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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Votes No on Devastating Financial Services Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement after the Financial Services Committee passed a Budget Reconciliation bill that defunds the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and slashes vital federal services. 

    “Today, I voted no on the Budget Reconciliation bill in the Financial Services Committee. This measure makes dramatic funding cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), eliminates oversight of the auditors that review the books of Trump’s billionaire friends, and ends funding for energy efficient and climate resilient upgrades to America’s housing supply.

    “The CFPB is responsible for protecting consumers in both red and blue districts on everything from surprise overdraft fees to banning excessive credit card late fees.

    “Congress created the CFPB after the financial crisis to make sure that greed and corruption never again devastate families the way it did in 2008. Protecting the American people from bad actors like Trump and his billionaire buddies who want to scam hardworking families to make a profit. 

    “Since the agency’s inception, it has returned more than $21 billion back to servicemembers, veterans, students, and working families who’ve been ripped off. Sadly, by voting for today’s bill, my Republicans colleagues are telling their constituents loud and clear that they care more about protecting their friends on Wall Street than the people who voted to send them here.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks, Cherfilus-McCormick Send Letter Responding to FTO Designations on Haitian Gangs, Call on Rubio to Develop a Comprehensive Strategy on Haiti

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Co-Chair of the House Haiti Caucus, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern over the State Department’s decision to designate gangs in Haiti as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) without even a concept of a plan for Haiti. The Members expressed their alarm that absent a clear and comprehensive plan to defeat those gangs and their enablers, this designation will unintentionally exacerbate the suffering of innocent Haitians and help gangs consolidate further control. The letter demands answers from the Secretary regarding the administration’s rationale for the designation absent an actual strategy to address the urgent needs of the Haitian people. 

    The full text of the letter can be found below. A PDF copy can be found here.

    Dear Secretary Rubio,

    We write to express our grave concern with the State Department’s stated intent to designate gangs in Haiti as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) without first having a comprehensive strategy to support Haitian authorities’ ability to counter the gangs. We call on you to develop an actual strategy that addresses the urgent needs of the Haitian people, support for stabilizing the security situation, and policies that support greater economic opportunity, including the HOPE/HELP trade preference agreement for Haitians. While we support efforts to target the financial support of violent gangs wreaking havoc on innocent Haitians, we are concerned that an FTO designation, absent a clear, comprehensive U.S. strategy to defeat the gangs and their enablers, is counterproductive and will only exacerbate Haitians’ suffering. 

    An FTO designation imposes broad legal and financial sanctions that deter non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies from operating due to fear of legal exposure—even when their work is purely humanitarian in nature. Humanitarian aid serves as an essential bulwark against the gangs and their control of local economic activity in Haiti, and an FTO designation risks creating a chilling effect on the delivery of this much needed assistance. The gangs exploit the security vacuum they helped create, recruiting young men and children with false promises of protection and pay. If an FTO designation undermines aid delivery across 85% of Port-au-Prince or in Haiti’s Artibonite department, it’s the Haitian people—not the gangs—who will be punished. As reports of cholera and scabies in Haiti are on the rise, and with your cutting of funds to programs like the Improved Health Service Delivery project, which provided health services for maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, nutrition, HIV, tuberculosis, and water, sanitation and hygiene to over 3 million people, including 20,000 living with HIVAIDS, further cuts to humanitarian assistance will have devastating results.

    We also believe the Department can make better use of sanctions authorities to levy targeted sanctions against individuals facilitating and benefitting from gang-fueled instability in Haiti. On August 20th, 2024, the Treasury Department sanctioned former President Michel Martelly for perpetuating the ongoing crisis in Haiti. If the State Department seeks more authorities to sanction enablers of Haiti’s crisis, we want to work with you to pass H.R. 2643, the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill we have introduced that would levy sanctions on Haitian political and economic elites financing, arming, and benefitting from ongoing violence and the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. This legislation would enable a concerted effort against the gangs while keeping intact humanitarian assistance to Haitians enduring gang violence and instability. Prioritizing an FTO designation before taking full advantage of the other tools available to address the gang violence—like the use of additional unilateral or coordinated sanctions—or developing a strategy to make the Multilateral Support Mission effective is shortsighted. We remain concerned over the situation in Haiti and support a strong—and smart—U.S. response.

    So, we urge you to reconsider any designation that would prove counterproductive in countering the gangs and further increase the suffering of innocent Haitians. Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOE Halts Fossil Fuel Ban for Federal Buildings

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON — The Department of Energy (DOE) today announced it has delayed the compliance date for new provisions regarding Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings (CER). This action delays the restrictive standards imposed by the previous administration to limit the use of affordable, reliable energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, to power federal buildings in favor of less reliable, more expensive options.

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Energy is embracing a strategy of energy addition – leveraging all sources that are affordable, reliable and secure. This pause will ensure that our federal buildings are able to utilize the most efficient power available, lowering costs and reducing regulatory overreach,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.

    The original regulations, issued on May 1, 2024, required certain new federal buildings and federal buildings undergoing major renovations to reduce their fossil fuel-generated energy consumption. The delay is being implemented while DOE reviews recently released implementation guidance and a template for petitions for downward adjustments. DOE is undertaking this review to ensure alignment with the current Administration’s energy policies, particularly those relating to energy security and reliability.

    Today’s action delays the compliance date for one year. During this period, federal agencies are not required to comply with the energy performance standards outlined in the aforementioned regulations. DOE will not process petitions for downward adjustment during its review of the implementation guidance documents.

    More information can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UPDATE: The SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge has reopened following a mechanical malfunction

    Source: Washington State News 2

    UPDATE: As of 9:26 p.m., Monday, May 5, the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge is open to traffic.

    SHINE – Due to mechanical issues, the State Route 104 Hood Canal Bridge is closed to vehicle traffic until further notice.

    During a routine closure for a marine vessel at 1:02 p.m. on Monday, May 5, the bridge experienced a mechanical malfunction. Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews are working to identify the cause of the malfunction.

    There is no estimate for reopening at this time, but WSDOT is making every effort to reopen the bridge to vehicular traffic as soon as possible and apologizes for the inconvenience this delay poses to travelers.

    No convenient route around the bridge

    The alternative route is through Shelton via SR 3 and US 101, but the detour adds about three hours to the normal travel time.

    Traveler resources

    Realtime information about the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge is available via the WSDOT app and the WSDOT Travel Map. Advance notifications about the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge are available at Hoodcanalbridge.com. Travelers are encouraged to sign up for Hood Canal Bridge email updates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Warren Call for Investigation Into Trump Administration Delaying Disaster Recovery Funding, Effects on Communities Including Spokane

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Senator Murray secured $44 million in long-term disaster recovery funding for Spokane in December—new letter calls for investigation into Trump administration actions leading to delays and confusion with the recovery program

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, wrote to the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calling for an investigation into the Trump Administration delaying HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding, which supports recovery in disaster-stricken communities across the country. 

    In January, Senator Murray announced over $44 million in CDBG-DR funding for Spokane County disaster recovery efforts from the Gray and Oregon Road fires in August 2023, which burned more than 21,000 acres in Eastern Washington and were among the most destructive in Washington state history. The funding came from the disaster relief bill that Senator Murray negotiated as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee last Congress and that was signed into law by President Biden on December 21st, 2024.

    However, recent actions by the Trump administration—including abrupt changes to the CDBG-DR program requirements, the mass termination of thousands of employees at HUD who are responsible for getting critical funding out the door, and a lack of communication with partners on the ground—have potential ramifications for the funding Spokane is owed. Senator Murray has also pushed to permanently authorize and codify HUD’s CDBG-DR program, reduce unnecessary delays and red tape, and avoid ad-hoc changes to the program like those being made by the Trump administration now.

    “At his confirmation hearing, Secretary Turner stated that getting the CDBG-DR funds out to communities was a ‘top priority’ for him. However, his actions have not matched that stated commitment. The last three months have been marked by chaos, confusion, and poor communication with the people and communities that rely on this funding the most,” Senators Murray and Warren wrote. “Nearly a quarter of HUD’s workforce has either been terminated or resigned through the Deferred Resignation Program, and with that, HUD will lose immeasurable institutional and operational know-how needed to execute its programs. On March 19, HUD announced updates to CDBG-DR funding requirements ‘to align requirements with the President’s executive orders,’ which principally undercut anti-discrimination requirements and increase the chances of waste, fraud, and abuse by not requiring grantees to adequately account for future disaster risk. On March 31, HUD issued yet another set of revisions to the Universal Notice it had already revised earlier in the month, and in recognition of the setback these changes would represent for grantees, HUD granted a 60-day extension for grantees to its action plan submission deadline.”

    The senators pressed for answers on delays, asking: “What analysis, if any, did HUD conduct on the potential for delays in the availability of CDBG-DR funding as a result of changing eligibility requirements?” and “To what extent have grantees been able to receive clear and timely responses to their questions?,” among other questions. 

    The senators also outlined how the Trump Administration’s changes to the CDBG-DR program have “undercut anti-discrimination requirements and increased the chances of waste, fraud, and abuse by not requiring grantees to adequately account for future disaster risk,” among other issues.

    The letter follows news that the Trump administration is slashing funding for community disaster preparation as well as reporting that the Trump Administration prioritized FEMA funding to states based on who they voted for.

    The full text of the letter is HERE.

    CDBG-DR funding supports disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation, in the most impacted and distressed areas. As the only federal disaster recovery assistance to primarily benefit low- and moderate-income households and communities, CDBG-DR funding can be used to:

    • Replace damaged affordable housing and build it back more resiliently;
    • Strengthen infrastructure through repairs, upgrades, and activities to increase the resilience of public facilities and infrastructure including roadways, water systems, and utilities;
    • Support economic revitalization including support for small businesses, creation of jobs, and assistance for residents; and
    • Implement disaster mitigation measures to reduce risk of damage from future extreme weather and disaster events.

    The allocated funds will help communities fill the funding gaps in disaster recovery and mitigation not covered by insurance and other federal and local sources. The total allocation amount is based on a formula which considers an estimate of unmet needs for housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure, plus an additional 15 percent for mitigation activities.

    Senator Murray pushed nonstop to approve additional disaster relief funding for well over a year—and negotiated the bipartisan disaster relief package that was signed into law on December 21st, 2024. In November, she chaired a full committee hearing on the president’s updated disaster relief request, at which she again underscored the need to finally pass a robust disaster relief package, noting it has been one of the longest stretches in her memory that Congress has failed to provide such relief.

    In September 2023, Senator Murray spoke on the Senate Floor about the devastation the Gray and Oregon Road Fires caused in Eastern Washington, making clear that “communities in Eastern Washington have a long way to go on the road to recovery—so, I will absolutely be staying in close touch with folks in my state, and on the frontlines, and making sure our families and communities have the support they need to get through this.”In October 2023, Senator Murray and others sent a letter to President Biden in support of Governor Jay Inslee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state as a result of the significant damages incurred by the fires. In February 2024, Senator Murray called President Biden to emphasize the importance of approving the Major Disaster Declaration request—the declaration was granted shortly afterward.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES FARMERS IN ACTION COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING WAIVER, GRANTED BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

    For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland
    May 5, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

    PRESS RELEASE

    CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES FARMERS IN ACTION COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING WAIVER, GRANTED BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    Washington, D.C. – For the past two years, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and her team have actively worked with the St. Croix Farmers in Action (FIA) group to assist with the acquisition of funding for a sustainable water source for local farmers. During the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) appropriations process, FIA submitted a Community Project Funding (CPF) request to rehabilitate water infrastructure on Estate Bethlehem and were subsequently approved for $1 million dollars in community project funding, of which FIA would have to provide a non-federal match of $250,000.

    FIA’s plans to rehabilitate Estate Bethlehem’s water infrastructure include an existing 1-million-gallon cistern on the Bethlehem Sugar Factory Site. This funding is critical as the cistern restoration would help fulfill the needs of farms and businesses whose economic success depends upon a consistent water source to maintain farmland. Within the past year, FIA faced significant challenges in providing the required funding match and requested assistance from the Congresswoman and her team.

    Kareem Edwards, FIA board member shared, “FIA extends heartfelt gratitude for Congresswoman Plaskett’s unwavering advocacy and support of our organization and the broader agricultural community in the Virgin Islands. Thanks to Congresswoman Plaskett and her team’s dedicated efforts, we were able to secure the necessary USDA waiver to rehabilitate the million-gallon cistern on the island—a vital step toward strengthening our water infrastructure and enhancing the resilience of our farming operations. The Congresswoman’s commitment to championing the needs of St. Croix’s farmers continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact.”

    Another FIA board member, Tahemah Edwards shared the following, “St. Croix Farmers in Action thanks the Honorable Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and her staff for their vision, dedication, and collaboration in making the Bethlehem Sugar Factory Restoration site a reality. I would also like to thank Kareem Edwards, Tralice Bracy and the St. Croix Farmers in Action board of directors for their lobbying efforts.”

    “This outcome is the result of true collaboration,” said Senator Angel Bolques, whose office provided a letter of support to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in pursuit of the waiver. “Our office worked closely with our Honorable Congresswoman Plaskett and her office, St. Croix Farmers in Action, USDA, and VIEDA—exploring every possible funding solution to help overcome the financial barriers to assist with securing this vital waiver. I’m so proud to have contributed to this effort and remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen our agricultural infrastructure and empower our farmers.”

    “I am tremendously pleased that FIA has received a waiver of the match that USDA-Rural Development (USDA-RD) originally required to access the funding provided to rehabilitate existing cistern infrastructure to support the farmers of St. Croix,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “I commend FIA and the board members, led by Tahemah Edwards and his nephew, Kareem Edwards, for their diligence and perseverance in pursuit of agricultural development and advocacy for St. Croix farmers. I would also like to thank the Senator Angel Bolques and his team for their advocacy and presence on FIA’s behalf.

    “USDA-RD’s decision to waive the match, particularly during this political climate speaks well of our ability to galvanize our efforts in order to get things done for our territory.”

    Pictured below, right to left: FIA Volunteer – Tralice Bracy, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, FIA Board Member – Paulette Edwards, FIA Board Member Tahemah Edwards, Representatives from Senator Angel Bolques’s office – Judy Torres and Marcellino Ventura

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Brazil close to appointing new manager, says official

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

    The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) aims to name a new men’s national team manager by next week, sporting director Rodrigo Caetano said on Monday.

    The position has been vacant since March 28, when Dorival Junior was sacked following a 4-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires.

    Caetano said he continued assessing potential candidates with CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues and technical coordinator Juan Santos.

    “We are constantly in internal meetings … and we are trying to confirm this name as quickly as possible,” Caetano told Sportv.

    “Due to the confidential nature of our negotiations, it is practically impossible for us to talk about probabilities. We know that it is a national issue and that the choice of the head coach for the Brazilian national team is an extremely important one. We hope to be able to confirm the new manager next week at the latest.”

    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is understood to remain the CBF’s preferred choice, with Jorge Jesus and Abel Ferreira also contenders.

    The CBF previously said it intended to appoint a new manager in time for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.

    “We are working with a very small number of names … and we have our targets,” Caetano said. “But it’s very difficult to talk about any specific name right now because it could be counterproductive.”

    Brazil is currently fourth in the 10-team South American qualifying group, 10 points behind leader Argentina with four matchdays remaining.

    The top six teams will earn an automatic place at football’s showpiece tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year. The seventh-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jorginho leaving Arsenal for reported deal with Flamengo

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

    Flamengo has reached an agreement to sign Arsenal and Italy international midfielder Jorginho on a free transfer, according to media reports in Brazil.

    Chelsea’s Jorginho (R) is challenged by Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka during the 23th round English Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London, Britain on Jan. 19, 2019. Arsenal won 2-0. (Xinhua/Matthew Impey)

    Jorginho is contracted to the Premier League side until June 30, and he is currently free to sign a pre-contract with another club under FIFA rules.

    Newspaper O Globo reported on Monday that the 33-year-old had agreed to personal terms of a deal that will tie him to Flamengo until 2028.

    It added that the former Chelsea and Napoli player would join the Brazilian Serie A outfit in early June, in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

    Flamengo will begin its campaign against Tunisian side ES Tunis on June 16 before also facing Chelsea and Leon in the group stage.

    Jorginho, who was born in Brazil before moving to Italy when he was 15, has made 78 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal since his 2023 move from London rival Chelsea.

    Negotiations between Flamengo and Jorginho’s representatives reportedly began in January, when the playmaker visited Rio de Janeiro with fiancee Catherine Harding. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 05/5/2025 Blackburn Praises Commerce Committee’s Passage of Her Bills to Protect Consumers in the Online Ticket Marketplace and Enhance 9-1-1 Emergency Response System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after her bipartisan Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for (MAIN) Event Ticketing Act to strengthen consumer protections in the online ticket marketplace and Enhancing First Response Act to update the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee:
    “Fans shouldn’t have to fight bots and scammers when trying to buy tickets online, and I’m thrilled the Commerce Committee has moved the MAIN Event Ticketing Act one step closer to becoming law so we can protect consumers in the online ticket marketplace. The Commerce Committee also passed my bipartisan Enhancing First Response Act, which would make important updates to our 9-1-1 emergency reporting system and prevent service disruptions,” said Senator Blackburn. 
    MAIN EVENT TICKETING ACT
    In 2016, President Obama signed Senator Blackburn’s legislation, the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act, into law, which prohibits ticket scalpers from using software to purchase high volumes of tickets.
    Creating reporting requirements whereby online ticket sellers must report successful bot attacks to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC);
    Requiring the FTC to share consumer complaints submitted through their website to state attorneys general;
    Enacting data security requirements for online ticket sellers and requires the sharing of information between the FTC and law enforcement; and
    Requiring a report to Congress on BOTS enforcement. 
    The MAIN Event Ticketing Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.).  
    Click here for bill text.
    ENHANCING FIRST RESPONSE ACT
    The Enhancing First Response Act would:
    Update the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) from clerical workers to protective service workers to better reflect life-saving work performed by them each day;
    Require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to hold an annual hearing and issue a report after major natural disasters on 9-1-1 unreachability and make recommendations to improve the resiliency of 9-1-1 systems to prevent future service disruptions;
    Require the FCC to study unreported 9-1-1 outages and develop recommendations to improve outage reporting and communication between mobile carriers experiencing network outages and 9-1-1 centers.
    The Enhancing First Response Act is sponsored by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
    Click here for bill text.
    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cook Islands environment group calls on govt to condemn Trump’s seabed mining order

    By Losirene Lacanivalu, of the Cook Islands News

    A leading Cook Islands environmental lobby group is hoping that the Cook Islands government will speak out against the recent executive order from US President Donald Trump aimed at fast-tracking seabed mining.

    Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) says the arrogance of US president Trump to think that he could break international law by authorising deep seabed mining in international waters was “astounding”, and an action of a “bully”.

    Trump signed the America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources order late last month, directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to allow deep sea mining permits.

    The order states: “It is the policy of the US to advance United States leadership in seabed mineral development.”

    NOAA has been directed to, within 60 days, “expedite the process for reviewing and issuing seabed mineral exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits in areas beyond national jurisdiction under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act.”

    It directs the US science and environmental agency to expedite permits for companies to mine the ocean floor in the US and international waters.

    In addition, a Canadian mining company — The Metals Company — has indicated that they have applied for a permit from Trump’s administration to start commercially mining in international waters.

    The mining company had been unsuccessful in gaining a commercial mining licence through the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

    ‘Arrogance of Trump’
    Te Ipukarea Society’s technical director Kelvin Passfield told Cook Islands News: “The arrogance of Donald Trump to think that he can break international law by authorising deep seabed mining in international waters is astounding.

    “The United States cannot pick and choose which aspects of the United Nations Law of the Sea it will follow, and which ones it will ignore. This is the action of a bully,” he said.

    “It is reckless and completely dismissive of the international rule of law. At the moment we have 169 countries, plus the European Union, all recognising international law under the International Seabed Authority.

    “For one country to start making new international rules for themselves is a dangerous notion, especially if it leads to other States thinking they too can also breach international law with no consequences,” he said.

    TIS president June Hosking said the fact that a part of the Pacific (CCZ) was carved up and shared between nations all over the world was yet another example of “blatantly disregarding or overriding indigenous rights”.

    “I can understand why something had to be done to protect the high seas from rogues having a ‘free for all’, but it should have been Pacific indigenous and first nations groups, within and bordering the Pacific, who decided what happened to the high seas.

    “That’s the first nations groups, not for example, the USA as it is today.”

    South American countries worried
    Hosking highlighted that at the March International Seabed Authority (ISA) assembly she attended it was obvious that South American countries were worried.

    “Many have called for a moratorium. Portugal rightly pointed out that we were all there, at great cost, just for a commercial activity. The delegate said, ‘We must ask ourselves how does this really benefit all of humankind?’

    Looking at The Metals Company’s interests to commercially mine in international waters, Hosking said, “I couldn’t help being annoyed that all this talk assumes mining will happen.

    “ISA was formed at a time when things were assumed about the deep sea e.g. it’s just a desert down there, nothing was known for sure, we didn’t speak of climate crisis, waste crisis and other crises now evident.

    “The ISA mandate is ‘to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from the harmful effects that may arise from deep seabed related activities.

    “We know much more (but still not enough) to consider that effective protection of the marine environment may require it to be declared a ‘no go zone’, to be left untouched for the good of humankind,” she added.

    Meanwhile, technical director Passfield also added, “The audacity of The Metals Company (TMC) to think they can flaunt international law in order to get an illegal mining licence from the United States to start seabed mining in international waters is a sad reflection of the morality of Gerard Barron and others in charge of TMC.

    ‘What stops other countries?’
    “If the USA is allowed to authorise mining in international waters under a domestic US law, what is stopping any other country in the world from enacting legislation and doing the same?”

    He said that while the Metals Company may be frustrated at the amount of time that the International Seabed Authority is taking to finalise mining rules for deep seabed mining, “we are sure they fully understand that this is for good reason. The potentially disastrous impacts of mining our deep ocean seabed need to be better understood, and this takes time.”

    He said that technology and infrastructure to mine is not in place yet.

    “We need to take as much time as we need to ensure that if mining proceeds, it does not cause serious damage to our ocean. Their attempts to rush the process are selfish, greedy, and driven purely by a desire to profit at any cost to the environment.

    “We hope that the Cook Islands Government speaks out against this abuse of international law by the United States.” Cook Islands News has reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister and Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) for comment.

    Republished from the Cook Islands News with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia and North America have long fought fires together – but new research reveals that has to change

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Doug Richardson, Research Associate in Climate Science, UNSW Sydney

    Climate change is lengthening fire seasons across much of the world. This means the potential for wildfires at any time of the year, in both hemispheres, is increasing.

    That poses a problem. Australia regularly shares firefighting resources with the United States and Canada. But these agreements rest on the principle that when North America needs these personnel and aircraft, Australia doesn’t, and vice versa. Climate change means this assumption no longer holds.

    The devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January, the United States winter, show how this principle is being tested. The US reportedly declined Australia’s public offer of assistance because Australia was in the midst of its traditional summer fire season. Instead, the US sought help from Canada and Mexico.

    But to what extent do fire seasons in Australia and North America actually overlap? Our new research examined this question.
    We found an alarming increase in the overlap of the fire seasons, suggesting both regions must invest far more in their own permanent firefighting capacity.

    What we did

    We investigated fire weather seasons – that is, the times of the year when atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed are conducive to fire.

    The central question we asked was: how many days each year do fire weather seasons in Australia and North America overlap?

    To determine this, we calculated the length of the fire weather seasons in the two regions in each year, and the number of days when the seasons occur at the same time. We then analysed reconstructed historical weather data to assess fire-season overlap for the past 45 years. We also analysed climate model data to assess changes out to the end of this century.

    And the result? On average, fire weather occurs in both regions simultaneously for about seven weeks each year. The greatest risk of overlap occurs in the Australian spring – when Australia’s season is beginning and North America’s is ending.

    The overlap has increased by an average of about one day per year since 1979. This might not sound like much. But it translates to nearly a month of extra overlap compared to the 1980s and 1990s.

    The increase is driven by eastern Australia, where the fire weather season has lengthened at nearly twice the rate of western North America. More research is needed to determine why this is happening.

    Longer, hotter, drier

    Alarmingly, as climate change worsens and the atmosphere dries and heats, the overlap is projected to increase.

    The extent of the overlap varied depending on which of the four climate models we used. Assuming an emissions scenario where global greenhouse gas emissions begin to stabilise, the models projected an increase in the overlap of between four and 29 days a year.

    What’s behind these differences? We think it’s rainfall. The models project quite different rainfall trends over Australia. Those projecting a dry future also project large increases in overlapping fire weather. What happens to ours and North America’s rainfall in the future will have a large bearing on how fire seasons might change.

    While climate change will dominate the trend towards longer overlapping fire seasons, El Niño and La Niña may also play a role.

    These climate drivers involve fluctuations every few years in sea surface temperature and air pressure in part of the Pacific Ocean. An El Niño event is associated with a higher risk of fire in Australia. A La Niña makes longer fire weather seasons more likely in North America.

    There’s another complication. When an El Niño occurs in the Central Pacific region, this increases the chance of overlap in fire seasons of North America and Australia. We think that’s because this type of El Niño is especially associated with dry conditions in Australia’s southeast, which can fuel fires.

    But how El Niño and La Niña will affect fire weather in future is unclear. What’s abundantly clear is that global warming will lead to more overlap in fire seasons between Australia and North America – and changes in Australia’s climate are largely driving this trend.

    Looking ahead

    Firefighters and their aircraft are likely to keep crossing the Pacific during fire emergencies.

    But it’s not difficult to imagine, for example, simultaneous fires occurring in multiple Australian states during spring, before any scheduled arrival of aircraft from the US or Canada. If North America is experiencing late fires that year and cannot spare resources, Australia’s capabilities may be exceeded.

    Likewise, even though California has the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world, the recent Los Angeles fires highlighted its reliance on leased equipment.

    Fire agencies are becoming increasingly aware of this clash. And a royal commission after the 2019–20 Black Summer fires recommended Australia develop its own fleet of firefighting aircraft.

    Long, severe fire seasons such as Black Summer prompted an expansion of Australia’s permanent aerial firefighting fleet, but more is needed.

    As climate change accelerates, proactive fire management, such as prescribed burning, is also important to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fire outbreaks.

    Doug Richardson receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CE170100023) and the Germany-Australia Joint Research Cooperation Scheme, funded by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) and Universities Australia (RG230014)

    Andreia Filipa Silva Ribeiro receives funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) – Project number 530175554, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) and the Germany-Australia Joint Research Cooperation Scheme, funded by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) and Universities Australia (RG230014).

    – ref. Australia and North America have long fought fires together – but new research reveals that has to change – https://theconversation.com/australia-and-north-america-have-long-fought-fires-together-but-new-research-reveals-that-has-to-change-254790

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: DMG Blockchain Solutions Announces Preliminary April Operational Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) (“DMG” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, today announces its preliminary operational results for April 2025:

    • Bitcoin Mined: 30 BTC (vs 32 BTC in Mar 2025)
    • Hashrate: 1.93 EH/s (vs 1.82 EH/s in Mar 2025)
    • Bitcoin Holdings: 351 BTC (vs 458 BTC in Mar 2025)

    DMG’s April results reflect stable mining operations alongside key strategic investments. The Company mined 30 BTC during the month, slightly down from 32 BTC in March due to increased network difficulty and one day shorter duration. Meanwhile, DMG increased its realized hashrate to 1.93 EH/s, supported by the deployment of additional Bitmain S21+ Hydro miners and has now reached its 2.1 EH/s target, which may be slightly trimmed on an ongoing operational basis, at least through the summer months, to best manage its fleet in a higher ambient temperature environment.

    DMG liquidated a portion of its Bitcoin holdings, reducing its treasury from 458 BTC in March to 351 BTC in April. Proceeds were used mainly to fund the acquisition of 2 megawatts capacity of prefabricated artificial intelligence (AI) data center infrastructure as well to make the first material paydown on its Sygnum Bank loan, which had a $20 million balance at the end of March. These actions mark a significant step in executing DMG’s broader strategy to shift its data center capacity towards AI, while delevering its balance sheet.

    Sheldon Bennett, DMG’s CEO, commented, “We remain focused on advancing our AI strategy while maintaining a cash generating Bitcoin operation. With the purchase of 2 megawatts of AI data center infrastructure, we have made a demonstrative shift to utilize the returns generated from Bitcoin mining to fund our initial AI capital expenditures, which we believe will accelerate our ability to secure off-take agreements. Our focus remains on high-value government and enterprise users seeking sovereign AI solutions for Canada.”

    About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

    DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMG’s carbon-neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which enables financial institutions to move Bitcoin in a sustainable and regulatory-compliant manner.

    For additional information about DMG Blockchain Solutions and its initiatives, please visit www.dmgblockchain.com. Follow @dmgblockchain on X, LinkedIn and Facebook, and subscribe to the DMG YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest developments and insights.

    For further information, please contact:

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,

    Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director
    Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406
    Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com
    Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

    For Investor Relations:
    investors@dmgblockchain.com

    For Media Inquiries:
    Chantelle Borrelli
    Head of Communications
    chantelle@dmgblockchain.com

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

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding DMG’s strategies and plans, executing on DMG’s broader strategy to shift its data center capacity towards AI, securing high-value AI off-take agreements, the opportunity and plans to monetize bitcoin transactions and provide additional products and services to customers and users, the continued investment in Bitcoin network software infrastructure and applications, the expected allocation of capital, developing and executing on the Company’s products and services, increasing self-mining, increasing hashrate, efforts to improve the operation of its mining fleet, the potential trimming of self-mining due to higher ambient temperature environment, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company’s technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information.

    Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMG’s production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate mining difficulty.

    Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; the demand and pricing of Gen AI data centers and usage; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG’s bitcoin; DMG’s relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG’s facilities; DMG’s ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers’ needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG’s business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMG’s past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG’s products, services and blockchain and Gen AI technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leader Schumer, Padilla, Whitehouse Lead Democratic Ranking Members in Warning Republicans Against Overruling Parliamentarian’s Decision on California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Leader Schumer, Padilla, Whitehouse Lead Democratic Ranking Members in Warning Republicans Against Overruling Parliamentarian’s Decision on California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

    Senators to Republican Leadership: Disregarding the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision in an attempt to revoke California’s waivers “would be a procedural nuclear option—a dramatic break from Senate precedent with profound institutional consequences.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, led Democratic Ranking Members in strongly warning Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) of the dangerous and irreparable consequences if Senate Republicans overrule the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision regarding California’s preemption waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allow the state to implement more protective air quality standards.
    The letter comes after the House of Representatives last week voted to revoke three of California’s Clean Air Act waivers for the state’s clean cars and trucks programs, despite the Government Accountability Office (GAO)’s determination that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not rules under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), and the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision that any CRA resolutions on this subject would therefore require 60 votes to secure Senate passage. The Senators emphasized that GAO’s determination is consistent with 50 years of agency practice, and that Senate opponents of the Clean Air Act waivers — including Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.) — have even previously acknowledged themselves that these waivers are not reviewable under the CRA by sponsoring legislation related to California’s waiver authority.
    “We understand that some may be considering overruling the Parliamentarian’s decision,” wrote the Senators. “While that might be more expedient than agency rulemaking or considering legislation under the Senate’s normal rules, such an action would be a procedural nuclear option—a dramatic break from Senate precedent with profound institutional consequences.”
    The Senators warned that if Senate Republicans disregard the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision in an attempt to revoke California’s Clean Air Act waivers, they would set a precedent that could be applied to legislation beyond the CRA — eliminating longstanding guardrails and paving the way for a future Senate Majority to overrule the Parliamentarian in order to achieve its legislative goals.
    “If the current Senate Majority were to open this door, the CRA could be weaponized to retroactively invalidate decades of agency actions—including adjudications, permits, and licensing decisions that were never previously considered ‘rules’—and effectively hijack the Senate floor,” continued the Senators. “In addition, if efforts to invalidate such actions were successful, future administrations would face significant obstacles utilizing the underlying authorities for any arguably similar actions, given the plain text of the CRA. Most importantly, however, once that precedent is set, a future Senate Majority could subsequently apply it to legislation beyond the CRA. Put bluntly, there is no cabining a decision to overrule the Parliamentarian.”
    In addition to Leader Schumer and Senators Padilla and Whitehouse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.).
    Senator Padilla has been outspoken in pushing back against Republican attacks on California’s Clean Air Act waivers. Padilla, Whitehouse, and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) welcomed the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision that the waivers are not subject to the CRA. Padilla also joined Senators Whitehouse and Schiff in blasting Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s weaponization of the EPA after that GAO finding. Padilla and Schiff previously slammed the Trump Administration’s intent to roll back dozens of the EPA’s regulations that protect California’s air and water.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Leader Thune and Whip Barrasso:
    We write to emphasize the far-reaching and likely irreversible consequences if the current Senate Majority were to overrule the Senate Parliamentarian’s recent decision that a joint resolution of disapproval regarding three Clean Air Act preemption waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the state of California would not be entitled to expedited procedures in the Senate.
    In reaching that decision, the Senate Parliamentarian relied on the determination made by the independent, non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) that the three Clean Air Act preemption waivers do not qualify as “rules” under the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
    GAO’s determination should not be seen as novel or surprising because it is consistent with fifty years of agency practice. Even prominent Senate opponents of the Clean Air Act waiver provision—including Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lee and Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Capito—have previously acknowledged in legislation and public materials that these waivers are not subject to CRA review.
    We, however, do not write to relitigate the determination by GAO or the question already decided by the Parliamentarian. Both parties have been on the losing end of decisions by the Parliamentarian. We ourselves were on the losing end of several decisions by the Parliamentarian during the 117th Congress. But we did not attempt to overrule these decisions, even though we did not agree with them.
    Now, we understand that some may be considering overruling the Parliamentarian’s decision. While that might be more expedient than agency rulemaking or considering legislation under the Senate’s normal rules, such an action would be a procedural nuclear option—a dramatic break from Senate precedent with profound institutional consequences.
    If the current Senate Majority were to open this door, the CRA could be weaponized to retroactively invalidate decades of agency actions—including adjudications, permits, and licensing decisions that were never previously considered “rules”—and effectively hijack the Senate floor. In addition, if efforts to invalidate such actions were successful, future administrations would face significant obstacles utilizing the underlying authorities for any arguably similar actions, given the plain text of the CRA. Most importantly, however, once that precedent is set, a future Senate Majority could subsequently apply it to legislation beyond the CRA. Put bluntly, there is no cabining a decision to overrule the Parliamentarian. 
    We therefore urge you to weigh these issues carefully—with full knowledge of the consequences—should you consider whether to overrule the Parliamentarian regarding a CRA resolution disapproving the Clean Air Act preemption waivers.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Colleagues Demand DOJ Reverse Cancellation of Hundreds of Public Safety Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    05.05.25
    Cantwell, Colleagues Demand DOJ Reverse Cancellation of Hundreds of Public Safety Grants
    Trump Administration seeks to cut $55 million in grant funding for six Washington state public safety programs
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined nearly 30 Democratic senators in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg to reverse the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of public safety grants that serve crime victims and improve public safety in communities across the country. The Trump Administration is attempting to cut grant funding for 365 programs nationwide, including cutting $55 million in grant funding for six Washington state public safety and victim service programs. The letter also instructs DOJ to provide information about its decision to cancel the grants. 
    “On April 22, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) notified hundreds of grant recipients across the country, without warning, that their funding had been terminated, effective immediately. Many of these grants are authorized by Congress and support programs that have enhanced public safety in communities rural and urban, affluent and poor, Democratic and Republican. While this Administration continues to market itself as the  administration of law and order and public safety, DOJ has decided to defund programs that  prosecutors, police and sheriff’s departments, judges, mental health service providers,  academics, and more depend on to advance the Department’s longstanding ‘core mission of  keeping Americans safe and vigorously enforcing the law,’” the Senators wrote. 
    “Based on public reporting, outreach from grantees, and a DOJ Justice Management Division (JMD) spreadsheet (Encl. 1), it appears that the Department defunded at least 365 public safety grants on April 22, 2025. A review of this information reveals that these grants provide support for victims of crime and resources for communities to ensure public safety,” the Senators continued.
    For example, with these grant terminations, the Department has defunded programs that support victims of crime, combat rape in prison, assist people with mental health disorders, reduce and prevent violence, and support successful reentry. These examples offer only a sample of the critical funding that DOJ abruptly terminated. In Washington state, DOJ cancelled six grants totaling over $55 million. These grants included:
    Three awards worth over $48 million to the National CASA Association to train court appointed special advocates (CASA) who represent abused and neglected children in legal proceedings.
    Two awards totaling $6 million to the Children and Youth Justice Center to prevent violent crime by creating on-the-ground partnerships with community members, law enforcement, victim service providers, and other local stakeholders.
    One award worth $250,000 to the Washington State Department of Corrections to reduce sexual abuse in state correctional facilities.
    “The magnitude of these defunding measures, Congress’ role in authorizing and appropriating grant funds, and the negative impacts that the sudden termination of funding will have on public safety in communities across the country, requires the immediate review of the processes and decisions that led to the cancellation of these critical grants,” the Senators wrote.
    The Senators requested answers to nine questions about the cancellations, including whether the Department has reallocated the money to other programs and how officials determined which grants should be cancelled. 
    A DOJ JMD spreadsheet lists 365 grants totaling $811 million that were terminated on April 22.
    Does this spreadsheet represent the entire universe of grants that were terminated?  
    Are there grants that were terminated that are not reflected on the list? If so, provide the information in every column for these grants. 
    Which grants that were terminated on April 22 have since been restored? For each grant restored, please provide the reason for its restoration.  
    How were the grants that were terminated chosen? What were the factors  considered in making the determination to terminate? Where the affected grantees were state or local jurisdictions, did the political party of state or local officials in  those jurisdictions influence the determination to terminate? 
    Were there entire categories of grants that were terminated? If so, provide the  categories.  
    What is the legal basis for terminating grant funds that are statutorily required? 
    Has DOJ reallocated the funds it rescinded on April 22? Provide any specific  programs or purposes to which these funds will be reallocated. 
    Will DOJ terminate any more grants, from any of its funding components, that have been obligated or are in cycle? If so, provide the grant-making component and the grants that will be terminated or are under consideration to be terminated.  
    Was former Tesla employee turned-DOGE staffer Tarak Makecha solely responsible for selecting which grants to terminate? Provide the names of all individuals within DOJ who reviewed or approved the cancellation of the grants.  
    Did any White House officials review the grants to be terminated or otherwise have any involvement in the decision to terminate the grants? Provide their names.
    “Additionally, we advise that the Department restore immediately the grants terminated on April 22. The cursory termination of these programs imperils the public safety of the victims and communities that rely on these critical resources,” the Senators concluded.
    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and is cosigned by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). 
    The full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barry Moore Introduces Fallen Heroes Memorial Month Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington D.C. – Today, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01) introduced a resolution to recognize the month of May as Fallen Heroes Memorial Month. This resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Randy Weber (TX-14), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Stepanie Bice (OK-05), David Valadao (CA-22), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), and Daniel Webster (FL-11)

    “The freedom we enjoy each day comes with a price – the lives of men and women who are willing to sacrifice everything to ensure our country is safe and prosperous,” said Rep. Moore. “This resolution serves as a public recognition honoring the memory of these fallen heroes. Scripture tells us: ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ These men and women deserve our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice, and I am proud to sponsor this resolution to recognize May as Fallen Heroes Memorial Month.

    “It’s imperative we continue to remember those who have given their lives in service to this great nation. This Resolution allows us to honor and reaffirm the commitment to never forget the sacrifice of those who gave everything to protect our freedoms. I will always support our service members, veterans and of course fallen heroes. “ said Rep. Bice.

    “We must never forget our fallen heroes. These brave men and women gave everything—paying the ultimate price—to defend the freedoms we hold dear,” said Rep. Weber. “America is the greatest nation on Earth because of their sacrifice.”

    The text of the resolution can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Supports Legislation to Study Prevalence of Cancer in Veterans who Served as Active-Duty Aircrew Members

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for the ACES Act, which would require the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on the prevalence of cancer in veterans who served as active-duty aircrew members in our nation’s Armed Forces.

    “Providing our veterans, especially those who were exposed to toxic chemicals, with the high-quality healthcare that they have earned is non-negotiable. These patriotic and selfless Americans answered the call to serve our country and protect the freedoms that we hold dear. Caring for these men and women after their service is our duty as a grateful nation,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I voted for legislation to study the prevalence of cancer in U.S. troops who served as active-duty aircrew where exposure to chemicals and other synthetic compounds is a real risk. In Congress, I will always be a strong voice for our veterans and their families.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Applauds New NC State Directors for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis applauded the announcement from Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins that Ron Garrett has been appointed as State Executive Director of the North Carolina Farm Service Agency and Robert Hosford has been appointed as State Director of North Carolina Rural Development.

    “Ron and Robert are fantastic choices to lead the NC Farm Service Agency and Rural Development,”said Senator Tillis. “I was proud to advocate on behalf of both of them and I look forward to working with them to support North Carolina’s farmers and rural communities.”

    Background: 

    Ron Garrett will serve as the State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in North Carolina. Most recently Ron served as a County Executive Director for FSA for over 33 years. Ron earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business Management from North Carolina State University.

    Robert Hosford will serve as State Director for Rural Development in North Carolina, a position he held during President Trump’s first term. In 2003 he was appointed the Chief of Staff for the USDA Farm Service Agency through 2009. After earning a B.S. from Mississippi State University, Hosford relocated to Washington D.C., as a part of the Government Affairs team for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 229

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 229
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    855 PM CDT Mon May 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Southeast New Mexico
    West into Southwest and South-Central Texas

    * Effective this Monday night and Tuesday morning from 855 PM
    until 400 AM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Severe thunderstorms are forecast to continue across the
    Permian Basin this evening. Additional severe thunderstorms are
    forecast farther southeast into the Pecos Valley and Edwards Plateau
    regions. It is here that scattered supercells are forecast to
    evolve by late evening and persist into the overnight. Moist low
    levels with strengthening flow fields will support supercells
    potentially capable of a couple of tornadoes, large to very large
    hail, and severe gusts.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 50 miles west southwest of Hobbs NM
    to 50 miles south southeast of Junction TX. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 227…WW 228…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 21035.

    …Smith

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 229
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    855 PM CDT Mon May 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Southeast New Mexico
    West into Southwest and South-Central Texas

    * Effective this Monday night and Tuesday morning from 855 PM
    until 400 AM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Severe thunderstorms are forecast to continue across the
    Permian Basin this evening. Additional severe thunderstorms are
    forecast farther southeast into the Pecos Valley and Edwards Plateau
    regions. It is here that scattered supercells are forecast to
    evolve by late evening and persist into the overnight. Moist low
    levels with strengthening flow fields will support supercells
    potentially capable of a couple of tornadoes, large to very large
    hail, and severe gusts.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 50 miles west southwest of Hobbs NM
    to 50 miles south southeast of Junction TX. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 227…WW 228…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 21035.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 229 TORNADO NM TX 060155Z – 060900Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    50WSW HOB/HOBBS NM/ – 50SSE JCT/JUNCTION TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM N/S /51NW INK – 49SSE JCT/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 21035.

    LAT…LON 33560401 31019945 28699945 31240401

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 229 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (50%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Shapiro Delivered Remarks at the FOP’s Annual Memorial Service

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 05, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    Governor Josh Shapiro Delivered Remarks at the FOP’s Annual Memorial Service

    Governor Josh Shapiro delivered remarks at the FOP’s annual Memorial Service, joining the families of fallen officers to pay respects to Pennsylvania law enforcement officers that lost their lives in the line of duty.

    Speaker list:
    Joseph Regan, PA State Lodge President, Fraternal Order of Police
    Central Dauphin “CD Singers”
    Vincent DiCenzo, PA State Lodge Secretary, Fraternal Order of Police
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Attorney General Dave Sunday
    Senator Scott Martin
    Senator Christine Tartaglione

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BEDFORD COUNTY- Governor Shapiro, DCED Secretary Siger to Make Major Economic Development Announcement

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 06, 2025 – Bedford, PA

    ADVISORY – BEDFORD COUNTY- Governor Shapiro, DCED Secretary Siger to Make Major Economic Development Announcement

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger will join local leaders to make a major economic development announcement as the Shapiro Administration announces new investments to help Pennsylvania compete, spur growth, and create jobs.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger
    Bette Slayton, President and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association
    Jeffrey Crist, Chair of the Bedford County Development Association

    WHEN:
    TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 6, 2024, at 12:15 PM

    WHERE:
    1400 Country Ridge Road,
    Bedford, PA 15522

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran man arrested for illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Marvin Jose Espana, 46, a citizen of Honduras, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 15, 2025, Buffalo Border Patrol Station agents responded to a request for assistance from Amherst Police officers, who had detained two individuals following a traffic stop. A records check determined that one of the two individuals, Espana, was a citizen and national of Honduras, illegally present in the United States after having been previously removed. Espana was taken into custody. He was removed from the United States in June 2007, and again in August 2014.

    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.

    Espana made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

    The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.     

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Statement on Retirement of Representative Jan Schakowsky

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement regarding the announcement that U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky will not seek re-election:

    “It has been a privilege to serve in the House of Representatives alongside Congresswoman Schakowsky for sixteen years. She has always been a relentless champion for Chicagoland, and it has been deeply gratifying to partner with her to serve our city and state. I have been particularly grateful to work alongside her on the ALS Better Care Act, an issue that is close to my heart.

    “When Congresswoman Schakowsky was first elected, all twenty of Illinois’ representatives in Congress were men. An indisputable part of her legacy is that the same is far from true today. She has been a tireless advocate for women’s rights, including helping increase the number of women in politics.

    “On a personal level, I am honored to have earned her friendship. Her voice will be sorely missed in Congress, but I do not doubt that, as she put it today, she ‘can still be a badass.’”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Holiday inbound tourism thrives

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

    China’s inbound tourism market saw strong recovery and growth during the just-concluded May Day holiday, with smaller cities attracting more foreign visitors seeking cultural experiences, according to industry insiders.

    During the five-day break, inbound travel bookings surged 130 percent from a year earlier, said Trip.com Group, China’s largest online travel agency. While top-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai remained popular, destinations including Chengdu in Sichuan province, Chongqing, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, Zhuhai in Guangdong province, and Xi’an in Shaanxi province also made the list of top inbound choices.

    China has been opening its doors wider to international travelers. In 2024, the country expanded its unilateral visa-free policy to include 38 countries, allowing visits of up to 30 days, according to the National Immigration Administration.

    Favorable tax refund policies have also boosted inbound travel. In late April, China lowered the tax refund threshold from 500 yuan ($68.80) to 200 yuan and raised the cash refund limit from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan. There is no limit on refunds processed by bank transfer, according to a guideline issued by the Ministry of Commerce and five other departments.

    “We encourage relevant institutions to provide tax refund services through various means such as mobile payments, bank cards and cash, and to better meet the diverse payment service needs of overseas travelers,” said Sheng Qiuping, vice-minister of commerce, at a recent news conference in Beijing.

    During the holiday, tourists from the United States, South Korea and Japan made up the largest share of inbound visitors. The number of travelers from Australia, Vietnam and Canada also rose significantly, according to Beijing-based travel platform Qunar.

    Foreign visitors are venturing beyond major cities. Hotel bookings by foreign tourists in Zhuhai rose 70 percent year-on-year, while Qingdao in Shandong province and Wuhan in Hubei province saw increases of 60 percent and 50 percent, respectively, Qunar reported.

    China’s picturesque landscapes and rich culinary culture have frequently been featured in South Korean TV dramas and variety shows, piquing travel interest. The May Day holiday also coincides with a public holiday in South Korea, encouraging young travelers to visit China.

    South Korea’s leading travel agency, Hana Tour, said January trips to China rose 77 percent year-on-year, outpacing a 20 percent increase for trips to Japan. The surge was mainly driven by China’s visa-free policy.

    Major South Korean airlines have responded by expanding their international flight offerings to China to meet rising demand.

    Meanwhile, more foreign visitors are seeking immersive cultural experiences in rural areas. A Trip.com resort in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, reported a surge in bookings from tourists from the US, Italy and Spain since April.

    “Besides sightseeing, foreign tourists have shown increasing interest in in-depth tours and diverse experiences, such as participating in farming activities and attending ethnic concerts,” said Fang Zexi, a Trip.com Group researcher.

    Their cultural curiosity extends into everyday life. In Chengdu, a popular southwestern city, more foreign visitors are booking culinary experiences, visits to local farmers’ markets, cooking sessions, table presentations and food tasting, Trip.com said.

    In the first three days of the holiday, more than 5,700 inbound passenger trips were recorded by Chengdu’s border inspection authority, a year-on-year increase of over 170 percent, according to the Sichuan provincial entry and exit bureau.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lewandowski set to return against Inter Milan

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

    FC Barcelona received a boost ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg at Inter Milan, with top scorer Robert Lewandowski returning to training and expected to be available for selection.

    Tuesday looks set to see another thrilling game after last Wednesday’s epic 3-3 draw in Montjuic left the Italian side as slight favorites to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final.

    Robert Lewandowski shoots during the UEFA Champions League Group H match against Royal Antwerp, Sept. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Joan Gosa)

    Coach Hansi Flick rested nearly all of his expected starting 11 for his side’s narrow 2-1 win away to bottom side Real Valladolid on Saturday night, with Pedri the only one who is expected to repeat in the starting 11 in Milan.

    The Spain international was replaced by Frenkie de Jong at halftime on Saturday, with Lamine Yamal having to go into action before the break when Dani Rodriguez suffered a shoulder injury. Raphinha was also a half-time substitute, while Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia also had minutes at the weekend.

    Jules Kounde’s hamstring injury means Garcia could play at right-back in Milan, although Hector Fort could also continue if Flick opts not to play Garcia out of position.

    Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez were able to rest on Saturday and both will start, with questions over whether Flick will use Martinez as a left-back if Alejandro Balde is still unavailable.

    Barca received a big morale boost on Saturday when Marc-Andre ter Stegen returned to action after recovering from cruciate ligament surgery at the start of the season, but Flick confirmed in his post-match press conference that Wojciech Szczesny would play against both Inter Milan on Tuesday and Real Madrid next weekend. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Archery World Cup 2025 unveils star-studded lineup in Shanghai

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

    The 2025 Hyundai Archery World Cup – Lujiazui Shanghai leg is set to kick off from May 6 to May 11.

    As an International Grade A event sanctioned by World Archery, the tournament will, as in previous years, feature 10 disciplines across men’s and women’s recurve and compound categories, including individual, team and mixed team events.

    Qualifying and elimination rounds will take place at Yuanshen Sports Centre Stadium from May 6 to 9, while finals will unfold on May 10 to 11 along the Binjiang Avenue in Pudong New Area, offering spectators breathtaking views of the Huangpu River.

    The star-studded lineup has been officially unveiled, comprising athletes from 36 countries and regions. In addition to the Chinese national team, including rising stars and seasoned Olympians, the event will feature world stars such as An San, archery’s first triple Olympic champion; Alejandra Valencia, the current world No 2 archer from Mexico; Brady Ellison, the reigning world No 1 in the recurve category and the 2019 World Champion from the United States; Andrea Becerra from Mexico, the current world No 1 in compound category and winner of the Auburndale Stage’s women’s individual event; and Mike Schloesser, the current world No 1 in the compound category from the Netherlands.

    Beyond elite competition, the event will amplify its civic impact through the archery carnival, a series of public activities targeting youths, white-collar professionals and amateur enthusiasts. Community challenges, school workshops and interactive exhibitions in commercial hubs will allow locals to test their skills alongside international athletes, fostering grassroots participation.

    Since its debut in 2006, the Shanghai leg has become the cornerstone of the Archery World Cup circuit, hosted 13 times in Pudong. By integrating “landmark sports” with the city’s skyline, it has elevated archery’s profile while also promoting tourism and urban development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG, LAWLER, & FETTERMAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO RETURN STOLEN SNAP BENEFITS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

     WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Mike Lawler (R-NY), along with U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), introduced the Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act, a bipartisan bill to make sure that people don’t go hungry if criminals and fraudsters steal their SNAP benefits. This legislation would allow state SNAP agencies to reimburse SNAP recipients for benefits stolen through skimming or other methods. 

    Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

    Over the past few years, several states, including New York, have reported an increase of SNAP benefits being stolen due to skimming scams. Scammers have stolen millions of dollars from SNAP beneficiaries in New York, which has been affected by skimming more than any other state.

    “SNAP is a lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Stealing these benefits from hungry families is unconscionable. That’s why I have fought to help nearly 85,000 New Yorkers recover more than $39.9 million in SNAP benefits. However, beneficiaries in Queens and communities across the country continue to be targeted by scammers looking to steal their benefits. Since 2022, Congress has made sure that victims of this crime don’t go hungry. However, late last year, Congress failed to extend this provision. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure that no one who relies on SNAP to put food on the table goes hungry because their benefits were stolen by bad faith actors.”

    “No family in America should go hungry because criminals are stealing their SNAP benefits through skimming,” said Congressman Lawler. “This bipartisan bill will give states the tools needed to make victims whole and ensures tax dollars support hardworking families, not thieves.”

    “SNAP is a critical lifeline for millions of Pennsylvanians. It is despicable that thieves are targeting hungry families, literally taking food from a baby’s mouth,” said Senator Fetterman. “We can’t let vulnerable children go hungry because of these criminals. I’m committed to doing everything in my power to protect and extend SNAP benefits. We need to make sure American families get fed – this bill is a critical step in doing just that.”

    Skimming is a form of fraud that uses illegal devices attached to card processing machines to collect individuals’ data. Skimming scams directly copy card and personal identification number (PIN) information from EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cardholders and then use this stolen data to access EBT accounts and spend SNAP and cash benefits. While victims of credit, debit, and pre-paid card fraud and unauthorized transactions are protected by federal regulations, SNAP EBT beneficiaries do not have the same protections.  Additionally, SNAP benefit theft can occur through identity theft and hacking.

    Current law only allows replacement of benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024. It also limits replacement to either 1) the full amount stolen or 2) two months of benefits, whichever is less. The Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act would permanently extend this provision to ensure state agencies continue to replace benefits, as well as lift the cap on repayment to ensure the replacement is for the full amount stolen. States are currently not permitted to use federal funds to replace stolen benefits after Congress allowed the authority to lapse late last year.

    Meng, Lawler, and Fetterman introduced this bicameral bill with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

    The full text of this legislation can be viewed here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. McCollum Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum has announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District.

    The first-place winner is Rachel Lee of Roseville Area High School, for her oil on canvas piece entitled “No Appetite.” In second place is East Ridge High School’s Alyssa Wang, for her acrylic piece entitled “Sharing Melodic Dreams.” Nitza Aily Rodriguez Benavides of Roseville Area High School took third place for her colored pencil, white pen, and wood support piece entitled “Asphyxia”.

    “Minnesota is national leader in the arts, and each year I am amazed by the talent and creativity of young artists here in the Fourth District,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum. “Congratulations and thank you to the students in the Fourth District who took this opportunity to showcase their talents to our community!”

    Lee’s first place work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside winners from across the United States. Wang’s work will be displayed in Congresswoman McCollum’s Washington, D.C. office, and Nitza Aily Rodriguez Benavides’ piece will hang in the Congresswoman’s Saint Paul office. The competition was open to Fourth District high school students and attracted dozens of entries which will be displayed during the 2025 Saint Paul Spring Art Crawl, April 25-27 in the Atrium Gallery of the Schmidt Artist Lofts in Saint Paul. The winners were announced during a recognition event on Wednesday at the Schmidt Artist Lofts.

    Click here to view the gallery of all 2025 entries.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Betty McCollum and Outdoor Advocates Condemn President Trump’s Actions Limiting Access to BWCA Permits

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

    SAINT PAUL, Minn. — On Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Forest Service notified Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) permit holders that they will no longer be able to collect permits at two of their busiest ranger stations—the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely and the Gunflint Station in Grand Marais. Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement in response:

    “The BWCA and America’s public lands are national treasures that belong to all of us. These special places are also essential to the economy of Minnesota,” said Congresswoman McCollum, the author of legislation to permanently protect the Boundary Waters. “Visitors from across the U.S. and around the world who come to experience the BWCA every year drive a vibrant and thriving economy in our state. Elon Musk and President Trump’s decisions to freeze hiring, illegally cut funding, and fire thousands of public servants in our U.S. Forest Service has directly resulted in this reduced access to visitor use permits for the Boundary Waters. It will add additional burdens on visitors as well as the local businesses who serve them.”  

    “I stand with outdoor advocates and local businesses in opposing the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Forest Service and the resulting hurdles for those who want to enjoy and care for our public lands. I will fight this and other efforts by Elon Musk and Donald Trump to cut services that Americans rely on,” added Congresswoman McCollum.

    “Recent cuts to the U.S. Forest Service have serious consequences for northeastern Minnesota’s economy and the health of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness,” said Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness. “Reduced staffing not only undermines the Forest Service’s ability to manage and protect the Wilderness, but it also places an unfair burden on local small businesses that rely on the area’s responsible use. Strong stewardship of the Boundary Waters requires collaboration and capacity. Undermining the Forest Service weakens the very foundation of this effort—putting both the natural landscape and the communities that depend on it at risk. Now more than ever, we need robust investment in the agencies that protect our public lands, so they can continue to serve both the Wilderness and the people who care for it.”

    “This is a perfect example of how Trump and Elon Musk are putting the interests of billionaires over the interests of ordinary Americans,” said Chris Knopf, Executive Director of Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. “Hollowing out the Forest Service so that it cannot do basic functions like issue permits for people to experience the wonders of the Boundary Waters does not serve the American people. On behalf of the 200,000 people who visit the Boundary Waters each year, we demand that the Trump administration restore these basic services.”

    “The Forest Service announcement means 5,500 permit holders will need to find a different location for permit issuance,” Jason Zabokrtsky, Founder and Manager of Ely Outfitting Company. “This shift places a strain on permit issuing outfitters to assume that responsibility. It also means that the Forest is losing its best in-person opportunity for educating groups going into the BWCAW about Wilderness rules and regulations, Leave-no-trace ethics, and best practices. Proper education of BWCAW travelers is now more important than ever since the Forest Service has been forced to reduce BWCAW maintenance, including portage trail maintenance. Boundary Waters travelers should expect to see a lower level of basic maintenance of the Wilderness this summer. Also, due to staff and funding reductions, we are concerned about the ability of the Forest to manage potential significant natural events such as fires or windstorms that may affect the Boundary Waters this summer. Canada has paused their Remote Area Border Crossing Permit program indefinitely. They have not indicated why they have paused it, but when our two countries were on friendly relations it was operational. This has severely restricted the ability of Ely area businesses to outfit groups traveling to Quetico Provincial Park via Prairie Portage. We are also receiving notices of significant price increases from our vendors due to tariff increases. Altogether, these multiple impacts are placing a significant economic strain on businesses that support Boundary Waters travelers.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During National Small Business Week, Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Nimrod Meats

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    RED OAK, Iowa – During National Small Business Week, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Nimrod Meats of Hardin County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “To kick off National Small Business Week, I’m honored to recognize Iowa Falls’ Nimrod Meats. Founded in 2022 by the Damiano family, this small business has grown into a cornerstone of Hardin County that offers fresh cuts of meat, local honey, and more,” said Chair Ernst. “This full-service meat processor, locker, and farm-to-table retail market continues to meat the needs of Iowans while beefing up community processing capabilities across Iowa.”
    In 2022, Marine Corps veteran Rocky Damiano and his wife, Karla, established Nimrod Meats to provide a full-service meat processing facility for local farmers, hunters, and families in central Iowa. The 9,800-square-foot facility offers custom and third-party meat processing, specialized packaging, and a farm-to-table retail market. The market features artisan goods and health-focused products, many of which are sourced from other small businesses across Iowa. The family-run and veteran-owned operation continues to grow its footprint, delivering premium products across the state of Iowa. Later this month, Nimrod Meats will celebrate its third anniversary.
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Praises Texas DOGE, Discusses Musk’s Legacy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, highlighted the work President Trump and Elon Musk have done through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to eliminate wasteful government spending and save American taxpayer dollars and praised the creation of Texas DOGE. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “Mr. Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency should be applauded for their efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.”

    “Back home in Texas, Governor Abbott and the Texas legislature have also followed dozens of other states in paying a high compliment to the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk by proposing a DOGE-like task force at the state level.”

    “I’m sure even in a state as efficiently run with as low a tax is as Texas that you can find inefficiency that can be and should be rooted out.”

    “Governor Abbott recently signed the first bill of this year’s legislative session into law to establish the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, modeled after DOGE.”

    “While some states are more fiscally responsible than others, state governments, as I said, are not immune from spending taxpayer money on outdated or inefficient programs. Texas is one of the most efficient. That shouldn’t surprise anyone.”

    “I look forward to seeing the great work being done down in Austin by the Texas DOGE and what they can do to try to help make state government more efficient.”

    “Elon’s status within the federal government is that of what’s called a special government employee. That means it’s for a period of time—130 days in this case. And with that date approaching soon, Mr. Musk indicates he plans to wrap up his work, but I must emphasize that the work of DOGE must go on.”

    “I support Congress and the administration working together to codify these cost-cutting measures through rescissions.”

    “I will be a willing and eager partner in their efforts.”

    MIL OSI USA News –