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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 10th, 2025 N.M. Delegation Reintroduce Legislation to Permanently Protect Chaco Canyon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    New Mexico Delegation Moves to Protect Sacred Site for Years and Generations to Come

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, legislation to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The legislation will prevent future leasing and development of oil, gas, and minerals on non-Indian federal lands within a 10-mile buffer zone around the park. This proposed Chaco Protection Zone will preserve the sacred sites and cultural patrimony within Chaco Canyon and the surrounding landscape for generations to come.

    Located in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes that contains living sacred sites. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.

    In 2023, the Biden Administration announced it would commence a 20-year Administrative Withdrawal of non-Indian federal lands in the 10-mile buffer zone. That welcome step has been successful and is still in place but is under threat from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress. By contrast, this legislation would provide permanent protections for the Greater Chaco Region by withdrawing non-Indian federal lands from new mineral development in perpetuity.

    “Chaco Canyon is one of the most important living cultural landscapes on the planet. It holds deep meaning for many communities and Pueblos across New Mexico,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Our Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act will prevent new oil and gas development in the vicinity of Chaco Culture National Historical Park and permanently protect the Chaco Canyon landscape. I am proud to stand alongside the Pueblos, Tribal Nations, and New Mexicans who have called for permanent protection of this irreplaceable and sacred landscape.”

    “Chaco Culture National Historical Park – and the Greater Chaco Region – is one of the world’s greatest treasures that must be protected for our future generations. Chaco holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Tribes and Pueblos and is one of only a handful of World Heritage Sites in the United States,” said Luján. “With the New Mexico Delegation, I am proud to reintroduce legislation to permanently protect the Greater Chaco Region. This legislation is a longstanding priority for Pueblo and Tribal communities, environmental advocates, and the New Mexico Delegation to ensure we protect our sacred sites. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region for generations to come.”

    “When we visit Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region, we better understand America’s ancient history and wisdom about astronomy. It is a sacred area that educates, inspires, and compels us to reflect on our shared history and the communities we love today,”said Leger Fernández. “I am reintroducing the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, along with my colleagues in the New Mexico Congressional Delegation, so that we may preserve this irreplaceable, living landscape that so many Indian Tribes and Pueblos still use for traditional purposes. I will continue to work with surrounding communities and Tribal nations to preserve this jewel of New Mexico so future generations may be humbled by its beauty.”

    “Pueblo and Tribal leaders have fought to protect the sacred and ancestral lands of Chaco Canyon for generations, and the United States government must step up to ensure these lands remain protected,” said Stansbury, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “This legislation will protect sacred lands and sites for future generations, but we must not stop here. Protecting places like Chaco Canyon from the Trump Administration takes all of us. I am proud to join Pueblo and Tribal leaders, and the New Mexico delegation to re-introduce this critical piece of legislation.”

    “Chaco Canyon is sacred to Tribal communities and vital to our understanding of the Southwest’s cultural and environmental heritage. I’m proud to stand with leaders across New Mexico to permanently protect this irreplaceable site from future drilling and destruction. We have a responsibility to honor the voices of Indigenous leaders, safeguard our public lands, and preserve Chaco’s legacy for generations to come,” said Vasquez.

    “This legislation reflects the APCG’s long-standing commitment to protect Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region. Through countless meetings, cultural resource studies, and tireless advocacy, we have guided this effort forward. We extend our profound appreciation to Senator Luján, Representative Leger Fernández, our New Mexico Congressional Delegation, and all who stand with our Pueblos in ensuring these sacred landscapes remain a source of inspiration and cultural continuity for generations to come,” said James R. Mountain, Chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors.

    “As a Diné allottee and community organizer, I welcome the reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act as a critical step to defend our land, air, water, and sacred sites. For too long, extractive industries have threatened our health, culture, and future generations. This Act moves us closer to honoring the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Chaco while protecting the integrity of our homelands,” said Joseph Franklin Hernandez, Indigenous Energy Organizer, Naeva, Navajo Nation.

    “We are thankful and grateful for the reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Protection Act. This would enhance our connections to the land and tell the generations ahead of the history of ancestral knowledge in astronomy, architecture, and independence. All of this in the time of pillage and extraction, the tourism economy will be enhanced.  To Our Congressional Leaders, you have our vote of endorsement,” said Former Navajo Councilman Daniel Tso.

    To ensure Indian lands and non-federal lands retain rights to develop their lands as the surrounding area is protected, this legislation strengthens protections for infrastructure and development on private, state, and Tribal lands, including Navajo allotments. According to a 2022 federal assessment of the proposed 10-mile buffer zone, only 10 Navajo allotments will be highly impacted by a withdrawal.

    The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act is supported by the All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG), Archaeology Southwest, Native Lands Institute, New Mexico Wild, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, New Mexico Voices for Children, The Wilderness Society, Conservation Lands Foundation, Environment New Mexico, Sierra Club, and the National Wildlife Federation.

    Additional supporting quotes are here.

    A summary of the bill is here.

    Full text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy: There Is Thievery Happening Down The Street. They Are Stealing From The People Of This Country, And We’re Not Going To Let Them Get Away With It.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    Click HERE (14:37) to Watch Murphy’s Remarks

    WASHINGTON–Following House Republican’s passage of the budget resolution, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Thursday joined Fair Share America’s rally and grassroots organizers from more than 30 states, to call out Donald Trump’s tax cut scam and demand Congress stand with working families instead of billionaires and corporations.

    Murphy pointed to the fight over Obamacare in 2017 as proof that grassroots resistance can stop even the most powerful forces in Washington: “[Republicans’] number one priority was to repeal the Affordable Care Act, right? To get rid of health care for 20 million Americans. I was here during that time, and I remember that the political pundits, all the smart people in Washington, said it’s a done deal. It’s their number one agenda. They control the House. They control the Senate. They control the White House. Obamacare is dead, right? [But] they didn’t kill it because we mobilized, because we organized, because we threw sand in the gears at every single point in that process, because what they were trying to do was so deeply immoral, but it was also so deeply unpopular.”

    Murphy slammed Trump and his billionaire friends for trying to strip away the vital services working Americans depend on, just to squeeze out more profits for themselves: “I frankly don’t even know what it would be like to be a billionaire with an extra $100,000, right? I have no idea. I have no idea the kind of rapacious greed that it takes for somebody to demand more when you have so much. But you know what I do know? I know what it feels like for somebody who is living paycheck to paycheck, right? Who relies on Medicaid in order to make sure that their sick child gets the medications they need. I know what it feels like for that person to wake up one day and have their safety net ripped out from under them, right? I know the pain, the agony that that involves.”

    “And so we have a job to do,” Murphy continued. “We have the power – not the billionaire class, not the thieves down the street – we can do, in 2025, exactly what we did in 2017. We can be a constant presence, not just here in Washington, but back in their states. If they won’t meet with you, go find them. Show up to their offices, show up to their public events, right? Demand that they answer to you why they are putting the billionaires first.”

    Murphy concluded: “I know that you can wake up every day and feel anxious, and feel angry about what they’re trying to do to our country, what they’re trying to do to Medicaid, what they’re trying to do to give billionaires tax cuts, but also wake up with a little sense of joy, right? A little sense of joy, because you are here today, because you are at a point in your life where you can speak truth to power. You live in a country where accountability still exists. You live in a nation where you can stand up, speak up and stop evil from being perpetuated on the people of this country. So, I’m angry. I am anxious. But I am also joyous. Because I know that when the day comes, we are going to be able to stand together and say that together, united, we were able to stop the biggest transfer of wealth ever in this country, from the middle class and the poor to the rich. We will stop this tax cut for the wealthy.”

    A full transcript of his remarks can be found below:

    MURPHY: “All right, who matters more: the people or the billionaires?”

    CROWD: “The people!”

    MURPHY: “Let me ask you again, who matters more: the people or the billionaires?”

    CROWD: “The people!”

    MURPHY: “Listen guys, we have work to do, right? We have work to do. There is thievery happening down the street. They are stealing from the people of this country, and we are not going to let them get away with it.”

    CROWD: “No!”

    “So listen, this is really important, what you’re doing, and I just want to remind you of a similar moment. So back in 2017 when Trump was president the first time, what was their number one priority? Their number one priority was to repeal the Affordable Care Act, right. To get rid of health care for 20 million Americans. I was here during that time, and I remember that the political pundits, all the smart people in Washington, said it’s a done deal. It’s their number one agenda. They control the House. They control the Senate. They control the White House. Obamacare is dead, right? 

    “But, did they kill it?”

    CROWD: No!!

     MURPHY: “And they didn’t kill it because we mobilized, because we organized, because we threw sand in the gears at every single point in that process, because what they were trying to do was so deeply immoral, but it was also so deeply unpopular, right? 

    “And what they are trying to do right now, this reverse Robin Hood, in which they steal from the poor and the middle class in order to enrich the very, very wealthy– who’s asking for that in this country?”

    CROWD: “No one!”

    MURPHY: “No one. No one is asking to throw millions of people off their health care, to close rural hospitals and drug treatment centers all across the country, just so that a billionaire can get another $100,000 in a tax break. No one is asking for that in this country. 

    “I frankly don’t even know what it would be like to be a billionaire with an extra $100,000, right? I have no idea. I have no idea the kind of rapacious greed that it takes for somebody to demand more when you have so much. 

    “But you know what I do know? I know what it feels like for somebody who is living paycheck to paycheck, right. Who relies on Medicaid in order to make sure that their sick child gets the medications they need. I know what it feels like for that person to wake up one day and have their safety net ripped out from under them, right? I know the pain, the agony that that involves. 

    “And so we have a job to do. We have the power – not the billionaire class, not the thieves down the street – we can do, in 2025, exactly what we did in 2017. We can be a constant presence, not just here in Washington, but back in their states. If they won’t meet with you, go find them. Show up to their offices, show up to their public events, right? Demand that they answer to you why they are putting the billionaires first. 

    “The people in this country have the power. There are more of us than there are of them. Democracy is fragile, it is under assault today, but it is still alive in America, right? The people of this country still have the power. 

    “What they are doing is immoral. What they are doing is unpopular. They are having a hell of a time passing it as we speak. All we have to do is convince a handful of Republicans that they will never ever set foot in their offices again if they vote for this billionaire tax cut. 

    “So listen, do the work. Do the work. And I’ll just end with this. Listen, I know that you can wake up every day and feel anxious and, feel angry about what they’re trying to do to our country, what they’re trying to do to Medicaid, what they’re trying to do to give billionaires tax cuts, but also wake up with a little sense of joy, right? A little sense of joy, because you are here today, because you are at a point in your life where you can speak truth to power. You live in a country, right, where accountability still exists. You live in a nation where you can stand up, speak up and stop evil from being perpetuated on the people of this country, right? 

    “So I’m angry. I am anxious. But I am also joyous. Because I know that when the day comes, we are going to be able to stand together and say that together, united, we were able to stop the biggest transfer of wealth ever in this country, from the middle class and the poor to the rich. We will stop this tax cut for the wealthy. Thank you, everybody.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Legislation for VA Accountability Passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    04.10.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), celebrated the passage of the Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act in the Senate. Sen. Sullivan, along with 10 of his Senate colleagues, introduced the legislation to establish greater accountability and oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after a stunning multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall in 2024 followed by a multi-billion-dollar surplus two months later. This budget debacle came after the VA mismanaged funds, resulting in $10 million dollars’ worth of bonuses being improperly awarded to senior management at the VA. These bonuses ranged from $40,000 to $100,000 each, significantly more than the average disability benefits a veteran receives in a year.

    The PRO Vets Act institutes a three-year requirement for the VA to provide quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress to encourage greater oversight and financial accountability, and withholds bonuses for senior VA and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) personnel if there are future financial shortfalls.

    “America’s veterans, who’ve served and sacrificed greatly for our country, deserve a Department of Veterans Affairs that is held to the highest possible standard of accountability,” Sen. Sullivan said. “The shocking budget debacle last year demonstrated that this agency is not meeting that high bar that we all expect. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for joining me in passing legislation to establish basic accountability measures at the VA, like quarterly in-person budget reports to Congress and the withholding of bonuses for senior VA and OMB leaders involved in any future budget debacle. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass our PRO Vets Act for commonsense guardrails on VA leadership that will help safeguard the benefits of our courageous veterans who’ve sacrificed so much on our behalf.”

    Below is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan and his colleagues’ recent work to address the lack of accountability at the VA:

    • In the summer of 2024, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) announced that it was experiencing a historic budget shortfall of $15 billion and would need $3 billion immediately to ensure the delivery of veterans’ benefits.
    • On July 31, 2024, Senators Sullivan and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) sent a letter to the SVAC chairman demanding an immediate hearing on the reported budget shortfall.
    • On September 18, 2024, SVAC held a hearing on the funding shortfall and Sen. Sullivan introduced the PRO Vets Act.
    • On September 19, 2024, Sen. Sullivan attempted to pass the PRO Vets Act as an amendment to a VA supplemental funding package, but it was blocked by Senate Democrats.
    • On November 18, 2024, Sen. Sullivan and 15 of his colleagues sent a letter to the SVAC chairman demanding greater accountability and oversight of the VA.
    • On February 5, 2025, Sen. Sullivan and 10 of his colleagues introduced the PRO Vets Act in the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Missouri Leaders Applaud President Trump’s Executive Order on Election Integrity

    Source: US State of Missouri

     

     

    For Immediate Release:   April 10, 2025

               

    Missouri Leaders Applaud President Trump’s Executive Order on Election Integrity

    JEFFERSON CITY, MO – All Missouri statewide officials and legislative leaders in both chambers express their gratitude to President Donald J. Trump for his recent Executive Order titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” signed on March 25, 2025. This landmark directive introduces essential measures to enhance the security and trustworthiness of our nation’s electoral process.

    The Executive Order mandates several key reforms aimed at fortifying election integrity:

    • Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration: Prospective voters are now required to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering for federal elections. This measure ensures that only eligible citizens participate in the electoral process, upholding the sanctity of the vote. 
    • Timely Submission of Mail-In Ballots: The Order stipulates that all mail-in ballots must be received by election officials no later than Election Day to be counted. This policy aims to standardize the voting timeline and prevent delays in election results. 
    • Enhanced Verification Processes: Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, are directed to provide states with access to federal databases. This access facilitates the verification of voter eligibility and citizenship status, promoting accurate and current voter rolls.
    • Enforcement Against Non-Citizen Voting: The Attorney General is instructed to prioritize the prosecution of non-citizen voting and related offenses, ensuring that violations are addressed promptly and effectively.

    Missouri’s statewide officials and legislative leadership are committed to collaborating with federal, state, and local election authorities and related agencies to implement these reforms effectively. By adopting these measures, Missouri aims to set a standard for election integrity, ensuring that the democratic process remains robust and trustworthy for all citizens.

    The United States House passed the SAVE Act reform this morning, which would enshrine many of the same provisions into law. The bill goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has supported reform of the SAVE Act and applauds the U.S. House for their action.

    Statewide officials, legislative leaders, and legislative elections committee leaders all shared support for the executive order and election integrity efforts. 

    What Missouri leaders are saying: 

    • “President Trump continues to deliver on his promises to the American people, and this Executive Order is no exception,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Preserving and protecting the security of our elections is critical. As a national leader in election integrity, the State of Missouri will continue to work with the Trump Administration on these efforts.
    • “Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our republic,” Lt. Governor David Wasinger said. “I am thankful President Trump is taking decisive action to restore confidence in the security of our elections and ensure that every legal vote is protected.”
    • “Missouri has always prioritized election integrity,” Secretary of State Denny Hoskins said. “This Executive Order reinforces our efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls and ensure that every vote cast is legitimate. We appreciate the President’s leadership in addressing these critical issues.”
    • “Public trust in the electoral process is the cornerstone of our democratic institutions. I’m proud of the strides Missouri has made to protect the integrity of our elections and President Trump’s order builds on the foundation of that good work,” said State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. “Provisions contained in the order will ensure election authorities in Missouri have access to valuable information that will greatly assist with list maintenance efforts, helping to ensure the accuracy of our voter rolls and limiting the possibility of fraud.”
    • “Ensuring Missourians have confidence in our elections is fundamental to the health of our nation’s democracy,” said State Treasurer Vivek Malek. “These necessary measures lead to a better electoral process that truly reflects the will of the American people.” 
    • “Our Constitution vests the power of our government in the people—but that power only holds if elections are secure,” said Attorney General Andrew Bailey. “President Trump’s Executive Order is a vital step toward defending the integrity of the ballot box. As Missouri’s chief law enforcement officer, I’m committed to enforcing these reforms and ensuring that only lawful votes count. Missourians deserve nothing less than total confidence in their elections.” 
    • “Missourians deserve confidence that their elections are fair, accurate, and secure,” said Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, Senate Pro Tem. These reforms strengthen safeguards around our voting system and send a clear message: we will not compromise when it comes to protecting the integrity of the ballot box.”
    • Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, Senate Majority Floor Leader, remarked, “Ensuring the integrity of our elections is paramount. President Trump’s Executive Order provides the necessary framework to protect our democratic processes and restore public confidence in our electoral system.”
    • Ensuring the integrity of our elections is paramount to preserving our democracy. President Trump’s executive order demonstrates a commitment to this cause, and I commend his leadership,” said Senate Elections Committee Chairman Sen. Rusty Black. “In Missouri, we will continue to work collaboratively to implement measures that protect the sanctity of every citizen’s vote.”
    • “Fair, transparent elections are the foundation of our country,” House Speaker Jon Patterson said. “By implementing these reforms, we take a significant step toward safeguarding the voice of every eligible Missourian.”
    • “Ensuring confidence in our elections is not a partisan issue — it’s an American one,” said Rep. Rodger Reedy, Missouri House Elections Committee Chair. “I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to safeguarding our election systems through this executive order. As chairman of Missouri’s House Elections Committee, I stand ready to support efforts that uphold the rule of law and protect every legal vote.”

    About Secretary of State Denny Hoskins

    Denny Hoskins, CPA, was elected Missouri’s 41st Secretary of State in November 2024. With a strong background in business and public service, he is committed to improving government efficiency, transparency, and supporting Missouri families.

     

    For more information, please contact: Rachael Dunn, Director of Communications, via email at [email protected].

     

    — 30 —

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Currency Exchange International, Corp. Announces Referral Agreement with Continental Currency Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Exchange Bank of Canada (“EBC” or the “Bank”) is to refer its wholesale business-to-business (B2B) banknote customers in Canada to Continental Currency Exchange, Ltd. (“CCE”), a wholly owned subsidiary of DUCA Financial Services Credit Union Ltd. (“DUCA”)

    TORONTO, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Currency Exchange International, Corp. (“CXI” or the “Company”) (TSX:CXI) (OTC:CURN), today announced a referral agreement has been entered into with CCE, one of Canada’s leading retailers of foreign exchange services. CCE operates 19 branch locations across Ontario and offers digital products, foreign exchange conversion services, pre-authorized debit and deposit transactions, foreign cheques and drafts, money transfers and wire payments in over 120 currencies. CCE is a wholly owned subsidiary of DUCA, which was formed in 1954 and has grown from a single branch credit union in Toronto to 19 branches across the GTA and Central Ontario with over 93,000 Members and over $8.3 Billion in total assets including assets under management.

    EBC will be referring its wholesale banknote customers in Canada, including financial institutions, to CCE. The referral of EBC’s banknote customers to CCE, an Ontario-based foreign exchange service provider, will mutually benefit all parties and stakeholders.

    “We are pleased and confident that the referral agreement with CCE for EBC’s banknote customers is the best outcome for EBC’s stakeholders as well as CXI shareholders,” said Randolph Pinna, CEO of CXI and EBC.

    “CCE is pleased to implement this Referral Agreement. We welcome the opportunity to build new relationships and grow our business with new B2B wholesale banknote customers that will add to our growing retail foreign exchange services business,” said Tom Robertson, CEO of CCE.

    CXI’s long-term outlook remains positive due to the Company’s focus on its growing businesses in the U.S. in conjunction with expected cost savings and anticipated additional new product growth in the U.S. market. The Company will provide further updates as the Canadian business operations are being discontinued as originally announced on February 18, 2025. During this process, EBC is committed to ensuring minimal disruption to all its stakeholders. 

    CXI is grateful to all of EBC’s team members for their contributions over the years and is committed to providing support and guidance to all employees during this transition to ensure a smooth and respectful process.  

    INFOR Financial Inc. acted as financial advisor to CXI in connection with the referral agreement with Continental Currency Exchange.

    About Currency Exchange International, Corp.

    Currency Exchange International is in the business of providing comprehensive foreign exchange technology and processing services for banks, credit unions, businesses, and consumers in the United States and select clients globally. Primary products and services include the exchange of foreign currencies, wire transfer payments, Global EFTs, and foreign cheque clearing. Wholesale customers are served through its proprietary FX software applications delivered on its web-based interface, www.cxifx.com (“CXIFX”), its related APIs with core banking platforms, and through personal relationship managers. Consumers are served through Company-owned retail branches, agent retail branches, and its e-commerce platform, order.ceifx.com.

    The Group’s wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, Exchange Bank of Canada, based in Toronto, Canada, is currently in the process of discontinuing its operations in Canada.

    About Continental Currency Exchange, Ltd.

    Continental Currency Exchange, Ltd. is one of Canada’s leading retailers of foreign exchange services, with 19 branch locations across Ontario. The company offers foreign exchange conversion services, including international bill payments, online ordering, pre-authorized debit and deposit transactions, foreign cheques and drafts, money transfers and wire payments in approximately 100 currencies, in addition to a growing suite of digital products. The company’s Privilege Program offers clients no service fees on all cash transactions, premium discounted exchange rates, and lower prices on services including money transfers and wires. For more information, visit www.continentalcurrency.ca.  

    Contact Information

    For further information please contact:
    Bill Mitoulas
    Investor Relations
    (416) 479-9547
    Email: bill.mitoulas@cxifx.com
    Website: www.cxifx.com

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release includes forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management’s expectations with respect to, among other things, the merits of a referral agreement for customers and selected employees, the management of employee and customer transitions, the voluntary cessation of operations and discontinuance of Exchange Bank of Canada (EBC), financial performance in fiscal 2025 and 2026, and the associated costs and outcomes of the cessation and discontinuance period in general. Forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “preliminary,” “project,” “will,” “would,” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. 

    Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date such information is provided and on information available to management at such time. Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in such forward-looking information. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking information due to a number of factors including, without limitation, an inability to implement the referral agreement for customers and selected employees on a basis which is beneficial to stakeholders, the inability of the Company to complete the cessation of EBC and discontinuance in accordance with applicable regulatory and legal requirements on a basis which is cost effective and protects the goodwill of the Company, an inability to establish direct correspondent banking relationships to support its U.S. payments business on terms which are economic or at all, the impact of delays or challenges in obtaining regulatory approvals, an inability to manage one-time wind-down costs and severance obligations on cost-effective basis, potential disruptions to operations during the transition period. the risk of reduced liquidity during the transition periods and, generally, the potential for unforeseen liabilities arising during or after the cessation of operations and discontinuance of EBC. 

    Additional risks include the ability of the Company to comply with regulatory requirements in general, the competitive nature of the foreign exchange industry, the impact of geo political changes, and trade wars on factors relevant to the Company’s business, currency exchange risks, the need for the Company to manage its planned growth, the effects of product development and the need for continued technological change, protection of the Company’s proprietary rights, the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Company and the industry in which it operates, network security risks, the ability of the Company to maintain properly working systems, theft and risk of physical harm to personnel, reliance on key management personnel, unexpected losses or challenges associated with customer attrition during the discontinuance, global economic deterioration negatively impacting tourism, volatile securities markets impacting security pricing in a manner unrelated to operating performance and impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital, as well as the factors identified throughout this press release and in the section entitled “Financial Risk Factors” of the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the twelve months ended October 31, 2024. 

    The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents management’s expectations as of the date hereof (or as of the date such information is otherwise stated to be presented) and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. 

    The Toronto Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. No stock exchange, securities commission, or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this press release. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The “SAVE Act” as a Modern-Day Poll Tax and an Attack on Voting Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Condemns the “SAVE Act” as a Modern-Day Poll Tax and an Attack on Voting Rights

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Condemns the “SAVE Act” as a Modern-Day Poll Tax and an Attack on Voting Rights

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 10, 2025 – Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson today issued a strong statement denouncing the so-called “SAVE Act,” labeling it a thinly veiled attempt at voter suppression that echoes the discriminatory practices of the Jim Crow era. In a forceful address, Congressman Jackson vowed to vehemently oppose the legislation, asserting that it undermines the fundamental right to vote and threatens to disenfranchise millions of Americans.

    “Let us be unequivocally clear: the ‘SAVE Act’ is not about safeguarding our democracy; it is about restricting it,” stated Congressman Jackson. “This legislation, masquerading as a measure to protect elections, is in reality a modern-day poll tax dressed in bureaucratic hurdles. It is a calculated assault on the ballot box and a dangerous step backward for our nation.”

    Congressman Jackson highlighted the bill’s mandate for proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, despite overwhelming evidence that non-citizen voting is virtually non-existent. He argued that this requirement would create unnecessary barriers for numerous eligible voters, disproportionately impacting Black, Brown, Indigenous, immigrant, low-income, and elderly communities.

    “The ‘SAVE Act’ is a direct descendant of the Jim Crow laws that sought to suppress the Black vote in the post-Reconstruction South,” Congressman Jackson asserted. “While the language may differ, the intent remains the same: to intimidate, confuse, and ultimately block marginalized communities from exercising their fundamental right to vote. This bill seeks to enshrine inequality and consolidate power by keeping millions of eligible Americans away from the polls.”

    Drawing on data from the Brennan Center for Justice, Congressman Jackson pointed out that an estimated 21 million eligible Americans lack government-issued photo ID, and Black Americans are three times more likely than white Americans to be without such identification. “The ‘SAVE Act’ weaponizes this existing inequality, placing an undue burden on those already underserved by our institutions,” he explained.

    Congressman Jackson underscored the historical struggle for voting rights in America, referencing the sacrifices made by civil rights icons and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He lamented the erosion of these protections following the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder (2013), which has paved the way for a surge of restrictive voting laws at the state level. “The ‘SAVE Act’ is not a defense of democracy; it is the culmination of efforts to suppress the vote and undermine the progress we have fought so hard to achieve,” he declared.

    Dismissing claims of widespread non-citizen voting as baseless, Congressman Jackson cited findings from the Trump-era Department of Justice, Republican-led election audits, and independent studies that have consistently debunked such assertions. He also referenced data from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Democracy Docket, highlighting the numerous ongoing legal challenges related to voting rights and election administration.

    “The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy, and every expansion of that right has strengthened our nation,” Congressman Jackson concluded. “The ‘SAVE Act’ would reverse a century of hard-fought progress and move us further away from the ideal of a multiracial democracy. I will not stand idly by while this body considers legislation designed to silence the voices of those who have struggled longest for their right to be heard. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reject this disgraceful bill and stand with the American people in defense of true democracy.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Tiffany Introduces World Trade Organization Withdrawal Measure

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced a joint resolution calling for the United States to formally withdraw from the World Trade Organization (WTO), a deeply flawed globalist institution that has repeatedly failed to uphold fair trade and undermined American economic interests. 

    “The WTO has repeatedly overlooked China’s unfair trade practices and human rights abuses, undermined American farmers and manufacturers, and eroded our national sovereignty,” said Congressman Tiffany. “American trade policies should be made by American officials who are elected by American voters and accountable to American workers, not dictated by unelected international bureaucrats in Geneva. It’s time to pursue a better approach to trade – one that puts American industry, jobs, and economic independence first.”  

    “It has been two decades since Congress last voted on whether to continue our membership in this deeply flawed organization,” Congressman Tiffany added. “The American people deserve to know if their elected officials stand with them, or with China’s allies in the WTO.”

    Background:

    Under current law, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is required to submit an annual report to Congress by March 1st assessing the impact of U.S. participation in the WTO, including an analysis of the organization’s performance and value to American interests.   

    Following the release of that report, Congress is authorized to consider a joint resolution to withdraw the United States from the WTO. This opportunity occurs every five years, during a 90-day window, and can be initiated by any member of Congress. Congress previously debated similar resolutions in 2000 and 2005, in recognition of growing concerns about the WTO’s inability to enforce fair trade rules. No resolutions were introduced in 2010 and 2015. In 2020, withdrawal resolutions were introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), but neither were considered.   

    Since joining the WTO in 2001 after being granted Permanent Most Favored Nation trade status by the United States, Communist China has engaged in intellectual property theft and flooded global markets with heavily subsidized exports – all while the WTO looked the other way and allowed China to maintain trade barriers. 

    Just last month, the United States took the step of suspending payments to the WTO. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett underscored the economic consequences of WTO membership, stating, that since China entered the WTO, “Real incomes declined by about $1,200 cumulatively.” 

    The full text of Rep. Tiffany’s resolution can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murkowski Argues for Congressional Oversight of Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    04.10.25
    Washington, DC – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made her case that Congress needs to reassert its authority – starting with oversight of levying tariffs. In light of the recent trade policies enacted by the executive branch, Senator Murkowski spoke about the role that belongs to Congress, but emphasized that institution has slowly ceded its responsibility to the executive over the last century.
    Click here to watch the Senator’s remarks.
     
    Below is the text of Murkowski’s remarks as delivered.
    Thank you, Mr. President.
    Yesterday was a day that really captured the attention of the world. We’ve all been talking about tariffs for a little bit, but yesterday was the day that really brought the focus to what was going on here in the United States.
    At 12:01 in the morning on Wednesday, President Trump’s tariffs on the countries with which the United States has had the largest trade deficits went into effect on top of the 10% tariff rates that had previously applied to all countries, which had been initiated on Saturday, April 5. Just hours later, yesterday afternoon, the President announced a 90-day pause and lowered reciprocal tariffs to 10% and at the same time, announced that he was raising tariffs on China to 125% – now today, it looks like that number is closer to 145%.
    So, to say that this has been a dizzying week in Washington, DC is probably an understatement. Those of us that are following the markets, it’s been somewhat head-spinning. I’m not going to comment here on the floor today about the negotiating tactics of President Trump. I think he is legendary, and really world renowned, for his skills in bringing nations to the table. We’re seeing some of this play out literally as we speak. Other countries that have approached the administration to have discussions about tariffs. This is a unique kind of leverage, most certainly keeping those across the table off balance. But bringing the world potentially to the brink of a ruinous trade war certainly qualifies as a very unique point of leverage.
    The effort to try to reshore manufacturing here in this country is important, it’s admirable, and it’s something that we should all be working towards. But, I think there has been general agreement that the message from the administration has been decidedly mixed, which leads to further confusion among our trading partners and our allies. If nobody understands where the finish line is, it’s hard to reach it.
    I don’t want to focus my comments here this afternoon about these possible strategies and end results of these policies. But I want to focus more on the process of how these tariffs were imposed, because I believe it is yet another example of Congress choosing to cede its powers to the executive branch. And if the global implications of these tariffs have shown us nothing else, it’s that measures that are as important as these should be considered by the 535 elected individuals that are in tune with the American people, rather than vesting that with just one individual acting unilaterally.
    It’s under Article One, Section Eight of our United States Constitution that clearly enumerates that “Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises.” In other words, the power to levy tariffs rests with us here in the Congress.
    So why have we seen the executive take control over tariff rates? The answer lies in almost in a centuries-long series of bills that we have seen here that Congress has voluntarily enacted and laid down its authority for the executive to pick up.
    Following the disastrous Smoot Hawley Act of 1930 which plunged our nation deeper into the Great Depression, Congress passed the following legislation. First, it was the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934, which authorized the president to make limited tariff rates without congressional review on top of negotiating bilateral, reciprocal trade agreements.
    Then, it was the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which broadened the President’s trade powers to include multilateral trade agreements, while also allowing the president to unilaterally impose tariffs if imports could threaten national security.
    Then, the Trade Act of 1974, which allowed the president to protect U.S. workers by adjusting tariffs if foreign countries engaged in unfair trade practices.
    And then, just a few years later, it was the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which gives the president authorities to address declared emergencies if “unusual and extraordinary” threats exist to national security, foreign policy, or to the economy. So those powers include, you probably guessed it, the authority to regulate or prohibit imports.
    So, in his April 2 executive order, President Trump declared a national emergency because of a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships and our trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages. He is authorized to do so under the National Emergencies Act of 1976, so I want to be clear about all of this: I know some people might not like it, but all of what he has done is clearly above board. The president is clearly within his powers to impose tariffs on our allies, like Mexico and Canada and the EU, just as much as he is with our adversaries, like China and Russia and Iran.
    President Trump, and President Biden before him, took this route because Congress has largely relegated tariff authority to the president through the laws that effectively cede to the executive.
    And my friends, it’s just one more example of Congress abdicating instead of legislating. In my time here, I have seen a troubling pattern, in both bodies, where the party that controls the White House seems all too comfortable relinquishing authority to the President, and then rubber stamping whatever policies the executive wants enshrined into law.
    Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have deferred to the executive to call the shots, in my view, for far too long. Now we use the phrase around here a lot: “co-equal branches of government.” I use it all the time. But the reality is, Congress was created in Article One of the Constitution. We’re given far more authority than the executive. All you need to do is look in your handy dandy little pocket constitution. Ours is a lot longer.
    Look at the authorities that we have:
    Congress may impeach and remove a President and members of the judiciary;
    Congress can override a presidential veto of legislation;
    Congress appropriates the money that funds the operation of all branches of government; and
    It is Congress that again, needs to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises.
    We also say a lot around here that “business loves certainty.” I would suggest the country’s entire tariff regime being subject to the whims of one individual lends anything but certainty. And that’s why I have signed on to Senator Grassley and Senator Cantwell’s legislation. They call it the Trade Review Act of 2025, and it would reclaim this branch’s authority and duty to help manage tariffs as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
    The bill requires notice to Congress of the imposition of, or increase, in any tariffs. It requires notice to Congress in 48 hours. With that congressional notification, it has to include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariffs, as well as providing an analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
    And I can tell you, the Alaskans that I’m talking to back home would really like the last part of this: an analysis of how this is going to impact us.
    And then another provision within the Grassley-Cantwell Act is within 60 days, Congress would pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff. Otherwise, all new tariffs on imports would expire after that deadline.
    What this act effectively would do would be to reaffirm Congress’s role with regards to tariffs. It allows for a greater engagement, if you will, between the executive and the congressional branch. Allows for the debate, allows for that engagement, allows for that understanding.
    So, again, I’m hearing from folks all over back home, because they’re worried we already pay high costs for just about everything in Alaska. They’re worried about what it’s going to mean for groceries, for cars, for furniture, electronics, even coffee.
    We had a visit with a group of high school students on the on the steps yesterday, and they were from all over the state. We had some from Ketchikan, all the way out to King Cove, and out in the YK Delta. And the first question from one of the 16-year-old’s in that group was, “Can you tell me what’s going on with tariffs? How is this going to impact us?”
    I really appreciated that question from that 16-year-old who’s paying attention to what’s going on. He’s got questions. He’s here in Washington, DC, and he’s figuring he’s going to get some answers from his senator.
    Alaskans are facing consequences. They want to know they have a voice in it, and their voice is us. It’s their senator, it’s their representative. That’s our role here.
    Now it’s been suggested, and the president himself has issued a statement about this legislation: he’s indicated that he does not support it, and that he would veto it. That is absolutely within his power.
    But, we also have powers have powers here in Congress, and we need to assert them. And so, I would hope that this bill is maybe just the start, maybe just the toe in the water, where we’re starting to see Congress reassert its authority.
    Because if we don’t stand up for the institution, if we don’t stand up for the legislative branch of our government by debating this issue by holding votes, debating. Let’s debate this! Let’s have a vote on the Trade Review Act. Because if we just sit back, if we don’t assert our authority, we’ve only got ourselves to blame when we don’t like the direction that may be taken.
    The executive has slowly arrogated more and more power since the end of World War II, and it’s dramatically accelerated post-9/11. We here in Congress have stood by, and we’ve accepted it. We’ve said it’s okay. I think it’s time for Congress to reassert itself, whether it’s on tariffs, whether it’s on the power of appropriation, whether it’s overseeing the bodies, the agencies that we as a body have authorized.
    So, let’s legislate. Let’s remember our role is to legislate. We owe that to those that we represent, as well as to this institution, for the long-term good of the nation.
    And with that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Lee Introduce Legislation to Repurpose Woke USAID Funding to Improve Veterans’ Homes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Veterans First Act of 2025, which will redirect wasteful taxpayer funding previously allocated for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to instead pay for outstanding repairs in state veterans’ homes. This legislation follows the Trump administration’s actions to largely shut down USAID after it was revealed that the agency was using taxpayer funds to pay for woke, leftist priorities. As Alabama’s representative on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Sen. Tuberville is always looking for ways to improve the lives for our veteran heroes.
    “Let’s be honest, USAID was largely being used as a Democrat slush fund under Joe Biden,” said Sen. Tuberville. “We don’t need to waste BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars on research in Wuhan or transgender operas in Colombia when our own veterans are living in horrible conditions. There are more than 160 state veteran homes across the country that provide long-term care to eligible military veterans. The VA currently offers construction grants that cover up to 65% of renovation costs, but funding constraints can cause years of delays for homes that are waiting to receive federal funds to match the funds approved at the state level. This critical legislation would provide sufficient federal funding to cover all outstanding Priority 1 VA State Home Construction projects that already have the state-matching funds. Our veteran heroes were willing to lay down their lives for our freedom. The least we can do is make sure they have a decent place to call home.
    “Our bill takes 2 billion dollars that was going to be thrown into the USAID money pit and distributed to radical progressive causes across the globe, and instead puts it toward desperately needed housing and hospitals for the men and women who defend America. We should put our veterans before any foreign interests or organizations,” said Sen. Lee. 
    “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, taxpayer dollars were wastefully sent overseas to fund DEI initiatives while the pressing needs of veterans here at home were ignored,” said Rep. Taylor. “Under President Trump, Republicans are getting our Nation’s priorities straight and our Heroes are at the top of the list. I am proud to lead this bill to ensure State Veterans Homes across our country are equipped with the funding to meet our veterans’ needs.”
    Specifically, the Veterans First Act of 2025 would:
    Redirect $2 billion of USAID funds toward State Veteran Home repairs and renovations,
    Provide sufficient funding to cover all outstanding Priority 1 VA State Home construction grants,
    These are ready-to-go projects that already possess state-matching funds and are only awaiting federal matching funds to being work.

    Put America’s veterans first and reorient our nation’s spending priorities.
    Representative Dave Taylor (R-OH-02) led the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Read full text of the legislation here. 
    BACKGROUND:
    Sen. Tuberville represents Alabama’s more than 400,000 veterans on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and has worked to make quality improvements for veterans. He has introduced several pieces of legislation that have been signed into law, including the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act, and legislation to streamline Post-9/11 benefits for service members and their dependents.
    Already this year, Sen. Tuberville introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at helping veterans, including the Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025, Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, HBOT Access Act, andVeteran Fraud Reimbursement Act.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Chairs Personnel Subcommittee Hearing Focused on Recruiting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) led a hearing on Department of Defense (DOD) policies and programs ahead of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). During the hearing, Sen. Tuberville spoke with the witnesses about heightening recruitment standards in order to get the strongest fighting force possible and staffing shortages across military hospitals and clinics. 
    Witnesses included:
    Lieutenant General Brian S. Eifler, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel for the United States Army
    Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., Chief of Naval Personnel for the United States Navy
    Lieutenant General Michael J. Borgschulte, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs for the United States Marine Corps
    Lieutenant General Caroline M. Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services for the United States Air Force
    And Ms. Katharine Kelley, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital for the United States Space Force
    Read excerpts of Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below and watch on YouTube or Rumble. 

    “Alright, the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel meets this afternoon to provide an important opportunity for senior leaders at the Department of Defense to highlight areas where Congress can support and strengthen our military’s most valuable asset—its people. People are our most valuable asset. I think we should all know that. Those who volunteer to serve, in and out of uniform, are the backbone of our national defense, and this is a critical discussion as we prepare for the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026.
    I want to thank our witnesses for joining us today:
    Lieutenant General Brian S. Eifler, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel for the United States Army
    Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., Chief of Naval Personnel for the United States Navy
    Lieutenant General Michael J. Borgschulte, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs for the United States Marine Corps
    Lieutenant General Caroline M. Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services for the United States Air Force
    Ms. Katharine Kelley, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital for the United States Space Force
    I’m glad to see our military refocusing on warfighting and readiness after the previous administration prioritized DEI, abortion, and other progressive policy initiatives over lethality. [That is] one of the reasons we’re here today. This shift is already leading to a renewed enthusiasm for personnel for military service among the American people.
    While I’m encouraged by the recent improvements in military recruitment, I’m increasingly concerned about the quality of the recruits we’re bringing in. Many of the services have lowered their standards to meet [recruitment] goals. The Army and Navy’s prep courses have seen some success, but that success only matters if they’re actually raising the academic and physical performance of our recruits. The caliber of the men and women we bring in directly affects readiness levels and the long-term strength and effectiveness of our military. So, I’d like the witnesses to address the effect that lowered enlistment standards could have on long-term attrition and readiness, and how you are ensuring you are not sacrificing quality for quantity.
    I’d also like to address the health of the force in this hearing. Military hospitals and clinics are facing staffing shortages, leading to reduced access to care, which ultimately impacts the health and retention of service members and their families. This, combined with lower recruiting standards, means the force is more susceptible to health issues like obesity and mental health challenges. I’d like to hear what the Services are doing to ensure the health and readiness of their military personnel.
    In recent years, this Subcommittee has invested heavily into the quality of life of service members, ensuring they and their families, have the resources and support necessary to thrive both in and out of uniform. This remains a priority. However, these investments will be undermined if we fail to address the quality of recruitment and health of the force. Sustaining a healthy and effective military goes beyond simply meeting the recruiting missions—it requires a commitment to the well-being and long-term readiness of every single service member.
    Thank you to the witnesses for appearing today. I look forward to your testimony.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville Defends Trump Administration’s Efforts to Make the VA More Efficient

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    “Under President Biden, the VA increased its staff 80,000 people. You’d think that this would mean that we would increase the efficiency of our VA [by] 80,000 percent. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.”
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) objected to Democrats’ efforts to halt the Trump administration’s actions to make the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) more efficient.
    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his full remarks can be viewed on Rumble or YouTube. 
    “Reserving the right to object.
    On November the 5th, President Trump was given a mandate: get this country straightened out. This included waste, fraud, and abuse in our federal government, over all agencies.
    The VA is a perfect example. Under President Biden, the VA increased its staff 80,000 employees in four years. Let me repeat that. Under President Biden, the VA increased its staff 80,000 people. You’d think that this would mean that we would increase the efficiency of our VA [by] 80,000 percent. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
    Despite the Biden administration ballooning the size of the department, the VA has nothing to show for it. In fact, wait times and backlogs have gone up [under Biden]. Hasn’t worked. So, these cuts are not [unwarranted.] They are completely necessary.
    By reducing the number of employees, these savings can be redirected to actually providing veteran healthcare and benefits, while still protecting VA’s mission of critical jobs like doctors, nurses, and claims processors. Do the job it was meant to do. And phasing out non-mission critical jobs like DEI officers and interior designers, [to name] just a few, is necessary to get this job done.
    Now, I don’t wanna oversimplify this. I know these problems at the VA exist. They always have existed. Since 2015, the VA care has been on the government accountability [watch]list. High risk. That means it’s being audited. Are they doing their job? Not very good reviews. We have to do better for our veterans. I come from a military family, spent many hours in the VA. Some are good, some are not so good.
    Let’s stand up for our veterans. The VA’s [priorities] across the board [are essential]—from overseeing simple things like safety [to] access of care. And it’s not by having more people, it’s by having better people. The VA is not supposed to be a massive bureaucracy. That’s not what it was meant to be. It was created to serve our veterans.
    This resolution being put forward would directly prevent President Trump from carrying out his mandate that the American people gave him. The American people have spoken and the days of business as usual are over. The VA is going to get better.
    For these reasons, Madam President, I object.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Banks Make Push for Transparency in Medicaid Payments to Abortion Providers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) in cosponsoring the Abortion Funding Awareness Act. This bill requires states to publicly report detailed information about Medicaid payments to abortion providers, including how much was paid, what services were funded, and data on the abortions performed. It aims to increase transparency around taxpayer funds used in connection with abortion-related services.
    “Zero taxpayer dollars should be used to pay for abortions,” said Sen. Tuberville. “I stood alone for nearly a year in fighting against the Biden administration’s taxpayer-funded abortion-related travel policy at the Pentagon. Using Medicaid funds to pay for abortions is no different. Every life is sacred, and I will always fight for the unborn and the taxpayers.”
    “A majority of Americans agree that taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund abortions. My bill exposes states that abuse tax dollars this way, aiming to protect unborn lives in the process,” said Sen. Banks.
    Sens. Tuberville and Banks were joined by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Todd Young (R-IN) in cosponsoring the legislation.
    Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) led the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives. 
    Americans United for Life, SBA Pro-Life America, and Concerned Women for America LAC endorsed the legislation.
    Read full text of the legislation here. 
    BACKGROUND:
    Key Provisions of the Abortion Provider Transparency Act are:
    Encouraging pro-life values by exposing Medicaid’s corrupt use of American taxpayer dollars for abortions
    Ensuring transparency of American taxpayer dollars, by requiring states to report:
    Medicaid payments made to abortion providers
    Annual reports to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on all abortion payments using taxpayer funds
    All reports and findings to the state’s website

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Kudlow to Discuss How President Trump’s Tariffs Strategy is Working for Alabama

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    “We got a lot of panicans here in the Capitol, but at the end of the day, President Trump holds the cards.”
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss how President Trump’s tariffs strategy is working for Alabama workers and farmers.
    Read excerpts from the interview below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    KUDLOW: “Alabama Senator, Mr. Tommy Tuberville. Senator Tuberville, welcome, sir. So, you hear Mr. Trump […] brought everyone to the table. You know, I was talking to Senator Blackburn and others. They didn’t go to the Chinese table. They went to the United States [of] America Donald Trump table. So, it looks like Trump’s Art of the Deal was correct all along, Senator Tuberville. What do you make of it?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, exactly right, Larry. We got a lot of panicans here in the Capitol, but at the end of the day, President Trump holds the cards. All those cards are the American taxpayers, Larry. They’re behind President Trump. They understand what he’s trying to do. This is gonna be our last chance. We’ll never have a President like him again—simply for the fact that he knows what he’s doing. He’s a business guy, and he knows that we cannot continue to let China steal, defraud us, do everything possible to build their country up while we’re going south. We need to continue this. And again, we need to work with these people, you know, he’s got them standing in line at the White House. I’m sure that’s one of the reasons he has a 90-day pause [while] countries were just waiting to get in the door, but China’s not coming. I’m for just hammering China. Keep putting tariffs on them. Make them hurt because they are building right and left their military—one day they think they’re gonna take us on. We cannot allow that to happen, Larry. You know that.”
    KUDLOW: “Well, I think one of the offshoots of the discussion with China for Mister Trump. Look, 125% tariff. China’s not gonna be able to sell into our market. But selling all their subsidized manufacturing stuff with cheap wages, that’s their whole economy. So, we are just cutting them off at the knees. I guess what I’m saying is, Trump has completely outfoxed Xi Jinping. Trump is the master of the chessboard, not Xi.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Exactly. Larry, China sends daily 300 container ships that have thousands of containers on each ship, 300 a day to the United States of America with mostly junk. Okay? It should be made in the United States of America. Now they make some […] car parts and things like that. But at the end of the day, we can do that here. And President Trump knows we have to get manufacturing back. Bill Clinton [and] NAFTA almost put us under. I go through small towns, Larry, in Alabama, and manufacturing’s gone. Nobody lives there. The streets are closing down. If we don’t get it back now, it’ll never happen.”
    KUDLOW: “What are your folks in Alabama saying about the trade deal and all the discussion that goes with it?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, you got some car manufacturers that say, you know, ‘We got a problem,’ maybe a problem with powertrains coming in, you know, from some of the car dealers and manufacturers. But at the end of the day, the ones that I’m worried about, I’m worried about the bottom 50% of the people that actually work in this country, the people that make $50,000, $60,000 and below and our farmers. Larry, my god. If we don’t do something to help our farmers, it’s over. We lost 150,000 [farms] during the Biden administration. They’re having a terrible year this year with the weather—planting season is going on right now. They’re gonna have to replant [and] they’re gonna have a tough time even getting close to making a profit. So, he has to help with the commodity prices and President Trump will do that with these tariffs.”
    KUDLOW: “You know, we made a deal with the phase one trade deal with China. They’re supposed to have purchased a lot of farm commodities, they never did. They broke the deal. So now the farmers are in trouble. What do you—do you want federal spending for the farmers? Subsidies for the farmers? Tax cuts? Tell me what you want.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, what we did right before Christmas, Larry, they had a terrible last year, the year before that was really awful. Input costs under Biden were out of sight. You know, a cotton picker ten years ago was $600,000 dollars. Now it’s $1.5 million. It’s out of control. And it’s out of control because people across the world are taking advantage of us. We gave them $10 billion dollars—the farmers—right before Christmas to get a loan for this year’s crops. Now again, what did I just tell you, they planted their crops in the south, and they just got wiped out. We got 10, 15 inches of rain. And so, it’s gonna be tough on the farmers, but I’ll tell you they’re resilient. They’ll work hard. All we need to do is help them just a little bit, and they’ll be there.”
    KUDLOW: “Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Senator Tommy Tuberville, thank you for your wisdom as always.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Gillibrand, Wyden Lead A Group Of 21 Senators In Demanding That The Trump Administration Stop Their Attacks On Social Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator Ron Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, led a group of 21 senators in a letter calling on the Trump administration and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to stop their attacks on Social Security.

    This letter comes in the wake of the administration’s repeated actions to weaken the Social Security Administration (SSA), which include staffing cuts, plans for indiscriminate closures of field offices around the nation, and limits to phone services. These cuts are upending the lives of older adults and people with disabilities who rely on the Social Security benefits that they have earned to pay their rent, purchase groceries, and afford medical bills.

    “The changes undertaken by SSA leadership and the DOGE disregard the reality of daily life for those millions of Americans,” wrote the senators. “They are spearheaded by the out-of-touch, unelected leadership of the DOGE. They hurt our nation’s older adults and people with disabilities—our grandparents, our friends, and our neighbors. And they risk debilitating the Social Security System and denying Americans the money they are owed.”

    In addition to Gillibrand and Wyden, the letter to Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

    The full text of the senators’ letter is available here or below:

    Dear Acting Commissioner Dudek:

    We write to denounce the incessant havoc sparked by the Trump Administration’s continual cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Changes implemented by SSA leadership and the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) include heinous staffing cuts, plans for indiscriminate closures of field offices around the nation, and limits to phone services. It is difficult to see how DOGE’s attacks on the SSA, and the complicity shown by SSA leadership, will improve efficiency when we are already hearing stories upon stories of how SSA’s changes have damaged the system responsible for ensuring timely, accurate payments—upending the lives of older adults and people with disabilities who rely on Social Security benefits that they earned to pay their rent, groceries, and medical bills.

    Social Security lifts 22 million Americans, including 16 million older adults, out of poverty. Many older adults rely on Social Security for life-saving sustenance—to ensure they have food to eat, a roof over their heads, and money to pay for medications. In fact, 40 percent of older Americans rely on Social Security as their only source of retirement income. Over seven million veterans received a Social Security benefit in 2024, while SSDI and Supplemental Security Income serve millions of workers with disabilities and their children. DOGE’s attacks on the SSA will break down access to services, affect timely and accurate payment of benefits,6 and have disastrous consequences for Americans everywhere.

    It is precisely because older adults, people with disabilities, and other deserving Americans count on Social Security that we are deeply concerned with efforts by DOGE and SSA leadership to impede access to SSA services. SSA has announced plans to slash at least 12 percent of its workforce, and offered a buyout incentives to staff, at a time when SSA staffing is at a 50-year low. SSA has also announced plans to close six of its ten regional offices, which coordinate and support the efforts of SSA employees. DOGE, meanwhile, has placed dozens of SSA offices across the country on the chopping block. At the same time, SSA has decided to limit the services it makes available over-the-phone, after backing down from broader restrictions following an outcry by older adults and people with disabilities. SSA’s new limits on over-the[1]phone services are still unacceptable, and the process used by SSA—swift revisions after public outcry—suggest the agency is not talking to the Americans who rely on Social Security the most before it makes its decisions. Instead, it appears that SSA leadership is pushing out half-baked ideas that lead to public confusion and panic.

    SSA leadership should strive to serve the public, not Elon Musk and his cronies with the DOGE. We are already witnessing the consequences of SSA’s complicity in DOGE’s irresponsible actions and cruel intentions. Scammers have taken advantage of the confusion surrounding SSA changes to defraud older adults. The SSA website crashed 4 times in 10 days because servers were overloaded; phone wait time and foot traffic to field offices have skyrocketed. This chaos does not create “efficiency.” It harms older adults and people with disabilities while undermining a program that is already efficient: Even as Social Security uplifts millions of older adults and people with disabilities, less than one percent of Social Security payments are improper—a percentage that includes underpayments as well as overpayments.

    We are pleased that Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, is skilled with technology, lives his life with unfettered access to services, and has not experienced what it is like to live with a severe disability or financial hardship. We are also pleased that the Trump Administration’s supposed “leadership” is comfortable enough to believe older adults will not mind a missed Social Security payment. However, their experiences do not reflect the experiences of millions of Americans who rely on Social Security. The changes undertaken by SSA leadership and the DOGE disregard the reality of daily life for those millions of Americans. They are spearheaded by the out-of-touch, unelected leadership of the DOGE. They hurt our nation’s older adults and people with disabilities—our grandparents, our friends, and our neighbors. And they risk debilitating the Social Security System and denying Americans the money they are owed.

    In light of our concerns, we ask that you answer the following questions:

    1. Reports indicate that an internal memo proposing changes to the Social Security claims process was circulated within SSA on March 13, 2025. The memo also reportedly details how the changes could significantly impact the ability of Social Security recipients to access their benefits, including through “longer wait times and processing time” and “increased challenges for vulnerable populations.” Please provide:
    1. An unredacted copy of the March 13, 2025 memo, which was sent from Acting Deputy Commissioner Doris Diaz to Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek;
    1. Copies of any other written communications that are related to the March 13, 2025 memo, including e-mail, texts, letters, memorandums, or other documents; and
    1. Copies of any written communications, including e-mail, texts, letters, memorandums, or other documents, related to SSA’s decision to revise its changes to phone services, as announced on March 26, 2025.
    1. SSA’s new limitations on over-the-phone services are likely to increase the number of visitors per-week to SSA field offices, a potential impact reportedly detailed by SSA leadership in its March 13, 2025 memo. The DOGE website lists numerous SSA offices throughout the United States that will have their lease terminated, and one analysis suggests that 47 SSA offices are slated for closure.

    Please answer the following questions about potential SSA field office closures:

    1. SSA claims in a press release on March 27th that the SSA “has not permanently closed or announced permanent closure of any local field office.” Public reporting shows that multiple SSA field offices across the country were publicly slated for lease termination, many of which were taken off DOGE’s website prior to the press release.
    1. Explain the reason for the removal of the field offices previously listed for lease termination on the DOGE website.
    1. Explain why the SSA did not issue a public correction of the information provided on SSA lease termination after its removal off the DOGE website.
    1. Provide detailed information on each location on the DOGE and GSA lease termination lists that include an SSA office, including any locations that include an SSA field office but are leased by other federal departments, such as the General Services Administration. Please include the following information for each location:
    1. What SSA functions operate out of the location, whether the location is open to the public, what services the location provides to the public, and how many members of the public visit the location each day.
    1. How the SSA office will be impacted by the lease termination listed on the DOGE website, including which services at the SSA office will cease to be offered to the public and whether the SSA office will be closed entirely.
    1. Which field offices is SSA planning to close, or considering for closure, through December 31, 2026, regardless of whether the location appears on the DOGE lease termination list? Please provide a detailed list that includes the name, city, and state of each field office.
    1. How will SSA analyze the impact of potential field office closures on people who use SSA services in light of SSA’s new limitations on over-the-phone services? If SSA does not plan to include the new limitations on over-the-phone services when analyzing potential field office closures, please explain why.
    1. SSA’s new limitations on over-the-phone services are likely to drive more people to use the SSA website, including “my Social Security” accounts, when filing for benefits or making changes to their payments. Past oversight conducted by the Senate Aging Committee demonstrated that federal departments and agencies often fail to make their websites fully accessible for people with disabilities, as required by law. Further, the unelected billionaire running DOGE demonstrated his callous disregard for people with disabilities when he decimated Twitter’s accessibility team after taking over the company.
    1. How many staff held a role in ensuring SSA website accessibility for people with disabilities on January 20, 2025?
    1. How many staff held a role in ensuring SSA website accessibility for people with disabilities on April 8, 2025?
    1. How many staff with a role in ensuring SSA website accessibility for people with disabilities were fired or accepted a buyout between January 20, 2025 and April 8, 2025?
    1. How many contracts related to ensuring SSA website accessibility for people with disabilities have been delayed or cancelled since January 20, 2025? Please describe each delayed or cancelled contract and provide a justification for each delay or cancellation.
    1. How many tests to evaluate SSA websites for accessibility for people with disabilities have been delayed or cancelled since January 20, 2025? Please provide a justification for each delayed or cancelled accessibility test.
    1. Please describe how SSA consulted with older adults and people with disabilities before making the initial decision, announced on March 18, 2025, to implement new limits to over-the-phone services. Please include the names of groups representing older adults and people with disabilities that were contacted for feedback. If SSA did not conduct this outreach, please explain why.
    1. Please describe how SSA will collect feedback from older adults and people with disabilities on the impact of its limits to over-the-phone services once those limits have been implemented, including:
    1. The groups representing older adults and people with disabilities that SSA will work with to collect feedback; and
    1. The number of in-person meetings, virtual meetings, and town-hall style meetings related to the limits on over-the-phone services that SSA will conduct through December 31, 2026, the planned locations of those events, and plans by SSA leadership to participate in those events and answer questions.

    If SSA does not plan to collect feedback from older adults and people with disabilities in this fashion, please explain why.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please respond by April 22, 2025.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Joins 178 Colleagues In Introducing Bill To Raise Federal Minimum Wage To $17 By 2030

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Raise the Wage Act alongside 32 of her colleagues in the Senate and 146 members of the House of Representatives. This bicameral legislation would raise the minimum wage to $17 for all workers and gradually eliminate subminimum wages for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers.

    Last year, nearly one in four workers in the U.S. made less than $17 per hour. In New York, the minimum wage is currently $15.50 in most parts of the state and $16.50 on Long Island and in New York City, and Westchester. According to analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), passing the Raise the Wage Act would provide raises to 213,000 New Yorkers.

    “A living wage is critical to make sure that Americans can pay their bills, feed their families, and put a roof over their heads,” said Senator Gillibrand. “No one working full-time in the United States should be living in poverty. This legislation will help lift workers out of poverty, drive economic growth, and reduce income inequality, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to get it passed.”

    Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage – $7.25 per hour – is the lowest it has been since 1956 and has declined significantly since it was last increased in 2009. Black and Hispanic workers disproportionately feel the burden of these low wages as compared to their white counterparts, and that disparity is even worse for women of color. Nearly 40 percent of Hispanic women and 35 percent of Black women make less than $17 per hour.

    Gillibrand is joined on the Raise the Wage Act by 32 senators: Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Additionally, over 85 organizations endorsed the legislation, including Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, and United Steelworkers (USW).

    The text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration for Blocking California’s Access to Over $200 Million in Previously Awarded Education Funding

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) abrupt and unlawful rescission of prior agency actions that preserved states’ access to hundreds of millions of dollars in funding currently being used by school districts to support the academic recovery of students following the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorney General Bonta joined 15 other attorneys general in filing the lawsuit, arguing that ED’s decision to rescind access to this funding is arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act, exceeds ED’s statutory and regulatory authority under the law, and will cause immediate and devastating harm to school districts in California and across the nation. In California alone, over $200 million in previously awarded and obligated funding is at stake – funding that school districts are already putting to use for programs such as afterschool and summer learning initiatives, the purchase of educational technology, and the provision of mental health services and support. 

    “The Trump Administration’s blatant disregard for the education of our children is on full display with this latest round of funding cuts,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With each step President Trump takes to dismantle the Education Department, he is throwing our schools into turmoil and jeopardizing the academic success of a generation of American children. As a father, I can’t stand by and let this happen. I’m taking the President to court for the 13th time to help ensure our kids get the educational opportunities they deserve.”

    On March 28, 2025, Education Secretary Linda McMahon notified state departments of education that ED had unilaterally rescinded its previous actions preserving states’ access to awarded and obligated education funding that is currently supporting ongoing programs and services in local school districts across the country. These programs and services address, among other things, the impact of lost instructional time; students’ academic, social, and emotional needs; and the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on economically disadvantaged students, including homeless children and children in foster care.  

    In the lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta and the multistate coalition assert that the Department’s actions are arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act. The coalition seeks a court order vacating the termination and reinstating ED’s prior approvals allowing states to access this funding through March 2026. 

    Joining Attorney General Bonta in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and the District of Columbia, along with the Governor of Pennsylvania.

    A copy of the lawsuit is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Calls on Xi Jinping, CCP to Allow TikTok Sale: “We Need to Keep the Pressure On”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) called on the Chinese Communist Party to allow ByteDance to sell TikTok to American owners. Ricketts made the comments while objecting to a unanimous consent request from U.S. Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) to extend the deadline for a potential sale.
    “ByteDance was given 270 days to make a deal,” said Ricketts. “The Communist dictator Xi Jinping clearly did not want it. They tried to lobby us. They avoided getting a deal done. President Trump came into office. They are still avoiding getting a deal done.”
    “The law is very clear. TikTok needs to be sold to an American owner to continue operation,” closed Ricketts. “Not some half-baked plan, as my colleague from Arkansas was describing, where the Chinese Communist Party would still have influence on the TikTok algorithm, still have the ability to push their propaganda to the American people. That cannot happen. We need to make sure that the Chinese Communist Party cannot do that in our country again. We won’t allow other TV or radio stations to have that much access. Why on earth are we doing it for the Chinese Communist Party? It is absolutely ludicrous. We need to keep the pressure on. We need to make sure that TikTok is sold.”
    [embedded content]
    Watch the video HERE
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “Mr. President, reserving the right to object.
    “I echo my colleague from Arkansas comments with regard to TikTok.
    “Let’s recall that in Communist China, there really isn’t such a thing as a private company, as much as ByteDance might want to say it is.
    “Chinese Communist law is very clear that companies in China have to do what they’re told to do by the Chinese Communist Party.
    “And that’s one of the reasons TikTok is so dangerous.
    “TikTok, as has been covered by my colleague from Massachusetts, reaches 170 million people.
    “52% of those people say that they regularly get their news from TikTok.
    “As I’ve risen on this floor in the past, I’ve discussed specific cases where the Chinese Communists have been pushing their propaganda through TikTok.
    “Now let’s also bear in mind that we would not allow any American TV news station, even newspaper, to be able to own as much of the American marketplace as TikTok has today.
    “170 million people.
    “Current law says that you can only own 39%, for example, of the TV marketplace across the country.
    “That would roughly equate to about 50 million households in the United States – far above what we’re seeing here with what TikTok has access to.
    “So if we’re not going to allow Americans to be able to have such broad access to our population, why on earth would we allow the Chinese Communist Party to do it?
    “And by the way, the way, the Chinese Communist Party has no First Amendment rights in this country.
    “ByteDance was given 270 days to make a deal.
    “The Communist dictator Xi Jinping clearly did not want it.
    “They tried to lobby us. They avoided getting a deal done.
    “President Trump came into office.
    “They are still avoiding getting a deal done.
    “The people who are taking on the liability here are the companies that are facilitating this.
    “I urge those companies to reconsider.
    “You should think carefully about what you’re doing.
    “The law is very clear.
    “TikTok needs to be sold to an American owner to continue operation.
    “Not some half-baked plan, as my colleague from Arkansas was describing, where the Chinese Communist Party would still have influence on the TikTok algorithm, still have the ability to push their propaganda to the American people.
    “That cannot happen.
    “We need to make sure that the Chinese Communist Party cannot do that in our country again.
    “We won’t allow other TV or radio stations to have that much access.
    “Why on earth are we doing it for the Chinese Communist Party?
    “It is absolutely ludicrous.
    “We need to keep the pressure on.
    “We need to make sure that TikTok is sold.
    “I echo my colleague’s comments with regard to any sort of future Chinese ownership that would allow them to be able to continue to do this.
    “We need to make sure that this is no longer going to threaten our young people.
    “And therefore, Mr. President, I object.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan, Williams, Raskin, McClain Delaney Introduce Two Bills to Protect Federal Workers and Agencies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) introduced two pieces of legislation, the SERVICE Act and the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act, that would protect federal workers and their agencies from the reckless attacks of the Trump administration and secure their ability to continue serving the American people.

    One bill, the SERVICE Act, would prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency’s ability to carry out its mission, and the GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation.

    The second bill, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act, would amend 5 USC 3101, the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a ‘may employ’ to a ‘shall employ’, and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement.

    “Our civil servants are the backbone of a government that serves the people, not political whims,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “The SERVICE Act and the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act will protect these workers from reckless cuts that undermine critical services and public trust. I urge my colleagues to pass these bills to protect our federal workforce and hold this slash-and-burn Administration accountable.”

    “Since Trump took office, our federal workers have faced scrutiny, wage insecurity, public doxxing, and wrongful terminations,” said Congresswoman Williams. “We all want a more efficient federal government, but ripping the rug out from underneath federal workers who show up daily to serve the public is not the way to go about it. Our country’s veterans, public health, national security, and more are all threatened by this administration’s reckless actions toward our federal agencies. The SERVICE Act and Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act would protect workers and keep these necessary federal agencies properly functioning and serving the people of this country.”

    “President Trump and Elon Musk continue their shocking assault on federal workers by sacking food safety inspectors, air traffic controllers, cancer researchers and park service rangers,” said Congressman Raskin. “DOGE is a demolition crew dismantling the critical services American families rely on. I’m grateful to join Congresswoman Williams in trying to legislate to stop Trump from destroying our government.”

    “I’m proud to support the SERVICE Act to protect the integrity of our government. No agency should be allowed to slash its workforce without fully understanding the consequences for its mission,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “The Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act goes even further, requiring agencies to justify every staffing shortfall. These aren’t just bureaucratic measures—they’re critical efforts to ensure our government works for the American people and that essential services remain intact.”

    Read the SERVICE Act here. See SERVICE Act one-pager here.

    Read the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act here. See the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act one pager here.

    Read the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) letter of support here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Statement on Senate Amendment to FY25 Budget Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    De La Cruz Statement on Senate Amendment to FY25 Budget Resolution

    Washington, April 10, 2025

    De La Cruz Statement on Senate Amendment to FY25 Budget Resolution

    WASHINGTON –Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the statement below following her vote to support the Senate Amendment to H.Con.Res. 14,the FY2025 Budget Reconciliation Resolution.

    “Adopting the Senate’s reconciliation instructions will allow the House to begin the important work of responsibly funding the government, strengthening border security, and preventing tax hikes for American families. I will continue to work for South Texans as the House delivers on one bill that makes historic savings and protects the essential programs many in our communities rely on.”– Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 10, 2025 Rep. Mullin’s Statement on House Republicans Passing Harmful Budget “Trump and his Republicans are continuing to prioritize billionaires over the hardworking families across America who rely on vital programs for survival. Despite false promises to lower costs, today House Republicans narrowly passed a budget resolution that will increase expenses… Read More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

    “Trump and his Republicans are continuing to prioritize billionaires over the hardworking families across America who rely on vital programs for survival.

    Despite false promises to lower costs, today House Republicans narrowly passed a budget resolution that will increase expenses for everyday Americans who are already struggling with inflation. I voted no because Republicans are locking in higher costs for energy, food, health care and essential services, all while refusing to make the ultra wealthy pay their fair share.

    At the same time, Trump’s chaotic tariff war has been upending the economy, driving up prices and hurting American businesses. Instead of focusing on helping those affected by his policies, Republicans are doubling down on tax cuts for billionaires, leaving the rest of the country to deal with the consequences.

    Republicans’ budget has $880 billion in cuts to programs overseen by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. There’s no other way to slice it, these cuts are directly targeted at Medicaid and as a member of that committee, I will do everything I can to protect the health care program that millions of Americans rely on.

    House Democrats will continue to fight against this harmful budget, which not only slashes programs families rely on, but also exacerbates the economic instability that is already gripping our nation. We will stand strong to protect healthcare, reduce costs, and ensure that our government works for the people, not for billionaires.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Statement on the SAVE Act

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) released the following statement after voting against the SAVE Act — a partisan Republican bill that would make it harder to vote for American veterans serving abroad, married American citizens who have changed their last name, and Americans who do not have a passport.

    “The SAVE Act proposed by House Republicans is a terrible piece of legislation. It doesn’t secure our elections; it adds unnecessary barriers that would prevent people from exercising their right to participate in the democratic process,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “In Rhode Island, Secretary of State Gregg Amore has rightfully explained the glaring issues with the bill — existing law already bans noncitizens from voting in federal elections. Despite Republicans claiming otherwise, the SAVE Act would restrict access to the ballot for military service members serving abroad, married women who change their names and lack access to a valid birth certificate, and the 52% of Americans who do not possess a passport and may not have $120 to get one. I strongly oppose this legislation. We will not restore trust in our elections through misguided efforts to exclude eligible American voters. Let’s get back to the business of carrying out America’s values by investing in voter registration and making sure every American can make their voice heard.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. Issues Advisory for 1,587 Cases of 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Marketside Celery Sticks Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    April 10, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    April 10, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesProduceFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

    Company Name:
    Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Marketside

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Celery Sticks

    Company Announcement
    Oxnard, Calif. – April 10, 2025 – Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 4 in/1.6oz Marketside Celery Sticks with best if used by date 03/23/2025.
    This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use.
    This advisory is being initiated due to the possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture from a Georgia store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.
    Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
    To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product.
    The specific products involved are 4 count 4 in/1.6 oz bundle packs of Marketside Celery Sticks sold at Walmart stores identified by having a UPC code 6 81131 16151 0 on back of bag, with Best if Used by Date 03/23/2025, and Lot Code: P047650 on front of bag. All potentially affected products are past their expiration date and no longer for sale.
    Consumers who have this product in their possession, including in their freezer, should not consume and discard the product.
    This voluntary advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. produced products.
    The only products involved in this advisory can be identified with the following details:
    Marketside Celery Sticks 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Pack

    Store: 

    Walmart 

    Distributed to select stores in:

    AL, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, WY.

    Product UPC Code:

    6 81131 16151 0

    Lot Code:

    P047650

    Best If Used by Date:

    03/23/2025

    Pack Size & Packaging:

    4/1.6-ounce, bag

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    04/10/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Let’s Talk Disclosure: Division of Corporation Finance’s Statement on Offerings and Registration of Securities in the Crypto Asset Markets

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Today, in furtherance of our investor protection mission, the Division of Corporation Finance clarified how the federal securities laws apply to certain offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets.[1] The Division’s statement does not address whether something is or is not a security but provides guidance for issuers of securities. Offerings and registrations for which this statement may be relevant involve equity or debt securities of issuers whose operations relate to networks, applications, or crypto assets. Other offerings and registrations for which this statement may be relevant involve crypto assets offered as part of or subject to an investment contract. Registration or qualification is not required in connection with an offering of a crypto asset if the crypto asset is not a security and not part of or subject to an investment contract. The statement reflects the Division’s observations regarding disclosures provided in response to existing requirements and takes into account crypto-related disclosure questions the Division has received.

    This guidance might be helpful for a company that is:

    • developing a blockchain and issuing debt or equity;
    • registering the offering of an investment contract in connection with an initial coin offering;
    • issuing a crypto asset that itself is a security because, for example, it provides a revenue stream based on the issuer’s performance; or
    • integrates non-fungible tokens into video games and is issuing debt or equity.

    The Division’s statement is not a definitive how-to guide for the come-in-and-register invitation that befuddled so many in recent years.[2] Rather, it is a small step in identifying relevant disclosures so that investors have material information about the projects and businesses in which they are investing. The Division highlights, for example, disclosures about the development timeline of a crypto network or application, its functions and processes, and a clear explanation of the rights of holders of the relevant security, such as dividends, profit-sharing, or voting rights. The statement reflects the fact that a token that is not a security can be sold in a securities offering, but also allows for the possibility that a centralized crypto company might issue equity or debt securities or a crypto asset that is itself a security.

    People with additional questions about how the existing disclosure requirements apply in the context of crypto assets may reach out to the Division with these questions. Several ways to contact the Division are available at https://www.sec.gov/about/divisions-offices/division-corporation-finance/division-corporation-finance-contact-us. The Crypto Task Force also welcomes inquiries and feedback on this statement through crypto@sec.gov.

    I would like to thank Cicely LaMothe, Acting Director of the Division of Corporation Finance, and her staff for their diligent work to provide clear statements about the applicability of securities regulations to crypto assets.

    [1] https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/cf-crypto-securities-041025

    [2] The Crypto Task Force and other Commission staff are working on providing guidance about when and whether crypto asset issuers have to “come in and register” and what registration would entail.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard on the Kennedy Files: “Ready to release here within the next few days…”

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

    DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard on the Kennedy Files: “Ready to release here within the next few days…”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITJMC8HXG9Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement From Congressman Dan Goldman on Trump Administration’s Termination of Grants to Vera Institute of Justice

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    “The Trump Administration’s decision to terminate five federal grants to the Vera Institute for Justice, including ones already designated for mental health crisis response, violence reduction, and resources for survivors of domestic violence, constitutes a direct assault on our most vulnerable communities and every New Yorker’s public safety.  

    “The Vera Institute engages in critical work in New York City and cities nationwide to reduce crime and recidivism that make our communities safer. Their efforts safeguard immigrant and low-income Americans, support survivors of domestic violence and victims of crimes, bolster public safety through mental health programs, facilitate important law enforcement trainings, and increase access to affordable housing for formerly incarcerated people.  

    “By cutting funding for essential public safety programs that serve diverse communities across New York City, the Trump administration is undermining the safety and security of our city in order to pay for massive tax breaks for billionaires. 

    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are unlawfully cutting critical government programs that New Yorkers and Americans depend upon based on random keyword searches so that they can personally benefit from our federal government. I urge the Trump administration to immediately reinstate these funds so that the Vera Institute can pursue its mission of making our country safer.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Magaziner Calls for Transparency on Congressional Stock Trading Surrounding Trump’s Tariff Announcement, Demands Ban be Considered by House

    Source: US Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Mike Levin (CA-49), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and David Min (CA-47) wrote a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson requesting that he call on every member of the House of Representatives to immediately file and release their Periodic Trading Reports (PTR) for any transactions conducted between April 2, 2025 and April 9, 2025 – the window in which President Donald Trump and his administration plunged the United States into a reckless trade war, issuing on-again, off-again tariffs on nearly 90 countries. Magaziner  also called on Speaker Johnson to immediately schedule a vote on legislation to ban stock trading for members of Congress.

    The lawmakers’ letter called attention to the fact that Members of Congress closest to the President, including many of whom met or were in his presence throughout the course of the week, were in positions to profit from the unstable changes in policy.

    “It would be unconscionable for any Member of Congress to use their personal position to benefit financially, especially in a time where Americans across the country are experiencing financial chaos,” wrote Magaziner, Neguse, Levin, Horsford, Min and Ocasio-Cortez. “Therefore, we respectfully request that you join us in requesting that Members of Congress immediately release their PTRs, rather than the customary 45-day deadline. The American people deserve to know if any representatives took advantage of their positions for personal gain.”

    The lawmakers’ request is the latest in a series of commonsense efforts to ensure Members of Congress are effectively representing the interests of the American people, not their own stock portfolios. Magaziner and his fellow co-signers have also championed a number of legislative and oversight measures that would require both representatives and their families to place investments, like individual stocks, in a blind trust during their tenure in Congress – effectively banning Members of Congress from trading individual stocks. 

    Magaziner is the lead sponsor of the TRUST in Congress Act, the bill with the most momentum in Congress to ban members of Congress from trading stocks, with 60 cosponsors. 

    The full text of the letter is available here and below: 

    Thursday, April 10th

    Dear Speaker Johnson,  

    We write to urge that you join us in requesting every Member of the House of Representatives immediately file and release their Periodic Trading Reports (PTR) for any transactions conducted between April 2, 2025, and April 9, 2025. The public has the right to know whether anyone in the Congress profited from the considerable market instability and economic chaos caused by President Trump and his administration over the past week. 

    As you are well aware, President Trump’s widespread imposition of tariffs across the world sent the market into a tailspin and placed the country’s economic stability at risk. In response to the outcry from Americans and our allies, President Trump paused some of these tariffs, opening a ripe opportunity for Members — particularly those close to the President — to personally profit from the change in policy. Over the past week, House Republicans met with President Trump at the White House, attended the National Republican Congressional Committee dinner (mere hours before pausing the tariffs), and were in regular communication with the President ahead of the vote on the budget reconciliation resolution. 

    It would be unconscionable for any Member of Congress to use their personal position to benefit financially, especially in a time where Americans across the country are experiencing financial chaos. Therefore, we urge you to join us in requesting that Members of Congress immediately release their PTRs, rather than the customary 45-day deadline. The American people deserve to know if any representatives took advantage of their positions for personal gain. Further, it is with that in mind that we reiterate our request for immediate consideration of legislation to ban members of Congress from trading stocks.

    We look forward to your prompt attention and action on this matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Fueling innovation, strengthening Alberta’s grid

    [. From heating and cooling homes to powering communities and businesses, Albertans need to know they have access to affordable utilities they can depend on, when and where they need them.

    Bill 52, the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, proposes changes to meet growing demand, prioritizing reliability and affordability in the modernization of the utility system. If passed, the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act will enable hydrogen use in Alberta’s natural gas system. It will also support critical updates to power market rules and transmission policies to strengthen the power grid, lower and stabilize utility bills, and encourage investment in the province.

    “Albertans need to know they have reliable and affordable utilities to provide for their families and chase their dreams. From responsibly introducing hydrogen blending in our natural gas system to strengthening our power grid, the changes we’re making will drive new investment and fuel Albertans to pursue a bright, successful future.”

    Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

    “We’re shaping a utility system built to last by preserving investment, innovation and open competition while tackling volatile prices and grid stability so Alberta’s energy future is resilient and full of opportunity.”

    Chantelle de Jonge, parliamentary secretary, Affordability and Utilities

    Driving innovation in hydrogen

    The world is looking to hydrogen as an energy solution for hard-to-abate industries. As the largest hydrogen producer in Canada, Alberta has the resources, expertise and investment-ready environment necessary to be a destination of choice for investors and innovators. Through the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, proposed amendments would allow hydrogen blending in the natural gas distribution system for residential and commercial heating and support new technologies while ensuring the safety and reliability of the natural gas system.

    Changes will protect ratepayers from rising costs by ensuring only those who receive hydrogen-blended natural gas in their homes and businesses will pay for any additional system costs. Utility providers will also be required to ensure community support on hydrogen blending projects.

    Strengthening the grid, protecting ratepayers

    Albertans increasingly rely on electricity to power their homes, businesses and lives. The Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, if passed, will put Albertans first by advancing the modernization of the electricity market to ensure it can meet their growing needs, at a price they can afford.

    Proposed amendments support the move to a day-ahead reliability market, ensure there is enough power available and reduce the risk of grid alerts in the future. Much-needed updates will also be made to Alberta’s transmission policies to protect ratepayers from rising transmission costs on their utility bills. This includes encouraging more efficient use of existing infrastructure by maximizing the use of existing lines and ensuring new power projects are built in optimal locations. Changes will also see costs assigned on a cost-causation basis, ensuring that Albertans are not burdened with the full cost of any new transmission lines that need to be built.

    Additional legislative changes

    The Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 also includes an amendment to the Petroleum Marketing Act to increase the number of directors on the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission board from seven to 13 to increase the range of expertise and allow for more robust governance. This will also increase support for new initiatives such as the bitumen royalty in-kind and a proposed gas royalty in-kind, ensuring Albertans receive the maximum value for our resources.

    Quick facts:

    • By 2050, hydrogen is expected to be an $11-trillion industry worldwide.
    • Implementation of the Restructured Energy Market is expected to begin in 2027.

    Related information

    • Transforming the utilities system
    • Bill 52: Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025
    • Stakeholder Quotes – Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025
    • Hydrogen Roadmap
    • Alberta Electric System Operator  
    • Market Surveillance Administrator

    Related news

    • Power up, costs down (March 25, 2025)
    • Don’t default to the Rate of Last Resort (Feb. 4, 2025)
    • Rewiring Alberta’s electricity market (Dec. 10, 2024)
    • Keeping Albertans’ lights on and homes warm (Oct. 21, 2024)
    • Making Alberta a global leader in hydrogen (Sept. 13, 2024)
    • Power rates slashed in half by new market rules (Sept. 5, 2024)
    • $2B clean hydrogen investment for Alberta (Aug. 27, 2024)
    • Helping Alberta become a hydrogen powerhouse (April 23, 2024)
    • Power watchdog supports Alberta’s electricity market reforms (Aug. 6, 2024)
    • Preventing power price spikes (June 26, 2024)
    • Affordable and reliable electricity for Albertans (March 11, 2024)
    • Modernizing Alberta’s power grid (March 6, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith, Panetta Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Charitable Giving

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

    Washington, DC — Today Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the IRA Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act to amend a restriction in the tax code preventing donors from making Qualified Charitable Distributions to donor-advised funds (DAFs). Current law prohibits individuals from using an IRA Charitable Rollover to contribute to a DAF. DAFs allow individuals and families to designate funds for charitable giving upfront and allocate the funds to their preferred charities over a number of years.

    The congressmen released the following statements:

    “This bill provides seniors with greater flexibility to direct their charitable giving to support the causes they believe in,” said Rep. Smith. “This in turn opens the door to empower more American charities to do more good for our communities. I thank Rep. Panetta for joining me to introduce this bipartisan legislation.”

    “Older Americans can’t use their IRA Charitable Rollovers to give through donor-advised funds,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan bill would fix that by allowing these rollovers to go into DAFs, giving donors the flexibility to give smarter and support a broader range of causes.  This commonsense change empowers generosity, strengthens local communities, and reflects how people actually want to give.”

    Additional cosponsors of the legislation include Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Don Beyer (D-VA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), and Kevin Hern (R-OK).

    Read text of the bill here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes SAVE Act, Rep. Moore Votes “Yes”

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 22, the SAVE Act. Congressman Riley M. Moore voted “Yes” on the legislation, which requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote and requires states to remove non-citizens currently on their voter rolls.  

    Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

    “Only American citizens should be voting in American elections. It’s insane that this is even a question we have to vote on. This commonsense legislation will secure our elections by ensuring the millions of illegal aliens who came here under Joe Biden cannot cancel out the vote of American citizens.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Moore Votes “Yes” on Amended Budget Resolution

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of the House budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2025, which first passed the House in February of this year.

    Now that Congress has officially passed a budget, committees will begin the work of drafting the President’s signature legislative package, which they hope to pass via the reconciliation process.

    Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

    “Today’s budget resolution gets us one step closer to delivering on President Trump’s America First Agenda. I’m proud to have supported this bill, which will bolster defense, send needed resources to the border, unleash American energy, and supercharge our economy — all while not touching benefits for those legally eligible to receive them.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –