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  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veterans History Project Interview Featuring Musician Third Class Dennis White, United States Navy)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

    May 13, 2025 | Press Releases

    View the Video Here.
    SARASOTA – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the latest installment of the Veterans History Project Series, featuring Musician Third Class Dennis White, United States Navy. A lifelong musician and the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award at his high school in Springfield, Ohio, White’s journey to military service was rooted in a passion for music and a determination to serve his country.
    White served at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and performed across New York City, including a national television appearance on a Saturday night version of The Tonight Show. He also played during Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to New York and attended the Broadway premiere of South Pacific. Through these once-in-a-lifetime experiences, he developed lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for the discipline and direction instilled by military service.
    “Well, basically, I’d like people to understand this: there are people who are afraid to take a challenge. And if you’re enthusiastic about something, follow your dream and follow your own guidelines; that will make you a better person. It really did change my personality, my attitude, and my character,” said White. “I don’t know where I would’ve been if I hadn’t joined the music program or even the Navy. It led to opportunities. Like I said, I didn’t give it up. I counted it as a hobby. But it gave me direction into adulthood and just made me a better person all around, I think.”
    “Dennis White’s story exemplifies the unique paths our servicemembers take,” said Congressman Steube. “His service reminds us that the military doesn’t just train warriors; it molds leaders, artists, and professionals. We are honored to help preserve his legacy for future generations.”
    After leaving the Navy in 1959, White went on to a successful career in banking, ultimately serving as Vice President at Ellis Bank in Sarasota. He remained involved with the Navy music community, raised a family in Florida, and continued mentoring young musicians throughout his life.
    Please click here to watch the full interview.
    Be sure to check Congressman Steube’s YouTube channel in the future for upcoming interviews.The Office of Congressman Greg Steube will submit the interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.Initially started in 2000, the Veterans History Project aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of the United States military veterans and Gold Star Families so that future generations may hear directly from the veterans and better understand their service. Researchers, scholars, and educators rely upon VHP collections as a primary source. The oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, and other original materials supplement historical texts and valued cultural resources. Veterans from all branches and ranks of the United States military who served in World War I through the more recent conflicts are eligible to participate. For more information on the VHP, please visit https://www.loc.gov/vets/.If you live in Florida’s 17th Congressional district, please visit https://steube.house.gov/services/vhp to participate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Green Condemns CFPB Dismantling, Warns Trump Is Turning Democracy Toward Plutocracy in 100 Days

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, DC) — On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Regulatory Overreach: The Price Tag on American Prosperity.”

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green question the witness on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Cordially Invites You to the Congressional Art Competition and Explore the Original Masterpieces Crafted by Ninth Congressional District Students

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX)—On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Congressman Al Green cordially invites you to the Congressional Art Competition event, where remarkable original masterpieces created by students from the Ninth Congressional District will be showcased. This showcase will feature the 27 stunning visual art submissions from 7th – 12th  grade students across Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County, culminating in the exciting announcement of the winning artistic creation. This event will take place at the Stafford Campus Learning HUB at 10041 Cash Road, Stafford, Texas 77477 at 10:00 a.m. CT.

    Congressman Al Green stated, “Art has a remarkable way of expressing our shared experiences, which is why I am truly proud to host the Congressional Art Competition. It honors the young emerging visionaries from our district who bring their dreams to life through beautiful and meaningful creations. The artwork crafted by these talented students tells a story, offering us a glimpse into their creative thoughts and emotions. Initiatives like this are beneficial for our communities and students, encouraging creativity and self-expression.”

    Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Green Previews Articles of Impeachment Against Pres. Trump, Alerts of Constitutional Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor to preview Articles of Impeachment against President Trump, alerts of constitutional crisis. 

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s full speech online here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Honored with Charles Hamilton Houston Medallion of Merit by Washington Bar Association

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, DC)— On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Congressman Al Green was honored by the Washington Bar Association (WBA), the oldest and largest association of Black attorneys in the D.C. area, with the Charles Hamilton Houston Medallion of Merit. The WBA presented its highest award to Congressman Green and civil rights scholar Professor Sherrilyn Ifill. Charles Hamilton Houston was a WBA founder and civil rights leader, he was key in ending Jim Crow segregation and played a critical role in the Brown v. Board of Education decision that overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine. This award is given to individuals who embody the principles of Charles Hamilton Houston through leadership and service.

    Past recipients of this distinguished honor include the Honorable Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Honorable Johnnie Cochran, the Honorable Congressman John Lewis, the Honorable Dr. Dorothy Height, the Honorable Eric Holder, the Honorable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Honorable Valerie Jarrett, the Honorable Justice Constance Baker Motley, and the Honorable Marian Wright Edelman. WBA President Joshuah R. Turner and President-Elect Cristina A. Beckles were among the notable legal leaders in attendance.

    Congressman Al Green stated, “I am deeply humbled to receive this award from the Washington Bar Association (WBA). To be included among such a distinguished group of civil rights giants is an extraordinary honor. I thank the WBA for its unwavering commitment to justice and for continuing to elevate voices that fight for equity under the law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Green Offers Amendment to Prevent HUD Cuts & Improve Disaster Relief for Vulnerable Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, DC) — On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Markup of Various Measures.”

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green question the witness on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reconciliation Recommendations of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Legislation Summary

    H. Con. Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, instructed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to recommend legislative changes that would decrease deficits by a specific amount over the 2025-2034 period. As part of the reconciliation process, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved legislation on April 30, 2025, with provisions that would decrease deficits.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    In CBO’s estimation, the reconciliation recommendations of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure would decrease deficits by $36.6 billion over the 2025‑2034 period. The estimated budgetary effects of the legislation are shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 400 (transportation), 500 (education, training, employment, and social services), 700 (veterans benefits and services), and 800 (general government).

    Return to Reference

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of Reconciliation Recommendations Title X, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2025-2029

    2025-2034
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Budget Authority

    28,780

    67

    -36

    -35

    -35

    -36

    -35

    -35

    -35

    -35

    28,741

    28,565

    Estimated Outlays

    -612

    537

    1,643

    3,810

    5,061

    4,389

    3,925

    3,675

    3,355

    1,975

    10,439

    27,758
     

    Increases in Revenues

    		    

    Estimated Revenues

    0

    423

    1,742

    3,405

    5,230

    7,064

    8,815

    10,660

    12,556

    14,414

    10,800

    64,309
     

    Net Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit

    From Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues

    		    

    Effect on the Deficit

    -612

    114

    -99

    405

    -169

    -2,675

    -4,890

    -6,985

    -9,201

    -12,439

    -361

    -36,551

    Basis of Estimate

    For this estimate, CBO assumes that the legislation will be enacted in summer 2025. CBO’s estimates are relative to its January 2025 baseline and cover the period from 2025 through 2034. Outlays of appropriated amounts were estimated using historical obligation and spending rates for similar programs. CBO’s estimate incorporates administrative and judicial action as of April 10, 2025, the date that H. Con. Res. 14 was approved by the Congress.

    Direct Spending

    Enacting the bill would increase direct spending by $27.8 billion over the 2025-2034 period (see Table 2), CBO estimates. Most of that amount would result from specified direct appropriations for activities of the Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), offset by a reduction in direct spending from funds rescinded from transportation projects and programs involving federal buildings.

    Coast Guard Assets Necessary to Secure the Maritime Border and Interdict Migrants and Drugs

    Section 100001 would appropriate $21.2 billion for the Coast Guard to acquire, procure, and improve equipment and facilities, as follows:

    • $14.6 billion for vessels, including offshore patrol cutters, polar security cutters, and arctic security cutters;
    • $3.2 billion for shoreside infrastructure;
    • $2.0 billion for aircraft; and
    • $1.5 billion for other activities, including $500 million to acquire, procure, or construct a floating dry dock at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Based on historical spending patterns for similar projects, and using information from the Coast Guard, CBO estimates that enacting section 100001 would increase outlays by $19.6 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    Changes to Mandatory Benefits Programs to Allow Selected Reserve Orders for Preplanned Missions to Secure Maritime Borders and Interdict Persons and Drugs

    Section 100002 would authorize the Coast Guard to place members of the Selected Reserve on active duty under certain circumstances. That time would count toward the reservists’ entitlement for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill; those benefits are paid from mandatory appropriations. Accounting for the increased benefits some reservists and their dependents would receive and using information from the Coast Guard, CBO estimates that each year, 250 reservists, on average, would accrue about six months of additional active duty that would be counted toward their eligibility.

    Using information from the Department of Veterans Affairs, CBO estimates that the longer time reservists spend on active duty would increase direct spending by $9 million over the 2025-2034 period.

    Vessel Tonnage Duties

    Section 100003 would increase tonnage duties on vessels entering the United States. Those charges are levied by Customs and Border Protection and recorded in the budget as offsetting receipts (that is, as reductions in direct spending). In general, the bill would increase tonnage duty rates by 125 percent relative to rates under current law. In 2024, the government collected about $33 million in such charges.

    CBO estimates that the higher rate would increase collections (and reduce direct spending) by about $38 million per year relative to current law, totaling $343 million over the 2025‑2034 period.

    Registration Fee on Motor Vehicles

    Section 100004 would appropriate $104 million in 2026 to support states as they implement systems for collecting registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles. Those collections are discussed below in the section on Revenues.

    Based on historical spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates that enacting this section would increase outlays by $102 million over the 2025-2034 period.

    Motor Carrier Data

    Section 100006 would appropriate $5 million to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to create a public website for tracking motor carriers’ compliance with the agency’s operating requirements. The provision also would allow FMCSA to collect fees from entities that access the website, which could be spent without further appropriation. Those collections are discussed below in the section on Revenues.

    CBO estimates that enacting this section would increase outlays by $20 million over the 2025-2034 period, reflecting spending of the direct appropriation ($5 million) and the collected fees ($15 million).

    Rescissions

    Section 100007 would rescind funds from seven programs established under the 2022 reconciliation act with the following purposes:

    • Support development of sustainable aviation fuel;
    • Support projects to improve walkability, safety, and transportation access in disadvantaged communities;
    • Convert General Services Administration (GSA) facilities to high-performing green buildings;
    • Install low-carbon materials in GSA facilities;
    • Support use of emerging technologies for environmental programs in GSA facilities;
    • Support environmental review for transportation projects; and
    • Support development of low-carbon transportation materials.

    CBO estimates that enacting this section would reduce budget authority by $5.2 billion and outlays by $4 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    Air Traffic Control Staffing and Modernization

    Section 100008 would appropriate $12.5 billion for the FAA to construct, acquire, improve, and operate various facilities and equipment as follows:

    • $7.8 billion for radar and telecommunications systems;
    • $2.2 billion for air traffic control facilities;
    • $1.0 billion for air traffic controller recruitment, retention, and training; and
    • $1.6 billion for other activities, including runway safety projects and unstaffed infrastructure.

    Based on historical spending patterns for similar projects and using information from the FAA, CBO estimates that enacting this section would increase outlays by $12.0 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Appropriations

    Section 100009 would appropriate $257 million for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, increasing outlays by the same amount over the 2025-2034 period.

    Revenues

    Enacting the bill would increase revenues by $64 billion over the 2025-2034 period (see CBO estimates that enacting sections 100004 and 100005 would increase revenues, on net, by $64 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    Motor Carrier Data

    Section 100006 would authorize FMCSA to charge an annual fee of $100 for access to a website that would track motor carriers’ compliance with FMCSA’s operating requirements. Under the provision, brokers and similar entities would be considered to have exercised reasonable and prudent care in engaging motor carriers if they use the website to verify a carrier’s compliance status.

    When they are collected by the federal government under its sovereign authority, fees are considered revenues. CBO considers a determination that an entity has acted in a “reasonable and prudent” manner as a matter of law to be an exercise of sovereign authority, so those access fees would be considered revenues.

    Based on expected participation rates, and accounting for the offset for indirect taxes, CBO estimates that the collection of access fees would increase federal revenues, on net, by $12 million over the 2025-2034 period.

    Uncertainty

    Many of CBO’s estimates for the budgetary effects of enacting title X are subject to uncertainty because they rely on underlying projections and other estimates that are themselves difficult to estimate.

    Several areas in particular are difficult to estimate:

    • The amounts collected in tonnage duties under section 100003 could vary from CBO’s estimates because the volume of goods imported into the United States is uncertain. CBO also cannot predict changes in tariffs or certain other factors that would affect the volume of imported goods.
    • Revenues collected for registrations of electric and hybrid vehicles under section 100004 could differ from estimated amounts if states begin to collect fees more quickly or slowly than CBO expects, or if there are more or fewer registrations than expected under current law.

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

    The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. The net changes in outlays and revenues that are subject to those pay-as-you-go procedures are shown in Chief, Income Security Cost Estimates Unit

    Ann E. Futrell
    Acting Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit

    David Newman
    Chief, Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit

    Joshua Shakin
    Chief, Revenue Projections Unit

    Kathleen FitzGerald
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    Christina Hawley Anthony
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    H. Samuel Papenfuss 
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Chad Chirico 
    Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    [Table 2 begins on the next page.]

    Return to Revenues

    Table 2.

    Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title X, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2025-2029

    2025-2034
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Sec. 100001, Coast Guard Assets Necessary to Secure the Maritime Border to Interdict Migrants and Drugs

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    21,207

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    21,207

    21,207

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    270

    850

    1,760

    2,280

    2,880

    3,020

    3,170

    3,390

    2,010

    5,160

    19,630

    Sec. 100002, Changes to Mandatory Benefits Programs to Allow Selected Reserve Orders for Preplanned Missions to Secure Maritime Borders and Interdict Persons and Drugs

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    4

    9

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    4

    9

    Sec. 100003, Vessel Tonnage Duties

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    *

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -39

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -152

    -343

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -39

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -152

    -343

    Sec. 100004, Registration Fee on Motor Vehiclesa

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    0

    104

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    104

    104

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    19

    39

    25

    19

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    102

    102

    Sec. 100006, Motor Carrier Data

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    5

    0

    1

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    10

    20

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    4

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    10

    20

    Section 100007, Rescissions

    		                    

    Sec. 100007(a), Repeal of Funding for Alternative Fuel and Low-Emission Aviation Technology Program

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -210

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -210

    -210

    Estimated Outlays

    -1

    -47

    -67

    -49

    -39

    -5

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -203

    -208

    Sec. 100007(b), Repeal of Funding for Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -2,400

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -2,400

    -2,400

    Estimated Outlays

    -181

    -353

    -466

    -407

    -226

    -90

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -1,633

    -1,723

    Sec. 100007(c), Repeal of Funding for Federal Building Assistance

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -46

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -46

    -46

    Estimated Outlays

    -11

    -11

    -24

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -46

    -46

    Sec. 100007(d), Repeal of Funding for Use of Low-Carbon Materials for Federal Building Assistance

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -421

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -421

    -421

    Estimated Outlays

    -104

    -104

    -213

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -421

    -421

    (Continued)

    Table 2.

    Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title X, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025

    (Continued)
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2025-2029

    2025-2034
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Sec. 100007(e), Repeal of Funding for General Services Administration Emerging Technologies

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    -277

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -277

    -277

    Estimated Outlays

    -175

    -52

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -227

    -227

    Sec. 100007(f), Repeal of Environmental Review Implementation Funds

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -55

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -55

    -55

    Estimated Outlays

    -4

    -8

    -11

    -9

    -5

    -2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -37

    -39

    Sec. 100007(g), Repeal of Funding for Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    -1,800

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -1,800

    -1,800

    Estimated Outlays

    -136

    -265

    -349

    -305

    -170

    -68

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -1,225

    -1,293
     

    Subtotal, Sec. 100007

    		                    
     

    Budget Authority

    -5,209

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -5,209

    -5,209
     

    Estimated Outlays

    -612

    -840

    -1,130

    -770

    -440

    -165

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -3,792

    -3,957

    Sec. 100008, Air Traffic Control Staffing and Modernization

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    12,520

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    12,520

    12,520

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1,030

    1,840

    2,780

    3,200

    1,710

    940

    540

    0

    0

    8,850

    12,040

    Sec. 100009, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Appropriations

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    257

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    257

    257

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    91

    79

    50

    37

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    257

    257

    Total Changes

    		                        

    Budget Authority

    28,780

    67

    -36

    -35

    -35

    -36

    -35

    -35

    -35

    -35

    28,741

    28,565

    Estimated Outlays

    -612

    537

    1,643

    3,810

    5,061

    4,389

    3,925

    3,675

    3,355

    1,975

    10,439

    27,758
     

    Increases in Revenues

    		    

    Sec. 100004, Registration Fee on Motor Vehiclesa

    		                    

    Estimated Revenues

    0

    423

    1,741

    3,404

    5,229

    7,063

    8,813

    10,658

    12,554

    14,412

    10,797

    64,297

    Sec. 100006, Motor Carrier Data

    		                    

    Estimated Revenues

    0

    0

    1

    1

    1

    1

    2

    2

    2

    2

    3

    12

    Total Changes

    		                        

    Estimated Revenues

    0

    423

    1,742

    3,405

    5,230

    7,064

    8,815

    10,660

    12,556

    14,414

    10,800

    64,309
     

    Net Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit

    From Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues

    		    

    Effect on the Deficit

    -612

    114

    -99

    405

    -169

    -2,675

    -4,890

    -6,985

    -9,201

    -12,439

    -361

    -36,551

    a.Includes amounts for section 100005, Deposit of Registration Fee on Motor Vehicles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Applauds Connecticut Robotics Teams for National Success, Celebrates Manufacturing Innovation Fund Investment in Youth Talent

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today is congratulating ten Connecticut-based teams for advancing to the 2025 FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas – one of the world’s premier STEM competitions – and is highlighting the role of the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) in helping prepare young talent for careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

    This year, seven high school-level FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams from Connecticut represented the state on the national stage. Among them were three rookie teams and four teams from Alliance Districts, which are Connecticut’s thirty highest-need school districts. In total, ten teams across multiple FIRST programs competed from Connecticut, including FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams.

    “Young talent is the future of Connecticut’s robust and thriving manufacturing industry,” Governor Lamont said. “These students prove what’s possible when we invest in opportunity. They’re not just building robots, they’re building skills, confidence, and careers. I am very proud of what they’ve accomplished on the world stage. This is what it means to ‘Make It Here.’”

    These positive outcomes reflect the growing impact of the $2.7 million MIF investment administered through the Office of Manufacturing and ReadyCT, which has helped scale robotics programming statewide. The investment directly supports new team creation, equipment, mentorship, and travel – all of which are opening doors for students in underserved communities to gain hands-on experience in design, coding, and collaboration.

    The MIF was established by the General Assembly in 2014 to strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing sector. Since then, it has supported training programs, technology adoption, and workforce pipeline development to meet evolving industry needs. The robotics program is one of the fund’s key youth engagement strategies.

    “This is exactly what the Manufacturing Innovation Fund is all about,” Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, said. “These robotics competitions reflect the foundation of our industry – collaboration, ingenuity, and passion. From funding to mentorship, we’re building the next generation of makers and innovators right here in Connecticut, showing the world that if you can dream it, you can make it here in Connecticut.”

    Among the standout teams were:

    • FRC 7153, Aetos Dios from Manchester – Winner of the FIRST Championship Team Spirit Award
    • FRC 3182, Athena’s Warriors from Hartford – Winner of the Imagery Award in honor of Jack Kamen
    • FLL Challenge 52604, Aluminum Eyas from Pawcatuck – Recipient of the Rising All-Star Award

    Additional teams include:

    • FTC 130, Blazing Spirits from Windsor
    • FTC 7034, Singularity Technology 7024 from Wilton
    • FRC 176, Aces High from Windsor Locks
    • FRC 195, CyberKnights from Southington
    • FRC 230, Gaelhawks from Shelton
    • FRC 5142, RoboDominators from New Haven
    • FRC 7407 Wired Boars from Wallingford

    “The remarkable achievement of seven Connecticut FIRST Robotics teams advancing to the national championship underscores the profound impact of the Manufacturing Innovation Fund’s $2.7 million investment in expanding robotics programs statewide,” Shannon Marimon, executive director of ReadyCT, said. “This strategic support not only enhances STEM education but also cultivates the essential skills – such as teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation – that are vital for building a robust manufacturing workforce for the future.”

    As Connecticut continues to expand its manufacturing ecosystem, programs like FIRST are critical to ensuring that students from all backgrounds see a future for themselves in high-skill, high-wage careers. The success of these teams – especially those from high-need districts and rookie programs – demonstrates the talent and drive that exists across the state.

    To learn more about the MIF and its youth initiatives, visit manufacturing.ct.gov/mif.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Giving Students Access to Healthy Local Food at School

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that $10 million has been awarded to two projects through round two of New York’s Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program. Projects on Long Island and in Central New York were awarded $5 million each to improve meal preparation and distribution for Kindergarten through Grade 12 students using local agricultural products. First announced in the Governor’s 2023 State of the State, the program will provide a total $50 million over five years to eligible applicants in all ten regions of New York State to facilitate the on-site processing and preparation of fresh, nutritious meals; increase the use of more healthy, local New York food products; and provide a boost to New York farmers.

    “Every New Yorker deserves access to fresh, locally grown, nutritious foods to eat,” Governor Hochul said. “This program is a great example of how we’re working together to connect the dots within our food systems, reduce food insecurity and support our producers. I congratulate the awardees and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”

    Administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program is providing critical funding for schools to aggregate, store, process and prepare farm products, making it possible to cook fresh, nutritious, scratch made meals for school children. The program also encourages workforce development by providing training to schools, communities and students for culinary arts, food processing, safe food handling and storage, logistics, delivery and more based on community need.

    The projects awarded in round two are:

    • East End Food Institute (Long Island) is being awarded $5 million to continue work on their Food Hub, which is positioned to serve as a centralized hub for food aggregation, processing and distribution in the Long Island Region. The project will focus on addressing logistical challenges that schools and institutions face in sourcing local food, such as constraints around bidding, pricing and distribution. East End Food Institute will incorporate workforce development training into the project by providing staff with training focused on food preparation and production. This project will support the following districts, Southampton Union Free School District, Westhampton Beach School District, Riverhead Central School District (CSD), Copiague School District, North Shore School District, and Half Hollow Hills School District.
    • Onondaga County Health Department (Central NY) is being awarded $5 million to develop a food business venture space to increase school access to New York State grown products across the Central New York region. To increase farm-to-school opportunities, this project will support the development of an expanded warehouse and distribution center to be rented and operated by Russo Produce, and a processing facility to be rented and operated by Upstate New York Growers & Packers. The facility will provide significant community-level benefits, including opportunity for strengthening the farm network in the region and beyond by providing meeting and office spaces. This project will support the following districts: Syracuse City School District, Auburn City School District, Baldwinsville CSD, Cazenovia CSD, Fayetteville-Manlius CSD, Lafayette CSD, Liverpool CSD, Marcellus CSD, Sandy Creek CSD, Southern Cayuga CSD, Syracuse Academy of Sciences, and West Genesee CSD.

    State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Ensuring our schools have the equipment they need to cook from scratch and use ingredients made by our farmers and producers is a crucial component of getting New York food directly into our communities. The Regional School Food Infrastructure program provides an opportunity to collaborate with our partners across the state to strengthen our food system and provide delicious, healthy and locally sourced meals to our students while supporting our farmers. I congratulate the awardees and thank Governor Hochul for her support of this program, which will have a lasting impact on our Long Island and Central New York communities.”

    In each of the five rounds of the program, two regions will be awarded $5 million each, until all regions are awarded. Funding from the first round of the program was awarded to projects in the North Country and in Western New York.

    State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “The New York State Education Department is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the nutritious meals they need to grow, thrive, and reach their full academic and personal potential. Through the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program—and in partnership with our colleagues at the Department of Agriculture and Markets—we’re helping to make certain that New York’s students receive the nutritious meals they need to be successful academically and meet the demands of a rigorous school day.”

    East End Food Executive Director Marci Moreau said, “East End Food extends our deepest thanks to Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Their investment is transformational—for our schools, our farmers, and most importantly, our children. With this support, we can break down the barriers that have kept fresh, local food out of school cafeterias for too long. We’re building a regional food system that nourishes every student with dignity and health, while uplifting the producers who feed us. This is what the power of food looks like when community, equity, and sustainability come first. We are truly elated and honored to be part of this movement!”

    State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Every student in New York deserves access to healthy school meals made with local ingredients from New York farms. Farm-to-school programs help make that possible, but only if schools have the infrastructure to cook, store, and serve fresh food. This grant program delivers the capital needed to build those systems, helping our farmers gain reliable, in-state markets and making sure our kids are eating nutritious, high-quality food. Congratulations to the school districts on Long Island and in Central New York that will benefit from these critical investments.”

    Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “The Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program supports schools and other institutions in their efforts to incorporate fresh, local produce into the meals they serve. The program promotes healthy eating and supports hardworking farmers all while strengthening local food systems, making it especially impactful. These critical infrastructure investments will benefit multiple schools districts across two regions, paying dividends for years to come.”

    Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Onondaga County and Central New York is blessed with a rich and diverse agricultural economy and my administration has worked diligently to support and grow access to our abundance of fresh locally grown products. Thanks this important grant from our partners at New York Ag & Markets, we will be able to expand our efforts exponentially while also investing in our historic Regional Market.”

    Riverhead Town Supervisor Hubbard said, “We are extremely grateful for Governor Hochul’s awarding of the New York’s Regional School Infrastructure Grant Program. We have a very diverse community here in Riverhead and always face economic challenges. This will help ensure our students in grades K-12 have good nutritious food prepared for them while at school. This program not only helps provide local jobs but promotes the use of local agricultural products. Its a big win for our community. Thank you Governor Hochul!”

    Easthampton Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez said, “Farming is at the heart of East Hampton’s heritage, and economy. With this investment in the East End Food Institute’s hub, our local farmers will have new opportunities to get their fresh, homegrown food onto the plates of students across the East End, including right here in our own schools. We thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Agriculture and Markets for supporting our farmers and investing in the health and well-being of our students.”

    The Regional School Food Infrastructure program builds on New York’s many programs that prioritize local foods in schools, including tools to help school districts procure and purchase farm products from local producers, ensuring that New York remains New York’s first and best customer.

    The successful Farm-to-School program connects schools with local farms and food producers to strengthen local agriculture, improve student health and promote regional food systems awareness. Through the program, the Department of Agriculture and Markets provides financial, technical and promotional assistance to schools, farms, distributors and other supporting organizations to bring more local, nutritious, seasonally varied meals to New York students.

    The 30 Percent New York State Initiative further facilitates the provision of healthy New York sourced food products to children as part of their lunch meal in school. The initiative increases the reimbursement schools receive for lunches by 19 cents per meal for any district that ensures their school lunches are made up of at least 30 percent eligible New York produced and processed products. The Department of Agriculture and Markets took over administration of the program as part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 State of the State commitment to better connect farms and schools across New York. Since then, the program has seen increased participation from school food authorities, with a total of 73 school food authorities approved to receive enhanced reimbursement during this school year, up from 59 approved for reimbursement last year. In total, more than $9.7 million was spent on New York agricultural products during the 2023-2024 school year by schools applying for the incentive.

    Building on the work of these programs, Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State laid out a plan that will continue to support farmers, strengthen New York’s agricultural industry, and build a more resilient food supply in New York State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Co-Sponsor Legislation to Ban Conversion Therapy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    May 13, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley (both D-Ore) today announced they are co-sponsoring legislation that would ban so-called “conversion therapy,” a practice fraudulently claiming to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. 
    “Forcing Americans into sham therapy for a non-existent illness is medieval quackery, not modern science,” Wyden said. “This legislation protects the LGBTQ+ community from forced treatment for something that doesn’t need fixing.” 
    “So-called ‘conversion therapy’ has been discredited by every mainstream medical association and is not legitimate medical care,” said Merkley. “It’s dangerous and ineffective, yet too many LGBTQ+ people are still being harmed by it. The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act will protect LGBTQ+ Americans from this fraudulent and damaging practice.”
    The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act would ban a practice that has been recognized by the national community of professionals in health, education, social work, and counseling as both dangerous and ineffective.
    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (D-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.),Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and led by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
    Full text of the bill is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Just Follow the Science,” King Gains Agreement from Army Corps of Engineers Nominee in Discussion of Climate Resiliency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King questioned an administration nominee on his willingness to follow the science in the face of increasingly occurring and violent weather events. In his questioning of Mr. Adam Telle to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, King asked about the importance of Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in responding to natural disasters and how, if confirmed, he would lead the Army Corps of Engineers to work with FEMA.
    Senator King began, “Does FEMA play an important role in disaster response in this country, particularly for major disasters that affect more than one state?
    “Senator King, thank you for the question. And FEMA certainly has played a role in disaster response,” Telle responded. “The US Army Corps of Engineers under the National Response Framework, is of course, charged with leading on debris removal, and that relationship between our emergency managers and the Corps of Engineers is important as we respond to disasters like those that occurred recently, recently in North Carolina and Tennessee and surrounding areas with Hurricane Helene.”
    Senator King said, “I just don’t see how we’re going to be able to turn disaster response entirely over to the States, given the fact that disasters don’t respect state borders. Resiliency planning. That has to be part of the responsibility when the Corps is doing projects wherever they are. Do you agree?”
    “Yes, Senator, resiliency is critically important,” Telle affirmed.
    Senator King continued, “And do you agree that we are facing more and greater and more devastating storms than we have in the in the past?”
    “Senator King, we’ve certainly faced devastating natural disasters throughout our nation’s history,” Telle said. “It’s been a long-standing issue that we’ve dealt with. I don’t have the specific data about the intensity of those disasters, but they’re still happening. They’ve been happening throughout our nation’s history, and we have to stay vigilant to make sure we’re up to date with the latest data.”
    Senator King continued asking Mr. Telle, if confirmed, he would follow the science in his role leading the Army Division of Civil Works.
    “Well, I hope that regardless of the position of the administration on climate change, that the corps will take advantage of the science, which I think you’ve committed to, and particularly in resiliency planning. The worst thing we could do would be to build to 100-year-old standards instead of 100 years from now standards. Do you agree?” Senator King asked.
    Telle responded, “Senator, I do agree, and the Corps of Engineers currently, and it’s my understanding, we’ll continue to use the latest hydrological trend data that we can measure to make decisions about investments and the design of flood control infrastructure.”
    Senator King followed up, “Just follow the science, correct?”
    “Senator, we should follow the science,” Telle concluded.
    Because Maine faces increasingly extreme weather and storms, modernizing energy infrastructure through clean solar energy and new storage technologies can help ensure public buildings are able to maintain access to energy during destructive weather events. Last year, Senator King secured $2.5 million through the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally-Directed Spending appropriations package for the Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to support an energy resiliency pilot program. The pilot program is helping to fund climate resiliency initiatives in Caribou, Carthage, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Jonesport, Limestone, Lubec, Machias, Millinocket, and Rockland.
    Senator King is also a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. He also led a bipartisan bill to provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Wants RIers to Have a Say Before U.S. Coast Guard Removes Any Coastal Buoys

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – As the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) embarks on phase one of a multi-phase plan to remove dozens of buoys from waters along Rhode Island’s coast and the surrounding area, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Committee, is urging the Coast Guard to seek input from Rhode Island commercial and recreational boaters and harbormasters before removing any navigational markers in the water.
    The Coast Guard recently announced a modernization plan to phase out hundreds of physical coastal buoys and lateral marks across the First Coast Guard District system and transition to more tech-based navigation practices, including reliance on GPS and other maritime technology.   
    An interactive grid map of the area shows just how expansive the Aids to Navigation (AtoN) system is along Rhode Island’s waterways, as well as the coastal buoy candidates considered for discontinuation.  The Ocean State is home to about 400 federal aids to navigation, including the roughly three dozen coastal buoys identified for removal in phase one of USCG’s plan.
    Senator Reed says public outreach and input is essential in this process and wants to ensure all impacted Rhode Islanders have a chance to weigh in and be heard before changes are made or buoys are eliminated.
    “The Coast Guard’s goal should be to ensure safety through an effective, efficient, and resilient navigation system.  Rhode Islanders know these waters best, and their views should guide Coast Guard decision-making.  That’s why it is important for mariners to register their views with the Coast Guard during this comment period,” said Senator Reed.  “GPS technology and apps are great, but when technology fails, there needs to be a fail-safe to keep people safe.  Everyone agrees it’s better to save a life than a few bucks.  I will not support any changes that undermine marine safety.”
    The Coast Guard is accepting public comments by email until June 13.  The electronic chart systems are available digitally through the Coast Guard’s Navigation Center.
    When providing feedback, USCG requests users include “the size and type of your vessel, how you use the buoys to navigate and the distance at which you start looking for and using it.”
    Responses are only accepted via email at: D01-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil.  A special notice, posted to USCG’s District One’s local notice to mariners website further details USCG’s request for feedback.
    Most buoys in Rhode Island’s navigation system are made of steel with steel chains, which can be costly to upkeep over time due to salt water and the elements. 
    “The Coast Guard works hard to maintain our buoy infrastructure.  And as they make changes, it is essential that they listen to local voices.  That is why I have encouraged them to reach out to Rhode Islanders and also encourage Rhode Islanders to be proactive in providing feedback.  Waterways can change over time and we want to ensure everyone can navigate them safely and efficiently,” Reed concluded.
    This coastal buoy project is just the first of USGC’s three planned efforts to modernize and reduce Rhode Island’s overall buoy constellation.  Two other plans identify shallow water and harbor buoys that the Coast Guard is considering for discontinuation.  In total, Rhode Island waters could see roughly 100 federally maintained aids to navigation cut, or roughly 25 percent of the total buoy constellation reduced in the coming years.  The Coast Guard’s overall plan can be viewed with this interactive map.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Crack Down on U.S. Firearms Flowing to Latin American Drug Cartels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Congressmen Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10) and Rob Menendez (D-N.J.-08) in a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Trump administration to use its recent designation of Latin American cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) to take aggressive action to stop the illegal trafficking of American firearms south across the Southern Border.
    “We were pleased that President Trump agreed to address the outflow of hundreds of thousands of American-made firearms across the southern border when he initially postponed the implementation of tariffs on our ally Mexico. Accordingly, we urge you to utilize the FTO designation to take aggressive action to stem the flow of American guns to the cartels,” the Members wrote. 
    The lawmakers called for a coordinated federal response to stem the flow of hundreds of thousands of American firearms that arm violent drug cartels, fuel lawlessness along the Southern Border, and bring drugs into communities across the United States. Between 200,000 and 500,000 American firearms are smuggled across U.S. borders into Mexico every year, arming Latin American criminal organizations that have used them to undermine domestic law enforcement and assert control over fentanyl and human trafficking operations back into the United States. 
    “The new FTO designation for these cartels provides additional legal tools to bolster interagency coordination, disrupt their financial networks, and impose stricter penalties on those who provide material support to these criminal enterprises. Specifically, under current statute, it is unlawful to knowingly provide material support or resources to a Foreign Terrorist Organization and those who do so can be fined or imprisoned for up to 20 years,” the Members continued. 
    The members urged the administration to effectively and strategically employ the full suite of legal options this new designation enables and offered their assistance to empower it to specifically address the “Iron River” of American firearms that are fueling violence and destruction in communities across the United States and Mexico. 
    “We hope that you move swiftly and use these new legal authorities to combat southbound arms trafficking. We stand ready to assist in this effort in any way we can, including through legislation that expands your programmatic authorities to address this critical issue,” the Members concluded. 
    Read the full letter here. 
    Senator Cortez Masto has been working to crack down on cross-border crime since she was first elected Attorney General, when she worked with Nevada’s Republican governor, law enforcement, and Mexican officials to combat the rise of methamphetamine manufacturing and cross-border drug trafficking. In the Senate, she has authored legislation to combat drug trafficking online that was signed into law, and passed critical legislation to eliminate illegal fentanyl supply chains. She has also introduced legislation to crack down on the deadly fentanyl additive xylazine. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Wyden Demand Answers from Promoters who Paid Trump Nominee to Sell Investors Fraudulent Tax Credits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) demanded answers from the promoters of a fraudulent “tribal tax credit,” after they obtained a recording of an investor call showing the scam may be far larger than previously known. Billy Long, Trump’s nominee to lead the IRS, reported earning $65,000 for his work related to the scheme. 
    The call between White River Chief Financial Officer Jay Puchir and 100 or more investors provides new evidence that the company could not provide its own investors with clear proof that the “tribal tax credit” was legitimate. White River could not provide investors with a definitive government document or government point of contact willing to validate or authenticate the legitimacy of the “tribal tax credits” sold by White River.
    The call also contains evidence of a potentially corrupt lobbying scheme between White River and incoming Trump Administration officials to authorize millions in so-called “tribal tax credits” the IRS claimed “do not exist.” During the call, Puchir claims he will use his “contacts” in the new Trump Administration to gain favorable treatment on regulatory approvals from the IRS and other federal agencies, including a potential private letter ruling from the IRS. Puchir also claims to have contacts at the SEC that will help White River get its stock publicly traded again after being delisted on the OTCQB stock market.
    “We believe the investor call contains evidence of a corrupt lobbying scheme between White River and incoming Trump Administration officials to authorize millions in so-called “tribal tax credits” the IRS claims do not exist,” wrote Cortez Masto and Wyden. “During the call, Puchir claims he will use his ‘contacts’ in the new Trump Administration to gain favorable treatment on regulatory approvals from the IRS and other federal agencies, including a potential private letter ruling from the IRS.”
    Last month, the senators called for a criminal investigation into the tax credit scheme, after the IRS informed Democratic Finance Committee Staff that “these tax credits do not exist.” 
    The full text of the letter can be found here.
    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading voice fight fraud throughout her career. She sounded the alarm on increasing check fraud scams, which cost consumers millions of dollars each year. She introduced legislation to protect and support whistleblowers reporting wrongdoing to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and her bipartisan legislation to deter disruptive and potentially harmful phone calls and texts was signed into law in 2020.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Ernst, Case, Radewagen Work to Strengthen Strategic Relationships with Pacific Islands, Counter Chinese Aggression in the Region

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Congressman Ed Case (D-Hawaii-01), and Delegate Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-A.S.). introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at strengthening the United States’ strategic partnerships with Pacific Island nations, supporting sustainable development, and combating the increasing Chinese aggression in the region. The Pacific Partnership Act would help the U.S. establish a clear, comprehensive strategy to support diplomatic, security, and economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.
    “Supporting our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific is essential to combating the Chinese Communist Party’s influence and to our long-term national security,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan bill is critical to strengthening our ties with our allies in the Pacific and ensuring they become enduring global relationships.”
    “Strengthening America’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific is critical to deterring Chinese aggression,” said Senator Ernst. “This bipartisan legislation equips us to work with nations in the Pacific that serve as the first line of defense against the Chinese Communist Party and keep Americans safe at home.”
    “Our Pacific Partnership Act responds directly to the reality that our country’s and world’s future lies in the Indo-Pacific, and that the islands of the Pacific are our indispensable partners in charting that future,” said Congressman Case. “The Pacific Islands are under increasingly severe economic, environmental and geopolitical stress, and we must expand our generational engagement to assist them where they most need assistance. The Pacific Partnership Act, molded directly on the Pacific Islands’ own blueprint to their collective future, is our roadmap to expanded engagement as well.”
    “Thank you to Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Ernst, and Congressman Case for their focus on these important partnerships that are close to home for my congressional district in the South Pacific,” said Congresswoman Radewagen. “We need sustained U.S. engagement for enduring partnerships in the Pacific Islands, keeping China’s influence in check, and strengthening mutual development opportunities.”
    The U.S. has a longstanding relationship with the Pacific Islands, and they play a crucial role in U.S. national security, facilitating military operations in support of American allies and partners. Nevada – through the National Guard – collaborates with the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Independent State of Samoa under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, strengthening security cooperation globally. 
    The Pacific Partnership Act would strengthen these crucial ties by creating a “Strategy for Pacific Partnership”. This strategy, crafted by the President and presented to Congress every four years, would outline U.S. involvement in the Pacific Islands and highlight combined efforts to combat regional challenges including natural disasters, security threats, and economic development. 
    Read the full bill here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party’s influence and protect the American national and economic security. She introduced the PASS Act to ban individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land and businesses located near U.S. military installations or sensitive sites and the Strengthening Exports Against China Act, which would incentivize economic growth by eliminating barriers for American businesses competing directly with China in emerging industries like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets, which are critical components of cell phones, computers, defense systems, and electric vehicles, but are almost exclusively made in China.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Introduces Legislation Supporting Law Enforcement in Honor of National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a resolution 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.
    “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. 
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jim Justice (R-WV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Bernie Moreno (R-OH). Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in introducing the legislation. U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (MS-04-R) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “It’s an honor to join my colleagues in observing National Police Week. Our bipartisan resolution recognizes the valor, dignity, and dedication of our incredible law enforcement officers. Those who wear the uniform and stand with integrity to protect the liberties we cherish so deeply are owed a great debt of gratitude by our nation. I’m deeply thankful for their continued service to the state of Alabama and our entire country,” said Senator Britt.
    “The courageous men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our communities. In the face of outrageous attacks against these American heroes, we salute them, we thank them, and we pray for them,” said Senator Lee.
    “Brave law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Hagerty. “As growing threats occur, it’s critical that they have the resources they need to stay protected. I’m pleased to join this resolution calling for increased health and safety resources for law enforcement officers and highlighting their outstanding and important work.”
    “National Police Week is an opportunity to honor the men and women of law enforcement who uphold our laws, hold criminals accountable, resolve disputes, and protect the safety of our communities,” said Senator Sullivan. “There is something special, sacred even, about people who put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens in the course of a typical day at work. This week, we remember our fallen law enforcement heroes and their families, and we thank all of our public safety professionals for their selfless service on our behalf.”
    “During National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women of our law enforcement who put their lives on the line for our communities. I am proud to back the blue each and every day. May God protect all who serve,” said Senator Mullin. 
    “As a former sheriff with four decades in law enforcement, I know firsthand what it means to put on the badge and serve your community,” said Representative Ezell. “This resolution is about showing our law enforcement professionals that Congress stands with them, not just in words, but through meaningful support. We honor their service, we mourn those we’ve lost, and we commit to making sure every officer has what they need to do their job safely and effectively.”
    The bill is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, United States Deputy Sheriffs Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs’ Association, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, and Citizens Behind the Badge.
    “We endorse this resolution’s call for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well being of our law enforcement professionals. Our officers deserve the full support of the communities and the nation they so faithfully serve. Let us honor their service not only with words but through concrete actions that empower them to continue their essential work. We would like to thank Senator Cassidy for being the author of this resolution and for his continued support of Law Enforcement,” said Fabian Blache, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director.
    “Efforts like your resolution that bring greater awareness and appreciation to the sacrifices of our officers goes a long way in helping our sheriffs and police chiefs recruit and retain our forces. At the same time, it also builds a greater community understanding and appreciation which is critically needed for law enforcement work,”said Kevin Cobb, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director. 
    “Our organization has the honor of working with these quiet professionals across the nation. They serve with integrity and honor every day and more than ever need to know they are supported. We thank Senator Cassidy for his continued commitment to these everyday heroes who deserve this recognition,” said Mike Willis, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association National Training & Programs Director.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Smith Reintroduce Bill Preventing Spread of Foreign Animal Diseases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Click HERE to download audio of Grassley discussing the legislation
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) reintroduced the Healthy Dog Importation Act to combat the spread of foreign animal diseases entering the United States. The legislation would expand the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) program by providing additional tools to monitor and safeguard the health of dogs being imported into the country. 
    “Maintaining animal health is critical to our nation’s overall public health goals. We want to stop the spread of diseases that can hurt both animals and humans. Our commonsense proposal will boost an existing program to ensure all dogs entering the United States are healthy and not at risk of spreading dangerous diseases that threaten humans and our livestock,” Grassley said. 
    “We’ve seen first-hand the risk that animal-borne diseases pose to other species and humans, so it’s important that we screen animals coming across the border to make sure we’re keeping Minnesotans and their families safe. This bipartisan legislation ensures every dog imported into the United States is screened and vaccinated. Monitoring the illnesses of imported dogs will not only protect the health of our domestic and wild animals, it will also prevent disease outbreaks in people,” Smith said. 
    In addition to expanding the USDA-APHIS program, the Healthy Dog Importation Act would require every imported dog to have a certificate of veterinary inspection from a licensed veterinarian, with some exemptions for personal pet travel and military dogs. The health certificate must attest the dog has received all required vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results. 
    The legislation also would create an online database containing documentation and import permits to ensure dogs entering the country are being properly screened. This would allow further cooperation and communication between APHIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 
    “NAIA commends Representatives Johnson and Davis and Senators Grassley and Smith for taking action to reduce the spread of foreign animal diseases and pathogens. The bipartisan Healthy Dog Importation Act ensures that imported dogs meet basic health standards before crossing our borders—an essential safeguard not only for animal welfare, but for public health, biosecurity, and the integrity of our domestic pet and livestock industries. It’s a commonsense measure that responds to the realities of an increasingly interconnected world,” President of the National Animal Interest Alliance Patti Strand said.
    “NASDA is grateful for Senators Grassley and Smith’s leadership to reintroduce this timely legislation. The ongoing avian influenza outbreak and the ever-present threat of deadly African Swine Fever show the need to better protect the U.S. from highly contagious pathogens and zoonotic diseases. This legislation is critical for NASDA members, as the state departments of agriculture regulate and oversee animal health programs in their states to protect against an animal disease outbreak and secure our food supply. The Healthy Dog Importation Act helps our partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services by providing additional tools to monitor and safeguard the health of dogs being imported into the country,” CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Ted McKinney said.
    “Animal health is a top priority for U.S. cattle producers. This legislation will strengthen the inspection process to guard against the entry of zoonotic animal disease and protect public health and cattle health in the U.S. NCBA thanks Reps. Dusty Johnson and Don Davis and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tina Smith for introducing this important bill,” NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera said.
    “With the number of dogs imported into the United States rising to over one million annually, the risk of introducing and spreading diseases impacting human and animal health has dramatically increased. The proposed legislation equips federal agencies with the necessary tools to ensure all dogs entering the country are healthy and not a risk to public health. We urge Congress to pass the Healthy Dog Importation Act swiftly, as it is vital to improving our dog importation standards and strengthening the country’s animal health infrastructure,” American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President Dr. Sandra Faeh said. 
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).
    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.
    Click HERE to download audio of Grassley discussing the legislation
    Background:
    CDC estimates up to 1.245 million dogs are imported into the U.S. each year. For the estimated 113,000 canines imported from countries considered at a high-risk for rabies transmission, CDC requires a rabies vaccination certificate, but no other health documentation or identification. For the 950,000 dogs imported from rabies-free, low-risk or moderate risk countries, CDC requires no documentation or vaccination. 
    The COVID-19 pandemic has increased public health officials’ concerns regarding zoonotic diseases, which can be spread between animals and humans. The CDC reports 60 percent of all infectious diseases and three out of four emerging diseases can be spread from animals to humans. USDA-APHIS has separate regulatory authority over dogs imported for resale. However, USDA’s import requirements apply to only half of a percent of all imported dogs. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Force Senate Vote for Trump Admin to Obey Federal Courts, Due Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined Alex Padilla, Chris Van Hollen, Chuck Schumer, and Tim Kaine to introduce a resolution to investigate the Trump administration’s compliance with due process and court orders and El Salvador’s human rights abuses.
    “Due process is a fundamental American value and a constitutional requirement,” Hickenlooper said. “The administration cannot ignore our courts and send people to a prison in a foreign country without following due process. That’s just un-American. This vote will put every senator on the record.”
    The senators will force a vote on the resolution as soon as this week to require the Trump administration to produce a report including the following:
    Steps the administration is taking to follow court orders for U.S. citizens or residents who were wrongfully deported by the U.S. to El Salvador
    Confirmation whether U.S. security assistance has been used to support the illegal detention of U.S. residents
    Assessment of El Salvador’s human rights record
    Under existing Senate rules, if the administration fails to produce the report, security assistance to El Salvador would be prohibited by federal law.
    Companion legislation is being led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Joaquin Castro.
    Full text of the resolution available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Markey Urge FCC to Operate Transparently with Paramount-SkyDance Merger

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, urging the FCC to take a full Commission vote on the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. Given the reports that Paramount is considering settling a frivolous lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump against CBS, a Paramount subsidiary, the senators stated that the FCC should only approve the merger with an affirmative vote by the full Commission.

    In the letter the lawmakers write, “In late October, then-candidate Trump sued CBS for $10 billion — later raising this outrageous amount to $20 billion — for supposedly deceptively editing an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris on its programs 60 Minutes and Face the Nation. As the transcript of the interview showed, the excerpts that CBS aired were a quintessential example of editorial decision-making. Trump’s claim that such conduct constituted ‘voter interference’ and violated Texas’s consumer protection law is both false and a clear attempt to intimidate the news media. CBS has rightfully moved to dismiss the case.”

    The lawmakers continue, “Despite the obviously frivolous nature of the lawsuit, Paramount is reportedly considering settling the case to ‘increase the odds that the Trump administration does not block or delay’ its merger with Skydance. In fact, Paramount executives and directors are reportedly concerned that such a settlement could open them up to accusations of bribery. Paramount would not be the first to settle a lawsuit brought by the President in the past few months. In the weeks following the inauguration, ABC ($16 million), Meta ($25 million), and X ($10 million) all settled cases brought by Trump. With Paramount on the hook to pay Skydance a $400 million breakup fee if the FCC blocks the deal, the company has strong financial incentives to facilitate FCC approval of the merger.”

    The lawmakers conclude, “For those reasons, this transaction has signs of a deal between a company eager for approval of a multi-billion dollar merger and a President willing to exploit his position to intimidate the media and secure a multi-million dollar payout. The unique position of this merger necessitates the utmost transparency at the FCC. A matter of this significance deserves the scrutiny of the entire Commission. We urge you to only approve this merger through a full Commission vote.”

    As Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, Senator Luján has pushed back against attacks on news organizations. In February, Senators Luján, Markey, and Peters wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington condemning actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes. In March, Senators Luján, Markey, and Rosen introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast.

    The text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Chairman Carr,

    With the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently reviewing the proposed merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, we urge you to approve the transaction only with an affirmative vote by the full Commission. Although the Commission has delegated authority for its Media Bureau to decide certain matters without a full Commission vote, this transaction is unique from other mergers that have come before the Commission. In particular, Paramount is reportedly considering settling a frivolous, unrelated lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS, a Paramount subsidiary. Given the high profile of this deal and, at the very least, the appearance of impropriety, we strongly urge you to approve the merger only with a vote by the full Commission.

    The unique position of this case stems from President Trump’s ongoing, frivolous litigation against CBS. In late October, then-candidate Trump sued CBS for $10 billion — later raising this outrageous amount to $20 billion — for supposedly deceptively editing an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris on its programs 60 Minutes and Face the Nation. As the transcript of the interview showed, the excerpts that CBS aired were a quintessential example of editorial decision-making. Trump’s claim that such conduct constituted “voter interference” and violated Texas’s consumer protection law is both false and a clear attempt to intimidate the news media. CBS has rightfully moved to dismiss the case.

    Despite the obviously frivolous nature of the lawsuit, Paramount is reportedly considering settling the case to “increase the odds that the Trump administration does not block or delay” its merger with Skydance. In fact, Paramount executives and directors are reportedly concerned that such a settlement could open them up to accusations of bribery. Paramount would not be the first to settle a lawsuit brought by the President in the past few months. In the weeks following the inauguration, ABC ($16 million), Meta ($25 million), and X ($10 million) all settled cases brought by Trump. With Paramount on the hook to pay Skydance a $400 million breakup fee if the FCC blocks the deal, the company has strong financial incentives to facilitate FCC approval of the merger.

    For those reasons, this transaction has signs of a deal between a company eager for approval of a multi-billion dollar merger and a President willing to exploit his position to intimidate the media and secure a multi-million dollar payout. The unique position of this merger necessitates the utmost transparency at the FCC. A matter of this significance deserves the scrutiny of the entire Commission. We urge you to only approve this merger through a full Commission vote.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Employment Standards Amendments Pass

    Source: Government of Canada regional news



  • MIL-OSI USA: USCIS Assists in Investigation of Palestinians Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Headline: USCIS Assists in Investigation of Palestinians Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance in the investigation that led to the arrest and unsealing of indictments charging Mohammed Aburidi 24, a Palestinian, and Tareq Aburidi, 19, also a Palestinian, with possessing firearms and ammunition as aliens admitted to the United States on nonimmigrant visas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Memorial Services Honoring Former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MAY 13, 2025

    Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe announced today the memorial services honoring former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond.

    A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose life’s work was dedicated to serving Missouri, Kit Bond died on May 13, 2025, in St. Louis at 86 years old. To view Governor Kehoe’s statement, click here. An official obituary for Governor Bond is attached.

    Governor Kehoe also signed a proclamation ordering U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at all government buildings statewide beginning today until sunset on May 22, 2025. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

    On Tuesday, May 20, a State Memorial Service honoring the life and legacy of Governor Kit Bond will be held in the Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol at noon. The public is invited to attend.

    Governor Bond will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda for a 24-hour period immediately following the State Memorial Service, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.

    On Thursday, May 22, a celebration of Kit’s life will be held at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. All who knew and loved Kit are welcome to attend.

    Tuesday, May 20, 2025

    State Memorial Service

    When: 12:00 p.m.

    Where: Missouri State Capitol Rotunda

    Media: Open (designated media area available)

    *A mult box will be provided

    *The service will be livestreamed on Governor Kehoe’s Facebook Page

    Thursday, May 22, 2025

    Celebration of Life

    When: 1:00 p.m.

    Where: Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124

    Media: Closed

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Praetorian Shield and Two Individuals Agree to Pay $221,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Connected to Fraudulently Obtained Small Business Contracts and Kickbacks

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Praetorian Shield Inc., formerly a Delaware company, and Grady Baker, and his wife Ranya, have agreed to pay the United States $221,000 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by fraudulently obtaining small business set-aside contracts.

    This settlement further resolves allegations that Praetorian and the Bakers violated the Anti-Kickback Act. The settlement is based on Praetorian Shields’ and the Bakers’ financial condition and ability to pay.

    “The Bakers’ conduct in fraudulently obtaining government small business contracts thwarts the purpose of the small business program, which is meant to support small and disadvantaged businesses, and deprives legitimate businesses of opportunities intended by Congress” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “This settlement demonstrates our office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the federal contracting programs and to holding accountable those who seek to gain an unfair advantage through deception.”

    The settlement resolves allegations that between 2016 and 2023, Praetorian and the Bakers falsely represented that Praetorian was a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). They made these false claims to obtain small business set-aside contracts awards from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for security services at federal buildings.

    Praetorian was a purported small business subcontractor to Paragon Systems Inc. (Paragon), one of the federal government’s largest security guard providers at federal buildings throughout the U.S. The U.S. alleged that Paragon, acting through former high-ranking corporate executives, knowingly engaged in a fraudulent scheme to use purported small businesses that it controlled, such as Praetorian, to obtain DHS set-aside contracts for which Paragon was itself ineligible.

    Grady Baker, who served as Paragon’s vice president of operations, allegedly instructed Ranya Baker to incorporate Praetorian using her middle and maiden names. Ranya Baker did not typically use her middle or maiden names for business or personal purposes. The Bakers controlled Praetorian, along with other high-level Paragon executives, and Grady Baker served as Praetorian’s de facto director of operations.

    Through Grady Baker and other Paragon executives’ operational control, the Bakers and Praetorian knew that Praetorian was not an eligible small business. But they forged forward with devising the scheme to obtain DHS small business contracts for Paragon.

    This settlement also resolves allegations that Praetorian and the Bakers provided more than $188,000 in kickbacks to Paragon executives and that Ms. Baker received $98,000 in kickbacks from another Paragon subcontractor, Patronus Systems Inc.

    In November 2024, the United States resolved related civil claims against Paragon, recovering $52 million. Additionally, another purported small business, Athena Services International LLC (ASI), and its joint venture with Paragon, Athena Joint Venture Services LLC (AJVS) — along with their owner, Alisa Silverman — previously agreed to pay more than $1.6 million to resolve their liability in connection with the alleged Paragon small business contracting fraud scheme.

    This settlement is the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and DHS-OIG.  U.S. Attorney Hayes commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Marquardt and Senior Trial Counsel A. Thomas Morris, Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, who handled this matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney’s cabinet: A course correction on gender, but there’s more work ahead

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jeanette Ashe, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled his federal cabinet in his first major opportunity to define his newly elected government’s direction.

    For academics and activists concerned with gender equity, the cabinet announcement was a crucial litmus test for Carney’s approach to inclusive governance. Overall, Carney demonstrated a significant course correction with cabinet appointments that reflect a clear commitment to gender parity going forward.

    Carney entered office amid mounting scrutiny. His first cabinet, swiftly formed following his swearing-in as prime minister to replace Justin Trudeau, broke with his predecessor’s near decade-long tradition of gender-balanced cabinets.

    Controversially, Carney also eliminated the Minister for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) upon taking office in March. This decision prompted sharp criticism from feminist organizations, including the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, Women’s Shelters Canada, YWCA Canada and Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights.

    Demanded a reversal

    They wrote and signed an open letter to Carney in March at the annual gathering of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

    These groups viewed the removal of WAGE not only as a symbolic loss but as one with tangible, negative policy implications for millions of women and gender-diverse individuals across Canada. They argued: “Gender equality is not an afterthought; it is the backbone of a strong economy and resilient society.”

    Investing in feminist policies, including health care, childcare and pharmacare is, in other words, good for business, they said.

    In response to this organized feminist pushback, Carney has revised his approach. His cabinet comprises 28 full ministers: 14 women and 15 men, including the prime minister. In addition, Carney appointed 10 junior ministers as secretaries of state: four women and six men. WAGE has also now been restored as a full ministry.

    Men hold the most substantive posts

    While reinstating gender parity in cabinet marks an improvement, it is not without caveats. While women now make up almost half of both cabinet tiers, it’s not sufficient. Substantive representation, in which women hold influential decision-making positions, is lacking.

    A closer look reveals Carney’s appointments may be seen as a form of gender-washing — symbolically inclusive, but not substantively so.



    Read more:
    Gender washing: seven kinds of marketing hypocrisy about empowering women

    Notably, men hold five of the six most powerful positions in his core cabinet: finance, justice and attorney general, government House leader, president of the King’s Privy Council and president of the Treasury Board. Only one of these key roles — foreign affairs — was awarded to a woman, Anita Anand.

    This reflects persistent gender trends identified by scholars like Roosmarijn de Geus and Peter Loewen, who found in 2021 that women are under-represented in Canada in the more influential or “masculine” portfolios such as finance and defence, and over-represented in those perceived as caring or social in nature.

    While women are at Canada’s cabinet table, most do not have seats with the greatest views. Equity in numbers does not yet translate to equity in influence.

    Formalizing gender parity

    Overall, Canada’s broader trends in political representation remain troubling. The 2025 election saw a decrease in both the proportion of women candidates and elected MPs.

    Canada has now slipped to 70th in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s global ranking for women in national parliaments. With only 30.9 per cent of parliamentary seats held by women, Canada falls well below peer countries such as the United Kingdom (40.5 per cent) and New Zealand (45.5 per cent).

    Relying on the electoral fortunes of a single party to push for and uphold gender equity in Canada’s Parliament is unsustainable.

    Carney has now shown responsiveness to feminist public critique — a pragmatic move given the high number of women who supported the Liberal Party. If he wants to demonstrate ongoing commitment, his next step could be institutionalizing gender parity in ways that outlast any single leader or party. Such a change would ensure equity in politics is justice-based, not leader-based.

    More specifically, Parliament could amend the Parliament of Canada Act to require gender-balanced cabinets. Legislated gender quotas for political parties would also help ensure a minimum baseline of equitable representation in the House of Commons.



    Read more:
    Women in politics: To run or not to run?

    More than 100 countries have adopted such quotas. Canada could join them given most Canadians support their use.

    The Speaker of the House of Commons could also be tasked with producing annual gender-sensitive assessments of Parliament, policy outputs and government structures.

    Overall, Carney’s new cabinet is a win for feminist advocacy, but it cannot be the final word. Canada needs legal mechanisms, cultural shifts and institutionalized reforms to ensure its democratic institutions are truly representative.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Mark Carney’s cabinet: A course correction on gender, but there’s more work ahead – https://theconversation.com/mark-carneys-cabinet-a-course-correction-on-gender-but-theres-more-work-ahead-256541

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinaloa Cartel Leaders Charged with Narco-Terrorism, Material Support of Terrorism and Drug Trafficking

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    SAN DIEGO — An indictment unsealed today 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.

    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 (BLO), 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 for the Southern District of California. “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.”

    “These charges highlight the unwavering efforts of transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel to flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego. “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.”

    “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 Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “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 Dec. 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, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and now the Beltran Leyva Organization. It is the first indictment from the newly formed Narco-Terrorism Unit in the Southern District of California which was established upon the swearing in of U.S. Attorney Gordon on April 11.

    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

    1,500 kilogram fentanyl seizure on December 5, 2024

    1,680 kilogram cocaine seizure in Mexico City

    Cocaie seizure with the “Incredibles” brand and “R” brand

    Rainbow colored fentanyl pills and fentanyl bricks with “Louis Vuitton” and “Rolls Royce” stamps

    Pedro Inzunza branded hat with Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, aka, “Chapo Isidro” and Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe aka, “El Musico” symbols

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Mellor and Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California.

    DEFENDANTS                                 Case Number: 25cr1505                                          

    Pedro Inzunza Noriega                                     Age: 62              Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

    aka “Sagitario,” aka “120,” aka “El De La Silla”

    Pedro Inzunza Coronel                                     Age: 33              Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

    Aka “Pichon,” Aka “Pajaro,”  Aka “Bird”

    David Alejandro Heredia Velazquez                Age: 50              Guadalajara, Jalisco,

    Aka “Tano,” Aka “Mr. Jordan”                                                     Mexico, and Culiacan,                                                                                                                                                           Sinaloa, Mexico          

    Oscar Rene Gonzalez Menendez                       Age: 45             Guatemala City, 

    Aka “Rubio”                                                                                         Guatemala

    Elias Alberto Quiros Benavides                        Age: 53              San Jose, Costa Rica

    Daniel Eduardo Bojorquez                                Age: 47              Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

    Aka “Chopper”

    Javier Alonso Vazquez Sanchez                       Age: 31               Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

    Aka “Tito”, Aka “Drilo”

    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

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    HSI

    FBI

    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 (TCOs), 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), 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.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Brazilian President

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing on Tuesday with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is on a state visit to China.

    Xi Jinping recalled that last year, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, the two sides jointly announced the upgrading of bilateral ties to a China-Brazil community of shared future for a fairer world and a more sustainable planet.

    The Chinese President called on both sides to vigorously advance the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, consistently strengthen the alignment of development strategies, and jointly promote solidarity and cooperation among countries in the Global South.

    Xi Jinping stressed that China and Brazil should maintain strategic mutual trust, support each other on issues related to the two sides’ core interests and major concerns, and strengthen exchanges at all levels and in all areas.

    The Chinese leader called on the two countries to expand cooperation, deepen the effective alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Brazil’s development strategy, make full use of various cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and energy, and explore new areas of cooperation including energy transition, digital economy, artificial intelligence, aviation and space.

    China and Brazil, Xi Jinping continued, should expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, provide more facilities for people-to-people exchanges, and step up cooperation in culture, education, tourism, media, and at the local level.

    The two sides should maintain active interaction in multilateral forums, the Chinese leader noted, adding that as the largest developing countries in the Eastern and Western hemispheres respectively, China and Brazil should strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral mechanisms, uphold multilateralism, improve global governance, safeguard the international trade and economic order, and firmly oppose unilateralism, protectionism and bullying.

    L. I. Lula da Silva, for his part, stated that Brazil expects to deepen strategic cooperation with China and promote the construction of a Brazilian-Chinese community with a shared destiny.

    Brazil is willing to align its development strategy with the Belt and Road Initiative and expand cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, infrastructure, space and finance, the president said. He also called on the two countries to expand youth and cultural exchanges and strengthen ties and friendship between the two peoples.

    As L.I. Lula da Silva pointed out, protectionism and abuse of tariffs cannot promote development and prosperity, but instead lead to chaos. He stressed that China’s resolute stance in confronting global challenges gives strength and confidence to all countries. According to him, Brazil is ready to strengthen strategic cooperation with China in international affairs, cooperate to protect the common interests of the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice.

    At the Great Hall of the People, the heads of the two states attended the signing of 20 documents on cooperation in such areas as the alignment of development strategies, science and technology, agriculture, digital economy, finance, customs control and quarantine supervision, and the media.

    The heads of the two states also met with the press together.

    China and Brazil on Tuesday issued a joint statement on strengthening the joint construction of a China-Brazil community of shared future for a fairer world and a more sustainable planet and jointly safeguarding multilateralism, as well as a joint statement on the Ukraine crisis.

    Before the talks, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming ceremony for Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife Rosangela Lula da Silva. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB takes part in World Circular Economy Forum 2025 in Brazil to foster competitiveness and sustainable growth

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB to participate in more than 10 sessions at WCEF 2025 from 13-16 May 2025 to discuss circular economy advances
    • EIB financing for circular economy grows to record €1.4 billion in 2024
    • EIB lending to circular economy projects amounts to €5.1 billion over the past five years

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is participating in the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF 2025) from 13-16 May 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil, and online around the globe. The annual WCEF, an initiative of Finland and the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra), is one of the world’s leading events on the circular economy, which aims to make production and consumption more sustainable by extending the life cycle of resources, materials and goods.

    The WCEF provides a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, building networks and advancing the transition to a circular economy. This year’s edition will shed light on the bottlenecks to sustainable growth and the root causes that urgently require circular solutions.

    The EIB, one of the biggest multilateral providers of climate and environment finance, will present to conference participants its array of financing and advisory products to develop and support the circular economy. The EIB will also discuss the role of the circular economy in securing the supply of strategic materials and the benefits of pursuing projects across entire value chains.

    “We are stepping up our support for the circular economy in line with the European Union’s objectives that put circularity at the core of our decarbonisation strategy,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “In the past five years, we provided more than €5 billion to co-finance 153 circular economy projects in a variety of sectors. Circularity is key to conserve limited and strategic materials, enhance resilience and competitiveness and reduce our impact on the climate and the environment.”

    EIB lending to circular economy projects has consistently increased over the years, amounting to €5.1 billion in 2020-2024, with a record level of €1.4 billion last year alone. Recently financed projects include a €17 million loan to Europe’s largest iPhone refurbisher Swappie, venture debt financing of €25 million to Fairmat, a French company pioneering the recycling of carbon fibre composite materials, and a €75 million loan to improve solid waste management in Benin.

    Earlier this year, the EIB’s Board of Directors also approved an action plan to step up support for critical raw materials (CRM) with the aim of doubling annual financing for such projects – including circular solutions – to €2 billion. The plan also includes a new CRM Task Force and a dedicated one-stop shop to build and manage a pipeline of CRM operations and advisory activities and increased technical expertise and partnerships

    Join the EIB at WCEF 202

    Vice-President Fayolle is leading the EIB’s participation, starting with a panel at the opening plenary on 13 May. In total, EIB experts will take part in more than 10 sessions. The full list of sessions with EIB speakers is available here.

    People on site can meet staff of the EIB at its stand at the OCA in the Ibirapuera park in São Paulo on 13-14 May.

    For interview requests, please reach out to the press contact below.

    For more information about the EIB’s support to the circular economy visit: Circular economy (eib.org)

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Will Never Leave an American Behind

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    When President Trump says he will never leave an American behind, he means it. Edan Alexander has been released from Hamas and captivity and been reunited with his family in Israel.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff7G7vM5-3M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: India-Pakistan Ceasefire

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    We welcome the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for choosing the path of peace.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFLTGUAoJNE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Alaris Equity Partners Announces $75 Million Bought Deal Offering of 6.50% Convertible Unsecured Senior Debentures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES.
    FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (“Alaris” or the “Trust”) (TSX: AD.UN) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters (the “Underwriters”) led by National Bank Financial, CIBC Capital Markets and Desjardins Capital Markets, and including Acumen Capital Partners, Raymond James Ltd., RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank, and Cormark Securities Inc. pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible unsecured senior debentures due June 30, 2030 (the “Debentures”) at a price of $1,000 per Debenture (the “Offering”). The Trust has also granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $11.25 million aggregate principal amount of Debentures, on the same terms and conditions, exercisable in whole or in part, up to 30 days following closing of the Offering. The Offering is expected to close on or about June 2, 2025 (the “Closing Date”). Unless otherwise stated, all numbers in this press release are presented in Canadian dollars.

    The Trust intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to partially repay outstanding indebtedness under Alaris’ subsidiary’s senior debt facility (the “Senior Debt Facility”) which may be subsequently redrawn and used to fund future investments in new Partner (as defined below) investments or general trust purposes.

    The Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on the last business day of June and December of each year commencing on December 31, 2025. The first payment will include accrued and unpaid interest for the period from the Closing Date to, but excluding, December 31, 2025. The Debentures will mature on June 30, 2030 (the “Maturity Date”).

    The Debentures will be direct senior unsecured obligations of the Trust and will rank subordinate to all existing and future senior secured indebtedness of the Trust and any of its subsidiaries, including pursuant to the Senior Debt Facility, and pari passu with each debenture issued under the debenture indenture governing the Debentures (the “Trust Indenture”) and with all other present and future unsubordinated indebtedness of the Trust, including the Trust’s senior unsecured debentures due March 31, 2027, as further detailed in the Trust Indenture. The payment of principal and premium, if any, of, and interest on, the Debentures will be subordinated in right of payment to all senior secured indebtedness. The Trust Indenture will not restrict the Trust or its subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness or from mortgaging, pledging or charging its properties to secure any indebtedness or liabilities. None of the Trust’s subsidiaries will guarantee the Debentures.

    The Debentures will be convertible at the holder’s option into units of the Trust (“Units”) at any time prior to the earlier of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding: (i) the Maturity Date June 30, 2030; and (ii) and if called for redemption, the business day immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption of the Debentures at a conversion price of $24.85 per Units, being a ratio of 40.2414 per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, subject to adjustment in certain events. The Debentures are not redeemable by Alaris before June 30, 2028. On and after June 30, 2028 and prior to June 30, 2029, the Debentures may be redeemed in whole or in part from time to time at the option of Alaris at a price equal to their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that the volume weighted average trading price of the Units on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day preceding the date on which the notice of the redemption is given is not less than 125% of the Conversion Price. On and after June 30, 2029, the Debentures may be redeemed in whole or in part from time to time at the option of Alaris at a price equal to their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest regardless of the trading price of the Units.

    A preliminary short form prospectus will be filed with securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada, other than the province of Québec. The Offering is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    This news release is not an offer of securities of Alaris for sale in the United States. The Debentures have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Debentures may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    ABOUT ALARIS

    The Trust, through its subsidiaries, invests in a diversified group of private businesses (“Partners”) primarily through structured equity. The primary goal of our structured equity investments is to deliver stable and predictable returns to our unitholders through both cash distributions and capital appreciation. This strategy is enhanced by common equity positions, which allow us to generate returns in alignment with the founders of our Partners.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of “safe harbor” provisions under applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements“). Statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this news release may be forward-looking statements including, without limitation, management’s expectations, intentions and beliefs concerning: the anticipated Closing Date; the intended use of proceeds of the Offering; the anticipated terms and timing of conversion, redemption and maturity of the Debentures; expectations regarding the filing of a preliminary prospectus and the anticipated jurisdictions for the Offering. Many of these statements can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” or similar words or the negative thereof. There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations on which these forward-looking statements are based will occur.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements require Alaris to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Key assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions that: the required regulatory approvals for the Offering will be obtained in a timely fashion; the Debentures and trust units issued upon the conversion of the Debentures will be listed for trading on the TSX; interest rates will not rise in a matter materially different from the prevailing market expectations over the next 12 to 24 months; no widespread global health crisis will impact the economy or any Partners’ operations in a material way in the next 12 months; the businesses of the majority of our Partners will continue to grow; the businesses of new Partners and those of existing Partners will perform in line with Alaris’ expectations and diligence; more private companies will require access to alternative sources of capital and that Alaris will have the ability to raise required equity and/or debt financing on acceptable terms.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and should not be read as guarantees or assurances of future performance. The actual results of the Trust and the Partners could materially differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of certain risk factors, including, but not limited to: the ability of the Trust to obtain the required regulatory approvals for the Offering; the ability of our Partners and, correspondingly, Alaris to meet performance expectations for 2025 and beyond; any change in the senior lenders’ outlook for Alaris’ business; management’s ability to assess and mitigate the impacts of any local, regional, national or international health crises like COVID-19 or its variants; the dependence of Alaris on the Partners; reliance on key personnel; general economic conditions in Canada, North America and globally; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefit of Alaris’ financing arrangements with the Partners; a failure of the Trust or any Partners to obtain required regulatory approvals on a timely basis or at all; changes in legislation and regulations and the interpretations thereof; risks relating to the Partners and their businesses, including, without limitation, a material change in the operations of a Partner or the industries they operate in; inability to close additional Partner contributions in a timely fashion, or at all; a change in the ability of the Partners to continue to pay Alaris’ distributions; a material change in the unaudited information provided to Alaris by the Partners; a failure of a Partner (or Partners) to realize on their anticipated growth strategies; a failure to achieve the expected benefits of the third-party asset management strategy or similar new investment structures and strategies; conflicts of interest that may arise under the asset management strategy or otherwise; a failure to achieve resolutions for outstanding issues with Partners on terms materially in line with management’s expectations or at all; and a failure to realize the benefits of any concessions or relief measures provided by Alaris to any Partner or to successfully execute an exit strategy for a Partner where desired. Additional risks that may cause actual results to vary from those indicated are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” in the Trust’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is filed under the Trust’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on its website at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information contained in this news release as a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements. Statements containing forward-looking information reflect management’s current beliefs and assumptions based on information in its possession on the date of this news release. Although management believes that the assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

    The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Alaris does not undertake or assume any obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new events or circumstances except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

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

    For further information please contact:

    ir@alarisequity.com
    P: (403) 260-1457
    Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust
    Suite 250, 333 24th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta T2S 3E6
    www.alarisequitypartners.com

    The MIL Network –