NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Wildfire Season Begins, Cantwell Demands Trump Administration Stop Putting Lives & Property at Risk & Immediately Lift National Weather Service Hiring Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    05.29.25
    As Wildfire Season Begins, Cantwell Demands Trump Administration Stop Putting Lives & Property at Risk & Immediately Lift National Weather Service Hiring Freeze
    Senator warned Lutnick in Feb. that gutting NOAA & NWS would cripple weather forecasting, threaten public safety; Jackson, KY, NWS office lost overnight staffing & meteorologist-in-charge as severe storms moved across the region May 16, leaving 18 dead; Pendleton, OR, NWS office covering Central WA does not have enough meteorologists to cover overnight shifts
    EDMONDS, WA – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, demanded that the Trump Administration immediately exempt the National Weather Service (NWS) from its current federal hiring freeze so that citizens and communities will not be left to fend for themselves without adequate warnings as both hurricane season and wildfire season rapidly approach.  
    “On February 19, 2025, I wrote to Secretary Lutnick to urge protection of NOAA’s workforce and exempt the NWS and other safety related jobs from the hiring freeze due to the crucial role they play in protecting lives, property, and our national economy,” wrote Sen. Cantwell in a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell.  “Now that we have seen the fallout from these ill-advised cuts, I once again demand the Administration immediately provide NOAA with a public safety exemption to the federal hiring freeze so the agency can take immediate steps to fill critical positions and prevent a further breakdown in life-saving forecasts and warnings.”
    Multiple recent reports have documented the impacts of the hiring freeze. The Washington Post reports that “Some…forecasting teams are so critically understaffed that the agency is offering to pay moving expenses for any staff willing to transfer to those offices, according to notices recently sent to employees…” And the New York Times found that “The National Weather Service is preparing for the probability that fewer forecast updates will be fine-tuned by specialists, among other cutbacks, because of ‘severe shortages’ of meteorologists and other employees, according to an internal agency document.” These reports make clear that action must be taken immediately to avoid a catastrophic gap in capacity in the face of a future storm or wildfire.
    “For at least half a century, NWS has provided weather forecasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but with the Administration’s cuts, at least eight weather forecasting offices no longer have enough meteorologists to cover overnight shifts,” the Senator wrote. “The Pendleton, Oregon office that covers central Washington will stop staffing overnight shifts, and we’ll lose the consistent local knowledge about weather hazards that impacts the accuracy of forecasts and warnings needed to inform transportation agencies, farmers, schools, firefighters, emergency responders, and other public officials that rely on accurate and timely forecasts and warnings.”
    Months before the current crisis, Sen. Cantwell called for an exemption and accurately predicted exactly the situation we are in now.
    The full text of Sen. Cantwell’s letter is available HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Lutnick and Mr. Ezell,
    The Administration’s dismantling of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) workforce has crippled the National Weather Service (“NWS”). The firing of probationary employees, early retirements, and other Administration efforts have led to more than 560 departures from NWS, a 33% reduction from historic levels, leaving many locations critically understaffed and the agency scrambling to fill the gaps.
    NOAA initiated an agency-wide effort on May 13, 2025, to relocate existing personnel to temporarily fill 155 positions in “critically understaffed” locations across NWS. This proposed solution may serve as a stopgap, but it is not a viable long-term strategy.
    On February 19, 2025, I wrote to Secretary Lutnick to urge protection of NOAA’s workforce and exempt the NWS and other safety related jobs from the hiring freeze due to the crucial role they play in protecting lives, property, and our national economy. Now that we have seen the fallout from these ill-advised cuts, I once again demand the Administration immediately provide NOAA with a public safety exemption to the federal hiring freeze so the agency can take immediate steps to fill critical positions and prevent a further breakdown in life-saving forecasts and warnings.
    For at least half a century, NWS has provided weather forecasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but with the Administration’s cuts, at least eight weather forecasting offices no longer have enough meteorologists to cover overnight shifts. The Pendleton, Oregon office that covers central Washington will stop staffing overnight shifts, and we’ll lose the consistent local knowledge about weather hazards that impacts the accuracy of forecasts and warnings needed to inform transportation agencies, farmers, schools, firefighters, emergency responders, and other public officials that rely on accurate and timely forecasts and warnings. Additionally, 30 of the 122 weather forecast offices are currently lacking their highest-ranking official, known as the meteorologist-in-charge, including at offices that cover major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Cleveland, Houston, and Tampa. The office in Jackson, Kentucky lost both overnight staffing and their meteorologist-in-charge and was left scrambling to find adequate staffing on May 16, 2025, as severe storms moved across the region, ultimately killing 18 people in Kentucky.
    The staffing shortages are also impacting NWS’s ability to collect and disseminate the weather data that underpins NOAA’s own forecasts and warnings as well as serves as the foundation for the entire U.S. weather enterprise. There are over 90 vacancies among the specialized staff who maintain and repair the NWS’s Doppler radar and Automated Surface Observing Systems greatly increasing the chances of equipment outages. These systems are the cornerstone of NWS’s severe weather warning operations and provide pilots and air traffic controllers with the data they need to safely manage air traffic and minimize delays. Additionally, at least 10 weather forecast offices have suspended or limited their weather balloon launches, which for decades have occurred twice daily to gather data on a steady cadence. Carrying instruments called radiosondes, the balloons rise to 115,000 feet and gather vital atmospheric data that cannot easily be replicated by satellites or other instruments. Without this information forecasts become less accurate and less reliable.
    June 1 marks the start of hurricane season, and many parts of the country are already contending with wildfires and violent storms. Every living former Director of the NWS, from both Republican and Democratic administrations, wrote and released an open letter to the American people warning about the impact of staffing and program cuts. The Directors “stand united against the loss of staff and resources at NWS and are deeply concerned about NOAA as a whole…[Their] worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life.”?
    Granting a public safety exemption to the hiring freeze is essential to prevent further degradation of our nation’s weather readiness. Please provide the Committee with a response by June 1, 2025, explaining how you will resume hiring at the NWS to ensure consistent weather forecasting coverage. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: On Fox, Cornyn Discusses Co-Chairing Hearing on Alleged Biden Health Cover-Up, Big Beautiful Bill Coming to the Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    DALLAS – Today on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed his efforts to get answers on the alleged cover-up of former President Biden’s cognitive decline by the mainstream media, Biden family, and his inner circle, including Sen. Cornyn’s recent letter to the Department of Justice calling for an investigation and an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing he will lead alongside Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), as well as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which the Senate is expected to begin processing next week. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    On the Upcoming Hearing on the Alleged Cover-Up of Biden’s Decline:

    CORNYN: “We need to get past the failures of the media, which were legend as you pointed out, or the political issue of ‘Were you for Biden or against Biden?’ This is about a constitutional crisis, where we basically have a mentally incompetent president who’s not in charge.”

    “The question is: Who is in charge? Whose finger is on the nuclear button or has the nuclear codes? Who can declare war? How do we defend the nation when we have basically an absent president? And those are Constitutional issues we need to address and correct.”

    CAIN: “You’re not one known for inflammatory language, respectfully, and so when I hear you say today we have a Constitutional crisis and ‘Whose finger was on the nuclear button,’ literally, who was responsible for war and peace is the right, exact question to be asking about what happened in this country.”

    CORNYN: “That’s why we’ve asked Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, to look into this to see what federal laws have been violated.”

    “Congress’ responsibility is actually bigger than just that. It is to provide oversight and to make sure that there’s more transparency for future presidents so we understand how this happened and how can we prevent it from happening again.”

    On Senate Considering the One Big Beautiful Bill:

    “We have 53 Republicans, and we need to get to the magic number 51, which means that we’re going to have to get virtually everybody on board. But I think building on what the House has done, in terms of savings—Elon Musk and DOGE have identified incredible examples of egregious misspent taxpayer dollars.”

    “Rescissions and the like— there is a lot of work that we can do to build on what the House did and get it to the President.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Gebrüder Weiss expands into Thailand

    Source: Gebrüder Weiss

    Logistics company continues to expand its network in South-East Asia / 20-strong team in Bangkok organizes air and sea freight transportation

    Bangkok / Lauterach, May 30, 2025. Gebrüder Weiss is set to open a new country organization in Thailand on June 1, 2025. The international transport and logistics company is strengthening its market presence in Southeast Asia and expanding its network in one of the world’s most economically dynamic regions.

    “The new country organization allows us to close a strategic gap and create direct connections to central Asia-Pacific markets for our customers,” says Lothar Thoma, Managing Director Air & Sea at Gebrüder Weiss. “Thailand is an important export location with strong trade links to the USA, China, Japan, Australia, and Singapore – markets where we are also represented with locations of our own.”

    In 2024, Thailand posted export volumes worth around 300 billion US dollars, up five percent on the previous year. Industrial goods account for the majority of outbound trade (86 percent), with key categories including electronics, vehicles, machinery, and food.

    The team of 20 employees in Bangkok provides international air and sea freight transportation, customs handling, and national and cross-border land transport services. “Our employees have many years of experience in international transport management. In the medium term, we are aiming to expand our services in Thailand to include warehouse logistics, with a particular focus on the automotive and high-tech sectors,” says Cristian Predan, Area Manager South-East Asia at Gebrüder Weiss.

    With its entry into the Thai market, Gebrüder Weiss now has an active presence in nine countries across the East and South-East Asia region and Oceania. These include Australia, Greater China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam. The regional network now spans 35 locations with around 800 employees.

    Team Thailand

    Port of Laem Chabang

    Lothar Thoma

    Cristian Predan

    GW locations Asia

    GW locations Oceania

    About Gebrüder Weiss

    Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.71 billion euros in 2024. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers’ needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Volcano Watch — Halemaʻumaʻu Eruption Reaches New Heights as HVO Updates Volcano Alert Notifications

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. 

    High lava fountains erupted from the north and south vents during episode 23 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema’uma’u. Fountains reached heights of about 1,150 feet (350 meters) above the vent about an hour after the episode began. These were the highest lava fountains observed so far during the current eruption. The tall narrow finger of lava shown here, as well as the lower fountain to the right, are both sourced from the south vent, while the wider fountain in the foreground originates from the north vent. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will start issuing “Volcano Activity Notice (VAN)” / “Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA)” notifications, with no change in Volcano Alert Level orAviation Color Code, to announce the beginning and end of future sustained fountaining episodes. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

    Episode 23 lava fountains erupted continuously for six hours and reached heights of about 1,150 feet (350 meters). These were the highest lava fountains observed so far during the current eruption, which began on December 23, 2024. An impressive blanket of tephra—volcanic rock fragments carried into the air—was deposited beneath and downwind of these fountains, primarily in the upper part of Kīlauea’s Southwest Rift Zone in the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

    This episode also had the highest gas plume seen thus far in this eruption sequence. The plume reached heights of more than 20,000 feet (6,100 meters)—and likely over 25,000 feet (7,600 meters)—above Kīlauea’s summit, which is at an elevation of about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level. The plume contained high levels of water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

    These record-setting fountain and plume heights were reached quickly, less than one hour after episode 23 started. Following an extended period of gradual inflation and precursory low-level activity, episode 23 began at 4:15 p.m. with thin jets of lava erupting from the north vent. Fountaining became more vigorous around 4:25 and then escalated quickly and dramatically around 4:36 p.m. as tremor intensified and gradual inflation switched to rapid deflation. North vent fountains approached 1,000 feet (300 meters) in height by 5:00 p.m. and peaked just after 5:30 p.m. South vent fountaining began at 5:20 p.m. and reached heights of 600–800 feet (180–250 meters) by 6:30 p.m. that were sustained until the final hour of the episode.

    The Kīlauea plume from episode 23 reached heights of more than 20,000 feet (6,100 meters)— likely over 25,000 feet (7,600 meters)—above Kīlauea’s summit, which is at an elevation of about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level.  This photo, taken from Mauna Kea and looking south, shows Mauna Loa in the right side of the photo and the Kīlauea plume rising above the clouds in the left side of the photo. The plume contained high levels of water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).  USGS webcam photo.

    Episode 24 will likely begin within the coming week. Kīlauea’s summit is currently reinflating and magma remains close to the surface within the north and south vent conduits. During a helicopter overflight on May 28, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists could see lava churning away at a depth of a few tens of yards (meters) within the north vent conduit. Strong orange glow from the vents is visible at night on HVO webcams and from public viewing areas in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. 

    As the eruption transitions from episode 23 to 24, HVO is transitioning to a different type of volcano alert notification to announce significant changes in activity such as lava fountaining episodes.

    Starting with episode 24, HVO will issue a paired “Volcano Activity Notice (VAN)” and “Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA)” (VAN/VONA) to announce the beginning and end of fountaining episodes. Our use of VAN/VONA will replace the Status Report notifications we have been issuing to announce the beginning and end of eruptive episodes. When possible, VAN/VONA notifications will also be issued to announce the onset of confirmed precursory activity.

    HVO is making this transition because of the increased fountain and plume heights during recent episodes and their rapid onset. The goal is to more effectively communicate the presence or anticipated presence of airborne hazards like volcanic gas emissions and tephra that, depending on wind conditions, can impact Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, nearby communities, and the aviation sector.

    If you have signed up to receive volcano updates using the USGS Volcano Notification Service (VNS), then the terms VAN and VONA probably look familiar to you. That’s because HVO always issues VAN/VONA notifications when we change Volcano Alert Level and/or Aviation Color Code. For example, HVO issued a VAN/VONA on December 23, 2024, at 2:41 a.m. to announce the start of the current eruption and raised Kilauea’s Volcano Alert Level / Aviation Color Code from ADVISORY/YELLOW to WARNING/RED.

    HVO issued another VAN/VONA on December 23, 2024, at 6:43 a.m. to go from WARNING/RED to WATCH/ORANGE. Kīlauea has remained at WATCH/ORANGE since then. If future activity remains similar to the past 23 episodes, there will be no change in Volcano Alert Level or Aviation Color Code at Kīlauea even though new VAN/VONAs are issued. 

    Visit the Volcano Notification Service website to check your volcano notification subscriptions: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/.

    High lava fountains and eruptive plumes are significant airborne hazards. Recent fountaining episodes in Halemaʻumaʻu escalated quickly and literally reached new heights. VAN/VONA notifications will more clearly inform island residents, visitors, and aviators when these hazards are occurring or expected to occur.

    Volcano Activity Updates

    Kīlauea has been erupting episodically within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.

    Episode 23 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater occurred on May 25, with approximately 6 hours of fountaining from the north and south vents. Lava fountains reached a high record for this eruption—an estimated 350 meters (1150 feet) at around 5:30 p.m. on May 25.  Strong glow visible in both the north and south vents and summit region inflation since the end of episode 23 suggests that another episode is possible. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. 

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    Two earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.9 earthquake 56 km (34 mi) WSW of Captain Cook at 38 km (23 mi) depth on May 26 at 9:36 p.m. HST and a M3.1 earthquake 16 km (9 mi) WSW of Kailua-Kona at 4 km (2 mi) depth on May 25 at 4:19 p.m. HST.

    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

    Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wicker, Colleagues Introduce Protect LNG Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., joined Senators Ted Cruz, R-Texas, John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Tim Scott, R-S.C., in introducing the Protect LNG Act. This legislation would ensure that a court cannot vacate a previously authorized LNG permit, clarify the venue for LNG lawsuits before federal courts, and mandate that courts grant expedited decisions in relevant cases.
    “The United States has an abundance of LNG, which is essential for establishing American energy dominance and safeguarding our national security. The Protect LNG Act would prevent energy production from being politicized or undermined by far-left environmental groups. I am committed to defending energy job creators and preserving American energy independence,” said Senator Wicker.
    “American energy has the ability to metaphorically and literally power the world, and Texas is the lead exporter of U.S. LNG. Those achievements have been under attack by fringe environmental groups, who use and are enabled by politicized courts. This legislation counters such attacks, and I’m proud to lead the fight to protect energy producers, the jobs they create in Texas, and America’s energy leadership. The Senate should expeditiously take it up and pass it,” said Senator Cruz.
    “The Protect LNG Act is about bringing certainty back to American energy. Radical activists are using the courts to block or delay key energy projects that have already been approved—ultimately threatening jobs, driving up costs, and undermining our national security,” said Senator Scott. “For South Carolina, this legislation ensures stronger protections for our growing role in energy exports, stability in our port economy, and a clear signal to our allies that America will deliver. I’m proud to support legislation that doesn’t just keep the lights on, but keeps our country strong, competitive, and in control of its future.”
    “Oil and natural gas production employs hundreds of thousands of hardworking Texans and is a critical part of the Texas economy, as well as our nation’s energy sector as a whole,” said Senator Cornyn. “I am proud to lead this bill alongside Sen. Cruz to help protect energy projects across our country from lawsuits that far-left climate activists file in an attempt to hamstring American energy.”
    Representative Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.  
    BACKGROUND
    This bill would:
    Ensure that a federal court cannot vacate previously authorized permits for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) facilities.
    Specify that circuit court jurisdiction for litigation against LNG facilities shall be determined by the location of the facility, not the headquarters location of the federal agency that issued the permits.
    Set a 90-day clock for lawsuits challenging a federal permit for an LNG facility and requires expedited review of lawsuits against LNG facilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Friday, May 30, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    National Capital Region, Canada

    11:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will deliver remarks at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show.

    Rogers Centre

    Notes for media:

    • Open coverage

    • Media interested in participating can contact media@pmo-cpm.gc.ca for details.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Speaks Out on the House Floor Against the GOP Tax Scam

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

    Republican Leaders Brought the Bill to the House Floor in the Middle of the Night

    Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following remarks on the House floor around 4 a.m. in opposition to President Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill as Republican leaders rushed to pass their tax scam under cover of night:

    For months, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have been promising that they would not cut Medicaid or Medicare. The reality is that Republicans are cutting both Medicaid and Medicare in this bill. They’re essentially repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act. This bill will destroy the health care system in this country, and it keeps getting worse with each GOP amendment. 

    The GOP Tax Scam takes health care away from at least 13.7 million Americans so they can give giant tax breaks to billionaires and big corporate interests. It’s a shameful reverse Robin Hood scheme – they are stealing from you to give to the rich.  

    Republicans are stripping health care away from people by putting all sorts of burdensome and time-consuming roadblocks in the way of people just trying to get by. The vast majority of people on Medicaid already working. This is not about work – it’s about burying people in so much paperwork that they fall behind and lose their health coverage.  

    And if someone loses their coverage through Medicaid, this GOP Tax Scam also bans them from getting coverage through the ACA Marketplace. It’s just one of the cruel ways this bill basically repeals the ACA and makes it more difficult for people to get affordable health insurance. 

    Now, the Republican bill also makes it more difficult for states to finance their share of Medicaid costs by preventing them from implementing new provider taxes. This will be catastrophic for states as their health care needs change over time and will force them to either increase taxes on their residents or cut health care services.  

    For those of you who will say it doesn’t impact Medicare, the GOP Tax Scam will also cut Medicare—I repeat Medicare—by about $500 billion due to sequestration. These Medicare cuts will lead to reduced access to care for seniors, longer wait times for appointments, and increased costs.  

    Mr. Speaker, the GOP Tax Scam destroys the American health care system by cutting over a trillion dollars and this bill should be defeated. 

    I yield back. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Announces $266,000 for New Jersey to Monitor Beach Water Quality and Protect Public Health

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

    Funding Supports Statewide Efforts to Keep Beaches Safe Under BEACH Act He Helped Author and Is Working to Reauthorize

    New Brunswick, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that New Jersey will receive $266,000 in federal funding through the BEACH Act to monitor water quality at coastal beaches and notify the public when conditions are unsafe for swimming. The grant is part of a nationwide $9.7 million investment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help states, Tribes, and territories keep recreational waters safe and clean.

    “New Jersey’s beaches are a cornerstone of our state’s identity, drawing millions of visitors every summer and powering our local economies,” Pallone said. “This funding ensures beachgoers can enjoy our shorelines with confidence, knowing that water quality is being rigorously monitored and that they’ll be informed if there are any health risks. I am fighting to reauthorize and strengthen the BEACH Act so states like New Jersey have the tools to protect public health and preserve our coastal environments for generations to come.”

    The funding comes on the heels of bipartisan legislation Pallone helped introduce earlier this year to reauthorize and expand the BEACH Act, which has played a critical role since 2000 in helping states like New Jersey test recreational waters and warn the public of potential contamination. The reauthorization bill increases eligible uses of grant funds to include identification of pollution sources, a change Pallone championed to help communities address contamination at its root.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Delivers Millions in Relief to Low-income Sandy Survivors Caught Up in Red Tape

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

    NJ 6th District Congressman’s Years-Long Effort Culminates in State Launch of New Program

    New Brunswick, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that New Jersey has officially launched a new policy implementing the clawback relief he fought for and secured for Superstorm Sandy survivors. After years of Pallone’s advocacy, the State of New Jersey will now begin outreach to eligible homeowners who may no longer be required to repay disaster assistance that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has been seeking recoupment on for years. 

    These recoupment efforts known as clawbacks have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents owed tens of thousands of dollars through no fault of their own after applying for loans and benefits through various federal programs at the recommendation of the government. Preliminary assessments show that more than 400 New Jersey households are expected to collectively receive more than $16 million in relief from this recoupment waiver. Pallone encouraged the State to distribute relief as broadly as possible and to avoid placing new financial burdens on residents who have already been through so much.

    “After years of pushing for fairness, today we are finally delivering financial relief for many Sandy survivors,” said Pallone. “The official launch of this program means hundreds of families will no longer have to bear the burden of having to repay the disaster aid they used to rebuild in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Thanks to our advocacy, they can now – after many years – finally close this dark chapter and put this bureaucratic nightmare behind them.”

    Pallone has fought tirelessly to ensure Sandy-impacted families are not burdened with repaying federal disaster aid. In 2022, Pallone secured an indefinite legislative extension of recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government that was included in the Omnibus Fiscal Year 2023 package but did not absolve homeowners of the funds owed.

    In January, the Biden Administration agreed to Pallone’s request to provide relief to low- and moderate-income survivors, as well as those who have faced extreme hardship – including foreclosure, bankruptcy, or lost loved ones after receiving federal disaster aid. Eligible households facing extreme hardship may receive full forgiveness, while eligible low- and moderate-income households may receive up to $27,000 in forgiveness for federal assistance previously subject to repayment.

    The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has already notified 278 applicants that their recoupment has been forgiven in full, totaling over $13 million collectively. The agency will continue reaching out to residents eligible for partial forgiveness over the coming weeks and months. No additional action is required at this time for eligible households, but affected New Jersey residents can visit DCA’s website to learn more about the policy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Marks Jewish American Heritage Month with Resolution Honoring Jewish War Veterans

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

    Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ 06) today introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the 129th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. The resolution was introduced during Jewish American Heritage Month and recognizes the group’s historic role in fighting antisemitism, preserving Jewish military history, and advocating for the rights and recognition of all veterans.

    Founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War veterans who came together to reject false claims that Jews had not served their country, the Jewish War Veterans is the oldest active veterans service organization in the nation. The resolution commends the group for more than a century of service, including its leadership in protesting Nazi Germany in the 1930s, helping establish the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, and continuing to support military families and educate the public about the Holocaust.

    “Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to lift up the stories of service and sacrifice that are too often overlooked,” Pallone said. “The Jewish War Veterans have defended this country in every major conflict and returned home to defend the truth about that service. This resolution ensures Congress recognizes the generations of leadership they have provided and the work they are still doing today.”

    The resolution affirms the importance of the Jewish War Veterans’ mission to preserve history, promote justice and equality, and combat antisemitism in all its forms. It also calls on Congress to continue supporting the organization’s work.

    Read Pallone’s full resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Confronts Trump Official: Why Would the Government Conduct Seismic Testing If Drilling Is Illegal?

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Tuesday to oppose a Republican bill that would gut offshore drilling protections and reopen the Atlantic Ocean to oil and gas development – even though such drilling is currently prohibited under federal law.

    During the hearing, Pallone grilled the Trump administration’s Acting Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) about why the federal government might conduct seismic testing in the Atlantic if drilling is prohibited. The official refused to commit to keeping the Atlantic off-limits in the agency’s upcoming five-year leasing plan, and implied the administration is banking on Congress to overturn the ban. 

    “The law says there is no offshore oil and gas leasing permitted on the Atlantic Coast. Why would you even entertain it if someone came forth asking for a permit for seismic testing or to do offshore oil and gas sales lease. Why would you even entertain that given that the current law says that those are not allowed?” Pallone questioned. 

    “Under the OCSAS Act when we start the process, we provide the secretary information on every planning area regardless of its current legal status so that he can do the balancing that’s called for under that act and in coming up with his proposals. We also know that the status of any particular area can change. Obviously we would not hold the lease sale in an area where the law says we cannot do so, but the secretary has the ability to consider the potential of areas just in case the legal standing of areas changes over time,” the Trump official said.

    The Republican bill, H.R. 513, the Offshore Lands Authorities Act of 2025, would immediately overturn President Biden’s 2025 ban on oil and gas leasing in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as multiple protections established under President Obama. It would also tie the hands of future presidents by requiring Congressional approval and economic justifications for any attempt to withdraw federal waters from drilling.

    Pallone condemned the legislation for carving out special protections for Republican-led states like Florida while leaving the rest of the East Coast, including New Jersey, exposed to drilling and inevitable oil spills. He warned of the threat to New Jersey’s coastal economy, fishing industry, and marine ecosystems.

    Watch the exchange here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Hegseth Plan to Cut Pentagon’s Test and Evaluation Office

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC—This week, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced his intention to significantly reduce the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, including slashing its workforce, budget, and resources. The DOT&E office is responsible for testing and validating weapons and platforms across the Department of Defense.
    U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response:
    “Secretary Hegseth’s decision to gut the Pentagon’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation office is reckless and damaging to military accountability and oversight. For decades, DOT&E has played a vital, legally mandated role in safeguarding the integrity of major defense programs and ensuring military systems are effective before they are put into warfighters’ hands. 
    “The Secretary has given no logical reasoning for this action, and I am concerned that this move appears retaliatory, driven by Mr. Hegseth’s opposition to some of DOT&E’s recent, legally required oversight decisions. With staffing reduced to a skeleton crew and limited contractor backing, DOT&E may be unable to provide adequate oversight for critical military programs, risking operational readiness and taxpayer dollars. This kind of politically motivated interference undermines independent oversight and leaves warfighters and the public more vulnerable to untested, potentially flawed systems.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed, Warren, Wyden Urge Investigation to Determine if DOGE Employees’ Committed Criminal Violations of Federal Ethics Laws

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Government Ethics (OGE), and Inspector Generals at the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) urging their offices to investigate whether Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees broke the law by working to dismantle government agencies while holding hundreds of thousands of dollars in private companies. The lawmakers are Ranking Members of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Senate Armed Services Committee; and Senate Finance Committee, respectively. 

    “These DOGE employees’ conflicts of interest and role in the mass firings at CFPB, Treasury, and IRS undermine the integrity of their decision-making and the actions taken by the agencies where they work,” the three senators wrote.

    Recent reporting by Politico revealed that Tom Krause, the leader of the Treasury’s DOGE team, has financial holdings worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in companies like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, PNC, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, and Santander—all companies that have business before Treasury or provide services to the Department. Krause has also been responsible for leading Treasury’s efforts to modernize the Treasury’s IT and financial infrastructure while owning shares of big tech companies like Google, Oracle, and Amazon. 

    Krause and two other Treasury employees, Todd Newnam and Linda Whitridge, also own shares of Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, which for years has attempted to sabotage the IRS Direct File program. Direct File allows taxpayers to file their taxes for free and directly with the IRS instead of using private sector programs like TurboTax. In recent months, DOGE fired the program’s development team and the Trump administration has reportedly decided to end the program. 

    “It would be deeply disturbing if DOGE employees with a financial stake in Intuit were involved with overseeing and dismantling the Direct File initiative, which would directly benefit Intuit and these employees’ financial holdings,” the lawmakers wrote. 

    ProPublica also recently reported that Gavin Kliger, a DOGE aid at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), was warned by ethics officials that he held stock in companies that “employees are forbidden from owning.” These holdings include as much as $715,000 of investments in barred companies such as Apple Inc., Tesla Inc., Alphabet Inc., and two cryptocurrencies, all companies subject to investigation by the CFPB. Three days later, despite ethics officials’ warnings, Kliger participated in layoffs at the agency, including firing the ethics lawyers that warned him of his conflicts. 

    At least one expert has described Mr. Kliger’s actions as “look[ing] like a pretty clear-cut violation’” of the federal criminal conflict-of-interest statute, which could carry a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison. 

    “Together, these three examples underscore what appears to be a pervasive problem with Elon Musk and DOGE employees trampling ethics rules and laws to benefit their own pockets at the expense of the American public,” wrote the senators. 

    The senators called on the DOJ, OGE, and Inspectors Generals of the Treasury, Office for Tax Administration, and the Federal Reserve to investigate the legality of these employees’ conflicts and whether they have violated federal ethics laws. 

    “Neither Mr. Musk nor those working on his behalf in DOGE are above the law, and if they have failed to follow it, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other relevant government officials should act to hold them accountable,” the senators concluded.

    Full text of the letter follows:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi, Acting Director Greer, Ms. Sciurba, Ms. Hill, and Mr. Gibson:

    We write regarding new reports that DOGE employees at the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have been engaged in the dismantling of these agencies while holding hundreds of thousands of dollars of stock in private companies benefitting from these individuals’ efforts to eliminate key programs, staff, and policies. This poses a clear conflict of interest and potential criminal violation of federal ethics law, which bars any Federal government employee from “participat[ing] personally and substantially…[in any] particular matter in which [they] … ha[ve] a financial interest.” A willful violation of the law would subject these individuals to a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison. We request that your offices investigate this matter.

    Neither Mr. Musk nor those working on his behalf with DOGE are above the law, and if they have failed to follow it, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other relevant government officials should hold them accountable.

    First, earlier this month, reporting revealed that Tom Krause, the leader of Treasury’s DOGE team and top official overseeing Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, has financial holdings worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in companies that have business before Treasury or provide services to the Department. Some of Mr. Krause’s holdings—including hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of shares of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, PNC, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, and Santander—are in financial institutions that provide financial services to and purchase U.S. debt securities directly from Treasury. In addition, Mr. Krause has also been responsible for leading Treasury’s efforts to “modernize its IT and financial infrastructure,” despite owning shares of big tech firms like Google, Oracle, and Amazon. Experts have described this as “a massive, glaring red flag of a conflict of interest.”

    Second, the same report also indicated that Mr. Krause and two other Treasury DOGE team members—Todd Newnam and Linda Whitridge—own shares of Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, which has been engaged in a years’ long attempt to sabotage the IRS’ free tax filing program, “Direct File.” This easy-to-use program allows taxpayers to file their taxes for free and directly with the IRS, rather than use private sector tax preparation software like TurboTax. Troublingly, the program has been targeted for elimination by DOGE: months after Musk posted that DOGE had “deleted” a team that contributed to Direct File’s development, reports surfaced that the Trump Administration had decided to end the program. It would be deeply disturbing if DOGE employees with a financial stake in Intuit were involved with overseeing and dismantling the Direct File initiative, which would directly benefit Intuit and these employees’ financial holdings.

    Third, last month, ProPublica reported that Gavin Kliger, a DOGE aide at the CFPB, was warned by ethics attorneys “that he held stock in companies that employees are forbidden from owning — and was advised not to participate in any actions that could benefit him personally.” These holdings include as much as $715,000 of investments in barred companies such as Apple Inc., Tesla Inc., Alphabet Inc., and two cryptocurrencies. These companies are on the CFPB’s “Prohibited Holding” list since they are “subject to examination by the Bureau.”

    Three days later, Mr. Kliger “participated in mass layoffs at the agency anyway, including the firings of the ethics lawyers that warned him” of his conflicts. The conflicts are obvious: “a defanged and downsized consumer watchdog is unlikely to aggressively regulate those and other companies, freeing them of compliance costs and the risk associated with examinations and enforcement actions. That in turn could boost their stock prices and benefit … Kliger.” At least one expert has described Mr. Kliger’s actions as “look[ing] like a pretty clear-cut violation’” of the federal criminal conflict-of-interest statute

    Together, these three examples underscore what appears to be a pervasive problem with Elon Musk and DOGE employees trampling ethics rules and laws to benefit their own pockets at the expense of the American public. These DOGE employees’ conflicts of interest and role in the mass firings at CFPB, Treasury, and IRS undermine the integrity of their decision-making and the actions taken by the agencies where they work.

    To be clear, there continues to be uncertainty about the specific circumstances surrounding these individuals’ conflicts, including whether they may have divested from some or all of their conflicted holdings, whether their actions may have constituted involvement in “particular matters” that will have a “direct and predictable effect” on their financial interests, or whether they may have received waivers from relevant Designated Agency Ethics Officials or White House officials. But the American people deserve answers regarding whether their own interests may have been undermined by Trump Administration officials that acted in violation of federal ethics laws.

    Given these open questions, we ask that your offices investigate this matter. The Treasury Inspector General (Treasury IG), Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and Inspector General of the Federal Reserve (Fed IG) should conduct a broad review of whether these and other DOGE representatives may have engaged in illegal or inappropriate efforts at the Treasury, IRS, and CFPB. The Department of Justice (DOJ) should investigate whether these and other DOGE representatives may have violated federal ethics law by abusing their official roles for the benefit of private companies in which they have a vested financial interest. We also ask that the Office of Government Ethics examine this matter and recommend any potential violations for appropriate enforcement action.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Capital Jewish Museum Shooting, Reed & Whitehouse Seek Additional Funds to Protect Nonprofits and Places of Worship from Violence & Hate Crimes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to enhance public safety and deter violence targeted towards specific religious communities, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators in urging Senate Appropriations Committee leaders to provide $500 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in 2026.

    NSGP funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and competitively awarded to applicants to help non-profits and faith-based entities enhance their security infrastructure, training, and systems.  The federal NSGP funds can be used for things such as purchasing and installing locks, video cameras, and bulletproof glass, or hiring off-duty police officers as security personnel.

    Reed and Whitehouse say that NSGP funds have become a critical security tool for churches, synagogues, and temples in Rhode Island to guard against targeted hate crimes and antisemitism.

    Following the murder of two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, Reed and Whitehouse joined with 31 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter asking appropriators to significantly boost NSGP funding from $274.5 million last year to $500 million in fiscal year 2026 to help ensure the safety and security of Jewish institutions and other vulnerable non-profits and houses of worship nationwide.

    “The threat of violence is unfortunately increasing at places of worship across our country at alarming rates,” the 33 U.S. Senators wrote. “There has been an increase in hoax bomb and active shooter threats against houses of worship to interrupt services and intimidate the worshipers. There has also been an increase in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents across the country following the October 7 attack in Israel.”

    The Trump administration had proposed cuts to non-emergency grant programs at DHS. 

    The letter also notes that last year, only 43 percent of grant applications were approved, even with additional funding available through the national security supplemental bill.  Nationwide, applicants requested a total of nearly $1 billion in funding.

    “Unfortunately, it is easy to see that the need for the NSGP is quickly outpacing the funding,” the letter notes.

    Citing the February 2024 arson attack on Shiloh Gospel Temple, a predominantly Black church in North Providence, the 33 U.S. Senators wrote:“Today’s threat environment provides a compelling public interest in preventing attacks that would disrupt the vital health, human, social, cultural, religious, and other humanitarian services provided by at-risk faith-based and nonprofit institutions.  Such threats terrorize the lives and well-being of millions of Americans who operate, utilize, live, and work in their communities.”

    In addition to Reed and Whitehouse, the bipartisan letter was signed by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), joined by Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Ed Markey (D-MA).

    Full text of the letter follows:

    Dear Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, Chair Britt, and Ranking Member Murphy:

    Thank you for your strong support for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

    As you draft the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) Homeland Security (HLS) Appropriations bill, we respectfully request that you provide $500,000,000 in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program under section 2009 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 609a), of which $250,000,000 is for eligible recipients located in high-risk urban areas that receive funding under section 2003 of such Act and $250,000,000 is for eligible recipients that are located outside such areas. 

    Together, these programs provide critical security resources to at-risk faith- based and nonprofit institutions located in urban, suburban, and rural communities. In addition to ensuring that the NSGP is funded at robust levels, we also urge the committee to advocate for and maintain separate line items for this program. The NSGP is used by nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, at risk of terrorist attacks to provide funding for physical security enhancements as well as emergency preparedness training.

    The NSGP also works to enhance the engagement and cooperation between community groups, state and; local homeland security organizations, and emergency management agencies to be better; prepared for, prevent, and respond to acts of terrorism. This preparation and investment is critical to our national security and part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) comprehensive measures to strengthen the safety of our communities. DHS recognizes the risk of extremist-motivated violence as a danger to national security and has warned that violence against nonprofits and faith-based institutions is likely to continue.

    The threat of violence is unfortunately increasing at places of worship across our country at alarming rates. There has been an increase in hoax bomb and active shooter threats against houses of worship to interrupt services and intimidate the worshipers. There has also been an increase in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents across the country following the October 7 attack in Israel. In the year since October 7, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States, an over 200 percent increase over the year before and the highest number recorded in a single year since ADL started tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979.

    Nationwide, there have been countless acts of violence against religious communities, including these specific incidents that underscore the importance and complexity of protecting our religious communities from violence and extremism:

    • On January 3, 2024, a Newark, New Jersey, an Imam was shot and killed outside of his mosque.
    • On January 30, 2024, a man opened fire at a San Francisco Catholic Church.
    • On February 11, 2024, a man set fire to Shiloh Gospel Temple, a predominantly Black church in North Providence, Rhode Island.
    • On February 11, 2024, a woman forced her way inside a Texas Christian megachurch and opened fire.
    • On February 17, 2024, police in Broward County, Florida, arrested a man for beating a 69-year-old Rabbi who was walking home from synagogue on Shabbat.
    • On April 9, 2024, an Idaho teenager was arrested the day before his planned violent attack on local churches.
    • On May 25, 2024, a man was struck in a hit and run in front of a mosque in; Minnesota.
    • On July 22, 2024, St. Leo’s Church in Hartford, Arkansas, was vandalized, and racial slurs were graffitied on the building.
    • On August 12, 2024, a young man was stabbed near a synagogue in New York City.
    • On December 17 and 18, over 400 Jewish Institutions across the country were targeted with false bomb threats and swatting calls.

    These events highlight the ever-increasing need for the NSGP. Unfortunately, it is easy to see that the need for the NSGP is quickly outpacing the funding. In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024), FEMA received 7,584 grant applications for the NSGP, over 2,300 more than the previous year. These applicants requested $978 million in federal funding, while NSGP received $274.5 million in annual FY24 appropriations. Even with the additional NSGP funding provided by the National Security Supplemental Act for FY2024, FEMA could only fund 43 percent of all grant applicants. This left most of the applicants without the funding they needed to provide security to their at-risk institution.

    Today’s threat environment provides a compelling public interest in preventing attacks that; would disrupt the vital health, human, social, cultural, religious, and other humanitarian services provided by at-risk faith-based and nonprofit institutions. Such threats terrorize the lives and well-being of millions of Americans who operate, utilize, live, and work in their communities. Accordingly, we respectfully urge you to strengthen the NSGP by properly funding the program at $500 million in FY2026, and we remain sincerely grateful for your past support of this critical program. Thank you for your consideration of our request.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Van Hollen Urge GAO to Continue Investigating Administration’s Withholding of Congressionally Appropriated Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, have sent a letter to the U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro urging the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to continue to investigate the Administration’s withholding of Congressionally appropriated funds. The GAO has the authority to determine whether the Administration is violating the Impoundments Control Act by illegally withholding funds, and the Senators’ letter follows GAO’s recent finding that the Department of Transportation was in fact doing so. In their letter, the Senators press GAO to continue working on the 39 cases and counting of potentially illegal impoundments it has identified and stress that the GAO must move forward with or without the Administration’s cooperation.

    “As members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we have tracked with growing alarm the pauses and cancellation of federal funding across agencies since the start of the Trump Administration. We have noted at least $430 billion in funding has been blocked, an amount equivalent to nearly a third of the discretionary budget,” the Senators begin.

    “Agencies were required to submit spend plans for fiscal year 2025 on April 29, but most did not supply plans or provided insufficient detail to allow the Committee to ensure they are allocating resources in accordance with the law. The Administration has also stopped publicly posting apportionment documents as required by the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2023, weakening Congress’s ability to conduct effective oversight,” they continue.

    “In a Committee hearing on April 29, you testified that the GAO has 39 ongoing investigations into potentially illegal impoundments. […] In your testimony on April 29, you indicated that in some cases you were waiting on information from agencies on their justifications for funding freezes. We appreciate that GAO works to ascertain intent as part of any investigation under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), and that your good faith requests for information from the Administration allow you to obtain a fuller picture of the circumstances surrounding a withholding. […] However, GAO was similarly stonewalled by the prior Trump Administration, when the Office of Management and Budget and the State Department failed to provide necessary information about potential impoundments of Foreign Military Financing Funds. GAO noted then, and we agree, that the delay in response had “constitutional significance” as it obstructed an investigation that Congress delegated to GAO under the ICA,” they note.

    The Senators go on to urge, “As Congress begins deliberations on the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, it is critical that we understand how the Administration is executing current law, and whether, through programmatic delay or illegal impoundment, funds are in danger of expiring without obligation. If the Administration is breaking the law without consequence, the fundamental separation of powers and Congressional power of the purse is under serious threat. We encourage you to continue to report to Congress as quickly as possible on any violations of the ICA. In the event of a violation, Congress has also invested GAO with the authority to file suit to ensure funds are spent in accordance with the law.”

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Comptroller Dodaro,

    As members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we have tracked with growing alarm the pauses and cancellation of federal funding across agencies since the start of the Trump Administration. We have noted at least $430 billion in funding has been blocked, an amount equivalent to nearly a third of the discretionary budget.

    Agencies were required to submit spend plans for fiscal year 2025 on April 29, but most did not supply plans or provided insufficient detail to allow the Committee to ensure they are allocating resources in accordance with the law. The Administration has also stopped publicly posting apportionment documents as required by the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2023, weakening Congress’s ability to conduct effective oversight.

    As the President enters his fifth month in office, the argument that programs are simply paused for review becomes increasingly less credible. In addition, executive orders and public statements from the President, his cabinet, and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency indicate a clear intention to stop funding for certain agencies and programs entirely. Those statements have frequently aligned with the cancellation of grants and contracts, indicating that they are implementing cuts in fiscal year 2025 in violation of appropriations law, rather than proposing cuts for fiscal year 2026 for Congressional consideration.

    As you know, Congress has authority under the Constitution to appropriate funds, and the Executive Branch must expend those funds as the law dictates. And as GAO has stated, “Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law.”

    In a Committee hearing on April 29, you testified that the GAO has 39 ongoing investigations into potentially illegal impoundments. We appreciate GAO’s completion of its first legal opinion, that the Department of Transportation violated the recording statute and the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) by improperly recording program liabilities and illegally withholding mandatory funds for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The NEVI program was authorized by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and, as you noted, “[t]he Constitution grants the President no unilateral authority to withhold funds from obligation.” We agree with your conclusion, and will expect the Department of Transportation to immediately make the withheld funds available to the states.

    In your testimony on April 29, you indicated that in some cases you were waiting on information from agencies on their justifications for funding freezes. We appreciate that GAO works to ascertain intent as part of any investigation under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), and that your good faith requests for information from the Administration allow you to obtain a fuller picture of the circumstances surrounding a withholding.

    However, GAO was similarly stonewalled by the prior Trump Administration, when the Office of Management and Budget and the State Department failed to provide necessary information about potential impoundments of Foreign Military Financing Funds. GAO noted then, and we agree, that the delay in response had “constitutional significance” as it obstructed an investigation that Congress delegated to GAO under the ICA.

    GAO also noted, in its investigation of the illegal impoundment by the Department of Defense that occurred at the same time, that while OMB provided an explanation for the withholding, its explanation did not adequately justify the action. GAO said that “the burden to justify a withholding of budget authority rests with the executive branch.” You reiterated that in your decision on the Department of Transportation’s illegal withholding of NEVI program funds. In the absence of fulsome responses from the Administration, we encourage GAO to carefully examine the public record, including court records in cases filed against agencies, to inform your investigation into whether agencies are demonstrating the intent to illegally impound funds.

    As Congress begins deliberations on the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, it is critical that we understand how the Administration is executing current law, and whether, through programmatic delay or illegal impoundment, funds are in danger of expiring without obligation. If the Administration is breaking the law without consequence, the fundamental separation of powers and Congressional power of the purse is under serious threat.

    We encourage you to continue to report to Congress as quickly as possible on any violations of the ICA. In the event of a violation, Congress has also invested GAO with the authority to file suit to ensure funds are spent in accordance with the law.

    We appreciate the investigations GAO has already undertaken and your vital role in carrying out the ICA to ensure that the President faithfully executes the law as required by our Constitution. We look forward to your legal opinions and analysis of the Administration’s fiscal year 2025 implementation.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Decimates FEMA Ahead of Hurricane Season, Reed Sounds the Alarm & Urges Administration to Rehire FEMA Staff

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    PROVIDENCE, RI — Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and forecasters are predicting an active Atlantic hurricane season.  Meanwhile, state emergency response agencies are preparing for the possibility that the Trump Administration will leave them in the lurch – as President Trump attempts to shift a heavier financial burden onto states and dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides timely, coordinated support to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes and other major disasters.   

    U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, warns the Trump Administration’s chaotic leadership changes, budget reductions, and FEMA staff cuts are unnecessarily making it harder for coastal states to prep for hurricane season and respond to and recover from a major natural disaster. 

    Senator Reed sent a letter to the head of FEMA urging the agency to “rehire key staff and provide a detailed plan showing how FEMA will operate during what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts will be an “above normal” hurricane season.”

    Since the start of President Trump’s term, FEMA has lost at least one-third of its staff: At least 2,000 of the agency’s roughly 6,100 full-time employees have either left or plan to leave due to waves of terminations and voluntary retirements ordered by the so-called Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE).  President Trump’s preliminary 2026 budget proposal calls for slashing $646 million from FEMA. 

    FEMA provides direct financial relief to states, localities, and individuals after a disaster, but it also provides technical expertise and funding to help state and local governments prepare for and manage large scale disasters. 

    Senator Reed wrote: “Regrettably, because of the Trump Administration’s actions over the last several months, FEMA seems ill-prepared to carry out these responsibilities.”

    The letter also noted: “On May 21, Reuters reported that the Administration’s abrupt firing of Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton and the departure of 16 senior FEMA executives have “disrupted the agency’s planning for hurricane season.”  CNN reported on May 15 that a recent FEMA internal review found that the agency “is not ready” for the start of hurricane season.  According to a May 9 NPR report, the Administration has fired more than 200 FEMA employees and that hundreds more have indicated they are accepting the Administration’s resignation offers.  And a May 23 Washington Post article notes that FEMA faces a backlog of unprocessed emergency declaration requests from prior storms.  These reports inspire little confidence that FEMA is focused on its mission.”

    Noting the obvious connection between a major reduction in FEMA staff, budget, and resources and a potential reduction in federal involvement, Reed called on the Trump Administration to reverse its mass staff reductions and implement a plan to ensure the timeliness and adequacy of FEMA’s response to future disasters.

    “With hurricane season just days away, it is essential that FEMA shows that it is properly staffed and that key leadership positions are held by individuals who have had previous experience as emergency managers during major disasters.  To that end, I urge you to reinstate the professional staff who have left the agency in recent months and provide a detailed plan showing how FEMA will assist states during major disasters.  Additionally, I would caution against adopting any significant changes in FEMA’s processes for approving requests for disasters declarations and disaster assistance without consultation with states, stakeholders, and Congress.  Any changes should be the result of a deliberative process, rather than impromptu actions,” the letter concluded.

    Full text of the letter follows:

    Dear Mr. Richardson:

    With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season due to start on June 1, there is increasing doubt that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be able to meet the challenge due to the chaotic leadership of the agency during the first few months of the Trump Administration.  To assure stakeholders and the public that FEMA is ready, I urge you to rehire key staff and provide a detailed plan showing how FEMA will operate during what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts will be an “above normal” hurricane season.

    As you know, the American people rely on FEMA for timely, coordinated support to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes and other major disasters.  The agency provides direct financial relief to states, localities, and individuals after a disaster, but it also provides technical expertise and funding to help state and local governments prepare for and manage large scale disasters.  Regrettably, because of the Trump Administration’s actions over the last several months, FEMA seems ill-prepared to carry out these responsibilities.

    On May 21, Reuters reported that the Administration’s abrupt firing of Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton and the departure of 16 senior FEMA executives have “disrupted the agency’s planning for hurricane season.”  CNN reported on May 15 that a recent FEMA internal review found that the agency “is not ready” for the start of hurricane season.  According to a May 9 NPR report, the Administration has fired more than 200 FEMA employees and that hundreds more have indicated they are accepting the Administration’s resignation offers.  And a May 23 Washington Post article notes that FEMA faces a backlog of unprocessed emergency declaration requests from prior storms.  These reports inspire little confidence that FEMA is focused on its mission. 

    With hurricane season just days away, it is essential that FEMA shows that it is properly staffed and that key leadership positions are held by individuals who have had previous experience as emergency managers during major disasters.  To that end, I urge you to reinstate the professional staff who have left the agency in recent months and provide a detailed plan showing how FEMA will assist states during major disasters.  Additionally, I would caution against adopting any significant changes in FEMA’s processes for approving requests for disasters declarations and disaster assistance without consultation with states, stakeholders, and Congress.  Any changes should be the result of a deliberative process, rather than impromptu actions.

    Thank you for your attention in this matter, and I look forward to your prompt reply.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Responds to Trump Admin Canceling Ongoing Contract to Develop Bird Flu Vaccine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s abrupt cancellation of a contract with Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine to combat bird flu in humans.
    “As bird flu continues to spread across the U.S.—and infect humans—it’s hard to imagine something more shortsighted than canceling the contract for a new vaccine that’s shown promise in protecting people from the disease. mRNA technology has shown incredible promise and helped save millions of lives—but now this administration is casting doubt on the very technology this president propelled in his first administration that ultimately ended a pandemic. We are all now suffering the dangerous consequences of Republicans confirming an anti-vax conspiracy theorist to serve as the nation’s top health official. This contract has helped fund an early trial with promising results. Now, all that work is being put in serious jeopardy—talk about government waste and inefficiency. Donald Trump and RFK Jr. want to stop lifesaving vaccines from being discovered, and they are very intentionally pushing this country down a dangerous path: we will be less prepared for the next influenza pandemic, putting the lives and health of the American people at real risk.”
    Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress against RFK Jr.’s destruction of HHS and America’s health infrastructure, raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.
    In particular, Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and pushed out nearly 5,000 NIH skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. 
    Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Meets with WA State Emergency Management Leaders, Hears How Trump’s Attacks on FEMA Threaten Emergency Response Ahead of Wildfire Season

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senators Murray, Merkley, WA & Oregon Fire Officials Lay Out How Trump is Putting Wildfire Preparedness & Response at Risk

    ***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL FROM EVENT HERE***

    ***AUDIO HERE***

    Sultan, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion with emergency management leaders in Washington state to hear about the impacts of the Trump administration’s attacks on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies, and how these changes are already affecting communities around the state as they respond and prepare for disasters. As climate change continues to increase the severity and unpredictability of natural disasters like wildfires, communities across Washington State need to be able to rely on help from the federal government to both respond to disasters and to prepare for them—but the Trump administration’s reckless and chaotic policy changes are putting that work in jeopardy. Joining Senator Murray for the roundtable were: Lucia Schmit, Emergency Management Director at Snohomish County; Julie de Losada, Chief of Emergency Management at Skagit County; Angel Cortez, Emergency Preparedness Manager at Tulalip Tribes; Hannah Cleverly, Washington State Emergency Management Association Secretary and Deputy Director at Grays Harbor County Emergency Management; Sharon Wallace, Deputy Director of the Washington State Emergency Management Division; Chandra Fox, Deputy Director at Spokane County Emergency Management; and Tony Miller, Director of Emergency Management at Yakima County.

    “I am incredibly grateful for all the work our emergency responders do to protect our families—whether it’s floods, tsunamis, wildfires, or mudslides—and I was glad to have the opportunity to hear from emergency management leaders today about the importance of planning and preparing for natural disasters before they strike,” said Senator Murray. “Unfortunately, we have a new administration that doesn’t understand that—and doesn’t seem to care if their policies put people in danger. Trump and his DHS Secretary want to eliminate FEMA completely. They are doing all they can to leave us less prepared by proposing to slash FEMA’s budget, pushing out thousands of employees, freezing funds that were already allocated, and cancelling BRIC grants and other critical programs. It is sending our communities reeling and creating painful and unnecessary chaos for disaster response efforts in Washington state and across the country. States rely on federal support, both to respond to disasters and prepare for them, and the Trump administration’s reckless policy changes have already put years of emergency management preparation work, and lives, at risk. I will keep shining a spotlight on how Trump’s senseless decisions to destroy our emergency management system are threatening the safety of our families and communities.”

    Under the Trump Administration, FEMA has undergone significant cuts to staff and funding reductions, leading to worries about the agency’s ability to respond and address disasters effectively. The Trump Administration has proposed to cut FEMA’s budget in the coming fiscal year, pushed out approximately 2,000 full-time staff, from terminations and employees participating in the deferred resignation program, roughly one-third of the total staff employed at the end of 2024, frozen over $100 billion in previously awarded FEMA grants and disaster assistance, and canceled the Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which supports states, local and territorial governments, and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk. BRIC has invested over $5 billion in projects nationwide, reducing harm from floods, wildfires, and more. Senator Murray recently led a letter with Senators Van Hollen, Tillis, and Murkowski urging Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson to reinstate the BRIC grant program—in Washington state, over $200 million in BRIC funding across 67 applications was impacted.

    “All disasters begin and end at the local level. This has always been true. But one of the things that makes this nation strong is how we all come together to help during the hard times,” said Lucia Schmit, Snohomish County Emergency Management Director. “When the slide buried the Steelhead Haven neighborhood and Highway 530 near Oso in 2014, killing 43, responders from over 120 organizations—including from other counties and states—waded into the mud. We were all able to work together because of the critical role the federal government plays in supporting a common emergency management system. To hazard that partnership courts disaster.”

    “I want to thank Senator Murray for her leadership at the federal level to ensure we are prepared for and can respond to emergencies of all types,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “Our county is no stranger to emergencies like landslide, floods, or fires. We live in a remarkably beautiful place, and that comes with the responsibility to limit risks and respond to needs in communities near powerful rivers, active volcanoes, and expansive forests. The federal government has been a key partner in that work, but proposed changes threaten to fracture that partnership. In the long run, I would expect reduced support for planning, mitigation, and recovery to cost our nation more, both in dollars and human suffering.”

    “Skagit County is facing increasingly complex threats such as coastal and riverine flooding, encroaching wildfires, and the potential for the Cascadian earthquake. We already have the frameworks in place to address these challenges with FEMA, but effective emergency management is only possible if federal agencies fulfill their obligation to being a reliable and enduring partner to local emergency responders. The federal government must not abandon communities during times of crisis, and we call on them to adhere to their responsibility to support local jurisdictions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery,” said Julie de Losada, Skagit County Emergency Management Chief.

    “Tribes being a sovereign nation, each individually unique, comes with its own sets of challenges. The uncertainty of FEMA potentially being dismantled and pulling up critical funding leaves tribes in a position that makes it harder to implement mitigation strategies, plans, response and to recover in the event or prior to a disaster happening. Tribes also face a historical challenge with their local and state governments that you and I are both aware of,” said Angel Cortez, Emergency Preparedness Manager at Tulalip Tribes. “The reality of today is we need FEMA, and FEMA needs us. We need our states and local partners, and they need us too. None of us will be able to go through a major disaster alone. For disasters are not restricted to borders, political ideologies, or economic status.”

    “Whether you call it FEMA reform, change, restructuring, or transformation—what matters is that it’s thoughtful, strategic, incremental, and grounded in the real needs of our communities,” said Sharon Wallace, Deputy Director of Washington’s Emergency Management Division.

    “Effective and sustainable resilience in the face of wildland fire requires cooperation and collaboration across all levels of government.  We need to have engaged federal partners supporting our efforts in Public Education, Fuels Reduction, and Incident Management, as well as Response and Recovery,” said Chandra Fox, Deputy Director at Spokane County Emergency Management. “The Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program provides essential funding to Fire Agencies and community partners, directly supporting fuels reduction and home hardening efforts at the local level.  Without this funding opportunity, these efforts would be severely curtailed, limiting their effectiveness and reach.”

    Senator Murray is a leading voice pushing back against the Trump administration’s attacks on FEMA and other federal agencies, including NOAA and the U.S. Forest Service, that support disaster preparedness and response in Washington state and across the country. At a budget hearing, Senator Murray grilled Secretary Kristi Noem on the Department of Homeland Security’s sweeping funding freeze, including FEMA disaster relief and public safety grants, and its plans to weaken FEMA and recent denials of disaster declarations. Last week, Senator Murray led Washington state’s entire congressional delegation in a letter President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider the denial of Washington state’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of the devastating windstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides caused by a bomb cyclone that struck Washington state in November 2024. Murray previously led the entire delegation in a letter urging President Biden to grant the request for a Major Disaster Declaration in January.

    Earlier this month, Senator Murray held a press conference with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and wildfire officials in Washington state and Oregon to sound the alarm on how the Trump administration’s funding freezes and punishing cuts to the workforce at the U.S. Forest Service and other key agencies are seriously undermining wildfire preparedness and response in Washington state and Oregon and putting communities at risk. Senator Murray is working to secure critical investments in wildfire suppression and mitigation—and in our firefighters. Last year, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she secured nearly $22 million in funding for wildfire risk reduction projects across Washington state as part of the USFS Wildfire Crisis Strategy. In the Interior and Environment appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2024, she worked to include essential investments in wildfire preparedness and suppression. And in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured $25 million in funding for wildfire mitigation projects across Washington state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Everett, Murray Holds Roundtable on Trump Putting $16.7 Million for Snohomish County Homelessness Prevention At Risk, Hears from Affected Organizations—Vows to Fight Housing Budget Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL FROM EVENT HERE***

    ***AUDIO HERE***

    Everett, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion on the Trump administration’s senseless decision to jeopardize Continuum of Care (CoC) grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—which helps communities address homelessness—by placing new, potentially unlawful conditions on the grant funding. Joining Senator Murray for the roundtable were: Snohomish County Human Services Director Mary Jane Brell-Vujovic; Joe Alonzo, CEO of Cocoon House; Kathryn Opina, Interim CEO of Housing Hope; Mary Anne Dillon, Vice President of Permanent Housing for the YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish; Becky Megard, Chief Operations Officer of Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County; and Theresa Jones, a single mother of three whose family has benefitted from Housing Hope’s programs and who is now working toward obtaining her associate’s degree in Family and Social Services.

    Local governments and non-profits across the country that had qualified for the federal CoC grant programs were informed in March that this year’s funding would require recipients to comply with vaguely worded executive orders that Trump signed in the opening weeks of his second term, specifically related to immigration status, abortion and reproductive care, “gender ideology,” and DEI programs. Snohomish County had already been allocated $16.7 million in CoC grant funding this year—only to be told their receipt of that funding is conditional on meeting the requirements of the president’s various executive orders. CoC grant funding goes toward 23 programs that offer housing and supportive services for homeless individuals and families in Snohomish County. Snohomish County anticipates that its partner agencies—who provide rapid rehousing and rental assistance, as well as specific services for young adults, people with disabilities and survivors of domestic violence—would also not be able to sign off on the administration’s new conditions.

    Snohomish County is one of eight original plaintiffs in a King County-led coalition of local governments across the country who are suing the Trump administration over the potential loss of funding. The lawsuit was filed on May 2nd. Pierce County also joined the City and County of San Francisco, Santa Clara County, New York City, Boston, and Columbus (Ohio) in filing the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle, and at least 20 other local governments across the country have since joined the lawsuit, which also challenges similar conditions in U.S. Department of Transportation grant agreements. On May 8th, District Court Judge Barbara Rothstein granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) preventing the Trump Administration from imposing these conditions on CoC funds or withholding CoC funds based on the conditions, and on May 23 she extended that TRO to June 4.

    “Continuum of Care grant funding helps local organizations provide really important services for people experiencing homelessness—these are proven, effective investments that actually save communities money in the long run. But Trump is ripping away funding to prevent homelessness at the same time that he’s pushing Republicans to pass new, deficit-busting tax breaks for billionaires,” said Senator Murray. “Affordable housing and homelessness is a crisis and President Trump is making it a lot worse—from pushing out staff across HUD who work with groups like everyone here to keep programs running and get grants we pass out the door, freezing funding across the government, and turning federal funds meant to help people into a tool for his own partisan goals with outrageous, illegal restrictions that cut providers off from funds. President Trump hasn’t put out his full budget yet, but when it comes to housing, I’ve seen enough—he would kick millions out onto the street and make the homelessness and affordable housing crisis so much worse. Trump can write a budget, but Congress can tear it up—and we will as long as I have anything to say about it. I’ll keep fighting back in Congress to protect our investments in preventing homelessness when we write our funding bills and highlight the stories of organizations like the ones we heard from today.”

    President Trump’s “skinny budget” proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 would slash funding for HUD by almost 50 percent—a staggering cut that would decimate the HUD housing assistance programs, making millions of Americans vulnerable to homelessness. Trump’s budget proposes to convert all rental assistance programs into a formula-based “State Rental Assistance Block Grant” and reduce total funding by $26.7 billion, or a 42 percent cut. His budget also proposes to consolidate the CoC Program with the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program within the formula-based Emergency Solutions Grant and to time-limit assistance to two years, all while reducing overall funding by $532 million, or 12 percent. In addition, President Trump’s budget proposes to eliminate or reduce numerous HUD programs, including eliminating major formula programs communities rely upon to develop new affordable housing and for community development activities. The President’s full budget request has not yet been released. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray plays a key role in negotiating annual funding for HUD through the appropriations process.

    “Snohomish County has created one of the most successful Continuum of Care networks in the nation, and the federal support is essential to save lives and reduce human suffering,” said Snohomish County Department of Human Services Director Mary Jane Brell Vujovic. “There are no additional resources at the local or state level to make up for the federal funding, and the lives of people literally hang in the balance.”

    “If the most vulnerable members of our community—domestic violence victims, people with disabilities, unhoused youth and veterans—cannot receive basic life-saving support from the federal government, they will suffer and possibly die,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “The programs funded by the Continuum of Care are some of the most powerful tools to keep people off the streets and safe. We are very grateful for Senator Murray’s compassionate advocacy for these fundamental responsibilities of the federal government.”

    “Our housing program is a critical component of the safety net for survivors of domestic violence. It not only provides immediate refuge but also a foundation for long-term stability, recovery, and self-sufficiency. Without this vital support, families are at risk of cycling back into danger or falling into homelessness. Continued federal investment ensures that our shelter system remains responsive, accessible, and equipped to break the cycle of violence—one safe home at a time,” said Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County Chief Operational Officer Becky Megard.

    “The young people we serve don’t care about political power struggles, nor do they have interest in having their identities erased.  They want the opportunity to find a stable and supportive housing environment, to gain skills, and to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.  In this situation, they unfortunately stand to lose the most,” said Joe Alonzo, CEO of Cocoon House. “Loss of CoC funds will have immediate and ripple impacts on homeless youth and young adults in Snohomish County.  Without CoC funding or a viable replacement option, nearly 200 young people will experience loss of housing and vital supports.  These funds are critical for the operation of programs and services that were designed to address their unique situations.”

    “In Snohomish County, HUD Continuum of Care funds are the backbone of our homelessness response system. These funds are absolutely essential for providing services to individual families and ensuring that our system functions effectively,” said Kathryn Opina, Interim CEO of Housing Hope. “Without this funding, we will see a significant increase in homelessness, particularly for families with children and other vulnerable populations. Housing Hope thanks Senator Murray for fighting for this critical funding.”  

    “The women and families YWCA serves matter. Cutting funding only creates more barriers for those we serve, and these threats have the potential to be devastating. Even in the face of these challenges, it’s important that we continue to provide the services our community relies on,” said Mary Anne Dillon, Vice President of Permanent Housing at the YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish.

    “Housing Hope has been active in my life since 2020, so five years now,” said Theresa Jones, a 45-year-old single mother of three. “They were a godsend; they came into my life 2 months before everything shut down for COVID. At the time they came into life I was living in a motel room with my 3 daughters… And I was working two jobs, so it was ultimately up to my 16-year-old, with an autoimmune disease, to raise my younger two just so I could work to keep some sort of roof over our head and some sort of food. And every time I tried to get assistance, I was told I didn’t qualify or I made too much money, all because I didn’t check the right boxes. And so by the time Housing Hope came into my life, my kids were not going to school regularly because of mental and physical health reasons, with us being homeless. My physical health was getting worse… [Housing Hope] immediately got us into a family shelter. That way I could back off from working enough to help raise my family and to see what steps we needed to do next. They got me into a transitional housing unit, which I am still there, and it is a very big blessing. Because of having the safe and stable housing that I can afford, without having to struggle, I have been able to get myself and my children the mental health they need. We are now better physically than we have been in a long time, because I’m able to keep up with our physical issues as they come up instead of having to postpone them because I can’t afford to take off of work… Now I’m a full-time college student going to get my associate’s degree in Family and Social Services because that’s where I feel I can have the most impact.”

    Senator Murray has consistently worked to address Washington state’s housing crisis and has secured major federal investments to help families keep a roof over their heads. Throughout the pandemic, Senator Murray—then Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee—played a major role in writing federal COVID-19 relief legislation that secured major support for people facing housing insecurity, championing sizable investments in rental assistance and other programs that collectively resulted in the largest eviction prevention effort in American history. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bill Murray negotiated and passed as Appropriations Chair, Murray secured billions for HUD as well as millions of dollars in Congressionally Directed Spending for affordable housing projects throughout Washington state.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Summer EBT for school-aged children returns for second year

    Source: US State of Oregon

    regon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) is a food benefits program that helps shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school. Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child to buy food.

    This is the second year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program. On May 22, 2025, about 336,000 children got the benefit on an Oregon EBT card. Families should check their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com to confirm receipt.

    Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on May 22, 2025 should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov.

    “When school doors close for the summer, the need for regular, healthy meals doesn’t disappear. Last year, the summer EBT program bridged a critical gap for thousands of Oregon families, helping to replace those essential 10 meals per child, per week, that they receive when school is in session,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). “We are proud to continue this partnership with ODHS to not only feed children, but to nurture their potential during crucial developmental months. Our continued commitment ensures that summer can be a season of growth and opportunity for all children, regardless of their economic circumstances.”

    In 2024, about 362,000 children participated and received $43 million in Summer EBT food benefits their families spent in their local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places.

    “Summer EBT is one more way we can prevent kids from going hungry when school is out. Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director. “Child hunger can have lasting impacts on health and academic achievement. Getting every eligible child connected to Summer EBT will help Oregon’s children thrive year-round and as they grow up.”

    Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits?

    Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov.

    Your school-age child may be automatically eligible if:

    • Your family received Summer EBT benefits through an approved application in 2024.
    • Your family gets SNAP, TANF or Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and meets income rules.
    • Your child gets free or reduced-price school meals and meets income rules.
    • Your child is in foster care, in migrant education, in a qualified Head Start, experiencing homelessness, or part of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

    Children who are automatically eligible received Summer EBT on May 22, 2025.

    Your school-age child may be eligible by application if:

    • Your family meets the federal income requirements for free or reduced-price meals at school, and
    • Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

    Families must apply by Sept. 3, 2025.

    Receiving Summer EBT does not impact participation in other summer meal programs.

    Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.

    How will families receive Summer EBT food benefits?

    The benefits will be placed on an Oregon EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and more.

    Families that need a new card should call 855-328-6715, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT).

    Families that think their children may be eligible and didn’t get benefits on May 22 must apply by September 3. If approved, they will receive an Oregon EBT card by mail.

    Stolen Summer EBT benefits can’t be replaced.

    You can protect your Oregon EBT card and benefits from electronic theft by following a few simple tips.

    Where can families get more information?

    To learn more, or to apply, visit sebt.oregon.gov.

    Call the Oregon Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT) on weekdays. All relay calls accepted.

    More about Summer EBT

    Summer EBT became a permanent program for states and certain Indian Tribal Organizations through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Most states began providing Summer EBT in June 2024. Oregon’s participation was made possible through an investment from the Oregon State Legislature of $12 million. That investment will draw $83 million in federal funding to Oregon, mostly in the form of food benefits families will spend in their communities.

    Additional resources to help meet basic needs

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Weslaco

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of a SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Hidalgo County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents who sustained economic losses and physical damage from severe storms and flooding occurring March 26‑28.

    Beginning Friday, May 30, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in Weslaco to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    HIDALGO COUNTY
    Business Recovery Center
    Valley Metro Transit Center
    Boardroom
    510 S. Pleasantview Dr.
    Weslaco, TX  78596

    Opens at 12 p.m. Friday, May 30

    Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    The following BRC location is open and continues to serve survivors:

    CAMERON COUNTY
    Business Recovery Center
    Harlingen Chamber of Commerce
    311 E. Tyler Ave.
    Harlingen, TX  78550

    Mondays – Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Fridays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

    “SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

    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.

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

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or 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.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% 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 determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    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 apply for physical damage applications is July 21, 2025. The deadline to apply for 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 Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Florissant

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in St. Louis County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and wildfires occurring March 14-15.

    Beginning Friday, May 30, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Florissant to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    ST. LOUIS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    St. Louis County Library
    Florissant Valley Branch
    Quiet Room
    195 South New Florissant Rd.
    Florissant, MO  63031

    Opens at 1 p.m. Friday, May 30

    Mondays – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Fridays – Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

    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.

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

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or 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.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% 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 determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    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 filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 21, 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: Cantwell Convenes Rapid-Response Press Conference on Chaos for Ports, Businesses as Courts Rebuke Trump‘s Ability to Impose Arbitrary Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    05.29.25
    Cantwell Convenes Rapid-Response Press Conference on Chaos for Ports, Businesses as Courts Rebuke Trump‘s Ability to Impose Arbitrary Tariffs
    Port of Seattle Commissioner: “If we’re not seen as a reliable partner, it doesn’t mean that trade doesn’t continue – it just doesn’t go through our gateway”; Cantwell praises lower courts’ decisions to end Trump’s illegal tariffs
    SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman and Barry Barr, CEO of local outdoor apparel company KAVU, for a press conference overlooking the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 46 to respond to the chaos caused in the last 24 hours as President Donald Trump scrambles to keep his draconian tariffs in place amid court challenges.
    “Two courts have ruled against President Trump’s tariffs. They basically have said he’s exceeded his authority. For almost 24 hours, [business owners] just like Barry heard that good news and thought maybe we were having a reprieve against these terrible actions that are costing consumers more,” Sen. Cantwell said. “American businesses need a rules-based trade system. That means American families would have the certainty, not chaos and not higher prices. We know this: That when you start trade wars, usually that means you end up closing markets.”
    “In business, we need predictability. And it’s just been chaos and uncertainty – and we’re not sure what to do or even where to find the information to lead. Especially in sourcing and manufacturing – the timelines are so long and so far out there, several years, and we just don’t know where to go,” Barr said. “This court verdict is a great sign for American consumers. Hopefully prices won’t increase if we can get back to normal tariffs.”
    “These trade relationships are sticky, in that when you move to another market, once you set up these supply chains, they don’t all come back. And so this is a very dangerous period of time,” Commissioner Felleman said. “If we’re not seen as a reliable partner, it doesn’t mean that trade doesn’t continue – it just doesn’t go through our gateway or our country.”
    Video of the press conference is available HERE; photos are HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks are HERE.
    Last night, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump illegally overstepped his authority when he imposed tariffs on most U.S. trading partners on April 2, as well as the additional tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada.  The Trump administration appealed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals of the Federal Circuit, which this afternoon put a hold on the ruling while it will consider arguments in the case.
    Today, a second federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia also ruled that the President exceeded his authority and issued a preliminary injunction on the collection of the duties, while staying the court’s order for two weeks pending appellate review. The Trump administration also appealed this decision.
    In April, Sen. Cantwell introduced the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, and reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs. Her bill has since picked up 12 additional cosponsors – an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats – and been endorsed by multiple major U.S. business organizations, including the National Retail Federation, which is the largest retail trade association in the world. House members also introduced a bipartisan companion bill. On April 16, Sen. Cantwell joined nine local business owners and leaders at the Port of Seattle to push back against the Trump administration’s chaotic tariffs-first trade policy.
    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. More information about how those tariffs will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE.  
    For the past four months, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Case You Missed It: PHOTOS: Capito Delivers Remarks at GameChanger Annual Dinner

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – Last night, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered remarks at the Fifth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Dinner in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Senator Capito has long been a supporter of GameChanger, which was founded in 2018 to empower young West Virginians to lead healthy, drug free lifestyles as they prepare to be the leaders of tomorrow. 

    “GameChanger, a program designed by and for West Virginians, is not only a success story, but is a model for the rest of the country. I am proud to support GameChanger and the work they are doing to find creative solutions to the drug crisis that has devastated our communities. With organizations like GameChanger leading the way, we can envision a future without addiction,” Senator Capito said.

    Photos from the event are below: 

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at the Fifth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Dinner at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with GameChanger keynote speaker and former professional football quarterback, Tim Tebow, at the Fifth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Dinner at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Applauds Unanimous SCOTUS Decision Tightening NEPA Requirements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, applauded the unanimous decision from the Supreme Court of the United States in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County. Project opponents have used litigation over agencies’ obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to delay important projects, but today’s decision clearly narrows the scope of burdensome NEPA reviews, as well as the judicial review of those documents.

    Last September, Chairman Capito joined an amicus brief in the Supreme Court of the United States opposing the judicial expansion of NEPA, led by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), with U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

    “Today’s unanimous decision by the Supreme Court of the United States validates what my colleagues and I have long been saying, that NEPA obligations have been utilized beyond their scope to create roadblocks for infrastructure projects instead of protecting the environment. By focusing NEPA reviews on the impacts of the project at hand, instead of hypotheticals, we can move important infrastructure initiatives like pipelines, roads, and energy development swiftly to completion to benefit the communities they serve. The Court’s opinion also reins in lower courts’ reviews of the NEPA documents, which in many cases have unnecessarily invalidated projects by reviewing them under the wrong standard. This is a big win for permitting reform and will help states like West Virginia build again without endless litigation and needless delays,” Chairman Capito said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Requests Nearly $37 Million for 15 Local Projects in Fiscal Year 2026 Spending Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) has requested $36,773,695 for 15 local projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill. Larsen submitted the requests to the House Appropriations Committee as the Committee begins work on legislation to fund the federal government.

    “My priority in shaping spending bills is to invest in Northwest Washington communities,” said Larsen. “I will continue to work closely with community leaders and stakeholders to secure critical funding to create more jobs, build better infrastructure and improve vital services residents rely on.”

    The spending bill will include earmark funding for community projects that local leaders and stakeholders identified as critical to their communities. Larsen secured more than $19.3 million for 15 Northwest Washington projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 spending package, which was signed into law in March 2024.

    Northwest Washington Community Project Funding Requests

    Larsen requested the following earmarks to invest in Northwest Washington communities:

    Investing in a Cleaner, Greener, Safer and More Accessible Transportation System

    • Community Transit’s Bus Replacement Project: This project will enable Community Transit to purchase two battery electric buses with chargers to replace diesel buses that are beyond their expected useful life. ($3,000,000)
    • City of Lynden’s Pepin Flood, Agriculture, Salmon and Safety Transportation (FASST): This project will complete design and support construction of a new channel for Pepin Creek, and complete design and construction of the Pepin Parkway Bridge. ($2,448,000)
    • Snohomish County’s Everett Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements: The project will improve rail shipping capability, safety, and reliability for freight and intercity passenger service at the Everett Intermodal Yard. These improvements will benefit both BNSF freight trains and Amtrak Cascades service. ($2,000,000)

    Investing in Community Services

    • City of Anacortes’ Community Event Center: The project will support final design and construction for a central event space to host large-scale tourist-oriented events, local nonprofit events and private rentals located near the Anacortes waterfront and downtown. ($3,000,000)
    • Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s Food Center: This project will construct a mixed-use food center, including a community kitchen, shared farm stand, rental spaces, and gathering areas for pop-up shops, in addition to a home base for the San Juan Food Hub and local food bank. ($2,500,000)
    • City of Edmonds’ Food Bank and Community Engagement Space: This project will support an expanded facility for Edmonds Food Bank, including increased food bank space, a commercial kitchen, an urban garden and community meeting spaces. ($2,000,000)
    • City of Bellingham’s Bellingham Central Library Renovation: This project will support exterior renovation of the Bellingham Central Library, including updated windows, upgraded main and children’s entrances, and a refreshed plaza. ($2,000,000)
    • Whatcom County and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County’s (DVSAS) Douglas Building Preservation: This project will support the renovation of a building used by DVSAS to serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. ($1,510,295)
    • Whatcom County Sheriff Office’s Portable Radio Replacement Project: This project will support the purchase of new portable radios to replace outdated radios that are failing, allowing deputies to communicate clearly with dispatch and each other. ($600,000)
    • Orcas Senior Center’s Roof Replacement: This project will repair the failing roof of the facility, ensuring seniors can continue to access services. ($175,000)

    Investing in Education and Workforce Development

    • Edmonds College and Latino Educational Training Institute’s (LETI) Incubator for Family Success: This project will establish a comprehensive community center that includes a cultural retention and arts center, vocational school, commercial kitchen, deli-specialty store and child care circles. ($4,250,000)
    • Western Washington University’s (WWU) Shannon Point Marine Center Research Vessel: This project will support acquisition of a new research vessel for WWU marine and coastal science educational and research activities. ($1,490,400)

    Investing in Critical Infrastructure

    • Port of Everett’s South Marina Terminal Replacement Project: The project will replace the existing Dock 1 in the South Marina that has exceeded its useful life with a new structure that will provide greater utility capacity to serve potential small cruise and passenger ferry service. ($5,000,000)
    • Port of Edmonds’ North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction: This project will repair the Port’s seawall, which is urgently needed to protect the Port and surrounding community from flooding and extreme weather. The project will also create new public use spaces for recreational activity and replace the boardwalk to improve public access and increase economic development for the businesses on and surrounding the port. ($4,000,000)
    • Island County’s Recycling and Reuse Station: This project will build a new solid waste transfer station that will significantly enhance the efficiency of the county’s waste management processes, reducing costs for local rate payers and mitigating associated impacts to public health, safety and the environment. ($2,800,000)


    What Northwest Washington Community Leaders and Stakeholders Are Saying

    Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz on the Bus Replacement Project: “Community Transit ensures that people of all walks of life can easily and reliably get from where they are to where they want to be. In order to live up to this mission, it’s critical that buses are maintained and replaced according to schedule. We are grateful to Rep. Larsen for prioritizing the Bus Replacement Project, enabling us to serve customers with lower pollution buses that benefit everyone in Snohomish County.”

    Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis on the Pepin Flood, Agriculture, Salmon and Safety Transportation (FASST) Project: “The Lynden FASST project (Flood, Agriculture, Salmon, Safety and Transportation) is a significant investment in infrastructure for the city to provide housing opportunities in what is a difficult area of the city to develop.  With the support of Representative Larsen on this project, we will continue to develop the needed infrastructure in this area of the city and provide a variety of housing types.  We greatly appreciate Representative Larsen moving this project forward and investing in Lynden.”

    Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers on the Everett Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements Project: “We are grateful for Congressman Larsen’s support for this vital rail project. If we receive the funding, the renovated intermodal yard will allow us and our rail partners to continue a sustainable and low impact operation for our residents, ensuring public health and safety are prioritized.”

    Anacortes Mayor Matt Miller on the Anacortes Community Event Center project: “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Larsen for championing the Anacortes Community Event Center project. His support for this waterfront facility—developed in partnership with the Port of Anacortes—reflects a strong commitment to strengthening our community, our economy, and our shared public spaces. This proposed investment will help create a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike, and we appreciate the Congressman’s leadership in moving this vision forward.”

    Lopez Island Family Resource Center Executive Director Barbara Schultheiss on the Lopez Food Center Project: “The Lopez Food Center believes that a thriving local food system and strong economy are essential to a healthy, sustainable life here on Lopez. The construction of the food center will create a vital central gathering place—that will provide a much needed new space for the food bank; increase sales of local farm products with space for a communal farm stand and the San Juan Food Hub; creates opportunities for food businesses to grow/expand with storage, commercial kitchen and event space; and, provide critical trainings and supports for food businesses.  This shared facility will increase efficient food production and distribution and support the health and well-being of Lopez Island residents by increasing access to nutritious food and hands-on opportunities in the local food economy.”

    Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen on the Edmonds Food Bank and Community Engagement Space Project: “We greatly appreciate the leadership of Rep. Larsen to support the Edmonds Food Bank. We know that many people in our community are struggling with food insecurity, and sadly the numbers are increasing, so this funding request is vitally important.”

    Edmonds Food Bank Executive Director Casey Davis on the Edmonds Food Bank and Community Engagement Space Project: “We are incredibly grateful to Representative Larsen for continuing to advocate for our community. As the need for food assistance continues to rise and other critical funding sources are eliminated, this $2 million request is vital to help us build a new facility that meets the growing needs of the individuals we serve in a respectful and efficient way. A new food bank and community engagement space will allow us to provide not only nutritious and culturally relevant food, but also deeper connection, dignity, and resources for long-term stability for our entire community. We cannot do this alone, we need the strength of continued partnerships to make this vision a reality.”

    Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund on the Bellingham Central Library Renovation Project: “Our library is a well-loved institution that gives community members opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. We are grateful for Rep. Larsen’s request for funding, which would help us make the library more accessible, comfortable, and welcoming, especially for families and children.”

    Whatcom County Health and Community Services Co-Health Officer Dr. Amy Harley on the DVSAS Douglas Building Preservation Project: “Whatcom County Health and Community Services is pleased to support the rehabilitation of the Douglas Building, the home of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) in Bellingham. Washington. The Douglas building is used to provide critical counseling, legal support, and children’s programs for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation, and is an essential part of the continuum of care for this vulnerable population. The Douglas Building, however, is more than a building – it’s a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Whatcom County. Investing in its rehabilitation will ensure that DVSAS staff can continue to provide high-quality, trauma-informed care in a safe and trusted location, where individuals and families can begin the process of healing with dignity and respect.”

    Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County on the DVSAS Douglas Building Preservation Project: “Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) extends its deepest gratitude to Congressman Larsen and his team for their efforts in prioritizing funding to preserve our downtown support center. Securing this vital funding guarantees continued access to essential services for individuals experiencing domestic or sexual violence, ensuring survivors have a lifeline to safety and immediate access to crisis services. Congressman Larsen’s commitment to preserving our downtown support center ensures everyone in our community has access to safety and support, now and for years to come.”

    Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley on the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department Portable Radio Replacement Project: “Great training and bullet-proof vests aren’t all that keep our Patrol Deputies safe. Portable radios ensure deputies can communicate hazards, status and needs in the field. During the upcoming World Cup – with matches in Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. – increasing traffic through Whatcom County, it is vital that radios are interoperable with international agencies. Our current portables are not. We are grateful to Congressman Rick Larsen for his support of this essential need.”

    Orcas Senior Center Board Member John Ehrmantraut on the Orcas Senior Center Roof Replacement Project: “As Chair of Orcas Senior Center, I can’t stress enough how critical it is to replace our aging roof —not just to protect the building, but to safeguard the essential services and sense of community this space provides to Orcas Island residents. This center is a cornerstone of our island community, and protecting it means protecting the people who rely on it every day.”

    Edmonds College President Dr. Amit Singh on the LETI Incubator for Family Success Project: “Edmonds College is committed to our partnership with LETI in supporting first generation immigrants and their success. This resource center will empower individuals and families by providing assistance with everything from navigating social services to pursuing higher education. I am very thankful to Representative Larsen for his ongoing support of LETI and Edmonds College.”

    Founder & CEO of Latino Educational Training Institute Rosario Reyes on the LETI Incubator for Family Success Project: “We deeply appreciate Representative Larsen’s support for LETI’s Incubator for Family Success and are grateful to Edmonds College for joining us as a vital partner in this initiative. This new center will serve as a lasting community hub for Latino and low-income families in Snohomish County—a place to celebrate culture, host life events, and access essential services. With dedicated offices and classrooms, LETI will continue advancing its mission to empower Latino families through education, business development, family health, and support for financial advancement.”

    Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa on the Shannon Point Marine Center Research Vessel Project: “Western Washington University appreciates Representative Larsen’s efforts to include funding for a new research vessel at Shannon Point Marine Center as part of the FY26 budget. If funded, this investment will significantly enhance our ability to study the Salish Sea and surrounding coastal ecosystems while expanding hands-on research opportunities for Washington’s next generation of scientists.”

    Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber on the South Marina Terminal Replacement Project: “The reconstruction of Dock 1 will bring new commercial opportunities to the Everett waterfront, including possible passenger-only ferry service and small regional cruise visits for the first time to the area. This investment in transportation infrastructure will benefit jobs and recreation, therefore investing in our economy. The Port of Everett appreciates Congressman Larsen’s support of this infrastructure investment.”

    Port of Edmonds Commission President David Preston on the North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction Project: “We are grateful to Representative Rick Larsen for his continued support of the North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction Project. The Port will utilize funds to advance our project into its third and final phase. Vital repairs to the marina seawall will protect the Port and the surrounding area from flooding, erosion, and storm surges. At the same time, the improvements to the Port’s boardwalk will enhance the public’s use and experience on the waterfront.”

    Chair of the Board of Island County Commissioners Jill Johnson on the Island County Recycling and Reuse Station Project: “We are incredibly grateful for Representative Larsen’s leadership and support for Island County. Federal funding for the Island County Recycling and Reuse Station will improve upon and expand the county’s waste removal and recycling capacity, directly enabling growth and increasing environmental resiliency.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Leads Colleagues in Urging Meta Halt Deployment of Companion Bots to Children

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Lori Trahan (MA-03), member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, wrote to Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg to urge immediate action to halt the deployment of all AI-powered social companion bots to users under the age of eighteen and any AI companion bot that simulates the likeness of a child or teen.

    “It is our understanding that Meta facilitates inappropriate ‘romantic role-play’ with these companion bots that alarms even employees of your own company. These inappropriate AI systems pose significant safety risks to children and teenagers who use Meta’s platforms. It is paramount that social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp keep wellness, safety and the best interests of its youngest users at the center of all designs, and we do not believe that these chatbots meet these criteria,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The lawmakers continued, “According to reporting, Meta staff specifically warned leadership that design choices ‘gave adult users access to hypersexualized underage AI personas and, conversely, gave underage users access to bots willing to engage in fantasy sex with children.’ Despite these internal warnings, Meta reportedly proceeded with deploying these technologies to maximize user engagement by loosening guardrails around sexual content in the process.”

    The lawmakers’ letter follows a Wall Street Journal investigation that uncovered Meta’s AI companion bots engaged in sexually explicit conversations with accounts registered to minors, and continued inappropriate interactions while acknowledging the user was underage. Some bots went on to incorporate the minor’s age into sexual scenarios and discussed ways to avoid detection by parents. The investigation further revealed that some of Meta’s most popular companion bots are designed to impersonate children and teens, enabling adult users to engage in sexual roleplay with simulated minors.

    Rep. Castor discussed the harms posed by chatbots on children in a recent Energy and Commerce hearing as House Republicans advanced their policy in a budget reconciliation package that included a ten-year state ban on regulating artificial intelligence.

    Read the full letter here:

    Dear Mr. Zuckerberg,

    We write with strong concern regarding reports of Meta deploying AI-powered social companion bots to users under the age of 18, as well as deploying “companion bots” that simulate the likeness of children and teens. It is our understanding that Meta facilitates inappropriate “romantic role-play” with these companion bots that alarms even employees of your own company. These inappropriate AI systems pose significant safety risks to children and teenagers who use Meta’s platforms. It is paramount that social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp keep wellness, safety and the best interests of its youngest users at the center of all designs, and we do not believe that these chatbots meet these criteria.

    A Wall Street Journal investigation has documented alarming instances in which Meta’s AI companion bots engaged in sexually explicit conversations with accounts registered to minors. Even more disturbing, the investigation found that some bots continued these inappropriate interactions while acknowledging the user was underage, with some bots even incorporating the minor’s age into sexual scenarios and discussing ways to avoid parental detection. The investigation further revealed that some of Meta’s most popular companion bots are designed to impersonate children and teens, enabling adults to engage in sexual roleplay with these simulated minors.

    The dangers posed by these AI systems are substantial and immediate. Children and teens are especially vulnerable to forming unhealthy attachments to AI companions, which can lead to:

    • Psychological dependency and addiction to these technologies;
    • Disruption of normal social development and real-life human interactions;
    • Exposure to age-inappropriate sexual content and conversations; and
    • In the most tragic cases, serious harm or death. 

    This follows a troubling trend that we have seen from Meta over the years. According to reporting, Meta staff specifically warned leadership that design choices “gave adult users access to hypersexualized underage AI personas and, conversely, gave underage users access to bots willing to engage in fantasy sex with children. “Despite these internal warnings, Meta reportedly proceeded with deploying these technologies to maximize user engagement by loosening guardrails around sexual content in the process.

    This prioritization of profit and engagement over child safety follows a disconcerting pattern. Internal documents revealed in litigation have shown that Meta has knowledge of the negative impacts its engagement-maximizing features have on minors’ mental health and wellbeing, yet the company continues to push for increased usage among young users.

    We urge Meta to take immediate action to halt the deployment of all AI-powered social companion bots to users under the age of 18 and halt the deployment of any AI companion bot that simulates the likeness of a child or teen.

    Additionally, we request that you provide answers to the following questions by June 6, 2025:

    1. Please identify what factors or training have led Meta’s AI companions to speak explicitly with known minor users.
    2. Please identify what factors or training have led Meta’s AI companions that simulate the likeness of children and teens to speak explicitly with known adult users.
    3. Please provide all internal communications, reports and analyses regarding the safety risks of Meta’s AI companions.
    4. Please provide all internal warnings, concerns, or objections raised by Meta employees leading to deployment.
    5. Did Meta conduct any research into or test the mental health impact of launching its AI companion bots to underage users? Please provide all relevant internal research or testing into the safety of Meta’s AI companions.
    6. What safeguards will Meta implement to ensure that known adult users cannot engage in sexually explicit conversations with AI companions that simulate the likeness of children and teens.
    7. Please provide a comprehensive list of all AI companion bots available on Meta platforms that are designed to simulate minors or that could appeal specifically to children and teens.

    Almost a year and a half has passed since you publicly apologized to parents, many who’ve lost their children, for damage inflicted by Meta’s products and promised to undergo “industry-leading efforts to make sure that no one has to go through the types of things that your families have had to suffer.” Some of Meta’s youngest users have experienced sexual exploitation, been cyberbullied, or have developed unhealthy eating habits or suicide and self-injury behaviors that have been promoted to them by Meta’s algorithms. Despite this, Meta has deployed its new harmful companion bot feature, prioritizing profits over the safety and wellbeing of children and teenagers. It is Meta’s responsibility to facilitate an online environment that is safe, especially for your youngest users.

    We look forward to your prompt response and to working together to ensure the protection of children and teens online.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde Investigates the Merger A SPAC III Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: ASPCU)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with 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. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating A SPAC III Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: ASPCU) relating to the proposed Merger with Bioserica International Limited 禾素國際有限公司. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, relating to the proposed merger with Under pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the aggregate consideration to be paid to existing shareholders and holders of equity awards of Bioserica is $200,000,000, which will be paid entirely in stock, comprised of newly issued Class B Ordinary Shares of the Purchaser at a price of $10.00 per share.

    Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/a-spac-iii-acquisition-corp/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. 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 one 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: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde Investigates the Merger of Informatica Inc. (NYSE INFA)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with 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. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating Informatica Inc. (NYSE INFA) (“Informatica”) related to Informatica’s agreement to be acquired by Salesforce. Under the terms of the agreement, Informatica shareholders will receive $25.00 per share in cash.

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

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. 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 one 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: Mfume Formally Announces Bid for Oversight Committee Ranking Member Seat

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    BALTIMORE, MD – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement regarding his decision to formally pursue the role of Ranking Member on the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. 

    “I am formally announcing my candidacy for Ranking Member of the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. 

    Click here to access my full “Dear Colleague” letter to Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives announcing my bid.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –