Director at Legal Momentum.

    “People experiencing tech-enabled abuse often don’t know where to turn. Our clinic has helped hundreds of New Yorkers over the last few years, but survivors around the country urgently need assistance. This Act could expand access to similar support services and develop knowledge about evolving forms of tech-enabled abuse,” said Thomas E. Kadri, Legislative & Policy Director of the Clinic to End Tech Abuse.

    “Programs that serve survivors of gender-based violence need additional support and technical assistance to keep up with increasingly pervasive tech abuse. Failure to provide this enhancement to victim services infrastructure will compromise the safety of survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault,” said Natalie Dolci, of the Technology-Enabled Coercive Control Initiative (endorsed in her personal capacity).

    “Technology can be weaponized to cause harm or by victims seeking safety. I have heard countless stories about various forms of tech being used to harass, stalk and control someone by abusive partners. This bill is needed to further address all forms of technology and the intersection with violence. It will provide anti-domestic violence organizations with needed funding to further develop Safety planning resources technology and be able to respond effectively to the ever changing tech landscape,” said Keri Moran-Kuhn, Executive Director of the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Nunn, Wyden Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Abusers From Targeting Survivors with Technology

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Zach Nunn (R-IA), along with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), today reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help prevent domestic abusers from using technology to stalk, harass, or control survivors.

    In today’s rapidly growing digital environment, technology-enabled abuse has taken many forms, including social media platforms, phone-based apps, and specialty spyware programs. Because of the diversity of platforms in today’s growing digital environment, it’s clear that abuse does not require huge financial resources or sophisticated understanding of technology, and survivors rarely have the tools they need to recognize and prevent abuse.  

    The Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act would provide new grant funding to clinics and other partnerships focused on domestic violence and technology-enabled abuse prevention. It would also support new training that would give organizations the specialized services necessary to help survivors with a range of experiences.

    “It’s critical that we recognize domestic abuse and sexual harassment often extend beyond physical violence,” Dingell said. “To fully protect survivors, we must keep up with the many ways that abusers can use technology to stalk, harass, control, or otherwise endanger their victims. This legislation will support specialized education and resources for advocates and victim service providers to recognize, prevent, and combat tech-enabled abuse.”

    “In the Iowa statehouse, I led efforts to protect survivors from the growing threat of digital abuse. Now, we’re taking that work nationwide,” Nunn said. “This bill strengthens community-based networks that are on the frontlines, giving them the tools to recognize and address tech-enabled abuse and help victims secure their devices. Survivors deserve both safety and support, and this legislation delivers both.”

    “As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of abusers who are grossly leveraging many different platforms to stalk, harass, and control survivors of domestic violence – from tracking them on social media to hacking into their email,” Wyden said. “Survivors deserve support and the tools to protect against abuse in any shape or form. More education, training, and health care clinics are needed.”

    The legislation would take two steps in combating technology-enabled domestic abuse:

    1. It would authorize a pilot project run by the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women to establish more tech-enabled abuse clinics. The program would provide $2 million grants for up to 15 clinics and other organizations that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence who are experiencing technology-enabled abuse.
    2. It would establish another grant program, which is also under the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women, to ensure nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions develop and implement training and technical assistance for groups working to prevent tech-enabled abuse.

    The Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Act is endorsed by National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Legal Momentum, Clinic to End Tech Abuse, EndTAB, New Beginnings, Natalie Dolci of the Technology-Enabled Coercive Control Initiative (endorsed in her personal capacity), Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Sexual Assault Support Services of Oregon, Center for Hope and Safety of Oregon, and the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force.

    “Technology facilitated abuse is one of the fastest growing threats victims and survivors face today. The reintroduction of the Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act is a vital step toward ensuring survivors have the expert support they need to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. We’re deeply grateful to Rep. Dingell, Rep. Nunn, and Senator Wyden for their leadership in advancing meaningful, survivor-centered solutions to this urgent issue,” said Marium Durrani, Vice President of Policy for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

    “Legal Momentum is proud to endorse the Tech Safety for Victims Act to help ensure that survivors of technology facilitated abuse receive the support and services they need and deserve. As technology makes it easier than ever to upend people’s lives, it’s crucial that survivors are protected not just in their homes and communities, but also in the digital spaces where abuse occurs more and more frequently. This legislation would provide critical resources to help survivors reclaim and rebuild their lives after the trauma of cyber abuse,” said Azaleea Carlea, Legal Director at Legal Momentum.

    “People experiencing tech-enabled abuse often don’t know where to turn. Our clinic has helped hundreds of New Yorkers over the last few years, but survivors around the country urgently need assistance. This Act could expand access to similar support services and develop knowledge about evolving forms of tech-enabled abuse,” said Thomas E. Kadri, Legislative & Policy Director of the Clinic to End Tech Abuse.

    “Programs that serve survivors of gender-based violence need additional support and technical assistance to keep up with increasingly pervasive tech abuse. Failure to provide this enhancement to victim services infrastructure will compromise the safety of survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault,” said Natalie Dolci, of the Technology-Enabled Coercive Control Initiative (endorsed in her personal capacity).

    “Technology can be weaponized to cause harm or by victims seeking safety. I have heard countless stories about various forms of tech being used to harass, stalk and control someone by abusive partners. This bill is needed to further address all forms of technology and the intersection with violence. It will provide anti-domestic violence organizations with needed funding to further develop Safety planning resources technology and be able to respond effectively to the ever changing tech landscape,” said Keri Moran-Kuhn, Executive Director of the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Announces $20.5 Million in NSF Grants for the University of Michigan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today announced that the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor will receive $20,539,108 in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a wide range of research initiatives. The funding will advance work in critical areas including artificial intelligence, quantum photonics, neuroscience, wildfire and flood response, social science, advanced manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, and more.

    “The University of Michigan continues to lead in innovation that addresses real-world challenges and drives economic growth,” said Dingell. “These investments will support breakthrough research across diverse fields, from improving public safety and infrastructure to exploring new materials and technologies to strengthening Michigan’s role as a national leader in science and innovation while building a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable future.”

    Projects receiving funding include:  

    • $31,443.00 for Doctoral Dissertation Research: The fitness impact of female social resource competition

    • $20,000.00 for Broadening Student Participation to the 7th Annual Learning for Dynamics and Control Conference (L4DC25); Ann Arbor, Michigan; 4-6 June 2025

    • $20,000.00 for A Conference on the Geometry, Topology, and Dynamics of Infinite-Type Surfaces

    • $66,962.00 for Bootcamp for the 2025 Algebraic Geometry Summer Research Institute

    • $70,007.00 for RAPID: 2025 Southern California Fires Embers Project: Crowdsourcing Data on the Distribution and Transport of Firebrands

    • $302,965.00 for SBIR Phase I: Turmeric Assisted Pressure Sterilization

    • $499,742.00 for ACED: GRAM-CAROLINE: Grammar-Reinforced AI Modeling with Conditional Autoencoder and Relevance-Oriented Learning for Interpretable knowledge Extraction

    • $20,000.00 for IUCRC Planning Grant University of Michigan: Cyber and Terrorism Insurance Studies (CATIS) Center

    • $500,000.00 for CPS: Small: Lifted Hybridization: A New Representation for Efficient Control and Verification of Cyber-Physical Systems

    • $31,500.00 for Doctoral Dissertation Research: Craft Specialization and Economic Organization

    • $35,000.00 for Conference: CBMS Conference: Strong Matrix Properties and the Inverse Eigenvalue Problem

    • $1,000,000.00 for IUCRC Phase I University of Michigan: Center for Digital Twins in Manufacturing (CDTM)

    • $750,000.00 for Collaborative Research: CS2: A Comprehensive Pipeline for Formal Verification of Floating-Point Errors and Compilation for Scientific Computing

    • $500,000.00 for ACED: A Unified Framework of Physics-informed and Domain-Adapted Generative Diffusion Model for Efficient and Reliable Nanophotonics Inverse Design

    • $599,998.00 for CAREER: Topography-mediated Immunomodulation for Implant-associated Infections

    • $640,000.00 for High-Intensity Tunable Light by Frequency Upshifting in Plasma Waves

    • $690,000.00 for CAREER: Empowering People Who are Blind to Create Personal Assistive Technology

    • $600,000.00 for CAREER: Bringing Structure to the Unstructured: Robust Causal and Statistical Modeling of High-dimensional Unstructured Data

    • $599,491.00 for CAREER: Data-Driven Extrusion-Based Robotic Three-Dimensional Printing of Reinforced Concrete

    • $1,753,908.00 for Research Infrastructure: Leveraging the Research Data Ecosystem for ICPSR’s Comprehensive Data Archive

    • $25,000.00 for Conference: Modern Perspectives in Representation Theory

    • $9,250.00 for Conference: Travel support for trainees to attend Dynein 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan; 22-24 July 2025

    • $1,244,153.00 for SBIR Phase II: Ubiquitous Flood Forecasting using Sensors and Analytics

    • $10,024,230.00 for Expanding the Industries of Ideas: Understanding the link between research investments, jobs, and skills

    • $205,596.00 for Collaborative Research: NERC-NSFGEO–Constraining Longwave Energy Flows in Cold Climates (CLEFCC)

    The National Science Foundation(NSF) supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in this country. By advancing the frontiers of science and engineering, our nation can develop the knowledge and cutting-edge technologies needed to address the challenges we face today and will face in the future.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republic Services Responds to Dingell Questions About Hazardous Waste at Wayne Disposal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today shared a letter from Republic Services in response to questions raised at her June 18 Western Wayne Community Town Hall regarding hazardous waste and safety at Wayne Disposal Inc. 

    In the letter, Russ Knocke, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for Republic, writes:

    “Per our recent telephone conversation, we would like to provide some answers to questions we believe were raised by participants at your Western Wayne Town Hall event on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Specifically, we would like to provide details regarding the testing and characterization procedures in place for all waste being shipped to WDI for disposal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of its Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (“FUSRAP”).”

    Excerpts from the letter:

    “WDI is not permitted to accept waste any more radioactive than a traditional non-hazardous solid waste landfill in Michigan- USACE simply chooses to dispose of this material at WDI because of its highly engineered construction and robust environmental monitoring programs.”

    “WDI has an approved Radiological Monitoring Plan for the collection of data specifically designed to ensure the safe management and disposal of radiological waste. As part of that plan, the site monitors worker exposure, perimeter air samples, leachate, surface water, radon and groundwater data for radionuclides. All data collected is submitted to EGLE for its review. Site worker exposure has always been well below occupational safety levels, all monitoring results are consistent with natural background concentrations and below established action levels, and landfill leachate meets drinking water standards for radioactivity even before it is treated. In summary, WDI has a robust radiological monitoring program and makes the data publicly available via submission to EGLE as part of its regular compliance reporting cadence.”

    “WDI remains firmly committed to transparency, active community engagement, and the responsible management of all materials accepted at the facility. We are confident in the strength and rigor of our environmental monitoring programs, which are designed to ensure that site operations remain protective of human health and the environment, with no adverse offsite impacts.”

    View the full text of the letter here.

    In addition to the information provided in the letter, Republic informed Dingell they are sending two of their team members to a nuclear training program at Harvard University in August and offered for someone from VBT Fire to join them. They also stated that if there’s ever a similar program with the University of Michigan, they would be open to such a training in state.

    In addition, at Rep. Dingell’s request, Republic agreed to create a website for the landfill for transparency and community engagement.

    The letter comes ahead of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) public information session on Republic Services’ application to expand operations at Wayne Disposal.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353June 27, 2025
    Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI 
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today will introduce the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act, legislation that would realign resources to intelligence missions, eliminate duplicative efforts and inefficient, non-functioning bureaucracies across the intelligence community (IC) and return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to its original size, scope, and mission.
    Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are cosponsoring the legislation.
    “Created after the September 11th attacks, ODNI was intended to be a lean organization to align America’s intelligence resources and authorities, not the overstaffed and bureaucratic behemoth that it is today, where coordinators coordinate with other coordinators. These reforms will be vital to keeping our country safe from the wide range of threats that we continue to face,” said Senator Cotton. 
    Text of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act may be found here.
    The Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act would:
    Cap ODNI full-time staff at 650.
    Eliminate certain reporting requirements and the transfer of personnel authorities.
    Modify the National Intelligence Council’s duties and terminate the National Intelligence Managers’ positions.
    Terminate the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) at ODNI and transfer its responsibilities to the FBI.
    Redesignate the National Counterterrorism Center as the National Counterterrorism and Counternarcotics Center, and limit its mission to foreign intelligence authorities. 
    Terminate the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center (NCBC) at ODNI, transfer NCBC’s responsibilities to the CIA, and redesignate it as the National Counterproliferation Center.
    Repeal various positions (including the Director of the NCSC, the Director of the NCBC, and the Intelligence Community Chief Data Officer), and seven units, centers, councils, offices, and programs (including obsolete bureaucratic entities that have failed to function, such as the Joint Intelligence Community Council).  
    Prohibit National Intelligence Program funds from being used to outsource IC analytic efforts to organizations that take funds from foreign governments.  
    Require the DNI to wind down and terminate the National Intelligence University within 180 days.
    Prohibit use of National Intelligence Program funds to implement any diversity, equity, or inclusion practice in the intelligence community.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353June 27, 2025
    Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI 
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today will introduce the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act, legislation that would realign resources to intelligence missions, eliminate duplicative efforts and inefficient, non-functioning bureaucracies across the intelligence community (IC) and return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to its original size, scope, and mission.
    Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are cosponsoring the legislation.
    “Created after the September 11th attacks, ODNI was intended to be a lean organization to align America’s intelligence resources and authorities, not the overstaffed and bureaucratic behemoth that it is today, where coordinators coordinate with other coordinators. These reforms will be vital to keeping our country safe from the wide range of threats that we continue to face,” said Senator Cotton. 
    Text of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act may be found here.
    The Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act would:
    Cap ODNI full-time staff at 650.
    Eliminate certain reporting requirements and the transfer of personnel authorities.
    Modify the National Intelligence Council’s duties and terminate the National Intelligence Managers’ positions.
    Terminate the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) at ODNI and transfer its responsibilities to the FBI.
    Redesignate the National Counterterrorism Center as the National Counterterrorism and Counternarcotics Center, and limit its mission to foreign intelligence authorities. 
    Terminate the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center (NCBC) at ODNI, transfer NCBC’s responsibilities to the CIA, and redesignate it as the National Counterproliferation Center.
    Repeal various positions (including the Director of the NCSC, the Director of the NCBC, and the Intelligence Community Chief Data Officer), and seven units, centers, councils, offices, and programs (including obsolete bureaucratic entities that have failed to function, such as the Joint Intelligence Community Council).  
    Prohibit National Intelligence Program funds from being used to outsource IC analytic efforts to organizations that take funds from foreign governments.  
    Require the DNI to wind down and terminate the National Intelligence University within 180 days.
    Prohibit use of National Intelligence Program funds to implement any diversity, equity, or inclusion practice in the intelligence community.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353June 27, 2025
    Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI 
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today will introduce the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act, legislation that would realign resources to intelligence missions, eliminate duplicative efforts and inefficient, non-functioning bureaucracies across the intelligence community (IC) and return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to its original size, scope, and mission.
    Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are cosponsoring the legislation.
    “Created after the September 11th attacks, ODNI was intended to be a lean organization to align America’s intelligence resources and authorities, not the overstaffed and bureaucratic behemoth that it is today, where coordinators coordinate with other coordinators. These reforms will be vital to keeping our country safe from the wide range of threats that we continue to face,” said Senator Cotton. 
    Text of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act may be found here.
    The Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act would:
    Cap ODNI full-time staff at 650.
    Eliminate certain reporting requirements and the transfer of personnel authorities.
    Modify the National Intelligence Council’s duties and terminate the National Intelligence Managers’ positions.
    Terminate the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) at ODNI and transfer its responsibilities to the FBI.
    Redesignate the National Counterterrorism Center as the National Counterterrorism and Counternarcotics Center, and limit its mission to foreign intelligence authorities. 
    Terminate the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center (NCBC) at ODNI, transfer NCBC’s responsibilities to the CIA, and redesignate it as the National Counterproliferation Center.
    Repeal various positions (including the Director of the NCSC, the Director of the NCBC, and the Intelligence Community Chief Data Officer), and seven units, centers, councils, offices, and programs (including obsolete bureaucratic entities that have failed to function, such as the Joint Intelligence Community Council).  
    Prohibit National Intelligence Program funds from being used to outsource IC analytic efforts to organizations that take funds from foreign governments.  
    Require the DNI to wind down and terminate the National Intelligence University within 180 days.
    Prohibit use of National Intelligence Program funds to implement any diversity, equity, or inclusion practice in the intelligence community.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Air Force Leaders Detail Support and Updates for Little Rock, Fort Smith Missions to Boozman

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a Senate Air Force Caucus Co-Chair and member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, elicited strong support for the missions and personnel at both Little Rock Air Force Base and Ebbing Air National Guard Base, home of the F-35 foreign pilot training center, from Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Troy Meink and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin.

    Boozman noted the recent graduation of the first two pilots as part of the F-35 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mission, now hosted in Fort Smith at Ebbing, and how the milestone reflects the growing importance of training our allies on U.S. platforms and systems. 
    “We’ve discussed the critical role the F-35 FMS training mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base plays not only in maintaining our air superiority but also in strengthening alliances,” Boozman said. “[There is] excitement [among] our allies [in] having this type of plane.”
    “I think the training – training with international partners – that’s stuff that helps forever. I think it’s a combination of simplifying FMS so it allows them to get the platforms, and then allowing them to train with us on the platforms, is one of the best ways to get integrated effects between us and our international partners,” Meink stated.
    “If we’re selling them the best equipment, you want them to be trained by the best. So we want to be able to do that at Ebbing,” Allvin added.
    The senator also noted an announcement about the Air Force’s Deployable Combat Wing concept and the change it represents with how the service seeks to ensure readiness upon deployment. 
    “Earlier this year the Air Force announced that Little Rock Air Force Base and four other installations were selected as the first tranche of the Deployable Combat Wing initiative. Can you talk about what that means?” Boozman asked.
    “The Deployable Combat Wing allows us to move away from a pattern we’ve had over the past few decades in which we crowdsource airmen from across our Air Force, put them together, and then put them over in the theater. I can’t in good conscience continue to send airmen over that are trained as individuals, and not trained as units, to fight as units and understand the new complexities of the strategic environment,” Allvin responded. “I think we’re going to see not only an impact on fighting effectiveness, but also morale. Units that train together have a common esprit de corps that I think is pushing that warrior ethos we’re trying to enhance.”
    According to the Air Force, the installations selected will see growth in the population of assigned airmen to ensure adequate staffing for accomplishing their missions.
    “We have an increase in airmen that will make sure when that entire wing picks up and goes, that the base is still supported,” Allvin confirmed.
    Boozman again echoed his and his colleagues’ ongoing concerns with the impact that temporary funding and authorities – in the form of continuing resolutions – have on military missions and commitments.
    He also reiterated his desire to work with the Air Force and Department of Defense to pursue legislative solutions for combating the threat of armed drones to U.S. military installations and assets.

    MIL OSI USA News –