NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI: EverGen Infrastructure Corp. Announces Receipt of TSX Venture Exchange Final Approval of Real Property Sale and Update to Previously Announced Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverGen Infrastructure Corp. (“EverGen” or the “Company”) (TSXV: EVGN) is pleased to announced that, further to its press release dated March 17, 2025, the purchase and sale agreement dated March 13, 2025 with an effective date of February 28, 2025 (the “Agreement”) between 2065947 Alberta Ltd. and James Betts (collectively, the “Purchasers”) and Fraser Valley Biogas Ltd. (the “Vendor”), a subsidiary of the Company, has received final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”).

    The Agreement was entered into in connection with the disposition of certain real property having a municipal address of 2016 Interprovincial Highway, Abbotsford, B.C. V3G 2H8 and legally described as Parcel Identifier: 010-837-906, Lot 79, Section 13, Township 19, New Westminster District Plan 4211 (the “Property”) by the Vendor to the Purchasers (the “Transaction”) for a total purchase price of $2,620,000 (the “Purchase Price”), with $870,000 (the “Deferred Amount”) to be paid by the Purchasers upon the completion of the sale of a separate property owned by the Purchasers on or prior to December 31, 2025, though the sale is currently anticipated to be completed by the end of May 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of the Transaction provide that certain buildings, structures and equipment situated on the Property and the Company’s existing lease agreements are not included in the Purchase Price.

    In accordance with the terms of the Transaction, the Vendor has leased a portion of the Property from the Purchaser for a term of up to 20 years. The Vendor will pay $186,000 in rent to the Purchasers, calculated on an annual basis, though the amount of rent payable will be reduced to $124,236, calculated on an annual basis, during the time period when the Deferred Amount is outstanding. Additionally, the Purchasers were also assigned a lease between the Vendor and a third-party in respect of a portion of the Property and as a result, certain existing lease payments will now be directed to the Purchasers.

    As James Bett’s is the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, the Transaction involves a Non-Arm’s Length Party (as such term is defined under the polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) and constitutes a “related party transaction” under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The Company is relying on the exemption from the valuation requirement pursuant to Section 5.5(b) (Issuer Not Listed on Specified Markets) of MI 61-101 and from the minority shareholder approval requirement prescribed by Section 5.7(1)(a) (Fair Market Value Not More Than 25 Percent of Market Capitalization) of MI 61-101 as of the time of the Agreement in respect of the Transaction.

    Financing Update

    Further to the Company’s press release dated April 23, 2025, EverGen wishes to provide an update on the previously announced share purchase and reorganization agreement with Ask America, LLC (the “Share Purchase and Reorganization Agreement”) and the connected private placement of common shares of the Company for total gross proceeds of up to CAD$7,000,000 (the “Private Placement”). Subject to final TSXV approval, all material conditions precedent that may be satisfied prior to closing of the Agreement have been satisfied, including receipt of the requisite shareholder approvals, and the Company anticipates closing as soon as final TSXV approval is received.

    About EverGen Infrastructure Corp.

    EverGen, Canada’s Renewable Natural Gas Infrastructure Platform, is combating climate change and helping communities contribute to a sustainable future. Headquartered on the West Coast of Canada, EverGen is an established independent renewable energy producer which acquires, develops, builds, owns and operates a portfolio of Renewable Natural Gas, waste to energy, and related infrastructure projects. EverGen is focused on Canada, with continued growth expected across other regions in North America and beyond.

    For more information about EverGen Infrastructure Corp. and our projects, please visit www.evergeninfra.com.

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes”, and or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, regulatory, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the delay or failure to receive required approvals (including shareholder, board, third party, TSXV and regulatory approvals); the timing of completion of the sale of a separate property owned by the Purchasers in relation to the payment of the Deferred Amount; and the closing of the Share Purchase and Reorganization Agreement and the Private Placement, including the acceptance of the TSXV of the Private Placement. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, EverGen assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws.

    Contacts
    EverGen Infrastructure Corp.
    Co-founder & CEO
    Mischa Zajtmann
    604-202-7004
    mischa@evergeninfra.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Reminder: Extension to submit financial security during CARM transition period ends on May 20

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 14, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system was launched on October 21, 2024. A transition period was introduced to give commercial importers additional time to post their financial security electronically while continuing to benefit from the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Program. This transition period is ending at 3 am EDT on May 20, 2025.

    The CBSA strongly encourages importers to enrol in RPP and make arrangements to post financial security before the end of the transition period. Once enrolled in the RPP Program and security is posted, importers are not required to visit a commercial office to pay for the duties and taxes owed at time of release of their commercial shipment. RPP enrollment also means that importers can avoid longer paper-based process and higher processing times. Importers who are not enrolled in RPP will have to pay all duties and taxes at a CBSA office before goods can be released at the border.

    The CBSA has also published a Customs Notice 25-22 reminding importers that the transition period will be ending and providing additional information on how goods can be processed efficiently at the border. Importers are encouraged to consult this Customs Notice and take any action required prior to May 20.

    Every year, over 99 per cent of the 29 million released goods are cleared using RPP as it offers a highly facilitative process. The CBSA is aware that the end of the transition period impacts importers who have not yet adapted to the new process. To ease this transition, the CBSA has been consistently communicating this change and preparing operational procedures to ensure border fluidity is maintained.

    There are also steps that transporting carriers and freight forwards can take today for a smoother border crossing experience on May 20, such as:

    The CBSA introduced several measures, which were developed with input and feedback from stakeholders, to make this transition easier. These included: 

    • Importers with a CARM Client Portal account or a history of importing commercial goods into Canada within the past four years were granted a 180-day period with an additional 30 day extension within which goods could still be released prior to the payment of duties and taxes without requiring the importer to give a security. New importers could also benefit from the remainder of the transition period upon enrolment in the CARM Client Portal following the Release 3 implementation in October 2024;
    • A 12-month broker business number transition period to support the use of broker business numbers, in certain scenarios, to submit accounting on behalf of their importer clients who have not yet registered in the CARM Client Portal;
    • The CBSA also installed 117 Kiosks with access to the CARM Client Portal at CBSA commercial sites across the country;
    • Reallocated staff to support the implementation of CARM, including more staff to assist the CARM Client Support Helpdesk;
    • Published web content, including customs notices and user guides, promoting on social media, updating using news releases and direct messages to importers, hosting hundreds of webinars; and,
    • Published a list of financial security providers that have been accredited by the CBSA.

    The CARM Client Support Helpdesk is available to provide support and the CBSA has added resources and a dedicated work flow for CARM registration enquiries. User guides and the CARM Go-Live Playbook are also available on the User Guides web page to help clients navigate the CARM Client Portal. Clients requiring support for Electronic Data Interchange or Application Program Interface may contact the CARM Technical Support Unit. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Pesticides & Veterinary Drugs into the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Ruben Montes, of Calexico, California, was sentenced today in federal court to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay $12,710 in forfeiture for conspiring to smuggle and distribute more than $3 million worth of Mexican pesticides and veterinary drugs that are not approved for use in the United States.

    “A secure border is vital to ensuring the health and safety of Americans,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting those who violate our environmental and customs laws and jeopardize the health and safety of our citizens.”

    “Bringing in and selling pesticides and veterinary drugs illegally puts both people and the environment at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “These unregulated products can be harmful to animals, insects, and humans. Our office is committed to holding accountable anyone who chooses profit over public safety.”

    According to filings and evidence presented in court, Montes coordinated the smuggling of pesticides and veterinary drugs from Mexico into the United States since 2020. The primary pesticides involved were Taktic and Bovitraz, which are not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the United States. The smuggled veterinary drugs included Tylocet, Terramicina, Tetragent Ares and Catarrol, which are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States.

    Montes requested that his co-conspirators bring pesticides and veterinary drugs — unavailable for purchase in the United States — from Mexico into the United States. Montes and his co-conspirators brought them into the United States without declaring them at the border. He and his co-conspirators then hid the pesticides and veterinary drugs in storage units in Calexico and retrieved them for distribution throughout the United States. Specifically, Montes and his co-defendant Gutierrez, who remains at large, supplied most of the pesticides and veterinary drugs to individuals charged in another case, United States v. Toledo, et. al., (case number 22-cr-1965-JAH, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California). Montes was also involved in shipping about 150 packages of unapproved products to another co-conspirator in Texas.

    According to the EPA, the active ingredient in the pesticides Taktic and Bovitraz is amitraz, which is toxic to bees if released into hives, and then ultimately to humans when it ends up in honey, honeycomb, and beeswax. Misuse of amitraz-containing products in beehives can result in exposures that could cause neurological effects and possibly reproductive effects in humans from the consumption of contaminated honey. Signs of neurotoxicity from exposure to amitraz have been documented in multiple animal species and include central nervous system depression, decrease in pulse rate, and hypothermia.

    Assistant Section Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabet Brown for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Votes Against Republican Bill That Cuts $230 Billion From SNAP, Leads Effort to Protect SNAP Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), voted against House Republicans’ Budget Reconciliation bill that would steal $230 billion in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

    “To gift trillions of dollars in tax cuts to their billionaire friends, Republicans are taking food from the mouths of those who need our help the most, including children, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities,” said Congressman David Scott. “That is why I filed several amendments removing all SNAP funding cuts in their disastrous and cruel Reconciliation bill. When given the opportunity to protect this crucial nutrition program millions of their constituents rely on, every single Republican voted against it. I voted NO for these irresponsible cuts on behalf of the more than 280,000 Georgians in my district and the 42 million American who rely on SNAP to not go hungry.” 

    “The Atlanta Community Food Bank helps neighbors facing food insecurity by connecting them to resources to meet their nutritional needs. SNAP is a key part of this effort, as more than 43% of people facing food insecurity in Georgia are eligible for SNAP benefits, according to a recent Feeding America study,” said Sarah Fonder-Kristy, Chief Development Officer of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “The Food Bank is grateful to Congressman Scott, and his long and steadfast support for those in need of nutrition assistance through the federal government and USDA. Food banks, alone, will not be able to fill the increasing meal gap in our communities, which is why SNAP is critical to providing continued food support for those who are struggling.”

    To cut $230 billion in SNAP funding, the Republican budget would impose unrealistic and harsh work requirements, reduce monthly benefits, and prevent benefit rate adjustments from increasing in the future. These changes will make millions of existing SNAP recipients ineligible overnight. They would also increase food insecurity across the country while Republicans are decreasing funding for other forms of food assistance, such as food banks and local pantries. As many as six million SNAP recipients could be at risk of losing benefits under this Reconciliation bill.

    SNAP provides assistance to over 42 million Americans, including 1.2 million low-income veterans. In Georgia’s 13th District, 282,731 households receive assistance through SNAP—more than half include young children. Beyond slashing $230 billion from SNAP benefits, the Republican Reconciliation bill calls for $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and $330 billion in cuts to federal education programs.

    In addition to leading an amendment to remove all SNAP funding reductions, Congressman David Scott led an amendment to prohibit the implementation of any provision of the bill related to SNAP until USDA and all state agencies confirm that this bill would not cause a reduction of participation in SNAP for Veterans or the surviving families of Servicemembers or Veterans who died during active duty or from a service-related disability. All Republicans voted against this amendment as well.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson Announces Winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced the 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner: Emma Zacherl, a sophomore at Clarion-Limestone High School.

    Ms. Zacherl, of Clarion, won for her water mixable oils painting, titled “Waiting.” An independent panel of judges selected Ms. Zacherl’s work from 72 entries. Ms. Zacherl also took home the top prize in the 2024 art competition. The winners were announced Saturday during an exhibit at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in DuBois, Pa.

    “Congratulations to Emma Zacherl on another first-place win in the Congressional Art Competition,” Rep. Thompson said. “Emma is an exceptional artist, and I continue to be impressed by her skills. I look forward to welcoming her again to Washington, D.C. to celebrate this achievement.”

    The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.

    Ms. Zacherl’s artwork will be displayed in a special exhibit in the U.S. Capitol for one year with winners from each congressional district in the nation. She is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. with other winners, which will take place in June.

    2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:

    First Place 
    NAME: Emma Zacherl
    SCHOOL: Clarion-Limestone High School
    SUBMISSION: Waiting
    HOMETOWN: Clarion, Pa.
    TEACHER: Karl Jacobson

    Second Place
    NAME:  Nefeli Dionysiou Karali
    SCHOOL:  DuBois Area Senior High School
    SUBMISSION: Feline Feminism
    HOMETOWN: DuBois, Pa.
    TEACHER: Cheyenne Kanouff

    Third Place 
    NAME:  Madison Ray
    SCHOOL: Clarion-Limestone High School
    SUBMISSION: Modern Sax
    HOMETOWN:  Strattanville, Pa.
    TEACHER:  Kendra Zerbe

    Fourth Place 
    NAME:  Kaleb Gooden
    SCHOOL:  Keystone High School
    SUBMISSION: Maturity
    HOMETOWN: Shippenville, Pa.
    TEACHER:  Janet Hockman

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson, Bonamici Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Community Services Block Grant Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today introduced the Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 to update the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program.

    The CSBG program is the only federal program with the singular mission of fighting poverty. The program supports more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in nearly every county across the United States.
     
    For more than 60 years, CAAs have provided a range of holistic services to low-income individuals and communities across the country, including education, skills development, financial literacy, and other services promoting economic independence. CAAs serve an estimated 10 million low-income individuals annually, representing nearly 5 million families across the U.S., providing a critical “first stop” for those in need to navigate the resources available to them. 

    “The Community Services Block Grant fulfills a core American value: neighbors helping neighbors in need,” Rep. Thompson said. “This bipartisan legislation reaffirms our commitment to reducing poverty to strengthening communities across the country, provides much needed reforms to ensure community action agencies across the country can continue to serve vulnerable populations, and ultimately will help put those in poverty on the path to independence.” 

    “Congress created the Community Services Block Grant program to assist low-income individuals and families during challenging times while addressing the causes and conditions of poverty,” Rep. Bonamici said. “The program funds Community Action Agencies and benefits millions of people across the country. I am pleased to join my colleague Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson in leading this bipartisan update to CSBG to provide Oregonians and Americans with opportunities that will help them achieve stability so they can thrive rather than struggle.”
     
    “Representatives Thompson and Bonamici have a proven record of putting Americans first, and we thank them for their leadership on this bipartisan bill. It supports strong, successful community programs nationwide and brings local solutions, innovation, opportunity and hope to every corner of the country. The bill also reinforces Community Action’s commitment to performance, accountability and using every federal dollar wisely. Thanks to the steadfast, bipartisan leadership of Representatives Thompson and Bonamici, this bill will be a breath of fresh air for every American community when it passes.”- David Bradley, National Community Action Foundation CEO

    COMMUNITY SUPPORT
    “I am deeply thankful for Congressman GT Thompson, who has consistently been a true champion for Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Inc. and the Community Services Block Grant. His unwavering support ensures that we can continue to provide vital programs and services like the Weatherization Assistance Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, sixteen (16) food pantries, Medical Assistance Transportation Program, and four (4) HUD subsidized housing projects to individuals and families across Clearfield and Centre Counties (10,312 individuals in 2024). Without his advocacy, our ability to meet the growing needs of the community would be severely limited. We are fortunate to have a representative who truly understands and values the impact of community action.” – Michelle Stiner, Executive Director, Central Pennsylvania Community Action
     
    “Congressman Glenn Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for Armstrong County Community Action Partnership (ACCAP), consistently recognizing the vital role local organizations play in improving lives and creating stronger, more resilient communities. His support ensures that Armstrong County families have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive, including access to nutritious food, which is fundamental to health and stability. ACCAP operates the Armstrong County Foodbank; we have 16 food pantries spread throughout the county. In 2023, our foodbank distributed nearly 12,000 boxes of food, and in 2024, that number rose to nearly 19,000 boxes. That is a 63% increase in one year. Congressman Thompson understands these types of challenges communities face, especially in rural counties like Armstrong. We’re grateful for his continued commitment to the work our agency does every day – lifting people up, fostering self-sufficiency, and building a brighter future for everyone.” – Marlene Petro, Executive Director, Armstrong Country Community Action Partnership
     
    “For the last sixty years, the Community Services Block Grant has been a catalytic tool employed across the United States to improve conditions for people with low incomes, empowering them to gain the skills needed to live stable, economically secure lives and be active and engaged members of their local communities. Organizations who steward the block grant in their local service territories have helped set the foundations for individuals and communities to flourish and thrive. Our agency has chosen to adopt food security and agricultural services as a foundational pillar of community health and vitality. Food security work is not simply concerned with the availability of food, but it is also concerned with the nutritional health of that food and how it contributes to the ability of a human being to grow and flourish. We believe that food, farms, and farmers are not only foundational to an individual’s ability to grow and flourish, but also to community health and prosperity. Representative G.T. Thompson’s interest in both agriculture and the Community Services Block Grant speaks to his leadership in these areas and his commitment to ensuring that communities across the nation maintain access to all the resources available that contribute to community and individual prosperity.” – Sandra Curry, Executive Director, Community Partnership, Inc.
     
    “Congressman Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for Community Action, Inc. and the vital work we do to assist low-income individuals striving for self-sufficiency. His leadership as Vice Chair of the Congressional Community Action Caucus and his dedication to reauthorizing and improving the Community Services Block Grant Program demonstrate his unwavering commitment to fighting poverty. Congressman Thompson’s community-oriented approach, including his active participation in local events and openness to discussing collaborative projects, highlights his role as a true friend of the community. His efforts to expand resources and eligibility for CSBG ensure that the essential services we provide like emergency shelter, weatherization, food assistance and veteran housing assistance remain accessible to those who work hard but need a helping hand. His bipartisan advocacy continues to strengthen the foundation of Community Action, Inc. and uplift countless lives.” – Misty Fleming, CEO, Community Action, Inc.

    ABOUT THE BILL
    The Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 will reauthorize this critical program for ten years and make long-overdue updates to improve federal efforts to reduce poverty. Updates to the CSBG program include:

    • Reauthorizing the CSBG Act for 7 years and increases the resources available to CAAs to fulfill the program’s mission
    • Permanently raising income eligibility for participation in the CSBG program to 200 percent of the poverty line, which is the current, temporary threshold for the program
    • Increasing transparency and accountability for federal CSBG dollars, ensuring states and CAAs are maximizing federal investments
    • Authorizing a Broadband Navigator Program to respond to the broadband and digital needs of low-income families and communities
    • Requiring federal and state training and technical assistance to be responsive to local economic conditions, including natural disasters, that may create economic insecurity

    To read the full bill text, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson, Sewell Introduce Solid American Hardwood Tax Credit Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    Bipartisan bill will level playing field for American-grown and manufactured hardwood products

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the Solid American Hardwood Tax Credit Act to allow individual taxpayers to include solid American manufactured hardwood products, such as flooring and paneling, as qualified home energy efficiency improvements under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. By including hardwood materials as eligible products for this credit, the legislation will provide meaningful environmental and economic benefits.

    As a building material, hardwood actively sequesters carbon and serves as long-term carbon storage in residential structures. Carbon storage reduces the impact of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and helps support more sustainable practices. By ensuring hardwood materials are fairly counted as an energy efficient home improvement, this legislation will help lower the cost of housing, strengthen American manufacturing, and protect American jobs.

    “Pennsylvania is blessed with some of the finest hardwoods in the world, which have provided thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth,” Rep. Thompson said. “This bill supports the Trump Administration’s timber production and housing affordability initiatives, ultimately helping to lower housing costs and strengthen American industry. I look forward to continuing to advocate for domestic hardwood production.”
     
    “Alabama’s rich history and association with timber farming and hardwood product sale & production is integral for a strong statewide economy,” Rep. Sewell said. “This legislation will help preserve American jobs in the lumber and hardwood industries by combating bad actors in China that have begun to flood markets with inadequate imitations of U.S made products.”
     
    “Without active management, responsible harvesting, and robust markets, the health of our hardwood forests—and the industries and communities that depend on them—are at serious risk.  Providing consumers with a tax credit to purchase real, American grown, American manufactured solid hardwood products over cheap, imported substitutes will save thousands of American jobs and small businesses in rural America,” said Dallin Brooks, Executive Director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson, Stevens Introduce Resolution Celebrating 60th Anniversary of SkillsUSA 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Haley Stevens (D-MI) today introduced a resolution celebrating the 60th anniversary of SkillsUSA.

    Since 1965, SkillsUSA has been a leader in equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy, serving more than 15 million students and professional members. SkillsUSA has been instrumental in encouraging career and technical education (CTE), closing workforce gaps, and helping students pursue fulfilling careers.

    “I’ve long championed career and technical education and its role in strengthening our communities and economy,” said Rep. Thompson, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional CTE Caucus. “SkillsUSA is leading the charge when it comes to closing skills gaps and preparing the next generation of workers with technical acumen, professionalism, and the confidence they need to succeed.”

    “This bipartisan resolution recognizes the importance Career and Technical Education (CTE) and SkillsUSA’s contributions to growing CTE,” Rep. Stevens said. “In Michigan and across the country, SkillsUSA has provided pathways to prosperity for students and supported the workforce businesses need to innovate through CTE. As our state and our country looks to compete in the 21st century economy and create quality middle class jobs, we will need to stay laser focused on the critical CTE work done of SkillsUSA.”

    “As we celebrate SkillsUSA’s 60th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey of our organization as a national workforce development leader—empowering millions of students across the country to find purpose, direction, and opportunity through CTE,” said Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. “This resolution is a powerful recognition of the lasting impact our students, educators, and industry partners have made in closing the skills gap and driving innovation across the American economy. We are deeply grateful to Representatives Thompson and Stevens for their leadership in bringing this resolution forward.”

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Veasey Continues Call for Hegseth to Resign

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: Congressman Veasey Continues Call for Hegseth to Resign

    Washington, DC: Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) continues his call for the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, to resign or be fired in light of revelations Hegseth leaked classified intelligence on Signal more than once:

    “The latest revelations about Secretary Hegseth recklessly leaking classified military operations over Signal—to his wife, his brother, and his personal lawyer— is another clear reason why Hegseth is unfit to lead the Department of Defense,” said Congressman Veasey. “His few short months as head of DoD have been marked by chaos, corruption, and crime. His appointment is a clear and present danger to our troops and our national security.

    Hegseth has no business overseeing our national defense. I am demanding a full investigation and calling on Secretary Hegseth to resign immediately—before his next text message gets someone killed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Congressman Marc Veasey (Member, India Caucus) on the Terrorist Attack in Kashmir

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: Statement from Congressman Marc Veasey (Member, India Caucus) on the Terrorist Attack in Kashmir

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey, Member of the India Caucus, released the following statement following a terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, 2025: 

    “I am horrified and heartbroken by the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir today that claimed the lives of more than 20 innocent people. This senseless violence is an act of pure evil, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

    Terrorism in any form is unacceptable, and the United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners in India as they confront these cowardly attacks. 

    This attack also hits close to home. Many families in North Texas—especially in the Valley Ranch area—have loved ones and deep ties to the region. To those in our own communities feeling fear, sorrow, and anger today: you are not alone. My office stands with you and we are ready to provide support.

    We will not allow extremists to sow fear, hatred, or division. We will continue to stand firmly for peace, justice, and security—for the people of India, for our Indian American neighbors, and for all who reject terrorism in all its forms.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Veasey Demands Critical Dallas County Funding be Restored to Contain Measles Outbreak in Texas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: Rep. Veasey Demands Critical Dallas County Funding be Restored to Contain Measles Outbreak in Texas

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), along with Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-33) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), demanded that $7.7 million in public health grants for Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) abruptly terminated by the Trump Administration be restored to address the measles outbreak that has reached the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  

    “DCHHS relied on this critical funding to safeguard public health in one of the most populous and fastest-growing metroplexes in the nation,” the Members wrote. “Stripping these resources without warning, amid a serious and unprecedented outbreak, significantly undermines Dallas County’s ability to respond to measles and other communicable diseases, placing millions of residents at immediate risk. We demand answers regarding this decision and urge the CDC to take swift corrective action to mitigate the harm caused by the revocation of these life-saving funds.”

    In the midst of a surging measles epidemic, the revoked funding included three major pandemic grants totaling $70 million, including a Vaccination Capacity Grant that was being used to coordinate measles vaccination clinics throughout Dallas County. Without this grant, DCHHS has had to cancel these vaccination clinics, just as the first case of measles was reported in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in a middle-school child on April 23rd. 

    The members are demanding answers from CDC on why this critical funding was revoked in the middle of an unprecedented measles outbreak, and how DCHHS can have the funding restored, immediately. 

     

    To read the full letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Veasey Blasts Republicans for Silencing Lung Cancer Survivor at Medicaid Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: Rep. Veasey Blasts Republicans for Silencing Lung Cancer Survivor at Medicaid Hearing

    Washington D.C.-  In a disturbing escalation of Republican efforts to gut Medicaid behind closed doors, Republicans on the Energy & Commerce Committee tonight silenced a constituent and lung cancer survivor who dared to speak out against their disastrous healthcare cuts that would be a death warrant for millions of Americans.

    Carla, a Texan and daughter of a WWII Veteran, dialed into the E&C Committee’s hearing to share her powerful story—how she lost her health insurance after the startup she worked for collapsed, and how Medicaid became her only lifeline after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Rather than listen, Republicans cut her off and attempted to reprimand Congressman Veasey for standing up for her right to be heard.

    Why the censorship? Because Republicans are pushing a $715 billion tax cut for billionaires—paid for by slashing Medicaid and ripping healthcare away from millions of Americans. And they’re doing it in secret: scheduling the Medicaid portion of the hearing in the dead of night to bury the news and avoid accountability.

    “They’re not just cowards—they’re liars,” said Congressman Veasey. “They’re lying about Medicaid. They’re too scared to face their own constituents at town halls, and too ashamed to defend their cuts in daylight. They tried to silence Carla—but I (we) won’t be silenced. If Republicans won’t defend Medicaid or the people who rely on it, then I will. To Trump and Republicans: STOP CAPPIN’.”

    From running away from the American people to shutting down voices in committee, Republicans are proving they can’t defend their own actions—because they know the truth would infuriate the voters they’re betraying.

    Congressman Veasey and Democrats vow to keep fighting back—loudly, publicly, and relentlessly—because Medicaid should not be a sacrifice for billionaires’ tax breaks.

    Rep. Veasey repeatedly called out Republicans for lying to the American people about Medicaid. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi, House Democrats Challenge Trump’s Unlawful, Chaotic Imposition of IEEPA Tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. —  Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined 147 Democratic Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief late Monday night challenging President Donald Trump’s sweeping and chaotic tariffs unlawfully imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The lawmakers’ brief stands up for Congress’s Article I exclusive legislative power to impose tariffs and regulate commerce, and argues that IEEPA does not give the President the power to impose reckless, on-again-off-again tariffs, which have wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy.

    The amicus brief was led by Task Force Co-Chairs Joe Neguse and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin; House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; and Ranking Members Gregory Meeks of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Richard E. Neal of the Committee on Ways and Means. It was filed in the matter of Oregon, et al., v. Trump, et al. which was brought forth by 12 States’ Attorneys General.

    “President Trump’s senseless tariffs are harming San Franciscans and hardworking families across the country,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “House Democrats are committed to defending working families from economic chaos and protecting Congress’s constitutional power to regulate trade. That’s why I proudly House Democrats’ Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force in filing an amicus brief challenging the President’s reckless, unlawful tariffs—because the American people deserve economic stability, not fear and uncertainty.”

    The Constitution gives Congress, not the President, the authority to impose tariffs, and the President can only raise tariffs if Congress has clearly delegated its authority to him. Although IEEPA (enacted in 1977) grants the president authority to impose sanctions, block foreign assets, and regulate economic transactions in response to “unusual and extraordinary threats” originating abroad, it is not a tariff statute and has never been used that way. Congress knows how to delegate tariff authority and has clearly done so on a number of occasions. When Congress does delegate such authority, it imposes substantive, procedural, and temporal limits on the president’s power in order to avoid economic chaos and protect the American people. 

    The full brief is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi, Democratic Women’s Caucus to Committee Republicans: Don’t Cut Medicaid and SNAP, Stand with Women and Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined 42 Democratic Women’s Caucus members led by DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Policy Task Force Co Chair Deborah K. Ross (NC-02) in sending a letter to the Republican Members of the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture Committees. The letter urged Republicans to stand with women and families by protecting Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs women and families need to thrive in their budget.

    In the letter, sent Monday evening ahead of markups this week, DWC members explained why Medicaid and SNAP are so important for women and families across America, and how devastating these cuts will be to women already struggling to put food on the table or provide for their families:

    “62% of SNAP households serving children are headed by a single adult, of which 92% were headed by women. We have a simple question for you: will you stand with single moms trying to feed their kids or with billionaires? Cuts to SNAP could steal food from the mouths of 11 million children ages 5 to 17; 4.4 million children under the age of 5; and 7.8 million seniors ages 60 and older. With rising grocery prices, this devastation will be felt even harder.”

    …

    “Ripping health care away from pregnant women and closing down rural hospitals under the guise of ‘eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse’ is nothing but a poor excuse for abandoning women, babies, and your duty as a Member of Congress. There are many ways to reduce fraud and keep women safe–we call on you to protect women and babies by voting against any and all cuts to Medicaid and other essential health programs.”

    The Members also called on Republicans to “consider the experiences of your constituents who are navigating increasing costs while raising a family and preserve or increase the Child Tax Credit to help women and families.”

    The full letter can be accessed here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM meets with counterparts from LAC countries

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held meetings with Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina, Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda, and Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Reina, Sosa and De la Fuente are in China for the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum.

    When meeting with Reina, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China appreciates Honduras’ reaffirmation that it adheres to the one-China principle, and supports Honduras in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and dignity.

    China is willing to share its governance experience with Honduras, stands ready to assist Honduras in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions and is supported by its people, and will continue to provide assistance — within its own ability — to improve people’s livelihoods and capacity-building in Honduras, Wang said.

    Reina said the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries were deeply inspired by the important cooperation initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and noted that Honduras will firmly abide by the one-China principle and translate the important consensus reached between the two heads of state into more tangible achievements.

    During his meeting with Sosa, Wang said that China appreciates Bolivia’s resolute commitments to upholding national dignity and legitimate rights and interests, undeterred by external interference.

    Wang extended congratulations to Bolivia on joining BRICS as a partner country, saying that China is willing to enhance communication and cooperation with Bolivia within multilateral mechanisms. Both sides should work together to continue advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, he added.

    Sosa said that Bolivia is a firm defender of multilateralism and the right to national self-determination, attaches great importance to BRICS cooperation, and is willing to leverage this platform to strengthen solidarity and mutual support within the Global South. She also noted that adherence to the one-China principle is Bolivia’s firm position.

    When meeting with De la Fuente, Wang said that China places its relations with Mexico in a pivotal position in its diplomacy with LAC countries. He said that guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, China is ready to share with Mexico its experience in comprehensively advancing Chinese modernization and the opportunities presented by China’s vast market.

    China welcomes more high-quality products from Mexico to enter the Chinese market, and will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Mexico, Wang added.

    De la Fuente said that Mexico upholds its sovereignty and independence, and will continue to abide by the one-China principle, adding that Mexico will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as connectivity, science and technology, agriculture, tourism and direct flights, and constantly enrich the substance of Mexico-China relations. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Applauds House Committee Markups Advancing President Trump’s Economic Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today applauded U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri) and U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Kentucky) on successful committee markups that move Congress one step closer to delivering on President Trump’s economic agenda.
    “We have been working closely with our House counterparts on the Ways and Means Committee, the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Administration on a unified goal: to extend pro-growth tax policy, ensure Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money, provide additional tax relief to those who need it most, and take long-overdue action toward getting our fiscal house in order.  These committees have taken significant steps by passing legislation that builds on the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and preserves and strengthens federal health care programs, and I commend Chairmen Smith and Guthrie for the progress they have made.  The Senate will continue working through its process to make Trump’s tax cuts permanent and deliver additional tax relief for American workers and families, and I look forward to continued coordination with our House colleagues.  I am confident we can build on this momentum and deliver on our shared vision of restoring economic prosperity and opportunity for all Americans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch, Lummis Introduce Bill to Protect Firefighters, Communities from Wildfire Threats

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) led their colleagues in introducing the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025 to safeguard firefighters, communities and property across the West from the destructive impacts of wildfires.
    “Uncontrolled wildfires wreak havoc on communities and landscapes throughout the West—burning close to one million acres in Idaho last year alone,” Crapo said.  “This bill ensures the heroic men, women and agencies battling raging fires can continue deploying aerial fire retardant when people’s lives, homes, possessions and Idaho’s vast natural expanses are threatened by blazing infernos.”
    “Our response to devastating wildfires must not be delayed by extremist, activist litigants,” said Risch.  “The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act ensures timely access to fire retardant and protects Idaho’s communities, forests and way of life.”
    “In Wyoming and across the West, we understand all too well the devastating toll wildfires take on our communities,” said Lummis.  “Without timely access to fire retardant, lives and homes are at risk.  In an emergency, we cannot afford to let bureaucracy slow down our response, and this legislation ensures firefighters have the tools they need to protect lives, property and public lands.”
    Crapo, Risch and Lummis are joined by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) as original co-sponsors.
    The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act ensures that federal, state, local and tribal firefighting agencies can continue using fire retardant to combat wildfires without being hindered by permitting delays.  Specifically, it creates an exemption under the Clean Water Act, clarifying that a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is not required for the use of fire retardant in active firefighting operations.
    Currently, agencies like the U.S. Forest Service operate under longstanding EPA guidance dating back to 1993, which states that fire control qualifies as a “non-point source silvicultural activity,” and thus does not require an NPDES permit.  Despite this, environmental groups have filed lawsuits seeking to halt the use of fire retardant until such permits are issued—a process that could take years.
    If the injunction is granted and fire retardant is not available for use in 2025, firefighters and individuals living in forested areas would be in greater danger and billions of dollars of infrastructure would be at risk.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch Send Letter Backing President Trump’s Call for Full Dismantlement of Iran’s Nuclear Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in sending a letter to President Donald Trump regarding the Administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran.  The letter calls on the Trump Administration to secure a deal that results in the full dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program, including permanently ending the regime’s capacity to enrich uranium.  The letter was signed by 51 Senate Republicans.  The letter states:
    “We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your Administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment.
    “We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did.  The Iranian regime should know that the Administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated,” the letter continues.  “As always we stand ready to provide you and your Administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests.”
    The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Steve Daines (R-Montana), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Shelly Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Ashley Moody (R-Florida), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Dan Sullivan (R-Arkansas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Todd Young (R-Indiana), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina).
    Read the full letter here or below:
    Dear Mr. Trump:
    We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your Administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment.
    During your first term you withdrew the United States from the deeply broken Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and imposed maximum pressure on the regime.  As you said then, a fatal flaw of the deal was that it “allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium and, over time, reach the brink of a nuclear breakout.”  The JCPOA allowed Iran to sell oil, provided waivers allowing third countries to help Iran build out its nuclear program and included the termination of United Nations sanctions on the regime.  Despite critics claiming your withdrawal from the deal would allow Iran to advance its nuclear ambitions, the Iranian regime remained deterred from making substantial nuclear progress throughout your term because of your maximum pressure campaign.
    Tragically, the Biden Administration systematically undid that pressure, functionally re-implementing the nuclear deal.  They immediately rescinded your decision to reimpose U.N. sanctions, allowed Iran to sell oil at JCPOA-levels and even re-issued waivers allowing Iran to build out its nuclear program.  As you predicted, those policies indeed allowed Iran to reach the brink of nuclear breakout, which is where they are today.  The Biden Administration made those concessions without any reciprocal concessions from Iran, and Iran even ceased providing international inspectors access to significant parts of its nuclear program in the early days of the Biden Administration.
    The scope and breadth of Iran’s nuclear buildout have made it impossible to verify any new deal that allows Iran to continue enriching uranium.  In its most recent report, published on February 26, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that because of Iran’s activities over the last four years, “the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and current inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and UOC, which it will not be possible to restore.”
    You and your Administration have therefore correctly drawn a redline against any deal that allows Iran to retain any enrichment capability.  Your National Security Presidential Memorandum on Iran stated that “Iran’s nuclear program, including its enrichment- and reprocessing-related capabilities and nuclear-capable missiles, poses an existential danger to the United States and the entire civilized world,” and you recently said that only “full dismantlement” of those capabilities would be acceptable.  Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff has made it clear in that context of negotiation that for any final arrangement to work, “Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.”
    We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did.  The Iranian regime should know that the Administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated.
    As always, we stand ready to provide you and your Administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Asks Nominees About Bridge Funding, PFAS Remediation, USACE Project Prioritization

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led ahearing on the nominations of Sean McMaster to be Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), John Busterud to be Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Adam Telle to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
    During the hearing, Chairman Capito questioned the nominees about initiatives to support our nation’s bridges through FHWA policy and funding, the importance of federal efforts to address PFAS contamination, and promptly addressing priority projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    FHWA BRIDGE FUNDING AND POLICY:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO:
    “[West Virginia’s] geography requires to have a lot of those bridges. So, we need a strong federal partner in the FHWA, it’s critical to our success. You know, a lot of progress has been made with the IIJA, but are there any policy and funding proposals that we should consider including in the next reauthorization, which we’re getting to work on, to further address regionally significant or bridge projects?”
    SEAN MCMASTER:
    “Senator, I appreciate the question, I know you’ve been a champion for bridges. For the Federal Highway Administration, bridge safety is a paramount importance issue. It’s critical to the safety of our traveling public. It’s critical to our supply chain. As we look to support reauthorization, there is work still yet to be done. Tremendous progress over the last few years, when I served at HNTB, I was fortunate to work in support of the Brent Spence Bridge, which after 20 years, is now finally realizing development. I look forward to supporting you, if I’m confirmed. I know it’s of paramount importance for the Federal Highway Administration, and I look forward, if confirmed, to supporting your efforts through reauthorization to identify additional ways we can accelerate the maintenance and enhancement of our nation’s bridges on the highway system.”
    ADDRESSING PFAS CONTAMINATION:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO:
    “I was pleased to see the EPA release an agency wide plan setting bold goals to tackle this crisis. If confirmed, you will be responsible for leading OLEM’s major role in the strategy, from updating PFAS destruction guidance, to enforcing the polluter pays principle. How would you lead in this way and help us tackle this very difficult and far-ranging problem of PFAS contamination?”
    JOHN BUSTERUD:
    “PFAS is a high priority issue for EPA and the Administrator, on April 28 as you noted, announced a suite of programs basically taking a whole of EPA approach to addressing PFAS across its major program offices. As you noted, and as we discussed in our conversation in your office, OLEM will play an important role to increase the frequency of guidance we give on PFAS destruction. It has been every three years. We’re going to commit to providing those updates on an annual basis, and there was great interest in that. OLEM will also look at and examine its RCRA authorities to prevent releases of PFAS from manufacturing facilities and other facilities which use PFAS. And you mentioned the polluter pays issue, and I support that entirely, and we will continue with that approach. The issue of passive receiver is very important to a number of senators on your committee and others. That is an issue that, if confirmed, I pledge to work with our dedicated career staff and to look at ways in which we can avoid a situation in which customers of water utilities would be forced to pay for contamination they didn’t put in the water to begin with, and I look forward to working with your committee on that.”
    USACE PROJECT PRIORITIZATION:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO:
    “We had a hearing on the Corps of Engineers and the implementation of some of their programs. This is a daunting challenge, I think, to step into the position that you’re in because the slowness and the sluggishness of some of the work that we know is critical is, I think, universally felt by all of us. This goes to the fact that the Army Corps is actively working on nearly 100 ongoing feasibility studies and general reevaluation reports. These will result in projects later on, as you know, in authorizations and appropriations. How will you ensure that projects and other activities are appropriately prioritized in work plans, and balance the competing water resources in the country?”
    ADAM TELLE:
    “Chairman Capito, you’ve identified the fundamental issue as it relates to this nomination, which is, this is a complex and exhaustive set of challenges. The demand for the Corps’ work is greater than the supply. The Congress is incredibly interested in the projects and the work of the Corps of Engineers, as you have identified. And the core principle, and when it comes to prioritization in a constrained budget environment is to follow the law, and the law says that the Corps’ primary missions are navigation, enabling Commerce on America’s waterways, flood mitigation and control, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. And so those have to be the primary beacons when it comes to prioritization, examining how the projects meet those missions as the Congress has laid them out, setting priorities on the basis of benefits versus costs, life and safety, and other factors that ultimately will play into all these decisions, and it’s a complicated one.”
    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.
    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Equipment Manufacturer Sentenced for Tax Evasion

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A Florida man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for evading nearly $2.4 million in taxes on income he earned from his business.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Roger Whitman manufactured and sold Rife machines, devices that use energy waves to purportedly treat a wide range of medical conditions. Between 2002 and 2018, Whitman generated millions of dollars in gross receipts from the sale of such equipment. Whitman also has a long history of non-compliance with his tax obligations, having not filed an individual income tax return since 1997 and not made any tax payments since 2000.

    In 2012, the IRS assessed nearly $800,0000 in taxes against Whitman for 2002 through 2009 and then began trying to collect these taxes from him. To thwart the IRS’s collection efforts, Whitman formed a trust with his girlfriend serving as the trustee. Whitman then directed his income from the business into the trust’s bank accounts and used the funds from these accounts to pay personal expenses. In approximately July 2019, to further thwart IRS efforts, Whitman formed a new entity to operate his business.

    Through his actions, Whitman caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $2.4 million.

    In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge John Antoon II for the Middle District of Florida ordered Whitman to serve one year of supervised release and pay $2,314,220.15 in restitution to the IRS.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Melissa Siskind of the Tax Division prosecuted the case, with assistance and support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Financial Advisor Sentenced for Promoting Illegal Tax Shelter and Stealing Client Funds

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A Florida financial advisor was sentenced today to eight years in prison for orchestrating a nearly decade-long scheme to promote an illegal tax shelter and to steal client funds.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Stephen T. Mellinger III, of Delray Beach, was a financial advisor, insurance salesman, and securities broker operating in Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, and elsewhere. Beginning in late 2013, Mellinger conspired with others to promote an illegal tax shelter whereby clients would claim false tax deductions for so-called “royalty payments” to fraudulently reduce their taxes. In reality, the “royalty payments” were merely a circular flow of money designed to give the appearance of genuine business expenses. Typically, a client would send money to bank accounts controlled by Mellinger and his co-conspirators, who then sent the money, minus a fee, to a different bank account that the client controlled. Tax shelter participants retained control of the money they transferred, while falsely deducting the transfers as business expenses on their tax returns.

    In total, Mellinger and his co-conspirators helped clients prepare tax returns that claimed over $106 million in false tax deductions, which caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $37 million. Mellinger and a co-conspirator, who was a relative, collectively earned approximately $3 million in fees from the scheme.

    In January 2016, Mellinger learned that several of his clients were under investigation and that the United States had started seizing their funds. Mellinger and the relative subsequently stole more than $2.1 million from some of the clients, a portion of which Mellinger used to buy a home in Delray Beach.

    In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett for the Southern District of Mississippi ordered Mellinger to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $37 million in restitution to the United States.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon for the Southern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Atlanta Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations and Director of DCIS Kelly P. Mayo made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Richard J. Hagerman, William Montague and Matthew Hicks of the Tax Division, Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Senate Colleagues, Gonzales Introduce Bill to Combat Devastating Screwworm Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) today introduced the Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act, which would authorize funds for and direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin construction on a new sterile fly production facility to combat the growing New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak that threatens to wreak havoc on the American cattle industry:
    “Combatting the destructive New World screwworm is vital to protecting our cattle, Texas producers, and the American livestock industry as a whole,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am proud to lead this legislation to create a new facility dedicated to pushing these pests away from our border and will continue to work with Secretary Rollins and agriculture leaders across the state to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and producers have the resources they need.” 
    “Texas agriculture and livestock are a core part of the Texas economy, and they feed America and the world,” said Sen. Cruz. “I’m working daily with Secretary Rollins, Texas authorities, and my colleagues in Congress to safeguard Texas from threats including the New World Screwworm, and pushing Mexico to implement their commitments to eradication. This bill will advance those efforts, and Congress should pass it.”
    “Given the current screwworm outbreak, Congress must take immediate action to help protect New Mexico’s cattle and livestock from this growing threat,” said Sen. Luján. “This bipartisan legislation will fund a new sterile fly facility to help stop the spread of the destructive New World screwworm and protect New Mexico’s 1.4 million cattle and calves. This is a critical investment that supports over 10,000 cattle farms and ranches in New Mexico, saves the U.S. livestock industry nearly $1 billion each year, and helps prevent an outbreak in the U.S.”
    “Ag producers across America are sounding the alarm—the New World Screwworm is making a comeback, and our livestock industry is in real danger. We need to fully eradicate this pest before it’s too late,” said Rep. Gonzales. “The STOP Screwworms Act provides dedicated resources to do just that. By authorizing the construction of a new sterile fly facility in the United States, we reduce our dependence on Latin American partners for eradication efforts and take matters into our own hands.”
    Additional cosponsors of this legislation include Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
    Background:
    The New World screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on livestock, wildlife, and in rare cases, humans, and populations are moving toward the United States at an alarming rate. They can cause serious damage to their host, including death. This week, the USDA announced the suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through the southern border in response to the growing spread of the NWS and recent outbreaks in Mexico.
    This new facility would produce sterile male screwworm flies that would be released into infested areas to help combat the growth of the screwworm population. The sterile fly technique was instrumental in eradicating NWS from the United States in the 1960s and from Mexico in the ‘90s, as sterile male flies can outcompete local populations and effectively wipe out an entire generation of screwworms in a given area.
    This legislation is endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Texas Farm Bureau, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the South Texans’ Property Rights Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Op-Ed: Getting Tough on Water Treaty

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in The Monitor praising the Trump administration for prioritizing the push for Mexico to live up to its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty and previewing his next steps in the fight to bring relief to the South Texas agriculture community.
    Getting Tough on Water Treaty
    Senator Cornyn
    The Monitor
    May 13, 2025
    https://myrgv.com/opinion/2025/05/13/commentary-getting-tough-on-water-treaty/
    The Rio Grande Valley is home to farmers and ranchers who supply the nation’s grocery stores and represent billions of dollars in economic activity. In 1944, Mexico and the United States made an agreement to share the waters of the Rio Grande. Under this treaty, Mexico and the U.S. agreed to deliver set amounts of water every five years to one another. While that may seem straightforward, this deeply flawed agreement has the Lone Star State’s tensions with Mexico at a tipping point, and I’m working with the Donald Trump administration to get this fixed and protect Texas agriculture.
    While the United States and Texas have kept their side of the agreement, faithfully delivering water from the Colorado River to Mexico as set out in the treaty, Mexico has been delinquent. They’ve not met their full obligations in years. Four years into the current five-year cycle, Mexico a balance of more than 60% of their five-year water delivery obligation outstanding and due in just over six months.
    As the senior senator from Texas, I’ve been using every lever at my disposal to hold Mexico accountable. I’ve worked with the Appropriations Committee here in the Senate to prohibit funds from going to Mexico until they hold up their end of the bargain. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked this effort.
    I secured provisions that authorized block grants to provide relief to South Texas farmers and ranchers who are affected by water shortages. While these grants offered some relief, the White House has the ultimate authority to enforce the treaty and hold Mexico accountable.
    The Joe Biden administration’s response epitomized its weak posture on foreign policy. I demanded that the State Department put pressure on Mexico to fulfill their obligations. I hosted multiple calls with Secretary Anthony Blinken, urging him to listen to what Texans were experiencing and hold Mexico accountable for failing to meet their treaty obligations. But the Biden administration didn’t care. In characteristic ineptitude on the world stage, President Biden and Secretary Blinken did nothing to hold Mexico accountable.
    Thankfully, under President Trump we have an entirely new landscape. Last month, thanks to President Trump, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Mexico has finally agreed to start making deliveries again. This much-needed development will make a difference for South Texas farmers. But while this is an important step in the right direction, I will not consider this work finished until Mexico is making consistent water deliveries.
    Nothing short of annual water deliveries will fulfill Mexico’s obligations to the United States. Mexico must give one-fifth of the required water every year in order to meet the 1.7 million acre-feet quota and give South Texas farmers and ranchers the predictability they need.
    Given Mexico’s current water shortages, it is unlikely that they will meet this total requirement by the end of the cycle, and they can’t blame Mother Nature for their failure to plan. Furthermore, even if they could suddenly deliver the required amount left before time runs out, this would not make Texas farmers whole.
    Consider how farming works. Farmers cannot go four years without irrigating their crops, and suddenly make up for it in year five when their fields are dry and decimated. Cattle and other livestock won’t last long without water, either. This is exactly what Mexico has been doing to South Texas farmers, and it is unacceptable.
    I will continue to push this issue in the Senate until South Texas farmers are receiving the water they deserve. My efforts will include introducing legislation and holding a hearing in the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, which I chair. I will also continue working with the Trump administration to strengthen the terms and enforcement of the treaty as part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement review process.
    The United States has kept our end of the treaty. Mexico must be held accountable until they have done the same. I will not stop fighting until Texas agriculture is receiving the predictable, yearly water deliveries that Mexico is obligated to provide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES DURING POLICE WEEK: “IT’S TIME TO HONOR THOSE HEROIC OFFICERS”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries took to the House floor to hold House Republicans accountable for refusing to follow the law and honor the heroes who protected the United States Capitol on January 6.

    JEFFRIES: Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of H.Con.Res.33, a bill directing the Architect of the Capitol to install at a permanent location on the Western Front of the United States Capitol building, an honorific plaque listing the names of all of the officers of the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and protective entities who responded to the violence that occurred at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 and ask for its immediate consideration of the House. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry?

    This is Police Week, pursuant to Public Law 87-726, enacted on October 1 of 1962. Police Week here in the United States Congress, where Congress honors the courage, the bravery, the service, the sacrifice and the heroism of members of law enforcement. Is that correct?

    Do the House rules require compliance with the 2022 Public Law 117-103, signed by the President at the time, that requires a plaque listing the name of all police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 to be placed on the Western Front of the Capitol building? Do the House rules require compliance with that public law?

    We appear to be in violation of the House rules, given that the law that was passed in 2022 required that a plaque honoring those heroic police officers be placed on the Western Front of the Capitol building no later than March 15, 2023. But 791 days have passed, and this Republican Congress has refused to comply with the law. It’s time to honor those heroic officers. It’s unconscionable, it’s unpatriotic, it’s unfathomable, it’s unacceptable and it’s un-American. And you need to honor those officers and treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

    Full exchange can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon’s Bipartisan Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA) Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

    Bacon’s Bipartisan Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA) Passes House

    Offers Real Solutions to Terrorism and Mass Shootings

    Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) secured House passage of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA), H.R.2243, with a 229-193 vote. The bipartisan legislation includes seventeen Republican members as cosponsors and was co-led by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28).

    The bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act will improve public safety by allowing qualified law enforcement officers who have committed themselves to our communities the opportunity to continue doing so by extending their concealed carry privileges. The legislation removes existing prohibitions and will allow trained professionals to respond quickly to emergencies, should they happen to be in public places such as shopping malls, school zones, mass transit, etc. During the 118th Congress, the LEOSA Reform Act was passed by the House of Representatives in a 221-185 vote. 

    “I’m pleased today the House passed my bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act, which offers real solutions to address threats such as terrorism and mass shootings by ensuring that our retired and off-duty law enforcement officers can exercise their right to concealed carry – no matter where they live or visit,” said Rep. Bacon. “These measured changes will make existing law stronger and more workable for those who seek its benefits while maintaining the rigorous standards that currently apply. I want to thank Rep. Henry Cuellar for his support of this important legislation. I also want to thank our extensive list of local and national law enforcement organizations supporting the LEOSA Reform Act.” 

    Locally, the sheriffs of the three counties for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District and other law enforcement agencies support the legislation: Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, Sarpy County Sheriff Greg London, Saunders County Sheriff Chris Lichtenberg, Omaha Police Association President Patrick Dempsey, and Nebraska State FOP President Anthony Connor.  

    The bill also was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), The Air Marshal Association, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA), International Union of Police Associations, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI,International Association of Chiefs of Police, Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD, Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), and National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Steil Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Survivors of Scams and Prevent Future Scams

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

    Washington, DC – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09) and Dan Meuser (PA-09) this week introduced a resolution to designate May 8th as National Scam Survivor Day.  

    “Last year, 2.6 million Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to scams,” said Steil. “I commend each American who has spoken out to raise awareness after falling victim to scams.  We must continue to share our experiences to prevent common scams and block new ones as they arise. I will continue working to prevent others from falling victim to scams.” 

    The National Scam Survivor Day resolution encourages scam survivors to tell their stories to combat the stigma that may prevent individuals from seeking the guidance and assistance they deserve. Additionally, the legislation urges a collaborative approach to support scam survivors and prevent future scams among government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.  

    “Criminals are getting better and better at scamming our families, especially our seniors, out of their hard-earned money. It’s completely unacceptable and has to be stopped,” said Harder. “By creating a National Scam Survivor Day, we can remove the stigma around falling victim to scams and help hold these criminals accountable.”

    Meuser said, “Scammers stole over $12 billion from hardworking Americans in 2024 alone—including $400 million from Pennsylvanians—targeting seniors, veterans, and young adults. Financial institutions work tirelessly to educate and protect their customers, but as scams become more sophisticated, so must our response. National Scam Survivor Day is about standing with victims, raising awareness, and demanding stronger action from Congress and law enforcement to stop these criminals and protect families across the country.”

    CLICK HERE to read the resolution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP. MAXINE WATERS MOURNS THE LOSS OF FORMER U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ALEXIS M. HERMAN

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    “Today, the nation mourns the loss and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Alexis M. Herman. My thoughts and prayers are with her three children and extended family during this difficult time. 

    “Alexis, who lived a life of service, became the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor under the Clinton Administration. I had the privilege of working alongside her with Rev. Jesse Jackson and later in Congress, and witnessed firsthand her tenacity and compassion. She was also a devoted leader within the National Council of Negro Women. Throughout her work, she broke barriers not only for Black women but for all women who followed her into public service roles. 

    “Alexis championed initiatives that promoted minority women’s employment within businesses, establishing diversity as a crucial hiring objective long before it became a widespread practice. Her leadership in this area has transformed countless workplaces across our nation. Her steadfast dedication to workplace equity, fair labor practices, and economic opportunity for all Americans set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire those in public service today. I extend my deepest condolences to all who loved her.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS DENOUNCES PLANS TO DOWNSIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND WITHDRAW FROM WORLD LEADERSHIP, ESPECIALLY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released a statement in response to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of a restructuring of the State Department, which includes the elimination of 132 bureaus and offices and which follows the dismantling of USAID. Her statement follows:

    “Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent announcement about significantly cutting back the U.S. State Department’s presence around the world is a shortsighted abandonment of our nation’s global leadership, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. By eliminating the Bureau of African Affairs after dismantling USAID programs, we jeopardize our diplomatic ties and public presence in one of the world’s most vibrant regions and also create serious vulnerabilities in our national security.

    “The United States has invested in African peace-building efforts, humanitarian assistance, and global health initiatives for decades with bipartisan support, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it serves our national interest. What Secretary Rubio is suggesting would undo decades of progress and send a clear message to the world that the U.S. is no longer a dependable partner in global development and diplomacy.

    “Recent cuts to programs like PEPFAR, which saved millions of lives, tell our strategic partners and allies we are retreating from the world stage. This sudden abandonment of global leadership creates a void that is likely to be filled by bad actors, including China and Russia. 

    “This Administration is dismantling our soft power, sidelining diplomatic expertise, and attempting to silence the voices of global health, development, and human rights advocates in the United States and around the world. This is not reform, it’s retreat! Congress cannot be complicit and stand idly by. We need congressional oversight and public opposition to uphold America’s long-defined values on the world stage. 

    “I will continue to fight – along with my colleagues in Congress, the diplomatic community, human rights advocates, and the American public – to stop these reckless cuts and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to principled, proactive global leadership.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Waters, Senator Merkley Launch New Effort to Boost Congress’ Oversight of Trump’s Mass Firings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    Washington, D.C. – As the Trump Administration continues mass firings of federal employees, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, today introduced first-of-its-kind legislation to strengthen Congress’ authority to protect workers and override federal staffing cuts implemented without consultation.

    The Reduction in Force (RIF) Review Act empowers Congress to overrule any president’s workforce cuts at all federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Health and Human Services. The bill makes RIF plans subject to the Congressional Review Act (CRA) and bolsters Congressional oversight of the executive branch’s actions.

    “Donald Trump and co-President Elon Musk are engaged in a lawless and reckless restructuring of the federal workforce. By firing thousands of federal workers, they are dismantling the infrastructure supporting Social Security, veterans’ healthcare, and our entire government. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are sitting by and refusing to perform their duty under the Constitution to provide a check on this President. That’s why I’m proud to partner with Senator Merkley to introduce the Reduction in Force Review Act, which will restore Congress’ role in overseeing major changes to the federal workforce. Agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which I’ve been fighting to protect as Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, protect ordinary Americans from financial scams and predatory lenders. If Republicans want to declare open season on working families, they should at least have to vote on it,” said Waters.

    Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, led the Senate introduction of the RIF Review Act.

    “Trump and his unelected billionaire sidekick Elon Musk’s reckless decision to fire tens of thousands of federal employees threatens the critical services that families, veterans, seniors, and children rely on,” said Merkley. “This isn’t about fiscal responsibility—it’s about cruelly shifting resources away from those who need them most to the very richest among us. Gutting resources and staff from vital programs is not resulting in better services or increased efficiency, but is instead causing pain for folks in Oregon and across the country. Congress must step in and exercise its oversight of the executive branch.”

    The RIF Review Act makes an agency’s reduction in force plan subject to a vote in both houses of Congress under the CRA process and enhances existing RIF reporting requirements to include:

    • The specific reasons for the reduction in force;
    • The anticipated impact of the reduction in force on the employees and operations of the federal agency;
    • Any alternatives to the reduction in force that the federal agency considered, including the reasons that the federal agency rejected those alternatives;
    • A summary of the consultations that the federal agency has held with employees of the federal agency who will be affected by the reduction in force (or representatives of those employees); and
    • A summary of how the reduction in force will impact employees of the Federal agency who are veterans.

    In addition to Waters and Merkley, the RIF Review Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). 

    The RIF Review Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, SEIU, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE).

    “The Trump administration’s reckless attempt to dismantle our government without congressional approval threatens vital services Americans depend on every day—from caring for veterans and safeguarding public health, to protecting our environment and maintaining national security. This illegal power grab would gut federal agencies, disrupt communities nationwide, and put critical public services at risk. AFGE is proud to support the RIF Review Act to protect not just the patriotic public servants we represent, but the integrity of American government and the essential services that our nation deserves,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley.

    “DOGE’s illegal firings are an attack on federal workers and on the communities across the country who rely on them. Veterans will be left waiting even longer for care, and the workers who ensure our food is safe and water is clean have been fired. If these cuts are not overturned, we’ll see seniors waiting for delayed Social Security checks, and kids and teachers going without vital school programs. The RIF Review Act is critical to stopping these reckless cuts and restoring the jobs that make these programs work. We urge Congress to act now: stand with working people and support this bill or let the Trump administration and an unelected billionaire dismantle the essential services that millions of Americans count on,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    “This administration’s war on the services that Americans rely on is despicable,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the NTEU. “These illegal mass firings not only harm thousands of dedicated civil servants across the country, but also millions of taxpayers who need these services and local communities who will suffer from increased unemployment. I applaud Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Waters for their leadership in ensuring that Congress can step in and stop these efforts before it’s too late.”

    Full text of the RIF Review Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Truck driver receives maximum sentence for smuggling 36 illegal aliens in trailer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 34-year-old Alamo resident has been ordered to prison for smuggling people into the United States from multiple countries, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Eusebio Cavazos pleaded guilty Feb. 13.

    U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered Cavazos to serve the statutory maximum of 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding numerous sentencing enhancements applied in the case. These included transporting over 25 aliens, recklessness for locking the aliens in the back of a cold trailer with no means of escape, transporting a minor and using his skills as a truck driver to commit the crime. In handing down the sentence, Judge Morales noted he would have sentenced Cavazos to a higher sentence if not for the statutory maximum of 60 months.

    On Dec. 13, 2024, Cavazos drove a tractor-trailer into the primary inspection lane at the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Sarita. Upon initial inspection, a K-9 alerted to the possible presence of humans in the trailer.

    Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where they discovered 36 illegal aliens in the back of the trailer and nothing else. It was 54 degrees inside and the doors were locked and sealed with no means of escape.

    A total of 15 were from Guatemala, 10 from Honduras, eight from Mexico and three from El Salvador. All were illegally present in the United States, five of whom had allegedly been previously removed and have pending charges for illegal reentry.

    Cavazos admitted someone had hired him to drive all 36 illegal aliens from a point near Donna to Houston.

    He expected to receive $1,000 per alien he was transporting.

    “Human smuggling is a dangerous, and sometimes deadly, practice, and those that choose to engage in it deserve the maximum punishment available,” said Ganjei. “All it would have taken here is a car accident or a cooling malfunction for these people to have lost their lives.”

    Cavazos has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –