NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australian citizens in Iran and Israel are desperate to leave. Is the government required to help?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney

    As thousands of Australian citizens and permanent residents stuck in Iran and Israel continue to register for repatriation flights, the government is scrambling to find safe ways to evacuate them.

    With the airspace over both countries closed, the government is considering other ways to bring them home.

    The current plan is to charter buses from private companies to take people from Israel into neighbouring Jordan. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed: “We want to make sure people are looked after, but they need to be looked after safely as well”.

    This is not the first time Australia has faced challenges in evacuating nationals stranded abroad. When conflict, disasters or other emergencies occur overseas, the government regularly works to bring Australians home.

    In the early days of the COVID pandemic, for instance, the government arranged repatriation flights and established quarantine facilities to assist Australians who were stuck outside the country. Australia has repeatedly assisted its citizens caught in conflict zones to get back home, including from Afghanistan in 2021 and Lebanon in 2024.

    And when an earthquake devasted Vanuatu last December, Australia moved swiftly to get Australians out.

    Is Australia legally required to repatriate people?

    While there is a longstanding and widespread practice of governments repatriating their nationals in emergencies, countries generally do not have a legal responsibility to do so.

    Instead, governments’ decisions are discretionary and made on a case-by-case basis. They are often influenced by diplomatic, logistical and security considerations.

    Governments have a right – but not a duty – to provide consular assistance to their nationals abroad. This includes issuing travel documents, liaising with local authorities and, in exceptional cases, facilitating evacuations.

    The Consular Services Charter outlines what Australians abroad can expect from their government. It makes clear that while the government will do what it can, there are limits. Assistance is not guaranteed, especially in areas where Australia has no diplomatic presence or where security conditions make intervention too dangerous.

    The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the lead agency responsible for coordinating Australians’ evacuation with embassies, airlines and international partners. Decisions to evacuate are ultimately made by the minister for foreign affairs following a recommendation, where possible, by the Inter-Departmental Emergency Task Force (IDETF).

    Repatriation efforts are guided by the Australian Government Plan for the Reception of Australian Citizens and Approved Foreign Nationals Evacuated from Overseas (AUSRECEPLAN). This arrangement that sets out a process for “the safe repatriation of Australians, their immediate dependants, permanent residents and approved foreign nationals (evacuees) following an Australian government-led evacuation in response to an overseas disaster or adverse security situation”. It outlines how federal, state and territory agencies coordinate to receive and support evacuees once they arrive in Australia, ensuring that returns are not only swift, but also safe and orderly.

    Challenges and constraints

    Repatriation during a crisis is a complex undertaking. Quite aside from the emergency conditions, which may close off usual travel options or routes, the Australian government cannot force another country to allow an evacuation. It also cannot guarantee safe passage, especially in conflicts.

    Identifying and communicating with citizens overseas can also be tricky, often requiring people to have self-registered with consular authorities to receive updates. In addition, consular services may be strained when embassies and consular offices have closed, as is the case in Israel and Iran.

    For these reasons, countries sometimes band together to assist each other. For instance, Australia and Canada have agreed that where one has a consular presence but the other does not, they will help to repatriate the other’s citizens.

    Similarly, the United States helped evacuate Australians and other allies’ nationals from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Countries in the European Union can activate a special regional mechanism to facilitate the repatriation of their citizens caught up in emergencies abroad.

    In exceptional circumstances, countries have sometimes extracted their stranded nationals through military operations, known as “non-combatant evacuation operations” (NEOs). This involves the military temporarily occupying a location on foreign soil to evacuate people. Some recent examples include the large-scale evacuations of foreign nationals from Afghanistan in 2021, Sudan during the civil war that began in 2023 and Lebanon during the 2024 Israeli–Hezbollah conflict.

    NEOs generally require the consent of the country from where the evacuation takes place, but their precise legal basis remains ambiguous under international law.

    In all cases, the evacuation of nationals is operationally complex – as exemplified by the current situation in Iran and Israel. Countries with limited resources may struggle to repatriate their nationals at all. This can mean some foreign nationals are “rescued”, while others are left behind.

    And, of course, local populations generally aren’t eligible for evacuation at all. This can leave people in extremely dangerous circumstances.

    That is why we have proposed the creation of an Australian framework for humanitarian emergencies that, among other things, would facilitate the safe and swift departure of certain non-citizens at particular risk. This would underscore that Australia’s approach to evacuations is, at its heart, about protecting people during crises.

    Jane McAdam receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and is the Director of the ARC Evacuations Research Hub at the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney.

    Regina Jefferies and Thomas Mulder do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australian citizens in Iran and Israel are desperate to leave. Is the government required to help? – https://theconversation.com/australian-citizens-in-iran-and-israel-are-desperate-to-leave-is-the-government-required-to-help-259272

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Leads Quad Cities Lawmakers in Pressing U.S. Army for Answers on Rock Island Arsenal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led a group of Quad Cities lawmakers, including Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), in a letter to U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll reemphasizing their request for a briefing to discuss any potential command and personnel changes at the Rock Island Arsenal (RIA). Members of the Iowa and Illinois congressional delegation first requested a dedicated briefing in April. 
    “The details you or Army leadership have reported to Congress differ from those shared with us from the RIA community. As the Army continues to implement transformation initiatives, we hear about the personnel impacts, such as roughly 150 positions within [Joint Munitions Command] headquarters, and 400 positions Arsenal wide that will be eliminated once the initiative is complete. We request a full briefing on the implementation plans, including workforce and mission impacts, and proposed timelines,” the lawmakers said. 
    The lawmakers underscored how the RIA community contributes significantly to the objectives of the Army to deliver warfighting capabilities and will continue to do so in the future.  
    “While we can appreciate and recognize the need to eliminate inefficiencies and support our national defense objectives, which may include reductions in workforce, we would like to understand the obsolete programs that the Army finds are present at RIA … We find that RIA is a highly efficient installation, as demonstrated by the dedicated workforce and capabilities embedded there. Contradictory conclusions should be justified by evidence,” the lawmakers continued. 
    Background:
    Grassley has long been a champion for Rock Island Arsenal, including through his legislation to expand manufacturing opportunities for Army arsenals. He also helped secure provisions in appropriations legislation and the annual defense bill to help ensure the long-term viability of the Rock Island Arsenal. Along with the other signatories, he introduced the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act in March to boost workload at Army arsenals, including Rock Island Arsenal. 
    Text of the letter can be found HERE or below. 
    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION 
    The Honorable Daniel D. Driscoll   
    Secretary of the U.S. Army   
    Dear Secretary Driscoll,  
    We appreciate your recent testimonies before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees in which you highlighted the importance of the Rock Island Arsenal (RIA). As you continue to plan and implement the reorganization outlined in the April 30, 2025, Army Transformation and Acquisition Reform memorandum, we ask that the Department of the Army be forthcoming and transparent with all stakeholders of RIA, especially members of Congress.  
    On April 4, 2025, members of the Iowa and Illinois delegation wrote to you outlining the saliency of RIA and requested a briefing to discuss any potential command and personnel changes to be made at the Arsenal. Unfortunately, our offices have not been provided a dedicated briefing on these plans, regardless of continual follow-up and directives being released to realign the headquarters and units within the Army Material Command (AMC) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC). From our questions during the broader Army transformation brief to the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) staff on May 22, and the SASC Army posture hearing on June 5, the last we understand from the Army is that the impact will be the likely removal of 100 personnel and the elimination of a data center. The details you or Army leadership have reported to Congress differ from those shared with us from the RIA community. 
    As the Army continues to implement transformation initiatives, we hear about the personnel impacts, such as roughly 150 positions within JMC headquarters, and 400 positions Arsenal wide that will be eliminated once the initiative is complete. We request a full briefing on the implementation plans, including workforce and mission impacts, and proposed timelines.  
    On May 21, 2025, the Department of the Army provided a response to a letter sent by members of the Iowa and Illinois delegation. While we can appreciate and recognize the need to eliminate inefficiencies and support our national defense objectives, which may include reductions in workforce, we would like to understand the obsolete programs that the Army finds are present at RIA. This includes the outdated, redundant, and inefficient programs cited in the May 21 response. We find that RIA is a highly efficient installation, as demonstrated by the dedicated workforce and capabilities embedded there. Contradictory conclusions should be justified by evidence.  
    It is encouraging to know that you and the Army are willing to work to improve the workload and operations at RIA, which may lead to additional jobs. The RIA community has contributed significantly to the objectives of the Army to deliver warfighting capabilities, and we have no doubt that it will continue to do so in the future. We look forward to hearing from you on the Army’s course of action for RIA and working with you increase the workload at RIA. Thank you for your continued dedication to our soldiers and to Army readiness.  
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Unanimously Passes Grassley-Klobuchar Resolution Supporting Public Access to C-SPAN Streaming Across All Platforms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution from Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) marking the 39th anniversary of C-SPAN 2’s first Senate broadcast and urging all television providers, including streaming services, to carry the network.
    For nearly four decades, C-SPAN 2 has served as a conduit between the public and the Senate, offering Americans an uninterrupted and unfiltered lens to view their elected representatives working on the electorate’s behalf. C-SPAN does not receive taxpayer dollars and is funded by America’s cable and satellite television operators as a public service.
    “Transparency brings accountability, and C-SPAN’s coverage has brought transparency to the people’s business. This public service strengthens our system of self-government by boosting civic engagement, and ought to be available on all television and streaming platforms. The Senate unanimously stands behind C-SPAN in its fight to be platformed by streaming giants,” Grassley said.
    “C-SPAN has connected the Senate with the American people for nearly 40 years—providing the public an opportunity to see their government at work on the Senate floor and in committee meetings,” Klobuchar said. “Access to this live coverage on all platforms is essential to keeping the American people informed and engaged in their democracy.” 
    Background:
    Over 39 years, C-SPAN 2 has recorded more than 43,830 hours of Senate action, including more than 169,000 speeches from a broad range of ideologies. The network has documented more than 23,493 roll call votes, acting as a living ledger of Senate decision-making.
    Find text of the resolution HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Law Enforcement Officers Laud Senate Judiciary Provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Major law enforcement organizations representing over 310,000 officers nationwide say the One Big Beautiful Bill will supercharge their efforts to safeguard national security and public safety.

    The Senate Judiciary Committee’s provisions, released last week by Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), will provide historic investments to strengthen America’s border security and expand resources for law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.

    Here’s what they’re saying:

    National Association of Police Organizations
    “It is state and local law enforcement officers who, during the course of daily patrols and duties, will encounter non-citizen offenders and immigration violators who pose a threat to national security or public safety. The Senate Judiciary Committee title of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on immigration and law enforcement grants state and local law enforcement the necessary resources and latitude to work with their federal partners and pursue investigations relating to violent crimes, human smuggling, and gang and drug activity. These partnerships and investigations are essential to keeping our nation’s communities safe by getting dangerous criminal aliens off our streets.”

    The Major County Sheriffs of America
    “The Major County Sheriffs of America appreciates the Senate budget reconciliation package’s inclusion of $10 billion in state and local assistance. The package strengthens vital partnerships through Operation Stonegarden and enhances our ability to locate and apprehend criminal aliens, investigate trafficking and gang activity and support court operations and detention facilities. Importantly, it continues investment in COPS and Byrne JAG programs, essential for hiring and equipping officers while enhancing local law enforcement capacity. These provisions demonstrate strong federal commitment to supporting sheriffs and the communities we serve.” 

    Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
    “Senator Grassley continues to demonstrate strong leadership and unwavering support for our federal law enforcement professionals. At a time when our nation faces serious challenges – from border security to the fentanyl crisis – his commitment to public safety and to those who serve on the front lines is deeply appreciated. We stand with Senator Grassley and all leaders who prioritize the recruitment and retention of top talent in law enforcement, and we urge Congress to take further action to support these dedicated individuals.”

    National Council of Prison Locals 33
    “On behalf of the 30,000 federal correctional employees represented by the Council of Prison Locals 33, I am writing to express our strong support for the provisions contained in the Senate Reconciliation Bill… We applaud the work of Senator Grassley and his staff for seeing the importance of these provisions and much needed increase to funding for staffing and infrastructure, and are hopeful others will follow his lead.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Blumenthal Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Mark National Elder Abuse Awareness Month, Shed Light on Senior Fraud Schemes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are introducing a resolution recognizing June as National Elder Abuse Awareness Month and standing in support of seniors who’ve been victim to fraud schemes. The resolution applauds the Elder Justice Coalition’s work to increase public awareness of elder abuse and calls on those working with older adults to learn the signs of abuse and promote long-term prevention efforts.

    On Tuesday, Grassley will chair a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee to examine how scammers target senior citizens, continuing his efforts to protect seniors from financial predators and help older Americans live with security and dignity.

    “Elder abuse isn’t limited by geography or income. It occurs in nursing homes and private residences—the very places meant to offer them care and protection. With a fast-growing senior population in our country, the urgency to act has never been greater. This month…we recommit to raising awareness of elder abuse and implementing protections for those in our society who protected us first,” Grassley said.

    “Too many of our nation’s seniors are victims of physical abuse, emotional exploitation, and financial scams. Senior citizens deserve peace of mind, support, and care—not the anxiety and fear that comes with the threat of elder abuse. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to our senior citizens and advocating for their safety, rights, and wellbeing,” Blumenthal said.

    “Elder abuse prevention is enhanced greatly when public awareness is raised. The Grassley-Blumenthal resolution is a powerful example of raising national public awareness about elder abuse. Its joint designation of June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month allows vital attention to be focused on the issue while also empowering those in adult protective services and our long-term care ombudsman to continue their important work. The Elder Justice Coalition salutes Senators Grassley and Blumenthal for their steadfast advocacy of elder justice in America,” Elder Justice Coalition National Coordinator Bob Blancato said.

    Text of the resolution can be found HERE.

    Background:

    Elder abuse remains a challenging problem and comes in many different forms, including physical, sexual or psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and social media abuse. Last year, an estimated one in six older Americans experienced some form of abuse in a community setting.

    According to reports, only one in 24 cases of elder abuse are reported, and only one in 44 cases of elder financial exploitation are reported. Most reported cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation take place within private homes.

    Grassley today spoke on the Senate floor ahead of introducing the resolution. His remarks follow:

    [embedded content]

    Today I want to recognize June as National Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and I’m introducing a resolution with Senator Blumenthal for this purpose. This is a time to shed light on a crisis that too often remains in the shadows.

    Last year, an estimated one in six older Americans experienced some form of abuse in a community setting — whether physical, emotional, financial or neglect.

    For every elder abuse case that’s reported, as many as 24 go unreported. These aren’t just numbers. They’re our parents, our grandparents, our neighbors and our veterans.

    Elder abuse isn’t limited by geography or income. It occurs in nursing homes and private residences—the very places meant to offer them care and protection. 

    With a fast-growing senior population in our country, the urgency to act has never been greater.

    This month, we recommit to building a society that views aging not as a burden, but as a source of wisdom, experience, and continued contribution. 

    We recommit to raising awareness of elder abuse and implementing protections for those in our society who protected us first.

    I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring older Americans this month. 

    In the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’m working to support and protect our seniors. Tomorrow I’m holding a hearing to examine how scammers are targeting older Americans. This continues my efforts to ensure that seniors are protected from financial predators and can live with the security and dignity they deserve. 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley to Washington Post Editorial Board: Politics Shouldn’t Overcome Principle in the Debate Over Universal Injunctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) highlighted the unconstitutional nature of universal injunctions in a response to the Washington Post Editorial Board. Read his Letter to the Editor below.
    To: Washington Post Editorial BoardFrom: Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) Regarding the May 29 editorial, “In defense of nationwide injunctions”
    The Post’s Editorial Board argued that, in spite of the lack of historical precedent and constitutional basis for universal injunctions, this judicial maneuver is ostensibly a necessary “check on presidential power.”
    But allowing district judges to exert bloated authority beyond the cases and controversies before them only creates further imbalance among the branches of government. The Post should have taken into serious consideration Article III of the Constitution, which limits courts to deciding “cases” or “controversies” — as well as the first 150 years of American history, during which time, as the board acknowledged, scholars have found no documented use of a universal injunction.
    It’s not the judiciary’s responsibility to set policy; that power is vested in the people through their elected leaders. For decades, Congress has failed to write specific legislation, leaving the door open for a variety of interpretations. Congress can and must pass clearer laws, but the legislative branch’s past mistakes aren’t a free pass for district judges to overstep constitutional guardrails and play policymaker.
    The continued use of universal injunctions does far more harm than good to our nation’s system of checks and balances. What’s more, injunctions place severe pressure on the Supreme Court by frequently forcing it to respond to emergency appeals.
    The bill I introduced to eliminate universal injunctions would instead encourage appropriate appellate action by making temporary restraining orders immediately appealable. In those cases where widespread judicial relief is appropriate, Congress has already provided a mechanism: class-action lawsuits. Courts should no longer be permitted to avoid the class certification process by opting instead for universal injunctions.
    I hope the Supreme Court steps in quickly to address injunctions. In the meantime, I’ll keep moving my legislative fixes toward the finish line, including through reconciliation.
    I continue to encourage my Democratic colleagues to join me in this effort. Many Democrats have sharply criticized the practice in the past — including in the case of the mifepristone ban The Post’s editorial referenced — but have shelved their opposition to universal injunctions since President Donald Trump returned to office. The Post itself argued for limiting injunctions in a separate editorial last June.
    The constitutional dangers posed by universal injunctions haven’t changed over the past year; the only thing that has is the White House’s current occupant. We shouldn’t let politics overcome principle by failing to address this bipartisan problem now.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Thursday, June 19, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Note: All times local

    National Capital Region, Canada

    11:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will chair the Cabinet meeting.

    Third floor
    West Block
    Parliament Hill

    2:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend Question Period. 

    West Block
    Parliament Hill

    3:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    Third floor
    West Block
    Parliament Hill

    Closed to media

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone, Huffman, Castor, Booker, Reed, and Padilla Lead Charge to Block Trump’s Dangerous Offshore Drilling Plan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey), U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) along with 40 Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate submitted formal comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), opposing any new or expanded offshore oil and gas leasing in the Trump administration’s proposed updates to the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas leasing program.

    In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers warned that more offshore drilling would threaten our national security, coastal communities, marine life, and local economies – all while handing more giveaways to an industry already sitting on millions of acres of unused leases. They urged the agency to exclude any new leasing in the final program. 

    “New or expanded oil and gas leasing poses risks to the health and livelihoods of our constituents, jeopardizes our tourism, fishing, and recreational economies, and threatens the marine life that inhabits our coastlines” the members wrote. “New, unnecessary lease sales will lock in decades more of pollution and climate impacts from an industry that already holds more than 2,000 offshore leases covering more than 12 million acres of federal water, of which only 469 leases are currently producing oil and gas. The United States is already the number one producer of oil and gas in the world. There is no need for increased leasing, especially when oil and gas companies continue to impose environmental and climate consequences, public health risks, and billions of dollars in cleanup costs on the American people.”

    Members also reminded the Secretary of the long-standing legal restrictions that prevent the administration from offering lease sales in protected areas. 

    “We remind the agency that it cannot offer sales in areas permanently protected under Section 12(a) of OCSLA, including areas off the Atlantic coast, the Pacific off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and portions of the Artic Ocean, including the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea planning areas. In 2017, during his first term, President Trump attempted to reverse President Obama’s Arctic and Atlantic withdrawals, but Judge Sharon Gleason for the District Court of Alaska determined that Section 12(a) does not give the president authority to revoke prior withdrawals. President Trump does not have the authority to reverse the Obama and Biden withdrawals, and his Executive Order of January 2025, which attempts to do so, is unlawful.”

    During his first term, the Trump administration proposed 47 lease sales over five years, covering nearly every U.S. coastline. Fortunately, this program was never finalized due to litigation and strong bipartisan opposition. But now, with the Biden administration’s leasing plan under review and Secretary Burgum signaling that protections may be on the chopping block, lawmakers are raising the alarm once again.

    At a budget hearing last week, Secretary Burgum refused to commit to protecting Florida’s Gulf Coast from new oil and gas leasing, saying only that “the administration may be considering opportunities.” This region has long been protected by both bipartisan legislation and administrative withdrawals – protections that are now under threat. 

    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone, Hospital Leaders Warn of Catastrophic Consequences of Republican Medicaid Cuts at Saint Peter’s “Save Our Hospitals” Event

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    New Brunswick, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) was joined today by hospital leaders, physicians, patients, and health care advocates at Saint Peter’s University Hospital to warn that the Republican budget reconciliation bill slashes more than a trillion dollars from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act over the next decade, which would devastate New Jersey’s safety-net hospitals and take health care away from hundreds of thousands of residents. This is the largest cut to Americans’ health care in history.  

    Speaking at a press conference, Pallone detailed how Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, which passed the House last month, would eliminate coverage for at least 360,000 New Jerseyans, and strip up to $3.6 billion a year from the state’s Medicaid program known as NJ FamilyCare. The cuts in the Republican bill would also slash an estimated $300 million in payments to New Jersey hospitals and other health care providers, forcing safety-net providers like Saint Peter’s to face catastrophic financial losses, reduce services, or close programs entirely.

    “Let’s be very clear: these cuts are not theoretical. They are real, they are dangerous, and they will directly harm patients,” Pallone said. “NJ FamilyCare covers nearly 1.8 million New Jerseyans, including 60 percent of those living in nursing home and 40 percent of all births statewide. If Republicans get their way, hospitals like Saint Peter’s will be forced to cut back services, lay off staff, or shutter programs entirely.”

    “The House Republican bill would slash Medicaid funding by hundreds of billions of dollars—cuts that would have devastating effects on our most vulnerable populations,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, who also serves on the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees and as chair of its Regional Policy Board 2 for New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. “At Saint Peter’s, we are committed to a Catholic mission of humble service, especially to those most in need. Medicaid is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Cuts to Medicaid could strip millions of individuals of access to even the most basic care. When people lose access to primary care, they turn to emergency departments, chronic conditions go untreated, health outcomes worsen, and tragically, preventable deaths increase. While we all agree that eliminating fraud, waste and abuse is important, gutting Medicaid is not the answer. These cuts could force painful decisions that would be felt immediately in the communities we serve.”

    “Any cuts to Medicaid would be devastating not only for patients, but also for the hospitals and health care providers who rely on this funding to keep their doors open,” said New Jersey Citizen Action Healthcare Program Director, Laura Waddell. “In New Jersey, these proposed cuts would slash $300 million in federal funding to our hospitals, cap $3.4 billion in Medicaid reimbursements through provider taxes, and lead to a significant rise in charity care cases.  The window of opportunity is closings to stop these cuts and we need all of our New Jersey federal delegation from both sides of the aisle, to join Congressman Pallone in standing up for the patients and health care consumers in our state and vote ‘no’ to any cuts to health care.”

    “The impact of any cuts to Medicaid funding for our 1.8million citizens would be devastating to the most vulnerable amongst us, children, working families, the elderly, people with disabilities. and those of lower incomes. These cuts are deeply alarming and completely unacceptable. I remain committed to working with our congressional delegation to do everything possible to ensure the well being of all our citizens and to protect this important program, “ Assemblyman Danielsen. 

    “The cuts to Medicaid will have grave consequences to our New Jersey residents-whether they are children, low-income adults, disabled individuals, and elderly residents,” said Assemblyman Egan (D-Middlesex, Somerset). “Hospitals, like Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas and Saint Peter’s University Hospital, may face major financial losses.  Many New Jersey residents will not receive the care they need from the hospitals they rely on, which could lead to needless deaths.  We need to work together to ensure that this does not happen, and I thank Congressman Pallone for fighting the good fight for New Jersey.”

    Saint Peter’s University Hospital faces potential losses of tens of millions of dollars annually if the Republican cuts are enacted. Health care leaders warned that the magnitude of the proposed cuts would force hospitals across New Jersey to reduce critical services such as maternity care, cancer treatment, mental health programs, and emergency care.

    The Republican Big Ugly Bill cuts funding to hospitals by limiting the payments that state Medicaid programs can make to hospitals, long-term care providers, and many other cash-strapped providers so they can stay in business and provide the services residents need. The Republican bill also cuts off a state’s ability to generate the funds they need to support their Medicaid programs—including payments to struggling hospitals—through a provider tax. 

    On Monday, Senate Republicans unveiled their bill that would even further reduce a state’s ability to generate these funds and cut provider payments–meaning even more devastating cuts for New Jersey and its hospitals. The House and Senate bill both prohibit new or increased provider taxes and prevent states from making certain new payments to providers, while the Senate bill also slashes the provider taxes and payments that states like New Jersey already have in place.

    Joining Pallone at the event were Garrick Stoldt, CFO of Saint Peter’s; Jim Choma, Vice President for Catholic Mission; Dr. Mariela Kapoor, Internal Medicine Physician at Saint Peter’s Family Health Center; Christine Stearns, Chief Government Relations Officer for the New Jersey Hospital Association; representatives from New Jersey Citizen Action; and local elected officials. A former patient of Saint Peter’s also spoke about how critical Medicaid coverage was to receiving care during a serious medical emergency.

    Pallone, who serves as top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has led Democratic opposition to the Republican Medicaid cuts in Congress. The House passed the Republican bill last month and now it is up for consideration in the Senate.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Secures More Than $7 Million to Strengthen Reno-Tahoe Airport’s Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she secured over $7.6 million for Reno-Tahoe International Airport to allow the airport to accommodate more overnight aircraft operations and improve overall airfield efficiency. The funding comes from the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Senator Rosen helped write and pass. This funding will help add 8,850 square yards of ramp at the airport.
    “Reno-Tahoe International Airport is vital to Northern Nevada’s economy — bringing visitors from around the world who contribute to our economy,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have secured this funding to support the airport’s expansion and ensure it has the infrastructure it needs to meet growing demand. I’ll continue working to deliver the federal resources to boost Nevada’s tourism economy.”
    Senator Rosen continues delivering federal resources to support Nevada’s airport infrastructure. Last year, she announced nearly $28 million for airport safety and runway upgrades at Harry Reid International Airport. In February 2024, Rosen secured $7 million for terminal expansion at Reno–Tahoe International Airport through the Airport Terminal Program —which she personally helped create in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. And in November 2023, Senator Rosen secured $60.9 million for Nevada airports, directing more than $6.9 million to Reno–Tahoe International Airport and over $46 million to Harry Reid International Airport.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, DeLauro, Scott, Baldwin Call on Department of Education to Immediately Cease Illegal Plan to Transfer Career and Technical Education Program Responsibilities to Labor Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    As McMahon and Trump attempt to illegally dismantle ED, top lawmakers call on McMahon to follow the explicit mandates in key authorizing and appropriations laws—ensuring essential educational programs are faithfully administered for students nationwide

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee; Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce; and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, sent a letter to Department of Education (ED) Secretary Linda McMahon calling out the Department’s illegal efforts to attempt to transfer responsibility over career and technical education (CTE) programs to the Department of Labor (DOL).

    “We write to express our deep opposition to attempts, including the Interagency Agreement (IAA) dated May 21st, to move the administration of any aspect of career and technical education (CTE) programs authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 or the adult education programs authorized under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act in Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor,” write the lawmakers, noting that: “Perkins CTE and adult education are education programs whose purpose is to expand educational opportunities to youth and adults. Any attempt to move these programs to Labor would fundamentally alter the purposes of those programs and risk turning them into short-term job training programs, no different than those that are funded under WIOA. Most importantly, it would upend decades of work that took place at the state and local level to embed CTE programs into secondary and postsecondary offerings and improve the quality of CTE and adult education.”

    The lawmakers noted that in addition to being illegal, ED’s attempt to transfer administration of grant funding for CTE programs to DOL while maintaining some policy functions at ED would actually create more inefficiency and trouble for everyone who depends on the programs: “This likely would mean states, institutions of higher education, and school districts would have to work with two federal agencies in the administration of these programs, leading to delays in agency decision-making and grant administration. This will likely lead to increased inefficiency in the administration of these important programs.”

    “We have a simple demand: to follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them. Congress authorized the Department of Education to carry out Perkins career and technical education programs and adult education programs, and Congress annually appropriates funding to the Department of Education to carry out these programs,” state the lawmakers. “Should the Trump Administration have ideas for changing which agency should administer the federal career and technical education program, then the administration needs to propose its ideas to Congress for full and fair consideration through the normal legislative process. In the meantime, we urge you to cease plans to implement this IAA immediately and implement CTE and adult education programs as specified in authorizing and annual appropriations laws.”

    The full letter is available HERE and below:

    The Honorable Linda McMahon

    Secretary

    U.S. Department of Education

    400 Maryland Avenue, SW

    Washington, DC  20202

    Dear Secretary McMahon:

    We write to express our deep opposition to attempts, including the Interagency Agreement (IAA) dated May 21st, to move the administration of any aspect of career and technical education (CTE) programs authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006[1] (Perkins) or the adult education programs authorized under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act in Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)[2] from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor (Labor). Congress authorized the Department of Education to carry out career and technical education programs, most recently with the bipartisan reauthorization of Perkins in 2018 and adult education programs in WIOA. Congress also appropriates funding annually, on a bipartisan basis, to the Department of Education to carry out career and technical education programs and adult education programs. You have also acknowledged in congressional testimony, that only Congress is responsible for determining whether to dismantle the Department of Education and its programs. We write to remind you that it is not within your authority to move the administration of these programs to any other agency. Perkins CTE and adult education are education programs whose purpose is to expand educational opportunities to youth and adults. Any attempt to move these programs to Labor would fundamentally alter the purposes of those programs and risk turning them into short-term job training programs, no different than those that are funded under WIOA. Most importantly, it would upend decades of work that took place at the state and local level to embed CTE programs into secondary and postsecondary offerings and improve the quality of CTE and adult education. 

    Congress passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act in 2018 to reauthorize Perkins and clearly vested responsibility for administering the law to the Department of Education.[3] The law also vests the Secretary of Education with various responsibilities, including: allotting funds to States;[4] rulemaking under the law;[5] assisting States in establishing State-determined levels of performance required under the law;[6] carrying out numerous reporting requirements;[7] making grants to outlying areas;[8] making grants to Indian tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian organizations;[9] reviewing and approving State plans;[10] working with States to implement improvement activities;[11] withholding a portion of an eligible agency’s allotment if the agency is not properly implementing improvement activities;[12] waiving distribution rules for Perkins formula dollars under certain circumstances;[13] and enforcing maintenance of effort requirements;[14] among other activities. But the law does not contain any provisions that would permit you to offload your responsibilities to another agency.

    Additionally, Congress authorized the Secretary of Education to carry out adult education programs in Title II of WIOA. As part of that title, Congress directed the Secretary to undertake various responsibilities in administering the adult education programs, including awarding grants to eligible agencies;[15] determining allotments for formula disbursements;[16] awarding grants to outlying areas;[17] carrying out fiscal management provisions;[18] enforcing supplement not supplant and maintenance of effort provisions;[19] carrying out national leadership activities;[20] awarding grants to state for integrated literacy and civics education;[21] and carrying out certain reporting requirements.[22] WIOA Title II does not contain any provisions that would permit you to offload your responsibilities to another agency.

    Congress also passes annual, bipartisan appropriations that provide funding to the Department of Education to carry out the Perkins career and technical education programs and the WIOA Title II adult education programs. As part of that annual appropriations process, Congress does not provide affirmative authority to the Department of Education to transfer career and technical education funding or adult education funding to Labor. In fact, the only transfer authority provided to the Department of Education by the annual appropriations bill is the authority to transfer one percent of discretionary funds between education appropriations accounts, so long as no such appropriation is increased by more than three percent by any such transfer.[23] Such a limited transfer within the Department of Education is not what you are contemplating here.[24] Moreover, transfers of any other type, including the type contemplated by the Department’s May 21st  IAA with the Department of Labor, are prohibited by section 512 of Division D of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (and maintained by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025), which states, “None of the funds made available in this Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government, except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer authority provided in, this Act or any other appropriation Act.”[25] As with the authorizing statutes, the annual appropriations process clearly requires the Department of Education to carry out both Perkins career and technical education programs and adult education programs.

    In testimony to Congress, you have stated that you will follow the law.[26] In May, before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, you testified that only Congress can abolish the Department of Education and end its functions, stating about you and President Trump, “We both know and understand that the Department of Education cannot be closed unless Congress votes to do that.”[27] But, troublingly, you also said about the Department that, “It is actually a pass-through mechanism for funding that is appropriated by Congress. And whether the channels of that funding are through HHS or whether they’re funneled through the DOJ, or whether they’re funneled through Treasury or SBA or other departments, the work is going to continue to get done.”[28]

    Respectfully, federal agencies are not interchangeable entities that simply hand out money to states and localities. Instead, each agency provides its own specific expertise in the administration of federal programs, in this case education programs. The Department of Education has the expertise in working with state educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and local school districts in the administration of these programs. Schools in local communities and state educational agencies rely on the guidance and technical expertise from the educational experts at the Department of Education to carry out these programs. Congress recognizes the expertise that specific agencies provide and very deliberately decides which agency to vest authority with when passing laws. Congress was similarly clear in 2018, when it vested the Department of Education with the authority to carry out Perkins career and technical education programs and did not provide any mechanism in the law for the Department to transfer that authority to another agency.

    The May 21 IAA flies in the face of laws enacted by Congress, annual appropriations requirements, and practice in states. The IAA also seems to purport to transfer the administration of grant funding for CTE and adult education programs to the Department of Labor, while maintaining some policy functions for CTE and adult education programs at your Department. This likely would mean states, institutions of higher education, and school districts would have to work with two federal agencies in the administration of these programs, leading to delays in agency decision-making and grant administration.  This will likely lead to increased inefficiency in the administration of these important programs.

    We have a simple demand – to follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them. Congress authorized the Department of Education to carry out Perkins career and technical education programs and adult education programs and Congress annually appropriates funding to the Department of Education to carry out these programs. Relying on interagency agreements drafted behind closed doors with no notice to the lawmakers who are responsible for the authorization and appropriations for these programs  cannot be considered “working with Congress” as one of your staff recently claimed you were doing on this matter.[29] Should the Trump Administration have ideas for changing which agency should administer the federal career and technical education program, then the administration needs to propose its ideas to Congress for full and fair consideration through the normal legislative process. In the meantime, we urge you to cease plans to implement this IAA immediately and implement CTE and adult education programs as specified in authorizing and annual appropriations laws. If you continue to flout the very clear reading of the law in this case, it will affirm deep concerns we have about how you will faithfully execute all laws you are tasked with carrying out as the Secretary of Education. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $5.8 Million to Upgrade Airports Across Louisiana from His Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is granting Louisiana a total of $5,764,492.00 in funding from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to improve airport infrastructure in Farmerville, Ruston, Oak Grove, Many, Lake Charles, and Abbeville.
    “Airports are the first impression communities make on people visiting our state,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These upgrades help local airports grow, create jobs, and improve regional development.”

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $454,821.00
    Union Parish Police Jury (Farmerville)
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct an 8,400 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage to help the airport be self-sustaining by generating revenue.

    $839,000.00
    City of Ruston
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a 1,050 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage to help the airport be self-sustaining by generating revenue.

    $585,000.00
    West Carroll Kelly Airport Authority (Oak Grove)
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a 10,000 square foot sponsor-owned box hangar complex for aircraft storage to help the airport be self-sustaining by generating revenue.

    $493,000.00
    Town of Many
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a 170-foot hangar taxilane and a 5,000 square foot sponsor-owned box hangar complex to improve airfield access and support airport self-sufficiency.

    $2,700,044.00
    Airport Authority District No. 1 (Lake Charles)
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a new terminal parking lot and reconstruct 2,600 feet of access roads to better serve airport passengers and general aviation users.

    $576,954.00
    Chennault International Airport Authority (Lake Charles)
    This grant will provide federal funding to rehabilitate 5,420 square yards of the existing South Apron pavement to maintain structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris.

    $116,673.00
    City of Abbeville
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a 700-foot T-Hangar taxilane to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Releases Statement on Terrible Outlook of Social Security, Medicare

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after the release of the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds annual report examining how much longer these programs can pay full benefits promised to taxpayers without significant benefit cuts. The report states that Social Security will become insolvent in 2033, forcing an automatic 23% benefit cut for all current and future beneficiaries. The Medicare Trust Fund will become insolvent in 2033, three years earlier than previously predicted. 
    “In eight years, millions of Americans who rely on Social Security and Medicare will be left stranded if Washington does nothing,” said Dr. Cassidy. “If we borrow to pay for benefits, we will rack up hundreds of trillions of dollars in debt. Congress must do everything we can to address a cliff we all see coming.”
    Read the full report here. 
    Background
    Cassidy has championed his “Big Idea” to save, strengthen, and secure America’s retirement system. He released the inaugural Bill on the Hill video where he asked Capitol Hill visitors from across the country their thoughts on the looming benefit cuts to Social Security and presented his “Big Idea.”
    Cassidy has discussed the “Big Idea” at a public forum with AARP and delivered a keynote speech at the National Institute on Retirement Security’s (NIRS) 15th Annual Retirement Policy Conference on the future of Social Security. He also outlined his Social Security plan in a fireside chat with the Bipartisan Policy Committee, and authored op-eds in the Washington Examiner , the Wall Street Journal , State Affairs, and Washington Post.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Growing Chinese market offers greater stability, opportunity to world economy

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

    From durian plantations to iron ore mines, producers around the world are placing their bets on China’s consumption boom.

    As the world’s second-largest importer, China boasts a vast market of 1.4 billion increasingly prosperous individuals. This market is offering much-needed stability amid subdued global growth and rising protectionism and unilateralism.

    Vendors transport packaged durians at Haijixing Market, a large wholesale fruit market, in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As China strives to stimulate domestic demand across the board while expanding voluntary and unilateral opening up in an orderly manner, its vast market will create more opportunities and choices for the world.

    A market too big to ingnore 

    A freshly harvested durian in Malaysia can now land on a Chinese plate within a day — a logistic sprint to satisfy China’s growing appetite for the “king of fruits.”

    Eyeing a bigger slice of the multi-billion-U.S. dollar market in China, the Southeast Asian country began exporting fresh durian to China last August, adding to its existing trade in frozen pulp and processed products.

    “Over 70 percent of Malaysia’s durian exports went to China between 2017 and 2023,” said Edwyn Chiang, secretary general of the Malaysia International Durian Industry Development Association.

    The durian frenzy in China, the world’s top consumer of the spiky fruit, epitomizes the nation’s broad import appetite. From Brazilian soybeans to German machinery, the breadth of China’s consumption continues to buoy global trade even as other engines sputter.

    Boosting imports is critical to China’s high-quality development. By bringing in high-quality foreign goods and services, they not only directly meet domestic production and consumption needs, but also stimulate market competition, elevate overall supply standards, and ultimately fulfill people’s aspirations for better lives, said Yu Chunhai, a professor at Renmin University of China.

    An anchor of stability 

    Nearly half a world away, in Nyagatare, a district in Rwanda’s eastern province, the sun beats down on the vibrant chili fields of Gashora Farm PLC, where a story of cooperation and prosperity is unfolding.

    The farm’s link to the Chinese market began in 2018 when Managing Director Dieudonne Twahirwa attended the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. “The Chinese market is enormous. We saw strong demand for Rwandan dried chili,” Twahirwa said.

    In 2024, the Gashora Farm partnered China’s Hunan Modern Agriculture International Development Co., Ltd. to launch the Rwanda-Hunan Chili Pepper Industry Demonstration Project. Under a contract farming model, the project covers 100 hectares and spans the entire value chain — from seedling cultivation to export. In the first season following the signing of the deal, 200 tonnes of dried chili were shipped to China.

    “The Chinese market offers more than orders. It brings stability and investment,” said Twahirwa.

    Chili is among the growing number of African products entering the Chinese market. In the first five months of 2025, China’s imports of African coffee, cocoa beans and frozen strawberries surged 145.7 percent, 88.6 percent, and 82 percent, respectively, according to Chinese customs data.

    “China’s expanding imports directly benefit other countries by creating more trade opportunities. For instance, more African products are entering the Chinese market thanks to China’s favorable trade policy for the region,” said Bai Ming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

    China has recently announced that it is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China.

    Challenges remain 

    Despite China’s huge potential to expand imports, challenges and difficulties remain due to the uncertainty of international trade policies and slowing global economic growth, experts cautioned. This trend is evident in the recent decline of imports into China.

    Commenting on the decline of imports in May, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) spokesperson Fu Linghui said at a press conference early this week that slowing global trade growth inevitably affected China’s import growth and the restrictive trade measures by some countries also had adverse effects on imports. The drop in international commodity prices, meanwhile, also impacted import data. In the first five months of 2025, the average prices of China’s imported iron ore, crude oil, coal and soybeans all decreased.

    As China makes efforts to promote economic restructuring and consumption-led growth, Bai noted that it would be an exaggeration to say that the decline in imports in recent months indicates weak progress in China’s transition toward consumption-driven growth.

    The latest NBS data showed that China’s consumer spending in May posted its strongest growth in nearly 18 months, with retail sales of consumer goods expanding 6.4 percent year on year in May, a 1.3-percentage-point increase from April.

    Bai said China’s import expansion would also hinge on the availability of high-quality and price-friendly foreign products, and whether foreign supplies can match the country’s consumption needs. He added that some countries’ restrictive measures on exports to China further complicated the matter. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Introduces Value Over Cost Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced a bill to prioritize the best value available instead of the just lowest cost alternative when choosing products or services for the federal government. The Value Over Cost Act would allow the Administrator of General Services to consider factors of quality and performance instead of only the lowest price.

    “The cheapest option doesn’t always best serve the interest of the government, even when we are working to be fiscally responsible,” said Senator Scott. “This legislation would give the necessary flexibility to secure services and products that would have the best quality, not just the lowest price tag.” 

    Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    • The bill allows the Administrator of General Services to prioritize best value (as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation) over simply choosing the lowest cost alternative when it benefits the federal government’s interests. 
    • The Federal Acquisition Regulations define the best value by considering factors of quality and performance, not just the lowest price.
    • The language in sections 152(3)(B) of Title 41 and 3012(3)(B) of Title 10 is amended to include the possibility of choosing the best value when it is determined to serve the government’s best interests.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott, Colleagues Lead Effort to Strengthen Review of Foreign Land Purchases Near Sensitive U.S. Military Sites

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, is leading an effort to strengthen national security by ensuring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can effectively review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites.

    The Protect Our Bases Act, which Senator Scott introduced along with Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), requires CFIUS member agencies to annually update records of the military, intelligence, and national laboratory facilities that should be designated as sensitive sites for national security purposes.   

    “The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to infiltrate and surveil all parts of the U.S national security apparatus requires vigilance from our national security agencies. This legislation will enhance the review of foreign real estate transactions near critical national security installations, helping ensure CFIUS has the information it needs to protect our homeland and keep our nation safe,” said Senator Scott.

    “We must protect sensitive military and government sites from foreign adversaries pursuing intelligence activities on our own land,” said Senator Crapo. “Idaho has multiple military installations and the acclaimed Idaho National laboratory conducting vital research, development and training of critical national security efforts right here in our back yard, and increasing accountability about land sales around these sites is of utmost importance.”

    “We must address the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party and other hostile regimes trying to get close to our most sensitive military and intelligence sites,” said Senator Tillis. “The Protect Our Bases Act ensures the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has the most up-to-date information on key U.S. national security locations so dangerous land purchases can be blocked well before they become security risks.”

    “Ensuring the safety and security of our military and government installations is a national priority,” said Senator Hagerty. “For too long, foreign adversaries have tried to exploit America’s open real estate market and rule of law in an attempt to gain strategic footholds. The Protect Our Bases Act gives our nation the tools to identify who is buying land near sensitive sites and stop transactions that could put the security of Americans at risk.”

    “As threats from our foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, and Russia, continue to escalate, it’s paramount that we secure our intelligence,” said Senator Britt. “Allowing CFIUS to review foreign land purchases near sensitive military and government sites is just common sense. Proud to join this legislation that takes a crucial step toward strengthening our national security and safeguarding our strategic advantages.”

    “There’s no reason why America’s adversaries should be able to buy land next to our military bases,” said Senator Ricketts. “Farmland adjacent to sensitive sites should remain in the hands of American farmers and ranchers, not Communist China. This commonsense bill will help to protect our troops, prevent espionage, and counter our adversaries.”

    “It’s become all too apparent in recent years that our nation faces a threat from land purchases by foreign adversaries. Allowing the Chinese Communist Party to purchase land near our military bases and government sites poses a severe risk to our national security,” said Senator Moreno. “ We need to strengthen CFIUS to review these purchases near sensitive national security installations to protect our nation’s security from being compromised by the CCP and other enemies.”

    “The security of our nation’s military operations and intelligence cannot be taken lightly,” said Senator McCormick. “Conducting rigorous oversight of foreign real estate transactions near our bases is essential to upholding our national security. This legislation is a much-needed step toward combatting China’s malign influence.”

    BACKGROUND:

    In 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive site for national security purposes. Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, the incident demonstrated a significant flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases. CFIUS relies on its member agencies to provide updated information on sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites in order to properly assess the security risk of foreign investment in our country. If CFIUS member agencies do not appropriately update their site lists, CFIUS cannot ensure an accurate review.

    In addition to requiring agencies represented on CFIUS to provide updated records of the military, intelligence, and national laboratory facilities that should be sensitive sites on an annual basis, the Protect Our Bases Act makes these records easier for CFIUS to use for national security reviews and requires CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of such reviews and the accuracy of its real estate listings.

    For bill text, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing to discuss the Department of Defense’s (DOD) budget for Fiscal Year 2026. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed utilizing AI for military modernization and improving standards for military personnel. Additionally, Senator Tuberville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General J. Daniel Caine, discussed the future of war fighting.

    Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON LIBERATING LOS ANGELES AND MILITARY PERSONNEL QUALITY OF LIFE

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for being here today. Mr. Secretary, thanks for looking out for the law enforcement and the millions of people in California that still love this country and want this country to survive and not the radicals that wave non-American flags, that protest in the streets, tear things down. It is ridiculous and thank you for doing what you’re doing, you and President Trump. It’s getting out of hand.”

    [I’m] chairman of the [Senate Armed Services] Personnel [sub]committee. Thanks for your recruiting. You’re doing great. Keep looking out after the quality of life [of our troops]. Please do that. We’ve done research after research. We did give a raise. We wanna continue to give raises. These first-year staffers in this building make tens of thousands [of] dollars more than first-year military personnel. That’s not right. We need to change that. It’s an all-volunteer army and thank you for working towards that.” 

    ON MILITARY STANDARDS

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Secretary, your opening remarks mentioned the force-wide review of military standards. What’s the status of that review?”

    HEGSETH: “It is ongoing and very close to fruition. We’ve reviewed standards, specifically on Combat MOSs first to ensure that we haven’t seen a reduction in pursuit of quotas or any other agendas. So, standards are being moved back to where they were at their highest level, gender neutral. And then we’re looking at overall fitness standards, overall grooming standards, overall basic standards across our formations that we believe have slipped certainly under the previous administration, but over decades. But we’re being very careful about it too. We don’t wanna make big changes that are wide-sweeping that have unintended consequences. So, we’re looking service by service, but also trying to simplify and clarify as much as possible. High standards, clear standards that set us apart.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thanks for your help on putting me on the Air Force Board of Visitors […] and I look forward to going out soon, it is very important. We understand we do have problems in the Air Force Academy, and we’re going to get those straightened out, one way or another. So, thanks for you and President Trump for putting me on the board of visitors.”

    ON THE FUTURE OF WARFIGHTING

    TUBERVILLE: “General Caine, over the last few years, we’ve seen major efforts to refocus our services for future fights, Marine Corps force design, and the Army’s Transformation Initiative—[these] are major changes to the Joint Force. Can you describe the Joint Staff’s level of involvement in these efforts?”

    CAINE: “Sure. Thanks for the question. As the services carefully consider what they need to look like, one of my primary jobs is a global integrator. And so, I look at all of these capabilities as well as capacities. And then through a series of formal products that we deliver to the secretary have a chance to give the secretary my views on this. I appreciate the leadership of both of those services, all of the services, and the combatant commanders to identify what the fight of the future looks like and what the force mix of the future needs to look like. So, we’re deeply involved in all that.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”

    ON MILITARY SERVICE AND SPORTS

    TUBERVILLE: “This is right up my alley here. One important aspect of recruiting is how our services are represented in elite sports. We have made progress here, but we still have to work and work some things out. But West Point this year had a young man that was drafted to play baseball. In the past time when President Trump was in [office], he allowed them to go, do their thing, and [play] baseball, then come back and fulfill their service, but we are disallowing a young man at West Point to go to Major League Baseball. Could you look into that Mr. Secretary?”

    HEGSETH: “Coach, we will review that. Yes.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing to discuss the Department of Defense’s (DOD) budget for Fiscal Year 2026. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed utilizing AI for military modernization and improving standards for military personnel. Additionally, Senator Tuberville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General J. Daniel Caine, discussed the future of war fighting.

    Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON LIBERATING LOS ANGELES AND MILITARY PERSONNEL QUALITY OF LIFE

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for being here today. Mr. Secretary, thanks for looking out for the law enforcement and the millions of people in California that still love this country and want this country to survive and not the radicals that wave non-American flags, that protest in the streets, tear things down. It is ridiculous and thank you for doing what you’re doing, you and President Trump. It’s getting out of hand.”

    [I’m] chairman of the [Senate Armed Services] Personnel [sub]committee. Thanks for your recruiting. You’re doing great. Keep looking out after the quality of life [of our troops]. Please do that. We’ve done research after research. We did give a raise. We wanna continue to give raises. These first-year staffers in this building make tens of thousands [of] dollars more than first-year military personnel. That’s not right. We need to change that. It’s an all-volunteer army and thank you for working towards that.” 

    ON MILITARY STANDARDS

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Secretary, your opening remarks mentioned the force-wide review of military standards. What’s the status of that review?”

    HEGSETH: “It is ongoing and very close to fruition. We’ve reviewed standards, specifically on Combat MOSs first to ensure that we haven’t seen a reduction in pursuit of quotas or any other agendas. So, standards are being moved back to where they were at their highest level, gender neutral. And then we’re looking at overall fitness standards, overall grooming standards, overall basic standards across our formations that we believe have slipped certainly under the previous administration, but over decades. But we’re being very careful about it too. We don’t wanna make big changes that are wide-sweeping that have unintended consequences. So, we’re looking service by service, but also trying to simplify and clarify as much as possible. High standards, clear standards that set us apart.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thanks for your help on putting me on the Air Force Board of Visitors […] and I look forward to going out soon, it is very important. We understand we do have problems in the Air Force Academy, and we’re going to get those straightened out, one way or another. So, thanks for you and President Trump for putting me on the board of visitors.”

    ON THE FUTURE OF WARFIGHTING

    TUBERVILLE: “General Caine, over the last few years, we’ve seen major efforts to refocus our services for future fights, Marine Corps force design, and the Army’s Transformation Initiative—[these] are major changes to the Joint Force. Can you describe the Joint Staff’s level of involvement in these efforts?”

    CAINE: “Sure. Thanks for the question. As the services carefully consider what they need to look like, one of my primary jobs is a global integrator. And so, I look at all of these capabilities as well as capacities. And then through a series of formal products that we deliver to the secretary have a chance to give the secretary my views on this. I appreciate the leadership of both of those services, all of the services, and the combatant commanders to identify what the fight of the future looks like and what the force mix of the future needs to look like. So, we’re deeply involved in all that.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”

    ON MILITARY SERVICE AND SPORTS

    TUBERVILLE: “This is right up my alley here. One important aspect of recruiting is how our services are represented in elite sports. We have made progress here, but we still have to work and work some things out. But West Point this year had a young man that was drafted to play baseball. In the past time when President Trump was in [office], he allowed them to go, do their thing, and [play] baseball, then come back and fulfill their service, but we are disallowing a young man at West Point to go to Major League Baseball. Could you look into that Mr. Secretary?”

    HEGSETH: “Coach, we will review that. Yes.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: While Trump cuts suicide hotline for gay kids, California invests in their mental health

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 18, 2025

    What you need to know: The Trump administration announced today that is has directed the national suicide prevention hotline to stop offering specialized support to LGBTQ callers. California continues to support this population. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today condemned the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate specialized suicide prevention support for LGBTQ youth callers through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — a vital service used by hundreds of thousands in crisis. While the federal government turns its back on vulnerable youth, California is stepping up with historic mental health investments, including a $4.7 billion Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health and continued partnerships with organizations like the Trevor Project to provide LGBTQ suicide prevention for youth.

    “Cutting off a proven lifeline for people in need is outrageous and inexcusable. While this federal administration slashes services and tries to erase LGBTQ people, California will do the opposite. Every child — straight, gay, transgender — belongs.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Current landscape

    In September 2022, the Trevor Project started providing LGBTQ youth specialized support through the 988 Lifeline. Federal funding for these specialized services will no longer be available via the 988 program starting on July 17. The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people in the United States seriously consider suicide each year, and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds. They also said that their counselors helped about 500,000 people in 2024, 231,000 of which came through the 988 line.

    California resources

    In California, there are 12 centers that have trained crisis counselors to respond to 988 calls/chats/texts from help seekers needing support during suicide/behavioral health crises. Specialized services for LGBTQ youth and young adults can be accessed directly via the Trevor Project by phone/text/chat at 1-866-488-7386.

    Additionally, California offers digital mental health support for youth, young adults, and families via CalHOPE for non-crisis moments. The CalHOPE warm line connects callers to peer counselors who listen with compassion, provide non-judgmental support, and guide you to additional resources that can give hope and help you cope.

    CalHOPE Connect offers safe, secure, and culturally sensitive emotional support for all Californians who may need support related to stress, anxiety, and depression. Resources for LGBTQ youth can be found HERE.

    Recent news

    Jun 18, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Dina El-Tawansy, of San Leandro, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Transportation. El-Tawansy has been District 4 Director at the California Department of…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: President Trump’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles has already left crews fighting fires across the state short-staffed. SACRAMENTO – As multiple fires burn across the state today, a critical firefighting resource is short-staffed due…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring June 2025, as “LGBTQ+ Pride Month.” The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONThis month – and every month – California supports and celebrates the…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Peters Advocates for Continued Funding for Freight & Passenger Rail Projects Across Michigan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – During a hearing in the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) advocated for continued investments to upgrade railroad infrastructure in Michigan. During the hearing, Peters highlighted the success of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has invested more than $140 million to improve freight operations and passenger service across Michigan.  

    “No state better exemplifies the reality of, and the opportunities for, passenger and freight rail than my home state of Michigan… As the home of the auto industry, and the heart of American manufacturing, Michigan’s freight rail network delivers cars, agricultural products, construction materials, and everyday goods all over our state as well as across international borders,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety.  

    “Michigan is also leading the way when it comes to passenger rail. The Michigan Department of Transportation has effectively taken advantage of resources that Congress provided to improve passenger rail service,” Peters continued. “This includes efforts to restore Amtrak service to the historic Michigan Central station in downtown Detroit and to expand that service across the Canadian border into Windsor in the coming years, a project that I’m going to continue to fight for.” 

    Peters advocated for numerous federal programs that have supported rail projects in Michigan, including the Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, which is being used for the expansion of accessible and affordable rail transportation service between key urban and rural communities across the state. 

    “This funding has specifically allowed Michigan to conduct the analysis and the planning that they need to support future expansion of passenger rail on all three of our Amtrak lines, the Wolverine, the Blue Water, and the Pier Marquette,” Peters added. 

    To ensure these ongoing projects continue moving forward, Peters made it clear that more must be done to keep these programs on solid financial footing into the future.  

    “Michigan is certainly not alone. Communities across the country have benefited from increased resources to strengthen their rail infrastructure, but this work is far from over,” Peters said. “Programs like the Corridor ID and Railroad Crossing Elimination Grants can only reach their full potential if we follow up with continued investment to ensure projects that are already underway are not abandoned midway.” 

    In response, Ian Jefferies, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of American Railroads agreed with Peters, saying, “My concern, if you let those programs be dormant or stagnate, is that there’s going to be a lot of missed opportunities to partner with public agencies throughout the entire country… to do projects that otherwise may not get done. That will have real benefits to cities and towns across the U.S., and the movement of freight, goods, and people.”  

    To watch video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks and question at the hearing, click here.

    Peters has consistently advocated for investments in our rail infrastructure made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law, including a $119 million investment to support five major commercial and passenger rail improvement projects across Michigan. In 2023, Peters helped announce $20 million in federal funding to replace the Manistee River Bridge in Manton to increase weight capacity and improve rail crossing safety. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement Ahead of Juneteenth National Independence Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following video statement to honor Juneteenth National Independence Day, which commemorates the day the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom.

    “On Juneteenth National Independence Day, we commemorate the closing of one of our nation’s darkest and most painful chapters, and recommit ourselves to addressing the systemic inequalities and racial disparities that persist in our society,” said Senator Peters. “Together, we can create a better, more inclusive future, one where we tackle disparities in healthcare, education, job opportunities, and housing. And one where we protect the bedrock of our democracy: the fundamental right to vote.”

    Click here for video of his remarks and see below the text as delivered:

    “On June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform over two hundred thousand of the last enslaved African Americans that they were free. This came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.  

    “On Juneteenth National Independence Day, we commemorate the closing of one of our nation’s darkest and most painful chapters, and recommit ourselves to addressing the systemic inequalities and racial disparities that persist in our society.? 

    “We’ve made significant progress toward creating a more just and equal society, but at the same time, we know there is still much more work to do to ensure every American has the same opportunities to succeed. No matter the challenges we face, the fight for fairness and equality must continue. 

    “Together, we can create a better, more inclusive future, one where we tackle disparities in healthcare, education, job opportunities and housing. And one where we protect the bedrock of our democracy: the fundamental right to vote.  

    “As we celebrate this holiday, let us remember the obligation we all share to the pursuit of justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement Ahead of Juneteenth National Independence Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following video statement to honor Juneteenth National Independence Day, which commemorates the day the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom.

    “On Juneteenth National Independence Day, we commemorate the closing of one of our nation’s darkest and most painful chapters, and recommit ourselves to addressing the systemic inequalities and racial disparities that persist in our society,” said Senator Peters. “Together, we can create a better, more inclusive future, one where we tackle disparities in healthcare, education, job opportunities, and housing. And one where we protect the bedrock of our democracy: the fundamental right to vote.”

    Click here for video of his remarks and see below the text as delivered:

    “On June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform over two hundred thousand of the last enslaved African Americans that they were free. This came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.  

    “On Juneteenth National Independence Day, we commemorate the closing of one of our nation’s darkest and most painful chapters, and recommit ourselves to addressing the systemic inequalities and racial disparities that persist in our society.? 

    “We’ve made significant progress toward creating a more just and equal society, but at the same time, we know there is still much more work to do to ensure every American has the same opportunities to succeed. No matter the challenges we face, the fight for fairness and equality must continue. 

    “Together, we can create a better, more inclusive future, one where we tackle disparities in healthcare, education, job opportunities and housing. And one where we protect the bedrock of our democracy: the fundamental right to vote.  

    “As we celebrate this holiday, let us remember the obligation we all share to the pursuit of justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Legislation to Increase Diversity of Ownership in Broadcast Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced the Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service (VOICES) Act to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry by encouraging investment in women and minority-owned stations. 

    “Millions of Americans get their news everyday through TV and radio. When broadcasters reflect the people they serve, it helps elevate different perspectives and stories that may not yet have been told,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I am proud to again lead the Broadcast VOICES Act to encourage more investment in minority-owned stations and boost diversity in American television and radio.”

    Peters’ Broadcast VOICES Act would: 

    • Reestablish a Minority Tax Certificate Program to incentivize capital investment in women and minority-owned stations, as well as investment in the sale of stations to women and minority purchasers, throughout the broadcast industry. 
    • Establish a tax credit for broadcast owners who donate their stations to train individuals in the management and operation of broadcast stations.
    • Require annual reports from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on ways to increase diversity in the industry.

    Peters’ Broadcast VOICES Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV).

    First established in 1978, the Minority Tax Certificate Program provided a tax incentive to those who sold their majority interest in a broadcast station to individuals with diverse backgrounds. From 1978 to 1995, the program was highly effective in leveling the playing field for underrepresented broadcasters, increasing diverse ownership in broadcast stations by more than 550 percent. Despite this success, Congress repealed the program in 1995.

    However, a 2023 report found that among the approximately 1,760 full-power commercial broadcast television stations in the United States, only 5 percent were owned by women and less than 4 percent by minorities. Further, it found that women owned only 10 percent of FM broadcast radio stations, and minorities owned less than 3 percent of those stations. 

    By reinstating this historically effective tax certificate, the Broadcast VOICES Act would help bring more women and people of color into station ownership while also assisting with access to capital. Peters has consistently led this legislation. 

    The Broadcast VOICES Act is supported by the National Urban League, National Association of Broadcasters, National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council, League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Hispanic Federation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Legislation to Increase Diversity of Ownership in Broadcast Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced the Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service (VOICES) Act to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry by encouraging investment in women and minority-owned stations. 

    “Millions of Americans get their news everyday through TV and radio. When broadcasters reflect the people they serve, it helps elevate different perspectives and stories that may not yet have been told,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I am proud to again lead the Broadcast VOICES Act to encourage more investment in minority-owned stations and boost diversity in American television and radio.”

    Peters’ Broadcast VOICES Act would: 

    • Reestablish a Minority Tax Certificate Program to incentivize capital investment in women and minority-owned stations, as well as investment in the sale of stations to women and minority purchasers, throughout the broadcast industry. 
    • Establish a tax credit for broadcast owners who donate their stations to train individuals in the management and operation of broadcast stations.
    • Require annual reports from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on ways to increase diversity in the industry.

    Peters’ Broadcast VOICES Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV).

    First established in 1978, the Minority Tax Certificate Program provided a tax incentive to those who sold their majority interest in a broadcast station to individuals with diverse backgrounds. From 1978 to 1995, the program was highly effective in leveling the playing field for underrepresented broadcasters, increasing diverse ownership in broadcast stations by more than 550 percent. Despite this success, Congress repealed the program in 1995.

    However, a 2023 report found that among the approximately 1,760 full-power commercial broadcast television stations in the United States, only 5 percent were owned by women and less than 4 percent by minorities. Further, it found that women owned only 10 percent of FM broadcast radio stations, and minorities owned less than 3 percent of those stations. 

    By reinstating this historically effective tax certificate, the Broadcast VOICES Act would help bring more women and people of color into station ownership while also assisting with access to capital. Peters has consistently led this legislation. 

    The Broadcast VOICES Act is supported by the National Urban League, National Association of Broadcasters, National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council, League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Hispanic Federation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on the FY26 Defense Budget with Senior Pentagon Leadership

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    Watch Video Here

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to receive testimony from the Pentagon’s senior leaders on the department’s fiscal year 2026 budget.

     

    In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker praised President Trump’s “peace through strength” leadership and Secretary Hegseth’s achievements in implementing that agenda at the Pentagon. The chairman also noted that maintaining the national defense budget at $893 billion, even with an additive $150 billion from defense reconciliation, would result in United States military spending falling far below 3 percent of GDP by 2029.

     

    Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

     

    The committee convenes this morning to hear testimony concerning the president’s fiscal year 2026 budget request. I welcome Secretary Hegseth, Chairman Caine, and Acting Comptroller MacDonnell.

     

    As we review the past five months, the president and the Department of Defense have much to be proud of. The administration has largely succeeded in refocusing the Pentagon on warfighting.  Our recruitment numbers have dramatically improved.  That is a very important achievement and one we will continue to celebrate.

     

    The U.S. military has played a significant supporting role in the president’s wholesale success at our southern border.  He has achieved operational control over the situation – a position the vast majority of Americans support.

     

    In Operation Rough Rider, the president imposed costs on the Houthis.  The operation was well executed by our service members, and it appears to have achieved its stated objectives for now.  Similarly, the president has relentlessly struck al-Qaeda and ISIS terrorists.  Those strikes have helped to open up space for diplomatic breakthroughs in Syria, and they have prevented significant external attacks that could have emanated from Somalia.

     

    Unfortunately, the Axis of Aggressors is resilient.  It is hell-bent on challenging American global leadership.

     

    It is clearer than ever that Vladimir Putin is uninterested in President Trump’s and President Zelenskyy’s offers for real peace negotiations.  The Europeans are heeding the president’s call to re-arm, but we are in a tenuous period: A precipitate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Europe could undo all that progress.

     

    In Asia, the Chinese Communist Party continues its campaign of aggression against its neighbors and still displays open ambitions to retake Taiwan.  Secretary Hegseth recently made this crucial point in an important speech in Shangri-La. He said, “China seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia.”  He is right.  China intends to use military force to achieve Xi Jinping’s goals.

     

    Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the Ayatollah is hiding as his regime crumbles.  He still refusing to negotiate.

     

    In short, this is the most dangerous national security moment since World War II.  Unconstrained, aggressive dictators are on the move.  And, importantly, the character of warfare is rapidly changing.  That is a dangerous combination. We cannot have an American-led Golden Age of peace and prosperity if we fail to navigate these historic security challenges.

     

    President Trump is actively working to protect American interests against four main adversaries: Xi Jinping and his Chinese Communist Party, Vladimir Putin’s militarized Russia, Kim Jong Un’s North Korea, and the Ayatollah’s religious fanatics, including his web of terrorists. Our commander-in-chief deserves a military capable of maintaining deterrence and applying force when necessary to protect U.S. interests – as he has done in Yemen.  I regret to say that this fiscal year 2026 budget request will not deliver that military.

     

    When Secretary Hegseth testified before this committee in his confirmation hearing, he made the correct point that spending less than 3 percent of GDP on defense would be, and I quote, “very dangerous.” What we have in front of us is an inadequate budget request with precious little detail and no follow-on data about fiscal years 2027, 2028, or 2029. We must assume – and, in fact, we have heard – that OMB intends to maintain defense spending at $893 billion across the four years of this administration.  Even with a one-time $150 billion reconciliation infusion, this would leave us at 2.65 percent of GDP by 2029 – below the 3% of GDP, and well below the 5% of GDP that we really really need. Clearly, such a budget plan would allow the military balance to continue – as it has been, to tilt away from the United States and toward Communist China. Communist China has increased its budget by over 7% each year for the past decade.

     

    I know the secretary fought for a stronger fiscal year 2026 discretionary request, but we need to acknowledge that a flat fiscal year 2026 budget is what OMB delivered.  I expect we will spend today reviewing the numerous significant holes in this request – gaps that will make it much more difficult for President Trump to equip our service members and for his advisors to develop credible military options.

     

    Across the budget, we see significant holes: shipbuilding, tactical fighters, basic maintenance money, and more – all insufficient.  The budget seems to be written as if there are many items in the reconciliation package that simply are not in that bill.  This is confusing, because the text of the reconciliation bill has been public for quite some time. Chairman Rogers, of the House, and I worked closely with the executive branch on the contents of the package.  This budget threatens to undermine the good work we have done together on that bill, and it leads me to question whether some officials in the administration plan to ignore congressional intent.

     

    I believe ignoring congressional intent would be a wrong-headed decision for the United States of America. We all work for the American people and share largely identical goals when it comes to deterring Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and other threats.  We need to work much more closely together on investment strategies and actions necessary to rebuild our industrial base.  The president and the Congress want action on reindustrialization.  We want to rebuild the Arsenal of Democracy.  We need action on industrial base integration, streamlined weapons sales, and cooperation with our allies and partners.  We agree on fundamentally changing the way the DOD budgets and handles acquisition.  Now, we need to agree on providing the men and women of the Department of Defense with the resources they need to do their jobs. We have no time to waste, and we must commit to continued collaboration now.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Wicker Applauds Olivia Trusty on Confirmation to the FCC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s vote to confirm former Senator Wicker staffer, Olivia Trusty, to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission.

    “Congratulations to Olivia Trusty on her confirmation to serve as an FCC commissioner. I have worked with Olivia for over seven years, and can attest that she is one of the most knowledgeable and capable leaders in her area of expertise. When I became Chairman of the Commerce Committee, I was fortunate that Olivia agreed to join my committee staff.  When I became the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, I knew she was the person I wanted to handle the cyber portfolio. I have seen Olivia assist Senators in advancing initiatives that made Americans more connected, more secure, and fall squarely within the FCC’s jurisdiction.

     

    She helped pass legislation to improve broadband maps and ensure that broadband funds are directed where they are most needed.  She brought us closer to getting every American connected to high-speed internet. Her work has also contributed to national security. Olivia was instrumental in advancing legislation to protect our domestic networks from communications equipment manufactured by foreign adversaries. Commissioner Trusty has also been a leader on spectrum policy, an area that bridges both technology and national security. She has collaborated across the Commerce and Armed Services Committees to find common ground between commercial and federal interests. Olivia’s work has proved that the U.S. can maintain our leadership without risking national security or public safety.

     

    The United States is fortunate that Olivia has chosen to be a public servant and work for the American taxpayer. It has been my privilege to witness Olivia’s leadership over the years. She has skillfully and thoughtfully handled some of the most complex challenges facing our nation. I applaud President Trump for nominating one of the most talented individuals to have worked on my team. While I will miss her on my staff, I am confident she will succeed in her role as an FCC commissioner.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Highlights Tax Priorities in Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement on his tax priorities included in the Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text for the Senate’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:  

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Congress to bend the spending curve, make key provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts permanent, and improve the lives of hardworking Texas families,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Under Chairman Crapo’s leadership, the Senate Finance Committee has worked around the clock to release this landmark legislation, marking an important step forward in our mission to deliver on President Trump’s mandate.”

    The Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text for the Senate’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains the following provisions championed by Sen. Cornyn, a senior member of the committee:

    • Includes his Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, which would prohibit federal funding from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from going towards gender transition procedures at any age;
    • Includes a modified version of his Small Business Investment Act, which would make it easier for small and start-up businesses to access the financing they need to grow and succeed;
    • Cuts burdensome taxes and regulations of certain firearms and silencers;
    • Prevents a more-than $3,000 tax hike on the average Texas family;
    • Protects 547,000 Texas jobs from being lost;
    • Ensures more than 3.7 million Texas households’ child tax credit is not cut in half;
    • Shields more than two million Texas small business owners from a massive tax hike;
    • Makes sure more than 12 million Texas families’ standard deduction is not cut in half;
    • Establishes work requirements for able-bodied adults who are choosing not to work and do not have dependent children or elderly parents in their care;
    • And ensures no taxes on tips or overtime for millions of tipped and hourly workers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Previews Judiciary Hearing on Biden Cognitive Decline Cover-Up

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) previewed the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing he will co-chair tomorrow alongside Sen. Schmitt (R-MO) to investigate who was running the country during President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline while in office, the alleged cover-up by the mainstream media, the Biden family, and his inner circle, and the resulting constitutional questions. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “Tomorrow, I’ll be co-chairing, along with my colleague from Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt in the Senate Judiciary Committee, a hearing to delve into the constitutional implications of President Biden’s cognitive decline while in office.”

    “At that hearing, we’ll begin to address some of the many unanswered questions from this scandal, questions that are foundational to the functioning of our form of government.”

    “One of the aims of the hearing will be shining a light on what exactly went on at the White House during the Biden administration.”

    “From the Biden border crisis to the disastrous results from the withdrawal in Afghanistan, the American people were the ones who paid the price.”

    “And it’s now clear that for many months – no one knows exactly how long – the President was simply not up to the task.”

    “Whoever happened to be making those decisions and carrying out the duties of the Office of President was not somebody who was authorized by the Constitution or by a vote of the American people.”

    “The hearing we’ll hold tomorrow in the Judiciary Committee will examine in depth these constitutional questions and what happens when the President is no longer capable of performing the duties of his office.”

     “Who… is accountable when the cabinet fails to do its duty, when the Vice President fails to do her duty under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment? Are there penalties for failing to act?”

    “Why was the 25th Amendment not invoked, and what factors do we need to look at that may have played a role in congressional inaction?”

    “Most importantly, as part of our legislative responsibilities, should Congress consider amending the 25th Amendment further to further clarify responsibilities and protocols in case this disaster befalls our nation again?”

    “Those in authority derive their power from the consent of the governed, but during much of the last four years, we know that our country was largely led by unelected staff whose names are unknown by the American people.”

    “I look forward to tomorrow’s hearing examining these hard but existentially important questions that must be answered from this monumental scandal.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Questions Witnesses on Potential Crimes in Biden Health Cover-up

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) co-chaired entitled, “Unfit to Serve: How the Biden Cover-Up Endangered America and Undermined the Constitution,” he discussed with witness Theodore Wold, Visiting Fellow for Law and Technology Policy at the Heritage Foundation, the crimes potentially committed by Joe Biden’s Cabinet members and senior aides in their attempts to conceal the former President’s cognitive decline while in office, along with his use of an autopen. Excerpts are below, and video can be found here.

    On the President’s Use of an Autopen:

    CORNYN: “When talking about the autopen, there are really two issues: One is the mechanical use of an autopen in lieu of an actual signature by the President, but it seems to me that we’re confronted with the more important, or more fundamental issues is, did the President know that the autopen was being used for that purpose?”

    “What we’re confronted with here is really the capacity of the President of the United States to understand what he was supposed to be doing.”

    On Potential Crimes Committed During the Cover-up:

    CORNYN: “Some have suggested that there may be potential crimes committed by members of the Cabinet for failing to act, basically suborning perjury, forging government documents, impersonating a Federal officer, making false statements, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of justice, wire or mail fraud – those are all statutes, criminal statutes, that are on the books.”

    “Do you think there’s any application of any of those criminal statutes to the circumstances of the Biden presidency and his incapacity, and the failure of those persons, only persons, authorized to question that incapacity under the 25th Amendment – the failure on their part to act?”

    WOLD: “I will say, the 25th Amendment, it’s a modern contrivance, but it still is consistent with American constitutional tradition, which it assumes that officers of the United States will act virtuously and morally.”

    “And the idea that members of the Cabinet would go to the length of avoiding the Oval Office so as to abdicate their responsibility to verify the appropriateness of the President’s acuity or the ability to authenticate actions taken by the President – if that’s not a constitutional scandal, honestly, I don’t know what would constitute such.”

    “There could be the potential for crimes, but moreover, the 25th Amendment can only function in its procedural mechanisms if people are actually willing to call a spade a spade.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Delivers Opening Statement at Biden Health Cover-Up Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today delivered the following opening remarks during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing he co-chaired, “Unfit to Serve: How the Biden Cover-Up Endangered America and Undermined the Constitution.” Excerpts are below, and video can be found here.

    “Last June, the American public saw with their own eyes what many knew to be true but would not dare to admit publicly – our sitting Commander-in-Chief was suffering from severe cognitive decline.”

    “As we now know, there was a conspiracy to hide the President’s true condition by his family, by his staff, by the media, and many elected officials.”

    “This was a constitutional crisis bigger than President Biden, bigger than any single election, and one that cannot be absolved by the collective apology of the press and an election where the President’s party lost.”

    “We need to know who was in charge during the last months of the Biden administration. Was it his wife, his chief of staff, nameless others? None of these people were elected by the American people, nor were they authorized by the Constitution and laws of the United States to carry out the duties of the President of the United States.”

    “The 25th Amendment provides a roadmap for succession in instances of presidential incapacity. Section 4 gives the Vice President and a majority of the President’s Cabinet the authority to challenge the President’s ability to carry out the functions of his office, subject to a vote in Congress.”

     “But in this instance, the Vice President and the cabinet – the very ones authorized by the 25th Amendment to question the President’s capacity – they did nothing.”

    “Biden’s cabinet and the Vice President did not act in good faith. They acted in their political and personal self-interest.”

    “As a government, it is imperative that we have clear contingency plans when emergency strikes, and yes, it is an emergency when we have a sitting president who is unable to discharge the duties of that office.”

    “I will note that few of my Democratic colleagues are here today – thank you to Senator Welch from Vermont for being here – leaving us with no other option than to take the boycotting of this hearing as an admission of guilt for their role in this crisis.” 

    “It is not an overstatement to say that the future of our country could one day hinge on how we choose to act or not act on this very issue.”

    MIL OSI USA News –