NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Los Angeles Wildfires Destroyed 16,000 Homes, Reps. Chu, Sherman Introduce Legislation to Provide Needed Mortgage Relief

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Brad Sherman (CA-32) introduced the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act, which would provide homeowners in presidentially declared disaster areas who have a federally backed mortgage with 180 days of mortgage forbearance, with the option of extending for an additional 180 days and without any interest, penalties, or fees accruing. 

    While present law allows for a significant amount of variance across federal mortgage providers to provide relief, this legislation would standardize a baseline of mortgage relief for survivors of any federally declared disaster all across the country. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bipartisan CARES Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in 2020 and which received near unanimous support in both the House and Senate, provided 180 days of mortgage forbearance, with the option of extending for an additional 180 days, for all homeowners with federally backed mortgages. The Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act is modeled after the mortgage forbearance provisions of that bipartisan law. 

    “Disaster survivors – like thousands of my constituents still reeling from the devastating Eaton Fire – should not have to worrying about missing a mortgage payment in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters,” said Rep. Chu. “Our legislation was drafted after countless conversations with constituents who reached out in the days after the fire worried about making their next mortgage payment. Congress has already worked with President Trump during the coronavirus crisis to provide bipartisan and near unanimous support for such relief for pandemic victims, and the Los Angeles wildfires have made clear to us that all natural disaster victims should receive that relief as well.” 

    “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Chu in working to ensure wildfire victims have the financial relief and stability they need to rebuild,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “The devastating January wildfires in Los Angeles caused widespread economic harm, and just as we acted with urgency and compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must now adapt the forbearance rules to meet the scale of this disaster.”

    Reps. Chu and Sherman are joined as cosponsors by: Reps. Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Lou Correa (CA-46), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29).

    Click here for the bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata’s Statement for Easter Sunday

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following Easter statement:

    “As Christians have proclaimed for 2,000 years: He is risen! It is a joy to celebrate Easter and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on this special Sunday. 

    During this Holy Week, we can count our many blessings, from the happy moments of daily life to our most cherished beliefs that we share among Christians. 

    Thank you to our pastors and congregations in American Samoa as you lead us in worship and growth in faith. 

    May God bless our islands as we celebrate the Resurrection together in unity and peace. Have a blessed Easter Sunday!

    “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Hails President Trump’s Proclamation Restoring Fishing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Flag Day Proclamation Supports American Samoa and U.S. Food Security 

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing President Trump’s Proclamation restoring fishing waters, which will expand options for the U.S. tuna fleet out of Pago Pago Harbor. President Trump made the Proclamation on April 17th, coinciding with American Samoa’s 125th Flag Day, which celebrates the first official raising of the U.S. flag in American Samoa in the year 1900.

    Amata, who requested action on this important issue, was delighted to be at the White House for the President’s Proclamation, and thank President Trump personally for restoring fishing for Pacific Island communities in the Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) between 50-200 miles offshore. 

    “Thank you, President Trump! This sensible Proclamation is important to the stability and future of American Samoa’s economy, but it also is fantastic news for U.S. food security,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The vast Pacific Islands area cannot fall under the domination of an increasingly aggressive CCP. Instead, President Trump’s key action strengthens our American fishing fleet and helps combat malign activities by the CCP with increased U.S. fishing presence along with Coast Guard operations.”

    The President’s Proclamation boosts American commercial fishing presence and economic activity in the Pacific islands region; helps reassert U.S. commitment and energetic presence in the Pacific; helps reduce I.U.U. fishing; combats malign activities by the CCP in the region based on U.S. commercial and Coast Guard presence; and enhances the nation’s food security by securing our supply chain of healthy tuna, serving our Buy America school lunch and military K-rations, and reducing unnecessary reliance on imported fish. 

    “Our U.S. fleet of law-abiding, thoroughly regulated fishermen is preferable to dependence on other nations supply, and highly preferable to the Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing practices that are a problem in our shared ocean. The American fleet is part of the solution, not the problem. I appreciate this strong, patriotic, common sense, and economically wise decision by President Trump,” concluded Rep. Amata. 

    Special thanks to Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula, Lt. Governor Pulu Ae Ae, Archie Taotasi Soliai, Will Sword, Kitty Simonds, Ricardo da Rosa, Erik Kekoa Kingma, John Myking, and Sean Martin. 

    Background 

    In 2014, President Obama increased the Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) from the original 80,000 square miles under President Bush to an unbelievable 490,000 square miles; and extended the fishing ban from 50-200 miles.

    For perspective, the original PRIMNM area created was the size of Minnesota (80,000 sq. miles); and President Obama increased it six-fold adding the equivalent of California (260,000 sq. miles) and Texas (150,000 sq. miles) and eliminating fishing in the process. This PRIMNM area and fishing ban is five times the size of all the Great Lakes combined! In fact, it is roughly 20 percent the size of the lower 48 states and the smallest 20 states would fit in the PRIMNM area with its fishing ban in open ocean waters.

    There was never any science justifying this fishing ban. Restoration of fishing from 50-200 miles will not negate any protections for existing inland waterway, beach, coral, or any other near-shore fishing species, flora or fauna.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CONVENING NOTICE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY AND ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    UNIFIEDPOST GROUP

    Public limited liability company (“naamloze vennootschap” / “société anonyme“) under Belgian law

    Registered office at Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium

    Company number 0886.277.617

    Register of Legal Entities Walloon Brabant

     www.unifiedpost.com

    CONVENING NOTICE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY AND ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

    The Board of Directors of Unifiedpost Group SA/NV (the Company) has the honour of inviting its shareholders and holders of warrants to attend the Extraordinary and Ordinary General Shareholders’ meeting (the General Meeting), which will be held at Buzzynest, Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, La Hulpe, on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 19:00 (CET) to consider and vote on the items as listed in the agenda as set out below.

    Applicable formalities are detailed at the end of this convening notice. Shareholders may, to the extent indicated, also use the ABN AMRO platform (www.abnamro.com/evoting) to complete all participation formalities and vote by proxy at the General Meeting.

    Part 1: Agenda of the Extraordinary General Meeting

    The Extraordinary General Meeting will only validly deliberate on the items of its agenda if at least half of the capital is present or represented, in accordance with article 7:153 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code. If this condition is not met, a new Extraordinary General Meeting with the same agenda will be convened for 17 June 2025. This second Extraordinary General Meeting will validly deliberate irrespective of the number of shares present or represented.

    1. Proposal to amend the Articles of Association – Change of the Company Name.

    Proposed resolution: Proposal to amend Article 1 of the Articles of Association to change the name of the Company from Unifiedpost Group to Banqup Group.

     

    Part 2: Agenda of the Ordinary General Meeting 

    1.  Communication of the Board of Directors’ annual report and the statutory auditor’s report on the statutory financial statements for the financial year closed on 31 December 2024.

    Comment of the Board of Directors: pursuant to articles 3:5 and 3:6 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations, the Board of Directors has drafted an annual report in which it accounts for its management. Furthermore, the statutory auditor has drafted a detailed report in accordance with articles 3:74 and 3:75 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations. Both reports are available for consultation on the website as from the date of this convening notice. These reports do not need to be approved by the shareholders.

    2.  Approval of the remuneration report as included in the annual report of the Board of Directors on the statutory financial statements closed on 31 December 2024.

    Proposed resolution: approval of the remuneration report for the financial year closed on 31 December 2024.

    3.  Approval of the statutory financial statements closed on 31 December 2024 including the proposed allocation of the result.

    Proposed resolution: approval of the statutory financial statements closed on 31 December 2024 showing a profit in the amount of EUR 37.288.229,77 and of the proposed allocation of the result of EUR 72.931.775,84 as losses carried forward.

    4.  Communication of the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year closed on 31 December 2024 as well as the annual report of the Board of Directors and the statutory auditor’s report on those consolidated financial statements.

    Comment of the Board of Directors: pursuant to article 3:32 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations, the Board of Directors has drafted a report on the 2024 consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, the statutory auditor has drafted a detailed report pursuant to article 3:80 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations. Both reports are available for consultation on the website as from the date of this convening notice. These reports do not need to be approved by the shareholders.

    5.  Ratification of the appointment and nomination of Company directors.

    Comment of the Board of Directors: in accordance with Article 7:88 of the Companies and Associations Code and Article 16 of the Company’s Articles of Association, and after advise of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors unanimously decided to accept:

    1. the co-option of Crescemus BV, with company number 0521.873.163, permanently represented by Pieter Bourgeois, as  non-executive director, following the resignation of AS Partners BV, permanently represented by Stefan Yee. The co-option took effect on 23 October 2024 and will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2026.
    2. the co-option of PDMT Investments LLC, with company number 45-2043440, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy, as non- executive, independent director, following the resignation of Sopharth BV, permanently represented by Philippe De Backer. The co-option took effect on 23 October 2024 and will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2026. The Board of Directors confirms that, based on the information available to the Company, PDMT Investments LLC, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy, qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the independence criteria set out in Article 7:87, §1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, the 2020 Belgian Corporate Governance Code, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter.

    Proposed resolutions: 

    1. the General Meeting decides to ratify the appointment by cooptation of Crescemus BV, with company number 0521.873.163, permanently represented by Pieter Bourgeois, as non- executive director of the Company as of 23 October 2024. In accordance with article 7:88 §1 of the Companies and Associations Code, the General Meeting decides to deviate from the default rule that the mandate of a co-opted director ends when the original mandate would have ended, and instead decides to appoint Crescemus BV, with company number 0521.873.163, permanently represented by Pieter Bourgeois as non- executive director of the Company for a term that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The curriculum vitae of Mr. Pieter Bourgeois is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.
    2. the General Meeting decides to ratify the appointment by cooptation of PDMT Investments LLC, with company number 45-2043440, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy, as non- executive and independent director of the Company as of 23 October 2024. In accordance with article 7:88 §1 of the Companies and Associations Code, the General Meeting decides to deviate from the default rule that the mandate of a co-opted director ends when the original mandate would have ended, and instead decides to appoint PDMT Investments LLC, with company number 45-2043440, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy as non- executive, independent director of the Company for a term that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The Board of Directors confirms that, based on the information available to the Company, PDMT Investments LLC, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy, qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the independence criteria set out in Article 7:87, §1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, the 2020 Belgian Corporate Governance Code, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter The curriculum vitae of Mr. Peter Mulroy is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.

    6.  Nomination of Company directors.

    Proposed resolutions:

    1. the General Meeting decides to appoint Quilaudem BV, with company number 0795.086.135, permanently represented by Nathalie Van Den Haute, as non executive director of the Company, for a term of 4 years, that will end immediately after the Ordinary General meeting of 2029. The curriculum vitae of Mrs. Nathalie Van Den Haute is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.
    2. the General Meeting decides to appoint Ahok BV, with company number 0457.927.595, permanently represented by Koen Hoffman, as non- executive, independent  director of the Company, for a term of 4 years, that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The Board of Directors confirms that, based on the information available to the Company, Ahok BV, permanently represented by Koen Hoffman qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the independence criteria set out in Article 7:87, §1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, the 2020 Belgian Corporate Governance Code, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter. The curriculum vitae of Mr. Koen Hoffman is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.
    3. the General Meeting decides to appoint Leanne Kemp, as non- executive, independent director of the Company, for a term of 4 years, that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The Board of Directors confirms that, based on the information available to the Company, Leanne Kemp qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the independence criteria set out in Article 7:87, §1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, the 2020 Belgian Corporate Governance Code, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter. The curriculum vitae of Mrs. Leanne Kemp is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.
    4. the General Meeting decides to appoint Beco Global Consulting LLC, with company number 33-1666922, permanently represented by Nicolas de Beco, as executive director of the Company, for a term of 4 years, that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The curriculum vitae of Mr. Nicolas de Beco is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.

    7.  Approval of the updated Remuneration Policy.

    Proposed resolution: approval of the updated Remuneration Policy which is available for consultation on the website.

    8.  Discharge to all members of the Board of Directors of the Company that were in charge for the execution of their mandate in 2024.

    Proposed resolution: approval to grant discharge to all individual members of the Board of Directors that were in charge in 2024 for the execution of their mandate for the financial year closed on 31 December 2024.

    9.  Discharge to the statutory auditor.

    Proposed resolution: approval to grant discharge to BDO Réviseurs D’Entreprises SCRL (CBE 0431.088.289), represented by Mrs. Ellen Lombaerts, for the execution of its mandate as statutory auditor of the Company during the financial year closed on 31 December 2024.

    10.       Approval of the re-nomination of BDO as statutory auditor of the Company from the date of this General Meeting until the General Meeting of 2028.

    Proposed resolution: approval of the re-nomination of BDO Réviseurs D’Entreprises SCRL, represented by Mrs. Ellen Lombaerts, as statutory auditor of the Company as of the date of this General Meeting until the General Meeting of 2028. The fee for this assignment amounts to EUR 400.000,00 per year (excluding VAT, expenses, and IBR contribution). This fee includes the audit of the statutory annual accounts, the consolidated annual accounts, and the review of the company’s half-year figures (statutory and consolidated).

    11.       Appointment of the commissioner responsible for the “assurance” of the CSRD sustainability report for the year 2025.

    Proposed resolution: in accordance with the recommendation by the Board of Directors and upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, the appointment of BDO Réviseurs D’Entreprises SRL (CBE 0431.088.289), represented by Mrs. Ellen Lombaerts, responsible for the “assurance” of the sustainability report of the CSRD, for a period of one year. The fee amounts to EUR 70.000,00 per year (excluding VAT, expenses, IBR contribution and any flat- rate expense allowance for technology and compliances costs) for this assignment.

    12.  Power of Attorney.

    Proposed resolution: granting of a power of attorney to Mr. Mathias Baert and Mrs. Hilde Debontridder, choosing as address Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium, as extraordinary proxy holders, with the right to act individually and with powers of sub-delegation, to whom they grant the power, to represent the Company regarding the fulfilment of the filing and disclosure obligations as set out in the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations and all other applicable legislation. This power of attorney entails that the aforementioned extraordinary proxy holders may take all necessary and useful actions and sign all documents relating to these filing and disclosure obligations, including but not limited to filing the aforementioned decisions with the competent registry of the commercial court, with a view to publication thereof in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette.

    Practical provisions

    Voting and majority

    Shareholders who have validly notified their participation in the General Meeting may vote at the meetings. Shareholders may vote (i) in advance in accordance with the instructions set down below, or (ii) where they have not voted in advance, vote during the meetings.

    Each share shall have one vote. The proposed resolution under agenda item 1 of part 1 of the agenda shall be passed if this is approved by a majority of 75% of the votes validly cast by the shareholders or their representatives. The proposed resolutions under agenda items 1 to 12 of part 2 of the agenda shall be passed if they are approved by a simple majority of 50% of the votes validly cast by the shareholders or their representatives.

    Admission conditions

    The right to attend the General Meeting and to exercise voting rights during such meeting shall be granted solely based on the administrative registration of the shares in the shareholder’s name at 23:59:59 (CET) on 6 May 2025 at the latest, after processing of all entries and deletions as of that date, either (i) through the registration of the registered shares in the Company’s shares register, or (ii) in the event of dematerialized shares, by their registration in the accounts of a certified account holder or intermediary, irrespective of the number of shares that the shareholder is holding on the actual date of the General Meeting. The time and date stated above are deemed to be the registration date.

    In the event of dematerialized shares, the registration of such shares in the accounts of the relevant certified account holder or intermediary shall be proven through a certificate from the relevant certified account holder or intermediary stating how many dematerialized shares were registered in its accounts in the shareholder’s name on the registration date.

    The shareholders shall report on 14 May 2025 at 23:59:59 (CET) at the latest if they wish to participate in the General Meeting. This must be reported via (i) www.abnamro.com/evoting, (ii) by e-mail to secretary.general@unifiedpost.com or (iii) by letter to Unifiedpost Group SA, to the attention of Mathias Baert, Company Secretary, Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium. In the case of dematerialized shares, a statement must be provided by the intervention of a financial intermediary acting on the instruction of the shareholder via www.abnamro.com/intermediary. The intermediaries concerned need to submit a declaration before 15 May 2025 by 13:00 (CET) at the latest that the number of shares held by the participant on the record date and the registration of the shares were notified to ABN AMRO. In addition, the intermediaries are also requested to include the full address details of the relevant underlying shareholders in order to be able to verify in an efficient manner their holding on the record date.

    When informing the Company of their intention to participate in the General Meeting in accordance with the previous paragraph, shareholders shall indicate the number of shares in the Company which (i) were held by the represented shareholder at 23:59:59 (CET) on 6 May 2025, after processing of all entries and deletions as of that date, and (ii) with which they intend to vote at the General Meeting, including the name of the representative or intermediary and its contact details (phone number and e-mail).

    Holders of warrants are permitted to attend the General Meeting (but not to vote) on the condition of compliance with the admission conditions applicable to shareholders.

    The shareholders or their representatives or proxy holders or warrant holders who have fulfilled the participation formalities and have indicated that they intend to physically attend the General Meeting will receive an access card via their financial intermediary in case of dematerialized shares or via ABN AMRO in case of registered shares.

    The possibility of submitting agenda items and/or proposed resolutions

    In accordance with article 7:130 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations, one or more shareholders that jointly hold at least 3% of the capital shall have the right to add items on the agenda of the General Meeting and to submit proposed resolutions concerning such (added) items on the agenda. Such requests are to be submitted by e-mail to secretary.general@unifiedpost.com, no later than on 28 April 2025. More detailed information on the conditions for making use of this option is available on the Company’s website.

    On 5 May 2025 at the latest, the agenda, with any such additions, will be published in the Belgian Official Gazette, a national newspaper and a European-wide medium.

    Right to ask questions

    In accordance with article 7:139 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations, shareholders who complied with the above conditions for admission may submit questions in writing concerning the agenda items to the directors and/or the statutory auditor. Such questions are to be submitted by e-mail to secretary.general@unifiedpost.com or by letter to Unifiedpost Group SA, to the attention of Mathias Baert, Company Secretary, Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium and this no later than on 14 May 2025. It will also be possible for shareholders who are physically attending the General Meeting to ask questions during the General Meeting.

    These questions, as well as the questions set forth by the shareholders during the General Meeting, will be answered in the course of the General Meeting by, depending on the case, the directors or the statutory auditor. The directors or, as the case may be, the statutory auditor will foresee a reasonable amount of time to answer any questions (+/- 1 hour). Insofar as the communication of data or facts is of a nature to be detrimental to the business interests of the Company or the confidentiality to which the director or Unifiedpost Group have committed themselves, the directors may refuse to answer such questions. The statutory auditor of the Company may also refuse to answer such questions if the communication of data or facts is of a nature to be detrimental to the business interests of the Company or the confidentiality to which the statutory auditor or Unifiedpost Group have committed themselves.

    More detailed information on the right to ask questions is available on the Company website (www.unifiedpost.com).

    Proxies and voting instructions

    Shareholders who wish to be represented by a different person at the General Meeting can indicate this via www.abnamro.com/evoting or via their financial intermediary in case of dematerialized shares no later than 14 May 2025 at 17:00 (CET). In addition, shareholders can make use of the proxy form as prepared by the Board of Directors. This proxy form is available via the website of the Company and  the Company’s registered office. This proxy must be filed at the Company’s registered office, for the attention of the Board of Directors, or sent by email to ava@nl.abnamro.com, in either case no later than at 17:00 (CET) on 14 May 2025.

    In the event of any discrepancy between the different language versions of this convening notice and the other documents relating to the General Meeting, the French version will prevail.

    Availability of documents

    All documents relating to the General Meeting (including this convening notice and the aforementioned proxy form) which the law requires to make available to shareholders are accessible on the Company’s website as from 18 April 2025 in French and English.

    Privacy notice

    The Company is responsible for the processing of the personal data it receives from shareholders, holders of other securities issued by the Company (if any) and proxy holders in the context of the General Meeting of the shareholders in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation. The processing of such personal data will in particular take place for the organization, analysis and management of the participation and voting procedure in relation to the General Meeting, in accordance with the applicable legislation and the Company’s Privacy Policy available at https://www.unifiedpost.com/. These personal data will be transferred to third parties for the purpose of providing assistance in the management of participation and voting procedures, and for analyzing the composition of the shareholder base of the Company. The personal data will not be stored any longer than necessary in light of the aforementioned objectives. Shareholders, holders of other securities issued by the Company and proxy holders can find the Company’s Privacy Policy on the Company’s website. This Privacy Policy contains detailed information regarding the processing of the personal data of, among others, shareholders, holders of other securities issued by the Company and proxy holders, including the rights that they can assert towards the Company in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation. The aforementioned can exercise their rights with regard to their personal data provided to the Company by contacting the Company’s Data Protection Officer via gdpr@unifiedpost.com.

    Contact details Unifiedpost Group SA/NV

    Public limited liability company (“naamloze vennootschap” / “société anonyme“) under Belgian law with registered office at Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0886.277.617.

    E-mail: secretary.general@unifiedpost.com

    Website: www.unifiedpost.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 18, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Apr 18, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Fri Apr 18 00:34:30 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 180034

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0734 PM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

    Valid 180100Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM EXTREME
    EASTERN NEBRASKA INTO WESTERN AND CENTRAL IOWA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms will continue early
    tonight from eastern Nebraska into western and central Iowa. Very
    large hail to 3 inches in diameter or greater, isolated severe gusts
    of 60-70 mph, and a couple of tornadoes will all be possible.

    …01z Update…

    Water-vapor imagery suggests a weak short-wave trough is located
    over western NE, extending into northwest KS. Later tonight an 80kt
    500mb speed max will translate across KS toward southeast NE, and
    this will encourage a marked increase in the LLJ across KS into
    northwest MO by 06z. Latest radar data depicts isolated-scattered
    severe supercells near the MO River from eastern NE into western IA.
    This activity will spread east, aided in part by the aforementioned
    LLJ. With time, storm inflow will gradually lift as the boundary
    layer decouples, and storms will become more elevated. For the next
    few hours very large hail remains possible, along with a risk for
    tornadoes, and wind. As the storms become elevated hail will become
    the most likely concern.

    ..Darrow.. 04/18/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Fri Apr 18 05:02:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Fri Apr 18 05:06:02 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Fri Apr 18 05:02:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Fri Apr 18 05:06:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Strong Chinese economy in Q1 demonstrates resilience, say pundits

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s economy delivered a strong start in the first quarter, demonstrating steady performance and resilience, economists and observers have said.

    The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.4 percent year on year to 31.8758 trillion yuan (about 4.42 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2025, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Wednesday.

    Describing China’s improved GDP as “excellent news,” Professor John Bryson from the University of Birmingham in Britain, told Xinhua that China has been shifting away from a focus on exports combined with infrastructure investment to a more balanced approach that includes an increase in consumer demand within China.

    “This process of rebalancing means that some of the drivers of national economic growth are being localized,” Bryson said, adding that the outcome of this rebalancing exercise is seen with the release of the latest GDP figures.

    A rebalanced Chinese economy with more local consumer demand represents one approach to ensuring national economic sustainability, Bryson said.

    China’s GDP grew 5 percent year on year in 2024 and the country has targeted its full-year economic growth at around 5 percent for this year. The strong performance of the Chinese economy in the first quarter of 2025 shows its resilience, positioning the country to better weather global uncertainties.

    Despite the ongoing global economic headwinds and U.S. tariff pressures, China’s focus on domestic demand expansion and consumption promotion through policies like trade-in programs appears to be bolstering its economic resilience and stability, said Moteb Alshammary, chief of staff of Hisense Electronics in Saudi Arabia.

    “The Chinese economy possesses significant internal strength, capable of navigating external uncertainties,” Alshammary added.

    A series of measures taken by the Chinese government have enabled China’s economy to maintain rapid and stable growth, said Irfan Karsli, head of the Istanbul-based tourism agency Ligarba Travel. “In the field of consumption, the Chinese government has implemented many preferential policies, which have brought real benefits to the people and also driven the production and sales of various industries in China.”

    Seeing the Chinese economy as a “stabilizer” of global economic growth, experts believe that China’s sustained economic growth has a profound impact on the world economy.

    James Shikwati, a Kenyan economist, said that in the context of international trade friction and the U.S. tariffs, China’s economic growth is of great significance in boosting world confidence and promoting the world economy.

    The Chinese economy is important to the rest of the world, said Dawie Roodt, a senior economist at South African wealth management company Efficient Group, adding that China will help maintain global economic growth by continuing to expand domestic demand and boost consumption.

    In the views of Abu Bakr al-Deeb, advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies, China’s sustained economic expansion and its persistent efforts to integrate itself into the global economy have generated opportunities for nations worldwide.

    “The size of China’s domestic market presents a matchless consumer base as this vast market translates into substantial potential for companies across many industries,” the expert noted.

    By maintaining policy stability and action predictability, China has emerged as a pivotal force in overcoming global turbulence, said Marcos Pires, a professor at the Department of Political and Economic Sciences at Sao Paulo State University in Brazil, adding that amid a landscape of global uncertainties, China serves as a safe harbor and predictable anchor for nations and businesses alike.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Seafood-Related Executive Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    04.17.25
    Cantwell Statement on Seafood-Related Executive Order
    EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released this statement regarding President Trump’s executive order related to seafood and fisheries.
    “You can’t manage and grow American fisheries when you fire the very scientists and fishery managers who are charged with supporting the more than one million jobs that rely on sustainable fisheries. This executive order comes on the heels of the leaked Trump Administration draft budget which would slash the National Marine Fisheries Service budget by 27 percent and eliminate the Habitat Conservation Program and the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which fishermen rely on to restore salmon and other fish populations. The administration’s actions are hurting fishing families, not helping them.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Baldwin, Blunt Rochester Demand Answers on Lutnick’s Failure to Protect Minority Business Development Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.17.25

    Cantwell, Baldwin, Blunt Rochester Demand Answers on Lutnick’s Failure to Protect Minority Business Development Agency

    As Trump tariffs batter U.S. economy, Lutnick RIFs entire agency that helps boost minority entrepreneurship, ignite economic opportunity & create jobs in rural, suburban & urban communities across the country

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) wrote to Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick demanding documents and full accounting of his actions to shutter the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) despite vowing not to support efforts to dismantle it. Today’s letter follows a March 24 letter from Sens. Cantwell and Blunt Rochester, warning Lutnick of the devastating impacts a reduction in force would have on small businesses and the nation’s economy.

    “Since sending that letter, our offices have received information indicating the Trump Administration sent reduction-in-force (RIF) notices to every MBDA employee—effectively shuttering an agency that Congress has authorized,” the senators wrote today.  “If true, this action would not only prevent MBDA from successfully carrying out its congressionally mandated programs and duties; it would appear to contradict the testimony you provided during your confirmation hearing.”

    During his confirmation hearing before the Commerce Committee, Lutnick said he did not support dismantling the agency which was created by President Nixon in 1969 and codified into law by Congress with bipartisan support in 2021. The MBDA is responsible for promoting the growth and global competitiveness of minority owned businesses, including by assisting these businesses with access to capital, contracts, markets and business networks through partnerships with private and public entities.  In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the MBDA helped the country’s more than 12 million minority businesses access over $1.5 billion in capital and create or retain approximately 23,000 jobs.

    The full letter is below and here.

    Secretary Lutnick:

    In a letter sent on March 25, 2025, you were urged to honor your testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation affirming you do not support efforts to dismantle the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).[1] Since sending that letter, our offices have received information indicating the Trump Administration sent reduction-in-force (RIF) notices to every MBDA employee—effectively shuttering an agency that Congress has authorized. If true, this action would not only prevent MBDA from successfully carrying out its congressionally mandated programs and duties; it would appear to contradict the testimony you provided during your confirmation hearing. Accordingly, we demand a clear and complete explanation of your Department’s actions regarding the MBDA.

    As explained in the March 25, 2025, letter, the MBDA is a vital driver of economic growth for America’s minority-owned businesses.[2] Congress statutorily authorized the agency in a bipartisan manner in 2021 to ensure American entrepreneurs facing historical barriers to business ownership had access to key tools and resources to spur innovation, open new businesses, and create good-paying jobs. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the MBDA helped the country’s more than 12 million minority businesses access over $1.5 billion in capital and create or retain approximately 23,000 jobs.[3] Mindful of the MBDA’s record of success and congressional mandate, we urged you not to move forward with a RIF that would reduce MBDA’s personnel to as few as 3 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

    Alarmingly, information provided to our offices makes clear the RIF your Department initiated at the MBDA was even more sweeping than we had feared, leaving the agency with effectively no staff. As a result, it is unclear to whom, if anyone, MBDA Business Centers are reporting or who is currently implementing MBDA’s congressionally mandated programs and duties. Your Department appears to have dismantled the MBDA without any act of Congress—disregarding the programs and initiatives the Administration is directed by statute to implement.

    The Commerce Committee has a duty to conduct oversight of the agencies and programs under its jurisdiction to ensure they are implemented and operating as Congress intended.  Accordingly, please provide the following documents and information no later than May 1, 2025:

    • A complete description of the current staffing at MBDA, including the number of FTE employees presently working at the agency (if any), how many FTE employees are presently on administrative leave, and how many MBDA FTE employees have been sent RIF notices since January 20, 2025.
    • Copies of all RIF notices sent to MBDA FTE employees since January 20, 2025.
    • A complete description of all actions taken by the Department to comply with President Trump’s March 14, 2025, executive order, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.”
    • A copy of the report required in the above-referenced March 14, 2025, Executive Order from MBDA to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget confirming compliance with the Executive Order and explaining which of its components or functions are statutorily required and to what extent.
    • An explanation of how the Department’s actions regarding the MBDA are consistent with the Administration’s statutory obligations under the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 (Division K of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58).
    • An explanation of how the Department’s actions regarding the MBDA during your tenure as Commerce Secretary are consistent with your testimony to the Commerce Committee on January 29, 2025, and in your responses to the corresponding questions for the record. In your response, please specifically address the testimony you provided when asked if you support dismantling the MBDA, to which you responded, “I do not.”

    Sincerely,

    [1] Hearing, “Nomination Hearing – U.S. Secretary of Commerce”, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, (Jan. 29, 2025); https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2025/1/full-committee-nomination-hearing_2_3.

    [2] Press Release, “Cantwell, Blunt Rochester Demand Commerce Secretary Lutnick Protect Minority Business Development Agency from Trump’s Overreach”, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, (Mar. 24, 2025); https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2025/3/cantwell-blunt-rochester-demand-commerce-secretary-lutnick-protect-minority-business-development-agency-from-trump-s-overreach. 

    [3] “Annual Performance Summary, Fiscal Year 2024,” Minority Business Development Agency, (accessed Mar. 24, 2025); https://www.mbda.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/fy-2024-annual-performance-report.pdf.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES ADVOCACY WIN IN SECURING EXEMPTIONS ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PORT FEE ACTIONS

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

    For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland
    April 17, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

    PRESS RELEASE

    CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES ADVOCACY WIN IN SECURING EXEMPTIONS ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PORT FEE ACTIONS

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following statement on the Trump Administration’s U.S. Trade Representative Office’s (USTR) exemption for the U.S. Virgin Islands from punitive service fees and restrictions on shipping companies that have the potential to skyrocket costs for Americans – and would have done so exponentially for the Virgin Islands. 

    There would have been far-reaching economic consequences, including shipping delays and estimates of 50-60% increased shipping costs under the Proposed Action. However, the U.S. Virgin Islands falls within the 2,000 mile exemption (Annex II, Targeted Coverage, page 33) in the Notice of Action issued today by USTR. Furthermore, transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels would have been charged up to $1.5 million per vessel entrance to an American port, as well as an ‘additional fee’ of up to $1 million per vessel entrance to an American port if the number of foreign-built vessels in the operator’s fleet is equal to or greater than 25 percent. Even vessels under the U.S. flag, operated and owned by a U.S. entity that are Chinese-built would have been subject to the fees in USTR’s proposal. If the Proposed Action had been implemented, the unintended consequence would have been an increased presence of Chinese vessels and carriers transporting goods from sources outside of the United States—including China—within the United States’ third border, the Caribbean Basin.

    “I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with and question US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer during a Ways & Means Committee hearing last week and at that time urging the Ambassador to consider the practical impacts of tariff actions on the U.S. outlying areas and ultimately reconsider those actions. Our communities would have borne a tremendous undue cost, which made clear the need for an exemption. I also led a letter to USTR Ambassador Greer and the Administration, with Members of Congress from both the Atlantic and Pacific areas to make the case for an exemption for the territories and US-owned companies and underscore the impact of these fees on the Virgin Islands, which would have permeated through the Caribbean region.

    “USTR Ambassador Greer took my letter into serious consideration when making final arrangements of this action. Under the Notice of Action, exemptions apply to:

    • U.S.-owned or U.S.-flagged vessels enrolled in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program, or the Cable Security Program;
    • vessels arriving empty or in ballast;
    • vessels with a capacity of equal to or less than: 4,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, 55,000 deadweight tons, or an individual bulk capacity of 80,000 deadweight tons;
    • vessels entering a U.S. port in the continental United States from a voyage of less than 2,000 nautical miles from a foreign port or point;
    • U.S.-owned vessels, where the U.S. entity owning the vessel is controlled by U.S. persons and is at least 75 percent beneficially owned by U.S. persons;
    • specialized or special purpose-built vessels for the transport of chemical substances in bulk liquid forms; and
    • vessels principally identified as “Lakers Vessels” on CBP Form 1300, or its electronic equivalent.”

    USTR Ambassador Greer’s team highlighted the Congresswoman’s advocacy both in Committee and her letter where she was able to bring together Representatives from outlying areas in both the Atlantic and Pacific—states and territories. We note as a monumental achievement the critical work done by the Congresswoman and her team to bring together disparate communities who the federal government have historically pitted against one another. Congresswoman Plaskett is grateful for Ambassador Greer’s team reaching out to share the news with her before the public announcement and expressing the importance of the information her team shared.

    “I thank my colleagues, USTR Ambassador Greer, elected officials, the maritime industry, and stakeholders, particularly Tropical Shipping and Jennifer Nugent-Hill, for their support to urge the Trump Administration to reconsider the Proposed Action,” said Plaskett. “I will continue to collaborate in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the Virgin Islands community to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands. I believe that we can work with everyone while not compromising our values and beliefs and get things done. This achievement is an example of that.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Additional Funds for Disaster Protection

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging disaster loan recipients in Florida to apply for additional funds to protect their homes and businesses from future storms. 

    Loan recipients have up to two years from their loan approval date to request an increase of up to 20% of their verified physical damages to cover the cost of improvements. Eligible mitigation projects may include regrading landscaping for better drainage, installing a French drain or sump pump, and strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage. 

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.” 

    To learn more about mitigation options visit sba.gov/mitigation. 

    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. 

    ### 

    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 or 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. 

    Related programs: Disaster

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Michigan Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Excessive Rain

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    TLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Michigan who sustained economic losses caused by the excessive rain occurring May 1, 2024 through Sept. 15, 2024. 

    The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Macomb and St. Clair, and the adjacent counties of Lapeer, Oakland, Sanilac, and Wayne. 

    Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises. 

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or 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. 

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.250% for PNPs, with 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. 

    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 November 28, 2025. 

    ### 

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Members Padilla, Morelle Continue Pressing for Answers on Trump’s Pause on Critical Election Security Work

    US Senate News:

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

    Ranking Members Padilla, Morelle Continue Pressing for Answers on Trump’s Pause on Critical Election Security Work

    Lawmakers demand copy of CISA’s review of its election security work after insufficient responses, blown deadlines to multiple letters regarding CISA firings and termination of election security efforts
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, sent another letter demanding answers from senior officials at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on the status of their election-related work, including a copy of CISA’s review of its election security work. 
    The Ranking Members sent two previous letters to CISA leadership regarding CISA’s pause on all election security-focused activities, the termination of funding for the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), and the firings of CISA employees who previously worked on election security, including misinformation and disinformation issues. The lawmakers note in their letter that the agency’s response “offered little insight into the status of election security work at CISA” and that CISA still has not fulfilled their request for a copy of the agency’s review more than a month after the deadline.
    “These staff and funding cuts raise grave concerns about the security and integrity of upcoming elections, where states and localities with limited budgets must protect their systems against foreign nation-states,” wrote the lawmakers. “Yet, during this time, we have received no additional updates or information from CISA about the status of this review.”
    CISA reportedly completed its review of all election security-related funding, products, services, and positions early last month and shared it with officials at the Department of Homeland Security. After the Department of Government Efficiency was deployed to CISA, the agency is also preparing to fire a third of its workforce — 1,300 employees — threatening vital election security efforts. Padilla and Morelle also expressed that the permanent termination without notice of federal funds for EI-ISAC will lead to assistance for state and local election officials “being systematically dismantled.”
    The lawmakers concluded by reminding CISA’s leadership of its responsibility to the congressional committees of jurisdiction. In addition to a copy of CISA’s review, Padilla and Morelle also asked for a substantive response to their two prior letters and a briefing on the findings of CISA’s assessment.
    “The Department and CISA have a responsibility to be transparent and responsive to the House and Senate Committees with jurisdiction over federal elections regarding proposed changes that threaten election integrity,” concluded the lawmakers. “To that end, we expect a comprehensive response, including the final or latest copy of CISA’s review, no later than Friday, May 2.”
    Ranking Members Padilla and Morelle have strongly opposed efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine federal agencies’ election security work. In addition to their previous letters to CISA leadership, Padilla and Morelle expressed serious concerns about the dangerous implications for elections following President Trump’s executive order purporting to bring independent regulatory agencies under total control of the White House. Padilla previously denounced the illegal firing of Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen Weintraub and led 10 Democratic Senators to demand President Trump rescind his attempt to fire Weintraub. 
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Ms. Bean and Ms. Harrington:
    We are writing for a third time seeking urgent updates on the status of election-related work at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), including for a copy of CISA’s review of its election security work.
    The agency’s March 7 response to our February 13 and March 4 letters offered little insight into the status of election security work at CISA, except for confirmation that CISA has paused all election security-focused activities pending this review and had already terminated federal funding in support of the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC). Following that March 7 response, House and Senate committee staff also made a specific document request in writing for CISA’s review of its election security activities.
    Recent reporting indicates that this review conducted by CISA of all election security related funding, products, services, and positions was completed in early March and has been shared with officials at the Department of Homeland Security.  Other reports indicate that CISA is preparing to cut nearly one-third of its workforce, or 1,300 people, following the deployment of DOGE staff to the agency— a potentially devastating blow to election security.  Funding cuts to ISACs mean that help for state and local election administrators is “being systematically dismantled.” 
    These staff and funding cuts raise grave concerns about the security and integrity of upcoming elections, where states and localities with limited budgets must protect their systems against foreign nation-states. Yet, during this time, we have received no additional updates or information from CISA about the status of this review.
    Now, more than one month after the deadline set out in our March 4 letter, we again request a copy of CISA’s review, a substantive response to both letters, and a briefing on the findings of the agency’s assessment, including a discussion of any proposed changes occurring at the agency and an explanation of the rationale behind such changes.
    The Department and CISA have a responsibility to be transparent and responsive to the House and Senate Committees with jurisdiction over federal elections regarding proposed changes that threaten election integrity. To that end, we expect a comprehensive response, including the final or latest copy of CISA’s review, no later than Friday, May 2.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOGE’s Data Dive Denied: Court Grants Preliminary Injunction and Blocks Access to SSA System

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Baltimore, MD — A federal court has granted a preliminary injunction blocking Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) from further accessing sensitive personal data stored within the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) systems. The ruling comes in response to a motion filed by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO; the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); and the Alliance for Retired Americans, all represented by Democracy Forward.

    Today’s decision provides significant relief and is essential in halting DOGE’s unlawful and dangerous overreach. The court recognized that Musk’s operatives’ unprecedented access to private Social Security data, ranging from immigration records to health and financial information, violated critical privacy protections and would cause irreparable harm.

    This decision sends a clear message to Elon Musk and his DOGE minions to keep their hands off Social Security,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. This regime of billionaires is wreaking havoc on the Social Security Administration – rolling out plans to cut services, sowing confusion, disregarding court orders and then denying how their actions will hurt those most vulnerable. We won’t stand for it. Working people spend their entire careers paying into Social Security so they can one day retire with dignity. AFSCME and our partners will keep working to protect that promise for all.

    This is an important ruling that upholds our grave concern that millions of Americans have had their private information and retirement security violated by Elon Musk’s illegal actions. It stops, for now, the exploitation of data by an unelected billionaire who wants to weaponize it or use it for his and others’ personal ends. The promise of Social Security is that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can retire with dignity and grace. Elon Musk broke that basic bond of trust and today, the judge agreed that he must be held accountable,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.

    Older Americans can breathe easier knowing that Elon Musk and his DOGE team have been clearly ordered to stay away from their most personal financial and health information,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. We will always fight to ensure that every American after a lifetime of work receives the Social Security benefits they have earned and that their most sensitive information remains protected.

    This is a significant relief for the millions of people who depend on the Social Security Administration to safeguard their most personal and sensitive information, said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. The court’s ruling sends a clear message: no one can bypass the law to raid government data systems for their own purposes. We will continue working with our partners to ensure that DOGE’s overreach is permanently stopped and that people’s rights are protected.

    The preliminary injunction halts DOGE personnel from accessing SSA data without complying with certain legal requirements while the broader lawsuit moves forward. Plaintiffs argue that DOGE’s access violates the Privacy Act, the Social Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

    This decision follows a first-of-its-kind order requiring Musk and DOGE to “disgorge” and “delete” any personal data and highlighting that DOGE affiliates have been concerned that the disclosure of even their names would expose them to harassment and thus invade their privacy. However, DOGE does not appear to share a privacy concern for the millions of people whose SSA records were made available to its affiliates without their consent.

    Read the complaint, the motion for temporary restraining order, the motion for preliminary injunction, and today’s ruling.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Welcomes Executive Order on Enhancing American Seafood Competitiveness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    04.17.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today praised an executive order issued by President Donald Trump to strengthen U.S. and Alaska fisheries. As the chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, Sen. Sullivan has been working with the Trump administration and introducing legislation to address challenges facing Alaska’s fishermen, including global trading practices that disadvantage Alaska fisheries, and regulations that burden Alaska fishermen.

    “Last month in my speech to the Alaska Legislature, I issued a clarion call about the need to go on offense for our fishermen,” said Sen. Sullivan. “These great Alaskans have endured a perfect storm of challenges, which include unfair seafood trade practices by dictatorships like Russia and China, and onerous regulatory burdens from our own federal government. I have been working relentlessly with the Trump administration, including with the Commerce and Agriculture Departments, and the U.S. Trade Representative, to get relief for our fisherman. They listened. Today, President Trump gave our fishermen a major shot in the arm, ordering his administration to remove unnecessary federal red tape and develop an America First Seafood Strategy with measures to enhance the competitiveness of our seafood in global markets and hold bad actors in seafood trade accountable. I appreciate the Trump administration’s continued strong focus on advancing the interests and priorities of Alaska across a range of economic sectors, including our fishermen and coastal communities. I thank President Trump, Secretary Lutnick, and Ambassador Greer for taking decisive action on behalf of our hard-working fishermen, and fighting to ensure more Americans and our trading partners around the world are eating ‘freedom fish’ from Alaska—not ‘communist fish’ from the likes of Russia and China.”

    Below is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan’s recent efforts to advocate on behalf of the competitiveness of Alaska’s seafood industry:

    • On March 11, 2022, as a result of Sen. Sullivan’s advocacy, the Biden administration announced it would prohibit the importation of Russian seafood into the United States, in addition to banning goods from several other signature sectors of Russia’s economy.
    • On December 22, 2023, Sen. Sullivan welcomed a new Executive Order and resulting U.S. Department of the Treasury determination to revise existing guidance that allowed all Russian-origin seafood to bypass an earlier Executive Order banning its import into the United States. 
    • On January 29, 2025, Sen. Sullivan received Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’scommitment to champion the interests of Alaska’s fishermen and seafood industry.
    • On February 24, 2025, Sen. Sullivan reintroduced his Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act to combat foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, bolstering the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement capabilities, and advancing international and bilateral negotiations to achieve enforceable agreements and treaties.
    • On March 13, 2025, Sen. Sullivan wrote a letter to Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative, urging him to initiate an investigation under Section 301 of theTrade Act of 1974 into Russian and Chinese seafood trade practices.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Tours WSU-Vancouver Life Sciences Building, Filling Workforce Gaps in Southwest WA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ***PHOTOS, B-ROLL HERE***
    Vancouver, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, toured Washington State University’s Vancouver campus to see their recently-completed Life Sciences Building, which has been in the works for nearly a decade and specifically works to fill workforce gaps in Southwest Washington, particularly in medicine and nursing. During the visit, Senator Murray heard from students and educators about how the new building allows WSU-Vancouver to expand biology offerings—which were previously limited by a lack of lab space—and provide a new undergraduate degree in chemistry. The Life Sciences Building houses classrooms, lab space for biology and chemistry, and clinical health programs, including biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and nursing.  
    The opening of the Life Sciences Building also freed up space in the existing Science and Engineering Building for a new five-year partnership between the U.S. Forest Service’s Office of International Programs (USFS IP) and WSU Vancouver to combat illegal logging—where students will use state-of-the-art equipment purchased by the USFS IP to assist the Forest Service in detecting illegal timber imports and support the U.S. timber industry by ensuring legitimate trade practices. Right now, U.S. industries lose an estimated $4 billion each year as a direct result of illegal logging. Space in the Science and Engineering Building is currently being renovated for this work, and Forest Service staff will work out of these offices and labs on WSU Vancouver’s campus.  This new partnership is expected to create several new educational opportunities and research outcomes for undergraduate and graduate students and allow WSU to hire new staff. WSU is also a key partner in USFS IP’s Invasive Species Program, which funds research to manage non-native forest pests and pathogens that threaten the health of U.S. forests and grasslands.
    However, Trump and Elon Musk’s mass firings and steep cuts to critical services across the federal government are putting this work in jeopardy—Trump and Musk have already pushed out more than 3,000 U.S. Forest Service employees and their upcoming Reduction In Force (RIF) plans are likely to gut USFS IP and could put the agency’s partnerships with WSU at risk.
    “As a proud Coug, it was great getting to see firsthand how WSU is advancing life science programs for students in Vancouver and filling workforce needs for greater Southwest Washington. Thanks to these new resources and programs, more students will be equipped to become nurses, doctors, and scientists ensuring Washington state continues to lead the way on everything from medical research to preventing invasive species from threatening our forests,” said Senator Murray. “Right now, President Trump is doing everything he can to attack education across the country and abolish the Department of Education that provides really critical support for students at WSU and all over Washington state. Trump’s attacks on the Forest Service also threaten critical partnerships with WSU on everything from combating illegal logging to managing invasive species. I will continue fighting as hard as I can to protect the funding and resources our students and schools like WSU need to thrive.”  
    Last year, the Department of Education distributed over $100 million in federal financial aid and support to help students across Washington attend and complete college.
    “Senator Murray’s visit provided an opportunity to showcase the vital role federally funded research plays in advancing our mission—from driving cutting-edge discoveries that promote health, innovation and economic vitality in our region to expanding access and supporting student success,” said Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Christine Portfors.
    A senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. As a longtime appropriator, she has successfully fought to boost funding to support students and invest in our nation’s K-12 schools, and she has secured significant increases to the Pell Grant so that it goes further for students pursuing a higher education. Senator Murray also successfully negotiated the FAFSA Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the financial aid application process, simplify the FAFSA form for students and parents, and significantly expand eligibility for federal aid.
    Earlier this month, Senator Murray led a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon demanding a reversal of a new policy the Department of Education announced recently that suddenly upended departmental policy and imposed new red tape on states, which will prevent them from accessing pandemic relief funds they are counting on to support students’ learning. Senator Murray also led a letter demanding detailed answers from the Department of Education about the mass firings and other detrimental actions which risk major reductions in support for and oversight of federal investments in our nation’s K-12 schools and institutions of higher education and threaten vital support for students with disabilities, access to Pell Grants and other financial aid, oversight of student loan servicers, scrutiny of for-profit colleges, and more. The letter follows an earlier March 6 letter Senator Murray sent alongside colleagues demanding answers about the chaotic, harmful actions taken by ED since January—which the Department has yet to respond to.
    During Secretary Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing, Senator Murray pressed McMahon on whether she will ensure approved funding gets out to serve students as the law requires and whether she would protect students’ data from DOGE. She also asked McMahon to name a single requirement of ESSA—and McMahon couldn’t name any. Ahead of McMahon’s confirmation, Senator Murray spoke out on the Senate floor against her nomination and sounded the alarm over President Trump and Elon Musk’s plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
    A fact sheet outlining how the Department of Education supports students in Washington state is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Vancouver, Senator Murray Meets with Local Businesses, ILWU, Port of Kalama to Discuss How Trump’s Chaotic Trade War is Hurting Washington State

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: In Tacoma, Senator Murray Meets with Local Businesses, Port Commissioners to Discuss How Trump’s Chaotic Trade War is Hurting Washington State
    ICYMI: In Senate Floor Speech, Senator Murray Hammers Trump and Republicans on Chaotic, Painful Trade War and Steep Tariffs Raising Costs on Families and Small Businesses in WA
    ***PHOTOS and B-ROLL HERE***
    Vancouver, WA— Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion in Vancouver highlighting how local businesses, ports, and the overall economy in Washington state is suffering from President Trump’s senseless and chaotic trade war. Senator Murray was joined for the discussion by John Rudi, CEO of Thompson Metal Fab in Vancouver; Miriam Halliday, CEO of Workforce Southwest Washington; Jared Moultrie, Vice President of the International Longshore & Warehouse Workers’ Union (ILWU) Local 4 in Vancouver; Augusto Bassanini, CEO of United Grain; and Mark Wilson, Executive Director of the Port of Kalama.
    On April 2nd, President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on nearly every country, including a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imported goods, and country-specific so-called reciprocal tariffs. Just hours after the reciprocal tariff rates took effect last Wednesday, Trump abruptly changed his mind and put a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs. But Trump is still taxing goods from every country, across the board, at 10 percent at least, and he is escalating his trade war with China, with 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods—which is already leading to higher prices and serious pain for families and small business across Washington state. Senator Murray has always been vocal about the need to out-compete China, but warned that waging an all-out trade war with China on a whim will cause serious economic pain for consumers and small businesses across the country.
    Even with his “pause,” Trump’s new tariff rates are still the highest in decades, and are estimated to cost American families more than $4,000 per year—the largest tax increase since 1968.
    “Trump’s tariffs are a tax—a tax that will hit hardworking Americans the most. Families will be paying higher prices, small businesses will have to lay off workers, and Washington’s ports will be gutted as trade drops. That’s a lot of jobs on the line in our ports like Kalama and Vancouver along the Columbia River,” said Senator Murray. “Congress has the power to step in and put a stop to these senseless tariffs, we can bring back certainty to protect American businesses and the economy.”
    “Businesses can’t function when they are waiting to see if Trump will change his mind again about what countries will have tariffs, and at what rate, as if this should be something decided on a whim,” Senator Murray continued. “Every morning small business owners, port longshoremen, warehouse workers, and families wake up wondering if today will be the day they have to close up shop or will lose their job. Congress needs to step up and put an end to these tariffs—but we need Republicans to join us in order to do that. I will keep shining a light on the consequences of Trump’s painful trade war will bring and amplifying the voices and concerns of people in Washington state.”
    Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will struggle to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs.
    Canada is Washington’s largest overall trading partner, accounting for nearly $20 billion in imports and $10 billion in exports. China is the world’s second-largest economy and Washington state exported over $12 billion in goods to China last year—making China Washington state’s top export partner—and imported $11.2 billion in goods, the second-most in imports from any country aside from Canada. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.
    “Tariffs simply add cost to major infrastructure projects, and there are very few ways the additional cost impacts of tariffs can be reduced or mitigated,” said John Rudi, CEO of Thompson Metal Fab, a veteran-owned, Vancouver-based metal fabrication company that makes products for the gas and oil industries, and is entering new markets creating products for nuclear, high-tech, and renewable energies. “There are serious concerns about the impact of tariffs on projects that have already been contracted or bid—and an even larger concern than the direct financial impact of tariffs is the uncertainty it creates. Uncertainly only delays, and possibly freezes, major industrial projects. When work is delayed, highly-skilled workers are lost, resulting in long-term impacts to industrial capacity. And once industrial demand stabilizes and returns to normal, the surge in business can result in inflationary costs due to increased competition for workers and resources… Senator Murray has been a strong and consistent advocate for job creation and infrastructure projects in our region and we are pleased to have her visit today to discuss how businesses and the local workforce are impacted by tariffs.”
    “The continued volatility in international tariff strategies is creating significant challenges for workforce development across industries in Southwest Washington,” said Miriam Halliday, CEO of Workforce Southwest, the Local Workforce Development Board designated as the policy, planning and oversight body for the public workforce system in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. “Companies are increasingly hesitant to expand or invest in talent due to rising costs and economic uncertainty. For instance, a mid-sized IT Managed Service Provider located in Vancouver WA is facing a 15% increase in order costs, making it difficult to forecast budgets and commit to workforce growth. Similarly, a mid-sized die casting manufacturer located in Vancouver WA has paused its expansion this quarter—not due to lack of demand, but because financial institutions are withholding loans for new equipment out of recession fears. As a result, plans to hire and upskill workers have been deferred, highlighting how external economic pressures are directly stalling local and regional workforce development.”
    “Our ports face significant challenges and uncertainties in light of potential trade wars,” said Jared Moultrie, Vice President of the International Longshore & Warehouse Workers’ Union (ILWU) Local 4 in Vancouver, representing dock workers in the region. “In 2024, the Port of Vancouver supported nearly 20,000 jobs and generated $2.9 billion in regional economic benefits. United Grain Corporation, Longshoremen, Railroad workers, Tugboat crews, Truck operators, and Farmers from the American West and Midwest facilitated the movement of 5.9 million metric tons of agricultural commodities through the Port of Vancouver. The retaliatory tariffs imposed by China have the potential to significantly reduce employment opportunities for these men and women and diminish the economic benefits within our regionThe Port of Vancouver operates as a breakbulk port, and proposed tariffs would heavily impact everything we handle. Steel is projected to experience an estimated 30 percent decrease, having never recovered from the previous set of tariffs. Currently, we service two aluminum ships per month and conduct weekly aluminum loadouts onto trucks or railcars. The aluminum sector would be seriously jeopardized if tariffs were to deepen. As the number one importer of Subaru vehicles, we are already anticipating around a 20 percent decrease in cars arriving at our dock.”
    “At Local 4, our workers are concerned about job security due to the proposed tariffs. We are already contending with rising car payments, mortgage payments, and costs of goods and services. We worry about whether we will be able to afford our children’s tuition, take planned vacations, make substantial purchases, or even dine out. The trickle-down effect on regional companies, truck drivers, farmers, small businesses, and everyone in between could be devastating,” Moultrie continued. “We extend our gratitude to Senator Murray for her dedication and continued commitment to supporting the ILWU and our ports, working-class individuals, our region, our state, and the United States of America.”
    “We greatly appreciate Senator Murray’s engagement and efforts to understand how the proposed tariffs are impacting American grain exports,” said Augusto Bassanini, CEO of United Grain Corporation, which sources grain and oilseeds from more than 2,000 suppliers in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Plains. “To help the 2,000 American farmers we work with remain competitive in the global market, we need certainty to navigate a global marketplace so we can continue to create jobs, domestic economic development opportunities and feed the world.” 
    Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s chaotic trade war and has been lifting up the voices of people in Washington state harmed by this administration’s approach to trade. Senator Murray continues to call on Republicans to end Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and take back Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Earlier this month, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state who highlighted how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector. Senator Murray also took to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else. Earlier this week, Senator Murray joined her colleagues in pressing U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on how the Trump administration’s tariffs are affecting farmers across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Visits Downtown Vancouver, Highlights Importance of Federal Investment Amid Local Concerns Over Trump Funding Freezes, Tariff Chaos

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: In Vancouver, Senator Murray Meets with Local Businesses, ILWU, Port Commissioner to Discuss How Trump’s Chaotic Trade War is Hurting Washington State
    ***PHOTOS and B-ROLL HERE***
    Vancouver, WA— Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, toured businesses in downtown Vancouver, as part of the Main Street Promise project, to see how federal investment has supported their growth and how Trump’s chaotic trade war and federal funding freezes are harming the local economy. Senator Murray was joined for the tour by Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle; Michael Walker, Executive Director of the Vancouver Downtown Association; Chris Harder, Deputy Economic Development Director for the City of Vancouver; Julie Arenz, Small Business Connector and Advocate for the City of Vancouver; Ryan Hart, Chair of Visit Vancouver and Chief External Affairs Officer for the Port of Vancouver; Kelsey Jennings, Owner of Ronald Records in downtown Vancouver; and Crystal Lary, Owner of Eryngium Papeterie in downtown Vancouver.
    During the visit, Senator Murray heard from business owners and leaders at the City of Vancouver about how federal investment in Vancouver has helped lay the groundwork for thriving small businesses and spurred other construction and renovation projects in the downtown core. The City of Vancouver has been working on a 20-year revitalization effort that Senator Murray helped kickstart by securing initial federal funding for the Waterfront Redevelopment Project in 2009. The Main Street Promise Project is one of the last phases of the revitalization effort and was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act Senator Murray played a leading role in crafting as then-Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The major reconstruction project on Main Street broke ground in December 2024—with original planning work done in 1993 with the goal of improving the heart of Vancouver. The Main Street Promise Project will reconstruct Main Street to provide a safe, accessible, and connected transportation system to support existing small businesses along Main Street and attract more visitors to Downtown Vancouver.
    Senator Murray also heard from small business owners and local leaders about how the Trump administration’s illegal withholding of federal funding owed to communities across the country and his reckless trade war is leading to serious uncertainty for businesses, consumers, and communities across Southwest Washington. Trump is currently taxing goods from every country—including close allies like Canada—at a minimum 10 percent tariff rate across-the-board, and he has significantly escalated his trade war with China, with 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods—meaning higher prices and serious pain for families and small businesses across the country. Even with his 90-day “pause” on reciprocal tariffs, Trump’s new tariffs are still the highest tariff rates in decades, and are estimated to cost American families more than $4,000 per year—the largest tax increase since 1968.
    “It’s wonderful to see how the federal investment I’ve fought to bring to Southwest Washington over the years has helped downtown Vancouver thrive—with so many great small businesses and new infrastructure and renovation projects that are making the heart of Vancouver a destination for shopping, eating, nightlife, and more,” said Senator Murray. “Trump is putting all the progress our communities have made at risk by illegally canceling and holding up federal funding our communities are owed, and he is putting businesses in constant turmoil with his pointless and destructive trade war. I will continue to sound the alarm on the consequences Trump’s illegal funding freezes and his ham-fisted trade war will have for American families, and I will always lift up the voices and concerns of people in Washington state.”
    “The transformation of Vancouver’s downtown into a regional and national destination is years in the making,” said Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “The current reconstruction of Main Street into a pedestrian-centered and vibrant commercial corridor represents downtown Vancouver’s most recent evolution. Over the past 20+ years, Senator Murray has been one of Vancouver’s biggest champions, helping to steer critical federal funds, such as American Rescue Plan Act dollars, to our community to help fund placemaking and infrastructure investments. The City of Vancouver would like to thank Senator Murray for her leadership and we are grateful for her willingness to partner on important local projects like Main Street Promise.”    
    “The Main Street Promise is a realization of a vision that’s been decades in the making. This is the third time our community has tried to bring this project to life, and now—thanks to Senator Patty Murray and the American Rescue Plan—we finally have what we need to get it done,” said Michael Walker, Executive Director of Vancouver’s Downtown Association. “This is the largest investment in Main Street in 116 years, and it’s going to reshape the heart of our downtown into a safer, more connected, and more accessible place for everyone. This project is about building a strong foundation for the future of our downtown—leaving something great for the next generation and beyond. Senator Patty Murray’s steadfast advocacy on behalf of Vancouver has helped us achieve real outcomes in the heart of our community—improving quality of life, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our downtown economy for the long term.”
    “In addition, thanks to the unique opportunity provided by ARPA dollars, we’re able to go beyond traditional infrastructure work,” Walker continued. “We have staff on the ground every day and thoughtful mitigation efforts in place—like block-by-block construction—to help minimize disruption. Businesses are staying open, sidewalks remain accessible, and we’ve built a strong network of peer support to help keep our business community resilient and thriving throughout the process. For a project of this scale, we’re doing everything we can to make sure it’s as smooth and supportive as possible.
    Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will be unlikely to be able to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Canada is Washington’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly $20 billion in imports and $10 billion in exports. China is the world’s second-largest economy and Washington state exported over $12 billion in goods to China last year—making China Washington state’s top export partner—and imported $11.2 billion in goods, the most in imports from any country aside from Canada. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.
    Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s chaotic trade war and has been lifting up the voices of people in Washington state harmed by this administration’s approach to trade and calling on Republicans to end Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and take back Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Earlier this month, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state who highlighted how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector. Senator Murray also took to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else. Earlier this week, Senator Murray joined her colleagues in pressing U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on how the Trump administration’s tariffs are affecting farmers across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement On Supreme Court Hearing Birthright Citizenship Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the Supreme Court of the United States announced it would hear oral arguments on President Donald Trump’s efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, which is a major pull factor for illegal immigration into the United States.

    “I’m very pleased to hear that the Supreme Court will review President Trump’s executive order to end the abuses of birthright citizenship.

    “I have long believed that the 14th amendment does not require granting citizenship to the children of illegal aliens or foreign nationals here on temporary, nonimmigrant visas. To that end, last year I introduced legislation to limit birthright citizenship.

    “One of the greatest pull factors for illegal immigration is birthright citizenship. In addition, birth tourism, particularly involving China, is a large industry where people obtain tourist visas for the purpose of giving birth in the U.S. and establishing U.S. citizenship for that child. It is far past time for the United States to recognize the original, constitutional definition of birthright citizenship, as the current practice is being abused in so many ways.

    “It is my hope the Court will settle this issue once and for all, and that my legislation to stop the abuse of birthright citizenship will pass quickly.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene Underscores Impact of Republican Cuts to Medicaid in Washington

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) hosted a roundtable at EvergreenHealth Monroe with Medicaid recipients, providers, and health systems to highlight the impact of the cuts Trump and Congressional Republicans are advancing to Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid Program.

     

    Earlier this month, House and Senate Republicans advanced legislation that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for wealthy people and big corporations. This would amount to the largest cut in Medicaid’s history and leave states like Washington with the painful choice of cutting people from the program and reducing what services it covers. When Medicaid is cut, providers are forced to scale back services and health care costs rise for everyone.

    1.8 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health. This includes children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Approximately half of Apple Health’s budget comes from the federal government. The other half is provided by the state government.

    “President Trump and Congressional Republicans promised to lower the cost of living for American families. Instead, they are trying to make the biggest cut to Medicaid in the program’s history so they can pay for tax breaks for the wealthy,” said DelBene. “Medicaid covers nearly 2 million Washington children, seniors, and others in our state. I hear from constituents daily who are worried about what these cuts would mean for them and their families. Cuts to Medicaid hurt everyone in our community because they force providers to scale back the services and health care costs go up for everyone. I will continue to stand up for Medicaid access and against these drastic cuts.”

    “As a community-owned hospital, EvergreenHealth is an advocate for ensuring everyone has unhindered access to affordable care and services that they need close to home,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP. “The proposed reductions could lead to significant coverage losses and financial strain on health care providers, potentially affecting millions of Americans, including more than one hundred thousand residents of King and Snohomish counties, who rely on Medicaid for essential health services.”

    “Apple Health (Medicaid) provides access to health care and behavioral health services for nearly 2 million people in Washington state, including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working families. When funding is at risk, it puts real pressure on the services for our state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Dr. Charissa Fotinos, Medical Director, State Medicaid and Behavioral Health, Washington State Health Care Authority.

    Organizations participating in the event and supporting Medicaid patients include EvergreenHealth, Compass Health, Sea Mar, SEIU 775, Full Life Care, and the Washington State Health Care Authority.

    More information about Medicaid’s role in Washington and the impacts of Republicans’ cuts can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement in Response to USTR Placing Service Fees on Chinese Ships

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today released the following statement in response to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer announcing actions to restore American shipbuilding and address China’s unreasonable acts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries.
    “Thanks to President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for putting America first by placing industry-friendly service fees on Chinese-manufactured ships that carry U.S. farm commodities,” said Senator Marshall. “China has dominated global shipping fleets for too long. This move protects American agriculture, boosts domestic shipbuilding, and strengthens our national security.”
    Background:

    According to the Office of the USTR, the United States only accounts for 0.1% of global shipbuilding while China produces more than the rest of the world combined.
    For nearly three decades, China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance has marginalized America’s shipbuilding capabilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: UNDER GOP PLAN TO CRIPPLE MEDICAID, ROCKLAND COUNTY WOULD BE AMONG HARDEST HIT IN THE COUNTRY, RIPPING AWAY HEALTHCARE, SENIORS COULD BE KICKED OUT OF NURSING HOMES, & LAYOFFS AT LARGEST…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Last Week House Republicans Voted To Advance The Biggest Medicaid Cut In History -$880 BILLION; Senator Says It Would Be A Dagger To Heart Of Rockland County With Over 150,000 On Medicaid, One Of Highest Percentages Of Beneficiaries In The State, Including Nearly Half Its Children
    New Reports Show NY-17 Could Lose Whopping $2+ Billion Under GOP Cuts, Hammering Hospitals, Nursing Homes & Clinics – Devastating Regional Healthcare With 31,000 Workers At 15 Hospitals & 51 Nursing Homes
    Schumer: Rockland County May Be Where The Fate Of Medicaid In America Is Decided, NY Republicans Must Show Which Side They Are On
    On national Medicaid Matters Day of Action, just a week after Congressional Republicans voted for the second time to enact the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stood with Hudson Valley healthcare leaders, seniors, nurses, and concerned families at Helen Hayes Hospital to break down how the GOP plan would be a dagger to the heart of Rockland County’s healthcare system.
    Schumer detailed how the proposed $880 billion cut from Medicaid could directly impact over 150,000 in Rockland on Medicaid and millions more across the nation ripping away healthcare for seniors and kids alike, devastating Rockland’s largest employers, and forcing counties to fill a massive budget gap. The senator called on NY House Republicans to block Trump’s plan to decimate Medicaid.
    “The future of Medicaid in America may be decided right here in the Hudson Valley. If these cuts go through, Rockland County would be hit first and among the hardest in the country. It would blow a crater in the Hudson Valley’s healthcare system. Hospitals like Helen Hayes say they don’t know how they’d recover from the loss of funding. Jawonio, one of Rockland’s largest employers and a lifeline for people with disabilities, gets over 70% of their budget through Medicaid. Many fear these cuts would go so deep it would not only slash services but they could lead to devastating layoffs for the 31,000 healthcare workers in NY-17,” said Senator Schumer. “Seniors could be kicked out of nursing homes, addiction recovery centers decimated worsening the opioid crisis, and nearly 50% of children in the district who rely on Medicaid could be left without a safety net. We are in the fight of our lifetime to block the Republican plan to gut Medicaid by $880 billion. It only takes a few NY House Republicans to stop the largest Medicaid cut in history and we need NY Republicans to show us which side they are on with their actions.”
    Schumer said Medicaid is a lifeline and an $880 billion cut could force healthcare facilities to cancel services, lay off staff, rip away healthcare for thousands of seniors and kids, all while forcing counties to fill a huge budget gap resulting from these Medicaid cuts. NY-17 specifically has one of the highest percentages in the state of those covered under Medicaid at 35% and one of the highest percentages of children covered at 46%. According to NYSDOH:
    Over 156,000 children are enrolled in Medicaid in NY-17 receiving $742 million in funding. Across NY-17, 62% of children under 6 and 39% of children ages 6-18 are on Medicaid.
    Nearly 45,000 seniors in NY-17 receive $1.3 billion in Medicaid benefits.
    Over 25,000 people with disabilities in NY-17 are enrolled in Medicaid receiving $1.4 billion.
    While the full extent of Republican cuts to Medicaid is not yet known, a study by the Center for American Progress found the current proposal could lead to a whopping more than $2 billion loss for NY-17. The Senator said Rockland has long been a hub for the healthcare sector supporting 31,000 healthcare workers at 15 hospitals & 51 nursing homes, making this proposal especially dire for the region.
    The GOP’s $880 billion in cuts would inevitably shift the costs of care to states, resulting in agonizing decisions with county executives and state legislators forced to decide where to make up for the huge budget hole caused by a near insurmountable loss in federal funding. Counties like Rockland could be forced to shoulder the burden of increased costs in Medicaid, using more local dollars to provide coverage because less federal funding will be coming in. Schumer said while some Congressional Republicans claim this plan won’t cut Medicaid, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found the GOP plan could not be reached without reducing the funding that goes to Medicaid. There is no way to protect Medicaid benefits if Republicans move ahead with these cuts.
    Schumer added, “NY Republicans are tying themselves in knots to try to justify these cuts, but the math shows you cannot move forward with this plan without hurting our seniors, families, and healthcare providers who rely on Medicaid. Trump wants these cuts for one reason: to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. They are trying to use smoke and mirrors with bogus claims of this $880 billion only stopping fraudsters but nobody, especially not in the Hudson Valley, is buying that BS.”
    Across the Hudson Valley, thousands of New Yorkers have been rallying to protect Medicaid, and earlier this month, Rockland County legislators unanimously passed a resolution urging Congress to protect Medicaid funding because of how reliant the area is on this funding.
    Helen Hayes Hospital is 34% reliant on Medicaid. The hospital, which is one of the oldest and premier rehabilitation centers in the nation, helps treat New Yorkers recovering from disabling injuries and illnesses. Jawonio, Rockland’s 5th biggest employer with over 900 staff, provides 3,500 children and adults with disability, mental health, education, and other services is 73% reliant on Medicaid and said if these cuts went through would slash healthcare services for thousands across the Hudson Valley. In total, 15 Hospitals & 51 Nursing Home facilities across NY-17 could face devastating Medicaid cuts: Westchester Medical Center received $265 million from Medicaid and has over 9,000 employees. St. John’s Riverside Hospital receives $200 million from Medicaid and has nearly 1,800 full-time employees. Blythedale Children’s Hospital receives $75 million from Medicaid and has approximately 462 full-time employees. United Hebrew Geriatric Center receives $15 million from Medicaid and has approximately 271 full-time employees. The New Jewish Home, Sarah Neuman receives $26 million from Medicaid and has approximately 374 full-time employees. Along with many others including community health centers like Refuah and Sun River.
    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Medicaid makes healthcare possible for the most vulnerable among us. Cuts to Medicaid hurt everyone. Make no mistake: these proposed Medicaid cuts will broaden health disparities. These cuts aren’t just numbers on a page – they’re going to hurt real people in every corner of New York.”
    “Medicaid is essential to ensuring access to rehabilitation and long-term support for people recovering from serious injuries and illnesses, and those living with disabilities,” said Yvonne Evans, Acting Chief Executive Officer of New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital. ”We see daily how important this coverage is for our patients and their families. Protecting Medicaid means protecting health, independence, and dignity and we thank Sen. Schumer, Gov. Hochul and Dr. McDonald for their support.”
    “Any potential cuts to Medicaid funding could have devastating effects on both the individuals who rely on it and the providers who support them. Reduced funding could lead to fewer resources…increased workloads…and the inability to provide necessary services. Medicaid is indispensable for people with disabilities,” said Randi Rios-Castro, CEO of Jawonio.
    “Everyone deserves high-quality healthcare, including affordable doctors’ appointments and low-cost prescriptions,” said Carolyn Martinez-Class, Campaign Manager for Invest in Our New York. “Taking away 7 million New Yorkers’ ability to live healthy lives, especially to pay for tax breaks for the obscenely rich, is absolutely unacceptable. We expect every New York representative to follow Senator Schumer’s lead by opposing these devastating cuts and standing up for the communities they represent.”
    “Westchester Medical Center, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and the Behavioral Health Center are safety-net hospitals serving all patients, regardless of their ability to pay,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and CEO of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). “As regional referral centers, these hospitals handle over 12,000 transfers annually, providing advanced care to the critically ill. As the largest Medicaid provider in the region, serving one in three Medicaid patients, any cuts to Medicaid would restrict access for underserved Hudson Valley communities, deter preventive care, increase untreated conditions, and heighten reliance on emergency departments. This burdens patients and strains public hospitals. Sustained support is critical to meet our region’s complex healthcare needs.”
    Schumer warned that Medicaid serves as a lifeline for more than 7 million New Yorkers and is the primary payer for long-term care in the United States, including at nursing homes and for people living at home. Medicaid pays for services for 2 in 3 nursing home residents. Families will have nowhere else to turn if Medicaid is cut, and millions of people will be left trying to figure out how to access the care and services they rely on every day.
    Nearly 1 in 4 Medicaid enrollees are eligible for the program because they are ages 65 and older or have a disability. Proposals to limit federal spending on Medicaid will force states to consider dropping or limiting eligibility or coverage for seniors and people with disabilities to make up for a huge budget hole with fewer federal dollars coming to New York. Loss of Medicaid coverage poses unique challenges for seniors and people with disabilities, people who are likely to live on fixed incomes, have high health care spending, and rely on Medicaid for help with everyday life and for coverage of long-term care.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski and Colleagues Urge Trump to Reinstate Collective Bargaining Rights for Federal Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    04.17.25
    Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today urged President Donald Trump to reinstate federal workers’ collective bargaining rights after he issued an executive order to end collective bargaining at several federal agencies. The order strips more than 1,000,000 federal workers across the country of their collective bargaining rights.
    “The presence of collective bargaining rights has created a more stable and productive workforce and has allowed the federal government to better meet the needs of our constituents,” the bipartisan group of senators wrote to the president. “Further, sudden changes to labor-management relations are disruptive to the work of the federal workforce and will result in the loss of valuable federal workers with knowledge and skills critical to completing their respective agency’s missions.”
    The senators continued, “We share your goal of streamlining federal operations and enhancing government efficiency, but believe that the March 27th EO impedes, rather than advances, efforts to make the federal government more efficient. Therefore, we respectfully request that you reconsider your executive order and restore federal workers’ collective bargaining rights.”
    The full text of the letter is below and available here.
    Dear Mr. President:
    We write regarding your March 27th Executive Order titled “Exclusions from Federal Labor Management Relations Programs.”
    As you know, the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute and the Foreign Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (individually and collectively, the FSLMRS) formalized federal labor relations and provided federal workers with the power to organize labor organizations and collectively bargain with federal agencies. These statutes were created, in part, to reduce labor strife, improve agencies’ recruitment and retention efforts, and make the federal government writ large a better, more productive, and more efficient organization.
    Under the FSLMRS, the President has conditional authority to exclude certain federal agencies or subdivisions from its requirements. The use of this authority has two requirements: the President must determine that “the agency or subdivision has as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work” and that “the provisions of this chapter cannot be applied to that agency or subdivision in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.”
    Broadly, unions have long been able to exist in national security agencies. For example, Department of Defense civilian federal workers have had the right to collectively bargain since 1978 with success for both the department and its workers without negative impacts on national security. In many federal agencies, collective bargaining has served to strengthen and advance the mission of the agency by providing a structured channel for communication and addressing employee concerns. The presence of collective bargaining rights has created a more stable and productive workforce and has allowed the federal government to better meet the needs of our constituents. Further, sudden changes to labor management relations are disruptive to the work of the federal workforce and will result in the loss of valuable federal workers with knowledge and skills critical to completing their respective agency’s missions.
    We share your goal of streamlining federal operations and enhancing government efficiency, but believe that the March 27th EO impedes, rather than advances, efforts to make the federal government more efficient. Therefore, we respectfully request that you reconsider your executive order and restore federal workers’ collective bargaining rights.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEN ELIZABETH WARREN: Social Security is under attack. Gutting it is a broken promise

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 15, 2025

    We shouldn’t be cutting Social Security services and threatening Americans’ benefits — we should be making the program stronger

    Gutting Social Security isn’t “efficient” — it’s a broken promise. Democrats and Republicans should stand up and fight back to protect it.

    Social Security is not charity. Americans pay in, paycheck after paycheck, over a lifetime of hard work. When they get older, they get that money back to help them retire. That’s the iron-clad, take-it-to-the-bank promise that America makes to workers.

    But right now, Social Security is under attack like it has never been before. Billionaire Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said seniors won’t complain if they miss a Social Security check. Elon Musk called Social Security the “world’s biggest Ponzi scheme.” Musk then sent his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to gut the agency by indiscriminately firing workers, closing down offices, and trying to cut phone services.

    What does it mean to slash staff and services with no rhyme or reason? Two things: more mistakes in delivering checks to Americans, and fewer workers to fix those mistakes. And when people don’t get their checks, that’s a cut to the benefits they have earned.

    Mistakes are already showing up. After DOGE got its hands on Social Security, Ned, a retiree from Washington state, was marked “dead” in the Social Security system — despite being very much alive. He had $5,000 in benefits snatched right out of his bank account (paid while he was “dead”) and his monthly checks ceased. Ned spent weeks trying to fix the mistake and still hasn’t gotten paid back for two months of missing checks.
    Or take Tom and Chris from Westborough, Massachusetts, whose son has autism. For years, disability benefits through Social Security have helped pay for his care. And for years, those benefits have come through on time, without fail. But when they checked their son’s Social Security account recently, his benefits had been terminated. No explanation — just stopped. The money eventually came through, but it led to panic over how they would pay the bills.

    And while people aren’t getting their checks, there are fewer Social Security workers to help fix problems. Slashing staff and shutting down regional offices means Americans are forced to drive hours to get help with their applications or missing benefits. Once they get to an office, the lines can be out the door. They wait hours before they can get help — if they get help at all.

    Elon Musk and DOGE claim the reason they’re hacking away at people’s Social Security is to cut down on “extreme levels of fraud,” saying tens of millions of dead people over the age of 100 are getting payments. But even current Social Security Acting Administrator Leland Dudek — put in place by Donald Trump in February — contradicts that claim.
    Here’s the thing: if Elon Musk and DOGE truly want to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, there are easy ways to do it. I gave them 30 suggestions that would cut $2 trillion in government waste. Gutting the Social Security Administration so that it works worse for our seniors, veterans, and Americans with disabilities is not one of those ways.
    But don’t just take it from me. President George W. Bush’s Social Security Administration Commissioner said that if Elon Musk and DOGE wanted to make changes to increase efficiency at the agency, they could, “but we’re doing it the way that 22-year-old frat boys that have never seen the system think is a good idea, and that’s a mistake.”
    Musk himself said he’ll make mistakes, and it’s clear that coming for Social Security is a giant one. If he’s really honest enough to admit his own mistakes, why doesn’t he reverse course? Instead of recognizing that DOGE’s Social Security takeover is only hurting Americans, he’s doubling down, even encouraging President Trump to make the same false claims. President George W. Bush’s Social Security Commissioner called it “a real disservice to President Trump.” More importantly, it’s a deep disservice to the American people.
    We shouldn’t be cutting Social Security services and threatening Americans’ benefits — we should be making the program stronger. People are struggling with sky-high prices while their retirement savings are evaporating. We need a temporary increase in benefits right now to give people some relief. We should also protect the long-term security of the system by lifting the cap on the amount millionaires and billionaires pay into Social Security, which would also yield enough money to permanently expand benefits.
    Social Security shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It was first created by a nearly unanimous vote by members of Congress from both parties. Even now, as gutting the agency has become a key part of the administration’s agenda, Republicans know that DOGE’s “efficiency” mission isn’t working. They’re seeing reports of long lines at offices, long waits on the phone, and website crashes from their own constituents in places like Arizona, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. So where are they? Why are Democrats the only ones concerned about what happens with Social Security?
    Social Security isn’t something we give away out of the goodness of our hearts. It’s something Americans earned over a lifetime of hard work — an ironclad contract that they can count on. Now, Donald Trump, Musk, and DOGE are trying to skip out on that contract and calling it “efficient.” But it isn’t efficiency — it’s a broken promise to the American people, and Democrats and Republicans alike should stand up and fight back.
    Read the op-ed on Fox News here. 

    By:  Senator Elizabeth Warren
    Source: Fox News

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democratic senators press Social Security Administration on reports of ‘dangerous’ employee cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 14, 2025

    Several Democratic senators are demanding answers from the Social Security Administration following reports that the agency may make staff cuts to a significant department within the agency.

    The Social Security Administration is reportedly considering additional workforce reductions, including a potential 50% cut in the Office of the Chief Investment Officer. The department, otherwise known as OCIO, is responsible for protecting sensitive data, maintaining benefit claims processing systems, and managing the agency’s website and online portal.

    The prospective cuts come as the SSA has already had “ongoing issues” with its website, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., wrote in a letter dated April 13 to Social Security Administration acting Commissioner Leland Dudek.

    “We are concerned these cuts will lead to further website and benefit disruptions, preventing tens of millions of Americans from accessing their hard-earned Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits,” the senators wrote.

    A Social Security Administration spokesperson acknowledged the agency had received the letter and will respond to the senators.

    “There has not been a reduction in workforce. Rather, to improve the delivery of services, staff are being reassigned from regional offices to front-line help – allocating finite resources where they are most needed,” White House spokesperson Elizabeth Huston said in an email to CNBC.

    “President Trump will continue to always protect Social Security and there will be no disruptions to service,” Huston said.

    The senators, however, cited disruptions for prompting them to write the letter.

    The Social Security Administration website has crashed repeatedly and suffered outages, the senators wrote. The lawmakers previously wrote a letter to the agency asking about a March 31 issue that prompted some beneficiaries to receive messages that they are “not receiving payments” and see their account histories disappear.

    In addition, the agency’s field offices are also experiencing glitches that impact their ability to serve the public, according to the senators.

    The cuts to OCIO would be “intentional – and dangerous,” the lawmakers wrote. The OCIO staff know the agency’s programming language and can keep its systems running, the senators said.

    President Donald Trump on March 27 signed an executive order ending collective bargaining for many federal workers. Because OCIO employees are represented by a union, that would affect them. The executive order makes it easier to replace existing employees with complacent personnel from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, according to the senators.

    The Social Security Administration was already at a 50-year staffing low when the Trump administration took office, the lawmakers note. Since then, the agency has announced plans to cut its force by more than 12%.

    “We ask that you immediately cease all OCIO firings and act swiftly to restore SSA system and website functionality to prevent any further disruption of Social Security beneficiaries’ access to their account information and benefits,” the senators wrote.

    The letter follows an April 10 letter sent by 21 senators, led by Sens. Gillibrand and Wyden, demanding that the Trump administration stop attacks on the agency, following plans for staffing cuts, field office closures and reduced phone services.

    Democratic senators have also launched a “war room” to work to fight the changes that are happening at the Social Security Administration. As part of that initiative, the leaders are planning to propose legislation that would provide an emergency $200 per month boost to benefits through the end of the year, according to a source familiar with the situation.

    Last week, it was reported that the Social Security Administration would no longer use press releases and “dear colleague” letters to advocacy groups and third parties to communicate with the public, and instead shift its communications exclusively to Elon Musk’s social media platform X. The report also suggested the Social Security Administration plans to reduce its regional workforce by approximately 87%.

    White House spokesperson Huston said that that report is “misleading.”

    “The Social Security Administration is actively communicating with beneficiaries and stakeholders. There has not been a reduction in workforce,” she said.

    By:  Lorie Konish
    Source: CNBC

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Money Service Business Faces Federal Charges for Laundering Drug Proceeds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—The owner and operator of La Popular, a money service business with locations in Oregon and Washington, was arraigned in federal court today after she was charged with laundering drug proceeds.

    Brenda Lili Barrera Orantes, 39, a Guatemalan national residing in Beaverton, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with money laundering.

    According to court documents, between 2021 and 2024, Barrera Orantes is alleged to have accepted cash from drug proceeds and wired the funds through La Popular stores in Oregon and Washington. In return, Barrera Orantes charged a ten percent commission. Barrera Orantes is further alleged to have worked with others to divide large sums of money into several smaller transactions and used fictitious sender information to conceal her money laundering activities. Financial records indicate that Barrera Orantes transferred more than $89 million through her La Popular stores, including $18.5 million to regions in Mexico and Honduras that are associated with drug trafficking organizations.

    “This investigation has revealed the pivotal role that money service businesses play in laundering the enormous proceeds of trafficking illegal drugs in our community,” said Katie de Villiers, Chief of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Division for the District of Oregon. “The amount of dirty money allegedly flowing through these small businesses and back to Mexico and Honduras is truly staggering. We intend to hold accountable the operators of these businesses who profit by assisting drug trafficking organizations in laundering their proceeds.”

    “Because crime is such a coordinated effort, it is critical that we respond in kind,” said Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “IRS-CI specializes in fighting illicit financial activity, and we are proud to partner closely with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.”

    “Money laundering allows drug traffickers to thrive in the shadows, and by severing their cash flow we are striking at the very thing that incentivizes their illicit pursuits,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “By stopping those that try to conceal criminal profits, communities are protected from the violence, addiction, and instability caused by the drug trade.”

    “The defendant in this case is suspected of providing financial support to overseas drug organizations under the guise of business transactions,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “These are serious allegations that cause significant harm to our communities. We will never tolerate individuals who profit from activities that support a drug epidemic that harms our citizens.”

    On April 16, 2025, investigators executed federal search warrants at Barrera Orantes’ residence and three La Popular stores located in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Barrera Orantes was arrested in Beaverton without incident.

    Barrera Orantes made her first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

    If convicted, Barrera Orantes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, five years’ supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the money laundered.

    This case is being investigated by the IRS-CI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), FBI, and the Westside Interagency Narcotics team. It is being prosecuted by Christopher L. Cardani and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    The Westside Interagency Narcotics team is a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and is composed of members from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, FBI, HSI, and the Oregon National Guard. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

    A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Since 2018, IRS-CI has maintained a Third Party Money Laundering (3PML) Project. This project focuses on Complicit Money Service Businesses (MSB) working for Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations. The purpose of this project is to develop high-impact 3PML cases for IRS-CI and other agencies across the United States, by utilizing data analytics.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Celebrates Wenatchee Confluence Parkway Groundbreaking, Made Possible by Her Freight-Focused Grant Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    04.17.25
    Cantwell Celebrates Wenatchee Confluence Parkway Groundbreaking, Made Possible by Her Freight-Focused Grant Program
    Project is part of the Apple Capital Loop, which received $92M from Cantwell-led program & will help Central WA’s tree fruit growers get their products to market faster; Cantwell: “I can tell you one thing: Wenatchee is on the move”
    WENATCHEE – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined local leaders in a groundbreaking celebration for the Confluence Parkway Phase I project, the next step of the Wenatchee Valley’s 15-year effort to expand its transportation network.
    “When you’re making infrastructure investment, you should try to prioritize projects that move freight – and that is because they grow jobs, they grow the economy, they help us get products to market,” Sen. Cantwell said. “I just want to give my congratulations today to everybody that’s been working hard on this. I know that the Confluence project obviously is going to solve some of those transportation challenges by reducing that congestion – 4,000 trucks travel through the area each day, as well as 24 trains […] all of this is going to make Wenatchee a little bit better, from this transportation infrastructure investment.”
    “What a great day for the Confluence Project. What a great day for Wenatchee,” she continued. “I can tell you one thing: Wenatchee is on the move.”
    Phase I of the Confluence Parkway Project will include:
    Elimination of two highway rail grade crossings by constructing an underpass at McKittrick Street and an overpass North Miller Street
    1.25 miles of new street for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists
    Extension of McKittrick Street from North Wenatchee Ave to the waterfront
    New signalized intersection at Maple Street
    New roundabout intersection
    Direct access to parks and trails
    The Confluence Parkway project is part of the Wenatchee’s transformative Apple Capital Loop, a network of projects that make up the transportation backbone for Chelan and Douglas Counties and includes several key components that provide connectivity for freight, vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Planning for the Apple Capital Loop began 15 years ago when the City of Wenatchee and regional partners started working on a transportation solution to meet the demands of the local Wenatchee Valley, which is the economic, government, medical, and services center of the region. Overall, Apple Capital Loop project will increase the traffic capacity of the Loop by about 60,000 vehicles per day, saving freight and motorists 32 million hours over the next 20 years – that’s 4,000 fewer hours spent in traffic, every day, for the next two decades. The project will also significantly improve wildfire safety for the region by adding two new evacuation routes out of Wenatchee.
    In 2021, the project received a $92 million federal grant from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program, $80 million of which is being used by this Phase I of the Confluence Parkway project. The reminder will be used to support future phases. The INFRA grant program was imagined, developed, and pushed through Congress by Sen. Cantwell as part of the FAST Act of 2015 and received a 78% funding increase in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, bringing the program’s total funding $8 billion. The INFRA Program provides financial support to nationally and regionally significant freight and highway projects. In 2022, Sen. Cantwell joined then-Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in Wenatchee to celebrate the $92 million INFRA grant award.
    The Wenatchee Valley is a key transportation hub for Washington state’s $2.6 billion tree fruit industry. According to the City, $1 billion worth of tree fruit travels through Wenatchee’s transportation network annually in order to reach terminals around the Puget Sound for distribution. This activity has resulted in increased congestion and delayed freight access to nearby cold storage facilities and fruit packing warehouses on North Wenatchee Avenue.
    Video of the press conference is available HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s speech is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Interim chief medical officer of health appointed

    Alberta’s government welcomes Dr. Sunil Sookram as interim Chief Medical Officer of Health, effective immediately. This temporary appointment ensures continuity while arrangements are finalized for a longer-term appointment. Additional updates will be shared in the coming weeks as the process progresses.

    “Dr. Sookram has served Albertans through emergency medicine throughout his career. He brings a wealth of experience to this interim role. I appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity on a temporary basis as we work to finalize the candidate for the interim Chief Medical Officer of Health position. I also wish to thank Dr. Mark Joffe for his service and dedication over the past three years.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    Dr. Sookram currently serves as facility medical director and chief of medical staff at Strathcona Community Hospital. He is also a clinical professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Alberta and practises as an emergency physician at the University of Alberta Hospital. He brings years of front-line experience and leadership to the interim role. He also has recent experience working within Alberta Health. Through this period of transition Dr. Sookram will also be supported by Zone Medical Officers of Health at Alberta Health Services.

    “I’m happy to serve as Alberta’s interim chief medical officer of health. I look forward to working with the government, my colleagues and health partners to promote and protect the health of all Albertans.”

    Dr. Sunil Sookram, interim chief medical officer of health

    The Chief Medical Officer of Health plays a key role in monitoring and supporting public health, advising on disease control, and helping guide population health efforts across the province. The position acts as a liaison between the government and Alberta Health Services, medical officers of health and executive officers in administering the act.

    Current measles information

    As of April 17, there have been 89 confirmed measles cases in Alberta. Of those, 83 individuals are now past the period of communicability.

    Measles is an extremely contagious disease that spreads easily through the air. While outbreaks can happen, they are preventable. The measles vaccine is highly effective and offers strong protection against infection and complications from the disease. Albertans can protect themselves, their loved ones and people around them by ensuring their measles immunizations are up to date.

    In Alberta, the MMR primary series is administered at 12 months and 18 months of age. In January 2021, Alberta changed its immunization schedule for the second dose of measles-containing vaccine from four to six years to 18 months, primarily to support children entering daycare, pre-school programs and kindergarten.

    As of April 17, all infants six to 12 months travelling outside of Canada are eligible for a null dose. In addition, infants six to 12 months travelling to or through areas where measles is spreading in Canada are also eligible. This includes:

    1. Alberta: Central Zone, South Zone, and Areas 1 and 8 in North Zone
    2. Ontario: Southwestern region

    If you have any questions about measles or immunizations, please contact your primary care provider such as your doctor, pharmacist, midwife, nurse practitioner or public health nurse.

    If you don’t know you or your child’s immunization history, text “vaccine record” to 88111, call Health Link at 811, or call your local public health or community health centre.

    Related information

    • Measles
    • Measles exposures in Alberta

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces April 2025 Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of April 2025 for its open-end exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”).

    The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is April 28, 2025. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is April 30, 2025. 

    Open-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution per share/unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Apple (AAPL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units APLY $0.1667 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Financial Income Fund – ETF Series BNC $0.1225¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Fund – ETF Units BND $0.0840 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units BRKY $0.1000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Units BTCY $0.0850 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units BTCY.B $0.0970 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF USD Units BTCY.U US $0.0815 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF Units CROP $0.0875 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF USD Units CROP.U US $0.0975 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield – ETF Units ETHY $0.0405 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units ETHY.B $0.0500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Units Non-Currency Hedged USD Units ETHY.U US $0.0395 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Units FLX $0.0461 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units FLX.B $0.0551 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged USD – ETF Units FLX.U US $0.0385 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Class – ETF Units IGB $0.0860¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Microsoft (MSFT) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF units MSFY $0.1100 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PAYF $0.1375¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Total Return Bond Fund – ETF Series PBD $0.0590¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDF $0.1050¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDIV $0.0950¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Real Estate Income Fund – ETF Series PHR $0.0720¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose International Dividend Fund – ETF Series PID $0.0780 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Monthly Income Fund – ETF Series PIN $0.0830¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Multi-Asset Income Fund – ETF Units PINC $0.0840 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Conservative Income Fund – ETF Series PRP $0.0600¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PYF $0.1100¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Series PYF.B $0.1230¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF USD Series PYF.U US $0.1200¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Equity Income Fund – ETF Series RDE $0.0875¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Emerging Markets Dividend Fund – ETF Units REM $0.0950 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Preferred Share Fund – ETF Units RPS $0.0950 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund – ETF Series RPU $0.0940 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units2 RPU.B / RPU.U $0.0940 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Strategic Yield Fund – ETF Units SYLD $0.0970 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    AMD (AMD) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAMD $0.2000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Amazon (AMZN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF- ETF Units YAMZ $0.4000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAVG $0.1500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCON $0.3000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCST $0.1000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Alphabet (GOOGL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YGOG $0.2500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMAG $0.2000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    META (META) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMET $0.1600 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YNET $0.1100 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YNVD $0.7500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YPLT $0.2500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Tesla (TSLA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YTSL $0.5500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    UnitedHealth Group (UHN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YUNH $0.1100 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
               
    Closed-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution
    per share/unit    		 Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Big Banc Split Corp, Class A BNK $0.1200¹ 04/30/2025 05/14/2025 Monthly
    Big Banc Split Corp – Preferred Shares BNK.PR.A $0.0700¹ 04/30/2025 05/14/2025 Monthly


    Estimated April 2025 Distributions for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund

    The April 2025 distribution rates for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Ticker Symbol Estimated Distribution per unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $ 0.3785 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $0.2705 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $0.1146 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $ 0.3720 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly

    Purpose expects to issue a press release on or about April 25, 2025 , which will provide the final distribution rate for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund. The ex-distribution date will be April 28, 2025.

    (1) Dividend is designated as an “eligible” Canadian dividend for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.
    (2) Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units have both a CAD and USD purchase option. Distribution per unit is declared in CAD, however, the USD purchase option (RPU.U) distribution will be made in the USD equivalent. Conversion into USD will use the end-of-day foreign exchange rate prevailing on the ex-distribution date.

    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $21 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

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