NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Blackburn Cheer Senate Passage of Bipartisan American Music Tourism Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Marsha Blackburn cheered the Senate passage of their bipartisan American Music Tourism Act, which would support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors. The bill now awaits passage from the House of Representatives before being signed into law by the President. 

    “Colorado’s vibrant music scene attracts artists and fans from around the world,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan bill will help our local music venues thrive and expand.”

    “The Volunteer State is home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to experience – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge,” said Blackburn. “Music tourism has such a positive impact on Tennessee’s economy, and we need to ensure that fans from all over the world can continue to celebrate our state’s rich history of music for generations to come. The Senate’s passage of the American Music Tourism Act gets us closer to that by promoting and supporting the fast-growing music tourism industry.”

    Music tourism is projected to bring in over $11.3 billion in revenue nationwide by 2032. The United States boasts one of the world’s largest music industries that generates over $43 billion in revenue each year and benefits from international interest in music tourism.

    Specifically, the bipartisan legislation would:

    • Require the Commerce Department’s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors.
    • Require a report to Congress on the findings and achievements of the Assistant Secretary’s efforts to promote travel and tourism.

    This legislation is supported by the Colorado Creative Industries Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Denver Arts & Venues, the Recording Academy, the Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, the National Independent Venues Association, the Nashville Songwriters Association International, Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Colorado Chamber Players, Youth on Record, Underground Music Showcase, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Swallow Hill Music, and eTown Music.

    Full text available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Risch Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Secure Energy Grid, Boost National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Jim Risch introduced the bipartisan Energy Threat Analysis Program Act to help modernize and better protect the U.S. energy grid from cybersecurity threats.

    “Our national security depends on a resilient and secure energy grid,” said Hickenlooper. “We need to address our vulnerabilities and modernize our grid to protect our energy future.”

    “Increased risk of cyberattacks requires more diligent information sharing to effectively monitor and mitigate threats to America’s energy sector,” said Risch. “Idaho is already leading the way in combatting cyber threats through the Idaho National Lab. My Energy Threat Analysis Program Act will support these efforts and better protect the U.S. from future cyberattacks.”

    The legislation directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an energy threat analysis program and create an Energy Threat Analysis Center (ETAC) to coordinate information sharing on threat assessments and mitigation measures between the DOE, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the intelligence community, and the private sector.

    Full text of the legislation available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Belt and Road Initiative Provides Opportunities to Boost Global Economic Growth, Promote Shared Prosperity – Chinese Ambassador to Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, June 9 (Xinhua) — The Belt and Road Initiative offers opportunities to boost global economic growth and promote common prosperity, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an article titled “High-Quality Joint Construction of the Belt and Road Brings More Development Opportunities to the World,” published recently in the Russian newspaper Trud.

    “The joint construction of the Belt and Road is an important initiative put forward by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, who views the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind from a strategic height. It provides important opportunities for driving global economic growth and promoting global common prosperity,” the publication said.

    As the Chinese diplomat noted, for 12 years, the Belt and Road Initiative has consistently adhered to the “principles of joint discussion, joint construction and joint use, constantly expanding the scope and areas of cooperation, and raising its level.” He emphasized that within the framework of the initiative, a global partnership network has been created, including more than 150 countries, thousands of projects are being implemented – both large infrastructure projects and small ones that are effective in terms of improving the well-being of the people. “This truly promotes ‘hard connectivity’ in the field of infrastructure, ‘soft connectivity’ in the field of rules and standards, as well as ‘cordial connectivity’ in people-to-people exchanges between countries,” the article states.

    Zhang Hanhui cited data showing that in the first quarter of 2025, the share of countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative in China’s foreign trade turnover reached 51.1 percent. In April, construction of key facilities of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway began, and in May, Colombia officially joined the large family of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, which, according to the ambassador, once again demonstrated “the attractiveness, influence and inspiring power of this initiative.”

    The article emphasizes that the world is currently entering a new turbulent and volatile period, accompanied by a revival of anti-globalist sentiments and protectionism. “The United States openly violates the rules of the World Trade Organization, goes against the basic laws of economics and market principles, acts contrary to common sense, shifts internal problems to external partners and seeks to benefit at the expense of the entire world. They brazenly unleash tariff and trade wars, which seriously damage the multilateral trading system and the existing economic order, harming the interests of the international community, especially the countries of the Global South,” the publication says.

    At the same time, as the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation noted, China, raising high the “banner” of mutual benefit and common gain, joint development and opposition to hegemony, relying on a solid foundation, high stability and powerful development potential of a super-large economy, unites like-minded people advocating for justice and equality in international trade, and firmly responds to the “mirror duties” of the United States.

    “The high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road has always adhered to the principle of openness in cooperation and mutual benefit through cooperation. China has been steadily expanding openness, removing barriers, increasing market access, promoting the construction of Silk Road e-commerce pilot cooperation zones, and concluding free trade and investment protection agreements with more and more countries,” Zhang Hanhui explained, stressing that the initiative has become a key force in safeguarding multilateralism and free trade.

    Speaking about the development of the digital economy and artificial intelligence, which are increasingly becoming an important engine of global economic growth every day, the ambassador noted that China insists on stimulating industrial innovation through scientific and technological innovations and accelerating the formation of productive forces of new quality. In an effort to eliminate the digital divide, China will promote the formation of an open, fair, impartial and non-discriminatory global environment for innovative development, so that together with the countries of the Global South, we can board the “high-speed train” of the digital economy and green development, the author of the article assured.

    As Zhang Hanhui pointed out, China welcomes Russia’s continued participation as a supporter and important cooperation partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. “We highly appreciate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s three-time participation in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and his repeated important statements in support of the initiative,” he added.

    In May of this year, during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia, a number of new important agreements were reached on the development of Chinese-Russian relations. In a joint statement, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to linking the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as promoting the coordinated development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Eurasian Partnership.

    “The Chinese side will take advantage of the implementation of the agreements reached by the heads of state to deepen China-Russia cooperation and coordination, and continuously expand the space for mutually beneficial development at a higher level and with greater sustainability and vitality, which will open up new opportunities for global prosperity and make new contributions to advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind,” Zhang Hanhui assured, adding that the joint construction of the Belt and Road stands on the right side of history, is in line with the logic of the era’s progress, and follows the true path of human development. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Death of an inmate from Stony Mountain Institution

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 9, 2025 – Stony Mountain, Winnipeg – Correctional Service Canada

    On June 7, 2025, Gordon Kornelson, an inmate from Stony Mountain Institution, died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

    At the time of death, the inmate was 80 years old and had been serving a sentence of four years since May 5, 2025.

    The inmate’s next of kin have been notified.

    As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will review the circumstances. CSC policy requires that the police and the coroner be notified.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces the Governor’s Residence Will Be Open for Public Tours on Saturday as Part of Connecticut Open House Day

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Governor’s Residence will be open to the public for tours on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., as part of the annual Connecticut Open House Day festivities.

    Located at 990 Prospect Avenue in Hartford, the Governor’s Residence is used as a site for many official functions of Connecticut’s governor and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was built in 1909 and has hosted every governor since Governor Raymond E. Baldwin, who moved into the home in September 1945.

    Neither tickets nor reservations are needed to participate in the tours, and there is no admittance fee. Visitors will be able to tour the first floor of the house, as well as the outdoor garden near the pool. Artwork will be on display that is on loan from the New Britain Museum of Art and the Wadsworth Museum, as well as pieces from the Lamont family’s personal collection. Floral arrangements have been provided by the West Hartford Garden Club and the Garden Club of Hartford. Additionally, ice cream from the Ice Cream Depot, located on Main Street in Stafford Springs, will be served on the patio.

    Volunteer docents will be on site to answer any questions. The Governor’s Residence is ADA accessible. There is no parking on the grounds, and all visitors are encouraged to park on Belknap Road, directly across the street from the Governor’s Residence. For security reasons, items such as bags, briefcases, and packages will be subject to inspection.

    Visitors will be able to purchase the annual Governor’s Residence holiday ornaments that have been created over the years to celebrate the holidays. Money raised from those purchases benefits the nonprofit Governor’s Residence Conservancy.

    Connecticut Open House Day is an annual celebration organized by the Connecticut Office of Tourism showcasing destinations and experiences the state has to offer. More than 170 attractions across the state are participating, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historical sites, farms, and restaurants, and many of them are offering visitors free or discounted admission or other types of special offers for the day.

    To view the list of more than 170 attractions that are participating in Connecticut Open House Day, visit CTvisit.com.

    For more information on the history of the Governor’s Residence, click here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Leads Federal Push to Support Increased Pay, Workplace Protections, and Opportunities for Incarcerated Firefighters

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, during a press conference hosted at the Los Angeles City Stentorians, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) announced the introduction of the Fairness, Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Expungement for Incarcerated Firefighters (FIRE) Act. Rep. Kamlager-Dove was joined by Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), who represents a district that was heavily impacted by the Eaton Fire, and advocates from the Forestry Fire Recruitment Program, Vera Institute of Justice, American Civil Liberties Union, and the entertainment industry.

    The FIRE Act is a response to the involvement of over 1,000 incarcerated firefighters in combating the devastating wildfires in southern California at the beginning of 2025, despite making $5-$10 dollars per day. This legislation supports incarcerated firefighters by establishing fair labor standards, providing occupational protections, and expanding opportunities for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals in firefighting.

    “Earlier this year, over 1,000 incarcerated firefighters quite literally saved our city. Yet, they were only compensated $5 to $10 per day for their heroic efforts—and despite demonstrating their commitment to serving our community, will face barriers to employment and service when returning to society,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “I’m proud to introduce the FIRE Act, which honors the dignity and service of our incarcerated firefighters by establishing fair labor standards, providing career training opportunities, and creating a clear pathway to expungement for those who have already demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation. The American dream is about second chances—and the FIRE Act offers exactly that.”

    “In my district, the Eaton Fire scorched 14,000 acres, destroyed 9,500 structures, displaced 20,000 residents, and claimed 18 lives. The devastation was heartbreaking, but if not for the heroic efforts of our firefighters, it could have been even worse. And the reality is that hundreds of these firefighters were face-to-face with these fires using nothing but hand tools, while earning just a few dollars per day, just because they are incarcerated,” said Congresswoman Chu. “I’m proud to join Rep. Kamlager-Dove in introducing the FIRE Act legislation that ensures incarcerated firefighters can continue serving our communities with dignity by receiving fair wages, labor and safety protections, and a pathway to full-time firefighting careers upon re-entry.”

    “The FIRE Act is a necessary step toward fairness and inclusion in the fire service,” said Robert Hawkins, President of The Los Angeles City Stentorians. “We’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication of incarcerated firefighters protecting our communities. This legislation honors their service and promotes the equity our profession stands for.”

    “Thank you to Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for recognizing the contributions of incarcerated individuals who are serving our communities as wildland firefighters,” said Royal Ramey, Co-Founder and CEO of The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program. “She has stood by us ever since she was a State Senator, and the FIre Act ensures that our government cares for these individuals while they are incarcerated and expands the career opportunities available to them when they return home.”

    “As a former incarcerated firefighter, I know firsthand the risks these workers take, the challenges they face upon release, and the care they have for the communities they protect.” said Andony Corleto, program associate for Vera California at the Vera Institute of Justice. “It’s time to honor these heroes with fair wages, safety on the job, and the chance to keep protecting California upon their release.”

    “The FIRE Act will help incarcerated firefighters carry out their emergency responsive work and pursue meaningful and rewarding careers upon release. It is far past time for the nation to recognize and support the safety, labor, and re-entry needs of incarcerated people who risk it all to protect our communities,” said Summer Lacey, criminal justice director at the ACLU of Southern California.

    To support both currently and formerly incarcerated firefighters, the Fairness, Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Expungement for Incarcerated Firefighters (FIRE) Act would: 

    • Expand occupational safety coverage to incarcerated firefighters in state and federal correctional facilities.
    • Require annual safety reports from all relevant facilities.
    • Recognize incarcerated firefighters as employees entitled to wage protections.
    • Provide $20 million annually for states to adopt safety and wage protections and enforce compliance.
    • Fund job training, placement, and mentoring programs to help formerly incarcerated firefighters secure long-term employment.
    • Establish a pathway for expungement for incarcerated firefighters upon successful completion of probation and reentry.

    The FIRE Act was cosponsored by Reps. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Judy Chu (CA-28), John Garamendi (CA-08), Eleanor Holmes-Nortion (DC-AL), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Cleo Fields (LA-06).

    This legislation is endorsed by the ACLU, National Urban League, Prison Policy Initiative, Brennan Center for Justice, Reentry Working Group, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Center for Employment Opportunities, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Amity Foundation, Anti-Recidivism Coalition.

    Bill text is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Video Recap of Rep. Kamlager-Dove’s Tour of Community Clinic At Risk of Closing Due to Republican Medicaid Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

    On Friday, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) joined St. John’s Community Health President & CEO Jim Mangia for a tour of St. John’s Avalon Health and Access Center to highlight the devastating ripple effects of Republican-led Medicaid cuts on Los Angeles communities.

    California’s 37th District ranks fourth highest in the nation for Medicaid enrollment, with over 400,000 residents relying on Medicaid. Located in CA-37, this clinic offers a comprehensive ecosystem of care for low-income patients, providing services that extend beyond healthcare, including a counseling center, food bank, laundry facilities, and a computer lab—all of which are at risk due to the Medicaid cuts included in the budget reconciliation package passed by House Republicans.

    Check out a video recapping Rep. Kamlager-Dove’s visit here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Statement on Brutal Arrest of SEIU-USWW President

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove released the statement below following the brutal arrest of SEIU-USWW President Huerta at the Roybal Federal Building:

    “I’m outraged by DHS’ violent arrest of SEIU-USWW President David Huerta at the Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles.

    “Huerta was tased and brutalized for attempting to visit his union members—asylum applicants going through the immigration process legally who have been unjustly, indefinitely detained and are being held in inhumane conditions.

    “These actions, including today’s ICE raids in LA, are not about targeting criminals. They’re about terrorizing immigrant communities—and I won’t stand for it.

    I’m demanding answers from DHS. They will not deny this Member of Congress the right to her Constitutionally-mandated oversight duties.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Statement on ICE Raids in Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES, CA — Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) shared the following statement to social media as ICE raids unfolded across Los Angeles, including in California’s 37th District, on Friday:

    “I am closely monitoring the ICE raids that are currently happening across Los Angeles, including at a Korean American-owned store in my district. LA has long been a safe haven for immigrants. Trump claims he’s targeting criminals, but he’s really just tearing families apart and destabilizing entire communities.

    “If you are a constituent of the 37th District and your family member has been detained, please reach out to my office and we can help locate your family member and provide you with a list of government-approved attorneys.

    “In these disturbing times, it’s important for you to know your rights and how to protect yourself. For more information, head to my website.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Expand Access to Palliative Care, Hospice Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), member of the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus, joined her colleagues in introducing a pair of bipartisan bills to expand access to palliative and hospice care. The Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act and Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act would put critical care for Wisconsinites’ aging and sick loved ones within reach for more families. Palliative care focuses on relieving and preventing patients’ suffering and improving their quality of life.

    “Having served as my grandmother’s primary caretaker as she got old, this issue is deeply personal for me and countless Wisconsinites who have had similar experience caring for a loved one,” said Senator Baldwin. “I know the challenges both patients and caregivers face, and we need to better support both of them. I am proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to expand and improve palliative care for American families because everyone deserves to know that if they need it, compassionate and affordable care is within reach.”

    The Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act would better allow families to access that critical service as early as possible by establishing a demonstration project through Medicare to expand access to palliative care at the time of diagnosis of serious illness or injury. Currently, patients on Medicare can only access palliative care through hospice. This legislation would provide comprehensive palliative care services much earlier in the course of illness, improving quality of life for the patient and their family and often also improving outcomes.

    The Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act would carve out payment for transfusion services within the Medicare hospice benefit, allowing for separate billing to Medicare for transfusions. Patients needing this care would be able to continue to receive it outside of the hospice bundle, while still receiving full hospice benefits. Currently, many patients needing transfusions to maintain quality of life (due to conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma) often wait much longer to opt into hospice because they can lose access to transfusion care when they do so, given that such care currently is paid for out of a capped hospice benefit amount. Hospices are allowed to cover transfusions, but it is very costly, so few patients can afford to do so on a regular basis when in hospice care.  

    Medical research shows that palliative and hospice care have been associated with enhanced quality of life for patients, reduced hospital expenditures and lengths of stay, and longer patient survival time.

    “The reintroduction of the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act is a meaningful step toward ensuring patients and families can receive high-quality care when and where they need it. Building on the success of the Medicare Care Choices Model, we believe a concurrent care approach within hospice should be developed for national dissemination,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home. “We also appreciate Senator Rosen’s leadership on the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act, which addresses a key access challenge. The Alliance is proud to support these efforts to expand person-centered, community-based care.”

    “The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) has long championed a Medicare payment model designed to close the gaps in care for individuals with serious illness, as well as their families and caregivers. This model aims to support palliative care teams of all sizes, structures, and regions in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care,” said Kristina Newport, MD FAAHPM, HMDC, AAHPM Chief Medical Officer. “We are proud to endorse the bipartisan Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act, which proposes testing a community-based palliative care model. We commend Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer—co-chairs of the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus—for their leadership in introducing this vital legislation and their dedication to expanding access to palliative care. This effort will help align treatments with patients’ unique goals and preferences, enabling more care to be delivered in the settings where patients live.”

    “We commend Sens. Rosen, Barrasso, and Baldwin for the introduction of the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act,” said Belinda R. Avalos, MD, president of the American Society of Hematology. “This bill will support critical access to transfusions for patients with blood cancers in hospice and will make great strides in guaranteeing comprehensive palliative care.” 

    “The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies applauds Senators Rosen, Barrasso, and Baldwin for reintroducing the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act,” said Debra BenAvram, FASAE, CAE, AAB CEO. “The Association is committed to advancing patients’ access to safe blood transfusions throughout the continuum of care, and this bill addresses an important barrier for patients receiving care under the Medicare hospice benefit.”

    “Blood transfusions are a proven palliative measure that can significantly enhance the quality of life for many patients,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers. “This legislation bridges a gap in care, ensuring patients can receive transfusions while also benefiting from the holistic support provided under the Medicare hospice benefit. It’s a compassionate step forward in patient-centered care that recognizes the complex needs of those navigating serious illnesses.”

    Senator Baldwin has championed efforts to expand access to palliative care and grow our palliative care and hospice workforce. Senator Baldwin previously introduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) to help build the palliative care workforce through enhanced training, improved education and increased funding for palliative care research.

    The Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act is led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

    The Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act is also led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and co-sponsored by Senator Barrasso (R-WY).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Celebrates Committee Passage of Legislation to Counter Adversary Nuclear Energy Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, celebrated the committee’s passage of his International Nuclear Energy Act.

    The bill aims to support the U.S. domestic energy industry’s leadership and offset China and Russia’s growing influence on international nuclear energy development. Senator Risch’s legislation now awaits consideration on the Senate floor.

    “Nuclear energy is America’s creation. We cannot allow authoritarian aggressors like China and Russia to take our place as the world’s nuclear energy supplier,” said Risch. “My International Nuclear Energy Act will ensure the U.S. is at the forefront of nuclear leadership, and I urge the Senate to take up this important legislation.”

    The International Nuclear Energy Act aligns with key provisions in four executive orders signed by President Trump to promote American nuclear energy. It is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

    Senator Risch has long advocated for domestic nuclear energy production and the commercialization of advanced nuclear technologies. In a recent Washington Times editorial, Senator Risch underscored the critical role of nuclear energy in powering America’s current and future energy needs.

    Idaho is home to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), which is the flagship laboratory for civil nuclear research and the first place in the world to generate electricity with a nuclear reactor. INL is driving significant progress in new nuclear research by collaborating with industry to demonstrate advanced technologies like small modular reactors, microreactors, and safer, more efficient nuclear fuels. These efforts, made possible through public-private partnerships at INL, will contribute to the nation’s energy independence and strengthen U.S. leadership in civil nuclear energy around the world. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons celebrates passage of five bills out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) celebrated the passage of five of his bills focused on strengthening U.S. national security and international engagement out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during a markup session Thursday. Senator Coons is a member of the committee.

    “From opposing hostage diplomacy to expanding our access to global sources of critical minerals, these bipartisan bills will strengthen our alliances, keep Americans safe, and advance our standing in the world,” said Senator Coons. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support, and to Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Shaheen for their leadership in holding last week’s markup. All five of these bills are commonsense pieces of legislation that protect our citizens and better position our nation for the future, and I hope the full Senate will swiftly take up and pass these bills.”

    The following bills written by Senator Coons passed out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week:

    • Defending International Security by Restricting Unlawful Partnerships and Tactics (DISRUPT) Act of 2025: The DISRUPT Act was introduced alongside Senator David McCormick (R-Pa.) to address “adversary alignment,” the growing cooperation between U.S. adversaries that threatens our nation’s interests. Authoritarian regimes in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea have intensified their cooperation, threatening global stability through increased technology and arms transfers, joint operations, and combined efforts to evade sanctions and export controls. The DISRUPT Act highlights the need for the U.S. to counter these threats and prepare for simultaneous challenges across regions, and requires the executive branch to craft a whole-of-government strategy to approach this phenomenon.
    • Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience (COUNTER) Act: The COUNTER Act, introduced with Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), would combat the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) attempts to strengthen its global reach by building and expanding military bases in strategically important locations. The PRC has intensified its efforts to establish an overseas network of military bases, which would allow the People’s Liberation Army to project and expand military power. The bill would mitigate this threat by requiring an intelligence assessment of these activities and a strategy from the State Department and Department of Defense. It would also create an interagency task force to implement the strategy and identify proactive measures to counteract both current and future Chinese attempts to add military bases in strategic locations.
    • Countering Wrongful Detention Act: Originally introduced last year alongside Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) to combat “hostage diplomacy,” the legislation would create new tools for the U.S. government to deter states from wrongfully detaining Americans abroad and support wrongful detainees upon their return home. The bill would create a U.S. State Department designation called the “State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention” to hold foreign governments accountable for wrongfully detaining Americans abroad. It aims to refine existing U.S. government responses to wrongful detentions, enhance awareness of travel advisories for Americans in high-risk countries, and establish an advisory council on wrongful detention consisting of survivors, family members, and experts to provide policy recommendations to the executive branch. Seven of the 10 provisions contained in the Countering Wrongful Detention Act were passed into law as part of the FY 2025 NDAA.
    • Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act: The Finding ORE act, introduced with Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) would strengthen U.S. critical mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. Critical minerals are essential to producing technologies in the defense, semiconductor, automotive, and energy sectors—industries that will shape America’s economic future and global standing. This bill aims to utilize the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) expertise in mapping critical mineral reserves while giving U.S. companies an advantage in responsibly developing mineral resources globally.
    • International Nuclear Energy Act: Introduced alongside Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), this bill aims to strengthen the U.S. nuclear industry and offset China’s and Russia’s influence on international nuclear energy development. The bill would create an office to coordinate nuclear export strategies and financing, promoting regulatory harmonization and standardization, and enhancing safeguards and security. The act also would form programs to promote international collaboration and hold cabinet-level biennial summits. Senator Coons is a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s Response to Prime Minister Carney’s Defence Announcement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston.

    Our government welcomes Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to invest in Canada’s armed forces. This will better protect our country.

    Nova Scotia is ready to step up to help protect Canada while creating good-paying jobs through manufacturing, technology and the development of the critical minerals and raw materials needed to rebuild our military right here.

    We have a proud history of military service, with the most military members per capita across Canada.

    Our province is home to a significant portion of Canada’s military assets, including the country’s most populated military base, CFB Halifax, the regional office of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), and the Canadian Coast Guard College in Westmount.

    I look forward to hearing from Prime Minister Carney details for Nova Scotia’s involvement in Canada’s renewed focus on defence.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Demands Answers From DHS Sec. Noem After Being Illegally Denied Entry To ICE Facility In Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    LOS ANGELES – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) is demanding immediate accountability from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after he and Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46), Luz Rivas (CA-29), and Norma Torres (CA-35) were unlawfully denied entry to the ICE detention facility inside the Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on June 7.

    “What happened on June 7 was a flagrant, unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight. This is not a gray area. This is black letter law—and your department broke it,” wrote Rep. Gomez in a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

    Gomez reminded DHS of federal law, which explicitly prohibits the Department from denying Members of Congress access to any DHS detention facility, without requiring prior notice. He also raised urgent concerns about reports that asylum seekers and families are being held in basement holding cells for up to 24 hours without food, water, or sunlight.

    “These conditions are not only inhumane—they are morally bankrupt and legally indefensible. …Detaining human beings under these conditions has no place in this country—and I will not stand for it. I expect an immediate response,” said Rep. Gomez.

    Rep. Gomez outlined three immediate demands from DHS and ICE:

    • Full and unimpeded access to the Roybal facility for Members of Congress, including walkthroughs and interviews with detainees.
    • A written explanation of who authorized the illegal denial of entry and why.
    • Full compliance with oversight laws at all DHS facilities nationwide.

    You can read the full letter HERE.

    Rep. Gomez’s district includes downtown LA and the Roybal Federal Building where the detentions occurred. As the son of immigrants, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) has been a strong advocate for immigrant families. Rep. Gomez filed an amicus brief earlier this year urging the court to uphold the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship. He’s a proud supporter of the Dream and Promise Act of 2025, which would provide a clear path to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. He has called on the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately halt efforts to misuse confidential taxpayer data for immigration enforcement. He is also leading the effort to reinstate the Citizenship and Assimilation (C&A) Grant Program, which supports organizations that help legal residents become U.S. citizens.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks at the Crypto Task Force Roundtable on Decentralized Finance

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Thank you and good afternoon.[1] It is a great pleasure to be with you today. Let me begin by thanking Commissioner Peirce and the Crypto Task Force for their organizing today’s event, and Commissioner Crenshaw and Commissioner Uyeda for their participation.  Of course, I very much thank the roundtable panelists and our moderator, Troy Parades, for their voluntary contribution of time and talent to our endeavor.

    Today’s roundtable is titled “DeFi and the American Spirit.” This is an apt title because the American values of economic liberty, private property rights, and innovation are in the DNA of the DeFi, or Decentralized Finance, movement.

    Blockchains, of course, are a very creative and potentially revolutionary innovation that have us rethinking evidence of ownership and transfer of intellectual and economic property rights.  They are shared databases that enable ownership of a type of digital property called crypto assets without reliance on an intermediary or central party. Instead, these peer-to-peer networks incorporate an economic mechanism to encourage participants to validate and maintain the database in accordance with the network’s rules. These are free market systems where users pay demand-based fees to network participants to have their transactions included within a so-called “block” of data with finite storage capacity.

    The prior U.S. government administration discouraged Americans from participating in these market-based systems by asserting through lawsuits, speeches, regulation, and threatened regulatory action that participants and staking-as-a-service providers may be engaged in securities transactions. I am grateful to the Division of Corporation Finance staff for clarifying its view that voluntary participation in a proof-of-work or proof-of-stake network as a “miner,” “validator,” or “staking-as-a-service” provider is not within the scope of the federal securities laws.[2]  As happy as I am over that step, it is not a duly promulgated rule with the force of law, so we cannot stop there.  The Securities and Exchange Commission must adopt a regulation based on the authority that Congress has given us.

    Another core feature of blockchain technology is the ability for individuals to have self-custody of crypto assets in a personal digital wallet. The right to have self-custody of one’s private property is a foundational American value that should not disappear when one logs onto the internet. I am in favor of affording greater flexibility to market participants to self-custody crypto assets, especially where intermediation imposes unnecessary transaction costs or restricts the ability to engage in staking and other on-chain activities.

    The prior President’s administration undermined innovation in self-custodial digital wallets and other on-chain technologies by asserting through regulatory actions that the developers of such software may be conducting brokerage activity. Engineers should not be subject to the federal securities laws solely for publishing this type of software code. As one court put it, it would be irrational to hold the developer of a self-driving car liable – here, quoting from the court’s decision – “for a third-party’s use of the car to commit a traffic violation or to rob a bank. In those circumstances, one would not sue the car company for facilitating the wrongdoing; they would sue the individual who committed the wrong.”[3]

    Many entrepreneurs are developing software applications that are designed to function without administration by any operator. The idea of self-executing software code that is accessible to everyone, but controlled by no one, and that enables private, peer-to-peer transactions may sound like science fiction. But, blockchain technology makes possible an entirely new class of software that can perform these functions without an intermediary. I do not believe that we should allow century-old regulatory frameworks to stifle innovation with technologies that could upend and most importantly improve and advance our current, traditional intermediated model.  We should not automatically fear the future.

    These on-chain self-executing software systems have proven to be resilient in the face of crises. While centralized platforms waivered and failed under recent stresses, many on-chain systems continued to operate as designed pursuant to open-source code.[4]

    Most current securities rules and regulations are premised upon the regulation of issuers and intermediaries, such as broker-dealers, advisers, exchanges, and clearing agencies. The drafters of these rules and regulations likely did not contemplate that self-executing software code might displace such issuers and intermediaries. I have asked the Commission staff to explore whether further guidance or rulemaking may be helpful for enabling registrants to transact with these software systems in compliance with applicable law.

    I also am excited about the use of on-chain software systems by issuers and intermediaries to eliminate economic frictions, increase capital efficiency, enable new types of financial products, and enhance liquidity. Current securities regulations already contemplate the use of new technologies by issuers and intermediaries, but I have asked the staff to consider whether amendments to the Commission’s rules and regulations would be better suited to provide needed accommodation for issuers and intermediaries who seek to administer on-chain financial systems.

    While the Commission and its staff work to propose fit-for-purpose rules of the road for on-chain financial markets, I have directed the staff to consider a conditional exemptive relief framework or “innovation exemption” that would expeditiously allow registrants and non-registrants to bring on-chain products and services to market. An innovation exemption could help fulfill President Trump’s vision to make America the “crypto capital of the planet”[5] by encouraging developers, entrepreneurs, and other firms that are willing to comply with to certain conditions to innovate with on-chain technologies in the United States.

    Thank you for your attention. I look forward to the discussions to follow.

    [1]    These remarks reflect my individual views as Chairman of the Commission and do not necessarily reflect the views of the full Commission or my fellow Commissioners.

    [3]    Risley v. Universal Navigation Inc., 690 F. Supp. 3d 195, 217 (S.D.N.Y. 2023), aff’d in part, vacated in part, remanded, No. 23-1340-CV, 2025 WL 615185 (2d Cir. Feb. 26, 2025) (internal citations omitted).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Oklahoma Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Oklahoma small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding occurring May 19. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Kevin Stitt on June 4.

    The declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Atoka, Coal, Haskell, Hughes, Latimer, McIntosh, Pittsburg and Pushmataha.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    Beginning Tuesday, June 10, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOC hours of operations are listed below.

    PITTSBURG COUNTY

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center

    Pittsburg Public School

    Old Gymnasium

    200 West Grand St.

    Pittsburg, OK  74560

    Opens at 12 p.m., Tuesday, June 10

    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Closes at 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 2

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 5, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 6, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Kansas Private Nonprofits Affected by Adverse Weather

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas affected by the severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding and wildfires occurring March 14-19.

    The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Barton, Chautauqua, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Gray, Greeley, Hodgeman, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Wallace and Woodson.

    Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

    PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    Interest rates are as low 3.62% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 22, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Nebraska Private Nonprofits Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Nebraska affected by the severe winter storm and straight-line winds occurring March 18-19.

    The disaster declaration covers the Nebraska counties of Boone, Burt, Butler, Cass, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Hamilton, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Platte, Polk, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Thurston, Washington, Webster and York.

    Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

    PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    Interest rates are as low 3.62% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 22, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Iowa Private Nonprofits Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Iowa affected by the severe winter storm occurring March 19.

    The disaster declaration covers the Iowa counties of Crawford, Harrison, Monona and Woodbury.

    Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

    PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    Interest rates are as low 3.62% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 22, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Encourages Shareholders of OPOF, PRA, SWTX and HURA to Take Action

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Old Point Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: OPOF), relating to the proposed merger with TowneBank. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of Old Point will elect to receive $41.00 in cash or 1.1400 shares of TowneBank common stock for each share of Old Point outstanding common stock.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for July 2, 2025.
            
    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/old-point-financial-corporation-opof/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA), relating to the proposed merger with The Doctors Company. Under the terms of the agreement, ProAssurance stockholders will receive $25.00 per share in cash.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/proassurance-corporation-pra/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 24, 2025.

    • SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWTX), relating to the proposed merger with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, SpringWorks shareholders will have the right to receive $47.00 in cash per share of SpringWorks stock held.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/springworks-therapeutics-inc-swtx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 26, 2025.

    • TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: HURA), relating to the proposed merger with Kineta, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, TuHURA would acquire the rights to Kineta’s novel KVA12123 antibody for a combination of cash and shares of TuHURA common stock.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/tuhura-biosciences-inc-hura/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 23, 2025.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Help Ensure National Weather Service Provides 24/7 Forecasting to Protect Public Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    Bill Introduced in Response to DOGE-led Staffing Cuts that Threaten Continuous NWS Operations in the Upper Peninsula

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) co-led bipartisan legislation to help ensure that the National Weather Service (NWS) can continue providing 24/7 forecasting service in communities across the United States. The Federal Operational Resilience in Emergency Conditions and Storm Tracking (FORECAST) Act – which Peters introduced alongside U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) – would exempt critical NWS positions from any executive orders imposing a hiring freeze, allowing the agency to adequately staff positions that are essential to notifying the public of extreme weather events that could be detrimental to people or property.

    This legislation is introduced in response to the Trump Administration’s self-inflicted staffing shortages, which have left numerous NWS forecasting offices with too few employees to ensure around-the-clock operation. In Michigan, these actions on the part of the Administration have left Marquette’s forecasting office spread so thin that they may be forced to suspend overnight staffing in the coming weeks.

    “We know that in the Upper Peninsula, weather can change on a dime. That’s why we need a team of full-time meteorologists working around the clock to notify the public when extreme weather impacts the region,” said Senator Peters. “This bill would help protect 24/7 weather monitoring in the UP and ensure we keep our communities informed and protected.” 

    Specifically, the bill exempts the following positions from the Trump hiring freezes:  

    • Meteorologists – Covers meteorologists, including forecasters at NWS Weather Forecast Offices and River Forecast Centers. This is the core classification for operational weather forecasting staff. 
    • Hydrologists – Includes hydrologists who support flood forecasting, river modeling, and water resource management — often working closely with meteorologists at RFCs and in field offices. 
    • Field Technicians – These are the field technicians responsible for maintaining radar systems, NOAA Weather Radios, automated weather stations, and other critical NWS observing infrastructure. 

    In addition, the bill also negates any job offer rescinded on or after January 20, 2025 and requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report after one year of enactment to demonstrate current adequate staffing levels at the NWS for these covered positions.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters, Slotkin, Bergman Call on Small Business Administration to Approve Disaster Declaration to Assist Communities Impacted by Northern Michigan Ice Storms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI), as well as U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (MI-01), are calling on President Trump to approve the State of Michigan’s Small Business Administration (SBA) Rapid Administrative Disaster Declaration request following the severe winter storms that impacted Northern Michigan and the Eastern Upper Peninsula in late March. In a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, the lawmakers expressed their support for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request to the SBA, which would help provide federal assistance to businesses, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations that were negatively impacted by the storm.  

    “The economic fallout from the storm has been staggering,” the lawmakers wrote. “In Emmet County, the second-most populous county in Northern Michigan, a local business survey conducted in the storm’s aftermath found that 97 percent of businesses experienced disruption, with 86 percent forced to suspend operations, and 71 percent reporting employees unable to report to work. More than half of these businesses reported infrastructure damage, inventory loss, or supply chain disruptions. Small businesses throughout the region, many of which are already operating on thin margins, are now struggling to recover.” 

    The National Weather Service has ranked this storm one of the most significant ice storms ever recorded in Northern Michigan. State and Federal officials estimate the storms caused $137 million in immediate response costs and inflicted severe damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. In addition to the immediate damage recorded, the summer tourism industry is expected to be impacted as well as other industries after devastating damage to 3 million acres of forest. The SBA Rapid Administrative Disaster Declaration would allow eligible businesses, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofits in the disaster area, specifically Cheboygan, Mackinac, Emmet, Charlevoix, Otsego, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties, as well as the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, to apply for SBA disaster loans to help them recover. 

    The lawmakers continued: “The hardworking people and businesses of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are strong and resilient. Yet, local capacity is limited, and recovery of this magnitude requires a coordinated effort at all levels of government. As such, we respectfully request that SBA swiftly approve Governor Whitmer’s request for an administrative declaration of disaster. This declaration would make available critical federal support and resources to struggling business owners as they continue working to stabilize operations, preserve jobs, and rebuild.” 

    Peters, Slotkin, and Bergman have worked in a bipartisan way to aid Northern Michigan communities impacted by this devastating storm. In May, the lawmakers urged President Trump to swiftly approve Governor Whitmer’s Major Disaster Declaration request for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance, which, if approved, would help the affected areas recover from these severe winter storms. In the days following the storm, the lawmakers also wrote Governor Whitmer a letter expressing their willingness to provide any federal support needed as part of the State of Michigan’s response.  

    Text of the letter is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Hurricane Season, Welch Leads Colleagues in Calling on President Trump to Nominate an Experienced FEMA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week led his colleagues in urging President Trump to expeditiously nominate a qualified Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator that will restore confidence in the agency as peak disaster season approaches. In their letter, the Senators expressed serious concern about the ongoing absence of a Senate-confirmed FEMA Administrator and steps the Trump Administration has taken to weaken and destabilize the agency, including the abrupt termination last month of Cameron Hamilton, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator.  
    “In recent months, your administration has reduced FEMA staff by roughly 30%, rescinded grant funding local communities rely on to recover from disasters and significantly scaled back emergency management training for state officials,” wrote the Senators. “Taken together, these actions have impeded ongoing recovery efforts and undermined the national response to future natural disasters.” 
    To date, President Trump has failed to nominate an Administrator or appoint someone who satisfies the qualifications specified for the role. David Richardson—Mr. Hamilton’s replacement as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator—told agency staff last week that he did not know the United States has a hurricane season. Mr. Richardson will head the federal response to any hurricanes that hit our shores this season. 
    The Senators concluded: “We agree that FEMA can do better and needs reform. But dismantling the agency and weakening its leadership will only leave states and localities stranded when disaster strikes. To preserve the long-term integrity of FEMA and ensure our nation’s preparedness for future disasters, we urge you to nominate a qualified Administrator that will restore confidence in the agency as soon as possible.” 
    In addition to Senator Welch, the letter was cosigned by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). 
    Read and download the full text of the letter to President Trump. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

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    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Email:support@alligaming.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The food affordability crisis is one reason governments need to step up for school food

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Tina Moffat, Professor, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University

    Despite the hard work and dedication of hundreds of local grassroots organizations across the country to deliver student nutrition programs, there are, too often, not enough funds to purchase the food to meet student needs.

    As described in a study of elementary school parents’ and teachers’ perspectives on school food in southern Ontario, in the city of Hamilton and Peel Region, far too many school food programs cannot adequately meet existing nutritional needs of hungry students. Some teachers described how students, as young as four years old, come to school without enough nutritious food to fuel them through the day.

    As a researcher who examines biological and cultural determinants of human nutrition and food security, I conducted this study with academic colleagues in partnership with the Coalition for Healthy School Food.

    Fortunately, in 2024 the government of Canada announced a new National School Food Program and policy. As of March 10, 2025, the federal government has made school food agreements with all provinces and territories.

    This is an opportunity to reinvent school food across Canada and to catch up to other G7 countries that have long-running traditions of school food programs.

    Perspectives on school food programs

    In our study we asked parents through an online survey and focus group discussions in Hamilton and Peel Region to tell us what they envision for a future national school food program.

    Eighty-three per cent of the respondents were women; respondents self-identfied as South Asian (eight per cent), Black (five per cent), Indigenous (four per cent), Middle Eastern (four per cent), Southeast Asian (three per cent), Latino (three per cent), East Asian (three per cent) and white (70 per cent).

    Forty-three per cent of households were classified as experiencing some level of food insecurity, with 41 per cent having an annual household income of less than $69,999.

    Ninety-six per cent of survey respondents said they want their child to participate in a school food program, and 77 per cent said they would be willing to pay some amount for it. In parent focus groups, and teacher interviews, participants cited such benefits as:

    • Improving the nutritional quality of what students eat;
    • Reducing the consumption of highly processed foods;
    • Improving behaviour, learning, mental health and energy levels;
    • And connections to curriculum like nutrition and food literacy education.

    Participants saw affordability as one of the major barriers to an accessible program. Suggestions for funding models ranged from universal free programs to government-funded programs subsidized by optional parent contributions, and corporate donor funding.



    Read more:
    School gardens and kitchens could grow with Ontario’s proposed food literacy act

    Most parents and teachers were adamant that programs be universally accessible with nutritious and diverse food options for all students regardless of ability to pay.

    Severely underfunded provinces

    Federal funding of $79 million flowed to the provinces and programs in the first year of the government’s National School Food Program, but those funds were quickly used up.

    As noted by the Coalition for Healthy School Food, not all provinces are contributing in the same way towards school food programs to date.

    In Saskatchewan and Ontario, school food is severely underfunded relative to other provinces and territories. Saskatchewan and Ontario’s per capita investments are four times lower than the national median of 63 cents per student per day: Nova Scotia contributes $3.30 whereas Saskatchewan and Ontario are at the bottom of the pack at three and nine cents per student per day respectively. That’s based on an annual average of 190 school days per year across Canada.

    Without significant funding increases from those provincial governments, none of the hopes and dreams for a National School Food Program in Saskatchewan and Ontario will come to fruition.

    Challenges and opportunities ahead

    While the need for more funding is paramount, there are also logistical issues to tackle. Without commercial-grade kitchens in elementary schools, some survey respondents suggested centralized food preparation models by upgrading existing neighbourhood or high school infrastructure, from which meals could be distributed to local schools.



    Read more:
    What needs to happen next for Canada to have a successful school food program

    Others were in favour of contracting local food businesses as providers. A few parents raised the concern that school boards might contract large food conglomerates, resulting in a situation where corporate profit compromises food quality.

    Teachers voiced the need for adequate staffing and volunteer support so as not to unduly burden school staff. Some parents and teachers felt strongly about minimizing packaging waste. As one teacher stated:

    “I would be concerned about the environmental impact, going from trying to conserve and be mindful of what we use, like reusable containers, to a disposable model … I think it would send a poor message to kids who we’re asking to protect their environment.”

    The topic of how much time students have to eat arose frequently in discussions. In Ontario, many schools at the elementary level adhere to a two-break or balanced day model, where students have a “nutrition break” in the morning with recess, and another in early afternoon (instead of two short recesses and a mid-day window for lunch/recess). This may be a reason why parents and some teachers say that kids don’t have enough time to eat.

    Diversity and inclusion

    In addition to logistical operations and accessibility, parents and teachers voiced the need to consider social and cultural diversity and inclusion. They noted the diversity of student dietary requirements and preferences — from food allergies/intolerances and cultural and religious foods to concerns about what respondents referred to as their “picky eaters.”

    Teachers pointed out that halal and/or vegetarian foods must be made available. The oversight of food safety and offering a diversity of healthy food choices was mentioned repeatedly by parents.

    Meals and ingredients could be posted in weekly or monthly menus — like they are in in France, for example — to ensure students and their families are aware of what is being served.

    Programs engaged with students, community

    There was enthusiasm for exposing kids to culturally diverse menu options that would make students from all backgrounds feel included and welcome.

    While some parents were concerned that their kids might not eat foods they’re unfamiliar with, others thought it would be great to expose them to new foods that they might eat at school even if they wouldn’t at home.

    Some parents were excited about the prospect of community involvement, including volunteers but also students in food prep, distribution and cleanup. Beyond the school community, some proposed fostering partnerships with local farms, community gardens and local food providers.

    In sum, participants voiced the need for flexible programs that could be tailored to specific school, family and community needs — with clear communication with all families and school staff about the school food programs’ goals and operations.

    Much more work to do

    We have a tremendous need and opportunity in Canada to strengthen our food system and food security with the National School Food Program.

    We have just begun this project with the commitment of some federal, provincial and municipal funding, but there is much more work to do in developing school food programs in each part of the country.

    The continued food affordability crisis and the threat of tariffs by the United States make it clear how important these programs are.

    No matter how these programs end up evolving, parents and teachers in Hamilton and Peel Region have clearly voiced their desire for equity — school food program accessibility, regardless of family income. They also want to see food offerings meeting students’ diverse dietary requirements, and the inclusion of student, family, educator and local community partners.

    Tina Moffat receives funding from SSHRC.

    – ref. The food affordability crisis is one reason governments need to step up for school food – https://theconversation.com/the-food-affordability-crisis-is-one-reason-governments-need-to-step-up-for-school-food-257868

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bristol, Virginia Man Convicted on Federal Drug Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ABINGDON, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Bristol, Virginia man of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine following a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

    Christopher M. Sullivan, 31, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of using a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sullivan conspired with Christopher David Johnson – an inmate in a Georgia state prison – and numerous others to traffic and distribute kilograms of methamphetamine from Georgia into Southwest Virginia.

    Johnson used smuggled cell phones to operate a large-scale methamphetamine-distribution operation from his prison cell in Georgia. He regularly communicated with his co-conspirators using Facebook, WhatsApp, Signal, phone calls, and text messaging to coordinate deliveries, pricing, quantities, recruitment, intimidation, and sales.

    Evidence showed that Sullivan regularly communicated with Johnson to accomplish the goals of the conspiracy.  Sullivan also distributed methamphetamine for Johnson, wired money to Mexico at Johnson’s direction, and paid Johnson for methamphetamine.

    In December 2024, Johnson was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy to 20 years in federal prison – to run following his state prison time – and ten years of supervised release. Eighteen other defendants received prison sentences ranging from three to fifteen years.  At sentencing, Sullivan faces a minimum prison sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years.

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the DEA Washington Division made the announcement.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration and multiple law enforcement agencies in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia investigated the case, including the Bristol (Tennessee) Police Department, the Bristol (Virginia) Police Department, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, the 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Georgia State Patrol.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Pierce and Corey Hall are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amid Trump-Musk Fight, Warren Presses Rubio on National Security Contingency Plans for Musk-Linked Government Contracts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 07, 2025

    After Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s contracts, Musk warned that SpaceX would “begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately”

    “If Mr. Musk breaches his current contracts or they are canceled immediately, it could leave critical gaps that endanger U.S. interests and national security.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pressed Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on contingency plans in place if Elon Musk violates his current contractual obligations and fails to deliver services national security agencies are counting on to keep Americans safe. As part of their public feud earlier this week, President Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s government contracts — and Musk, in turn, warned that SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft “immediately.”

    “No petty social media fight between the president and a billionaire should jeopardize U.S. national security,” wrote Senator Warren.

    Elon Musk’s companies have significant contracts with the U.S. government to provide key national security services, including NASA’s approximately $5 billion contract with SpaceX to send and bring home astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, which Musk threatened to decommission, is the only U.S. vessel capable of carrying astronauts to and from the station. The Department of Defense also relies heavily on SpaceX, including for launch services that support Space Force operations and spy satellites.

    “If Mr. Musk breaches his current contracts or they are canceled immediately, it could leave critical gaps that endanger U.S. interests and national security,” wrote Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren has previously raised concerns that the U.S. government’s dependence on a mercurial billionaire puts U.S. national security at risk, including in May 2024, when she urged the Department of Defense to hold SpaceX accountable following reports that the company was allowing Starlink terminals to be used by Russian forces and sanctioned paramilitary forces. 

    As the Trump-Musk feud continues, Senator Warren pressed Secretary Rubio for answers to a series of questions in order to understand what contingency plans and options the administration could exercise to ensure that reckless decisions do not create an interruption in critical national security services.

    Senator Warren has long fought to ensure federal contractors are acting the best interest of the American people: 

    • In May 2025, Senators Warren, Warner, Shaheen and other lawmakers pushed for corruption investigations into the Trump Administration’s favors for Elon Musk’s Starlink.
    • In March 2025, Senator Warren, Representative Raskin, Senator Blumenthal, and other lawmakers pushed White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on corruption by the Trump Administration.
    • In a May 2024 hearing held by the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Strategic Forces subcommittee, Senator Warren pressed Department of Defense officials on what steps they were taking to hold SpaceX accountable for Russia’s illegal use of Starlink.
    • In May 2024, Senator Warren sent a letter calling on the Department of Defense to hold SpaceX accountable for the use of Starlink by Russia and other sanctioned U.S. adversaries.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG INTRODUCES LEGISLATION PROVIDING BACK PAY TO UNJUSTLY FIRED VA EMPLOYEES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06) introduced legislation to require full back pay for employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who were unjustly fired and later reinstated. The Reinstating Employee Salaries to Original Rates and Entitlements (RESTORE) Act (H.R.3192) would apply to all VA employees who were terminated and later rehired on or after January 20, 2025.

    In January, the President issued an Executive Order calling for significant reductions in the federal workforce in conjunction with the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).” Department communications show that as of March, VA officials had already fired 6,000 employees, and were planning to cut another 80,000 jobs, which would return staffing to 2019 levels. In addition to career civil servants, these actions have mainly targeted probationary employees, who have been in their positions for less than two years or recently received a promotion. As a result, thousands of veterans and federal workers have been terminated across multiple federal agencies, including the VA. These employees were responsible for providing core VA services, including health care, benefits services, housing loans, and burial and memorial services, among others.

    This year, Meng invited Luke Graziani, a constituent from Woodside, Queens and a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who was unjustly fired from his job as a public affairs officer at a New York City veterans’ hospital, as her guest to President Trump’s address to Congress in March to stand against the ongoing mass firings of federal employees and veterans. He was among the tens of thousands of federal workers that the Administration has unfairly terminated across the federal government since January. 

    “VA employees, like Luke Graziani, take an oath to serve our veterans, regardless of who is in the Oval Office. Without them, veterans would be left without the care and benefits they were promised when they made the commitment to serve and protect our nation,” said Meng. “These dedicated public servants, many of whom are veterans themselves, should never have been fired from their jobs. The RESTORE Act guarantees back pay for thousands of these illegally fired VA employees who have devoted their careers to serving our communities. They are not government waste, nor are the salaries they rely on.”

    Graziani was abruptly laid off in February as the Administration began its attempts at sweeping cuts to the federal workforce. Meng had intervened with the VA on his behalf, urging the agency to reinstate him. He was rehired in April after a federal judge ordered the VA and other federal agencies to reinstate probationary workers who were fired. Fortunately, Graziani was reinstated with backpay, but many VA employees haven’t had the same experience, and current federal law doesn’t mandate the Administration provide it in this circumstance. 

    Across the country there are about 2.3 million federal workers who serve their communities each day. Approximately 6,000 federal workers live in Meng’s Congressional District alone.

    Now introduced in the House, the RESTORE Act must be passed by the House Committee on Veteran Affairs before it can be brought to the floor for a vote.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Doggett and Ocasio-Cortez Urge DOJ To Investigate New Allegations That UnitedHealth is Endangering Patients to Maximize Profits from Medicare Advantage Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Reporting from The Guardian alleges UnitedHealth Group is paying nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers and promote do-not-resuscitate orders to increase profits

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Department of Justice to expand its reported investigation into UnitedHealth Group to include reports that the company is engaging in fraud through the Medicare Advantage program. Investigative reporting from The Guardian accuses the healthcare conglomerate of trying to deliberately reduce access to care for nursing home residents in order to pocket more money from the federal government.

    “The potential harm of UnitedHealth’s business practices extends far beyond waste of taxpayer dollars and appears to be endangering enrollees and harming health outcomes. We strongly urge you to expand your ongoing investigations to include the allegations outlined in The Guardian and other appropriate lines of inquiry concerning the impact of UnitedHealth’s business practices on patients,” wrote the lawmakers.

    The full letter is available here.

    Last month, it was reported that the Department of Justice opened up a criminal investigation into UnitedHealth Group for possible Medicare fraud. The lawmakers request Attorney General Bondi expand the DOJ’s current investigation to include new allegations that UnitedHealth Group has engaged in the following business practices regarding the Medicare Advantage Program:

    • Paying nursing homes to delay or deny patients hospitalizations to increase profits.
    • Pressuring patients to establish do-not-resuscitate orders, which instruct providers to not perform CPR for patients who have stopped breathing.
    • Providing financial incentives for enrolling residents in UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage long-term care plans.

    Last month, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Raul Ruiz (CA-25) introduced an amendment to the Republicans’ reconciliation bill to crack down on corporate profiteering in the Medicare Advantage program and strengthen traditional Medicare. Separately, Representative Doggett led House Members in urging Republican leadership to pass legislation to rein in rampant taxpayer overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ohio Company Sentenced for Violating OSHA Rule Leading to Worker’s Death

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Ohio Company Sentenced for Violating OSHA Rule Leading to Worker’s Death

    A Delaware corporation with a manufacturing facility in Ohio was sentenced to pay a $500,000 fine, the statutory maximum, after pleading guilty to willfully violating an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule. In addition to the fine, Fabcon will serve two years of organizational probation and comply with a Safety Compliance Plan. The criminal charge is related to an incident where an employee was killed when a pneumatic door closed on his head.

    MIL OSI USA News –