Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI: MSBFUND significantly increases its holdings of SOL tokens, injecting confidence into ecological development and driving a new round of value reassessment for the Solana chain

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, USA , July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    In July 2025, the global compliant digital asset trading platform MSBFUND officially announced a large-scale increase in its holdings of Solana ecosystem token SOL, surpassing 2.5 million tokens and becoming a focal point in the industry. According to on-chain data, MSBFUND has recently completed multiple transactions to accumulate SOL, with a single-day net purchase exceeding 300,000 SOL. This move not only strengthens the platform’s foresight in mainstream public chain asset allocation but also sends a strong signal of ecological support to the market.

    MSBFUND stated that this strategic increase in SOL holdings is based on its high recognition and long-term confidence in the future development of the Solana ecosystem. As one of the most promising high-performance blockchains today, Solana continues to demonstrate strong developer attraction and application expansion capabilities in fields such as DeFi, GameFi, and NFTs, thanks to its ultra-high TPS and extremely low gas fees. Especially as competition within Layer 1 ecosystems becomes clearer, SOL’s value is undergoing a systematic reassessment.

    MSBFUND’s actions are not merely about asset allocation; the platform has initiated a three-pronged strategic deployment model that includes “SOL staking + DeFi custody + ecological investment.” By smart-staking its SOL holdings to obtain on-chain yields and leveraging professional custody mechanisms in the DeFi space, the platform is investing part of its funds into early Solana projects and infrastructure development. For instance, MSBFUND has partnered with well-known blockchain foundations such as StarBridge Foundation and MetaChain Growth Fund to establish a “SOL Ecosystem Incubation Fund,” with an initial scale of $30 million, focusing on emerging decentralized protocols and foundational components for blockchain games within the Solana network.

    Liam Carter, Chief Strategy Officer of MSBFUND, stated, “We not only see the appreciation potential of SOL as a main chain asset but also value the developer activity and technical scalability behind its ecosystem. This large-scale acquisition is part of MSBFUND’s long-term value allocation strategy, aimed at injecting sustained capital and confidence into the SOL ecosystem.”

    Several industry research institutions have noted that MSBFUND’s actions have boosted the market price of SOL to some extent. Data shows that within 48 hours of this announcement, SOL’s price increased by nearly 9%, trading volume doubled, and the market capitalization of several Solana ecosystem projects also rose, creating an on-chain “capital demonstration effect.”

    This round of accumulation by MSBFUND not only reflects its keen insight in asset allocation but also showcases the platform’s strategic foresight and ecological empowerment in the global digital financial landscape. As a globally compliant platform registered with the U.S. MSB (Money Services Business), MSBFUND has long served high-net-worth clients, family offices, and professional investment institutions.

    Adhering to the three core principles of “compliance, security, and professionalism,” MSBFUND continuously expands its R&D investments in technologies such as AI risk control, on-chain auditing, and intelligent trading, gradually building a leading global digital asset financial platform system. This firm increase in SOL holdings is not only a judgment on the future of the market but also a deep belief in and commitment to the long-term value of digital assets.

    Media Contact

    Company Name: MSB FUND

    Contact: Robert V. Adams

    Website: https://msbfund.com

    Email: Robert@msbfund.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional AI Caucus Democrats’ Statement on President Trump’s AI Action Plan and AI Executive Orders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus Chair Don Beyer (D-VA), Vice Chair Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Democratic Members of the Caucus Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Rob Menendez (D-NJ) today issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan and executive orders on AI:

    “We are deeply concerned about the impacts of President Trump’s AI Action Plan and the executive orders announced yesterday. 

    “The President’s Executive Order on “Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government” and policies on ‘AI neutrality’ are counterproductive to responsible AI development and use, and potentially dangerous. To be clear, we support true AI neutrality—AI models trained on facts and science—but the administration’s fixation on ‘anti-woke’ inputs is definitionally not neutral. This sends a clear message to AI developers: align with Trump’s ideology or pay the price. We have already seen private technology companies rewarded for catering to the Administration, including the Administration awarding a wildly inappropriate $200 million Pentagon contract for Elon Musk’s Grok AI despite that platform’s recent history of racist misinformation, antisemitism, and support for Adolf Hitler – which were prompted by the very ‘anti-woke’ training this order envisions.

    “We are also alarmed by the absence of regulatory structure in this AI Action Plan to ensure the responsible development, deployment, or use of AI models, and the apparent targeting of state-level regulations. As AI is integrated with daily life and tech leaders develop more powerful models, such as Artificial General Intelligence, responsible innovation must go hand in hand with appropriate safety guardrails.  In the absence of any meaningful federal alternative, our states are taking the lead in embracing common-sense safeguards to protect the public, build consumer trust, and ensure innovation and competition can continue to thrive. We are deeply concerned that the AI Action Plan would open the door to forcing states to forfeit their ability to protect the public from the escalating risks of AI, by jeopardizing states’ ability to access critical federal funding. And instead of providing a sorely needed federal regulatory framework that promotes safe model development, deployment, and use, Trump’s plan simultaneously limits states and creates a ‘wild west’ for tech companies, giving them free rein to develop and deploy models with no accountability. 

    “Finally, we are concerned about the implications of the Executive Order on ‘Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure’ for energy costs, demand on the grid, and the environment. AI training and inferencing have already driven up energy demand in the U.S, with ratepayers seeing higher utility prices due to the development of data centers. Trump recently signed partisan legislation that will significantly undercut clean energy projects, driving up costs and leaving us more reliant on dirty, polluting energy sources – trends which this plan will worsen considerably. At a time when Trump himself has increased the need for energy efficiency in AI development and deployment, this plan will do the opposite while increasing harm on the environment.

    “While there are policies in the Action Plan that we agree with, including support for AI-driven science, improving AI evaluations and providing testing resources, and putting our American workforce first, we are deeply concerned about the partisan policies included in the Action Plan and Executive Orders that poison what should have been a good-faith, non-partisan effort. We will closely monitor the implementation of these policies, and will continue to advocate for the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Statement on Trump Administration Investigations into George Mason University

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the Department of Justice and Department of Education launched investigations into George Mason University for allegations of racial discrimination and antisemitism:

    “Less than a month after demanding the removal of former University of Virginia President James Ryan, the Trump Administration now sets its sights on George Mason University, the largest public research higher education institution in Virginia.

    “These investigations hijack existing civil rights laws to advance this Administration’s extreme agenda to undermine local governance of educational institutions, reshape them in its ideological image, and undo the progress made to open educational opportunities to more people. The Trump Administration has already sought to defund and dismantle the Department of Education entirely, a move that undermines the Department’s core mission to ensure every student, regardless of background, receives a safe and quality learning environment and education.

    “These attacks don’t just distract and drain resources that could be used for cases of genuine civil rights violations, but take a deeply concerning step towards stripping away the independence and academic freedom entitled to our higher education institutions. I fear for the future of Virginia’s education system.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: 4th District County Fair Season Beginning Soon!

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    EATON, CO—With the month of July underway, the County Fair Season is approaching quickly in the 4th Congressional District with events, performances, and contests taking place across the Eastern Plains. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert offered the following statement on the start of County Fair season, with dates and informational websites for all 21 county fairs listed below:

    “Our amazing County Fairs highlight the importance of community, the talents of our ag sector workers, and the excitement of a summer season in the 4th District. I encourage all 4th District constituents to make a plan to attend their local County Fair to see everything our district has to offer. From live concerts and rodeos featuring cowboys and Mutton Bustin’ to entrepreneurs selling their crafts and our young 4-H and FFA leaders showing off their livestock, our county fairs have something for everyone to enjoy. Even if the fair food isn’t MAHA-approved, I hope everyone in the 4th District gets to spend a day at their County Fair!”

    State Representative Dusty Johnson added, “County fair time – one of my favorite times of the year – is just about here! It’s a time to showcase the projects of our hardworking 4-H and FFA youth and come together as a community to celebrate our rural way of life.”

    Dates and websites for 4th District County Fairs:

    Cheyenne County Tumbleweed Fair, July 11-19

    El Paso County Fair, July 12-19

    Weld County Fair, July 19-28

    Kit Carson County Fair, July 19-26

    Phillips County Fair, July 22-27

    Eastern Colorado Roundup (Washington County Fair), July 22-27

    Crowley County Days, July 22-26

    Sedgwick County Fair, July 23-27

    Arapahoe County Fair, July 24-27

    Logan County Fair, July 24-August 3

    Douglas County Fair, July 25-August 3

    Morgan County Fair, July 25-31

    Elbert County Fair, July 26-August 3

    Baca County Fair, July 26-August 2

    Bent County Fair, July 26-August 2

    Yuma County Fair, July 29-August 4

    Adams County Fair, July 30-August 3

    Lincoln County Fair, July 30-August 9

    Larimer County Fair, August 1-5

    Sand & Sage Round-Up (Prowers County Fair), August 2-9

    Kiowa County Fair, September 11-13

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Picture this! Record-level funding for the arts | Imaginez ça! Un financement record pour les arts

    [?being, and driving economic development. By championing a vibrant arts sector through public art galleries, visual and performing arts and arts service organizations, Alberta’s unique culture and history are preserved and shared in communities across the province.

    Alberta’s government is further strengthening direct support for artists and expanding access to the arts, by bringing total arts funding to a record $36.1 million. This includes a responsible, steady $4.5?million increase for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) as part of our multi-year commitment that will grow AFA funding to more than $43 million annually by 2027-28.

    “Alberta is home to thousands of gifted artists who are a vital part of our economy, with arts industries contributing more than $1.3 billion in GDP each year and supporting more than 18,000 jobs. Our government is proud to sustain the highest level of arts funding in Alberta’s history, strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life for all Albertans.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    “I want to express our appreciation for the Alberta government’s commitment to increasing funding to the AFA for the second consecutive year. This year, our focus has been to raise the level of AFA funding support for arts organizations. With this additional funding, we will be able to significantly impact more than 400 Alberta organizations. This follows the extra funding that we were able to give to more than 700 individual artists last year. We are proud of our role in investing in Alberta artists, art and cultural materials.”

    Cynthia Moore, chair, Alberta Foundation for the Arts

    Alberta’s government provides grant funding to the arts sector through the AFA in three important ways:

    • Operational grants to arts-based organizations that create and provide access to art experiences and generate job opportunities for artists and cultural workers.
    • Project grants to non-profit organizations, including schools, to increase capacity and/or accessibility for arts-related activities.
    • Project grants and awards for individual artists that can support art production or creation, research, marketing, or training and professional development.

    “Alberta Ballet is best known for its artistry on the Jubilee stages in Edmonton and Calgary. What is less known is how funding from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts fuels Alberta Ballet’s growing impact across the province. With this support, Alberta Ballet is building a stronger arts ecosystem and lasting connections in cities throughout Alberta.” 

    Chris George, president and chief executive officer, Alberta Ballet 

    “For Shumka, this increase in funding means more than just financial support. It’s an investment in creativity, in cultural heritage, and in the people who bring stories to life through dance. As we look ahead, this support helps ensure that the legacy of Shumka, more than 60 years strong, continues to evolve and inspire future generations. Thank you to the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts for believing in the power of the arts, and for recognizing the value that organizations like ours bring to the cultural fabric of Alberta.”

    Tasha Orysiuk, artistic director, Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers

    Alberta proudly supports the arts and, through the AFA, is dedicated to empowering artists and arts organizations across the province. Since April 2025, the AFA has already approved $19.1 million in grant funding to 223 arts organizations and 192 individual artists.

    Quick facts

    • The 2025 budget for Arts is $36.1 million, including $34.6 million for the AFA. Funding for the AFA increased by $4.5 million.
    • In 2024-25, the AFA provided $20.4 million through 656 grants to organizations as well as $5.2 million through 446 individual arts grants to support their activities.
    • In 2024-25, the AFA increased the maximum eligible amount for its project grant programs for artists to $18,000 and nearly doubled the total number grants awarded to artists.
    • In 2023, the visual and applied arts and live performance industries contributed approximately $1.3 billion in GDP and sustained over 18,000 jobs in Alberta.

    Related information

    • Alberta Foundation for the Arts

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    Le budget de 2025 prévoit 4,5 millions de dollars pour soutenir les artistes par l’intermédiaire de l’Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA). Ce financement sans précédent continue de stimuler le secteur artistique albertain.

    Les arts jouent un rôle essentiel dans la qualité de vie des Albertaines et des Albertains. Ils favorisent la santé et le bien-être, et ils stimulent le développement économique. En soutenant le dynamisme du secteur artistique — dans les galeries d’art publiques, grâce aux arts visuels et de la scène et par l’intermédiaire des organismes de services artistiques —, le caractère unique de la culture et de l’histoire de l’Alberta est préservé et présenté aux collectivités de toute la province.

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta renforce encore davantage le soutien qu’il offre directement aux artistes, en plus d’élargir l’accès de la population aux arts, en portant le financement total au secteur à un niveau record de 36,1 millions de dollars. Ce financement comprend une augmentation mesurée et stable de 4,5 millions de dollars à l’Alberta Foundation for the Arts dans le cadre d’un engagement pluriannuel qui portera le financement annuel de l’organisme à plus de 43 millions de dollars d’ici à 2027-2028.

    « L’Alberta est le foyer de milliers d’artistes talentueux qui jouent un rôle essentiel dans notre économie. En effet, les industries artistiques contribuent à plus de 1,3 milliard de dollars au PIB chaque année et elles soutiennent plus de 18 000 emplois. Notre gouvernement est fier de maintenir le niveau de financement aux arts le plus élevé de toute l’histoire de l’Alberta, financement qui permet de renforcer les collectivités et d’améliorer la qualité de vie de toute la population. » 

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    « Au nom de l’AFA, je remercie le gouvernement de l’Alberta d’augmenter le financement de l’AFA pour une deuxième année consécutive. Cette année, nous nous concentrons sur l’augmentation du soutien financier aux organismes artistiques. Grâce à ce financement supplémentaire, nous jouerons un rôle déterminant dans le succès de plus de 400 organismes en Alberta. Cette augmentation s’ajoute au financement additionnel que nous avons pu accorder à plus de 700 artistes l’an dernier. Nous sommes fiers de participer activement à la valorisation des artistes, du secteur des arts et du patrimoine culturel de l’Alberta. »

    Cynthia Moore, présidente, Alberta Foundation for the Arts

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta, par l’intermédiaire de l’AFA, offre les trois grands volets de subvention suivants au secteur artistique :

    • Subventions de fonctionnement aux organismes qui créent et offrent des expériences artistiques et génèrent des emplois pour les artistes et les travailleurs culturels.
    • Subventions de projet aux organismes sans but lucratif, y compris les écoles, pour accroître la création d’activités artistiques ou leur accessibilité.
    • Subventions de projet et prix à l’intention d’individus, qui permettent de soutenir la production ou la création artistique, la recherche, le marketing, la formation ou le perfectionnement professionnel.

    « L’organisme Alberta Ballet a fait sa renommée sur les scènes des auditoriums Jubilee à Edmonton et à Calgary. Ce que l’on sait moins, c’est que le financement de l’Alberta Foundation for the Arts est au cœur du rayonnement croissant d’Alberta Ballet dans la province. Grâce à ce soutien, notre organisme renforce l’écosystème artistique et crée des liens durables dans les villes de l’Alberta. »

    Chris George, président-directeur général, Alberta Ballet

    « Pour Shumka, ce financement accru signifie bien plus qu’un apport financier. C’est un investissement dans la créativité, dans le patrimoine culturel et dans les personnes qui donnent vie à des récits par la danse. En regardant vers l’avenir, nous savons que ce soutien contribue à assurer que l’héritage de Shumka, fort de plus de 60 ans, continue d’évoluer et d’inspirer les générations futures. Nous remercions le gouvernement de l’Alberta et l’AFA de croire au pouvoir des arts et de reconnaître la valeur que les organismes comme le nôtre apportent au tissu culturel de l’Alberta. »

    Tasha Orysiuk, directrice artistique, troupe des Ukrainian Shumka Dancers du Canada

    L’Alberta soutient fièrement les arts et, par l’intermédiaire de l’AFA, elle s’engage à autonomiser les artistes et les organismes artistiques de toute la province. Depuis avril 2025, l’AFA a déjà approuvé 19,1 millions de dollars en subventions destinés à 223 organismes artistiques et à 192 artistes.

    En bref

    • Le budget de 2025 attribué aux arts est de 36,1 millions de dollars, dont 34,6 millions à l’AFA. Le financement de l’AFA a augmenté de 4,5 millions.
    • En 2024-2025, l’AFA a accordé 656 subventions à des organismes artistiques, pour un total de 20,4 millions de dollars, ainsi que 446 subventions à des artistes, pour un total de 5,2 millions de dollars.
    • En 2024-2025, l’AFA a augmenté à 18 000 $ le montant maximal admissible dans le cadre de ses programmes de subventions de projet d’artistes et l’organisme a presque doublé le nombre total de subventions accordées.
    • En 2023, les arts visuels, les arts appliqués et les arts de la scène ont contribué à environ 1,3 milliard de dollars au PIB et soutenu plus de 18 000 emplois en Alberta.

    Renseignements connexes (en anglais seulement)

    • Alberta Foundation for the Arts

    Multimédia

    • Regarder la conférence de presse

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: New 3D Elevation Program Fact Sheet for Vermont

    Source: US Geological Survey

    High-resolution elevation data have proven to be a resource of great economic value for Vermont, empowering state agencies, local governments, and others to make informed decisions on geologic resource assessment, landslide hazard mitigation, natural resource management, and more.

    Quality level 2 lidar is available across the State as a result of partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey through the 3D Elevation Program. Quality level 1 lidar was also collected statewide in 2023.

    Download the new 3DEP State Fact Sheet to learn about available lidar and the many beneficial uses of the data. You can access the fact sheet through the linked button above and at the USGS publication page. Fact sheets for other states are also available in the 3DEP State Fact Sheet repository. 

    To view and access 3DEP lidar data, please visit the USGS LidarExplorer. To download these and other National Map products, please visit The National Map Downloader.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Greg Dolezal Appointed to Senate Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (July 24, 2025) — Recently, Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed Sen. Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming) to serve as a member of the Senate Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax.

    “I am grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for appointing me to this crucial committee,” said Sen. Dolezal, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. “Thanks to the fiscally conservative budgeting of the Georgia General Assembly, we’ve lowered the income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, with a plan to reduce it by another tenth of a percent annually starting in 2026. However, that’s not good enough. Georgia can only stay ahead if we keep pushing for a tax structure that lets families keep more of their paychecks and gives job creators every reason to grow here. I’ve championed eliminating the income tax since my first term, and this special committee is our chance to build a fiscally sound plan that finishes the job.”

    Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) will serve as Chairman of the Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax. Additional Senators appointed to the special committee include Senators Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Ed Harbison (D–Columbus), Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome), Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), Nan Orrock (D–Atlanta), Michael “Doc” Rhett (D–Marietta), Larry Walker III (R– Perry) and Sam Watson (R–Moultrie).

    # # # #

    Sen. Greg Dolezal serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes a portion of Forsyth County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7127 or via email at Greg.Dolezal@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: LECTRA: First half 2025: stable revenues and limited decline in EBITDA in a context of increased volatility in Q2

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First half 2025: stable revenues and limited decline in EBITDA in a context of increased volatility in Q2

    • Revenues: 261.3 million euros (stable)*
    • EBITDA before non-recurring items: 40.4 million euros (-4%)*
    • Annual objectives are no more relevant, in the absence of visibility

    (*) At actual exchange rates

      April 1 – June 30 January 1 – June 30
      2025 2024 Variation 2025/2024   2025 2024 Variation 2025/2024
    (in millions of euros)     Actual exchange rates Like-for-like(1)       Actual exchange rates Like-for-like(1)
    Revenues 126.8 132.7 -4% -2%   261.3 262.3 0% -1%
    ARR (2)(3)   90.9 88.9 +2% +6%
    EBITDA before non-recurring items (3) 19.2 21.2 -9% -3%   40.4 42.2 -4% -4%
    EBITDA margin before non-recurring items 15.2% 15.9% -0.7 point -0.2 point   15.4% 16.1% -0.7 point -0.7 point
    Net income 5.3 4.4 20%   11.1 11.1 0%
    Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity (2)   343.8 374.4
    Net cash (+) / Net debt (-) (2)   -34.1 -20.6

    (1) At constant exchange rates and comparable scope
    (2) As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024
    (3) The definition of performance indicators is included in the Financial report as of 30 June 2025

    Paris, July 24, 2025. Today, Lectra’s Board of Directors, chaired by Daniel Harari, reviewed the consolidated financial statements for the first half of 2025, which have been subject to a limited review by the Statutory Auditors.

    1. A PARADIGM SHIFT AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL

    The deterioration in the global economic situation since early March continued throughout the second quarter, extending to all geographical areas and all sectors of activity. The US tariff announcements on April 2 came as a shock that increased the uncertainty weighing on the business climate, particularly for the Group’s customers, who are highly exposed to international trade.

    While the direct impact of these measures is limited for Lectra, the indirect impacts, linked to the reactions of the customers concerned, together with the lack of visibility, have led to a pause in their investment decisions. The Group’s customers — brands and subcontractors alike — must adapt to this new economic situation, whether in terms of pricing policy, production, investment or future strategy, and are waiting for negotiations to be concluded before choosing their options.

    The 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs, announced on April 9 and due to end on July 9 was followed by further announcements. The frequent changes in the decisions of the US administration and the negotiations still underway have contributed to persistent uncertainty.

    The direct impacts of tariffs remain limited, and are under control

    European and Chinese exports to the United States account for less than 10% of Lectra’s sales. Starting in April, Lectra has taken several measures to deal with the new commercial situation: the Group has reflected the full impact of customs tariffs on price lists in the United States for equipment, consumables and parts and maintenance contracts. It also rerouted some shipments to Mexico to avoid customs formalities and removed several products from the Chinese and American catalogs.

    Indirect impacts are characterized by high customer wait-and-see position

    Lectra’s three strategic markets are highly exposed to tariffs.

    Particularly in the fashion and automotive sectors, the United States’ dependence on imports is very strong. Whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the need to diversify sources of supply and their countries of origin seems clear and will require additional production capacities and relocations.

    In the Group’s three strategic markets, the turbulence of the last few months represents medium- and long-term development opportunities for Lectra, irrespective of the tariff rates ultimately decided, and will necessarily lead to structural changes in the industrial landscape and supply chains.

         2.   Q2 2025

    The slowdown that affected the Americas and Automotive from mid-March onwards spread to all geographies and sectors. Indeed, the successive announcements, then the shock of “Liberation Day” on April 2, have led to a strong wait-and-see attitude from customers. New systems orders were accordingly 27% lower in the second quarter.

    Q2 2025 revenues were down 4% on an actual basis and 2% on a like-for-like basis, reflecting the continued slowdown that began in mid-March.

    EBITDA before non-recurring items (€19.2 million) declined 3%, resulting in a recurring EBITDA margin before non-recurring items of 15.2%, down 0.7 percentage point on an actual basis (0.2 percentage point like-for-like).

    Considering the amortization of intangible assets (€5.7 million), income from operations before non-recurring items was down 6% on a like-to-like basis, to €8.9 million. Net income reached €5.3 million, up 20% on an actual basis, driven by a reduction in tax expense. 

         3.   FIRST HALF 2025

    To facilitate analysis of the Group’s results, the financial statements are compared to those published in 2024 that consolidated Launchmetrics as of January 23 (“actual”) and, for the analysis of variations, to the 2024 Proforma statements that consolidate Launchmetrics as of January 1, expressed at 2024 exchange rates (like-for-like”). Proforma revenues and EBITDA increased by €2.5 million and €0.3 million respectively compared to the reported financial statements.

    H1 2025 revenues amounted to €261.3 million, down 1%. This breaks down into €69.3 million in non-recurring revenues, down 7%, and €192.0 million in recurring revenues (73% of revenues), up 2%, including €43.6 million in revenues from SaaS subscription contracts (17% of revenues, +13%).

    The ARR at June 30, 2025 was €90.9 million, up 6% on a like-for-like basis (+2% on an actual basis) compared to the level at the end of 2024, confirming the relevance of Lectra’s strategy.

    In a context of declining revenues, the gross margin reached €190.0 million, up 1%, and the gross margin rate stood at 72.7%, up 1 point, thanks to the favorable sales mix and strengthened cost control.

    EBITDA before non-recurring items reached €40.4 million, down 4%, with an EBITDA margin before non-recurring items of 15.4%, down 0.6 point.

    Income from operations before non-recurring items amounted to €19.2 million, down 9%.

    Net income, following a tax expense of 3.6 million euros, was stable at 11.1 million euros.

    Free cash flow before non-recurring items remained high in the first half of 2025 at € 33.0 million, reflecting good management of the working capital requirement, which was negative by €41.6 million, benefiting from lower receivables and a further reduction in inventories.

    As of June 30, 2025, the Group’s balance sheet remained very strong: shareholders’ equity stood at €343.8 million and net debt at €34.1 million after disbursement of the second tranche of Launchmetrics’ share capital (€20.5 million), the acquisition of Glengo Turkey (€1.7 million), and dividend payments (€15.2 million). Net debt consisted in financial debt of €94.6 million and cash of €60.6 million, reflecting the continued deleveraging of the company.

         4.   OUTLOOK

    In the Annual Financial Report 2024 published February 12, 2025, Lectra reiterated its long-term vision, as well as the objectives of its 2023-2025 strategic roadmap. The Group then underlined, in a deteriorating environment, its resilient nature, the quality of its fundamentals, and the pursuit of its strategy with a focus on the development of its SaaS business.

    Following the series of announcements on tariffs, the 2025 outlook had not been updated when the first quarter 2025 results were published on April 24, 2025.

    At the end of the second quarter, there were still no signs of significant improvement that would point to an upturn in activity. The economic and political context remains uncertain and continues to lead to a strong wait-and-see attitude on the part of the Group’s customers. In this context, the annual objectives announced by the Group in February 2025 are no more relevant.

    The Company remains attentive to the evolution of the situation and relies on its solid fundamentals, notably its low net debt and high free cash flow generation, to pursue its strategy.

    The 2024 Annual Financial Report, as well as the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations and the financial statements for H1 2025 are available on lectra.com. Q3 and the first nine months of 2025 earnings will be published on October 29, 2025 after market. 

    About Lectra

    At the forefront of innovation since its founding in 1973, Lectra provides industrial intelligence technology solutions—combining software in SaaS mode, cutting equipment, data, and associated services—to players in the fashion, automotive and furniture industries. With boldness and passion, Lectra accelerates the transformation and success of its customers in a world in perpetual motion thanks to the key technologies of Industry 4.0: AI, big data, cloud and the internet of things. 

    The Group is present in more than one hundred countries. It operates three production sites for its cutting equipment, located in France, China and the United States. Lectra’s 3,000 employees are driven by three core values: being open-minded thinkers, trusted partners and passionate innovators. They all share the same concern for social responsibility, which is one of the pillars of Lectra’s strategy to ensure its sustainable growth and that of its customers.

    Lectra reported revenues of €527 million in 2024, including €77 million coming from its SaaS offerings. The company is listed on Euronext, and is included in the CAC All Shares, CAC Technology, EN Tech Leaders and ENT PEA-PME 150 indices.

    For more information, visit ww.lectra.com

    Lectra – World Headquarters et siège social: 16–18, rue Chalgrin • 75016 Paris • France
    Tel. +33 (0)1 53 64 42 00 – lectra.com
    A French Société Anonyme with capital of € 37,966,274. RCS Paris B 300 702 305

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Gaza is starving – how Israel’s allies can go beyond words and take meaningful action

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Mabon, Professor of International Relations, Lancaster University

    In the past two months, more than 1,000 people seeking food have been killed, according to the UN Human Rights Office. While the figure has been disputed by Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation which was set up to distribute aid, 28 nations this week condemned the “horrifying” killing of Gazans trying to get food.

    As the Israel Defense Forces continues its assault in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, including an attack on the staff residence of the World Health Organization on July 21, UN bodies are warning that the besieged strip’s last lifelines are collapsing.

    Already around 60,000 Gazans have been killed and growing numbers are now dying from hunger and malnutrition, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. More than 90% of the private homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.

    For all the talk of a ceasefire – one that is long overdue – there is little hope. Israeli military operations continue and Gazans must risk their lives in search of food and aid.


    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.


    Malnutrition is rife. According to the IPC’s report in May – the international organisation that monitors food security – “goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks” with nearly 500,000 people considered to be facing “catastrophe”, with a further 1.1 million in an “emergency” risk category.

    For the IPC, the catastrophe category is one of extreme food shortages, critical malnutrition leading to starvation and high death rates. The emergency category is one of severe food shortages, very high malnutrition and even death.

    Israeli officials continue to speak of moving Gazans into what has been termed a “humanitarian city” but what former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert described as a “concentration camp”. In the same interview Olmert called decision to move Gazans into the camp as “ethnic cleansing”.

    All the while, the world’s leaders look on. Most are apparently content to condemn – but little action has been taken.

    The clamour for Israel’s allies to take a harder stance on its actions in Gaza is growing louder by the day. On July 23, a group of 38 former EU ambassadors published an open letter to EU heads of states and senior officials accusing Israel of taking “calculated steps towards ethnic cleansing” and calling out the EU’s failure to “respond meaningfully to these horrific events”.

    But what do actions look like? Pressure must be applied to the Netanyahu government. In the UK, both prime minister Keir Starmer and foreign minister David Lammy have been quick to stress that the UK has urged Israel to respect international law.

    They point to the sanctions the UK has imposed on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, two rightwing ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, as a result of their repeated incitements of violence against Palestinians. While Lammy suggests that further sanctions could follow if Israel does not change its behaviour in Gaza and bring about an end to the suffering, the atrocities continue.

    Practical steps to pressure Israel

    Pressure is growing on the UK government to recognise Palestine as a state – something that I was told by a contact in the Labour government more than a year ago was on Labour’s agenda before October 7. Lammy insists the government is committed to a two-state solution, but this is not diplomatically viable given that the UK only recognises one state involved in these events.

    The state of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign entity by 147 other members of the UN. That’s 75% of all members.

    Other steps could be a full arms embargo, something that has long been called for but rejected by the UK government, which has banned some, but by no means all arms sales to Israel. A number of countries have properly banned arms sales to Israel since October 2023, including Italy, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan.

    There are other more incendiary options. One would be for the UK and others to properly adhere to their obligations under international law.

    The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in November 2024. There are 125 countries that have signed up to the ICC (the US isn’t one of them). They could arrest Netanyahu if he enters their countries.

    There are a range of other things that could be tried. A look at what the international community did to make South Africa a pariah during the later years of apartheid would be worthwhile.

    EU should use its diplomatic muscle

    As Israel’s biggest trading partner, the EU has the potential to wield considerable clout, so the question must be asked: why has so little been done, beyond mere words.

    In June, the EU found Israel to be in breach of its human rights commitments under the terms of the EU-Israel association agreement. Yet to date there have been as yet no moves to suspend trade.

    Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief declared that “all options remain on the table if Israel doesn’t deliver” on its pledges. These include full or partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, sanctions on members of government, military or settlers, trade measures, arms embargoes, or the suspension of academic cooperation – including the prestigious Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme.

    Of course, getting all 27 member states to agree to such an approach is easier said than done. And national leaders will obviously have to consider that taking steps to put pressure with Israel could damage relations with the Trump administration in the US.

    But all the while, the situation on the ground is deteriorating, with the world watching while Gaza burns. The failure by Israel’s allies to take meaningful steps to pressure Israel to prevent the wanton killing and displacement is a stain on humanity.

    After the horrors of the second world war, Rwanda, Myanmar and Srebrenica, the world said “never again”. Without action, there’s a risk it will shrug its shoulders and say “never mind”.


    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Simon Mabon receives funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York and The Henry Luce Foundation.

    ref. Gaza is starving – how Israel’s allies can go beyond words and take meaningful action – https://theconversation.com/gaza-is-starving-how-israels-allies-can-go-beyond-words-and-take-meaningful-action-261783

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More support on the way to strengthen rural communities

    Rural and remote communities, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations can submit applications to fund projects that strengthen and diversify their economies.

    This is through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). The fourth intake opened on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and runs until Oct. 31, 2025. 

    In its first three years, REDIP will have invested as much as $142 million in more than 450 projects throughout B.C. that will create an estimated 7,000 jobs in rural areas. These projects promote economic diversification, resilience, clean-economy opportunities and infrastructure development.

    Communities can receive funding through four streams:

    • capacity – helps communities build internal capacity for economic development by providing up to $50,000 per year for up to three years and access to development funding of up to $100,000 to launch priority projects;
    • development – supports business planning, feasibility assessments and other developmental steps for business and economic diversification opportunities in rural B.C., up to $100,000;
    • implementation – supports the development of new economic infrastructure and the implementation of economic services, programming or operations directly related to diversification in rural communities, up to $1 million; and
    • community transition – supports communities experiencing a major economic change resulting from the loss of a major employer or linked to major projects in the province.

    Business BCeIDs are now required as part of the REDIP application process. As BCeID account registration can take several weeks, applicants are encouraged to register early at: https://www.bceid.ca/

    Learn More:

    For more information about the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program and to see a list of approved REDIP projects from previous intakes, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/redip

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Keeping Life More Affordable Through the Active Families Benefit

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 24, 2025

    Saskatchewan families with children and youth participating in sports, culture, and recreation can access the Active Families Benefit, a tax credit that helps keep these activities more affordable.

    Starting in 2025, the refundable tax benefit has been doubled to $300 per child, or $400 per child, who are eligible for the federal Child Disability Tax Credit. In addition, the benefit is now available to families with a gross family income of $120,000 or less.  

    “One of the best ways to ensure strong and healthy families in our province is to have children and youth involved in sport, recreation and cultural activities,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “Fulfilling our commitment to doubling the Active Families Benefit means that more than 69,000 or 56 per cent of all families with children will be eligible in our province, ensuring that the families who need it most can access it.”

    Parents who enroll their children in sport, culture and recreation activities in the 2025 calendar year are reminded to keep their receipts so they may claim the benefit when they file their taxes for 2025.

    Many communities offer affordable and accessible activities for children and youth through local recreation facilities and community organizations.

    “Programs like the Active Families Benefit make a real difference for families in Moose Jaw,” City of Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdock said. “By helping reduce the cost of sports, recreation, and cultural activities, we are not only supporting affordability we are investing in the health, development, and wellbeing of our children.”  

    The following are eligible for the Active Family Benefit:

    • Sporting activities: that provide exposure, training, or participation in any field of sport in an organized and competitive environment that requires strategy, physical training and mental preparation.
    • Recreational activities:
      • that provide exposure, training, or participation in any field of recreation designed to refresh, provide satisfaction, entertain, and provide physical or mental benefits.
    • Cultural activities:
      • that provide exposure, training, or participation in the field of arts, heritage or multiculturalism.

    For more information on the Active Families Benefit visit the frequently asked questions at:

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/parks-culture-heritage-and-sport/sport-and-recreation/programs-and-supports/active-families-benefit.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Crop Report for the Period July 15 to July 21, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 24, 2025

    The rain that fell through wide parts of the province over the weekend was a positive sign for many producers. However, even within regions that received the rain the impact on crop and pasture conditions was variable. In some areas, the rain came just in time to carry crops forward through flowering and grain fill, while in other areas the rain came too late to make a difference to crops or pastures. 

    For areas that received precipitation, producers are hopeful pasture grass recovers from grazing and stress from dry conditions. In areas where heavy rain was received, livestock water sources should see some replenishment, reducing the need to haul water for livestock. 

    The cooler weather and recent rainfall have helped sustain or improve topsoil moisture in the province. Topsoil moisture is highly variable region to region, but most regions have seen an increase in ratings after the recent rainfall. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and five per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Lastly, pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 59 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and 11 per cent very short. 

    The rain, along with the cool weather, will give crops a break from the lack of moisture they have been under and will help them fill. The Eston area reported the most rain this week with 83 millimetres (mm), followed by the Bethune area with 74 mm, and finally the Admiral area reported 68 mm. There were many areas that reported rainfall from 15 mm to 50 mm, while other areas saw rainfall ranging from 2 mm to 15 mm.

    Crop development has leveled out closer to normal for the province, and crops should use the recent rain and cooler temperatures to develop at a regular pace rather than rush or delay development due to stress. Crop development varies from region to region, with drier areas showing the most accelerated crop development.

    The rain impeded haying operations over the weekend as producers waited for the crop to dry before proceeding with baling. Haying operations are almost complete with 20 per cent standing, 21 per cent cut and 59 per cent baled or put up as silage. Hay quality is rated as nine per cent excellent, 55 per cent good, 31 per cent fair and five per cent poor. 

    Producers report their crops are still showing damage and stress from the numerous weeks of heat and overly dry conditions this growing season. Gophers and grasshoppers are causing minor to moderate damage to crops this week with some areas seeing higher damage depending on pest populations. With the large amounts of rainfall seen in some areas, flooding was a concern for some producers as low spots in their fields have filled with water. The rain and strong winds have led to cereal crops lodging across many regions, and producers are hopeful the damage is minor and their crops can recover in time for harvest.

    Producers whose crops are furthest along are beginning to get their equipment ready. The Ministry of Agriculture reminds producers to operate safely during the pressures of harvest time. Please remember to use every precaution available for fire prevention as the extremely dry conditions increase the risk of combine and grass fires.

    Over the upcoming weeks, producers will be busy finishing fungicide spraying, haying and getting equipment ready for harvest. Producers are reminded to keep safety top of mind while working.

    For any crop or livestock questions, producers are encouraged to call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, toll free: 1-866-457-2377.

    This can be a stressful time of year for producers as weather conditions can be unpredictable. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.

    A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online.

    Follow the 2025 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Caught Dragging Trafficked Woman Back to Captivity Arrested After His Removal Proceedings Were Terminated by Biden Administration

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    ICE immediately lodged an arrest detainer to ensure this criminal illegal alien will never be released into American communities

    WASHINGTON — On July 15, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer for Jose Armando Carcamo-Perdomo, an illegal alien from Honduras, charged by local police with kidnapping and assault. This criminal illegal alien is suspected of sex trafficking and assaulting a Chinese woman.

    According to local reports, Carcamo “kept the sex-trafficking victim hostage for five days without food or water — while he beat her and sexually assaulted her.” A nearby Ring doorbell camera recorded Carcamo picking up the victim on the street and abducting her. Local reports say he is also accused of tying her up, punching, and raping her. 

    “This accused kidnapper and suspected sex trafficker was just one of the countless criminal illegal aliens who inexplicably had their removal proceedings terminated by the Biden Administration and were allowed to remain in the country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are being locked up and will no longer be allowed to terrorize American communities. Our message is clear: criminals are not welcome in the United States.” 

    Carcamo illegally entered the United States at the southern border on November 24, 2020. Under the Biden Administration, ICE filed a motion with an immigration judge to have his removal proceedings terminated.  

    On September 8, 2023, a judge granted the Biden Administration’s motion.  

    Following his arrest for kidnapping and assault, ICE, in accordance with the Laken Riley Act, issued a detainer for his arrest to ensure this criminal illegal alien will never be released into American communities.

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    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Bill Targets Violence Against Police Animals

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) proudly introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act, a bill aimed at strengthening penalties for individuals who use a deadly weapon to harm a federal police dog or horse in the line of duty.

    Named in honor of K9 Leo, a fallen Marion County, Florida, canine deputy, the bill expands federal protections to include any state, county, or local police animal assisting a federal agency. It also provides a good-faith exception for emergency veterinary care and directs USDOT to allow EMS providers to transport injured police K9s, at their discretion.

    This announcement comes as attacks on ICE agents have surged 830%, underscoring the urgent need to extend protections to their canine and equine partners, who face the same threats in the line of duty. 

    Upon introduction, Congressman Bean said: “Our police dogs and horses serve on the front lines, protecting officers and communities alike. They deserve real protection, not just praise—and the “LEO K9 Protection Act” will deliver tougher penalties against those who harm these heroic animals in the line of duty.”

    The legislation was introduced in collaboration with K9s United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for law enforcement animals.

    “This is a defining moment in the fight to protect federal working K9s who defend our nation every day,” said Debbie Johnson, president and founder of K9s United. “Working K9s are loyal partners, fearless protectors and beloved family members. They charge into danger without hesitation to safeguard communities and they deserve to be protected and treated with the urgency their service demands. The introduction today of the LEO K9 Protection Act is the result of years of tireless advocacy and we are proud to carry this mission forward. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Bean for standing with us to honor and protect our nation’s four-legged heroes.”

    In the past year alone, 21 police K9s lost their lives in the line of duty, including K9 Leo.

    “K9 Leo was more than a partner; he was family. He gave his life to protect others, and not a day goes by that I don’t feel his absence. The Leo K9 Protection Act ensures that the sacrifices of courageous K9s like Leo are never forgotten and that the next injured K9 has the best chance of returning home. By supporting this bill, we can guarantee that federal working K9s receive the urgent care they deserve and help prevent more handlers from experiencing the heartbreak of losing their partners in the line of duty,” said Sergeant Justin Tortora, Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

    Read the exclusive on the Leo K9 Protection Act in the Daily Caller here.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Leads Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S.–Korea Ties

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Yesterday, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific Chairwoman Young Kim (CA-40) and Representative Sydney Kamlager‑Dove (CA-37) introduced the bipartisan Partner with Korea Act (H.R.4687) to encourage greater collaboration between U.S. and Korean businesses. 

    The Partner with Korea Act builds on the U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) by creating an allotment of 15,000 E-4 highly skilled work visas for Korean nationals with specialized education or expertise, provided that potential employers ensure the visa holders are not hired for positions that American workers could fill. Similar visa categories have been created through free trade agreements with countries, such as Australia and Singapore. 

    “As the Chinese Communist Party and North Korea increase aggression and work to rewrite the world’s rules-based international order, our partnership with South Korea has never been more vital,” said Rep. Young Kim. “South Korea’s highly skilled workforce can help support our economic and national security amid rising threats in the Indo-Pacific. As we mark 72 years of the U.S.-ROK alliance, I’m proud to join forces with Rep. Kamlager-Dove to unlock new economic opportunities that strengthen both of our nations.” 

     “Immigrants power our economy—not just in Los Angeles but nationwide,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “Korean immigrants are an integral part of America’s fabric, making essential contributions in various industries, from technology to healthcare and beyond. As a proud representative of the vibrant Korean American community in Los Angeles, I am honored to introduce legislation that will open doors for high-skilled workers from the Republic of Korea. When we fail to attract and retain immigrant talent, our businesses and economy suffer—that’s why the Partner with Korea Act is crucial for keeping America competitive.” 

    The KORUS FTA passed Congress in 2011 and took effect in March of 2012. The Partner with Korea Act was previously introduced in the 113th, 114th, 115th, 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses by the late Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11). Rep. Kim has helped lead this bipartisan effort since she’s been in Congress. 

    Read more about the bill HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald and Senator Lummis Introduce Legislation to Reform the National Education Association Federal Charter

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) and Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today (STUDENT) Act to rein in the National Education Association (NEA) through its federal charter and rededicate the organization to the pursuit of increased student learning and quality education in schools across the United States.

    The STUDENT Act makes substantial and much needed limitations and conditions to the NEA charter, bringing it in line with other federally chartered organizations. The bill establishes the following charter changes and best practices:

    • Ensures the NEA is no longer exempt from paying D.C. property tax, a wholly unnecessary benefit for the largest union in America.
    • Keeps the NEA from engaging in discrimination or employing hiring quotas.
    • Requires all members to explicitly consent to paying dues and fees.
    • Prevents the corporation and its affiliates from calling for strikes or work stoppages.
    • Requires any NEA officer to be a U.S. citizen.
    • Makes the corporation keep track and account for all records, meeting notes, and other documents.
    • Sends all assets to the Department of the Treasury if the NEA ever dissolves.
    • Prohibits the union from encouraging or requiring members to adhere to any critical race theory concept.

    “The NEA long ago transformed from an educational association into a political machine, pushing a progressive agenda that puts activists ahead of students’ needs,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “The STUDENT Act reins in NEA’s federal charter, restores accountability, and demands a return to its original purpose: educating, not indoctrinating, American children.”

    “The NEA has exploited its federal charter to advance a radical political agenda that puts ideology before education,” said Sen. Lummis. “Wyoming parents and teachers deserve better than a union that prioritizes woke politics over student achievement. The resolution passed at the NEA Representative Assembly to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League because of its support for Israel is abhorrent and does nothing to stem the rising tide of antisemitic incidents we’ve witnessed nationwide. Federal charters should be reserved for organizations that serve patriotic, charitable, historical, or educational purposes – not for unions that push divisive and antisemitic ideologies.”

    “Rep. Fitzgerald and Sen. Lummis should be commended for their leadership in introducing the STUDENT Act, which would address some of the NEA’s most concerning conduct and make it more accountable to the public and even its own members,” said Freedom Foundation CEO Aaron Withe. “The Freedom Foundation is proud to stand with these courageous lawmakers in the fight to restore sanity to public education.”

    BACKGROUND: The NEA, a teachers’ union, was given a federal charter through an act of Congress in 1906. Congress has granted charters to organizations with a patriotic, charitable, historical, or educational purpose, which provides these organizations with prestige and, in some cases, indirect financial benefit. The NEA, the largest union in the United States, while supposedly “non-partisan,” has time and time again supported woke, liberal causes through their endorsements and other political contributions.

    A 2023 report by the Freedom Foundation found that because the NEA was incorporated in the District of Columbia prior to its grant of a federal charter, revoking such charter would neither strip it of its corporate existence, nor cause it to alter its operations. Reforming, rather than repealing, the NEA’s federal charter, will provide greater accountability to its members and rid the organization of its partisan slant.

    Read the bill text here.

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vasquez Announces Major Milestone: $4.3 Million Returned to Southern New Mexicans through Casework

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 24, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that his office has successfully returned over $4.3 million to constituents in New Mexico’s Second District in 2025. 

    “I’m excited to announce that my office has put over $4 million back in constituents’ pockets,” said Vasquez. “New Mexicans deserve an accessible, accountable government that works for them without red tape or bureaucracy. These success stories are a testament to my office’s commitment to ensuring hard working folks get every last dollar they deserve.”

    Rep. Vasquez’s casework team works directly with constituents to resolve issues with federal agencies including the IRS, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and more.

    “With the help of Congressman Vasquez, our case was resolved in just two weeks — with back pay of $4,555.00 and monthly benefits of $421.00. We are so grateful for the fast, successful outcome thanks to Congressman Vasquez. After a tough year of loss and disappointment, their help turned everything around,” said Dorothy and Stefanie of Socorro.

    “Congressman Vasquez was a great help in helping me recover $9,512 in delayed income tax refunds from the past two years, which had been held up after my husband passed away,” said Kate of Las Cruces.

    “Before my VA benefits were approved, I was barely getting by, unable to afford basics like food. With the $78,816 I received in benefits and back pay, I paid off high‑interest debt and now can live with dignity. I’m deeply grateful to Congressman Vasquez and his office for helping make this possible,” said Jerome of Belen.

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Denounces Trump’s Attacks on DOJ’s Civil Rights Division in Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Raking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, this week denounced the President Trump’s attacks on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, including the Administration’s plans to freeze all new civil rights cases or investigations at the division. 
    Ahead of yesterday’s hearing, Senator Welch released a memorandum with the new policy statements provided to career attorneys at the Civil Rights Division. These directives, which have not previously been made public, show how the Division’s enforcement priorities have been narrowed, changed, and in some cases reversed under the leadership of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, to mirror and advance President Trump’s political agenda. The memo also sheds light on Assistant Attorney General Dhillon’s efforts to oust career attorneys through reassignments and resignations. Senator Welch’s office obtained data showing that since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, more than 368 individuals have left the Civil Rights Division and only two Section chiefs remain in place. 
    “The Civil Rights Division is a crown jewel in the Department of Justice of the United States of America,” said Senator Welch. “But there’s a profound difference in the Justice Department today than there was the day before the election. The new policy directives that are being issued to DOJ attorneys is the zealous and faithful pursuit of, ‘The priorities of the President.’ No! It’s the priorities of the Constitution. It’s the priorities of the legislation passed by Congress. It is not the priorities of any person, even if that person is the President of the United States. That is not what the job of the Justice Department is to do.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below:  
    Read Senator Welch’s opening remarks as delivered here. 
    Senator Welch questioned Ms. Dhillon about whether the Trump Administration influenced the DOJ’s highly irregular decision to order mid-decade redistricting of Texas’ congressional districts. The Senator also called out Ms. Dhillon for her refusal to acknowledge that President Biden won the 2020 Presidential Election.   
    Read key excerpts from Senator Welch’s exchange with Ms. Dhillon: 
    “As you know, President Trump has recently ‘encouraged’—I’ll use that—Texas Republicans to do mid-cycle redistricting in order to gain more seats in the House of Representatives. I understand that after the President made that decision, or that announcement, you personally sent a letter on July 7 to Texas—in your capacity as Assistant Attorney General—arguing that four Democratic districts violate federal law,” said Senator Welch. “Before you sent the letter on July 7, did you have any conversation with any representatives of the White House?”   
    Ms. Dhillon: “Senator, as you’re aware, there are privileges that are involved in all Executive Branch communications and without—I’m not able to testify without breaching the Department of Justice’s guidelines in that regard. So, I’m unable to answer any questions about conversations I may have had with other Executive Branch officials.”   
    Senator Welch: “I’m not asking you what the content of the conversation was. I’m asking whether there was any conversation with anyone from the White House before you sent that July 7 letter.”  
    Ms. Dhillon: “Senator, I have the same answer. I think you’re aware of the scope, the broad scope of privileges that apply to lawyers’ conduct.” 
    Senator Welch: “Well, here’s what I’m aware of: the President made a directive—which is highly unusual—telling a legislature, the Texas legislature, mid-decade to do redistricting when we do that every ten years. And oh, it just so happened the Assistant Attorney General sent a letter to that legislature—after the President made his announcement—and said that your investigations suggest four districts are in violation of federal law.” 
    Ms. Dhillon: “Is there a question, Senator?” 
    Senator Welch: “There’s a point here that it’s hard to believe that that wasn’t coordinated.” 
    Senator Welch has been a leading voice in pushing back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on the rule of law and efforts to undermine the Department of Justice. In April, Senator Welch led six Senate Judiciary Committee colleagues in demanding answers from the DOJ concerning the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Senators separately called for Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, to immediately hold an oversight hearing with Assistant Attorney General Dhillon on the politicization of DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. 
    During President Trump’s first week in office, Senator Welch slammed the President’s plans to freeze all new civil rights cases or investigations at DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and suggestions that it would sideline police reform agreements established by the Biden Administration.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases – the final congressional committee needed to greenlight the leases, including one for a proposed outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:
    “We’re very pleased that all four congressional committees have now approved these much-needed VA leases, including the proposed new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the more than 60 percent of Hampton VA Medical Center patients who live on the south side of the region. For years, we’ve pushed to get these kinds of facilities authorized and built, because we refuse to accept a system where veterans are stuck with long wait times or forced to travel hours for basic appointments. With this final vote, we are one step closer to ensuring these long-overdue facilities become a reality.
    “Now that the leases have cleared every hurdle in Congress, we’ll be pushing the VA and GSA to award these leases, and make sure these projects get off the ground without delay. Our veterans have waited long enough.” 
    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. With yesterday’s action by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the leases have now been reauthorized by all four needed committees: the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases – the final congressional committee needed to greenlight the leases, including one for a proposed outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

    “We’re very pleased that all four congressional committees have now approved these much-needed VA leases, including the proposed new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the more than 60 percent of Hampton VA Medical Center patients who live on the south side of the region. For years, we’ve pushed to get these kinds of facilities authorized and built, because we refuse to accept a system where veterans are stuck with long wait times or forced to travel hours for basic appointments. With this final vote, we are one step closer to ensuring these long-overdue facilities become a reality.

    “Now that the leases have cleared every hurdle in Congress, we’ll be pushing the VA and GSA to award these leases, and make sure these projects get off the ground without delay. Our veterans have waited long enough.” 

    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. With yesterday’s action by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the leases have now been reauthorized by all four needed committees: the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases – the final congressional committee needed to greenlight the leases, including one for a proposed outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

    “We’re very pleased that all four congressional committees have now approved these much-needed VA leases, including the proposed new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the more than 60 percent of Hampton VA Medical Center patients who live on the south side of the region. For years, we’ve pushed to get these kinds of facilities authorized and built, because we refuse to accept a system where veterans are stuck with long wait times or forced to travel hours for basic appointments. With this final vote, we are one step closer to ensuring these long-overdue facilities become a reality.

    “Now that the leases have cleared every hurdle in Congress, we’ll be pushing the VA and GSA to award these leases, and make sure these projects get off the ground without delay. Our veterans have waited long enough.” 

    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. With yesterday’s action by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the leases have now been reauthorized by all four needed committees: the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases – the final congressional committee needed to greenlight the leases, including one for a proposed outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

    “We’re very pleased that all four congressional committees have now approved these much-needed VA leases, including the proposed new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the more than 60 percent of Hampton VA Medical Center patients who live on the south side of the region. For years, we’ve pushed to get these kinds of facilities authorized and built, because we refuse to accept a system where veterans are stuck with long wait times or forced to travel hours for basic appointments. With this final vote, we are one step closer to ensuring these long-overdue facilities become a reality.

    “Now that the leases have cleared every hurdle in Congress, we’ll be pushing the VA and GSA to award these leases, and make sure these projects get off the ground without delay. Our veterans have waited long enough.” 

    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. With yesterday’s action by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the leases have now been reauthorized by all four needed committees: the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases – the final congressional committee needed to greenlight the leases, including one for a proposed outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

    “We’re very pleased that all four congressional committees have now approved these much-needed VA leases, including the proposed new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the more than 60 percent of Hampton VA Medical Center patients who live on the south side of the region. For years, we’ve pushed to get these kinds of facilities authorized and built, because we refuse to accept a system where veterans are stuck with long wait times or forced to travel hours for basic appointments. With this final vote, we are one step closer to ensuring these long-overdue facilities become a reality.

    “Now that the leases have cleared every hurdle in Congress, we’ll be pushing the VA and GSA to award these leases, and make sure these projects get off the ground without delay. Our veterans have waited long enough.” 

    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. With yesterday’s action by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the leases have now been reauthorized by all four needed committees: the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases – the final congressional committee needed to greenlight the leases, including one for a proposed outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

    “We’re very pleased that all four congressional committees have now approved these much-needed VA leases, including the proposed new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the more than 60 percent of Hampton VA Medical Center patients who live on the south side of the region. For years, we’ve pushed to get these kinds of facilities authorized and built, because we refuse to accept a system where veterans are stuck with long wait times or forced to travel hours for basic appointments. With this final vote, we are one step closer to ensuring these long-overdue facilities become a reality.

    “Now that the leases have cleared every hurdle in Congress, we’ll be pushing the VA and GSA to award these leases, and make sure these projects get off the ground without delay. Our veterans have waited long enough.” 

    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. With yesterday’s action by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the leases have now been reauthorized by all four needed committees: the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases – the final congressional committee needed to greenlight the leases, including one for a proposed outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

    “We’re very pleased that all four congressional committees have now approved these much-needed VA leases, including the proposed new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the more than 60 percent of Hampton VA Medical Center patients who live on the south side of the region. For years, we’ve pushed to get these kinds of facilities authorized and built, because we refuse to accept a system where veterans are stuck with long wait times or forced to travel hours for basic appointments. With this final vote, we are one step closer to ensuring these long-overdue facilities become a reality.

    “Now that the leases have cleared every hurdle in Congress, we’ll be pushing the VA and GSA to award these leases, and make sure these projects get off the ground without delay. Our veterans have waited long enough.” 

    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. With yesterday’s action by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the leases have now been reauthorized by all four needed committees: the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases – the final congressional committee needed to greenlight the leases, including one for a proposed outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

    “We’re very pleased that all four congressional committees have now approved these much-needed VA leases, including the proposed new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the more than 60 percent of Hampton VA Medical Center patients who live on the south side of the region. For years, we’ve pushed to get these kinds of facilities authorized and built, because we refuse to accept a system where veterans are stuck with long wait times or forced to travel hours for basic appointments. With this final vote, we are one step closer to ensuring these long-overdue facilities become a reality.

    “Now that the leases have cleared every hurdle in Congress, we’ll be pushing the VA and GSA to award these leases, and make sure these projects get off the ground without delay. Our veterans have waited long enough.” 

    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. With yesterday’s action by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the leases have now been reauthorized by all four needed committees: the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Major Settlement with Columbia University

    Source: US Whitehouse

    SECURING HISTORIC SETTLEMENT WITH COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump secured a historic settlement with Columbia University to address violations of federal civil rights laws and to restore fairness, merit, and safety in higher education.

    • The agreement ensures Columbia will not engage in unlawful racial discrimination in hiring, admissions, or university programming. Columbia will provide access to all relevant data and information to rigorously assess compliance with its commitment to merit-based hiring and admissions. 
    • Columbia will pay the United States $200 million to settle claims related to discriminatory practices, marking a significant win for accountability in academia.
    • Columbia will also pay the largest employment-discrimination public settlement in almost 20 years. Over $20 million will be paid to resolve alleged civil rights violations against Jewish Columbia employees that occurred on its campus following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks. This is also the largest ever settlement for victims of anti-Semitism and for workers of any religion.
    • The agreement secures privacy, dignity, and fairness in women’s sports, programing, facilities, and housing.
    • The agreement mandates a comprehensive review of Columbia’s portfolio of programs in regional areas, starting with those relating to the Middle East, and fosters new faculty appointments to promote intellectual diversity.
    • Columbia will strengthen oversight of international students by reviewing admission processes, including by assessing applicants’ reasons for wishing to study in the U.S., sharing relevant data with the Federal Government, and reducing financial dependence on overwhelming international student enrollment.
    • Columbia will enhance campus safety and ensure a safe learning environment by appropriately enforcing strict rules against disruptive protests, prohibiting masked protests, and maintaining trained security officers and ongoing cooperation with the New York Police Department.
    • The agreement establishes robust oversight, including with an independent Resolution Monitor and an Administrator, to ensure Columbia complies with the agreement and federal laws.
    • Consistent with Columbia’s announcement in March, student discipline and rules have been moved from an unaccountable faculty senate to the Office of the Provost, providing for stronger oversight, transparency, and accountability.
    • The agreement reinstates most terminated federal grants, restores Columbia’s eligibility for future grants and awards, and closes pending investigations into the university.

    ADDRESSING DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: The Trump Administration took action to address Columbia University’s violations of federal civil rights laws, protecting students and upholding fairness in higher education.

    • The settlement culminates after concerning public incidents and subsequent civil rights investigations and actions regarding Columbia’s alleged discrimination on the basis of race and national origin.
    • Columbia’s failure to ensure a safe, non-discriminatory campus environment, including issues with protest policies and disciplinary processes, raised urgent concerns about student safety and free inquiry.
    • By securing this settlement, the Trump Administration is ensuring that Columbia upholds merit-based standards, complies with federal law, and fosters an environment of academic excellence and safety for all students.

    ADVANCING REFORMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: President Trump is holding elite universities accountable, ensuring they prioritize fairness, merit, and American values.  

    • The Administration has challenged elite universities like Harvard and Columbia for discriminating against student and staff, failing to protect students from violent anti-Semitism, and otherwise failing to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.
    • President Trump signed a Proclamation to safeguard national security by suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University. 
    • The Administration successfully negotiated a resolution with the University of Pennsylvania to keep men out of women’s sports and restore the trophies and records of women.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIST Makes First Detection of Cannabis in Breath From Edibles

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Credit: Victor Moussa/Shutterstock

    Cannabis has gained increased use in the United States, outpacing alcohol as Americans’  daily recreational drug of choice. Nearly 20 percent of cannabis users have admitted to driving after using the drug. However, unlike for alcohol, reliable roadside tests for cannabis don’t exist. Even blood tests can’t determine when a person used cannabis, leaving law enforcement without a way to determine a person’s recent use, much less how intoxicated they are.  

    To make things more complicated, there are multiple ways to consume cannabis, such as smoking, vaping, ingestion and dabbing (inhaling a concentrated form of cannabis extracts). Scientists know that the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) shows up in breath after smoking, but what about edibles? Would those show up in breath too?

    The answer is yes; they do. In a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and their colleagues made the first cannabinoid measurements in breath after study participants ingested cannabis-infused edibles. 

    “This is an important step forward, that we can detect THC increases in breath after the ingestion of cannabis,” said Jennifer Berry, NIST research chemist and lead author on the paper. 

    Making a breathalyzer for cannabis is harder than making a breathalyzer for alcohol. Alcohol is a relatively simple and highly volatile molecule: It easily travels through the lungs and evaporates when it contacts air. But THC is a larger, more complicated molecule with very low volatility, and consumption is typically hundreds of times less than alcohol. It shows up in very small concentrations in breath, making THC detection much more challenging.  Regular users of cannabis can have THC in their breath for at least eight hours and in their blood for potentially weeks after stopping use,  meaning that a single measurement is insufficient to learn when a person last used it. 

    In the new study, NIST’s partners at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus observed 29 participants who each brought a cannabis-infused gummy to the lab with them. The edibles contained anywhere from 5 to 100 milligrams of THC. Researchers first took a breath sample from the participants before they ingested the product. Then they observed each participant for three hours, obtaining breath samples approximately every hour. 

    NIST researchers measured the concentration of THC and other cannabinoids in breath at those intervals. They detected THC in most of the participants before they took the edible, even though they had been asked to abstain for eight hours before the study. That wasn’t surprising. Our bodies process cannabinoids slowly, taking weeks to get them out of our systems compared with hours for alcohol.  

    The researchers found that 19 of the participants showed significant increases in THC in the three-hour period after ingesting the edible. Many of them exhibited a peak and then a decline in THC concentration during that time. Four of the participants did not show any change in THC, and six showed only a decrease from their first breath sample. However, it is possible that the measurements may have missed the time window in which a jump in THC could have occurred.

    The observed spikes and dips in THC levels clear up some questions about how cannabinoids distribute in our bodies and leave our systems after use. There is a common misconception that THC in breath is from leftover smoke in the lungs after smoking cannabis. This study shows that THC that is swallowed in edibles can make it through the digestive system and be exhaled back out through the lungs, Berry said. This matches something else that stood out to the NIST team, that edible cannabis takes time to show up in breath. “Edibles aren’t that different from smoked cannabis and alcohol in that way,” Berry said. “Whether you inhale it or ingest it, it will show up in breath, but it may take some time before doing so.”

    This study provides just the first steps of understanding how edible cannabis shows up in breath, said Kavita Jeerage, a NIST research chemical engineer leading the cannabis breath research. But this first detection of THC from edibles in breath provides encouraging signs that future instruments will be able to measure THC from ingested cannabis. 

    It will be up to toxicologists to determine what those measurements say about impairment, she said, work that NIST’s research partners are already pursuing.

    “Our partners at Anschutz conducted a variety of assessments to probe impairment after participants ingested their cannabis gummies, including observing participants’ driving abilities with a driving simulator. The breath samples were a bonus that allowed us to gather first-ever data to explore whether THC increases in breath after edible ingestion,” Jeerage said. “Looking forward, we can now tackle the question of when THC increases after edible ingestion, when it goes back to baseline, and how to analyze breathalyzer data to get the information needed.”  

    “This study supports the idea that multiple breath measurements over a period of time could be a way to use a breathalyzer to detect cannabis use, regardless of how it’s ingested,” said Tara Lovestead, a NIST chemical engineer on the cannabis breath research project. “However, devices will still need standards to ensure that they are accurate and used correctly, standards that don’t yet exist.” 

    NIST itself is not developing a cannabis breathalyzer, Lovestead added. Instead, NIST’s role is to help ensure that measurements of cannabis in breath can be accurate, reliable and have scientifically sound standards behind them. NIST will be hosting a workshop with device developers in September to discuss a path forward.  


    Paper:  Jennifer L. Berry, Ashley Brooks-Russell, Tara M. Lovestead and Kavita M. Jeerage. The detection of cannabinoids in breath after ingestion of cannabis-infused edibles. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. Published online July 10, 2025. DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaf063

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Works to Ensure the Lava Ridge Wind Project is Blown Away

    Source: US State of Idaho

    WASHINGTON—This week, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–authored language to prohibit any funds to approve construction activities related to the out-of-touch Lava Ridge Wind Project from being obligated unless and until the Secretary of the Interior has completed a review of the Department of the Interior’s Record of Decision.
    “After four years of an administration that ignored the voices of Idahoans and downplayed their concerns, President Biden’s BLM tried, and failed, to ram through the out-of-touch Lava Ridge Wind Project,” said Rep. Simpson. “Like many Idahoans, I am grateful that President Trump signed an executive order to kill this project on Day One. As Chairman of the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, my goal is to ensure that no future renewable wind project gets as close to implementation as the Lava Ridge Wind Project did. Now that we have an administration that has our backs, I am confident that Secretary Burgum understands Idahoans expect more out of the use of our public lands. The language included in my bill goes hand-in-hand with President Trump’s executive order. I look forward to working with the administration toward common-sense solutions.”
    Text of Rep. Simpson’s provision: None one of the funds made available by this Act may be obligated or expended for the purpose of processing or approving any notice to proceed with any construction activities relating to the Lava Ridge Wind Project right-of-way authorization unless and until the Secretary of the Interior has completed a review of the Department of the Interior’s Record of Decision authorizing the use of public lands through the Lava Ridge Wind Project right-of-way and, as appropriate, conducted a new, comprehensive analysis in accordance with Section 2(b) of the Presidential Memorandum titled ‘‘Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government’s Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects,’’ dated January 20, 2025.
    Rep. Simpson’s Previous Actions Against the Lava Ridge Wind Project 
    Rep. Simpson has been a strong vocal opponent of the Lava Ridge Wind Project and most recently authored language in the 118th Congress that blocked the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Lava Ridge Wind Project.
    Rep. Simpson also made an initial attempt to block the project by authoring language—passed by Congress and signed into law by the President—directing the Department of the Interior to reengage and incorporate feedback from the stakeholders on alternative plans before moving forward with Lava Ridge. The Department failed to meet the language requirements of that law.
    Additionally, Rep. Simpson questioned BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning on the proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project on public lands in Magic Valley, Idaho, and if the pressure to increase renewable energy trumps the impacts on species and cultural sites. 
    Rep. Simpson and the Idaho Delegation introduced legislation that would prevent the Secretary of the Interior from approving a wind or solar project on public lands if the Legislature in the respective state has passed a resolution of disapproval.
    Rep. Simpson, the Idaho Delegation, Idaho Governor Brad Little, and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke sent a letter to the Idaho State Director for the BLM. They expressed concerns about the proposed Lava Ridge wind farm in south-central Idaho. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Pilgrim’s to Build New Prepared Foods Facility, Creating 630 New Jobs in Walker County

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Pilgrim’s, one of the world’s leading food companies, will invest $400 million to expand its footprint in Georgia. The company will build a new, multi-phase prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County, supporting more than 630 new jobs at full capacity.

    “Georgia’s No. 1 industry of agriculture continues to drive growth with companies like Pilgrim’s creating quality jobs in communities like LaFayette,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As our state’s economy continues to advance, we are excited to see these continued innovations and the opportunities they will bring for hardworking Georgians.”

    Pilgrim’s is a leading global provider of high-quality food products. Across the State of Georgia, the company currently supports an estimated 7,500 jobs and operates seven food production facilities, in addition to supporting facilities like feed mills and hatcheries.

    “Expanding the Pilgrim’s footprint in Georgia highlights our ongoing commitment to the region and our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s CEO. “This significant investment will allow further growth of our prepared foods business by expanding brands like Just Bare, Pilgrim’s, and Gold Kist, and supporting increasing demand in retail and foodservice channels. We are also proud of our role in creating jobs and being a strong community partner.”

    The new facility, located at the Walker County Business Park in LaFayette, will produce a variety of fully cooked chicken products to support the growth of its fast-growing prepared foods business. The project is expected to get underway in the fall of 2025, and hiring is expected to begin in 2027, aligning with the expected completion of the first phase of construction. To learn more about Pilgrim’s, including where interested individuals can apply for jobs, visit jobs.pilgrims.com.

    “We welcome Pilgrim’s to Walker County and LaFayette,” said LaFayette Mayor and Chairman of the Walker County Development Authority Andy Arnold. “Pilgrim’s has a wonderful history of positive community involvement, and the creation of up to 630 jobs for our area is a game changer for many families. We look forward to our partnership.”

    “This is a tremendous opportunity for Walker County to provide stable jobs and long-term security for residents who want to work where they live,” said Chairwoman and CEO Angie Teems, Walker County Government. “Not only is this a well-respected company with a strong track record, but it already has a presence in our community through its partnerships with local poultry growers. Expanding their operations here is a natural next step that will strengthen our local economy and reinforce our county’s commitment to supporting hardworking families.”

    Senior Regional Project Manager Lori Dowdy represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Walker County Development Authority and Georgia Quick Start.

    “We are excited that Pilgrim’s continues to grow its footprint and drive economic opportunities here in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Agriculture has long been the backbone of our economy, laying the groundwork for today’s thriving food and beverage sector. Critical industries like cold storage and logistics build on that legacy, generating jobs and opportunities across the state. Congratulations to Walker County for helping bring these new investments and possibilities to LaFayette.”

    About Pilgrim’s

    Pilgrim’s employs over 61,000 people and operates protein processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland, and continental Europe. The Company’s primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors. For more information, please visit www.pilgrims.com.

    MIL OSI USA News