NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard halts 3 illegal passenger for hire vessels in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    05/05/2025 03:11 PM EDT

    A Coast Guard Station San Juan boat crew and Sector San Juan Marine Investigators halted three illegal passenger-for-hire vessels, Saturday, in Fajardo. Vessels Hecht, El Lindo and Making Waves were found conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations, one of which was found operating in violation of previous federal Captain of the Port (COTP) Order. Over the past year, Coast Guard enforcement efforts have yielded voyage terminations for 18 illegal passenger-for-hire operations.  “The prevalence of illegal passenger-for-hire operations in our area is a concerning and serious matter,” said Lt. Michael Robinson, Sector San Juan marine investigator. “Passenger-for-hire operations is a regulated activity. If you use your recreational vessel for this purpose without adherence to the applicable federal regulations, you could be subject to substantial fines and possible jail time. Our purpose is to protect passengers from this illicit practice and ensure the safety of boaters within Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.” 

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Clinic Owner Agrees to Settle Allegations of Medicaid Fraud

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Steven Osbey, of Kernersville, N.C., has agreed to entry of a consent judgment against him in the amount of $4,711,159.00 in favor of the United States and State of North Carolina (the Governments), subject to a separate agreement regarding his participation in the Governments’ ability to pay process. The judgment represents repayment to the government for allegations that Reign & Inspirations, LLC (R&I), a clinic co-owned by Osbey and Aljihad Shabazz, charged Medicaid for physician home visits that never occurred.

    More specifically, the Governments alleged Osbey and Shabazz conspired to carry out an extensive health care fraud scheme wherein they submitted or caused to be submitted claims to NC Medicaid for in-home physician visits with patients that simply never occurred—in all, billing more than 30,000 hours of these purported physician visits and sometimes billing as if the physician provided over 100 in-home visits in a single day, purportedly lasting an hour each (an obvious physical impossibility).

    This investigation was conducted in parallel between the civil and criminal divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Shabazz pleaded guilty to criminal healthcare fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges and was sentenced to 52 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

    The civil settlement obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Department of Justice and the FBI field offices in Charlotte, with assistance from the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. AUSAs Caroline McLean and Seth Johnson were responsible for the civil investigation.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FAA Implements Recruitment and Retention Incentives in Line with Hoeven’s ATC Workforce Development Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    05.02.25
    Senator Advancing Legislation to Strengthen Enhanced AT-CTI Program at UND, Address ATC Staffing Shortages
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented new recruitment and retention programs for air traffic controllers (ATC) consistent with the provisions in Hoeven’s ATC Workforce Development Act of 2025. Hoeven introduced the bill with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to help address ATC staffing shortages, improve working conditions and ensure safe transportation within U.S. airspace. Specifically, the FAA, in coordination with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), established the following limited-time incentives:
    $5,000 award for academy graduates who successfully complete the initial qualification training.
    $5,000 award for new hires who successfully complete the initial qualification training.
    $10,000 award for academy graduates who are assigned to one of 13 hard-to-staff air traffic facilities.
    A 20 percent lump sum payment for certified professional controllers eligible to retire but under the mandatory retirement age (56) for each year they continue to work.
    “Our nation needs more qualified air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient air travel, and we appreciate the FAA for following the blueprint we laid out in our legislation when creating these new incentives,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate Secretary Duffy and Acting Administrator Rocheleau taking this first step, but more needs to be done to get students moving into the ATC workforce. To this end, our legislation would strengthen the Enhanced AT-CTI program, like the one at UND, while supporting a more efficient certification process. That means graduates can start working sooner and fulfill this critical aviation safety need.”
    In addition to the recruitment and retention incentives, Hoeven’s legislation would:
    Expand the ATC workforce training pipeline by codifying and strengthening the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.
    The bill authorizes $20 million per year for grants to AT-CTI schools to invest in curriculum, high-fidelity simulators, faculty and classroom supplies.
    The legislation also removes disincentives that discourage retired air traffic controllers from working as instructors at AT-CTI schools.
    Hoeven worked to advance UND’s selection as an Enhanced AT-CTI program, under which graduates are immediately eligible for hire by the FAA and to begin localized training at an air traffic facility. Currently, four schools, including UND have been selected for the Enhanced AT-CTI program.

    Authorize the procurement and placement of Tower Simulator Systems at ATC facilities nationwide, supporting more efficient certification of ATC trainees.
    Support the development of mental health services equipped to address the particular stressors faced by the ATC workforce.
    The ATC Workforce Development Act is supported by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), Airlines for America (A4A), Regional Airline Association (RAA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), U.S. Contract Towers Association and the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Cramer: Brad Thykeson & Tom Campbell Appointed to Serve in Key USDA Positions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    05.02.25
    Senators Recommended Thykeson as FSA State Executive Director, Campbell as Rural Development State Director
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer today announced the Trump administration appointed Brad Thykeson and Tom Campbell to key leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) state offices in North Dakota:
    Brad Thykeson will serve as the next North Dakota State Executive Director of the Farm Service Administration (FSA).
    Tom Campbell will serve as the next North Dakota State Director for Rural Development (RD).
    Brad Thykeson – Farm Service Agency State Executive Director
    The senators supported reinstating Brad Thykeson to serve as the North Dakota FSA Executive Director. Thykeson is a life-long farmer, who served in the same position during President Trump’s first term. During his previous tenure leading the agency, Thykeson implemented FSA programs and oversaw policies providing producers with assistance in times of market uncertainty and natural disasters.
    “Brad Thykeson has a proven track record at FSA, having helped ensure farmers could navigate challenges new and old,” said Hoeven and Cramer. “Between an increased cost of production, efforts to secure better trade deals and an ongoing recovery from wildfires and harsh weather, our farmers need someone at the head of the state FSA office who knows our ag economy. Brad is the right person for the job, and we appreciate the administration for heeding our call to reinstate him to this critical position.”
    Tom Campbell – North Dakota State Director for Rural Development
    In recommending him to lead the USDA’s rural development efforts in North Dakota, Hoeven and Cramer cited Campbell’s experience as a lifelong farmer as well as his extensive public service. Campbell is the co-founder of Campbell Farms, a multi-locational potato production farm and served in the North Dakota State Senate from 2013 to 2018.
    “The RD State Director position calls for a person ready to serve the community on day one. Time and again, Tom has answered the call to be a public servant. From his service in the North Dakota Senate to a variety of leadership roles with both local and national agricultural groups, Tom has worked to help fellow producers manage agricultural policy. This long history of building relationships with producers in the state and advocating for policies that benefit farmers, ranchers and rural communities will serve him well in the state director position,” said the senators.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Kelly and Fellow Congressional Veterans Demand Accountability for Mishandling of Classified Information by Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 02, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—joined fellow Veteran and SASC member Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and a group of Veteran colleagues in Congress in calling out President Trump and demanding accountability for the reckless mishandling of classified military information by senior administration officials. In the letter, the lawmakers called out Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, specifically. The lawmakers warn that these actions put American servicemembers’ lives at risk and undermined the integrity of U.S. national security operations.
    “This was a major security breach. There are appropriate and secure places and platforms that all officials are required to use to discuss sensitive and classified information without exposing it to adversaries. Signal is not the correct or DoD and IC sanctioned platform to discuss these matters. Longstanding DoD and IC policy has prohibited the use of unsecured devices and commercial apps for discussing sensitive information,” the lawmakers said.
    As former servicemembers, Duckworth, Kelly and their colleagues emphasized the risk of this classified information landing in the wrong hands: “Had this information been released to the public, and more critically accessed by our adversaries, it could have had catastrophic consequences and resulted in American service members being wounded, captured, or killed, and mission failure. This is not an abstract or hypothetical scenario. In 2000, a Sailor on the USS Cole sent an email to his wife outlining the USS Cole’s port call schedule. This communication was intercepted and allowed the Al Qaeda terrorists in the region to orchestrate an attack on the USS Cole. This resulted in 17 Sailors killed and 39 injured and was a direct result of poor operational security.”
    They continued: “To highlight Secretary Hegseth’s negligence and wanton disregard for the basic safeguarding of controlled information, even more reporting came out that indicated Secretary Hegseth had an internet connection that bypassed the Pentagon’s security protocol set up in his office to use the Signal messaging application on his personal computer. This unsecured internet line can expose users to hacking and malign surveillance.”
    For this reason, the group of Veterans call on President Trump to fire Hegseth: “We expect our service members to put their lives on the line, and if necessary, die for this country, and the Secretary of Defense is flippantly incurring additional risk onto their mission, with no real justification other than expediency and because it’s easier to send a text than it is to do the right thing. We implore you to fire Mr. Hegseth on the grounds that his reckless handling of classified information put the men and women serving our nation at risk and displayed a terrible judgement that will erode confidence among service members.”
    In addition to Duckworth and Kelly, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06).
    The full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues in Reintroduction of Historic Equality Act to Ban Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 01, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39) for the bicameral reintroduction of the Equality Act in an effort to push back against escalated attacks from the Trump Administration, MAGA Republicans, and state legislatures on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans nationwide.
    “It is absolutely unacceptable that someone can be fired from their job, evicted from their home and experience discrimination just because of who they are or who they love,” said Duckworth.  “As Trump continues his dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ attacks and we see a growing wave of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community across the country, we must protect their rights at the federal level. I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and my colleagues in re-introducing the Equality Act to finally enshrine critical civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in federal law.”
    “No one should be treated as less than equal because of who they love or who they are. While we’ve taken big steps in the fight for equality for the LGBTQ+ community, Republican-led state legislatures and the Trump Administration are relentlessly attacking the rights and humanity of LGBTQ+ Americans. We must act,” said Durbin. “I’m joining my colleagues in introducing the Equality Act to ensure that LGBTQ+ Americans are fully and explicitly protected under our nation’s civil rights laws.” 
    In states across the country, over 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed so far this year—the most in U.S. history. The Equality Act is historic, comprehensive legislation to enshrine civil rights protections for our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors in federal law.
    The Equality Act amends landmark federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to longstanding bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding, and more. It would also add protections against sex discrimination in parts of anti-discrimination laws where these protections had not been included previously, such as public accommodations and federal funding.
    Despite major advances in equality for LGBTQ+ Americans in recent years, including codifying federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages, the majority of states still do not have explicit LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protection laws. The Equality Act would finally enshrine protections into federal law under all areas of potential discrimination, protecting the rights and freedoms of all LGBTQ+ Americans for generations to come.
    The Equality Act is supported by 47 U.S. Senators and 214 U.S. Representatives. A full list of the over 600 organizations endorsing the Equality Act can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    Full text of the Equality Act as introduced in the Senate and as introduced in the House can also be found on Senator Duckworth’s website as well as a summary of the bill.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Warns That Under Secretary of the Air Force Nominee Would Erode Combat Effectiveness If Confirmed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 02, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC)—exposed how President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier is unfit to do the job, pointing out that he violated his professional ethics as a military officer by choosing to skirt good order and discipline in order to speak out publicly against lawful orders that he personally didn’t agree with. Drawing from her own military experience, Duckworth warned that confirming Mr. Lohmeier would send troubling signals to our servicemembers that insubordination for personal views is acceptable, eroding combat effectiveness. Duckworth’s full remarks at yesterday’s SASC hearing can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
    “The lethality of our military depends on our servicemembers maintaining good order and discipline—sometimes even when it goes against their own personal opinions,” said Duckworth. “I fought in a war I did not support on the orders of a President I didn’t vote for—but all honorable servicemembers know that circumventing commanders on the battlefield in real time could lead to life-or-death mistakes. By defying the sanctity of military discipline as a commander, Mr. Lohmeier signaled to those under his command that it is okay to do the same—something that would dangerously undermine our military’s lethality and readiness. That is not someone who is fit to serve as a leader for the Air Force and Space Force.”
    Ultimately, Mr. Lohmeier’s willingness to neglect good order and discipline is what led to his termination from command in the Space Force.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Northfield Capital Announces Transaction to Acquire Remaining Minority Interest of Northfield Aviation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northfield Capital Corporation (TSX-V: NFD.A) (“Northfield” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Spruce Goose Aviation Inc. (“Spruce Goose”), has entered into a share purchase agreement dated May 5, 2025 (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) with Iain Hayden (the “Vendor”), to acquire all of the shares (the “Purchased Shares”) of Northfield Aviation Group Inc. (“Northfield Aviation”) not already owned by Spruce Goose. In consideration for the Purchased Shares, Spruce Goose will cause the Corporation to issue to the Vendor 60,000 Class A restricted voting shares of the Corporation (the “Consideration Shares”), at a deemed issue price of C$5.23 per share.

    Northfield Aviation is an indirect subsidiary of the Corporation, in which Spruce Goose already holds a majority (91%) voting ownership interest, and the Purchased Shares (being, an aggregate of 9,357 Class A common shares and 22,303 Class B common shares in the capital of Northfield Aviation) represent the remaining 9% voting ownership interest in Northfield Aviation not already owned by the Purchaser. Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Purchaser will hold a 100% ownership interest in Northfield Aviation.

    Completion of the transactions contemplated by the Share Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “Proposed Transaction”) remains subject to a number of conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”), and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Subject to the satisfaction and/or waiver of all closing conditions, the Proposed Transaction is expected to be completed on or about May 8, 2025. The Consideration Shares are not subject to resale restrictions under applicable Canadian securities laws.

    TSXV Policy 5.9 and MI 61-101

    The Vendor is a director of Northfield Aviation, and accordingly, is a Non-Arm’s Length Party (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) in relation to the Corporation and a “related party” of the Corporation pursuant to Multilateral Instrument – 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”).

    The issuance of the Consideration Shares to the Vendor constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of MI 61-101 and Policy 5.9 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions of the TSXV (“Policy 5.9”) (which incorporates the requirements of MI 61-101). However, the Corporation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as, at the time the Proposed Transaction was agreed to, neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration to be delivered by the Corporation for, the Proposed Transaction, exceeded 25% of the Corporation’s market capitalization.

    About Northfield Capital Corporation

    Northfield Capital Corporation is a publicly traded, leading Canadian investment firm with deep roots in resources, mining, aviation, and premium alcoholic beverages. Founded in 1981 by Robert D. Cudney, Northfield combines decades of experience with forward-thinking strategies to unlock opportunities across its diverse portfolio. Northfield is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in businesses that drive economic prosperity in Canada. For more information, visit northfieldcapital.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Michael G. Leskovec, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (416) 628-5940

    Forward-Looking Information

    Forward-looking information is included in this news release. Forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “will”, “would”, and “should” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Such information may involve but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Proposed Transaction, as well as the anticipated timing for the completion of the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking information, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts, predictions or forward-looking information cannot be relied upon due to, among other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business and its corporate structure. Results indicated in forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results for a number of reasons. The forward-looking information contained herein are subject to change. However, Northfield disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Obernolte introduces legislation to bolster U.S. critical mineral supply chain

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia)

    WASHINGTON, DC–U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (CA-23) has introducedlegislation to reduce the United States’ reliance on China and other foreign nations forcritical minerals. Critical minerals and rare earth metals are used to manufactureconsumer electronics, military equipment, electric vehicle batteries, and other advancedtechnologies vital to America’s homeland security and economic competitiveness. Chinais currently the largest source for more than half of the critical minerals on the U.S.Geological Survey’s 2022 list. The Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Actwould address this concern by identifying opportunities to increase the domesticproduction and recycling of critical minerals.“Critical minerals are essential to our economy, our national security, and thedevelopment of our country’s energy grid,” saidRep. Jay Obernolte.“TheIntergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force will bring stakeholders together toidentify how we canenhance our supply chains and shore up production of criticalminerals here at home.”“Access to critical minerals is essential for our national security and energy grid. Ourbipartisan bill will identify new ways to reduce our dependency on foreign nations likeChina for critical minerals,” saidCongresswoman Susie Lee (NV-3). “We can’t affordany disruptions to our critical mineral supply chain.”This legislation requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director toappoint representatives from federal agencies to consult with state, local, and tribalgovernments. The Task Force will work to determine how to address national securityrisks associated with America’s critical mineral supply chains and identify new domesticopportunities for mining,processing, refinement, reuse, and recycling of critical minerals. Thebillalso requiresthe Task Force to send a report to Congress and publishfindings, guidelines, and recommendationson reducingthe United States’ reliance onChina and other foreign nations for critical minerals.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moolenaar, Obernolte, Goldman, Introduce LOCOMOTIVES Act to Stop California Regulations from Impacting Nation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia)

    Today, Congressmen John Moolenaar, Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Craig Goldman (R-TX) introduced the LOCOMOTIVES Act to limit the State of California’s ability to place unsustainable regulations on trains crossing into the state. The legislation revises Section 209 of the Clean Air Act to close a loophole which allows the California Air Resources Board to request waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency which would require interstate trains to abide by environmental standards stricter than the federal government’s.  

    “Nearly every industry relies on railway to ship their goods and access markets across the world. Unfortunately, bureaucrats in California maintain the ability to supersede federal standards and institute policies that would keep vital parts of Michigan’s economy, including the agriculture and auto industries, from accessing global markets. The LOCOMOTIVES Act is a commonsense proposal that stops California’s policies from impacting our state, and the rest of the country,” said Moolenaar. 

    “California should not be hijacking national freight policy with unreasonable emissions mandates,” said Obernolte. “CARB’s proposed locomotive standards would have wreaked havoc on interstate commerce, driven up costs for American families, and crippled rail operations across the country. I’m thankful that, after sustained pressure, CARB recognized the consequences of its overreach and withdrew its request. I’m proud to support the LOCOMOTIVES Act to prevent these illogical actions in the future and protect the infrastructure that keeps our economy moving.” 

    “As railways continue to serve as a cost-effective and reliable means of transporting goods, California’s extreme green energy regulations will prevent most locomotives from operating within the state. I’m proud to co-sponsor Representative Moolenaar’s LOCOMOTIVES Act, which prevents states like California from imposing unnecessary restrictions that would disrupt Texas’ interstate commerce and drive-up costs for consumers. This bill is an important measure to standardize locomotive regulations across states and ensure that Texas remains a key hub for interstate trade,” said Goldman.  

    The LOCOMOTIVES Act is endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the North American Millers Association, the Supply Chain Federation, and the National Grain and Feed Association.  

    “We applaud Congressman Moolenaar’s leadership in introducing legislation that would prevent the possibility of unworkable and infeasible state regulation of locomotives involved in interstate commerce. This bill would close a Clean Air Act loophole that could be used by a state to circumvent federal regulation of locomotives and create a de facto national rule that would risk the viability of small business freight railroads,” said Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. 

    “Railroads remain the most fuel-efficient way to move goods over land and continue to deliver reliably for the nation’s businesses and communities,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “Currently, there are no commercially viable zero-emissions locomotives available—despite claims made by the California Air Resources Board in its now-abandoned in-use locomotive rule. As the industry pursues scalable, alternative solutions, Rep. Moolenaar’s legislation would provide much-needed regulatory certainty and prevent an impractical and infeasible state mandate from disrupting the entire nation’s supply chain.”

    “Railroads are among the most fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible modes of freight transport. Subjecting them to a patchwork of state-level emissions standards  would not only disrupt the flow of goods, but also discourage investment in cleaner technologies by creating uncertainty,” said Sarah Wiltfong, Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, the Supply Chain Federation.  “By reinforcing the federal government’s longstanding authority over mobile emissions on existing locomotives and their engines, the LOCOMOTIVE Act helps preserve regulatory consistency for a freight rail system that is critical to our supply chain and national economy.” 

    “Railroads are among the most fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible modes of freight transport. Subjecting them to a patchwork of state-level emissions standards  would not only disrupt the flow of goods, but also discourage investment in cleaner technologies by creating uncertainty,” said Sarah Wiltfong, Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, the Supply Chain Federation.  “By reinforcing the federal government’s longstanding authority over mobile emissions on existing locomotives and their engines, the LOCOMOTIVES Act helps preserve regulatory consistency for a freight rail system that is critical to our supply chain and national economy.” 

    In 2023, the California Air Resources Board requested a waiver from the EPA, which would prohibit trains older than 23 years old operating from operating in the state unless it operates on a zero emissions configuration. The waiver was withdrawn last year, however, California is able to resubmit a similar request at any time. If California’s waiver request was granted, effectively two-thirds of all currently operating trains could not cross into the state, leaving them unable to access two of the largest ports in the country.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Members Markey, Velázquez Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Make Small Business Innovation Programs Permanent Ahead of September Expiration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager 

    Washington (May 1, 2025) – Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today introduced the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would make permanent and expand the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (SBIR/STTR). House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) is introducing companion legislation in the House.

    For over 40 years, the SBIR and STTR programs have delivered more than $70 billion in research and development (R&D) funding to over 30,000 small businesses nationwide, ushering in technological breakthroughs that have benefited everyday Americans across the country and strengthened our national security. The SBIR and STTR programs are set to expire on September 30, 2025, if they are not reauthorized by Congress.

    “Thanks in part to the SBIR/STTR programs, America has experienced a ‘golden age of innovation’ over the last forty years. And now, as Trump’s reckless tariffs threaten to decimate our most effective innovators–our small businesses–and the Administration slashes research dollars to institutions, it is even more urgent that we make the SBIR and STTR programs permanent,” said Ranking Member Markey. “These programs work because they prioritize merit and promote competition, and I am committed to ensuring that they retain their initial intent of fostering innovation in truly small businesses. I thank Ranking Member Velázquez for her partnership in promoting innovation through small businesses and providing certainty for these programs for decades to come.”

    “For over 40 years, SBIR and STTR have helped America’s small businesses lead the way in cutting-edge research and innovation,” said Ranking Member Velázquez. “At a time when the Trump administration is working to dismantle vital public programs, it is more important than ever to protect what works. This bill gives these programs the long-term support they need by providing stable funding, expanding access, and strengthening safeguards against foreign threats. I am proud to work with Ranking Member Markey to secure the future of these programs.”

    Specifically, the SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:

    • Make permanent the SBIR and STTR programs. Permanently authorizing the SBIR and STTR programs would give both small businesses and government agencies the stability needed to continue their collaboration to spur innovation.
    • Maintain competitiveness of SBIR and STTR programs. The legislation maintains the program’s 40-year long practice of facilitating merit-based competition to determine which innovative small businesses receive awards. This legislation would place no caps or limits on small businesses or the number of awards they can receive to ensure unbridled innovation for America.
    • Increase research funding for small businesses and partnering research institutions. Agencies, over the course of 7 years, would be required to allocate at least 7 percent of their extramural R&D budgets to SBIR and 1 percent to STTR—up from 3.2 percent and 0.45 percent, respectively. 
    • Strengthen commercialization efforts. Agencies often fail to identify SBIR/STTR-funded technologies that demonstrate a solution to their needs, fueling a belief that many technologies simply do not showcase commercialization potential. Requiring agencies to designate a Technology Commercialization Official and undergo acquisition training would result in a greater number of SBIR/STTR technologies being commercialized by the federal government. 
    • Maintain bipartisan foreign due diligence efforts. The legislation extends the bipartisan due diligence program until 2030.   
    • Dismantle barriers to broaden participation. The time and resources required to develop an SBIR/STTR proposal can be a significant barrier to entry for many small businesses, particularly those who have limited resources. By reauthorizing the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) Program and allowing agencies to use a portion of their SBIR/STTR funding to assist businesses in developing competitive proposals, the bill would help diversify the applicant pool and bring in new participants, including those from states that have historically received fewer awards. The bill also allows agencies to use a portion of their SBIR and STTR funding to establish internship and fellowship opportunities to spur innovation with a targeted effort to reach women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. 

    Massachusetts has the highest per-capita award rate of any state and is the second largest recipient of SBIR/STTR awards in the country, receiving more than 24,000 SBIR awards totaling $8.3 billion, and 2,000 STTR awards totaling over $720 million.

    “The Small Business Technology Council (SBTC) is pleased to offer its endorsement to the bicameral SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025. The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 will build on the successes of the programs, while maintaining what has made them successful in the first place. We particularly appreciate the SBIR/STTR programs being made permanent, a long-overdue step for programs that have proven their worth for over 40 years in the case of SBIR. Small businesses thrive on certainty and making these programs permanent sends a powerful message to small businesses that the government will continue to be a reliable partner and customer for them. SBTC also supports increasing the SBIR and STTR allocations, for the first time since 2011. These programs continue to provide an enormous return on the taxpayer investment, and deserve to a larger investment of Federal R&D expenditures,” said Jere Glover, Executive Director of Small Business Technology Council.

    “The New England Innovation Alliance, a coalition of small, disruptive innovation businesses located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, strongly supports The SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 introduced by Senator Edward Markey, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Representative Nydia Velázquez, Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee,” said the New England Innovation Alliance. “The SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 would maintain the competitive, merit-based fundamentals of the programs to ensure the best technology is developed to keep America as the world leader. The measure appropriately recognizes that there should be no arbitrary award caps, submission limits, or forced graduation from programs.”

    “Startups in medical technology face a daunting timeline of development, FDA clearance, and coverage determination. The CMS process alone can take more than five years. As a result, the industry has seen private investment move to other sectors with quicker returns. SBIR grants fill a critical gap in early-stage capital for healthcare innovation, a key growth driver for the Commonwealth. MassMEDIC deeply appreciates Sen. Markey’s leadership, collaboration, and commitment to building upon the success of the SBIR program and enthusiastically endorses his SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025,” said Brian Johnson, President of MassMEDIC.

    “VentureWell supports the strategic emphasis on entrepreneurial support in the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025, particularly the expansion of the I-Corps program. By recognizing that SBIR and STTR funding is essential—but not alone sufficient—for bridging the ‘valley of death’ between research and commercialization, this legislation rightly positions the federal government as a proactive partner in cultivating top-tier innovators and ensuring their work produces the maximum return on America’s investment in science,” said Phil Weilerstein, President and CEO of VentureWell.

    The legislation is also endorsed by the National Small Business Association (NSBA).

    Ranking Member Markey has been a longtime champion of the SBIR and STTR programs. In 2011, during his time serving in the House of Representatives, Ranking Member Markey played an integral role in SBIR and STTR’s reauthorization efforts. This reauthorization effort was the last time the program’s budget was increased significantly. Ranking Member Markey also introduced a reauthorization bill to improve the programs in 2019 and advocated on behalf of SBIR and STTR small businesses to the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In March 2025, Ranking Member Markey attended a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hearing titled, “Golden Age of American Innovation: Reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st Century,” where his witness highlighted the success of the SBIR/STTR programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Ernst Celebrate American Spirit of Entrepreneurship During National Small Business Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (May 5, 2025) – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) led 81 of their colleagues in declaring this week as “National Small Business Week” to recognize the innovators and job creators who power our economy.

    “This National Small Business Week, we celebrate the contributions of small businesses that create jobs, drive our local economies, and make up the fabric of our communities,” said Senator Markey. “By supporting local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, we make our communities and our country stronger. I’m committed to ensuring that our nation’s 34 million small businesses and the 722,500 small businesses in Massachusetts receive the tools and resources they need to compete and thrive.”

    “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Iowa’s economy, making up more than 99% of all businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “These shops mean so much more than the livelihoods they support and the jobs they create, they embody the American spirit and shape the culture of big cities and rural communities across America. These innovators drive our nation forward every day, I’m proud to recognize their tremendous contributions.”

    There are more than 34.7 million small businesses in America, accounting for more than 99.9% of all businesses and employing 45.9% of American workers, or about 59 million people.

    Click here to read the resolution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

    Stefanik Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Steil Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner: Joshua Utley from Mount Pleasant

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

    Janesville, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced Joshua Utley as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District.

    WINNER: Cow in the Way by Joshua Utley

    Joshua Utley and his graphite piece, Cow in the Way, is the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Joshua is a Junior at the Prairie School in Racine, where he is taught by Ms. Vicki Schmitz.

    “Congratulations, Joshua, on winning the 2025 Congressional Art Competition! Each year, I’m impressed by the talent and creativity of students throughout the First Congressional District. Cow in the Way reflects the talent of Wisconsin’s next generation and the impact our art teachers have on students across our state,” said Steil. “I look forward to seeing your piece hang in the U.S. Capitol.”

    NOTE: The Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition open to high school students from across the United States. Each Congressional office selects one winner to display in the tunnel connecting the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol traveled daily by members of Congress, staff, and visitors to Washington, D.C.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huffman, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Strengthen Protections for Migratory Birds

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    May 05, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, in honor of Migratory Bird Day on May 10th, U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced two bills to strengthen conservation efforts for protected species of birds across the country. These bills – the Migratory Bird Protection Act and the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act – will give the United States the tools to build upon existing efforts to protect migratory birds and the most threatened species of seabirds.

    “As the world faces an escalating biodiversity crisis, now is a critical moment to establish strong, clear, and lasting protections for migratory bird species,” said Rep. Huffman. “By codifying the ACAP agreement, the United States can reaffirm its leadership in conservation and encourage other nations to implement robust standards to protect endangered seabirds around the globe. By formalizing the process and providing more tools, our bills will strengthen longstanding protections and help commercial and business interests comply – marking a big step forward in conservation efforts both at home and across the globe.”

    “Bucks and Montgomery Counties are home to some of the most ecologically rich bird habitats in America, supporting hundreds of diverse and migratory species,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “But many of these birds are now facing extinction-level threats. As Co-Chair the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m committed to advancing concrete, science-based solutions to protect these vulnerable species, strengthen habitat conservation, and ensure long-term ecological resilience. This bipartisan legislation is a critical step toward that mission.”

    The Migratory Bird Protection Act will safeguard and strengthen longstanding protections for millions of North America’s migratory birds by providing clarity on how the United States implements the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This legislation directs the Department of Interior to provide regulatory certainty on “incidental take” – killing or injuring birds by otherwise legal activities – by commercial activity. The bill will help ensure the United States meets the conservation goals of the MBTA, which has formed the backbone of our nation’s migratory bird conservation efforts for over 100 years.

    The Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act will help implement the International Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) – which protects some of the world’s most endangered seabirds from international fishing threats. Every year, thousands of albatrosses and petrels die from encountering longline fishing equipment during their migration to nest and find food. Although the United States has attended and contributed to ACAP meetings regularly since the Agreement’s signing in 2001, it has not yet joined the 13 member countries that have signed as parties.

    Today’s bills will build upon existing efforts to protect migratory bird species by codifying and clarifying crucial conservation standards.

    “Together the Migratory Bird Protection Act and the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act strengthen bird conservation,” said Steve Holmer, Vice President of Policy at American Bird Conservancy. “By respectively encouraging industries to adopt best mitigation practices and advancing international collaboration these bills prevent bird mortality. Thank you to Representatives Huffman and Fitzpatrick for their steadfast leadership.”

    “The Migratory Bird Protection Act and the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act are critical steps for reversing the alarming decline in bird populations, which has seen the loss of over 3 billion birds since 1970. These bills will enhance vital protections and foster international cooperation to help ensure the survival of migratory birds and seabird species. Thank you, Representatives Huffman (D-CA) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA), for introducing these important bills that will help preserve America’s birds for current and future generations,” said Jesse Walls, Senior Director of Government Affairs at National Audubon Society.

    “Bird watching in America is more popular than ever, and yet our backyards and skies are graced with a decreasing number of our feathered friends,” said Steve Blackledge, Senior Director of Conservation Campaigns at Environment America. “We’re grateful to Representatives Jared Huffman and Brian Fitzpatrick for their bipartisan bill, which will protect long-distance flyers and make sure the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is enforced.”

    “Now more than ever, Congressional action is needed to conserve our country’s migratory birds,” said Ed Arnett, CEO of The Wildlife Society. “Thanks to the leadership of Representative Huffman, the Migratory Bird Protection Act will implement a streamlined permitting approach that provides greater certainty for project stakeholders as well as long-term benefits for migratory bird species. Given that more than three billion birds have been lost in the past half century, we encourage Congress to swiftly pass this commonsense bill.”

    “Defenders of Wildlife applauds Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) for introducing this critical bill at a time when North American birds are increasingly under threat,” said Robert Dewey, Vice President of Government Relations at Defenders of Wildlife. “Migratory birds, ranging from greater flamingos and American white pelicans to red-winged blackbirds and bald eagles, represent some of our most iconic species, but damage from industrial waste, overdevelopment and climate change has led to an estimated loss of 2.9 billion North American birds since 1970. This bill counters the ongoing and politically motivated attacks on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by ensuring that migratory birds unintentionally killed or harmed by industrialization, development and other human activities are protected under the Act. We urge all those in Congress to support what has historically been a bipartisan endeavor to protect North American birds.”

    “With three-quarters of North America’s birds in decline it’s now more important than ever to step up and provide strong protections for them. It’s crucial for the federal government to adhere to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and I encourage Congress to pass this commonsense legislation and give birds a fighting chance at survival,” said Tara Zuardo, Senior Campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity.

    “America’s bird populations are under unprecedented threat from a variety of hazards,” said Abby Tinsley, Vice President for Conservation Policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “The bipartisan Migratory Bird Protection Act would help address these challenges by clarifying protections passed more than a century ago while encouraging measures that will limit unnecessary deaths. Congress should act swiftly to pass this commonsense bill.”

    The Migratory Bird Protection Act is endorsed by Defenders of Wildlife, Audubon, Center for Biological Diversity, American Bird Conservancy, The Wildlife Society, The National Wildlife Federation, National Resource Defense Council, and Environment America.

    The Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act is endorsed by Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy.

    Migratory Bird Protection Act:

    • Text of the bill can be found here.
    • A one-pager of the bill can be found here.

    Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act:

    • Text of the bill can be found here.
    • A one-pager of the bill can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Rallies Support for Senior Tax Relief

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (STATEN ISLAND, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was joined by Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP New York, Marie Santangelo, leader of all Staten Island AARP Chapters, and local senior citizens at the New Dorp Beach Friendship Club to rally support for her effort to reduce taxes on Social Security income for seniors. As a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, Malliotakis has played a key role in negotiations and is working to build momentum in Washington to pass this big, beautiful bill as part of the upcoming budget reconciliation tax package.

     

    As tax package negotiations continue, Malliotakis is working to include key provisions of her legislation in the upcoming reconciliation bill including:

     

    • H.R. 1130, The Bonus Tax Relief for America’s Seniors Act, and would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the additional bonus deduction for seniors age 65 and over from $1,950 to $5,000 for single filers, and from $3,100 to $10,000 for married couples. On average, this bipartisan legislation would reduce federal taxes by $2,100 for married couples filing jointly earning $85,000 per year.

    • Increasing the SALT Cap, the current $10,000 cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions has disproportionately impacted seniors and middle-class families in high-tax states like New York. Malliotakis is fighting to increase the deduction to provide meaningful relief to hardworking taxpayers burdened by high city & state taxes, and to ensure the Alternative Minimum Tax does not return.

     

    “As we work to finalize the details of our tax relief package, I remain hopeful that key provisions of my legislation will be included in our one big, beautiful bill to reduce the tax burden on our seniors and muddle-class families in our community,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “Too many seniors are being forced to stretch their retirement savings further than ever before. After a lifetime of hard work and paying taxes, they deserve to keep more of their Social Security and retirement income without Uncle Sam reaching into their pockets again.”

     

    “This bill is a clear recognition of both the financial pressures facing older Americans and the additional cost of the taxation of Social Security benefits, the largest source of income for most seniors. It also reflects a bipartisan understanding that our tax code should better support those who have worked hard, earned benefits, and contributed to our economy throughout their lives. By allowing more older taxpayers to keep more of their income, this legislation would improve retirement security and support independence and dignity in aging,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer.

     

    Malliotakis is also sponsoring other measures to ease the burden on seniors, including:

     

    • H.R. 1129, The Tax Relief Unleashed for Seniors by Trump (TRUST) Act, would increase the amount of income that is tax exempt and index the threshold to inflation, allowing seniors to keep more of their benefits. Malliotakis’ legislation would double current exempt income from $25,000 to $50,000 for single filers and from $32,000 to $64,000 for married couples age 65 and older.

    • H.R. 2266, The Reducing Excessive Taxation and Inefficiencies by Reforming Elder Exemptions to Support Fairness, Inflation Relief, and Simpler Taxes Act (RETIREES FIRST Act) aimed at modernizing outdated Social Security tax thresholds to deliver tax relief to middle-class retirees.

     

    Today, nearly 56% of retirees pay taxes on their Social Security benefits, compared to less than 10% in 1984 when the Social Security exemptions were first established. As this figure is projected to rise further, Malliotakis is taking action having introduced legislation to raise the provisional income thresholds to $34,000 for single filers and $68,000 for married filers—up from the current levels of $25,000 and $32,000, respectively. The legislation would exempt most middle-class retirees from paying taxes on their Social Security benefits by reducing their tax burden.

    The income thresholds for taxation of benefits have remained unchanged since first established by Congress in 1984. At the time, less than 10 percent of beneficiaries paid federal income tax on their benefits, but because wages have increased, the proportion of beneficiaries who must pay federal income tax on benefits has risen over time.

    LINKS TO LEGISLATIVE TEXTS

    H.R. 1130 HERE

    H.R. 1129 HERE

    H.R. 2266 HERE

     

    In addition to reducing the tax burden on America’s seniors, Malliotakis as a member of the House Committee on Ways & Means and is acutely focused on increasing the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT), and increasing domestic production by incentivizing companies to bring their manufacturing facilities and supply chains home.

    Watch The Press Conference HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Receives Shocking Migrant Crime Data, Slams NYC For FOIL Delay

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (NEW YORK, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis released the following statement regarding the City of New York’s response to her Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request.

     

    “After 1.5 years and multiple broken promises and delays, I finally received a response to my Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the City of New York for migrant crime data and the results are deeply disturbing. It turns out NYC taxpayers paid to house 3,219 arrestees between January 2023 and October 2024 in shelters and luxury hotel rooms at billions of dollars in taxpayer expense.

     

    It is obvious why the city stonewalled and delayed response not once, not twice but three times after my initial request by letter in October 2023 and by FOIL in January 2024. Of the more than 16,000 crimes that occurred in or near migrant shelters, more than 11,000 of them were for one of the seven major felony offenses including murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, or grand larceny of an automobile. Simply put, Democrats from Joe Biden to Governor Hochul to Mayor Adams made New Yorkers less safe and forced taxpayers to foot the bill for increased crime and deteriorated quality of life after repeatedly telling us these criminal migrants were innocent asylum seekers who were all vetted.”

     

    READ NYC’S RESPONSE TO THE FOIL REQUEST HERE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2659, Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2659 would establish an interagency task force to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats from state-sponsored actors. Under the bill, the task force would publish a list of federal resources available to help safeguard information technology systems at critical infrastructure facilities. The bill also would require the task force to report annually to the Congress on its findings and actions.

    The task force would consist of representatives from federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Using information about the cost of similar efforts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2659 would cost $5 million over the 2025-2030 period for staff salaries, travel, and other administrative expenses to operate the task force; satisfying the reporting requirements would cost less than $500,000. Such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 050 (national defense).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under H.R. 2659
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Estimated Authorization

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    5

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    5

    * = between zero and $500,000.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aldo Prosperi. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Equality Act to Ban Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce the Equality Act to ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans. This legislation would amend landmark federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to long-standing bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding, and more. It would also add protections against sex discrimination in parts of anti-discrimination laws where these protections had not been included previously, such as public accommodations and federal funding.
    “No one should ever be discriminated against for who they are or who they love,” said Senator Rosen. “It’s heartbreaking that, after years of progress, extreme Republicans are attacking and discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community and attempting to roll back the clock. That’s why I’m proud to help introduce this landmark legislation to make sure every person, regardless of who they are or who they love, is treated fairly with dignity and respect.”
    Senator Rosen has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, working to fight discrimination and bigotry. In late 2022, Senator Rosen helped pass the historic, bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, which requires states to recognize all marriages legally performed in other states, including same-sex marriages, and provides expanded legal protections at the federal level for marriage equality.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 28 of his Senate colleagues wrote to the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi and Deputy Assistant AG 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 nation. In the letter, the senators demanded that the DOJ provide reasoning and background information regarding the decision to cancel the grants and called for the immediate restoration of the funding.
    “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. 
    The senators continued, “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 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.
    In addition to calling for the restoration of all canceled grants, the senators posed the following questions:
    A DOJ JMD spreadsheet (Encl. 1) lists 365 grants 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.
    The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), 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), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ben Ray Luján (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), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). 
    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell, Carbajal Introduce Bipartisan FEMA Reform Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Today, Congressmen Mike Ezell (D-MS-04) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) introduced H.R. 3177, the Keep It In The State (KITS) Act to ensure that projects under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act are handled by professionals who are licensed in the states where disaster recovery projects take place. The bill seeks to improve the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of federally funded disaster recovery efforts by requiring that cost estimates, material acquisition, and other project-related activities be carried out by state-licensed professionals.

    “When disaster strikes, our communities rely on FEMA to help rebuild stronger and safer,” Ezell said. “But that only happens when the work is done right. By ensuring FEMA projects are overseen by professionals licensed in our home state, we’re making sure local standards, materials, and practices are respected throughout the process. The KITS Act will help prevent government bureaucrats from states away from overruling local experts. We want to rebuild smarter, not just faster—and that starts with using qualified professionals who understand our terrain, our codes, and our people.”

    “Post-disaster rebuilding should be led by local experts who deeply understand the affected region,” Carbajal said. “This legislation will go a long way toward empowering communities to accelerate their region’s recovery efforts.”

    As a coastal city that understands firsthand the urgency of disaster recovery, we strongly support Congressman Ezell’s Keep it in the State (K.I.T.S.) Act. Ensuring FEMA projects are managed by licensed professionals within the state not only respects local knowledge but also enhances the quality and speed of our recovery efforts. Local experts are more familiar with our building codes, environmental conditions, and infrastructure systems, which leads to better-informed decisions and more resilient outcomes. This legislation is a practical step forward in empowering communities like Gautier to rebuild stronger and smarter after disaster strikes,” Mayor Casey Vaughan, City of Gautier said.

    “As Mayor of Biloxi, we have been impacted by several major hurricanes. Our City works with FEMA everyday. We are grateful for Representative Ezell’s leadership and efforts to streamline the regulatory process and ensure that future rebuilding efforts are under the control of our state and local officials. Requiring state-licensed professionals makes good common sense, and we fully support this legislation,” Mayor Andrew “Fo Fo” Gilich, City of Biloxi said.

    “Here in Pascagoula, we know how important it is to rebuild our community the right way after a disaster. Making sure that rebuilding is done by licensed professionals from our own state means safer homes, stronger infrastructure and a faster return to normal for our families and businesses. I’m grateful for Congressman Ezell’s leadership for pushing forward this effort that will strengthen recovery operations by putting the work in the hands of those who know our state best. It’s a common-sense step that will make a real difference for communities like ours along the coast,” Mayor Jay Willis, City of Pascagoula said.

    “This certainly makes sense for the protection of a City and or County, to secure the services of a professional in determining the extent of storm damage, development of the scope of work necessary to restore to pre-storm conditions or, should an improvement be considered for mitigation and for the development of project plans and specification which would ensure appropriate materials and work methods adhere to specific engineering standards,” D’Iberville City Manager, Bobby Weaver said.

    “The City of Moss Point certainly supports Congressman Ezell’s effort to ensure quality and efficiency in disaster rebuilding. Recognizing the importance of local perspective and expertise can go a long way in speeding up recovery processes,” Moss Point Mayor Billy Knight, Sr. said. “We appreciate the congressman’s focus on disaster-related issues, as South Mississippi sits in a disaster-prone zone.”

    The legislation responds to long-standing concerns from local leaders and industry professionals who have raised issues with out-of-state or unlicensed individuals making critical decisions in the wake of disasters. These decisions often lead to delays, unnecessary costs, or construction that fails to meet state and local requirements.

    Under the KITS Act, FEMA will be required to:

    • Use professionals who are licensed in the relevant state for cost estimating, procurement, and other major project tasks.
    • Prioritize the use of local expertise to improve accountability and ensure compliance with state and local codes.
    • Work more closely with state agencies and stakeholders during disaster response and recovery.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Improvements to Alberta Hospital Edmonton coming soon

    [. The Alberta Recovery Model is focused on ensuring Albertans have access to evidence-based mental health and addiction care to pursue recovery and personal wellness. This approach has included significant capital investments for new infrastructure, to build more capacity and open more beds within the mental health and addiction system.

    To continue development of the Alberta Recovery Model, government is putting forward more than $141 million of capital funding for site improvements and new infrastructure at the Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE) campus. AHE has been delivering mental health services for more than 100 years, first opening its doors in 1923. With little capital investment for several decades for AHE, it is time to bring new life to the facilities and expand services delivered.

    “Alberta Hospital Edmonton has provided psychiatric care to Albertans for more than 100 years. Adding new addiction treatment facilities to the campus is a step forward in building mental health and addiction system capacity. This investment will ensure Alberta Hospital Edmonton is helping Albertans pursue recovery for years to come.”

    Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

    The capital funding will support upgrades for campus infrastructure, unit renovations and demolition of vacated buildings at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. This investment will also support building the Edmonton Recovery Community and the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre on the AHE campus. Overall, the capital investment will help maintain important hospital infrastructure for the existing 460 treatment beds and outpatient psychiatric services while also increasing addiction treatment capacity within Edmonton by 225 beds.

    Construction of both the Edmonton Recovery Community and the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre is expected to begin in 2026.

    “For many years, the Alberta Hospital Edmonton has played an important role supporting Albertans with complex mental health issues. We are proud to support a modernization project that will not only enhance this facility but also ensure that the most advanced and effective care is available for those in need.”

    Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure

    “Our commitment to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care goes hand in hand with our responsibility to provide safe, modern environments for both patients and staff. This investment in new infrastructure allows us to better support Albertans on their recovery journey while ensuring Recovery Alberta’s clinicians and teams have the facilities they need to do their vital work safely and effectively.”

    Kerry Bales, CEO, Recovery Alberta

    Edmonton Recovery Community

    A capital investment of $38 million will go towards building the Edmonton Recovery Community, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. The 75-bed facility will provide residents with holistic, long-term addiction treatment for up to one year.

    Recovery communities focus on mental health and well-being, individual and group therapy, development of healthy habits and social skills, employment training and other supports that put residents on a pathway to success. The goal is for every participant to leave the program not only drug free, but as healthy members of society with strong connections to the community.

    Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre

    More than $90 million in capital funding will go towards building the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre, which is expected to be completed in 2029. This new 150-bed centre will provide patients with access to a full spectrum of mental health and addiction supports to address their complex health needs. The centre will include spaces for intake assessments, medically supported detox, counselling, individual and group therapy and more for those receiving care under the proposed Compassionate Intervention Act.

    As part of the public health care system in Alberta, the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre will be operated by Recovery Alberta and provide intensive treatment to patients under a secure compassionate intervention care plan. The goal is to provide stabilization, assessment and treatment so Albertans can successfully transition to community supports, such as a recovery community or psychiatric treatment, to continue their recovery journey.

    Alberta Hospital Edmonton revitalization

    More than $13 million in capital maintenance and renewal funding will go towards updating the AHE campus infrastructure, including various mechanical upgrades, water main repairs, boiler repairs, roof replacements and unit renovations (building 8). Two vacant buildings, building 1 and building 11, will be demolished along with the water tower. Planning for the demolition of three more vacant buildings (buildings 2, 5 and 7) is also underway.

    Since 1923, AHE has played an important role in caring for those with complex mental health needs. Today, the hospital continues to provide both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care to Albertans. This includes 460 treatment beds for forensic psychiatric care, adult psychiatric care and the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs program. Treatment beds for youth under mandatory treatment orders will eventually move to the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre upon completion, which will create more treatment space for adult care at AHE.

    Patient care at AHE will not be impacted by the construction of the new buildings or the demolition of the vacant buildings.

    Key Facts

    • Alberta Hospital Edmonton opened in 1923 following the First World War, and was primarily focused on treating veterans with what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder.
    • AHE has a strong history of mental health care with a focus on recovery-oriented care and addressing substance use challenges.
    • In the 1970s and 80s, Alberta Hospital Edmonton was the province’s largest psychiatric treatment facility with about 650 treatment beds.
    • Building 1 was the first dormitory on the hospital campus and contained the Highwood School until closing in 2006; building 11 was known as the Cottonwood building.

    Related information

    • Compassionate Intervention
    • Recovery Communities
    • Alberta Recovery Model

    Related news

    • Delivering on compassionate intervention (April 15, 2025)
    • Laying the foundation for compassionate intervention (Feb. 24, 2025)
    • Province more than doubling youth treatment beds (Nov. 26, 2024)
    • Alberta opens another world-class recovery community (Aug. 15, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day: Minister Nicolaides

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alexandra Bridge closed to motorists

    Source: Government of Canada News

    For immediate release

    Gatineau, Quebec May 5, 2025 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists that the Alexandra Bridge will be closed for upcoming inspection work during the following periods:

    • From Wednesday, May 7, to Friday, May 9, from 9:30 am to 3 pm
    • From Friday, May 9, at 11 pm, to Sunday, May 11, at 11 pm

    During these periods, the boardwalk will remain accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.

    The schedule may change depending on weather conditions.

    PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling on the bridge and thanks them for their patience.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Competition Bureau sues Canada’s Wonderland for allegedly advertising misleading prices online

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 5, 2025 – GATINEAU, QC – Competition Bureau

    The Competition Bureau is taking legal action against Canada’s Wonderland Company for advertising park tickets and a variety of other items at a lower price than what consumers actually have to pay online. The Bureau alleges that Wonderland is advertising prices that do not include a mandatory fixed fee of $0.99, $6.99, $8.99, or $9.99.

    Canada’s Wonderland charges a processing fee for online purchases involving park admission, starting at $6.99 and increasing to $8.99 or $9.99 depending on the number of items purchased. For most purchases of non-admission-related products, a single $0.99 processing fee applies, regardless of the number of items.

    The Bureau alleges that Wonderland has made, and continues to make, false or misleading price claims by advertising lower prices than what consumers ultimately have to pay as those prices exclude mandatory fixed fees. This practice, commonly known as drip pricing, is deceptive because consumers are not presented with an attainable price upfront.

    Today, the Bureau filed an application with the Competition Tribunal seeking, among other things, for Wonderland to: 

    • stop the deceptive price advertising;
    • pay a penalty; and
    • issue restitution to affected consumers who purchased products through Wonderland’s website.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reconciliation Recommendations of the House Committee on Armed Services

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Legislation Summary

    H. Con. Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, instructed the House Committee on Armed Services to recommend legislative changes that would increase deficits up to a specified amount over the 2025-2034 period. As part of the reconciliation process, the House Committee on Armed Services approved legislation on April 29, 2025, that would increase deficits.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    In CBO’s estimation, the reconciliation recommendations of the House Committee on Armed Services would increase deficits by $144.0 billion over the 2025-2034 period. The estimated budgetary effects of the legislation are shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 050 (national defense) and 700 (veterans benefits and services).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of Reconciliation Recommendations Title ll, House Committee on Armed Services, as Ordered Reported on April 29, 2025
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2025-2029

    2025-2034
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Budget Authority

    150,273

    125

    -2,290

    -708

    180

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    147,580

    147,580

    Estimated Outlays

    1,957

    40,299

    42,019

    23,548

    16,779

    9,367

    4,878

    2,889

    1,514

    742

    124,602

    143,992

    Basis of Estimate

    For this estimate, CBO assumes that the legislation will be enacted in summer 2025. CBO’s estimates are relative to its January 2025 baseline and cover the period from 2025 through 2034. Outlays of appropriated amounts were estimated using historical obligation and spending rates for similar programs.

    Direct Spending

    Enacting this legislation would increase direct spending by $144.0 billion over the 2025‑2034 period. (see Table 2). Almost all of that amount would result from specified direct appropriations for defense activities ($142.8 billion in outlays), with additional estimated amounts related to changes to military housing privatization authorities 
    ($1.2 billion in outlays).

    Appropriated Amounts

    The legislation would appropriate $150.3 billion for 2025. Of that amount, almost all would be for the Department of Defense (DoD), with the remainder for nuclear weapons activities of the Department of Energy ($3.2 billion) and the Armed Forces Retirement Home ($6 million). CBO expects that amounts appropriated by this legislation would be subject to sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. CBO estimates that a portion of any unobligated balances from those appropriations would be canceled in 2027, 2028, and 2029, which would reduce the budget authority provided by this legislation. After adjusting for the effects of sequestration, CBO estimates that, on net, specified budget authority would total about $146.3 billion and outlays from that budget authority would total $142.8 billion over the 2025-2034 period. The following sections would appropriate specific amounts for the following purposes:

    • Section 20002 would appropriate $33.8 billion for shipbuilding programs, increasing outlays by $31.8 billion;
    • Section 20003 would appropriate $24.7 billion for air and missile defense activities, increasing outlays by $23.5 billion;
    • Section 20004 would provide $20.7 billion for the acquisition of munitions and sustainment of the defense industrial base, increasing outlays by $19.5 billion;
    • Section 20005 would appropriate $13.5 billion to expedite the delivery of low-cost weapons and capabilities, increasing outlays by $13.0 billion;
    • Section 20006 would appropriate $0.4 billion to improve the audit readiness of DoD’s financial statements and for cybersecurity programs, increasing outlays by $0.4 billion;
    • Section 20007 would provide $7.3 billion for air superiority programs, increasing outlays by $6.8 billion;
    • Section 20008 would provide $12.9 billion for improvements to nuclear forces (of which $3.2 billion would be for the Department of Energy), increasing outlays by $12.6 billion;
    • Section 20009 would appropriate $11.1 billion to improve the capabilities of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, increasing outlays by $10.5 billion;
    • Section 20010 would appropriate $11.5 billion to improve military readiness, increasing outlays by $10.9 billion;
    • Section 20011 would appropriate $5.0 billion for border security activities, increasing outlays by $4.9 billion;
    • Section 20012 would appropriate $2.0 billion for military intelligence programs, increasing outlays by $1.9 billion;
    • Section 20013 would appropriate $10 million for oversight activities by the DoD Inspector General, increasing outlays by $9 million; and
    • Section 20001 would increase budget authority by $8.5 billion. Of that amount, $7.3 billion would be specifically appropriated for efforts to improve the quality of life for members of the armed forces, increasing outlays by $6.9 billion.[1] The remaining budget authority and outlays in section 20001 would arise from changes to housing privatization authorities, described in the next section.

    Estimated Amounts

    Section 20001 would modify authorities related to the privatization of military housing that CBO estimates would increase direct spending by $1.2 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    To finance housing privatization projects, DoD typically enters into long-term contracts with private-sector developers to renovate, construct, operate, and maintain military housing. Those developers leverage DoD contributions, along with expected future Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments for military personnel, to borrow additional capital to complete the projects.

    CBO considers acquiring housing for military personnel in that manner to be a governmental activity, and that amounts expended by such public-private ventures should be recorded in the federal budget as outlays at the time they occur. When proposed legislation would affect transactions involving third-party financing of governmental activities, CBO’s cost estimate for the legislation shows budget authority for the full cost of the project at the time the project is initiated. Outlays are shown over the construction period for each project. In cost estimates, CBO classifies those cash flows as direct spending.

    Subsection 20001(b) would increase, through 2029, the limit on the amount of funding that DoD can contribute to privatization projects. Measured by the total capital costs of a project, the section would raise DoD’s authorized contribution threshold from 33.3 percent to 60 percent. CBO expects that providing additional funding would facilitate DoD privatization projects that are not financially viable under current law.

    CBO estimates that extra funding would allow DoD to initiate one additional privatized housing project by 2029. Based on the cost of previous projects, CBO estimates that the new project would cost $500 million. To account for the uncertainty regarding the timing of that project, CBO evenly distributed the estimated budget authority over the 2026‑2029 period. Thus, after accounting for the time needed to complete the construction of the project, CBO estimates that increasing the funding limit would increase direct spending by $450 million over the 2025-2034 period.

    Subsection 20001(c) would authorize DoD to pay higher rates of BAH through 2029 to unaccompanied service members living in military housing (such as barracks) provided under the Military Housing Privatization Initiative. CBO expects that the increased payments would facilitate DoD privatization projects that are not financially viable under the current amounts for that allowance.

    CBO estimates that in each year from 2027 through 2029, DoD would initiate one project for unaccompanied housing as a result of the higher rates. Based on the cost of previous projects and adjusting for inflation, CBO estimates that, on average, projects would cost $270 million each. Accounting for the time necessary to complete each project, CBO estimates that enacting the higher BAH would increase direct spending by $780 million over the 2025‑2034 period.

    Uncertainty

    Unobligated balances of appropriations provided by this legislation would be subject to sequestration procedures. The amount sequestered would depend on how quickly the agencies can obligate the provided amounts. If obligation rates differ from CBO’s estimates, the amount of balances canceled through sequestration could be greater or less than estimated here.

    In addition, the cost and number of the military housing privatization projects arising from the temporary authorities in section 20001 could differ from CBO’s estimates.

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

    The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. The net changes in outlays that are subject to those pay-as-you-go procedures are shown in Table 1.

    Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits

    CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would not increase net direct spending or on‑budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035.

    Mandates

    The legislation contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

    Mandates: Brandon Lever

    Estimate Reviewed By

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

    Kathleen FitzGerald
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    Christina Hawley Anthony
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    H. Samuel Papenfuss
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Chad Chirico 
    Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    [Table 2 begins on the next page.]

    Estimated Changes in Direct Spending Under Reconciliation Recommendations
    Title ll, House Committee on Armed Services, as Ordered Reported on April 29, 2025

    (Continued)

     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

         

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2025-2029

    2025-2034

     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

       

    Sec. 20011, Border Security

                         

    Budget Authority

    5,000

    0

    -21

    -12

    -4

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    4,963

    4,963

    Estimated Outlays

    151

    3,569

    958

    113

    41

    19

    10

    0

    0

    0

    4,832

    4,861

    Sec. 20012, Intelligence Programs

                         

    Budget Authority

    2,000

    0

    -13

    -8

    -3

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1,976

    1,976

    Estimated Outlays

    42

    1,006

    573

    178

    81

    32

    14

    4

    2

    0

    1,880

    1,932

    Sec. 20013, Inspector General

                         

    Budget Authority

    10

    0

    -1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    9

    9

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    2

    1

    3

    3

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    9

    9

    Sec. 20001, Quality of Lifea

                           

    Budget Authority

    7,315

    125

    243

    381

    400

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    8,464

    8,464

    Estimated Outlays

    463

    4,218

    2,010

    257

    308

    350

    275

    164

    70

    30

    7,256

    8,145

    Total Changes

                         

    Budget Authority

    150,273

    125

    -2,290

    -708

    180

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    147,580

    147,580

    Estimated Outlays

    1,957

    40,299

    42,019

    23,548

    16,779

    9,367

    4,878

    2,889

    1,514

    742

    124,602

    143,992

    Memorandums:

                           

    Military Housing Privatizationa

                         

    Estimated Budget Authority

    0

    125

    395

    395

    405

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1,320

    1,320

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    0

    30

    130

    240

    310

    260

    160

    70

    30

    400

    1,230

    Sequestrationb

                           

    Estimated Budget Authority

    0

    0

    -2,685

    -1,103

    -225

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -4,013

    -4,013

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    0

    -2,685

    -1,103

    -225

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -4,013

    -4,013

    a.In addition to the amounts specifically appropriated, section 20001 would modify military housing privatization authorities, which CBO estimates would increase direct spending by $1.2 billion over the 2025-2034 period. Those amounts are included in the $8.5 billion in budget authority and $8.1 billion in outlays for section 20001. The amounts shown here are included in the estimate for section 20001.

    b.In total, this legislation would specifically appropriate $150.3 billion. Unobligated balances from those amounts would be subject to sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. CBO estimates that a portion of any unobligated balances from those appropriations would be canceled in 2027, 2028, and 2029, which could reduce the budget authority provided in this legislation. The estimated reductions in budget authority and outlays from the sequestration of unobligated balances are included in each section for which CBO estimates there would be unobligated balances and in the Total Changes above.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis, Union Pacific Railroad Officials Celebrate Signing of Historic Partnership on Moffat Tunnel Lease Agreement and Mountain Passenger Rail Agreement

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and Union Pacific Railroad President Beth Whited, celebrated the signing of a historic lease agreement for Colorado’s Moffat Tunnel, replacing the original 1926 lease. This new agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed on November 1, 2024, and includes a 25-year lease, a 25 year access agreement for Mountain Passenger Rail, and finalizing the purchase and sale of the Burnham lead line which will unlock transit-oriented development potential for the Burnham Yard property. This public-private partnership assures continued freight operations through the Moffat Tunnel for 25 years with established passenger rail access from Denver through the Moffat Tunnel to Winter Park, Granby, Steamboat Springs and Craig for soon-to-be Mountain Passenger Rail Service, bringing new transportation options and economic opportunities to Colorado communities. These three agreements demonstrate a new model of collaboration that can support the state’s needs for moving goods and commerce and giving Coloradans more transportation options. 

    “This agreement begins a new era of partnership between the State of Colorado and Union Pacific that will expand passenger rail into our beautiful Rocky Mountains, assure continued freight movement through the Continental Divide, and unlock access to the Burnham Yard, a very special state property with unparalleled transit-oriented development potential. Moffat Tunnel represents an important part of Colorado’s history, as well as a bright part of our future. With this work, we are showing the country a new model for pursuing passenger rail through collaboration with the railroad. I am thrilled with the three new agreements and look forward to seeing the positive benefits to our state,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    “Mountain rail Service will soon run year-round from Denver Union Station to Winter Park, to Fraser, to Granby, Steamboat Springs, Craig and Hayden, a corridor renowned for its scenery and beauty,” continued Governor Polis. 

    Mountain Rail Service Pattern Map showing the route from Denver to Craig. 

    “Union Pacific is proud of the hard work and spirit of collaboration that went into this agreement with the State of Colorado. We came together as true partners and the result is an agreement that benefits the citizens of Colorado and the businesses and people who rely upon Union Pacific to deliver the goods and material vital to today’s economy,” said Union Pacific President Beth Whited. 

    “It was an honor to help lead the Colorado negotiation team on this unique partnership that will benefit the state of Colorado for the next 25 years. When this daily train service begins connecting Denver to Winter Park, Granby, Steamboat Springs, and on to Craig it will undoubtedly be one of the most beautiful train rides in the country if not the world and provide a safe, affordable alternative to being stuck in traffic. I am thrilled we were able to purchase the Burnham Lead line, a short freight line easement. This purchase unlocks safe passage into the Burnham Yard property, the original rail yard of Colorado that predates statehood and one of the last undeveloped parcels in Denver. The new lease,

     the new access agreement, and the purchase of the Burnham lead line are a win, wi,n and win for the state of Colorado. I want to thank the Union Pacific team for their efforts and creative problem solving that made these agreements possible,” said Lisa Kaufmann, Senior Strategic Advisor for Governor Polis. 

    “Today’s agreement will offer residents and visitors throughout Colorado new opportunities and choices to get where they’re going. More passenger rail trips between the Front Range and mountain communities in Winter Park, Granby, and beyond will offer an option in addition to the drive over Berthoud Pass. The purchase of the Burnham lead line will also improve local mobility surrounding Lincoln Park in Denver, ensuring this historic neighborhood can continue to offer residents safe access to all the surrounding amenities,” said CDOT Chief of Staff Sally Chafee. 

    The 25-year access agreement establishes Colorado’s license for three daily roundtrips or up to 506,000 train miles annually for Mountain Passenger Rail, as the payment from Union Pacific for their use of the Moffat Tunnel for 25 years. The state plans to start a daily roundtrip year-round to Granby by 2026 and flexibility for the state to expand service in future phases to connect Denver to Winter Park Resorts, Granby, Steamboat Springs on to Craig and Hayden. Future phases will commence after a procurement process for a designated contract operator and upon needed capital improvements completed that are identified in the access agreement. highlighted by traveling under the continental divide through the 6.2 mile long Moffat Tunnel, the highest operating railroad tunnel in the United States.

      The Moffat Tunnel has been one of the first and most successful public private partnerships in Colorado’s history, where 6 counties and private investors came together over a 100 years ago to build the Moffat Tunnel to ensure Denver as the commerce hub of the Rocky Mountain West, after Union Pacific the first transcontinental railroad bypassed Colorado and routed through Wyoming instead. For 99 years Union Pacific or their predecessors have held a lease that expired on May 1, 2025. 

    The 100-year-old, 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel cuts through the Continental Divide at 9,239 feet above sea level. Created to provide an important east-to-west connection from Denver to the West coast for commerce, the Moffat Tunnel helped Denver become a center of commerce and growth in the Rockies. 

    Demand for rail transportation in Colorado is significant. In partnership with Amtrak and Winter Park Resorts, the state made investments to lower the cost and increase the frequency of the Winter Park Ski train. During the 2024-25 ski season, Coloradans and visitors booked more than 44,000 trips on the Ski train compared to 17,500 last season – a 153% increase.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: Governor McKee, Congressional Delegation, RIDOT and QDC Break Ground on Route 4 ‘Missing Move’ Project

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Governor Dan McKee, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti, Jr., and Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) Managing Director Steven King today joined with state and local officials to break ground on one of RIDOT’s newest projects, the I-95 “Missing Move” and Quonset Ramps Construction Project.

    This $144 million project has been in discussion for decades. It includes construction of two critical ramps that were never built when Route 4 was constructed in the 1960s and will afford direct highway connections between I-95 North and Route 4 South, and Route 4 North and I-95 South. The project also will make numerous improvements at and near the Quonset Business Park, the state’s largest industrial park.

    RIDOT was able to move forward with this project after receiving an $81 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA).

    “This project has been talked about for decades, and today, we’re finally turning words into action,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This crucial infrastructure investment will improve traffic flow and unlock economic potential at Quonset�one of our state’s major job creators. I want to thank Rhode Island’s congressional delegation and all of our partners for helping us move this project forward.”

    “This is a big win for drivers because it will improve efficiency, shorten commutes, and reduce congestion while also improving access for truck and freight operators approaching Quonset Business Park,” said Senator Reed. “This was a collaborative effort that builds upon decades of federal investment into Quonset. I was pleased to help lay the groundwork for this project by securing a $4-million planning grant in 2020.”

    “The INFRA Program I championed through the Environment and Public Works Committee and into law is supporting a slew of major infrastructure projects across Rhode Island,” said Senator Whitehouse, who worked to create the INFRA Program to help meet Rhode Island’s need for large-scale infrastructure investments. “Today’s INFRA Grant-funded groundbreaking will support continued economic growth at Quonset and finally add the missing move to go between Route 4 and I-95.”

    “By finally connecting Route 4 North to I-95 South, we will reduce congestion, improve safety, and make daily travel easier for tens of thousands of people every day,” said Congressman Magaziner. “I am pleased that we are able to deliver this meaningful federal funding for a local project like this and I am committed to continuing to fight for every federal dollar we can secure for Rhode Island.”

    “Today’s announcement will improve our transportation system to benefit Ocean State residents, businesses, and visitors alike. I’m proud to have worked with our delegation to secure $81 million in federal funding to support the “Missing Move” and Quonset Ramps Construction Project,” said Congressman Amo. “This investment in Rhode Island’s infrastructure will make life easier and safer for all those who travel through I-95 and Route 4.”

    “Once again our Congressional delegation put their shoulders into the federal grants process and helped Rhode Island get this funding so we can finally build these missing ramps,” Director Alviti said. “Their construction will reduce travel times, provide more efficient movement of freight traffic and alleviate congestion and delays, especially at the Division Street/South County Trail intersection which is overloaded with traffic that has had no choice but to use local roads to make certain connections between I-95 and Route 4.”

    “Quonset Business Park is known for its convenient network of land, sea, air and rail infrastructure. By better connecting Route 403 to the West Davisville portion of the Business Park, getting to and moving throughout Quonset will be easier than it has ever been before,” said QDC Managing Director King. “I offer my sincere thanks to our federal delegation for delivering the funding to alleviate local traffic and create a more convenient commuting experience for the nearly 15,000 people who come to work at the Business Park each day.”

    The project is divided into two main components. The first portion to be constructed includes three ramps on Route 403 in North Kingstown to connect the Quonset Business Park’s west Davisville district. The project also includes a new roundabout south of Route 403 at Compass Circle. The improvements will provide improved connectivity to all parts of the Business Park and add in ramps that were not included in the Route 403 reconstruction project in the late 2000s. These will be complete in summer 2026.

    The second component, which will begin construction in early 2026, includes the missing moves at the I-95/Route 4 interchange in Warwick. RIDOT will build a new flyover bridge to link Route 4 North to I-95 South. The ramp will use an existing right-of-way for an at-grade link between I-95 North and Route 4 South. The missing moves are expected to be done in summer 2027.

    To compensate for the missing ramps, RIDOT has made numerous adjustments to the traffic signals on Division Street and at its intersection with South County Trail (Route 2). As the area has continued to be developed, especially the growth at the nearby New England Institute of Technology campus, traffic and congestion has steadily increased. The Division Street/South County Trail intersection alone is the site of 60 crashes per year.

    RIDOT also will make safety improvements on I-95 South at the Route 2 interchange on the Warwick/West Warwick line. RIDOT will rebuild the entrance to the Route 2 South to I-95 South ramp so those traveling on Route 2 North can use it. With that ramp accommodating both northbound and southbound traffic on Route 2, RIDOT will permanently close the Route 2 North to I-95 South ramp, removing a weaving conflict on I-95 South.

    All these new ramps will give passenger vehicles, heavy trucks and other freight traffic freeway access without using local roads while reducing emissions from idling vehicles. The improved access also will make the Business Park more attractive to companies who wish to locate there.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather. Final completion of the entire project is expected in spring 2028.

    The Missing Move project is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Op-Ed: FDA Commissioner Can’t Ignore Damning New Data on Dangers of Mifepristone

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    Today, U.S Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) published an opinion piece outlining why Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary must reinstate safety regulations surrounding the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. The op-ed comes after a bombshell report revealed the dangers of mifepristone, including that 1 in 10 women who take the pill suffer an “adverse health event,” including sepsis, hemorrhaging or an emergency room visit. 
    Read the full op-ed here or below. 
    FDA Commissioner Can’t Ignore Damning New Data On The Dangers Of Mifepristone
    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) | May 5, 2025
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary recently told a D.C. confab that he has “no plans to take action” on mifepristone, the chemical abortion drug responsible for more than 70 percent of abortions in the United States. 
    That’s a decidedly different answer than the one he gave me under oath. During his confirmation hearing, Dr. Makary pledged “to review the totality of data” with respect to mifepristone. He also said that if “the data suggests something or tells us that there’s a real signal, we can’t promise we’re not going to act on that data.”
    Well, the new data is here. And it’s sending a signal that can’t be missed: Mifepristone is not safe. 
    Last Monday, the Ethics and Public Policy Center published a massive, in-depth report examining more than 865,000 cases of prescribed mifepristone abortions between 2017 and 2023. The data comes from insurance claims records and constitutes the largest study on mifepristone ever undertaken. 
    The results? Nearly 11 percent of women who use the drug to induce an abortion suffer an “adverse health event” — as in a major, potentially life-threatening medical disaster. We’re talking about things like sepsis, infection, and hemorrhaging, the kind of things that land you in an ER. The kind of things that could lead to death. And the data reveals this happens to more than 1 in 10 women taking mifepristone. 
    Those are astounding, jaw-dropping numbers, and they have been largely hidden from the public. The rate of serious health events revealed by the EPPC study is some 22 times greater than the numbers reported on the FDA-approved drug label. The FDA’s official numbers, by the way, rely on clinical trials more than four decades old.  All of which means this: It’s time for the Trump administration to put back in place the safety regulations on mifepristone without delay. 
    The federal government once acknowledged the serious risks of this dangerous drug. When mifepristone was first approved, the government imposed a host of safety measures. Those included prescription by physician only, a requirement that physicians dispense the drug, mandatory follow-up physician visits, reporting of adverse events, and even a “black box” warning alerting women to the drug’s many dangers. And all this was done by the Clinton administration. 
    But soon Democrats, joined by Big Pharma, launched a campaign to roll back the safeguards. President Obama reduced the number of required in-person visits and removed the physician-prescription requirement. Then, in an attempt to mask the drug’s true risks, his administration ended the mandatory adverse-event reporting, meaning doctors no longer had to admit when the drug sent their patients to the hospital.
    When Joe Biden came to office, the abortion lobby kicked into high gear. The Biden administration eliminated in-person checkups entirely and even did away with the long-standing mandate that physicians dispense the drug in person. Why make these changes? Simple. So mifepristone could be sent through the mail.  Now a nationwide network of leftist “health groups” prescribes the drug via video chat, and liberal activists mail it — often free of charge — into every state in the nation, including those states that restrict abortion. As a consequence, there are more abortions now than when Roe was still law: about 1,038,090 abortions in 2024 alone. Abortion activists bragthat by eliminating mifepristone safeguards, they have “revolutionized abortion access in the U.S.” in a manner pro-lifers “will likely not be able to stop.”
    Except we can stop this abortion-on-demand bonanza. At the very least, the Trump administration can, and should, reinstate the full complement of mifepristone safety regulations immediately. Only doctors should be able to prescribe the drug, and only after a real-life, in-person visit. Only doctors should be able to dispense and administer it, and only in a clinical setting. And there should be mandatory safety checkups afterward. For its part, Congress should make all of these rules permanent by writing them into law. 
    The new data speaks for itself: Mifepristone is a remarkably dangerous drug that threatens the lives of both baby and mother. Those who have pretended otherwise have lied to us. Now is the time to set the record straight and protect the lives of millions of Americans. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Bipartisan Push, Hawley & Welch Introduce Major Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Monday, May 05, 2025

    Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced legislation to lower the cost of drug prices for Americans. The Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act would offer relief for millions of patients while ensuring Americans are no longer financing lower drug costs for foreigners.
    This legislation would correct decades of policies that benefited pharmaceutical companies but left American patients holding the bag. While other developed nations pay reasonable prices for prescription drugs, Americans pay substantially higher prices for the same medications. In his first term, President Trump pursued “international price index” and “most favored nation” policies on drugs covered by Medicare to end these practices.
    “For too long, Americans have subsidized prescription drug costs for foreigners while paying outrageous prices for their own medications,” Senator Hawley said.“President Trump previously advanced major reforms to ensure that American patients pay the same prices as consumers abroad. This bipartisan legislation would continue that work to end a drug market that favors Big Pharma, make prescriptions affordable again, and empower Americans to get the care they need.”
    “No one should ever be forced to choose between paying for the prescriptions they need or putting food on the table. But Big Pharma’s price gouging has made that a reality for many Americans, forcing them to pay four or five times more for the same lifesaving medications as folks in other countries—it’s unacceptable,” said Senator Welch. “In his first term, President Trump pursued a most-favored nation policy to level the playing field for American patients. I’m glad to partner with Senator Hawley on this bipartisan bill that offers the administration a template to work with Congress to make that goal a reality. We have an obligation to ensure folks in Vermont, Missouri, and across the country get the best possible price for their prescription drugs.”
    The Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act would:
    Prohibit pharmaceutical companies from selling drugs in the United States at higher prices than the international average, ending the practice of forcing Americans to pay the world’s highest prices for medications
    Impose stiff civil monetary penalties on pharmaceutical companies that violate this rule. Specifically:
    The penalty would equal 10 times the difference between the U.S. list price and the average price of the drug sold in Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
    Penalties would be calculated and charged for each unit of drug or biological product sold at an inflated price.

    Click here for full text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –