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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Hainan free trade port to allow overseas investment in financial products

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s Hainan free trade port to allow overseas investment in financial products

    Xinhua | July 23, 2025

    China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is set to launch a pilot program on August 21 this year, enabling overseas investors to access domestic financial products offered by local financial institutions.

    Eligible products will include wealth management products, private asset management products from securities, fund, and futures operators, publicly offered securities investment funds, and insurance asset management products.

    The program aims to diversify cross-border financial product offerings and explore new channels for overseas investors to access China’s domestic market, according to an official with the Hainan branch of the People’s Bank of China, one of the co-formulators of the rules.

    It is also expected to attract both domestic and international asset management institutions to operate in Hainan, supporting the development of the Hainan FTP, according to the official.

    As part of its broader economic strategy, China is transforming Hainan into a Free Trade Port. As the Hainan FTP is set to begin independent customs operations by the end of the year, the province is poised to become not only a tourist haven but also a pivotal gateway for China’s opening-up drive. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Time for China, EU to broaden consensus on navigating next 50 years of relations

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The upcoming China-EU Summit presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on the experience and insights gained from 50 years of bilateral ties. It offers a platform to build consensus and chart a stable and healthy path forward that benefits both sides and the world.

    The summit comes at a time when geopolitical tensions, protectionism and unilateralism are increasingly fragmenting global relations. Furthermore, China-EU relations are at a critical juncture, presenting opportunities for deepening pragmatic cooperation while also highlighting the need for strengthened strategic communication to address global challenges and effectively manage differences.

    In this context, there is hope that the meeting will convey clear and positive messages to advance win-win cooperation based on mutual respect and openness. The summit aims to chart a course for the next 50 years of bilateral relations, safeguard free trade and multilateralism, and provide certainty and positive energy in a world facing mounting challenges.

    The past half century has witnessed remarkable developments of China-EU cooperation. The bilateral trade volume of goods increased from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars in 1975 to 785.8 billion dollars in 2024. Two-way investment stock has grown from nearly zero to 260 billion dollars. China and the EU are each other’s second-largest trading partners, with economic complementarity being a key feature of their cooperation.

    China-EU cooperation serves as a prime example of mutually beneficial cooperation in the era of economic globalization, despite differences in history, culture, social systems and development stages.

    Airbus illustrates this partnership well. Since entering the Chinese mainland market 40 years ago, the European aircraft manufacturer has seen its market share in China grow to more than 50 percent.

    In 2003, China and the EU established a comprehensive strategic partnership. They have established over 70 consultation and dialogue mechanisms that cover various fields such as politics, economy and trade, humanities, science and technology, energy, and the environment. Additionally, the two sides have increased cooperation in the areas of digital and green transition.

    Some valuable experience for comprehensive development includes the commitments to mutual respect, mutually beneficial cooperation, and free trade. These principles are the cornerstones of future China-EU ties, which is among the most influential relations worldwide.

    Fruitful China-EU cooperation has contributed to the development and progress of both sides, delivering tangible benefits for nearly two billion people in China and the EU, and greatly promoted world peace and development.

    However, in recent years, the bilateral relationship has faced difficulties and challenges, due to various frictions and differences on issues like trade. This has been particularly evident since the EU adopted a “partner-competitor-systemic rival” framework for characterizing bilateral relations in 2019. Some describe the EU’s positioning of China as akin to having all traffic lights (green, yellow and red) on at the same time. This approach not only fails to direct traffic, but will inevitably cause disruption.

    Chinese culture holds that complaining about others will not lead to self-improvement. Given the scale of bilateral trade and the growing competitiveness of some of China’s industries, it is natural for some differences and frictions to arise. Solutions lie in dialogue and consultation.

    The EU side has expressed concerns about its trade deficit with China. Yet, a thorough examination of the trade imbalance reveals that the situation is more complex than the deficit figure suggests. Three facts offer different perspectives. Firstly, the EU has long enjoyed a surplus in services trade with China. Secondly, it restricts the export of high-tech products to China. Thirdly, over one-third of exports from EU companies in China are sold to Europe, which means European companies get many of the benefits of the trade surplus.

    There is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and the EU, but rather extensive common interests. Greater benefits will only come from partnership rather than rivalry. Bilateral cooperation was not — and will never be — a zero-sum game. To truly understand China-EU relations, it is important to hold a long-term, strategic and comprehensive perspective.

    The world is currently experiencing significant turbulence and change. As China and the EU prepare for the next 50 years of cooperation, it is particularly important to reflect on and adhere to the original aspirations that guided the establishment of bilateral relations. This includes promoting values such as mutual benefit, solving problems through consultations, and opposing hegemony.

    By learning from the past, the 25th China-EU Summit on Thursday should rise above differences and pool consensus to open up a new chapter of bilateral relations. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Trump strikes trade deal with Japan to cut tariffs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States and Japan struck a deal to lower the hefty tariffs President Donald Trump threatened to impose on goods from its Asian ally that included a pledge by Japan to invest $550 billion in the United States.

    The agreement – including a 15% tariff on all imported Japanese goods, down from a proposed 25% – is the most significant of the string of trade deals the White House has reached ahead of an approaching August 1 deadline for higher levies to kick in.

    “I just signed the largest TRADE DEAL in history with Japan,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “This is a very exciting time for the United States of America, and especially for the fact that we will continue to always have a great relationship with the Country of Japan.”

    Ishiba, who is facing political pressure after a bruising election defeat on Sunday, hailed the deal as “the lowest figure among countries that have a trade surplus with the U.S.”.

    The two sides also agreed to cut tariff 25% tariffs already imposed on Japanese autos to 15%, Ishiba said. Auto exports account for more than a quarter of Japan’s exports to the U.S.

    The announcement ignited a rally in Japanese stocks, with the benchmark Nikkei climbing 2.6% to its highest in a year. Shares of automakers surged in particular, with Toyota 7203.T up more than 11%, and Honda 7267.T and Nissan 7201.T both up more than 8%.

    The exuberance extended to shares of South Korean carmakers as well, as the Japan deal stoked optimism that South Korea could strike a comparable deal. The yen firmed slightly against the dollar, and U.S. equity index futures edged upward.

    But U.S. automakers signaled their unhappiness with the deal, raising concerns about a trade regime that could cut tariffs on auto imports from Japan to 15% while leaving tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico at 25%.

    Matt Blunt, who heads the American Automotive Policy Council which represents General Motors GM.N Ford F.N and Chrysler-parent Stellantis STLAM.MI, said “any deal that charges a lower tariff for Japanese imports with virtually no U.S. content than the tariff imposed on North American-built vehicles with high U.S. content is a bad deal for U.S. industry and U.S. auto workers.”

    ‘MISSION COMPLETE’

    Autos are a huge part of U.S.-Japan trade, but almost all of it is one way to the U.S. from Japan, a fact that has long irked Trump. In 2024, the U.S. imported more than $55 billion of vehicles and automotive parts while just over $2 billion were sold into the Japanese market from the U.S.

    Two-way trade between the two countries totaled nearly $230 billion in 2024, with Japan running a trade surplus of nearly $70 billion. Japan is the fifth-largest U.S. trading partner in goods, U.S. Census Bureau data show.

    Trump’s announcement followed a meeting with Japan’s top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, at the White House on Tuesday.

    “#Mission Complete,” Akazawa wrote on X.

    The deal was “a better outcome” for Japan than it potentially could have been, given Trump’s earlier unilateral tariff threats, said Kristina Clifton, a senior economist at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Sydney.

    “Steel, aluminium, and also cars are important exports for Japan, so it’ll be interesting to see if there’s any specific carve-outs for those,” Clifton said.

    Kazutaka Maeda, an economist at Meiji Yasuda Research Institute, said that “with the 15% tariff rate, I expect the Japanese economy to avoid recession.”

    Japan is the largest investor in the United States. Together with pension giant GPIF and Japanese insurers, the country has about $2 trillion invested in U.S. markets.

    Besides that, Bank of Japan data shows direct Japanese investment in the United States was $1.2 trillion at the end of 2024, and Japanese direct investment flows amounted to $137 billion in North America last year.

    Speaking later at the White House, Trump also expressed fresh optimism that Japan would form a joint venture with Washington to support a gas pipeline in Alaska long sought by his administration.

    “We concluded the one deal … and now we’re going to conclude another one because they’re forming a joint venture with us at, in Alaska, as you know, for the LNG,” Trump told lawmakers at the White House. “They’re all set to make that deal now.”

    Trump aides are feverishly working to close trade deals ahead of an August 1 deadline that Trump has repeatedly pushed back under pressure from markets and intense lobbying by industry. By that date, countries are set to face steep new tariffs beyond those Trump has already imposed since taking office in January.

    Trump has announced framework agreements with Britain, Vietnam, Indonesia and paused a tit-for-tat tariff battle with China, though details are still to be worked out with all of those countries.

    At the White House, Trump said negotiators from the European Union would be in Washington on Wednesday.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Asia Pacific – Sixth Street Welcomes Stuart Wrigley to Expand Firm’s Presence in Asia Pacific

    Source: Sixth Street

    Establishes new Singapore office to deepen local relationships and expand investment capabilities

    SAN FRANCISCO & SINGAPORE – Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm, today announced the appointment of Stuart Wrigley as Partner, Head of Sixth Street Asia Pacific and Head of Capital Formation and Strategy International. Wrigley will also lead the firm’s new Singapore office, which is expected to open in October 2025.

    In this newly created role, Wrigley will be responsible for leading the expansion of Sixth Street’s client franchise across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. His mandate will focus on deepening relationships with existing investors, while leading new capital formation activity, strategic partnerships and the expansion of the firm’s investment capabilities in Asia Pacific. Sixth Street has built a longstanding track record in Asia Pacific, having invested in the region for more than a decade, including AirTrunk and ESR Group Limited.

    “Stuart brings the depth of experience and expertise to accelerate our activity internationally,” said Sixth Street Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Alan Waxman. “We’ve developed a close relationship with Stuart over the course of two decades. In that time, he has demonstrated his strength as a business builder and clear alignment with our values of entrepreneurship, integrity and teamwork. We believe that the unconstrained and thematic nature of our investment platform is well positioned to deliver investment excellence and serve our investors in these strategic regions. We are committed to Asia Pacific and look forward to further expanding our presence through the opening of our new office in Singapore.”

    Wrigley joins Sixth Street following a 24-year tenure at Goldman Sachs, where he most recently served as Head of Client Solutions Group in Asia Pacific for Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM). In this role, he supported GSAM’s expansion across Asia Pacific and led a team focused on developing tailored investment strategies for institutional and wealth management clients in the region.

    “I have been consistently impressed with Sixth Street’s culture, team and success in building a truly differentiated global investment firm,” added Stuart Wrigley, Partner, Head of Sixth Street Asia Pacific and Head of Capital Formation and Strategy International at Sixth Street. “Having spent 18 years in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, I believe that Sixth Street’s flexible, long-term capital has a unique opportunity to further support great companies in these regions and, most importantly, serve our investors.”

    About Sixth Street

    Sixth Street is a global investment firm with over $115 billion in assets under management and committed capital. The firm uses its long-term flexible capital, data-enabled capabilities, and “One Team” culture to develop themes and offer solutions to companies across all stages of growth. Founded in 2009, Sixth Street has more than 650 team members including over 280 investment professionals around the world. For more information, visit www.sixthstreet.com, and follow Sixth Street on LinkedIn.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Arclaim: Unlocking New Possibilities in DeFi Staking with Smart Contracts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the ever-changing world of decentralized finance (DeFi), staking has emerged as a cornerstone for crypto enthusiasts seeking passive income. Yet, the untapped liquidity of staked assets remains a persistent challenge for users. Arclaim, a next-generation DeFi platform, introduces a fresh perspective by transforming the staking experience through smart contract innovation, making crypto assets more dynamic, accessible, and profitable.

    Reimagining Staking: Beyond Passive Earnings

    Unlike traditional staking platforms that focus solely on fixed rewards, Arclaim is built on the principle of active asset optimization. By deploying smart contracts that combine staking with dynamic earning mechanisms, Arclaim empowers users to turn their crypto holdings into multi-purpose financial tools. Whether it’s through high-yield staking pools or arbitrage-based earning strategies, Arclaim offers an ecosystem where every staked asset works harder.

    “At Arclaim, we believe staking should be more than just locking your assets in place,” explains Josh Smith, spokesperson for Arclaim. “Our goal is to create an environment where users can benefit from advanced earning opportunities without compromising security or usability.”

    The Core of Arclaim’s Innovation

    The Arclaim platform stands out by introducing a revolutionary approach to staking that emphasizes flexibility, transparency, and user empowerment. Here’s how it works:

    • Smart Contract Automation: Arclaim’s system identifies and secures high-performing staking pools, automatically deploying user funds to maximize returns.
    • Integrated Arbitrage Opportunities: Beyond staking rewards, the platform captures price discrepancies across DeFi markets, adding a secondary revenue stream for users.
    • Transparent Profit Sharing: With 98% of profits returned to users, Arclaim ensures that the community benefits directly from all earnings, retaining only a minimal fee for platform operations.
    • User-Friendly Design: The intuitive platform allows users to monitor their assets, track earnings, and withdraw profits with ease—removing the complexity often associated with DeFi tools.

    This seamless integration of technology and user-centric design positions Arclaim as a leader in decentralized staking.

    Why Arclaim Matters in the Evolving DeFi Landscape

    The DeFi ecosystem has seen rapid growth, but liquidity challenges and technical barriers continue to limit access for many users. Arclaim addresses these issues by bridging the gap between innovation and accessibility. Key benefits include:

    • Maximized Asset Efficiency: Users can generate returns not only from staking but also from arbitrage opportunities, creating new earning potential.
    • Security at Its Core: Every smart contract is rigorously audited, ensuring that user funds are protected under all circumstances.
    • Community-Centered Models: By allocating the majority of profits back to users, Arclaim fosters long-term trust and financial growth within its ecosystem.

    Who Will Benefit from Arclaim?

    Arclaim is designed for anyone looking to optimize their crypto assets—whether you’re a beginner exploring DeFi for the first time or an experienced investor seeking more advanced strategies. With its low entry barrier, the platform democratizes staking, offering opportunities for users of all levels to participate in high-yield financial activities without requiring deep technical knowledge.

    A Vision for the Future of Staking

    As decentralized finance evolves, Arclaim is setting new standards for what staking platforms can achieve. By combining robust technology with a commitment to user empowerment, the platform not only addresses the liquidity challenges of today but also paves the way for more inclusive and efficient financial systems.

    Arclaim’s vision extends beyond staking, aiming to unlock the full potential of crypto assets through innovation, accessibility, and transparency. Whether it’s helping users earn more from their investments or redefining how assets are managed in DeFi, Arclaim is at the forefront of a new era in decentralized finance.

    About Arclaim Finance

    Headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, Arclaim Finance is a trailblazer in the DeFi space, dedicated to optimizing the liquidity and earning potential of crypto assets. By combining cutting-edge smart contract technology with a user-focused design, Arclaim is revolutionizing the staking experience for a global audience.

    For more information, visit arclaim.com and join the next chapter in decentralized staking.

    Media Contact:
    Josh Smith
    Arclaim Finance
    Email: support@arclaim.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Arclaim Finance. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec744808-c1c4-46f3-8f8e-683387a3811d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Grigorenko visited Novosibirsk State University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On Monday, July 21, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko visited the Novosibirsk Region on a working visit. One of the items on the agenda was a visit to Novosibirsk State University, where guests were presented with developments of the Center for Artificial Intelligence (CAI) and the Advanced Engineering School (AES) of NSU.

    During the meeting, the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk, introduced the vice-premier to the history of the university, told him what is special about NSU, what it is now and what are the plans for the near future. He noted the special role of the university as a center of attraction for innovations and its contribution to the development of Akademgorodok, Novosibirsk and the country as a whole. Mikhail Fedoruk also emphasized that all the main strategic technological projects that the university is implementing within the framework of the Priority 2030 program are somehow related to new technologies and artificial intelligence.

    The AI Center employees, in turn, presented a number of projects that are at various stages of readiness. In partnership with Rostelecom, a whole line of video detectors is being developed that monitor various situations that require the intervention of emergency and city services.

    Currently, about two dozen such detectors have been created, some of which have already been installed for testing in real conditions at the university campus facilities. In the future, the developers want to move on to creating detectors capable of tracking several specified signs or threats at once in order to optimize the operation of video surveillance systems.

    A prototype of an autonomous intelligent assistant for visually impaired and blind patients was also presented, operating on the basis of using large language models and artificial intelligence technologies. This is a joint development with another industrial partner of the AI Center – the Novosibirsk branch of the Federal State Autonomous Institution “NMITs “MNTK “Microsurgery of the Eye” named after Academician S.N. Fedorov” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

    — The principle of operation of this system is simple: a video camera will “see” instead of a person, the information from which will be sent to a portable computer, which will convert it into text. Then the text description is converted by a voice assistant and sent through headphones directly to the patient, — explained the head of the project at the NSU Center for Information Technologies Alexey Okunev.

    Another area of work is related to monitoring atmospheric and noise pollution in municipalities. Here, the partner of the NSU Center for Informatics and Information Technologies is the Novosibirsk company CityAir, which specializes in the production and maintenance of networks and services for monitoring the quality of atmospheric air. Together with the university, the company intends to more widely implement artificial intelligence technologies in its work, thereby increasing the capabilities of the supplied equipment.

    The NSU Advanced Engineering School has presented a “digital core” project for oil companies. NSU is the lead organization of a consortium that won a grant of 210 million rubles to develop digital core methods, an innovative tool that will help the Russian oil industry improve the efficiency of extracting hard-to-recover oil and gas reserves. The research will be conducted using the latest synchrotron, the Siberian Ring Photon Source (SKIF), located in the science city of Koltsovo.

    — The subject of digital core combines the most advanced methods of mathematical modeling, experimental research techniques and data processing. The unique capabilities of synchrotron radiation will allow us to close these areas, making it possible to instrumentally track the impact of various methods of increasing oil recovery on rock and choose the most optimal scenarios for developing hard-to-recover oil and gas reserves, — commented Sergey Golovin, Director of the Advanced Engineering School of NSU, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Dmitry Grigorenko highly praised the developments presented to him, while emphasizing that any remarkable results should not remain “a thing in itself,” and it is necessary to move on to their implementation in the real sector of the country’s economy as quickly as possible.

    — Such visits by representatives of the country’s leadership are very important for us. We get the opportunity to tell the top officials of the state about the results of our work, to understand from their reaction how relevant our developments are and, in case of a positive assessment, to receive support in implementation, which today is one of the most difficult barriers for most developers, — commented on the results of the visit the director of the NSU Center for Information Technologies Alexander Lyulko.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Doggett Appointed to U.S. Helsinki Commission

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Contact: Alexis Torres  

    Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) announced his appointment to serve on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission. Created in 1976, this independent U.S. Government agency monitors compliance and advancement of human rights, democracy, economic, environmental, and military cooperation in the 57-nation Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) region.

    “I am pleased to represent Austin, a vibrant international community, in an international organization founded upon the defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms. With an authoritarian president at home and so many troubling conflicts abroad, the Helsinki Commission offers me another forum for engaging with its mission of democracy promotion, international cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution,” said Rep. Doggett.  “As some urge ‘go-it-alone’ and others promote isolationism, I believe our security can be assured only through collaboration with our allies and strong diplomacy with our adversaries.” 

    Throughout his career, Rep. Doggett has been a strong champion for the rule of law, international human rights, and peace. Previously, he led whip efforts against President George W. Bush’s disastrous invasion of Iraq, warning of the consequences of what would become the worst foreign policy decision in American history. He was a leader in House efforts to protect the Iran nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was successfully negotiated during the Obama administration, but later rejected by President Trump. His name is also on the first sanctions legislation against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The Congressman was also a frequent participant in previous Helsinki Commission events, such as its Parliamentary Assembly and an investigation of Russian war crimes conducted in the same historic Nuremberg, Germany courtroom in which Nazi war criminals were once convicted.

    Congress originally created the Helsinki Commission in response to dissidents in the Soviet Union and its Eastern European allies, who saw the Helsinki Final Act as a new opportunity to hold governments accountable for their human rights records. The end of the Cold War allowed the Commission to expand its commitment to new areas, such as free and fair elections, energy security and the environment, and combating corruption and terrorism. The Commission is currently chaired by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee. It also consists of members from the United States Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Williams Introduces the Equal Shot Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Small Business Chairman Roger Williams (R-Texas) introduced the Equal Shot Act of 2025, a key piece of legislation aimed at ensuring fairness in federal small business policy. This bill prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its Administrator from discriminating against firearm-related businesses in the distribution of financial assistance.

    The Equal Shot Act of 2025 protects small business owners from politically motivated bias, defends Constitutional rights, and guarantees that businesses supporting the Second Amendment have the same access to federal resources as any other eligible enterprise.

    “Unelected officials should not have the power to discriminate against an entire industry based on political bias,”  said Chairman Williams. “Firearm-related businesses are owned and operated by hardworking Americans who follow the law, create jobs, and contribute to their communities. They shouldn’t be punished for their values. This bill stands up for their right to compete on a level playing field.”

    Click here to view the bill.

    Background:

    This bill comes as a response to concerns that, under the Biden Administration, federal agencies or financial institutions may have denied support or imposed restrictions on gun-related businesses for political or ideological reasons. This legislation aims to ensure that all eligible small businesses, regardless of industry, are treated fairly and without bias.

    This bill is supported by major advocacy organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), Gun Owners of America (GOA), and the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR).

    Original cosponsors include Reps. Jack Bergman (R-Michigan), Nick Langworthy (R-New York), Troy Downing (R-Montana), Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), Stephanie Bice (R-Oklahoma), Brandon Gill (R-Texas), Mike Collins (R-Georgia), Mark Alford (R-Missouri), Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tennessee), Tony Wied (R-Wisconsin), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wisconsin), Sheri Biggs (R-South Carolina), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida), Tim Walberg (R-Michigan), Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi), Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin), Claudia Tenney (R-New York), Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), and Michael A. Rulli (R-Ohio).

    Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) will lead the companion legislation in the Senate. 

    ###

    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: DMG Blockchain Solutions Announces Exploration of Digital Asset Treasury Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) (“DMG” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, today announces that it has engaged a consultant to assess and help implement institutional-grade treasury management within the regulated custody platform operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, Systemic Trust Company (“STC”). This platform would serve both DMG and STC’s clients by offering custody services. DMG is also assessing additional capabilities intended to further enhance treasury value.

    Digital asset treasuries have recently gained prominence for their ability to generate net asset value (NAV) premiums through active management, in contrast to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which typically trade in line with the value of their underlying assets. DMG’s digital asset portfolio is currently composed solely of bitcoin, although the Company is considering the inclusion of other digital assets. To support the platform, DMG may utilize its existing bitcoin, add its proceeds from Bitcoin mining and/or raise capital to expand its treasury. As of the date of this press release, DMG is ranked #54 among Top Public Bitcoin Treasury Companies on BitcoinTreasuries.net.

    DMG’s CEO, Sheldon Bennett, commented, “Investors are moving beyond ETFs and HODLing. They want strategies that actively build digital asset value. At DMG, we control the entire stack – secure computing infrastructure, Bitcoin mining operations and our regulated custody platform. This integration delivers a solution that few can match. By leveraging our end-to-end platform, we can facilitate the creation and expansion of digital asset portfolios for ourselves and our clients.”

    About Systemic Trust Company Ltd.

    Systemic Trust is fully regulated under the Alberta Loans and Trust Corporations Act, ensuring client digital assets are managed with the highest standards of compliance and security. Systemic Trust combines regulatory compliance, cutting-edge technology and robust insurance coverage to deliver the ultimate digital asset custody experience.

    About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

    DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMG’s carbon-neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which enables financial institutions to move Bitcoin in a sustainable and regulatory-compliant manner.

    For additional information about DMG Blockchain Solutions and its initiatives, please visit www.dmgblockchain.com. Follow @dmgblockchain on X, LinkedIn and Facebook, and subscribe to the DMG YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest developments and insights.

    For further information, please contact:

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,

    Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director
    Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406
    Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com
    Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

    For Investor Relations:
    investors@dmgblockchain.com

    For Media Inquiries:
    Chantelle Borrelli
    Head of Communications
    chantelle@dmgblockchain.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding DMG’s strategies and plans, assessing and implementing institutional-grade treasury management features within the regulated custody platform operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, Systemic Trust Company, the consideration of the inclusion of other digital assets in treasury management, securing new clients for the Systemic Trust digital asset custody subsidiary, the opportunity and plans to monetize bitcoin transactions and provide additional products and services to customers and users, the continued investment in Bitcoin network software infrastructure and applications, the expected allocation of capital, developing and executing on the Company’s products and services, increasing self-mining, increasing hashrate, efforts to improve the operation of its mining fleet, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company’s technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information.

    Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMG’s production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate mining difficulty.

    Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; the demand and pricing of AI data centers and usage; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG’s bitcoin; DMG’s relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG’s facilities; DMG’s ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers’ needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG’s business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMG’s past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment and/or infrastructure failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG’s products, services and blockchain and AI technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 23, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 23, 2025.

    Hard labour conditions of online moderators directly affect how well the internet is policed – new study
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tania Chatterjee, Joint PhD Candidate at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, The University of Queensland Getty Images/GCShutter Big tech platforms often present content moderation as a seamless, tech‑driven system. But human labour, often outsourced to countries such as India and the Philippines, plays a pivotal role in

    Ghosted by a friend? 4 expert tips on how to handle the hurt
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Willis, Associate Professor, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University martin-dm/Getty When we talk about “ghosting”, we usually think it relates to dating. But what happens when you’ve been ghosted by someone you’ve known for years – your childhood best friend, a parent, a

    Labor’s new bill would cut HELP loans by 20%. But it also risks locking some graduates into a ‘debt treadmill’
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor of Higher Education Policy, Monash University The Albanese government’s 20% cut to student debt is the first bill introduced to the new federal parliament. It is clever politics. In the government’s first term, the 3 million Australians with a student debt turned high indexation

    ICJ climate crisis ruling: Will world’s top court back Pacific-led call to hold governments accountable?
    By Jamie Tahana in The Hague for RNZ Pacific In 2019, a group of law students at the University of the South Pacific, frustrated at the slow pace with which the world’s governments were moving to address the climate crisis, had an idea — they would take the world’s governments to court. They arranged a

    ‘Maybe this is the last minutes you are living’: how the war is impacting young Ukrainians
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ashley Humphrey, Lecturer in Social Sciences, Monash University Now into its fourth year, the war that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has taken a devastating toll. An estimated 60,000 to 100,0000 Ukrainian lives have been lost and more than 10 million citizens displaced, and entire cities have

    Auckland is NZ’s ‘primate city’ but its potential remains caged in by poor planning and vision
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images The recent report comparing Auckland to nine international peer cities delivered an uncomfortable truth: our largest city is falling behind, hampered by car dependency, low-density housing and “weak economic performance”. The Deloitte

    Climate disasters are pushing people into homelessness – but there’s a lot we can do about it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Heffernan, Lecturer in Anthropology, Australian National University Almost half of all Australian properties are at risk of bushfire, while 17,500 face risk of coastal erosion. By 2030, more than 3 million will face riverine flood risk. Meanwhile, housing demand continues to outpace supply. With climate-related disasters

    UK bans Gaza protest group – could the same thing happen in Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Bosch, Associate Professor (Law), Edith Cowan University More than 100 people were arrested in the United Kingdom on the weekend for supporting Palestine Action, a protest group that opposes Britain’s support of Israel. Palestine Action was recently proscribed as a terrorist organisation, placing it in the

    The incredible impact of Ozzy Osbourne, from Black Sabbath to Ozzfest to 30 years of retirement tours
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lachlan Goold, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Music, University of the Sunshine Coast Ozzy Osbourne photographed in London in 1991. Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images Ozzy Osbourne, the “prince of darkness” and godfather of heavy metal, has died aged 76, just weeks after he reunited with Black Sabbath bandmates for

    Could the latest ‘interstellar comet’ be an alien probe? Why spotting cosmic visitors is harder than you think
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology Comet 3I/ATLAS International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/K. Meech/Jen Miller/Mahdi Zamani, CC BY On July 1, astronomers spotted an unusual high-speed object zooming towards the Sun. Dubbed 3I/ATLAS, the surprising space traveller had one very special quality: its

    Should Australia lower the voting age to 16 like the UK? We asked 5 experts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pandanus Petter, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University The government in the UK is introducing legislation into parliament to lower the voting age to 16. If passed, the new age rules will be in place for the next general election, expected

    Doctors shouldn’t be allowed to object to medical care if it harms their patients
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julian Savulescu, Visiting Professor in Biomedical Ethics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute; Distinguished Visiting Professor in Law, University of Melbourne; Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, The University of Melbourne HRAUN/Getty A young woman needs an abortion and the reasons, while urgent, are not medical. A United States Navy

    Ultra fast fashion could be taxed to oblivion in France. Could Australia follow suit?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rowena Maguire, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Ryan McVay/Getty For centuries, clothes were hard to produce and expensive. People wore them as long as possible. But manufacturing advances have steadily driven down the cost of production. These days,

    Central bank independence and credibility matters. Here’s why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Simon, Adjunct Fellow in Economics, Macquarie University Olga Kashubin/Shutterstock In the United States, President Donald Trump has been pressuring the chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, to slash interest rates. This is partly to ease the interest payments on the ballooning US government debt.

    Kneecap’s stance on Gaza extends a long history of the Irish supporting other oppressed peoples
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ciara Smart, PhD Graduand in Australasian Irish History, University of Tasmania Love them or hate them, there’s no doubt Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap are having a moment. Their music – delivered in a powerful fusion of English and Irish – is known for its gritty lyrics about

    Do countries have a duty to prevent climate harm? The world’s highest court is about to answer this crucial question
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nathan Cooper, Associate Professor of Law, University of Waikato Getty Images The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a highly anticipated advisory opinion overnight to clarify state obligations related to climate change. It will answer two urgent questions: what are the obligations of states under international

    Gaza not a religious issue – it’s a massive violation of international law, say accord critics
    Asia Pacific Report Groups that have declined to join the government-sponsored “harmony accord” signed yesterday by some Muslim and Jewish groups, say that the proposed new council is “misaligned” with its aims. The signed accord was presented at Government House in Auckland. About 70 people attended, including representatives of the New Zealand Jewish Council, His

    Flying the flags for Palestine – NZ protesters take message to Devonport
    The Devonport Flagstaff About 200 people marched in Devonport last Saturday in support of Palestine. Pro-Palestine flags and placards were draped on the band rotunda at Windsor Reserve as speakers, including Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick and the people power manager of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand Margaret Taylor, a Devonport local, encouraged the crowd

    View from The Hill: How much can Jim Chalmers get out of the economic reform roundtable?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra We’re now less than a month away from the start of the Albanese government’s “economic reform” (aka “productivity”) roundtable, but it has become quite hard to get a fix on exactly what this gathering will amount to. The guest list

    Israeli settlers beat to death 2 Palestinians in latest lynchings
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied West Bank Two young Palestinians were beaten to death on their land by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank on Friday. A funeral was held on Sunday for Sayfollah “Saif” Mussalet, 20, and Muhammad Shalabi, 23, who were brutally killed by a large group of settlers in

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Pacific – New world-class health services will transform Nauru – Govt of Nauru

    Source: Government of Nauru

     

    A month after the Government of Nauru announced a ground breaking strategic partnership with UAE company Global Mission Support Services (GMSS) to take over the management and delivery of the country’s health services, the results have already been transformational. 

     

    Minister for Public Health Maverick Eoe said while the first 30 days were earmarked for assessment and planning, the new medical team had already made major progress including reactivating the eye clinic and performing high-impact surgeries that previously could not be performed domestically.

     

    “The government decided that in order to make a real difference in the health care of all Nauruans we had to be innovative, and we are absolutely confident that this solution will dramatically improve, and restore trust in, our health system,” he said. 

     

    The health team has also responded to a dengue fever outbreak which is now under control following consultation with the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, while the company’s engineering team fixed the flooding at the hospital’s entrance which has been an issue for decades.  

     

    The partnership, at no extra cost to the Government, was announced in Parliament last month by President David Adeang, who said, “The government…. had concluded that engaging an experienced and capable private sector partner is a necessary step to ensure our people continue to receive quality and timely medical care, both locally and abroad.”

     

    He also said the new arrangement will reduce the financial burden on the OMR but assured the nation that “this arrangement will (still) ensure that our most vulnerable citizens—those who require overseas medical treatment—are cared for with dignity, efficiency, and compassion.”

     

    The GMSS medical team on Nauru are leading experts from across the world and include a US chief medical officer, a Ukrainian brigadier general who was a special forces physician, an Israeli ophthalmic surgeon, an Australian professor of public policy, a former British Royal Air Force doctor, and a US Navy admiral. 

     

    GMSS manager Roy Shaposhnik said, “Our mission has been receiving outstanding support and goodwill from government, the private sector, and most importantly, the people of Nauru.

     

    “Their support and cooperation remain our greatest motivators and enablers.”

     

    The initial team included civil engineers, logistics specialists, and operations personnel, followed by additional subject-matter experts who conducted in-depth assessments of the Nauru hospital and public health facilities.

     

    GMSS medical adviser Dr Dezheen Zebari said thinking of just how much change they can make in Nauru is “very exciting”.

     

    “This will be a transformative change and build a resilient health care system,” she said.

     

    Dr Zebari credited President Adeang along with ministers Eoe and Charmaine Scotty for “their vision.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Protect American Assets From Unlawful Seizure by Foreign Governments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    In violation of USMCA, Mexico’s president has repeatedly threatened to declare an American company’s property as a “Protected Natural Area” to unjustifiably seize the company’s assets
    WASHINGTON—Yesterday,United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led his colleagues in reintroducing the Defending American Property Abroad Act, legislation to impose retaliatory prohibitions to deter and punish any nation in the Western Hemisphere that unlawfully seizes American assets. This legislation responds to ongoing efforts by the Mexican government to seize a deep-water port owned by U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company in flagrant violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) governing trade between our two nations. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). Representative August Pfluger (R-TX-11) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    In specific, this legislation would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prohibit vessels from entering a U.S. port if they previously used a port, land, or infrastructure that had been illegally seized from a U.S. entity by a foreign nation in the Western Hemisphere.  It also empowers the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate and respond to foreign governments that deny U.S. companies fair and equal treatment or that have expropriated, nationalized, or seized U.S. assets.
    “I strongly condemn the Mexican government’s threats against Vulcan Materials Company and I am pleased to see this bipartisan and bicameral rebuke from the United States Senate,” said Senator Hagerty.  “Under the leadership of Mexico’s previous president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and now the current president, Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican government is committing a blatant theft against a major American company and, by extension, the United States itself. No nation should be allowed to bully an American firm without consequences. Our legislation will counter any attempt by the Mexican government to profit from illegal moves to expropriate, nationalize, or otherwise seize U.S. assets.”
    “American companies operating abroad should not have to fear arbitrary government actions that undermine their property rights,” said Representative Pfluger. “The Defending American Property Abroad Act will ensure that such actions do not go unchecked and that American businesses are protected from unjust expropriation. The protection of American property rights abroad is essential for fostering economic growth and maintaining our national security. I urge my colleagues in Congress to support this critical legislation and send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate unjust actions against American companies.”
    “The Mexican government’s unfair targeting of Vulcan Materials Company, a U.S.-based company that employs over 1,000 people in Virginia, is harmful to the relationship between our two countries and severely undermines investor confidence,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to deter the illegal seizure of U.S. assets.”
    “The threats toward Vulcan’s lawfully permitted, U.S.-owned deep-water port from the Government of Mexico, even under a new president, have not ceased,” said Senator Britt. “Mexico continues to flagrantly violate international law with its actions, putting America’s and Alabama’s economic and national security at risk — and it won’t stand. I’m proud to fight for the rule of law and join Senator Hagerty in introducing the bipartisan Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2025. This reaffirms the U.S. will impose crushing consequences if the Government of Mexico continues to execute its illegal scheme against Vulcan’s property.”
    “For years, the Mexican Government has shown undue aggression toward American businesses, primarily Alabama’s Vulcan Materials,” said Senator Tuberville. “The continued attempts to exploit Vulcan’s operation in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a disgrace to our longstanding trade agreement with Mexico. The Trump Administration has hit the ground running to prioritize and empower American companies — I look forward to seeing this bill get across the finish line to ensure American companies are fully protected.”
    “U.S.-owned properties in the Western Hemisphere contribute much to our economy and should not be targeted by foreign nations,” said Senator Wicker. “This legislation would hold our allies accountable for their actions and increase protections on American-owned assets that have been expropriated.”
    “American-owned properties and businesses should not experience unlawful expropriation and abuse at the hands of hostile foreign governments,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Defending American Property Abroad Act would strengthen the U.S. response to the illegal seizure of American-owned properties by creating a clear set of consequences for those actions.” 
    Background:
    In May 2022, then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) abruptly shut down Vulcan Materials Company’s operations with false claims that the firm was violating its contract and his government subsequently waged an unceasing pressure campaign against Vulcan, including multiple lawsuits and sending military and law enforcement to its facilities.In May 2022, Senator Hagerty urged then-President Joe Biden to take action against the Mexican government’s moves to expropriate the property of U.S. companies with investments and operations in Mexico.
    In March 2023, Senator Hagerty pressed then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the seizure by Mexican military troops and civilian authorities of U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company’s assets in Mexico.
    In December 2023, Senators Hagerty and Kaine spoke on the Senate floor imploring then-President López Obrador to halt harmful actions against American companies’ lawfully owned assets in Mexico, noting that these unlawful actions violate agreements made between the two countries under the USMCA and jeopardize a key U.S. trade relationship.
    In August 2024, AMLO announced that he is pushing to designate the port and mine a “Protected Natural Area”.
    In September 2024, Senators Hagerty and Kaine introduced legislation to impose retaliatory prohibitions that deter and punish any Western Hemisphere nation that unlawfully seizes American assets, responding to ongoing efforts by the Government of Mexico to seize a deep-water port owned by U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company, which is a flagrant violation of the United Sates-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) governing trade between our two nations.
    In December 2024, Senators Hagerty and other lawmakers condemned ongoing efforts by then-U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai to weaken protections for American companies under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a counterproductive move that would make American companies vulnerable to Mexico seizing their property and assets.
    In April 2025, Senators Hagerty and Kaine sent a letter to Mexican Minister of Economy Ebrard Casaubon urging him to address the country’s unfair treatment of the U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company, which has operated in Mexico for decades and supports thousands of jobs in both countries.
    Full text of the Defending American Property Abroad Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Your Questions Answered: How Will the Big Beautiful Bill Affect Asia and the Pacific?

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Economists Ahmad Miraj and Gabriele Ciminelli, with ADB’s Economic Research and Development Impact Department, answer questions about the recently approved One Big Beautiful Bill Act in the United States, based on research for the July 2025 Asian Development Outlook.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor’s new bill would cut HELP loans by 20%. But it also risks locking some graduates into a ‘debt treadmill’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor of Higher Education Policy, Monash University

    The Albanese government’s 20% cut to student debt is the first bill introduced to the new federal parliament. It is clever politics.

    In the government’s first term, the 3 million Australians with a student debt turned high indexation of their loan balances into a major issue. The proposed 20% cut flipped a political negative into a positive ahead of the May 2025 federal election.

    The 20% cut legislation, introduced on Wednesday, will also change how student debt is repaid. All the 1.2 million people currently repaying student loans will pay less per year as a result.

    How does the cut work, and what does it mean in practice for current students and people with student debt?

    Beware the fine print

    These changes come with disadvantages. The 20% cut is not well targeted. It will deliver major benefits to recent graduates, but much less to current students or earlier graduates, and nothing to future students.

    While repaying less HELP debt per year sounds good, more graduates will be caught on a debt treadmill, repaying less than the annual indexation on their HELP balance. Both HELP changes will also be costly for government.

    Meanwhile, the government has not changed the cost of degrees. Arts, law and business students continue to accrue debts of about $17,000 per year of study.

    How does the cut work?

    The 20% cut applies to all student loan schemes, including the five HELPs now operating in higher education – HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP, SA-HELP and START-UP HELP. These cover student fees as well as other programs to assist with overseas study or amenities fees.

    The loans to be cut by 20% will be based on amounts owed as at June 1 2025. As a guide to the amounts of money involved, the table below shows balances as at June 30 2024.

    Why the cut is not fair

    The benefits of the 20% cut will be distributed in a random and inequitable way, as a recent analysis from economic think tank the e61 Institute shows.

    The biggest beneficiaries will be people who recently completed their degrees: their borrowing has peaked but they have not made any significant repayments. Graduates who are partway through clearing their debt, and current students, will receive some benefit. People who recently completed their repayments, and future students, will receive no benefit at all.

    Other winners from the 20% cut will be current and former students of private higher education institutions, as they pay relatively high fees via the FEE-HELP scheme. So too do people who have borrowed to finance postgraduate degrees. Although most student debtors are women, men on average have higher debts, so they will benefit more from the 20% cut.

    A new repayment scheme

    The government is also changing how student debt is repaid.

    The income threshold at which repayments start will increase from A$56,156 to $67,000 a year for 2025–26. People with incomes between these levels who currently repay via employer salary deductions can stop after the legislation comes into force. Any unnecessary repayments will be refunded when 2025–26 tax returns are processed.

    Once the first income threshold is passed, the way repayments are calculated will also change. Under the current system, the repayment is a percentage of the person’s total income. At the $56,156 threshold the repayment rate is 1%, leading to a repayment of $561.56. These percentages increase incrementally up to 10% on incomes of $164,712 or more. The jagged repayment amounts in the chart below are the percentage of income rates changing 18 times on their way to 10%.

    The current repayment system was criticised as “unfair” by the Universities Accord final report in 2024, as an increase in income can result in lower take-home pay.

    Under the proposed system nobody will take home less money after a pay rise. Repayment will be based only on marginal income – the amount above the threshold. People with student debt will pay 15 cents in the dollar for all they earn between $67,000 and $124,999. From $125,000 the rate lifts to 17 cents in the dollar.

    The government has capped annual repayments at no more than 10% of the person’s total income. This ensures nobody pays more under the new repayment system.

    Slower repayments mean more debt in the end

    But there’s a catch.

    A Parliamentary Budget Office costing released in April 2025 estimates the effects of the new system on HELP repayment times. Obviously, if people repay less each year it will take them longer to clear their debt.

    For a HELP debtor consistently earning an average graduate income, the budget office estimates full repayment would take one more year, to 11 years in total. But for people starting their careers on lower incomes, below the $67,000 first threshold, repayment times could increase by much more, dragging out full repayment time from 32 to 40 years.

    What happens early in graduate careers is a major concern with the new system.

    Consider an arts graduate who finishes their degree with a HELP debt of $50,000. Indexation at the current inflation rate of 2.4% would be $1,200. Under the current repayment system, an arts graduate earning $65,000 would cover their indexation and reduce their debt by $100. Under the proposed system, arts graduates will see their debt increase through indexation unless they earn at least $75,000. For context, the median full-time salary for an arts graduate in 2023 was $69,400.

    The worry is many people will get stuck on a HELP debt treadmill, seeing their debt increase each year as they repay nothing or less than the indexation amount.

    The cost of these reforms

    In another report, the Parliamentary Budget Office estimated the initial debt waiver will cost $9 billion, plus the loss of future indexation.

    But quantifying the total cost of these changes is not straightforward, as it involves estimating the future income and consequent HELP repayments of 3 million people.

    As most HELP debtors will repay less each year under the new system, for the government it means delayed repayments and higher bad debt. The budget office thinks in 2025–26, repayments of loan principal will decline by $820 million compared to the current system.

    What about the Job-ready Graduates scheme?

    This highlights the need for a more coherent funding approach, which integrates debts and repayments in ways that are fair to students while moderating the cost to government.

    The Universities Accord final report recommended student contributions should be realigned with graduate earnings.

    Ideally, graduates working full-time should complete repayments within similar ranges of years, regardless of which course they took. That is far from what happens under the current system – known as the Job-ready Graduates scheme – set up under the Morrison government. With the annual humanities student contribution for 2026 set at $17,399, many arts graduates will struggle to ever get their debt under control.

    The government has promised but postponed changes to student contribution levels. The new Australian Tertiary Education Commission will advise the government on this matter.

    But student contributions alone cannot fix the problem. The repayment system must also be realistic about what different types of debtors earn. Especially with student loans now also serving vocational education, the $67,000 first threshold risks creating a larger group of people with permanent student debt.

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

    – ref. Labor’s new bill would cut HELP loans by 20%. But it also risks locking some graduates into a ‘debt treadmill’ – https://theconversation.com/labors-new-bill-would-cut-help-loans-by-20-but-it-also-risks-locking-some-graduates-into-a-debt-treadmill-261472

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ghosted by a friend? 4 expert tips on how to handle the hurt

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Willis, Associate Professor, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University

    martin-dm/Getty

    When we talk about “ghosting”, we usually think it relates to dating. But what happens when you’ve been ghosted by someone you’ve known for years – your childhood best friend, a parent, a child?

    These disappearances can be harder to explain, and even harder to heal from.

    It’s also surprisingly common. For instance, one study showed 38.6% of people have been ghosted by a friend.

    So why do people ghost those closest to them? What impact does it have on those left behind? How do you begin to move on?

    What is ghosting?

    Ghosting is when someone abruptly, or gradually, cuts off all communication without explanation. Whether it’s a friend, family member or love interest, the signs are much the same – messages left on read or calls ignored. Sometimes you’re blocked.

    Ghosting doesn’t just happen online. It can also play out in person, when someone deliberately ignores you – avoiding eye contact, refusing attempts to engage in conversation, pretending you’re not there.

    Unlike relationships that gradually wither over time, or end abruptly after an argument, ghosting is a one-sided withdrawal from a relationship that happens without closure.

    For the person left behind, it can feel like grief.

    Why do people ghost family and friends?

    People often ghost friends for the same reasons they ghost romantic partners.

    Ghosting is more common – and considered more acceptable – in brief or casual romantic relationships or friendships. That’s when people may ghost because they lose interest, wish to avoid confrontation, or find it easier than facing the discomfort of ending things directly.

    In longer-term relationships, ghosting may stem from incompatibility, be prompted by different priorities, physical distance, or growing apart over time.

    Major life transitions – such as becoming a parent, entering the workforce, moving, or going through a divorce – can often provide the catalyst for someone to shrink their social network.

    In some cases, ghosting is driven by self-preservation or concerns for personal safety, particularly when ghosting involves family members.

    People report ghosting in response to toxic, emotionally draining, or abusive relationships, often when previous attempts to resolve issues were met with abuse or aggression. In such instances, ghosting isn’t so much an avoidance strategy, but a last resort to preserve someone’s safety and psychological wellbeing.

    Ghosting has also been linked to certain personality traits. One study found people who reported ghosting others tended to score higher in narcissism (tend towards entitlement and lack of empathy) and borderline traits (so have trouble regulating emotions and are impulsive).

    Why does it hurt so much?

    People often ghost as they hope to spare the other person the pain of rejection. But that is rarely the case.

    Being ghosted by someone you’ve been close to for a long time is often associated with grief, much like the death of the loved one. After the initial shock, there is often anger and sadness.

    Ghosting also involves “ambiguous loss”. This ambiguity – the uncertainty and lack of closure – can almost freeze the grief process, making it particularly hard to move on.

    In addition to grief-like emotions, ghosting is also often associated with self-blame, rumination, feelings of worthlessness, and trust issues that can affect how someone relates to others in the future.

    How to cope if you’ve been ghosted

    There’s no easy fix and you can’t force someone to communicate with you if they don’t want to. But research points to some strategies that may help you move on and ease the pain:

    1. Acknowledge your feelings. Grief-like emotions are a normal reaction to being ghosted. Accept your emotions and express them in healthy ways. This is better than suppressing them, which is linked to depression, low self-esteem and reduced wellbeing.

    2. Seek social support. Social support is linked to a range of mental health benefits. Talk about your experience with friends, family or a mental health professional. This can help reduce feeling of isolation, and low self-worth. Greater social support is also associated with post-traumatic growth – positive psychological change that can emerge after a challenging life event.

    3. Choose self-compassion over rumination. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of replaying what happened and wondering what went wrong. But this can prolong distress and make it harder to move on. Instead treat yourself as you would a close friend – with kindness, compassion and care. Self-compassion has been linked to reduced rumination, anxiety and depression. Exercise, mindfulness and spending time in nature are examples of self-care with similar
      psychological benefits.

    4. Create your own closure. Being ghosted can often leave you stuck in a cycle of uncertainty and unanswered questions. You may never get an explanation and waiting for answers will only make it harder to move on. Writing a letter you don’t send can help create closure. This form of expressive writing can help you articulate your thoughts and emotions and make sense of your experience – and is linked to a range of psychological benefits.

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

    – ref. Ghosted by a friend? 4 expert tips on how to handle the hurt – https://theconversation.com/ghosted-by-a-friend-4-expert-tips-on-how-to-handle-the-hurt-260300

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hard labour conditions of online moderators directly affect how well the internet is policed – new study

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tania Chatterjee, Joint PhD Candidate at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, The University of Queensland

    Getty Images/GCShutter

    Big tech platforms often present content moderation as a seamless, tech‑driven system. But human labour, often outsourced to countries such as India and the Philippines, plays a pivotal role in making judgements that involve understanding context. Technology alone can’t do this.

    Behind closed doors, hidden human moderators are tasked with filtering some of the internet’s most harmful material. They often do so with minimal mental health support and under strict non-disclosure agreements.

    After receiving vague training, moderators are expected to make decisions within seconds, keeping in mind a platform’s constantly changing content policies and ensuring at least 95% accuracy.

    Do these working conditions affect moderating decisions? To date, we don’t have much data on this. In a new study published in New Media & Society, we examined the everyday decision-making process of commercial content moderators in India.

    Our results shed light on how the employment conditions of moderators do shape the outcomes of their work – and three key arguments that emerged from our interviews.

    Efficiency over appropriateness

    “Would never recommend de-ranking content as it would take time.”

    —A 28-year-old audio moderator working for an Indian social media platform

    As moderators work under high productivity targets, it compels them to prioritise content that can be handled quickly without drawing attention from supervisors.

    In the above excerpt, the moderator explained she avoided content and processes that required more time to maintain her pace. While observing her work over a screen-share session, we noticed that reducing the visibility of content (de-ranking) involved four steps. Meanwhile ending live streams or removing posts required only two steps.

    To save time, she skipped the content flagged to be de-ranked. As a result, content marked for reduced visibility, such as impersonations, often remained on the platform until another moderator intervened.

    This shows how productivity pressures in the moderation industry easily lead to problematic content staying online.

    Decontextualised decisions

    “Ensure that none of the highlighted yellow words remained on the profile”

    —Instructions received by a text/image moderator

    Moderation work often includes automation tools that can detect certain words in text, transcribe speech, or use image recognition to scan the contents of pictures.

    These tools are supposed to assist moderators by flagging potential violations for further judgement that takes context into account. For example, is the potentially offensive language simply a joke, or does it actually violate any policies?

    In practice we found that under tight timelines, moderators frequently follow the tools’ cues mechanically rather than exercising independent judgement.

    The quoted moderator above described instructions from her supervisor to simply remove text detected by the software. During a screen-share, we observed her removing flagged words without evaluating the context.

    Often the automation tools that queue content and organise it for human moderators will also detach it from the broader conversational context. This makes it even harder for the moderator to make a context-based judgement on content that gets flagged but was actually innocent – despite that judgement being one of the reasons human moderators are hired in the first place.

    Impossibility of thorough judgements

    “If you guys can’t do the work and complete the targets, you may leave”

    —Work group message of a freelance content moderator

    Precarious employment compels moderators to mould their decision‑making processes around job security.

    They are compelled to use strategies that allow them to decide quickly and appropriately. In turn, this influences their future decisions.

    For instance, we found that over time, moderators develop a list of “dos and don’ts”. They may dilute expansive moderation guidelines into an easily remembered list of ethically unambiguous violations which they can quickly follow.

    These strategies reveal how the very structure of the moderation industry impedes thoughtful decisions and makes thorough judgement impossible.

    What should we take away from this?

    Our findings show that moderation decisions aren’t just shaped by platform policies. The precarious working conditions of moderators play a crucial role in how content gets moderated.

    Online platforms can’t put into place consistent and thorough moderation policies if the moderation industry’s employment practices are not improved too. We argue that content moderation and its effectiveness are as much a labour issue as it is a policy challenge.

    For truly effective moderation, online platforms must address the economic pressures on moderators, such as strict performance targets and insecure employment.

    We need greater transparency around how much platforms spend on human labour in trust and safety, both in‑house and outsourced. Currently, it’s not clear whether their investment in human resources is truly proportionate to the volume of content flowing through their platforms.

    Beyond employment conditions, platforms should also redesign their moderation tools. For example, integrating quick‑access rulebooks, implementing violation‑specific content queues, and standardising the steps required for different enforcement actions would streamline decision-making, so that moderators don’t default to faster options just to save time.

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

    – ref. Hard labour conditions of online moderators directly affect how well the internet is policed – new study – https://theconversation.com/hard-labour-conditions-of-online-moderators-directly-affect-how-well-the-internet-is-policed-new-study-261386

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Chaotic Trump Tariffs Drive Price Hikes, Schakowsky, Deluzio, Warren, Baldwin Propose New Tools to Fight Price Gouging

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    Full Text of Bill (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Chris Deluzio (PA-17), along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act to fight back against the corporate greed enabled by the Trump administration’s chaotic tariff policies. The bill would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against grossly excessive price increases.

    The last five years have repeatedly shown us that giant corporations will take advantage of inflation and supply chain disruptions to expand their profit margins by raising prices higher than necessary to cover cost increases. President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs have created yet another opportunity for corporate price gouging. The tariff-driven uncertainty gives companies the opportunity to raise prices on all goods, regardless of whether they are actually subject to new tariffs, higher and for longer than what is necessary to cover any cost increases. Now, dozens of companies have reported raising the prices of goods and services unaffected by Trump’s tariffs. 

    “President Donald Trump promised to lower costs, but we have seen the exact opposite. Greedy corporations are using the economic turmoil the Trump Administration has created to gouge the American people on everything from groceries to consumer goods. While these large corporations rake in record profits, families in my community and across the country are struggling to put food on the table,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Our bill will finally put an end to price gouging by empowering the FTC and state attorneys general to hold bad actors accountable when they take advantage of consumers.”

    “Prices are still too high, and inflation is still pounding folks. Especially now, we need to rein in monopolists and other huge corporations with the power to price gouge the American people,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “By upping FTC enforcement practices and boosting transparency, this bill will take some of the squeeze off American families and small businesses suffering under the thumb of out-of-control corporate power.”

    “Donald Trump’s reckless tariff policies are giving companies cover to squeeze families and raise prices more than necessary. My bill is an opportunity for Congress to stand up for families by cracking down on price gouging and fighting back against corporate abuse,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.

    “The biggest corporations in our country jack up the cost of everyday household items, take in record profits, and give their executives huge bonuses – all on the backs of hard-working Wisconsin families. Donald Trump claimed he would lower prices – so far, he has done just the opposite and is even opening the door to more price gouging. But, if we pass this bill, we can rein that in and give Wisconsinites some breathing room and allow them to save for the future,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “Our bill will finally crack down on corporate greed and help stop those big companies at the top of the food chain from sticking families with exorbitant costs.”

    The Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 would help the federal government and state attorneys general fight corporate price gouging. The bill would: 

    • Prohibit price gouging at the federal level—anytime and anywhere. The bill would clarify that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. It would allow the FTC and state attorneys general to stop sellers from charging a grossly excessive price, regardless of where the price gouging occurs in a supply chain or distribution network;
    • Help enforcers establish when price gouging is occurring during a significant shift in trade policy. The bill lists a set of exceptional market shocks—including an “abrupt or significant shift in trade policy”—and outlines a standard for a presumptive violation of the price gouging prohibition during such a shock, such as when companies brag about increasing prices;
    • Create an affirmative defense for small businesses acting in good faith. Small and local businesses sometimes must raise prices in response to crisis-driven increases in their costs because they have little negotiating power with their price-gouging suppliers. This affirmative defense protects small businesses earning less than $100 million from frivolous litigation if they show legitimate cost increases;
    • Require public companies to clearly disclose costs and pricing strategies. During periods of exceptional market shock, the bill requires public companies to transparently disclose and explain changes in their cost of goods sold, gross margins, and pricing strategies in their quarterly SEC filings; and
    • Provide $1 billion in additional funding to the FTC to carry out its work.

    Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) joined as co-sponsors. 

    Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined as co-sponsors. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky, Fletcher, Matsui, Pressley Introduce Safer Beauty Bill Package

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on Wednesday reintroduced the Safer Beauty Bill Package with her colleagues, Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). The bill package includes four separate bills that offer progressive updates to an increasingly outdated set of federal cosmetics laws. This package builds upon the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), which passed under President Joe Biden and expanded FDA oversight to include the regulation of the cosmetics industry, including mandatory recall authority, adverse event reporting, and requiring facility registration, and more.

    “Safe, accessible beauty cannot wait. After more than 80 years of inaction, the United States finally updated its cosmetics laws in 2022. President Biden was able to sign into law the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, which now gives authority to the Food and Drug Administration to recall beauty and personal care products that are harming human health. While this was an important first step, our work is not done,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to reintroduce the Safer Beauty Bill Package with my colleagues, Reps. Lizzie Fletcher, Doris Matsui, and Ayanna Pressley, which would protect consumers from toxic chemicals linked to hormone disruption, cancer and other health problems; require full ingredient transparency for consumers and manufacturers; and protect the health of women of color and salon workers, who are among the most highly exposed to toxic chemicals because of the products marketed to them or commonly found in their workplaces. We must pass the Safer Beauty Bill Package now!”

    “Many people assume that the personal care and beauty items they use are safe, but with minimal oversight, many of the care, beauty, and salon products sold across the country actually contain toxic chemicals,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Schakowsky to reintroduce the Toxic-Free Beauty Act to protect the health and safety of people across the country by banning chemicals known to cause significant harm in beauty products.”

    “Americans deserve the comfort of knowing the products they use every day are safe and properly labeled,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “That’s why I am proud to join Congresswoman Schakowsky in announcing the Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act, which will introduce much needed transparency and accountability to the cosmetics industry. This is a commonsense step toward protecting consumers and our public health. Whether it’s a parent buying shampoo for their child or a professional exposed to dozens of products daily, every person should have clear, honest information about what they’re putting on their bodies.” 

    “For decades, the beauty products marketed to Black women and girls and found in our salons have contained toxic, unregulated chemicals – leaving us to disproportionately suffer from increased incidences of cancer, respiratory issues, and adverse reproductive outcomes,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “This isn’t a coincidence – this is exploitation. Black women, girls, and salon workers should be able to show up everyday as our beautiful, authentic selves, without fear for our health and safety. It’s past time that we regulate these hazardous products and affirm our right to safer alternatives, and I am proud to co-lead the Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color and Salon Workers Act and partner with my colleagues and dedicated advocates on the Safer Beauty Bill Package to do exactly that.”

    The four bills cover almost every aspect of personal care product safety. They are:  

    • H.R. 4433 – The Toxic-Free Beauty Act (Reps. Schakowsky and Fletcher): Bans 18 of the most toxic chemicals and two whole classes of chemicals (phthalates and formaldehyde releasing preservatives) that have been banned by the European Union and a number of states including California, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont.
    • H.R. 4434 – Cosmetic Supply Chain Transparency Act (Rep. Schakowsky): Requires suppliers of raw materials, ingredients, and private label products to provide full ingredient disclosure and safety data to cosmetic companies so they can make safer products.
    • H.R. 4435 – Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act (Reps. Schakowsky and Matsui): Requires product label and website disclosure of secret, unlabeled, and often toxic chemicals in our personal care products. Last Congress, this bill only required transparency for fragrance and flavor ingredients and has been expanded to cover all ingredients that can pose a health risk to consumers.
    • H.R. 4436 – Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color and Salon Workers (Reps. Schakowsky and Pressley): Funds research, resource materials, education and outreach, and the development of safer chemicals to protect the health of women of color and salon workers, two vulnerable populations who are among the most highly exposed to toxic chemicals because of the cosmetic products marketed to them or commonly found in their workplaces. This bill also requires the FDA to regulate the safety of synthetic braids, which can contain toxic chemicals.

    The average American adult uses about 12 personal care products a day, resulting in exposure to an average of 168 unique chemicals. Children are also exposed to products containing risky chemicals during critical stages of childhood development. As these products range from toothpaste to makeup, it is easy for companies to conceal harmful chemicals that risk American livelihoods. Chemicals in beauty and personal care products have been linked to cancer, infertility, poor infant and maternal health outcomes, asthma, and many other serious health concerns. Women of color are disproportionately exposed to these harmful chemicals due to workplace conditions.

    Joining Reps. Schakowsky, Fletcher, Matsui, and Pressley as original cosponsors of the Safer Beauty Bill Package are Reps. Dingell, Khanna, Norton, and Tlaib. 

    The bill has been endorsed by a coalition of over 150 organizations and safe cosmetics companies. Find a full list of endorsements here.

    “Thank you, Rep. Schakowsky, for your steadfast advocacy on behalf of cosmetic safety and for introducing the 2025 Safer Beauty Bill Package which will protect everyone regardless of where they live, shop or work” said Janet Nudelman, Director of Breast Cancer Prevention Partner’s Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “This important suite of bills will match the new high bar for ingredient safety set by laws recently enacted in CA, MD, OR, WA, VT, and NY; create long overdue protections for women of color and professional salon workers; and set a new industry standard for ingredient and supply chain transparency.”

    For over a decade, Congresswoman Schakowsky has fought tirelessly to pass a robust regulatory framework for cosmetics and personal care products. The efforts focus on closing major loopholes in federal law that allow companies to use nearly any ingredient in these products, even chemicals that are known to harm human health and the environment like coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, lead acetate, parabens, and phthalates.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Calls D.C. Appropriations Bill Text “Unreasonable” and “Patronizing” to 700,000+ D.C. Residents

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Committee on Appropriations today released the text of its fiscal year 2026 (FY 26) Financial Services and General Government (FSSG) Appropriations bill, which Norton said includes an outrageous number of anti-home rule riders. Republicans try to attach the riders to the annual D.C. spending bill to exert control over local D.C. matters, despite their positions as federal officials who do not represent D.C. residents. Significantly, the bill would halve funding for DCTAG, a program established by a 1999 Norton bill. DCTAG makes up the difference for D.C. residents between in-state and out-of-state tuition up to $10,000 at public institutions of higher education in the U.S.

    “I am outraged at the number and scope of anti-D.C. home rule riders in the bill released today,” Norton said. “In my long career representing D.C. residents in Congress, I have rarely seen a bill as unreasonable and patronizing to the more than 700,000 people who live in the nation’s capital as this one. I will use every tool at my disposal to stop these riders from becoming law, and I commit to reminding my fellow lawmakers across the aisle that D.C. residents deserve the same consideration as their own constituents at every opportunity.” 

    The text released today:

    • Would permit anyone with a concealed carry permit from any state or territory to carry a concealed handgun in D.C. and on WMATA.
    • Would provide $20 million for the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG), a 50% decrease from the current funding level.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from spending its own local funds on abortion services for low-income women.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out its Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014.
    • Would repeal D.C.’s Death with Dignity Act, and prohibits enacting any similar act.
    • Would require D.C. to submit a report on its enforcement of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from spending its own local funds to enforce its vehicle emission standards.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out its automated traffic enforcement law.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to enact or carry out any law which prohibits motorists from making right turns on red.
    • Would repeal the provision of D.C.’s Anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation law, or Anti-SLAPP law, that exempts from that law any claim brought by the D.C. government.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to implement its law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections or on activities related to enrolling or registering noncitizens into voter rolls for local elections.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to implement its Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.
    • Would repeal parts of the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act of 2018 that allows courts to use sentencing alternatives for a person who was sentenced as an adult but was under the age of 24 at the time the person committed a crime, changing that age back to 22.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any COVID–19 mask or vaccine mandate.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to commercialize recreational marijuana.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to implement the Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024, which relates to reproductive health care and gender-affirming care.
    • Would prohibit funds to implement or enforce provisions of the Consumer Protection Act against oil and gas companies for environmental claims.

    Among the anti-home rule riders are several victories secured by Norton, despite Republican control of the House.

    “Even among the long list of anti-home rule riders in the bill text released today, there are a number of victories for residents of the nation’s capital,” Norton said. “I was pleased to secure these wins for the District, including increasing the DCTAG yearly cap from $10,000 to $15,000 and lifetime award cap from $50,000 to $75,000, a change I have requested for years. Even in the face of funding for the overall program being cut by half, these increases are a positive for D.C. residents who are recipients of the program. I will continue to work to secure full funding for DCTAG.”

    The bill also maintains the provision to exempt the D.C. government from a federal government shutdown in FY 2026, a provision she has gotten enacted every year since FY 2015. It also approves D.C. to spend under its FY 26 local budget.

    Norton also secured the following victories in the bill:

    • Increasing the yearly cap on DCTAG to $15,000 from $10,000 and increasing the lifetime cap from $50,000 to $75,000.
    • Requiring ratably reducing the amount of tuition and fee payment of each eligible DCTAG student who receives more than $10,000 for the award year if there are insufficient funds.
    • Exempting D.C. from federal government shutdowns in FY 2026.
    • Providing $5.7 million for D.C. Water Clean Rivers Project.
    • Providing $70 million for the Emergency Planning and Security Fund. The fund pays for the unique public safety and security costs the District incurs as the nation’s capital, and is designed to cover the District’s costs upfront so D.C. does not need to expend local funds and then seek an appropriation to be reimbursed for such costs after the fact.
    • Providing $600,000 for the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program.
    • Providing $4 million to combat HIV/AIDS in D.C.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Says Anti-Home Rule Riders on Subcommittee-Passed D.C. Appropriations Bill are “Appalling” and “Unsurprising”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Committee on Appropriations marked up and passed the fiscal year 2026 (FY 26) Financial Services and General Government (FSSG) Appropriations bill tonight, which Norton said includes an outrageous and irresponsible number of anti-home rule riders. Republicans try to attach the riders to the annual D.C. spending bill to exert control over local D.C. matters, despite their positions as federal officials who do not represent D.C. residents. Significantly, the bill would halve funding for DCTAG, a program established by a 1999 Norton bill. DCTAG makes up the difference for D.C. residents between in-state and out-of-state tuition up to $10,000 at public institutions of higher education in the U.S.

    “It is unsurprising that at a time when there are more frequent Republican attacks on D.C. home rule than any time since the 1990s, the D.C. appropriations bill reported out of a Republican-controlled subcommittee contains numerous and extensive riders that would overrule the expressed will of D.C. residents,” Norton said. “I am particularly appalled by the 50% cut in funding for DCTAG, a program created in 1999 by a bill I authored that simply helps pay for students who are D.C. residents to attend college.

    “I will use every tool at my disposal to stop these riders from becoming law, and I commit to reminding my fellow lawmakers across the aisle that D.C. residents deserve consideration equal to that given to as their own constituents.”

    As reported out of the subcommittee today, the bill:

    • Would provide $20 million for the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG), a 50% decrease from the current funding level.
    • Would permit anyone with a concealed carry permit from any state or territory to carry a concealed handgun in D.C. and on WMATA.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from spending its own local funds on abortion services for low-income women.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out its Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014.
    • Would repeal D.C.’s Death with Dignity Act and prohibit enacting any similar act.
    • Would require D.C. to submit a report on its enforcement of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from spending its own local funds to enforce its vehicle emission standards.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to carry out its automated traffic enforcement law.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using its local funds to enact or carry out any law which prohibits motorists from making right turns on red.
    • Would repeal the provision of D.C.’s Anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation law, or Anti-SLAPP law, that exempts from that law any claim brought by the D.C. government.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to implement its law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections or on activities related to enrolling or registering noncitizens into voter rolls for local elections.
    • Would prohibit D.C. from using local funds to implement its Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.
    • Would repeal parts of the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act of 2018 that allows courts to use sentencing alternatives for a person who was sentenced as an adult but was under the age of 24 at the time the person committed a crime, changing that age back to 22.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any COVID–19 mask or vaccine mandate.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to commercialize recreational marijuana.
    • Would prohibit the use of funds to implement the Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024, which relates to reproductive health care and gender-affirming care.
    • Would prohibit funds to implement or enforce provisions of the Consumer Protection Act against oil and gas companies for environmental claims.

    Despite Republican control of the House, Norton secured several key victories for D.C., including the first increase in the annual and lifetime award caps for DCTAG recipients since the program was created in 1999.

    “I was pleased the bill that passed out of subcommittee tonight maintained several wins I secured for D.C., including increasing the DCTAG yearly cap from $10,000 to $15,000 and lifetime award cap from $50,000 to $75,000, a change I have requested for many years. Even in the face of funding for the overall program being cut by half, these increases are a positive for DCTAG recipients. I will continue to work to secure full funding for DCTAG.”

    The bill also maintains the provision to exempt the D.C. government from a federal government shutdown in FY 2027, a provision Norton has gotten enacted every year since FY 2015. It also approves D.C. to spend under its FY 26 local budget.

    Norton secured the following victories in the bill:

    • Increasing the yearly cap on DCTAG to $15,000 from $10,000 and increasing the lifetime cap from $50,000 to $75,000.
    • Requiring ratably reducing the amount of tuition and fee payment of each eligible DCTAG student who receives more than $10,000 for the award year if there are insufficient funds.
    • Exempting D.C. from federal government shutdowns in FY 2027.
    • Providing $5.7 million for D.C. Water Clean Rivers Project.
    • Providing $70 million for the Emergency Planning and Security Fund. The fund pays for the unique public safety and security costs the District incurs as the nation’s capital, and is designed to cover the District’s costs upfront so D.C. does not need to expend local funds and then seek an appropriation to be reimbursed for such costs after the fact.
    • Providing $600,000 for the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program.
    • Providing $4 million to combat HIV/AIDS in D.C.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Statement on FDA Reversal of Ban on Dangerous Juul E-Cigarettes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) made the following statement about the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) reckless reversal of its ban on the sale of Juul e-cigarettes.

    “Juul is Big Tobacco with sleeker marketing. It is outrageous and dangerous that the FDA would approve Juul e-cigarettes for sale while in the same breath conceding that the reversal of the ban ‘does not mean these tobacco products are safe,’ especially when we know these products pose a particular threat to the health and safety of young people whom Juul has targeted with predatory marketing,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I have been at the forefront of trying to protect American consumers, particularly children, from greedy tobacco companies, including Juul, who care more about profits than public health. I will continue the fight in Congress to ban these products as long as they threaten the health of children and the general public.”

    Congressman DeSaulnier is a member of the Congressional Caucus to End the Youth Vaping Epidemic and has previously introduced legislation to immediately halt the sale of all e-cigarettes nationwide until the FDA conducts a pre-market review of these products. He has been a long-time advocate of policies to reduce the public health impacts of tobacco products, including as mayor of Concord, California where he helped enact one of the nation’s first efforts to curb secondhand smoke in public places.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mandatory notice of trade in IDEX Biometrics – 22 July 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reference is made to IDEX Biometrics ASA’s disclosure on 21 July 2025 of a private placement of 9,090,909 shares at NOK 3.30 per share, split in two tranches. IDEX discloses the following information on behalf of primary insiders. 

    In tranche 1 of the private placement, total 4,731,594 shares :-

    CEO and CFO Anders Storbråten, subscribed to 443,616 shares, ISIN NO0013536078, at NOK 3.30 per share,
    Pinchcliffe AS, a company closely related to Anders Storbråten, subscribed to 295,744 shares, ISIN NO0013536078, at NOK 3.30 per share, and
    K-konsult AS, a company closely related to chair Morten Opstad, subscribed to 128,156 shares, ISIN NO0013536078, at NOK 3.30 per share.

    Contact person
    Anders Storbråten, CEO and CFO
    Tel: +47 4163 8582
    E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

    About IDEX Biometrics
    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market.

    For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

    About this notice
    This notice was issued by Erling Svela, Vice president of finance, on 23 July 2025 at 03:40 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. The information shall be disclosed according to article 19 no. 3 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) and published in accordance with section 5‑12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation, solid supply chain attracting FDI

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    This aerial photo taken on July 5, 2023 shows the Tianjin factory of Danfoss, a global refrigeration industry giant, in north China’s Tianjin. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China will remain a vital innovation hub and manufacturing base for foreign corporations despite global economic uncertainty, said government officials and business leaders.

    They noted that foreign firms are maintaining deep engagement with the Chinese market, capitalizing on their technological expertise alongside China’s well-developed industrial and supply chains — a synergy that enhances operational efficiency, fosters innovation and strengthens supply chain resilience.

    Foreign-invested companies in China saw their export and import value grow by 2.4 percent year-on-year to 6.32 trillion yuan ($881.2 billion) in the first half, marking growth for the fifth consecutive quarter, statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed.

    The number of foreign-invested businesses in the country with actual import and export activities amounted to 75,000 in the first six months, the highest level for the same period since 2021, said the administration.

    China’s evolving industrial ecosystem — combining cost, quality and speed with advanced infrastructure — is transforming into a collaborative innovation hub where multinationals co-develop and expand alongside local partners, said Mohamed Kande, global chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Ltd, a London-based global accounting company.

    Reflecting on this shift, Lyu Daliang, director of the GAC’s department of statistics and analysis, said that among the major manufacturing categories involved in foreign company exports, industries such as specialized equipment, electrical machinery and electronic devices all posted robust growth between January and June.

    One such company — Global Electric Appliance (Nantong) Co Ltd, a manufacturer of household appliances in Nantong, Jiangsu province and a subsidiary of a Singapore-based industrial group — reported a 31.9 percent year-on-year increase in exports, reaching 343 million yuan in the first half, said Nanjing Customs.

    Chen Jinxin, head of the company’s foreign trade unit, said the company has shipped its products, including vacuum and steam cleaners, to over 90 overseas markets, backed by China’s innovative solutions and a highly integrated supply chain that enables rapid product development and efficient global distribution.

    Apart from investing 3 billion yuan in its Hangzhou plant in Zhejiang province over the past decade, Italian chocolate and confectionery maker Ferrero Group said that the factory now supplies 53 percent of its products to the Chinese market, with the remaining 47 percent exported to more than 20 countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North America.

    Yang Lianjun, general manager of Ferrero’s Hangzhou plant, said the Chinese market offers significant opportunities, and the company may introduce additional premium product categories in the future, such as ice cream.

    To bolster its local research and development capabilities, Ferrero established a food innovation center within its Hangzhou facility last year. The center focuses on developing chocolate, confectionery and bakery products tailored to regional preferences and shortening time-to-market cycles.

    The Ministry of Commerce said foreign direct investment in China’s manufacturing sector reached 109.06 billion yuan in the first half, while high-tech industries attracted 127.87 billion yuan. FDI inflows from Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany rose by 68.6 percent, 59.1 percent, 37.6 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively.

    Amid a turbulent and uncertain global trade landscape, the stability of China’s policy environment and the long-term orientation of its planning have grown increasingly valuable, said Li Xingqian, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

    Neutrik Technology (Ningbo) Co Ltd, a Ningbo, Zhejiang province-based manufacturer of electronic connectors and a subsidiary of the European company Neutrik AG, reported a 19 percent year-on-year rise in first-half sales to 68.45 million yuan, covering both domestic sales and exports, said Ningbo Customs.

    Dong Lanju, the company’s president, said that China’s well-integrated industrial ecosystem and pro-business environment will continue to empower foreign manufacturers to expand production, boost operational efficiency and better capture opportunities in global markets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-made tonne-class eVTOL delivered

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The V2000CG CarryAll, a tonne-class electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, conducts a flight demonstration at a flight test base in Kunshan, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on July 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A Chinese tech startup on Tuesday delivered a tonne-class electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a breakthrough in the application of large eVTOLs.

    Developed by the Shanghai-based company AutoFlight, the V2000CG CarryAll boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 2 tonnes.

    Following the acquisition of the type certificate and production certificate last year, along with the airworthiness certificate acquired on Monday, the unmanned aircraft will be operated by a Guangzhou-based low-altitude transportation business.

    The all-electric V2000CG CarryAll has a payload capacity of up to 400 kg with a maximum cruising speed of 200 km per hour and a range of 200 km. It features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and a fixed-wing cruising design, enabling its applications in low-altitude logistics, emergency response and other fields.

    Xie Jia, senior vice president of AutoFlight, said that the aircraft type has so far completed more than 40,000 km of safe flights over various terrains across China and other countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Japan, which help validate its performance and explore its potential application scenarios.

    The eVTOL’s delivery comes as China’s low-altitude economy is entering a stage of rapid growth. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the market value of the sector will soar from 500 billion yuan (about 70 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023 to 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025, and that number could reach an astounding 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan free trade port to allow overseas investment in financial products

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    An aerial drone photo taken on May 27, 2025 shows a view of the Yangpu Free Trade Port Zone under the Yangpu Economic Development Zone in Danzhou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is set to launch a pilot program on August 21 this year, enabling overseas investors to access domestic financial products offered by local financial institutions.

    Eligible products will include wealth management products, private asset management products from securities, fund, and futures operators, publicly offered securities investment funds, and insurance asset management products.

    The program aims to diversify cross-border financial product offerings and explore new channels for overseas investors to access China’s domestic market, according to an official with the Hainan branch of the People’s Bank of China, one of the co-formulators of the rules.

    It is also expected to attract both domestic and international asset management institutions to operate in Hainan, supporting the development of the Hainan FTP, according to the official.

    As part of its broader economic strategy, China is transforming Hainan into a Free Trade Port. As the Hainan FTP is set to begin independent customs operations by the end of the year, the province is poised to become not only a tourist haven but also a pivotal gateway for China’s opening-up drive.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to evaluate WTO ruling on standard essential patent disputes with EU

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday said it will carefully evaluate the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling on China’s standard essential patent disputes with the European Union (EU), and address the issue in accordance with WTO rules.

    A spokesperson for the ministry said that the arbitration panel had upheld the expert group’s ruling, affirming that China’s actions had not affected the protection of patent rights by other WTO members and were not considered measures for the enforcement of intellectual property regulations under WTO rules. China welcomed the decision.

    However, in the absence of basis, the panel wrongly concluded that WTO members should avoid affecting the ability of patent holders to exercise their rights in other members’ territories. China has expressed dissatisfaction with this over-extension of WTO member obligations, the spokesperson said.

    China recognizes the value of the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) in effectively resolving trade disputes through legal channels, and will continue to work with other MPIA participants to ensure its proper and effective implementation, jointly upholding the rule-based multilateral trading system, the spokesperson noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI CONDEMNS REPUBLICAN CUTS TO PUBLIC MEDIA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, released the following statement in response toRepublicans passing the Trump administration’s $9 billion rescission package, including clawing back $1.1 billion in funding for public radio and television.

    “By ripping away funding for local radio and television stations, Republicans are jeopardizing Americans’ ability to access free, community-supported access to news, educational programming, and lifesaving emergency alerts,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This is an attack on the over 1500 local stations nationwide—and the millions of Americans who rely on them—all to satisfy President Trump’s obsession with silencing dissenting voices and bullying our press into becoming his personal mouthpiece. Stations, especially those serving our most rural and remote communities, will be forced to cut back on programming, lay off staff, and even go off air.”

    “I will keep fighting against President Trump’s deliberate and dangerous assault on our free press,” Matsui continued. “Congress must fully restore funding to public media and protect it from political interference. We must stand up for Americans’ ability to access no-cost, trusted educational resources, nonpartisan journalism, and public safety content that connect the local communities they serve.”

    The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) as a private, non-profit corporation to provide non-commercial educational programming to the public. For 50 years, Congress has provided advance appropriations for CPB to protect public media from political interference and provide the essential lead time to plan and develop high-quality programming. CPB provides grants to 1,216 public radio stations and 365 public television stations across the country, to provide nearly 99 percent of the U.S. population with free programming and services.

    Congresswoman Matsui has actively pushed back against the Trump administration’s attacks on a free and independent press. In March, Congresswoman Matsui introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they disseminate. The legislation would reaffirm the importance of the independence of the FCC, including that the President should not mandate the FCC’s agenda.

    That same month, Congresswoman Matsui, along with Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, opened a probe into the Trump FCC’s sham investigations into media outlets. Congresswoman Matsui also led a bipartisan letter emphasizing the importance of federal funding for public radio and television.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI AND COLLEAGUES SLAM REVISED GUIDANCE FOR BROADBAND, EQUITY, ACCESS, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a group of 22 lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Howard Lutnick, expressing deep concerns regarding the recent restructuring of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. 

    The BEAD Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states. Over 40 states and territories, including California, had partially or fully completed the process of selecting projects for deployment. But last month, DOC released new guidelines through their BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice (BPRN) that threatens to derail progress. The notice would force states to reopen the application process and rescind preliminary and provisional awards—substantially delaying efforts to get shovels in the ground and broadband to the communities that need it most.

      

    “Despite your stated goals of removing burdensome requirements from the BEAD Program and ensuring American taxpayers receive the ‘benefit of the bargain,’ the BRPN actually further complicates and delays the program for all stakeholders, violating congressional intent” wrote the lawmakers. “Worst of all, American families and businesses will be left with inferior connectivity.”

    The new guidelines impose burdensome scoring requirements that would hamstring states’ flexibility to choose the most effective mix of technologies to deliver reliable, scalable, and future-proof internet service.  On top of that, the Trump administration’s changes would gut key safeguards—slashing protections for affordability, good-paying jobs, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a free and open internet. These changes will drive up costs for consumers while driving down the quality of service.

    “The BEAD Program you inherited on January 20, 2025, was on track to get shovels in the ground months ago to deliver reliable, high-speed internet to communities on the wrong side of the digital divide. Nothing about the BRPN simplifies the BEAD Program for state broadband offices or providers, and the changes you insist upon will only lead to indefinite delays and worse internet service for Americans,” the lawmakers continued. 

    The full letter is available HERE. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Secures Key Wins in Annual Defense Bill for Colorado

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), a former Army Ranger who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, announced today that more than 15 provisions he championed have been successfully included in the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Congressman Crow’s provisions focused on improving the lives of servicemembers and their families, modernizing our military to make America more safe, and investing in Colorado’s space industry to make us more competitive.

    “I served in combat and know the critical role Congress plays in improving the quality of life for servicemembers, strengthening our military readiness, and keeping Americans safe,” said Congressman Crow. “As a Member of the Armed Services Committee, I’ve worked in a bipartisan fashion to secure key wins for Colorado and support our men and women in uniform.”

    Congressman Crow’s provisions included in this year’s Pentagon budget include:

    Improving the Lives of our Servicemembers:

    • Upgrading Digital Health Technologies for Traumatic Brain Injury: Improves care for active-duty servicemembers suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) by identifying ways that digital technology can be used to better deliver care.
    • Preventing Traumatic Brain Injuries in Fighter Pilots: Directs the Department of Defense to create a strategy to better identify, document, and treat TBIs in active duty pilots.
    • Providing Dental for Our Troops: Ensures no-cost dental care for all reservists, which will help recruiting, retention, and readiness.
    • Securing affordable health care for servicemembers: Ensures children’s hospitals that serve a large population of active duty families can continue providing high quality, affordable healthcare for servicemembers and their children.

    Investing in Colorado’s Space Industry & Making America More Competitive:

    • Bolstering Crucial Space Programs: Provides U.S. Space Systems Command with the resources needed to compete tactically and technologically with our adversaries in outer space.
    • Modernizing Rocket Launches: Requires the Space Force to report to Congress on how it will modernize standards and processes around rocket launches so they are safer and more efficient.
    • Supporting Space Domain Awareness: Improves our ability to track objects, like satellites, and activities happening outside of our atmosphere.
    • Increasing competition when the government buys space technology: Ensures that all companies have a fair shot when the U.S. government is looking to purchase technology that we use in space.

    Modernizing our Military:

    • Updating Air Force’s Flying Communications System: Authorizes support for mobile communications platforms to ensure continuity of government and national military command and control during a crisis
    • Protecting Assets Against Climate Change: Ensures climate shocks don’t negatively impact military installations, training, operations, and readiness.
    • Ensuring the Military Protects Civilians in Combat: Compels the Department of Defense to produce a report on how civilian harm could impact the success of military operations.
    • Improving the Defense Supply Chain: Encourages changes to the way DoD buys equipment so the supply chain that supports our defense is stronger and more efficient.
    • Strengthening the Afghanistan War Commission: Gives them more tools to complete their bipartisan assessment of key decisions made over twenty years of war in Afghanistan and to produce their final report.
    • Maintaining a global security footprint: Prevents the elimination or consolidation of US Southern Command.
    • Bolstering our strategy in Eastern Europe: Requires DoD to provide Congress an updated strategy related to NATO, and provide a detailed update on Russia’s actions. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Calls Out Trump’s Cuts to Vital Weather Services After Tragic Texas Floods

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

    Trump’s Cuts to the NOAA and the NWS Undercut American Disaster Readiness in the Midst of Atlantic Hurricane Season

    Washington, D.C. – TODAY, Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI) of the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on the Environment highlighted the devastating impact of  President Trump ’s cuts to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service.

    “Dedicated public servants work around the clock, ensuring our communities are warned and protected in real time. These experts are the backbone of America’s weather enterprise. But this Administration is taking a sledgehammer to that backbone,” said Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI). “We need a fully staffed and well-resourced National Weather Service and continued funding for the critical research capacities at NOAA. Not just to help predict storms, but to help communities prepare, coordinate emergency response, and warn Americans when minutes matter.”

     

    Watch Congressman Amo’s Opening Remarks Here

     

    Background

    Congressman Amo, serves as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Environment on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which administers the National Weather Service.

    Ranking Member Amo, Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee Ranking Member Greg Stanton (D-AZ) sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and NOAA seeking answers on federal activity in preparation for and in response to the tragic floods in Texas.

    Amo and Ranking Member Lofgren alsosent a letter calling on Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to testify before the Committee about the staffing shortages at the National Weather Service and their potential impact on the Texas flash floods.

    Amo and CongresswomanEmilia Sykes (D-OH) led 64 Democratic colleagues in calling on the Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm to reinstate the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters Report to ensure America has a record of the increasing number of storms that cause catastrophic financial damage to communities.

    On Earth Day, April 22nd 2025, Amo led colleagues on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee to express alarm over Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NOAA Acting Administrator Laura Grimm’s proposal to slash NOAA’s budget and cripple the agency.

     

    Ranking Member Amo’s Remarks as Delivered

    Thank you, Chair Franklin, for convening today’s hearing on how innovative technologies can strengthen weather forecasting and protect communities across the country. I also want to thank our witnesses for joining us, especially given the rescheduling of this hearing.

    As we all know, this hearing comes at a devastating time. Just last week, catastrophic flooding struck Texas, New Mexico, and North Carolina. Texas lost at least 134 lives, 37 of whom were children, and at least 101 people remain missing. In New Mexico, a man and two children, ages 7 and 4, were killed. Tropical Storm Chantal, and at least 2 tornadoes, hit North Carolina with one woman confirmed dead.

    Entire families were lost. Livelihoods destroyed. Communities shattered. To the families grieving unimaginable loss, and to the first responders still working through the wreckage, our hearts are with you.

    Unfortunately, this won’t be the last disaster we face. Climate change is accelerating extreme weather, and we must do more to prepare our communities.

    We need to confront a hard truth: the United States cannot lead in weather prediction, cannot harness innovation, and cannot protect lives and property — without people.

    Meteorologists who issue forecasts and warnings.

    Hydrologists who model flood risks.

    Climate scientists who analyze long-term trends.

    Data analysts and modelers who improve forecast accuracy.

    Emergency managers who translate forecasts into action.

    Dedicated public servants, many represented here today, who work around the clock, ensuring our communities are warned and protected in real time. These experts are the backbone of America’s weather enterprise. But this Administration is taking a sledgehammer to that backbone.

    On May 2nd, five former directors of the National Weather Service wrote to President Trump with a warning: “Our worst nightmare is that forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life.”

    This Administration has already haphazardly gutted 15% of the National Weather Service’s workforce. These were career public servants. Scientists and forecasters. People who devoted their lives to keeping Americans safe.

    Now the remaining staff are being asked to do the impossible: operate at full capacity, with reduced numbers, during an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. It’s unacceptable. We are flying blind into the eye of the storm, quite literally.

    We’re already seeing the consequences. While it’s too early to draw final conclusions about the tragic flooding in Texas, early reporting suggests that staff shortages in local weather forecasting offices may have impaired coordination with local officials.

    In the San Angelo forecasting office, critical positions were vacant, including the meteorologist-in-charge, senior hydrologist, and staff forecaster. Nearby, San Antonio’s forecasting office lacked a warning coordination meteorologist and science officer. These aren’t optional roles. These are lifesaving roles.

    We need a fully staffed and well-resourced National Weather Service, full stop. Not just to help predict storms, but to help communities prepare, coordinate emergency response, and warn Americans when minutes matter.

    And yet, even in the face of growing disasters, Trump’s proposed 2026 budget would:

    Eliminate funding for NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, including climate, weather, and ocean labs and cooperative institutes, such as those serving on our witness panel today, lash NOAA’s workforce by an additional 17%, and extract over $1.8 billion from its current budget, weakening the core services Americans rely on.

    Thankfully, it seems like Congressional appropriators care more about protecting Americans from extreme weather than we’ve seen from the Trump administration.

    This is playing out in real time back in Rhode Island. Last year, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Marine Operations Center, a nearly $150 million investment in NOAA’s research fleet and Rhode Island’s blue economy. But with the hiring freeze still in place, there’s no guarantee it will be staffed when it opens. That’s not efficiency – its waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.

    That’s why last week, Ranking Member Lofgren and I demanded Secretary Lutnick testify before this Committee. Come and give answers. The staffing crisis at the National Weather Service is a public safety threat. We need answers, and more importantly, we need a plan, not concepts of a plan.

    Today, let’s not talk about innovation in the abstract. Let’s talk about what it takes to make that innovation real: investment in data, commitment to people, and trust in science.

    Let’s protect lives and property, not just in name. Let’s protect in practice.

    Thank you. I yield back.

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    MIL OSI USA News –