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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ambassador Louise de Sousa receives new Chevening scholarship recipients

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    • English
    • Español de América Latina

    Three Chileans will travel to the United Kingdom to study master’s degrees in London, Cambridge and Edinburgh thanks to the British Foreign Office Scholarship.

    Ambassador Louise de Sousa with recipients of the Chevening Scholarship. The call for those interested in applying for the Chevening Scholarship 2025-26 will remain open until 4 November at 20.00 hrs.

    The British Ambassador to Chile, Louise de Sousa, met with the recipients of the Chevening Scholarship to study a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.

    The Chevening Scholarship is awarded to people from diverse backgrounds who can demonstrate the commitment and skills necessary to become future leaders or changemakers in their country of origin.

    This year, three Chilean women and one Chilean man will travel to begin their studies at British universities in September. They are Bárbara Ferrer, who will study a Master of Science in Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics en la University of Edinburgh; Mariana Bernasconi, who will study a Master of Philosophy en Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies at the University of Cambridge; Melissa Jeldes, who will study a Master of Science in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics; and Sebastián Mozó, who will study a Master of Science in Regulation at the same university.

    Louise de Sousa, British Ambassador to Chile, says: “There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Chevening scholar. We value energy, a broad perspective, curiosity, compassion, a clear vision of the future and the ability to achieve your goals. If you identify with these characteristics, then you are very likely to fit into our community of more than 57,000 alumni worldwide.

    Agustín Riesco, Chevening 2023 scholar, who returned to Chile after studying a master’s degree in Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, also shared this vision: “The Chevening scholarship allowed me to experience a unique opportunity, not only academically, but also to be able to live with my family for a year in London, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Chevening is much more than a scholarship, it is a network that supports you and makes you live a unique experience for a year”, he said.

    Applicants must present a realistic and achievable idea to bring about positive change in their country, and be able to demonstrate how a Master’s degree in the UK will help them achieve their goal. The Scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study any eligible Masters degree at over 150 UK universities, plus access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences.

    Applicants must present a realistic and achievable idea for positive change in their country, and be able to demonstrate how a Master’s degree in the UK will help them achieve their goal. The Scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study any eligible Master’s degree at over 150 British universities, plus access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences.

    Since the programme was launched in 1983, more than 57,000 professionals have advanced their careers through Chevening. By the 2025/2026 academic year, there are approximately 1,500 scholarships available worldwide, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing tomorrow’s leaders.

    Applications open

    Chevening is open for applications until 4 November 2024 at 8pm in Chile. For information on eligibility criteria and scholarship details, please visit http://www.chevening.org.

    Notes to editors

    Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships fund one-year Masters degrees at British universities for people with potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion-formers.

    Chevening began in 1983 and has grown into a prestigious international scholarship programme. Chevening scholars come from more than 160 countries and territories around the world. In the last five years, Chevening has awarded more than 8,000 scholarships. There are more than 57,000 Chevening Alumni worldwide who form an influential and prestigious global network.

    Further information

    For more information about the activities of the British Embassy in Santiago, follow us on:

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    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Eric Adams indictment: How campaign finance violations often grow into dramatic scandals

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Charlie Hunt, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Boise State University

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with bribery and fraud following a spiraling federal investigation into his administration.

    Among other accusations, federal prosecutors alleged in their September 2024 indictment that Adams received campaign donations from the Turkish government for his 2021 mayoral race and sought to conceal these illegal foreign contributions.

    Adams is New York’s first mayor to be charged with a crime, but he is hardly the only politician to run afoul of rules that govern how political campaigns can raise and spend funds in U.S. elections.

    And as we document in our new podcast, “Scandalized,” discovering campaign finance violations is often just the first chapter in a much wilder story.

    Why campaign finance law matters

    The U.S. has federal rules that govern how political campaigns can raise and spend money in U.S. elections. For example, they limit how much money individuals and groups can contribute to candidates’ campaigns. Federal rules also restrict how campaign funds may be used and require the disclosure of all campaign expenditures, ensuring candidates can’t spend campaign money on whatever they want.

    Legally, candidates may use campaign donations on expenses directly related to their race for office. Allowable expenditures include advertising, travel and costs related to fundraising, such as renting an event space or buying food for guests. Candidates may use excess campaign funds after the election is over to pay down outstanding loans, or they can transfer it to other campaigns or party organizations.

    Campaign funds may not, however, be spent at any time on purely personal expenses. Candidates cannot pay their mortgage or rent out of their election war chest, or purchase clothing or household supplies.

    The disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos, a Republican from New York, was a particularly egregious violator of the rules related to personal expenses.

    Santos pleaded guilty in August 2024 to nearly two dozen counts of campaign finance violations – a smorgasbord of crimes. According to The New York Times, he rerouted “tens of thousands of dollars of campaign money toward personal expenses, including luxury goods, Atlantic City casinos, rent payments and a website primarily known for explicit sexual content.”

    Santos, who served for just under a year until he was expelled from Congress in December 2023, is a prime example of how the complicated U.S. campaign finance system can unearth other, even more scandalous actions by politicians.

    Former U.S. Rep. George Santos outside court after pleading guilty to 23 felony counts on Aug. 19, 2024, in West Islip, N.Y.
    Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

    A window into bigger scandals

    A key element of campaign finance law is disclosure. Candidates must publicly report donations over US$200, for example, and document everything they spend those donations on during and after their campaigns.

    For former U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr., a California Republican, failure to comply with disclosure laws during his 2016 election campaign resulted in a federal investigation. The Justice Department found that Hunter used campaign donations to fund family vacations, video game purchases and hotel rooms for multiple extramarital affairs. In 2020, he was sentenced to 11 months in prison.

    Former President Donald Trump’s longtime lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, also failed to disclose a contribution to his boss’s 2016 presidential campaign. But the real scandal was what that money actually went for: paying adult film actress Stormy Daniels for her silence about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to making an unlawful contribution.

    Many, if not most, campaign finance violations are minor. Small mistakes such as filing a late donor disclosure report or miscategorizing an expense usually incur little more than a small fine.

    When technical campaign finance violations shed light on a big scandal, however, they attract attention. Voters and the media latch onto the fact that not only are donors’ funds not going where they intended, but in many cases the money has been spent to subsidize candidates’ personal misbehavior and corrupt activity.

    High-profile political scandals erode the public trust

    Just about every recent survey shows Americans’ levels of faith and trust in government at historic lows. In the 1960s, three-quarters of voters said they trusted the government to do the right thing most or all of the time. Today, only one-fifth do.

    Unseemly behavior by politicians, including by candidates who misspend their supporters’ donations, may contribute to this declining trust. Americans have real fears about money in politics. For example, 84% of Americans worry that wealthy lobbyists and interest groups have undue influence on elections, and 80% say campaign donations have corrupting effects on politicians.

    Even when candidates aren’t technically breaking the law, they often use campaign funds in ways donors may not realize – or appreciate.

    Sometimes, investigations into seemingly technical campaign violations uncover a wilder story.
    Filo via Getty

    In the 2024 election, for example, political campaigns, both major parties and private fundraising entities on both sides of the aisle have spent millions in campaign funds on the legal fees of candidates fighting court battles over allegations of serious criminal misconduct.

    Beneficiaries include Trump, who has been indicted for suspected mishandling of classified documents, and New Jersey’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Robert Mendendez, who was recently convicted on federal corruption charges.

    The bottom line: Donations made to help a candidate win their race are not always going where donors actually intended or believed they would.

    Still, the U.S. political climate is so polarized that these scandals may not dramatically affect voters’ decision-making. Political scientists sometimes refer to today’s voters as “calcified” in their partisan identities, meaning they are so loyal to their own party that campaign-finance violations and other scandals cannot change their views much.

    Research shows voters are also increasingly motivated not so much by their support or affection for their own party but rather by their fear and loathing of the other party. As a result, partisan voters are willing to accept or forgive scandalous behavior from their own side in the interest of beating the opposition. Hardcore partisans are also adept at finding ways to justify or rationalize these transgressions.

    With record amounts of money flowing in and out of political campaigns in 2024, the coming months are bound to bring more campaign finance scandals. But our research indicates they are unlikely to have major effects at the polling station.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Eric Adams indictment: How campaign finance violations often grow into dramatic scandals – https://theconversation.com/eric-adams-indictment-how-campaign-finance-violations-often-grow-into-dramatic-scandals-238971

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Oil pollution in North Sea is ‘grossly underestimated’, suggests new report

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rosie Williams, Postdoctoral Researcher, Toxicology, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London

    Kichigin/Shutterstock

    Growing up in Aberdeen, Scotland, the shadow of the Piper Alpha disaster loomed large over our community. The tragic explosion of the oil rig platform in 1988 claimed the lives of 167 people. Back then, I was blissfully unaware of the ecological ramifications of that disaster. But the spill of 670 tonnes of oil wreaked havoc on marine life and had a lasting impact on the marine environment that I love to explore.

    In recent decades, there has been a gradual decline in the number of oil spills and the volume of oil discharged from tankers, rigs, wells and offshore platforms. While incidents continue to occur globally – often in less scrutinised regions than the North Sea – the UK has, thankfully, not experienced another disaster of Piper Alpha’s magnitude since.

    Does this mean that the UK’s oil and gas sector have cleaned up their act? They would certainly like you to think so. But ocean pollution isn’t just about large oil slicks that spread across the water’s surface.

    As a new report, Sea Slick, from marine conservation charity Oceana explains, the extent of frequent, small-scale spills are still being grossly underestimated, even though big oil spills are less frequent.

    The report reveals what it claims is the true scale and impact of chronic oil pollution in the UK, showing that for many years the North Sea has been subjected to hundreds of unaccounted for “chronic oiling events”. These are where oil is frequently released in lower volumes than those associated with large spills. This issue stems from a poorly regulated oil and gas sector and a lack of transparency in reporting, allowing oil and gas companies to mark their own homework.

    Currently, a certain amount of oil pollution is permitted as part of routine operations for oil and gas developments. Companies can apply for oil discharge permits, which allow them to release a set volume or concentration of oil or chemicals into the ocean. This waste output is referred to as “produced water”. Produced water is a by-product of the oil and gas sector, which returns to the surface of the ocean as wastewater during oil and gas production. Produced water may be treated before release but still contains finely dispersed oil and toxic heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic.

    Oil and gas companies are regularly breaching their legal produced water permit allowances, Oceana’s report claims. Yet, in line with official government reporting requirements, these breaches are not registered as accidental oil spills. Indeed, Sea Slick counts a total of 723 permit breaching incidents in the last three-and-a-half years – that’s equivalent to 17 oil or chemical spills each month.

    Currently these permit breaches aren’t counted as accidents. They’re not really counted as anything – other than permit breaches. If these unaccounted-for permit breaches are factored into official government data for accidental oil spills, Oceana estimates that the volume of oil spilling into UK seas increases by at least 43%.

    The oil and gas sector are keen to reassure the public that chronic oil pollution can be quickly dispersed and poses a low risk to marine life or human health. Certainly, if incidents were rare, this might be a more persuasive argument. But they aren’t. Over time, the incremental release of toxic chemicals has a negative environmental effect. An estimated 248 spills from permit breaches took place within the UK’s network of marine protected areas between January 2021 and May 2024.

    Why does this matter? Marine protected areas are regions of the ocean which have been given special designations to help preserve marine life and habitats. They have been created to protect rare, threatened and important habitats or species.

    Marine wildlife is at great risk of harm from oil pollution, but a substantial number of oil spills occur within marine protected areas.
    werbefotos_com/Shutterstock

    The release of produced water into areas, which have been singled out as especially important for protection, is shocking. Contaminants associated with chronic oiling have been shown to have a range of effects on marine life. The list is long: damaging cells and cell membranes, DNA damage (a common cause of cancer), the changing of gene expression and the disruption of reproductive functions. The steady leaching of toxic oil and chemical byproducts poses risks to human health too as toxic chemicals enter the food chain through farmed and wild-caught fish.

    Getting serious about sanctions

    Oceana’s research highlights that oil and gas companies have only been fined on two occasions in the last five years. One was for just £7,000.

    The new government’s water (special measures) bill will force water companies to clean up the UK’s rivers and oceans. A failure to cooperate or any attempts to cover up data around sewage spills could see bosses jailed for up to two years. Water company bosses are finally being held to account. Will the UK government apply the same rules to the bosses of oil and gas companies who are also polluting our seas?

    As the Sea Slick report notes, there is overwhelming public support for polluters to be held to account. By regulating and fining oil companies properly for chronically polluting UK seas, the government could enact and make permanent their commitment to end new oil and gas licenses. It’s time to take action.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Rosie Williams receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council.

    – ref. Oil pollution in North Sea is ‘grossly underestimated’, suggests new report – https://theconversation.com/oil-pollution-in-north-sea-is-grossly-underestimated-suggests-new-report-239455

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Mark Cuban Foundation and Florida Power & Light Company Bring Free AI Bootcamp to South Florida Teens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JUNO BEACH, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp hosted by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing Sept. 30.

    The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with FPL, is bringing the only AI camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in South Florida. With a custom and highly relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of information technology (IT) professionals.

    The program aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of AI and its applications to future careers. Students can select from six tracks: healthcare, arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, computer science, sports science, or education and career readiness. Driven by the belief that fostering interest in AI at a young age is crucial for preparing the next generation, the AI Bootcamps are introductory and accessible to students in 9-12 grade with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend.

    This free AI Bootcamp is hosted for economically disadvantaged high school students. Students are provided with lunch and a snack, transportation assistance, and technology equipment during the bootcamp.

    “As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with FPL, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

    This year’s bootcamp, taking place at FPL’s James L. Robo campus in Palm Beach Gardens on Nov. 2, 9 and 16, will be hosted and staffed by FPL.

    FPL is one of more than 30 companies selected to host camps across the U.S.

    “We’re honored to host these workshops,” said Grace Kurian, VP, IT technology solutions and operations at NextEra Energy, Inc., who led the launch of the AI Bootcamp in Palm Beach County. “South Florida continues to grow into a vast tech hub. I’m grateful for the investment by the Mark Cuban Foundation and FPL, which is strengthening our communities and opportunities for our future tech leaders of tomorrow.”

    The Sept. 30 deadline is approaching quickly. Do not miss your chance – submit your application now, as spaces are limited.

    Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org.

    Watch Mark Cuban’s message about Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here.

    To learn more, visit markcubanai.org.

    Media Contact:
    Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org

    This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program’s media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals.

    About Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp Initiative
    The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org.

    About FPL
    As America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.9 million accounts, or more than 12 million people. FPL operates one of the most fuel efficient and cleanest power generation fleets in the U.S and in 2022 won the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for the seventh time in the last nine years. The company was also recognized by Escalent in 2022 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities for the ninth consecutive year. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: http://www.NextEraEnergy.com, http://www.FPL.com, http://www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.  

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Presses Novo Nordisk to Increase Access to Lower-Cost Medications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan pressed the CEO of a major drug manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, on increasing access to lower-cost insulin and obesity medication for Americans at a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Hearing.
    To watch Senator Hassan’s hearing questions, click here.
    Senator Hassan began by highlighting the impact of Novo Nordisk’s abrupt discontinuation of the insulin drug, Levemir, on Americans with diabetes. Hassan has previously urged Big Pharma companies, including Novo Nordisk, to improve patient access to lower-cost insulin. She asked Mr. Jørgensen, the CEO of Novo Nordisk, to commit to allowing biosimilar access in the U.S. market.
    “Levemir is a critical insulin product… By discontinuing Levemir in January of 2024, Novo Nordisk interrupted the diabetes care plans of millions of Americans with only a few weeks’ notice. Will Novo Nordisk agree to provide any interested company with the necessary information and drug formulation to make Levemir?”
    After Senator Hassan pushed him further, Mr. Jørgensen stated that if a drug company was interested, Novo Nordisk would collaborate with potential manufacturers, but refused to name the specific steps the company would take to identify and help another manufacturer for Levemir.
    Senator Hassan then pressed Mr. Jørgensen on his arguments that Novo Nordisk must keep prices high for its widely used diabetes and weight loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy, because otherwise pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) would stop covering the medications. Senator Hassan read Mr. Jørgensen statements from the three largest PBMs confirming that they would not limit access to Ozempic and Wegovy and that, in fact, some suggested that lowering the list price would expand access for consumers. “With that in mind, would you please commit to lowering the list price of these drugs?” said Senator Hassan. Mr. Jørgensen refused to commit to lowering the list price and insisted that “less patients have access to our medicines when we have lowered the price.”
    Senator Hassan concluded by noting the importance of allowing other low-cost drug options to go to market. “Lastly, I just want to note that one way of reducing drug prices is encouraging the entry of generic and biosimilar medications, which can provide lower-cost options for patients. So, I will follow up with you to – I hope – get a commitment that Novo Nordisk will not stand in the way of other companies coming up with lower-cost version of these drugs if the companies currently have them in development.”
    Senator Hassan is working to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. Last year’s government funding bill, which is now law, included three bipartisan measures backed by Senator Hassan to increase access to generic and biosimilar medications. In addition, she successfully pushed to cap insulin costs for those on Medicare as part of the Inflation Reduction Act that became law in 2022. Senator Hassan has also introduced bipartisan legislation to close oversight gaps that drug manufacturers take advantage of to keep prescription drug prices high, which will be considered in the HELP Committee tomorrow.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Shaheen, Cornyn, Hassan, Rosen and Peters’ Bipartisan Resolution to Commemorate National Community Policing Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – A bipartisan resolution led by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), along with U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) to commemorate National Community Policing Week has unanimously passed the U.S. Senate. Shaheen first introduced this resolution in 2017 to establish the first full week of October as National Community Policing Week, and it has passed the U.S. Senate each year since on a bipartisan basis. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the service and sacrifice of the law enforcement community and underscores the importance of community policing. Additionally, the resolution encourages civilians, law enforcement agencies and public servants to work together to find solutions to improve public safety, strengthen community relationships and build trust. 
    “When law enforcement and citizens develop meaningful local ties to collaborate on improving public safety, our communities are safer and stronger places to call home,” said Senator Shaheen, Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. “Our bipartisan resolution honors the immense sacrifice law enforcement officers make day in and day out and emphasizes the need to invest in community policing to foster trust and protect our citizens. I’m glad to see it pass the U.S. Senate without objection.” 
    “National Community Policing Week recognizes the dedication of our men and women in blue who risk their lives every day to keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Senator Cornyn. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to effective community policing and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and those they serve.” 
    “This bipartisan effort recognizes community policing, which is crucial for fostering trust between law enforcement and the public,” said Senator Hassan. “I will continue working across the aisle to support New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers as they serve our communities.” 
    “Building trust between residents and local law enforcement is key to the safety of our communities,” said Senator Peters. “I am proud to have helped lead this bipartisan resolution to commemorate National Community Policing Week and recognize the important work being done to strengthen our neighborhoods and keep people safe.” 
    “Nevada’s law enforcement officers work tirelessly to keep families across our state safe, including by strengthening the bonds between them and local communities,” said Senator Rosen. “Last year, I had the honor of being accompanied to the State of the Union by a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer who has been using innovative outreach strategies to reach the Latino community in Las Vegas. These law enforcement officers deserve our utmost respect and gratitude, which is why I’m proud to help pass this bipartisan resolution to honor their courageous work promoting strong relationships between agencies and the communities they serve.” 
    Full text of the bipartisan resolution can be found here. 
    As Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen helps secure funding for the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on Passage of the Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    Published: 09.25.2024

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, today issued the following statement after Congress passed a continuing resolution that will keep the government funded through December 20:
    “On behalf of Granite Staters and all Americans, I’m glad we came to a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open, ensure service members and federal workers get their paychecks and continue providing access to critical services for families across the country. While it’s a relief the government will remain funded, stop-gap funding bills create inefficiencies within government that only serve to waste American taxpayer dollars and sow uncertainty in the economy. It’s my hope that we can work together to pass robust, bipartisan funding bills that will enhance our national security, continue to provide the services millions rely on and keep our economy strong.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Mark Cuban Foundation and Florida Power & Light Company Bring Free AI Bootcamp to South Florida Teens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JUNO BEACH, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp hosted by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing Sept. 30.

    The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with FPL, is bringing the only AI camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in South Florida. With a custom and highly relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of information technology (IT) professionals.

    The program aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of AI and its applications to future careers. Students can select from six tracks: healthcare, arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, computer science, sports science, or education and career readiness. Driven by the belief that fostering interest in AI at a young age is crucial for preparing the next generation, the AI Bootcamps are introductory and accessible to students in 9-12 grade with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend.

    This free AI Bootcamp is hosted for economically disadvantaged high school students. Students are provided with lunch and a snack, transportation assistance, and technology equipment during the bootcamp.

    “As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with FPL, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

    This year’s bootcamp, taking place at FPL’s James L. Robo campus in Palm Beach Gardens on Nov. 2, 9 and 16, will be hosted and staffed by FPL.

    FPL is one of more than 30 companies selected to host camps across the U.S.

    “We’re honored to host these workshops,” said Grace Kurian, VP, IT technology solutions and operations at NextEra Energy, Inc., who led the launch of the AI Bootcamp in Palm Beach County. “South Florida continues to grow into a vast tech hub. I’m grateful for the investment by the Mark Cuban Foundation and FPL, which is strengthening our communities and opportunities for our future tech leaders of tomorrow.”

    The Sept. 30 deadline is approaching quickly. Do not miss your chance – submit your application now, as spaces are limited.

    Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org.

    Watch Mark Cuban’s message about Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here.

    To learn more, visit markcubanai.org.

    Media Contact:
    Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org

    This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program’s media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals.

    About Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp Initiative
    The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org.

    About FPL
    As America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.9 million accounts, or more than 12 million people. FPL operates one of the most fuel efficient and cleanest power generation fleets in the U.S and in 2022 won the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for the seventh time in the last nine years. The company was also recognized by Escalent in 2022 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities for the ninth consecutive year. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: http://www.NextEraEnergy.com, http://www.FPL.com, http://www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.  

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marystown — Burin Peninsula RCMP investigates break, enter and theft at residential property in Grand Bank, ATV stolen

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Burin Peninsula RCMP is investigating a recent break, enter and theft at a residential property in Grand Bank. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was stolen.

    The crime occurred sometime between 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, and 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, while the home owner was away. Suspect(s) gained entry into a detached garage on the Marine Drive property and stole a 2019 Honda Rubicon TRX 500 quad. Images of the ATV are attached.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime, the person(s) responsible, or the current location of the ATV is asked to contact Burin Peninsula RCMP at 709-279-3001. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General remarks at High-level Ministerial Meeting in Support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    xcellencies, Distinguished guests,

    I thank the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Sweden for co-chairing this gathering and for their continued leadership in the support for UNRWA. I also thank all of you here today for your solidarity with Palestine Refugees.

    When we met one year ago, I spoke about putting ourselves in the shoes of Palestinians in Gaza. Of imagining what life must be like.

    I ended my remarks one year ago by saying “This is the most dramatic humanitarian problem associated with the riskiest explosive potential.”

    This was just days before the horrors of October 7th.

    Now, almost one year since that day, the situation for Palestinians in Gaza is beyond imagination.

    It has been said that “The United Nations was not created to bring us to heaven, but to save us from hell.”

    Unfortunately, neither the United Nations nor anyone else that might have the power to do it was able to save the people of Gaza from hell.

    We have failed the people of Gaza.

    They are in a living hell that somehow gets even worse by the day.

    Over 41,000 people have been reported killed and more than 90,000 wounded, many with life-changing and lifelong injuries. The majority are women and children.

    Two million Palestinians are now crammed into a space the size of the Shanghai International Airport. Existing – not living, but existing – among lakes of sewage, piles of rubbish and mountains of rubble.

    The only certainty they have is that tomorrow will be worse.

    Yet if there is any outpost of hope in this hellscape, it is UNRWA.

    Even though UNRWA – as we all know – has not been spared.

    On the human level – 222 UNRWA colleagues have been killed, many together with entire families, several in the line of duty. This is the highest death toll in UN history. 

    I ask you – all of you – to think for a moment in the different entities that you preside [over], or to which you belong, what would be the impact if 222 members would have been killed and even after that having to go with their duties to save the people of Palestine.

    UNRWA personnel have been attacked repeatedly while going about their work. Women and men are displaced, shot at, and subjected to violent protests, detained by Israeli security forces, reporting mistreatment and torture.

    UNRWA has not been spared on the operational level – the humanitarian response in Gaza is being strangled.

    Protection and deconfliction mechanisms for humanitarian aid deliveries have failed. Attempts to evict UNRWA from its headquarters in East Jerusalem continue.

    And UNRWA has not been spared on the political level. This includes systematic disinformation campaigns that discredit the agency’s lifelong work.

    Meanwhile draft legislation in the Israeli parliament seeks to label the Agency a terrorist organization and to make any activity by UNRWA on Israeli territory illegal.

    In the face of the catastrophic conditions, UNRWA perseveres.

    This is a tribute to the resilience of the women and men of UNRWA, and a tribute to your support.

    Excellencies,

    I have full confidence in UNRWA’s continued commitment to upholding the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and humanity and to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review by Catherine Colonna. 

    Member States are showing that same confidence.

    Virtually all donors have reversed their funding suspensions. 123 countries have signed up to the declaration on shared commitments to UNRWA.

    This underscores the consensus that UNRWA’s role across the occupied West Bank and the region is vital.

    Friends,

    There is no alternative to UNRWA.

    Now is the time to work on all fronts to intensify support for the agency’s vital mission.

    Support with funding that is sufficient, predictable and flexible.

    Of course, we all know that UNRWA is not a sustainable long-term solution to the plight of Palestine Refugees. It was never meant to be. 

    That is why we keep pressing for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and a long-term political solution ending the occupation and leading to 2 states living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital.

    But until that moment, UNRWA remains indispensable.

    I urge your full support. 

    Help us to save UNRWA as it works to save and serve Palestine refugees.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Weather closing Roane County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Weather closing Roane County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

    Weather closing Roane County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

    Sept. 26, 2024
    DR-4787-WV MA-011
    FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597
    FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

    Media Advisory

    Weather closing Roane County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The state-federal Disaster Recovery Center in Roane County will be closed Friday, Sept. 27, because of forecast inclement weather.

    The center is located at:

    Roane County Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

    Old National Guard Armory Parking Lot

    206 E Main St.

    Spencer, WV 25276

    Hours of operation:

    Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

    Closed Sundays

    Closed Friday, Sept. 27, 2024

    Pending any effects from the weather, the center is scheduled to reopen at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28.

    Residents of all affected counties can continue to visit the disaster center in Boone County. The center is located at: 

    To locate center nearest you, check the FEMA app or visit fema.gov/drc. The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Nov. 2, 2024.

    Survivors do not have to visit a disaster center to register with FEMA. They can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. They can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA app on their smartphone.

    For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page,www.fema.gov/disaster/4787 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.

    ###

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

    Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

    issa.mansaray
    Thu, 09/26/2024 – 17:01

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting Communique

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Today the Right Honourable John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom hosted the Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia and the Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense, United States (U.S.) at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, the United Kingdom (UK) to review progress in and reaffirm their commitment to the AUKUS partnership.

    The AUKUS partnership reflects the continued commitment by Australia, the United Kingdom, and United States to support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, secure and stable. The discussions between the Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister today reaffirmed the importance of this innovative, enduring, and trusted partnership in the face of a rapidly evolving and increasingly unstable international security environment. The three nations will continue to work to uphold the global rules-based order where international law is followed, and states can make sovereign choices free from coercion. In this context, they reiterated their shared commitments to the AUKUS partnership for the decades to come and welcomed the progress made since AUKUS Defence Ministers last met in California, the United States, in December 2023.

    Pillar I – Conventionally Armed, Nuclear-Powered Submarines (SSNs)

    In March of 2023, our Heads of Government met to announce a comprehensive plan to support Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability as quickly as possible. Since that announcement, our three governments have worked shoulder-to-shoulder to refine the milestones and principles that will form the building blocks for this decades-long partnership.

    The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister reiterated their shared and enduring commitment to setting the highest nuclear non-proliferation standard, and the importance of this work to the success of the programme. They undertook to continue AUKUS partners’ open, and transparent engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and noted the ongoing bilateral negotiations between the IAEA and Australia to develop a robust safeguards and verification approach for Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion programme under Article 14 of Australia’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA.

    Over the last year, our Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal Navy (RN), and U.S. Navy personnel have worked tirelessly across governments, defence industry, and academic institutions to optimise the training of personnel to maintain, sustain, operate, and crew nuclear-powered submarines. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that the delivery of the “Optimal Pathway” depends upon the skilled workforces of all three countries and reaffirmed their shared commitment to develop a robust base of skills across their military, civilian and industrial sectors.

    • More than 60 RAN personnel are currently in various stages of the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine SSN training pipeline to equip a cadre of Australian officers and sailors with experience aboard the U.S. Virginia class SSNs that the RAN will own and operate from the early 2030s. These numbers will increase further in 2025, with more than 100 personnel commencing training. Six officers have completed all training and have been assigned to U.S. Virginia class submarines. RAN enlisted sailors will join U.S. submarine crews before the end of this year.
    • In the United Kingdom, three RAN officers completed the UK Nuclear Reactor course in July 2024 and are now assigned to UK Astute class submarines. The next group of RAN officers will commence training in the UK in November 2024.
    • The RN, with the support of the Australian Submarine Agency, has also delivered professional and general naval nuclear propulsion training for more than 250 Australian personnel in Canberra.
    • Australians have embedded into programme delivery teams in the UK Ministry of Defence and with Rolls-Royce Submarines. Australians are also currently embedded in U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program teams.
    • In July and September 2024, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard welcomed the first 40 ASC Pty Ltd personnel into its training pipeline with the expectation of more than 100 additional ASC Pty Ltd employees by mid-2025.
    • The Australian Government has committed to nearly AUD 250 million to start delivering the skills and workforce needed for its SSN program, including providing 4,001 Commonwealth Supported Places at Australian universities, in addition to 3,000 undergraduate scholarships over six years, to build the necessary Australian Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics workforce.
    • Additional programs have seen more than 70 Australians supported to undertake postgraduate nuclear studies at universities in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia.
    • Australia has also recently announced the “Jobs for Subs” initiative, a government-funded program to evolve ASC Pty Ltd to recruit, train and retain approximately 200 additional graduates, apprentices and trainees to support Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) in Western Australia.

    Recognising that our partners in defence industry are and will remain vital to this endeavour, the Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister discussed opportunities to maximize our efforts to foster collaboration and build resilience across our industrial bases and supply chains. They welcome the collaboration between BAE Systems (BAES) and ASC Pty Ltd to bring together their combined decades of submarine building to deliver the SSN-AUKUS programme.

    • The U.S. Government decided to invest USD 17.5 billion into its submarine industrial base to support initiatives related to supplier development, shipbuilder and supplier infrastructure, workforce development, technology advancements, and strategic sourcing.
    • Australia has also committed to invest over AUD 30 billion in the Australian defence industrial base to develop Australia’s supply chains and facilitate industry participation in U.S. and UK supply chains.
    • His Majesty’s Government announced an initial allocation of £4 billion from the United Kingdom to continue the detailed design work of SSN-AUKUS and order long-lead items, as well as the United Kingdom’s investment of £3 billion across its Defence Nuclear Enterprise, including the construction of submarine industrial infrastructure that will help to deliver the SSN-AUKUS programme.
    • The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the AUKUS partners’ commitment to accelerate opportunities for Australian industry in the Virginia class submarine supply chain, including through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program and other industry collaboration initiatives. They welcomed ongoing efforts to encourage further industrial base partnerships to build resiliency across the trilateral Submarine Industrial Base.
    • This August, as a direct result of our close collaboration over this year, our three nations commenced the execution of the first-ever planned maintenance activity of a U.S. SSN in Australia. More than 30 RAN personnel worked alongside U.S. Navy and contractor personnel and UK observers to conduct routine maintenance and observe safety and stewardship evolutions. This was an important step in building Australia’s capacity to support a rotational presence of UK and U.S. SSNs at SRF-West beginning as early as 2027, as well as Australia’s future sovereign SSN capability.

    The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the importance of ensuring that our trilateral systems have the tools they need to transfer information and data in a timely fashion to facilitate cooperation. They were pleased to welcome the August 2024 signing of an enabling agreement for trilateral cooperation related to naval nuclear propulsion. Once in force, this historic agreement will enable AUKUS partners to go beyond sharing naval nuclear propulsion information, allowing the United States and the United Kingdom to transfer nuclear-propulsion material and equipment to Australia required for the safe and secure construction, operation, and sustainment of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. 

    This agreement reaffirms, and remains consistent with, the AUKUS partners’ respective, existing international non-proliferation obligations. As a non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Australia has re-affirmed unequivocally that it does not have, and will not seek to acquire, nuclear weapons.

    Pillar II – Advanced Capabilities

    The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister hailed progress being made under Pillar II to deliver capability to our defence forces while bolstering industry and innovation sector collaboration. AUKUS nations continue to pool the talents of our defence sectors to catalyse, at an unprecedented pace, the delivery of advanced capabilities.

    Through AUKUS Pillar II, our trilateral science and technology, acquisition and sustainment, and operational communities are working across the full spectrum of capability development—generating requirements, co-developing new systems, deepening industrial base collaboration, and bolstering our innovation ecosystems. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister welcomed progress made in building a more capable, combined joint force of the future because of this work.

    • This year, under the Maritime Big Play initiative, we are undertaking a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises to enhance interoperability and accelerate the combined fielding of autonomous uncrewed systems in the maritime domain. Later this year, the three nations will bring together approximately 30 systems across four domains for the first large-scale AUKUS integrated demonstration. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the inclusion of technologies from companies in each of the three nations and plans to expand to include additional industry partners in the future.
    • In 2024, AUKUS partners furthered their undersea warfare capabilities by beginning to scale up the ability to launch and recover uncrewed underwater systems from torpedo tubes on current classes of British and U.S. submarines, which will increase the range and capability of our undersea forces. AUKUS partners are exploring opportunities to collaborate on sensors and payloads to maximize this capability and deliver effects such as strike, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
    • In parallel, the United Kingdom and the United States are strengthening superiority in the maritime domain by integrating the Sting Ray lightweight torpedo into the P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft alongside the Mk 54 torpedo, with trials planned for 2025. This will increase the opportunity for interchangeability and potential work on future torpedo programmes. These efforts will ultimately enhance the survivability of our surface combatant and submarine fleets.
    • In the area of long-range precision strike, we are increasing our collective ability to develop and deliver offensive and defensive hypersonic technologies through a robust series of trilateral tests and experiments that will accelerate the development of hypersonic concepts and critical enabling technologies. These capabilities will hold time critical and heavily defended targets at risk from increased ranges, enhancing the survivability of our forces and defending our homelands and forces against potential threats.
    • Advancing our maritime domain autonomy and decision advantage efforts, AUKUS partners demonstrated and deployed common advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms on P8-A Maritime Patrol aircraft to process data from each nations’ sonobuoys. These advances allow for faster data processing and improved target identification in congested acoustic environments, enhancing our combined anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister welcomed plans to scale these technologies in 2025.
    • Our joint forces demonstrated several innovative uses of AI technologies to enhance decision making and bolster combined military effects. In March, AUKUS partners demonstrated the ability to rapidly co-develop and deploy trilateral AI algorithms to find and fix targets for strike. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister welcomed trilateral plans to explore the introduction of these capabilities into operational units in the coming years.

    The International Joint Requirements Oversight Council (I-JROC) remains a critical collaborative forum to identify and validate joint and combined requirements to ensure capability development considers interoperability and interchangeability from the very start. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the establishment of trilaterally determined key operational problems, leveraging existing activities to achieve capability development priorities endorsed by I-JROC. AUKUS partners seek:

    • An enhanced multi-domain long-range strike capability that incorporates asymmetric capabilities and integrated targeting;
    • Strengthened multi-domain integrated air and missile defence capability;
    • Resilient command and control systems that maintain a diverse range of information; and
    • Enhanced logistical networks that are able to deliver persistent support and sustainment for operations in contested environments.

    To this end, the Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister welcomed work underway across our trilateral Armies, Navies, and Air Forces to explore additional opportunities for collaboration in the land, maritime, air, and other domains under AUKUS Pillar II.

    A cornerstone of our AUKUS Pillar II program remains the opportunity to leverage the best of our defence industrial bases and innovation ecosystems. Over the past year we have further integrated our innovation ecosystems and fostered increased collaboration with these stakeholder communities to explore opportunities in all aspects of Pillar II.

    • AUKUS partners executed the first trilaterally sponsored innovation prize challenge, which focused on electronic warfare. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister are pleased to announce Advanced Design Technology Pty Ltd, Inovor Technologies Pty Ltd and Penten Pty Ltd (AUS), Amiosec Ltd, University of Liverpool, Roke Manor Research Ltd, Autonomous Devices Ltd (UK), and Distributed Spectrum (U.S.) as the winners for this challenge. The selection of these companies demonstrates the important contributions that our trilateral commercial sectors and innovation bases can make in addressing critical operational requirements.
       
    • Building on the success of this first challenge, the Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister were pleased to endorse plans for a robust two-year agenda that will increase collaboration between and among our innovation centres of excellence. Through this collaboration, AUKUS partners will leverage innovative tools to reach our entrepreneurs and actively solicit new and powerful capabilities from our trilateral innovation ecosystem and industrial base.
    • In coordination with industry associations representing the trilateral defence industrial base, the Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum, continues to provide an opportunity for representatives across government and industry to exchange ideas and deepen industrial collaboration in Pillar II. By the end of this year, AUKUS partners will have convened meetings in each country and facilitated discussions with technology and policy subject matter experts to increase understanding and information sharing.
    • In response to industry feedback and as current projects mature beyond traditional research and development projects, the National Armaments Directors from each nation are identifying opportunities to harmonise acquisition processes and reducing barriers to facilitate the accelerated delivery of Pillar II advanced capabilities. 

    In April 2024, the Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister announced principles for engaging additional partners on opportunities to collaborate on AUKUS Pillar II projects. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister welcomed progress on consultations with Japan on improving interoperability with Japan’s maritime autonomous systems as an initial area of cooperation. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister noted ongoing consultations with Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea to identify possibilities for collaboration on advanced capabilities under AUKUS Pillar II on a project by project basis.

    Defence trade and industrial base collaboration

    To promote innovation and realise the goals of AUKUS, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States implemented momentous amendments to our respective export control regimes. These historic efforts will maximise secure, licence-free defence trade and stimulate innovation across the full breadth of our defence collaboration, mutually strengthening our three defence industrial bases, while maintaining rigour and security in all three systems. The Secretaries and Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed support to reduce bureaucratic barriers to collaboration to enable deeper defence industrial base cooperation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Understand your FEMA Letter

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Understand your FEMA Letter

    Understand your FEMA Letter

    HARRISBURG, Pa. – If you applied for FEMA assistance, you will receive a letter explaining FEMA’s decision within 10 days after the inspector’s visit. 

    Read your letter carefully and completely. The letter will explain: 

    • whether you are approved for assistance
    • how much assistance you will receive
    • how the assistance must be used
    • how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it

    The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.

    The FEMA letter will provide additional information on what you will need to provide if you choose to appeal FEMA’s initial decision. These can include documents. 

    For example, if you are appealing for additional assistance to help repair your home, you will want to provide FEMA with any receipts, bills, insurance information or repair estimates received for the repairs. 

    When submitting any documentation or information to FEMA, you must include your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your FEMA application number, and the disaster number (DR-4815-PA) on every page.

    If you have any questions about a letter from FEMA, we encourage you to visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. FEMA staff are standing by to answer your questions. 

    For more information on Pennsylvania’s disaster recovery, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Facebook page, fema.gov/disaster/4815 and facebook.com/FEMA. 

                                                                                              ###                                                                 

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

    erika.osullivan
    Thu, 09/26/2024 – 17:21

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Introduces Legislation to Sue Big Pharma for Vaccine Injuries

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    Washington, D.C.  — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after introducing H.R. 9828, the End the Vaccine Carveout Act, a bill that would strip vaccine manufacturers of their unjust liability shields. This carveout has resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in profits for Big Pharma while leaving tens of thousands of people without the ability to seek legal justice and compensation for injuries caused by vaccines. 

    “Although federal bureaucrats and Big Pharma insist that vaccines are safe, there is an unfortunate lack of science regarding the safety of vaccines.  For example, a review of 12,000 scientific papers by the Institute of Medicine published in 2012 found that 98% of injuries studied were either caused by or may have been caused by a vaccine.  Another government study found that while vaccines caused injuries in 10 percent of cases, only one percent get reported, meaning those injured by vaccines are vastly undercounted.

    Furthermore, according to the Center for Disease Control’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, nearly 20,000 Americans were reported as having been killed to date by a COVID-19 vaccine, equating to one death for every 14,000 people vaccinated, much higher than the one in a million deaths that is normally cited for dangerous vaccines.

    Government bureaucrats and scientists responsible for approving vaccines are in bed with Big Pharma, often owning pharmaceutical stocks, serving as consultants and receiving lucrative contracts from pharmaceutical companies that pressure them to produce favorable results which is in direct violation of federal law.

    Worse, many scientists and researchers in government agencies develop patents for vaccines that are approved by the very agencies they work for, creating a conflict of interest and raising serious questions about the impartiality of their decisions.

    Under current law, it is nearly impossible to hold vaccine manufacturers liable for injuries caused by vaccines due to a 1986 law that unfairly created a special immunity carveout for Big Pharma, making it very difficult for vaccine-injured victims to win in a court of law. 

    My legislation strips away current immunity provisions unfairly shielding Big Pharma from the harms caused by their products and allows those injured by vaccines to pursue a civil lawsuit in state or federal court.  Big Pharma doesn’t deserve a get-out-of-jail-free card for injuries caused by their harmful vaccines,” concluded Congressman Gosar.

    Children’s Health Defense Founder and Chairman of the Board on Leave Robert F. Kennedy Jr, said: “The four American vaccine makers are criminal enterprises that have paid tens of billions in criminal penalties over the past decade.  By freeing them from liability for negligence, the 1986 statute removed any incentive for these companies to make safe products.  If we want safe and effective vaccines, we need to end the liability shield.”

    Children’s Health Defense President Mary Holland added: “Thank you to Congressman Gosar for introducing this historic and urgently needed legislation.  For over 35 years, parents of children injured and killed by government-recommended vaccines have been left with no meaningful redress — only a complex, sham compensation program that pits grieving families against the government, while Big Pharma enjoys no liability. During that same time, chronic health conditions in children – autism, ADHD, severe allergies, asthma – have skyrocketed. This legislation will help to end Big Pharma’s reign over government. The corrupt public-private partnership of the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act has suppressed science, stacked the deck against families, subverted the democratic marketplace of checks and balances, and removed citizens’ rights to a trial by jury. Americans deserve better.”

    Background:

    In 1986, Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NVCIA), which shields vaccine manufacturers from the harm caused by their products, making it almost impossible for a person injured by a vaccine to win in court.  The plaintiff must prove that the vaccine manufacturer deliberately “[withheld] information relating to the safety or efficacy of the vaccine,” engaged in “criminal or illegal activity relating to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” or “by clear and convincing evidence… failed to exercise due care.” Satisfying these requirements is practically an impossibility.   

    The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are tasked with approving vaccines.  Sadly, there exists a massive conflict of interest, since the scientists who work at these agencies license the patents to vaccine manufacturers and, in so doing, earn up to $150,000 in royalties. Furthermore, voting members on the boards that advise the CDC and the NIH owned stocks in vaccine manufacturers, engaged in contract work for vaccine manufacturers, and received grants from vaccine manufacturers.

    Current cosponsors (30): 

    Representatives Andy Biggs, Lauren Boebert, Josh Brecheen, Tim Burchett, Eric Burlison, Mike Collins, Eli Crane, Warren Davidson, Byron Donalds, Matt Gaetz, Bob Good, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Harriet Hageman, Andy Harris, Clay Higgins, Ronny Jackson, Anna Paulina Luna, Nancy Mace, Thomas Massie, Mary E. Miller, Cory Mills, Barry Moore, Troy E. Nehls, Ralph Norman, Andy Ogles, Bill Posey, Chip Roy, Keith Self, Victoria Spartz, Randy K. Weber Sr.

    Outside Group Support: 

    American Family Project, Children’s Health Defense, React19

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General remarks at High-level Ministerial Meeting in Support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, Distinguished guests,

    I thank the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Sweden for co-chairing this gathering and for their continued leadership in the support for UNRWA. I also thank all of you here today for your solidarity with Palestine Refugees.

    When we met one year ago, I spoke about putting ourselves in the shoes of Palestinians in Gaza. Of imagining what life must be like.

    I ended my remarks one year ago by saying “This is the most dramatic humanitarian problem associated with the riskiest explosive potential.”

    This was just days before the horrors of October 7th.

    Now, almost one year since that day, the situation for Palestinians in Gaza is beyond imagination.

    It has been said that “The United Nations was not created to bring us to heaven, but to save us from hell.”

    Unfortunately, neither the United Nations nor anyone else that might have the power to do it was able to save the people of Gaza from hell.

    We have failed the people of Gaza.

    They are in a living hell that somehow gets even worse by the day.

    Over 41,000 people have been reported killed and more than 90,000 wounded, many with life-changing and lifelong injuries. The majority are women and children.

    Two million Palestinians are now crammed into a space the size of the Shanghai International Airport. Existing – not living, but existing – among lakes of sewage, piles of rubbish and mountains of rubble.

    The only certainty they have is that tomorrow will be worse.

    Yet if there is any outpost of hope in this hellscape, it is UNRWA.

    Even though UNRWA – as we all know – has not been spared.

    On the human level – 222 UNRWA colleagues have been killed, many together with entire families, several in the line of duty. This is the highest death toll in UN history. 

    I ask you – all of you – to think for a moment in the different entities that you preside [over], or to which you belong, what would be the impact if 222 members would have been killed and even after that having to go with their duties to save the people of Palestine.

    UNRWA personnel have been attacked repeatedly while going about their work. Women and men are displaced, shot at, and subjected to violent protests, detained by Israeli security forces, reporting mistreatment and torture.

    UNRWA has not been spared on the operational level – the humanitarian response in Gaza is being strangled.

    Protection and deconfliction mechanisms for humanitarian aid deliveries have failed. Attempts to evict UNRWA from its headquarters in East Jerusalem continue.

    And UNRWA has not been spared on the political level. This includes systematic disinformation campaigns that discredit the agency’s lifelong work.

    Meanwhile draft legislation in the Israeli parliament seeks to label the Agency a terrorist organization and to make any activity by UNRWA on Israeli territory illegal.

    In the face of the catastrophic conditions, UNRWA perseveres.

    This is a tribute to the resilience of the women and men of UNRWA, and a tribute to your support.

    Excellencies,

    I have full confidence in UNRWA’s continued commitment to upholding the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and humanity and to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review by Catherine Colonna. 

    Member States are showing that same confidence.

    Virtually all donors have reversed their funding suspensions. 123 countries have signed up to the declaration on shared commitments to UNRWA.

    This underscores the consensus that UNRWA’s role across the occupied West Bank and the region is vital.

    Friends,

    There is no alternative to UNRWA.

    Now is the time to work on all fronts to intensify support for the agency’s vital mission.

    Support with funding that is sufficient, predictable and flexible.

    Of course, we all know that UNRWA is not a sustainable long-term solution to the plight of Palestine Refugees. It was never meant to be. 

    That is why we keep pressing for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and a long-term political solution ending the occupation and leading to 2 states living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital.

    But until that moment, UNRWA remains indispensable.

    I urge your full support. 

    Help us to save UNRWA as it works to save and serve Palestine refugees.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New public space celebrates Leicester’s diverse communities

    Source: City of Leicester

    A NEW and improved public space that celebrates Leicester’s diverse communities has been officially opened by the Lord Mayor.

    New commemorative paving has been unveiled at the Sculptural Gateway on Belgrave Circle. The Sculptural Gateway is a striking piece of artwork by Anuradha Patel, that was installed last year to celebrate the arrival of Ugandan Asians to Leicester in 1972.

    The granite paving is designed to complement the sculpture by celebrating the journeys made by many different communities to Leicester. Engraved into it are the names of people who have contributed towards the project.

    A booklet marking the anniversary has been published to accompany the launch of the new space. Sculptural Gateway: A Community Collaboration Celebrating 50 Years of Ugandan Asian Migration to Leicester is available for free from Belgrave Library and Visit Leicester.

    Community participation was a key element of the artwork’s development. Throughout the project, Leicester Museums and Galleries held several arts engagement events, gathering information and detail from people’s migratory stories. They also connected with people through last year’s Rebuilding Lives exhibition, which heard the stories of people fleeing Uganda and seeking refuge in Leicester, exploring the impact they and their families have had on all aspects of the modern city of Leicester.

    To mark the official opening of the space, people were invited to write messages about their journeys to Leicester on parcel tags. Midlands-based artist Anuradha Patel, who created the sculpture, talked about her inspiration, while Jaffer Kapasi, a local businessman and Honorary Consul General of Uganda, spoke about experiences of migration.

    Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Bhupen Dave, was born and educated in Uganda before coming to the UK in 1972 with his parents. He said: “I’m delighted to be opening this new public space. As well as providing a gateway to the Golden Mile, it celebrates the tremendous positive impact that has been made on our city by all of the diverse communities that have travelled here, and now call Leicester home.

    “This is a space that has been designed by and for Leicester communities. It’s a powerful message of unity and shows that we are proud of our culturally diverse city.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Backs Legislation to Establish Program Supporting Students’ Basic Needs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    September 26, 2024

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he is cosponsoring legislation that would help ensure college students in Oregon and nationwide can meet their basic needs while pursuing their education. 

    The Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act aims to combat the basic needs crisis by allocating funding to help students access nutritious food, safe and secure housing, mental and physical health care, high-quality and affordable child care, technology, transportation, personal hygiene, and other necessities. The bill also directs the federal government to streamline data sharing across agencies to help qualifying students access aid. 

    “Way too often, young people are forced to make the impossible choice of affording their basic needs or pursuing their educational dreams,” Wyden said. “No student should ever have to question if they’ll have a roof over their heads, food to eat, and the ability to go to the doctor when they need to. This legislation is a big step towards addressing that struggle by providing grant money and resources so they can stay in school and have what they need to thrive.”

    A 2024 Government Accountability Office report found that in 2020, nearly 3.8 million college students faced food insecurity, and almost 60 percent of those likely eligible were not receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

    The introduction comes as House Republicans push to cut funding for essential health and education programs. Among the targeted areas is the U.S. Department of Education’s Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program, a crucial part of the BASIC Act. This legislation is designed to provide students with the support they need, ensuring their basic needs are met while pursuing higher education. Without this critical funding, many students could face additional barriers to completing their degrees and achieving economic mobility.

    U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., are leading the bill in the Senate. Along with Wyden, the BASIC Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.

    Representative Norma J. Torres, D-Calif., led the introduction of the BASIC Act in the House. 

    The legislation is endorsed by the American Council on Education, California Community Colleges, Communities for Our Colleges, Complete College America, the Community Food Bank of San Benito County, Excelencia in Education, Food for People, Generation Hope, Hunger Free America Inc., Institute of Higher Education Policy, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Michelson Center for Public Policy, National College Attainment Network, New America, Higher Education Policy Program, Nourish California, Ohio Association of Foodbanks, One Family, SchoolHouse Connection, Swipe Out Hunger, Today’s Students Coalition, the California State University, University of California, University of California Student Association, and Waukegan to College.

    The text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Criticizes Banking Regulators’ Inaction on NYCB’s “Systemic Failings” and Threats to Banking and Financial Stability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    September 26, 2024
    Questions Heads of OCC, Federal Reserve on “Dereliction of Duty” Amid Pattern of Oversight Failures 
    “Given the ongoing threats from regional bank failures, I am deeply troubled by your …failure to answer our previous questions—and your inability or unwillingness to rein in unruly banks …If the OCC has indeed identified ‘systemic failings’ at NYCB, the agency must impose stronger controls on the bank.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent letters to Michael Hsu, Acting Comptroller of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve (Fed), with renewed concern that the OCC and the Fed could allow New York Community Bank (NYCB) to escape regulatory oversight despite identifying “systemic failings” in the bank’s operation and management. She also calls for the OCC to consider implementing an Individual Minimum Capital Ratio (IMCR) given NYCB’s history and the risks it poses to the U.S. financial system.
    “Allowing NYCB to evade penalties under these circumstances would be a dereliction of duty and would represent a failure by the OCC and the Fed to ensure the safety and soundness of the banking system,” wrote Senator Warren. 
    The OCC’s record of failure with NYCB is now over three years old. The current threats to NYCB’s viability reflect a pattern of oversight failures by the OCC, which rubber-stamped  two risky mergers with Flagstar Bank and Signature Bank in a six month period. Following those mergers, NYCB teetered near failure as the OCC neglected to address the risks associated with the bank’s rapid growth until it was too late.
    “The OCC, as NYCB’s regulator, is tasked with overseeing NYCB’s risk management and yet did not raise flags related to NYCB’s internal struggles,” Senator Warren wrote. “On the brink of failure, NYCB accepted a capital infusion from private equity firms spearheaded by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who tapped fellow Trump-era financial regulator Joseph Otting as NYCB’s new CEO.” 
    Steven Mnuchin and Joseph Otting worked together for years, at OneWest bank, where they ran an operation that was deemed a “foreclosure machine,” which repossessed the homes of tens of thousands of American families between 2009 and 2015 and intensified the economic pain of the Great Recession. Under Mr. Mnuchin and Mr. Otting’s leadership, OneWest employed illegal tactics like “robo-signing”—falsifying key documents—to kick more than 36,000 families out of their homes. When they took the helm ofNYCB, the Fed and OCC were required to review Mr. Otting’s and Mr. Mnuchin’s character and fitness, which would have included their behavior at OneWest.
    The OCC and the Fed failures to appropriately supervise NYCB are becoming more clear with the new reports of “systemic failings” at the bank. 
    “Given the ongoing threats from regional bank failures, I am deeply troubled by your … inability or unwillingness to rein in unruly banks,” wrote Senator Warren. “If the OCC has indeed identified ‘systemic failings’ at NYCB, the agency must impose stronger controls on the bank.”
    Senator Warren is calling on the OCC to use its existing authority under Title 12, which allows the OCC to establish a higher minimum capital requirement for banks under its jurisdiction that present heightened risks to the financial system, by considering an Individual Minimum Capital Ratio for NYCB. 
    Senator Warren has led the fight to hold banking regulators accountable to establishing and enforcing guardrails around the banking industry and preventing harmful bank mergers to protect the financial system, economy, and consumers: 
    In April 2024, Senators Warren and Blumenthal probed the OCC for its regulatory failures amid NYCB’s financial spiral. 
    In March 2024, a year after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Senator Warren sent a letter to three key banking regulators: Michael Barr, Vice Chair for Supervision of the Federal Reserve, Martin Gruenberg, Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Acting Comptroller Hsu, seeking an update on their progress in delivering on their public commitments to strengthen regulatory standards for banks with assets of $100 billion or more. 
    In February 2024, Senator Warren led 12 lawmakers urging the OCC and the Federal Reserve to block Capital One’s plan to acquire Discover Financial Services. Their letter also expressed concerns with the OCC’s proposed policy statement regarding merger approvals as essentially codifying a permissive approach.
    In December 2023, Senator Warren led 6 senators in a letter to Acting Comptroller Hsu, calling on OCC to allow states to move forward with their efforts to protect consumers from harmful bank practices. The senators criticized the OCC for overstepping its preemption authority under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which it used to block tough, state-level consumer protections.
    In August 2023, chairing a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Economic Policy, Senator Warren highlighted the need for regulators to implement the strongest version of bank merger review guidelines in order to ensure stability in the financial system. 
    In June 2023, Senator Warren sent a letter to Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, Federal Deposit Investment Corporation Chairman Gruenberg, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Hsu, Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging regulators to promote greater competition in the banking sector by toughening their stances on bank mergers and strengthening bank merger review guidelines.
    In May 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Warren questioned Acting Comptroller Hsu on his decision to approve JPMorgan Chase’s purchase of First Republic Bank after its collapse. This merger allowed a large, poorly supervised bank to be swallowed by America’s largest bank, making it $200 billion larger than it was before.
    In May 2023, Senator Warren sent a letter to Acting Comptroller Hsu and FDIC Chair Gruenberg, questioning the terms of the sale of First Republic Bank to JP Morgan Chase and the rationale behind the OCC and FDIC’s approval of the deal. 
    In December 2022, Senators Warren and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) sent letters to three key banking regulators: the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and the OCC, raising concerns about the ties between the banking industry and crypto firms following FTX’s bankruptcy. The senators asked each regulator how they assessed the banking system’s exposure to crypto risks. 
    In December 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) sent a letter to the heads of all U.S. banking regulators, including Acting Comptroller Hsu, calling on them to improve banking access for immigrant communities and communities of color.  
    In August 2022, Senators Warren, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Whitehouse, and Sanders sent a letter to the OCC, calling on it to rescind the previously issued cryptocurrency guidance and replace it with more comprehensive guidance, in coordination with other prudential regulators. 
    In September 2021, Senator Warren and Representative Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Bank Merger Review Modernization Act, which would restrict harmful consolidation in the banking industry and protect consumers and the financial system from “Too Big to Fail” institutions, like those that caused the 2008 financial crisis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Give Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs $50,000 Tax Break

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced legislation to provide tax relief to entrepreneurs looking to start a small business and reduce barriers for startups. The Tax Relief for New Businesses Act would increase the startup tax deduction from $5,000 to $50,000 and allow businesses to write off more expenses to compensate for the increasing cost of starting a business. Currently, small business owners can only deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs in the first year, yet a recent survey found that they spend an average of $40,000 to get their businesses off the ground.
    “On Main Streets across Wisconsin, small businesses are creating jobs and contributing to our local economies. For too many entrepreneurs, starting a business can be out of reach and it’s our job to break down the barriers in their way so more Americans can pursue their dreams,” said Senator Baldwin. “This legislation is a commonsense step that will unlock opportunities for Wisconsin’s next generation of small businesses and help ensure they have the capacity to grow, innovate, and shape the future of the Badger state.”
    “If the US Senate passes this legislation it would help provide capital to reinvest in small business staff and get them to a stable, profitable bottom line much quicker. This would encourage existing and expanding businesses to invest and grow by improving cash flow in the early years of starting and growing the businesses. As a small business owner I strongly endorse this effort,” said TJ Semanchin, owner of Wonderstate Coffee in Viroqua, WI.
     “The Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is a game changer for entrepreneurs, offering substantial financial relief when it’s needed most,” said Scott Resnick, Wisconsin startup advocate. “By significantly increasing the deduction and allowing more flexibility for growing startups, this policy reduces the financial burden of launching a business and paves the way for greater innovation and job creation across the Wisconsin economy.”
    “TitletownTech supports policy that reduces early-stage financial pressure on entrepreneurs and increases likelihood of startup success,” said Jill Enos, Managing Partner of Titletown Tech in Green Bay.
    “Starting a business is a vote of confidence in the future,” said Richard Trent, Executive Director of Main Street Alliance. “Men and women all across the country start businesses that help our communities thrive. Small businesses are connected to their communities, sponsoring little league teams, providing employment and creating a robust culture and economy. But one of the most difficult parts of starting a business is having the capital to do so. A lack of generational wealth, unfair lending practices and discrimination make this difficult for too many. The Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is a huge step in the right direction to level the playing field and jump start Main Streets all across America.”
    “Repeated research has demonstrated that new businesses – ‘startups’ – are a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, and opportunity expansion,” said John Dearie, President of Center for American Entrepreneurship. “But launching a new business costs money. And because startup costs are incurred long before the first dollar of revenue, those costs can be a major obstacle to new business formation. That’s why the Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is so important. The Act would increase the tax deduction of startup costs from $5,000 to $50,000, expand the types of expenses eligible for the deduction, and stretch the phase-out threshold of the credit from $50,000 to $150,000, allowing entrepreneurs to write-off more of the costs required to launch their business once they become profitable. The legislation is powerfully pro-entrepreneurship, pro-growth, and pro-job creation. CAE thanks Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) for their leadership and looks forward to working with them to ensure swift passage of the legislation.”
    This legislation is also led by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and endorsed by the Main Street Alliance and Center for American Entrepreneurship.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Mark Cuban Foundation and Northeastern University Bring Free AI Bootcamp to Miami Teens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp hosted by Northeastern University in Miami. Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing September 30.

    The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with Northeastern University is bringing the only artificial intelligence (AI) camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in Miami. With a custom and highly relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of AI professionals.

    The program aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications to future careers. Students can select from six tracks: healthcare, arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, computer science, sports science, or education and career readiness. Driven by the belief that fostering interest in AI at a young age is crucial for preparing the next generation for their future, the AI Bootcamps are introductory and accessible to students in 9-12 grade with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend.

    This free AI Bootcamp is hosted for underserved high school students with a transparent focus on recruiting girls, students of color, first generation college students, and those from low to moderate income households. The AI Bootcamp Program provides students with lunch and a snack, transportation assistance, and technology equipment during bootcamp.

    “As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with Northeastern University, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

    This year’s bootcamp will take place at the Miami campus on November 2nd, 9th, and 16th. Northeastern University is one of 30+ host companies selected to host camps across the US.

    “We are excited to partner with the Mark Cuban Foundation and host its AI Bootcamp on our campus later this Fall,” said Maria Alonso, Regional Dean and CEO of Northeastern University Miami Campus. “Ensuring our community’s youth can learn more about artificial intelligence and its applications will establish a strong foundation to ensure they are ready and competitive as they continue their education and, eventually, enter the global workforce of the future.”

    The September 30 deadline is quickly approaching. Do not miss your chance—submit your application now, as spaces are limited. Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org.

    Watch Mark Cuban’s message about Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here.

    To learn more, visit markcubanai.org.

    Media Contact:
    Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org

    This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program’s media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals.

    About Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp Initiative
    The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org.

    About Northeastern University
    Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a global research university with an R1 Carnegie classification, and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Northeastern’s global university system includes 13 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. Students study, conduct research, and work on co-op in 149 countries and on all continents. The university has 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 industry partners worldwide.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mullin, Lankford Urge EPA to Rescind Costly Waste Management Rule Hurting Oklahoma Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    Mullin, Lankford Urge EPA to Rescind Costly Waste Management Rule Hurting Oklahoma Businesses

    U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works’ Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee, was joined by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to express concern over a proposed rule regarding waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities. The EPA’s proposed rule would further tighten Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for existing WTE facilities while simultaneously removing compliance exceptions, leading to dramatic and unnecessary increases in compliance costs across Oklahoma without significant benefit. The lawmakers urged the EPA to reexamine its proposal prior to issuing a final rule to ensure that new standards are set consistent with actual data provided.
    “Municipal waste combustors, waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities, are a vital waste management technology that communities and businesses in Oklahoma use to divert waste from landfills, recycle metal, and generate renewable energy. Communities and businesses in Oklahoma, and across the country have invested billions of dollars to ensure these facilities are meeting the already stringent environmental standards set by your agency and by states,” write the lawmakers.
    “The EPA should be mindful of the fact that imposing standards that WTE facilities will never meet is well beyond EPA’s statutory authority,” the lawmakers continue.
    The full letter can be found here.
    Background:
    The proposed rule refers to the Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors, Voluntary Remand Response and 5 Year Review (89 FR 4243), which includes a re-evaluation of the MACT floor determinations issued on January 23rd, 2024.
    The Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 established the MACT standards to ensure that all facilities in an industry sector meet the same standards as the top 12 percent of performing facilities. The EPA set these attainable standards, known as ‘MACT floors’, for WTE facilities twice, in 1995 and 2006.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Introduce Legislation to Support Communities Affected by Gold King Mine Disaster

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced the Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act to help communities in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona that were affected by the Gold King Mine disaster of 2015 to fully recover.
    “Local farmers, homeowners, and outdoor rec outfitters were left high and dry after the Gold King Mine spill in 2015,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bill will make sure they get the compensation they need to finally recover and move forward.”
    “The effects of the Gold King Mine disaster were felt far beyond the banks of the Animas River. The blowout hurt families, farmers, and outdoor recreation companies in Durango and throughout southwest Colorado who depend on the river for their livelihoods,” said Bennet. “Almost a decade later, too many Coloradans still feel its effects. Our legislation is a necessary step to help Coloradans finally recover certain remaining costs and damages incurred from the spill and make Southwest Colorado communities whole again.”
    On August 5, 2015, the Gold King Mine spill released 3 million gallons of polluted mining wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers, affecting waterways in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, the Southern Ute reservation, and the Navajo Nation.
    Though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was able to partially compensate some claims, its ability to meet the needs of affected businesses, farmers, and homeowners is constrained by existing laws. This legislation would provide EPA with the necessary authority and funding to compensate certain outstanding claims from the spill.
    “The Gold King Mine Compensation Act clears the procedural hurdles that kept businesses that suffered economic losses due to the spill nearly 10 years ago from being made whole,” said Matt Salka, Chair, La Plata County Board of County Commissioners. “We are grateful that the impact felt by those businesses has not been forgotten and that a remedy is possible through this much-appreciated legislation.”
    “The work that Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and their teams have done on the Gold King Mine Bill is restoring my faith in government. After all these years to see the promise of our government concerning the Gold King Mine incident and its ensuing economic damage was not forgotten, is refreshing. The wheels of government turn slowly. We at Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours are thankful that Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and their teams are keeping them turning,” said Alex Mickel, President, Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours.
    The La Plata County Board of County Commissioners also shared a letter in support of this legislation.
    Immediately after the Gold King Mine disaster, then-Governor Hickenlooper declared the affected area a disaster zone. Then, in 2016 he sent a letter to the EPA urging the Gold King mine and other legacy mines in San Juan County on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List which established the initial funding for the clean-up.
    The text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bennet, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Employer Child Care Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), members of the Senate Committee on Finance, introduced the bipartisan Child Care for American Families Act to strengthen the employer-provided child care credit and expand support for small and rural businesses. 
    “Child care costs are rising nationwide, and countless families lack access to affordable, high-quality child care. This makes things that much harder for working parents, strains families’ budgets, and adds undue stress for families with young children,” said Bennet. “The Child Care for American Families Act will help increase our country’s child care supply and reduce the number of Americans in child care deserts.”
    “Many families across Tennessee and America are struggling to find reliable and affordable child care, and we need to incentivize businesses to invest in child-care services for their employees,” said Blackburn. “Our Child Care for American Families Act would help alleviate the financial burden of child-care costs by expanding and modernizing the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit.”
    This legislation expands the employer-provided child care credit and increases the existing credit to:
    60 percent for businesses in eligible rural and low-income areas, for a maximum total credit of $1.2 million annually;
    50 percent for small businesses, for a maximum total credit of $1 million annually; and
    40 percent of the first $2 million in qualified child care expenses for a maximum total credit of $800,000 annually.
    The legislation also directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue guidance on multi-employer facilities. 
    In 2018, the Center for American Progress found that more than half—an estimated 51 percent—of the U.S. population lived in a childcare desert, with disproportionate impacts felt by low-income communities, Hispanic communities, and other communities of color. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, 31.7 percent of children below the age of six with working parents do not have access to child care, while in rural communities, that number rises to 35.1 percent. According to the Center on Poverty and Social Policy at Columbia University and the National Women’s Law Center, increased investment in affordable child care would increase the number of women working full-time by 17 percent; this number jumps to 31 percent for women without a college degree. 
    Bennet has continuously worked to expand the Child Tax Credit to help families afford the rising cost of raising kids. Last year, Bennet joined House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) to call on the Internal Revenue Service to improve outreach promoting awareness of the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit. In 2021, Bennet also introduced the Military Childcare Expansion Act to expand access to child care for servicemembers and their families.
    The legislation is endorsed by Save the Children, Colorado Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), Kindercare, and Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC). 
    The text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Samuel-De Champlain Bridge: Special illumination to mark President Macron’s visit to Montreal

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    Tonight, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be illuminated in the colours of the French flag, from sunset until 9:30 p.m., to mark the visit to Montreal of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

    Montreal, Quebec, September 26, 2024 — Tonight, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be illuminated in the colours of the French flag, from sunset until 9:30 p.m., to mark the visit to Montreal of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

    Note: After 9:30 p.m., architectural lighting will revert to blue-green illumination which reduces the risk of disorientation for birds during their migration period, which ends on November 20.

    Contact persons

    Sofia OuslisCommunications AdvisorOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communitiessofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsHousing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email:media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us onTwitter,Facebook,InstagramAndLinkedInWebsite:Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Samuel De Champlain Bridge: Special Illumination for President Macron’s Visit to Montreal

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Tonight, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be lit up in the colours of the French flag from sunset to 9:30 p.m. for the visit to Montreal of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

    Montreal, Quebec, September 26, 2024 — Tonight, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be lit up in the colours of the French flag from sunset to 9:30 p.m. for the visit to Montreal of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

    Note: After 9:30 p.m., the architectural lighting will return to the blue-green illumination that reduces the risk of disorientating birds during their migratory period, which runs until November 20.

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Healthcare costs at a post-pandemic high, US employers prioritize affordability and wellbeing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cost of healthcare in the U.S. rises to a record high since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of employers expect healthcare costs will exceed budget projections this year. In response, employers are embracing different approaches to safeguard program affordability for their companies as well as for their employees. While focusing on more competitive, cost-effective plan designs to control costs, they are seeking to maintain employee wellbeing, according to a new survey by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.

    WTW’s 2024 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey found that U.S. employers project their healthcare costs will increase by 7.7% in 2025, compared with 6.9% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2023. As a result of this uptick in costs, employers are reaching beyond traditional cost-shifting strategies to improve healthcare affordability and employee health. More than half of employers (52%) plan to implement programs that will reduce total costs, and just as many (51%) intend to adopt plan design and network strategies that steer to lower-cost, higher-quality providers and sites of care. Only 34% expect to shift costs to employees through premium contributions, and just 20% will promote account-based health plans or high-deductible health plans.

    “The cost of healthcare has been rising steadily for years. With cost increases reaching a post-pandemic high, companies are concerned about the burden it’s putting on their workforces, especially since it affects decisions about insurance coverage and care,” said Tim Stawicki, chief actuary, Health & Benefits, WTW. “To tackle high prices and other causes driving increased spending, companies are pursuing initiatives that are beyond cost-shifting.”

    These initiatives are focused within the prescription drug space as well, with strong interest in alternative drug channels and pricing. According to the survey, 21% of employers are planning for or considering promoting drug discount cards or direct-to-consumer prescription delivery to lower out-of-pocket costs in the next two years; 18% expect to allow members to purchase drugs through a retail or “cost plus” outlet, and 17% expect to have an acquisition cost pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contract structure.

    Other proactive efforts to control costs over the next two years include taking vendor/health plans out to bid (43%), evaluating employee assistance programs/mental health programs (38%), and exploring narrow networks (30%) and centers of excellence (25%). Additionally, employers continue to explore new technology-enabled solutions for managing costs, with 54% exploring navigation or technology that shares provider price and quality information with members.

    To support affordability and employee wellbeing, employers’ top focus areas are obesity and weight management (40%), cancer and oncology (34%), cardiovascular health (28%) and women’s health (27%).

    Employers are still contending with the continued demand for high-cost weight loss medications. While most employers are maintaining coverage for obesity medications with some restrictions, those not offering coverage today state cost and safety as the biggest barriers. Employers are eager to consider safe and effective lower-cost alternatives; 48% of employers expressed interest in compounded GLP-1 medications available through certain vendors at much lower costs.

    “To navigate the current healthcare environment, companies need to proactively address cost challenges and implement effective risk management strategies,” said Courtney Stubblefield, managing director, Health & Benefits, WTW. “By doing so, they can mitigate financial risks, support the wellbeing of their workforce and achieve long-term sustainability.”

    Other survey findings:

    • Employers report the greatest opportunities for artificial intelligence in supporting health and benefits are navigation solutions (64%) and communication (58%).
    • More than two-thirds (67%) of employers provide coverage for fertility services beyond diagnosis of infertility, including in vitro fertilization and medications.
    • To lower costs, 73% of employers plan to carve out pharmacy benefits over the next few years, and 27% would consider a smaller PBM that offers alternate pricing models.

    About the survey

    A total of 417 employers participated in the 2024 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey, which was conducted in June and July 2024. Respondents employ 6 million employees.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Media contacts:

    Ileana Feoli
    ileana.feoli@wtwco.com

    Stacy Bronstein
    stacy.bronstein@wtwco.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. McGarvey Introduces Bill to Invest in Entrepreneurship, Reduce Recidivism

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    September 26, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 26, 2024) – This week, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) and Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) introduced H.R. 9841, the Prison to Proprietorship for the Formerly Incarcerated Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide in-depth entrepreneurship training to formerly- incarcerated individuals looking to start a business or enter the workforce. 

    “Nearly all incarcerated people will complete their sentence and return to their community—we have to make sure that we’re laying a strong foundation for success post-incarceration,” said Rep. McGarvey. “By providing a path to entrepreneurship for formerly-incarcerated Americans, my bill not only works to reduce recidivism, but also gives returning citizens the tools they need to start a business and achieve their American dream.”

    The Prison to Proprietorship for the Formerly Incarcerated Act would direct SCORE—a program within the Small Business Administration that offers free or low-cost mentorship and training to entrepreneurs—to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and online instruction specifically tailored to their unique needs.

    “Around 95% of incarcerated people get released and end up back on the streets,” said Rep. Burchett. “We need to make sure they’re prepared to rejoin their communities, and teaching them entrepreneurial skills helps them get a fresh start.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Despite steps to reform and improve our criminal justice system, returning citizens face significant barriers to reentering the workforce, and studies have shown that recidivism rates tend to be higher for those individuals who lack employment. As reported by the Council for State Governments, states spent an estimated $8 billion on reincarceration costs for people who exited prison in 2022, and The Department of Justice estimates that 82 percent of individuals released from state prisons were rearrested at least once during the 10 years following release. 

    Programs that teach formerly incarcerated individuals leadership skills, financial literacy, networking, and how to develop a business plan reduce recidivism and create more opportunities for returning citizens. As the flagship agency tasked with supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, the Small Business Administration has the expertise and experience to teach those skills.

    View text of the bill here.

    A one pager for the bill is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on Preparedness Efforts Ahead of Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Major General John D. Haas, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director, and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Purdue at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates ahead of landfall of Hurricane Helene. As of 8:00 am ET, Hurricane Helene’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 100 mph with higher gusts, making it a Category 2 hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast tonight. Sixty-eight shelters are open throughout the state in preparation for severe impacts from Hurricane Helene, including 2 state-operated shelters in Tallahassee and DeFuniak Springs. These shelters have are housing over 2,500 residents from areas that may be severely affected by Hurricane Helene.

    Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.

    Following Governor DeSantis’ request, FEMA approved the state’s pre-landfall disaster declaration request. This provides important federal resources and assistance, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, and makes available funding sources for emergency protective measures. The pre-landfall declaration request is for the 41 Florida counties included in Executive Order 24-208.

    Voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in multiple counties statewide. Residents need to evacuate if they are under a mandatory evacuation order. Counties under evacuation orders can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/EvacuationOrders.

    Residents in the big bed area needing assistance finding or going to a shelter in the Big Bend region for Hurricane Helene can call (800) 729-3413. FDEM team members are conducting callbacks from messages received last night and accepting new calls today to facilitate shelter coordination. For additional resources and assistance, residents can call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at (800) 342-3557. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole.

    Watches and warnings in effect include:
    Hurricane Warning: Western Alachua, coastal Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, coastal Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, western Marion, coastal Pasco, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties
    Hurricane Watch: Inland Citrus, inland Hernando, coastal Hillsborough, coastal Manatee, inland Pasco, Pinellas, coastal Sarasota
    Tropical Storm Warning: Central and eastern Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, inland Citrus, Clay, Collier,  DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, inland Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe (including Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas), Manatee, central and eastern Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, inland Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Union, Volusia, Walton, Washington
    Storm Surge Warning: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties

    To learn more, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide.  For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

    State Preparedness Efforts

    • The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 on Tuesday, September 24, and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
    • The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 1,150 missions to assist counties in their preparation efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging response resources, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
    • There are 35,000 shelf-stable meals staged near the anticipated area of storm impact, ready to deploy for response.
    • Seven Urban search and rescue task forces are ready to deploy.
    • The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has mobilized nearly 3,500 Soldiers and Airmen in preparation for Hurricane Helene and can surge to 5,500 if needed.
    • The FLNG is postured to provide logistics support, law enforcement support, route clearance, search and rescue, commodity distribution, flood mitigation, aviation and other support as needed by the state.
    • The Florida State Guard (FSG) has prepared the following:
      • 250+ Soldiers ready to deploy.
      • 10 shallow water vessel boat teams
      • 7 flat-bottom-flood rescue skiffs
      • 2 amphibious rescue vehicles
      • 12 UTV’s
      • 15 Cut and toss crews
      • 7 search and rescue teams
      • 2 UH-60 Blackhawk for daytime aerial assessment and logistics missions
    • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has positioned all assets, including aircraft, and is ready to respond for reconnaissance and damage assessments, including all backup satellite and communications systems. Portable towers have been staged for emergency communications.
    • FDLE is prestaging Telecommunication Emergency Response Taskforces for response to ensure continuity of service of the 911 system.
    • FDLE’s Criminal Justice Information Services received permission from the FBI to allow law enforcement agencies to perform criminal history queries on behalf of emergency shelters to determine the suitability of shelter staff who may care for vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, the disabled).
    • Nearly 2,000 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) team members work directly on storm response.
    • FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road and bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
    • FDOT issued an Emergency Order on September 23, lifting weight restrictions and allowing emergency response vehicles, including utility vehicles staging for rapid response, to bypass weigh stations.
    • FDOT Statewide Preparedness Efforts Include:
    • Road Ranger Service has expanded service to 24 hours in the storm impact areas.
      • 890 team members conducting pre-storm preparations.
      • 613 team members working in the field conducting pre-storm preparations.
      • 245 pieces of heavy equipment are being used for pre-storm preparations.
      • 307 team members staged for cut and toss operations
      • 120 bridge inspectors staged for deployment
      • 43 team members staged for UAV (drone) deployment
      • 40 large pumps staged
      • 688 generators staged to assist with traffic signal power
      • 4 ITS trailers are staged.
    • Seaports:
      • Port Key West, Panama City, Port St. Joe, Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee, Port St. Pete, Port of Fernandina, JAXPORT, and Port Canaveral are closed waterside.
    • Airports: Some flight cancellations or delays are being reported. Check with airlines directly on specific flight updates. The following airports have suspended service:
      • Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
      • Tampa International Airport (TPA)
      • St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
    • Railroads:
      • Amtrak: Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes (New York to Miami) will terminate in Jacksonville
      • Amtrak: Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes (Miami to New York) will originate in Jacksonville
      • SunRail service has been suspended.
    • Freight Rail:
      CSX will limit operations in the Tampa area.
    • Florida Gulf & Atlantic will shut down operations except the Pensacola area.
    • Apalachicola Northern and BayLine have suspended operations
      • First Coast Railroad will shut down operations on 9/27 .
    • The following transit providers have made the following schedule modifications.
      • Service Suspended: Lakeland Area Mass Transit (Citrus Connection), Manatee County Area Transit, Sarasota County Area (Breeze) Transit, Lee County (LeeTran), Charlotte County, Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) Skyway and St. Johns River Ferry, St. Johns County (Sunshine Line), Bay County (Bayway), StarMetro, Big Bend Transit, Wakulla County Transit, Jackson County (JTrans), Calhoun County Transit, Liberty County Transit, Gulf County ARC suspending, LYNX, Marion County Transit, Key West Lower Key Shuttle, Hillsborough County (HART), Pasco County, Hernando County (The Bus)
    • The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care and support to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida. 1-877-741-3400. Visit https://department.va.gov/integrated-service-networks/visn-08 for more information.
    • Department of Management Services (DMS) is working to identify potential evacuation shelter sites for special needs and pet-friendly evacuees as far east as Lake City and west as Panama City.


    Health and Human Services

    • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is tracking APD-licensed group homes in impacted areas to ensure client safety from Hurricane Helene. APD will provide necessary guidance for re-entry when it is appropriate to do so.
    • The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) is deploying over 135 emergency response vehicles. Staging is currently in Leon, Liberty, Osceola, and Pinellas counties.
    • DOH has prepared for Special Needs Shelter operations to begin in areas of Helene’s path. A press release has been sent statewide for additional information on special needs shelters. To find a shelter near you, please visit the county emergency management page here.
    • DOH and the Agency for Health Care Administration have initiated Patient Movement Mission to support medical transport and evacuations of health care facilities.
    • The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-002, which:
      • Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency.
      • Permits emergency medical transportation services to operate across county lines.
      • Permits Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Medical Directors, as defined by Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
      • Authorizes a reporting extension for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
      • Authorizes an extension of the upcoming licensure renewal deadlines for Nursing Home Administrators, Radiological Personnel, and Athletic Trainers until October 31, 2024.
    • DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-209. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers.
    • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated reporting in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) and has requested that all health care providers report their census, available beds, evacuation status, and generator status information. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
    • AHCA made 537 provider calls for Hurricane Helene preparation ahead of landfall.
    • As of this morning, 80 health care facilities are reporting that they are evacuating.
      • 38 assisted living facilities
      • 26 nursing homes
      • 8 hospitals
      • 4 residential treatment facilities
      • 2 residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
      • 1 adult family care home, and 1 intermediate care facility for developmentally disabled
    • 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
    • The Agency has waived all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services until further notice.

    Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

    • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is assisting the Florida Department of Corrections with the evacuation of correctional facilities as needed.
    • FHP is assisting with evacuations in Taylor County and in Cedar Key in Levy County.
    • FHP is removing any abandoned or disabled vehicles left along roadways ahead of storm arrival.
    • FHP cut teams, along with FDOT road clearing teams, are staged and ready for post-storm deployment to provide aid to areas impacted by the storm.
    • Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued Emergency Order 24-05, in support of Executive Order 24-209 which: waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; and waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
    • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is working with the Community-Based Care Lead Agencies to contact foster families and group home providers to ensure preparedness. Two group homes are evacuating to safer locations.
    • DCF has contacted all licensed providers in potentially impacted areas to ensure disaster preparation plans are in place and unmet needs have been addressed.
    • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) contacted all Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and gather the status of any unmet needs.
    • The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has been in contact with all school districts and state colleges and is ready to provide assistance immediately following Hurricane Helene. Currently, 68 school districts have announced closures in addition to 25 State Colleges and 11 Universities. For more information on school closures, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.
    • In preparation for Hurricane Helene. Currently, 65 school districts have announced closures in addition to 22 State Colleges and 9 Universities. For more information on school closures, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.
    • Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order 24-209, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm-generated solid waste and debris.
    • DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.

    Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

    • The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage more than 71,000 Florida-licensed lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees.
    • Through this effort, anti-price gouging information and emergency accommodations resources have also been provided.
    • DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 137,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide storm preparation and food safety resources.
    • The Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs.
    • DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
    • FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
    • Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.
    • VISIT FLORIDA has activated Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
    • Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has crafted special offers for Evacuees and First Responders in need of accommodations during an evacuation. Please see the linked pages below for more information.
    • Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates* for residents in the 61 counties where Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency. This initiative provides evacuees with a safe and affordable place to stay as they ride out the storm. For more information see https://www.rosenhotels.com/rosen-hotels-resorts-reduces-pricing-ahead-of-helene/
    • Visit website for CareerSource openings: careersourceflorida.com
    • Comcast has opened more than 52,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida. The free and public hotspots are open for all, including non-Xfinity customers. For more information click here.
    • Walmart is working with state partners to provide needed supplies after the storm has passed.
    • Publix has provided 10 pallets of water for shelters in Leon County.
    • CVS Health is working with state partners to prepare pop-up pharmacies in impacted areas.
    • UBER is providing Floridians free rides up to $35 each way to and from a state-approved shelter in counties under a state of emergency for Hurricane Helene. To get a ride users should use promo code HELENERELIEF.
    • The Florida Department of State, Division of Elections, has contacted the United States Postal Service (USPS) about election information and vote-by-mail ballots. The Division of Elections recommended that Supervisors of Elections t contact their local district USPS to discuss a mitigation plan for ballot mailing, delivery, and return.
    • The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) worked with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
    • The Florida Forest Service staged equipment, like high-water vehicles.
    • The Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has approved an Emergency Order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for animal transportation. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses, and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
    • The Department of Revenue (FDOR) has issued Emergency Order 24-001: Taxing Authority Millage and Budget Hearings to assist local taxing authorities with altering their plans for annual budget hearings because of Helene. Department of Revenue bulletin PTO 20-07 provides further instructions for local taxing authorities during declared emergencies.
    • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has high-water vehicles staged to deploy.
    • 72 FWC officers and staff are ready to deploy with specialized equipment, such as:
      • 6 Airboats
      • 8 Shallow draft boats
      • ATVs/Side-by-sides
      • 71 high-water capable four-wheel drive vehicles
      • 3 aerial surveillance drones
      • 12 high-water capable swamp buggies/Fat Truck/UTVs
      • 4 SOG support trailers
      • 4 BERG self-sustainment container units
      • 4 Hygiene trailers
      • 2 Mobile command units
      • 6 Generators
      • 2 Water trailers
      • 1 Fuel trailer
    • The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has evacuated 22 satellite facilities and two major facilities and relocated 4,630 inmates into hardened housing units. Inmate visitation has been suspended statewide until Monday, September 30.  The FDC will be posting updates publicly and in real-time at FDC.myflorida.com/weather-updates
    • The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) have finalized storm preparations to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth in our care. This includes fueling all vehicles, moving vehicles in low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing and ensuring adequate fuel supplies for generators in the event of loss of power, and ensuring food, medicine, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready.

    For previous updates see below:
    9/24/2024
    9/25/2024

    Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Helene.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Congressional Delegation Calls on Caltrans to Eliminate Redundant Federal Environmental Reviews

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    Expedite Permitting for Major Transportation Projects with Completed State Review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    WASHINGTON, DC— Today, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA-30), Scott H. Peters (D-CA-50), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Josh Harder (D-CA-09), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), and Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA-38) sent a letter to the California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin and Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Director Tony Tavares urging the state to eliminate redundant, costly federal environmental reviews for major transportation projects.

    Federal law since 2015 has allowed Caltrans to apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation to substitute state-prepared environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in lieu of completing a second, unnecessary federal environmental review at additional taxpayer expense.

    In January 2021 at Garamendi’s urging, the U.S. Department of Transportation finalized the necessary regulations to implement this 2015 pilot authority so that states with high environmental standards like California could apply to substitute their state environmental reviews for federally funded transportation projects.

    “This commonsense reform would effectively cut California’s permitting backlog in half for major transportation infrastructure projects statewide, keeping road, public transit, and rail improvements on time and under budget,” wrote the lawmakers.

    “Californians deserve both world-class transportation infrastructure and their fair share of the generational federal investment under the Biden-Harris Administration’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. That requires your Agency and Department to further streamline the environmental permitting for major projects by eliminating redundant federal NEPA reviews,” continued the lawmakers.

    “To become a modern state, we must once again remember how to ‘get to yes’ when it comes to building infrastructure,” said Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). “Caltrans can be part of the solution by implementing this incredibly common-sense reform that eliminates unnecessary red tape while fully maintaining protections for the environment. I’d like to thank our Congressional delegation for advocating for this important change.”

    Garamendi was an original cosponsor of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden in 2021. As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in 2015, Garamendi also helped to develop and pass the 2015 Highway Bill, which established this pilot authority.

    In July 2023, Garamendi introduced the “Expedited Federal Permitting for California Act” (H.R.4908), cosponsored by Swalwell and Costa. This bill would make the 2015 pilot authority permanent by substituting state CEQA for federal NEPA reviews. Under current law, this federal pilot authority will expire on December 4, 2027, without ever having been used by Caltrans.

    Full Text of Letter:

    Dear Secretary Omishakin and Director Tavares:

    We write urging your Agency and Department to take advantage of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s pilot program authorized under section 330 of title 23, U.S. Code for eliminating duplication of environmental reviews. This commonsense reform would effectively cut California’s permitting backlog in half for major transportation infrastructure projects statewide, keeping road, public transit, and rail improvements on time and under budget.

    For decades, California’s congressional delegation has worked to identify and cut red tape delaying much-needed infrastructure improvements while upholding our state’s strong environmental protections and record. That work is more critical than ever as we continue working in Congress to ensure that California receives our fair share of the historic federal funding available under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58) and similar laws enacted under the Biden-Harris Administration.

    As you may know, the 2015 Highway Bill (Public Law 114-94) established a pilot program authorizing the U.S. Department of Transportation to consider requests from states with more stringent laws to substitute state environmental reviews in lieu of completing a redundant federal environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). State environmental reviews pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are widely regarded as much more stringent than those prepared under the federal NEPA. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation finally promulgated the federal regulation necessary to implement this pilot program for California and the handful of other states with more stringent environmental review laws. However, Caltrans has yet to utilize this federal pilot program to eliminate redundant NEPA reviews for major transportation projects.

    We understand that Caltrans has delegated authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation to assume responsibility for performing NEPA reviews on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, including an agreement for categorical exclusions to the federal environmental review. While we appreciate that Caltrans does its best to perform both the state review under CEQA and the federal review under NEPA either concurrently or in sequence, that is not always successful for every project. Furthermore, we are troubled that Caltrans is spending millions of taxpayer dollars to complete a redundant federal environmental review, with some federal reimbursement for these bureaucratic costs.

    At the request of your Agency and Department, we worked with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla to extend from 3 to up to 10 years Caltrans’ delegated authority to perform NEPA reviews on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We also support the CEQA reforms enacted by the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom in the 2023-24 state budget, which streamlined state environmental reviews for critical infrastructure projects. The next step to fix California’s permitting morass so that major transportation upgrades can proceed on time and under budget is eliminating redundant federal NEPA reviews in favor of state-prepared CEQA reviews.

    Without action, we are concerned that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s pilot program for substituting CEQA in lieu of NEPA will expire on December 5, 2027, without ever having been used by Caltrans, if not reauthorized by Congress. If the State of California requires changes to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2015 pilot program, we stand ready to consider any such request as Congress begins drafting the next federal Highway Bill.

    To be clear, we are not proposing any changes to CEQA or other state laws. Rather, we are simply suggesting that Caltrans recognize that California’s state environmental review process makes any federal review redundant, a waste of taxpayer funds, and needlessly dilatory. Californians deserve both world-class transportation infrastructure and their fair share of the generational federal investment under the Biden-Harris Administration’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. That requires your Agency and Department to further streamline the environmental permitting for major projects by eliminating redundant federal NEPA reviews.

    Thank you for your leadership and consideration. We look forward to your response.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Duckworth, Boozman, Klobuchar Launch Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) recently launched the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to promote the longevity of the aviation industry and the renewable fuels industry.

    “As the aviation industry strives for lower emissions and cleaner energy sources, the development and utilization of sustainable aviation fuel will be a critical element,” said Sen. Moran. “To help spur development, I am launching the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus. The caucus will work together to find ways to promote technologically innovative solutions to create a sustainable aviation industry and increase our nation’s competitiveness in the domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel.”

    “As we continue our work to reduce emissions and foster energy independence, one of the most important things we can do is make aviation more sustainable by increasing the use and supply of American-grown, American-made sustainable aviation fuel,” said Sen. Duckworth. “To help us do just that, I’m proud to join Senators Moran, Klobuchar and Boozman in launching the Senate’s first-ever Sustainable Aviation Caucus. With this new caucus, I look forward to continuing our work to protect and grow American SAF production for use around the world, while also reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our domestic farmers and economy.”

    “I’m pleased to join this initiative to promote education and policies that support sustainable industry practices,” said Sen. Boozman. “I look forward to working with leaders of the caucus and stakeholders to advance measures that continue to advance aviation in an environmentally sound manner.”

    “Airlines across the country are committed to developing technologies to reduce carbon emissions from air travel,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “The expanded use of sustainable aviation fuel will create jobs in rural areas, bolster our national security, and slash carbon emissions. This caucus aims to promote data, research, and innovation in sustainable aviation to ensure that the U.S. maintains its leadership in this field.”

    “The SAF Coalition is grateful to Senator Jerry Moran and his colleagues Senators Tammy Duckworth, John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar for their leadership in launching the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus,” said Alison Graab, Executive Director of The SAF Coalition. “The formation of the caucus is a positive step towards strengthening national energy security, driving economic growth, and generating quality jobs across the country through the development and deployment of SAF. We look forward to working with the caucus and other SAF advocates to enhance incentives that expand SAF production and support our nation’s energy needs.”

    “GAMA applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Moran, Duckworth, Boozman and Klobuchar for launching the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “General aviation has been at the forefront of advancing technological and operational improvements that mitigate the industry’s impact on the environment. The Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus will assist in fostering key partnerships between government and other stakeholders to further advance the industry’s sustainability commitments. We look forward to working with the caucus to highlight policies, initiatives and industry developments that will advance a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.”

    “Delta Air Lines applauds the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus leadership and founding members for placing a spotlight on the importance of sustainable aviation policies and solutions, such as enabling the market for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” said Cherie Wilson, Vice President, Government Affairs – Sustainability, Delta Air Lines. “As on-road transportation increasingly electrifies, aviation demand for SAF will continue to grow exponentially. SAF is the most important lever we have to decarbonize aviation and ensure a more energy secure America, all while providing economic benefits for farmers and other agricultural value chain players across the SAF ecosystem. We look forward to working with the caucus on enabling policy solutions,”

    “We applaud Senators Moran, Klobuchar, Boozman and Duckworth for their bipartisan leadership advancing discussion in Congress to accelerate policy and dialogue around sustainable aviation solutions. The domestic adoption of cost competitive SAF is the most promising, in-production and scalable lever we have today to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions in aviation,” said Nick Boeyink, States Director, Americans for Clean Aviation Fuels. “Growing America’s clean aviation fuels market is a tremendous economic opportunity that will drive the creation of hundreds of thousands of American jobs while making our nation more energy secure. We look forward to working with members in both parties to build momentum for policies that will make American aviation more sustainable.”

    “Business aviation is leading in sustainability with a mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, through new technologies, including more efficient aircraft, electric aviation and sustainable aviation fuel,” said Ed Bolen, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO. “We commend Senators Moran, Duckworth, Boozman and Klobuchar for founding the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to help innovate toward a net-zero future, on the ground and in the air. Sustainable aviation technologies will strengthen the American economy by creating good-paying jobs in manufacturing, feedstock production and energy generation, as well as reducing America’s dependence on foreign energy sources and improving our national security.”

    “Gevo appreciates Senators Jerry Moran, Tammy Duckworth, John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar leading the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus, which will provide a timely forum to bring more awareness to SAF and other sustainable aviation solutions,” said Lindsay Fitzgerald, Sr. Vice President of Public Affairs for Gevo. “Both co-chairs understand the key role farmers have when it comes to scaling SAF production, as well as the economic and energy security benefits that come from producing new energy resources for airlines and their customers. We look forward to working with the Caucus to advance our shared policy and sustainability goals and growing U.S. SAF.”

    “I recently joined Senator Moran?to break ground on an exciting new SAF project led by two Growth Energy members, and he understands why this industry is vital to our rural communities, our environment, and America’s ability to compete in a low-carbon economy,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “This new caucus will bring together some of the bioeconomy’s most important champions, organized around the shared goal of decarbonizing aviation with American-made biofuels. We’re grateful to Senator Moran for leading this bipartisan, bicameral?effort.”

    Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) also created the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus for members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
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