NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON INCIDENT AT DELANEY HALL ICE DETENTION FACILITY

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

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

    The Trump administration has repeatedly broken the law and skirted court orders while deporting American citizens, including children, without the due process protections guaranteed by the Constitution. 

    Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to serve as a check on the out-of-control policies of the executive branch, including conducting oversight wherever and whenever it is needed. I thank Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez and LaMonica McIver for showing up, standing up and speaking out today in Newark, along with Mayor Ras Baraka. 

    The concerns of elected officials about this unsanctioned facility will not be silenced by the Trump administration’s attempt to intimidate the public. We will never bend the knee. 

    The masked agents who physically accosted two Congresswomen must be identified immediately and any trumped-up charges against Mayor Baraka dropped. The specific role played by the for-profit operators of this private detention center in today’s disgraceful events will be heavily scrutinized in this congressional term – and beyond. Presidents come and Presidents go. The House of Representatives will endure. 

    Keep your hands off of Members of Congress.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on the Release of Rumeysa Öztürk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement after Rumeysa Öztürk was released from ICE detention.

    “Today, our legal system worked: Rumeysa Öztürk was finally released from ICE detention after being unlawfully detained for more than six weeks. Rumeysa was here lawfully on a student visa and was kidnapped and disappeared off the street for no reason, seemingly other than drafting an op-ed, exercising her constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression. Her detention was a disgrace and a threat to all of our liberties, and her release is a testament to her, her family, and attorneys, and the public that refused to back down. 

    “However, the harm caused by Rumeysa’s detention highlights the outrageous nature of Donald Trump’s indiscriminate and unconstitutional arrests of immigrants, including those with legal status, simply because they do not agree with Trump. It also highlights the fact that Donald Trump lied when he said he was only going after ‘the worst of the worst.’ Instead, he has been launching an all-out assault on free speech rights and the due process rights that are the foundation of our legal system. 

    “Every American should understand that if Trump can kidnap and disappear Rumeysa off the street, he can do the same to any of us. The First Amendment is not up for debate — and whether it is Mohsen Mahdawi, Rumeysa Ozturk, Mahmoud Khalil, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Alfredo Juarez Zeferino, or all the other immigrants kidnapped by this administration — we will not back down in defending all of our rights.”

    Issues: Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on CBP Order Revoking the Rights of Pregnant Women to Access Water, Infants to have Diapers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) memo revoking protections for the most vulnerable people in its custody.  

    “Every day, I think that we have reached the apex of cruelty this administration can inflict on immigrants, and yet it still continues to grow. Now we are learning that CBP has issued an internal memo eliminating four policies that help to protect the most vulnerable people in detention — including pregnant women, infants, and the elderly. These policies simply require basic necessities to be provided — like water for pregnant women and diapers and formula for babies. These policies were necessary in the first place to ensure that CBP treated immigrants like humans, after refusing to give soap or toothbrushes to immigrants during the first Trump administration. 

    “Now, CBP’s revocation memo indicates that these policies are ‘misaligned with current Agency guidance and immigration enforcement priorities,” indicating that cruelty—rather than basic humanity—are the only key priorities of this Administration. That is unacceptable.

    “We’ve seen what happens when CBP doesn’t have safeguards in place – two children under 10 years old died on Trump’s watch. The Administration’s callous termination of these lifesaving measures will put kids in harm’s way. I have no doubt that this step from the Trump administration will not only inflict unnecessary trauma on already vulnerable people who are seeking a better life in America, but it will cost lives.”

    Issues: Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Engages with DHS Secretary Noem on Temporary Protected Status

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    05.09.25
    Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) engaged with the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on a number of important issues to Alaska during a Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. The Senator spoke up for those in Alaska under temporary protected status and humanitarian parole, and impressed upon Secretary Kristi Noem the importance of prompt processing of applications for humanitarian parole and temporary protected status.
    Click here to watch the full interaction. 
    The full transcript of the exchange is below.
    TRANSCRIPT
    Murkowski: Here with regards to parole and temporary protected status, we have a relatively significant population of immigrants in Alaska that are under [humanitarian parole] or TPS or both. They’re small, but for us, they’re meaningful in our communities. It’s the Ukrainians, we have Afghanis, Venezuelans, we have some Haitians. The majority of these folks are just truly valued members of their new community. They’re helping us meet workforce needs and really contributing to the tax base here. They’ve expressed great concern about their status and work authorizations that may be revoked or allowed to expire.
    So, USCIS hasn’t processed re-paroles, TPS renewals, or work authorizations for the Ukrainians, at least, for almost five months. The concern is, they have they have paid the fees to USCIS to process their applications, and yet they’re not seeing any action on this. Can you share with me, share with the committee, any information on when this pause might end? There are so many that are concerned that the work authorizations will expire while they’re waiting for this process.
    Noem: Yeah, we do have several countries that have been evaluated by the administration on their participation in TPS, and the program, as it was established, was meant to be utilized on a temporary basis, so some of these TPS programs have been in place for many, many years. But, the evaluation on why TPS should be utilized and when it can be utilized by a country is the process that the administration’s going through. So, if it’s a conflict, environmental [or] economic concern, something that’s going on, and you talked specifically about the Ukrainians as well. I will say that that program is still there and being evaluated, but those folks may have gotten an email or something that was not correct and was rectified. So, I know some folks were alarmed by that that they received but we did rectify that and that was sent out if their legal status had changed, you know, it certainly did not apply to them and we communicated that with them as well. The one thing I will say is that anyone who is on a program like this or on parole that has been revoked always has the opportunity to apply for asylum as well. That is the application that we are forwarding in many of these instances across the country from different countries that interact with us through these different programs.
    Murkowski: And again, just the timing of an expiration of the work authorization while they’re waiting. So, as much information as you can share with us and I’m sure other states as well. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Working with FBI Director to Address MMIWG and Fentanyl in Alaska

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    05.09.25
    Washington, DC – During a U.S. Senate Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) secured commitments from the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to work with her on critical public safety issues for Alaska. As Alaska struggles with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls cases and fentanyl-related deaths, Director Kash Patel pledged to make Alaska a priority as the Bureau addresses these life-and-death matters.
    Click here to watch the Senator’s full line of questioning.
    The full transcript of Murkowski’s comments is below.
    Murkowski: Director, good morning. This a week that a lot of Alaskans are paying attention to. Monday was the day that we recognize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness day. I’ve just been going through the morning clips, not while you have been testifying of course, but this morning. And there’s accounts in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks, and marches in Nome, all recounting very painful stories that families have endured, of their family members who have gone missing, where law enforcement just was not present for a host of different reasons. You and I talked about this prior to your confirmation and it is something that I have been working on for a period of years now. We have made some good progress under the first Trump Administration. There was a focus called ‘Operation Lady Justice’ and now I am pleased to see that we have this expanded to what you’re calling ‘Operation Not Forgotten,’ to look into unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country including cases involving missing/murdered indigenous persons.
    I am looking critically at the budget here and wondering if you can share with me how the budget requests, or what we have of it at this point in time, will support this expansion of ‘Operation Not Forgotten’. I need to be able to give folks back home the comfort that they need to know that these cases that have gone cold, for not just months and years, but decades, will not be dropped. That that push for closure will continue. What can you share with me this morning?
    Patel: Senator, I greatly appreciate you highlighting and being a champion of crimes on Indian Country. And just this week I was the first FBI Director in U.S. History to sit down at the Department of the Interior with the Tribal leaders at the STAT level. I also met privately with the parents of Emily Pike, who was tragically butchered on a reservation in Arizona and her parents asked me to find the remaining pieces of her body that have not been returned. She is a 14-year-old girl, she is still missing her arms, they only have her torso. What I told them, and what I hope you take back to Alaska and what the rest of the tribal community hears, is that every crime in this country will be treated equally. Those that happen on Indian Country and those that are happening to Native Americans are just as horrific as those happening in the rest of America. We’ve already prioritized resources in our state level task forces to address these matters. And I asked the staff to allow FBI agents onto reservations on a more regular basis and engage with them directly. I also invited the community leaders to nominate a law enforcement officer from one of the tribal jurisdictions to sit with me at the Hoover Building in the FBI so that we have a direct engagement with the community. So, we are, just one highlight, I think in Wind River, we executed an operation that took down, I can’t remember how many dozens of pounds of fentanyl that was heading to an Indian reservation. So, you have my commitment that we will not forget it.
    Murkowski: Well thank you for that broader commitment. As you know of, course, we don’t have reservations in Alaska, we don’t have the same type of tribal law enforcement presence. So, some unique aspects of it. My understanding is the Alaska field office in Anchorage, along with the two satellite offices that we have, one in Fairbanks and one in Juneau, they have one FBI Victim Service Coordinator to communicate with these families. This has been part of the problem. It’s radio silence out of the agency. They don’t know whether a case is being pursued, they hear nothing. So, I would ask that you look, as you’re looking at your budget, to make sure that the FBI does include support for Victim Service Coordinators on this. It’s a gap that is missing right now.
    Very quickly, we also talked about the fentanyl crisis in Alaska. We are the one state that tragically is going the wrong way when it comes to fentanyl deaths. We had a 40% increase in fentanyl deaths in 2023. You had indicated that you would be doing aggressive work here. We need to be doing more and I’ve shared that it ought to be easier intercept drugs that are coming into Alaska because they come in by air plane, they come through the mail, and they occasionally come in by boat. Maybe a little bit driving across through the border. But we’ve got the ability to do the interception and right now our numbers are not going down. I just ask for your continued commitment with this. We are seeing FBI partnering with ICE for arrests and detentions of immigrants in Alaska. Folks are asking me, “are we using FBI resources?” Redirecting them from the fentanyl crisis to perhaps perusing that have been targeted immigrants even though they aren’t violent criminals. So, I’d love to have further conversations with you on some of these Alaska specifics, but we have got to start turning that corner on fentanyl.
    Patel: Yes, ma’am, and I think you know this: we are sending a plus up to Alaska in part of this movement out to the field and we will look to address those specific issues, and I will work with you and your office to make sure that Alaska is not forgotten and that we emphasize it.
    Murkowski: Very good, appreciate it. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Budd Introduce Legislation to Empower Vocational Students, Unlock Workforce Potential

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced the Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act to expand Pell Grant eligibility to short-term, technical training programs. This legislation would make available financial assistance for low-income students looking to pursue in-demand and high-paying careers in skilled trades. 
    “Too many students are pushed into debt seeking a four-year degree that doesn’t suit job market demands. That needs to change. Our legislation will expand access to high-quality, short-term job training programs to close the skills gap, reduce college debt and ensure more students can enter the workforce in high-demand industries,” Grassley said.
    “We cannot build tomorrow’s workforce based on the blueprint for yesterday’s economy. By modernizing Pell Grant eligibility, we can open the door for millions of Americans to gain in-demand skills, while creating more family-sustaining careers. In as little as eight weeks, students can earn industry-recognized credentials and practical knowledge – the real currency of today’s labor market. It’s time to build a workforce strategy as modern and dynamic as the economy we’re preparing it for,” Budd said.
    Grassley and Budd are joined by Sens. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.).
    The PELL Act served as the original framework for the House of Representatives’ Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan, which was recently included in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce’s reconciliation bill.
    Read the full bill text HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch Join MOMS Act to Help Build Culture of Life, Support Women, Strengthen Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Ahead of Mother’s Day this Sunday, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) are co-sponsoring the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act, led by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Alaska), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) and Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri).  This legislation would provide critical support to women during typically challenging phases of motherhood–prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development–and bolster access to resources and assistance to help mothers and their children thrive.
    “As we approach Mother’s Day, we honor the women and mothers raising the next generation of children in America,” Crapo said.  “Their love and sacrifices for their families form some of the strongest bonds on Earth.  This act will empower moms throughout the United States with greater access to resources to assist them during pregnancy, childbirth and raising their families.”
    “The Republican Party is the party of life, the party of parents and the party of families.  At the heart of the MOMS Act is building a comprehensive culture of life to give moms, children and families the support system they need to thrive and live their American Dream,” Britt said.  “As a mom myself, I don’t have to wonder what other moms are facing–I’m living it.  I know firsthand that there is no greater blessing in life than our children, and I also understand the types of challenges that women face during their pregnancy journeys and while raising their kids.  I’m proud to support women throughout these seasons of motherhood, and the MOMS Act is part of my continued commitment to fight on their behalf.”
    The bill comes at an important moment.  In 2023, the number of U.S. births was the lowest since 1979, according to provisional CDC data, and the total fertility rate in America hit an all-time low.  Last year, fertility and birth rates remained near record-lows, reflecting a continued, concerning trend in America.
    U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Roger Wicker (R-Missouri), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) are also cosponsoring the MOMS Act
    The MOMS Act would establish a website of resources, Pregnancy.gov, for expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children.  This aims to increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private resources available to pregnant women near their zip code and surrounding areas.  These relevant resources include health and well-being services, financial assistance, and material and legal support.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would also be required to include and maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available to non-profit and healthcare entities for pregnancy support.
    The legislation would also improve access to pre- and post-natal resources.  The bill would establish a grant program for non-profit entities to support, encourage and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and to care for their babies after birth.  It would also institute a grant program to purchase necessary medical equipment and technology in rural areas and other medically underserved areas to support pre-natal and post-natal telehealth appointments.
    The MOMS Act also includes Senator Cramer’s Unborn Child Support Act to allow states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy.
    This legislation is endorsed by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans United for Life, March for Life Action, the National Right to Life Committee, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women of America, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and the Human Coalition.
    The full text of the bill can be viewed here. A section-by-section of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Announce Funding for Duluth International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON –  U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith released the following statement on the Duluth International Airport receiving $5,980,000 in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminal Programs for the replacement of its air traffic control tower.
    “I’ve been fighting for funding to replace this tower that is one of the oldest in the country and in urgent need of repair,” said Klobuchar. “With this major federal grant, the Duluth International Airport is a step closer to completing this project and boosting safety and efficiency.”
    “The Duluth International Airport provides critical service to northern Minnesota, from commercial service to cargo, military and medical flights, yet it’s operating with a 70-year-old tower – the third oldest in the nation – that is not up to FAA standards,” said Senator Smith. “This investment will make air travel in the Duluth area safer and more efficient. This kind of investment is exactly why I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which made this important project possible.”
    In 2024, Senator Klobuchar and Smith secured $10 million in federal funding for the Air Traffic Control Tower Relocation project. 
    In 2023, Klobuchar and the Minnesota delegation sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting that they expedite reviews and approvals required for Duluth International Airport (DLH) to apply for grant funding to build a new air traffic control tower. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Motion for Preliminary Injunction to Stop Unlawful Dismantling of HHS

    Source: US State of California

    After filing lawsuit on Monday, Attorney General Bonta now seeks preliminary injunctive relief from certain portions of MAHA Directive

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On March 27, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. issued a directive to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA Directive), which included the firing of roughly 10,000 full-time HHS employees, the consolidation of 28 HHS divisions into 15 divisions, and the closing of half of HHS’s ten regional offices — including one in San Francisco. On May 5, the attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging over the MAHA Directive. In today’s motion, they argue that they have satisfied each of the elements for issuance of a preliminary injunction and seek intervention from the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island to prevent the imminent, irreparable damage resulting from certain portions of the MAHA Directive.

    “Absent intervention from the court, our States will suffer irreparable harm. As a result, we’re filing a motion for a preliminary injunction and requesting expedited relief,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With HHS under attack by the Trump Administration, my fellow attorneys general and I are continuing to answer the public’s call to protect this critical Department.”

    The States argue that the entire MAHA Directive is arbitrary and capricious, and specifically move for a preliminary injunction setting aside the MAHA Directive as to: (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) the Center for Tobacco Products (located within the Food & Drug Administration); (3) the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families; and (4) the Division of Data and Technical Analysis (located within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation), which is responsible for calculating the federal poverty guidelines.

    In their motion, the attorneys general argue that: 

    • The States are likely to prevail on their claims that the Trump Administration’s actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act, congressional mandates, and the Constitution. 
    • The States have suffered and will continue to suffer irreparable harm in the form of lost funding, information, guidance and support for their complementary State programs — in particular if the formal staff terminations, which were sent on April 1, are allowed to proceed on June 2.
    • The public health and social consequences of these actions overwhelmingly militate in favor of preliminary injunctive relief.  

    In filing today’s motion for a preliminary injunction, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

    A copy of the motion can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WEEK 16 WINS: President Trump Advances America’s New Golden Age

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    This week, President Donald J. Trump advanced his America First agenda with remarkable successes that bolster the economy, enhance national security, and promote global stability. From a landmark trade agreement to bold steps to secure our borders and skies, President Trump is delivering results that matter to every American.
    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week 16:
    President Trump announced a “breakthrough” trade deal with the United Kingdom that expands market access, curbs non-tariff barriers, and levels the playing field for American exporters.
    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: “President Trump has delivered a tremendous win for American family farmers and ranchers … Thank you, President Trump, for fighting for American cattle producers.”
    National Corn Growers Association: “This is great news. We applaud President Trump and his administration for brokering this deal.”
    International Dairy Foods Association: “On behalf of America’s dairy processors and producers, IDFA applauds President Trump’s announcement today that the United States and the United Kingdom have reached the terms for a significant trade deal between our two markets that promises to expand access for U.S. agricultural goods, reduce tariffs, and remove barriers to trade.”

    President Donald J. Trump’s relentless pursuit of manufacturing dominance spurred onshoring and additional U.S. investment.
    The Wall Street Journal: Trump’s Tariffs Are Lifting Some U.S. Manufacturers
    The Washington Post: This U.S. manufacturer doesn’t mind Trump’s tariffs at all
    Bristol Myers Squibb announced a $40 billion investment over the next five years in its research, development, technology, and U.S.-based manufacturing operations.
    Gilead Sciences announced an $11 billion boost to its planned U.S.-based manufacturing investment.
    Invenergy announced a $1.7 billion investment in U.S. electric transmission.
    Merck Animal Health announced an $895 million investment to expand their manufacturing operation in Kansas.
    Wistron Corp., a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer and AI server maker, announced $455 million in additional U.S. investment.
    Lego announced a $366 million investment to build a new distribution center in Prince George County, Virginia.
    Hotpack, a Dubai-based maker of food packaging materials and related products, announced a $100 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Edison, New Jersey.

    The Trump Administration unveiled a plan to completely overhaul the nation’s air traffic control system, building on the unprecedented actions already taken to secure America’s skies and improve air travel.
    American Airlines CEO Robert Isom: “This plan from President Trump and Secretary Duffy is absolutely the best opportunity that we’ve had in decades to do something about our outdated air traffic control infrastructure and build a best-in-class system that our country deserves.”
    Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian: “I want to especially thank Secretary Duffy and the Administration for gathering us all here today and taking such a strong approach to overhauling our air traffic control system in the U.S.”
    United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: “This really is an historic day — a day I have been looking forward to my entire career when I felt like we have turned the corner and are on the path to give the United States the best-in-class air traffic control system that the citizens of the United States deserve.”
    Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan: “I cannot say enough thanks to Secretary Duffy, to the administration, to President Trump for the stellar leadership to bring everyone together on this problem.”

    President Trump continued to secure our borders, rid our communities of illegal immigrant criminals, and keep Americans safe.
    President Trump announced plans to house America’s most ruthless, violent criminals at Alcatraz prison.
    President Trump established “Project Homecoming” to encourage illegal immigrants to voluntarily depart the U.S.
    The Department of Justice announced the takedown of a massive drug and weapons trafficking organization in New Mexico, operated by the Sinaloa cartel — resulting in the largest fentanyl seizure in our nation’s history and the arrests of six high-level cartel members illegally in the U.S.
    The Department of Justice announced that 115 children were rescued and 205 child sex predators were arrested in just five days as part of Operation Restore Justice.
    The Department of Homeland Security announced it will offer financial assistance and stipends for illegal immigrants voluntarily returning to their home country via the CBP Home App — saving taxpayers as much as $1 million per illegal alien family in long-term costs of welfare and public support.
    Breitbart: Southern Border Migrant Apprehensions Continue Record-Shattering Decline
    Fox News: Daycare in wealthy enclave shutters after housing fugitive child predator arrested by ICE
    The percentage of Americans “who worry a great deal” about crime has fallen by ten points over last year.

    President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
    President Trump announced a ceasefire with Houthi terrorists in Yemen, restoring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea for U.S.-flagged ships.
    The Department of the Treasury targeted a third teapot refinery for facilitating the delivery of Iranian oil as part of President Trump’s broad and aggressive maximum pressure campaign.
    The Department of State designated Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
    The Department of State announced all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, were rescued and brought safely to the U.S.

    A new survey showed 70% of farmers expect the President Trump’s tariffs to strengthen the agricultural economy in the long-term.
    President Trump announced his first wave of judicial nominations.
    President Trump ended federal funding for dangerous gain-of-function research in foreign countries.
    President Trump ended the racist and discriminatory Biden-era “Digital Equity Act,” which provided billions in handouts based on race.
    President Trump announced new tariffs on movies produced in foreign countries in an effort to boost the American film industry.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to restore a robust domestic manufacturing base for prescription drugs and promote domestic production of critical medicines.
    President Trump eliminated useless water pressure standards that make household appliances less effective and more expensive.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to provide better care to veterans, improve accountability for such care, and establish a National Center for Warrior Independence for homeless veterans.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to ease the regulatory burden on Americans and ensure no one is transformed into a criminal for violating a regulation they have no reason to know exists.
    President Trump directed his administration to expeditiously implement the most effective mechanisms, barriers, and other measures to prevent the migration and expansion of invasive carp in the Great Lakes Basin and the surrounding region.
    President Trump directed the Office of the Federal Register to speed up publishing time and decrease costs, enabling agencies to more quickly and effectively restore freedom through President Trump’s deregulatory agenda.
    President Trump officially declared May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” in commemoration of the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces.
    The Department of Education continued their rigorous oversight of secondary and higher education institutions to ensure compliance with federal law.
    The Department of Education opened an investigation into the Saratoga Springs City School District in New York for Title IX violations relating to male participation in female sports and occupation of female facilities.
    The Department of Education informed Harvard University that the federal government will no longer award new grants to the university amid their failure to uphold federal law.
    The Department of Education opened a formal foreign funding investigation into the University of Pennsylvania after a review of the university’s foreign reports revealed inaccurate and incomplete disclosures.
    The Department of Education initiated a Title IX investigation into Western Carolina University amid allegations the school failed to ensure sex-separated intimate spaces.
    The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced a review of recent incidents of anti-Semitic violence at the University of Washington and its affiliates.

    The Department of Education resumed collections for student borrowers in default following a five-year pause and reminded institutions of their obligations to support student loan borrowers.
    The Department of Education directed states to maximize parental options for choosing the safest school setting for their children.
    The Department of Justice opened an investigation into a recent policy by Hennepin County, Minnesota, to consider race in plea deals.
    The Department of the Treasury announced a fast-track process to facilitate greater investment in U.S. businesses from ally and partner sources.
    The Department of Energy announced new policies to limit indirect costs of certain grant funding, which is projected to save taxpayers more than $935 million per year.
    The Department of Energy halted the Biden-era ban on fossil fuels in federal buildings, ensuring they’re utilizing the most efficient power available to lower taxpayer costs and curb regulatory overreach.
    The Department of State closed its “Office of Palestinian Affairs,” a Biden-era creation that encouraged Israel not to respond to the October 7 terrorist attacks.
    The Department of Health and Human Services warned medical schools that DEI admissions or employment practices violate federal law and must be eliminated, or the institution risks its federal funding.
    The National Institutes of Health announced all beagle experiments on its campus have been terminated.
    The Department of Agriculture announced the removal of hazardous fuels — such as dead or downed trees — that pose wildfire threats to communities, critical infrastructure, and recreation areas.
    The Department of Agriculture announced enhanced enforcement for making sure states are appropriately and lawfully preserving SNAP benefits for only eligible Americans.
    The Department of Housing and Urban Development, in collaboration with First Lady Melania Trump, announced an investment in a new program to prevent homelessness in Americans aging out of the foster care system.
    The Department of Labor recovered more than $1.4 million in back wages for more than 2,600 employees after finding a California company had failed to pay its employees proper rates.
    The Department of Labor announced additional funding to support disaster-relief jobs and continue employment training for Tennesseans and Floridians affected by last year’s tropical storms.
    The Department of Transportation terminated $54 million in woke, radical grant funding.
    The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an additional 60,000 documents related to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
    The Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration can enforce its ban on individuals with gender dysphoria serving in the military, boosting efforts to restore a military focused on readiness rather than woke gender ideology.
    President Trump announced Washington, D.C., will host the NFL Draft in 2027.
    The House of Representatives passed a bill to codify President Trump’s “Gulf of America” Executive Order.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Colleagues Blast GOP for Proposing to Gut Funding for Meals on Wheels, Head Start, and Safety Net Programs to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    05.09.25

    Cantwell, Colleagues Blast GOP for Proposing to Gut Funding for Meals on Wheels, Head Start, and Safety Net Programs to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    Nearly 50,000 seniors in WA rely on Meals on Wheels and 33,000 low-income families could lose TANF assistance under GOP budget

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in sending an open letter to the American public warning that Congressional Republicans are trying to cut funding for safety net programs like Meals on Wheels, Head Start, and others to fund tax cuts for billionaires.

    Republican Senators are currently writing legislation that will give a tax break to the wealthiest by ripping away programs American seniors, children, and working families rely on. Republicans have targeted two essential funding sources for social services programs—Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) —putting nearly 25 million children, seniors, and families at risk across the country. 

    “We write to make our position on this legislation perfectly clear: Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by ripping away programs that almost 25 million Americans – close to 50% of whom are children – rely on for basic needs,” the Senators wrote to the American public. 

    “Earlier this month, Congressional Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed a budget that sets the stage for existential cuts to the safety net. Republican leaders claim they have no plans to eliminate essential services, but tens of billions in catastrophic cuts to these programs appeared on Republicans’ published wish list, alongside cuts to Medicaid and SNAP,” the Senators continued. “State and local leaders confirm that eliminating SSBG and TANF would reduce programs that serve our most vulnerable as states and localities are already operating under tight budget constraints.” 

    Any cuts to these programs would have devastating effects on Washingtonians;

    The Senators’ letter concludes: “Right now, Republicans are writing the most consequential legislation contemplated in decades entirely behind closed doors. That’s because Trump and Congressional Republicans must hide the ugly truth – their legislation feeds corporate and wealthy individuals’ greed by abandoning vulnerable children, starving seniors, and cutting off families in need. You, your family, and your neighbors deserve far better. Democrats are fighting to protect your communities from Republican cuts. Join us and keep up the fight.” 

    The full letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southern District charges over 300 individuals in border security-related cases this week

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    HOUSTON – A total of 300 cases have been filed charging 302 people from May 2-8 in continuing efforts to secure the southern border, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    As part of the cases, 93 face allegations of illegally reentering the country. The majority have prior felony convictions for narcotics, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 193 people face charges of illegally entering the country, while 11 cases allege various instances of human smuggling with the remainder involving other immigration-related crimes.  

    Those charged by criminal complaint include two convicted felons authorities had allegedly discovered illegally in the country near Roma. Milton Elias Lara-Lara and Alejandro Tamayo-Velazquez have convictions related to fentanyl and marijuana, respectively, and had previously been removed from the United States, according to their charges.  

    Two more charged this week for unlawfully returning to the United States are Marco Antonio Rangel-Hernandez and Jose Guadalupe Valero-Lavanzate. The charges against them allege both are Mexican nationals who had previously served sentences for illegal reentry.

    As part of the ongoing efforts, others have also admitted they failed to register and be fingerprinted. One of those was Elver Emmanual Ollervidez-Tapia. He admitted he had previously waded across the Rio Grande River and illegally entered the country. Upon arrival, he failed to register and be fingerprinted as required by law. He was charged with that crime and for illegally entering the country and has pleaded guilty.

    In addition to the new cases, a five-time DUI illegal alien offender was ordered to federal prison for 70 months. In imposing the term of imprisonment, the court considered the dangerousness of Isidor Lagunas-Estrada’s crimes, his lack of respect for the law and need for deterrence. Lagunas-Estrada was removed from the United States in 2020 following his fourth DUI conviction. The investigation revealed he illegally reentered again and was found in the United States in October 2022 when he was arrested and later convicted for his fifth DUI.   

    Also announced was an illegal alien who had allegedly attempted to export stolen vehicles for the cartel. Authorities found Angel David Salas-Herrera in a stolen jeep Gladiator, according to the charges. A search allegedly resulted in the discovery of multiple key fobs and a device utilized to program them. The charges allege the Gladiator was intended to be exported to Mexico for the Gulf Cartel. Law enforcement was also able to recover two additional stolen vehicles that were allegedly intended for the same purpose. If convicted, Salas-Herrera faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

    In Brownsville, an armed repeat illegal alien admitted to human smuggling and firearms charges. The investigation revealed Alejandro Ramirez-Carranza was a river guide and had conspired with Issac Azuara-Vasquez to transport and smuggle illegal aliens in the bed of a truck after they illegally arrived from Mexico via boat on the Rio Grande River. Ramirez-Carranza, Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, admitted to transporting and bringing an alien into the United States as well as illegal reentry and being an alien in possession of a firearm. Mexican citizen Azuara-Vasquez entered his plea April 10 to the same smuggling-related charges as well as selling a firearm to Ramirez-Carranza, an illegal alien.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

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

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. 

    The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Round Rock Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking and Unlicensed Dealing of Firearms

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN ANTONIO – A Round Rock man pleaded guilty in a federal court in San Antonio today to one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms and one count of dealing in firearms without a license.

    According to court documents, Job Eliezer De La Torre, 50, was engaged in the business of dealing in firearms without a license from Jan. 1, 2020 to Nov. 1, 2023. During that time, he purchased approximately 356 firearms for resale, approximately 24 of which were recovered by law enforcement. Approximately 12 of those 24 were recovered in Mexico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant on De La Torre’s Round Rock residence on Nov. 2, 2023, seizing his cell phone, 44 firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, ledgers of sales for firearms, $26,000 in cash, as well as precious metals. De La Torre stated he advertised guns for sale online and made between $20 and $200 in profit per firearm sold.

    Messages on his phone reflected his business dealings. From May to September 2023 alone, De La Torre sold approximately 50 firearms for $196,850 to one co-conspirator. The deal included AR-15 5.56 caliber firearms, six AR-10 .308 caliber firearms, an AK pistol, an FN SCAR 17S rifle, and FightLite MCR builds.

    De La Torre faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the conspiracy offense and up to five years for dealing in firearms without a license. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The ATF and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney William Calve is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (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).

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: MAGA Minute, May 9, 2025

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    WINNING WEEK!!!

    ’27 NFL Draft
    PM Carney
    Military Moms
    UK Trade
    Gilead, Invenergy, Merck, LEGO, Hotpack, BMS invest
    Alcatraz
    Self-deport
    Yemen ceasefire
    NIH beagle tests ended
    Gulf of America
    Middle East next week

    Watch Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s MAGA Minute!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvaUihfho04

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding Police Officer in Destroying Evidence of Fatal Shooting

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding Police Officer in Destroying Evidence of Fatal Shooting

    Joshua M. Rogers of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty yesterday to a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c) for his role in destroying evidence related to a police officer’s fatal shooting of a man identified by the initials R.H. With the plea, Rogers admitted that he acted to impair the integrity or availability of R.H.’s body for use in an official proceeding and, in so doing, shield his co-defendant from criminal liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Colombian Port Official Sentenced to Over Twelve Years in Prison for Money Laundering

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Former Colombian Port Official Sentenced to Over Twelve Years in Prison for Money Laundering

    A Colombian national was sentenced yesterday to 12 years and seven months in prison for conspiring to launder proceeds of bribes. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit a 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and a 2017 Porsche Cayenne that were involved in the money laundering scheme.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Essex County, New Jersey Man and Woman for Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor; Man Also Charged with Sex Trafficking and Forced Labor

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Essex County, New Jersey Man and Woman for Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor; Man Also Charged with Sex Trafficking and Forced Labor

    A federal grand jury in the District of New Jersey, returned an indictment on April 25 that was unsealed Wednesday, charging Treva Edwards, 60, with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and forced labor. The indictment also charged Treva Edwards and Christine Edwards, 63, with conspiracy to commit forced labor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter: Idaho Defends Truckers from California’s EV Overreach

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: Idaho Defends Truckers from California’s EV Overreach

    Dear Friends,
    This week, the State of California agreed to repeal key provisions of a sweeping electric-vehicle mandate known as Advanced Clean Fleets. This rule, issued by the California Air Resources Board, sought to force a nationwide shift in trucking technology without legal authority or the consent of other states. Idaho joined a 17-state coalition challenging this mandate in Nebraska v. Cliff, a case filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. The settlement in that case is a major win for state sovereignty, economic freedom, and the constitutional limits on unilateral regulation. At issue was California’s attempt to impose an electric-vehicle mandate on truck fleet owners and operators nationwide through a regulatory scheme called Advanced Clean Fleets. The rule applied to any fleet that operated even a single truck in California if it met certain revenue or size thresholds, regardless of where the company was based. It required these fleets to retire internal-combustion trucks and replace them with battery-electric models under state-imposed deadlines. It also barred manufacturers from selling internal-combustion trucks in California starting in 2036. Because California houses the nation’s largest ports and serves as a gateway for approximately 40 percent of containerized imports and 30 percent of exports, trucking companies across the country depend on access to its roads and trade infrastructure. No manufacturer or fleet operator can feasibly design separate vehicle lines or logistics strategies for California alone. Faced with exclusion from a $3.9 trillion economy, businesses nationwide would be compelled to conform to California’s mandates. In practical effect, California’s regulation would set nationwide trucking policy through market coercion rather than lawful authority. That is why this case mattered not only to Idaho, but to every state that values its sovereignty and the constitutional limits on unilateral state power. The coalition’s complaint raised three legal claims. First, it argued that the rule is preempted by the federal Clean Air Act, which generally forbids states from setting their own emissions standards for new motor vehicles. There is one narrow exception that allows California to request a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to set its own standards, but it never requested a waiver for Advanced Clean Fleets. And even if it had asked, the EPA lacks the authority to approve rules that eliminate entire engine types. Second, the lawsuit asserted that the rule is preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, which prohibits state regulations affecting prices, routes, or services of motor carriers. And third, the complaint argued that the rule violates the Constitution’s dormant Commerce Clause, which bars states from regulating economic activity beyond their borders. These were not abstract concerns. The regulation would have imposed immediate costs on out-of-state carriers, compelled extensive reporting obligations for any fleet that sent a truck into California, and forced manufacturers to restrict the availability of internal-combustion vehicles nationwide. Battery-electric trucks remain significantly more expensive, less efficient for long-haul routes, and dependent on a sparse charging infrastructure. For states like Idaho—where transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing rely on affordable and flexible trucking—the burdens would have been severe and unjustified. The settlement halts California’s enforcement of these provisions and requires state officials to initiate formal repeal proceedings. California also conceded that its planned 2036 ban on internal-combustion truck sales cannot be implemented unless the EPA grants a Clean Air Act waiver. Our office will remain vigilant in opposing any further efforts to federalize California’s policies through administrative fiat. California is free to pursue its own environmental goals within its own borders. What it cannot do is transform the nation’s trucking standards by threatening exclusion from its markets. Idaho joined this litigation to defend the principle that policy decisions with nationwide consequences must be made through constitutional processes—not dictated by a single state’s regulatory agency.
    Best regards,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cook, Opening Remarks on Productivity Dynamics

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Good afternoon. Thank you for moderating, Peter. It is an honor to be with you today, and it is always great to be back at Stanford and at the Hoover Institution. I spent several formative years of my career here, including as a National Fellow, and always enjoy returning. And it is a privilege to share the panel with Dr. Schnabel, and Presidents Musalem and Hammack. I look forward to our discussion.1
    Before that, I would like to briefly discuss a topic I see as critical to the future path of the economy: productivity growth. Productivity growth has been surprisingly strong in recent years, and this has influenced my view of the appropriate stance of monetary policy. I will also explore two ongoing developments that are likely to influence productivity growth moving forward: changes to trade policy and the wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Productivity dynamics are something I have long studied closely and will continue to pay careful attention to as I consider the appropriate stance of monetary policy.
    It is helpful to start by looking back about three years to the middle of 2022. At that point, the global economy had largely reopened after pandemic closures, a historic amount of federal support had been deployed, and unemployment was falling toward a half-century low. But supply disruptions persisted, and the 12-month inflation rate reached its peak at over 7 percent. The challenge for Federal Reserve policymakers was clear: Move inflation back toward its 2 percent target while maintaining the health of the labor market. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which I joined that year, began to raise the federal funds rate from near zero, ultimately reaching just above 5 percent by mid-2023. Many forecasters predicted that a recession in 2023 was more likely than not. And yet, one did not materialize. Instead, inflation came down considerably, while unemployment remained low. How did this unusual and welcome outcome happen?
    Two notable factors were the unwinding of pandemic-era conditions that previously constrained the supply of both goods and labor in conjunction with restrictive monetary policy that contributed to a moderation in aggregate demand. Today, I would like to call attention to a third factor: a greater-than-usual increase in productivity during the pandemic recovery.
    Prior to the pandemic, from 2007 to 2019, productivity growth in the business sector averaged 1.5 percent annually. In the past five years productivity growth accelerated to 2 percent. While some of the productivity gains may reflect situations unique to the reopening of the economy, it is notable that the level of productivity, as measured by output per hour, remained above trend throughout 2023 and 2024.2 This increase in productivity was partially driven by pandemic labor shortages themselves. When it was difficult to find employees, as many Americans retired or stepped out of the labor force, many businesses innovated. For example, restaurants adopted online ordering apps and retailers accelerated the implementation of self-checkout systems.3 These changes improved efficiency and contributed to an expansion in potential gross domestic product (GDP). As a result, price pressures eased from their peak while demand remained strong.
    Improved productivity is widely beneficial to the economy. It allows workers to receive pay raises without companies needing to further increase prices and helps ensure consumers have access to the products and services they demand. Furthermore, and particularly relevant to me as a monetary policymaker, a rise in potential output lessens the need to use monetary policy to slow demand. This effect is good for the obvious reason that it allows for increasing economic growth without higher inflation. But importantly, it also lowers the risk of a policy overshoot that could cause the unemployment rate to rise.
    Now that I have reviewed the role that productivity growth played in the post-pandemic recovery, I would like to focus on two countervailing forces on productivity that I am currently studying. These are changes to trade policy and the growth of AI.
    I expect to see a drag on productivity in the near term stemming from the recent changes to trade policy and the related uncertainty, for several reasons. First, uncertainty around trade policy is likely to reduce business investment going forward. At this time, firms do not know the ultimate level and incidence of tariffs or their duration. Firms contemplating large investments might observe conditions that could hold under the paradox of thrift, wondering whether they could get a better deal if they just wait. Higher costs of imported materials and components could also cause firms to delay or scale back their investment plans. This reduction in capital formation can lead to slower technological innovation and adoption and decreased overall efficiency in production processes. Second, protectionist trade policies, while intended to support domestic industries, may inadvertently lead to a less competitive environment, if they prop up less efficient firms. And third, any supply-chain disruptions resulting from the policy changes would make production slower and less efficient. These disruptions can lead to inventory mismatches, production delays, and increased costs as firms scramble to find alternative suppliers or redesign their products to accommodate new input constraints. This set of disruptions could pose a particular challenge for monetary policymakers. A reduction in potential GDP means less slack in the economy, which, in turn, means greater inflationary pressure. According to the Taylor Principle, for which no explanation is needed at this conference, taming higher inflation requires a higher policy rate. I believe that keeping inflation expectations credibly anchored is essential. Therefore, all else equal, lower productivity could cause me to support keeping rates at a higher level for longer.
    The second ongoing economic development I see altering productivity is the rapidly expanding use of AI. I view this emerging technology as likely to have a significant positive effect on productivity growth. In fact, I see AI as poised to be at least as transformative as other general purpose technologies, such as the printing press, the steam engine, and the internet. With wider adoption of AI, we could have a surge in potential output.
    As I have discussed in several recent speeches, AI has the potential to revolutionize numerous sectors of our economy.4 We already see AI assistants boosting productivity in customer service, software development, and medical diagnosis. AI’s ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data could lead to breakthroughs in scientific research and innovation, resulting in an increased arrival rate of new ideas, further amplifying its effect on productivity.
    Of course, an AI productivity boom would come with its own set of challenges. If potential output expands too rapidly, it could leave slack in the economy and the labor market. Moreover, the productivity gains from AI may not be uniform across all sectors, job types, or tasks, leading to a transitional period as the labor market adjusts. Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about AI and its potential to drive significant productivity growth in the coming years.
    To summarize, I see an important role for productivity growth to play in assisting FOMC policymakers to achieve our dual-mandate goals. This dynamic played out, alongside other factors, in recent years when inflation eased from historic highs while the labor market remained solid. Two currently unfolding economic events are likely to influence productivity growth in the coming years—specifically, changes to trade policy and the expansion of AI. Those two developments may prove to run counter to each other, but it is too soon to predict precisely. I will be closely monitoring developments in this space. I look forward to engaging with those studying this topic including, I am sure, many in this room.
    Thank you. I look forward to the discussion.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. For additional discussion, see the box “Labor Productivity since the Start of the Pandemic” in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2025), Monetary Policy Report (PDF) (Washington: Board of Governors, February), pp. 18–20. Return to text
    3. See Austan Goolsbee, Chad Syverson, Rebecca Goldgof, and Joe Tatarka (2025), “The Curious Surge of Productivity in U.S. Restaurants,” NBER Working Paper Series 33555 (Cambridge, Mass.: National Bureau of Economic Research, March). Return to text
    4. See Lisa D. Cook (2024), “Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the Path Ahead for Productivity,” speech delivered at “Technology-Enabled Disruption: Implications of AI, Big Data, and Remote Work,” a conference organized by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Boston, and Richmond, held in Atlanta, Georgia, October 1. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China to firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding sovereignty, social stability

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

    Xi says China to firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding sovereignty, social stability

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MOSCOW, May 9 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Friday that China and Venezuela are good partners of mutual trust and common development, and China will, as always, firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding sovereignty, national dignity and social stability.

    Xi made the remarks while meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    Noting that China and Venezuela have forged an ironclad friendship amid the changing international situation, Xi said that since the two countries elevated the bilateral relations to an all-weather strategic partnership in 2023, exchanges across various sectors and at all levels have been vigorous, bilateral trade has grown continuously, new progress has been made in investment cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and friendship between the two sides has become increasingly popular among the two peoples.

    Xi said China has always viewed and developed relations with Venezuela from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to enhance the exchange of governance experiences with Venezuela, continue to deepen practical cooperation in various areas and take bilateral ties to new heights, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

    China is ready to work with Venezuela and other Latin American countries to firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and promote the steady and sustained progress in building a community with a shared future between China and Latin America and the Caribbean, Xi said.

    For his part, Maduro said China is a great friend of Venezuela, expressing his gratitude for China’s longstanding and selfless support in helping his country safeguard national sovereignty and advance economic and social development.

    Venezuela is looking forward to strengthening its all-weather strategic partnership with China, and deepening cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, science and technology, education and other fields for more tangible results, so as to better benefit the two peoples, he said.

    Noting that Xi’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind has opened up bright prospects for world peace and development, Maduro said Venezuela is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to uphold multilateralism, defend international fairness and justice, and safeguard the common interests of the international community. 

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China supports Cuba in safeguarding sovereignty, opposing foreign interference

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

    Xi says China supports Cuba in safeguarding sovereignty, opposing foreign interference

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MOSCOW, May 9 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday that China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty, and opposing foreign interference and blockade.

    Xi made the remarks while meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    The Chinese side also supports Cuba’s efforts to promote economic and social development, said Xi, adding that the two sides, both as important members of the Global South, should enhance coordination and cooperation within such frameworks as the BRICS and the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, oppose power politics and unilateral bullying, and safeguard international fairness and justice.

    Xi recalled that he has met with Diaz-Canel on many occasions in recent years, saying that they have jointly led China-Cuba relations into a new stage featuring deeper political mutual trust, closer strategic coordination and more solid popular support.

    This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cuba, Xi said, adding that China is willing to further consolidate the ironclad friendship with Cuba, build a closer China-Cuba community with a shared future, and set an example of solidarity and cooperation among socialist countries and sincere mutual assistance among developing countries.

    Xi called on both sides to promote steady progress in exchanges at all levels and cooperation in various fields, and ensure that high-level political mutual trust always remains a distinct feature of relations between the two ruling parties and the two countries.

    For his part, Diaz-Canel said Cuba and China are close friends and brothers, adding that his country appreciates China’s long-term strong support for Cuba’s economic and social development.

    The Cuban side, he said, firmly abides by the one-China principle, and is ready to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China, enhance friendly people-to-people exchanges, promote coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and deepen the efforts of the building of a community with a shared future, so as to promote a greater development of bilateral relations.

    He also said that Cuba supports the three major global initiatives proposed by China, and is willing to work with China to jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and to safeguard the common interests of the international community.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON PROTEST AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

    WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement in response to a May 7th protest at Columbia that the university said caused “substantial chaos” and resulted in the arrest of nearly 80 people: 

    “Last night’s library occupation at Columbia is another example of people crossing the line from legitimate protest to unacceptable violence and illegality.

    “Free speech is a right that must always be respected and jealously protected. The right to free speech is not, however, a license to violence or occupation of public spaces. Columbia has appropriately established time, place, and manner policies to ensure students’ rights to both free speech and to be safe and secure in their studies and campus experience.

     “The arrested students have the right to due process and if found guilty of violating university policies or New York laws should face the consequences, including expulsion if appropriate.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 28 DEMOCRATS URGE PRESIDENT TRUMP TO CALL ON NETANYAHU TO ADDRESS HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

    WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of Abraham Accords Caucus, led 27 fellow House Democrats on a letter to President Trump urging him to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately restore the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

    The letter notes Israel is fighting an existential war. “Israel has the right and obligation to defeat Hamas and rescue the hostages,” the members wrote. “At the same time, it is critical that Israel enables entry of lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza. We respectfully urge you to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately address this humanitarian crisis and promote lasting peace”

    “There will not be peace as long as Hamas reigns terror over Gaza and seeks to destroy Israel,” added Rep. Schneider. “As Israel works to defeat and dismantle Hamas, it must also facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Just as it is crucial for food, water, and medicines to get to civilians, it is imperative that Hamas, and gangs affiliated with Hamas, are not allowed to hijack future aid entering the Strip.” 

    Members who signed the letter include Reps. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Steve Cohen (TN-07), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin Kelly (IL-02), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Brittany Petterson (CO-07), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).

    The full letter text is below.

    Dear President Trump: 

    On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal and unprovoked war on Israel, murdering civilians and kidnapping hundreds of hostages. More than 40 Americans were killed, 13 were taken hostage, and five still remain unaccounted for. Presently, 59 hostages are still held in Gaza, of which 24 are presumed living and languishing in Hamas’s tunnels, enduring unspeakable abuse and terror. 

    Israel has the right and obligation to defeat Hamas and rescue the hostages. At the same time, it is critical that Israel enables entry of lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza. We respectfully urge you to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately address this humanitarian crisis and promote lasting peace.  

    You recently highlighted the ongoing humanitarian suffering in Gaza, where Hamas uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. We appreciate your recognition of the urgent need for food, water, and medicine to reach civilians — and we agree. The World Food Program recently announced that its warehouses are now empty, and many civilians are suffering from lack of access to food and clean water. It is vital for humanitarian assistance to again get to those in need, even amid the ongoing conflict. We also urge you to keep your recent commitment “to help the people of Gaza get some food.” 

    We recognize that restoring humanitarian aid must coexist with the campaign to return the hostages and defeat Hamas. Failing to ensure aid reaches civilians risks greater humanitarian catastrophe, strengthens Hamas’s false narratives, risks Israel’s international standing, and undermines the moral clarity of the need to dismantle Hamas and bring hopes for peace and prosperity to the region. The United States must both stand with our allies and uphold our values, including protecting civilian life. Ensuring the safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid, while continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel in its fight against terrorism, is essential to returning the hostages while preserving our shared commitment to security, justice, and human dignity.  

    We respectfully urge you to continue speaking out about the importance of restoring humanitarian assistance and to encourage Prime Minister Netanyahu to enable the delivery of life-saving food, water, and medicine to civilians in Gaza without delay. Your leadership at this critical moment can help save lives, reinforce America’s steadfast support for both our values and our allies, and support Israel’s vital mission to dismantle Hamas and bring every hostage home. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letter Calls on FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to Modernize Federal Broadcast Ownership Rules

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    Modernization of regulations will strengthen local journalism, enhance public interest, and ensure broadcasters can compete in a digital age
    BISMARCK, N.D. – Despite the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) making modest adjustments to its broadcast ownership rules, the regulations remain nearly the same as they were in the 1990s. The minimal changes implemented since then fail to account for the rise of digital platforms, social media, streaming services, and smartphones.
    Local broadcasters are a trusted source for credible reporting, yet they face outdated ownership restrictions. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in sending a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, requesting the agency modernize its broadcast ownership rules to enable local broadcasters to compete with today’s giant media conglomerates. The letter echoes Chairman Carr’s characterization of the failure to modernize regulations as a “break glass moment” for local media.
    Specifically, the letter calls on the FCC to repeal the national audience reach cap, update local television (TV) ownership limits, and modernize local radio station sub-caps. The FCC’s national audience reach cap limits a single entity’s ability to own TV stations, which collectively reach more than 39% of U.S. TV households. Another regulation imposed by the agency, known as the “Top 4” rule, also restricts the number of big four broadcast TV networks a company can own. This rule applies to ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. 
    The FCC’s arcane local radio ownership sub-caps limit the number of stations an organization can own per market based on the total number of stations within the market. In a radio market with more than 45 stations, an entity may own up to eight radio stations. No more than five of the stations can be in the same service (AM or FM). 
    “The fast-evolving media marketplace has made broadcast ownership regulations in urgent need of modernization,” wrote the senators. “Local broadcasters now vie for audience, content, and advertising not just with each other, but with the world’s largest tech companies. The regulations, designed for a bygone era, no longer reflect this reality.”
    In the letter, the senators state it is “time for swift FCC action to level the playing field for local broadcasters by modernizing the broadcast ownership rules.”
    “Without the opportunity to combine or expand operations, broadcasters struggle to invest in journalism, retain sufficient newsroom staff, and strain to compete against their unregulated global Big Tech competitors,” concluded the senators. “By modernizing broadcast ownership restrictions, the FCC can empower broadcasters to fulfill their essential role in American democracy, foster local journalism, and benefit local communities […] Updating these rules will strengthen local journalism, enhance public interest, and ensure broadcasters can compete in a digital age, not just survive it.”
    Members who cosigned the letter include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Todd Young (R-IN).
    Click here for the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Before Busy Summer Travel Season, Markey, Merkley, Kennedy, Marshall Push to Rein in TSA Facial Recognition Technology at Airports Across U.S.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    During National Travel and Tourism Week, Senators lead bipartisan Traveler Privacy Protection Act
    Washington (May 8, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas)  to sound the alarm over the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of facial recognition technology at airports nationwide.
    The lawmakers introduced the bipartisan Traveler Privacy Protection Act to protect travelers’ ability to travel without undergoing government face scans. The bill comes as the TSA plans to expand facial recognition technology to more than 430 airports across the country, while eventually planning to make this technology mandatory for all travelers.
    “Passengers should not have to choose between safety and privacy when they travel. Yet, the TSA has consistently ignored our calls to halt the unacceptable use of facial recognition tools and protect passenger privacy. Instead, the agency rapidly expanded the use of the technology nationwide,” said Markey. “I am glad to partner with Senators Merkley and Kennedy on the Traveler Privacy Protection Act to ensure travelers are able to exercise their right to privacy and be able to check TSA’s invasive practices at the door.”
    “Folks don’t want a national surveillance state, but that’s exactly what the TSA’s unchecked expansion of facial recognition technology is leading us to,” said Merkley. “Americans have the right to opt out of using TSA’s facial recognition at the airport, and we need to protect that right. Our Traveler Privacy Protection Act safeguards the freedoms and privacy of all Americans by making sure no one is required to have their face scanned to travel.”
    “The TSA subjects countless law-abiding Americans to excessive facial recognition screenings as they travel, invading passengers’ privacy without even making it clear that they can opt out of the screening. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act would protect Americans’ ability to say ‘no’ to these facial scans and safeguard the personal data that the TSA collects,” said Kennedy.
    “Privacy is one of America’s most sacred liberties, and we must protect it,” said Marshall. “In no universe should the federal government collect biometric data from Americans without their full, informed consent. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act strengthens safeguards around this sensitive data and brings transparency for travelers. I’m proud to work with Senators Kennedy, Merkley, and Markey to champion this effort.”
    In addition to Markey, Merkley, Kennedy, and Marshall, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the ACLU, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Public Citizen, EPIC, Project On Government Oversight (POGO), and Fight for the Future.
    Merkley has been an outspoken and longtime leader in sounding the alarm on TSA’s use of facial recognition technology. He led a bipartisan group of Senators in a letter urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to launch an investigation into the TSA’s use of this technology. He also pushed then-Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and then-Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to take up this privacy issue in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act last year. Merkley has documented his own experience “opting-out” of this optional program, traveling from D.C. to Portland.
    “Control of our biometric information has become increasingly central to attacking our civil rights and civil liberties. Facial recognition and facial matching technologies are the foundation for a surveillance dragnet, chilling our ability to protest, travel, or even attend a baseball game without our every move being scrutinized. Governments at all levels should take steps to freeze this technology’s use, and the Traveler Privacy Protection Act provides urgent safeguards. Crucially, it limits the government’s ability to repurpose our faces for uses we never consented to and prohibits its deployment in a vast airport surveillance network,” said Cody Venzke, Senior Policy Counsel for the ACLU.
    “As the representative of 47,000 Transportation Security Officers who safeguard America’s airports daily, AFGE is proud to endorse the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. This important bipartisan legislation protects both travelers’ civil liberties and TSOs’ professional integrity. The Transportation Security Administration’s rushed implementation of facial recognition technology creates serious privacy concerns without demonstrating actual security benefits. Our TSOs are committed to effective, dignified screening – not becoming agents of unchecked surveillance. We applaud Senators Jeff Merkley and John N. Kennedy for ensuring passengers maintain the right to opt-out without penalty and preventing the misuse of biometric data. This balanced approach respects constitutional rights while supporting the dedicated professionals who secure our nation’s transportation systems,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley.
    “Sen. Merkley’s Travel Privacy Protection Act finds that appropriate middle ground between the convenience and security of personal and business travel aboard commercial aircraft. It is all too easy — and unnecessary — for TSA officials to prioritize security over the privacy rights of passengers. With today’s highly sophisticated security measures, such as face recognition, passengers sometimes involuntarily or unwittingly turn over too much personal information to governmental authorities. This Act draws a clear line between necessary security measures and our constitutional right to privacy,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen.
    “The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) is proud to support the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. The Act will ensure facial recognition technology is not forced upon the air traveling public and prevent TSA’s use of the tech from expanding beyond identity verification. Facial recognition requires strict regulations on if, when, and how it can be used; and we hope the Traveler Privacy Protection Act is the first step by Congress to meaningfully rein in this tech,” said Jeramie D. Scott, Senior Counsel & Director for the EPIC Project on Surveillance Oversight.
    “The Project On Government Oversight applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. The expansion of facial recognition technology poses a threat to our privacy rights and civil liberties. This bill will protect travelers from mandatory facial scans at our nation’s airports, and provide key protections for sensitive data, among other things. POGO looks forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to pass this important legislation,” said Don Bell, Policy Counsel for POGO.
    Full text of the Traveler Privacy Protection Act can be found by clicking here.
    A summary of the Traveler Privacy Protection Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Markey Hosts Virtual Discussion with Small Business Owners on the Impacts of Trump’s Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (May 8, 2025) – Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today held a virtual listening session with small business owners in Massachusetts and small business owners who serve the Commonwealth on the devastating impacts the Trump Tariffs are having on them.
    “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but to small business owners, Trump’s Tariffs are back breaking. Trump’s Tariffs have cost small businesses more than $9,000 every second since he announced his chaotic, reckless policy. This administration is only working to protect the interest of big businesses, telling small businesses to ‘wait it out.’ This is unacceptable. Small businesses live day to day, week to week, or even month to month. They cannot afford to wait and see what happens in Washington – their livelihoods and communities depend on their ability to operate. That is why I introduced the Small Business Liberation Act. This bill would provide small businesses with the relief they need. This should not be a partisan issue, and I will continue to fight to pass this legislation,” said Ranking Member Markey.
    “I operate a USA based manufacturing business where our raw materials – green coffee – literally cannot be produced in the US, yet we are still subject to tariffs. These additional taxes (which is effectively what they are) are sending shockwaves through an industry that was already facing record high prices. We have no other choice but to raise our prices and pass some of these costs to our consumers.  But of course there is a ceiling to what people can and will pay for coffee, so we risk alienating our customer base, driving them back to the bigger businesses, like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, and contributing to continued inflationary economy.  The choices are terrible,” said Shayna Ferullo, Owner of Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters.
    “These aren’t luxury items for us. They’re the foundation of what we do — and when prices double, so do the barriers to growth, opportunity, and community impact. When costs go up and margins shrink, it’s not just our business that feels it — it’s the people we’re training, the clients we serve, and the communities we’re trying to uplift. Before policies are passed, we’re simply asking for a seat at the table — because decisions made at the top are felt most by businesses at the street level,” said Steeve Louis-Charles, Co-founder of Boston Pro Sound.
    “I will run out of inventory in less than 2-3 months.  I can no longer afford to bring my products into the USA.  If I can’t figure something out quickly, I will have to shut down my business.  I will no longer have revenue to pay my employees, bills, vendors, and loans.  I will lose my home.  Small, American-owned businesses need immediate relief from tariffs,” said Beth Benike, Founder of Busy Baby.
    “My lease needs to be renewed and given the uncertainty around the new tariffs, I don’t know if I can afford to stay open unless I shift to an entirely new financial model. In less than two weeks we will have to make a decision on the future of our company that could lock at least 100 people back into a cycle of generational poverty,” said Brandale Randolph, Founder of 1854 Cycling Company.
    “As a small, fourth-generation, family-owned business founded on the ‘American Dream,’ we fully support bringing businesses back to the United States. However, handcuffing us with increased costs and decreased availability on products that are necessary for our success, is making us less competitive, not more competitive,” said Zack Rocheleau, Supply Chain Manager, Rocheleau Tool & Die.
    “Today, Main Street Alliance members Beth Benike of Busy Baby, Jen Faigel of the Commonwealth Kitchen, and Shayna Ferullo of Snowy Owl shared their personal stories with Sen. Markey about the impact of the Trump Tariffs. Without small business relief, shelves are going to go empty and entrepreneurs will go bankrupt. That’s why MSA strongly supports Sen. Markey’s ‘Small Business Liberation Act’ and urges members of the US Senate to co-sponsor this essential legislation,” said Shawn Phetteplace, National Campaigns Director, Main Street Alliance.
    “The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) is incredibly grateful to Senator Markey and his team for hosting a listening session that explored the impact federal trade policies are having on small businesses. Brandale Randolph of 1854 Cycling and Steeve Louis-Charles of Boston Professional Sound Inc., BECMA members, were able to share how detrimental tariffs and the subsequent supply chain challenges already have been to their businesses. Small business is the backbone of the Massachusetts economy, and we will continue to advocate for policies that will positively impact small business growth and sustainability,” said Nicole Obi, President & CEO of BECMA.
    “The tariffs are a nightmare for our small business community, including the farms, food trucks, caterers, product companies, and restaurants we represent and work with. Small businesses, unlike large businesses, don’t have teams of lobbyists nor safety nets underneath us. We are already seeing a domino effect on an awful lot of people that will be hurt: when our businesses go down, the insurance brokers go down, the drivers go down, the distributors go down, and the marketing teams go down,” said Jen Faigel, co-founder and Executive Director of CommonWealth Kitchen. 
    This week, Ranking Member Markey, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Small Business Liberation Act, legislation that would exempt small businesses from the broad, global tariffs imposed as a result of the national emergency declared on April 2, 2025, by President Trump. The Small Business Liberation Act gives the more than 34 million U.S. small businesses needed relief from the overly broad, reckless Trump Tariffs that are wreaking havoc on their businesses.
    Ranking Member Markey recently wrote to Small Business Administrator Loeffler, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, calling on the Trump administration to exempt U.S. small businesses from the reckless Trump Tariffs, and afford them the same relief that the administration is giving billion-dollar tech giants such as Apple and Google.
    Previously, Ranking Member Markey, along with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and all Democrats on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee wrote to Administrator Loeffler, urging her to take immediate action to address the impacts of Trump’s reckless tariff policies on small businesses.
    In April 2025, Ranking Member Markey released a report, “The Trump Tariffs: A Small Business Crisis,” which details the disastrous impacts of Trump’s tariff policies on small businesses across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Joins Colleagues to Call on Trump Administration to Reverse Plans to Eliminate Consumer Product Safety Commission

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    “Without the dedicated oversight of the CPSC, American families, especially children, will be left vulnerable in their own homes.”
    Washington (May 8, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Kevin Mullin (D-CA) along with 20 members of the Senate and 27 members of the House in calling on Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to reverse plans to eliminate the bipartisan, independent Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC is the only government entity tasked with developing and enforcing product safety standards, facilitating recalls of unsafe products, and educating consumers and businesses about product hazards and best practices. The proposal to absorb some of CPSC’s core functions into a nonexistent division within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as HHS’ budget is being cut, is unrealistic and threatens public safety.
    “Since its inception, the CPSC has played a vital role safeguarding American families, and in particular infants, children, and older Americans. Thanks to the CPSC’s critical work, residential fires and fire-related deaths have decreased by over 40 percent. Crib deaths and child poisonings have dropped by 80 percent. The Commission’s work continues today, identifying emerging threats and protecting Americans from dangerous and banned imported products,” the Members wrote.
    The Members continued, “With the rapid growth of e-commerce and imported consumer products, especially from countries with less stringent safety regulations, CPSC plays a critical role to prevent unsafe and counterfeit goods from entering the U.S. market unchecked.”
    “We strongly oppose any attempt to eliminate, defund, or weaken the CPSC and demand that you immediately roll back any efforts to dissolve the agency. Americans rightfully expect that the products they bring into their home are safe, and only the CPSC has the authority and expertise to ensure that expectation is met,” the Members concluded.
    The letter comes as more than 150 consumer protection and trade groups warned that eliminating the CPSC would undermine product safety, weaken enforcement actions, consumer education campaigns, and data collection initiatives that protect Americans.
    Senators Amby Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Martin Heinrich (D-MN) signed onto the letter.
    Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Al Green (D-TX), Danny Davis (D-IL), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Rick Larson (D-CT), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Rashida Talib (D-MI), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), André Carson (D-IN), Becca Balint (D-WA), and J. Luis Correa (D-CA) also joined the letter.
    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During National Small Business Week, Ranking Member Markey Convenes Field Hearing, Releases Report Detailing Trump Assault on Small Businesses and the Clean Energy Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    REPORT: Pulling the Plug: How Trump’s Attacks on Clean Energy Could Turn out the Lights for Small Business
    Boston (May 9, 2025) – During National Small Business Week, Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today led a field hearing in Boston with Massachusetts clean energy leaders to examine the role that small businesses play in the clean energy economy, the importance of continuing federal investments that support the clean energy transition, and the impacts of tariffs from Trump’s chaotic trade war on small businesses.
    Ranking Member Markey also released a report titled “Pulling the Plug: How Trump’s Attacks on Clean Energy Could Turn out the Lights for Small Business,” which details how federal investments support clean energy small businesses, and how the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back federal clean energy investments, especially those created and expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will devastate small businesses in the clean energy economy.
    “Clean energy is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, and Massachusetts is leading the way,” said Ranking Member Markey. “In our state, the clean energy economy supports more than 100,000 direct jobs. Our clean energy transition isn’t just about mitigating the devastating impacts of the climate crisis—it is about building an economy with accessible, good-paying jobs, and it is about centering justice. I convened today’s field hearing with Massachusetts clean energy leaders and released my report because our path to a just, livable future for all runs through small businesses.”
    Key findings from Ranking Member Markey’s report include:
    Small businesses account for a significant portion of clean energy jobs in the United States, with 75 percent of energy efficiency workers employed by companies with 20 or fewer employees. 
    In Massachusetts, there are more than 100,000 direct clean energy jobs. More than half of the 7,300 clean energy businesses in the Commonwealth are small firms with 10 or fewer employees; more than 80 percent have fewer than 50 employees.
    The Trump administration is undercutting programs critical for small businesses, including freezing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding, and reinstating caps on Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loans which finance improvements that reduce small business energy costs.
    The April 2025 Trump Tariffs limit deployment of clean energy, including solar, driving up costs for small- and mid-sized installers and making it harder for them to compete.
    Thousands of rural businesses completed clean energy projects expecting reimbursement through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program, only to have their funding withheld.
    Firms surveyed in 2024 reported concerns they would lose business or be forced to close as a direct result of an IRA repeal.
    Repealing federal clean energy tax credits and funding could threaten or eliminate thousands of jobs and could cost the U.S. $160 billion in lost GDP.
    The Massachusetts clean energy leaders who joined Ranking Member Markey at today’s field hearing emphasized the importance of investing in small businesses and growing the clean energy economy.
    “With over 115,000 workers driving the growth of our clean energy sector, Massachusetts is proving that clean energy and economic growth go hand-in-hand. Small businesses are at the heart of this transformation—creating jobs, improving lives, and building a cleaner, more secure future,” said Dr. Emily Reichert, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. “By investing in small businesses and workforce development, we can ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in climate innovation and continues to offer meaningful opportunities for all of our residents.”
    “We are already witnessing significant solar project delays and cancelations as a result of the uncertainty brought on by talk of tariffs and the possible repeal of tax credits,” said Nick d’Arbeloff, President of the Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE). “If the [Investment Tax Credit] is, in fact, eliminated and the tariffs move ahead as planned, more than a few of our small business member companies have indicated they will be forced to significantly reduce their workforce or close their doors entirely.”
    “Franklin Cummings Tech prepares graduates for well-paying, in-demand jobs by aligning the skills we teach with the immediate needs of the job market and society. The Center for Energy Efficiency and the Trades (CEET) is a perfect example of this model in action, bringing a focus on sustainability and renewable energy across the college’s technical programs. Our efforts received a tremendous boost when Senator Markey and Senator Warren facilitated the $800,000 grant to Franklin Cummings Tech through the Department of Labor, bringing greater resources and structure to the CEET program,” said Dr. Aisha Francis, President and CEO of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.
    “Small businesses are the backbone of America’s clean energy transformation. For small businesses nationwide, consistent policy support is essential; without it, we risk stalling the remarkable progress we’ve made in building America’s clean energy future. At SparkCharge, we see firsthand how federal initiatives empower innovation, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth. Clear policies and stable federal support ensure that American small businesses can lead the world in clean energy solutions, strengthening both our local communities here in Massachusetts and the broader economy across the United States,” said Josh Aviv, Founder and CEO of SparkCharge.
    During National Small Business Week, Ranking Member Markey, along with members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Senate Democrats participated in several media opportunities to highlight the urgency of supporting U.S. small business owners and entrepreneurs in the face of Trump’s reckless tariff policies and continued chaos and cuts at the SBA.
    Yesterday, Ranking Member Markey held a virtual listening session with small business owners in Massachusetts and owners who serve the Commonwealth on the devastating impacts of the Trump Tariffs.
    Earlier this week, Ranking Member Markey, alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Small Business Liberation Act, legislation that would exempt the more than 34 million U.S. small businesses from the reckless Trump Tariffs that are wreaking havoc on their businesses and the U.S. economy.
    Ranking Member Markey recently wrote to Small Business Administrator Loeffler, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, calling on the Trump administration to exempt U.S. small businesses from the reckless Trump Tariffs and afford them the same relief that the administration is giving billion-dollar tech giants such as Apple and Google.
    Previously, Ranking Member Markey, along with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and all Democrats on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee wrote to Administrator Loeffler, urging her to take immediate action to address the impacts of Trump’s reckless tariff policies on small businesses.
    Ranking Member Markey has been speaking out against Trump attacks to federal clean energy and climate funding and programs during Trump’s first 100 days in office. In February 2025, Ranking Member Markey was denied a meeting with EPA Administrator Zeldin and DOGE representatives, where the lawmakers planned to ask why funding to critical EPA programs was unconstitutionally cut off to communities. In March 2025, Ranking Member Markey and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) led a letter to Administrator Lee Zeldin to cease its attempts to claw back nearly $20 billion in congressionally appropriated and legally obligated funding. In April 2025, Ranking Member Markey released a report, “The Trump Tariffs: A Small Business Crisis,” which details the disastrous impacts of Trump’s tariff policies on small businesses across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Warren, Pressley, McGovern Applaud Court’s Decision to Release Rümeysa Öztürk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (May 9, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Jim McGovern (MA-02) released the following statement after the United States District Court for the District of Vermont granted bail to Rümeysa Öztürk and directed the Trump administration to release her from detention. On March 25, 2025, Ms. Öztürk, a PhD student at Tufts University, was abducted by six plainclothes ICE agents off the streets of Somerville, Massachusetts. She was quickly moved across state lines and shipped more than 1,500 miles away from her community to a detention facility in Louisiana. 
    “We are relieved that Rümeysa has finally been ordered released. Let us be clear: Rümeysa should have never been abducted off the streets of Somerville, had her visa revoked, and been moved to a detention site more than 1,500 miles away, all in violation of her constitutional rights. Rümeysa has been unlawfully detained for six weeks in an ICE facility in Louisiana, where she has suffered intolerable living conditions and multiple intense and worsening asthma attacks. We applaud the district court’s decision to grant bail and order her release from detention, while her habeas petition is resolved. Rümeysa is a cherished member of her community, and we are relieved that she can finally return to Massachusetts. This is a victory for Rümeysa, for justice, and for our democracy.”
    On April 22, Senator Markey and Representatives Pressley and McGovern, along with Representative Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of House Committee on Homeland Security, and Representative Troy Carter (LA-02), visited the Louisiana ICE facility where Rümeysa Öztürk was being held. Also on April 22, Senator Markey, Representative Pressley, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons to demand answers about the Trump administration’s concerning practice of detaining individuals, such as Öztürk, far from their attorneys and communities and in legal environments where their rights are more difficult to defend. The Trump administration is forum shopping to obtain a legal outcome favorable to its deportation agenda.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Applauds DOT Air Traffic Safety Overhaul with Critical Upgrades & 174 New Weather Stations for Alaska

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    05.09.25
    ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Sullivan (R-Alaska) today celebrated the announcement from the Department of Transportation (DOT) of a new effort to build a state-of-the-art air traffic control system to enhance safety in the sky, reduce delays, and provide air traffic controllers with modern, reliable equipment. This overhaul includes several Alaska-specific provisions, including the addition of 174 new weather stations for the state and a modernization of flight service systems. These upgrades follow Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s commitment to Sen. Sullivan to strongly support Alaska aviation safety, especially as Alaska faces an aviation accident rate 2.35 times higher than the national average.
    Sen. Sullivan spoke about this historic announcement today on Fox News Channel’s “America Reports.”
    “We need to keep our aviation system the safest in the world, but it is creaking and falling apart. No state is more aware of this challenge than Alaska, with dozens of communities off the road system and wholly reliant on aviation, and an air traffic control system responsible for the heavily-trafficked aviation routes between North America and Asia,” said Sen. Sullivan. “President Trump and Secretary Duffy have shown tremendous leadership, outlining bold, top-to-bottom reforms to our air traffic control system and marshalling the support of all stakeholders—the unions of our FAA and ATC employees, industry, and lawmakers. Importantly, the President and the Secretary announced their support for 174 new weather stations just for Alaska, which could be transformative for aviation safety in our great state. I’ll continue working closely with Secretary Duffy and my colleagues on securing the necessary funding for achieving this much-needed overhaul and prioritizing the unique needs of Alaska.”

    Click here or the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s interview.
    Below is a summary of DOT’s intended upgrades for air traffic control and safety infrastructure in Alaska and across the United States:
    Replacing antiquated telecommunications with new fiber, wireless and satellite technologies at over 4,600 sites, 25,000 new radios and 475 new voice switches. 
    Replacing 618 radars which have gone past their life cycle. 
    Addressing runway safety by increasing the number of airports with Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) to 200. 
    Building six new air traffic control centers for the first time since the 1960s and replacing towers and TRACONs. 
    Installing new modern hardware and software for all air traffic facilities to create a common platform system throughout towers, TRACONs and centers.    
    Addressing the unique challenges that face Alaska by adding 174 new weather stations. 
    Below is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan’s recent work on aviation safety in Alaska and across the country:
    On April 9, 2025, The FAA announced a $25 million investment in Alaska aviation safety, a result of a Sullivan provision in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 authorizing $25 million annually for FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (FAASI) from FY 2025 through 2028. The FAA also announced it will be expanding the FAA’s use of satellites in Alaska—growing from four testing sites to 16—to help support connectivity at weather monitoring sites, particularly in the more remote parts of the state. Alaska has long had issues with reliable weather information for the aviation community. The 2024 reauthorization, of which Senator Sullivan was an author, required the FAA to fix telecommunications connections to address those needs.
    On February 11, 2025, Sen. Sullivan led a press conference with Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Nick Begich (both R-Alaska), Secretary Duffy, and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy regarding their shared focus on enhancing aviation safety in Alaska.
    On January 15, 2025, Sen. Sullivan received commitments from former Representative Sean Duffy (R-Wisc.), President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Transportation, regarding transportation challenges in Alaska and the vital need to expand critical infrastructure. Specifically, Sen. Sullivan received commitments from Duffy to visit Alaska, continue to fund the Essential Air Service Program, support the FAASI, and work toward much-needed permitting reform.
    On May 9, 2024, the Senate passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 with numerous Sullivan-authored provisions related to aviation safety in Alaska, including support for the FAASI and a requirement for FAA to improve maintenance of weather equipment. The bill was signed into law on May 16, 2024.
    In September of 2021, the FAA established the FAASI, an FAA effort to respond to the February 2020 NTSB Report and the Alaska Aviation Safety Summit. The FAASI identifies safety improvements and investments for the Alaska Region, and aims to make progress on the effort for FAA and DOT to take a holistic view of DOT programs to ensure that inherent bias no longer inhibits infrastructure investments in remote Alaska Native communities.
    On October 8, 2020, Sen. Sullivan worked with previous FAA Administrator Dickson to host the Alaska Safety Summit, which was focused solely on Alaska aviation issues. The Senator pressed the administration to take a holistic view to solve the problems presented in Alaska.
    The Senate passed the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, including multiple Sullivan-authored provisions focused on Alaska aviation safety, including enabling the acquisition of new weather reporting and navigation infrastructure.

    MIL OSI USA News –