NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Senator Mullin Meets with Stop Soldier Suicide Leadership, Highlights Veteran Mental Health Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    RELEASE: Senator Mullin Meets with Stop Soldier Suicide Leadership, Highlights Veteran Mental Health Support

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), met with members of the Stop Soldier Suicide organization and received a briefing on the Black Box Project. The Black Box Project saves lives through families temporarily loaning their loved ones’ digital devices for forensic experts to examine the data. The information helps them to gain better insight into crisis situations, which Stop Soldier Suicide then implements into suicide-specific care.
    In March, Senator Mullin emphasized his support for those in crisis by reintroducing the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act to strengthen the cybersecurity protocols for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

    “Our service members and veterans deserve better,” said Senator Mullin. “Suicide is a heartbreaking tragedy and I look forward to the day when suicide is no longer an expected risk of military service. Stop Soldier Suicide is doing incredibly critical work with the Black Box Project in unlocking the warning signs of military suicide.”
    “At Stop Soldier Suicide, we are committed to ending the military suicide crisis through innovative, technology-driven solutions. Our meeting with Senator Mullin underscores the importance of scalable, data-informed approaches that not only serve veterans and their families but also offer insights applicable to other high-risk groups, such as first responders and tradespeople. Together, we can create a future where every veteran, and every individual at risk, receives the support they need — before it’s too late,” Brian E. Kinsella, Co-Founder and Chairman of Stop Soldier Suicide
    Members of the organization in attendance included the following:
    Brian E. Kinsella, Co-Founder and Chairman
    Austin Grimes, Chief Product Officer
    Glenn Devitt, Vice President of Innovation
    Brian Buland, Vice President of Special Projects
    Background:
    Veterans and service members are 58% more likely to die by suicide than their civilian peers.
    More than 6,000 veterans have died by suicide each year for 20 consecutive years.
    Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45.
    Military service members or veterans may call Stop Soldier Suicide 24/7 at 844-503-0553.
    The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988.
    For additional information on Stop Soldier Suicide’s Black Box Project, click HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Graham Statement on President Trump’s FY26 Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement on President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget request.
    “I very much appreciate President Trump and his team giving our nation’s military a trillion dollar-plus budget.  The mandatory portion should help stabilize the defense budget in the future. President Trump’s budget request recognizes the value he places on our men and women in uniform and is an acknowledgement of the multiple threats we face throughout the world. It is much appreciated.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Statement on President’s Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    Published: May 02 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after President Donald Trump released his Fiscal Year 2026 discretionary budget request to Congress:
    “The budget the President released today reflects what we’ve seen over the past 103 days—that the Trump Administration is laser-focused on taking a chainsaw to important government programs that Americans rely on so that they can cut taxes for billionaires. This cruel budget would cut critical funding for education, such as Federal Work Study; substance use disorder prevention; rural development; housing; support for small businesses; research into cancer and other diseases; cybersecurity; foreign assistance; violence prevention, including Jabara-Heyer NO Hate grants; and more. It would also roll back funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other historic legislation that we were proud to help pass in Congress. As Congress continues negotiating a budget in the coming months, we are committed to pushing back against these massive cuts that will harm Virginians and our economy and make communities less safe.”   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Monopoly Busters Chairs Statement on Apple Ruling

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

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02), Chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, released the following statement regarding U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers holding Apple accountable for anticompetitive conduct.

    “For years, Apple has restricted consumer choice by charging an exorbitant fee on developers who sell apps to customers on Apple’s app store. In 2021, the court found that this fee violated unfair competition laws, and it ordered Apple to allow customers to purchase apps directly on developers’ websites at a cheaper price. 

    “Instead of following that directive, Apple doubled down on its illegal behavior. It continued to impose a hefty fee and actively discouraged customers from paying for apps outside the app store. When confronted in court, an Apple executive outright lied about it under oath.

    “American consumers deserve better than this corporate power run amok. They deserve a digital economy that benefits them rather than billionaires who control it, and allows freedom of choice, innovation, and real competition. Today’s ruling is a step in the right direction and sends a strong message that Big Tech companies cannot rip off consumers without facing consequences. 

    “We also saw House Republicans withdraw their proposal to eliminate the Federal Trade Commission — an agency that has brought monumental lawsuits against Facebook, Amazon, and other large corporations to lower costs and promote competition and should never have been threatened in the first place. We look forward to seeing this work continue to finally crack down on corporate monopolies that harm small businesses, raise prices on consumers, and stifle the innovation that has made our country an economic powerhouse.”

    The Monopoly Busters Caucus brings together Members of Congress to fight corporate power and build a fair economy that works for hardworking Americans, workers, and small businesses. 

    Issues: Science, Technology, & Antitrust

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Pressley Challenges Republicans to Oppose Devastating SNAP Cuts, Met With Silence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    “SNAP is a true lifeline, and this is a matter of life and death. If Republicans have their way, this reconciliation bill will increase hunger and food insecurity.”

    Pressley Also Introduced Amendments to Demand Transparency, Protect Federal Workers’ Pensions, Defend Veterans & People with Disabilities

    Video (YouTube)

    WASHINGTON – In the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) slammed Republicans for their complicity and willingness to allow hunger and food insecurity to skyrocket by supporting the bill’s proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In response to Rep. Lateefah Simon’s (CA-12) amendment to restrict the reduction of SNAP, Congresswoman Pressley demanded Republicans answer to the families who would go hungry by way of this reconciliation bill – and she was met with silence.

    Congresswoman Pressley also introduced several amendments to the legislation to better reveal who would be harmed by the bill and to defend hard-earned benefits for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

    Congresswoman Pressley’s amendments to the reconciliation bill would:

    • Ensure that federal workers who are veterans or have disabilities can keep their FERS annuity supplement – a critical, earned benefit that helps bridge the gap between early retirement and the start of Social Security.
    • Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to expose how this bill will impact people across the federal workforce – including women, older Americans, workers of color, veterans, and workers with disabilities – who dedicate their lives to delivering essential services in communities across the country.

    Republicans rejected every amendment proposed by Pressley and her Democratic colleagues.

    A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks in response to Rep. Simon’s amendment on SNAP is available below and video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley Demands Answers to Republican Proposed SNAP Cuts that Would Increase Hunger, Instead is Met with Silence

    House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

    April 30, 2025

    Congresswoman Simon, I’m so glad that you’re here. 

    I always say the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power. You have been closest to the pain, and we are so glad that you were here. 

    You never forget the plot, and the plot is the people. 

    I appreciate the Congresswoman for introducing this amendment. 

    SNAP is a true lifeline, and this is a matter of life and death.

    If Republicans have their way, this reconciliation bill will increase hunger and food insecurity.

    More than 42 million Americans – 42 million – participate in SNAP each month. This includes 16.9 million children, 4.5 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. Over 1.1 million people in Massachusetts rely on SNAP.

    Let’s talk about economic impact.

    Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity.

    SNAP dollars help to pay the wages of grocery store clerks, of truckers who deliver food, manufacturers who make food packaging, and the farmer who grows food.

    There is nothing efficient about making people hungrier and sicker. 

    Is there any single Republican who is willing to speak out to make sure that children, people with disabilities and veterans, do not go hungry? 

    Anyone? 

    Silence.

    This bill is a shame and a sham. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 216

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL6

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 216
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    535 PM EDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Northwest Georgia

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 535 PM until
    1100 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 65 mph possible
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Clusters of storms will spread eastward from northern
    Alabama into northwest Georgia through late evening with the
    potential to produce occasional damaging gusts up to 65 mph and
    large hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 35
    statute miles east and west of a line from 45 miles north northeast
    of Rome GA to 30 miles southeast of Rome GA. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW
    211…WW 212…WW 213…WW 214…WW 215…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 55 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    27025.

    …Thompson

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW6
    WW 216 SEVERE TSTM GA 022135Z – 030300Z
    AXIS..35 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    45NNE RMG/ROME GA/ – 30SE RMG/ROME GA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 30NM E/W /14E GQO – 31NW ATL/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..55 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27025.

    LAT…LON 34958425 34048419 34048541 34958548

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU6.

    Watch 216 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

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

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE operation in Northern Virginia nets 3 alien offenders

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Department of Justice Diplomatic Security Service, arrested three illegal aliens during routine daily operations April 21 in Northern Virginia.

    Among those arrested were an illegally present Salvadoran national with prior drug convictions and an illegally present Liberian national wanted in his home country for documents fraud. Authorities also apprehended an additional illegally present Salvadoran alien.

    “ICE Washington, D.C. takes our commitment to public safety very seriously,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “Our brave officers are out on the streets every day enforcing U.S. immigration laws and ensuring the safety of our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities. We will continue our mission to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”

    ICE officers and agents from DEA, ATF, and DSS arrested:

    • Camilo Cesar Gonzales-Encalada, 23, an illegally present Spanish national and member of the Sureños gang whose criminal history includes convictions for assault, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Officers with ICE New York arrested Gonzales April 6.

    • Eric Sumo, 51, illegal Liberian alien wanted for documents fraud to include fraudulently possessing/manufacturing U.S. visas.

    • An illegal Salvadoran national who is in removal proceedings.

    Officers with ICE Washington, D.C. and agents with DEA Washington, D.C.; ATF Washington, D.C.; and DSS Washington, D.C. arrested Reyes and the other Salvadoran alien in Annandale. They apprehended Sumo in Alexandria April 21. All three aliens remain in ICE custody.

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New military occupational specialty supports Army space vision

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army announced today the creation of a new military occupational specialty for enlisted personnel supporting Army space operations – the 40D, Space Operations Specialist.

    “We know from all the Army warfighting concepts that we need space capability,” said Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, commanding general U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. “These Soldiers will become the experts we turn to during the next conflict.”

    Army space professionals support unique assets to interdict, or disrupt, adversaries’ use of space capabilities, ensuring Army forces gain and maintain the initiative to fight from positions of relative advantage in all domains. As part of the Army’s Space Vision Supporting Multidomain Operations, these Soldiers provide close space support to Army conventional and special operations forces, protecting them from space-enabled attacks.

    To date, the preponderance of expertise and experience in space operations resides in the officer corps instead of the non-commissioned officer corps. This new space operations MOS will ensure that specialists through command sergeants major arrive at Army space formations with experience and expertise in space operations.

    “Establishing the Space Operations MOS is a zero-growth effort,” said Command Sgt. Maj. John Foley, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. “A space enlisted MOS will help stabilize career progression and retention for Soldiers and NCOs who temporarily leave their current MOSs for three years to support space operations.”

    Ultimately, the space operations MOS will produce and retain well-rounded technical and tactical experts. They will learn all aspects of space operations and global missile defense, thereby becoming the best possible senior enlisted advisors.

    Personnel previously “loaned” to the space community will transition back to air defense, signal, and intelligence units, but the manpower authorizations will convert to space operations for accessions open to every MOS in the Army.

    For more information, contact Lira B. Frye, Director of Public Affairs for U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command at 256-955-2171 or email lira.b.frye.civ@army.mil.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA Response to Administration’s Proposed “Skinny Budget”

    Source: US National Education Union

     

    WASHINGTON — Earlier today, the Trump Administration released its proposed “skinny budget,” which includes deep and harmful cuts to education funding — slashing $12 billion from the Department of Education. In response, National Education Association President Becky Pringle issued the following statement:  

    “For too long, parents, educators and students have pleaded with elected leaders to fulfill their promise to every student and provide the resources that give them every opportunity to thrive. And for too long, our leaders have failed us — this is yet another example.  

    “As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week, instead of praising teachers for all they do, this budget is an insult to educators, students and parents. Rather than investing in opportunity and equity, this proposal advances a harmful agenda that eliminates essential programs millions of Americans rely on every day.  

    “We demand that our elected leaders stand up for what truly matters — protecting critical public services for students and rejecting massive giveaways to billionaires like Elon Musk. Our students deserve the investment, and the American people deserve leaders who prioritize their well-being over the wealth of a few.”  

    Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social  & https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social 

    -###-  

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Highlights Concerns Over Divestment of Legacy Airborne ISR Capabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BISMARCK, N.D. – Over the last couple of years, the U.S. Air Force has begun to rapidly divest legacy airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms without demonstrating how new capabilities can replace them. The rate of investment and divestment leaves the Combatant Commanders accepting greater risk and provides civilian policy makers with less input to make informed decisions or conduct effective missions.  
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), joined by colleagues Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Tim Kaine (D-VA), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, expressing concerns with the Air Force’s escalated retirement of airborne ISR capabilities and highlighted the necessity of the platforms. Cramer led a similar letter last year to then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. 
    “In the pursuit of other modernization efforts beyond ISR, and possibly an overly-optimistic prediction of what space can quickly execute, the Air Force is aggressively retiring its current inventory of airborne ISR platforms without investing in replacement capabilities,” the senators wrote. “At the current rate of investment and divestment, the Air Force will eventually have more lethal tools, but they leave the military with fewer tools to know what they are striking and fewer tools for policy makers to know if they should be striking something at all.”
    The senators said they are concerned by the Air Force’s history of “cutting ISR in order to meet other aspirations” and how it remains “unabashedly committed to divesting its airborne ISR capabilities.”  
    The U.S. Air Force has retired the MC-12 Liberty, MQ-1 Predator, E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), the RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 20s and 30s, and the MQ-9 Block 1. Further, the Air Force has stopped procuring the MQ-9As, announced the retirement of the U-2 Dragon Lady, and has started to shut down the U-2 training pipeline. Despite these cuts to airborne ISR platforms, there has been no new procurement or announced development of new or modernized capabilities to fill the gap.
    “The importance of ISR cannot be overstated,” the senators continued. “Whether it’s getting President Kennedy the information necessary during the Cuban missile crisis, getting our allies and partners what they need to maintain the peace of the Camp David Accords, or feeding and completing the kill chain against near peer adversaries and Violent Extremist Organizations (VEO), ISR provides the information necessary for the decision makers at every level. It is no accident ISR is listed as one of the Air Force’s Core Functions.”
    “We look forward to your candid assessment of the responsibility the U.S. Air Force has to provide ISR capabilities, and we remain ready to contribute to a meaningful solution,” the senators concluded.
    Click here for the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Cramer, Rep. Fedorchak Urge Congressional Leaders to Reform Energy Tax Credits, Prioritize Grid Reliability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND)are calling on congressional leadership to reevaluate and reform federal energy tax credits to better align with America’s goals of energy reliability, affordability, and security.
    In a letter sent to House and Senate Republican leaders and Commitee Chairs, the two former state utility regulators warn current energy tax policy distorts markets and weakens the electric grid by disproportionately subsidizing intermittent power sources like wind and solar.
    “We understand state and regional power markets and strongly believe smart, targeted federal investments in our energy sector can be in the national interest. Multiple federal statutes state the public policy of the United States is to provide a reliable and resilient grid, yet all too often our tax code subsidizes the opposite,” they write. “Regrettably, it continues to shower intermittent energy generators with incentives and resources without regard to its contribution to a rapidly degrading electrical grid.”
    The letter raises concerns about the state of the U.S. power grid, citing a recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) found 11 of 18 Regional Transmission Organizations face an elevated risk of resource adequacy shortfalls. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)—which serves 45 million Americans—is at high risk of not having enough electricity to meet demand, even under normal conditions.
    Cramer and Fedorchak call on Congress to critically assess energy tax credits passed in the Inflation Reduction Act using clear criteria:
    Cramer and Fedorchak are calling for a responsible phase-out of costly tax credits like 45Y and 48E, which favor only zero-emission sources while overlooking key attributes like reliability, affordability, and dispatchability. They highlight these credits send the wrong signals to the energy market and contribute to growing risks to grid stability. Instead, they support targeted incentives such as 45Q for carbon capture and 45U for existing nuclear power—tools that reduce emissions while helping maintain dependable, affordable electricity. 
    “Generators should be paid for their performance; not how good they make policymakers feel,” they conclude. “As we continue to formulate the parameters of an American energy dominance agenda, we stand ready to work with you and other Republican elected officials to deliver on the mandate the American people entrusted with us.”
    CLICK HERE to read the full letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lo-fi MAGA Video to Relax/Study To 🇺🇸

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

    Promises Made, Promises Kept.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLhwIQUE0DU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Announces 2025 Women of the Year Award Winners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced the five winners of the 2025 Congressional Women of the Year award from the Central Coast.

    The five winners of this year’s award are: Alison Wales from Lompoc, JoAnne Meade Young from Santa Barbara, Lisa Kawamura from Arroyo Grande, Julie Rodewald from Los Osos, and Cherie Eulau from Ventura.

    “Each year, I am inspired by the extraordinary women who are shaping the future of the Central Coast,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The 2025 Women of the Year winners represent the very best of our region—leaders, educators, advocates, and public servants who have dedicated themselves to uplifting others and driving meaningful change. From San Luis Obispo to Ventura, their stories are powerful reminders of the strength and spirit that define our district. I am proud to recognize their achievements in the Congressional Record and to celebrate their invaluable contributions.”

    The Congressional Women of the Year Award honors exceptional women across the 24th Congressional District who have made a positive impact on their communities. Winners span a variety of backgrounds and professions and represent the thousands of women working tirelessly to improve the quality of life on the Central Coast. 

    Carbajal will recognize the winners by permanently entering the accomplishments of each woman into the official Congressional Record, preserving their stories and their impact on the community. An award ceremony will be held at a later date where each honoree will also receive a special congressional pin.

    Below are the biographies for this year’s honorees:

    Alison Wales, Lompoc

    Alison Wales is a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual violence. She was instrumental in establishing a 24/7 crisis hotline at the North County Rape Crisis Center and creating a prevention education program that works with local schools to reduce incidents of sexual violence. She also launched the She Raised Her Hand initiative to address the unique challenges faced by female veterans, many of whom struggle with PTSD, military sexual trauma, and reintegration into civilian life. She is a true champion for the North County community.

    JoAnne Meade Young, Santa Barbara

    JoAnne Meade Young attended a segregated two-room school through the third grade. Learning did not come easily to her, which motivated her to ensure that low-income children, children of color, and children with learning disabilities and ADHD were recognized and placed on a path to educational success. When she moved to Santa Barbara in 1990 to become principal of Mountain View School in Goleta, she became the school’s first Black principal. Over the next 17 years, she served as principal of Brandon School, El Rancho School, Ellwood School, and as Director of the Goleta State Preschool. Even in retirement, she has continued to serve the community. She ran the Santa Barbara Spelling Bee for five years, and helped found the Santa Barbara Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, and served as a board member of the Family Services Agency and as the District 2 Commissioner for Women. Her lifelong commitment to equity and education has left a lasting impact on generations of students and the broader Santa Barbara community

    Lisa Kawamura, Arroyo Grande

    Lisa Kawamura is currently President of the Executive Board of the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Chapter of the California Faculty Association union. She fights to ensure that her colleagues receive the pay and treatment they deserve. As a woman of color, she is particularly supportive of other women-of-color faculty and encourages them to speak up for themselves, no matter who else is in the room. She is also a 27-year lecturer in the Department of Communication at Cal Poly SLO, where she has taught hundreds of students public speaking. Lisa has been a featured speaker at the SLO County Women of Color Network’s annual Women of Color Symposium two years in a row. Through her leadership, advocacy, and teaching, Lisa Kawamura continues to empower both colleagues and students, leaving a meaningful mark on the Cal Poly community and beyond.

    Julie Rodewald, Los Osos

    Julie Rodewald’s dedication to democracy and public service has shaped lives in San Luis Obispo for decades. She served for 33 years in the Office of the SLO County Clerk-Recorder, ensuring everyone had the right to vote. Even in retirement, she continues to advocate for voting rights. She serves on the Board of Directors for the SLO County League of Women Voters and launched the Empowering the Voters of Tomorrow, Today initiative, which registered or pre-registered over 3,500 local high school students. She worked with the Latino Voter Engagement Project to help Spanish speakers in the community exercise their right to vote, and even helped create a short film, Forever Voters, to inspire civic engagement. Julie’s dedication to ensuring every citizen exercises their right to vote is truly inspiring.

    Cherie Eulau, Ventura

    Cherie Eulau taught for 27 years in the Ventura Unified School District, shaping generations of young people in the process. Her classes on World History, Government, and Economics inspired many to pursue careers in public service. She went above and beyond, developing interactive lesson plans that helped students truly understand the past and how it shapes the present. She also encouraged her students to get involved in the community, partnering with organizations like the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) on issues such as environmental justice and voting rights. Cherie brings joyful optimism and fiery energy to igniting the minds and hearts of local youth, encouraging them to raise their voices and change the world around them.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Statement on Trump’s Executive Action Cutting Funding to PBS and NPR

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) — a member of the Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Congressional Dads Caucus — issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive action aimed at cutting funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the National Public Radio (NPR).

    “I’ve got a two-and-a-half-year-old, and we watch a lot of Sesame Street, The Cat in The Hat, and Daniel Tiger at home, so I see every day how public media helps kids learn and grow,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “Families across the country rely on PBS and NPR for trustworthy, nonpartisan news and educational shows. At a time when misinformation is everywhere, Trump is going after PBS and NPR just for doing their jobs. That’s what happens in authoritarian regimes. We must fight to protect a free and independent press.”

    Congress — not the president — created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in 1967 to provide stable funding for local and independent stations that serve communities in every corner of the country. These stations are lifelines, especially for underserved and rural areas, because they ensure everyone has access to quality public media. NPR does not receive direct federal funding. Instead, it benefits indirectly through grants from the CPB.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three Individuals Charged in Scheme to Defraud Department of Veterans Affairs of Over $9.1M

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Three Individuals Charged in Scheme to Defraud Department of Veterans Affairs of Over $9.1M

    Three men were charged with participating in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of over $9.1 million in education benefits, including funds from the Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefit program. One of the men has pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Announces Prison Sentences for Three Idaho Men in Child Pornography Cases

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Announces Prison Sentences for Three Idaho Men in Child Pornography Cases

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced that two men in eastern Idaho and one man in northern Idaho were sentenced on April 28, 2025, for the sexual exploitation of children.
    Gregg McFarlane, 51, was sentenced in Shoshone County on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (child pornography) and one count of Possessing Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children—a new law targeting images of child sex abuse generated using artificial intelligence. In August 2024, Detective Jim Bohr, using undercover law enforcement computers, identified child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being uploaded from an address associated with McFarlane in Pinehurst, Idaho. In October 2024, a residential search warrant was executed at McFarlane’s address, during which various electronic devices and a child-sized sex doll were seized. McFarlane admitted to receiving links to CSAM files through torrent sites and searching for CSAM on those same sites. A forensic examination of McFarlane’s devices revealed over 200 files containing CSAM of children as young as four years old. The examination also uncovered generative AI images of what appeared to be realistic children, some as young as five, engaged in sexual acts.
    Judge Barbara Duggan sentenced McFarlane to a total of 10 years in prison, ordering that he be eligible for parole after three years. The investigation was led by Detective Jim Bohr of the Meridian Police Department, who serves in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit, and was assisted by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, and ICAC affiliates from the Moscow and Post Falls Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General James Haws.
    Skylar Reed, 25, was sentenced in Bannock County on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (child pornography). In July 2024, the ICAC Unit received a CyberTip indicating that two accounts belonging to Reed had downloaded CSAM. In November 2024, a residential search warrant was executed on Reed’s residence and devices. Reed admitted in an interview with investigators that he had downloaded and shared CSAM with others online. An examination of Reed’s phones revealed numerous files of CSAM, including material depicting children being raped.
    Judge Robert Naftz sentenced Reed to a total of 10 years in prison, ordering that he be eligible for parole after two and a half years. The investigation was led by Detective Irina Leach of the Pocatello Police Department, who serves in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit, and was assisted by the Boise Police Department, Pocatello Police Department, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Madison Allen and Austin Young.
    Seth Tanaka, 23, was sentenced in Bonneville County on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (child pornography). In February 2024, the ICAC Unit received a CyberTip that a social media account belonging to Tanaka had uploaded multiple files of CSAM. In August 2024, a residential search warrant was obtained for Tanaka’s property and devices. Officers found CSAM on Tanaka’s phone depicting post-pubescent female minors engaged in lascivious acts and poses. In an interview, Tanaka admitted to viewing children of all ages—from infants to teens—but stated that his primary sexual interest was in developing female children.
    Judge Michael Whyte sentenced Tanaka to a total of 10 years in prison but retained jurisdiction over the case for up to one year. During this period of retained jurisdiction, also known as a rider, Tanaka will be incarcerated and receive treatment and programming. Judge Whyte will then determine whether Tanaka should be placed on probation or serve the remainder of his sentence. The investigation was led by Detective Jared Mendenhall of the Idaho Falls Police Department, who serves in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit, and was assisted by the Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and Pocatello Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Madison Allen.
    “Idaho is committed to confronting every form of child exploitation—whether buried in the depths of the internet or advanced through new threats like AI-generated abuse material. My office will continue to pursue these threats with every tool we have. I commend the diligent work of our ICAC Unit, law enforcement partners, and prosecutors who brought these offenders to justice,” stated Attorney General Labrador.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Signs Bipartisan Bill to Protect Commercial Scuba Divers Working in Minnesota Lakes

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz today signed the Brady Aune and Joseph Anderson Safety Act bill into law, establishing safety requirements for aquatic plant management companies whose employees use scuba gear. The bill was proposed following the deaths of Aune and Anderson who drowned while performing lake weed removal using scuba equipment without proper training.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz, State Officials Wrap Statewide Roundtable Series, Highlighting Impact of Proposed Federal Health Care Cuts

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz and state officials wrapped a series of statewide roundtables highlighting proposed federal health care cuts. From late March through late April, the state convened seven roundtable discussions connecting with people across Minnesota to discuss significant damage to Medicaid and health care funding if Congress moves forward with proposed cuts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 124 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 124 border-related cases this week, including charges of assault on a federal officer, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week:

    • On April 28, Jose Maria Murillo Estrada, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Federal Officers and reentry after deportation. According to a complaint, the assault happened after Murillo attempted to make entry into the United States from Mexico through the San Ysidro Port of Entry by running through vehicle primary lanes and was intercepted by officers.
    • On April 27, Emma Alejandra Medina, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Attempted Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Medina was captain of a boat that was transporting eight undocumented immigrants on San Diego Bay.
    • On April 26, Jorge Alexandro Tellez, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Tellez was taken into custody by Customs and Border Protection officers after he attempted to cross the border in his vehicle in the San Ysidro Port of Entry’s SENTRI lane with 286 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in all four doors, the seats, the spare tire, the tailgate, and in multiple tool bags located inside the vehicle.

    Also this week, a number of defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are a few of those cases:

    • On May 1, Juan Morales-Lopez, a Mexican national who was last deported in November 2024 and immediately returned on December 10th, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months in custody consecutive to 12 months custody for violating the terms of his supervised released for his earlier illegal entry conviction, for a total of 30 months in custody. Morales-Lopez has 10 illegal entry felony convictions in total and has been removed from the United States a total of 35 times.
    • On May 1, Jose Ramon Ochoa-Monteverde, a Mexican national living in the United States on a Visa, was sentenced in federal court to 84 months in custody for his role as a coordinator and courier for a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico, Imperial Valley, and the Central District of California. In one instance, Ochoa-Monteverde loaded a tractor trailer with duffel bags containing 106.38 kilograms of methamphetamine at a truck stop in Brawley, CA.
    • On April 28, Alejandro Gutierrez-Aguilar, who was previously convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute in 2014, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in custody for again entering the U.S illegally.

    Pursuant to the Department’s Operation Take Back America priorities, federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Mount Logan Capital Inc. Schedules Release of First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mount Logan Capital Inc. (CBOE: MLC) (“Mount Logan” or the “Company”) will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 after market close on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The Company will host a conference call on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. Shareholders, prospective shareholders, and analysts are welcome to listen to the conference call. To join the call, please use the dial-in information below. A recording of the conference call will be available on Mount Logan’s website www.mountlogancapital.ca in the Investor Relations section under “Events”.

    Canada Dial-in Toll Free: 1-833-950-0062
    US Dial-in Toll Free: 1-833-335-0887
    International Dial-in:
    Access Code: 813165

    About Mount Logan Capital Inc.

    Mount Logan Capital Inc. is an alternative asset management and insurance solutions company that is focused on public and private debt securities in the North American market and the reinsurance of annuity products, primarily through its wholly owned subsidiaries Mount Logan Management LLC (“ML Management”) and Ability Insurance Company (“Ability”), respectively. Mount Logan also actively sources, evaluates, underwrites, manages, monitors and primarily invests in loans, debt securities, and other credit-oriented instruments that present attractive risk-adjusted returns and present low risk of principal impairment through the credit cycle.

    ML Management was organized in 2020 as a Delaware limited liability company and is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The primary business of ML Management is to provide investment management services to (i) privately offered investment funds exempt from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) advised by ML Management, (ii) a non-diversified closed end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, (iii) Ability, and (iv) non-diversified closed-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act that operate as interval funds. ML Management also acts as the collateral manager to collateralized loan obligations backed by debt obligations and similar assets.

    Ability is a Nebraska domiciled insurer and reinsurer of long-term care policies and annuity products acquired by Mount Logan in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Ability is also no longer insuring or re-insuring new long-term care risk. 

    This press release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement and the communication of this release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offer to sell or an offer to purchase any securities in the Company or in any fund or other investment vehicle. This press release is not intended for U.S. persons. The Company’s shares are not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Company is not and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). U.S. persons are not permitted to purchase the Company’s shares absent an applicable exemption from registration under each of these Acts. In addition, the number of investors in the United States, or which are U.S. persons or purchasing for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, will be limited to such number as is required to comply with an available exemption from the registration requirements of the 1940 Act.

    Contacts:
    Mount Logan Capital Inc.
    365 Bay Street, Suite 800
    Toronto, ON M5H 2V1
    info@mountlogancapital.ca 

    Nikita Klassen
    Chief Financial Officer
    Nikita.Klassen@mountlogancapital.ca

    Scott Chan
    Investor Relations
    Scott.Chan@mountlogan.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Cramer Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Authorize Remote Online Notarizations Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Despite significant advancements in digital technology, remote notarization has yet to be fully deployed and accepted on an interstate basis. While nearly every state allows for remote electronic notarization, regulations and recognition vary between states.
    U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced their bipartisan Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act. This bill would permit the nationwide use of Remote Online Notarizations (RON), enabling notaries and signers to complete the process from different physical locations. It authorizes every notary in the United States to perform RON and provides certainty for interstate recognition of RON. The SECURE Notarization Act requires tamper-evident technology and fraud prevention measures through the use of multifactor authentication.
    “It’s time to finally bring the notarization process into the 21st century,” said Sen. Warner. “Remote notarizations have proven to be a safe and convenient way for individuals to complete essential services such as executing wills, completing financial documents, and buying or selling a home online. This legislation would continue to modernize this system by permitting nationwide use of Remote Online Notarization to complete important documents.”
    “We’ve made a lot of progress toward much more widespread use of online notarizations in the past few years, particularly through the pandemic,” said Sen. Cramer. “But this patchwork of state regulations really leaves consumers without consistent access to some notary services. Quite honestly, I think it violates, certainly, the spirit of interstate commerce. Our bill simply makes sure online notarizations are valid across [state] lines and allow every notary to perform them, and perform them in a very secure way.”
    The SECURE Notarization Act will complement state regulations, including those in North Dakota, which already allow for remote notarizations.
    The bill is endorsed by American Land Title Association (ALTA), Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), National Association of REALTORS (NAR), and American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI).
    “Senators Cramer and Warner have been longstanding champions in recognizing the clear benefits of extending RON access to all Americans and leading this bipartisan legislation, which offers a safe and secure path to remotely close real estate and mortgage transactions,” said Diane Tomb, CEO of ALTA. “By passing the SECURE Notarization Act, Congress will embrace a proven innovation and modernize the notarization process with a secure system that meets consumer needs and expectations, including those of our military heroes overseas, the elderly, and homebuyers seeking convenience.”
    “The SECURE Notarization Act would make the mortgage closing process more convenient for consumers by creating federal minimum standards to allow notaries in all states to perform remote online notarization (RON) transactions,” said Bill Killmer, Senior Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs at MBA. “MBA appreciates Senator Cramer and Warner’s commitment to enable nationwide use of RON technology. Their continued diligence and hard work on this critical issue will greatly simplify and improve mortgage transactions for all borrowers.”
    “The National Association of REALTORS applauds Senators Cramer and Warner for reintroducing the SECURE Notarization Act,” said Shannon McGhan, EVP & Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Association of REALTORS. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will modernize an essential part of real estate transactions by allowing nationwide use of secure, remote online notarization. Reliable, accessible notarized records are the bedrock of real estate, and this technology ensures Americans can continue to buy, sell, and finance property with confidence in today’s digital age.”
    “Senators Cramer and Warner understand that families need practical, modern tools to plan for their financial futures,” said David Chavern, President and CEO of the ACLI. “During COVID, life insurers demonstrated how well remote online notarization works for consumers. Allowing its use nationwide is a smart, commonsense step to bring the notarization process into the 21st century.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine on President’s Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
     WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after President Donald Trump released his Fiscal Year 2026 discretionary budget request to Congress:
    “The budget the President released today reflects what we’ve seen over the past 103 days—that the Trump Administration is laser-focused on taking a chainsaw to important government programs that Americans rely on so that they can cut taxes for billionaires. This cruel budget would cut critical funding for education, such as Federal Work Study; substance use disorder prevention; rural development; housing; support for small businesses; research into cancer and other diseases; cybersecurity; foreign assistance; violence prevention, including Jabara-Heyer NO Hate grants; and more. It would also roll back funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other historic legislation that we were proud to help pass in Congress. As Congress continues negotiating a budget in the coming months, we are committed to pushing back against these massive cuts that will harm Virginians and our economy and make communities less safe.”   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Blackburn Introduce Bill to Lower Costs and Improve Access to Care for Rural Medicare Patients

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Rural Patient Monitoring (RPM) Access Act to ensure Medicare patients in rural and underserved communities have access to remote physiologic monitoring services, which lower costs and improve access to care by using technology to collect and transmit patient health data to healthcare providers.
    “Too often, patients are struggling to receive the medical care they need because of how difficult it is to see a doctor in person,” said Sen. Warner. “Remote monitoring services offer a life-saving solution, expanding care options and allowing individuals to regularly receive the medical consultations they need, all while lowering costs and hospital admissions. I’m proud to introduce the Rural Patient Monitoring Access Act to improve health care services for our seniors.”
    “Medicare beneficiaries in rural and underserved areas often face serious barriers to health care, and they deserve better,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The Rural Patient Monitoring Access Act would ensure Tennessee Medicare patients have access to high-quality remote physiologic monitoring services to manage chronic conditions and help patients eliminate unnecessary hospital visits.”
    U.S. Reps. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), and Don Davis (D-N.C.) introducing companion legislation in the House.
    Rural Medicare patients face high rates of chronic conditions like heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes. In particular, Medicare patients living in rural areas have limited access to healthcare because of roadblocks like lack of transportation. Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM) helps patients manage chronic conditions and eliminates unnecessary hospital visits. A recent study of over 4,000 hypertension patients found that RPM decreased patients’ total monthly cost of care by more than 50%. Current lack of adequate Medicare reimbursement leads to not implementing RPM programs in rural areas, reducing access to cost-saving and patient-centered care.
    Specifically, The Rural Patient Monitoring Access Act would ensure high-quality remote physiological monitoring services are established and maintained for Medicare beneficiaries in rural and underserved geographies; allow rural areas to provide RPM services at the national average rate; and decrease patients’ total monthly cost. Under the RPM Access Act:
    RPM providers must be capable of responding to data anomalies detected by the monitoring service;
    RPM providers must be capable of promptly transmitting captured vitals and treatment management notes to electronic health record of the supervising provider; and
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may require providers of RPM to report data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services in order to facilitate the evaluation of cost savings generated to the Medicare program through the proliferation of remote physiologic monitoring services.
    This legislation is supported by National Rural Health Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, HIMSS, American Telemedicine Association, Alliance for Connected Care, Ascension, LifePoint Health, Marshfield Clinic, SSM Health, the University of Virginia Center for Telehealth, and the Bipartisan Policy Center.
    “Technology-enabled care is crucial to ensuring seniors in rural areas are able to safely manage their chronic conditions. Remote physiologic monitoring allows for chronic disease complications to be captured early – saving lives, reducing health care costs, and helping to mitigate common rural barriers such as longer distances to in-person treatment,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of National Rural Health Association.
    “On behalf of HIMSS, we applaud Senators Blackburn and Warner, and Representatives Kustoff, Balderson, Pocan, and Davis for introducing the Rural Patient Monitoring (RPM) Access Act. Remote patient monitoring is a critical digital health tool that helps providers and patients work together to improve patient access and outcomes. We urge Congress to take action to advance the safe and effective use of RPM for millions of Medicare beneficiaries,” said Hal Wolf, President and CEO of HIMSS.
    “Patients in rural and underserved communities deserve the same opportunity to manage their health as those in more resourced areas. At Lifepoint, we’ve seen firsthand how high-quality remote patient monitoring can help bridge long-standing access gaps and drive meaningful clinical improvement, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. This bill is an important step forward in ensuring fair reimbursement for rural providers, empowering them to deliver high-quality, proactive care to the patients who need it most,” said Dr. Chris Frost, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer at Lifepoint Health.
    “We are proud to support the Rural Patient Monitoring Access Act, which will help to ensure rural practitioners can provide remote physiologic monitoring services. RPM supports coordinated chronic disease management and acute and chronic disease risk reduction, while improving health outcomes helping patients remain healthy at home,” said Michael Richards, System Vice President at SSM Health.
    “The Alliance for Connected Care applauds Senators Blackburn and Warner for their leadership to ensure rural patients have access to high-quality, innovative patient-centered care. Remote patient monitoring has a huge potential to empower rural seniors with technology to better take accountability for their own health,” said Chris Adamec, Executive Director of The Alliance for Connected Care.
    “This proposed legislation will incentivize healthcare systems in rural areas to establish remote monitoring programs and ensure sustainability of existing programs. We are grateful for Sen. Warner and Sen. Blackburn’s leadership on this issue. Remote monitoring has been shown to improve outcomes and ultimately lower the cost of care,” said Karen Rheuban, MD, Director of the University of Virginia Center for Telehealth.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ban Federal Funding for Gender Transition Procedures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the No Subsidies for Gender Transition Procedures Act to prohibit taxpayer funded gender transition procedures under Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Affordable Care Act. The bill would also prohibit the use of the medical expense tax deduction for gender transition procedures.
    “Americans don’t want tax dollars funding sex change operations for children,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s use that money for real medical treatment, not to prop up gender ideology.”
    “Americans overwhelmingly agree that hard-earned taxpayer dollars should not go toward paying for harmful gender transition procedures,” said Senator Marshall. “This legislation delivers on President Trump’s promise, eliminates taxpayer-funded transgender procedures on both minors and adults, and defends our nation’s values. As the reconciliation process continues, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation and ensure it is included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.”
    “Trans ideology is anti-science, anti-truth, and anti-child – our government cannot make American families complicit in these controversial medical procedures, especially against young and vulnerable people in our society,” said Senator Lee. “Our necessary legislation prevents taxpayer dollars from funding the gender transition regime through reimbursements, Medicare, Medicaid, and other avenues.”
    “American tax dollars should not fund gender reassignment surgery,” said Senator Ricketts. “This bill ends the misuse of tax dollars on these procedures. It also stops federal healthcare facilities from providing these procedures.”
    U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) introduced the companion version of this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “Taxpayers should never be forced to fund dangerous and irreversible gender transition surgeries. The No Subsidies for Gender Transition Procedures Act sets a sweeping precedent by applying to both adults and minors and applying to as many federal funding streams as possible,” said Representative Tenney. “This will ensure that regardless of the age of the individual looking to mutilate themself, the American taxpayer will not be forced to subsidize it. We are working to ensure that not a dime of federal funds can be used to pay for gender transition procedures.”
    The legislation is supported by the American Principles Project.
    “Every year, the federal government subsidizes the transgender medical industry with our tax dollars, despite the vast majority of Americans opposing this horrific waste of taxpayer funding,” said Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project. “The No Subsidies for Gender Transition Procedures Act would deal a serious blow to the woke trans agenda’s biological and fiscal insanity, and I am grateful for Senator Marshall’s leadership on this problem. It’s time for Congress to pass this important legislation.”
    Background
    By eliminating federal spending on transgender procedures, American taxpayers will save nearly $200 million. 25 states and D.C. have Medicaid policies that explicitly cover transgender-related health care. Over 276,000 of the 1.3 million transgender adults are enrolled in Medicaid.
    In March, Cassidy introduced the Defining Male and Female Act to codify President Trump’s executive order establishing legal definitions of male, female, and sex to ensure they are based on biological reality rather than radical, left-wing ideology.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Increase Resiliency, Strengthen Louisiana Power Grids

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Preventing Power Outages Act to strengthen power grids resiliency across the country by reauthorizing two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant programs that help states and utilities invest in modernizing their grid infrastructure. The bill would update these programs to ensure sufficient funding goes toward states whose grids are least reliable and require the most investment, helping the power stay on in the face of extreme weather and natural disasters.
    “I was at an event this week where President Trump emphasized the need for growth and power generation to fuel our future economy. He specifically spoke of the problems with our grid,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is one more step in addressing those problems that President Trump was speaking of.”
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) in introducing the legislation.
    Louisiana needs long-term, strategic investment to improve the resiliency of its grid infrastructure and deliver reliable power to households and businesses. However, without federal assistance, grid repair costs often ultimately fall to the very consumers that are being impacted by rising energy rates, poor reliability, and long service restoration times.
    The Preventing Power Outages Act would reauthorize and update DOE’s Grid Resilience State/Tribal Formula Grants Program and Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants Program, which have spurred historic investment in much-needed grid improvements in recent years but are set to expire in 2026. Funding from these programs can be used for underground electrical equipment, utility pole management, relocating power lines, and more. It can also be used to acquire innovative technologies, including weatherization equipment, fire-resistant technologies, and fire prevention systems. Without reauthorization, states that require significant grid upgrades could go without the necessary investments to address ongoing challenges. The senators’ legislation aims to protect these critical federal resources and ensure Americans across the country have access to safe, reliable, and affordable power. 
    Background
    Cassidy worked to secure increased funding for grid hardening when negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Louisiana has already received $929,157,661.00 from IIJA to improve and strengthen the state’s electric grid thanks to Cassidy’s leadership.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ricketts, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Mark Renewable Fuels Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and a bipartisan group of senators to introduce a resolution designating May 2025 as Renewable Fuels Month.
    “With President Trump back in the White House, America is set to become energy dominant, and biofuels will make up an important part of that equation. Our resolution recognizes the power of renewable fuels and outlines the great advantages they bring to the table, including boosting the domestic market for farmers and adding jobs and economic vitality in the Heartland. With Iowa continuing to lead the nation in renewable fuels, our resolution also recognizes the importance of rural communities and thanks the hard-working men and women who get these products to market,” Grassley said.
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).
    The text of the resolution can be found HERE.
    Background:
    Grassley has long-championed biofuels and year-round E15, including introducing multiple pieces of legislation to allow for the nationwide, year-round sale of E15. He led the effort to encourage the first Trump administration to approve year-round E15. He also helped establish the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and has consistently advocated for increased RFS volumes. 
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Nazi Ratlines

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: Why did you hold a hearing in March about the rise in antisemitism?
    A: The atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023 underscored how imperative it is to learn from history. The horrific lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten. And yet, Hamas terrorists waged the deadliest attack on Jews since World War II. They butchered children and raped women, murdering more than 1,200 people. The terrorists took 250 hostages, including Americans. The gruesome details were instantly shared around the world through social media. You’d expect these evil crimes to foster a groundswell of support and solidarity for the Jewish people. Instead, an alarming cascade of events took root on college campuses across America. Support for Hamas, genocidal slogans and acts of antisemitism targeting Jewish students, shopkeepers, professors and rabbis served as a wake-up call to the world. Vandalized property, raging hatred and a radical agenda to target Jewish people here in America demanded attention to shed light on what was happening in plain sight. Before the eyes and under the noses of leaders in education and government, antisemitism was gaining foothold here in America. Yet the Democrats refused to hold a hearing on antisemitism last Congress.
    As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I invited witnesses to testify about the rising tide of antisemitism in America, exactly 80 years after U.S. and allied forces liberated survivors from Nazi concentration camps in Europe. The horrors of the Holocaust are memorialized in museums and history pages. It is incumbent upon each successive generation not to ignore the hatred or diminish the truths discovered by American troops in 1945: the “walking skeletons,” emaciated corpses and unthinkable atrocities against humanity, including medical experiments, torture and hard labor. History teaches us we can’t be neutral in the face of hatred. As Holocaust survivor Eli Wiesel said during his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
    Q: What’s new with your investigation to trace financial ties between Swiss banks and Nazi war criminals?
    A: In 2023, I received whistleblower allegations of wrongdoing by Credit Suisse during its internal review into potential Nazi-linked accounts that had not previously been disclosed during past investigations. In response, I launched an investigation to examine these allegations, including Credit Suisse’s servicing of Nazi-linked clients. With my leadership, the Senate Budget Committee issued its first subpoena since 1991 to learn more about the bank’s wrongdoing in its internal investigation. My review confirmed previously undisclosed ties with Nazi-connected Credit Suisse account holders. This work is ongoing. My focus remains to keep a bright light shining on one of the darkest chapters in modern human history in the pursuit of truth and justice. This global forensic exam spans three continents and involves countless records, including digital and paper documents originating from the 1930s and 1940s. In February, I wrote a letter to the president of Argentina, Javier Milei, requesting his assistance to provide archival records documenting the use of Nazi “ratlines” during and after World War II. These secret networks provided the monetary and logistical pathways members of the Nazi regime used to escape justice and flee to South America. President Milei’s historic decision to release these records, and make them widely accessible, in response to my request is a victory for transparency and will help advance oversight of this important issue.
    Transparency brings accountability. October 7 ushered in a new era of urgency to stop antisemitism in its tracks. Combing through these historical archives will help piece together the enablers who facilitated the escape of Nazi war criminals, honor the memories of Holocaust victims and deliver justice to the survivors. As time marches on, tenacity matters. We must never forget six million souls were stolen in the Holocaust. I’m working as hard as ever to keep history alive so current and future generations don’t sit on the sidelines when genocide and antisemitism rear their evil heads. Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal said it best, “Hope lives when people remember.”
    May is National Jewish American Heritage Month.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Introduces the State Energy Accountability Act to Combat New York’s Egregious Climate Policies

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the State Energy Accountability Act, which would encourage states to evaluate the impacts that clean energy standards or renewable portfolio standards have on costs and reliability.

     

    Specifically, the bill would amend the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), 111(d) which is a tool Congress uses to encourage states to consider certain policies.

    “New York’s stringent climate rules and policies have a tremendously negative effect on every day consumer costs and energy reliability,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Americans are entitled to know every last detail of the effects of state policies on the reliability of their electric energy; the State Energy Accountability Act would give them the transparency they deserve.”

     

    “Finding ways to ensure energy reliability is a critical step as we look to safeguard and enhance our grid in the coming years in order to maintain our energy dominance and power AI and advanced manufacturing,” said Chairman Guthrie. “Congressman Langworthy’s legislation would ensure that States consider how renewable energy standards will impact the cost and reliability of American energy, and I’m grateful for his work on this important issue.” 

     

    Congressman Gabe Evans (R-C) is an original cosponsors of this legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick and Congresswoman Wilson Visit I.C.E. Broward Transitional Center Following Death of Marie Blaise

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    Pompano Beach, Fla.— Following the death of Marie Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian detainee at the Broward Transitional Centeron April 25, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) visited the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) Broward Transitional Center on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 in an effort to  investigate the facility conditions and the cause of death of Marie Ange Blaise.

    “I left the Broward Transitional Center disappointed with what I saw and what I heard,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “I failed to see any evidence that there were proper procedures in place and that adequate health care was provided. One single doctor to care for hundreds of detainees — with some being forced to sleep on the floor — is inhumane. Marie Blaise’s tragic death will not be a one-off if these cruel conditions persist.” 

    “Leaving the Broward Transitional Center, I have no faith in the leadership of the facility or ICE. They don’t even view the immigrants detained in there as humans and didn’t want to answer any questions on Marie. But Marie dying in the Broward Transitional Center is just an example of what is going to continue to happen if we let this administration go unchecked. It doesn’t have to be this way. This is wrong, and as a people, we must and can do better. We are an immigrant-rich society, especially in South Florida,” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) said. “It’s time this government pulls our contracts with GEO, the company who profits off managing countless of these blackhole detention centers. And every member of Congress must visit these detention centers, hold the administration accountable, and show up unannounced at ICE facilities to ensure they are properly maintained, because they want to hide the truth from us. But we want all Americans to see what is happening. This administration has failed to fulfill its responsibility to treat detainees with humanity and to properly maintain its own ICE facilities. That is why I will continue to visit these ICE facilities, and why I plan to introduce a resolution urging members of Congress to exercise their oversight authority by visiting ICE facilities.” 

    The tour included Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and staffers of the two members of Congress. No electronics, phones, press, or external stakeholders were allowed in the facility during the tour. The tour started at 9 AM and lasted until approximately 10:45 AM.

    The tour included the following areas: Medical clinic, courtroom areas, cafeteria, living cells, religious areas, attorney/client interview rooms and recreation areas.  

    As part of the tour, ICE officials detailed that there is a ratio of one doctor per 500 detainees. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick also spoke to multiple detainees who detailed sleeping on the floor due to recent overcrowding. 

    Following the tour, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick held a press gaggle alongside community stakeholders from the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) and the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON). 

    “It is disconcerting and outrageous that ICE continues to put people’s lives at risk, with complete disregard for their humanity,” said Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “How many deaths will it take for that Office to stop the bleeding?  What will it take for them to be accountable for their inhumane actions, and to end this barbaric treatment of immigrants in and out of detention?

    “We demand a full investigation into her death and a commitment to reform immigration detention practices,” said Mary Estimé-Irvin, Councilwoman at the City of North Miami and National Haitian American Elected Officials Network Chair. “The tragic loss of Marie Ange must serve as a catalyst for change—a change that prioritizes humanity, accountability, and the rights of all individuals.”

    On May 1st, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick led all the members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, calling for a transparent investigation into the death of Marie Blaise. 

    For photos of the press gaggle, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: WEEK 15 WINS: President Trump’s 100th Day Marked by More Success

    Source: The White House

    This week, President Donald J. Trump celebrated his 100th day in office — and set the course for the next 100 days of growth, prosperity, and success for the American people.

    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week 15:

    • The economy added 177,000 new jobs in April, according to the latest jobs report — smashing expectations for another month as the workforce grows and businesses onshore jobs.
    • President Donald J. Trump’s relentless pursuit of manufacturing dominance spurred onshoring and additional U.S. investment.
      • Mercedes-Benz announced it will move production of another vehicle to its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing facility.
      • AstraZeneca announced it will shift production of some medicines from Europe to the U.S.
      • Walmart expanded its support for American-made products.
      • IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
      • Pratt Industries announced a $5 billion investment that will result in 5,000 new manufacturing jobs across several key industrial states.
      • Kimberly-Clark announced a $2 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing sites, which will create 900 new jobs.
      • Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion.
      • Merck & Co. announced a $1 billion investment to build a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs — part of the company’s commitment to invest more than $9 billion over the next four years.
        • “Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance our domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.”
      • Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
        • “Pro-growth policies like the @POTUS @WhiteHouse 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped make investments like this possible. Since enactment, Amgen has invested ~$5B in capital expenditures. This amounts to an additional downstream output to the U.S. economy of approximately $12B.”
      • The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
    • President Trump continued to secure our border and rid our communities of illegal immigrant criminals.
      • New York Post: Illegal border crossings remained near historic lows in April after President Trump’s crackdown
      • The Trump Administration directed an operation at an underground nightclub in Colorado “frequented by TdA and MS-13 terrorists” that resulted in 100 illegal immigrant arrests.
      • ICE arrested more than 1,000 illegal immigrants in Florida in just six days as part of Operation Tidal Wave.
      • Uzbekistan agreed to pay for and accept 131 illegal immigrants from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
    • President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
      • President Trump secured a historic agreement with Ukraine that gives the U.S. an economic stake in securing a free, peaceful, and sovereign future for Ukraine and allows for the long-term reconstruction and modernization of the country after Russia’s invasion.
      • President Trump announced secondary sanctions on any country or person who purchases Iranian oil.
      • President Trump secured the release of a wrongfully detained U.S. citizen in Belarus and a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Kuwait — for a total of 47 detained citizens abroad freed since President Trump took office.
      • The Trump Administration brokered a joint pledge for peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
      • The Department of the Treasury cracked down on vessels delivering oil derivatives to Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
      • The Department of the Treasury sanctioned six Iranian and Chinese firms linked to procuring missile propellant ingredients for the Iranian regime.
    • The Trump Administration forged ahead on its unprecedented effort to secure American energy dominance.
      • Woodside Energy Group financially approved a $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
      • The Environmental Protection Agency granted an emergency waiver that allows Americans to buy cheaper, higher-ethanol gasoline through the summer, which will save Americans money.
    • President Trump took a series of executive actions to improve Americans’ lives.
      • President Trump strengthened the ability of state and local law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent Americans.
      • President Trump signed an executive order to protect Americans in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions from dangerous criminal illegal immigrants.
      • President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission to safeguard and promote America’s founding principle of religious freedom.
      • President Trump incentivized American automobile production.
      • President Trump ordered that commercial truck drivers must be properly qualified and proficient in English.
      • President Trump ended the taxpayer subsidization of NPR and PBS.
    • President Trump unveiled his proposed budget, which would save taxpayers $163 billion in wasteful spending, gut the weaponized deep state, and provide historic increases for defense and border security.
    • President Trump launched the FEMA Review Council to help fix the broken disaster response system and return power to the states.
    • President Trump announced Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan will soon be home to the new F-15EW Eagle II fighter jets.
    • President Trump renamed May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” and November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I” in recognition of America’s role in winning the two wars.
    • The Department of Health and Human services released a comprehensive review of so-called “gender-affirming care,” finding no strong medical or scientific evidence exists to support the treatment’s irreversible effects.
    • The Trump Administration ended the Biden-era lawfare against South Dakota cattle ranchers who were wrongfully persecuted over a minor land dispute.
    • The Department of State designated Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
    • The Department of Education launched a civil rights investigation into the New York Department of Education over its threat to withhold funding from the Massapequa School District if it does not eliminate its Native American mascot.
    • The Department of Education announced its finding that the University of Pennsylvania violated Title IX, notifying the institution that they have ten days to resolve the violations or risk a referral to the Department of Justice for enforcement proceedings.
    • The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services announced investigations into Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review based on reports of race-based discrimination permeating the operations of the journal.
    • The Department of the Interior announced 42 new proposed hunting opportunities across 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System, which would more than triple the number of opportunities and quintuple the number of stations opened or expanded compared to the previous administration.
    • The Department of Energy announced it will lift a range of unnecessary regulations on certain indoor and outdoor gas products — expanding choice and lowering costs for consumers.
    • The Department of Transportation unveiled a new package of actions to further supercharge the air traffic controller workforce.
    • Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard added counter narcotics to the National Counter Terrorism Center in order to “focus intelligence and vetting resources against these terrorists who traffic deadly narcotics into the country.”
    • The Department of Justice arrested two individuals on charges of operating an international child exploitation enterprise.
    • The Department of Agriculture secured an agreement with Mexico for an immediate transfer of water from international reservoirs to Texas farmers and ranchers.
    • The White House Council on Environmental Quality established the Permitting Innovation Center to cut red tape and accelerate the environmental review process.
    • The National Institutes of Health announced it will publish studies it funds online for free to empower Americans’ own research and promote maximum transparency.
    • PepsiCo announced it will remove artificial ingredients from some popular food offerings by the end of the year following the Trump Administration’s push to end artificial food dyes.

    MIL OSI USA News –