NewzIntel.com

Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Intelligence Committee Passes Intelligence Authorization Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    July 15, 2025
    CONTACT:     
    Caroline Tabler (Cotton) 202 224-2353Patrick McCann (Cotton) 202 224-2353Rachel Cohen (Warner) 202 228-6884
    Senate Intelligence Committee Passes Intelligence Authorization Act
    Washington, D.C. – Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), and Senator Mark R. Warner (D-Virginia), Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statements after the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence passed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (IAA) today on a bipartisan 15-2 vote. The bill authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances oversight of national security threats and our United States Intelligence Community.
    “I’d like to thank my colleagues for their tireless work on this bill that will go a long way towards keeping America safer and making the intelligence agencies charged with doing so more transparent and efficient. I am pleased this bill includes needed reforms and restructuring to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, restricts the travel of adversarial diplomats inside the United States, and protects Intelligence Community installations by adding further reviews to nearby land purchases which safeguards them against drone threats. This bill passed out of committee on a bipartisan basis and I hope my colleagues will support its passage by the full Senate,” said Senator Cotton.
    “This bipartisan bill provides the Intelligence Community the resources it needs to do its mission while ensuring that we maintain rigorous oversight of the IC’s activities. This year’s IAA responds to important concerns, including by enhancing protections for whistleblowers, and also safeguards our Nation’s critical infrastructure in the wake of the Salt Typhoon compromises.  At the same time, it readies the IC for the future by promoting IC energy resiliency through the deployment of nuclear technologies and enhancing the IC’s ability to detect and counter threats relating to biotechnologies and bioweapons,” said Senator Warner. 
    The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 will:
    Significantly reform and improve efficiencies and effectiveness within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the broader Intelligence Community;
    Require that visas be denied to certain nationals applying to work at the United Nations if they are known or suspected of being foreign intelligence officers or committing intelligence or espionage activities;
    Prohibit the Intelligence Community from contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing;
    Codify tour and travel restrictions for Chinese, Russian Iranian and North Korean diplomats in the United States;
    Improve the Intelligence Community’s artificial intelligence capabilities and capacity and establish guidelines for the IC’s procurement and use of artificial intelligence;
    Shores up counter-intelligence risks posed by Salt Typhoon compromises of U.S. telecommunications infrastructure by leveraging IC procurement power;
    Strengthen the security of telecommunications networks by establish baseline cybersecurity requirements for vendors of telecommunications services to the IC;
    Establish authorities for protecting Central Intelligence Agency facilities from unmanned aircraft systems;
    Require the Intelligence Community to develop a policy for sharing biotechnological threats with U.S. agencies, allies, and private-sector partners, including on PRC efforts to acquire genomic data;
    Require the Director of National Intelligence to identify sites for deployment of advanced nuclear technologies;
    Establish a fund to support IC efforts to acquire and integrate emerging technologies proven to meet mission needs;
    Prohibit Intelligence Community contractors from collecting or selling Intelligence Community personnel location data;
    Support the Intelligence Community workforce by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to issue standard guidelines for Intelligence Community personnel to document and report Anomalous Health Incidents; 
    Enhance protections for, and congressional oversight of, Intelligence Community whistleblowers;
    Require the Director of National Intelligence to enhance efforts to counter narcotics trafficking with the Government of Mexico;
    Promote transparency by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a declassification review and publish intelligence relating to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic;
    Streamline the construction of Intelligence Community facilities;
    Amend the Spectrum Relocation Fund authorization to clarify eligibility for Title 50 agencies that utilize spectrum and whose usage could be impacted by future reallocation decisions;
    Protect Americans’ privacy by statutorily requiring procedures governing the dissemination of U.S. identities and corresponding reporting requirements, as well as prohibits the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis from collecting intelligence on Americans; and
    Provide additional reviews for foreign purchases of land near IC facilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Experts Agree: Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Have Been Obliterated

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    From nuclear regulators to foreign policy experts to members of the intelligence community, every knowledgeable person is in agreement that President Donald J. Trump obliterated Iran’s nuclear facilities.
    International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi: “Given the power of these devices and the technical characteristics of a centrifuge, we already know that these centrifuges are no longer operational, because they are fairly precise machines: there are rotors, and the vibrations [from the bombs] have completely destroyed them.”
    CIA Director John Ratcliffe: “CIA can confirm that a body of credible intelligence indicates Iran’s Nuclear Program has been severely damaged by the recent, targeted strikes. This includes new intelligence from a historically reliable and accurate source/method that several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed and would have to be rebuilt over the course of years.”
    Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: “New intelligence confirms what @POTUS has stated numerous times: Iran’s nuclear facilities have been destroyed. If the Iranians chose to rebuild, they would have to rebuild all three facilities (Natanz, Fordow, Esfahan) entirely, which would likely take years to do. The propaganda media has deployed their usual tactic: selectively release portions of illegally leaked classified intelligence assessments (intentionally leaving out the fact that the assessment was written with “low confidence”) to try to undermine President Trump’s decisive leadership and the brave servicemen and women who flawlessly executed a truly historic mission to keep the American people safe and secure.”
    Former ODNI National Intelligence Manager for Iran Norman Roule: “I am confident that Iran has suffered a catastrophic — catastrophic — blow … and that this has set them back for a very, very long time.”
    Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Philip Breedlove (Ret.): “It went off magnificently … They did it perfectly, so we should have … an expectation that there was significant damage.”
    Institute for Science and International Security President David Albright: “Iran can’t make centrifuges and can’t produce, in a sense, the equivalent of the gas … so their program is severely damaged.”
    President Trump: “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!”
    Israel Atomic Energy Commission: “The devastating US strike on Fordo destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable. We assess that the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, combined with Israeli strikes on other elements of Iran’s military nuclear program, has set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years. The achievement can continue indefinitely if Iran does not get access to nuclear material.”
    IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir: “I can say here that the assessment is that we significantly damaged the nuclear program, and I can also say that we set it back by years, I repeat, years.”
    Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei: “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.”
    Vice President JD Vance: “I can say to the American people with great confidence that they are much further away from a nuclear program today than they were 24 hours ago. That was the objective of the mission, to destroy that Fordow nuclear site, and of course, do some damage to the other sites as well, but we feel very confident that the Fordow nuclear site was substantially set back, and that was our goal.”
    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: “Based on everything we have seen — and I’ve seen it all — our bombing campaign obliterated Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons. Our massive bombs hit exactly the right spot at each target and worked perfectly. The impact of those bombs is buried under a mountain of rubble in Iran; so anyone who says the bombs were not devastating is just trying to undermine the President and the successful mission.”
    Secretary Hegseth: “Given the 30,000 pounds of explosions and the capability of those munitions, it was DEVASTATION underneath Fordow … Any assessment that tells you otherwise is speculating with other motives.”
    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan “Razin” Caine: “Initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction. More than 125 US aircraft participated in this mission, including B2 stealth bombers, multiple flights of fourth and fifth generation fighters, dozens and dozens of air refueling tankers, a guided missile submarine, and a full array of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as hundreds of maintenance and operational professionals.”
    Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The Iranian program — the nuclear program — today looks nothing like it did just a week ago … That story is a false story and it’s one that really shouldn’t be re-reported because it doesn’t accurately reflect what’s happening.”
    Secretary Rubio: “Everything underneath that mountain is in bad shape … There’s no way Iran comes to the table if somehow nothing had happened. This was complete and total obliteration. They are in bad shape. They are way behind today compared to where they were just seven days ago because of what President Trump did.”
    Special Envoy Steve Witkoff: “We put 12 bunker buster bombs on Fordow. There’s no doubt that it breached the canopy, there’s no doubt that it was well within reach of the depth that these bunker buster bombs go to, and there’s no doubt that it was obliterated — so the reporting out there that in some way suggests that we did not achieve the objective is just completely preposterous.”
    Director Gabbard: “The operation was a resounding success. Our missiles were delivered precisely and accurately, obliterating key Iranian capabilities needed to quickly assemble a nuclear weapon.”
    Director General Grossi: “Given the explosive payload utilized, and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred. At the Esfahan nuclear site, additional buildings were hit, with the US confirming their use of cruise missiles. Affected buildings include some related to the uranium conversion process. Also at this site, entrances to tunnels used for the storage of enriched material appear to have been hit. At the Natanz enrichment site, the Fuel Enrichment Plant was hit, with the US confirming that it used ground-penetrating munitions.”
    Mr. Albright: “Overall, Israel’s and U.S. attacks have effectively destroyed Iran’s centrifuge enrichment program. It will be a long time before Iran comes anywhere near the capability it had before the attack.”
    Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director Andrea Stricker: “I think that because of the massive damage and the shock wave that would have been sent by 12 Massive Ordnance Penetrators at the Fordow site, that it likely would render its centrifuges damaged or inoperable.”
    American Enterprise Institute Middle East Portfolio Manager Brian Carter: “There is no question that the bombing campaign ‘badly, badly damaged’ the three sites.”
    Institute for Science and International Security Senior Research Fellow Spencer Faragasso: “Overall, it may possibly take years for Iran to reconstitute the capabilities it lost at these facilities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ovidio Guzman Lopez — son of El Chapo and head of Sinaloa Cartel — pleads guilty to federal drug charges in Chicago

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    TUCSON, Ariz., — Ovidio Guzman Lopez, who succeeded his father — Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as El Chapo — as one of the heads of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Chicago to federal drug charges. The guilty plea is the result of a collaboration between several agencies to include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Justice Department’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, and prosecutors from the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of New York and the Southern District of California, and law enforcement partners from the FBI and the DEA.

    “The guilty plea by Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, is a real victory for both the U.S. and Mexico but also a clear win for the rule of law,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting special agent in charge Ray Rede. “So much blood and violence lay with the Guzman family as well as spreading terror and plaguing both sides of the border with deadly drugs and weapons — no more. It’s impossible to measure the amount of work HSI and partner agencies have spent in securing this guilty verdict, but what is clear and evident is that no one is beyond the reach of law enforcement and our nation’s laws. Deliberate and coordinated teamwork resulted in today’s victory.”

    Guzman Lopez, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug conspiracy and two counts of knowingly engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. The guilty plea was entered as part of a multidistrict plea agreement with the government that resolves charges against Guzman Lopez brought by grand juries in the Northern District of Illinois and the Southern District of New York.

    U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman did not set a sentencing date. Guzman Lopez has been detained without bond since his extradition from Mexico to the U.S. in 2023.

    The guilty plea was announced as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve various law enforcement goals, including the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, as well as protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.

    “Today’s historic guilty plea sends yet another crystal-clear message that this administration is going to shut down and hold accountable transnational criminal organizations and their highest-ranking members and associates,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros. “Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of drug cartels, several of which, including the Sinaloa Cartel, have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Our enforcement work will also extend to drug trafficking organizations, narcotics traffickers and other dangerous criminal enterprises that seek to poison the American public with illegal and harmful drugs. Our successes stem from our close partnership with federal prosecutors across the country as well as our tight collaboration with our many law enforcement partners.”

    As heirs to the Sinaloa Cartel, Guzman Lopez stated in his plea agreement that he and his three brothers, collectively known as the Chapitos, assumed their father’s leadership role following El Chapo’s arrest in 2016 and subsequent conviction in the Eastern District of New York. Guzman Lopez admitted in the plea agreement that he coordinated the transportation of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs and precursor chemicals from Mexico to the United States border, at times in shipments of hundreds or thousands of kilograms. Guzman Lopez used a network of couriers affiliated with the cartel to smuggle the drugs into the U.S. using vehicles, rail cars, tunnels, aircraft and other means, the plea agreement states.

    After the drugs were distributed throughout the U.S, individuals working for Guzman Lopez used bulk cash transport, wire transfers, trade of goods and cryptocurrency to launder the illicit proceeds and ensure the money was transmitted to Guzman Lopez and other members of the cartel in Mexico, the plea agreement says. Guzman Lopez admitted that he and his cartel associates perpetrated violence against law enforcement officials, civilians, and rival drug traffickers in order to protect the cartel’s drug trafficking activities.

    As part of his plea agreement, Guzman Lopez agreed to the entry of an $80 million forfeiture money judgment.

    “Today’s guilty plea is another major step toward holding the Sinaloa Cartel and its leaders accountable for their role in fueling the fentanyl epidemic that has plagued so many Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We remain committed to dismantling the Cartel’s entire fentanyl infrastructure and ensuring that the Chapitos and their violent organization can no longer flood our communities with this poison.”

    “With each passing day, you are seeing the sunset of the Sinaloa cartel,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gordon. “The Chapitos’ latest violence reflects their fading future. Their leaders who remain free are now paranoid, distrusted and desperate.”

    Guzman Lopez’s three brothers — Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar and Joaquin Guzman Lopez — were also charged with drug trafficking in U.S. indictments. Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested last year and remains detained in U.S. custody without bond. He pleaded not guilty to charges filed in the Northern District of Illinois and is awaiting trial. Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar are charged in the Northern District of Illinois and Southern District of New York. They are not in custody and warrants have been issued for their arrests. The U.S. State Department has issued rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to their arrests and convictions. (See Reward information for Guzmán Salazar, Ivan Archivaldo and Reward information for Guzmán Salazar, Jesus Alfredo.)

    The charges against Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar and Joaquin Guzman Lopez are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Read the plea agreement

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Questions Mike Waltz on Trump Administration’s Kneecapping Of U.S. Counter-Propaganda Efforts, Failures In Yemen

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday questioned former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz at a confirmation hearing on his nomination to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Murphy demanded answers from Waltz on the Trump administration’s decision to cede ground to Russia and China in the global information war by shutting down USAGM, the umbrella agency for American foreign media operations such as Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. He also pushed Waltz about the Trump administration’s failure to disrupt Houthi attacks against American allies and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. 
    Murphy highlighted the Trump administration’s reckless dismantling of American counter-propaganda capabilities: “This administration, while you were at the NSC, essentially shut down USAGM, which is the umbrella agency for our global media operations, fired 92% of the staff, announced plans to shut down Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. They’re only open today because of court orders. The administration does not support the Global Engagement Center, which is also now shut down, which was the State Department’s ability to try to work with partners around the world to counter Chinese propaganda and Russian propaganda.” 
    Stressing that the administration’s decisions will further empower our adversaries and set back U.S. national security interests, Murphy continued: “We were already having circles run around us by Russia and by China predominantly even before the administration went forward with this essential destruction of our existing information and counter-propaganda capacity. So maybe just share with me: while you were National Security Adviser, why did you believe that it advanced U.S. national security interests to shut down our most important agencies that try to win the information war, which is a war that whether we like it or not, exists in this world, and we’re not fighting it today, while our adversaries are?” 
    On Waltz and the Trump Administration’s strategically inconsequential campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, Murphy said: “You were very involved in the offensive operations in Yemen. As you saw in this last week, the Houthis have restarted attacks on the shipping lanes. Two very devastating attacks. Throughout the last two months, they have been continuing to take offensive operations against Israel. It doesn’t look like we did much to really fundamentally change the battle space there. They still have pretty robust offensive capabilities to target shipping lanes and to target our friends. We spent, it looks like, around $1 billion, depleted a lot of our ammunition stocks. How do you look at that operation in retrospect knowing that, as we sit here today, the Houthis have once again begun attacks in the Red Sea?”
    A full transcript of Murphy’s exchanges with Waltz is available below. 
    MURPHY: “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you all for being here.
    “Mr. Waltz, the U.N. doesn’t have a conventional army. It’s got peacekeepers, but there’s no aircraft carriers, there’s no air force. This is a place where smart power matters, right? This is a place where we invest in things like diplomacy and humanitarian aid and economic development to try to stabilize the world. 
    “I think what worries me about your fit for this position is that while you were at the National Security Council, you oversaw the dismantling of many of our most important smart power tools in the U.S. foreign policy toolkit. A lot of conversations happened on this committee about what has happened to USAID, our ability to influence the world through economic development and humanitarian assistance. But not as much conversation has happened about the attempted destruction – I think, led by an NSC process – of our information and media operations around the world. 
    “This administration, while you were at the NSC, essentially shut down USAGM, which is the umbrella agency for our global media operations, fired 92% of the staff, announced plans to shut down Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. They’re only open today because of court orders. The administration does not support the Global Engagement Center, which is also now shut down, which was the State Department’s ability to try to work with partners around the world to counter Chinese propaganda and Russian propaganda. I mean, listen, we were already having circles run around us by Russia and by China predominantly even before the administration went forward with this essential destruction of our existing information and counter-propaganda capacity. 
    “So maybe just share with me: while you were National Security Adviser, why did you believe that it advanced U.S. national security interests to shut down our most important agencies that try to win the information war, which is a war that whether we like it or not, exists in this world, and we’re not fighting it today, while our adversaries are?”
    WALTZ: “Thank you for the question. And I think we’re in violent agreement that we have to win the information war. We may have a disagreement on the best way to do that. What we did not see were the metrics, were the actual results. As you mentioned, we’re getting, in many ways, outpaced in the information space. Yet for decades we’ve had these entities that have become expensive and have become quite bloated. I think the best way to block and tackle our adversaries abroad is through our amazing private sector, through innovation, through what we’re seeing in our leadership role in AI and in other spaces. And so as the president, as the secretary looked across the interagency and those entities, they made those decisions.”
    MURPHY: “But the private sector isn’t going to fight Russian and Chinese propaganda around the world, right? I mean, that has to be an essential function of U.S. national security policy, correct?”
    WALTZ: “Well, what they are going to do is show the power of free markets, the power of entrepreneurship, and show, really, the power of the U.S. in terms of a free society and with our values.”
    MURPHY: “We’re going to rely on Disney?”
    WALTZ: “I think we’re actually more aligned than what you think. What we were looking at is the actual effectiveness. It’s the tool that we questioned, and then the president and secretary made a decision to reallocate resources.”
    MURPHY: “Listen, I hope the administration does rethink this. If they’ve got a better idea on how to try to project power in the information space, then I think we’re all willing to hear it. But right now, we’re taking ourselves off the playing field. 
    “You were very involved in the offensive operations in Yemen. As you saw in this last week, the Houthis have restarted attacks on the shipping lanes. Two very devastating attacks. Throughout the last two months, they have been continuing to take offensive operations against Israel. It doesn’t look like we did much to really fundamentally change the battle space there. They still have pretty robust offensive capabilities to target shipping lanes and to target our friends. We spent, it looks like, around $1 billion, depleted a lot of our ammunition stocks. How do you look at that operation in retrospect knowing that, as we sit here today, the Houthis have once again begun attacks in the Red Sea?”
    WALTZ: “Well, thank you, senator, for the question. I think we also have to look at it in the context of, from the figures that I’ve seen, a 20% to 30% increase in shipping through the Red Sea, an increase in revenues through the Suez Canal. And what we do not have are our warships being used as target practice by the Houthis, which is what, frankly, we had in the last administration. Now, do we need to work to make sure that’s enduring? Perhaps the Houthi leadership hasn’t fully gotten the message. But I would defer to Secretary Rubio, Secretary Hegseth and the president on the way forward there.”
    MURPHY: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Joins Hudson Institute Panel: “Drone Warfare and Securing America’s Military Against Emerging Threats”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    Sen. John Boozman Joins Panelists Thomas Shugart and Timothy Walton at the Hudson Institute
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, joined the Hudson Institute for a discussion on the threat weaponized drones pose to American military installations and assets and the potential impact on current and future defense capabilities. 
    Joined by panelists Thomas Shugart and Timothy Walton, Center for a New American Security Senior Fellow and Hudson Institute Senior Fellow, respectively, the senator discussed the threat drones pose to military assets and how the United States and allies can and must adapt.
    Discussion began with drawing comparisons between Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb,” a drone-based attack on grounded Russian aircraft, and Israel’s usage of drones during their campaign against Iran. The senator noted the use of inexpensive drones to attack and destroy costly military assets, and how the ability of geographical distance and barriers to provide sanctuary can be mitigated by smuggling and assembling drones behind enemy lines.
    “I think it really woke up our military leaders to the fact that we are so vulnerable. I think it woke our nation up, hopefully,” said Boozman. “It has dramatically changed the way we think.”
    The senator also discussed his role as chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee when asked about the importance of accelerating military construction while managing costs at home and abroad. He underlined the importance of providing flexibility and ensuring funding for the tools, resources and personnel needed to protect American interests. 
    Further, Boozman highlighted the role and responsibility Arkansas has in our national defense, from investments into vocational training and career opportunities and the state’s status as a critical industrial defense hub.
    “Camden, Arkansas, is one of the big defense hubs in the country right now – right at the very top,” said Boozman. “Also, Mississippi county in Arkansas is the biggest steel producing county in the country, with the most modern steel plants in the world.”
    Boozman previously discussed the threat of drone attacks on U.S. domestic military installations and assets with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, among others.
    To view the panel’s discussion, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Wildfire Update – July 15

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 15, 2025

    As of 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 15, there are 50 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, four are categorized as contained, 12 are not contained, 18 are ongoing assessment and 16 are listed as protecting values.

    Forty firefighters from Australia have arrived to assist with the wildfire efforts and another forty will be joining from Mexico later this week. This is in addition to the assistance that arrived last week from Quebec through two CL-415 aircraft and 100 wildfire personnel.

    “Saskatchewan is grateful to everyone who has helped with the unprecedented wildfire season,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. “Thank you to everyone local and abroad for the immense support in the air and on the ground.”

    Over the past several months our province has received aircraft support from Quebec, British Columbia and Alaska, as well as wildland firefighters and personnel from Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon, Oregon, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, South Dakota and the United States Forest Service.

    Nine communities are currently under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval, Jans Bay, Patuanak/English River First Nation as well as priority individuals from Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Northern Village of Pinehouse, Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse and Canoe Lake Cree First Nation/Cole Bay/Canoe Narrows. 

    Any evacuees should register through the Sask Evac Web Application and then call 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have their needs assessed and for additional assistance. Individuals who need help registering through the application can call the 855 Line for assistance. 

    Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross should call 1-800-863-6582.

    As a reminder, there is a fire ban in place in the area north of the provincial forest boundary, up to the Churchill River. The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District within the boundary.

    A full list of evacuated communities can be found on the Active Evacuations webpage.

    The latest wildfire information, an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips can be found at saskpublicsafety.ca.

    Review the current fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Secures Key Provisions to Protect Rock Island Arsenal, Support Illinois Quantum Technology Research and Safeguard Care for Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    July 15, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), secured several important provisions to support our state’s residents, Servicemembers, Veterans and economy in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that SASC recently approved last week and the full Senate will now consider. Some of the priorities Duckworth secured to help Illinoisans include protecting Rock Island Arsenal from any restructuring until the Army provides more information about their proposed plans, expanding access to vital health care services for our state’s servicemembers, Veterans as well as military families and supporting research and development at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago.  
    “The brave Illinoisans who serve our nation in uniform at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country,”?said Senator Duckworth.?“While I do not support every provision in this bipartisan compromise, I’m proud I was able to secure several important provisions to benefit our state by protecting operations at Rock Island Arsenal, protecting health care access for our military and Veteran families and supporting groundbreaking quantum computing research in Chicago. I’m glad the Armed Services Committee included these important provisions in this year’s NDAA and I hope the full Senate approves it as soon possible.” 
    Key Duckworth provisions secured in this year’s Committee-passed NDAA that would support Illinoisans include:
    Supporting and Protecting Rock Island Arsenal Operations:
    By Protecting Jobs: This provision would restrict the Secretary of the Army from using any funds allocated for restructuring until the Army provides more information about their proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, helping ensure operations at Rock Island Arsenal are not affected unnecessarily.
    By Sustaining Workload and Industrial Base: This provision would establish a 5-year pilot program requiring DoD to give preference to public-private partnerships in arsenals, especially those non-public partners that ensure equitable workshare to DoD employees to protect critical skills. This provision would help ensure arsenals and factories, like Rock Island Arsenal, remain active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment and production capacity critical to the nation’s defense industrial base.
    By Constructing a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal: The bill authorizes $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements, ensuring that eligible families at Rock Island Arsenal have a safe, modern facility for childcare. 
    By Improving Predictive Manufacturing Analytics at Army Arsenals: Language urging the continued implementation of industrial control networks across our Army’s arsenals to enable the collection, aggregation, and analysis of data associated with the manufacture and repair of equipment and supplies. This work completed by MxD, the nation’s digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute, located in Chicago, helps ensure the efficiency and security of the critical manufacturing completed at Rock Island Arsenal and the Army’s other arsenals.? 
    By Expanding Robotic Enhancements for Armaments Manufacturing: Language authorizing an additional $5 million for the Secretary of the Army to expand prototyping and production capacity by integrating robotics, automation and digital manufacturing into the munitions industrial base, further modernizing production at Rock Island Arsenal with technology pioneered by innovators in Chicago.? 
    By Improving the Governance of the Organic Industrial Base: Language directing the Army to analyze the effectiveness of their current governance and resourcing model for the Army’s arsenals, depots as well as ammunition plants and identify opportunities for changes to ensure the enterprise and its workforce can support the military’s munitions and sustainment requirements now and in the future. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK). ? 
    Safeguarding Veteran Medical Care in North Chicago: This provision, led with Senator Durbin, would secure a one-year extension of the Joint Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, which supports the operations of the North Chicago-based Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC). This provision will help safeguard continued access to vital services for military families and Veterans in the area.  
    Protecting Cities Like Chicago from the Trump Administration’s Overreach with the Military: A modified version of a provision of Senator Duckworth’s Military In Law Enforcement Accountability Act (MiLEAA) requires servicemembers identify themselves as part of the military when assisting federal law enforcement when operating in the United States. As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, this provision ensures that servicemembers identify themselves properly—to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties. 
    In light of the Trump administration’s increasing use of troops to support law enforcement within the United States, another provision will help ensure troops know how to responsibly operate within the bounds of domestic laws and protect American civil rights. This provision requires DoD to provide legal training to all servicemembers, including a refresher within 90 days of any mobilization or deployment, on their responsibilities under the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, defense support for civil authorities and standing rules for the use of force within the United States.
    Strengthening Domestic Suppliers of Critical Uniform Components: Language prohibiting the Department of Defense from sourcing clothing, fabrics or components from countries of concern—such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia—when using domestic sourcing waivers under the Berry Amendment, to prevent further weakening of the U.S. clothing and textile industrial base and bolstering Chicago’s top-quality garment industry.
    Investing in Quantum Technology in Chicago: Language recognizing the importance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, which aims to build a commercially useful FTQC by 2033, and encouraging the Department to concurrently prepare algorithms to operate those machines, while the hardware is being built. This provision recognizes the importance of the development of the first FTQC, which is being built at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, Illinois. 
    Championing Domestic Manufacturing in Belleville: Language requesting DoD provide data and analysis on the necessary war reserves for footwear and textiles, and the accompanying surge needs in the event of crisis or conflict. This report language is a modified version of the Senator’s Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, which recognizes that our defense industrial base for combat boots needs investment in order for it to support our troops and help ensure they have the sturdiest and most protective boots in a possible war, like those manufactured in Illinois at Belleville’s Belleville Boot Manufacturing Co.
    Advancing U.S. Bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation in Champaign: This provision would support the innovative work being done at advanced facilities like the University of Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) by requiring more information on how DoD is investing in this technology critical for national security.
    Encouraging Investment in Nuclear Energy and Domestic Printed Circuit Boards: Language allowing the Office of Strategic Capital to enter into investments in nuclear fusion and fission energy and directing OSC to explore printed circuit boards (PCBs) and PCB assemblies, to ensure these critical technologies—which Illinois plays a central role in manufacturing and advancing—has sufficient capital investments to scale for warfighting. 
    Protecting Servicemembers from Dangerous PFAS in their Protective Garments: Language requiring the DoD to articulate its plan for acquiring chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat protective garments free from toxic PFAS chemicals as soon as possible.?Innovative Illinois research and development and manufacturing is leading the way on alternatives that protect servicemembers without relying on toxic chemicals.  
    Designing a New Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Scott Air Force Base: The bill authorizes $6 million in Planning and Design funds for the construction of a new aircraft maintenance hangar to support the training and operational mission of the 126th Aerial Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. The current hangar was constructed in 1956, remains in disrepair and no longer meets Department of Defense standards or mission requirements, making a new hangar critical to the Wing’s mission. 
    Renovating General Jones Readiness Center: The bill authorizes $5 million in Planning and Design funds for major alternations to the General Richard L. Jones National Guard Readiness Center in Chicago. This facility was built in 1931 and remains one of the largest readiness centers in the country. Renovating it to meet mission requirements is a top priority for the Illinois National Guard. 
    In addition to these provisions, Senator Duckworth also successfully worked to protect Universities like Northwestern University and University of Illinois from having their DoD funding for critical technological research cut unnecessarily. 
    Other key funding for Illinois projects contained in the committee-passed bill include:
    $5 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support forging annex at Rock Island Arsenal.
    $3.05 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support range control at Marseilles Training Center.
    $8 million authorized in Planning and Design funds to support the Peoria Armory Readiness Center.
    $36 million authorized to boost Fort Sheridan area maintenance support activity.
    A full list of Duckworth’s priorities included in the FY26 NDAA can be found here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ministry of Economic Development: SEZs have become points of growth and concentration of high technologies.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 15, the Federation Council held a round table on the topic of “Development of special economic zones of the technology-implementation type as a driver of innovation.” The event was organized by the Committee on Economic Policy with the participation of Senator Vladimir Kravchenko. The discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Svyatoslav Sorokin, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, heads of special economic zones (SEZ) of the technology-implementation type, as well as industry experts.

    Today, there are seven special economic zones of the technology implementation type operating in Russia. Despite their small number, they demonstrate impressive results from year to year, promoting the development of high-tech production and innovative infrastructure. They include: SEZ Technopolis Moscow (Moscow), Saint Petersburg (Saint Petersburg), Dubna (Moscow Region), Tomsk (Tomsk Region), Innopolis (Republic of Tatarstan), Istok (Fryazino, Moscow Region), and Saratov (Saratov, Saratov Region).

    In his report, Svyatoslav Sorokin noted the importance of technology implementation zones in the formation of non-resource growth of the economy and the technological sovereignty of the country.

    “Today we see that, despite the fact that there are only seven technology-implementation SEZs, they generate almost half of all revenue and jobs created in the SEZ territory. This speaks to the high efficiency of this format and its key role in the development of high-tech production,” the deputy minister emphasized.

    Today, there are more than 570 residents registered in the TVT SEZ, 32 of which have foreign capital. The total revenue of residents exceeds 1.75 trillion rubles (43% of the total revenue for all SEZs), and the volume of investments amounted to more than 764 billion rubles. Thanks to the activities of these zones, more than 50 thousand highly paid jobs have been created.

    “Residents of technology-implementation SEZs today produce unique IT solutions, medical products, and products for the aviation and space industries. These are real growth points and architects of the innovative economy,” noted Svyatoslav Sorokin.

    The roundtable participants discussed proposals for fine-tuning the SEZ mechanism, aimed at increasing their efficiency and investment attractiveness. The Ministry of Economic Development will work on initiatives from the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to adjust the methodology for assessing the efficiency of special economic zones, providing for increased attention to the development of technologies and the introduction of innovations. The new approach will be implemented taking into account the emphasis on technology implementation processes that ensure the implementation of the strategic goals of the national economy – structural adaptation of industries and the achievement of technological sovereignty of the country. These measures are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Russian enterprises, accelerating scientific and technological progress and ensuring the sustainability of economic growth in the context of global competition.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ministry of Economic Development: SEZs have become points of growth and concentration of high technologies.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 15, the Federation Council held a round table on the topic of “Development of special economic zones of the technology-implementation type as a driver of innovation.” The event was organized by the Committee on Economic Policy with the participation of Senator Vladimir Kravchenko. The discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Svyatoslav Sorokin, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, heads of special economic zones (SEZ) of the technology-implementation type, as well as industry experts.

    Today, there are seven special economic zones of the technology implementation type operating in Russia. Despite their small number, they demonstrate impressive results from year to year, promoting the development of high-tech production and innovative infrastructure. They include: SEZ Technopolis Moscow (Moscow), Saint Petersburg (Saint Petersburg), Dubna (Moscow Region), Tomsk (Tomsk Region), Innopolis (Republic of Tatarstan), Istok (Fryazino, Moscow Region), and Saratov (Saratov, Saratov Region).

    In his report, Svyatoslav Sorokin noted the importance of technology implementation zones in the formation of non-resource growth of the economy and the technological sovereignty of the country.

    “Today we see that, despite the fact that there are only seven technology-implementation SEZs, they generate almost half of all revenue and jobs created in the SEZ territory. This speaks to the high efficiency of this format and its key role in the development of high-tech production,” the deputy minister emphasized.

    Today, there are more than 570 residents registered in the TVT SEZ, 32 of which have foreign capital. The total revenue of residents exceeds 1.75 trillion rubles (43% of the total revenue for all SEZs), and the volume of investments amounted to more than 764 billion rubles. Thanks to the activities of these zones, more than 50 thousand highly paid jobs have been created.

    “Residents of technology-implementation SEZs today produce unique IT solutions, medical products, and products for the aviation and space industries. These are real growth points and architects of the innovative economy,” noted Svyatoslav Sorokin.

    The roundtable participants discussed proposals for fine-tuning the SEZ mechanism, aimed at increasing their efficiency and investment attractiveness. The Ministry of Economic Development will work on initiatives from the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to adjust the methodology for assessing the efficiency of special economic zones, providing for increased attention to the development of technologies and the introduction of innovations. The new approach will be implemented taking into account the emphasis on technology implementation processes that ensure the implementation of the strategic goals of the national economy – structural adaptation of industries and the achievement of technological sovereignty of the country. These measures are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Russian enterprises, accelerating scientific and technological progress and ensuring the sustainability of economic growth in the context of global competition.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin held a strategic session on the development of the aviation industry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    M. Mishustin: “Our country has sufficient technological potential, all the resources to make a radical breakthrough in the field of aircraft manufacturing and, as a result, provide our citizens with guaranteed opportunities for convenient flights – comfortable, safe.”

    Opening remarks by Mikhail Mishustin:

    Good afternoon, dear colleagues!

    Mikhail Mishustin held a strategic session on the development of the aviation industry

    15 hours ago

    Today we will look at important issues in the development of the aviation industry.

    The President has set large-scale tasks for the industry to update the fleet of Russian airlines. Without a doubt, our country needs a modern air fleet based on its own technological solutions and a powerful production base.

    In the context of sanctions and external restrictions, the creation of a full range of domestic equipment is necessary for the reliable development of connectivity between our regions and the achievement of the strategic goal of increasing the aviation mobility of citizens by one and a half times by 2030.

    Of course, for this purpose new comfortable airport complexes are also being actively built, airfield infrastructure is being modernized, air traffic control systems are being improved, which contributes to the expansion of the route network. And as a result, flights on domestic routes are becoming more convenient for more people.

    In order to ensure the independence of Russian civil aviation, a specialized federal project has been formed – “Production of Aircraft and Helicopters”. It has become part of the national project of technological leadership “Industrial Support of Transport Mobility”, which was launched, let me remind you, at the beginning of this year. It is planned to allocate a total of 765 billion rubles from the federal budget for its implementation over six years.

    First of all, to create aircraft, competitive engines, electronic equipment, various technical systems. And the entire list of science-intensive equipment. We are talking about developing truly unique products that do not yet have Russian analogues, the production of which must be mastered.

    Of course, here we are counting on the high efficiency and coordinated actions of our research centers, design bureaus, industry enterprises and many thousands of related companies that are involved in cooperation chains.

    I will highlight several key challenges that aviation industry enterprises will have to overcome.

    First of all, it is necessary to bring to successful completion the experimental design work on all implemented programs.

    There are preliminary results. In particular, yesterday the operation of the onboard radio-electronic equipment was successfully tested during the flight tests of our flagship MS-21. For the first time, a laboratory based on the Yak-40 with a VK-800 engine took to the air, which will be installed on local aircraft – “Baikal” and the joint aircraft with the Belarusians “Osvey”.

    According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the certification of the updated Superjet with the PD-8 engine is expected to be completed no later than December of this year. Just recently, let me remind you, it flew from Komsomolsk-on-Amur to Zhukovsky. As did the regional airliner Il-114, which we examined in detail last week while visiting the Innoprom exhibition in Yekaterinburg.

    And the MS-21 and Baikal should be ready for serial production – according to the plans we have – in October and December of next year, respectively.

    I would like to draw the attention of my colleagues to the fact that specific deadlines need to be set for each type of aircraft. Including for import-substituted versions of the well-known Tu-214 and Il-96-300 models. As well as for our other projects, such as Ladoga and Osvey. And also for promising helicopters of various classes: from the lightest – Mi-34, Ansat, Ka-62 to the heavy ones – Mi-38, Mi-171. It is important that the final economic and flight-technical characteristics of the new Russian equipment correspond to the parameters agreed upon with the airlines.

    Another equally serious task is related to the implementation of investment projects to expand production capacity at all enterprises of the cooperation, taking into account the high cost of credit resources today.

    In order to provide systemic support for the construction and modernization of plant facilities, the Government approved a comprehensive program for the development of the aviation industry until 2030 three years ago.

    Taking into account new challenges, it needs to be revised. It is also necessary to update the aircraft delivery schedules by year, based on the current situation.

    I would like to emphasize that we cannot allow any delays that could hinder the growth of passenger traffic. This is a top priority.

    Dear colleagues!

    I propose to analyze in detail the current status of each project, the results achieved, as well as the existing challenges, and to develop solutions that will allow us to reach large-scale production of a full cycle of aircraft.

    Our country has sufficient technological potential and all the resources to make a radical breakthrough in the field of aircraft manufacturing and, as a result, provide our citizens with guaranteed opportunities for convenient flights – comfortable and safe.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Announces FY2026 Defense Bill Wins

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that several of her provisions were included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. 
    “I’m proud to see that this year’s NDAA includes provisions that will expand protections for service members and make our country more secure,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill prioritizes the service members who put their lives on the line for our country, and it includes provisions that will expand health care for service members, help victims of sexual assault, and address brain-related health incidents. I’m also pleased to see that this bill expands my Cyber Service Academy scholarship program—which provides students with full scholarships in exchange for public service after school—and includes millions in funding for Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and other New York military installations.”
    A list of Senator Gillibrand’s priorities included in the FY2026 NDAA is below:
    Personnel: 
    Expanding access to sexual assault medical forensic examinations by requiring the Secretary of Defense to authorize military medical treatment facilities to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations to all victims, not just victims who are eligible for military health care.   
    Bolstering OBGYN care at Fort Drum by directing a briefing on the adequacy and sufficiency of OBGYN care for TRICARE beneficiaries in the installation’s vicinity.
    Protecting service members’ brain health by conducting blast exposure monitoring within Special Operations Command. 
    Helping victims of anomalous health incidents by encouraging the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide the cross-functional team addressing anomalous health incidents (AHIs) with adequate resources to continue its efforts, particularly treatment of those affected by AHIs, and by ensuring timely compensation under the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks (HAVANA) Act of 2021. 
    Cyber: 
    In the FY2023 NDAA, Gillibrand created the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program to address the widespread shortage in government cyber personnel. The program grants students a full scholarship in return for public service in a cyber-related discipline in DoD or the Intelligence Community. Successful applicants are provided a scholarship covering the full cost of tuition, select books and fees, a stipend, purchase of a laptop, and more. The following Cyber Service Academy provisions were included in this year’s NDAA:
    Funding to roughly double the number of scholarships available through the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program.
    Encouraging DoD to expand eligibility for the scholarship to freshmen and sophomores.
    Other cyber provisions:
    $10 million in additional funding for the Critical Infrastructure Defense Analysis Center (CIDAC), which works to identify DoD’s reliance on critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment, and telecommunications infrastructure and improve DoD’s resiliency against potential cyber and kinetic attacks by adversaries.
    Requires the development of implementation plans for the creation of Joint Task Force-Cyber elements across the geographic combatant commands, starting with United States Indo-Pacific Command, that would have operational control over cyber forces in their areas of operations. This will better align operational control of cyber forces worldwide to better support combatant commanders.
    New York Priorities: 
    Senator Gillibrand secured millions in funding for New York institutions in the NDAA, including: 
    $90 million for the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters Readiness Center, which will also clear the way for separate investments and construction at Watervliet Arsenal.
    $300 million for LC-130J aircraft, and an additional $70 million for LC-130J non-recurring engineering, which enables the NY Air National Guard to prepare the aircraft for Arctic conditions
    $54 million for the Combined Operations Facility at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station
    $31 million for the Fort Hamilton Child Development Center 
    $21 million for the planning and design of future construction projects at Fort Drum:
    $9.8 for Fort Drum aircraft maintenance hangar addition design
    $8.7 million for Fort Drum Operational Readiness Training Center barracks design.  
    $2.5 million for Fort Drum Range 41c, Automated Record Fire Plus range design

    Strategic Forces: 
    $500 million for Israeli Missile Defense Cooperative Programs such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. 
    Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs):
    Secured language to update congressional briefing requirements for UAP.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seventeen Individuals Charged for Smuggling Kilogram Quantities of Cocaine Through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned three separate indictments charging 17 individuals with drug trafficking through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Two defendants are also charged with money laundering.

    First Indictment

    On June 26, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging three individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

    As alleged in the indictment, beginning on a date unknown, but not later than in or about 2023, to the date of the indictment,

    [1] Kristian Yadiel Falcón-López

    [2] Chazz David Carter-Justiniano

    [3] Natalia Díaz-García

    knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with each other and with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

    Falcón-López and Charter-Justiniano are also charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments which involved the proceeds of their drug trafficking activities.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan R. McCabe and María Cristina Semanaz-Ojeda from the Transnational Organized Crime Section are in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    Second Indictment

    The second indictment charges the following individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport:

    [1] Jonathan Ramírez-Colón, a.k.a. “Momia”

    [2] Ivelisse García-Osorio

    [3] Stephanie L. Suárez-Vélez

    [4] Francheska Muriel-Quintana

    [5] Estephanie Torres-Bosa, a.k.a. “Fany”

    [6] Charitty M. Hernández-Reyes

    The alleged period of the conspiracy is from a date unknown, but no later than in or about 2018, to the date of the indictment. Documents filed in the case also allege that Defendant Ramírez-Colón recruited couriers (commonly known as “mules”) and sent them with cocaine-filled suitcases to be checked in at the airport and transported to the continental United States where the cocaine would be delivered to other persons.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. López-Rivera from the Transnational Organized Crime Section is in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    Third Indictment

    The third indictment unsealed today charges eight individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Those defendants are:

    [1] Sandy L. Guardiola-Bermúdez, a.k.a. “Guny/Mario”

    [2] Carlos Alberto Cruz-Bonilla, a.k.a. “Huesito”

    [3] Onix Negrón-Guerrido

    [4] Jomar Maldonado-Ríos

    [5] Tanyshkaliz Archilla-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tany”

    [6] Yarauni Nieves-Rivera

    [7] Yairaliz Arzuaga-Díaz

    [8] Patricia Ayala-Otero

    According to the indictment, the conspiracy began on a date unknown, but not later than in or about 2023 and lasted through the date of the indictment. Documents filed in the case allege that the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization comprised of a network of recruiters, coordinators, and transporters who traveled from Puerto Rico to the continental United States via commercial flights with cocaine for wholesale distribution, all for significant financial gain.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. López-Rivera from the Transnational Organized Crime Section is in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    “These drug trafficking organizations were using the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to smuggle large quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to several destinations throughout the continental United States. Today, federal agencies dismantled these organizations by arresting leaders, organizers and travelers who made their distribution network possible,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in Puerto Rico and the Continental United States to gather the evidence necessary to bring the leaders and other members of these criminal organizations to justice.”

    “These investigations demonstrate the DEA’s unwavering commitment to protecting our airports and the communities from the impact of drug trafficking. These criminal organizations believed they could operate with impunity out of Puerto Rico, but today, they are facing the swift hand of justice. I am deeply grateful for the tireless work of our agents, analysts, local and federal partners,” said Michael Miranda, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency Caribbean Division.

    If convicted on the drug conspiracy charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Those defendants charged with money laundering face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration is in charge of the investigations with the assistance of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and their respective Airport Investigations and Tactical Teams (AirTAT). The San Juan Municipal Police, the Carolina Municipal Police and the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury also collaborated during the investigations and arrests.

    AirTAT identifies, locates, disrupts, dismantles, and prosecutes transnational crime organizations using the airports in Puerto Rico to smuggle narcotics, weapons, human cargo, counterfeit documents, illegal proceeds, and other contraband.

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America’s Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C.—Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), recently voted to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate floor after securing numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances.

    Senator Budd said in a statement:

    “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies. Refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission will send a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries and make America safer.”

    Below is a summary of the provisions Senator Budd championed in the recent SASC legislative markup that the full Senate will consider in the coming weeks:

    Boosting America’s Military Readiness & Supporting Military Families

    The SASC-passed NDAA represents an investment in America’s military personnel, a refocusing of the Pentagon’s priorities to boost troop readiness, and a needed reduction of bureaucratic red tape. Senator Budd championed a number of key priorities that will improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of our troops by:

    • Providing a 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
    • Creating a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families.
    • Prohibiting affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions
    • Cutting burdensome environmental regulations that prohibit the Defense Department from procuring basic items.
    • Accelerating the development, prototyping, and deployment of mobile nuclear microreactor systems to enhance energy resilience and forward-deployed power capability for U.S. military operations.

    Delivering for North Carolina Military Installations & Manufacturers

    The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes more than $700 million for military construction projects and planning and design funding at facilities across North Carolina. Senator Budd successfully worked to include authorizing provisions to support the following facilities, programs, and units:

    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

    • Authorizing $40M in funding to boost the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center
    • Authorizing $15M in funding to design the next phase of the Flightline Utilities Modernization project

    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

    • Authorizing $34M in funding for the expansion of the Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport
    • Authorizing $90M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility
    • Authorizing $48.28M in funding to boost Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters

    Fort Bragg

    • Authorizing $19M in funding to boost the Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
    • Authorizing $24M in funding to complete the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
    • Authorizing $80M in funding to improve the Fort’s power generation and microgrid
    • Authorizing $32M in funding for the Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center
    • Authorizing $80M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point
    • Authorizing $5M in funding for the Pathfinder Airborne Program to improve soldier readiness

    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

    • Authorizing $54M in funding to improve the Child Development Center
    • Authorizing $41M in funding to boost the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex

    North Carolina National Guard

    • Authorizing $69M in funding for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition/Alteration project at Salisbury Training Center

    North Carolina Manufacturers & Projects

    • Authorizing $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, which will support the Army Transformation Initiative
    • Authorizing $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham
    • Authorizing $8M in funding to procure Army Load-Carrying Technology Advancements built in Concord
    • Authorizing $5M in funding to expand the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which Senator Budd has advocated for bringing to North Carolina

    Protecting Our Homeland & Standing With Our Allies

    The core mission of America’s Armed Forces is to protect the United States and its citizens from threats and to defend our interests both at home and abroad. Sen. Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities that will help our troops and our allies carry out this vital mission by:

    Protecting Our Homeland:

    • Requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
    • Directing the Secretary of the Army to diversify and expand the Army’s counter-drone capabilities to protect bases and installations at home and abroad.

    Deterring Threats from China:

    • Cutting bureaucratic red tape to permit fighter aircraft to use tactical datalinks needed for advanced air combat training, enhancing the preparation and readiness of 45 combat-coded fighter squadrons for high-end conflict. 
    • Directing a report on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) operation, ownership, or control of strategic foreign ports and Department of Defense efforts to counter or mitigate the national security threats posed by PRC control of such foreign ports.

    Supporting the U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship & Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:

    • Authorizing $80M in funding forU.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    • Authorizing $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    • Authorizing $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.
    • Extending the authorization to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
    • Directing DoD to provide a briefing on the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, status of equipment delivery to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, and plans to improve the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces’ ability to conduct counter terrorism operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America’s Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C.—Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), recently voted to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate floor after securing numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances.
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies. Refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission will send a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries and make America safer.”
    Below is a summary of the provisions Senator Budd championed in the recent SASC legislative markup that the full Senate will consider in the coming weeks:
    Boosting America’s Military Readiness & Supporting Military Families
    The SASC-passed NDAA represents an investment in America’s military personnel, a refocusing of the Pentagon’s priorities to boost troop readiness, and a needed reduction of bureaucratic red tape. Senator Budd championed a number of key priorities that will improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of our troops by:
    Providing a 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
    Creating a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families.
    Prohibiting affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions
    Cutting burdensome environmental regulations that prohibit the Defense Department from procuring basic items.
    Accelerating the development, prototyping, and deployment of mobile nuclear microreactor systems to enhance energy resilience and forward-deployed power capability for U.S. military operations.
    Delivering for North Carolina Military Installations & Manufacturers
    The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes more than $700 million for military construction projects and planning and design funding at facilities across North Carolina. Senator Budd successfully worked to include authorizing provisions to support the following facilities, programs, and units:
    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
    Authorizing $40M in funding to boost the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center
    Authorizing $15M in funding to design the next phase of the Flightline Utilities Modernization project
    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
    Authorizing $34M in funding for the expansion of the Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport
    Authorizing $90M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility
    Authorizing $48.28M in funding to boost Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters
    Fort Bragg
    Authorizing $19M in funding to boost the Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
    Authorizing $24M in funding to complete the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
    Authorizing $80M in funding to improve the Fort’s power generation and microgrid
    Authorizing $32M in funding for the Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center
    Authorizing $80M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point
    Authorizing $5M in funding for the Pathfinder Airborne Program to improve soldier readiness
    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
    Authorizing $54M in funding to improve the Child Development Center
    Authorizing $41M in funding to boost the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex
    North Carolina National Guard
    Authorizing $69M in funding for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition/Alteration project at Salisbury Training Center
    North Carolina Manufacturers & Projects
    Authorizing $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, which will support the Army Transformation Initiative
    Authorizing $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham
    Authorizing $8M in funding to procure Army Load-Carrying Technology Advancements built in Concord
    Authorizing $5M in funding to expand the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which Senator Budd has advocated for bringing to North Carolina
    Protecting Our Homeland & Standing With Our Allies
    The core mission of America’s Armed Forces is to protect the United States and its citizens from threats and to defend our interests both at home and abroad. Sen. Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities that will help our troops and our allies carry out this vital mission by:
    Protecting Our Homeland:
    Requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
    Directing the Secretary of the Army to diversify and expand the Army’s counter-drone capabilities to protect bases and installations at home and abroad.
    Deterring Threats from China:
    Cutting bureaucratic red tape to permit fighter aircraft to use tactical datalinks needed for advanced air combat training, enhancing the preparation and readiness of 45 combat-coded fighter squadrons for high-end conflict. 
    Directing a report on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) operation, ownership, or control of strategic foreign ports and Department of Defense efforts to counter or mitigate the national security threats posed by PRC control of such foreign ports.
    Supporting the U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship & Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:
    Authorizing $80M in funding forU.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.
    Extending the authorization to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
    Directing DoD to provide a briefing on the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, status of equipment delivery to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, and plans to improve the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces’ ability to conduct counter terrorism operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America’s Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C.—Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), recently voted to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate floor after securing numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances.
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies. Refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission will send a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries and make America safer.”
    Below is a summary of the provisions Senator Budd championed in the recent SASC legislative markup that the full Senate will consider in the coming weeks:
    Boosting America’s Military Readiness & Supporting Military Families
    The SASC-passed NDAA represents an investment in America’s military personnel, a refocusing of the Pentagon’s priorities to boost troop readiness, and a needed reduction of bureaucratic red tape. Senator Budd championed a number of key priorities that will improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of our troops by:
    Providing a 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
    Creating a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families.
    Prohibiting affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions
    Cutting burdensome environmental regulations that prohibit the Defense Department from procuring basic items.
    Accelerating the development, prototyping, and deployment of mobile nuclear microreactor systems to enhance energy resilience and forward-deployed power capability for U.S. military operations.
    Delivering for North Carolina Military Installations & Manufacturers
    The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes more than $700 million for military construction projects and planning and design funding at facilities across North Carolina. Senator Budd successfully worked to include authorizing provisions to support the following facilities, programs, and units:
    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
    Authorizing $40M in funding to boost the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center
    Authorizing $15M in funding to design the next phase of the Flightline Utilities Modernization project
    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
    Authorizing $34M in funding for the expansion of the Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport
    Authorizing $90M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility
    Authorizing $48.28M in funding to boost Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters
    Fort Bragg
    Authorizing $19M in funding to boost the Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
    Authorizing $24M in funding to complete the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
    Authorizing $80M in funding to improve the Fort’s power generation and microgrid
    Authorizing $32M in funding for the Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center
    Authorizing $80M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point
    Authorizing $5M in funding for the Pathfinder Airborne Program to improve soldier readiness
    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
    Authorizing $54M in funding to improve the Child Development Center
    Authorizing $41M in funding to boost the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex
    North Carolina National Guard
    Authorizing $69M in funding for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition/Alteration project at Salisbury Training Center
    North Carolina Manufacturers & Projects
    Authorizing $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, which will support the Army Transformation Initiative
    Authorizing $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham
    Authorizing $8M in funding to procure Army Load-Carrying Technology Advancements built in Concord
    Authorizing $5M in funding to expand the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which Senator Budd has advocated for bringing to North Carolina
    Protecting Our Homeland & Standing With Our Allies
    The core mission of America’s Armed Forces is to protect the United States and its citizens from threats and to defend our interests both at home and abroad. Sen. Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities that will help our troops and our allies carry out this vital mission by:
    Protecting Our Homeland:
    Requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
    Directing the Secretary of the Army to diversify and expand the Army’s counter-drone capabilities to protect bases and installations at home and abroad.
    Deterring Threats from China:
    Cutting bureaucratic red tape to permit fighter aircraft to use tactical datalinks needed for advanced air combat training, enhancing the preparation and readiness of 45 combat-coded fighter squadrons for high-end conflict. 
    Directing a report on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) operation, ownership, or control of strategic foreign ports and Department of Defense efforts to counter or mitigate the national security threats posed by PRC control of such foreign ports.
    Supporting the U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship & Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:
    Authorizing $80M in funding forU.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.
    Extending the authorization to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
    Directing DoD to provide a briefing on the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, status of equipment delivery to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, and plans to improve the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces’ ability to conduct counter terrorism operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America’s Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C.—Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), recently voted to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate floor after securing numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances.
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies. Refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission will send a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries and make America safer.”
    Below is a summary of the provisions Senator Budd championed in the recent SASC legislative markup that the full Senate will consider in the coming weeks:
    Boosting America’s Military Readiness & Supporting Military Families
    The SASC-passed NDAA represents an investment in America’s military personnel, a refocusing of the Pentagon’s priorities to boost troop readiness, and a needed reduction of bureaucratic red tape. Senator Budd championed a number of key priorities that will improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of our troops by:
    Providing a 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
    Creating a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families.
    Prohibiting affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions
    Cutting burdensome environmental regulations that prohibit the Defense Department from procuring basic items.
    Accelerating the development, prototyping, and deployment of mobile nuclear microreactor systems to enhance energy resilience and forward-deployed power capability for U.S. military operations.
    Delivering for North Carolina Military Installations & Manufacturers
    The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes more than $700 million for military construction projects and planning and design funding at facilities across North Carolina. Senator Budd successfully worked to include authorizing provisions to support the following facilities, programs, and units:
    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
    Authorizing $40M in funding to boost the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center
    Authorizing $15M in funding to design the next phase of the Flightline Utilities Modernization project
    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
    Authorizing $34M in funding for the expansion of the Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport
    Authorizing $90M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility
    Authorizing $48.28M in funding to boost Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters
    Fort Bragg
    Authorizing $19M in funding to boost the Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
    Authorizing $24M in funding to complete the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
    Authorizing $80M in funding to improve the Fort’s power generation and microgrid
    Authorizing $32M in funding for the Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center
    Authorizing $80M in funding to boost the Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point
    Authorizing $5M in funding for the Pathfinder Airborne Program to improve soldier readiness
    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
    Authorizing $54M in funding to improve the Child Development Center
    Authorizing $41M in funding to boost the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex
    North Carolina National Guard
    Authorizing $69M in funding for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition/Alteration project at Salisbury Training Center
    North Carolina Manufacturers & Projects
    Authorizing $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, which will support the Army Transformation Initiative
    Authorizing $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham
    Authorizing $8M in funding to procure Army Load-Carrying Technology Advancements built in Concord
    Authorizing $5M in funding to expand the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which Senator Budd has advocated for bringing to North Carolina
    Protecting Our Homeland & Standing With Our Allies
    The core mission of America’s Armed Forces is to protect the United States and its citizens from threats and to defend our interests both at home and abroad. Sen. Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities that will help our troops and our allies carry out this vital mission by:
    Protecting Our Homeland:
    Requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
    Directing the Secretary of the Army to diversify and expand the Army’s counter-drone capabilities to protect bases and installations at home and abroad.
    Deterring Threats from China:
    Cutting bureaucratic red tape to permit fighter aircraft to use tactical datalinks needed for advanced air combat training, enhancing the preparation and readiness of 45 combat-coded fighter squadrons for high-end conflict. 
    Directing a report on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) operation, ownership, or control of strategic foreign ports and Department of Defense efforts to counter or mitigate the national security threats posed by PRC control of such foreign ports.
    Supporting the U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship & Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:
    Authorizing $80M in funding forU.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation and extending the program through December 2028.
    Authorizing $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.
    Extending the authorization to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
    Directing DoD to provide a briefing on the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund, status of equipment delivery to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, and plans to improve the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces’ ability to conduct counter terrorism operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Peters Urge FAA to Expedite Delivery of Airport Entitlement Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The formula-based Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program funds are regularly awarded to nearly 3,300 public-use airports across the nation annually. Since these funds are often not awarded until late June and July, it’s challenging for airports to implement the projects during the summer construction season, leading to project delays, cancellations, and cost escalations, especially at small and rural airports.

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Gary Peters (D-MI) sent a bipartisan letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford urging him to expedite the disbursement of AIP and AIG entitlement funds to help airports deliver projects more efficiently and better serve travelers.

    “Despite their guaranteed nature, AIP and AIG entitlement funds are often not available to airports until late June or July,” the senators wrote. “For small airports with limited resources and in states with truncated construction seasons due to severe weather, this delay poses significant challenges. It results in project cancellations, increased costs, and makes each federal dollar less effective. Further, for states that participate in the FAA’s Block Grant program, agency actions to limit which AIP funds are provided via block grant challenge the usefulness of the program and increase administrative burden.

    “We urge the FAA to take steps to disburse entitlement funds earlier in the fiscal year and to work with block grant states to maximize the utility of the program moving forward,” the senators concluded.  “We look forward to your response on this important matter.”

    Supporters of the letter include the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, National Association of State Aviation Officials, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the Transportation Construction Coalition.

    Cosigners include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), John Boozman (R-AR), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Click here for the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Announce $400K For Willard Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    July 11, 2025
    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $400,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Authority for the University of Illinois Willard Airport to be used for runway rehabilitation.
    “By improving airport infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability,” said Durbin. “This federal funding for Willard Airport will upgrade the airport’s infrastructure and promote economic growth. I will continue working with Senator Duckworth to ensure our state’s regional airports have the necessary federal resources.”
    “Illinois’s airports are critical economic engines for our state,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this federal funding to help modernize and improve infrastructure at Willard Airport. I will continue working to make traveling safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over parts of southern Colorado

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over parts of southern Colorado

    USGS low-level helicopter surveys to map critical minerals in Southern Colorado starting Summer 2025

    RESTON, VA. — The U.S. Geology Survey will conduct low-level helicopter flights over parts of southern Colorado to map critical minerals using airborne geophysical technology, beginning in mid-July. The airborne survey will be conducted through Fall 2025, weather and wildfire restrictions permitting, covering parts of Park, Chaffee, Teller, Fremont, Custer, Pueblo, and Huerfano Counties.  

    Flights may resume in Spring 2026 if needed.

    The Colorado flights are part of a national effort to map the mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and protect national security, searching below ground and in tailings from old mines.  As directed by the Energy Act of 2020, the USGS has identified 50 critical minerals essential to the U.S. economy and national security, with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption. 

    Instruments on the helicopter will measure variations in the Earth’s magnetic field and natural, low-level radiation created by different rock types beneath vegetation and up to several miles below the surface. This information will help researchers develop geologic maps in three dimensions. In addition to critical minerals, applications include evaluating natural resources such as water, preparing for natural hazards such as earthquakes and radon, and characterizing legacy mining areas.

    The aircraft will fly along pre-planned fight paths relatively low to the ground at about 300 feet (100 meters) above the surface in some areas. Experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying will operate the aircraft. All flights will occur during daylight hours and are coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure accordance with U.S. law. The ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) over populated areas. The flights will be based out of Fremont County airport near Cañon City, and will fly over the towns of Gardner, Rye, Colorado City, Beulah Valley, Rockvale, Coal Creek, Williamsburg, Florence, Penrose, Brookside, Lincoln Park, Cañon City, Park Center, Goldfield, Victor, Cripple Creek, Midland, Guffey, Cotopaxi, Coaldale, and Howard.  Surveying over wilderness areas in the survey block are subject to access permissions with the relevant agencies.

    The aircraft will be equipped with an elongated “boom” that extends in front of the main cabin that houses sensors. These scientific instruments are completely passive with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase once complete. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. These pilots work with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only. 

     The flights could shift to other parts of the survey area as necessitated by adverse flying conditions. 

    The USGS has contracted with NV5, Edcon-PRJ, and Precision GeoSurveys to collect data.

    The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, the Colorado Geological Survey, and other partners,  to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources. Funding by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area.  This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects. 

    The helicopter survey will take place within the polygon on the map, including the town of Cañon City, in south-central Colorado.  Surveying over wilderness areas in the survey block are subject to access permissions with the relevant agencies.

    Photo of the contractor’s helicopter with a “boom” containing sensors that measure the magnetic field. (Photo courtesy of Precision GeoSurveys)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $21 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR 16 AIRPORTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Major Projects Include Over $6 Million For Long Island’s Republic Airport And Over $5 Million For Buffalo Niagara International Airport

    Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, announced $21,155,843 in federal funding to upgrade airport facilities and equipment at 16 airports across New York State. This federal funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and will help fund projects that strengthen safety measures, modernize terminals, and enhance passenger experience at New York’s airports.

    “Keeping our airports in top-notch state is crucial for traveler safety and attracting business and tourism across New York State. Our regional airports are a gateway for commerce, tourism and are vital connectors for residents and visitors. This $21+ million in federal funding will help airports from Long Island to Buffalo reach new heights,” said Senator Schumer. “As Americans across the country have grown more concerned about aviation safety, I’ve fought hard to boost the Airport Improvement Program so our local airports in NY have the resources they need to maintain the highest safety standards. This significant federal investment will help make much-needed improvements so our local economies take off.”

    “From big cities to rural communities, New York’s airports are gateways for commerce, tourism, and travel. It’s vital that every airport has the resources it needs to provide a safe and comfortable experience for anyone who travels through our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m proud to announce more than $21 million for airport projects that will deliver critical safety and infrastructure upgrades while enhancing reliability and comfort. I look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have and will continue fighting for more federal funding to support the upgrades that airports across the country desperately need.”

    A full list of funding recipients can be found below:

    Region

    Recipient

    Project Description

    Award

    Central New York

    Oswego County Airport

    Reconstructs existing runway signage and rehabilitates existing runway lighting. Additionally, reconstructs the precision approach path indicator system

    $76,950

    Finger Lakes

    Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

    Acquires new aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment

    $128,144

    Finger Lakes

    Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $1,091,037

    Finger Lakes

    Penn Yan Airport

    Rehabilitates 3,561 feet of existing paved runway and existing runway lighting

    $271,700

    Finger Lakes

    Penn Yan Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment including one carrier vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life

    $507,300

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Rehabilitates existing aircraft rescue and firefighting building

    $703,440

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Removes airport trees identified as obstructions by the Federal Aviation Administration

    $256,122

    Finger Lakes

    Le Roy Airport

    Removes 8 acres of trees and other facilities, installs lights, identifies obstructions and brings the airport into conformity with current standards

    $469,225

    Long Island

    Republic Airport

    Reconstructs an existing gate and rehabilitates existing runway

    $6,508,930

    North Country

    Lake Placid Airport

    Reconstructs 1,100 square yards of the existing General Aviation Apron pavement and rehabilitates an additional 5,600 square yards of existing General Aviation Apron pavement

    $156,037

    North Country

    Lake Placid Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $270,154

    North Country

    Massena International Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $253,518

    North Country

    Plattsburgh International Airport

    Acquires new snow removal equipment

    $1,110,797

    North Country

    Ogdensburg International Airport

    Terminal expansion

    $476,968

    North Country

    Ogdensburg International Airport

    Conducts an airport wildlife hazard assessment and develops a wildlife hazard management plan

    $181,174

    Southern Tier

    Greater Binghamton Airport

    Reconstructs 51,000 square feet of existing terminal building and replaces the electrical system and associated lighting

    $1,300,000

    Southern Tier

    Corning–Painted Post Airport

    Rehabilitates 3,269 feet of existing paved runway

    $731,951

    Western New York

    Jamestown Airport

    Reconstructs the existing terminal lighting and 13,900 square yards of the existing pavement

    $201,400

    Western New York

    Buffalo Niagara International Airport

    Rehabilitates existing taxiway pavement and lighting

    $5,680,000

    Western New York

    Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport

    Updates the existing airport master plan study

    $386,272

    Western New York

    Akron Jesson Field

    Conducts an initial pavement survey and develops a new pavement management plan

    $394,724

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $21 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR 16 AIRPORTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Major Projects Include Over $6 Million For Long Island’s Republic Airport And Over $5 Million For Buffalo Niagara International Airport

    Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, announced $21,155,843 in federal funding to upgrade airport facilities and equipment at 16 airports across New York State. This federal funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and will help fund projects that strengthen safety measures, modernize terminals, and enhance passenger experience at New York’s airports.

    “Keeping our airports in top-notch state is crucial for traveler safety and attracting business and tourism across New York State. Our regional airports are a gateway for commerce, tourism and are vital connectors for residents and visitors. This $21+ million in federal funding will help airports from Long Island to Buffalo reach new heights,” said Senator Schumer. “As Americans across the country have grown more concerned about aviation safety, I’ve fought hard to boost the Airport Improvement Program so our local airports in NY have the resources they need to maintain the highest safety standards. This significant federal investment will help make much-needed improvements so our local economies take off.”

    “From big cities to rural communities, New York’s airports are gateways for commerce, tourism, and travel. It’s vital that every airport has the resources it needs to provide a safe and comfortable experience for anyone who travels through our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m proud to announce more than $21 million for airport projects that will deliver critical safety and infrastructure upgrades while enhancing reliability and comfort. I look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have and will continue fighting for more federal funding to support the upgrades that airports across the country desperately need.”

    A full list of funding recipients can be found below:

    Region

    Recipient

    Project Description

    Award

    Central New York

    Oswego County Airport

    Reconstructs existing runway signage and rehabilitates existing runway lighting. Additionally, reconstructs the precision approach path indicator system

    $76,950

    Finger Lakes

    Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

    Acquires new aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment

    $128,144

    Finger Lakes

    Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $1,091,037

    Finger Lakes

    Penn Yan Airport

    Rehabilitates 3,561 feet of existing paved runway and existing runway lighting

    $271,700

    Finger Lakes

    Penn Yan Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment including one carrier vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life

    $507,300

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Rehabilitates existing aircraft rescue and firefighting building

    $703,440

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Removes airport trees identified as obstructions by the Federal Aviation Administration

    $256,122

    Finger Lakes

    Le Roy Airport

    Removes 8 acres of trees and other facilities, installs lights, identifies obstructions and brings the airport into conformity with current standards

    $469,225

    Long Island

    Republic Airport

    Reconstructs an existing gate and rehabilitates existing runway

    $6,508,930

    North Country

    Lake Placid Airport

    Reconstructs 1,100 square yards of the existing General Aviation Apron pavement and rehabilitates an additional 5,600 square yards of existing General Aviation Apron pavement

    $156,037

    North Country

    Lake Placid Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $270,154

    North Country

    Massena International Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $253,518

    North Country

    Plattsburgh International Airport

    Acquires new snow removal equipment

    $1,110,797

    North Country

    Ogdensburg International Airport

    Terminal expansion

    $476,968

    North Country

    Ogdensburg International Airport

    Conducts an airport wildlife hazard assessment and develops a wildlife hazard management plan

    $181,174

    Southern Tier

    Greater Binghamton Airport

    Reconstructs 51,000 square feet of existing terminal building and replaces the electrical system and associated lighting

    $1,300,000

    Southern Tier

    Corning–Painted Post Airport

    Rehabilitates 3,269 feet of existing paved runway

    $731,951

    Western New York

    Jamestown Airport

    Reconstructs the existing terminal lighting and 13,900 square yards of the existing pavement

    $201,400

    Western New York

    Buffalo Niagara International Airport

    Rehabilitates existing taxiway pavement and lighting

    $5,680,000

    Western New York

    Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport

    Updates the existing airport master plan study

    $386,272

    Western New York

    Akron Jesson Field

    Conducts an initial pavement survey and develops a new pavement management plan

    $394,724

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ovidio Guzman Lopez—Son of ‘El Chapo’ and a Head of Sinaloa Cartel—Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charges in Chicago

    Source: US FBI

    CHICAGO – OVIDIO GUZMAN LOPEZ, who succeeded his father—Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo”—as one of the heads of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Chicago to federal drug charges.

    Guzman Lopez, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug conspiracy and two counts of knowingly engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise.  The guilty plea was entered as part of a multi-district plea agreement with the government that resolves charges against Guzman Lopez brought by grand juries in the Northern District of Illinois and the Southern District of New York.

    U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman did not set a sentencing date.  Guzman Lopez has been detained without bond following his extradition from Mexico to the United States in 2023.

    The guilty plea is the result of a collaboration between the Justice Department’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and prosecutors from the Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of New York, and Southern District of California, as well as law enforcement partners from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    The guilty plea was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Adam Gordon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of California, Jose A. Perez, Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division, Steven Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Ray Rede, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Arizona, and Robert Murphy, Acting Administrator of the DEA.  Substantial assistance in the investigation was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation, the Justice Department’s Offices of International Affairs and Enforcement Operations, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Erskine, Erika Csicsila, and Michelle Parthum of the Northern District of Illinois; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Jane Y. Chong, Sarah L. Kushner, and David J. Robles of the Southern District of New York; Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton of the Southern District of California; and Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of NDDS.

    The guilty plea was announced as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve various law enforcement goals, including the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), as well as protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs).

    “Today’s historic guilty plea sends yet another crystal-clear message that this Administration is going to shut down and hold accountable transnational criminal organizations and their highest-ranking members and associates,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of drug cartels, several of which, including the Sinaloa Cartel, have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations.  Our enforcement work will also extend to drug trafficking organizations, narcotics traffickers, and other dangerous criminal enterprises that seek to poison the American public with illegal and harmful drugs.  Our successes stem from our close partnership with federal prosecutors across the country as well as our tight collaboration with our many law enforcement partners.”

    As heirs to the Sinaloa Cartel, Guzman Lopez stated in his plea agreement that he and his three brothers, collectively known as “the Chapitos,” assumed their father’s leadership role following El Chapo’s arrest in 2016 and subsequent conviction in the Eastern District of New York.  Guzman Lopez admitted in the plea agreement that he coordinated the transportation of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs and precursor chemicals from Mexico to the United States border, at times in shipments of hundreds or thousands of kilograms.  Guzman Lopez used a network of couriers affiliated with the cartel to smuggle the drugs into the United States using vehicles, rail cars, tunnels, aircraft, and other means, the plea agreement states.

    After the drugs were distributed throughout the United States, individuals working for Guzman Lopez used bulk cash transport, wire transfers, trade of goods, and cryptocurrency to launder the illicit proceeds and ensure that the money was transmitted to Guzman Lopez and other members of the cartel in Mexico, the plea agreement states.  Guzman Lopez admitted that he and his cartel associates perpetrated violence against law enforcement officials, civilians, and rival drug traffickers in order to protect the cartel’s drug trafficking activities.

    As part of his plea agreement, Guzman Lopez agreed to the entry of an $80 million forfeiture money judgment.

    “Today’s guilty plea is another major step toward holding the Sinaloa Cartel and its leaders accountable for their role in fueling the fentanyl epidemic that has plagued so many Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Clayton.  “We remain committed to dismantling the Cartel’s entire fentanyl infrastructure and ensuring that the Chapitos and their violent organization can no longer flood our communities with this poison.”

    “With each passing day, you are seeing the sunset of the Sinaloa cartel,” said U.S. Attorney Gordon.  “The Chapitos’ latest violence reflects their fading future.  Their leaders who remain free are now paranoid, distrusted and desperate.”

    “The guilty plea by Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of ‘El Chapo,’ is a real victory for both the United States and Mexico but also a clear win for the rule of law,” said HSI Acting SAC Rede.  “So much blood and violence lay with the Guzman family as well as spreading terror and plaguing both sides of the border with deadly drugs and weapons–no more.  It’s impossible to measure the amount of work HSI and partner agencies have spent in securing this guilty verdict, but what is clear and evident is that no one is beyond the reach of law enforcement and our nation’s laws.  Deliberate and coordinated teamwork resulted in today’s victory.”

    Guzman Lopez’s three brothers—IVAN ARCHIVALDO GUZMAN SALAZAR, JESUS ALFREDO GUZMAN SALAZAR, and JOAQUIN GUZMAN LOPEZ—were also charged with drug trafficking in U.S. indictments. Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested last year and remains detained in U.S. custody without bond.  He pleaded not guilty to charges filed in the Northern District of Illinois and is awaiting trial.  Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar are charged in both the Northern District of Illinois and Southern District of New York. They are not in custody and warrants have been issued for their arrests.  The U.S. State Department has issued rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to their arrests and convictions.  [See the reward information here and here.]

    The public is reminded that the charges against Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez are merely allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Salinas, Dexter Announce $5.15 Million for Airports Across Oregon

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    July 15, 2025

    Federal funds coming to airports in Aurora, Portland, Newport, Salem, John Day and Brookings.

    For Immediate Release: July 15, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle along with, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter announced $5.15 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Newport, Brookings, Aurora, Portland, Salem, and John Day.

    “Reliable, modern airport infrastructure is essential for the safety and economic vitality of our coastal communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “These grants provide almost $750,000 in federal funding for the Newport and Brookings airports to input a new weather monitoring system, lighting upgrades, and essential safety equipment that will improve operations for pilots, emergency responders, and travelers alike. These investments are a win for public safety, regional connectivity, and the long-term resilience of Oregon’s South Coast.”

    “Airports big and small are critical to keeping communities across the state connected and prepared to respond to natural disasters that include wildfires, winter weather and more,” Senator Wyden said. “These federal investments will help bolster local economies, improveservice and enhance safety. I applaud these investments and will continue to fight for similar investments for Oregon airports in the future.”

    “Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Senator Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy.? I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”?

    “As the Willamette Valley continues to grow and economic opportunities expand, we must ensure Oregon has alternative and safe transportation routes,” said Rep. Salinas. “I’m proud to have helped secure this federal grant funding, which will improve the structural integrity of the tarmac so that the airport can continue safely serving our local community for years to come.”

    “Investments in airport infrastructure are investments in public safety, regional resilience, and economic vitality,” said Rep. Dexter. “Portland was recently named the top airport in the nation and this funding will only further help keep Oregonians safe and our communities connected.” 

    The $5.15 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

    • $696,721 to Portland International to rebuild 550 feet of existing east curtain wall in the main terminal entrance, including six revolving doors. 

    • $244,500 to McNary Field in Salem to rehabilitate 1,350 feet of existing paved taxiway to maintain its structural integrity and to extend its useful life.

    • $99,286 to Brookings Airport to install a new airport rotating beacon to enhance safety, rebuild a precision approach path indicator system and runway end identifier lights, and acquire and install a new wind cone navigational aid.

    “We are thankful to be awarded an FAA grant to help fund a vital upgrade of the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at Newport Municipal Airport. Weather conditions on the Oregon coast can change within minutes, and it is essential that our airport is able to continue to provide accurate data and information that keeps pilots and passengers safe on their journey to and from Newport. We are also grateful for the continued support of our Oregon legislators in helping us to secure funding for critical infrastructure and safety projects and equipment to support the needs of our community and the over 2 million annual visitors to Newport,” said Nina Vetter, Newport City Manager.

    Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas and Dexter have all consistently supported airport infrastructure across Oregon. In June, Wyden, Merkley and Hoyle announced $9.7 million for rural airports across Oregon, in addition to another $1 million for airports on the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley including Brookings and Aurora. In May, the Oregon delegation announced $22 million for airport infrastructure investments across the state. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $10 million in federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Merkley, Wyden and Hoyle announced $17 million from the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.

    A web version of the release is here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Salinas, Dexter Announce $5.15 Million for Airports Across Oregon

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    July 15, 2025

    Federal funds coming to airports in Aurora, Portland, Newport, Salem, John Day and Brookings.

    For Immediate Release: July 15, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle along with, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter announced $5.15 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Newport, Brookings, Aurora, Portland, Salem, and John Day.

    “Reliable, modern airport infrastructure is essential for the safety and economic vitality of our coastal communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “These grants provide almost $750,000 in federal funding for the Newport and Brookings airports to input a new weather monitoring system, lighting upgrades, and essential safety equipment that will improve operations for pilots, emergency responders, and travelers alike. These investments are a win for public safety, regional connectivity, and the long-term resilience of Oregon’s South Coast.”

    “Airports big and small are critical to keeping communities across the state connected and prepared to respond to natural disasters that include wildfires, winter weather and more,” Senator Wyden said. “These federal investments will help bolster local economies, improveservice and enhance safety. I applaud these investments and will continue to fight for similar investments for Oregon airports in the future.”

    “Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Senator Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy.? I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”?

    “As the Willamette Valley continues to grow and economic opportunities expand, we must ensure Oregon has alternative and safe transportation routes,” said Rep. Salinas. “I’m proud to have helped secure this federal grant funding, which will improve the structural integrity of the tarmac so that the airport can continue safely serving our local community for years to come.”

    “Investments in airport infrastructure are investments in public safety, regional resilience, and economic vitality,” said Rep. Dexter. “Portland was recently named the top airport in the nation and this funding will only further help keep Oregonians safe and our communities connected.” 

    The $5.15 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

    • $696,721 to Portland International to rebuild 550 feet of existing east curtain wall in the main terminal entrance, including six revolving doors. 

    • $244,500 to McNary Field in Salem to rehabilitate 1,350 feet of existing paved taxiway to maintain its structural integrity and to extend its useful life.

    • $99,286 to Brookings Airport to install a new airport rotating beacon to enhance safety, rebuild a precision approach path indicator system and runway end identifier lights, and acquire and install a new wind cone navigational aid.

    “We are thankful to be awarded an FAA grant to help fund a vital upgrade of the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at Newport Municipal Airport. Weather conditions on the Oregon coast can change within minutes, and it is essential that our airport is able to continue to provide accurate data and information that keeps pilots and passengers safe on their journey to and from Newport. We are also grateful for the continued support of our Oregon legislators in helping us to secure funding for critical infrastructure and safety projects and equipment to support the needs of our community and the over 2 million annual visitors to Newport,” said Nina Vetter, Newport City Manager.

    Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas and Dexter have all consistently supported airport infrastructure across Oregon. In June, Wyden, Merkley and Hoyle announced $9.7 million for rural airports across Oregon, in addition to another $1 million for airports on the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley including Brookings and Aurora. In May, the Oregon delegation announced $22 million for airport infrastructure investments across the state. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $10 million in federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Merkley, Wyden and Hoyle announced $17 million from the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.

    A web version of the release is here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Salinas, Dexter Announce $5.15 Million for Airports Across Oregon

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    July 15, 2025

    Federal funds coming to airports in Aurora, Portland, Newport, Salem, John Day and Brookings.

    For Immediate Release: July 15, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle along with, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter announced $5.15 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Newport, Brookings, Aurora, Portland, Salem, and John Day.

    “Reliable, modern airport infrastructure is essential for the safety and economic vitality of our coastal communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “These grants provide almost $750,000 in federal funding for the Newport and Brookings airports to input a new weather monitoring system, lighting upgrades, and essential safety equipment that will improve operations for pilots, emergency responders, and travelers alike. These investments are a win for public safety, regional connectivity, and the long-term resilience of Oregon’s South Coast.”

    “Airports big and small are critical to keeping communities across the state connected and prepared to respond to natural disasters that include wildfires, winter weather and more,” Senator Wyden said. “These federal investments will help bolster local economies, improveservice and enhance safety. I applaud these investments and will continue to fight for similar investments for Oregon airports in the future.”

    “Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Senator Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy.? I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”?

    “As the Willamette Valley continues to grow and economic opportunities expand, we must ensure Oregon has alternative and safe transportation routes,” said Rep. Salinas. “I’m proud to have helped secure this federal grant funding, which will improve the structural integrity of the tarmac so that the airport can continue safely serving our local community for years to come.”

    “Investments in airport infrastructure are investments in public safety, regional resilience, and economic vitality,” said Rep. Dexter. “Portland was recently named the top airport in the nation and this funding will only further help keep Oregonians safe and our communities connected.” 

    The $5.15 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

    • $696,721 to Portland International to rebuild 550 feet of existing east curtain wall in the main terminal entrance, including six revolving doors. 

    • $244,500 to McNary Field in Salem to rehabilitate 1,350 feet of existing paved taxiway to maintain its structural integrity and to extend its useful life.

    • $99,286 to Brookings Airport to install a new airport rotating beacon to enhance safety, rebuild a precision approach path indicator system and runway end identifier lights, and acquire and install a new wind cone navigational aid.

    “We are thankful to be awarded an FAA grant to help fund a vital upgrade of the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at Newport Municipal Airport. Weather conditions on the Oregon coast can change within minutes, and it is essential that our airport is able to continue to provide accurate data and information that keeps pilots and passengers safe on their journey to and from Newport. We are also grateful for the continued support of our Oregon legislators in helping us to secure funding for critical infrastructure and safety projects and equipment to support the needs of our community and the over 2 million annual visitors to Newport,” said Nina Vetter, Newport City Manager.

    Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas and Dexter have all consistently supported airport infrastructure across Oregon. In June, Wyden, Merkley and Hoyle announced $9.7 million for rural airports across Oregon, in addition to another $1 million for airports on the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley including Brookings and Aurora. In May, the Oregon delegation announced $22 million for airport infrastructure investments across the state. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $10 million in federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Merkley, Wyden and Hoyle announced $17 million from the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.

    A web version of the release is here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Regula Makes Self-Service ID Checks Faster and Easier with New Embedded Document Reader

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions, introduces a new embedded document reader—the Regula 7223E—designed to streamline ID card checks at self-service kiosks and e-gates. Built specifically for ID-1 format documents, such as driver’s licenses and national ID cards, the compact scanner helps borders and businesses speed up identity checks, reduce user errors, and deliver a better customer experience at scale.

    The Regula 7223E embedded into an e-gate

    Self-service solutions are the new norm in airports, hotels, casinos, and secure facilities. But verifying ID cards—especially when users insert them incorrectly or need to scan both sides separately—remains a common point of friction. The Regula 7223E solves this problem with:

    • Dual-side scanning in a single step.
    • No-wrong-way card insertion.
    • Automatic ejection after scanning.

    The result: faster lines, fewer errors, and a smoother process for customers and operators alike.

    Built for speed, designed for integration

    The Regula 7223E is based on the desktop ID card reader Regula 72X3, which was released several years ago. The new OEM version responds to new challenges and can be used as a standalone document reader at kiosks, e-gates, or other self-service points. The Regula 7223E also has enhanced capabilities thanks to full compatibility with Regula’s embedded full-page document reader Regula 70X8M, enabling businesses to automatically route different document types—passports or ID cards—to the correct device. The built-in indicator guides users through the process, improving usability and speeding up verification workflows.

    Powered by Regula’s robust software

    Like all Regula document readers, the 7223E is backed by Regula Document Reader SDK, a comprehensive document verification software solution that enables multiple automated checks (including analyzing MRZ data, barcodes, RFID chips, and visual elements) to prove IDs’ authenticity. It draws on Regula’s proprietary world’s largest identity document template database, which includes over 15,000 templates from 252 countries and territories.

    “We designed the Regula 7223E to remove unnecessary friction in ID checks. With this launch, we now offer a complete suite of embedded readers tailored to document type, with shared software tools and synchronized operation. Whether verifying a passport or an ID card, organizations can count on fast, reliable, and accurate data capture and authentication from a single trusted provider,” says Alex Lewanowicz, Director of Hardware Engineering at Regula.

    To learn more about the new Regula 7223E, visit Regula’s website.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regula.us

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70d15d01-8634-4802-8cc1-b6ac1c5fe871

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: When big sports events like FIFA World Cup expand, their climate footprint expands too

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Brian P. McCullough, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Michigan

    Lionel Messi celebrates with fans after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup championship in 2022 in Qatar. Michael Regan-FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    When the FIFA World Cup hits North America in June 2026, 48 teams and millions of soccer fans will be traveling to and from venues spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    It’s a dramatic expansion – 16 more teams will be playing than in recent years, with a jump from 64 to 104 matches. The tournament is projected to bring in over US$10 billion in revenue. But the expansion will also mean a lot more travel and other activities that contribute to climate change.

    The environmental impacts of giant sporting events like the World Cup create a complex paradox for an industry grappling with its future in a warming world.

    A sustainability conundrum

    Sports are undeniably experiencing the effects of climate change. Rising global temperatures are putting athletes’ health at risk during summer heat waves and shortening winter sports seasons. Many of the 2026 World Cup venues often see heat waves in June and early July, when the tournament is scheduled.

    There is a divide over how sports should respond.

    Some athletes are speaking out for more sustainable choices and have called on lawmakers to take steps to limit climate-warming emissions. At the same time, the sport industry is growing and facing a constant push to increase revenue. The NCAA is also considering expanding its March Madness basketball tournaments from 68 teams currently to as many as 76.

    Park Yong-woo of team Al Ain from Abu Dhabi tries to cool off during a Club World Cup match on June 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C., which was in the midst of a heat wave. Some players have raised concerns about likely high temperatures during the 2026 World Cup, with matches scheduled June 11 to July 19.
    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Estimates for the 2026 World Cup show what large tournament expansions can mean for the climate. A report from Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that the expanded World Cup could generate over 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, nearly double the average of the past four World Cups.

    This massive increase – and the increase that would come if the NCAA basketball tournaments also expand – would primarily be driven by air travel as fans and players fly among event cities that are thousands of miles apart.

    A lot of money is at stake, but so is the climate

    Sports are big business, and adding more matches to events like the World Cup and NCAA tournaments will likely lead to larger media rights contracts and greater gate receipts from more fans attending the events, boosting revenues. These are powerful financial incentives.

    In the NCAA’s case, there is another reason to consider a larger tournament: The House v. NCAA settlement opened the door for college athletic departments to share revenue with athletes, which will significantly increase costs for many college programs. More teams would mean more television revenue and, crucially, more revenue to be distributed to member NCAA institutions and their athletic conferences.

    When climate promises become greenwashing

    The inherent conflict between maximizing profit through growth and minimizing environmental footprint presents a dilemma for sports.

    Several sport organizations have promised to reduce their impact on the climate, including signing up for initiatives like the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.

    However, as sports tournaments and exhibition games expand, it can become increasingly hard for sports organizations to meet their climate commitments. In some cases, groups making sustainability commitments have been accused of greenwashing, suggesting the goals are more about public relations than making genuine, measurable changes.

    For example, FIFA’s early claims that it would hold a “fully carbon-neutral” World Cup in Qatar in 2022 were challenged by a group of European countries that accused soccer’s world governing body of underestimating emissions. The Swiss Fairness Commission, which monitors fairness in advertising, considered the complaints and determined that FIFA’s claims could not be substantiated.

    Alessandro Bastoni, of Inter Milan and Italy’s national team, prepares to board a flight from Milan to Rome with his team.
    Mattia Ozbot-Inter/Inter via Getty Images

    Aviation is often the biggest driver of emissions. A study that colleagues and I conducted on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament found about 80% of its emissions were connected to travel. And that was after the NCAA began using the pod system, which is designed to keep teams closer to home for the first and second rounds.

    Finding practical solutions

    Some academics, observing the rising emissions trend, have called for radical solutions like the end of commercialized sports or drastically limiting who can attend sporting events, with a focus on fans from the region.

    These solutions are frankly not practical, in my view, nor do they align with other positive developments. The growing popularity of women’s sports shows the challenge in limiting sports events – more games expands participation but adds to the industry’s overall footprint.

    Further compounding the challenges of reducing environmental impact is the amount of fan travel, which is outside the direct control of the sports organization or event organizers.

    Many fans will follow their teams long distances, especially for mega-events like the World Cup or the NCAA tournament. During the men’s World Cup in Russia in 2018, more than 840,000 fans traveled from other countries. The top countries by number of fans, after Russia, were China, the U.S., Mexico and Argentina.

    There is an argument that distributed sporting events like March Madness or the World Cup can be better in some ways for local environments because they don’t overwhelm a single city. However, merely spreading the impact does not necessarily reduce it, particularly when considering the effects on climate change.

    How fans can cut their environmental footprint

    Sport organizations and event planners can take steps to be more sustainable and also encourage more sustainable choices among fans. Fans can reduce their environmental impact in a variety of ways. For example:

    • Avoid taking airplanes for shorter distances, such as between FIFA venues in Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and carpool or take Amtrak instead. Planes can be more efficient for long distances, but air travel is still a major contributing factor to emissions.

    • While in a host city, use mass transit or rent electric vehicles or bicycles for local travel.

    • Consider sustainable accommodations, such as short-term rentals that might have a smaller environmental footprint than a hotel. Or stay at a certified green hotel that makes an effort to be more efficient in its use of water and energy.

    • Engage in sustainable pregame and postgame activities, such as choosing local, sustainable food options, and minimize waste.

    • You can also pay to offset carbon emissions for attending different sporting events, much like concertgoers do when they attend musical festivals. While critics question offsets’ true environmental benefit, they do represent people’s growing awareness of their environmental footprint.

    Through all these options, it’s clear that sports face a significant challenge in addressing their environmental impacts and encouraging fans to be more sustainable, while simultaneously trying to meet ambitious business and environmental targets.

    In my view, a sustainable path forward will require strategic, yet genuine, commitment by the sports industry and its fans, and a willingness to prioritize long-term planetary health alongside economic gains – balancing the sport and sustainability.

    Brian P. McCullough does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. When big sports events like FIFA World Cup expand, their climate footprint expands too – https://theconversation.com/when-big-sports-events-like-fifa-world-cup-expand-their-climate-footprint-expands-too-259437

    MIL OSI Analysis –