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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Murray, Wyden, and Padilla and West Coast Ports Sound Alarm on Trump’s Tariffs Leaving Shelves Bare, Forcing Painful Layoffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ***WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) held a virtual press call alongside West Coast ports to sound the alarm on the dramatic decline of container ships making the trip to West Coast ports and the harmful consequences of Trump’s tariffs across the American economy—price hikes, layoffs, empty store shelves, and more.
    The Senators were joined by Mario Cordero, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach; Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commissioner; and Dick Marzano, Port of Tacoma Commissioner. The press call comes just one day after the overwhelming majority of Senate Republicans rejected a bipartisan resolution led by Senator Wyden and unanimously supported by Democrats to repeal President Donald Trump’s global tariffs.
    A new forecast by Apollo Global Management contends that the U.S. economy is on the verge of a self-inflicted recession as a result of Trump’s tariff policies, drawing a plain timeline from Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” on April 2nd to a dramatic slowdown of container ships making their way to U.S. ports. Apollo predicts this slowdown of container ships will lead to a sharp decrease in trucking demand by mid-to-late May, which will subsequently result in supply shortages and lower sales for retailers. By late May to early June, Apollo predicts layoffs will occur across trucking and retail industries and that the U.S. economy will fall into a recession by this summer.
    During the call, the West Coast Senators sounded the alarm on the major warning signs for the economy and continued to urge their Republican colleagues to join them in asserting Congressional authority over tariffs to put an end to Trump’s trade war and minimize the economic damage already inflicted by the President.
    “We are already seeing the consequences of Trump’s tariffs at our ports: fewer ships from across the Pacific, means less cargo at our ports, less cargo at our ports means less goods for our truckers to transport—and that ultimately means bare shelves for our retailers and the American consumer,” said Senator Murray. “Our ports know better than anyone that supply chains do not reset in an instant. The time to reverse these Republican tariffs was the same day they were announced. Every day This Republican Congress refuses to reject these tariffs is a day they are actively enabling Trump’s pro-recession agenda and higher taxes on every American. Congress needs to take the matches away from the President who is setting fire to the economy. Democrats are going to make sure Republicans continue to feel the pressure until this Congress takes action and overrides this President.”
    “Oregon knows firsthand that Trump’s tariff chaos is already hurting small businesses and drying up markets for red-white-and-blue products,” said Senator Wyden. “Speaking with small businesses and workers all over Oregon last week, every single one warned of damage from tariffs in the near future. West Coast senators will be on the front lines pushing back against these senseless Republican tariffs.”
    “California’s Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are keystones for the success of not just our state’s economy, but our national economy. So when the San Pedro Bay ports and other West Coast ports send warning signs about the damage of Trump’s tariffs, we know they’re really warning signs for our country,” said Senator Padilla. “The drop in cargo volume caused by Trump’s tariffs will mean empty shelves when products don’t reach our stores, rising prices on everything from groceries to clothes to cars, and undoubtedly, more Americans out of work. While today, it’s Western ports — we know it will only be a matter of weeks before the ripple effect causes pain across the nation.”
    “We take our mission as ports seriously because a lot is at stake. The current tariffs will have far-reaching consequences for Washington businesses and consumers, and the thousands of jobs that rely on international trade. We are fortunate to have such a great advocate in Senator Murray and are grateful for her continued attention to these critical issues,” said Northwest Seaport Alliance Managing Member and Port of Tacoma Commissioner, Dick Marzano.
    “At the Northwest Seaport Alliance, we have already started to see serious impacts of the tariff war on our docks. As our policy makers address economic and security concerns with international trading partners, we encourage them to tread carefully in order to preserve space for a commercial relationship. We thank Senator Murray for her advocacy for policies that support Washington businesses, jobs, and communities,” said Northwest Seaport Alliance Managing Member and Port of Seattle Commissioner, Ryan Calkins.  
    “As one of America’s largest ports, Long Beach moves more than $300 billion in cargo every year to and from every congressional district, supporting 2.7 million jobs. Due to the new trade policies, we are about to see a shift from cargo surge to cargo slowdown in the supply chain, and this will have a real impact on the American economy. For workers across the country whose jobs depend on cargo moving through the Port of Long Beach – dockworkers, truckers, logistics workers, retailers, farmers, factory workers – any sort of long-term, sustained downturn in shipments caused by the tariff will be detrimental to the job market. I remain hopeful that leaders in our nation’s capital recognize the significance of the goods movement industry and will take necessary action to ensure America’s economy can thrive,” said Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach.
    “Cargo volume at the nation’s busiest port will drop by about one-third next week,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Gene Seroka. “That means fewer jobs along with rising prices for consumers and businesses. Additionally, counter tariffs are having a severe impact on American agricultural exporters. We need agreements quickly with our trading partners that benefit and support the U.S. economy and supply chain.”
    Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will struggle to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Canada is Washington’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly $20 billion in imports and $10 billion in exports. China is the world’s second-largest economy and Washington state exported over $12 billion in goods to China last year—making China Washington state’s top export partner—and imported $11.2 billion in goods, the most in imports from any country aside from Canada. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.
    Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s chaotic trade war from the very start and has been lifting up the voices of people in Washington state harmed by this administration’s approach to trade and calling on Republicans to end Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and take back Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Earlier last month, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state who highlighted how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector. Senator Murray also took to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else.
    Murray has also been sounding the alarm on Trump’s tariffs across Washington state. Recently, Senator Murray held a roundtable discussion in Tacoma with local businesses and ports, met with farmers in Yakima to discuss the consequences of Trump’s tariffs, and held a roundtable discussion in Vancouver at a local metal fabrication company to highlight how Trump’s trade war is hurting businesses and our economy Washington state. Just last week, Senator Murray met with small business owners in Seattle’s University District to hear how Trump’s tariffs and the broader economic uncertainty are affecting them, and later she met with farmers in Skagit County to discuss tariffs, and visited Blaine near the Canadian border to highlight the impacts of Trump’s trade war.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks as delivered during today’s press call are below:
    “Thank you everyone for joining us, and I am so glad to be on this call today with some of my colleagues from the West Coast—the best coast. You’re going to hear from Senators Wyden and Padilla, and our West Coast ports. 
    “We are here to sound the alarm on Trump’s disaster of a trade policy with some of the ports that we represent, because the window of opportunity we have to minimize the worst consequences of this inane tariff agenda is rapidly shrinking. I want to be clear what’s happening here, one economically illiterate President is forcing a totally unpredictable and thoughtless trade war onto the entire world—and although Trump inherited a remarkably strong and resilient American economy, he is singlehandedly pushing this nation toward a painful Republican Recession while forcing a tax increase on everyone.
    “All of the major economic indicators are there, we’re talking big red, flashing sirens. We went from months of strong economic growth and predictions of more growth to come, to a shrinking economy all thanks to Trump and his tariffs. Consumer confidence is at its lowest level since COVID because it’s pretty obvious Trump is driving the economy into the ground on purpose. Small businesses in my state who rely on imports are telling me the situation is as dire for them as it was during COVID—during COVID! They’re actually calling Trump’s trade war a kind of COVID 2.0 for them.
    “They are facing tariffs on items we either don’t grow or make in the United States, and realistically never will, for things like coffee or Green Tea. They are shouting from the rooftop that Trump is singlehandedly detonating a mass extinction event for small businesses in America.
    “And listen, few people understand better than our Ports that you don’t need these tariffs to last very long for them to have a verybig impact. Fewer ships from across the Pacific, means less cargo at our ports, less cargo at our ports means less goods for our truckers to transport, and that ultimately means bare shelves for our retailers and the American consumer.
    “Now even if you assume the most optimistic outlook that Trump is going to cut amazing new trade deals with everyone he’s burned—which he won’t—there will still be a painful cost from the shock to the economy that has already been set in motion. Supply chains do not reset in an instant. The time to reverse these Republican tariffs was the same day they were announced.
    “Just three Republicans chose to support Senator Wyden’s resolution yesterday, with the majority blocking that bill. That is a dangerous and deliberate decision by Republicans to enable Trump’s pro-recession agenda and higher taxes on every American—and for every day that Republicans choose to allow Trump to sabotage the economy, more small businesses will continue to suffer.
    “Businesses in Washington state are already having to take cost cutting measures, they’re laying off employees, some may even close for good. For what? There’s no strategy here. It’s short-term pain for long-term pain. This entire debacle is already a prime example of self-inflicted economic arson. No one wins here.
    “Republicans need to cut their losses, and work with Democrats immediately to end this tax on consumers and stop these nonsense trade wars. Congress needs to take the matches away from the President who is setting fire to the economy. So, Democrats are going to make sure Republicans continue to feel the pressure until this Congress takes action and overrides this President.
    “So, with that, I want to turn it over to Senator Wyden. He has been a leader in our efforts to rein in Trump’s tariffs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Make DC Safe Again Initiative Continues to Build Momentum

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office brought federal firearms charges against 24 defendants in the month of April —more than twice the monthly average since January 2021— and bringing the total number of firearms prosecutions under the Make D.C. Safe Again initiative to 42 since its inception, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr.                                   

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 24 defendants with federal firearms offenses. This marks the highest number of case adoptions since before January 2021. The surge has taken more dangerous offenders off the streets. Examples of these cases include:

    1. Baltimore Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge Following Foot Chase in Southeast
    2. Arrest in Chinatown Results in Illegal Firearm Charge
    3. Defendant Charged with Illegal Gun Possession in Superior Court Now Faces Federal Firearm Charge
    4. District Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm Possession Following Arrest in Northeast D.C.
    5. Felon Charged with Possession of Firearm Following Arrest in Southeast

    Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating these cases.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Pushes for European Allies to Snapback Sanctions On Iran: “Maximum Leverage”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, again urged the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, otherwise known as the E3, to trigger the snapback of U.S. sanctions on Iran. In February, Ricketts introducedbicameral legislation calling for snapback sanctions. Ricketts made the following comments:

    “There’s been a recent United Nations report confirming that Iran now possesses enough 60% enriched uranium to produce six nuclear warheads. This escalates the threat beyond the US and Israel, posing a direct risk to our allies across the Middle East and Europe,” said Ricketts. “This enrichment defies U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which originally codified the JCPOA. I applaud President Trump’s decisive move to reimpose maximum pressure on Iran, as well as entering into negotiations with Iran on a nuclear deal. However, the credibility and strength of these talks hinge on the United States entering with room with maximum leverage – entering the room with maximum leverage. That’s why I’ve introduced a resolution, backed by 18 of my colleagues, urging the E3 to trigger the snapback of U.N. sanctions before the October deadline.”

    [embedded content]

    Watch the video HERE

    Ricketts made the comments in a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The hearing considered the nominations of Charles Kushner, to be U.S. Ambassador to France, Leah Campos, to be U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Edward Walsh, to be U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, and Joseph Popolo, to be U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands.

    TRANSCRIPT:

    Senator Ricketts: “First of all, thank you to all of our nominees here for your willingness to serve our great nation.

    “And I want to especially thank your families because they will serve alongside you and make it possible for you to be able to serve our country.

    “So thank you very much to the families who are willing to sacrifice, along with our nominees here.

    “Mr. Kushner, I’m going to start with you because again, we’ve talked about how important the relationship with France is.

    “And you know, there’s been a recent United Nations report confirmed that Iran now possesses enough 60% enriched uranium to produce six nuclear warheads.

    “This escalates the threat beyond the US and Israel, posing a direct risk to our allies across the Middle East and Europe.

    “This enrichment defies UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which originally codified in JCPoA.

    “I applaud President Trump’s decisive move to reimpose maximum pressure on Iran, as well as entering into negotiations with Iran on a nuclear deal.

    “However, the credibility and strength of these talks hinge on the United States entering with room with maximum leverage, entering the room with maximum leverage.

    “That’s why I’ve introduced a resolution, backed by 18 of my colleagues, urging the E3 to trigger the snapback of UN sanctions before the October deadline.

    “The French have supported the snapback of sanctions, but have stated that it’s contingent on reaching a nuclear deal.

    “Mr. Kushner, do you believe that restoring UN sanctions would give President Trump a stronger hand in confronting the Iranian regime?

    Mr. Charles Kushner: “Without a doubt it would.

    “And why the French have not used that snapback to date is a mystery to me, because I would think that they would have used it. I

    “’m not sure if they don’t have the will or the desire or whatever it may be, but I will be pushing that because I think that should be exercised and it expires within months.

    “So the fact that they have that that right and have not used it is a shame.

    “I think we should be standing up and really lobbying very, very hard for them to exercise it.

    “And I think maximum sanctions is there’s very I think President Trump really has this issue and it’s not it’s either going to be negotiated, no nuclear, or it’s going to have to be an alternative of military. 

    “And I think President Trump has made that clear.

    “So I think maximum protection, maximum leverage on the Iranians. I think France and America are totally in total agreement on that.

    Senator Ricketts: “Well, Mr. Kushner, that really heartens me to hear you say that because I agree with you 100%.

    “You know, during the first Trump administration, we saw that because of those sanctions, the Trump administration was able to bring Iranian foreign reserves down from $122.5 billion to under $14 billion. 

    “And that cut off their ability to be able to fund the terrorism that we see around the world and continue to put pressure on the way the Trump administration has is important.

    “You know, my colleague here Mr. McCormick, was talking about the Indo-Pacific, and that has emerged an area of key threat from communist China.

    “And he mentioned he talked a little bit about France’s role there as well.

    “It’s home to 1.6 million French citizens live across its seven overseas territories and over 9,000,000km² of French exclusive economic zone.

    “Recognizing this, France became the first European country to adopt an Indo-Pacific strategy in 2019, and through the strategy, France participated in the freedom of navigation exercises that we’re talking about through the Taiwan Strait. 

    “But, you know, we’ve seen communist China being incredibly aggressive with their illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive practices in especially relating to our allies like the Philippines and Taiwan as well. 

    “I authored the Bolster Act to encourage European engagement in support of Taiwan security with one of the largest militaries in Europe and naval forces as well extending their presence to this reason, France could really play a great role. 

    “Can you talk about how can you work with France to get them to better support Taiwan and the relationship there, given its leadership, you know, France’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific?

    Mr. Charles Kushner: “I think France recognizes the same thing that America recognizes, what a what a threat China is to the world.

    “I don’t think there’s daylight between them in terms of assessing what them as their capability and their infiltration and stealing technology and all the other things and devaluing currency and robbing us on trade. 

    “So I think France and America are very aligned.

    “It’s just that France has to step up to be more aggressive, like America is now stepping up to be more aggressive.

    “And I see it as my job as a future ambassador to meet with the officials and apply that pressure, knowing that they should be more in step lock with the American policy.

    “So I’m all for your proposal, and I’m all for supporting it.

    Senator Ricketts: “Great. Well, thank you.

    Mr. Charles Kushner: “Thank you very much for being a cheerleader for it.

    Senator Ricketts: “Right. Great. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Kushner.

    “And again, I hope that once you’re confirmed as ambassador, that you’ll work with whoever is in leadership in France, whether it’s President Macron or somebody else, to remember that even though we certainly respect France as a having their own policies and you know, and wanting to have the independence from the United States that they deserve as a sovereign nation, that we work better together as a team, and that especially when we’re confronting Communist China, this is the single biggest threat that we face internationally.

    “But it’s not just a threat to the United States, it’s a threat to France and all the other freedom-loving countries in the world.

    “Because XI Jinping is a dictator who’s who’s bent on world domination.

    “And you know, for France to go a separate way from the United States would undermine our collective security.

    “So I hope you’ll, you’ll emphasize that when you get there.

    Senator Ricketts: “Thank you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Coons, Kiley, and Peters Reintroduce Landmark Legislation to Restore American Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and Scott Peters (D-CA) reintroduced the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will restore patent eligibility to important inventions across many fields while also resolving legitimate concerns over the patenting of mere ideas, the mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system. It also affirms the basic principle that the patent system is central to promoting technology-based innovation.
    “Clear, reliable, and predictable patent rights are imperative to enable investments in the broad array of innovative technologies that are critical to the economic and global competitiveness of the United States, and to ensuring the national security of our great country,” said Senator Tillis. “Unfortunately, a series of Supreme Court decisions have rendered patent eligibility law unclear, unreliable, and unpredictable, resulting in U.S. inventors being unable to obtain patents in areas where our economic peers offer patent protection. This is particularly concerning in the economically critical areas of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation maintains the existing statutory categories of eligible subject matter, which have worked well for over two centuries, while addressing inappropriate judicially created eligibility limitations by creating clear rules for what is eligible. We cannot allow foreign adversaries like China to overtake us in key areas of technology innovation due to the current state of patent eligibility law. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders on this important matter. Passing patent eligibility reform is one of my top legislative priorities.”
    “When American innovators know their ideas are eligible for patent protection, they take the risks that push us into the future – whether that’s the next medical test or the latest AI technology,” said Senator Coons. “PERA restores clarity to the law on what can be patented and what cannot – guidance that federal courts have been requesting for years and that the Supreme Court has refused to provide. Congress must step up to provide America’s inventors with the stable legal foundation they need to produce the cutting-edge technologies that power our economy.”
    “American innovators have been at a disadvantage in recent years because of the U.S. patent system,” said Representative Kevin Kiley. “Convoluted Supreme Court rulings and tests on subject matter eligibility have made it increasingly difficult for inventors to receive patents, leading to foreign companies overtaking our own. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bi-partisan Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, which will dramatically reverse this trend, and unleash a tide of economic growth and job creation here at home.”
    “For more than two centuries, a U.S. patent has guaranteed inventions will be protected from theft, helping the U.S. become the innovation capital of the world. San Diego, in particular, is the proud home of a thriving life sciences and technology ecosystem that has benefited from these protections,” said Representative Peters. “Over the last 15 years, however, several Supreme Court decisions have created confusion about what exactly is eligible for a patent. Innovators, consumers, and even the judges who adjudicate patent law have called on Congress to provide clarity on what can be patented. I look forward to working with Congressman Kiley, Senator Coons, and Senator Tillis to advance our Patent Eligibility Restoration Act and protect American innovation.” 
    “Congress has not made substantive changes to what subject matter is patentable in the United States since the Patent Act of 1793, making it difficult for courts, inventors, and the public to understand how 21st-century technologies fit within an 18th Century patent statute,” said Andrei Iancu, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2018 to 2021. “I commend Congress for advancing PERA in order to finally modernize our patent laws and promote U.S. global leadership in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and other modern technologies.” 
    “PERA provides the clarity needed to unlock the full potential of cutting-edge technologies and solidify U.S. leadership in scientific and technological breakthroughs,” said David Kappos, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2009 to 2013. “We cannot allow legal uncertainty to stall the next wave of American innovation.”
    “Patent Eligibility is an important issue for cancer patients – both for life-saving, early diagnosis and for promising new treatments.  PERA will provide the certainty needed to enable innovative breakthroughs to reach patients. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute applauds Congress for introducing and advancing this important bill – the patients are waiting.” – Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
    “Passing PERA is essential if the US is to catch up to Europe and Asia, especially China,” said Judge Paul Michel (retired). “They make eligible for patenting many classes of inventions held ineligible here. The very uncertainty of the zone of eligibility is itself an obstacle to companies getting the investments they need to compete both domestically and globally. Only Congress can fix this chaotic mess because the courts are trapped in their own harmful precedents.” 
    “In my former court, which hears patent cases on appeal, concurring and dissenting opinions in patent eligibly cases have proliferated,” said Judge Kathleen O’Malley (retired). “Veteran jurists have described the state of affairs as ‘incoherent,’ ‘unclear,’ ‘fraught,’ and ‘inconsistent.’ The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act would return clarity to patent eligibly law and encourage continued innovation in key emerging technologies – technologies that are central to the United States remaining the world’s innovation leader.”
    “NCLifeSci thanks Senator Tillis for reintroducing the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2025, which restores the confidence in our nation’s patent laws by bringing much needed clarity to Section 101 of the Patent Act. Confidence that the life sciences industry needs to robustly invest in the future of medicine. For too long, fields like diagnostics, precision medicine, cell and gene therapy, RNA medicine, and digital health have been threatened by unclear and uncertain patent-eligibility standards that put America’s innovators at a disadvantage, and that discourage local investment. Through this legislation, our members – which include leading innovators who operate cutting-edge gene therapy manufacturing facilities here in North Carolina and research potential treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s and cancer —will be able to continue to take the bold risks and make the high levels of investment necessary to take fields like these to their next level, with the confidence that our patent laws will continue to hold up through future waves of technological progress.” – NC Life Sciences Organization 
    “The Innovation Alliance applauds Senators Tillis and Coons and Representatives Kiley and Peters for sponsoring the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, which will provide much needed predictability and clarity to the hopelessly confused law of patent eligibility.  The Supreme Court has provided no workable framework to guide patent owners or the courts, and it has repeatedly refused to clarify the law, rejecting requests by the Federal Circuit and others to do so time and again. Investment dollars are flowing out of the United States as a result, jeopardizing the future of America’s innovation economy. It is past time for Congress to act.” – The Innovation Alliance  
    “This bipartisan and much-needed bill would strike a decade of judicial tinkering that has needlessly turned the question of patent eligibility into a confusing mess and harmed the U.S. versus our economic competitors. While the U.S. has spent a decade holding back innovations in areas such as fintech, diagnostic solutions and medical devices trying to figure out whether they are ‘abstract’ or not, our competitors are moving forward and protecting these inventions. PERA would be particularly beneficial to American startups and innovators by providing the clarity needed to attract investment for new ventures in essential areas such as medical devices, diagnostics, manufacturing and a whole new range of advancements powered by software.”- Alliance of U.S. Startups & Inventors for Jobs
    “AUTM – the association representing technology transfer professionals – thanks Senators Tillis and Coons and others for their leadership in introducing PERA. This legislation is crucially needed to address the ambiguities that the courts have created about what is, and what is not, patent eligible. At a time when the U.S. is competing for innovation leadership, its patent system needs to clearly delineate this process so that it can move forward on numerous discoveries that otherwise would wither on the vine.” – AUTM
    “The reintroduction of the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) marks a pivotal move toward restoring clarity and consistency in U.S. patent law. By providing clear statutory guidelines, PERA offers inventors, entrepreneurs, and research institutions the certainty needed to innovate confidently. We commend Senator Tillis and Senator Coons for their leadership on this critical issue and remain committed to collaborating with Congress to support a patent system that fosters transparency and predictability.” – American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
    “The Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform applauds Congress for reintroducing PERA. This legislation represents a significant step forward in clarifying patent eligibility while maintaining necessary standards on what is ultimately patentable.  21C applauds these efforts as they will make sure that the United States remains the most attractive place in the world to invest, invent, and grow.” – The Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform (21C)
    The following organizations support the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act: Innovation Alliance, C4IP, AUTM, AIPLA, IEEE-USA, USIJ, MDMA, BIO, NCLifeSci, Adeia, Nokia, Sisvel, Conservatives for Property Rights, Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund, U.S. Business & Industry Council, Center for a Free Economy, Center for Individual Freedom, American Policy Center, Less Government, 60 Plus Association, American Association of Senior Citizens, Frontiers of Freedom, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Center for American Principles, Prosperity for Us Foundation, Market Institute, Inventors Defense Alliance, Lauder Partners, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Heritage Action, 21C, Netlist, and FICPI.
    Background:
    Unfortunately, due to a series of Supreme Court decisions, patent eligibility law in the United States has become confused, constricted, and unclear in recent years. This has resulted in a wide range of well-documented negative impacts – inconsistent case decisions, uncertainty in innovation and investment communities, and unpredictable business outcomes.
    As of 2021, all 12 then-sitting judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit lamented the state of the law. Witnesses and stakeholders from a wide array of industries, fields, interest groups, and academia have testified and submitted comments confirming the uncertainty and detailing the detrimental effects of patent eligibility confusion in the United States. There is now widespread bipartisan agreement in Congress and across all recent Administrations that reforms are necessary to restore the United States to a position of global strength and leadership in key areas of technology and innovation, such as medical diagnostics, biotechnology, personalized medicine, artificial intelligence, 5G, and blockchain.
    The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act achieves this critical goal by restoring patent eligibility to important inventions across many fields, while also resolving legitimate concerns over patenting of mere ideas, the mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system, which is a system aimed at promoting technology-based innovation. As a general approach, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act maintains the existing statutory categories of eligible subject matter, which have worked well for over two centuries, but eliminates the overly malleable set of current judicial exceptions – replacing them with five specific, defined statutory exclusions. By eliminating and replacing the current judicial exceptions, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act provides predictable patent eligibility for important computer-implemented technological developments and medical advances, creating a solid bedrock for America’s innovation future.
    Full text of the bill is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: US diagnostic imaging market faces tariff-driven supply chain and capital risks, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    US diagnostic imaging market faces tariff-driven supply chain and capital risks, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    The US diagnostic imaging (DI) market is facing growing pressure as new US tariffs raise procurement risks and threaten supply chains. With high-value systems like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) heavily reliant on global production, hospitals may delay capital spending amid uncertainty. Although domestic manufacturing offers some short-term protection, extended trade tensions could disrupt pricing, planning, and access to critical imaging equipment across the country, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Diagnostic imaging (DI), which is one of the MedTech industry’s most capital-intensive and strategically vital segments, relies on global production networks and long procurement cycles. Even in absence of major pricing shifts, the perceived instability surrounding policy may prompt hospitals to delay purchases or reassess capital planning, making the sector susceptible to long-term impacts.

    GlobalData projects the US diagnostic imaging market to grow from $10.4 billion in 2024 to $15 billion in 2034. While domestic manufacturing may initially protect some vendors from the impact of rising tariffs, they could still face supply chain disruptions, requiring adjustments to manufacturing strategies, pricing structures, and capital expenditure planning if trade tensions continue.

    Among the leading DI companies, GE Healthcare stands out with a comparatively large US production operation. GlobalData’s MedSource supply chain database shows that 21% of GE’s 510(k)-approved DI devices are manufactured exclusively in the US, well ahead of Siemens at 12% and Philips at 9%.

    Ashley Clarke, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While a bigger domestic footprint does not make GE immune, it may reduce tariff exposure in the short-term. Devices with US-based final assembly can qualify for origin exemptions, helping maintain competitive pricing if trade volatility continues. GE may have greater pricing flexibility and margin protection, giving it a tactical advantage, but like other companies will still face challenges in raw material and parts procurement and production.”

    High-value systems like CT and MRI systems, which together account for more than 20% of the US DI market, rely heavily on global production networks. According to MedSource, Siemens’ flagship SOMATOM CT systems are primarily built in Germany and China, while GE assembles its units in Wisconsin using international components. MRI systems follow similar trends, with components like coils sourced heavily from overseas.

    Clarke continues: “The procurement planning for 2025 and beyond could face more scrutiny if pricing or access to key components becomes less certain.”

    If trade disruptions extend into next year, both manufacturers and buyers will need to adapt. Vendors with high offshore exposure, particularly those relying on China, India, or EU-based services, may face pressure to localize or diversify production supply chains. With DI systems already representing one of the largest capital expenditures in hospital tech budgets, even modest cost shifts can trigger downstream effects.

    Clarke concludes: “Providers are navigating broader cost pressures on other essential medical supplies, so even if DI equipment costs hold, there is growing incentive to delay high-cost imaging upgrades or replacements. Such delays in imaging infrastructure can limit access to timely diagnostics, raising risks for patient outcomes and placing additional strain on the already overburdened healthcare sector.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Leads Push to Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks Associated with Unsecured Networks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with several colleagues commending Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr on his decision to establish the new Council for National Security within the FCC, and urging him to use the council to mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with unsecured routers.

    In part, the members wrote, “The recent proliferation of cybersecurity incidents underscores the need for the entire federal government to work together to address and deter cyber threats. We write to you today because we believe there is more the FCC can do to reduce the likelihood of such incidents. As the backbone of the Internet, routers play a critical role in securing communications for consumers and businesses. When these devices are insecure, they can serve as gateways for cyberattacks. For example, weak, default, or easily predicted passwords make routers vulnerable to exploitation. Malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities in routers to disrupt service, steal sensitive data, or even launch attacks against critical infrastructure…”

    “We are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of these devices and that unsecured routers may allow the CCP to surveil American data or disrupt our networks. Although the Department of Commerce is reviewing whether or not to ban routers made by Chinese-owned companies in the future, many of these devices remain on our networks, which nefarious actors could still leverage.”

    The letter outlines several examples of how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has repeatedly tried to leverage private companies and create backdoors in our critical infrastructure technology. The letter also highlights that under Chairman Carr’s leadership, the Council for National Security can take action against the CCP by leveraging equipment authorization to require routers to allow only uniquely identifiable devices known to the household and securely authenticated by the network owner.

    See the full letter HERE or read the full text below.

    Dear Chairman Carr,

    Firstly, we write to commend your decision to establish the new Council for National Security within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a crucial step in safeguarding America’s telecommunications infrastructure. Congress stands ready to work with you on this initiative to reduce America’s dependence on foreign adversaries, mitigate cyberattack vulnerabilities, and ensure U.S. supremacy in critical technologies.

    As you know, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has worked diligently to combat the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) efforts to leverage private companies to create backdoors in our telecommunications infrastructure. For example, the House of Representatives just recently passed H.R. 866, the ROUTERS Act, to safeguard Americans’ communications networks from foreign-adversary controlled technology, including routers, modems, or devices that combine both. Additionally, in the 118th Congress, the House passed H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which prevents foreign adversary-controlled applications from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating Americans through online applications like TikTok. Congress also worked to ensure that the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, or the “Rip and Replace” program, received proper funding to remove untrusted equipment such as Huawei and ZTE from our networks.

    Last year, the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party released their Joint Investigation report into Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC), a PRC-owned and operated company. The investigation yielded that ZPMC, or a third-party company contracted with ZPMC, installed cellular modems onto STS cranes currently operational at U.S. ports. These installations fall outside the scope of any contract between the affected U.S. ports and ZPMC. The modems created an obscure method to collect information and bypass firewalls in a manner that could potentially disrupt port operations.

    Even more recently, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported that the Chinese-made Contec CMS8000 patient monitors contained a hard-coded IP address linked to an unidentified third party, allowing for reverse backdoor functionality. This vulnerability allows for remote access of the medical device and may allow for potential manipulation, risking patient safety and compromising sensitive health data.

    These are just a few examples of how the CCP will use every tool at its disposal to undermine U.S. economic and national security interests to further its agenda. The recent proliferation of cybersecurity incidents underscores the need for the entire federal government to work together to address and deter cyber threats. We write to you today because we believe there is more the FCC can do to reduce the likelihood of such incidents.

    As the backbone of the Internet, routers play a critical role in securing communications for consumers and businesses. When these devices are insecure, they can serve as gateways for cyberattacks. For example, weak, default, or easily predicted passwords make routers vulnerable to exploitation. Malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities in routers to disrupt service, steal sensitive data, or even launch attacks against critical infrastructure.

    It has been reported that TP-Link, a Chinese company, owns roughly 65% of the routers used in U.S. homes and small businesses. Additionally, the Department of Defense and other federal government agencies have used TP-Link Routers before. Multiple TP-Link routers have been added to the National Institute of Science (NIST) National Vulnerability Database for containing a directory traversal vulnerability, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive files by sending specially crafted requests.

    We are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of these devices and that unsecured routers may allow the CCP to surveil American data or disrupt our networks. Although the Department of Commerce is reviewing whether or not to ban routers made by Chinese-owned companies in the future, many of these devices remain on our networks, which nefarious actors could still leverage.

    With the new Council for National Security, the FCC can take various actions to mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with unsecured routers. The FCC could leverage equipment authorization through the Telecommunications Certification Body to require routers to allow only uniquely identifiable devices known to the household and securely authenticated by the network owner onto a customer’s network. These steps represent broadly accepted minimum security practices under NIST guidance and are necessary first steps toward protecting our nation’s consumers and networks from cyber risks. Other immediate-term options, such as prohibiting any new sales of TP-Link routers, or requiring ISPs to block new TP-Link routers from being added to home networks, would stop the influx of these devices on networks. Additionally, as we think beyond TP-Link routers, ISP authentication will strengthen U.S. networks’ ability to defend themselves against future untrusted Internet of Things (IoT) devices joining their networks.

    We are confident that, under your leadership, we can advance national cybersecurity initiatives

    and create robust strategies to strengthen U.S. networks against cybersecurity threats. Together,

    we can foster a secure digital environment that instills trust and confidence among users

    nationwide.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith Along with Vice Chairman Joyce and Reps. James and Obernolte Issue Statement on Passage of Bills to Stop California EV Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, along with other members of the Committee applauded the passage of three resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to repeal disastrous electric vehicle (EV) mandates. 

    “The passage of these resolutions is a victory for Americans who will not be forced into purchasing costly EVs because of California’s unworkable mandates,”said Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith. “If not repealed, the California waivers would lead to higher prices for both new and used vehicles, increase our reliance on China, and strain our electric grid. The passage of these three resolutions will help to protect Americans from some of the worst policies of the Biden-Harris Administration. Thank you to Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman James, and Congressman Obernolte for your work to ensure that families and businesses can continue choosing the vehicles they need.”

    “American consumers, not out-of-touch politicians, should decide what vehicle best fits their individual needs,”said Congressman John Joyce, M.D.“Since I arrived in Washington, I have led this fight to protect consumer freedom and save the American auto industry from dangerous environmental regulations. As this legislation takes its first step toward reaching President Trump’s desk, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this bill to save our auto industry and protect the freedom of the open road.”

    “Michigan is not afraid of the future, but we demand to be a part of it. The Biden Administration left behind comply-or-die Green New Deal mandates that threaten to crush our trucking industry and drive-up costs for hardworking Americans,” said Congressman James. “I know — my family has a trucking company. Republicans are working hard to implement President Trump’s America First Agenda, and the first step is repealing the rules and waivers that fueled Bideninflation.”

    “I’m proud that the House passed my resolution to stop California’s unworkable engine emission standards from becoming national policy,”said Congressman Obernolte. “These regulations would raise costs for consumers, crush small businesses, and threaten critical supply chains across the country. It is Congress’ job to ensure that one state’s overreach doesn’t dictate how all Americans live, work, or drive.”

    Read an Op-ed from Chairman Guthrie, Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman James, and Congressman Obernolte on these resolutions here.

    Background:

    The Clean Air Act generally preempts individual states from setting their own vehicle emission standards. However, section 209 of the Clean Air Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency to waive state preemption for California. This carveout was intended to allow California to implement stricter air vehicle emission standards to address “compelling and extraordinary circumstances” involving local air pollution – not to remake the auto industry and limit consumer choice nationwide. 

    The Biden EPA granted these waivers that have allowed California to ban sales of new gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, as well as heavy-duty trucks, while also mandating 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. With approval of these resolutions, Congress is exercising its important oversight responsibilities and reining in the regulatory overreach of the previous administration. 

    • H.J.Res. 88, led by Rep. John Joyce (PA-13), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, will repeal California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) waiver, allowing the State to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
    • H.J.Res. 87, led by Rep. John James (MI-10), will repeal California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) waiver, which currently would allow the State to mandate the sale of zero-emission trucks.
    • H.J.Res. 89, led by Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), will put an end to California’s implementation of its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty on-road engines.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Monolithic Power Systems Earnings Commentary for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KIRKLAND, Wash., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MPS will report its results after the market closes on May 1, 2025 and host a question-and-answer webinar at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET. The live event will be held via a Zoom webcast, which can be accessed at https://mpsic.zoom.us/j/92570889542.

    Q1 2025 Financial Summary  (Unaudited)
      GAAP
      Q1’25
    		   Q4’24
    		   Q1’24
    		     QoQ Change YoY Change
    Revenue ($k) $ 637,554   $ 621,665   457,885     Up 2.6% Up 39.2%
    Gross Margin 55.4%   55.4%   55.1%     Flat Up 0.3 pts
    Opex ($k) $ 184,471   $ 181,101   156,954     Up 1.9% Up 17.5%
    Operating Margin 26.5%   26.3%   20.9%     Up 0.2 pts Up 5.6 pts
    Net income ($k) $ 133,791   $ 1,449,363   92,541     Down 90.8% Up 44.6%
    Diluted EPS $ 2.79   $ 29.88   1.89     Down 90.7% Up 47.6%
      Non-GAAP
      Q1’25
    		   Q4’24
    		   Q1’24
    		     QoQ Change YoY Change
    Revenue ($k) $ 637,554   $ 621,665   $ 457,885     Up 2.6% Up 39.2%
    Gross Margin 55.7%   55.8%   55.7%     Down 0.1 pts Flat
    Opex ($k) $ 133,526   $ 126,117   $ 103,426     Up 5.9% Up 29.1%
    Operating Margin 34.7%   35.5%   33.1%     Down 0.8 pts Up 1.6 pts
    Net income ($k) $ 193,813   $ 198,401   $ 137,492     Down 2.3% Up 41.0%
    Diluted EPS $ 4.04   $ 4.09   $ 2.81     Down 1.2% Up 43.8%
    Tax Rate 15.0%   12.5%   12.5%     Up 2.5 pts Up 2.5 pts
    Revenue by End Market
     
        Revenue   YoY Change   % of Revenue
    End Market ($M)   Q1’25
    		 Q1’24   $   %     Q1’25   Q1’24  
    Storage & Computing   $ 188.5 $ 106.1   $ 82.4   77.7%     29.6 %  23.2 % 
    Automotive   144.9 87.1   57.8   66.4%     22.7   19.0  
    Enterprise Data   132.9 149.7   (16.8 )  (11.2% )    20.8   32.7  
    Communications   71.8 46.7   25.1   53.7%     11.3   10.2  
    Consumer   56.9 38.1   18.8   49.3%     8.9   8.3  
    Industrial   42.6 30.2   12.4   41.1%     6.7   6.6  
    Total   $ 637.6 $ 457.9   $ 179.7   39.2%     100 %  100 % 
                               

    Ongoing Business Conditions

    In Q1 2025, MPS achieved record quarterly revenue of $637.6 million, slightly higher than revenue in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 39.2% higher than revenue in the first quarter of 2024.

    Our performance during the quarter reflected the continued strength of our diversified market strategy and a continued trend of the ordering patterns we saw at the end of 2024.

    Q1 2025 highlights include:

    • At our March 20th investor day, we showcased MPS innovation across a range of areas including new opportunities in Robotics, Automotive, Data Center, Building Automation, Medical, and Audio.
    • In Q1, Storage and Computing segment revenue increased 38% quarter-over-quarter on strong demand for both memory and notebook solutions.
    • We continue to win designs across all major Enterprise Data customers with revenue ramps expected in the second half of this year.
    • Finally, Q1 ’25 Automotive revenue increased 13% from Q4’24, the third consecutive quarter of sequential double-digit growth.

    MPS continues to focus on innovation, solving our customers’ most challenging problems, and maintaining the highest level of quality. We continue to invest in new technology, expand into new markets, and to diversify our end-market applications and global supply chain. This will allow us to capture future growth opportunities, maintain supply stability, and swiftly adapt to market changes as they occur.

    “Our proven, long-term growth strategy remains intact as we continue our transformation from being a chip-only, semiconductor supplier to a full service, silicon-based solutions provider,” said Michael Hsing, CEO and founder of MPS.

    Q1’25 Revenue Results

    MPS reported first quarter revenue of $637.6 million, slightly higher than the fourth quarter of 2024 and 39.2% higher than the first quarter of 2024. Compared with the fourth quarter of 2024, sales in Storage & Computing, Automotive, Communication and Industrial improved sequentially.

    First quarter 2025 Storage and Computing revenue of $188.5 million increased 38.1% from the fourth quarter of 2024. The sequential increase was primarily driven by higher sales of power solutions for storage and notebooks. First quarter 2025 Storage and Computing revenue was up 77.7% year over year. Storage and Computing revenue represented 29.6% of MPS’s first quarter 2025 revenue compared with 22.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    First quarter Automotive revenue of $144.9 million increased 12.9% from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily from higher sales in ADAS, body electronics, and infotainment power solutions. First quarter 2025 Automotive revenue was up 66.4% year over year. Automotive revenue represented 22.7% of MPS’s first quarter 2025 revenue compared with 20.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    First quarter 2025 Communications revenue of $71.8 million was up 12.3% from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily on higher sales into networking and optical solutions. First quarter 2025 Communications revenue was up 53.7% year over year. Communications sales represented 11.3% of our total first quarter 2025 revenue compared with 10.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    First quarter 2025 Industrial revenue of $42.6 million increased 4.3% from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily due to higher sales for industrial meters. First quarter 2025 Industrial revenue was up 41.1% year over year. Industrial revenue represented 6.7% of our total first quarter 2025 revenue compared with 6.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    First quarter Consumer revenue of $56.9 million decreased 0.6% from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily from lower sales in gaming partially offset by higher sales for TV solutions. First quarter 2025 Consumer revenue was up 49.3% year over year. Consumer revenue represented 8.9% of MPS’s first quarter 2025 revenue compared with 9.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    In our Enterprise Data market, first quarter 2025 revenue of $132.9 million decreased 31.8% from the fourth quarter of 2024. First quarter 2025 Enterprise Data revenue was down 11.2% year over year. Enterprise Data revenue represented 20.8% of MPS’s first quarter 2025 revenue compared with 31.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Q1’25 Gross Margin & Operating Income

    GAAP gross margin was 55.4%, flat to the fourth quarter of 2024. Our GAAP operating income was $168.8 million compared to $163.3 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Non-GAAP gross margin for the first quarter of 2025 was 55.7%, down 0.1 percentage points compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Our non-GAAP operating income was $221.5 million compared to $220.7 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Q1’25 Operating Expenses

    Our GAAP operating expenses were $184.5 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared with $181.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Our Non-GAAP operating expenses were $133.5 million, up from $126.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The differences between non-GAAP operating expenses and GAAP operating expenses for the quarters discussed here are primarily stock-based compensation and related expenses and deferred compensation plan income.

    Total stock-based compensation and related expenses, including approximately $1.7 million charged to cost of goods sold, was $53.8 million compared with $56.3 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The Bottom Line

    First quarter 2025 GAAP net income was $133.8 million or $2.79 per fully diluted share, compared with $1.4 billion or $29.88 per share in the fourth quarter of 2024. Fourth quarter 2024 GAAP net income and EPS included the recognition of a tax benefit granted to a foreign subsidiary.

    First quarter 2025 non-GAAP net income was $193.8 million or $4.04 per fully diluted share, compared with $198.4 million or $4.09 per fully diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The first quarter 2025 non-GAAP tax rate increased to 15% from 12.5% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    There were 48.0 million fully diluted shares outstanding at the end of the first quarter of 2025.

    Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

    Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $1,026.7 million at the end of the first quarter of 2025 compared to $862.9 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. For the first quarter of 2025, MPS generated operating cash flow of $256.4 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2024 operating cash flow of $167.7 million.

    Accounts receivable at the end of the first quarter of 2025 were $214.9 million, representing 31 days of sales outstanding, which was 6 days higher than the 25 days reported at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Our internal inventories at the end of the first quarter of 2025 were $454.8 million, up from $419.6 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. Days of inventory of 146 days at the end of the first quarter of 2025 was 8 days higher than at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.

    We have carefully managed our internal inventories throughout the year, balancing the uncertainty in the market with being prepared to capture market upturns when they occur. Comparing current inventory levels using next quarter’s projected revenue, days of inventory at the end of the first quarter of 143 days was 9 days higher than at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Selected Balance Sheet and Inventory Data (Unaudited)
           
      Q1’25 Q4’24 Q1’24
    Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments $ 1,026.7 M $ 862.9 M $ 1,286.4 M
    Operating Cash Flow $ 256.4 M $ 167.7 M $ 248.0 M
    Accounts Receivable $ 214.9 M $ 172.5 M $ 194.4 M
    Days of Sales Outstanding 31 Days 25 Days 39 Days
    Internal Inventories $ 454.8 M $ 419.6 M $ 396.0 M
    Days of Inventory (current quarter revenue) 146 Days 138 Days 175 Days
    Days of Inventory (next quarter revenue) 143 Days 134 Days 159 Days
           

    Q2’25 Business Outlook

    For the second quarter of 2025 ending June 30, we are forecasting:

    • Revenue in the range of $640 million to $660 million.
    • GAAP gross margin in the range of 54.9% to 55.5%.
    • Non-GAAP gross margin in the range of 55.2% to 55.8%, which excludes the impact from stock-based compensation and related expenses as well as the impact from amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.
    • Total stock-based compensation and related expenses in the range of $58.3 million to $60.3 million including approximately $1.9 million that would be charged to cost of goods sold.
    • GAAP operating expenses between $189 million and $195 million.
    • Non-GAAP operating expenses in the range of $132.6 million to $136.6 million. This estimate excludes stock-based compensation and related expenses in the range of $56.4 million to $58.4 million.
    • Interest and other income in the range from $6.2 million to $6.6 million before foreign exchange gains or losses.
    • Non-GAAP tax rate of 15% for 2025.
    • Fully diluted shares outstanding in the range of 47.9 to 48.3 million shares.

    For further information, contact:

    Bernie Blegen
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    408-826-0777
    MPSInvestor.Relations@monolithicpower.com 

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This earnings commentary contains, and statements that will be made during the accompanying webinar will contain, forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including under the “Q2’25 Business Outlook” section herein, our statement regarding our business focus, our statement regarding the expansion and diversification of our global supply chain and the quote from our CEO and founder, including, among other things, (i) projected revenue, GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin, GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses, stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, other income before foreign exchange gains or losses, and fully diluted shares outstanding, (ii) our outlook for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 and the near-term, medium-term and long-term prospects of MPS, including our ability to adapt to changing market conditions, performance against our business plan, our ability to grow despite the various challenges facing our business, our industry and the global economic environment, revenue growth in certain of our market segments, potential new business segments, our continued investment in research and development (“R&D”), expected revenue growth, customers’ acceptance of our new product offerings, the prospects of our new product development, our expectations regarding market and industry segment trends and prospects, and our projected expansion of capacity and the impact it may have on our business, (iii) our ability to penetrate new markets and expand our market share, (iv) the seasonality of our business, (v) our ability to reduce our expenses, and (vi) statements regarding the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v). These forward-looking statements are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance or events, are based on current expectations, estimates, beliefs, assumptions, goals, and objectives, and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from the results expressed by these statements. Readers of this earnings commentary and listeners to the accompanying conference call are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, continued uncertainties in the global economy, including due to the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, global tariffs and retaliatory measures, inflation, consumer sentiment and other factors; adverse events arising from orders or regulations of governmental entities, including such orders or regulations that impact our customers or suppliers, and adoption of new or amended accounting standards; adverse changes in laws and government regulations such as tariffs on imports of foreign goods, export regulations and export classifications, and tax laws or the interpretation of same, including in foreign countries where MPS has offices or operations; the effect of export controls, trade and economic sanctions regulations and other regulatory or contractual limitations on our ability to sell or develop our products in certain foreign markets, particularly in China; our ability to obtain governmental licenses and approvals for international trading activities or technology transfers, including export licenses; acceptance of, or demand for, our products, in particular the new products launched recently, being different than expected; our ability to increase market share in our targeted markets; difficulty in predicting or budgeting for future customer demand and channel inventories, expenses and financial contingencies (including as a result of any continuing impact from the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts); our ability to efficiently and effectively develop new products and receive a return on our R&D expense investment; our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers; our ability to meet customer demand for our products due to constraints on our third-party suppliers’ ability to manufacture sufficient quantities of our products or otherwise; our ability to expand manufacturing capacity to support future growth; adverse changes in production and testing efficiency of our products; any political, cultural, military, regulatory, economic, foreign exchange and operational changes in China, where a significant portion of our manufacturing capacity comes from; any market disruptions or interruptions in our schedule of new product development releases; our ability to manage our inventory levels; adequate supply of our products from our third-party manufacturing partners; adverse changes or developments in the semiconductor industry generally, which is cyclical in nature, and our ability to adjust our operations to address such changes or developments; the ongoing consolidation of companies in the semiconductor industry; competition generally and the increasingly competitive nature of our industry; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of companies and products that MPS acquires, and our ability to effectively and efficiently integrate these acquired companies and products into our operations; the risks, uncertainties and costs of litigation in which MPS is involved; the outcome of any upcoming trials, hearings, motions and appeals; the adverse impact on our financial performance if its tax and litigation provisions are inadequate; our ability to effectively manage our growth and attract and retain qualified personnel; the effect of epidemics and pandemics on the global economy and on our business; the risks associated with the financial market, economy, global tariffs and retaliatory measures, and geopolitical uncertainties, including the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts; and other important risk factors identified under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025. MPS assumes no obligation to update the information in this earnings commentary or in the accompanying webinar.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This CFO Commentary contains references to certain non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per share, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP other income, net, non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP income before income taxes differ from net income, net income per share, gross margin, operating expenses, other income, net, operating income and income before income taxes determined in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share exclude the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, which include stock-based compensation expense and employer payroll taxes in relation to the stock-based compensation, net deferred compensation plan expense (income), amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and related tax effects. Non-GAAP gross margin excludes the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and deferred compensation plan expense (income). Non-GAAP operating expenses exclude the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and deferred compensation plan income (expense). Non-GAAP operating income excludes the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and deferred compensation plan expense (income). Non-GAAP other income, net excludes the effect of deferred compensation plan expense (income). Non-GAAP income before income taxes excludes the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and net deferred compensation plan expense (income). Projected non-GAAP gross margin excludes the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, and amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. Projected non-GAAP operating expenses exclude the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A schedule reconciling non-GAAP financial measures is included at the end of this press release. MPS utilizes both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures to assess what it believes to be its core operating performance and to evaluate and manage its internal business and assist in making financial operating decisions. MPS believes that the inclusion of non-GAAP financial measures, together with GAAP measures, provides investors with an alternative presentation useful to investors’ understanding of MPS’s core operating results and trends. Additionally, MPS believes that the inclusion of non-GAAP measures, together with GAAP measures, provides investors with an additional dimension of comparability to similar companies. However, investors should be aware that non-GAAP financial measures utilized by other companies are not likely to be comparable in most cases to the non-GAAP financial measures used by MPS. See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations in the tables set forth below.

    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME
    (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Net income   $ 133,791     $ 92,541  
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to non-GAAP net income:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     53,811       51,769  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     320       291  
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income), net     (6 )     47  
    Tax effect     5,897       (7,156 )
    Non-GAAP net income   $ 193,813     $ 137,492  
                     
    Non-GAAP net income per share:                
    Basic   $ 4.05     $ 2.83  
    Diluted   $ 4.04     $ 2.81  
                     
    Shares used in the calculation of non-GAAP net income per share:                
    Basic     47,851       48,635  
    Diluted     48,006       48,928  
    RECONCILIATION OF GROSS MARGIN TO NON-GAAP GROSS MARGIN
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Gross profit   $ 353,230     $ 252,441  
    Gross margin     55.4 %     55.1 %
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile gross profit to non-GAAP gross profit:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     1,706       1,900  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     287       258  
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income)     (163 )     440  
    Non-GAAP gross profit   $ 355,060     $ 255,039  
    Non-GAAP gross margin     55.7 %     55.7 %
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Total operating expenses   $ 184,471     $ 156,954  
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile total operating expenses to non-GAAP total operating expenses:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     (52,105 )     (49,869 )
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     (33 )     (33 )
    Deferred compensation plan income (expense)     1,193       (3,626 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses   $ 133,526     $ 103,426  
                     
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Total operating income   $ 168,759     $ 95,487  
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile total operating income to non-GAAP total operating income:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     53,811       51,769  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     320       291  
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income)     (1,356 )     4,066  
    Non-GAAP operating income   $ 221,534     $ 151,613  
                     
    RECONCILIATION OF OTHER INCOME, NET, TO NON-GAAP OTHER INCOME, NET
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024  
    Total other income, net   $ 5,131     $ 9,540  
                   
    Adjustments to reconcile other income, net to non-GAAP other income, net:              
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income)     1,350       (4,019 )
    Non-GAAP other income, net   $ 6,481     $ 5,521  
                     
    RECONCILIATION OF INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES TO NON-GAAP INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Total income before income taxes   $ 173,890     $ 105,027
                   
    Adjustments to reconcile income before income taxes to non-GAAP income before income taxes:              
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     53,811       51,769
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     320       291
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income), net     (6 )     47
    Non-GAAP income before income taxes   $ 228,015     $ 157,134
                   
    2025 SECOND QUARTER OUTLOOK
    RECONCILIATION OF GROSS MARGIN TO NON-GAAP GROSS MARGIN
    (Unaudited)
        Three Months Ending
    March 31, 2025
                     
        Low   High
    Gross margin     54.9 %     55.5 %
    Adjustment to reconcile gross margin to non-GAAP gross margin:                
    Stock-based compensation and other expenses     0.3 %     0.3 %
    Non-GAAP gross margin     55.2 %     55.8 %
                     
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
        Three Months Ending
    March 31, 2025
                     
        Low   High
    Operating expenses   $ 189,000     $ 195,000  
    Adjustments to reconcile operating expenses to non-GAAP operating expenses:                
    Stock-based compensation and other expenses     (56,400 )     (58,400 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses   $ 132,600     $ 136,600  
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Monolithic Power Systems Announces Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KIRKLAND, Wash., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (“MPS”) (Nasdaq: MPWR), a fabless global company that provides high-performance, semiconductor-based power electronics solutions, today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    The financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 were as follows:

    • Revenue was $637.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, a 2.6% increase from $621.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and a 39.2% increase from $457.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
    • GAAP gross margin was 55.4% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared with 55.1% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
    • Non-GAAP gross margin (1) was 55.7% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, excluding the impact of $1.7 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses, $0.3 million for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and $0.2 million for deferred compensation plan income, compared with 55.7% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, excluding the impact of $1.9 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses, $0.4 million for deferred compensation plan expense and $0.3 million for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.
    • GAAP operating expenses were $184.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared with $157.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
    • Non-GAAP operating expenses (1) were $133.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, excluding $52.1 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses and $1.2 million for deferred compensation plan income, compared with $103.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, excluding $49.9 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses and $3.6 million for deferred compensation plan expense.
    • GAAP operating income was $168.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared with $95.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
    • Non-GAAP operating income (1) was $221.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, excluding $53.8 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses, $1.4 million for deferred compensation plan income and $0.3 million for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, compared with $151.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, excluding $51.8 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses, $4.1 million for deferred compensation plan expense and $0.3 million for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.
    • GAAP other income, net was $5.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared with $9.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
    • Non-GAAP other income, net (1) was $6.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, excluding $1.4 million for deferred compensation plan expense, compared with $5.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, excluding $4.0 million for deferred compensation plan income.
    • GAAP income before income taxes was $173.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared with $105.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
    • Non-GAAP income before income taxes (1) was $228.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, excluding $53.8 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses and $0.3 million for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, compared with $157.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, excluding $51.8 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses and $0.3 million for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.
    • GAAP net income was $133.8 million and $2.79 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Comparatively, GAAP net income was $92.5 million and $1.89 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
    • Non-GAAP net income (1) was $193.8 million and $4.04 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, excluding $53.8 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses, $0.3 million for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and $5.9 million for related tax effects, compared with $137.5 million and $2.81 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, excluding $51.8 million for stock-based compensation and related expenses, $0.3 million for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and $7.2 million for related tax effects.

    The following is a summary of revenue by end market (in thousands):

        Three Months Ended March 31,
    End Market   2025   2024
    Storage and Computing   $ 188,511   $ 106,121
    Automotive     144,904     87,092
    Enterprise Data     132,924     149,727
    Communications     71,671     46,645
    Consumer     56,947     38,074
    Industrial     42,597     30,226
    Total   $ 637,554   $ 457,885

    “Our proven, long-term growth strategy remains intact as we continue our transformation from being a chip-only, semiconductor supplier to a full service, silicon-based solutions provider,” said Michael Hsing, CEO and founder of MPS. 

    Business Outlook

    The following are MPS’s financial targets for the second quarter ending June 30, 2025:

    • Revenue in the range of $640.0 million to $660.0 million.
    • GAAP gross margin between 54.9% and 55.5%. Non-GAAP gross margin (1) between 55.2% and 55.8%, which excludes the impact from stock-based compensation and related expenses as well as the impact from amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.
    • GAAP operating expenses between $189.0 million and $195.0 million. Non-GAAP operating expenses (1) between $132.6 million and $136.6 million, which excludes estimated stock-based compensation and related expenses in the range of $56.4 million to $58.4 million.
    • Total stock-based compensation and related expenses of $58.3 million to $60.3 million including approximately $1.9 million that would be charged to cost of goods sold.
    • Interest and other income in the range of $6.2 million to $6.6 million before foreign exchange gains or losses.
    • Non-GAAP tax rate of 15% for 2025.
    • Fully diluted shares outstanding between 47.9 million and 48.3 million.

    (1) Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per share, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP other income, net and non-GAAP income before income taxes differ from net income, net income per share, gross margin, operating expenses, operating income, other income, net and income before income taxes determined in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share exclude the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, which include stock-based compensation expense and employer payroll taxes in relation to the stock-based compensation, net deferred compensation plan expense (income), amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and related tax effects. Non-GAAP gross margin excludes the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and deferred compensation plan expense (income). Non-GAAP operating expenses exclude the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and deferred compensation plan income (expense). Non-GAAP operating income excludes the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and deferred compensation plan expense (income). Non-GAAP other income, net excludes the effect of deferred compensation plan expense (income). Non-GAAP income before income taxes excludes the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and net deferred compensation plan expense (income). Projected non-GAAP gross margin excludes the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses, and amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. Projected non-GAAP operating expenses exclude the effect of stock-based compensation and related expenses. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A schedule reconciling non-GAAP financial measures is included at the end of this press release. MPS utilizes both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures to assess what it believes to be its core operating performance and to evaluate and manage its internal business and assist in making financial operating decisions. MPS believes that the inclusion of non-GAAP financial measures, together with GAAP measures, provides investors with an alternative presentation useful to investors’ understanding of MPS’s core operating results and trends. Additionally, MPS believes that the inclusion of non-GAAP measures, together with GAAP measures, provides investors with an additional dimension of comparability to similar companies. However, investors should be aware that non-GAAP financial measures utilized by other companies are not likely to be comparable in most cases to the non-GAAP financial measures used by MPS. See the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations in the tables set forth below.

    Earnings Commentary
    Earnings commentary on the results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 is available under the Investor Relations page on the MPS website.

    Earnings Webinar
    MPS plans to host a question-and-answer webinar covering its financial results at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET, May 1, 2025. The live event will be held via a Zoom webcast, which can be accessed at: https://mpsic.zoom.us/j/92570889542. The Zoom webcast can also be accessed live over the phone by dialing (669) 444-9171; the webcast ID is 92570889542. A replay of the event will be archived and available for replay for one year under the Investor Relations page on the MPS website.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains, and statements that will be made during the accompanying earnings webinar will contain, forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including under the “Business Outlook” section and the quote from our CEO herein, including, among other things, (i) projected revenue, GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin, GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses, stock-based compensation and related expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, other income before foreign exchange gains or losses, and fully diluted shares outstanding, (ii) our outlook for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 and the near-term, medium-term and long-term prospects of MPS, including our ability to adapt to changing market conditions, performance against our business plan, our ability to grow despite the various challenges facing our business, our industry and the global economic environment, revenue growth in certain of our market segments, potential new business segments, our continued investment in research and development (“R&D”), expected revenue growth, customers’ acceptance of our new product offerings, the prospects of our new product development, our expectations regarding market and industry segment trends and prospects, and our projected expansion of capacity and the impact it may have on our business, (iii) our ability to penetrate new markets and expand our market share, (iv) the seasonality of our business, (v) our ability to reduce our expenses, and (vi) statements regarding the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v). These forward-looking statements are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance or events, are based on current expectations, estimates, beliefs, assumptions, goals, and objectives, and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from the results expressed by these statements. Readers of this press release and listeners to the accompanying earnings webinar are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, continued uncertainties in the global economy, including due to the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, global tariffs and retaliatory measures, inflation, consumer sentiment and other factors; adverse events arising from orders or regulations of governmental entities, including such orders or regulations that impact our customers or suppliers, and adoption of new or amended accounting standards; adverse changes in laws and government regulations such as tariffs on imports of foreign goods, export regulations and export classifications, and tax laws or the interpretation of same, including in foreign countries where MPS has offices or operations; the effect of export controls, trade and economic sanctions regulations and other regulatory or contractual limitations on our ability to sell or develop our products in certain foreign markets, particularly in China; our ability to obtain governmental licenses and approvals for international trading activities or technology transfers, including export licenses; acceptance of, or demand for, our products, in particular the new products launched recently, being different than expected; our ability to increase market share in our targeted markets; difficulty in predicting or budgeting for future customer demand and channel inventories, expenses and financial contingencies (including as a result of any continuing impact from the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts); our ability to efficiently and effectively develop new products and receive a return on our R&D expense investment; our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers; our ability to meet customer demand for our products due to constraints on our third-party suppliers’ ability to manufacture sufficient quantities of our products or otherwise; our ability to expand manufacturing capacity to support future growth; adverse changes in production and testing efficiency of our products; any political, cultural, military, regulatory, economic, foreign exchange and operational changes in China, where a significant portion of our manufacturing capacity comes from; any market disruptions or interruptions in our schedule of new product development releases; our ability to manage our inventory levels; adequate supply of our products from our third-party manufacturing partners; adverse changes or developments in the semiconductor industry generally, which is cyclical in nature, and our ability to adjust our operations to address such changes or developments; the ongoing consolidation of companies in the semiconductor industry; competition generally and the increasingly competitive nature of our industry; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of companies and products that MPS acquires, and our ability to effectively and efficiently integrate these acquired companies and products into our operations; the risks, uncertainties and costs of litigation in which MPS is involved; the outcome of any upcoming trials, hearings, motions and appeals; the adverse impact on our financial performance if its tax and litigation provisions are inadequate; our ability to effectively manage our growth and attract and retain qualified personnel; the effect of epidemics and pandemics on the global economy and on our business; the risks associated with the financial market, economy, global tariffs and retaliatory measures, and geopolitical uncertainties, including the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts; and other important risk factors identified under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025. MPS assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release or in the accompanying earnings webinar.

    About Monolithic Power Systems
    Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (“MPS”) is a fabless global company that provides high-performance, semiconductor-based power electronics solutions. MPS’s mission is to reduce energy and material consumption to improve all aspects of quality of life. Founded in 1997 by our CEO Michael Hsing, MPS has three core strengths: deep system-level knowledge, strong semiconductor expertise, and innovative proprietary technologies in the areas of semiconductor processes, system integration, and packaging. These combined advantages enable MPS to deliver reliable, compact, and monolithic solutions that are highly energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible while providing a consistent return on investment to our stockholders. MPS can be contacted through its website at www.monolithicpower.com or its support offices around the world.

    Monolithic Power Systems, MPS, and the MPS logo are registered trademarks of Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and trademarked in certain other countries. 

    Contact:
    Bernie Blegen
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    408-826-0777
    MPSInvestor.Relations@monolithicpower.com

    Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited, in thousands, except par value)
        March 31,   December 31,
        2025   2024
    ASSETS                
    Current assets:                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 637,354     $ 691,816  
    Short-term investments     389,310       171,130  
    Accounts receivable, net     214,866       172,518  
    Inventories     454,793       419,611  
    Other current assets     92,063       109,978  
    Total current assets     1,788,386       1,565,053  
    Property and equipment, net     527,348       494,945  
    Acquisition-related intangible assets, net     9,651       9,938  
    Goodwill     25,944       25,944  
    Deferred tax assets, net     1,318,457       1,326,840  
    Other long-term assets     135,974       194,377  
    Total assets   $ 3,805,760     $ 3,617,097  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
    Current liabilities:                
    Accounts payable   $ 127,310     $ 102,526  
    Accrued compensation and related benefits     74,785       63,918  
    Other accrued liabilities     161,306       128,123  
    Total current liabilities     363,401       294,567  
    Income tax liabilities     69,535       65,193  
    Other long-term liabilities     105,814       111,570  
    Total liabilities     538,750       471,330  
    Commitments and contingencies                
    Stockholders’ equity:                
    Common stock and additional paid-in capital: $0.001 par value; shares authorized: 150,000; shares issued and outstanding: 47,877 and 47,823, respectively     764,959       706,817  
    Retained earnings     2,545,375       2,487,461  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (43,324 )     (48,511 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     3,267,010       3,145,767  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,805,760     $ 3,617,097  
    Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Revenue   $ 637,554     $ 457,885  
    Cost of revenue     284,324       205,444  
    Gross profit     353,230       252,441  
    Operating expenses:                
    Research and development     92,227       75,990  
    Selling, general and administrative     92,244       80,964  
    Total operating expenses     184,471       156,954  
    Operating income     168,759       95,487  
    Other income, net     5,131       9,540  
    Income before income taxes     173,890       105,027  
    Income tax expense     40,099       12,486  
    Net income   $ 133,791     $ 92,541  
                     
    Net income per share:                
    Basic   $ 2.80     $ 1.90  
    Diluted   $ 2.79     $ 1.89  
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
    Basic     47,851       48,635  
    Diluted     48,006       48,928  
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME
    (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Net income   $ 133,791     $ 92,541  
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to non-GAAP net income:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     53,811       51,769  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     320       291  
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income), net     (6 )     47  
    Tax effect     5,897       (7,156 )
    Non-GAAP net income   $ 193,813     $ 137,492  
                     
    Non-GAAP net income per share:                
    Basic   $ 4.05     $ 2.83  
    Diluted   $ 4.04     $ 2.81  
                     
    Shares used in the calculation of non-GAAP net income per share:                
    Basic     47,851       48,635  
    Diluted     48,006       48,928  
    RECONCILIATION OF GROSS MARGIN TO NON-GAAP GROSS MARGIN
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Gross profit   $ 353,230     $ 252,441  
    Gross margin     55.4 %     55.1 %
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile gross profit to non-GAAP gross profit:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     1,706       1,900  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     287       258  
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income)     (163 )     440  
    Non-GAAP gross profit   $ 355,060     $ 255,039  
    Non-GAAP gross margin     55.7 %     55.7 %
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Total operating expenses   $ 184,471     $ 156,954  
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile total operating expenses to non-GAAP total operating expenses:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     (52,105 )     (49,869 )
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     (33 )     (33 )
    Deferred compensation plan income (expense)     1,193       (3,626 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses   $ 133,526     $ 103,426  
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Total operating income   $ 168,759     $ 95,487  
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile total operating income to non-GAAP total operating income:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     53,811       51,769  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     320       291  
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income)     (1,356 )     4,066  
    Non-GAAP operating income   $ 221,534     $ 151,613  
    RECONCILIATION OF OTHER INCOME, NET, TO NON-GAAP OTHER INCOME, NET
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Total other income, net   $ 5,131     $ 9,540  
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile other income, net to non-GAAP other income, net:                
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income)     1,350       (4,019 )
    Non-GAAP other income, net   $ 6,481     $ 5,521  
    RECONCILIATION OF INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES TO NON-GAAP INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
        Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
    Total income before income taxes   $ 173,890     $ 105,027  
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile income before income taxes to non-GAAP income before income taxes:                
    Stock-based compensation and related expenses     53,811       51,769  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     320       291  
    Deferred compensation plan expense (income), net     (6 )     47  
    Non-GAAP income before income taxes   $ 228,015     $ 157,134  
    2025 SECOND QUARTER OUTLOOK
    RECONCILIATION OF GROSS MARGIN TO NON-GAAP GROSS MARGIN
    (Unaudited)
        Three Months Ending
        June 30, 2025
        Low   High
    Gross margin     54.9 %     55.5 %
    Adjustment to reconcile gross margin to non-GAAP gross margin:                
    Stock-based compensation and other expenses     0.3 %     0.3 %
    Non-GAAP gross margin     55.2 %     55.8 %
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES
    (Unaudited, in thousands)
        Three Months Ending
        June 30, 2025
        Low   High
    Operating expenses   $ 189,000     $ 195,000  
    Adjustments to reconcile operating expenses to non-GAAP operating expenses:                
    Stock-based compensation and other expenses     (56,400 )     (58,400 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses   $ 132,600     $ 136,600  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom on illegal House effort to curb California’s tools for cleaning the air: ‘Making California smoggy again’

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 1, 2025

    What you need to know: House Republicans used an illegal tactic to attempt to overrule California’s clean cars and trucks program that has decreased smog and protected Californians’ health.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today in response to the House vote targeting California’s clean vehicles program.

    The Republican-controlled House illegally used the Congressional Review Act (CRA) today to attempt to repeal California’s Clean Air Act waivers, which authorize California’s clean cars and trucks program. This defies decades of precedent of these waivers not being subject to the CRA, and contradicts the non-partisan Government Accountability Office and Senate Parliamentarian, who both ruled that the CRA’s short-circuited process does not apply to the waivers.

    Trump Republicans are hellbent on making California smoggy again. Clean air didn’t used to be political. In fact, we can thank Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon for our decades-old authority to clean our air.

    The only thing that’s changed is that big polluters and the right-wing propaganda machine have succeeded in buying off the Republican Party – and now the House is using a tactic that the Senate’s own parliamentarian has said is lawless. Our vehicles program helps clean the air for all Californians, and we’ll continue defending it. Washington may want to cede our economy to China but California is standing by American innovation.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The state’s efforts to clean its air ramped up under then-Governor Ronald Reagan when he established the California Air Resources Board. California’s Clean Air Act waivers date back to the Nixon Administration – allowing the state to set standards necessary for cleaning up some of the worst air pollution in the country. 

    California’s climate leadership

    Pollution is down and the economy is up. Greenhouse gas emissions in California are down 20% since 2000 – even as the state’s GDP increased 78% in that same time period.

    The state continues to set clean energy records. Last year, California ran on 100% clean electricity for the equivalent of 51 days – with the grid running on 100% clean energy for some period two out of every three days. Since the beginning of the Newsom Administration, battery storage is up to over 13,000 megawatts – a 1,600%+ increase.

    California’s clean air authority

    Since the Clean Air Act was adopted in 1970, the U.S. EPA has granted California more than 100 waivers for its clean air and climate efforts. California has always demonstrated that its standards are feasible, and that manufacturers have enough lead time to develop the technology to meet them. It has done so for every waiver it has submitted. 

    Waivers do not expire and there is no process for revoking a waiver – which makes sense because governments and industry rely on market certainty waivers provide for years after they are granted to deliver clean vehicles and develop clean air plans. 

    Although California standards have dramatically improved air quality, the state’s unique geography means air quality goals still require continued progress on vehicle emissions. Five of the ten cities with the worst air pollution nationwide are in California. Ten million Californians in the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles air basins currently live under what is known as “severe nonattainment” conditions for ozone. People in these areas suffer unusually high rates of asthma and cardiopulmonary disease. Zero-emission vehicles are a critical part of the plan to protect Californians.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 30, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 30, 2025, as “Apprenticeship Day.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below. PROCLAMATIONNational Apprenticeship Day is a nationwide celebration…

    Apr 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: The state of California is providing LA City and County a new AI-powered e-check software free of charge to speed the pace at which local governments are approving building permits. LOS ANGELES – Leveraging the power of private sector…

    Apr 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom and the Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the awards of $118.9 million in federal funding for 29 California rural and tribal communities to create more affordable housing and supportive…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICYMI: ICE Targets Major Human and Drug Smuggling Property In Oklahoma City

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security set the record straight regarding an April 24, 2025, execution of court-authorized search warrant at a home owned by a human smuggling suspect in Oklahoma City. This lawful operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), targeted a property that is involved in a transitional human and drug smuggling organization which trafficked illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, Central South America and China around the interior of the United States.

    Statement Attributable to Senior DHS Official:

    “The April 24 Oklahoma ICE operation was a lawful, court-authorized action explicitly targeting a property, that was a hub for human smuggling, not specific individuals, as falsely suggested by media reports. 

    “The day prior to the search warrant issuance and the day of the search warrant, HSI agents conducted surveillance, and confirmed via utility records that a member of the Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization was still paying utilities at the residence. The warrant, issued by a Federal Judge was based on an 84-page affidavit detailing probable cause that the address served as a “stash house” for human smuggling, authorizing the seizure of evidence such as electronic devices and documents, regardless of who was present. 

    “The warrant targeted the property itself, not specific individuals, and its execution was not contingent on the presence of any person. HSI, with Oklahoma state police support, executed the warrant with precision, seizing electronic devices as authorized. This court-authorized search was a critical strike against a dangerous human smuggling network in furtherance of our mission to protect American communities from the chaos unleashed by the Biden administration’s open-border policies.

    “This is an ongoing investigation, and we have not ruled out current occupants involvement in the smuggling ring.“

    ICYMI: Get the Facts: Oklahoma home raided by ICE is owned by human smuggling suspect The indictment obtained by KOCO 5 shows eight Guatemalan nationals were the targets of the investigation.

    KEY FACTS ABOUT THE OPERATION:

    FACT: As reported by KOCO 5, the indictment against, “shows eight Guatemalan nationals were the  targets of the investigation as part of the ‘Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization.’ Their charges range from drugs, fraud, money laundering to re-entry after deportation.”

    FACT: The day prior to the search warrant issuance and the day of the search warrant, HSI agents conducted surveillance, and confirmed via utility records that known and confirmed gang members of the Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization, were still paying utilities at the residence. 

    KOCO 5 reported that the owner of the home, Cidia Marleny Lima Lopez, “is allegedly a major player in the human smuggling case that agents have been working for years.”

    “Records show that she owns the home that was raided as well as another one in Oklahoma City,” KOCO added. “Eight arrests were made in that investigation, which was years in the making and not part of any new immigration enforcement.”

    FACT: The warrant, issued by a Federal Judge was based on an 84-page affidavit detailing probable cause that the address served as a “stash house” for human and drug smuggling, authorizing the seizure of evidence such as electronic devices and documents, regardless of who was present.

    FACT: The warrant targeted the property itself, not specific individuals, and its execution was not contingent on the presence of any person. HSI, with Oklahoma state police support, executed the warrant with precision, seizing electronic devices as authorized. 

    KOCO 5 reported that this investigation began “prior to any recent changes to ICE policies.”

    CONCLUSION: This court-authorized search was a critical strike against a dangerous human and drug smuggling network in furtherance of our mission to protect American communities from the chaos unleashed by the Biden administration’s open-border policies. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Steering Committee of Partenariat pour le Coton addresses priorities for cotton sector

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Steering Committee of Partenariat pour le Coton addresses priorities for cotton sector

    Participants focused on translating identified needs into actionable investment opportunities and presented findings from national and regional consultations. They also validated the terms of reference of the Partenariat, including its membership framework, geographical scope and core functions.
    In his opening remarks, WTO Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam emphasized the importance of strengthening the cotton–textile–garment value chains in the C-4+ countries through increased value addition, expanded trade opportunities and sustainable development outcomes. He noted that the objective of the meeting was threefold: to present the national and regional reports emerging from the consultations; to highlight national priorities and investment needs; and to explore the technical assistance and financing options proposed by financial institutions in response to these findings. His full remarks (in French) are here.
    Ms Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for Intra-African and Export Development, underscored the need to address issues relating to low yields and processing capacity, climate change, climate variability, market fluctuations, global cotton prices, and limited infrastructure and technology, which hinder productivity and efficiency. To be able to upgrade and integrate into the global cotton value chain, the C-4+ countries need these issues to be tackled, she said.
    Over the two-day gathering, the Steering Committee engaged in thematic sessions on sustainable practices in cotton production and on financing mechanisms for value chain development aligned with the outcomes of the national consultations. A high-level panel explored strategies to unlock investment for cotton industrialization and local transformation in the C-4+ region.
    The meeting concluded with forward-looking discussions on supporting C-4+ priorities, including the establishment of a dedicated C-4+ Partenariat Support Fund to facilitate participation in capacity-building activities and key international meetings. Participants also discussed preparations for the upcoming World Cotton Day, to be hosted in October 2025 by Chad in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
    Attendees included representatives from the WTO, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),the  International Labour Organization (ILO), Better Cotton (BC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), FIFA, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). Also present were representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and development partners such as China and the European Union, as well as representatives of the C-4+ countries.
    The next opportunity to carry forward these discussions will be the Director-General’s Consultative Framework Mechanism on Cotton meeting scheduled for 14 May in Geneva.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST commences her visit to Riyadh

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCST commences her visit to Riyadh 
    Miss Law paid a courtesy call on and attended a lunch hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr Chang Hua. She briefed Ambassador Chang on her visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the last three days, from which she gained enriching and insightful experience. The trip combined cultural exploration and artistic exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s inclusive values. She remarked that the visit marked a promising beginning for strengthening mutual ties between Hong Kong and the UAE, particularly in enhancing cultural dialogue. Ambassador Chang noted Saudi Arabia’s gradual openness to embrace the coexistence of diverse cultures. He said that Hong Kong needs to capitalise on and leverage its advantages as a cosmopolitan city, especially its rich tourism resources. Miss Law shared the latest initiatives aimed at boosting tourism in Hong Kong, emphasising tlhe notable interest of the UAE and Saudi Arabia in horse racing tourism, which has long been one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions.
     
    In the afternoon, Miss Law met with the Chief Marketing Officer of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Mr Kiran Haslam. They exchanged views on cultural heritage preservation and explored potential investment and business opportunities. Miss Law also toured the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was amazed by the Authority’s vision to transform Diriyah into a premier destination—a beautifully preserved mud-brick city, recognised as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, and a global hub for tourism.

    Earlier in the day, Miss Law visited the Saudi National Museum, where she learnt more about the rich artistic and historical exhibits that reflect the cultural heritage and history of Saudi Arabia.Issued at HKT 23:59

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commerce Committee Unanimously Passes Sullivan-Whitehouse FISH Act to Combat Illegal Foreign Seafood Harvest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    05.01.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) thanked their colleagues on the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee for unanimously passing their Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act yesterday. The FISH Act would combat foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, bolstering the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement capabilities and partnerships, and advancing international and bilateral negotiations to achieve enforceable agreements and treaties. The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

    [embedded content]

    “The geopolitics of the North Pacific and the Arctic are changing dramatically, with Russia and China increasing their aggression and ruinous activities near Alaska’s waters,” said Sen. Sullivan. “One particularly insidious threat is Chinese and Russian fishing fleets that ignore basic seafood harvest rules and best practices, and ravage fish stocks without regard for any other users or future generations. These grey fleets, which literally utilize slave labor in many cases, are a cancer on fisheries throughout the world and undercut our fishermen, who fish sustainably. I want to thank my Commerce Committee colleagues for unanimously passing our FISH Act and fighting back against IUU fishing on behalf of our fishermen and coastal communities.”

    “I thank Senator Sullivan, my longtime partner on oceans issues, for his leadership in shepherding the bipartisan FISH Act through the Commerce Committee. Our bill cracks down on illegal pirate fishing operations to level the playing field for Rhode Island fishermen and processors who play by the rules, and will help nurture the fisheries that keep our oceans and coastal communities so healthy and vibrant,” said Sen. Whitehouse, co-founder of the Senate Oceans Caucus.

    The FISH Act builds on prior landmark legislation against IUU fishing, including the Maritime SAFE Act, authored by Senators Wicker and Chris Coons (D-Del.) and signed into law in December 2019 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

    Key provisions of the FISH Act: 

    • Direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a blacklist of foreign vessels and owners that have engaged in IUU fishing.
    • Direct the administration to address IUU fishing in any relevant international agreement.
    • Direct the U.S. Coast Guard to increase its work with partner countries and increase at-sea inspection of foreign vessels suspected of IUU fishing.
    • Direct the administration to report to Congress on how new technologies can aid in the fight against IUU fishing, the complexities of the seafood trade relationship between Russia and China, and the economic costs of IUU fishing to the U.S.

    On April 17, President Trump signed an executive order, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness,” directing the Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and Interagency Seafood Trade Task Force to assess seafood competitiveness issues and collectively develop a comprehensive seafood trade strategy. Among these strategies, the USTR will examine the relevant trade practices of major seafood-producing nations, including IUU fishing and the use of forced labor in the seafood supply chain.

    Senators Sullivan and Whitehouse have worked together extensively on ocean sustainability issues, most notably on the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, the most comprehensive legislation ever to address the global marine debris crisis, which became law in 2020.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Votes to Overturn Biden-era Waivers for California Electric-Vehicle Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, three resolutions under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) overturning waivers granted by the Biden administration to the State of California to advance its electric-vehicle mandates.

    “Although electric vehicles are more expensive and less reliable than gas-powered cars, the Biden administration barreled forward with its EV mandates on American families, farmers, and small businesses – enriching China, where EV components are largely sourced, at the expense of U.S. citizens and manufacturers. In one of the most egregious examples of federal overreach, the Biden EPA granted three waivers exclusively to California, allowing the state to move ahead with its plans to ban gas-powered vehicles and electrify trucks, tractors, and semis,” said Rep. Feenstra. “As a strong supporter of liquid fuels, I voted to overturn all three of these waivers, restoring consumer choice and promoting affordability over mandates. In conjunction with President Trump’s executive order repealing the Biden administration’s EV mandates, these resolutions will ensure that California’s ridiculous and misguided policies do not spread to Iowa or any other state.”

    The three resolutions are:

    • H.J. Res. 87, which would repeal California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) waiver, which currently would allow the state to mandate the sale of zero-emission trucks.
    • H.J. Res. 88, which would repeal California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) waiver, allowing the state to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
    • H.J. Res. 89, which would put an end to California’s implementation of its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty on-read engines.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Introduces Legislation to Stimulate Investments into American Manufacturing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today lead 19 of her colleagues in introducing the Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit (BASIC) Act to increase and extend the advanced manufacturing investment credit. 

    This legislation increases the advanced manufacturing investment credit from 25% to 35% and extends its availability through December 31, 2030. Semiconductors are essential to nearly every modern technology and producing these domestically is foundational to both America’s economy and its national security. Extending this tax credit will promote further investment in establishing new production facilities to manufacture semiconductors, which will spur job growth in advanced science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, as well as ensure that the United States can compete globally and maintain its technological dominance over adversaries like China. Extending this critical tax incentive signals long-term U.S. commitment to tech leadership and levels the playing field for American companies ensuring the United States does not fall behind in this critical strategic sector.

    Additional original cosponsors of this legislation include Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Carey (R-OH), Joe Morelle (D-NY), John Mannion (D-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Josh Riley (D-NY), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Young Kim (R-CA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Suhas Subramanyan (D-VA).  

    “To restore America as a manufacturing powerhouse, we must empower American companies with the tools they need to succeed. The BASIC Act extends and expands the manufacturing investment credit, encouraging investment in the U.S. economy and enabling companies like Micron to build factories right here in New York. This legislation works hand in hand with the Trump administration to revitalize American manufacturing and bring jobs back to the United States,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

    “Bringing semiconductor manufacturing to the United States is both a critical national security priority and massive economic opportunity for the next generation of American workers,” said Congressman Carey. “Increasing and extending this tax credit will help our economy grow and create a reliable supply chain for critical semiconductors. I am proud to join with my colleagues on this legislation and look forward to it passing.” 

    “Bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States is critical not only for our national security but also to ensure we no longer rely on adversaries like Communist China for this vital industry that powers nearly every modern technology. Extending and enhancing this tax credit will strengthen our domestic supply chain, create good-paying American jobs, and help our nation remain competitive on the global stage. I thank my friend Rep. Claudia Tenney for leading this important effort,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. 

    “Securing America’s economic and national security starts with rebuilding our domestic supply chains. By strengthening and extending the semiconductor investment credit, the BASIC Act will empower American innovators, bolster advanced manufacturing, and help ensure the United States—not China—leads the future of technology,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

    “The Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit (BASIC) is critical legislation to advance semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. BASIC will generate additional economic activity across the semiconductor ecosystem in the U.S. over the next four years to meet economic and national security goals,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, Micron Chairman, President and CEO. “Micron is appreciative of the leadership from Rep. Tenney and Members of Congress to ensure semiconductor companies can make cost-competitive, long-term investments in advanced U.S. manufacturing.

    “As the historic investment being made by Micron moves forward, partners at every level of government must continue to work together to do everything we can to expedite this critical investment – especially for our national security. The Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit (BASIC) is vital for semiconductor manufacturers like Micron in order to maintain global competitiveness and create certainty in their construction timelines. I want to thank Congresswoman Tenney for her leadership in advocating for the expansion of BASIC and passionate advocacy to help Central New York and Upstate New York become the hub for memory technology manufacturing in the world,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.  

    “Extending and expanding the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit is crucial for growth of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing to strengthen national and economic security. The Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit legislation will help GlobalFoundries continue to expand and modernize our facilities in Upstate New York and Vermont, as well as to ensure that the U.S. semiconductor industry maintains global competitiveness. GlobalFoundries is proud to be making chips in America and we would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney and the co-sponsors of this legislation for their continued support for domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, Executive Chairman of GlobalFoundries.

    “The statutory extension of IRC §48D past its December 31, 2026 expiration is an essential factor that supports TSMC’s continued expansion in Arizona, specifically our recently announced plans to build three additional chip fabrication plants, two back-end packaging facilities, and a major semiconductor R&D center. TSMC’s overall U.S. investment now stands at $165 billion. The company is deeply grateful to Representative Tenney and her cosponsors for leading this important legislation,” said Peter Cleveland, SVP, Global Government Affairs, TSMC.

     “This legislation is a timely and essential measure to secure long-term investment in the U.S. semiconductor sector and ensure our domestic industry remains competitive in an increasingly aggressive global marketplace. By increasing the investment tax credit to 35% and prolonging the eligibility period, this bill addresses the structural cost disadvantages that U.S.-based manufacturers face—especially compared to Asia—where faster permitting, cheaper labor, and state-backed subsidies give foreign competitors an unfair edge. BASIC directly offsets these imbalances and provides semiconductor manufacturers the financial certainty needed to move forward with building new fabrication facilities here in the United States over the next four years. I commend Representative Tenney and the co-sponsors of this legislation for their leadership and foresight,” said Jason Hsu, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute.

    “To win the chip race, the U.S. must continue to reinforce domestic chip production and advance innovation. The BASIC Act is a welcome effort to strengthen this proven driver of investment by increasing the credit’s rate and extending its duration, spurring continued investment in America’s growing ecosystem. This proposal, along with the expansion of the credit to include chip R&D and design, is critical to America’s competitiveness and sustained technology leadership,” said John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association.

    “The CHIPS Act has spurred a massive resurgence in American semiconductor production. We lost our global leadership in chips, a technology we invented, because other countries pursued effective industrial strategies while we did nothing. The United States has finally woken up to the fact that we can fight back, and we have hundreds of billions of dollars in new domestic semiconductor investment to show for it. Rep. Tenney and her colleagues deserve tremendous credit for their continued focus on smart public policy that strengthens American industry,” said Chris Griswold, Policy Director, American Compass.

    “The advanced manufacturing investment credit is a vital tool to support domestic manufacturing and growth of key industries like semiconductors, microelectronics and more,” said Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse. “This legislation to increase the tax credit to 35% and extend its availability through 2030 will further support Central New York’s ability to lead in the domestic production of chips that we rely on every day, making the region an essential hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation, while supporting national and economic security.” 

    “This bi-partisan legislation is a home run for New York and its goal of being the leader is semiconductor manufacturing. We applaud Congresswoman Tenney for getting the support of 17 colleagues behind the bill. We urge all of congress to support this legislation that will undoubtedly create jobs and grow New York’s economy for years to come,” said Heather Mulligan, President & CEO, The Business Council of New York State Inc.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen America’s Water Infrastructure Against Cyber Attacks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    May 1, 2025

    Cotton, Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen America’s Water Infrastructure Against Cyber Attacks
    In recent years, municipalities across the U.S. have faced cyber-attacks, including from foreign adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran 

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) today introduced the Water Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to help public water systems protect against and respond to cyberattacks, which have become increasingly frequent in recent years. 

    “Cyberattacks on public infrastructure are a growing threat, and our water systems are no exception. This bipartisan bill will strengthen our ability to protect essential services and support local water utilities in building stronger cyber defenses,” said Senator Cotton. 

    “In Arizona, we know better than most the importance of safe and secure access to water. But adversaries also understand the importance and are increasingly trying to undermine our water security,” said Senator Gallego. “It is critical that we ensure our public water systems have the resources they need to prevent and respond to cyberattacks. That’s exactly what this bipartisan, commonsense bill does.” 

    Full text of the legislation may be found here.

    The Water Cybersecurity Enhancement Act would:

    • Extend and expand the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program. 
    • Provide technical assistance and grants to community water systems for training and guidance regarding protecting from and responding to cyberattacks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s Ukraine mineral deal finally lands as US economy shivers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Jolley, International Affairs Editor

    Donald Trump promised he could sort out a peace deal for the Ukraine war in 24 hours. It still hasn’t happened. Instead the US administration has taken 100 days just to sign a mineral deal with Ukraine.

    This agreement will give the US access to revenue from Ukrainian natural resources, including 100 major deposits of critical minerals. It also has huge symbolism. Ukrainians see it as a sign that the US is committed to staying involved in their country, and also as a warming of the relationship between Ukraine’s president and Trump. It will also be a signal to Russia that what hurts Ukraine could also hurt the US economy.

    Of course, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt calls the deal “historic” and puts its brilliance down to Trump’s amazing negotiation skills.

    However, in the week that Trump celebrated 100 days in office, others would argue that Trump’s deal-making skills are nowhere near as astute as he thinks they are. That he gave Russia way too much room to manoeuvre in the early months of 2025 by leaning so clearly in Putin’s direction, allowing the Russian leader to think he could pretty much do anything he fancied and win as much of Ukraine as he desired.

    US and Ukraine sign a mineral deal.

    But US national security advisor Michael Waltz, who has announced he is standing down, has signalled that the balance may now be shifting, when he said the minerals deal was “a momentous step” and: “Russia needs to come to the table.”

    As Bridget Storrie from UCL’s Institute for Global Prosperity has pointed out, this deal was all about what the global super power was going to get as justification for its support in the war, rather than about how it could increase prosperity in a war-torn country.



    Read more:
    Ukraine minerals deal: the idea that natural resource extraction can build peace has been around for decades

    Andrew Gawthorpe, a lecturer in history and international studies at Leiden University, has looked at the details and believes Kyiv is getting more than many expected, and more than was on offer earlier in the year, when Trump fell out so publicly with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, at a White House press conference. As part of the deal Ukraine will retain ownership of its natural resources. All profits are to be invested in Ukraine for ten years after the agreement comes into force. It also looks like Washington will contribute new military aid.



    Read more:
    US-Ukraine minerals deal looks better for Kyiv than expected – but Trump is an unpredictable partner

    Presidential power

    Trump’s first 100 days have been tumultuous, not just for the US, but for most of the world. His “liberation day” tariffs on international goods have turned existing economic balances and expectations upside down.

    Countries that have long seen themselves as confident allies of the US – Canada, Denmark and Germany, for instance – now see the landscape somewhat differently, given the high US tariffs that have landed on their doorsteps. No longer convinced of the strength of their relationship with the world’s superpower, many are rethinking both their economic plans and their alliances.

    Meanwhile, China, the main focus of Trump’s tariffs, can see opportunities opening up to forge stronger relationships with, and sales to, other countries also looking for new markets. China has not crumbled yet under the weight of 145% US tariffs. And China’s president, Xi Jinping, is showing no sign of blinking first and heading to Washington to negotiate as Trump was clearly expecting.

    Trump now swings daily from claiming he is negotiating with China and that their tariffs can come down, to stating that Beijing will cave. All that sound and fury sounds a good deal like wavering. And with US supermarket bosses warning of empty shelves around the corner, and US ports expecting traffic from China to significantly slow this month, as Nottingham University’s Chee Meng Tan sets out, there is every reason to expect Trump will cave and open negotiations before Xi Jinping does.



    Read more:
    China has identified how to fight back against Trump’s tariffs, and is not ready to back down

    Many nations now see the US as a far less trustworthy partner now than in the past. The most obvious of these is Canada, which just elected the leader of a party that was 20 percentage points behind in the polls in January and expected to be beaten badly not long ago. But when Trump decided that he wanted Canada as the 51st state, normality went out the window over its northern border.

    This week, newly elected Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said he would seek meetings with Trump with the “full knowledge that we have many, many other options than the United States”, promising to strengthen relations with “reliable partners” in Europe, Asia and elsewhere.

    “We are over the shock of America’s betrayal,” he said. He is ready to write a new foreign policy. He’s not the only one.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    Two of the US’s firm friends for decades, South Korea and Taiwan, are now not so sure that they see Washington as a dependable ally, according to a report from research organisation the Brookings Institution. It saw a significant jump in the numbers of people who saw the US as untrustworthy from July 2024, to March 2025.

    This matters, as Steve Dunne, a political scientist at the University of Warwick points out, because without trust people and nations are likely not to honour their commitments. After the second world war, the western allies decided to create a series of international bodies to avert such a disaster happening again, and to encourage nations to follow a set of rules that would encourage democracy and trust in each other.

    In his first 100 days, says Dunne, Trump broke the compact of trust with countries that had a long alliance with the US, and that could have a deep impact on the trust that has existed for decades between western nations.



    Read more:
    Donald Trump’s first 100 days have badly damaged trust in America both economically and as an ally

    Global power reducing?

    Declining trust in the US could well reduce other forms of its global power. As well as financially and politically, in the post-war decades the US has influenced the world, by exporting its culture, its films, its television programmes and its ideas, as well as importing tourists to visit its national treasures, from Yosemite national park to New York City.

    In the past 100 days, international tourists are reported to be cancelling their bookings, partly worried about the welcome, or the lack of it, they may encounter at the border. Summer airline bookings from Canada (21%), Germany (17%) and the Netherlands (12%) to the US have fallen significantly for this year, although other countries such as UK show only a minor fall.

    Admittedly, Trump told voters that he wanted to put “America first”. However, at his inauguration, the president declared he wanted to make America the “most respected nation on earth”. That achievement is looking quite far off at the moment. In fact, in many countries it is going the other way.

    That international respect took a significant hit at one of the most remarkable moments of the past 100 days, when Trump proceeded to take Zelensky to task publicly for a range of offences including not being grateful enough for US support and not wearing a suit.

    So what has Trump achieved domestically in his first 100 days and how does that match up against the promises he made? Let’s look at some of the plans he set out in his inauguration speech.

    Trump said he wanted to increase US wealth. But current economic indicators are more than a bit shaky, with US stock markets falling and rising on a regular basis as they follow Trump’s on-and-off-again announcements on tariff negotiations with various countries. On April 30, the day after Trump’s big 100 days rally, stocks fell after data was released showing a contraction in the GDP of the US in the first quarter.

    But Trump has told his supporters that, in the long term, tariffs will work and manufacturing jobs will benefit. So far, Republican voters still believe in Trump’s policies on jobs and the economy, with 82% approving, according to a recent Economist/YouGov poll. Only 8% of Democrats and 32% of independent voters do though.

    Many of the big decisions we have seen playing out in the first 100 days – including the Elon Musk-led dismantling of some parts of government and Trump’s swing at driving down immigration – were detailed in the Project 2025 document, published the conservative think-tank the Heritage Foundation before the election, says Dafydd Townley of the University of Portsmouth. But it also hints at what may come next, including more legislation restricting American women’s access to abortion further.



    Read more:
    How Project 2025 became the blueprint for Donald Trump’s second term

    On January 20 Trump thought that Americans stood “on the verge of the four greatest years in American history”. For many Americans worried about their pensions, savings and the cost of groceries, the future is not looking so great right now. But for those who were sharp focused on cutting immigration, Trump may have made the great start they were hoping for.

    – ref. Trump’s Ukraine mineral deal finally lands as US economy shivers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-ukraine-mineral-deal-finally-lands-as-us-economy-shivers-255747

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What resources will US gain access to under Ukraine mineral deal? Expert Q&A

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gavin D. J. Harper, Research Fellow, Birmingham Centre for Strategic Elements & Critical Materials, University of Birmingham

    Ukraine and the US have signed a much-anticipated deal on natural resources. The deal would open up some of the war-torn country’s mineral and energy resources to the United States.

    The Conversation spoke to Dr Gavin Harper a Critical Materials Research Fellow at the Birmingham Centre for Strategic Elements and Critical Materials about the deal and what it means for both Washington and Kyiv.

    What mineral resources exist in Ukraine?

    The agreement between Ukraine and the US provides a list of 57 mineral resources which it applies to. Ukraine has reserves of lithium and rare earth metals valued in the trillions of dollars. Rare earth metals are a group of 17 elements, including scandium and yttrium, that are used in technology and important industrial processes.

    Ukraine is also a producer of manganese, a key material in metallurgy and some of the widely used lithium-ion batteries, as well as graphite which is also used in lithium ion batteries. Ukraine also holds major deposits of zirconium silicate, which is indispensable in the ceramics industry. Ukraine’s extraction of graphite is limited, and lithium deposits have gone untouched due to the ongoing war and the need for new mining technology and investment.

    The regions of Ukraine that are currently occupied by Russia are known to possess considerable reserves of critical minerals, which are vital for modern technologies. These critical minerals include lithium, titanium, graphite, and rare earth elements.

    There are, however, significant challenges. Many geologists have contended that some of the critical materials Ukraine possesses are not particularly desirable to extract from an economic point of view. Some in the mining industry believe that other aspects of the deal, such as oil and gas, and access to mining infrastructure, may in the near term be the more desirable components of the deal.

    While the agreement considers the primary, mined resources from the ground, Ukraine is also a large importer of new and used electric vehicles. When the components in these vehicles reach the end of life, there is an enormous opportunity to harvest and recycle these critical materials “above the ground”. There may be ways to processing these materials in tandem with the new industries that will be developed to take advantage of Ukraine’s mineral wealth.

    Why is the US so interested in Ukraine’s mineral resources?

    Elements and materials that are economically important, but at risk of short supply are known as critical materials. There are various reasons why these might be in short supply.

    Sometimes one or a small number of countries have a monopoly on the supply of a material and can leverage that position for geopolitical influence. For some materials, it is not about the accessibility of material in the ground, but the ability to process and refine it. This is known as “mid-stream processing”.

    The US realises that critical materials are key to the technologies that will power the economies of the future, and seeks to secure their supply. This allows them to capitalise on the economic opportunity.

    Many of these materials are essential to building the technologies that will aid decarbonisation. Given that China currently controls around 60% of global critical materials supply chains and 85% of processing capacity, it is clear why the US sees a strategic interest in developing other supply chains.

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has already caused significant challenges around the supply of certain materials, and the ongoing war presents significant challenges to being able to take advantage of and develop the mineral resources Ukraine possesses.

    What applications are these minerals used in?

    Graphite and lithium are key to electric vehicle batteries and are considered important critical materials due to their essential roles in the booming lithium-ion battery industry, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and grid storage.

    Beryllium, valued for its exceptional lightness, stiffness, and thermal conductivity, is crucial for demanding specialised applications in aerospace, defence and electronics. Manganese is vital in steel production, because it significantly enhances steel’s strength and resistance to wear. It’s also an increasingly important component of some batteries.

    Uranium’s most well-known application is as the fuel source in nuclear reactors, and it also has niche uses in medicine and industry.

    An excavator at a manganese ore mine in Ukraine.
    Romeo Rum / Shutterstock

    How will these resources be extracted?

    The implementation of the US-Ukraine minerals deal will be challenging because of Russia’s war. A primary concern revolves around the significant geographical overlap between Ukraine’s critical mineral deposits and the active war zones in the eastern and southern regions of the country.

    The significant damage to Ukrainian infrastructure presents a challenge to the development of new industries and the movement of extracted goods to onward markets.

    The economic case for developing critical material deposits rests on a clear and accurate understanding of the mineral wealth that exists, and for some of the resources, it is unclear how accurate that data is.

    For some of the types of deposit that are in Ukraine, extractive technologies have not been currently developed to a level where they can be commercialised. It takes a long time to develop new mines and the industries associated with them. So the timescales of developing Ukraine’s mineral wealth will be longer than those of political administrations.



    Read more:
    US-Ukraine minerals deal looks better for Kyiv than expected – but Trump is an unpredictable partner

    It has taken some time for the parties to negotiate the deal, which at times has been contentious. The deal has evolved significantly from the initial proposals, and Ukraine has now agreed to the revised terms.

    One thing to note is that the US was one of the signatories, alongside the UK and Russia, of the Budapest Memorandum in 1994. The memorandum’s signatories agreed “to respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine” and to refrain from threat and use of force and economic coercion against Ukraine. Given the distressed situation Ukraine finds itself in, the at times challenging negotiations sometimes felt at odds with the wording of this document.

    Gavin D. J. Harper 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. What resources will US gain access to under Ukraine mineral deal? Expert Q&A – https://theconversation.com/what-resources-will-us-gain-access-to-under-ukraine-mineral-deal-expert-qanda-255734

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson Outlines Roadmap for America’s Industrial Comeback

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Speaker Johnson delivered closing remarks at the Hill and Valley Forum that detailed how President Trump and Republicans in Congress are laying the groundwork for America’s industrial renewal.

    Click here to watch the full speech

    Read Speaker Johnson’s remarks below:

    I want to talk to you about an important issue that I know is top of mind for all of you and that’s about some long-held assumptions. There’s a long-held assumption out there that government and innovation must be at odds. We don’t believe that. You don’t believe that.

    But I think today’s thoughtful and insightful conversations – and most of American history for that matter – actually tell a different story. Many of our most consequential innovations have emerged from a healthy interplay between private ingenuity and public engagement.  

    Today, America is eager to get back to the days of making and building things again. And rightly so. For the better part of this century, we’ve actually been moving in the opposite direction. From the steel towns of Pennsylvania to the textile mills of the Carolinas, American communities watched as their factories shut down and main streets emptied out. We were told that we could simply innovate here and build elsewhere. The result was a gradual erosion of our industrial strength, which was part of the great strength of America.

    In recent years, we’ve seen the consequences of allowing the industrial backbone of our economy to atrophy, whether it’s strategic vulnerabilities in semiconductors, rare earths, and pharmaceuticals, or the regulations that smother businesses and jobs far too often.

    Our economy is coming back. We are doing the right things right now. We are making the right decisions to get this going. And that’s after the very damaging effects of Bidenomics the last four years, but we also see warning signs below the surface.

    I think we owe it to ourselves to be frank about this because we’re the ones that have to figure this out. Company profits are up, but the productivity of key American industries of course is down. Unemployment is low, but the number of Americans in job market still stagnates still below pre-pandemic levels. And our industrial capacity – the real engine of a resilient economy – has barely begun to recover from decades of neglect.

    What we are slowly learning is that our technological and our industrial strength is inextricably linked to our national prosperity and security. People in this room understand that, but others are taking notice.

    This situation didn’t happen by accident, it didn’t happen overnight. Decades worth of policymakers made it too easy to offshore entire industries, while providing few incentives to reinvest here in the USA. And it happened because government forgot that its role is not to control the markets, but to cultivate the conditions in which innovation can not only survive, but thrive.

    We saw this failure play out in real time under the last administration. I mean this is just objective fact, I don’t want to give you a partisan speech, but we need to look at reality. President Biden put the full weight of government behind clean energy, EVs, and broadband as a way to implement his green new economy. What we got instead was billions in spending with very little to show for it, if anything at all.

    The EV charger program has to be one of the worst boondoggles ever.  There were fewer than 10 functioning stations built in the first three years. Billions went into these failed programs, while burdensome permitting processes and red tape worked against the very innovation the Administration hoped to spur.

    And while Joe Biden paused America’s LNG exports, his Administration enriched adversaries like Russia, who were all too willing to fill this void in the market. Our European allies quite literally had to go get their natural gas and get their energy needs met by Vladimir Putin. It fueled his war machine and caused so much of the chaos we’re still dealing with.

    These policies don’t just handicap America and American technology; they fundamentally misunderstood the role of government in our system of free enterprise.

    Republicans, and especially President Trump, see things very differently. We believe government’s job is not to pick winners and losers. It’s to set the rules of the road, clear the obstacles, and get out of the way so American capital and ingenuity can get to work.

    We have to allow the job creators, and the risk takers, and the entrepreneurs, and the economy to do what they do. government can’t have a boot on the neck of those people and expect them to perform today.

    We’ve got an opportunity to reckon with all these failures, to recalibrate appropriately and get America back to being an industrial powerhouse once again. Our survival as a nation, I think, depends upon this. So what role should government actually play? Let me just outline three quick, broad policies that Republicans in Congress are pursuing right now to accomplish all this in concert with the White House, because this is a – we’re trying to operate as a seamless team. You’ll see that we’re working day to day, hand in hand with the administration, and that Republicans who control now both chambers of Congress, because we have unified government, you’ll see the Senate and House Republicans working together in tandem. That’s very deliberate, I think, very, very important.

    But three broad policies that we’re pursuing: number one, unleashing abundant American energy. I don’t have to tell the people in this auditorium why that’s so important. Artificial intelligence and data centers are consuming enormous amounts of energy, and this demand is growing exponentially. They come in and show us the charts where the demand goes like this on a chart, and we’re behind the eight ball already, as we know, if we’re to support these innovations and build the jobs and factories of tomorrow, we need reliable, affordable, abundant energy. And that means that unleashing the full potential of American energy and cutting red tape and tapping into every energy source, like commercial nuclear and liquefied natural gas, is just critically important. 

    Our second priority that we’re trying to pursue here is keeping taxes low and keeping competition in the marketplace. The 2017 Trump tax cuts sparked a real resurgence in American industry. The year after they passed, business investment jumped by roughly 10% real wages grew and companies began to reinvest in US manufacturing again. I mean, quite literally, all boats were rising. We say in these big forums as going around the country to a campaign and say, look, President Trump is a known entity. The first Trump Administration, look at what he did and what he was able to do prior to COVID, we had the greatest economy in the history of the world since we cut taxes and cut regulations. It’s not rocket science. We aspire to get back to that at that time, every boat was rising. I mean literally, every demographic in the country and every region in the country was doing better because these policies were implemented.

    Right now, we’re working to make these tax cuts, the tax cuts of the first administration, permanent, not just for families, but also to ensure that American innovators have the confidence to take risks and to reinvest boldly in expanding our industrial base. 

    The third big priority I wanted to mention today is reducing the size and scope of government. We get two important levers to do that. One is reining in wasteful spending. Number two, it’s cutting back regulations again. Under President Biden, we cross the dangerous threshold of $35 trillion in national debt. This is a dire situation. I know the people in this room understand it. A lot of people back home don’t have a full scope of the threat that this is. When we bring in leaders in the Pentagon or the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the last several years, I served on the House Armed Services Committee, among other assignments. We would ask them, “what is the greatest national threat to  our country? What is our top national security concern?” And you would expect them to say, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea. They don’t. They say the debt. And it’s true that our interest payments alone are on track to outpace our entire defense fund. It’s not a sustainable situation, and everybody knows that. Our adversaries know it as well.

    So we’re working right now on the one big, beautiful bill is the reconciliation process, and we’re going through that. We’re taking an honest look at every corner of the budget, including programs along considered to be “untouchable.” We know that when we work to root out wasteful and abuse, just like any smart business, we make our system and these vital programs more effective and efficient the people who really need and deserve them. And we’ve got all hands on deck to do this at the same time. We need to cut harmful regulations that smother innovation.

    All of you run into this, I’m sure at some point or another, may be dealing with it today, but I hope to tell you, in good faith that help is on the way. America’s industrial comeback can’t wait on government bureaucracy. We need to clear the runway for capital to move swiftly into new factories and robotics and advanced automation. Just before COVID, Tesla built its giga factory in Shanghai. They did it in under one year. If you did that same thing here, it would take just as long to pull together the darn permits just to get started building. We can and we must do better. We cannot allow other countries to exceed our performance in that way. 

    Nowhere is it more necessary for Congress to move with caution than AI. If we over regulate here, which you know, Washington tends to do, we don’t just risk regulating American AI out of existence. We would cede critical grounded China and this fateful race to dominate this new technology, and it’s a race that we cannot afford to lose.

    Our priority with AI and technology more broadly, is create an environment that’s competitive and open to new and emerging players, and not just one that benefits the big guys, right?

    Let me talk about tariffs briefly, and I know I’m the last speaker today, so I don’t want to give you a long policy speech, but I think some of this is important, and I’m sure it’s timely for you, and it’s probably one of the questions you would ask if we opened it up.

    President Trump is taking a serious look at our trade relationships, and it’s something I think that we should applaud. We have been mistreated. We have unfair trade partners around the globe, and this has been going on for quite some time. We’re living in the relic of really, what happened after World War II. Think about it, the historical terms I mean, we emerged as a great superpower, and Europe largely had to be rebuilt. So all these trade agreements were made with America as the new great nation, and the emerging superpower, and they sort of rationalized, “well, Americans can afford it, and we need a break.”

    Well, I mean, we’re a long time past World War II. President Trump’s right to point it out. He said, reciprocal trade means it’s got to be fair. He said, every time I talk to him “Mr. President, we’re free traders, free market guys.” He goes “yeah, free and fair trade.” Well, that’s a good point. So tariffs are one tool among many that he’s using to try to do a rebalancing there. He’s trying to rebalance trade and restore a level playing field for American workers and businesses. We’re in uncharted waters on this. This hasn’t been done, so there’s bound to be some market disruption. That’s what we’ve all kind of lived through the last several weeks.

    But I trust the President’s instincts here, and I know that American business leaders are tired of tactics from China. They just constantly undercut and outmaneuver American firms. They’ve stolen our IP, everybody here knows it. People are tired of competing with Chinese firms that are propped up by state subsidies and use actual slave labor to produce their products and they steal our intellectual property.

    But tariffs are just one part of the equation securing our long-term security and the competitive edge that will depend that we’ll need all that’s going to depend on leaning into innovations like AI and advanced robotics and automation. I really empathize with Americans who feel uneasy about the rapid pace of technology advancement.  I get that, but history gives us reason to be optimistic about this. From the automobile to the aircraft to the internet, each new breakthrough has unlocked entirely new industries and professions and forms of prosperity that have worked in our favor. They’ve transformed the way we live. We should always invite and celebrate those advances, because we know the better technology makes our workers more productive, and when our workers are more productive, they earn more, they build more and we see more human flourishing. 

    At the end of the day, that is our objective. We are trying to bring about human flourishing. That’s the goal of all this. It should be the goal of all of our public policy. Not everybody thinks about it that way, but we’re trying to, we’re trying to change things that they do. We should invite new ideas to reinvigorate our industrial base, not just to decouple from China, although that’s critical, but to give the American people a renewed sense of pride in what we make and what we build and what we export to the world, I have to say I’m incredibly bullish on America, not just because of the talent and ingenuity in this room and across the country, but because of what I’ve seen with my own eyes around the country. 

    I’ll just leave you with this quick anecdote. Two weeks ago, I was down in south Texas. I visited Saronic. You’ll probably know some of you guys know company. Y’all heard about it earlier on the stage, I think, but its headquarters sit in an unassuming lot right outside downtown Austin. I drove up and I was like, we’re here, but what I saw inside this building was truly extraordinary. What they’re doing is incredible work to bring back American shipbuilding, essentially from the ashes. We’re blessed where I’m from because Saronic is soon expanding manufacturing operation in my home state, Louisiana, and we’re going to welcome them with open arms, because it’s really exciting stuff.

    I’m telling this story because that is what American renewal looks like. It’s not just about Silicon Valley or Washington or bringing back the smokestacks of the 50’s. This is about expanding the pool of opportunity for every American in every community, in every corner of this great country. It’s about pioneering innovation. It’s about taking risks and betting big on America. Once again, it can happen anywhere in the country, and we want to bring about the conditions to allow that to happen. And that’s why I’m more confident than ever that our best days still lie ahead of us.

    Last thought, because I know you want to go. In July of next year, we’ll celebrate our 250th anniversary as a nation. This grand experiment in self-governance has lasted two and a half centuries. We have already exceeded the expiration date, the lifespan of a nation like ours, a republic, and we’ve done something totally different that no one had ever done before. America was truly revolutionary. The very concept was and we’re built upon these very firm foundations, these ideas, some of the things I’ve articulated today are made us who we are.

    Sometimes in this job, I take the opportunity to go and speak to university and college students, and I’m often alarmed my friends, because I will ask at the beginning, I’ll get on a stage like this, and I’ll say, “would you raise your hand if you agree that you live in the greatest nation in the history of the world?” And sadly, sometimes you get 10-15% of the hands raised in an auditorium like this, I’ll say, “gee, well, you don’t believe in the live in the greatest nation? Would you at least concede you live in a great nation?” Get a few more hands, and then I spend the rest of time explaining to them. I’m a constitutional law attorney. I can put on my case. I need several hours, but I try to convince it, and in 20 minutes or so I say “look, you live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. It’s not even close by any objective measure.” We’re the most successful, most powerful, most free, most benevolent nation that has ever been on the earth.

    But there’s a reason that we are, and it’s incumbent upon us as stewards of this great Republic if we are going to keep this grand experiment in self-governance, it is incumbent upon us to understand what those foundations are and to nurture them, to get back to those foundations, because we can’t allow them to be destroyed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Statement on Army Right-to-Repair Victory

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    May 01, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to the Secretary of the Army, Daniel P. Driscoll’s announcement that the Army will ensure right-to-repair provisions are included in future Army contracts, Senator Warren, a long-time advocate of the policy, released the following statement:

    “I pushed the Army Secretary to get right-to-repair in the Army done, and I’m glad he kept his word. This reform means the Army will be more resilient in future wars, and it will end the days of soldiers being dependent on giant defense contractors charging billions and taking months and months to get the equipment they need repaired. It’d be a big win for our country if all of the services followed Secretary Driscoll’s lead to stand up to military contractors, side with warfighters, and commit to right-to-repair in every single contract.”

    In January 2025, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, secured a commitment from Mr. Dan Driscoll, then-nominee for Secretary of the Army, about his views on enhancing the Army’s right to repair its own equipment. The exchange is below.

    Senator Warren also pushed Trump’s Navy Secretary and Military Transportation Command Chief on committing to allowing servicemembers to repair their own equipment. They agreed.

    Senator Warren has been a leader on Right-to-Repair in the military:

    1. In December 2024, Senator Warren and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) introduced the Servicemember Right-to-Repair Act, which would require contractors to provide DoD with “fair and reasonable” access to repair materials. It would also require cost-saving proposals to cut sustainment costs without reducing performance requirements, mandate a report on cost-saving strategies to enhance transparency, and require DoD to assess the cost-effectiveness of access to intellectual property throughout a program’s life cycle. 
    2. Senator Warren also wrote to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recommending $2 trillion in proposals to save taxpayers money, including tackling repair restrictions that the Government Accountability Office found “could save billions of dollars.” At the hearing, Mr. Driscoll agreed with this recommendation.
    3. In September 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent two letters denouncing the costly restrictions imposed by Pentagon contractors on the Department of Defense (DoD) that bar the military from repairing its own military equipment and instead force it to pay billions of dollars extra to contractors.
    4. In July 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren included a provision in the Senate Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA that would require Pentagon contractors to provide DoD with “fair and reasonable” access to repair materials.

    Transcript: Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Mr. Daniel P. Driscoll to be Secretary of the Army
    Senate Armed Services Committee
    January 30, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Driscoll. So what I’d like to do is continue the conversation we started in my office. The Army buys a lot of stuff, from tanks to helicopters. They buy a lot of stuff from big defense contractors. Those giant companies often sneak restrictions into the contracts. They hog up the software rights or the technical data, all to prevent service members from being able to repair their own equipment. So today I would like to talk through an example so we can see the difference in banks with the Army is not hamstrung by right-to-repair restrictions. 

    Last year, the Army needed a new cover for a safety clip, but the contractor told the Army they couldn’t have it for months and these safety clips would cost $20 a pop. Now, thankfully, the Army had managed to keep right-to-repair restrictions out of this contract and was able to 3D-print the part in less than an hour for a total cost of 16 cents. 

    Now, Mr. Driscoll, does being able to get the parts we need in hours – maybe minutes – instead of months, and for nickels instead of dollars, help U.S. readiness and national security? 

    Mr. Dan Driscoll, nominee for Secretary of the Army: Unequivocally, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: Good. You know, when right-to-repair restrictions are in place, it’s bigger profits for giant defense contractors, but also higher prices for DoD and longer wait times for service members who need to get equipment repaired so they’re ready to go. 

    Chairman Wicker has an acquisition reform agenda which calls for a complete review of data rights across the Department of Defense. I think that is exactly right because it would help put the Army fully in command of the equipment that it has paid so much for. 

    So, Mr. Driscoll, let me ask you, if confirmed, will you work with this committee to identify more opportunities where the Army can save money and time by making their own parts and fixing their own equipment? 

    Mr. Driscoll: If confirmed, unequivocally, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: Would you like to expand on that at all? 

    Mr. Driscoll: This type of innovation happening in the private sector at scale in a lot of ways seems to have not trickled into the Army as much. If we think about engagement with a peer like China, being able to repair our parts in areas around the world will be crucial to that. And, if we are having six-month delays in CONUS and paying 100x the rate, that is not scalable in an actual conflict, and so I’m totally supportive, Senator. 

    Chair Wicker: That was a very good answer, Mr. Driscoll. 

    Senator Warren: It was an excellent answer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You know, right-to-repair restrictions have truly gotten out of control. And they threaten our national security. In some cases, the Army cannot even write its own training manual without a sign-off from a contractor. My Servicemember Right to Repair Act would help fix this problem. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is the UK’s energy storage growing fast enough?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Victor Becerra, Professor of Power Systems Engineering, University of Portsmouth

    Sommart Sombutwanitkul/Shutterstock

    Britain’s booming green energy generation has a costly side-effect: the national electricity system operator has had to compensate wind turbine operators that could have produced more clean electricity than the grid could take.

    The cost of paying windfarms to temporarily switch off rose significantly in early 2025, surpassing £250 million in the first two months of the year. This figure not only includes these “constraint payments” to windfarm operators, but also payments to gas power plants to switch on and meet demand in the south of England that could theoretically be met by wind energy.

    Wind power is often generated in remote areas like the Scottish Highlands, where there is low electricity demand. To transmit this power over long distances to areas of higher demand (mostly in the south of England) requires power lines, but these have transmission limits and there are not enough of them.

    Britain will only make effective use of its energy potential if grid-scale energy storage keeps pace with the expansion of new windfarms and other forms of intermittent renewable energy, such as solar.

    Large-scale battery systems, pumped hydro and other storage methods could capture the excess energy injected by windfarms on windy days and release it when needed. But are these energy storage options arriving quickly enough?

    Why is storage so important?

    Most British consumers will not see a significant change in how they use electricity with the introduction of planned storage installations, other than fewer blips in power quality, such as flickering or dimming lights.

    You might spot these new energy storage facilities in rows of what look like shipping containers but are actually batteries. And the national grid (which serves England, Wales and Scotland – Northern Ireland has a separate electricity network) will be more capable of responding quickly to even minor variations in electricity supply and demand, meaning fewer headlines about curtailed windfarms.

    A lithium-ion grid battery site.
    106882997/Shutterstock

    The UK government is aiming to build up to 27 gigawatts of battery storage by 2030 (in 2023, battery capacity was estimated to be around 5 gigawatts). There are applications totalling 59 gigawatts of battery storage in the connections queue for 2030.

    Some of these are speculative – introduced to secure connection slots and permissions, with the intention of selling the rights on. These connections will not necessarily be built, yet contribute to long delays in approvals.

    As a result, the energy regulator Ofgem has been working with network operators to reform the connections queue. This includes new rules and more coordination between grid operators and project developers, as well as incentives (such as lower connection charges) to encourage battery developers to ensure their output can be adjusted to accommodate network constraints when necessary.

    Having substantial grid-scale energy storage could help stabilise electricity prices, which might give households lower and less volatile bills. It would also reduce the need to fire up gas generators during supply lulls, lowering the influence of expensive imported gas on electricity prices.

    Options and opportunities

    Storing excess renewable energy involves a range of technologies. Short-duration storage options such as batteries can supply energy ranging from seconds to a few hours. Long-duration storage, such as pumped hydro, can supply energy for several hours, days or more.

    Pumped hydro is the oldest long-duration storage technology. It involves storing vast amounts of energy by pumping water to a higher reservoir when electricity is plentiful, and releasing it to a lower reservoir through a turbine when needed. Dinorwig in north Wales and Cruachan in western Scotland are capable of storing 9 and 7 gigawatt-hours of energy, respectively.

    Major expansions are planned, such as the new pumped hydro storage scheme Coire Glas in Scotland. Expected to be completed around 2030-31, it is designed to store 30 gigawatt-hours, adding vast reserves of energy to the grid.

    Britain’s largest grid-scale battery installation, the Minety battery storage project completed in 2022 in Wiltshire, southern England, is capable of absorbing or delivering 150 megawatts – roughly equivalent to the power demand of 450,000 UK households.

    While Britain is making progress with its storage infrastructure, other countries are scaling up rapidly. China has built huge pumped hydro stations and the US is deploying very large grid-scale batteries. Germany, meanwhile, is testing hydrogen storage to absorb the power from its onshore windfarms.

    New forms of storage

    There is a drive by energy companies to develop new forms of long-duration storage. Along with hydrogen, liquid‑air storage is capable of inter-seasonal storage. This would allow solar energy collected during the summer to be available for release during the duller autumn and winter months.

    A solar farm in west Sussex, southern England.
    PBabic/Shutterstock

    In liquid-air plants, excess electricity is used to cool air to a liquid which can then be stored in insulated tanks. When electricity is required, the liquid air is heated and turned back into a gas, which moves a turbine and generates electricity. A 50-megawatt liquid-air plant planned near Manchester is expected to start commercial operation in 2026.

    In hydrogen energy storage plants, surplus electricity powers an electrolyser that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored and, when electricity is needed, fed into a fuel cell or turbine to generate the electricity. An example is the proposed Aldbrough facility in east Yorkshire, which is expected to be in operation by 2030 and will have a storage capacity of 320 gigawatt-hours. This facility will use three repurposed salt caverns originally developed to store natural gas.

    Energy storage technology has become a serious business opportunity, with companies investing billions of pounds into building new facilities. The variety of projects in the pipeline suggests the UK will be better able to avoid curtailing wind energy in the future, even accounting for growth in wind power capacity. Paying windfarm operators to switch off may soon be a thing of the past.

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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Victor Becerra 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. Is the UK’s energy storage growing fast enough? – https://theconversation.com/is-the-uks-energy-storage-growing-fast-enough-251867

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Introduces Legislation to Revitalize U.S. Medical Manufacturing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, along with Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03), and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09) introduced The Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability (MMEDS) Act to revitalize domestic medical manufacturing. The legislation aims to strengthen production by offering federal tax benefits and other incentives to pharmaceutical manufacturers that operate in the United States or relocate their facilities to U.S. soil, with a particular focus on economically distressed areas across the nation and its territories.

     

    This legislation will secure the U.S. medical supply chain, restore economic well-being, and protect America’s patients. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that our health, economic, and national security are at risk because of our dependency on foreign jurisdictions to manufacture vital medical supplies. The MMEDS Actencourages U.S. companies to re-shore operations from nations deemed to pose a risk to U.S. medical preparedness into economically distressed zones within the United States by providing a dollar-for-dollar credit against Federal taxes to U.S. companies for the wages and capital investments made in distressed zones, and for purchases made by a manufacturer from within a distressed zone. An economically distressed zone is defined as an area that has historically suffered from pervasive poverty, unemployment, and low labor force participation, resulting in a prolonged period of economic decline.

     

    The MMEDS Act would also establish a BARDA-led public-private Strategic Initiative to drive innovation and the development of advanced population health medicines, while also providing tax incentives to encourage such innovation in economically distressed areas.

     

    “I am proud to introduce the bipartisan MMEDS Act to bring medical manufacturing to the United States and revitalize an industry that once thrived in regions such as Puerto Rico,” said Rep. Malliotakis. “The COVID-19 pandemic made clear the urgent need to restore our domestic supply chain so that we are not dependent on adversaries like Communist China for critical pharmaceutical and medical supplies needed by America’s hospitals and patients. The support of my colleagues representing different corners of the nation demonstrates the broad, bipartisan recognition that strengthening our medical supply chain is a national priority. I also thank Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González-Colón for her leadership and partnership in advancing this important initiative.”

     

    “As recently as 2019, data has shown that the United States imports nearly two-thirds of its medicines and medical supplies from Europe and Asia. This must change,” said Rep. Maria Salazar. “The MMEDS Act will prioritize American manufacturing and restore our medical supply chain while creating jobs and economic growth in Florida, Puerto Rico, and across the country.”

     

    “It is an honor to be an original cosponsor of the Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability (MMEDS) Act from Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who is continuing Gov. Jennifer González-Colón’s critical legislation to strengthen our nation’s medical supply chain from the previous Congress. This bill is particularly important for Puerto Rico and would help revitalize the island’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, create good-paying jobs, and support long-term economic growth.” Rep. Ritchie Torres

     

    “I am proud to co-sponsor the MMEDS Act, which will provide tax incentives to bring medical manufacturing to rural areas in my district,” said Rep. Jeff Hurd. “This legislation will help grow manufacturing industries and support the development of advanced health medicines in Colorado’s 3rd District.”

     

    “I thank my dear friend Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for her leadership in reintroducing the MMEDS Act in the 119th Congress. This legislation supports bringing critical medical manufacturing back to American soil, including in Puerto Rico, fostering economic growth and job creation in economically distressed areas. It authorizes targeted tax credits tied to investment and repatriation of medical manufacturing companies, thus prioritizing measured incentives for work undertaken in the U.S. and safeguarding our supply chain. Our country has the infrastructure, expertise, and workforce needed to remain a leader in innovation, technology, and manufacturing. In the case of Puerto Rico, we host some of the main global medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, paired with a highly trained and specialized workforce that abides by American standards for safety and quality. I look forward to continue working with Congresswoman Malliotakis, who has seen first-hand the manufacturing capabilities in Puerto Rico and the rest of the country, and Representatives Salazar and Torres to get this bipartisan bill across the finish line,” said Governor Jenniffer González-Colón.

     

    Earlier this year, Malliotakis reintroduced the Supply Chain Security and Growth Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would leverage Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) to facilitate a rapid movement of critical U.S. supply chains to Puerto Rico from less desirable and unreliable locations such as China.

     

    View the Bill text HERE.

     

    The MMEDS Act was originally introduced by then Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González-Colón in the 118th Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three Members of a Prolific Chinese Money Laundering Organization Plead Guilty to Laundering Tens of Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds

    Source: US State of California

    Two Chinese nationals and a California man, all members of a prolific Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO), pleaded guilty yesterday to money laundering charges involving drug trafficking proceeds.

    According to court documents, Maoxuan Xia, 29, of China, Shao Neng Lin, 58, of Baldwin Park, California, and Zhou Yu, 42, of China, were members of the CMLO that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico. Xia was one of the most active members of the Organization, traveling throughout the United States to collect drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposit those illicit funds, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO, such as Lin and Yu.

    Xia and Yu each pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and one count of monetary transactions involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Lin pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transactions involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Xia admitted that he was personally responsible for laundering more than $30 million of illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds, in less than two years. Xia further admitted that he knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking. Pursuant to their respective plea agreements, Lin and Yu both admitted that they each received, through the shell company bank accounts that they created and operated for the CMLO, approximately $20 million in illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds. Lin and Yu both admitted that the total amount of illicit funds laundered in the conspiracy for which they had actual knowledge and involvement was approximately $40 million.

    The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and money laundering counts and a maximum of 10 years in prison on each of the monetary transactions counts. A federal district court judge will determine their respective sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.

    The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.

    Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang, Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth, and Trial Attorney Jayce Born of the Justice Department’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alfredo De La Rosa and Seth Johnson for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Members of a Prolific Chinese Money Laundering Organization Plead Guilty to Laundering Tens of Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Two Chinese nationals and a California man, all members of a prolific Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO), pleaded guilty yesterday to money laundering charges involving drug trafficking proceeds.

    According to court documents, Maoxuan Xia, 29, of China, Shao Neng Lin, 58, of Baldwin Park, California, and Zhou Yu, 42, of China, were members of the CMLO that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico. Xia was one of the most active members of the Organization, traveling throughout the United States to collect drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposit those illicit funds, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO, such as Lin and Yu.

    Xia and Yu each pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and one count of monetary transactions involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Lin pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transactions involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Xia admitted that he was personally responsible for laundering more than $30 million of illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds, in less than two years. Xia further admitted that he knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking. Pursuant to their respective plea agreements, Lin and Yu both admitted that they each received, through the shell company bank accounts that they created and operated for the CMLO, approximately $20 million in illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds. Lin and Yu both admitted that the total amount of illicit funds laundered in the conspiracy for which they had actual knowledge and involvement was approximately $40 million.

    The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and money laundering counts and a maximum of 10 years in prison on each of the monetary transactions counts. A federal district court judge will determine their respective sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.

    The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.

    Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang, Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth, and Trial Attorney Jayce Born of the Justice Department’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alfredo De La Rosa and Seth Johnson for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pillen Applauds Trump’s First 100 Days

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Trump’s second administration.

    “President Trump’s vision for a renewed era of American strength, prosperity, and greatness is why Nebraska has his back. He is leading and inspiring people across the country to stand up for what we believe in: faith, family, hard work, and the American Dream. I’m proud to partner with the President and his administration to achieve results that will deliver meaningful, lasting, and transformative positive change for our country.”

     Under President Trump’s leadership, we are:

    • Making America safer. Our borders have been secured, illegal crossings have plummeted, and criminals are being stopped before they enter the country.
    • Holding China – and other takers – accountable for cheating on trade and fixing imbalances, which is vital for Nebraska’s agriculture industry.
    • Attacking the bureaucracy by cutting government waste and improving outcomes through DOGE and other efficiency efforts.
    • Letting commonsense values flourish and taking a stand against the radical left’s anti-America agenda.

    “During a recent White House event, I told President Trump how grateful Nebraskans are for his leadership. Today, on day 100, we want to simply say thank you to President Trump and his administration for their leadership and service to our great country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jemez Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Minors

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Jemez man pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.

    According to court documents, Tyler Chinana, 35, an enrolled member of the Jemez Pueblo, admitted that in 2012, he engaged in unlawful sexual contact with a minor victim who was under the age of 12 at the time. In a separate incident, Chinana also admitted that in November 2022, he engaged in similar unlawful sexual contact with a second minor victim who was also under the age of 12.

    At sentencing, Chinana faces up to life in prison followed by no less than five years and up to life of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Jemez Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Timothy Trembley are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Spends State Work Period Fighting for Nebraska Priorities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted his efforts to fight for Nebraska priorities during the recent Senate state work period. Ricketts led a bipartisan delegation trip to the Philippines and Taiwan focused on deterring Communist China. Trade issues were also discussed. He then held a series of public events in Nebraska. Those included town halls in Scottsbluff, Valentine, and Kearney. He made the following comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media:

    “Before Easter, I visited the Philippines and Taiwan,” said Ricketts. “I met with the leaders in both those countries. We discussed ways to push back on Communist China’s aggression. Communist China is our greatest external threat.”

    Ricketts also underscored the potential for expanded trade opportunities for Nebraska agriculture producers.

    “There is a lot of interest in signing new trade deals,” said Ricketts. “For example, Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao expressed an interest in buying more of our soybeans instead of buying them from Brazil. Others expressed interest in buying more of our natural gas. They know Communist China is a bad trading partner. They want to work with us. There’s a lot of opportunity. We need to start cutting these trade deals.”

    In addition, Ricketts recapped the many public events he held across Nebraska. This included three town halls, roundtable conversations in Grand Island and Scottsbluff, a cattle branding in Sioux County, and events in Lincoln with Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

    “I shared how I’m working with President Trump to secure the southern border, protect the 2017 tax cuts, and support Nebraska agriculture,” continued Ricketts. “I gave an update on how I’m fighting to address our $36 trillion national debt – which is our greatest domestic threat. I also heard feedback and answered questions directly from Nebraskans. These conversations help me stay connected to the priorities and values of my constituents.”

    [embedded content]

    Watch the video here

    TRANSCRIPT:

    Senator Ricketts: “Over the last two weeks, I focused on some of the priorities that we face now as a nation. 

    “For example, specifically deterring China and tackling our debt.

    “Before Easter, I visited the Philippines and Taiwan.  

    “I met with the leaders in both those countries.  

    “We discussed ways to push back on Communist China’s aggression. 

    “Communist China is our greatest external threat.  

    “Xi Jinping has said that he wants to be the world’s dominating power by 2049. 

    “Communist China’s dramatic military buildup and increasingly provocative actions are designed to force everyone else to bend to its will.  

    “Just this week, it took over an island in the West Philippine Sea.  

    “In the past, they have stolen intellectual property and continue to do so.  

    “They manipulate or disregard rules to gain advantages that risk our security. 

    “That threatens our security and threatens the security of many of our allies and partners. 

    “We also discussed expanding trade opportunities for American producers. 

    “There is a lot of interest in signing new trade deals. 

    “For example, Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao expressed an interest in buying more of our soybeans instead of buying them from Brazil. 

    “Others expressed interest in buying more of our natural gas. 

    “They know Communist China is a bad trading partner. They want to work with us. 

    “There’s a lot of opportunity. We need to start cutting these trade deals. 

    “Last week, I held public events in the Western, Central, and Eastern parts of our state. 

    “For example, I hosted three town halls in Scottsbluff, Valentine, and Kearney. 

    “At these town halls, I shared updates on my work in Washington. 

    “I shared how I’m working with President Trump to secure the southern border, protect the 2017 tax cuts, and support Nebraska agriculture. 

    “I gave an update on how I’m fighting to address our $36 trillion national debt – which is our greatest domestic threat. 

    “I also heard feedback and answered questions directly from Nebraskans. 

    “These conversations help me stay connected to the priorities and values of my constituents. 

    “In addition to the townhalls, I spoke to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. 

    “I gave a legislative update and answered questions about taxes, tariffs, and other topics. 

    “In Lincoln, I partnered with Nebraska Farm Bureau to call for making the Trump tax cuts permanent. 

    “If the tax cuts expire, Americans would see a $4 trillion tax increase. 

    “That would hurt Nebraska families, farmers, and small businesses. 

    “The child tax credit will be cut by $1,000. 

    “The standard deduction will be cut in half. 

    “And the deduction for the Death Tax would also be cut in half, putting our Nebraska family farms and ranches at risk.

    “If these tax cuts were to expire, a family of four making $80,000 would pay $1,700 more in taxes. 

    “I want to see Nebraskans’ taxes cut, not raised. 

    “I also held several important roundtable meetings. 

    “In Grand Island, I heard directly from local Chambers of Commerce. 

    “They shared their strategies for economic development and revitalization. 

    “For example, I heard about the Kearney sportsplex, which is attracting events from all over the region. 

    “In fact, they told me that they are entirely booked, having only two open weeks from now until 2029. 

    “That’s huge for central Nebraska. 

    “In Scottsbluff, I sat down with agriculture leaders. 

    “They shared with me the challenges facing rural communities. 

    “Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers feed the world. 

    “I’m committed to passing a comprehensive farm bill that delivers the tools they need to succeed. 

    “While in western Nebraska, I took part in a cattle branding in Sioux County. 

    “Branding is a great part of western life. 

    “It’s tough, honest work that brings families and communities together. 

    “The brand identifies cattle and protects against theft. 

    “The calves are also vaccinated to protect their health.

    “Nebraska is the Beef State because of the grit demonstrated every day by our ranchers. 

    “I’ll always advocate for Nebraska agriculture. 

    “In addition, my team and I are hosting Mobile Office Hours in every single county. 

    “We did that in all 93 counties last year – twice.

    “We help Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy. 

    “And I’ll continue fighting every day to make sure Nebraskans’ voices are heard in Washington. 

    “Nebraskans deserve nothing less.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi Story: From grit to greatness, hard work builds a nation

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

    BEIJING, May 1 — Prior to International Workers’ Day 2025, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing — the heart of China’s political life — welcomed a proud assembly: over 2,000 exemplary representatives drawn from the country’s vast workforce of hundreds of millions.

    In a ceremony on Monday, President Xi Jinping joined technicians, judges, nurses, and farmers to recognize not only their vital contributions, but also the spirit of dedication and hard work that fuels a nation.

    Hailing the honorees as exemplars of the people and pillars of the country, Xi called on citizens to draw inspiration from them — staying grounded and working hard — so that, step by step, they can turn the grand vision of national rejuvenation into reality.

    Xi sent the message at the gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. It drives home a point he has long emphasized — great dreams are not achieved by waiting or chanting slogans; they are earned through hard work and determination.

    A LEADER FORGED THROUGH HARD WORK

    Xi’s respect for hard work is built on his own past.

    In 1969, just shy of 16, Xi arrived at Liangjiahe, a rugged village on the arid Loess Plateau in northwest China, to work the fields alongside the farmers who called the rural community home.

    He took on nearly every kind of task, but spent an especially large number of hours on one in particular: building the dams by compacting the earth layer by layer with heavy stone pounders.

    Xi threw himself into the labor. Day one left his hands blistered; day two saw them bleeding. Still, he kept working without complaint.

    “What a fine lad,” remarked the locals.

    The hard work did not end when Xi was elected Party chief of Liangjiahe in 1974. He rolled up his sleeves and led villagers in digging wells, building terraced fields, and installing biogas pits — gradually transforming the community.

    Living and working alongside the farmers for seven years, Xi grew from a slightly bewildered teenager into a man determined to serve the people.

    “Most importantly,” he later said, “I learned from my fellow farmers the values of respecting facts and working hard with perseverance.”

    Those formative years left an indelible mark on Xi, shaping the strong work ethic that has been his character either as village Party chief or general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    He works tirelessly, juggling domestic meetings, inspections and overseas visits — his schedule always packed to the brim.

    In a rare reflective moment during a foreign media interview, Xi was asked about life as China’s leader. His candid reply laid bare his sacrifice. “My personal time? It’s all consumed by work,” he said. “Entrusted by the people … I must put them first, serving with unwavering diligence.”

    MODEL WORKERS AS STARS

    “What a galaxy of stars,” Xi said at a conference room ahead of International Workers’ Day in 2013.

    By a “galaxy of stars,” he was referring to the 65 role models before him, those honored for their hard work in their industries over the past decades.

    Liang Jun, one of the earliest model workers, recounted how she helped turn northeast China’s barren land into a national granary.

    After listening to Liang’s story, Xi told the then 84-year-old lady, “Your deeds are well known to our generation. As the first female tractor driver in China, you are truly remarkable.”

    As a leader who emerged from the ranks of the working people, Xi not only respects them but is also committed to ensuring that their needs are met.

    Since Xi took the helm of China in 2012, the country has introduced more measures, laws and regulations to safeguard workers’ rights and interests.

    Moreover, Xi often visits workers during domestic inspection tours to personally assess their working and living conditions.

    In 2023, he inspected a residential community in Shanghai built to house workers such as construction laborers, delivery drivers and sanitation staff.

    He stepped into their homes and shared facilities — public kitchens, laundries — and spoke with them to understand their living conditions firsthand.

    “Migrant workers, who come to contribute to Shanghai, are equally the city’s masters,” he stressed. “It is our responsibility to ensure they can arrive, settle down, live comfortably, and thrive here.”

    INVESTMENT IN SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

    At Monday’s celebration ceremony, Xi underscored the importance of adapting to the new wave of technological and industrial transformation and enhancing the workforce’s capabilities.

    “High-quality development cannot be achieved without high-quality work and innovation,” he said.

    This resonates with his consistent emphasis on the crucial role of skilled talent in advancing the manufacturing sector.

    Over the years, Xi’s passion for craftsmanship has taken him to factory floors across the country, where he encouraged engineers, technicians and workers to hone their skills and push boundaries.

    “Times may change and missions may shift, but the spirit of hard work, unity, and unyielding effort should never change,” he said at Monday’s ceremony.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: APPlife Digital Solutions, Inc. Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Sugar Auto Parts, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — APPlife Digital Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: ALDS) (“APPlife” or “the Company”), a business incubator and portfolio manager specializing in e-commerce and cloud-based solutions, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement (“Agreement”) to acquire Sugar Auto Parts, Inc., a Nevada corporation.

    The acquisition is anticipated to close in May 2025, subject to customary closing conditions outlined in the Agreement. Shareholders and interested parties can find comprehensive details regarding the transaction in the Company’s forthcoming 8-K filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, expected within the next five business days.

    ABOUT APPLIFE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    APPlife Digital Solutions Inc., with offices in San Francisco, CA., and Shanghai, China, is a business incubator and portfolio manager that creates and invests in e-commerce and cloud-based solutions. The Company invests in and develops solutions for work, home life, recreation, and research that make users more productive and efficient, whether at work, home, or traveling the world. APPlife’s cloud-based businesses are designed to provide easy-to-use life solutions, often to address everyday issues and needs. They include a wide array of topics and needed services to cover the full marketplace across the spectrum. For more information, visit www.applifedigital.com.

    Contact Information:
    APPlife Digital Solutions
    Investor Relations
    Tel: (585) 232-5440
    Email: jody@applifedigital.com

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 
    This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things our plans, strategies, and prospects — both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, acquisitions, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated,” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents that we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements attributable to APPlife Digital Solutions, Inc. or a person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.

    The MIL Network –