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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Murkowski Celebrate FEMA Release of Public Safety Grants for Public Broadcasters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (April 30, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today celebrated the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) release of public broadcasting grant money that the agency froze in February. Public broadcasting stations are essential for communicating with the public during emergencies, especially for reaching underserved and vulnerable individuals.

    “We are pleased that FEMA has ended its freeze on critical grants to strengthen the resiliency of public broadcasting stations. Public broadcasters play a vital role in keeping communities informed during emergencies, especially in rural and underserved areas. While this decision is a victory for public safety, common sense dictates that these funds should not have been frozen in the first place. We will continue to ensure public broadcasters have the resources they need to deliver lifesaving information when disaster strikes.”

    On April 15, 2025, Senators Markey and Murkowski sent a letter to FEMA Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton urging the agency to lift its freeze on grants that help improve the resiliency of public broadcasting stations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Shaheen Highlight National Fentanyl Awareness Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced a resolution designating April 29, 2025, as “National Fentanyl Awareness Day” to drive awareness of counterfeit fentanyl pills.

    “Fentanyl overdoses claimed the lives of more than 58,000 Americans last year, many of whom suffered from accidental poisonings after taking counterfeit prescription pills. President Trump has taken strong action to stem the flow of fentanyl pills. Additionally, Congress must act to hold corporations accountable for their role in the illicit drug trade,” Grassley said. “Our resolution demonstrates continuing resolve to put an end to America’s fentanyl epidemic.”

    “There’s always more we can and should be doing to address the substance use disorder crisis and prevent more Granite Staters from dying of drug overdoses,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our resolution memorializes the lives that have been lost to this epidemic and underscores the need to raise awareness and commit more resources to combating the flow of fentanyl into our communities.”

    Grassley and Shaheen are joined by Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Hoeven (R-N.D), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).

    Read the resolution HERE.

    Background:

    America saw more than 84,000 recorded drug overdose deaths last year alone. This surge is largely due to illicit fentanyl and counterfeit prescription pills. In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 60 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, which often resemble prescription medication and are marketed to young Americans through social media.

    This Congress, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Grassley-led HALT Fentanyl Act by a vote of 84-16, which would make permanent fentanyl-related substances’ Schedule I classification. Grassley also introduced legislation to help communities identify and tackle drug abuse trends, crack down on illicit xylazine and protect first responders from secondary exposure to lethal narcotics.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Moves to Declassify FBI Analysis of Nellie Ohr’s Criminal Referral

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today requested Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel declassify the FBI’s analysis of a congressional criminal referral issued for Nellie Ohr following her false statements to Congress in 2018.

    Grassley transmitted the mostly unclassified FBI analysis document to Patel, along with an accompanying cover letter. The public letter outlines Ohr’s obstructive conduct and makes the case for declassification.

    “As you are aware, Nellie Ohr played a key role in the genesis of Crossfire Hurricane while working for Fusion GPS and coordinating with her husband, Bruce Ohr, who was a Justice Department official at that time,” Grassley wrote. “The [FBI’s] document provides background with respect to Crossfire Hurricane’s origins as well as the criminal case against Nellie Ohr.”

    “I request that a full declassification be done immediately for the following reasons,” Grassley continued: “(1) the document is largely unclassified and the portions that are classified are at a very low level of classification; (2) the information that is classified is similar to the information subject to declassification Executive Orders for Crossfire Hurricane records issued by President Trump in 2020 and 2025 and, at this point, may already be declassified; (3) other Crossfire Hurricane document declassifications separate from those Executive Orders occurred in the first Trump term; (4) the overriding public interest.”

    “Declassification of the document in full would be consistent with past practices and to the benefit of public transparency and accountability. There is no legitimate basis to keep the document from the public,” Grassley concluded.

    Read the full cover letter HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Calls Out Snapchat’s Failure to Stop Deadly Drug Sales

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is scrutinizing Snapchat’s self-reported efforts to end fentanyl sales on its platform.  

    Despite Snapchat’s claims that it is “proud to serve as a Founding Partner of National Fentanyl Awareness Day,” Grassley pointed out the app has reportedly allowed suspected dealers to continue operating on the platform, while flaunting its Section 230 immunity when confronted by survivor parents. 

    “These, and a growing list of other instances, raise concerns about the sincerity of Snap’s efforts to end fentanyl sales on its platform,” Grassley wrote. 

    Read Grassley’s full letter HERE and below. 

    April 29, 2025 

    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION 
    Evan Spiegel 
    CEO Snap Inc.  
    2850 Ocean Park Blvd.  
    San Monica, CA 90405 

    Dear Mr. Spiegel,  

    I write regarding Snap Inc.’s (“Snap”) statement that it is “proud to serve as a Founding Partner of National Fentanyl Awareness Day” and its claim that Snap has “redouble[d its] effort to eradicate drug sales on [its] platform and educate [its] community on the dangers of fentanyl.”  A growing body of evidence commends a different conclusion. 

    On February 4, 2025, for example, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled, “The Poisoning of America: Fentanyl, its Analogues, and the Need for Permanent Class Scheduling.” Witnesses testified that, in 2021, Snap executives met with parents who lost their children to fentanyl-laced pills obtained through the Snapchat application.  At first, Snap executives claimed they were unaware children purchase drugs on the Snapchat platform, according to witness testimony. Then, executives flaunted the platform’s Section 230 immunity and told these parents they should have monitored their children better.  

    Careless responses like these make it difficult to trust that Snap has made much, if any, “effort to eradicate drug sales on [its] platform.”   

    Additionally, in an effort to persuade these parents of its vigilance, Snap pointed to Snapchat’s in-app reporting feature.  However, at the February 4th hearing, Bridgett Norring testified that Snap has typically either ignored her in-app reports, or taken down the accounts only for the drug dealers to set up a new account using a burner phone. And even then, Snap is often delinquent in removing dealers’ accounts. Thus, this feature that Snap touts appears to be largely ineffective. 

    On other occasions, Snap has reportedly allowed suspected dealers to operate on its platform after receiving notice of their illicit activity. For example, in October 2024, detectives in Thurston County Washington became aware of a suspect selling controlled substances to high-school and middle-school students on Snapchat. Thurston County detectives secured a search warrant on the suspect’s Snapchat account, which would have been delivered to Snap for legal process. Despite receiving this notice, Snap apparently allowed the suspect to continue selling drugs to minors on the Snapchat application using the same account. Two months later, a sixteen-year-old-boy purchased what he believed to be MDMA from the dealer and died. It is wholly unreasonable for Snap to allow an account to operate for months, waiting in the wings for law enforcement to make a request. 

    These, and a growing list of other instances, raise concerns about the sincerity of Snap’s efforts to end fentanyl sales on its platform. Accordingly, please answer the following questions by May 29, 2025: 

    1. What improvements, if any, has Snap implemented to respond to in-app reports? If no changes have been implemented, why not? If changes are being implemented, please describe what is being done.
    2. How is Snap preventing multiple accounts from being created by a single user? How is Snap preventing a user from creating, using, or deleting multiple accounts? If nothing is being done by Snap, please explain why.
    3. What changes has Snap made to their platform in general now that you know drugs and other criminal conduct is occurring on the platform? If no changes have been implemented, please explain why not.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Secures Key Backing from CBP Nominee on Whistleblower Protections, Counterfeit Prevention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today secured support from President Trump’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner nominee, Rodney Scott, on two longtime Grassley priorities. 

    Grassley is calling on CBP to immediately reinstate three CBP whistleblowers – Mark Jones, Mike Taylor and Fred Wynn – who’ve sounded the alarm to Grassley’s office over CBP’s unlawful failure to collect DNA from illegal immigrants encountered at the border.

    Grassley noted to Scott, “It would assure my support for your nomination if these [whistleblowers] can be 100% redirected from the punishment they had by the previous administration.” 

    Scott responded: “Thank you for always stepping up and supporting the whistleblowers. I think it’s a critical part of our government, it pushes transparency… I do know those three [whistleblowers], and I know one allegation that’s never been levied against them is a challenge of their integrity. I will look into [this], and I will hold people accountable if they’ve violated policies.” 

    Scott additionally voiced support for Grassley’s legislative push to enhance CBP’s information-sharing capabilities to crack down on counterfeit imports, saying: “Border security is a team sport, and this is no different in the trade environment… Sharing information that is not a threat to other corporations, with the supply chain partners…is critically important.” 

    Video and a transcript of Grassley’s questions follow.

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO

    Reinstating Whistleblowers and Holding Retaliators Accountable:

    Mr. Scott, I’ve been told that you’re well aware of the retaliation against Mark Jones, Mike Taylor, and Fred Wynn. [They’re] people that helped me in some investigations I was doing.

    The retaliation’s been corroborated by the Office of Special Counsel. It’s been corroborated by my investigative staff.

    The Biden Customs and Border Protection stripped these brave whistleblowers of their badges and guns.

    As a result, they’ve lost out on promotions, pay increases and increased retirement pay.

    And why did that happen? Because they dared to disclose the Biden administration’s non-compliance with the law that is entitled the DNA Fingerprint Act, which means that everybody that crosses the border ought to have DNA collected, and only about 25% of that was actually being done. Non-compliance which put our country at risk.

    This can be fixed before your nomination even gets to the floor. It can be fixed this very day. It would assure my support for your nomination if these people can be 100% redirected from the punishment they had by the previous administration. 

    But [it’s] just as important [to me] to know that these people that have done the retaliation are held accountable.

    I suppose it’s kind of a case [of] can you find them in the bureaucracy. But, if confirmed, what concrete steps would you take to hold these retaliators accountable? 

    Counterfeit Imports:

    It’s not always easy for CBP to determine whether a shipment contains counterfeit imports, so CBP relies heavily on stakeholders like trademark owners to help identify fake products. 

    Mr. Scott, do you think CBP’s job would be easier if the law allowed the agency to share specific information with stakeholders — such as information found on packing materials and shipping containers—when it’s trying to determine if imported goods are real or fake?

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: HHS Folds to Grassley Oversight, Reverses Course on $89 Billion Biden-Era Contract Awarded to Shady Nonprofit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Washington Free Beacon: HHS to Reevaluate $89 Billion Contract Awarded to Shadowy University of California Nonprofit
    Sen. Chuck Grassley hails agency’s decision to reverse Biden’s ‘outrageous’ award
    Andrew Kerr
    April 30, 2025

    The National Institutes of Health is having second thoughts about a behemoth $89 billion contract it awarded to a seemingly dormant California nonprofit organization during the final days of former president Joe Biden’s term.

    The National Cancer Institute, a subsidiary of the NIH, awarded a 25-year, $89 billion contract to the Alliance for Advancing Biomedical Research to operate a cancer research lab at Maryland’s Fort Detrick on January 17, just three days before Biden left office. The reward marked a remarkable turn of fortune for the nascent nonprofit organization, which shares close ties to the University of California’s National Laboratories but hadn’t raised or spent a penny since its founding in 2022, according to its available Form 990 tax filings. The nonprofit group exists with the “specific purpose to operate exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, and/or to carry out the purposes of The Regents of the University of California,” according to its 2022 tax filing.

    But the Alliance for Advancing Biomedical Research now risks seeing its multibillion-dollar taxpayer-funded windfall slip through its fingers, according to an April 8 notice obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, showing that the Department of Health and Human Services—NIH’s parent agency—is reevaluating all the original bids for the contract and will possibly award it to another company.

    The agency’s move came just weeks after Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) sent a letter in late February to the NIH demanding to know why the agency awarded the massive contract to an untested nonprofit with close ties to the University of California, a system that, according to the senator, not only has a history of spending around 40 percent of its federal research funding on administrative costs, but also has a dubious record of leaving its laboratories open to national security breaches by the Chinese Communist Party.

    “It’s outrageous Biden’s NIH shoved a nearly $90 billion contract out the door just days before President Trump returned to office,” Grassley told the Free Beacon. “Even worse, the money would have flowed to an organization that can’t clearly protect itself from adversaries like China. I’m very glad HHS heeded my calls to reverse course and is now re-evaluating its initial proposal. I urge the department to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars as it works to defeat cancer and save lives.”

    …

    The nonprofit’s close ties to the University of California was of great concern to Grassley, who noted in his February 26 letter to NIH acting director Matthew Memoli that the university has a record of keeping about 40 percent of its federal research funding for research costs, a figure that far exceeds the Trump administration’s cap on such expenditures at 15 percent.

    “It is critical to ensure taxpayer-funded research dollars are actually spent on research, not university administrative expenses,” Grassley wrote in his letter.

    Grassley also said he was concerned about the University of California’s well-documented failure to protect its labs from security breaches by China’s government.

    “It has been reported that between 1987 and 2021, at least 162 scientists who had worked at Los Alamos [National Laboratory] returned to China to support a variety of domestic research and development programs, including at least 59 who were involved with China’s talent programs,” Grassley wrote. “It appears that the University of California’s inability to keep China out of U.S. R&D is an issue that spans nearly four decades.”

    …

    HHS notified Leidos on April 9 that NIH had taken the “voluntary corrective action” to reevaluate the initial contract proposals and possibly make a new reward determination, according to a letter obtained by the Free Beacon.

    …

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Remarks Honoring Fred Wertheimer As He Receives The Senator Paul H. Douglas Award For Ethics In Government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 30, 2025

    In his remarks, Durbin praised the Paul Douglas Award recipient, Fred Wertheimer, for his dedication to strengthening American democracy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered remarks honoring Fred Wertheimer, this year’s recipient for the University of Illinois System’s Senator Paul H. Douglas Award for Ethics in Government.  In his remarks, Durbin praised Mr. Wertheimer’s work as founder and President of Democracy 21, a nonpartisan, nonprofit dedicated to strengthening American democracy, safeguarding election integrity, and promoting government accountability.

    Named for the late Illinois Senator, the Senator Paul H. Douglas Award for Ethics in Government is presented to a person whose public actions and contributions have demonstrated a deep understanding and respect for ethical behavior and standards in government.  Past recipients include former President Barack Obama, the late Senator Paul Simon, the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and former Representative Liz Cheney.

      

    Photos of Durbin delivering his remarks can be found here.

    Durbin’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:

    U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Remarks at Paul Douglas Award Ceremony

    April 30, 2025

    As prepared for delivery

    Thank you, President Killeen, for those kind words.  I want to welcome my dear friends, Jean Douglas Bandler and Ned Bandler, Senator Douglas’s daughter and son-in-law, his great-grandson, Matthew Douglas.

    It is always an honor to join the Douglas family, the University of Illinois, and its outstanding Institute of Government and Public Affairs in presenting the Senator Paul H. Douglas Ethics in Government Award.

    People ask me how I’ve survived 42 years in Congress.  The short answer is:  I try to follow the Gospel of St. Paul—by which I mean, I try to follow the examples of Paul Simon and Paul Douglas.

    They showed me that the bedrock of a long career in public service is a commitment to honesty and integrity.  Without that North Star to guide you, you are liable to get lost. I’ve seen it happen. 

    Paul Douglas held himself to high ethical standards—even stronger than Congress required—because he understood when people lose faith in their government, democracy crumbles.  That basic truth is also what has driven Fred Wertheimer for more than 50 years.

    I have known Fred for many of those years.  I admire him greatly.  I am also a big fan of his brilliant wife, Linda Wertheimer.  We’re honored that you could join us, Linda.

    For more than five decades—first at Common Cause and then at Democracy 21—he has been a leading voice in advancing the causes of honesty and integrity in government, free and fair elections, and protecting Americans’ right to vote.  The bedrock issues of democracy.

    Fred Wertheimer is not intimidated by Big Money or long odds, and he is not afraid of bullies—which means he is exactly the kind of leader America needs, urgently, now.

    Today is Day 101 of the second Trump Administration.   If America had been invaded by a hostile nation, I’m not sure they could have done so much damage, in such a short period of time, to our economy, our democracy, and our standing in the world.

    What would Professor Paul Douglas say about an Administration threatening to withhold federal funding for education and research—and jeopardizing universities’ solvency–in order to dictate what can be taught, and who can teach?

    What would economist Paul Douglas think of a President who needlessly drives up costs for America’s families and businesses and harms the global economy at risk by waging an

    incoherent trade war against our foes and allies?

    Our government is being dismantled, essential services are being crippled, and tens of thousands of federal workers are being fired, many illegally, on instructions from the richest man on Earth, who bought his influence in this Administration with hundreds of millions of dollars in cold, hard campaign cash.

    The autocrats and oligarchs are at the gate.  If Paul Douglas were here, he would be appalled, as we all should be.

    So, what do we do to save our democracy?  First, we need to break the corrupt chokehold of unlimited, unaccountable special interest money on our elections and public policies. 

    Second, we need to protect the right to vote.

    I know that you are committed to both of these imperatives, Fred, and I am with you.

    Finally, we must safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

    During the Biden Administration, Democrats held a majority, and I held the gavel on the Senate Judiciary Committee. And the Senate confirmed 235 federal judges of impeccable character and qualifications—including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

    These and other federal judges are now holding the line against his most serious assaults on the rule of law.  We must continue to defend this line.  Without the rule of law, there is no democracy.

    In 1970, when John Gardner founded Common Cause, he knew he wanted Fred Wertheimer to spearhead its campaign finance reform efforts.  He warned Fred that that, quote: “Reform is not for the short-winded.”

    Fortunately, in the race to make our democracy more open, honest, and accountable, Fred Wertheimer is a long-distance runner and a champion.  He is a leader for these times, and a worthy recipient of the 2025 Senator Paul H. Douglas Ethics in Government Award.

    Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Fred, and thank you for your decades of service to our democracy.

    And now, it is my pleasure to introduce Senator Douglas’ great-grandson Matthew Douglas, who is representing the Douglas family.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses During Spotlight Hearing On The Trump Administration’s Attempts To Whitewash Januar 6

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    April 30, 2025
    The hearing featured Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police Officer, and Daniel Hodges, an MPD Officer, both who were brutally attacked by insurrectionists
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Democratic spotlight hearing entitled “Clear and Present Danger: The Trump Administration’s Whitewashing of the January 6th Insurrection.” Durbin first questioned Mike Romano, a former Deputy Chief of the Capitol Siege Section of the D.C.U.S. Attorney’s Office and member of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Public Integrity Unit, and Sara Levine, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Capitol Siege Section of the D.C, about Ed Martin—President Trump’s pick for U.S. Attorney in D.C.
    “Ed Martin’s nomination to be [the] U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia is pending before this Committee. I want to understand how you [were] assigned to these [January 6] cases initially, how you executed them, if there was anything unusual in your duties, and responsibilities, and Ed Martin’s personal involvement—if there was any. And how you were terminated from the office,”said Durbin.
    Ms. Levine stated that she came to work for the U.S. Attorney’s Office specifically for the Capitol Siege Section. While there, she worked on about 40 cases. Ms. Levine was terminated from the Justice Department as a result of her work on the January 6 cases.
    Mr. Romano responded that he joined the Capitol Siege Section in February of 2021. He stated, “I knew from talking with some of my former colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office that there was going to be a call that went out to other parts of the Justice Department for people to staff this effort. There was a sense that there needed to be many more people assigned to prosecute these cases nationwide.” Mr. Romano worked on about 20 cases before being elevated to Deputy Chief.
    Durbin has continuously called out Mr. Martin’s long record of objectionable statements and conduct. This includes: Mr. Martin repeatedly attacking law enforcement officers who kept members and staff safe during the January 6 insurrection and the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who were assigned to prosecute the rioters who brutally attacked police officers; Mr. Martin calling Michael Fanone, a 20-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department who was nearly killed on January 6, “a fake cop”; Mr. Martin advocating for “less judgment on somebody who hit a cop” on January 6; Mr. Martin repeatedly attacking prosecutors who were assigned to work on January 6 cases, calling them “terrorists” and “despicable people who decided to do something wrong”; and Mr. Martin’s close relationship with Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, a January 6 rioter and Nazi sympathizer whom he called an “extraordinary man, an extraordinary leader” who is “worthy of being listened to by lots of folks.”
    “Can you tell me in regards to the individuals you prosecuted—do any of them have criminal records?” Durbin asked.
    Mr. Romano responded that yes, some of them did have criminal records prior to the January 6 insurrection.
    “I can’t tell you how many cases have been filed against these individuals after [President Trump’s] pardons… In Central Illinois, there was a murder case involving one of these defendants. Clearly some of them had criminal records coming into this experience,” said Durbin. 
    The hearing focused on honoring the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol; acknowledging the work of the prosecutors who brought the January 6 insurrectionists to justice in the years following the attack; and condemning President Trump’s dangerous and reckless decision to commute the sentences of 14 individuals and grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to the nearly 1,500 other individuals charged or convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
    Video of Durbin’s questions in the hearing is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in the hearing is available here.
    Durbin concluded the hearing by stating, “You were not just witnesses to history, you are history. You’ve lived it [and] you’ve lived the aftermath as well. I can’t think of another event in my lifetime that has been subject to such historic revisionism [where the Administration] is trying to rewrite January 6… Those of us in the building know what we saw and what we lived through… Because this event was of such historic importance, we cannot let the truth die. We have to come together regularly and tell the truth to the American people.”
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mesa Man Indicted for Torching Tesla Property

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Today, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a five-count indictment against Ian William Moses, 35, of Mesa, Arizona for Maliciously Damaging Property and Vehicles in Interstate Commerce by Means of Fire.

    The charging documents filed in the case allege that Moses was at the Tesla dealership in Mesa shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, April 28, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, tan ballcap, grey pants, black boots, and a black mask. He also carried a red plastic gas can and a black backpack. While in the Tesla parking lot, Moses was captured on video as he placed fire starter logs next to the dealership building. Moses then poured gasoline onto the starter logs, the building, and three Tesla vehicles. At around 1:38 a.m., Moses ignited the starter logs, causing a fire that destroyed a silver Tesla Cybertruck. Video shows Moses leaving the dealership on a dark colored bicycle shortly thereafter.

    Mesa police officers arrested Moses approximately a quarter mile from the Tesla dealership at around 3 a.m., still dressed in the same clothes as he was seen wearing at the scene. After his arrest, officers found a hand drawn map of the area in Moses’ pocket, which included a box with the letter “T” marking the dealership’s location.

    “If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No negotiating.”

    “ATF’s Special Agents and forensic investigators, working with the FBI and local partners, quickly recovered and analyzed critical evidence following this deliberate attack,” said ATF Acting Director Dan Driscoll. “This attack poses a serious threat to public safety and the ATF remains committed to aggressively pursuing anyone who endangers our communities through violence or destruction.”

    “There is nothing American about burning down someone else’s business because you disagree with them politically,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona. “These ongoing attacks against Tesla are not protests, they are acts of violence that have no place in Arizona or anywhere else. If someone targets Tesla with violence, they will be found and confronted with the full force of the law.”

    “I would like to recognize the dedicated work of the Mesa Police and Mesa Fire Departments on this case,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber. “Cooperation with our law enforcement partners acts as a multiplier in our efforts to remove violent criminals from the streets and make our communities safer. The professionalism and extensive investigative knowledge of the police and fire investigators within our arson taskforce cannot be overstated.”

    “My office will be engaged in this investigation, and I’m pleased to be able to share our expertise,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “We have a high level of success in prosecuting these types of crimes. My office stands ready to assist our federal law enforcement partners in the prosecution of this individual.”

    “I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Superstition District Patrol officers who played a crucial role in this investigation. Their swift action in identifying and monitoring the suspicious van parked near the dealership was critical to the success of this operation. I am truly grateful for their diligent police work,” said Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost. “Special thanks also go to the Mesa Police specialty units and the partnering agencies involved. Your collaboration was instrumental in bringing this suspect to justice and enhancing the safety of our community.”

    Each count of conviction for Malicious Damage to Property in Interstate Commerce carries a minimum penalty of five years and up to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

    The investigation in this case is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, Mesa Police Department, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond K. Woo, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. pronounces provincial day of remembrance and mourning for victims of tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival

    The Province of British Columbia has declared Friday, May 2, 2025, an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver on April 26, 2025.  

    Eleven people were killed and dozens more injured while celebrating Filipino culture and history in a senseless attack at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver. As we learn more about the victims, we are also learning their loss is felt deeply across the province.

    This tragedy has had profound impact on the Filipino community in B.C. and many others in Vancouver and throughout the province.

    The day of remembrance and mourning is an opportunity for people in British Columbia to come together, grieve the loss of innocent lives and recognize the contributions the victims made to their communities and the province. It is also a time to offer comfort to all of those impacted, including those who have lost loved ones, those recovering and those who witnessed the horrific scene, and to offer deep appreciation to community partners, the police, paramedics and those working at the hospitals for their dedicated service at a trying time. Hundreds of volunteers and community members are also stepping up to help at a trying time.

    A backgrounder follows.

    People in British Columbia impacted by the tragic events at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Festival can access the following supports:

    • Anyone who witnessed or experienced trauma at the event is encouraged to access resources through the VPD Victim Services Unit: 604 717-3321 and VictimLinkBC: call or text 1 800 563-0808, or email 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca to be connected to services that can help, including counselling resources. For details, visit: https://victimlinkbc.ca/
    • ICBC supports are available for people who have been injured, as well as witnesses and the family members of those killed, including counselling. For more information, visit: https://icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2025-04-27-lapu-lapu-tragedy
    • B.C.’s crisis line at 310-6789 (no area code needed) is available for anyone who needs mental-health supports. Crisis lines provide immediate support in the moment, as well as connections to ongoing supports.
    • Crime Victim Assistance Program benefits are available to victims, immediate family members and witnesses: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits
    • School districts are also taking action to support students, staff and families, including making more counsellors available. A list of resources has also been sent out to districts throughout the province to provide to students and their families looking for support.
    • Supports are available for first responders and health-care workers who are on the front lines, and we encourage all workers to reach out to their employers and/or unions if they are struggling.
    • BC Emergency Health Service’s (BCEHS) Critical Incident Management Stress team is providing mental-health and wellness support to employees who have been affected by these events in addition to the support provided by BCEHS leaders and supervisors. 
    • Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) staff and medical staff can contact the VCH Employee and Family Assistance Program to access confidential counselling and wellness any time, 24/7.

    The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) is working closely with the City of Vancouver and meeting with Filipino BC, the Vancouver Emergency Management Agency (VEMA), the Red Cross, United Way and other partners to identify further supports required.

    Those wishing to sign the book of condolences for victims of this tragedy can visit the Hall of Honour at the B.C. legislature or visit: https://submit.digital.gov.bc.ca/app/form/submit?f=f4944988-5402-45a8-bb9c-7b2a95f928d9

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: THE AMERICA FIRST DREAM TEAM HAS BEEN ASSEMBLED 🇺🇸🦅

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

    THE AMERICA FIRST DREAM TEAM HAS BEEN ASSEMBLED

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDQxHEatf94

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Aimfinity Investment Corp. I Announces Transition from Nasdaq to OTC Markets and New Monthly Extension for Business Combination

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Wilmington, DE, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aimfinity Investment Corp. I (the “AIMA”) (Nasdaq: AIMAU), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced that, as anticipated, AIMA received a notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” or the “Exchange”), stating that in accordance with Nasdaq rules, its securities will be delisted from the Exchange. At the open of trading on Monday, May 5, 2025, AIMA’s securities will be suspended on Nasdaq and are expected to begin trading on the OTC Markets under the tickers “AIMAU,” “AIMBU,” and “AIMAW”, for its units, new units and warrants, respectively.

    AIMA’s previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Docter Inc. (“Docter”), a Taiwanese health technology company, which received shareholder approval on March 27, 2025, will not be materially affected by the venue change, as AIMA and Docter remain committed to working closely to secure Nasdaq listing approval for the post-combined entity and to close the Business Combination as soon as practicable.

    In addition, in order to extend the date by which AIMA must complete the Business Combination from April 28, 2025 to May 28, 2025, on April 28, 2025, I-Fa Chang, manager of the sponsor of AIMA, deposited into AIMA’s trust account (the “Trust Account”) an aggregate of $55,823.80, or $0.05 per Class A ordinary share held by public shareholders of AIMA (the “Monthly Extension Payment”).

    Pursuant to AIMA’s fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (“Current Charter”), effective January 9, 2025, AIMA may extend the date by which AIMA must complete the Business Combination on a monthly basis from January 28, 2025 until October 28, 2025 or such earlier date as may be determined by its board of directors by depositing the Monthly Extension Payment for each month into the Trust Account. This is the fourth of nine monthly extensions available under the Current Charter of AIMA.  

    About Aimfinity Investment Corp. I

    Aimfinity Investment Corp. I is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) focused on merging with high-growth potential businesses and facilitating their entry into the capital markets.

    About Docter Inc.

    Docter Inc. is a leading health technology company dedicated to developing innovative health monitoring solutions that enhance the accessibility and efficiency of global healthcare services.
      

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    As previously disclosed, on October 13, 2023, AIMA entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), by and between AIMA, Docter, Aimfinity Investment Merger Sub I, a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly-owned subsidiary of AIMA (“Purchaser”), and Aimfinity Investment Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser (“Merger Sub”), pursuant to which AIMA is proposing to enter into a business combination with Docter involving an reincorporation merger and an acquisition merger. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the business combination. AIMA’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the proxy statement/prospectus and the amendments thereto and other documents filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about AIMA, Purchaser or Docter, and the proposed business combination. The proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the proposed business combination have been mailed to shareholders of AIMA as of the record date of February 25, 2025, established for voting on the proposed business combination. Such shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to AIMA’s principal office at 221 W 9th St, PMB 235 Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the proposed transactions described herein, and the parties’ perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction, including the anticipated initial enterprise value and post-closing equity value, the benefits of the proposed transaction, integration plans, expected synergies and revenue opportunities, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates for growth, the expected management and governance of the combined company, and the expected timing of the proposed transactions. The words “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, assumptions (including assumptions about general economic, market, industry and operational factors), known or unknown, which could cause the actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated.

    Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) risks related to the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed business combination, including the risk that the transaction may not close due to one or more closing conditions to the transaction not being satisfied or waived, such as regulatory approvals not being obtained, on a timely basis or otherwise, or that a governmental entity prohibited, delayed or refused to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction or required certain conditions, limitations or restrictions in connection with such approvals; (ii) risks related to the ability of AIMA and Docter to successfully integrate the businesses; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the applicable transaction agreements; (iv) the risk that there may be a material adverse change with respect to the financial position, performance, operations or prospects of AIMA or Docter; (v) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; (vi) the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of AIMA’s securities; (vii) the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of Docter to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally; (viii) risks relating to the medical device industry, including but not limited to governmental regulatory and enforcement changes, market competitions, competitive product and pricing activity; and (ix) risks relating to the combined company’s ability to enhance its products and services, execute its business strategy, expand its customer base and maintain stable relationship with its business partners.
       
    A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 26, 2022 relating to AIMA’s initial public offering (File No. 333-263874), the annual report of AIMA on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025, and in the final prospectus/proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 6, 2025 relating to the proposed transactions (File No. 333-284658) (the “Final Prospectus”), and other documents that the parties may file or furnish with the SEC, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and AIMA, Docter, and their subsidiaries or affiliates undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made except as required by law or applicable regulation.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the proposed transactions described herein, Purchaser filed the Final Prospectus with the SEC on March 6, 2025. The proxy statement and a proxy card has been mailed to AIMA’s shareholders of record as of February 25, 2025. Shareholders of AIMA will also be able to obtain a copy of the Final Prospectus without charge from AIMA. The Final Prospectus may also be obtained without charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF AIMA ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS THAT AIMA WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AIMA, DOCTER AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. 

    Participants in the Solicitation

    AIMA, Docter, and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management, and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of AIMA’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transactions described herein. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of AIMA’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination is set forth in the Final Prospectus.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of any potential transaction and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of AIMA, Purchaser or Docter, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom.

    Contact Information:

    Aimfinity Investment Corp. I
    I-Fa Chang
    Chief Executive Officer
    221 W 9th St, PMB 235
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801
    ceo@aimfinityspac.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Introduces Legislation to End D.C. as a Sanctuary City

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    The bill would require Washington, D.C. to comply with ICE and DHS
    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Rules Committee, introduced the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act, a piece of legislation that would eliminate the District of Columbia’s sanctuary laws and require compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) detainer requests. Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA-03) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “Unconscionable that our nation’s capital would facilitate illegality and thwart federal law enforcement efforts,” said Senator Hagerty. “President Trump’s efforts to enforce immigration laws should not be undermined by local leadership anywhere in the United States, let alone Washington, D.C. I’m pleased to introduce this legislation that will end D.C.’s attempt to create criminal sanctuary and require the District to comply with federal law enforcement to bring illegal aliens to justice and keep our communities safe.”
    “Sanctuary policies have devastating real-life consequences,” said Congressman Clay Higgins. “As our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. should be the safest, most ‘America First’ city in the United States, and Congress has the Constitutional authority to end the city’s sanctuary status. I thank Senator Hagerty for introducing companion legislation in the Senate that ends D.C.’s sanctuary laws and returns our nation’s capital to We, the People.”
    The District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act would prevent Washington, D.C. from having in effect a statute, ordinance, policy or practice that prohibits or restricts any entity or official of the District government from communicating with federal immigration authorities or complying with a request made by DHS or ICE to honor a detainer on an illegal alien in the custody of the District.
    Background:
    The Biden Administration allowed millions of illegal aliens into the United States. Now, Democrat-run cities and states are trying to prevent the Trump Administration from enforcing the law and removing illegal aliens from our communities through unlawful sanctuary policies and laws. Washington, D.C. is a sanctuary jurisdiction under its Sanctuary Values Amendment Act.
    As Chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee with respect for Washington, D.C., Sen. Hagerty has an overarching interest in underscoring Washington’s duty to align with federal policies that prioritize national safety and security. President Trump is delivering on his promise to enforce the law and bring illegal aliens to justice. Sanctuary policies, however, seek to undermine President Trump’s efforts to protect Americans.
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 201

    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.
    SEL1

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 201
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    710 PM CDT Wed Apr 30 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Eastern Arkansas
    Southeast Missouri
    Northwest Mississippi
    Western Tennessee

    * Effective this Wednesday evening from 710 PM until 1100 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 65 mph possible

    SUMMARY…A squall line will continue east into the Watch area this
    evening. Strong to severe gusts capable of wind damage will be the
    primary hazard with the more intense portions of the thunderstorm
    band.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 40
    statute miles east and west of a line from 55 miles northeast of
    Walnut Ridge AR to 105 miles south southwest of Memphis TN. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

    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 198…WW 199…WW 200…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 55 knots. A few
    cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector
    26025.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW1
    WW 201 SEVERE TSTM AR MO MS TN 010010Z – 010400Z
    AXIS..40 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    55NE ARG/WALNUT RIDGE AR/ – 105SSW MEM/MEMPHIS TN/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 35NM E/W /49NE ARG – 23WNW SQS/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..55 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26025.

    LAT…LON 36688951 33638998 33639137 36689095

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU1.

    Watch 201 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

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (10%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    Mod (60%)

    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: TCU/IAM Members Attend New York State Council in Niagara Falls

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Members of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) recently joined other IAM Union members and elected officials from across the state at the New York State Council of Machinists (NYSCOM) annual meeting, held this year in Niagara Falls.

    The meeting allowed TCU/IAM members to learn new strategies for advocating for the rights of working people in New York and New Jersey.

    TCU/IAM has been a proud participant in the NYSCOM conference for more than 17 years, continuing its tradition of support and involvement. This year, TCU/IAM was well-represented by members from several key locals, including Long Island Rail Road Locals 90, 177, 1277,1444, BSC IT Local 982; and New Jersey Transit Local 626.

    “I want to thank NYSCOM for all their hard work and dedication to New York,” said TCU/IAM National Vice President Nick Peluso. “The TCU/IAM has been coming to this great conference for over 17 years, and we continue to support and get the job done in New York. I want to thank the four LIRR locals — 90, 177, 1277, and 1444, BSC IT Local 982, and New Jersey Transit Local 626 for always attending and supporting this great conference.”

    The event highlighted the strength and unity of the labor movement and reinforced the importance of continued collaboration across the region. TCU/IAM remains committed to attending NYSCOM to protect and advance workers’ rights throughout New York and New Jersey.

    “This is the 129th conference of the New York State Council of Machinists, and I am proud to say that we had 74 delegates in attendance, along with an additional 30 to 35 guests,” said NYSCOM President Norm Shreve. “We were also pleased to have strong participation from several elected officials. We’ve gathered a lot of valuable information during this meeting, and our delegates will take it back to their locals to share with members who couldn’t attend.”

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 30th, 2025 Heinrich Announces Legislation to Address PFAS, Water Contamination in Private Wells

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that he has cosponsored new legislation to protect New Mexico communities from dangerous contaminants like per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. 
    “Access to clean water is essential to the health and economic well-being of New Mexico families,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation that will help rural communities in New Mexico access clean water by giving them the tools they need to get rid of toxins in their drinking water. I will continue fighting in the Senate to keep New Mexicans safe and help them build a strong foundation for the future.”
    The Technical Fix for the State Response to Contaminants Program Act will ensure that states have flexibility to use funding from the $5 billion provided in the Infrastructure Law — which Heinrich helped pass into law — for PFAS and other emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged communities to help assist private well owners get rid of toxins in their drinking water. Congress intended for that funding to be available to states to help address private well contamination among other eligible uses of the funding. Currently, the EPA interprets statute as only allowing for assistance to private wells if it is being used to connect to public water systems. Because connecting to public water systems may not be feasible or desirable in all cases, this bill clarifies that assistance may be provided for the benefit of well owners that are not public water systems and are not connected to a public water system. 
    The Technical Fix for the State Response to Contaminants Program Act is led by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). Alongside Heinrich, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Angus King (I-Maine).
    The bill text is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 30th, 2025 Heinrich Announces Legislation to Combat Gun Trafficking, Protect Communities from Gun Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Legislation builds on Heinrich’s work to increase criminal penalties for straw purchases and stop illegal gun trafficking out of our country
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the core bipartisan group of senators who negotiated and passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), co-sponsored the Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act, legislation to protect communities from gun violence by requiring federal law enforcement to coordinate efforts to prevent the importation and trafficking of machinegun conversion devices including ‘auto-sears’ — illegal gun modification devices that can convert semi-automatic weapons into fully-automatic weapons — and seize all profits that come from the illegal trafficking of these devices.
    “I’m proud that the provisions I wrote in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act have already led to hundreds of arrests and kept firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals. But with at least 91 mass shooting in the United States already this year, it’s clear we have more work to do,” said Heinrich. I’m proud to co-sponsor the Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act, which will help law enforcement keep New Mexicans safe from gun violence by providing new tools to combat illegal gun trafficking.”
    Specifically, the Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act will: 

    Direct the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of the Treasury to develop a coordinated national strategy to prevent or intercept the importation and trafficking of automatic gun conversion devices;

    The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.),  Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). 
    The legislation is endorsed by GIFFORDS and Brady: United Against Gun Violence.
    The text of the bill is here. 
    Heinrich-Led Gun Trafficking and Straw Purchase Provisions: 
    Heinrich-led provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act increased criminal penalties for straw purchasers and made it a crime, for the first time ever, to traffic firearms out of the United States. Straw purchasers are people who buy guns for those who cannot buy them directly themselves due to their age, felony criminal convictions, or other limitations. By increasing penalties for straw purchasing, Heinrich’s provision is helping to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who would use them against our communities. By making it illegal to traffic firearms out of the country, Heinrich’s provision gave law enforcement the tools needed to prosecute and disrupt the flow of firearms to Mexico and the Northern Triangle, fueling the violence that has driven so many to flee their home countries.  
    To date, the Department of Justice has charged more than 600 defendants using BSCA’s gun trafficking and straw purchasing laws, removing hundreds of firearms off the streets in the process. These cases are significant, often preventing and prosecuting highly dangerous activity, such as crimes linked to organized trafficking rings and transnational criminal organizations.  
    For example, in March 2024, the Justice Department charged several defendants with trafficking and straw purchasing over 100 firearms, including many military-grade weapons, that were allegedly intended to be smuggled to a Mexican drug cartel. In April 2024, a defendant was sentenced to 276 months in prison for firearms trafficking and straw purchasing, as well as distribution of fentanyl, where the evidence showed that two of the trafficked firearms had been used in gang-related shootings. In 2o23, a defendant was sentenced to two years in prison for running an illegal gun trafficking enterprise, repeatedly taking money to lie on firearm purchase forms and obtain weapons for convicted felons. 
    In New Mexico, the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico has charged 11 defendants with BSCA violations. 
    Heinrich’s Longtime Leadership to Tackle Gun Violence:
    A gun owner and father, Heinrich has long worked to advance and pass bipartisan policies that save lives, protect public safety, and reduce gun violence.
    This month, Heinrich introduced his Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act and bipartisan Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act, commonsense legislation designed to protect communities from gun violence, while safeguarding Americans’ constitutional right to own a firearm for legitimate self-defense, hunting, and sporting purposes.
    Heinrich recently convened a press conference in Albuquerque with New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, community leaders, and students to announce the introduction of his GOSAFE Act. For photos and videos of that event, click here.

    In October 2024, Heinrich secured critical funding for New Mexico law enforcement to purchase four new NIBIN machines for Las Cruces, Farmington, Gallup, and Roswell. This allows law enforcement to trace firearms used in crimes and hold criminals accountable, all while saving officers valuable time and resources.
    In 2017, Heinrich cosponsored the bipartisan Fix NICS Act, which now requires federal and state authorities to produce background check implementation plans and holds federal agencies accountable for reporting relevant criminal records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). He also led the successful call to repeal the Dickey Amendment, which had previously prevented the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from funding research on gun violence and its effects on public health.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on Sharp GDP Decline, Higher Costs in First Quarter of Trump Presidency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement on the 2025 Q1 GDP estimate showing that the U.S. economy shrank during the first quarter of President Trump’s administration: 
    “100 days ago, America’s economy was growing and inflation was slowing. 
    “Instead of sustaining this economic trajectory, President Trump has driven our economy into a ditch with a self-inflicted trade war. This trade war targets our allies and close partners and is implementing the biggest tax increase in decades on working families — even as Elon Musk and DOGE illegally slash and hold up key investments in research, health care, agriculture and more. 
    “Americans elected Donald Trump in part because he vowed to lower the price of ‘everything’ – yet in the first quarter of Trump’s presidency, our GDP shrank, prices jumped and business leaders and economists across the political spectrum are saying a recession is likely this year. 
    “It’s time for the President to immediately reverse course, stop the wasteful trade war that is crushing small businesses and American families and lower costs like he said he would. Today, the Senate has a chance to do the right thing and vote to halt the largest of these tariffs – I hope my colleagues take that opportunity to help get our economy back on a better track.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Charged with Smuggling Protected Parakeets Inside the Boots he was Wearing

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Naim Lajud Libien was arrested and charged with smuggling 12 protected Orange Fronted Parakeets into the U.S. stuffed inside the boots he was wearing and inside a seat compartment in his car. At least two of the birds died, and a third appeared to have a broken neck.

    Lajud Libien, a citizen of Mexico, attempted to cross the border in his vehicle after presenting a Border Crossing Card at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on April 29 at 3:10 p.m. He was diverted to secondary inspection. Once he stepped outside of his 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Customs and Border Protection officer noticed bulges around his ankles. For safety reasons, the officer conducted a pat down and discovered what appeared to be birds wrapped in nylon stockings concealed inside the boots.

    A CBP Agricultural Specialist responded to the security office and removed six birds from the defendant’s boots – three in the right, three in the left, all tied at the feet and wrapped in panty hose. The birds were later identified by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inspector as Orange Fronted Parakeets (Eupsittula canicularis). The birds were placed in a bird cage with food and water until they could be cared for by Veterinary Services. Some of the birds appeared to have injuries on their feet where they were tied.

    “Smuggling at the border takes many forms, but the tragic impact on animals forced into such perilous conditions is deeply troubling,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “We are committed to holding accountable those who endanger wildlife and public health through these reckless and inhumane smuggling practices.”

    Lajud Libien was taken into custody on April 29, 2025.  On April 30, 2025, CBP personnel could hear birds crying from his impounded vehicle. CBP officers and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Inspector began a dismantling the car in search of the birds. Six more orange parakeets were found inside the seat cushion of the passenger seat of the vehicle. The birds were wrapped in panty hose and bound. Two of the birds were dead when they were discovered. One of the birds appears to have a broken neck. Three of the birds were still alive; however, in poor health.

    Orange Fronted Parakeets (Eupsittula canicularis) are native to Western Mexico and Costa Rica. The Orange Fronted Parakeet is protected and has been listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) since 2005. Libien’s concealment of the parakeets would have resulted in their entering the United States without any quarantine period or process.

    To import many types of wildlife, the wildlife must be subject to quarantine before it can be introduced into the United States. Many animals have diseases that can be transferred to humans (zoonotic diseases) or other animals that can have disastrous health effects to human or animal populations. For example, birds can carry and spread Avian influenza (bird flu), psittacosis, and histoplasmos. Bird flu is highly contagious and can cause flu like symptoms, respiratory illness, pneumonia and death in humans and other birds including the United States poultry farms. There are many other diseases that can be transmitted from different animals and have disastrous effects, that is why it is necessary to quarantine animals entering the United States to limit and safeguard against this potential disease transmission.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Allen and and Elizabet Brown.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 25-mj-02213                                     

    Naim Lajud Libien                                         Age: 54                       Mexico

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Importation Contrary to Law – 18 U.S.C. § 545

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in custody, $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement

    Homeland Security Investigations

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

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  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    President Zelenskyy congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. The Prime Minister underscored Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in achieving lasting peace and security. The two leaders agreed that a durable peace can only be achieved with Ukraine at the table.

    The leaders agreed to remain in close contact and to meet at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, in June.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Statement on IRS Tax Relief Announcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Virginia affected by the severe February winter storms. 

    Affected individuals in businesses will have until November 3, 2025, to file their tax returns. Ninth District localities which qualified for tax relief include:

    – Counties: Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe 

    – Cities: Bristol

    U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “After the February winter storms, I sought to help deliver tax relief to the impacted Southwest Virginia communities. After weeks of advocacy and extensive talks, I am glad that we reached this milestone. Today’s announcement is significant help for Southwest Virginia, but I will continue to advocate for access to more recovery services.”

    BACKGROUND

    On February 10, 2025, severe winter storms hit Southwest Virginia.

    Following the storms, Rep. Griffith visited sites in Buchanan County, Dickenson County and Tazewell County to tour storm damage.

    On February 17, 2025, Rep. Griffith co-led a letter with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner requesting President Donald Trump approve Governor Youngkin’s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration.

    President Trump’s Administration approved Virginia’s request in April. 

    According to an IRS press release, the Nov. 3, 2025, deadline applies to individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025. The Nov. 3 deadline also applies to 2024 contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts for eligible taxpayers. This relief also applies to the estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, June 16, and Sept. 15, 2025. Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Feb. 10, 2025, and before Feb. 25, 2025, will be abated as long as the tax deposits were made by Feb 25, 2025.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Members Gather in Niagara Falls for Annual NYSCOM Meeting

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Union International President Brian Bryant, IAM Union Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan recently joined other IAM Union members and elected officials from across New York State in Niagara Falls for the annual meeting of the New York State Council of Machinists (NYSCOM), an affiliate of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

    [embedded content]

    Watch the video report here.

    The state council brought together IAM labor leaders and advocates to discuss legislative priorities, workplace challenges, and organizing strategies impacting thousands of machinists across the state.

    The multi-day state council meeting featured policy briefings, leadership workshops, and addresses from local, state, and national labor allies. Discussions focused on contract negotiations, job protections, workforce development, and the role of organized labor in shaping public policy.

    “This is the 129th conference of the New York State Council of Machinists, and I am proud to say that we had 74 delegates in attendance, along with an additional 30 to 35 guests,” said NYSCOM President Norm Shreve. “We were also pleased to have strong participation from several elected officials. We’ve gathered a lot of valuable information during this meeting, and our delegates will take it back to their locals to share with members who couldn’t attend.” 

    NYSCOM is the political arm for our New York locals and districts to help strengthen our voice, protect workers’ rights, and build momentum for working families in New York. The solidarity and commitment shown here reaffirm our mission as a powerful force for economic and social justice.”

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Applauds U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement after the U.S. and Ukraine signed today’s historic agreement, led by President Trump, to create the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.

    “Thank you, President Trump, for creating American partnerships, instead of American dependents,” Chairman Mast said.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Rep. John James’ Resolution to Overturn Biden’s California Clean Trucks Rule, Protecting American Truckers and Consumers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John James (Michigan 10th District)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution led by Representative John James (MI-10) utilizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Biden Administration’s approval of California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule. This Biden era waiver would allow California to ram its comply-or-die “zero-emission truck” rule down the throat of America– essentially killing Michigan’s trucking industry. It would mandate truck makers to only sell zero-emission trucks which would increase vehicle prices for consumers, increase costs and manufacturing complexities for automakers, and convolute the regulatory environment.

    James’ legislation would nullify an overreaching and impractical mandate that threatens American consumers, small businesses, and the nation’s supply chain. The Advanced Clean Trucks rule, if left unchecked, would force costly transitions to electric trucks, driving up prices for goods and disproportionately burdening working families and truckers across the country. 

    “Michigan is not afraid of the future, but we demand to be a part of it. The Biden Administration left behind comply-or-die Green New Deal mandates that threaten to crush our trucking industry and drive-up costs for hardworking Americans,” said Congressman James. “I know — my family has a trucking company. Republicans are working hard to implement President Trump’s America First agenda, and the first step is repealing the rules and waivers that fueled Bideninflation.”

    “The passage of these resolutions is a victory for Americans who will not be forced into purchasing costly EVs because of California’s unworkable mandates,” said Chairmen Brett Guthrie and Morgan Griffith. “If not repealed, the California waivers would lead to higher prices for both new and used vehicles, increase our reliance on China, and strain our electric grid. The passage of these three resolutions will help to protect Americans from some of the worst policies of the Biden-Harris Administration. Thank you to Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman Obernolte, and Congressman James for your work to ensure that families and businesses can continue choosing the vehicles they need.” 

    “This is not the United States of California. California should never be given the keys to set policies that impact our interstate supply chains. The trucking industry is grateful to our Congressional leaders who are removing Sacramento from the driver’s seat and restoring common sense to our nation’s environmental policies. ” Said Chris Spear, American Trucking Associations President & CEO.

    “The Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) is urging Congress to adopt the House resolutions this week authored by Congressman John James and his colleagues that would reverse the Biden EPA waivers that allows California to impose electric vehicle (EV) sales mandates,” said Jake Jacoby, Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) President & CEO. “TRALA wishes to thank Congressman James in his leadership on this critical issue and it asks the…Senate to follow suit and pass the CRAs immediately.”

    “America’s small business truck dealers want to sell trucks that their customers want to buy, and those trucks must be affordable and fit their customers’ needs,” said the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). “A one-size-fits-all ZEV mandate that restricts then bans the sale of diesel trucks would reduce customer choice without an affordable replacement and could have unintended consequences for the supply chain and the economy.”

    This bill is a part of a broader package introduced by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which included two additional CRA’s:

    • H.J. Res. 88, introduced by Congressman John Joyce (PA-13), would reverse the EPA’s decision to approve a waiver granted to California allowing the State to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
    • H.R. Res. 89, introduced by Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), would put an end to the EPA’s decision to allow California to implement its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty on-road engines.

    The California Clean Truck CRA builds on James’ efforts to push back on the Biden Administration’s burdensome regulations. In 2024, he successfully introduced a CRA to block Biden Administration rules on electric vehicle mandates for light- and medium-duty vehicles, as well as the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer rule. His latest effort has garnered support from industry leaders, including the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, who have praised the move to safeguard truckers and the broader economy. 

    Rep. James’ CRA to nullify the Clean Trucks rule passed the House with 231 bipartisan votes. This is James’ second legislative item to pass the House this week. 

    Click here to view the CRA text. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New USGS Data Release

    Source: US Geological Survey

    New USGS Data Release

    A new USGS Data Release provides data associated with the 2020–2021 summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano.

    Digital elevation models, orthomosaics, and GIS shapefiles of the 2020–2021 summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi – ScienceBase-Catalog

    During the 2020–2021 summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, staff at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) conducted 17 helicopter overflights of the eruption area between the dates of 21 December 2020 and 8 June 2021. Images captured during these flights were processed using the structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry technique to produce digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthomosaics of a lava lake filling Halemaʻumaʻu crater. This data release contains the DEMs and orthomosaics processed to achieve the highest possible accuracy and spatial resolution. A pre-eruption DEM and orthomosaic produced using overflight images from 8 April 2019 and 29 May 2020, used for spatial reference, are also included. Vector shapefiles are included for each eruption overflight identifying the eruption vents, the perimeter of the eruption deposits (combined vent area and lava lake surface), islands on the lava lake surface, and the mobile surface of the lava lake (where incandescent, flowing lava was observed). 

    Full reference: 

    Carr, B.B., Zoeller, M.H., DeSmither, L.G., Downs, D.T., Hamilton, C.W., Mulliken, K., Parcheta, C.E., and Patrick, M.R., 2025, Digital elevation models, orthomosaics, and GIS shapefiles of the 2020–2021 summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi: U.S. Geological Survey data release,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Reuters “Reporting” Fails to Mention that the Biden Administration Released Two Tren de Aragua Gang Members into American Communities

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – The mainstream media’s latest attempt at a criminal gang sob story includes a self-admitted member of Tren de Aragua. The real story here is that the previous administration was releasing gang members into American communities. 

    Jeferson Daniel Escalona Hernandez, a 19-year-old self-admitted Tren de Aragua gang member from Venezuela, illegally entered the United States on March 27, 2024. The previous administration released this gang member into our country. He was arrested for felony evading arrest with a vehicle and put in a Denton County jail. An immigration judge ordered Escalona removed from the U.S. on April 11, 2025, and he remains in ICE custody at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, pending his removal from the U.S.   

    Diover Millan Leon, a 24-year-old Venezuelan and documented member of Tren de Aragua, illegally entered the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Millan on May 3, 2023, near Brownsville, Texas, and he was processed as a notice to appear and released on his own recognizance. ICE officers arrested Millan in Lawrenceville, Georgia on March 12, 2025. ICE transferred Millan from the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, to the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, April 15, where he remains pending disposition of his immigration proceedings. 

    Statement Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:   

    “This is more irresponsible, lazy reporting by Reuters. Why do they continue to peddle the sob stories of these gang members but ignore their American victims?  

    Tren De Aragua is one of the most violent and ruthless terrorist gangs on planet earth. They rape, maim, and murder for sport. The previous administration released these gang members into our communities. President Trump and Secretary Noem have ended catch and release and will not allow criminal gangs to terrorize American citizens.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran Man Indicted For Re-Entry of Removed Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE MELVIN LOPEZ-LORENZO (“LOPEZ-LORENZO”), age 29, a native of Honduras, was indicted on April 24, 2025,for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

    According to the indictment, LOPEZ-LORENZO was found in the United States on April 10, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on July 26, 2018.

    LOPEZ-LORENZO faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge, and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: THE TRUMP EFFECT: $8 TRILLION in U.S. Investments and Climbing

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

    THE TRUMP EFFECT: $8 TRILLION in U.S. Investments and Climbing

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on Senate Vote Rejecting President Trump’s Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement after voting for a bipartisan resolution that would terminate the national emergency that President Trump declared as the basis for his reckless tariffs:

    “President Trump’s reckless tariffs have caused the economy to shrink for the first time in three years. Tonight, Democrats and Republicans made it clear that this is not the right course for the American economy.

    “In recent weeks, President Trump’s tariffs have wreaked havoc on our business community, farmers, manufacturers, and families. New Mexicans in every corner of the state are facing higher costs, shrinking life savings, and job insecurity. The President – who promised to lower costs on day one – is damaging the American economy and making life more expensive for American families and businesses.

    “These tariffs are new and drastic tax increases on hardworking New Mexicans. Democrats and Republicans alike know that President Trump’s tariffs are hurting their states. That’s why I voted with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to send a clear message to President Trump that these reckless tariffs are taking a toll on the American economy and it must stop now.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Judiciary Committee Democrats Hold Hearing on Trump’s Blanket Pardons and Commutations for January 6th Insurrectionists 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined his Senate Judiciary Committee Democratic colleagues for a spotlight hearing entitled “Clear and Present Danger: The Trump Administration’s Whitewashing of the January 6th Insurrection.” Hearing witnesses included Former United States Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn; Metropolitan Police Department Officer Daniel Hodges; Mike Romano, former Deputy Chief, Capitol Siege Section, D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office; and Sara Levine, former prosecutor, Capitol Siege Section, D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office. 
    “I came because I wanted to say thank you. It’s incredibly frustrating. This should be a hearing with the full committee where all of us are expressing our gratitude to folks who did their jobs, and all of us are expressing outrage at the erosion of the rule of law,” said Senator Welch. “The thing that’s so difficult is that the world is upside down right now…You’re looking at a world where the bad guys won. I mean, that’s what it boils down to. And that’s hard to live with.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s remarks below: 

    The spotlight hearing examined President Trump’s reckless and dangerous pardons for those who attacked the Capitol on January 6th, the subsequent retaliation against investigators and prosecutors, and continued attempts by Trump loyalists like Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Ed Martin to rewrite the history of the insurrection and defend the rioters. The hearing also honored the law enforcement officers who bravely put themselves in harm’s way to protect the Capitol that day. 
    Watch a livestream recording of the spotlight hearing here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –