NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant attempted to receive one kilogram of cocaine in package mailed from Puerto Rico

    BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.

    Hector Torres, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 26, 2025. Torres was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023.

    In or about June 2022, a package sent from Puerto Rico to Worcester found to contain approximately 6.5 kilograms of cocaine was intercepted. On June 21, 2022, law enforcement executed a controlled delivery of the package. While accepting the delivered package, Torres apologized for not being there earlier, took the package, and set it on the ground in order to sign for delivery. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Torres, he fled on foot and was subsequently apprehended.

    The charges of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and conspiracy to do the same each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: China-US trade war: the next 90 days are a big deal for Beijing as it seeks long-term solutions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham

    Washington and Beijing have finally agreed a pause in their escalating trade war. US and Chinese officials announced in Geneva this week that US tariffs on Chinese goods would fall to 30%, while Chinese tariffs on US products would drop back to 10%.

    But the real battle to determine the fate of future US-Sino relations will be in negotiations that take place in the next 90 days. As both sides jostle to protect respective national interests, a win is possible for China. But that probably hinges on whether Donald Trump sees what’s on offer as a win for him as well.

    The 90-day deal to deescalate tariffs, which begins on May 14, includes significant concessions, and shows a willingness from both sides to negotiate.

    In early April, US tariffs on Chinese products had soared to 145%, while Beijing imposed a 125% tariff on US imports. US supermarkets had begun to warn of imminent stock shortages.

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

    Donald Trump was quick to claim a significant win from Monday’s deal, but so did China.

    Was this really a win for either side? So far the only progress is the roll back of tariffs to levels before the trade war intensified in April 2025.

    But for China, the latest tariff reduction has provided much needed, if short term, economic relief, even if no one knows what will happen after 90 days. The Chinese stock market rallied immediately after the announcement. China is attempting to repair its ailing economy fuelled by a real estate crisis that began in 2021. So, Beijing needs more triumphs of this sort, as it realises that fiscal stimulus may be ineffective in the face of overwhelming tariffs.

    So, what measures should Beijing take to ensure that US tariffs remain low, if not lower?

    Before the trade war between the US and China began in July 2018, tariffs imposed by Washington on Beijing and vice versa were relatively low. In January 2018, US tariffs on Chinese exports stood at 3.1%, while Chinese tariffs on US exports were at 8%. While the current 10% Chinese tariffs on US goods isn’t far from the pre-trade war level, the same cannot be said of US tariffs on Chinese goods, which stand at 30%.

    What’s a big win for China?

    For Beijing, a big win would be a return of the pre-trade war tariffs or the absence of tariffs entirely. But either outcome is highly unlikely.

    A major obstacle is Trump’s need for a political win. In early April this year, the US president has harshly criticised foreign nations for having “looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered” the US. To address this problem, the US has imposed a minimum tariff of 10% on all nations sending exports to the US. And if Washington were to reduce tariffs on Chinese products to under 10%, then he would be expected to do the same with the rest of the world.

    Even this 90-day deal with China could be seen as capitulation by Trump, who was already under pressure from the US stock market and business leaders to roll back the high tariffs on Chinese goods. But revising baseline tariffs downwards to below 10% for the rest of the world would be seen as an even greater cop out.

    This could eat into Trump’s political capital and harm the Republican party’s chances at midterm elections scheduled for 2026. All of which seems unlikely.

    Details of the US and China trade war pause start to be revealed.

    What China hopes is for future US tariffs to get back to around 10%. This represents a massive improvement from the previous 145% imposed by the White House in April this year. But for Washington to save face and claim a believable victory of its own to reduce tariffs, Beijing needs to offer something in return.

    Sticking points

    One significant issue affecting US-Sino relations is the drug fentanyl. According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), fentanyl, which is responsible for tens of thousands of US deaths each year, comes primarily from China and Mexico.

    Washington expects Beijing to do more to stem the flow of the drug and chemicals used to make the drug from flowing into the US. To push China to take action on this, the US imposed a 30% tariff on China instead of the baseline 10% it has put on all other nations.

    Beijing sees things differently and claimed that Washington is engaging in a “smear campaign” and aims to “shift blame” on China for not doing enough when the country has some of the strictest drug laws in the world.

    Trump sees the fentanyl problem as a national security issue, and says China needs to provide sufficient concessions in stemming the outflow of the drug so that the White House can justify the lowering of tariffs below the existing 30%.

    But China can do more to secure lower tariffs. As part of the present trade deal, China has agreed to lift its export ban of critical minerals to the US. This is a crucial for the US as these items are essential in manufacturing advanced weaponry.

    If Beijing can guarantee the flow of critical minerals to the US, and assure its support for US agriculture, an important political support base for Trump, then it is likely that a Trump administration would lower, and more importantly, maintain these tariffs in the foreseeable future.

    China probably will want to hedge its bets. It needs to engage with the US and lower US tariffs as much as possible, but will want to look at other options, rather than relying on an unpredictable Trump. It will look to increase its trade with other significant regional players such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, an economic bloc that promotes economic growth among its member nations.

    Ultimately, China needs policy continuity from Washington. Without it, any plans that it has in recovering its sluggish economy won’t work.

    But like any good trader, Trump will likely find it difficult to pass up a good deal, especially when the US has to deal with its own economic problems. So if Beijing can find a way to make a deal that works and brings a symbolic win for both sides, it is likely to get Trump’s attention.

    Chee Meng Tan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. China-US trade war: the next 90 days are a big deal for Beijing as it seeks long-term solutions – https://theconversation.com/china-us-trade-war-the-next-90-days-are-a-big-deal-for-beijing-as-it-seeks-long-term-solutions-256535

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Shaheen Reintroduce Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would increase access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs).
    “Prescription Digital Therapeutics are an excellent example of how innovative technology can address some of the health challenges providers and patients continue to face,” Senator Capito said. “The Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act would allow more patients living with a broad variety of diseases and conditions to more efficiently access the care and support they need and deserve.”
    “Our bipartisan legislation reduces outdated barriers to increase access to innovative treatments that can help Granite Staters fighting diseases get better,” Senator Shaheen said.“Prescription Digital Therapeutics can be a powerful tool in combatting the opioid and mental health crises affecting so many across our state – but right now, those treatments are out of reach for too many in need. I’m proud to lead the bipartisan Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act with Senator Capito to bring this innovative care in line with traditional treatment so Medicare patients can get the therapies that work best for them.”
    BACKGROUND:
    The Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act would expand Medicare coverage to include PDTs, which are software-based disease treatments designed to directly treat disease. PDTs are designed and tested much like traditional prescription drugs but rather than swallowing a pill or taking an injection, patients receive cognitive therapy through software. The treatments are tested for safety and efficacy in randomized clinical trials, evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and prescribed by health care providers.
    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Consider McMaster, Busterud, Telle Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, click here.
    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.
    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.
    “This morning, we will hear from three of President Trump’s important nominees. I want to first welcome Mr. Sean McMaster, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration or better known as FHWA.
    “FHWA is an operating administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation, responsible for providing technical support, we lean on them a lot, and funding to states and local entities. The funding provided by FHWA is critical to facilitating the design and construction of improvements to our surface transportation network.
    “These improvements enable the safe and reliable movement of people and goods, which enhances our quality of life and supports economic growth. Mr. McMaster’s relevant professional experience makes him well-qualified to serve as Administrator. He brings more than 10 years of government service, working in the U.S. House of Representatives and at federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation.
    “Since mid-2020, Mr. McMaster has worked for two private sector transportation companies. First, he served as a National Practice Consultant and Vice President at HNTB and most recently, he served as the Vice President for Commercial Aviation and Transportation at The Boeing Company.
    “One challenge that the FHWA Administrator must quickly tackle is the significant backlog of announced grants that do not have signed grant agreements in place. This inherited workload will require diligence and collaboration to resolve. I am hopeful that Mr. McMaster is confirmed, his experience and leadership at FHWA will accelerate this process. This Committee also looks forward to working with FHWA and others on the long-term, bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill.
    “Next, I want to welcome Mr. John Busterud, President Trump’s nominee to lead the EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management, better known as OLEM. Mr. Busterud’s exceptional experience has prepared him to lead OLEM and tackle some of our nation’s most pressing environmental challenges.
    “Following a 31-year environmental legal career, he served as Regional Administrator of the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Mr. Busterud also served our country with distinction as an officer in the U.S. Army, deploying many times, and retiring as a decorated Colonel after 23 years of service.
    “OLEM’s statutory responsibilities place it at the center of EPA’s core mission: protecting our air, land, and water. If confirmed, Mr. Busterud will oversee programs that directly impact Americans’ health and the environment, such as remediating PFAS contamination, cleaning up Superfund sites, and revitalizing brownfields.
    “Addressing PFAS contamination, which affects communities in my state of West Virginia and across this country, is a priority of mine. The EPA recently announced an agency-wide PFAS strategy and OLEM will play a major role in ensuring its success. OLEM is also responsible for cleaning up Superfund sites, which are some of our nation’s most contaminated sites.
    “This Committee recently heard about the challenges with cleaning up Superfund sites and there is bipartisan support to improve the program’s efficiency. I look forward to working with Mr. Busterud to implement key reforms to ensure faster, and more cost-effective Superfund cleanups.
    “Finally, I want to welcome Mr. Adam Telle, President Trump’s nominee to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Mr. Telle is well-suited to lead the Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program based on his two decades of public service in the United States Senate, including as my clerk for the Homeland Security Subcommittee and as a Special Assistant to the President in the first Trump Administration.
    “Mr. Telle has seen firsthand how the Army Corps’ response to natural disasters can help communities withstand significant weather events and then recover from them. The Army Corps does critical work across the nation through its navigation, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration missions.
    “This work protects the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans and facilitates commerce throughout our country and internationally. If confirmed, Mr. Telle will also play an integral role in implementing biennial water resources development legislation, better known to all of us on committee as WRDA.
    “WRDA authorizes numerous feasibility studies and projects, and directs the Army Corps to carry out various activities to address our nation’s water resources needs. I look forward to working with Mr. Telle to ensure the timely implementation of these laws consistent with congressional intent.
    “And I look forward to hearing from our nominees about their experiences and the issues they will prioritize if confirmed to lead these agencies.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Connecticut Delegation, Colleagues File Amicus Brief Slamming Trump’s Lawless Attempts To Dismantle The CFPB

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    May 14, 2025

    HARTFORD—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (D-Conn.-01), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03), Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04), and Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05) joined their colleagues in filing an amicus brief with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in a lawsuit brought forth after President Trump illegally fired staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The brief condemns mass firings at the CFPB, reiterates that Congress created the CFPB to combat the abuses that caused the devastating 2008 financial crisis, and highlights that the president does not have the power to abolish it.
    “Congress has been creating, restructuring, and eliminating executive offices, departments, and agencies since the Founding.  At the same time, because power over the basic structure of the federal government is Congress’s alone, the executive branch cannot unilaterally establish or abolish an executive agency,” the lawmakers wrote.
    They continued: “The Administration’s actions, if allowed to occur, would not just be unconstitutional—they would also be disastrous.  As the Supreme Court has explained, eliminating the CFPB would ‘trigger a major regulatory disruption and would leave appreciable damage to Congress’s work in the consumer-finance arena.’”
    The amicus brief was led by U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA-35) and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Former lawmakers Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Barney Frank (D-MA) also signed onto the amicus brief.
    U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also signed the brief, along with former lawmakers Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Barney Frank (D-Mass.).
    Since its inception, over 80,000 Connecticut residents have received more than $45 million from CFPB’s Civil Penalty Fund, which is used to help compensate harmed victims who would not otherwise receive compensation from the defendant in the case. Last year, Connecticut consumers also received compensation from the CFPB’s lawsuits against Think Finance for deceiving consumers into repaying loans they did not owe, and Lexington Law and CreditRepair.com for subjecting consumers to illegal advance fees and deceptive advertising.
    The full amicus brief is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Merkley, Sanders, Dingell Team Up to Introduce Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for All Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) in introducing the End Price Gouging for Medications Act.
    The bicameral bill would lower prescription drug costs for all Americans and end pharmaceutical price gouging by requiring drug companies to offer medications in the United States at no more than the lowest price per drug in twelve other similarly developed countries—Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
    “No one should ever be forced to choose between paying for the prescriptions they need or putting food on the table. It’s unacceptable, and for too many Americans it’s a reality because of Big Pharma’s price gouging,” said Welch. “The End Price Gouging for Medications Act would put an end to this bad practice and help more Vermonters access the medications they need. I’m proud to join Sen. Merkley to introduce this bill and help Vermonters get the care they need.”
    “Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs, even though we invest the most in cutting-edge research and development. That is unconscionable,” said Merkley. “In my town halls across every corner of Oregon, I’ve heard time and again from Oregonians about how sky-high prescription drug prices are pushing their budgets to the limit. The End Price Gouging for Medications Act will crack down on Big Pharma’s greed.”
    Merkley continued, “If President Trump is serious about lowering prescription drug costs for families and seniors across America, he should work with Congress to ensure we get the best prices, not the worst.”
    “In the wealthiest nation on earth, no one should have to choose between buying groceries and affording the medications they need to survive,” said Dingell. “There’s no reason we should be spending more on prescriptions than any other country. This legislation will help to bring down the cost of prescription drugs, hold drug companies accountable for their unchecked greed, and provide much-needed relief to American families.”
    On average, Americans spend over $1,400 on prescription drugs every year—the highest per capita drug spending in the world—largely because the pharmaceutical industry is hiking up the cost of drugs to make billions in profits each year. The American people want action, and lowering prescription drug prices to levels obtained in nations similar to the United States has strong bipartisan support. This includes medication such as:
    Ozempic, which costs Americans nearly $13,000 annually to treat type 2 diabetes compared to roughly $820 in Japan; and
    Humira, which costs Americans with Crohn’s disease more than $100,000 per year compared to roughly $3,320 per year in Austria.
    Unlike Trump’s recent executive order (EO) on international reference pricing, which only applies to Medicare and Medicaid, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act goes further by requiring drug companies to offer prescription drugs at the established reference price to all individuals in the U.S. market, regardless of insurance or health care status. That includes individuals utilizing all federal health programs, uninsured individuals, individuals covered under a group health plan, or individuals who have purchased their own health insurance coverage.
    In addition to Welch, Merkley, Sanders, and Dingell, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). The bicameral bill is endorsed by Public Citizen, Center for Health and Democracy, Just Care USA, Center for Medicare Advocacy, and Social Security Works.
    “American consumers pay far too much for drugs, not because it is costly to manufacture them, or even because of the expense of research and development. We pay too much because the U.S. government grants patents and other monopolies to brand-name drug corporations and then does far too little to rein in Big Pharma’s exploitation of those monopolies to price gouge consumers and the government itself. If President Trump were serious about bringing U.S. drug prices down to levels in other countries, he would embrace this legislation and use the bully pulpit to urge legislators to support it instead of retrograde proposals to take away health care from millions of people to give tax cuts to billionaires and corporations. We applaud Senators Merkley, Sanders and Welch for their leadership,” said Peter Maybarduk, Director of Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines Program.
    “There’s no good reason Americans should be forced to pay as much as four times more for our drugs than people in France, Japan and Canada. Senator Merkley, Senator Welch, Ranking Member Sanders, and Representative Dingell’s ‘End Price Gouging for Medications Act’ legislation recognizes that monopoly pricing by drug corporations is killing tens of thousands of Americans each year and driving countless more into medical debt. It rightly calls for fair drug pricing, which is essential to our health and well-being,” said Diane Archer, President of Just Care USA.
    “The reason Americans pay higher prescription drug prices than other countries is because big drug and insurance companies, and their armies of lobbyists, work overtime to ensure their monopolies are protected and their CEOs continue to get massive compensation packages. It is far past time that Congress acts to rein in the out-of-control cost of what Americans have to pay for life-saving medications. The End Price Gouging for Medications Act is an important step,” said Wendell Potter, President of the Center for Health and Democracy.
    Full text of the End Price Gouging for Medications Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Continual Intake Improves Targeted Sector Support Application for Municipalities

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 14, 2025

    Targeted Sector Support Initiative (TSS) funding is available for municipalities working with regional partners to improve their residents’ quality of life. Applications are now being accepted at any time of the year and will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

    “The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to support the TSS Initiative and its move to a year-round application period,” Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said. “By removing application deadlines, I am confident we can encourage more municipalities to partner with their neighbours and pursue important regional projects.”

    The TSS Initiative provides projects with funding from one of four streams: capacity building, regional co-operation, municipal corporate transition and relationship building and dispute resolution. Annual funding of $1.5 million for the TSS Initiative is allocated from a portion of the Municipal Revenue Sharing program. Approved programs can receive funding for 75 per cent of costs, up to $100,000.

    Examples of previously accepted projects include:

    • Regional land use planning;
    • Inter-municipal emergency management plans;
    • Governance training for elected and appointed municipal officials; and
    • Feasibility studies for the creation of a municipal district.

    The TSS Initiative is managed by the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) on behalf of the TSS Steering committee that consists of SUMA, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North) and the Ministry of Government Relations.

    “Cooperation is essential in the municipal world, especially as the costs of building and maintaining infrastructure and services has steadily increased over the past few years,” SUMA President Randy Goulden said. “The TSS provides an important source of funding to fuel these cooperative initiatives and get more done with less.”

    “SARM continues to encourage rural municipalities in Saskatchewan to take advantage of the Targeted Sector Support funding for cooperative regional projects,” SARM President Bill Huber said. “We hope the new continuous application intake process offers our members additional opportunities to utilize this valuable resource to further inter-municipal collaboration within their communities.”

    Since 2020, the TSS Initiative has allocated $5.5 million to 149 projects currently in various stages of completion. 

    Interested municipalities can learn more and apply at:
    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/municipal-administration/funding-finances-and-asset-management/funding/targeted-sector-support-initiative. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Finance to Co-Host G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Banff

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 14, 2025

    As part of Canada’s G7 Presidency, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, and Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem, will co-host the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Banff, Alberta, from May 20 to 22. They will be joined by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from the G7 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States) and the European Union.

    G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will be joined by the heads of the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Bank and the Financial Stability Board. The Ukraine Finance Minister and the President of the Financial Action Task Force will join for parts of the meeting. Ministers and Governors will discuss and share views on current global economic and financial challenges, with a focus on how the G7 can work together on issues.   

    The details of the media events and core programming are described below.

    Please note that media events are restricted to accredited media, and the accreditation portal is now closed. Additional logistical details for each media event will be provided directly to accredited media, closer to the events. Please contact mediag7@fin.gc.ca with any questions.   

    Core Program (All Times Local, MT)

    Tuesday, May 20

    4:00 p.m.

    The Minister and the Ukraine Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko, will answer questions from the media.

    Wednesday, May 21

    8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

    The Minister will join fellow G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors for a group photograph and hold a welcoming ceremony.

    Open to media. Photo opportunity only.

    9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

    The Minister and Governor will officially open the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting.

    Pooled B-roll media opportunity.

    9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    The Minister and Governor will co-chair sessions on the global economy, economic resilience and security, and the situation in Ukraine, among others.

    Closed to media.

    Thursday, May 22

    8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

    The Minister and Governor will co-chair sessions on financial crime and artificial intelligence, among others.

    Closed to media.

    12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

    The Minister and Governor will hold a joint press conference to close the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting.

    Open to media. A media availability will follow. Watch live on X at https://x.com/G7 or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/G7.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expansion of Mental Health Capacity Building Program to Support More Students

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 14, 2025

    Today, Education Minister Everett Hindley and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr announced an expansion of the Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) program to five more Saskatchewan schools in support of student mental health and wellbeing. 

    The five additional schools selected through an application-based process include Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, Rossignol High School in Île-à-la-Crosse, Martensville High School, Holy Rosary High School in Lloydminster and Swift Current Composite High School.

    This fall, the program will be in place in 24 schools in 19 school divisions

    “The Mental Health Capacity Building program is helping young people learn how to manage their emotions, anxiety and increase awareness of mental health and where they can find additional support,” Hindley said. “We are pleased to expand this program to reach more students and school communities across Saskatchewan.”

    “We know that early interventions and access to support is important for students and families who are experiencing mental health concerns,” Carr said. “Expanding the Mental Health Capacity Building program delivers on our commitment under the province’s Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions.” 

    The Ministry of Education works collaboratively with the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to deliver this program. The Ministry of Education 2025-26 budget included additional funding of $1.6 million for the MHCB program, bringing the total investment to $4.6 million this year.

    School divisions that receive funding for the program deliver mental health promotion and prevention programming, build capacity in others who work with children, youth and families and support students through connection to community resources and supports. 

    “We are pleased to see the introduction of this program at Bedford Road Collegiate,” Saskatoon Public Schools’ Superintendent of Education Colleen Norris said. “By embedding mental health supports directly into our schools, we have the ability to create a culture where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well.”

    “The Mental Health Capacity Building initiative is important for our division,” Île-à-la-Crosse Director of Education Sharon Hoffman said. “Building capacity for mental health in our staff and students is critical in our community as we have high rates of mental health issues. Our hope is this initiative will provide the knowledge, skills and supports for our students to grow into healthy young adults.”

    Under Saskatchewan’s Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to further expanding the MHCB program to all 27 school divisions by 2028.

    Additional information on the program is available on Saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Joins Push Urging the Trump Administration to Drop its Anti-Voter Policies that will Disenfranchise Tribal Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and 10 of her Senate colleagues in sounding the alarm on the devastating impacts of President Trump’s anti-voter “election integrity” executive order and the SAVE Act on Native American voting rights.

    “Enactment of new voter registration policies under the Executive Order and the SAVE Act would lead to mass disenfranchisement of eligible Native voters and further depress the Native vote,” wrote the Senators. “Tribal IDs generally lack place of birth information required by the legislation, and the vast majority of these IDs lack the specific U.S. citizenship documentation required by the Executive Order. And the SAVE Act’s in-person requirement would exacerbate existing barriers, such as requiring IDs that list residential mailing addresses, by forcing many Native voters to travel great distances, including costly flights or multi-hour drives, to reach their local elections office or polling place.”

    “As Secretary of the Interior, you have a special moral and legal responsibility to uphold our nation’s trust and treaty obligations,” continued the Senators. “If implemented, the sweeping federal mandates included in the Executive Order and the SAVE Act would disenfranchise eligible Native voters who are following state laws. We encourage your active engagement with the White House and the Department of Justice to ensure that Native communities are able to exercise the franchise fully and have their voices heard at the ballot box.”

    Tribal IDs are currently an acceptable form of documentation to register to vote in nearly every state, but the SAVE Act and Trump executive order require that an ID must show place of birth and citizenship, which the majority of Tribal IDs lack, adding another barrier to the ballot box for many Native American communities. The Senators underscored that if enacted, these provisions would force Tribal voters who live in rural and remote locations to travel significant distances to prove their citizenship in order to register to vote.

    The Senators also emphasized the disproportionate impact the vote-by-mail restrictions would have on Native communities, which often rely more on mail-in voting because of a lack of infrastructure and transportation access. Trump’s executive order penalizes states that accept absentee or mail-in ballots received after Election Day, harming Native voters in states like Nevada, Alaska, North Dakota, Oregon, and California that process ballots as long as they are postmarked by Election Day.

    Only 66 percent of Native Americans eligible to participate in elections are currently registered to vote, leaving more than 1 million eligible voting-age Native Americans unregistered. Creating further obstacles to register to vote would likely reduce these numbers even further.

    Senator Cortez Masto has long been a champion for Tribal communities. Last year, the Senate passed both her legislation to make it easier for Indian Health Services to recruit and retain doctors and her legislation to strengthen Tribal public safety. She repeatedly called on the Biden administration to do more to address the epidemic of violence against Native women and girls, including securing federal funding to protect Native communities, urging the administration to draft a plan to address this issue, and requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the federal response to this crisis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New CBO Analysis Shows 10.3 Million Americans Would Lose Health Coverage to Off-set Republicans Billionaires-First Tax Break

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an estimate today highlighting that the Medicaid portions of the House Republican billionaires-first tax bill would lead to 10.3 million Americans losing coverage under the health safety net program and 7.6 million people going uninsured.

    U.S. Senator Jack Reed stated:

    “Congress should be working together to make heath care better and more affordable.  Instead, Republicans are working on a partisan plan to take it away from low-income children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

    “Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid for health care coverage.  This CBO report shows that reckless Republican cuts would have devastating consequences for families, communities and states nationwide.  It would leave millions without insurance and cut off access to the care they need.

    “The Republican plan would literally take from the working poor, undermining people’s health and financial stability in order to give bigger tax breaks to the wealthiest.” 

    Medicaid is a federal program that provides health care to about 70 million low-income Americans in partnership with state governments.

    Senator Reed also noted that any so-called ‘savings’ from Republican Medicaid cuts would ultimately drive up the cost of care and lead to higher future spending on more expensive care down the road.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed, Senators Request Independent DoD Inquiry Into Trump’s Plan to Accept ‘Palace in the Sky’ Plane from Qatar

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — Following news reports that President Donald Trump plans to accept a $400 million luxury jumbo jet as a gift from the Qatari government in violation of the Constitution, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined with several colleagues in urging the acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense to open an inquiry into the Department of Defense’s (DOD) involvement in facilitating the transfer of this unprecedented foreign gift for President Trump’s ultimate personal use.   

    “DOD risks becoming embroiled in a brazen attempt to evade constitutional limitations on the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. The Constitution provides that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Congress has granted consent in only a narrow set of circumstances under the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, and none of these circumstances are applicable here,” the nine U.S. Senators wrote.

    “Securing the plane against counterintelligence and surveillance risks, moreover, would be costly. Initial reporting suggests that the plane would need to be substantially retrofitted by a military contractor to ensure it meets necessary security and counterintelligence standards, which could take years to complete. DOD, and by extension U.S. taxpayers, would thereby bear the ultimate cost, which could be significant. This timeline, moreover, reinforces that such a gift is not, in fact, intended for official use. By the time the plane would be ready for President Trump’s use as part of the Air Force One fleet, we would likely be approaching the final stretch of President Trump’s final term in office, at which point the Department would likely be directed to transfer it to President Trump’s presidential library for his ultimate personal use,” the Senators continued.

    Reed signed the letter along with U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

    Full text of the letter follows:

    Dear Mr. Stebbins,

    We write to request that you conduct an inquiry into the Department of Defense’s (DOD) role in facilitating and serving as a pass-through for President Trump to receive a luxury plane worth an estimated $400 million from Qatar. 

    Following initial public reports, President Trump confirmed on May 12, 2025, that he intends to accept this unprecedented gift from the Qatari royal family, which would constitute one of the largest foreign gifts ever accepted by a President or the U.S. government. According to public reporting, the Qatari government initially considered donating the plane directly to President Trump through his presidential library, but the Administration sought legal advice to restructure the transfer to circumvent constitutional and statutory prohibitions, including federal bribery and ethics laws.

    Public reports raise the troubling prospect that the Administration involved DOD to (1) launder this impermissible gift, so that the Department could provide cover to give the transfer of the plane the appearance of an official gift; (2) place the onus on DOD to retrofit the plane at considerable cost to U.S. taxpayers; and (3) ultimately transfer it to President Trump’s library prior to the end of his term for his continued use in a personal capacity. 

    DOD risks becoming embroiled in a brazen attempt to evade constitutional limitations on the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. The Constitution provides that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Congress has granted consent in only a narrow set of circumstances under the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, and none of these circumstances are applicable here.

    In addition to these serious constitutional and legal concerns, this foreign emolument – and DOD’s possible involvement in facilitating it – could present severe foreign influence and counterintelligence risks. It could entangle DOD in President Trump’s personal financial interests and conflicts of interest, warp DOD’s military recommendations and advice moving forward, and undermine public confidence in the Department. 

    Securing the plane against counterintelligence and surveillance risks, moreover, would be costly. Initial reporting suggests that the plane would need to be substantially retrofitted by a military contractor to ensure it meets necessary security and counterintelligence standards, which could take years to complete. DOD, and by extension U.S. taxpayers, would thereby bear the ultimate cost, which could be significant. This timeline, moreover, reinforces that such a gift is not, in fact, intended for official use. By the time the plane would be ready for President Trump’s use as part of the Air Force One fleet, we would likely be approaching the final stretch of President Trump’s final term in office, at which point the Department would likely be directed to transfer it to President Trump’s presidential library for his ultimate personal use. 

    Accordingly, we request that you initiate an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding DOD’s involvement to date in seeking to facilitate this foreign gift transfer and pursue a comprehensive audit and investigation to assess fraud, waste, and abuse if and when such a transfer occurs.

    In doing so, we ask that you consider and provide an assessment of the following, including in classified form if needed: 

    •           the cost estimate and assessed timeline for retrofitting such an aircraft and installing communications and other equipment necessary to meet security and counterintelligence requirements for the Air Force One fleet; 

    •           the timeline, if any, that the White House has directed for this aircraft to be ready for the President’s use, whether necessary modifications can be made within such a timeframe to meet Air Force One standards, and what risks such a timeline could entail; 

    •           whether the existing contract for other Air Force One aircraft will continue or be terminated, including the cost of termination; and 

    •           the counterintelligence and security risks of incorporating this aircraft, provided by a foreign government, into the Air Force One fleet. 

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and to this request.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks & Connolly Lead Colleagues in Letter to OPM Opposing Trump Administration’s Revival of Schedule F

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11) led their colleagues in a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Charles Ezell opposing President Trump’s move to revive ‘Schedule F.’ Schedule F, now called Schedule Policy/Career, is a policy Trump pursued during his first term to reclassify federal workers, stripping them of their protections and making it easier for the Administration to carry out politically motivated firings.

    “The proposed rule will allow agencies to reclassify thousands of dedicated federal workers from the competitive service into the excepted service and therefore strip them of their civil service rights and protections,” wrote the members. “The impacts of this proposed rule will upend decades of reforms which have strengthened the federal workforce.”

    The members continued, “More than 2.2 million federal employees work every day to conduct life-saving research, defend our national security, uphold food and drug standards, monitor air and water quality, ensure flight safety and so much more. Nonpartisan, career civil servants, who make up the vast majority of our federal workforce, take an oath to defend the Constitution regardless of which political party occupies the White House.”

    “The Trump Administration has made clear its ambitions to undercut the nonpartisan civil service through the Schedule Policy/Career directive. Reclassifying civil service positions into the excepted service removes virtually all protections and rights currently afforded to civil servants,” the members wrote. “Coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to relocate and terminate wide swaths of the federal workforce, Schedule Policy/Career reclassifications will negatively affect recruitment and retention efforts for federal workers.”

    “As Members of Congress, we understand the vital role of our nonpartisan, highly-skilled civil servants and strongly oppose efforts to dismantle and politicize our country’s competitive federal workforce. Civil servants remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the public interest, not political agendas and deserve the full support of their government in that effort,” the members concluded.

    In addition to Sens. Warner, Kaine, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, and Connolly, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Suhas Sabramanyam (D-VA-10), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07).

    Sens. Warner, Kaine, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, and Connolly have been leading voices in Congress against efforts to dramatically reduce and politicize the federal workforce. Among other steps, Kaine and Connolly led the introduction of the Saving the Civil Service Act to protect the merit-based federal workforce system and prevent any position in the competitive service from being reclassified to Schedule F.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Acting Director Ezell:

    We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM)’s Proposed Rule – Improving Performance, Accountability, and Responsiveness in the Civil Service [OPM-2025-00041]. The proposed rule will allow agencies to reclassify thousands of dedicated federal workers from the competitive service into the excepted service and therefore strip them of their civil service rights and protections. The impacts of this proposed rule will upend decades of reforms which have strengthened the federal workforce. Rescheduling nonpartisan positions undermines the ability of federal agencies to fulfill their vital missions and ignores over 140 years of civil service precedent beginning with the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.

    More than 2.2 million federal employees work every day to conduct life-saving research, defend our national security, uphold food and drug standards, monitor air and water quality, ensure flight safety and so much more. Nonpartisan, career civil servants, who make up the vast majority of our federal workforce, take an oath to defend the Constitution regardless of which political party occupies the White House. Furthermore, these individuals have the unique credentials and institutional experience required to ensure continuity and impartiality within the federal government. The American public benefits from a strong federal workforce supported by a nonpartisan civil service to conduct their critical work.

    On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14171 which claimed to immediately rescind regulations protecting civil servants and the merit system, reinstated Schedule F, and simultaneously directed OPM to engage in the rulemaking process to create a regulation supporting the reclassification order. Now known as Schedule Policy/Career, any positions that influence policy are directed to be reclassified into the excepted service. In accordance with EO 14171, OPM issued a proposed rule on Schedule Policy/Career which directs agencies to reclassify any position categorized as “confidential, policy-determining, policymaking or policy-advocating character” into the excepted service. 

    The Trump Administration has made clear its ambitions to undercut the nonpartisan civil service through the Schedule Policy/Career directive. Reclassifying civil service positions into the excepted service removes virtually all protections and rights currently afforded to civil servants. This includes due process and appeals rights that help ensure civil servants can conduct their duties without fear of politically-motivated removal or retaliatory measures. Removing these protections will make civil servants at-will employees and more susceptible to political pressures. Coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to relocate and terminate wide swaths of the federal workforce, Schedule Policy/Career reclassifications will negatively affect recruitment and retention efforts for federal workers.

    OPM’s directive to reschedule agency positions that have any involvement in policy will have devastating impacts not only on career civil servants and their families, but the communities that they serve. OPM estimates that 50,000 positions, which accounts for approximately 2% of the civil service, will ultimately be moved into Schedule Policy/Career. However, OPM’s failure to adequately define what factors constitute “confidential, policy-determining, policymaking or policy-advocating character” leaves interpretation largely up to each agency and risks the policy being much more broadly implemented than initially disclosed.   

    Already, agencies have begun taking the broadest approach to evaluating which positions to reclassify into Schedule Policy/Career. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reportedly has directed staff to prepare for large swaths of the agency to be reclassified. Internal documentation obtained by Government Executive indicates that Acting Administrator Lee Dudek recently instructed across-the-board reclassifications for senior leaders and over a half dozen offices within SSA. These positions encompass researchers and other supporting positions that do not set or impact policy decisions. The maximalist approach outlined by SSA foreshadows the wide-reaching implications of Schedule Political/Career which will negatively alter the federal workforce for decades to come.

    As Members of Congress, we understand the vital role of our nonpartisan, highly-skilled civil servants and strongly oppose efforts to dismantle and politicize our country’s competitive federal workforce. Civil servants remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the public interest, not political agendas and deserve the full support of their government in that effort. In that vein, we urge OPM to immediately rescind this proposed rule and collaborate with Congress to effectively manage government operations. 

    Sincerely,

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virginia, Maryland Senators Urge House to Pass D.C. Budget Fix

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) urged House Republican leadership to take up and pass the bipartisan legislation, passed previously by the Senate, to allow the District of Columbia to use its own local funding. Today marks two months since that bill, authored by Sen. Van Hollen and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) – and cosponsored by Sens. Warner, Kaine, and Alsobrooks – passed the Senate unanimously.

    “It’s been two months since the Senate passed, with bipartisan support, a simple fix that allows the District of Columbia the ability make its own funding decisions, yet the House still refuses to act. Each day that this legislation stalls, we are leaving D.C. in the lurch, threatening the District’s schools, public safety, and emergency response operations. It’s well past time for the House to act,” Sen. Warner said.

    “Republican House leadership’s decision to stall a bipartisan bill—which even President Trump supports—to allow D.C. to spend its own money is ridiculous and wrong,” said Sen. Kaine. “Law enforcement officers’ salaries and the quality of D.C.’s public schools and transportation have hung in the balance for months because of the House’s failure to act. It’s time for Speaker Johnson to do his job, and bring this bill up for a vote like he promised.”

    “The District of Columbia should be able to spend its own revenue without Congress getting in the way. Yet by freezing over $1 billion of D.C.’s own funds through their sham funding bill in March, House Republicans are holding the District hostage – threatening the operations of local law enforcement, fire departments, schools, and more. This is all pain for D.C. residents, and no gain for federal taxpayers who aren’t saving a single cent as a result of this pointless provision. Two months ago today, the Senate unanimously passed the bill Senator Collins and I authored to fix this issue, and President Trump has urged the House to do the same. It’s time for Speaker Johnson to let this bill move forward and release D.C.’s funds,” said Sen. Van Hollen.

    “I worked with my fellow DMV Senators to pass a bipartisan solution to the $1.1 billion budget cuts in the disastrous CR. It has been waiting on the House’s vote for two months. At a time when our neighbor D.C. is experiencing economic hardship and hundreds of civil servants, many of whom are Marylanders, are losing their jobs in the district, we need to make sure this budget fix gets passed,” said Sen. Alsobrooks.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Unanimously Passes Cassidy, Grassley Resolution Recognizing National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and 79 senators applaudedthe Senate’s unanimous passage of their resolution designating May 12 through 17 as National Police Week to reiterate the Senate’s unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States. 
    “As hostility toward police officers grows, threats to their safety increase. We must support those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” said Dr. Cassidy.
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety,” said Senator Grassley. “As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers.” 
    Cassidy and Grassley were joined by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Kennedy (R-LA), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jim Risch (R-ID), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rand Paul (R-KY), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jim Banks (R-IN), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Gary Peters (D-MI), Thomas Tillis (R-NC), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Steve Daines (R-MT), Margaret Hassan (D-NH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Thune (R-SD), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jon Husted (R-OH), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Todd Young (R-IN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and John Boozman (R-AR) in introducing the resolution.
    Background
    Every year, for more than six decades, Congress has passed a resolution in honor of law enforcement officers. During National Police Week, Americans pay special tribute to the service and sacrifice of courageous officers and their families, especially our nation’s fallen heroes. Cassidy is a consistent supporter of law enforcement. This month, he introduced legislation recognizing law enforcement officers for their diligence in protecting and serving our communities and calling for increased health and safety measures for law enforcement professionals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson applauds South Carolina Supreme Court ruling in Planned Parenthood caseRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson today declared legal victory following the South Carolina Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the state’s 2023 Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act. The Court rejected Planned Parenthood’s latest legal challenge, affirming that the General Assembly acted within its constitutional authority to regulate abortion in the state in most instances at approximately six weeks of pregnancy.

    “This ruling is a resounding win for the rule of law and protecting the unborn in South Carolina,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Today’s decision reaffirms that our elected legislators, not out-of-state interest groups, hold the power to shape South Carolina’s policies in accordance with the values of its people.”

    The Supreme Court held that the 2023 Act bans abortion—unless an exception applies—at a single biologically identifiable moment in time, which in most instances occurs at approximately six weeks of pregnancy.

    Attorney General Wilson praised the efforts of the litigation team in his office and reiterated his commitment to defending laws passed by the General Assembly.

    “We will continue to stand for life, defend the law, and fight for the will of South Carolinians in every courtroom,” Wilson added.

    You can read the courts’ ruling here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public invited to leave feedback on planned roundabout at US 12/Old Highway 9 near Grand Mound May 14-28

    Source: Washington State News 2

    GRAND MOUND – Community members can learn more about a planned roundabout on US 12 west of Grand Mound during an online open house.

    Beginning Wednesday, May 14, the Washington State Department of Transportation will host an online open house for a new single-lane roundabout. The roundabout will replace a stop sign at the US 12 intersection with Old Highway 9.

    Visitors are encouraged to leave feedback to help with the final design of the roundabout.

    WSDOT routinely reviews intersections along state highways in rural areas around the state to find ways to reduce potential collisions. Roundabouts help reduce the potential for crashes while keeping people moving.

    US 12/Old Highway 9 Roundabout Online Open House

    When:  Wednesday, May 14 to Wednesday, May 28

    Where:  https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/us-12-old-highway-9-roundabout/

    Details:  The online open house is available 24/7 for people to visit and fill out the questionnaire whenever best fits their schedule.

    Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit the Department of Commerce website.

    Free WiFi access is available at these locations for people who wish to participate in the online open house:

    • Tenino Timberland Library, 172 Central Avenue West, Tenino, WA 98589
    • Timberland Regional Library Headquarters, 415 Tumwater Boulevard Southwest, Tumwater WA 98501

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India’s Operation Sindoor draws global support as new front against cross-border terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, India has mounted a decisive and strategic response aimed at dismantling cross-border terrorism. The attack, which drew widespread condemnation and grief across the country, prompted immediate and firm action by the Government of India, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving a range of diplomatic and military measures targeting Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.
     
    Among the key diplomatic actions taken, India placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan verifiably ceases its support for cross-border terror activities. The Integrated Check Post at Attari was closed, and Pakistani nationals were barred from entering India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata, while the strength of both High Commissions was halved from 55 to 30 personnel.
     
    As part of a precise military strategy, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a calibrated campaign designed to neutralize key terror camps across the border. Based on multi-agency intelligence, nine significant terror infrastructure sites, including those in Bahawalpur and Muridke, were identified and targeted through coordinated air and ground strikes. The operation was executed with high operational ethics, focusing exclusively on terrorist camps while taking all precautions to prevent civilian casualties.
     
    Indian strikes successfully eliminated more than 100 terrorists and destroyed 11 air bases within Pakistan. Among those neutralized were high-value individuals linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad.
     
    The strikes marked a shift in India’s strategy by targeting deep into Pakistani territory, including critical radar installations in Lahore and Gurjanwala. Additionally, coordinated missile attacks were carried out on terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Muzaffarabad and Kotli. Military bases housing Pakistan’s F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets at Sargodha and Bholari were hit, leading to the destruction of nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure.
     
    India’s retaliatory operations were launched in response to not only the Pahalgam attack but also subsequent Pakistani provocations, including drone and missile attacks on Indian civilian and religious areas on the nights of May 7, 8, and 9. Indian forces successfully intercepted and neutralized these threats, reinforcing the country’s operational readiness and commitment to defending its sovereignty.
     
    In a televised address on May 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the resolve behind Operation Sindoor, calling it not just a military campaign but a reflection of the collective sentiment of the Indian people. He reiterated that terrorism would be met with decisive force, rejecting any possibility of dialogue or trade with Pakistan until terrorism is addressed. He stated unequivocally that water and blood cannot flow together and emphasized that the only issue India is willing to discuss is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
     
    As Pakistani forces continued mortar shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), India responded forcefully, targeting terrorist bunkers and Pakistani army positions. Unable to withstand the Indian response, Pakistan sought a ceasefire, with its Director General of Military Operations contacting his Indian counterpart. A ceasefire was declared on May 10, but Pakistan violated it soon after, sending drones into Indian territory, which were swiftly countered by Indian forces.
     
    Despite the ceasefire at the borders, Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert to counter any future threats, with field commanders granted operational freedom to respond to provocations.
     
    India’s robust and restrained response has garnered wide support from the international community. World powers have condemned the Pahalgam attack and endorsed India’s right to self-defense. The United Kingdom, Russia, Israel, the United States, France, Japan, and key Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar expressed solidarity with India. European Union member states, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Panama, and even Palestine joined the chorus of condemnation.
     
    Each expressed their support for India’s fight against terrorism, with many recognizing Operation Sindoor as a legitimate and proportionate response. Iran’s President personally conveyed condolences to Prime Minister Modi, and global leaders have emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism.

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — Four drivers arrested by RCMP NL for impaired driving offences this past weekend

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Over this past weekend, RCMP NL arrested four individuals for impaired driving offences. Drivers were stopped in Harbour Grace, Roddickton, Marystown and Philips Head.

    Shortly before 10:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, Harbour Grace RCMP responded to the report of a suspected impaired driver. The described vehicle was located and stopped on Water Street in Harbour Grace. The driver, a 67-year-old woman, showed signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested. Back at the detachment, the woman refused to provided breath samples. She now faces charges of impaired operation and refusing to provide a breath sample.

    Approximately 40 minutes later, Roddickton RCMP stopped a vehicle in front of the detachment on Cloud Drive in Roddickton. The driver, a 56-year-old man, showed signs of drug impairment. The man performed poorly on roadside field sobriety tests and was arrested for drug impaired driving. He was transported to White Bay Central Health Centre in Roddickton where a blood sample was obtained. Police await the results of the testing to determine if charges of drug impaired driving are appropriate.

    Shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, Burin Peninsula RCMP stopped a vehicle on Columbia Drive in Marystown. The vehicle was uninsured and had expired registration. The driver, 44-year-old man, showed signs of alcohol impairment and failed a roadside breath test. He was arrested and was transported to the detachment where he provided further breath samples that were above the legal limit. He faces charges of impaired operation and was ticketed under the Highway Traffic Act for operating a vehicle without insurance and registration.

    Later that day, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP responded to the report of a suspected impaired driver. The described vehicle was located and stopped on Route 352 in Philips Head. The driver, a 51-year-old man, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. At the detachment, the man provided further breath samples that were more than twice the legal limit. He faces charges of impaired operation.

    All drivers were released from custody and those who are set to face charges are scheduled to appear in court at later dates. Licence suspensions and vehicle seizures occurred where appropriate.

    This week, during Canada Road Safety Week, RCMP NL remain focussed on road safety, including the enforcement of those who choose to drive while impaired. If you suspect a driver is impaired, please contact your local detachment or 911 to make a report.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Murray, Blumenthal Introduce Resolution to Celebrate VA Researchers and to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Veteran-Focused Research at VA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 13, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, DC] – To honor our nation’s Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers and commemorate the 100th anniversary of Veteran-focused research beginning at what is now known as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with U.S Senators Murray (D-WA) and Blumenthal (D-CT)—member and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC), respectively—introduced a resolution to designate May 12th to 16th as Veterans Affairs Research Week. Her resolution recognizes the vital, lifesaving and cutting-edge research conducted by the department that improves the lives of Veterans, people in the United States and individuals worldwide. Duckworth is a combat Veteran and a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC).
    “The scientists and researchers at the VA are incredible public servants who work relentlessly to improve the care and services our Veterans have earned,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution to commemorate this important milestone and celebrate the researchers who help improve our Veterans’ lives. The least we can do is recognize and celebrate the innovation that helps keep our Veterans and those worldwide healthy.”
    “Our veterans made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and as a nation we make a promise to take care of them when they come home. VA research is at the forefront of innovation and care for our veterans—from advancements in treating cancers from burn pit exposure to developing new artificial limb technology,” said Murray. “This week we celebrate the 100th anniversary of VA research, but all of that progress is at risk as the Trump administration is mass firing VA employees and researchers and taking an axe to medical research across the board. I will keep fighting back as hard as I can to make sure every veteran has access to the care they need—and that VA researchers can continue their important work.”
    “As the Trump/Musk regime slashes health research funding, we should stand strongly with VA researchers and the incredible work they do for veterans and all Americans,” said Blumenthal. “VA research has led to life-changing medical innovations benefiting millions across the globe— including CT scans, the pacemaker, the first liver transplant, and many more. Our resolution rightfully honors these researchers, their groundbreaking contributions, and this remarkable milestone for VA research.” 
    In 1925, the Veterans’ Bureau, the predecessor to the Department of Veterans Affairs, established the Medical Research Section. Just a few years later, in 1933, the Hines VA Medical Center in Chicago became home to the VA’s first research laboratory to receive direct funding from VA Central Office, leading to early breakthroughs like advancements in skin cancer research. Since then, VA scientists and medical researchers have contributed to a vast range of critical breakthroughs. These include the first effective treatments for tuberculosis, the development of an implantable cardiac pacemaker, the first large clinical trials of hearing aids, the first successful transplantation of a liver and the discovery of a hormone that paved the way for the development of GLP–1 agonist medications. These advancements may become some of the most consequential health advances of the 21st century.
    A copy of the resolution is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, McClain, Delaney, Moylan Introduce Legislation to Expand Leave Benefits for Military Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 12, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC)—and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) introduced legislation to modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in order to help ensure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who selflessly care for their servicemember or Veteran family member in medical need. The Making it Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access (MIL FMLA) Act would expand FMLA leave benefits for military family members who aren’t currently covered under the FMLA.
    “It’s long overdue that Congress expands leave benefits for the selfless Americans who care for their servicemember or Veteran loved ones—who often have complex and unique medical needs as a result of their service,” said Senator Duckworth. “No servicemember should ever have to worry whether they and their loved ones will have the benefits needed to care for them after their service—it hurts our military readiness and recruiting. Supporting caregivers isn’t just about doing something humanitarian. It’s about the safety and security of our nation.”
    “Over 14 million Americans care for injured servicemembers and veterans, yet current law leaves too many behind,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “The bipartisan MIL FMLA Act, which I’m proud to lead with Congressman Moylan, ensures all military caregivers—including domestic partners and extended family—can access the leave they deserve, without arbitrary restrictions. This bill is a step toward truly honoring the service and sacrifice of those who care for our nation’s heroes.”
    “I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan MIL FMLA Act with Rep. McClain Delaney, which will address inequities that our veterans, servicemembers, and their families face every day,” said Congressman Moylan. “As the representative of the district with the highest level of enlistments per capita, and as a veteran myself, this bill addresses the countless underlying issues that affect our ability and willingness to serve. I look forward to working with Rep. McClain Delaney to deliver for those in our country who have served and currently serve our country.”
    The MIL FMLA Act would address the gaps in FMLA that have left many military caregivers without adequate leave access by:
    Adding reserve components and domestic deployments as covered active duty for family members;
    Eliminating the requirement that military caregiver protections only apply to Veterans who served within the last five years;
    Allowing military caregivers to utilize special military caregiver FMLA leave more than once;
    Expanding military caregiver provisions to cover domestic partners and other close family members like aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, grandparents, grandchildren and other loved ones; and
    Creating a new form of leave, specifically for Veterans who need extended time to address serious injuries or illnesses related to their service.
    Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
    Along with McClain Delaney and Moylan, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), André Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Johnny Olszewksi (D-MD-02), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) and Rasihda Tlaib (D-MI-12).
    The legislation is endorsed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, National Military Family Association, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Center for American Progress (CAP), Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), Caregiver Action Network, National Partnership for Women & Families, VoteVets, Caring Across Generations, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), MomsRising, Family Values @ Work, Common Defense, A Better Balance, Truman National Security Project, Secure Families Initiative and Agency for Community EmPOWERment (ACE) of NEPA.
    “The Making It Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access Act is a crucial step forward in helping those who make countless sacrifices for their country,” said Molly Weston Williamson, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. “Service members, veterans, and their loved ones deserve the time they need to respond to the effects of service. No one should have to risk their job in order to ensure they or their family can get the care they need or to address the impacts of deployment.”
    Full text of the legislation is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    Duckworth has long been a leader in pushing for better benefits and support for members of the armed and uniformed services and their family members. In April, she introduced legislation that would help expand leave benefits for the millions of devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps. Last year, she helped secure $2.9 billion to support family caregivers of disabled Veterans and $2.4 billion to expand benefits and services for military and Veteran caregivers to include health care and mental health services, among other things. Last month, she renewed her push to ensure IVF treatment costs are covered on servicemembers’ and military families’ health care plans. Last December, Duckworth helped pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that gave servicemembers a pay raise and included a Duckworth-led provision to improve access to high-quality medical care for servicemembers and their families in the Indo-Pacific region, among other wins for military families.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests Afghani national convicted of assault in Maryland

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 27-year-old Afghani national Javid Ahmadi May 13 in Elkridge, Maryland. Ahmadi has been convicted of second-degree assault.

    “The arrest of this criminal alien offender, who has been convicted of assault here in Maryland, highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals who violate our immigration laws and engage in serious criminal activity after entering the United States illegally,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “ICE Baltimore will continue to prioritize the arrest and removal of criminal aliens who endanger the safety and well-being of our Maryland communities.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Ahmadi near San Ysidro, California, Oct. 10, 2023, and served him a notice to appear. On the same date, Border Patrol released him on an order of recognizance.

    On June 19, 2024, the Anne Arundel County Police Department arrested and charged Ahmadi for second-degree assault, a fourth-degree sex offense and indecent exposure. The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County in Annapolis convicted Ahmadi for the offense of second-degree assault April 9 and sentenced him to 11 months and 29 days of confinement, but ultimately suspended his entire sentence.

    Ahmadi will remain in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinaloa cartel leaders charged with narco-terrorism, material support of terrorism and drug trafficking in ICE, FBI investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN DIEGO – An indictment unsealed May 13 is the first in the nation to charge alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel with narco-terrorism and material support of terrorism in connection with trafficking massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin into the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI are investigating this case.

    “These charges highlight the unwavering efforts of transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel to flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “HSI and our law enforcement partners will not allow cartel-driven drug trafficking to threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. We are all lasered focused on a unified effort to dismantling these networks and their factions in bringing those responsible to justice.”

    Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, are charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering as key leaders of the Beltran Leyva Organization, a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network. Five other BLO leaders are charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. The indictment is a direct result of President Trump’s Executive Order 14157 which designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and the Secretary of State’s subsequent designation of the same on February 20, 2025.

    “The Sinaloa Cartel is a complex, dangerous terrorist organization and dismantling them demands a novel, powerful legal response,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Their days of brutalizing the American people without consequence are over — we will seek life in prison for these terrorists.”

    “Operation Take Back America initiatives reflect the reality that narco-terrorists operate as a cancer within a state,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “They metastasize violence, corruption and fear. If left unchecked, their growth would lead to the death of law and order. This indictment is what justice looks like when the full measure of the Department of Justice along with its law enforcement partners is brought to bear against the Sinaloa Cartel.”

    “BLO, under the leadership of Inzunza Noriega, is allegedly responsible for some of the largest-ever drug seizures of fentanyl and cocaine destined for the United States,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “Their drugs not only destroy lives and communities, but also threaten our national security. The law enforcement efforts against the Noriegas reaffirms our commitment to dismantling and disrupting this very dangerous narco-terrorist group and combating narco-trafficking.”

    According to court documents, since its inception the Beltran Leyva faction has been considered one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations to operate in Mexico, engaging in shootouts, murders, kidnappings, torture and violent collection of drug debts to sustain its operations. The Beltran Leyva faction controls numerous territories and plazas throughout Mexico – including Tijuana – and operates with violent impunity, trafficking in deadly drugs, threatening communities, and targeting key officials, all while making millions of dollars from their criminal activities.

    Pedro Inzunza Noriega works closely with his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, to produce and aggressively traffic fentanyl to the United States, the government has alleged. Court documents indicate that together the father and son lead one of the largest and most sophisticated fentanyl production networks in the world. Over the past several years, they have trafficked tens of thousands of kilograms of fentanyl into the United States. On December 3, 2024, Mexican law enforcement raided multiple locations in Sinaloa that are controlled and managed by the father and son and seized 1,500 kilograms (more than 1.65 tons) of fentanyl – the largest seizure of fentanyl in the world.

    These indictments follow a notable tradition in the Southern District of California for targeting leadership and operations of powerful Mexican cartels – from the dismantling of the Arellano Felix Cartel to major strikes against today’s most dangerous, powerful and violent cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel and now the Beltran Leyva Organization. It is the first indictment from the newly formed Narco-Terrorism Unit which was established upon the swearing in of U.S. Attorney Gordon on April 11, 2025.

    The indictment of Pedro Inzunza Noriega reflects the Southern District of California’s pursuit of the Sinaloa Cartel. Federal drug trafficking indictments are pending against all alleged leaders of its Beltran Leyva faction, including:

    • Fausto Isidro Meza Flores aka “Chapo Isidro,” case number: 19-CR-1272 in the Southern District of California and 12-116BAH in the District of Columbia
    • Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe aka “El Musico,” case number 19-CR-3736 in the Southern District of California; 09-CR-00672 in the Northern District of Illinois; 15-CR-00195 in the District of Columbia, and
    • Pedro Inzunza Noriega aka “Sagitario,” case number 25cr1505.

    The Southern District of California also has indictments pending against other leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, including:

    • Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar aka “El Chapito,” case number 14-cr-00658 in the Southern District of California and 09-CR-383 in the Northern District of Illinois
    • Ismael Zambada Sicairos aka “Mayito Flaco,” case number: 14-cr-00658 in the Southern District of California; and
    • Jose Gil Caro Quintero aka “El Chino,” case number 22-cr-00036 in the District of Columbia

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Mellor and Matthew Sutton.

    Defendants for Case Number 25cr1505

    Name Age Location
    Pedro Inzunza Noriega | aka “Sagitario,” aka “120,” aka “El De La Silla” 62 Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
    Pedro Inzunza Coronel | aka “Pichon,” Aka “Pajaro”, aka “Bird” 33 Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
    David Alejandro Heredia Velazquez | aka “Tano,” aka “Mr. Jordan” 50 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
    Oscar Rene Gonzalez Menendez | aka “Rubio” 45 Guatemala City, Guatemala
    Elias Alberto Quiros Benavides 53 San Jose, Costa Rica
    Daniel Eduardo Bojorquez | aka “Chopper” 47 Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
    Javier Alonso Vazquez Sanchez | aka “Tito”, aka “Drilo” 31 Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

    Summary of Charges

    • Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 960a and 841 – Narco-Terrorism
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 20 years in prison; $20 million fine
    • Title 18, U.S.C. Sec. 2339B – Providing Material Support to Terrorism
      Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
    • Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 848(a) -Continuing Criminal Enterprise
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 20 years; $10 million fine
    • Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 959, 960, and 963 – International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
    • Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years in prison; $10 million fine
    • Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 960 and 963 – Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
    • Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
      Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of the greater of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved

    The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    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.

    This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Track Group Reports 2nd Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NAPERVILLE, Ill., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Track Group, Inc. (OTCQB: TRCK), a global leader in offender tracking and monitoring services, today announced financial results for its fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025 (“Q2 FY25”). In Q2 FY25, the Company posted (i) total revenue of $8.4 Million (“M”), a decrease of approximately 7% over total revenue of $9.0M for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (“Q2 FY24”); (ii) Q2 FY25 gross profit of $4.1M representing an increase of approximately 4% over Q2 FY24 of $4.0M; (iii) Q2 FY25 operating income of $0.04M compared to Q2 FY24 operating loss of ($0.96M); and (iv) net loss attributable to common shareholders of ($0.5M) in Q2 FY25 compared to ($1.9M) in Q2 FY24.

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

    • Total Q2 FY25 revenue of $8.4M was down 7% compared to Q2 FY24 revenue of $9.0M. Revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 (“6M FY25’) of $17.0M was down approximately 5% compared to revenue of $18.0M for the six months ended March 31, 2024 (“6M FY24”). The decrease in monitoring revenues is driven principally by a decrease in people assigned to monitoring for clients in Virginia, and due to our recently sold Chilean subsidiary. This decrease was partially offset by revenue increases for clients in Illinois, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas who experienced increases in the number of people assigned to monitoring.
    • Gross Profit of $4.1M rose by 4% ($0.1M) in Q2 FY25 compared to Q2 FY24. Gross profit for 6M FY25 was $8.5M compared to gross profit of $8.2M for 6M FY24. This improvement stems from factors including reduced monitoring center costs, partly offset by a decrease in revenue. 
    • Operating income in Q2 FY25 of $0.04M was up approximately 105% compared to an operating loss of ($0.96M) in Q2 FY24. Operating income for 6M FY25 of $0.2M was up approximately 115% compared to operating loss of ($1.1M) for 6M FY24. This rise in operating income is primarily due to a decrease in cost of revenue and a decrease in operating expense, partially offset by a decrease in revenue. Operating expenses were down $0.8M in Q2 FY25 compared to Q2 FY24, primarily due to a decrease in general and administrative payroll, benefits, and payroll taxes of $0.5M due to the sale of our Chilean subsidiary on November 1, 2024 and a settlement expense related to a contract dispute of $0.5M in Q2 FY24.
    • Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 FY25 was $1.3M compared to $0.8M for Q2 FY24. Adjusted EBITDA for 6M FY25 was $2.6M compared to Adjusted EBITDA for 6M FY24 of $1.9M primarily due to negative currency exchange rate movements of $0.6M in Q2 FY25 compared to Q2 FY24. Adjusted EBITDA in 6M FY25 as a percentage of revenue increased to 15.1%, compared to 10.3% for 6M FY24.
    • Cash balance of $3.4M at March 31, 2025 declined 4% compared to $3.6M at September 30, 2024.  The modest decrease in cash position was due to increases in inventory purchases and payments to vendors, partially offset by an increase in accrued liabilities.
    • Net loss attributable to shareholders in Q2 FY25 was ($0.5M) compared to ($1.9M) in Q2 FY24, a decrease of $1.4M. Net loss attributable to shareholders in 6M FY25 was ($2.5M), compared to ($1.9M) for 6M FY24, a change principally attributable to negative currency exchange rate movements, partially offset by an increase in operating income.

    “In the quarter ended March 31, 2025, we achieved strong gains in profitability, with both gross profit and operating income showing robust growth and Adjusted EBITDA surpassing Q2 FY24 results,” said Derek Cassell, Track Group’s CEO. “Gross profit rose by 4% year-over-year ($4.1M vs $4.0M in Q2 FY24), marking a clear indication of our operational resilience and focus on delivering higher-value, higher-margin business. Adjusted EBITDA also climbed to $1.3M in Q2 FY25, a 63% increase from $0.8M in Q2 FY24, reflecting our focus on cost management and strategic execution over the last six months.”

    Business Outlook

    Despite previous challenges from supply chain delays, the impact of the Coronavirus, and the phase-out of our 3G-based cellular devices in the U.S., Track Group stands resilient. The demonstrated financial growth evidenced in Q2 FY25 reinforces our confidence in the strategic reinvestment in technology and the implementation of new programs initiated in late FY24. These endeavors position us well for a sustained return to growth throughout FY25. Our outlook for FY25 is as follows: 

      Actual     Outlook
      FY 2023     FY 2024     FY 2025
    Revenue (in millions): $ 34.5 M   $ 36.9 M   $34.5 – 35.5M
                           
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin:   11.1 %     14.6 %    13.5 – 16.5%
                           

    About Track Group, Inc.

    Track Group designs, manufactures, and markets location tracking devices; as well as develops and sells a variety of related software, services, and accessories, networking solutions, and monitoring applications. The Company’s products and services are designed to empower professionals in security, law enforcement, corrections, and rehabilitation organizations worldwide with single-sourced offender management solutions that integrate reliable intervention technologies to support re-socialization and monitoring initiatives.

    The Company currently trades under the ticker symbol “TRCK” on the OTCQB exchange. For more information, visit www.trackgrp.com. 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “if”, “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to Track Group, Inc., and subsidiaries (“Track Group”) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and reflect Track Group’s current beliefs and expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties and subject to change at any time. Track Group may from time-to-time update these publicly announced projections, but it is not obligated to do so. Any projections of future results of operations should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur. These projections are subject to change and could differ materially from final reported results. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see “Risk Factors” in Track Group’s annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and its other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. New risks emerge from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This release includes financial measures defined as “non-GAAP financial measures” by the Securities and Exchange Commission including non-GAAP EBITDA. These measures may be different from non- GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The presentation of this financial information, which is not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures are based on the financial figures for the respective period.

    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA excludes items included but not limited to interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, gains and losses, currency effects, one-time charges or benefits that are not indicative of operations, charges to consolidate, integrate or consider recently acquired businesses, costs of closing facilities, stock based or other non-cash compensation or other stated cash and non-cash charges (the “Adjustments”).

    The Company believes the non-GAAP measures provide useful information to both management and investors when factoring in the Adjustments. Specific disclosure regarding the Company’s financial results, including management’s analysis of results from operations and financial condition, are contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to carefully read and consider such disclosure and analysis contained in the Company’s Form 10-K and other reports, including the risk factors contained in such Form 10-K.

    James Berg
    Chief Financial Officer
    jim.berg@trackgrp.com 

    TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                   
        (Unaudited)          
        March 31,     September 30,  
        2025     2024  
    Assets                
    Current assets:                
    Cash   $ 3,416,045     $ 3,574,215  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $396,667 and $432,904, respectively     5,085,595       4,428,535  
    Prepaid expense and deposits     432,520       638,293  
    Inventory, net of reserves of $88,024 and $82,848, respectively     915,816       582,481  
    Assets held for sale     –       969,481  
    Total current assets     9,849,976       10,193,005  
    Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $300,052 and $430,003, respectively     392,423       317,206  
    Monitoring equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,295,826 and $5,982,972, respectively     4,367,904       4,598,864  
    Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $20,460,576 and $19,699,966, respectively     13,337,224       13,959,571  
    Goodwill     7,859,645       7,941,190  
    Other assets     1,160,885       660,170  
    Total assets   $ 36,968,057     $ 37,670,006  
                     
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)                
    Current liabilities:                
    Accounts payable   $ 2,398,228     $ 3,082,467  
    Accrued liabilities     3,318,453       2,639,318  
    Liabilities held for sale     –       732,028  
    Total current liabilities     5,716,681       6,453,813  
    Long-term debt, net of current portion     42,680,070       42,639,197  
    Long-term liabilities     631,709       186,407  
    Total liabilities     49,028,460       49,279,417  
                     
                     
                     
    Stockholders’ equity (deficit):                
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value: 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,863,758 and 11,863,758 shares outstanding, respectively     1,186       1,186  
    Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding     –       –  
    Series A Convertible Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value: 1,200,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding     –       –  
    Paid in capital     302,600,546       302,600,546  
    Accumulated deficit     (315,791,294 )     (312,691,811 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     1,129,159       (1,519,332 )
    Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     (12,060,403 )     (11,609,411 )
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)   $ 36,968,057     $ 37,670,006  
                     
    TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
    (Unaudited)
                 
        Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
        March 31,     March 31,     March 31,     March 31,  
        2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Revenue:                                
    Monitoring and other related services   $ 7,867,975     $ 8,758,650     $ 16,309,282     $ 17,433,136  
    Product sales and other     484,345       232,570       711,366       525,057  
    Total revenue     8,352,320       8,991,220       17,020,648       17,958,193  
                                     
    Cost of revenue:                                
    Monitoring, products and other related services     3,515,023       4,230,498       7,023,784       8,204,487  
    Depreciation & amortization included in cost of revenue     723,331       793,887       1,458,556       1,583,351  
    Total cost of revenue     4,238,354       5,024,385       8,482,340       9,787,838  
                                     
    Gross profit     4,113,966       3,966,835       8,538,308       8,170,355  
                                     
    Operating expense:                                
    General & administrative     2,127,145       3,173,866       4,558,263       5,931,753  
    Selling & marketing     964,743       810,441       1,865,932       1,516,972  
    Research & development     750,650       701,183       1,420,040       1,383,646  
    Depreciation & amortization     227,385       236,524       454,938       476,284  
    Loss on sale of subsidiary     –       –       (66,483 )     –  
    Total operating expense     4,069,923       4,922,014       8,365,656       9,308,655  
                                     
    Operating income (loss)     44,043       (955,179 )     172,652       (1,138,300 )
                                     
    Other income (expense):                                
    Interest expense, net     (565,844 )     (428,868 )     (1,134,804 )     (866,791 )
    Currency exchange rate gain (loss)     34,830       (519,933 )     (1,464,432 )     19,013  
    Other income (expense), net     –       (3,443 )     –       (3,443 )
    Total other income (expense)     (531,014 )     (952,244 )     (2,599,236 )     (851,221 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes     (486,971 )     (1,907,423 )     (2,426,584 )     (1,989,521 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)     30,145       (4,348 )     101,381       (86,907 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders     (517,116 )     (1,903,075 )     (2,527,965 )     (1,902,614 )
    Release of cumulative translation adjustment for sale of subsidiary     –       –       1,390,913       –  
    Equity adjustment for sale of subsidiary     –       –       571,518       –  
    Foreign currency translation adjustments     (85,709 )     (36,754 )     686,060       (143,456 )
    Comprehensive income (loss)   $ (602,825 )   $ (1,939,829 )   $ 120,526     $ (2,046,070 )
                                     
    Net income per share – basic                                
    Net income per common share   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.17 )
    Weighted average common shares outstanding     11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758  
    Net income per share – diluted                                
    Net income per common share   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.17 )
    Weighted average common shares outstanding     11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758  
                                     
    TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    NON-GAAP ADJUSTED EBITDA MARCH 31 (Unaudited)
    (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
                 
        Three Months Ended
    March 31,    		     Six Months Ended
    March 31,    		  
        2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA                                
    Net Income (loss) attributable to common shareholders   $ (517 )   $ (1,903 )   $ (2,528 )   $ (1,903 )
    Interest expense, net     566       432       1,135       870  
    Depreciation and amortization     951       1,030       1,913       2,060  
    Income taxes (1)     30       (4 )     101       (87 )
    Board compensation and stock-based compensation     75       50       150       103  
    Foreign exchange (gain)/loss     (35 )     520       1,464       (19 )
    Loss on sale of subsidiary     –       –       66       –  
    Other charges, net (2)     249       663       267       826  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,319     $ 788     $ 2,568     $ 1,850  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, percent of revenue     15.8 %     8.8 %     15.1 %     10.3 %
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic     11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758  
    Non-GAAP earnings per share   $ 0.11     $ 0.07     $ 0.22     $ 0.16  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted     11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758  
    Non-GAAP earnings per share   $ 0.11     $ 0.07     $ 0.22     $ 0.16  
    (1 ) Currently, the Company has significant U.S. tax loss carryforwards that may be used to offset future taxable income, subject to IRS limitations. However, the Company is still subject to certain state, commonwealth, and other foreign based taxes.
    (2 ) Other charges include expenses related to the board of directors, severance, a settlement related to a contract dispute, and other Chile monitoring center costs for our recently sold subsidiary.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stefanik Champions Reintroduction of BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

    Stefanik Champions Reintroduction of BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Warner, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, & Connolly Lead Colleagues in Letter to OPM Opposing Trump Administration’s Revival of Schedule F

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and U.S. Representative Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11) led their colleagues in a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Charles Ezell opposing President Trump’s move to revive ‘Schedule F.’ Schedule F, now called Schedule Policy/Career, is a policy Trump pursued during his first term to reclassify federal workers, stripping them of their protections and making it easier for the Administration to carry out politically motivated firings. 

    “The proposed rule will allow agencies to reclassify thousands of dedicated federal workers from the competitive service into the excepted service and therefore strip them of their civil service rights and protections,” wrote the members. “The impacts of this proposed rule will upend decades of reforms which have strengthened the federal workforce.”

    The members continued, “More than 2.2 million federal employees work every day to conduct life-saving research, defend our national security, uphold food and drug standards, monitor air and water quality, ensure flight safety and so much more. Nonpartisan, career civil servants, who make up the vast majority of our federal workforce, take an oath to defend the Constitution regardless of which political party occupies the White House.”

    “The Trump Administration has made clear its ambitions to undercut the nonpartisan civil service through the Schedule Policy/Career directive. Reclassifying civil service positions into the excepted service removes virtually all protections and rights currently afforded to civil servants,” the members wrote. “Coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to relocate and terminate wide swaths of the federal workforce, Schedule Policy/Career reclassifications will negatively affect recruitment and retention efforts for federal workers.”

    “As Members of Congress, we understand the vital role of our nonpartisan, highly-skilled civil servants and strongly oppose efforts to dismantle and politicize our country’s competitive federal workforce. Civil servants remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the public interest, not political agendas and deserve the full support of their government in that effort,” the members concluded.

    In addition to Kaine, Warner, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, and Connolly, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Suhas Sabramanyam (D-VA-10), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07).

    Kaine, Warner, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, and Connolly have been leading voices in Congress against efforts to dramatically reduce and politicize the federal workforce. Among other steps, Kaine and Connolly led the introduction of the Saving the Civil Service Act to protect the merit-based federal workforce system and prevent any position in the competitive service from being reclassified to Schedule F.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Acting Director Ezell:

    We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM)’s Proposed Rule – Improving Performance, Accountability, and Responsiveness in the Civil Service [OPM-2025-00041]. The proposed rule will allow agencies to reclassify thousands of dedicated federal workers from the competitive service into the excepted service and therefore strip them of their civil service rights and protections. The impacts of this proposed rule will upend decades of reforms which have strengthened the federal workforce. Rescheduling nonpartisan positions undermines the ability of federal agencies to fulfill their vital missions and ignores over 140 years of civil service precedent beginning with the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.

    More than 2.2 million federal employees work every day to conduct life-saving research, defend our national security, uphold food and drug standards, monitor air and water quality, ensure flight safety and so much more. Nonpartisan, career civil servants, who make up the vast majority of our federal workforce, take an oath to defend the Constitution regardless of which political party occupies the White House. Furthermore, these individuals have the unique credentials and institutional experience required to ensure continuity and impartiality within the federal government. The American public benefits from a strong federal workforce supported by a nonpartisan civil service to conduct their critical work.

    On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14171 which claimed to immediately rescind regulations protecting civil servants and the merit system, reinstated Schedule F, and simultaneously directed OPM to engage in the rulemaking process to create a regulation supporting the reclassification order. Now known as Schedule Policy/Career, any positions that influence policy are directed to be reclassified into the excepted service. In accordance with EO 14171, OPM issued a proposed rule on Schedule Policy/Career which directs agencies to reclassify any position categorized as “confidential, policy-determining, policymaking or policy-advocating character” into the excepted service. 

    The Trump Administration has made clear its ambitions to undercut the nonpartisan civil service through the Schedule Policy/Career directive. Reclassifying civil service positions into the excepted service removes virtually all protections and rights currently afforded to civil servants. This includes due process and appeals rights that help ensure civil servants can conduct their duties without fear of politically-motivated removal or retaliatory measures. Removing these protections will make civil servants at-will employees and more susceptible to political pressures. Coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to relocate and terminate wide swaths of the federal workforce, Schedule Policy/Career reclassifications will negatively affect recruitment and retention efforts for federal workers.

    OPM’s directive to reschedule agency positions that have any involvement in policy will have devastating impacts not only on career civil servants and their families, but the communities that they serve. OPM estimates that 50,000 positions, which accounts for approximately 2% of the civil service, will ultimately be moved into Schedule Policy/Career. However, OPM’s failure to adequately define what factors constitute “confidential, policy-determining, policymaking or policy-advocating character” leaves interpretation largely up to each agency and risks the policy being much more broadly implemented than initially disclosed.   

    Already, agencies have begun taking the broadest approach to evaluating which positions to reclassify into Schedule Policy/Career. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reportedly has directed staff to prepare for large swaths of the agency to be reclassified. Internal documentation obtained by Government Executive indicates that Acting Administrator Lee Dudek recently instructed across-the-board reclassifications for senior leaders and over a half dozen offices within SSA. These positions encompass researchers and other supporting positions that do not set or impact policy decisions. The maximalist approach outlined by SSA foreshadows the wide-reaching implications of Schedule Political/Career which will negatively alter the federal workforce for decades to come.

    As Members of Congress, we understand the vital role of our nonpartisan, highly-skilled civil servants and strongly oppose efforts to dismantle and politicize our country’s competitive federal workforce. Civil servants remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the public interest, not political agendas and deserve the full support of their government in that effort. In that vein, we urge OPM to immediately rescind this proposed rule and collaborate with Congress to effectively manage government operations. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Honors Nebraska Law Enforcement During National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Senate passes Fischer cosponsored resolution honoring fallen Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett

    Today, after the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing National Police Week, which included honoring fallen Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement:

    “Nebraska’s police officers risk their lives every day to make the ‘Good Life’ we all cherish a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. During National Police Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the men and women in blue who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” said Fischer.

    Fischer continued, “Last year, Nebraskans mourned the loss of one of our own, Police Officer Ross Bartlett. I am proud to cosponsor this Senate passed resolution honoring his courage and selflessness. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice.”

    Fischer’s Work with Law Enforcement:

    Last year, Fischer’s Recruit and Retain Act, which provides law enforcement across the country with resources to combat staffing shortages, was signed into law.

    This Congress, Fischer joined her colleagues in introducing the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Reauthorization Act, to reauthorize the nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime. 

    Additionally, Fischer cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, which would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by creating a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Support U.S. Manufacturing, Bar Taxpayer Funds on Chinese-Made Buses and Rail Cars

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in introducing the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act to support American manufacturing and workers and stop the U.S. government from buying Chinese buses and rail cars. The bill will protect domestic transit supply chains from malign Chinese influence by preventing any U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds from being awarded for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses or rail cars.

    “When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers, not opening our checkbook to adversaries like China,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our workers and companies, keep the United States safe, and close a loophole that Chinese companies are exploiting to win government contracts and undercut American workers.”

    “It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems, and we cannot let them succeed,” said Senator Cornyn. “By preventing American tax dollars from being used to purchase Chinese government transit buses or rail cars, our legislation would help protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from the CCP.”

    “Companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party have no business receiving a penny of American federal taxpayer dollars,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The STOP China Act strengthens federal law meant to ensure that our transportation programs don’t fund these corporations and will help protect the jobs of hardworking Teamsters who manufacture buses against unfair state-sponsored competition.”

    Congress passed the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act (TIVSA), which prohibits companies with ties to China’s government from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to build U.S. rail cars and buses, as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

    However, China has taken advantage of other government funds in the law to continue competing for transit business in the U.S. The STOP China Act would prevent any appropriated funds to the DOT from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses. It would also require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, to produce a list of prohibited entities headquartered or affiliated with China.

    In addition to Senator Baldwin, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

    The legislation is endorsed by Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.

    Full text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Discusses Importance of Conservation to Vermont Farms and Communities

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing yesterday, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) questioned witnesses on how staff reductions at USDA, led by Elon Musk’s DOGE, are hurting farms and farming communities in Vermont and across the United States.  
    “We are so—in Vermont—appreciative of the work that the USDA has done, and we’re really concerned, as I think a lot of people are, about the staffing cuts because we had a staff aspirational level, and our actual numbers were a good deal below that. And now, since the buyouts and the DOGE cuts, it’s really been significantly compromised. My experience with the USDA and Vermont is it’s really efficient,” said Senator Welch. “What’s so wonderful about it is farmers trust [NRCS] and that trust is in short supply. I join my colleagues who are concerned about it and express my appreciation and admiration for the work that has been done.” 
    “At a certain point you’ve got to get concrete. If we’ve lost 10%, or 15%, or 20% of the staff and still have the same job or more, how are we going to proceed?” Senator Welch concluded. 
    Watch the Senator’s full remarks below: 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s press encounter following meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Chancellor Merz, thank you for your warm welcome.

    And I look forward to working closely with you and your new Government to build a Germany-UN partnership even stronger in the future, than in the present, knowing that in the present it is already extremely strong.

    Germany is a pillar of multilateralism …

    A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…

    A voice of peace and a champion of human rights…

    A committed leader in the fight against climate change…

    And an essential partner for peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian aid — demonstrated not least by your hosting of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting that was an exceptional success.

    Germany is a leader in the humanitarian response in Lebanon and Syria, and strongly engaged on Sudan, including most recently as co-host of the recent conference in London.

    German diplomacy is particularly active in addressing the two biggest challenges that affect peace in Europe and the Middle East: the situations in Ukraine and Gaza.

    I reiterate my appeal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine to pave the way for a just peace. A peace based on the UN Charter and international law, namely respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

    In relation to Gaza, I reiterate my call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, and an immediate cessation of hostilities allowing for an irreversible path towards a Two-State solution.

    Beyond peace efforts, I see a number of other key areas where German leadership can make — and is making — a positive difference in the world.

    In the global battle against climate change as we work towards maximum ambition and climate justice at COP30 in Brazil…

    And at the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, where we will push namely for debt relief and reforming the global financial architecture to support developing countries in the follow up of the Pact for the Future.

    And most of all, Germany’s leadership and voice are essential in a world of growing geopolitical divides and mistrust.
     
    This is an important year for multilateralism — the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

    And we count on Germany to continue standing up for the solidarity and solutions our world needs now.

    Danke schön

    MIL OSI United Nations News –