Category: Americas

MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Norma Torres Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

April 21, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres issued a statement following the news of the passing of Pope Francis:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. He was a humble man who dedicated his life to promoting peace and mending division. He cared profoundly about the plight of migrants and refugees in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church, and spent a lifetime living the values of care and compassion.

“As a freshman in Congress, I will always remember the Pope’s address to us in 2015. He made an appeal to our common humanity, to care for the most vulnerable among us, to be better stewards of our planet, and to promote respect for all. This message is needed now more than ever.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colorado Democrats Call to Protect Head Start Amid Child Care Crisis

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
Head Start supports 11,600+ Colorado kids, ensuring they are set up for lifelong success
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and the Colorado Democratic delegation wrote a letter urging President Trump to fully fund Head Start in the upcoming budget. The letter follows alarming reports that the Trump administration is considering a proposal to eliminate funding for the program.
“Colorado families face a child care crisis: child care is neither affordable nor accessible, and most families face a lengthy enrollment waitlist,” wrote the lawmakers. “The elimination of Head Start funding would further imperil an already fragile state of affairs – particularly for rural communities, where local child care facilities are often oversubscribed or nonexistent. Head Start facilities often serve as the only affordable option.”
In Colorado alone, more than 11,600 children rely on Head Start services every year, and the program supports over 5,000 jobs. Head Start provides child care, early education, nutrition, and health services to children in low-income households, while also offering parents opportunities for employment and education.
Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below:
Dear President Trump:
We write to express our concerns with any proposal that cuts or eliminates Head Start and Early Head Start (Head Start), and we request that the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget Request includes sufficient funding to support these vital programs.
From the inception of Head Start 60 years ago, every Administration, including yours, has supported and recognized this program’s foundational role in solidifying life’s earliest years. Head Start benefits more than 40 million children across the United States each year, offering child care, health, and nutrition services to children, as well as employment and educational support to parents. Presidents have endorsed Head Start because it prepares children for success in school and beyond, helps families achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency, supports working parents, and boosts local economies.
Given more than half a century of unwavering support for Head Start, we write to share our deep concerns with the USA Today article citing that your Administration is considering a budget proposal that would eliminate funding for Head Start. In Colorado alone, this proposal would
impact the well-being of more than 11,600 children, 5,000 jobs, and thousands of families, some of whom live in rural areas that lack access to early care and education programs.
Colorado families face a child care crisis: child care is neither affordable nor accessible, and most families face a lengthy enrollment waitlist. The elimination of Head Start funding would further imperil an already fragile state of affairs – particularly for rural communities, where local child care facilities are often oversubscribed or nonexistent. Head Start facilities often serve as the only affordable option. Since the 1990s, the cost of child care has more than tripled, outpacing wages, the cost of groceries, and even housing. Reducing critical funding for Head Start would reverse decades of bipartisan investment in children amidst a cost-of-living crisis, compounding potential harm for working families.
As you continue your work developing the FY26 Budget Request, we urge you to keep in mind the well-being of children and families who depend on Head Start. Again, we stress our deep concerns with reports that the Administration intends to eliminate Head Start funding and urge you to include robust funding for these essential programs in the FY26 Budget Request.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Coons, Cornyn, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Mapping, Safe Extraction of Critical Minerals

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Chris Coons, John Cornyn, and Todd Young introduced the bipartisan Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act to strengthen U.S. mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. The bill leverages the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) mapping of critical mineral reserves to help responsibly develop global mineral resources around the world.
“We can’t solve climate change or strengthen national security without harnessing the power of critical minerals,” said Hickenlooper. “Better and more accurate maps will help us and our allies safely and ethically explore untapped critical mineral deposits.”
“From the technology that powers the cell phones in our pockets to the systems that keep us safe, Americans depend on critical minerals for our economic strength and national security,” said Coons. “The Finding ORE Act makes sure that our nation will have access to the essential materials we need to keep innovating, growing our economy, and deterring our enemies. I’m grateful for the bipartisan and industry support this bill has received and look forward to pushing for its enactment.”
“Access to a reliable supply chain of critical minerals is essential to meet our nation’s defense, manufacturing, and energy needs,” said Cornyn. “By shoring up alliances with trusted allies and promoting geological mapping of critical mineral reserves, this legislation would ensure America has the resources needed to keep up with global demand and bolster both our mineral security and national security in the years ahead.”
“Many countries are unmapped or reliant on outdated geological surveys. Our bill would create opportunities for collaboration between the United States and these countries to update geological mapping with the goal of locating critical mineral deposits. These partnerships would be mutually beneficial and provide the United States access to more critical minerals, reducing our dependence on China,” said Young.
The Finding ORE Act would authorize the Director of USGS to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOU) with foreign partner countries related to mapping of critical minerals. The bill identifies four objectives for these MOU:
Committing USGS to assist the partner country with a range of critical mineral mapping activities
Committing the partner country to offer a right of first refusal to private companies based in the United States or an allied country in the further development of mapped critical minerals
Facilitating investment in the development of critical minerals in the partner country, including by leveraging financing from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank
Ensuring that mapping data created through partnership with USGS is not disclosed to governmental or private entities in non-allied countries
The bill requires USGS to collaborate with both the State Department and the private sector in identifying which countries to prioritize for negotiation of an MOU and would involve the State Department in the negotiation and implementation process.
“Colorado School of Mines commends Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor for their bipartisan efforts to leverage U.S. expertise in mineral mapping to support safe, secure, and responsible mineral supply chains,” said Dr. John Bradford, Vice President for Global Initiatives at Colorado School of Mines. “When called upon to contribute, institutions with strong partnerships with USGS, like Colorado School of Mines, seek to support America’s government and industry partners to advance the technology, knowledge, and workforce required to responsibly identify, assess, and produce mineral resources in the U.S. and around the world.”
“The United States has too often watched from the sidelines as our adversaries explored, invested in, and secured the world’s most promising mineral deposits,” said Abigail Hunter, Executive Director of SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy. “This bill changes that. It positions the United States—our geological experts and industry—to help identify and potentially develop the next generation of great deposits. It ensures we show up in resource-rich nations, rather than leaving them to deepen their ties with China.”
“The American Critical Minerals Association welcomes the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Finding ORE Act by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Representatives Wittman and Castor,” said Sarah Venuto, Executive Director of ACMA. “Expanding our knowledge base of global minerals resources and growing partnerships with our allies will ensure the United States is a leading force in resourcing critical minerals in a responsible way. ACMA looks forward to working with Senator Coons and his colleagues to advance the Finding ORE Act.”
“BPC Action applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Finding ORE Act. The bill will strengthen U.S. supply chain security by enhancing coordination with allies on critical mineral development, helping secure new critical minerals sources free from adversary control,” said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).
“Terra AI celebrates this forward-thinking, bi-partisan critical minerals exploration legislation introduced by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor,” said John Mern, CEO of Terra AI. “The Finding ORE Act would empower America’s agencies and private firms to explore and claim the next major deposits of critical minerals which will supply our industries for decades to come; supporting manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and artificial intelligence. We support this act’s unique approach to winning the critical minerals race by leveraging America and Her Allies’ relative advantages — strong diplomatic relations, world-leading technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. This act is the essential early stage first step to establishing US global mineral dominance and winning this generational opportunity. As a mineral exploration AI company, we see huge value in collaboration between the private sector and our nation’s diplomatic, geologic and financial agencies abroad. It is a winning playbook, and we look forward to seeing more legislation in this area.”
A companion bill is led by Representatives Rob Wittman and Kathy Castor in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In the 119th Congress, Hickenlooper has led and co-sponsored multiple other critical minerals related legislation, including:
The bipartisan STRATEGIC Minerals Act to foster critical minerals trade with our international allies, led by Senator Young.
His bipartisan Unearth Innovation Act to establish a DOE program for sustainable critical mineral research innovation and recycling.
His bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program for the Department of Energy to financially support domestic critical material processing projects.
The bipartisan Critical Minerals Security Act to help secure U.S. critical mineral supply chains and counter China’s dominance in the industry.
A one-pager on the bill is available HERE.
The full text of the bill is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Source: United Nations secretary general

Welcome to this twenty-fourth Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues – and thank you for bringing the voices, insights, aspirations, and concerns of Indigenous Peoples to this global stage.

The world’s Indigenous Peoples are magnificently diverse in cultures, languages, histories, and traditions…

But united by common features and common challenges.

You are the pre-eminent stewards of the world’s biodiversity and of the environment.

Your knowledge and traditional practices are leading models of conservation and sustainable use – reflecting your commitment to living life in harmony with Mother Earth, and to the wellbeing and rights of future generations.

The world has much to learn from your wisdom, insights and approaches, which prioritise the health of ecosystems over short-term economic gains…

As we tackle the many challenges that we face – building sustainable food systems, moving to sustainable ways of livings, and more, we must recognize that the world does not always value you as it should.

Dear Friends,

The difficulties facing Indigenous Peoples around the world are an affront to dignity and justice. And a source of deep sorrow for me personally.

Indigenous women face particular challenges – including barriers to political participation, economic opportunities, and essential services.

On a trip to Suriname three years ago, I had the honour of visiting the Kaliña Peoples.

I witnessed how climate change is devastating their lands, and destroying their way of life.

And I heard how mercury from illegal mining is harming Indigenous Peoples in the region, as in many others, namely, including Brazil – poisoning their water and food supplies.

Everywhere, Indigenous Peoples are on the frontline of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss – despite having done nothing to create these crises and everything to try to stop them.

Eviction and illegal exploitation continue to harm your people and grossly violate your rights.

You face marginalisation, discrimination, unemployment, economic disadvantage and horrendous violence – particularly as you seek to defend our common home.

And too often you are excluded from decisions that directly impact your land and territories – threatening your ways of life and food security.

Meanwhile, a looming threat grows – the race for minerals critical to the global energy transition – a large proportion of which are located on or close to Indigenous Peoples’ territories.

As demand soars, too often we see dispossession; exclusion and marginalisation in decision-making; the rights of Indigenous Peoples trampled and health jeopardised, all as you are denied the benefits you deserve.

Dear Friends,

We know how to right these wrongs.

Eighteen years ago, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples laid out a blueprint for securing the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous Peoples everywhere.

The Declaration has been used by courts, parliaments and communities, to secure rights and galvanise political action.

And multilateralism has delivered progress. In the past year, countries have made important new commitments:

In the Global Digital Compact – to build digital skills and capacities, including among Indigenous Peoples…

In the Pact for the Future’s call to “recognize, respect, promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, their territories, lands and ecosystems, while safeguarding their traditions, spiritual beliefs and ancestral knowledge” – and to help do so by ensuring a seat at decision-making tables…

And at COP16 on biodiversity. Countries committed to create a permanent new subsidiary body – a space for Indigenous Peoples and others to participate in decision-making on biodiversity.

And they agreed on sharing the benefits of digital genetic information – with a portion of the new Cali Fund supporting Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Peoples – particularly members of this Forum – also contributed to the work of the United Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

The Panel’s principles and recommendations are grounded in human rights, including the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Yet, we know there is much further to go.

And I hear your calls for greater and more meaningful participation in the United Nations.

The focus of this year’s session is implementing the Declaration within Member States and within the United Nations system.

This is an urgent call to action.

And I would point to four specific areas.

First, strengthening the Permanent Forum.

We need Member States to ensure high-level representation.

And we need to fortify the Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues – broadening the donor-base and increasing contributions.

This is vital to enabling the Forum to deliver its work, including through participation and representation at international meetings.

Second, I urge governments and institutions to ensure that the leadership, rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples are recognized and acted upon across the board.

In a world in flux, it is particularly important that Governments are alert to the impacts on Indigenous Peoples.

Governments must honour their obligations in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – without delay.

And bring Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, into all forms of decision-making, and support political participation.

Third, international finance providers should make Indigenous Peoples a key consideration – so that finance flows to their self-determined priorities and projects are including interactions.

And fourth, I urge countries, companies and more, to work with us to deliver on all the recommendations of the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

We will soon launch the High-Level Expert Advisory Group to accelerate action on benefit sharing, value addition, and fair trade – and the needs and input of Indigenous communities will be key.

Let’s be clear: The clean energy era must power progress on Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Distinguished Members of the Forum,

Upholding the dignity and worth of every person is central to the work and mission of the United Nations.

It is our essence.

And because it is at our core, we say loudly and clearly:

The individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples are non-negotiable.

Now and forever, we stand with you all in making those rights a reality for Indigenous Peoples everywhere.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Annual Report to the Nation: Cancer deaths continue to decline

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

Media Advisory
Monday, April 21, 2025

Overall death rates from cancer declined steadily among both men and women from 2001 through 2022.

What
Overall death rates from cancer declined steadily among both men and women from 2001 through 2022, even during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the 2024 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. Among men, overall cancer incidence, measured as the rate of new cancer diagnoses, decreased from 2001 through 2013 and then stabilized through 2021. Among women, overall cancer incidence increased slightly every year from 2003 through 2021, with the exception of 2020. The report appeared April 21, 2025, in Cancer.
Progress in reducing cancer deaths overall is largely the result of declines in both incidence and death rates for lung cancer and several other smoking-related cancers, the researchers noted. New diagnoses and deaths from lung cancer, for example, have declined in both men and women over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, the incidence of cancers associated with obesity has been rising. These include female breast, uterus, colon and rectum, pancreas, kidney, and liver cancers.
The report also shows that new diagnoses of breast cancer gradually increased over the study period, but the overall breast cancer death rate decreased. Cancer death rates in children declined steadily over the study period; those for adolescents and young adults also declined until recently, when the decline slowed and stabilized. From 2018 to 2022, cancer deaths decreased for each major racial and ethnic population group. From 2017 to 2021 (excluding 2020), cancer incidence was stable among men in each major racial and ethnic population group but increased among women in each major racial and ethnic population group. During the same time period, among men, incidence was highest in non-Hispanic Black men, whereas among women, incidence was highest in American Indian and Alaska Native women.
The report also included an analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on observed cancer incidence in individual states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico for the first two years of the pandemic. Cancer incidence declined sharply in 2020, likely due to pandemic-related disruptions in health care, but returned to pre-pandemic levels by 2021. The magnitude of the 2020 decline was similar across states, despite variations in COVID-19 policy restrictions. The researchers noted that these findings underscore the importance of providing access to health care, even during public health emergencies, to ensure the timely diagnosis of cancer.
The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer is a collaborative effort among the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); the American Cancer Society (ACS); and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR).The report provides annual updates on cancer trends in the United States.
The report is based on cancer incidence data from population-based cancer registries, funded by CDC and NCI and compiled by NAACCR, and on cancer death data from the National Center for Health Statistics’ National Vital Statistics System.
For more about the report, see: https://seer.cancer.gov/report_to_nation/.
Who

NAACCR: Recinda L. Sherman, Ph.D., M.P.H.
ACS: Ahmedin Jemal, D.V.M., Ph.D.
CDC: Jane Henley, M.S.P.H., and Lisa C. Richardson, M.D., M.P.H.
NIH: Serban Negoita, M.D., Dr.P.H., and Kathleen A. Cronin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

The Study
“Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, Featuring State-Level Statistics after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic” appears April 21, 2025, in Cancer.
About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI website at cancer.gov or call NCI’s contact center, the Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
About the American Cancer Society (ACS): The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. For more than 100 years, the American Cancer Society has been the preeminent cancer-fighting organization in the United States through research, education, advocacy, and patient services. We have helped lead the evolution in the way the world prevents, detects, treats, and thinks about cancer. For more information go to www.cancer.org.
About the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC’s world-leading experts protect lives and livelihoods, national security and the U.S. economy by providing timely, commonsense information, and rapidly identifying and responding to diseases, including outbreaks and illnesses. CDC drives science, public health research, and data innovation in communities across the country by investing in local initiatives to protect everyone’s health. For more information, see www.cdc.gov.
About the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR): The North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, Inc., is a professional organization that develops and promotes uniform data standards for cancer registration; provides education and training; certifies population-based registries; aggregates and publishes data from central cancer registries; and promotes the use of cancer surveillance data and systems for cancer control and epidemiologic research, public health programs, and patient care to reduce the burden of cancer in North America. For more, see naaccr.org.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
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MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures Major Reforms to Protect Mental Health Patients at Westchester Medical Center
Source: US State of New York

EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a landmark settlement with Westchester County Health Care Corporation (WMC) and HealthAlliance, Inc. (HealthAlliance), collectively known as WMCHealth, that will expand access to inpatient psychiatric care in the Hudson Valley and overhaul how the hospital system treats patients experiencing mental health crises. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that three WMCHealth hospitals in the Hudson Valley – Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla (WMC-Valhalla), MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, and HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston – put vulnerable patients at risk by discharging them without adequate mental health crisis evaluation or stabilization and improperly left much-needed inpatient psychiatric beds closed for years. Under the settlement, WMCHealth has agreed to restore inpatient psychiatric beds that were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and implement extensive reforms to better serve emergency room patients experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

“For too long, vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing mental health or substance use crises have been met with inadequate care when they went to an emergency room for help,” said Attorney General James. “Mental health care is medical care, and mental health crises must be treated as the emergencies they are. This settlement should serve as a patient care model for hospitals in every corner of our great state. My office will continue to fight to ensure all New Yorkers have access to quality, compassionate emergency mental health care.”

This is the first settlement in the nation reached by an attorney general for an investigation of a hospital’s inadequate treatment of mental health and substance use disorder patients under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which requires hospitals to screen and stabilize any patient who presents with an emergency medical condition. The OAG investigation also found violations of the New York Public Health Law, the New York Mental Hygiene Law, and state regulations that provide minimum standards for treatment of patients in emergency departments and prohibit hospitals from taking licensed inpatient psychiatric beds offline without state approval.

The OAG launched an investigation in 2022 after hearing and receiving powerful testimony at Attorney General James’ Mental Health Hearings, which highlighted the serious impact of inpatient psychiatric bed closures at HealthAlliance Hospital and raised questions about inadequate care of young children in mental health crisis at WMC-Valhalla. The ensuing investigation uncovered troubling lapses in patient care at the three hospitals, including:
- Discharging patients with active suicidal ideation or other emergency psychiatric conditions without proper stabilization;
- Improperly medicating agitated children without sufficiently attempting to de-escalate their behavior or documenting those efforts;
- Failing to follow protocols to protect vulnerable patients from leaving the hospital before being properly discharged, leading to preventable tragedies;
- Failing to obtain vital input from family members and community providers; and
- Maintaining incomplete or inaccurate medical records and violating WMCHealth’s own policies.
The investigation revealed that many patients who sought care at WMCHealth emergency rooms were discharged prematurely or received inadequate care or supervision. For example:
- In one instance, an adolescent who had recently attempted suicide was deemed actively suicidal and recommended for inpatient care by a WMCHealth psychiatrist. Instead, she was discharged without properly reassessing and monitoring her behavior to ensure she was stable enough for discharge.
- In another case, a teenager in acute distress was physically restrained and heavily medicated within minutes of arrival. Although she was so agitated that staff administered medications twice more, she was discharged quickly thereafter, without adequate time for monitoring to ensure her condition had stabilized and with insufficient documentation that emergency room staff first tried non-invasive interventions or de-escalation techniques.
- In a third instance, an emergency room psychiatrist ordered constant monitoring for a patient, noting that he had recently left a treatment facility against medical advice. Despite this, the patient remained unsupervised, necessary precautions were not taken, and the patient successfully left the hospital without discharge, tragically passing away shortly thereafter.
The OAG investigators also found that WMCHealth kept an inpatient psychiatric unit at HealthAlliance Hospital closed for far longer than allowed by the state, forcing patients in crisis to travel longer distances for care and filling up local emergency rooms with mental health or substance use patients awaiting beds. In March 2020, HealthAlliance Hospital closed the 40-bed unit to increase capacity for COVID-19 patients – but the beds were never ultimately used to treat any COVID patients, and the beds remained out of service long after June 2021, when pre-COVID regulatory requirements went back into effect.

Declining capacity for inpatient psychiatric beds has harmed communities across the state, especially in the Hudson Valley, where there are very few other hospitals in the region that provide this service. As one WMCHealth nurse testified at Attorney General James’ 2022 Mental Health Hearing, the continued closure of HealthAlliance Hospital’s psychiatric unit “eliminated all in-patient psych beds in Ulster County” and forced patients to instead travel up to 90 minutes for care. Another mental health provider called the loss of beds “horrible for the patients” and said, “85 percent of the patients I used to see on a regular basis are gone and I have no idea where they are.” The provider testified that as a result of the lost capacity, “patients are spending more time in the ER than they should,” and that people were “stuck for days waiting for a bed,” often sleeping on stretchers in hallways, and that the emergency room was “just not set up to hold patients for longer periods.”

Following OAG’s investigation, WMCHealth finally reopened 20 of the psychiatric beds at HealthAlliance Hospital in December 2024 and has announced plans to construct an additional 20-bed psychiatric unit at MidHudson Regional Hospital. These additions will finally restore pre-COVID inpatient psychiatric capacity across the three hospitals, and as part of today’s settlement, WMCHealth cannot close any of its reopened inpatient beds for the next three years. For the two years thereafter, the health system must consult with OAG before making any changes to inpatient capacity.

As a result of the investigation, WMCHealth must implement extensive reforms at its emergency rooms in Valhalla, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston. For one, the hospital must modify its policies and procedures to ensure adequate screening for suicide risk, substance use disorders, violence risk, and elopement safety risk for all patients who come to the emergency room. The settlement requires WMCHealth hospitals try to gather information about patients’ conditions from past medical records, family members, treatment providers, or other sources, and to consider this information when making determinations about the patients’ treatment plans. WMCHealth must also establish relationships and open lines of communication with community behavioral health agencies and residential facilities that frequently send patients to the emergency room – making it easier to coordinate care and ensure all relevant providers are connected to best treat the patient.

To set patients with complex needs (including patients who repeatedly visit the emergency room for mental health conditions) up for success post-discharge, staff will be required to evaluate whether patients may struggle to transition to community-based care after being discharged. For these patients, WMCHealth must develop individualized discharge plans to ensure patients have access to necessary follow-up mental health care and, where appropriate, develop care plans to improve treatment for patients upon any return visit to the emergency room.

In addition, WMCHealth must develop new protocols for using restraints and medication to treat agitated patients, particularly children – meaning emergency room staff will be required to clearly and thoroughly document all uses of restraints or medication to treat agitation, provide adequate clinical justification for use, and demonstrate and document specific efforts to use less restrictive alternatives to deescalate the patients’ behavior.

To guarantee these changes are made, Attorney General James and WMCHealth have agreed to robust oversight measures. WMCHealth will develop a training protocol to enact the settlement requirements and appoint an internal compliance administrator, who will ensure all three hospitals adhere to the agreement and submit compliance reports to OAG every six months for at least two years. WMCHealth must pay $400,000 in penalties and fees and/or costs to New York state and, if it fails to comply with the terms of the agreement, it will be liable for an additional $10,000 penalty per violation.

WMCHealth has also committed to making new and meaningful investments in implementing a new behavioral health service, such as deploying peer counselors in the emergency room, making mental health providers available at its primary care clinics, expanding substance use disorder treatment at the HealthAlliance Hospital and MidHudson Regional Hospital emergency rooms, and enacting an evidence-based procedure to make post-discharge follow-up calls to patients who are screened for moderate or high-risk of suicide.

“Children experiencing serious psychiatric distress were put in danger by inadequate hospital protocol and procedures. Now, thanks to Attorney General James, the children in our care and many others in Westchester will be able to get the emergency care they need,” said Ron Richter, CEO of JCCA. “We are grateful to AG James for listening – and responding – to our struggles trying to get the right urgent care for our kids. She is a true partner in making New York a better place for all. It does take a village, including our state’s hospital system, to ensure the safety of our kids and all community members.”

“After the death of my son Harris by accidental overdose, I founded the Harris Project to drive systemic change for young people, and their loved ones, impacted by co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders,” said Stephanie Marquesano, Founder of The Harris Project. “This settlement acknowledges the real harm caused by fragmented care and creates a powerful opportunity to reimagine emergency departments as compassionate, clinically competent entry points to healing. With restored psychiatric beds, stronger protocols, and meaningful oversight, we can increase access to care, implement quality co-occurring services, and rebuild trust across Westchester and the Mid-Hudson region. Through our Co-Occurring System of Care Committee, we’re bringing people together to listen, learn, and lead—and we welcome Westchester County Health Care Corporation to be part of creating lasting change.”

“We want to thank New York State Attorney General Letitia James for her steadfast commitment to supporting mental health services in Westchester County,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “When our residents are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, it is often a matter that must be attended to immediately, and the care these patients receive at Westchester Medical Center is of utmost importance. Ultimately, this settlement means that vulnerable patients who are admitted will not be put at risk or discharged prematurely without adequate mental health crisis intervention. By requiring WMCHealth Hospitals to gather more detailed information about patients’ conditions before determining their treatment, we are ensuring higher quality, more compassionate care.”

“I deeply appreciate this thorough and detailed investigation by Attorney General James into the inadequate treatment of patients experiencing mental health crises,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “The findings on past practices are unacceptable and deeply concerning, and the settlement’s requirements for extensive reforms of policies and procedures, from intake through treatment and release, will ensure that our residents receive the proper mental health care they need and deserve. Ulster County will soon open an around-the-clock Crisis Support Center just blocks from the hospital, and we look forward to partnering with both HealthAlliance and the Office of the Attorney General as we all collectively work to strengthen our system of care for residents struggling with mental health and substance use.”

“Too many families in the Hudson Valley have watched loved ones fall through the cracks of a broken mental health system,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “This agreement marks a turning point in how we treat and value psychiatric care. I commend Attorney General James for stepping in and securing reforms that put patient safety, accountability, and compassion back at the center of care.”

“For years, our Ulster County community has been sounding the alarm about the devastating loss of local mental health and substance use disorder care in Kingston,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey. “We’re grateful that Attorney General Letitia James has joined us in this fight, leading to new service protections and patient-centered care that will be implemented at Kingston HealthAlliance and across all WMCHealth hospitals so our neighbors have greater access to the life-saving services they deserve.”

“Today’s announcement by New York Attorney General Letitia James marks a significant milestone in tackling the mental health crisis in New York,” said Senator Shelley B. Mayer. “This settlement establishes a robust precedent, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the essential care they need and rightfully deserve. I commend Attorney General James for her unwavering commitment to the people of New York and for her leadership in driving all hospitals and psychiatric units to make substantial improvements in delivering dignified and high-quality mental healthcare.”

“Comprehensive psychiatric care is not just vital for the safety and well-being of individuals, but for all of society,” said Senator James Skoufis. “Our communities, schools, and families are safer when patients get the care they need. I’m very grateful for Attorney General James’ successful efforts here in the Hudson Valley.”

“This settlement, the first of its kind in the nation, is incredibly welcome news,” said New York Assemblymember Dana Levenberg. “The expansion of access to psychiatric evaluation and care at Westchester Medical Center will save lives in my district. I applaud our Attorney General for her tireless efforts on behalf of New Yorkers, which are truly appreciated.”

“This settlement represents a vital step forward in treating mental health with the urgency, dignity, and care it deserves,” said New York Assemblymember Nader Sayegh. “I commend Attorney General James for holding institutions accountable and ensuring that no patient in crisis is turned away, neglected, or left without a path to healing. This agreement offers not just reform, but hope for families, youth, and individuals who need to know that their lives and well-being matter.”

“Congress passed EMTALA in 1986 to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health crises receive the full, stabilizing care they need,” said Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky. “I am happy that the parties involved here have arrived at this robust settlement, which should restore and improve acute mental health care for Hudson Valley residents. We in state government are well aware New York must keep building its capacity for these critical, and often complex, cases. To that end I will continue to support greater investments in psychiatric and mental health care in the 2025-2026 State Budget and in subsequent budgets—including training and incentives for more mental health professionals to enter the field as providers of inpatient and outpatient services.”

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Michael Reisman and Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant to the First Deputy Gina Bull, under the supervision of Health Care Bureau Chief Sudarsana Srinivasan. The Health Care Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Walgreens Agrees to Pay Up to $350M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions and for Submitting False Claims to the Federal Government

Source: US State of California

Note: View settlement here.

The Justice Department, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), today announced a $300 million settlement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co., and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) to resolve allegations that the national chain pharmacy illegally filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and then sought payment for many of those invalid prescriptions by Medicare and other federal health care programs in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). The settlement amount is based on Walgreens’s ability to pay. Walgreens will owe the United States an additional $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred prior to fiscal year 2032.

The government’s complaint, filed on Jan. 16 and amended April 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that from approximately August 2012 through March 1, 2023, Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, knowingly filled millions of unlawful controlled substance prescriptions. These unlawful prescriptions included prescriptions for excessive quantities of opioids, opioid prescriptions filled significantly early, and prescriptions for the especially dangerous and abused combination of three drugs known as a “trinity.” Walgreens pharmacists allegedly filled these prescriptions despite clear red flags indicating a high likelihood that the prescriptions were invalid because they lacked a legitimate medical purpose or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice.

The complaint further alleges that Walgreens pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly and without taking the time needed to confirm that each prescription was lawful. Walgreens’s compliance officials also allegedly ignored substantial evidence that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions and even intentionally deprived its own pharmacists of crucial information, including by refusing to share internal data regarding prescribers with pharmacists and preventing pharmacists from warning one another about certain problematic prescribers.

In light of Friday’s settlement, the United States has moved to dismiss its complaint. Walgreens will also move to dismiss a related declaratory judgment action filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

“Pharmacies have a legal responsibility to prescribe controlled substances in a safe and professional manner, not dispense dangerous drugs just for profit,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice is committed to ending the opioid crisis and holding bad actors accountable for their failure to protect patients from addiction.”

“This settlement resolves allegations that, for years, Walgreens failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those entities and individuals whose actions contributed to the opioid crisis, whether through illegal prescribing, marketing, dispensing or distributing activities.”

“Importantly, Walgreens’s agreements with the DEA and HHS-OIG provide swift relief in the form of monitoring and claims review that will improve Walgreens’s practices immediately,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.”

“This landmark civil settlement is the largest Controlled Substances Act resolution in our district’s history and once again confirms the high priority our office has placed upon confronting those responsible for the opioid crisis here,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We are grateful for the energy and collaborative spirit brought to this effort by our colleagues in the DEA, the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section and Consumer Protection Branch, and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois, District of Maryland, Eastern District of New York, and Eastern District of Virginia.”

“With the power to dispense potentially harmful substances comes the responsibility to ensure that every prescription is legitimate before it is filled,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “When pharmacies fail that responsibility, this office will work with others across the country to hold accountable those who put patients and communities at risk.”

“This settlement holds Walgreens accountable for failing to comply with its critical responsibility to prevent the diversion of opioids and other controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “The settlement also underscores our office’s continued commitment to ensure that all persons and businesses that fill controlled-substance prescriptions adhere to the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act that are designed to prevent highly addictive medications from being used for illegitimate purposes.”

“Strict compliance with the law is essential to safeguarding the public, who rely on carefully considered and limited prescriptions for their health and wellbeing,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Those companies and individuals authorized to provide controlled substances have a professional responsibility to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are within the course of professional practice and regulations. Medically unnecessary prescriptions are a cost ultimately borne by the taxpayers and consumers. As we continue to address the opioid crisis here in Virginia and across the nation, we are determined to ensure pharmacies and pharmacists operate within the law.”

In addition to the monetary payments announced today, Walgreens has entered into agreements with DEA and HHS-OIG to address its future obligations in dispensing controlled substances. Walgreens and DEA entered into a memorandum of agreement that requires the company to implement and maintain certain compliance measures for the next seven years. Walgreens must maintain policies and procedures requiring pharmacists to confirm the validity of controlled substance prescriptions prior to dispensing controlled substances, provide annual training to pharmacy employees regarding their legal obligations relating to controlled substances, verify that pharmacy staffing is sufficient to enable pharmacy employees to comply with those legal obligations, and maintain a system for blocking prescriptions from prescribers whom Walgreens becomes aware are writing illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions. Walgreens has also entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG, which further requires Walgreens to establish and maintain a compliance program that includes written policies and procedures, training, board oversight, and periodic reporting to HHS-OIG related to Walgreens’s dispensing of controlled substances.

“Pharmacies have an obligation to ensure that every prescription for highly addictive controlled substances is legitimate and issued responsibly in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz. “When one of the nation’s largest pharmacies fails at this obligation, they jeopardize the health and safety of their customers and place the American public in danger. The DEA remains committed to protecting all Americans from unscrupulous practices that prioritize profit over patient safety.”

“Pharmacies that neglect their legal duties and their critical role in delivering safe and appropriate medications to enrollees of federal health care programs, and instead exploit these programs for market advantage, squander taxpayer dollars and put patient safety at risk,” said Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG. “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will use every tool in our arsenal to prevent these outcomes. This settlement and corporate integrity agreement reflect HHS-OIG’s commitment to ensuring compliance, correcting failures in oversight, and protecting the foundation of federally-funded health care.”

“In the midst of the opioid crisis that has plagued our nation, we rely on pharmacies to prevent not facilitate the unlawful distribution of these potentially harmful substances,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General at OPM OIG. “We applaud our investigative staff, law enforcement partners, and partners at the Department of Justice for their hard work and unwavering commitment to protecting patients from harm.”

The civil settlement resolves four cases brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the FCA by former Walgreens employees. The FCA authorizes whistleblowers to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a share of any recovery. It also permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it did here. The relators will receive a 17.25% share of the government’s FCA recovery in this matter.

The United States’ pursuit of this matter underscores the government’s commitment to combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS-OIG, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The DEA, HHS-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, FBI Chicago Field Office, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Colorado, Southern District of California, Eastern District of California, Northern District of California, Eastern District of Washington, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, District of Arizona, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, District of Puerto Rico, and Eastern District of Louisiana provided substantial assistance in the investigation.

The United States is represented in this matter by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Civil Division Consumer Protection Branch (Assistant Director Amy DeLine and Trial Attorney Nicole Frazer) and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section (Assistant Director Natalie Waites and Trial Attorney Joshua Barron), as well as from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois (Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy), Middle District of Florida (Chief of the Civil Division Randy Harwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie), District of Maryland (Chief of the Civil Division Thomas Corcoran), Eastern District of New York (Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot M. Schachner) and Eastern District of Virginia (Assistant U.S. Attorney John Beerbower). Fraud Section senior financial analyst Karen Sharp provided support for the matter.

The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Additional information about the Fraud Section of the Civil Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section.

For information about the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, visit:

For information about the federal agencies involved in this investigation and their work to combat the opioid crisis and federal healthcare fraud, visit:

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Pope Francis

Source: US State of Nebraska

. Pillen Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Pope Francis

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, in accordance with a directive from President Donald Trump, has ordered that all U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis.

“Pope Francis devoted his life to being a servant of Christ. First Lady Suzanne and I are saddened by his passing,” said Gov. Pillen.

Flags are to fly at half-staff until sunset on the day of the Pope’s interment.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on Secretary Hegseth

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

Published: 04.21.2025

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to recent reports around Secretary Hegseth’s sharing of operational plans:
“It is beyond belief that anyone in Secretary Hegseth’s position – or in a significantly more junior role, for that matter – would think that sharing sensitive operational details in an unsecured messaging app, and with family members, is remotely acceptable. If this new report is correct, this is the second time that Secretary Hegseth has endangered American service members during combat operations. These allegations are troubling on their own, but are particularly disturbing given the abrupt exodus of senior officials at the Pentagon and the new public warnings about Secretary Hegseth’s poor leadership by one of his own former top aides.
“Secretary Hegseth should own up to his actions and accept the consequences for potentially putting our service members in harm’s way due to his negligence. But we must not forget that ultimate responsibility here lies with President Trump for selecting a former weekend TV host, without any experience successfully leading a large and complex organization, to run our government’s biggest department and make life and death decisions for our military and country.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Robert Garcia, Maxwell Frost, Yassamin Ansari, Maxine Dexter Arrive in El Salvador to Demand Trump Administration Abide by Supreme Court Ruling, Release Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Garcia California (42nd District)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (OR-03) arrived in El Salvador on a trip they are leading to demand the Trump Administration abide by the Supreme Court decision to return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States after he was illegally deported. This is an independent, personally-funded trip conducted after Chairman James Comer refused to approve the lawmakers’ request for an official CODEL.

“While Donald Trump continues to defy the Supreme Court, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is being held illegally in El Salvador after being wrongfully deported,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “That is why we’re here– to remind the American people that kidnapping immigrants and deporting them without due process is not how we do things in America. We are demanding the Trump Administration abide by the Supreme Court decision and give Kilmar and the other migrants mistakenly sent to El Salvador due process in the United States.”

Earlier this month, Congressman Garcia and Congressman Frost sent a letter to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer requesting authorization for a Congressional Member Delegation (CODEL) to visit Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), the maximum-security prison in Tecoluca, El Salvador. After the Chairman rejected their request, Congressman Garcia and Congressman Frost planned an independent trip.

Congressman Garcia remains committed to reforming our immigration system, creating fair pathways to citizenship, and treating immigrants with respect and dignity. Earlier this month, Congressman Garcia wrote letters demanding answers from the Trump Administration on its deportation of Andry Hernández Romero, a gay Venezuelan makeup artist who was sent to a prison in El Salvador in violation of a federal court order and in the absence of credible evidence supporting the government’s claims about his affiliation with a criminal gang. In July 2024, Congressman Garcia introduced the SHIELD Act, which allocated grants through the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to local and state governments to support the recruitment of staff and attorneys to ensure that immigrants receive quality, affordable representation in immigration court. Last Congress, Congressman Garcia led investigations into fundamental integrity and credibility issues within the DHS, including identifying what actions have been taken to address the threat of domestic violent extremism within the DHS. Congressman Garcia has also defended humane immigration procedures and condemned extreme rhetoric on immigration and border security that dehumanizes migrants legally seeking asylum. Congressman Garcia has also investigated the use of inappropriate language and behavior among Border Patrol agents within ICE toward immigrants following reports from the Huffington Post.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Empower Farmers and Strengthen Rural Economies

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
04.21.25
BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) recently joined Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in introducing two pieces of agriculture legislation to expand markets for meat and poultry products and prevent against federal government overreach. The bills include:
The New Markets for State Inspected Meat and Poultry Act, legislation to allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs to be sold across state lines. Currently, meat and poultry products inspected by state programs are limited to markets within the state, even though inspection at a state facility meets or exceeds federal inspection standards. This legislation is cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senators Angus King (I-Maine), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act, legislation to reform the NRCS within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act would safeguard farmers, ranchers and landowners from bureaucratic overreach by the NRCS and empower producers to continue to protect their land as they see fit. This bill is also cosponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).
“Strengthening rural America starts with empowering the people who feed it,” said Hoeven. “These commonsense reforms support our farmers and ranchers, open up new markets, and cut unnecessary red tape—boosting local economies, creating opportunity, and delivering real benefits for North Dakota and the entire country.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth: Our Troops’ Lives Are Endangered Every Day Pete Hegseth Remains in His Job

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
April 20, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—issued the following statement after new reporting revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaked highly-sensitive attack details in yet another unclassified Signal chat, this time to his wife and brother, putting the lives of our men and women in uniform at greater risk:
“How many times does Pete Hegseth need to leak classified intelligence before Donald Trump and Republicans understand that he isn’t only a f*cking liar, he is a threat to our national security?
“Every day he stays in his job is another day our troops’ lives are endangered by his singular stupidity.
“He must resign in disgrace.”
-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on the passing of Pope Francis

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:
“Pope Francis has been an inspiring faith leader whose transformative papacy has shown the Spirit of Christ through his humility, his open-hearted engagement with the world, his tireless advocacy for peace, and his focus on the poor and the marginalized. I had the blessing of meeting the Holy Father twice, and was inspired by his teachings. I was struck by both his words and his actions when he visited the United States to address Congress in 2015. He called on us to overcome our partisan political differences to work together in service of the poor and the planet, and while in the U.S., he spent time meeting with migrants, the homeless, and the imprisoned to show us how to live out Christ’s teachings.
“Pope Francis often reminded us that “we are all in the same boat”—that no one can thrive and live well without the support of others. His ministry was infused with mercy, grace, and love, and particularly in times of strife he reminded us that through acts of unrestricted kindness, we can overcome any storm, any moment of challenge, together.
“The church and the world will miss his welcoming leadership and his engagement on questions of justice, climate change, migration, income inequality, and reconciliation. I join with many around the world in gratitude for his ministry and in praying for his eternal rest.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester seeking applications for U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal for the District of Delaware

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for consideration for the positions of: (1) U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and (2) U.S. Marshal for the District of Delaware. The objective of the EOIs is to create a slate of qualified candidates for each position that the senators can recommend to President Trump. The president will then formally nominate an individual for each position, and those nominations will be sent to the Senate for its advice and consent.
The EOI should include: 1) a statement of interest, 2) a detailed curriculum vitae, and 3) the names of three references, two of which must be professional references. Application materials for the U.S. Attorney position can be submitted here. Application materials for the U.S. Marshal position can be submitted here.
Questions regarding the U.S. Attorney position can be directed to DE_USAO@coons.senate.gov and/orDE_USAO@bluntrochester.senate.gov. Questions regarding the U.S. Marshal position can be directed to DE_USMS@coons.senate.gov and/or DE_USMS@bluntrochester.senate.gov.
All application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, May 9, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Walgreens Agrees to Pay Up to $350M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions and for Submitting False Claims to the Federal Government

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Note: View settlement here.

The Justice Department, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), today announced a $300 million settlement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co., and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) to resolve allegations that the national chain pharmacy illegally filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and then sought payment for many of those invalid prescriptions by Medicare and other federal health care programs in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). The settlement amount is based on Walgreens’s ability to pay. Walgreens will owe the United States an additional $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred prior to fiscal year 2032.

The government’s complaint, filed on Jan. 16 and amended April 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that from approximately August 2012 through March 1, 2023, Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, knowingly filled millions of unlawful controlled substance prescriptions. These unlawful prescriptions included prescriptions for excessive quantities of opioids, opioid prescriptions filled significantly early, and prescriptions for the especially dangerous and abused combination of three drugs known as a “trinity.” Walgreens pharmacists allegedly filled these prescriptions despite clear red flags indicating a high likelihood that the prescriptions were invalid because they lacked a legitimate medical purpose or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice.

The complaint further alleges that Walgreens pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly and without taking the time needed to confirm that each prescription was lawful. Walgreens’s compliance officials also allegedly ignored substantial evidence that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions and even intentionally deprived its own pharmacists of crucial information, including by refusing to share internal data regarding prescribers with pharmacists and preventing pharmacists from warning one another about certain problematic prescribers.

In light of Friday’s settlement, the United States has moved to dismiss its complaint. Walgreens will also move to dismiss a related declaratory judgment action filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

“Pharmacies have a legal responsibility to prescribe controlled substances in a safe and professional manner, not dispense dangerous drugs just for profit,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice is committed to ending the opioid crisis and holding bad actors accountable for their failure to protect patients from addiction.”

“This settlement resolves allegations that, for years, Walgreens failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those entities and individuals whose actions contributed to the opioid crisis, whether through illegal prescribing, marketing, dispensing or distributing activities.”

“Importantly, Walgreens’s agreements with the DEA and HHS-OIG provide swift relief in the form of monitoring and claims review that will improve Walgreens’s practices immediately,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.”

“This landmark civil settlement is the largest Controlled Substances Act resolution in our district’s history and once again confirms the high priority our office has placed upon confronting those responsible for the opioid crisis here,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We are grateful for the energy and collaborative spirit brought to this effort by our colleagues in the DEA, the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section and Consumer Protection Branch, and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois, District of Maryland, Eastern District of New York, and Eastern District of Virginia.”

“With the power to dispense potentially harmful substances comes the responsibility to ensure that every prescription is legitimate before it is filled,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “When pharmacies fail that responsibility, this office will work with others across the country to hold accountable those who put patients and communities at risk.”

“This settlement holds Walgreens accountable for failing to comply with its critical responsibility to prevent the diversion of opioids and other controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “The settlement also underscores our office’s continued commitment to ensure that all persons and businesses that fill controlled-substance prescriptions adhere to the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act that are designed to prevent highly addictive medications from being used for illegitimate purposes.”

“Strict compliance with the law is essential to safeguarding the public, who rely on carefully considered and limited prescriptions for their health and wellbeing,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Those companies and individuals authorized to provide controlled substances have a professional responsibility to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are within the course of professional practice and regulations. Medically unnecessary prescriptions are a cost ultimately borne by the taxpayers and consumers. As we continue to address the opioid crisis here in Virginia and across the nation, we are determined to ensure pharmacies and pharmacists operate within the law.”

In addition to the monetary payments announced today, Walgreens has entered into agreements with DEA and HHS-OIG to address its future obligations in dispensing controlled substances. Walgreens and DEA entered into a memorandum of agreement that requires the company to implement and maintain certain compliance measures for the next seven years. Walgreens must maintain policies and procedures requiring pharmacists to confirm the validity of controlled substance prescriptions prior to dispensing controlled substances, provide annual training to pharmacy employees regarding their legal obligations relating to controlled substances, verify that pharmacy staffing is sufficient to enable pharmacy employees to comply with those legal obligations, and maintain a system for blocking prescriptions from prescribers whom Walgreens becomes aware are writing illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions. Walgreens has also entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG, which further requires Walgreens to establish and maintain a compliance program that includes written policies and procedures, training, board oversight, and periodic reporting to HHS-OIG related to Walgreens’s dispensing of controlled substances.

“Pharmacies have an obligation to ensure that every prescription for highly addictive controlled substances is legitimate and issued responsibly in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz. “When one of the nation’s largest pharmacies fails at this obligation, they jeopardize the health and safety of their customers and place the American public in danger. The DEA remains committed to protecting all Americans from unscrupulous practices that prioritize profit over patient safety.”

“Pharmacies that neglect their legal duties and their critical role in delivering safe and appropriate medications to enrollees of federal health care programs, and instead exploit these programs for market advantage, squander taxpayer dollars and put patient safety at risk,” said Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG. “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will use every tool in our arsenal to prevent these outcomes. This settlement and corporate integrity agreement reflect HHS-OIG’s commitment to ensuring compliance, correcting failures in oversight, and protecting the foundation of federally-funded health care.”

“In the midst of the opioid crisis that has plagued our nation, we rely on pharmacies to prevent not facilitate the unlawful distribution of these potentially harmful substances,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General at OPM OIG. “We applaud our investigative staff, law enforcement partners, and partners at the Department of Justice for their hard work and unwavering commitment to protecting patients from harm.”

The civil settlement resolves four cases brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the FCA by former Walgreens employees. The FCA authorizes whistleblowers to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a share of any recovery. It also permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it did here. The relators will receive a 17.25% share of the government’s FCA recovery in this matter.

The United States’ pursuit of this matter underscores the government’s commitment to combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS-OIG, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The DEA, HHS-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, FBI Chicago Field Office, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Colorado, Southern District of California, Eastern District of California, Northern District of California, Eastern District of Washington, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, District of Arizona, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, District of Puerto Rico, and Eastern District of Louisiana provided substantial assistance in the investigation.

The United States is represented in this matter by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Civil Division Consumer Protection Branch (Assistant Director Amy DeLine and Trial Attorney Nicole Frazer) and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section (Assistant Director Natalie Waites and Trial Attorney Joshua Barron), as well as from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois (Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy), Middle District of Florida (Chief of the Civil Division Randy Harwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie), District of Maryland (Chief of the Civil Division Thomas Corcoran), Eastern District of New York (Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot M. Schachner) and Eastern District of Virginia (Assistant U.S. Attorney John Beerbower). Fraud Section senior financial analyst Karen Sharp provided support for the matter.

The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Additional information about the Fraud Section of the Civil Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section.

For information about the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, visit:

For information about the federal agencies involved in this investigation and their work to combat the opioid crisis and federal healthcare fraud, visit:

MIL Security OSI –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the May 20, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storm, straight‑line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 19, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Barton, Ellsworth, Harvey, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Reno, Rush, Russell, Stafford, Wabaunsee and Wyandotte.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low 3.25% and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible. 

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 20.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

Source: US State of Colorado

DENVER – Today, Governor Polis released the following statement and ordered flags to be flown at half staff until sunset on the day of interment to honor the late Pope Francis, as ordered by President Trump.

“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Pope Francis today. Pope Francis was a pillar of compassion and a champion in creating a more inclusive and welcoming gospel. Pope Francis has spoken up for the protection of our environment, our planet, and used his voice to speak in support of the basic humanity of LGBTQ people. It is my hope that Pope Francis’s legacy will continue to help the Catholic Church lead in a healing and loving manner around the world, with new members and leaders of the Catholic Church continuing his work leading the way with love and kindness,” said Governor Polis.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont, CTDOT Urge Drivers to Prioritize Safety During Work Zone Awareness Week

Source: US State of Connecticut

(MERIDEN, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, state and local police officers, and safety advocates gathered today at an active work zone in Meriden to recognize the start of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is observed from April 21 to 25, 2025, and urge motorists in Connecticut to take an active role in protecting roadway workers and drivers.

The event included remarks from local, state, and federal officials, as well as the family of Andrew DiDomenico, a Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) worker who was tragically killed on the job last year. A representative from the Meriden project spoke about the growing number of weekly work zone crashes.

National Work Zone Awareness Week honors the workers and professionals who help keep construction zones safe, including highway crews, public works, utility companies, contractors, and law enforcement. The theme of this year’s awareness week, “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home,” reinforces the importance of safe driving in active work zone areas. Governor Lamont has also signed a proclamation declaring Work Zone Awareness Week in Connecticut.

“Every person working on our roads deserves to make it home safely at the end of the day,” Governor Lamont said. “This week is a reminder that behind every cone and barrier are our neighbors doing essential work to keep our infrastructure safe and strong. Together, we can prevent tragedies and make Connecticut’s roads safer for everyone.”

For more than 25 years, CTDOT’s volunteer-led Work Zone Safety Awareness Committee has worked to eliminate work zone fatalities through education and outreach initiatives.

Work zone crashes remain a major safety issue in Connecticut and nationwide. According to data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository at UConn, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, there were more than 2,000 crashes and six fatalities in Connecticut work zones. Nationally in 2022, the most recent year of verifiable data, there were 891 work zone fatalities.

“Roads are not racetracks,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “This past year has been especially difficult for us at CTDOT as we lost one of our own, Andrew DiDomenico, in a tragic work zone crash. We need drivers to slow down, stay alert, and Obey the Orange because their choices behind the wheel impact real people, real families, and entire communities.”

“Completing work on the highway is a challenge when vehicles are driving by at high speeds,” Colonel Daniel Loughman, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police, said. “Please remember that our first responders and CTDOT crews work on the roads at all hours of the day, and we count on drivers to slow down in work zones. At the end of their shifts, they want to return home.”

In 2023, during Connecticut’s one-year pilot program for work zone speed safety cameras, nearly 25,000 motorists received written warnings for exceeding speed limits by 15 miles per hour or more in designated work zones. A permanent work zone camera program is expected to launch again in 2025.

How the public can support Work Zone Awareness Week

There are several ways people can raise awareness about work zone safety.

Wednesday, April 23, is Go Orange Day, and CTDOT is inviting the public to wear orange and post photos on social media with the hashtags #NWZAW, #ObeyTheOrange, and #Orange4Safety to promote work zone safety awareness.

On Friday, April 25, at 12:00 p.m., CTDOT is encouraging everyone to pause for a moment of silence to honor the 39 CTDOT employees and all people who have tragically lost their lives in work zone crashes.

For up-to-date information, safety tips, and news regarding work zone safety, visit ObeyTheOrange.com.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of his holiness, Pope Francis:
“Elaine and I join people of faith around the world in mourning the passing of his holiness, Pope Francis. From the beginning of his papacy, the Holy Father invited Christians from every walk of life to more fully embrace the call to care for the vulnerable, including the unborn and the poorest among us. He reminded us by word and deed that we are all called to lives of faithful service. Now, as the shepherd of more than a billion Roman Catholics reaps his eternal reward, we give thanks for a life of witness to the truth: Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warren Statement on the Death of Pope Francis

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

April 21, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Following the Vatican’s announcement of the death of Pope Francis, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement:

“Pope Francis was a force for good. He will be remembered for his empathy for the most vulnerable among us, his advocacy for action on climate change, and his leadership to make the Church a welcoming place for all — which made so many people feel seen. My heart is with people across the world today mourning his loss.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Announces Upcoming Town Halls Across Nebraska

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

April 18, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced three upcoming town hall events next week across Nebraska. Senator Ricketts will give an update on his work in Washington, D.C. Then, he will answer questions directly from Nebraskans.
The town hall events are open to the public, but Nebraskans attending are encouraged to RSVP to Events@ricketts.senate.gov. All times below are local.
Thursday, April 24th, 2025
Kearney Town Hall
Younes Conference Center South
Crystal Ballroom
416 Talmadge Street
Kearney, NE 68845
11-12pm CT
Friday, April 25th, 2025
Valentine Town Hall
Valentine Sale Barn
126 N. Government Street
Valentine NE 69201
10-11am CT
Scottsbluff Town Hall
UNL Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center
4502 Avenue I
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
2-3pm MT

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after the passing of Pope Francis:
“I join the millions of people around the world mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a transformational leader whose humility, compassion, and moral clarity touched the lives of so many.
Born in Argentina to an immigrant family, Pope Francis brought a unique and powerful perspective to the papacy – one grounded in empathy for the marginalized and a deep understanding of the struggles facing ordinary people. His decision to become the first pope to choose St. Francis of Assisi as his papal namesake was a profound reflection of his commitment to humility, peace, and care for the poor, values that guided every step of his leadership.
Whether advocating for the most vulnerable, calling on global leaders to act on climate change, or urging the Church to be a more welcoming place for all, Pope Francis led with a spirit of love and service. His legacy will endure in the countless lives he uplifted and the hope he brought to those who have too often felt unseen.
May he rest in peace.”
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MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1295, Reorganizing Government Act of 2025

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

H.R. 1295 would reauthorize and expand through December 2026 the authority for the President to develop a government reorganization plan and submit that plan to the Congress under an expedited legislative procedure. Under the bill, such a plan could include reducing the federal workforce, decreasing the cost and burden of regulatory compliance, and eliminating government operations that are not in the public interest. The bill also would expand the number of agencies subject to such a reorganization.

Under H.R. 1295, any plans submitted by the President would depend on future legislation. Thus, any budgetary effects of such plans would be attributed to that legislation. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1295 would have no significant effect on the federal budget because it would not change the duties or responsibilities of executive agencies.

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Matthew Pickford. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2255, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

H.R. 2255 would allow federal law enforcement officers to purchase their retired handguns at salvage value from the federal agency that issued their handgun. Salvage value is the value of an asset that is no longer of use or the estimated value of a disposed asset at the end of its useful life.

CBO expects that implementing the bill would increase administrative costs both for the General Services Administration to develop regulations to implement the program and for law enforcement agencies to participate in the program. Based on the cost of similar activities, we estimate that those costs would total less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Collections from handgun sales authorized under H.R. 2255 would be classified in the budget as offsetting receipts—that is, as reductions in direct spending—and deposited in the Treasury. CBO is unaware of any comprehensive information about the pace at which federal law enforcement agencies replace handguns or how many they expect would be sold rather than destroyed. However, using information about the number of law enforcement officers employed at federal agencies who potentially would be purchasers, CBO estimates that on-budget receipts from sales of those guns could exceed $500,000 over the 2025-2035 period. For example, if law enforcement agencies replaced 10 percent of their handguns every year and 10 percent of those guns were sold to law enforcement officers at salvage prices, receipts would total $2 million over the 2025-2035 period, CBO estimates.

The program under H.R. 2255 would include the Postal Inspection Service, a law enforcement agency within the Postal Service. Cash flows for the Postal Service are recorded in the federal budget in the Postal Service Fund and are classified as off-budget direct spending. CBO estimates that any receipts from handgun sales by the Postal Service would not be significant in any year or over the 2025-2035 period.

The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Matthew Pickford (for the General Services Administration and law enforcement) and Jeremy Crimm (for the Postal Service). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: S. 283, Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

S. 283 would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in consultation with Customs and Border Protection, to develop a field kit to identify the country of origin of seafood to enforce regulations against illegal fishing. The bill would require the agencies to conduct pilot studies to develop a methodology for identifying red snapper and tuna and report those findings to the Congress. The bill also would authorize the Department of Defense to provide technical assistance to help other countries deter illegal fishing.

Under current law, NIST conducts related research on the chemical differences between farmed and wild caught salmon and shrimp. In 2024, NIST also allocated $300,000 to develop methods using isotope ratio analysis to determine the origins of oysters.

Based on information from NIST, CBO expects that the agency would need $2 million up front to purchase and upgrade equipment, two full-time equivalent employees at an average annual cost of $600,000, and $80,000 a year for other equipment and supplies. CBO expects the costs incurred by NOAA would be insignificant.

After accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $6 million over the 2025-2030 period; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).

Table 1. Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 283
	By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030	2025-2030
Estimated Authorization	*	2	1	1	1	1	6
Estimated Outlays	*	2	1	1	1	1	6

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aurora Swanson. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK firmly rejects all acts designed to destabilise Haiti: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Speech

The UK firmly rejects all acts designed to destabilise Haiti: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

The UK is extremely concerned by the significant escalation of violence in Haiti.

Over 2,600 Haitians have been murdered over the past three months, including nearly 400 women and children.

We continue to hear horrifying accounts of sexual and gender-based violence targeting women, girls and boys.

One third of cases of sexual violence against children in Haiti in 2024 were gang rapes.

Through coordinated attacks on civilian communities, including the deliberate destruction of schools, churches and businesses, gangs continue to target the innocent and inflict horror on the people of Haiti.

Mr President, there are troubling reports of coordination between criminal gangs in order to destabilise Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council as they try to ensure security across the country.

We firmly reject all acts designed to destabilise Haiti.

The UK is committed to maintaining pressure via the implementation of sanctions on those who seek to destabilise Haiti, and we call for the full implementation of the UN sanctions regime and the arms embargo in Haiti.

The UK supports the efforts of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and all stakeholders to work towards a secure and stable Haiti.

But now is the time for even greater action to restore security and to allow for elections to enable a transfer of power to an elected successor in February 2026.

This includes an urgent need for the Haitian National Police, supported by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, to re-establish control over all areas of Port-au-Prince.

The UK thanks Kenya for its continued leadership of the MSS mission and pays tribute to those, both Kenyan and Haitian, who have lost their lives in the pursuit of restoring security for the Haitian people.

In light of the deteriorating security situation, it is clear that the MSS mission and the Haitian security forces need to be adequately supported to fulfil their mission.

This Council needs urgently to consider the recommendations of the Secretary General and agree how we can support the enhanced UN security support to Haiti.

Collectively, we must find a way to deliver stability and lasting peace for the people of Haiti.

Updates to this page

Published 21 April 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Transnational Repression Operation
Source: Government of Canada News

As part of its mandate to monitor the digital information ecosystem during the general election, the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force has observed a transnational repression (TNR) operation targeting the 45^th general election.

Sample Images

These are just some examples among many. It is important for the SITE Task Force to avoid amplifying this type of transnational repression campaign any further.

Background

In December 2024, Hong Kong Police announced they would provide monetary rewards for information that would lead to the arrest of six individuals living overseas, including two Canadians.

The decision by Hong Kong to issue international bounties and cancel the passports of democracy activists and former Hong Kong lawmakers, is deplorable. This attempt by Hong Kong authorities to conduct TNR“>TNR abroad, including by issuing threats, intimidation or coercion against Canadians or those in Canada, will not be tolerated.

One of the six individuals targeted by Hong Kong is Joe Tay, Conservative Party candidate for Don Valley North,

and known for his opposition to PRC“>PRC laws and practices in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC), including Mainland China and Hong Kong, uses a variety of tactics to carry out TNR activities. It exploits PRC-based family members to pressure those in Canada to cease certain activities the PRC views as hostile, or to return to the PRC. It also threatens PRC-based family members with a range of potential coercive actions, including detention or financial penalties. The PRC also leverages overseas actors to monitor, surveil and report on others in Canada.

To support its TNR activities, the PRC uses its diplomatic missions, PRC-linked organizations affiliated with the United Front Work Department, community organizations and influential community leaders, among others.

About transnational repression

Transnational Repression (TNR) takes place when foreign governments reach beyond their state borders to advance their interests or silence criticism and dissent using intimidation, threats or violence, often against diaspora and exile communities.

TNR activities typically target political dissidents, human rights and democracy defenders, and religious and ethnic minority groups. But TNR also increasingly targets the people and organizations that defend the victims. This can include activists, international students and scholars, lawyers and doctors, as well as journalists.

Hostile state actors will use a variety of tactics to extend their reach into Canada:
- Physical intimidation and violence: Monitoring and surveillance, vandalism, threats, abduction, assault, or attempted murder. Actors can use coercion or assault as punishment or to influence opinion, and hostile state actors sometimes hire organized crime groups or proxies for this.
- Threats against overseas relatives and other connections: Threats against relatives and partners in the home country, to relay messages or force an action in Canada. This creates a sense of vulnerability, as close relations abroad may be victim to the laws and regulations of a non-democratic country.
- Legal manipulation: Foreign states abusing legal mechanisms for coercive purposes, like libel suits, extraditions agreements, bounties for information on individuals, Interpol Red Notices, imposing sanctions, and refusing visa applications for personal or professional travel.
- Community ostracism: Rejection from community associations, use of labels such as ‘extremist’ or ‘traitor’, or loss of access to social events and employment opportunities.
- Malicious Digital Activity: Hacking, cyberbullying, targeted deepfakes, online defamation and disinformation, doxxing, or threatening online messages.
Impact

TNR causes harm both to the victims and the community.
- At the individual level, there is a profound psychological impact on victims who experience TNR. They might experience fear, anxiety, and stress due to the continuous surveillance and harassment they face. In fact, just knowing that a foreign government can monitor their activities or harm their families can lead many victims of TNR to self-censor or withdraw from public life.
- At the community level, TNR creates mistrust and division. Targeted communities may become fragmented as individuals fear infiltration by foreign agents or retaliation for associating with activists.
Transnational Repression Operation

During the writ period, SITE has observed two significant trends related to Mr. Tay across multiple social media platforms.
1. Inauthentic and coordinated amplification of content related to the bounty and arrest warrant against Mr. Tay, as well as content related to his competence for political office.
  The SITE Task Force has seen that multiple accounts or platforms published or interacted with content at similar times and dates – sometimes within minutes or even seconds of each other. This creates an increased volume of content, making it more likely that users of these platforms are exposed to the amplified narratives.
2. Deliberate suppression of search results, or “keyword filtering” censoring Mr. Tay’s name in simplified and traditional Chinese on platforms based in the PRC.
  The SITE Task Force is observing deliberate efforts to suppress any new content about Mr. Tay, and when users search his name, the search engine only returns information about the bounty.
This is not about a single incident with high levels of engagement. It is a series of deliberate and persistent activity across multiple platforms – those in which Chinese-speaking users in Canada are active, including: Facebook, WeChat, TikTok, RedNote, and Douyin, a sister-app of TikTok for the Chinese market.

Overall engagement levels since December 2024 have been low, with an increase at various points during the writ period. The combined instances, inauthentic and coordinated amplification across multiple platforms, and the concerning trend of deliberate search suppression on platforms frequented by Canadians, have led us to determine that voters need to be aware.

It is clear that this was a deliberate attempt to amplify inauthentic content. However, at least until this point, that content has not generated much traction.

Reporting transnational repression

If you are in immediate danger, always call 9-1-1.
1. Take a record of events:
  As soon as it is safe, write down or record the situation as precisely as possible. Include descriptive details about the person, date and time, location, other witnesses, and event. For instance: Did it happen in-person? Was it a phone call? An email? Any security cameras or witnesses nearby?
2. Report it:
  Contact your local police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Clearly articulate why you believe you are being targeted and mention that you believe this is transnational repression.
Even if the piece of information provided may not on its own be something that meets a criminal threshold, it may be a building block that helps police to identify threats, support a larger police response, or even contribute to another ongoing investigation.

When the matter concerns your vote, you can also reach out to the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections, and the SITE Task Force.

MIL OSI Canada News –
April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Moore Statement on Passing of Pope Francis

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church:

“Mina and I join fellow Catholics in West Virginia and across the globe in mourning the loss of Pope Francis and praying for the repose of his soul.

“In his final message – shared just yesterday for Easter – the Holy Father wrote: ‘Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.’ A fitting end to a papacy focused on joy.

“I encourage all Catholics to join me in praying and fasting for the Holy Father and for the Catholic Church as She begins to select a new successor to St. Peter.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, o Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sara Oyler-McCance receives the University of Maine’s Distinguished Wildlife Alum Award

Source: US Geological Survey

Sara Oyler-McCance’s selection for this award reflects recognition of her decades’ long contributions to the wildlife profession, including her distinguished career with USGS and leadership role at the Fort Collins Science Center, and her sustained and significant contributions to the field of conservation genetics and management of western wildlife.

Sara has set an exceptional example of how earning a wildlife degree from the University of Maine can empower students to go on to great professional and personal achievement.

The MEL provides essential science for the management of natural resources, supporting efforts to monitor, restore, and understand wildlife populations. With this, they have published hundreds of papers on the genetics and genomics of iconic wildlife like American bison, sage-grouse, wild horses, honeybees, Burmese pythons, and others pictured below.

Discoveries include identification and characterization of new species, like the Gunnison sage-grouse, novel technologies, like the use of eDNA for studying cryptic invasive species, and innovative solutions, like the use of genomic data mining to understand local adaptation in wildlife.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1382, a bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to San Francisco Bay restoration, and for other purposes

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

H.R. 1382 would allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund the San Francisco Bay restoration program under interagency agreements and contracts. The bill also would allow EPA to partner with other federal, public, and private entities for the program’s projects and activities. The program focuses on water quality improvement, wetland restoration, and the recovery of nearshore and endangered species.

Under current law, EPA may fund the program’s activities under competitive agreements, grants, and other means to state, local, and nonprofit agencies. In 2024, EPA allocated $54 million for the program.

EPA also could use previously appropriated amounts from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, that were designated as an emergency requirement. That act provided $5 million annually from 2022 through 2026 for the San Francisco Bay restoration activities. Based on information from the agency, CBO expects that enacting the bill could accelerate spending of those amounts. Because the bill would affect previously appropriated amounts, any change in spending would be classified as direct spending.

On that basis, CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1382 would have increase direct spending over the 2025-2030 period by an insignificant amount and would have no net effect on direct spending over the 2025-2035 period.

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Kelly Durand. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025

Category: Americas

The UK firmly rejects all acts designed to destabilise Haiti: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Updates to this page

Sample Images

Background

About transnational repression

Impact

Transnational Repression Operation

Reporting transnational repression