NewzIntel.com

Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI USA News: TRUMP EFFECT: Americans See First Price Relief in Years

    Source: The White House

    After today’s inflation report showed the first consumer price decline in years, a decrease in energy prices, and real average hourly wage growth, one thing is clear: President Donald J. Trump’s economic agenda is delivering for Americans.

    Here’s what they’re saying:

    Council of Economic Advisers Chair Stephen Miran: “That core inflation print, on an annual basis, was the lowest core inflation print since March of 2021, so President Trump’s policies are working at keeping inflation at bay, keeping inflation down. Between that and what’s going on with trade — America is back.”

    Economist E.J. Antoni, Ph.D.: “This is truly remarkable: Average annual inflation rate from ‘09 until ‘21 was 1.8%, then Biden drove it up to 8.6% for a year and a half, then it rose steadily at 3.1% for the rest of his term; but now Trump is averaging a mere 1.0% -remarkable!”

    CNBC’s Rick Santelli: “We were expecting the exact opposite … These are definitely low numbers!”

    CNN’s Matt Egan: “This was actually a drop of .1% — that’s the first time we’ve seen that since COVID. Year-over-year, the annual inflation rate was at 2.4%. This was also better than expected and a 6-month low, moving in the right direction.”

    USA Today: “Inflation eased more than expected to a five-month low in March as gasoline and used car prices tumbled and rent increases softened further…”

    Axios: “Inflation was notably cooler than expected in March: The overall Consumer Price Index dropped as energy prices plummeted, while the core measure that excludes food and energy rose just slightly.”

    Bloomberg: “Inflation came in notably weaker than expected for last month, with the headline CPI falling 0.1% — thanks in part to a tumble in gasoline prices. None of the 67 forecasters in Bloomberg’s survey had predicted a drop.”

    CNN: “Inflation slowed sharply in March, new data showed Thursday, underscoring the continued strength and resilience of the economy ahead of President Trump’s aggressive trade moves.”

    Associated Press: “U.S. inflation declined last month as the cost of gas, airline fares, and hotel rooms fell, a sign that price growth was cooling even as President Donald Trump ramped up his tariff threats.”

    The Wall Street Journal: “Consumer prices declined month-over-month in March for the first time in nearly five years, a welcome development for inflation-weary consumers…”

    Breitbart: “U.S. consumer prices fell in March, pushed down by a decline in the price of goods and defying predictions that President Trump’s tariff plans would push up prices. This was the first drop in consumer prices in nearly three years and only the second decline since inflation accelerated under Joe Biden to the worst rates in decades.”

    The Washington Post: “Inflation cooled significantly in March amid a drop in energy and transportation prices, giving consumers a bit of a break”

    The Daily Caller: “Trump Notches Win As Inflation Eases More Than Expected In March”

    NBC News: “The pace of price hikes for airfare, car insurance, used vehicles and recreation all eased in March.”

    CBS News: “Consumer price growth cooled in March as the White House prepared far-reaching global tariffs, with a key inflation measure falling to its lowest level since March 2021 … On a monthly basis, prices actually fell 0.1% in March, the first monthly drop in nearly five years.”

    CNBC: “Consumer price inflation eased more than expected in March as President Donald Trump prepared to launch tariffs against U.S. trading partners”

    Reuters: “US consumer prices post first decline in nearly five years”

    Barron’s: “Inflation Cools More Than Expected”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the inaugural session of the Annual Trade Expo 2025 of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry via video conferencing

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the inaugural session of the Annual Trade Expo 2025 of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry via video conferencing

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has progressed in every sector through various systems, development initiatives, and efforts to become a global leader

    Gujarat, acting as the gateway to the global economy, has made a significant contribution to the country’s development

    Today, Gujarat has emerged as a pioneer in many sectors that will shape the global economy over the next 25 years

    The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has played a crucial role in Gujarat’s development

    GCCI has inspired youth with entrepreneurship, courage, and the zeal to do business in any corner of the world

    GCCI should integrate the tradition of small-scale industries with startups and modernise it for the benefit of the youth

    In Gujarat, industries are provided with a conducive, industry-friendly environment, free from political interference and strikes

    GCCI has worked hard to realize the vision of ‘Grow Business and Transform Gujarat’ and has established excellent dialogue with the government

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed the inaugural session of theAnnual Trade Expo 2025 of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry via video conferencing. On this occasion, several dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, were present.

    In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has played a very important role in the development of Gujarat. He mentioned that the foundation of the Chamber was laid under the leadership of Kasturbhai Sheth. Shri Shah said that the Chamber has inspired the youth with entrepreneurship, courage, and the enthusiasm to do business anywhere in the world. He further stated that for 75 consecutive years, the Chamber has upheld that tradition, maintained dialogue with the government, cared for public interest, and stood shoulder to shoulder with the people during natural calamities.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Chamber, having completed its 75-year journey, is now moving toward the milestone of 100 years. He emphasized that the leadership of the Chamber should professionally prepare a roadmap for this journey from 75 to 100 years and align it with Gujarat’s development to take it forward. He stated that to ensure the spirit of industrial entrepreneurship remains alive and is further encouragedamong Gujarat’s youth, the Chamber should formulate a plan.

    He pointed out that MSMEs are our greatest asset, and if we look back, every major industry has once begun as a small-scale enterprise. Shri Shah said that Gujarat’s small industries have made a significant contribution to the nation’s industrial growth. He added that the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry should integrate the tradition of small industries with startups and modernize it to create a comprehensive ecosystem for the youth. He said, the Chambershould act as a bridge between the government, small industries, and aspiring young entrepreneurs.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that if the Chamber wants to remain relevant in the times to come, it must go beyond just organizing events and instead establish a permanent mechanism within the Chamber to support industries, industrial entrepreneurs, and industrialists. He stated that if the Chamber’s office bearers create such a system in collaboration with professionals, the relevance of the Chamber can be sustained for the next 25 years. He further added that the Chamber can easily serve as a bridge between the government and new industrialists, the government and the youth, and the government and the industrialists who are eager to contribute to development.

    Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah stated that Gujarat today showcases a vibrant and diverse industrial ecosystem—ranging from traditional industries to cutting-edge technology, IT, infrastructure, MSMEs, startups, and pioneering sectors. He emphasized that entrepreneurs looking to establish industries in Gujarat are assured of a business-friendly environment, free from political interference, supported by efficient systems and a strike-free atmosphere. Shri Shah recalled that during Shri Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister, the Gujarat government prioritized inclusive decision-making by engaging in meaningful dialogue with traders, industrialists, and small business owners through the Chamber of Commerce. He noted that Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has further strengthened this pro-industry environment. He also highlighted Shri Modi’s visionary policy that robust infrastructure is the foundation of a strong economy, and a strong economy, in turn, enhances the quality of life for every citizen. As a result, Gujarat today plays a vital role in India’s growth story and is emerging as a gateway to the global economy.

    Union Home Minister said that the Chamber is advancing with the motto of ‘Gujarat’s Vision – Global Ambition’. He highlighted that over 300 individuals from diverse sectors and fields of innovation have been invited to participate in the expo that commenced today. He said that since its inception in 1949, the Chamber has made an exceptional contribution to Gujarat’s development. With more than 75 institutions and over 2.5 lakh small industrial organizations associated with it, the Chamber has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s industrial landscape. The Home Minister emphasized the Chamber’s dedicated efforts toward realizing the motto ‘Grow Business and Transform Gujarat’, and its consistent, effective dialogue with the government. He also acknowledged the Chamber’s significant contribution to the global recognition and success of the Vibrant Gujarat initiative. Shri Shah remarked that the Chamber has been instrumental in Gujarat’s remarkable journey—from the devastating earthquake of 2001 to its emergence in 2025 as a hub for pioneering industries.

    Shri Amit Shah highlighted that Gujarat has been a pioneer in launching several transformative initiatives across the country. He stated that the concept of smart infrastructure was first envisioned in Gujarat, and the state led the way by ensuring 24-hour electricity supply in villages. Gujarat also took the early initiative to position itself as a global financial hub. He added that in 2009, Gujarat launched the e-Gram project, bringing inter-connectivity and digital services to rural areas. The state also made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality rates. Shri Shah emphasized that all these achievements were made possible under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable progress over the past 11 years, advancing in various sectors and emerging as a global leader across multiple domains. He emphasized that these achievements have been possible due to the holistic, multidimensional, and whole-of-government approach adopted under Shri Modi’s leadership. He also acknowledged that Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has played a key role in firmly upholding and continuing this tradition of development and good governance in Gujarat.

    Shri Amit Shah stated that Gujarat has emerged as a pioneer in all the key sectors that will shape the global economy over the next 25 years. He highlighted that the world’s largest renewable energy park has been established in Kutch, while the largest greenfield project—Dholera Smart City—is taking shape in the state. He also mentioned that the Surat-Chennai Expressway, India’s second-longest expressway, originates in Gujarat. Moreover, India’s first international financial hub, GIFT City, has been developed in Gujarat, along with the country’s first bullet train project and the first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. Shri Shah further emphasized that Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has provided Gujarat with a robust industrial development infrastructure, progressive policies, and an industry-friendly governance model.

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Review PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Schemes, Emphasize on Effective Implementation,Uttar Pradesh Reaffirms Commitment to Achieve 22 GW Solar Energy Capacity Target

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Review PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Schemes, Emphasize on Effective Implementation,Uttar Pradesh Reaffirms Commitment to Achieve 22 GW Solar Energy Capacity Target

    Union Minister Inspects Wheat Procurement Centre at Mohanlalganj Mandi, Engages with Farmers to Assess Benefits of Welfare Schemes

    “The Prime Minister’s vision is to make farmers energy self-reliant and promote low-cost farming,” : Shri Pralhad Joshi

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi today held a review meeting in Lucknow with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the progress of wheat procurement, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar schemes. The meeting was also attended by Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Shri A.K. Sharma and Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Smt. Nidhi Khare.

    Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude and said, “I thank Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi for taking time out of his busy schedule to ensure the effective ground-level implementation of these ambitious schemes that benefit farmers and citizens from low- and middle-income groups.”

    During the meeting, Uttar Pradesh reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the ambitious target of 22 GW solar energy capacity of the state. Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi acknowledged the state’s leading role in the effective implementation of flagship central schemes like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar. He stated that “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisions maximum benefit to farmers through these initiatives. Under PM-KUSUM, farmers are no longer solely dependent on conventional electricity and are instead using clean and affordable solar energy for agriculture.” He added that the Central Government provides up to 90% subsidy under this scheme, enabling farmers to adopt solar systems at significantly lower costs.

    Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi also visited Duggaur village in Bakshi Ka Talab tehsil of Lucknow to inspect a solar pump project established under PM-KUSUM C-1 scheme. Local resident Mohammad Ahsan Ali Khan has installed an 11.2 kW on-grid solar power plant for his private 7.5 HP irrigation pump. The total cost of the project is ₹6,23,909, of which ₹1,87,173 was provided as central subsidy, ₹3,74,345 as state subsidy, and only ₹62,391 was contributed by the beneficiary.

    Since installation, the solar plant has generated a total of 8,945 kWh of electricity, out of which 7,100 kWh has been exported to the grid, while 1,845 kWh has been used for irrigation. This has not only given Ahsan energy independence but also enabled him to earn additional income by selling surplus power to the grid. This project stands as an inspiring model for other farmers to adopt sustainable and income-generating agricultural practices through solar energy.

    Energy Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri A. K Sharma thanked Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi for handholding Uttar Pradesh and providing an allocation of 3.7 lakh pump allocation under the PM-KUSUM Scheme (Component C – Feeder Level Solarization).

    Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi visited the wheat procurement center at Mohanlalganj Mandi in Lucknow, where he observed the process of wheat procurement, cleaning, and weighing being carried out through the e-POP (Electronic Point of Procurement) machine. During his interaction with farmers, he learned how the use of this technology by the central and state governments has made the process of selling their produce more transparent, efficient, and convenient. The farmers shared that with the introduction of e-POP, weighing has become accurate, and payments are being processed quickly, enhancing their confidence in the government’s procurement system.

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    PIB Lucknow| DS/SC

    (Release ID: 2120759) Visitor Counter : 119

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 04/10/2025 Blackburn Introduces Bills to Strengthen Quantum Development, Manufacturing, and Defense Applications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation to strengthen the development, manufacturing, and defense applications of quantum technology in the United States. These bills include the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act with Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and the Advancing Quantum Manufacturing Act with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

    “Tennessee is among the states leading the nation in quantum development, and we need to continue building on this momentum to strengthen quantum technology across the nation,” said Senator Blackburn. “These bills would provide a strategic roadmap for quantum development, promote continued innovation, and supercharge the Defense Department’s approach to quantum technology to advance our national security. I look forward to working with the Commerce Committee to pass these bills and reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative.”

    BACKGROUND

    • The Defense Quantum Acceleration Act would supercharge the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) approach to quantum technology and advance U.S. national security, building on the work done at institutions like Oak Ridge National Lab in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Specifically, this bill would establish a framework for the DoD to optimize its approach to the development and transitioning of quantum technology and develop a strategic quantum roadmap. It would also authorize a defense quantum technology testbed to enable the Defense Innovation Unit to successfully execute the transition of near-term quantum capabilities. Click here to read the bill text. 
    • The Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act would establish a public-private partnership for near-term quantum application development and acceleration. Click here to read the bill text. 
    • The Advancing Quantum Manufacturing Act would establish a Manufacturing USA Institute for Quantum Manufacturing and improve coordination between the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation for activities related to quantum development. Click here to read the bill text. 
    • Earlier this year, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) recognized Senator Blackburn for her leadership on advancing a reauthorization of quantum computing research programs to drive innovation, protect the nation, and create new industries.

    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Four Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions, Fills One County Vacancy

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 10, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to various boards and commissions and filled one county vacancy.

    Joseph Barbaglia, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.

    Mr. Barbaglia is the owner of Columbia Auto Parts and currently serves as secretary for the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners. He has been a member of the board since 2017. He is a dedicated member and volunteer with several community associations and civic organizations, including the Second District Police Business Association, St. Ambrose Athletic Association, Toys for Tots, and the Soap Box Derby.

    Cary Corley, of Lee’s Summit, was appointed to the Committee of Professional Counselors.

    Dr. Corley is the clinical director and owner of Corley Counseling, LLC. Licensed in both Missouri and Kansas, he has earned the National Certified Counselor credential, awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors. In addition to his professional work, Corley is a member of the Election Committee for the Lakewood Homeowners Association and a ministry leader at Abundant Life Church in Lee’s Summit. Dr. Corley earned his Doctor of Counseling from Midwestern College, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama.

    Kelly Marriott, of Calhoun, was appointed as the Henry County Clerk.

    Ms. Marriott currently serves as the deputy county clerk and elections coordinator for Henry County, a position she has held for almost two decades. She is an active member of her community and has been a member of the Calhoun Colt Show Committee since 2015. Ms. Marriott is a graduate of Calhoun R-8 High School.

    Dudley McCarter, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

    Mr. McCarter is a principal of Behr, McCarter, Neely & Gabris, P.C., specializing in civil and construction litigation. McCarter was first appointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education in 2019. A former president of both The Missouri Bar and the St. Louis County Bar Association, he has received several prestigious awards for his quality of work, leadership, and integrity, including the Spurgeon Smithson Award, the Purcell Professionalism Award, and Missouri Lawyers Media’s prestigious ICON award. McCarter served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1972 to 1980, earning the rank of captain before being honorably discharged. Mr. McCarter received his bachelor’s degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

    Andrew Schwartz, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.

    Mr. Schwartz is the president of AJ Adhesives, Inc, and Mid-America Packaging. Schwartz first served on the St. Louis City Board of Elections from 2011 to 2016 and again in 2024. He is an active member of his community, serving as a voting member of the Forest Park Advisory Board, a local soccer, basketball and baseball coach, and an officer for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Mr. Schwartz earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Southeast Missouri State University.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: David Scott and Young Kim Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Unbanked and Underbanked Communities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. David Scott (GA-13) and Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), both senior members of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to address systemic entry barriers into our nation’s traditional banking sector.

    The Financial Inclusion in Banking Act directs the Office of Community Affairs inside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to focus attention on finding solutions for unbanked and underbanked populations in underserved communities. More importantly, the bill promotes stronger coordination between federal agencies, trade associations, and financial institutions to improve consumer access to banking.

    “Every American deserves equal access to the financial tools and services that are essential for stability and opportunity. Today, millions of our fellow citizens remain unbanked or underbanked—lacking access to basic banking services like checking accounts, credit, and affordable loans,” said Rep. David Scott. Without access to safe and affordable financial services, individuals are often forced to rely on high-fee alternatives such as payday lenders or check-cashing services. The Financial Inclusion in Banking Act would provide significant relief for consumers who are forced to rely on these predatory options that drain hard-earned incomes and limit long-term financial growth. It’s not just a personal issue—it’s an economic and moral one that affects the health of our communities and the strength of our economy.”

    “A an immigrant and small business owner, I’ve personally faced barriers to accessing capital and understanding what financial tools are available,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Every American deserves the opportunity to achieve their dream, and that starts with access to the right financial tools. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to bridge the information gap and expand access to financial opportunities for underserved communities. I will continue fighting to ensure that all Americans have the chance to build wealth and succeed.”

    The Financial Inclusion in Banking Act would redirect the CFPB’s Office of Community Affairs to work alongside banks, minority depository institutions, fintech companies and  consumer groups, among others, to: 

    ·         Conduct research on barriers to financial inclusion and identify hurdles under- and un-banked Americans face when maintaining a sustainable relationship with banks;

    ·         Identify best practices to increase participation of underbanked and unbanked consumers in the traditional banking sector;

    ·         Develop new and innovative strategies to improve financial education for underserved consumers; and

    ·         Submit a report to Congress highlighting legislative and regulatory recommendations to promote participation in the traditional banking system.

    Full text can be viewed HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hopes of a ‘Brexit benefit’ from tariffs were short-lived. Here’s what Trump’s pause means for the UK

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maha Rafi Atal, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in Political Economy, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow

    The US has decided – again – to upend the global trading system. With the latest raft of tariffs just beginning to kick in, and after a week in which markets worldwide fell precipitously, the Trump administration announced that it would be suspending high tariffs on nearly 60 countries for 90 days.

    The announcement is only a partial reprieve. High tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, as well as on global imports of steel, aluminium and automotives, remain, as does a 10% baseline tariff on all imports. US tariffs remain the highest they have been since the Great Depression, at levels unprecedented since the modern trade system was created after the second world war.

    Before the pause, the UK was already in line for the 10% rate – which some commentators described as a Brexit benefit when compared to the EU’s prospective 20%.

    While markets soared on the news of the pause, the damage is was already done. The subsequent rally is recouping some, but not all, losses incurred due to the tariffs already.

    Businesses that had prepared for tariffs by bulk-buying imported components ahead of time will have made cuts elsewhere to pay for it. They will not easily be able to reverse course.

    The implications for the UK of the latest developments are mixed. All the tariffs imposed on direct UK exports to the US (chiefly steel, automotives and aircrafts, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment) remain in place.

    While the US represents the second-largest market for UK goods, the majority of UK exports are in services (like banking and insurance), which the tariffs do not target. If tariffs were to hit direct UK-US goods trade only, the UK would likely be able to weather the shock.

    Unfortunately, that’s not how trade works in the 21st century. Instead, two-thirds of trade takes place in what are known as “global value chains”. These are complex networks through which companies move the component parts of products between their own facilities around the world and those of their subcontractors.

    Many UK businesses supply components that are incorporated by companies overseas into finished goods ultimately destined for the US. When the US imposes tariffs on those goods, UK manufacturers suffer too – even if direct UK exports to the US remain unchanged.

    Global value chains will also reorient in response to trade barriers, as already took place in Asia during Trump’s first term. If businesses reroute their supply chains to avoid the tariff markets, the UK (which is not imposing retaliatory tariffs) could become a “sacrifice zone” (a place where cheaply made, poor-quality or environmentally harmful items are dumped or disposed of, “sacrificing” the wellbeing of local people) for excess supply, undercutting domestic producers.

    Yet choosing not to retaliate is key to the UK’s diplomatic strategy. It hopes to stay close to the US in the hope of preferential treatment.

    The UK’s pursuit of a US trade deal has been politically sensitive since the previous Trump administration.
    JessicaGirvan/Shutterstock

    So far, that strategy is yet to bear fruit. The UK hopes to avoid the tariffs through a US trade deal, an objective that the countries have pursued since the UK left the European Union.

    The US has repeatedly sought access to the UK agrifood market, a demand that has always been refused due to political opposition to importing American beef and chicken.

    The sticky Brexit issue

    Brexit adds to this complexity, as the Windsor framework requires food products sold in Northern Ireland to conform to European Union standards. The more standards in the rest of the UK diverge from those of the EU (as they would have to do to secure a US trade deal), the more onerous the checks in the Irish Sea would become.

    Keir Starmer’s government has also sought to renegotiate parts of the agreement with the EU, seeking tighter economic ties that will require closer regulatory alignment. Pursuing deregulation to meet US trade demands, however, makes that unlikely.

    The tariffs compound this dilemma. If the higher rates return after 90 days, Northern Irish exports to the US will face a lower rate than those from the Republic of Ireland. But US imports to Northern Ireland will be hit with EU tariffs while imports to the rest of the UK will remain tariff-free.

    That will create some opportunities. Businesses might choose to operate in Northern Ireland to access a lower tariff rate on their US exports while also producing goods for the EU market.

    But it also creates risks. With three different tariff regimes in Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, goods flowing across both the Irish Sea and the Irish land border could require additional checks. This would risk the very thing the Windsor Framework was meant to avoid.

    Given these risks, a 90-day reprieve is a window of opportunity. But with US government policy that can change on a dime (or a post), the UK risks being caught between the rival powers of the US and EU – and trampled in the crossfire.

    Maha Rafi Atal is a volunteer organizer with the US Democratic Party.

    – ref. Hopes of a ‘Brexit benefit’ from tariffs were short-lived. Here’s what Trump’s pause means for the UK – https://theconversation.com/hopes-of-a-brexit-benefit-from-tariffs-were-short-lived-heres-what-trumps-pause-means-for-the-uk-254307

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Joins Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1) joined Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) today in introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to target the rise in theft, fraud, and other organized crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain across America. This bipartisan, bicameral bill establishes a coordinated multi-agency response and creates new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft to combat these criminal operations.

    “By establishing a coordinated federal response, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would target the criminals who endanger consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks, along with the nefarious transnational groups that fund their operations,” said Congresswoman Titus. “This legislation will help law enforcement better pursue and prosecute these bad actors, while protecting businesses and saving consumer dollars.’

    “Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Congressman Joyce. “These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers in our communities, but are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. These crimes also have more widespread consequences for public safety, as these organized groups often resell stolen goods to finance other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking operations. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to put a stop to these rampant crimes.”

    Congresswoman Titus joined six other members of the House in co-leading the legislation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, Home Depot, UPS, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Association of American Railroads, the International Council of Shopping Centers,  the American Trucking Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Walgreens Co., CVS Health, Kroger, Walmart, and Target.

    Background

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This Coordination Center will allow increased collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with retail crime associations and subject matter experts, to create a cohesive strategy to combat these crimes and share valuable resources.

    According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93 percent from 2019 to 2023, including a 90 percent increase in actual dollar loss. Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023, compared to $93.9 billion in 2021, $61.7 billion in 2019, and $46.8 billion in 2017. In 2023, 84 percent of retailers reported that violence and aggression were a greater concern than in 2022. At the same time, product manufacturers and the supply chain are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27 percent increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These crimes are often orchestrated by organized groups that resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act seeks to address these challenges by enhancing legal frameworks, improving enforcement capabilities, and fostering coordination across federal, state, and local agencies. The legislation responds to the limitations of state-level efforts, which struggle with resource constraints and the interstate and international nature of organized retail and supply chain crime, and it aims to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 113-2025: Scheduled Outage: Thursday 10 April to Friday 11 April 2025 – COLS, COLSB2G

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    09 April 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment during this planned maintenance period.

    All users of the Cargo Online Lodgement System Business to Government (COLSB2G) system.

    Information

    To support a system release, there will be a scheduled outage to both the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS), and COLSB2G from 23:00…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeGette Statement on House Republicans’ Budget Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after House Republicans passed H. Con. Res. 14, the FY2025 Budget Resolution.

    “House Republicans just passed a bill that sets the stage for cuts to Medicaid and food stamps so that they can fund huge tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and corporations.

    “The budget resolution put forth by Republicans in Congress directs my committee, the Energy and Commerce Committee, to find $880 billion in ‘savings’. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported that it would be impossible to cut that much without touching Medicaid. Not to mention, their budget calls for at least $230 billion in cuts that threaten nutrition assistance during a period of fast-rising food prices, and it also repeals clean energy investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act. 

    “In my district alone, over 161,000 of my constituents who rely on Medicaid could lose their health care. And more than 123,000 of my constituents who rely on food stamps to feed their families could lose this critical lifeline.

    “This bill is nothing more than a rushed, sloppy response to Donald Trump’s demands to pass his ‘one, big, beautiful bill’—a win he desperately needs because he has nothing else to show for his leadership.

    “As Trump and Elon Musk continue to slash and burn their way through our government, I refuse to support his agenda and call on my Republican colleagues to stop bending the knee to Trump and Elon and get serious about helping the American people.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 97, Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 97 would direct the Department of Commerce, through its SelectUSA program, to solicit comments from state economic development organizations about how to support foreign direct investment in semiconductor production. The bill also would require the department to report to the Congress on strategies that SelectUSA could implement to increase such investment.

    Using information from the department, CBO expects SelectUSA would need two employees and six contractors for about two years at an average cost of $210,000 each to carry out the comment solicitation process and complete the required report. On that basis, CBO estimates that implementing S. 97 would cost $4 million over the 2025-2030 period; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Margot Berman. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Tops Global Soundbar Sales for 11th Consecutive Year

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics America, the global leader in TV innovation for 19 consecutive years, today announced that it has maintained its position as the world’s top soundbar brand for the 11th year in a row.1
    According to market research firm FutureSource Consulting, Samsung captured a global market share of 20.1% in revenue and 18.4% in sales volume in 2024, further strengthening its leadership in the premium audio industry, having held the #1 position since 2014.
    This continued success is driven by the immersive sound experiences buyers have come to expect from Samsung soundbars, as well as their seamless integration with Samsung TVs.
    The flagship HW-Q990D, launched in 2024, has been particularly well received, offering Q-Symphony technology that synchronizes the audio experience between Samsung soundbars and Samsung TVs, along with AI-powered audio optimization features that deliver a one-of-a-kind home entertainment experience.

    This commitment to innovation has earned Samsung widespread recognition from industry experts and global tech media. Newsweek recognized the HW-Q990D with its prestigious Editors Choice award, praising it as “the best Dolby Atmos soundbar you can buy in 2024.” Additionally, the HW-S800D, our sleek lifestyle soundbar, was named Editor’s Choice by Techlicious, which described it as “the perfect choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s sound without sacrificing style or space.”
    Building on this momentum, Samsung will continue to push the boundaries of audio innovation in 2025. This year’s lineup introduces several new and enhanced AI features, improved connectivity and refined audio processing to take home theater audio to new heights.
    “We’re proud to be recognized as the global leader in soundbars for 11 consecutive years and believe this honor is a testament to our commitment to delivering premium audio experiences,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to push innovation forward, enhancing both sound quality and usability to create an even more seamless and immersive home entertainment experience.”

    For more information on Samsung soundbars, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/us/televisions-home-theater/home-theater/sound-bars/.

    1Source: © 2025 Futuresource Consulting, Worldwide Soundbar Market Share by manufacturer. Annual units and value basis.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IADC’s First Geothermal Drilling Conference Draws a Crowd

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC’s First Geothermal Drilling Conference Draws a Crowd

    The inaugural IADC Geothermal Drilling Conference & Exhibition took place 25-26 March in Vienna, Austria. Over 250 attendees showed up to take part in conversations about the future of geothermal drilling. 

    Opening and keynote presentations were given by: 

    • Angelika Zartl-Klik, Senior Vice President Low Carbon Business and Renewable Energy & Bernhard Novotny, Project Director Geothermal, OMV
    • Marit Brommer, Chief Executive Officer, International Geothermal Association
    • Bruce Gatherer, Business Development and Drilling Advisor, Iceland Drilling

    During the event, IADC and the International Geothermal Association signed a new MOU, ensuring future collaboration and further partnership in the advancement of geothermal.

    According to IGA CEO Marit Brommer:

    “To fully unlock geothermal’s potential, we must remove the bottlenecks—and permitting is at the top of the list. With IGA and IADC working side by side, we’re building the trust, alignment, and momentum needed to turn endorsement into action.” 

    Drilling Contractor Interviews from the 2025 IADC Geothermal Drilling Conference

    IADC completes inaugural Geothermal Conference in Vienna

    As an emerging source of renewable energy for the world, geothermal holds vast potential for drilling contractors not only in terms of new applications for existing drilling rigs but also in terms of potential contributions to the world’s carbon emissions reduction efforts.

    At IADC’s first-ever Geothermal Conference, held 25-26 March in Vienna, Austria, DC spoke with Lars Nydahl Jorgensen, IADC Regional Director for Europe and staff liaison for the IADC Geothermal Committee, about geothermal’s value proposition for the global drilling industry, as well as key takeaways from the conference.

    European Geothermal Energy Council: Few “tweaks” needed for geothermal to go mainstream

    While geothermal energy makes up a miniscule slice of the global energy mix today, it holds great potential that’s waiting to be tapped, and Sanjeev Kumar, Head of Policy at the European Geothermal Energy Council, said he believes only a few tweaks are needed to make geothermal go mainstream.

    Speaking with DC, Mr Kumar discussed the regulatory framework that currently exists for geothermal energy, as well as how European policymakers view geothermal versus other renewable energy sources. He also speaks to why “levelized cost of energy” may not be the best metric with which to analyze the potential for geothermal.

    OMV hosts IADC Geothermal Conference attendees at Hydros drilling site in Vienna

    On 27 March, OMV hosted nearly 100 attendees of the IADC Geothermal Conference on a tour of the Hydros geothermal project as it was drilling ahead within the city limits of Vienna, Austria.

    During the tour, DC spoke with Alexander Heger, Head of Well Delivery for OMV, about the status and goals of the pioneering project, as well as OMV’s views on the future of geothermal.

    IADC Geothermal Committee presents Well Classification system, previews Risk Index

    The IADC Geothermal Committee presented its recently launched Geothermal Well Classification at the inaugural Geothermal Conference. Scott Farmer, Committee Chairman and Well Engineering Manager for H&P, spoke with DC during the conference about the three levels of the classification system – project, site and well levels – as well as key feedback that has been received from the industry so far. He also provides a preview of the IADC Geothermal Well Risk Index, a beta version of which is expected to be launched later this year.

    Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, exhibited, sponsored, and organized this conference!

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Reintroduces the Fair Debt Collection Improvement Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    Bars debt collectors from bringing legal action after statute of limitations has expired

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reintroduced the Fair Debt Collection Improvement Act that would bar debt collectors from bringing legal actions involving a consumer debt for which the statute of limitations has expired. 

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “Consumers must be protected from overzealous debt collectors who are bending the rules to collect. When the original creditor sells a time-barred debt to new collectors, consumers should be informed of the rules and not be misled.  My legislation helps consumers recognize and understand the rules of debt collection and avoid being victimized.”

    When debts fall outside the statute of limitations (generally 10 years), many creditors write these debts off their own balance sheets but sell the debts for a fraction of their value to debt collection services.  Even though most courts hold that a creditor, or successor creditor, may not sue to collect a debt that is time-barred, it is not illegal to pursue these debts through other means.  Moreover, many states hold that, if a consumer makes even partial payment in satisfaction of a time-barred debt, the entire debt is revived for a new statute of limitations period and the consumer then becomes obligated to pay that entire debt again.

    The Fair Debt Collection Improvement Act would clarify that lawsuits to collect on time-barred debt constitute a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The bill would also ensure that any debt collector that purchases time-barred debt on the secondary market informs the debtor that:

    • the new debt collector now holds the debt, not the original creditor;
    • because the debt falls outside the statute of limitations, the debt collector may not sue to collect the debt; and
    • if applicable under state law, any payment towards the debt may revive the entire debt. 

    The measure is not intended to relieve consumers of their responsibilities of paying their debts but to provide improvements to the law that governs out of statute debt and prevent abusive tactics in the debt collection industry

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Joins Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members to Demand Answers on Tariff Impact on Port of Baltimore

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined a letter led by U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) alongside U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) calling on the Administration to detail the repercussions of newly announced tariffs on the Port of Baltimore. This letter, sent to United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, raises the lawmakers’ concerns regarding the latest announcement on tariffs, the costs for the American consumer, and the potential shock wave to major ports, industries, and workforces.

    “The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s most vital hubs for commerce, and it plays a crucial role in national supply chains,” said the lawmakers.

    “We are especially concerned about the latest announcement on tariffs considering the economic consequences for the American consumer. These tariffs effectively serve as a sales tax on consumers, placing the burden of revenue raising on American families. While White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated recently that these tariffs are expected to raise about $600 billion a year in revenue, economists have clarified that the impact to consumers on spending will significantly reduce these revenue estimates. Instead, experts indicate these tariffs will raise prices for already-struggling consumers, trigger layoffs in industries with customers who rely on imports, and plunge our nation into a recession,” the lawmakers continued.

    The Members also emphasized the resiliency of the Port of Baltimore after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in their letter and its ability to retain its standing as the nation’s top-ranked port for wheeled farm and construction machinery and the second most utilized port for importing cars in 2024.

    Considering the importance of the Port of Baltimore’s function in the local, state, national, and global economies, the lawmakers requested a response from Secretary Lutnick to the following inquiries within the next 14 days:

    1. What mechanism is the Department of Commerce utilizing to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the tariffs issued under the Executive Order?
       
    2. What efforts will the Department of Commerce take to track how these tariffs impact everyday costs for the American consumer, and national and local economies?
       
    3. What are the long-term implications of these tariffs on our nation’s major ports, and on our national supply chains?
       
    4. How, specifically, do you expect the announced tariffs will impact automobile and light vehicle imports, coal exports, and agricultural equipment imports and exports?
       
    5. Will the Administration waive tariffs on certain goods or sectors, or provide aid to impacted small businesses, impacted workers (i.e. farmers, dockworkers, etc.), and industries, in response to significant negative economic outcomes in the United States?

    Full text of the letter can be viewed here and below. 

    April 7, 2025

    The Honorable Howard Lutnick
    Secretary of Commerce
    1401 Constitution Avenue NW
    Washington, D.C. 20230

    Re: Implications of Newly Announced Tariffs on the Port of Baltimore

    Dear Secretary Lutnick:

    We write to you today to communicate our extreme concern about the implications of the recently announced tariff regime on the Port of Baltimore (the “Port”). On April 2, 2025, 
    President Trump issued an Executive Order, titled Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits (the “Executive Order”), that announced a minimum 10% tariff on all imported goods, to take effect April 5. On April 9, higher levels of “reciprocal” tariffs will be placed on goods imported from nations with which the United States has a trade deficit. This latest action comes one week after the Administration’s Executive Order titled, Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States, which announced tariffs targeted at individual industries (i.e. automobiles, steel, aluminum) and countries (i.e. Canada, Mexico, China).

    The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s most vital hubs for commerce, and it plays a crucial role in national supply chains. Last year, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, the Port was closed for nearly two months, causing significant disruption to our economy. The state of Maryland estimates that approximately 15,000 direct jobs and 139,000 indirect jobs depend on the Port of Baltimore, generating an estimated $3.3 billion in personal revenue, $2.6 billion in business income, and more than $395 million in taxes. The local economic impact was such that the United States Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Labor responded by issuing Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Dislocated Worker Grants for businesses and workers that were directly affected by the bridge’s collapse and closure of the Port.

    Despite the collapse, Baltimore’s resiliency speaks to the Port’s ability to retain its standing as our Nation’s top ranked Port for wheeled farm and construction machinery, and reigns as the nation’s second most utilized port for importing cars in 2024. In 2024, the Port of Baltimore exported more than $2.9 billion and imported nearly $23 billion in automobiles and light trucks. Additionally, the Port exported more than $2.92 billion in coal and more than $1.1 billion in agricultural equipment and materials. Overall, the Port of Baltimore exports roughly 28% of the nation’s coal, making it the second-largest coal exporting port in the United States.

    We are especially concerned about the latest announcement on tariffs considering the economic consequences for the American consumer. These tariffs effectively serve as a sales tax on consumers, placing the burden of revenue raising on American families. While White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated recently that these tariffs are expected to raise about $600 billion a year in revenue, economists have clarified that the impact to consumers on spending will significantly reduce these revenue estimates. Instead, experts indicate these tariffs will raise prices for already-struggling consumers, trigger layoffs in industries with customers who rely on imports, and plunge our nation into a recession. 

    Considering the Port of Baltimore’s critical importance to the economic wellbeing of the city, state, and our nation, we request a response to the following inquiries within 14 days:

    1. What mechanism is the Department of Commerce utilizing to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the tariffs issued under the Executive Order?
       
    2. What efforts will the Department of Commerce take to track how these tariffs impact everyday costs for the American consumer, and national and local economies?
       
    3. What are the long-term implications of these tariffs on our nation’s major ports, and on our national supply chains?
       
    4. How, specifically, do you expect the announced tariffs will impact automobile and light vehicle imports, coal exports, and agricultural equipment imports and exports?
       
    5. Will the Administration waive tariffs on certain goods or sectors, or provide aid to impacted small businesses, impacted workers (i.e. farmers, dockworkers, etc.), and industries, in response to significant negative economic outcomes in the United States?

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to your reply.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger Presses Biden Administration Officials on Decision to Ban LNG Exports

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, questioned witnesses in the full committee hearing yesterday titled, “Converting Energy into Intelligence: The Future of AI Technology, Human Discovery, and American Global Competitiveness.”

    Earlier this year, four Department of Energy (DOE) sources revealed that the Biden administration intentionally withheld a final draft of a study that could have challenged the administration’s decision to ban LNG exports in January 2024. The decision to bury this study raises significant concerns about transparency within the Biden administration’s DOE, especially given that the study revealed LNG exports would lower emissions.

    Restricting the free flow of commodities discourages investment in critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, which in turn affects downstream consumption – ultimately making it more difficult to supply the energy needed to power data centers across the country. This is why during the hearing, Rep. Pfluger questioned David Turk, who served as the Deputy Secretary of Energy during the Biden Administration, on the former administration’s decision to pause natural gas exports despite reports that countered this decision.

    Watch Rep. Pfluger’s full line of questioning HERE or read highlights from his interaction with Mr. Turk below.

    Rep. Pfluger: Were you aware of the 2023 study’s findings prior to the January 26 decision to indefinitely ban new export authorizations under section three of the Natural Gas Act?

    Mr. Turk: So we didn’t ban any. We did the study in order to take a step back because we’ve authorized so much. Up to half of our natural gas production right now is authorized to actually go abroad and to be sold, including to China. So what we did was take a pause to complete the study. 

    Rep. Pfluger: Pause, ban, we can debate this all day long. But why was the study not released immediately after it was done?

    Mr. Turk: So it was. We released the study once the efforts finished the study. 

    Rep. Pfluger: Do you disagree that the study was more favorable to LNG than the Biden administration would have liked, and that’s why there was a pause put on LNG exports?

    Mr. Turk: The pause was so that we could do the study before making decisions and to actually have our independent experts, and the independent experts in our national labs were the ones who did the study.

    Rep. Pfluger: So do you agree that the emissions of natural gas were better and more consistent and actually more favorable than what you claimed and what Secretary Granholm claimed in the attempt to ban natural gas exports? 

    Mr. Turk: So LNG exports have a very, very significant greenhouse gas footprint. So just one project, we’re talking 4 BCF per day, that project itself has more emissions throughout the life cycle, methane emissions, but CO two combustion when that gas is burned, than 141 countries in our world. Just one facility, 141 countries in our world. That’s pretty significant. 

    Rep. Pfluger: So you stand by your decision to ban LNG exports?

    Mr. Turk: Again, we did a pause so we could do the study so that any Secretary of State could have a good independent analysis.

    Rep. Pfluger: Your decision to do that is going to impact these guys right here. It’s going to impact our ability to provide power for the AI data center.

    Background:

    This questioning follows news first reported on by the Daily Caller claiming that Biden Administration officials ‘intentionally buried’ studies to justify their major crackdown on energy.

    Rep. Pfluger also introduced the “Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act” earlier this year to shift responsibility for approving liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects out of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) hands after the department unilaterally froze approvals for such projects for most of 2024 under the Biden administration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT NASA INNOVATION

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, wrote a letter to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Acting Administrator Janet Petro making her own recommendations on how the agency can improve efficiency, support the dedicated employees, and strengthen the United States’ leadership in space exploration.

    Recently, Acting Administrator Petro called on NASA employees to submit suggestions to senior leadership on how the agency can improve efficiency and support the President’s “Workforce Optimization Initiative”, including methods to streamline processes, create new and better ways of working, and focus limited resources on future mission success.

    In her letter, Rep. Meng wrote, “I understand you recently invited NASA employees to share ideas to improve the agency’s efficiency. I applaud this invitation, and I hope you will pay close attention to these ideas. As you know, however, many of these employees find themselves in fear of losing their jobs and of adverse changes to the mission and capabilities of NASA. In acknowledgment of our shared support for NASA and its outstanding employees, and in support of a strong NASA that leads the world in science and human space exploration, I offer to you several ideas of my own that can improve NASA and America’s space industry and the 373,000 jobs it provides.”

    Meng’s suggestions are:

    1. Work with the White House and others in this Administration to end the self-destructive Trump tariff tax before it damages the commercial space industry and the Artemis program.
    2. Do not cut scientific research in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
    3. Do not abandon NASA’s commitment to STEM education.
    4. Make public NASA’s ethics arrangements with Elon Musk and his staff.

    Meng serves as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), which oversees NASA. Each year, the agency receives more than $20 billion in federal funding. NASA leads the study of Earth science, the solar system, and the larger universe, conducting cutting-edge research to advance science and technology and improve the lives of people all over the world.

    A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone: House Republicans Want to Let Banks Rob You


    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement ahead of a House vote to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rule capping excessive overdraft fees:

    “Trump promised to lower egg prices. Instead, Republicans are gutting the rules to let banks charge you $35 per transaction to use your own checking account.  Overdraft fees are one of the most predatory practices in the financial system, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule finally puts guardrails in place. Repealing it means banks can run up the score on their customers with $35 fees even for small transactions. This is a Republican handout to the financial industry at the expense of everyday Americans. I’m voting no,” said Pallone.

    The CFPB — established in the wake of the 2008 financial crash — finalized the overdraft fee rule in December after years of research and public input. The rule would cap overdraft charges and save consumers billions each year. Repealing it allows banks to continue charging as much as $35 per overdraft — often for small, short-term charges that disproportionately hit low-income families. According to the CFPB, the final rule is expected to result in $5 billion in annual overdraft fee savings to consumers, or $225 per household that pays overdraft fees. The overdraft final rule will take effect on October 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Advances TICKET Act After Musk Blocked Consumer Reform Last Year

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the bipartisan TICKET Act—a major consumer protection bill to crack down on deceptive ticketing practices—was approved today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Pallone, the Committee’s top Democrat, helped broker a bipartisan agreement last year to pass the bill, but it was blocked by Republicans at the eleventh hour after Elon Musk tweeted his opposition to the legislative package, which included the Pascrell-Pallone provision to deliver transparency and major savings to concertgoers.

    “We had a deal to pass the TICKET Act last year as part of a broader spending agreement but that deal was blown up by a tweet from billionaire Elon Musk,” said Pallone. “A billionaire torpedoed a bipartisan consumer protection package, and Republicans let it happen. Today’s vote moves us one step closer to finally delivering relief for fans.”

    The TICKET Act requires upfront pricing for all live event tickets, bans speculative ticket listings, guarantees refunds for canceled or postponed events, and prohibits misleading resale sites. 

    Pallone has long championed consumer protections in the ticketing industry, introducing the BOSS and SWIFT Act in 2023 alongside his late colleague, Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09). Key provisions from that bill are included in the TICKET Act.

    “My friend Bill Pascrell was a fearless advocate for fairness in the ticketing marketplace,” Pallone said. “He knew what a racket this system had become, and he fought every day to make it better for fans. Today’s vote reflects years of work we did together to stop hidden fees, deceptive websites, and price gouging.”

    Pallone also criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order on ticket pricing, signed last week, as a hollow alternative to real legislative action.

    “Trump’s executive order was nothing more than a headline grab. If Republicans are serious about fixing this broken system, they should work with us to bring the TICKET Act up for a vote on the House floor right away,” Pallone said. “Our bill actually delivers real reforms that consumers have been demanding for years.”

    The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over consumer protection and the ticketing industry, passed the TICKET Act with bipartisan support during Tuesday’s markup. The bill must now be passed by the full House. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Floor Remarks Opposing Republican Budget Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as the Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, spoke yesterday during floor debate in opposition to the Republican budget resolution, legislation that would pave the way for GOP tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The resolution passed with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against.

    Beyer’s remarks follow below, and video is available here.

    I rise today in strong opposition to this budget resolution, a recipe for economic disaster for our country.

    Americans have been clear – they want lower prices and an economy that works for them. Yet, at every turn, this budget, this Administration, and my Republican colleagues are doubling down on policies that undermine our economy and make wealth equality even worse.

    I spent much of the day with Trade Ambassador Greer and it is clear that the Administration’s myth that tariffs will reshape the U.S. economy by bullying our closest allies is nothing more than a fantasy.

    The Trump tariffs represent the largest tax hike in American history. They have caused chaos in the markets, and stripped [trillions] from Americans’ retirement plans. Consumer confidence is plummeting, reaching its lowest level in 12 years, and economists are increasingly convinced we are headed for a recession.

    This budget will balloon our deficits, leading to higher interest rates. It will slash critical investments, and it will decimate essential programs that support the people we represent.

    All of this to help billionaires and corporations get tax cuts that they do not need and our country cannot afford.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kustoff Introduces the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) introduced the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act in the House of Representatives. This bill protects small businesses and taxpayers by bolstering taxpayer protections, prohibiting improper Internal Revenue Service (IRS) targeting of taxpayers, compensating taxpayers for IRS abuse, and lowering the regulatory burden on taxpayers.

    “Small businesses are the engine that runs our economy. As such, small businesses should be focused on what is important – growing and creating jobs. They should not have to deal with burdensome and costly IRS regulations,” said Congressman Kustoff. “I introduced the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act to hold the IRS accountable and give small business owners the support they need.” 

    Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate.

    “Each year, Tax Day reminds us that small business owners must spend thousands of hours conforming to IRS requirements instead of boosting the economy and creating jobs,” said Senator Cornyn. “This bill lowers the compliance burden, strengthens taxpayer protections, and ensures small businesses are not targeted for additional scrutiny based on their politics.”

     

    Click here to read the full text of the bill. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly, Health Subcommittee Democrats March to Health Department, RFK Jr. Refuses to Meet

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01), and five more members of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee marched to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today to demand a meeting with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After waiting in the lobby for almost half an hour, Secretary Kennedy nor his office responded to schedule a meeting to explain recent layoffs and restructuring of HHS.

    “RFK Jr. is a coward. He followed orders from Elon Musk to fire 10,000 HHS employees, eliminated half of the HHS regional offices – including the one in Chicago that serves the Midwest – and now refuses to answer questions,” said Rep. Kelly. “Americans’ health should not be in the hands of RFK Jr., who refutes basic scientific truths. These DOGE-led layoffs are cruel, politically motivated, and will irreversibly damage public health.”

    On March 27, Secretary Kennedy announced the termination of 10,000 employees, bringing the total number of layoffs to 20,000 at HHS. He has refused to brief the House health subcommittee and Senate committee.

    Five out of 10 HHS regional offices in Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago were closed, notably affecting liberal regions of the country. These offices served a total of 22 states and 166 million Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boilermakers organizing nets a win and a setback

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    The Boilermakers union welcomed 145 new members in March after workers in the machine shop micro-unit at BWXT, Lynchburg, Virginia, voted in favor of unionizing. According to Northeast Area organizer John Bland, workers contacted Local 45 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Battle in late December seeking information and help organizing.

    He said workers were fed up with working conditions and constantly changing rules. The Boilermakers and other unions had attempted at least three prior organizing efforts at BWXT since 2008, so some of the machinists had heard the message about how unionizing could provide a voice for them on the job. The time was right to organize.

    “As soon as Kevin got the call, everyone got moving on it,” Bland said. M.O.R.E. Work Investment funds helped support the Boilermakers’ organizing efforts.

    Workers inside the unit were especially key in communicating and ultimately making the campaign a success. Because BWXT is a secured nuclear operation, the massive facility is not accessible to visitors, such as union organizers. For security purposes, even inside the facility some units, areas and workers are off-limits to one another.

    “The workers took charge early on,” agreed IR Tim Tolley, who was part of the IBB organizing team. “These guys were shot out of a cannon and came to us organized and ready to go forward. You could tell they were fed up. It was a perfect storm for organizing.”

    He echoed that the biggest catalyst for the workers to unionize was the “constantly moving goal post” as the company continuously changes rules and conditions. While wages usually are an issue, at BWXT it was more about the way workers were being treated and disrespected at work.

    “This time organizing worked because we had more people that were tired of being bullied. They wanted true change,” said Chris Davis, who’s been a BWXT machinist for 19 years. “I’m most looking forward to getting a contract and a set of rules.”

    Tolley said the machinists are set to elect their bargaining committee in early April so they can get to work on their first contract.

    “The things they’re asking for are attainable,” he said. “We told them we couldn’t promise anything but a seat at the table, and that’s exactly what they’re looking for. Now, they’re looking forward to negotiating their first contract.”

    Unfortunately, a vote in March at Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, California, was a no-go to unionize—at least for now. For more than a year, Boilermakers had been working with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as “Siemens Workers United” to organize more than 1,600 workers who manufacture light rail vehicles for a variety of transit agencies. Siemens is a global company headquartered in Germany. While the company is generally union-friendly in Germany, many of Siemens’ North American operations have resisted unionization.

    Workers interested in unionizing in Sacramento rallied around issues such as inadequate health and welfare benefits, low pay, pay disparity, gender inequality, safety and poor working conditions, such as extreme heat.

    Lawrence Garcia, a four-year employee who works in the coach weld shop, said the wages are too low, especially considering cost of living in the area.

    “I know guys who work 12-hour days or 10-hour days just to keep buying rent. I even know guys who work two jobs, just to keep from going on the streets,” he said. “The pay is not worth it.” Until recently, welders at Siemens were paid less than the $20/hour McDonald’s worker wage dictated by California.

    Alan Scovill, a weld inspector who’s worked for Siemens for a decade, told The Sacramento Bee that he hadn’t been to a doctor in three years. He pays $500 month from his paycheck for his family’s health insurance coverage, and he can’t afford the medical co-pays.

    While reasons to unionize were plentiful, the campaign faced some unique challenges. In addition to the usual union-busting tactics from the company, organizers also had a daunting task to reach workers on a massive campus – 60 acres, 11 buildings and many different departments – plus, communicating to workers in six languages and with multiple cultural nuances.

    Organizers from the Boilermakers and IBEW worked daily, building allies, dispelling myths, answering questions, knocking on doors and deploying myriad tactics to help workers understand what unions are and how unionizing gives workers a voice and a seat at table through collective bargaining.

     The M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund provided organizing support and communications resources, including billboards, signage, fliers, digital ads and social media presence, and materials were translated into multiple languages. The unions also gained support from global unions IG Metall and IndustriALL, the California Federation of Labor Unions, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California and prominent local and state congress members. At the end of the day, it wasn’t enough to overcome Siemens Sacramento’s anti-union tactics and secure the 50% “yes” vote. This time.

    The unions must wait a full 12 months before petitioning for another union vote. That’s time to continue building positive momentum and for those who voted “no” this time to see if Siemens will live up to the promises they made in fighting against the unions.

    “If Siemens chooses now to make positive changes for workers, it’s because of the courage of workers standing together,” said organizer Pablo Barrera.

    “Although we didn’t win the vote, we are amazed by the courage of the hundreds of workers who stood together for a better future for their colleagues and their families,” said IVP-Western States J. Tom Baca. “This is not the end. It’s just the beginning, and the fight goes on.”

    Read a December 2024 Boilermaker Reporter article about earlier Siemens organizing work

    Read more

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE summed up the results of work to improve financial literacy of schoolchildren

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    Over the nine years of work of the HSE structural division “Federal Methodological Center for Financial Literacy in the General and Secondary Vocational Education System” more than one and a half million schoolchildren received knowledge in the financial sphere. This was stated by the director of the center, HSE professor Nikolai Berzon, at the All-Russian scientific and practical conference “Formation of financial culture in the context of digitalization: meanings, practices, results”, which was held on April 10 at the HSE.

    According to him, more than 100 thousand teachers have completed training under the teacher training program. “We have separate training programs for teaching in elementary, middle and high schools. This year we also made a separate program for students,” said Nikolai Berzon.

    To encourage schoolchildren to study the basics of financial literacy, the Financial Literacy Olympiad was created. The winners receive certain preferences when entering universities. “When we held the first Olympiad, about 2.5 thousand people took part in it, in the last one – 42 thousand,” shared Nikolai Berzon.

    The conference included an award ceremony for this year’s winner, 11th-grade student Timofey Matsnev. He set a record by scoring 100 points. According to Timofey, we face problems in the area of financial literacy every day, so today everyone needs to be able to protect themselves from fraudsters. “We face financial issues and problems in the area of financial literacy every day. Every day we need to make some decisions related to this, we need to be able to protect ourselves from fraudsters. Therefore, the relevance of studying financial literacy is not decreasing, but, on the contrary, is increasing every day,” he said.

    Today, young people are much more advanced than the older generation, and this is evident when comparing the general financial literacy index and the financial literacy of young people, noted Lyudmila Presnyakova, Advisor to the Head of the Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Ensuring the Availability of Financial Services of the Bank of Russia.

    “Firstly, the financial literacy index of young people is higher than that of the rest of the population, and secondly, it is growing at a faster rate than that of adults. If among adults it increased from 53 to 55 points from 2017 to 2024, which is actually a good growth, which means that the financial literacy of the population as a whole is really changing little by little, then among young people the growth was from 55 to 62 points. Young people not only know technologies better, not only are they quicker to navigate, they demonstrate the very basics of proper financial literacy that we are all working to develop,” she said. Young people behave more consciously in relation to their finances – in particular, they use savings practices more often than adults. And this is a certain challenge for teaching financial literacy. Young people are a complex audience that needs modern examples, “well-pumped teachers,” so the work on training teachers is very important, concluded Lyudmila Presnyakova.

    Alexey Yakovlev, Director of the Finance Ministry’s Department of Financial Policy, is convinced that financial literacy needs to be taught “from school.” Children are a more open audience, and many of them are “much better versed” in modern tools than older Russians, he noted.

    The conference also announced the ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement between the Federal Methodological Center for Financial Literacy in the General and Secondary Vocational Education System and the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Institute of Correctional Pedagogics”. The agreement was signed by Nikolai Berzon and Deputy Director for General Issues of the ICP Anastasia Belikova.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labor Leaders Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage

    Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Labor Leaders Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would gradually raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 and give roughly 22 million Americans a long-overdue raise.

    As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

    WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2025.  According to the Economic Policy Institute, the Raise the Wage Act would gradually raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 and give roughly 22 million Americans a long-overdue raise.

    After more than fifteen years with no increase in the federal minimum wage—the longest period in U.S. history—millions of our nation’s workers are working full-time jobs but are still struggling to make ends meet.  The Raise the Wage Act is good for workers, good for business, and good for the economy.  When we put money in the pockets of workers, they will spend that money at local businesses. 

    “No person working full-time in America should be living in poverty.  The Raise the Wage Act will increase the pay and standard of living for nearly 22 million workers across this country.  Raising the minimum wage is good for workers, good for business, and good for the economy.  When we put money in the pockets of American workers, they will spend that money in their communities,”said Scott.

    “The $7.25 an hour minimum wage is a starvation wage. It must be raised to a living wage – at least $17 an hour,” Sanders said. “In the year 2025, a job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, we can no longer tolerate millions of workers trying to survive on just $10 or $12 an hour. Congress can no longer ignore the needs of the working class of this country. The time to act is now,”said Sanders.

    TheRaise the Wage Act of 2025would:

    • Gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 by 2030.
    • Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time.
    • Guarantee tipped workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers, which will ensure decent, consistent pay without eliminating tips.
    • Guarantee teen workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the rarely used subminimum wage for youth workers.
    • End subminimum wage certificates for workers with disabilities to provide opportunities for workers with disabilities to be competitively employed and participate more fully in their communities.

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 has 142 original House co-sponsors, including Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-00), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Donald S. Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Christopher R. Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Al Green (TX-09),  Steven Horsford (NV-04), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val T. Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Bill Keating (MA-09), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19),Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Bradley Scott Schneider (IL-10), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 has been endorsed by 85 organizations including, AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Council of the Blind, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Friends Service Committee, American Public Health Association, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Autistic People of Color Fund, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, Care in Action, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR), Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, Coalition on Human Needs, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd U.S. Provinces, the Council for Global Equality, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), Demos, Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, Family Values @ Work, Feminist Majority Foundation, First Focus Campaign for Children, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, Gig Workers Rising, Indivisible, Institute for Policy Studies’ Poverty Project, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Justice for Migrant Women, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Legal Momentum, Milwaukee Area Service & Hospitality Workers Union, MomsRising, Movement Advancement Project (MAP), National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Social Workers, National Black Worker Center, National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ), National Coalition for the Homeless, National Council of Jewish Women, National Disability Institute, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA),  National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Employment Lawyers Association, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Disabled South, Oasis Legal Services, One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, People Power United, Popular Democracy in Action, Pride at Work AFL-CIO, Public Advocacy for Kids, Public Justice Center, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Southern Poverty Law Center, Union for Reform Judaism, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Church of Christ, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, United Steelworkers (USW), Voices for Progress,  Worker Justice Center of New York, Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group, Working Partnerships USA, Workplace Fairness, Workplace Justice Lab, and Worksafe.

    To read the bill text for the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

    To read the fact sheet on the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

    To read the section-by-section Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Labrador Warns Phone Providers Regarding Unlawful Robocall Traffic

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Today, Attorney General Raúl Labrador and the 51 attorneys general of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force notified nine voice service providers that they may be violating state and federal laws by continuing to route allegedly unlawful robocalls across their networks. These warning letters include information about the task force’s investigation and analysis of each provider’s illegal and/or suspicious robocall traffic.
    “We will go after network providers that continue to allow illegal robocalls to plague Idaho consumers,” said Attorney General Labrador. “My Consumer Protection Division regularly hears from Idahoans who receive scam jury duty, Medicare cancellation, and utility shut-off calls, just to name a few.  If bad actors continue to disregard the law, we will hold them accountable.”
    Many of the traced scams included government and financial imposters and impersonations, Social Security imposters, Amazon suspicious charges, credit card interest rate reductions, Medicare scams, Chinese package delivery scams, cable discount scams, utility disconnect scams, COVID financial relief, and student loan forgiveness.
    In addition to sending these warning notices demanding that these companies stop transmitting illegal robocalls, the task force has also shared its concerns about providers with its federal law enforcement partners, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
    The task force sent warning letters to the following companies: Global Net Holdings, All Access Telecom, Lingo Telecom, NGL Communications, Range, RSCom Ltd., Telcast Network, ThinQ Technologies, and Telcentris (Voxox).
    Copies of the warning letters are available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

    In recent years, World Expo organisers and pavilion hosts have designed immersive exhibition experiences and transported pioneering technology, like flying cars, across borders.  

    As the opening in Osaka approaches, preparations for a range of events, trade shows or global fairs in other corners of the world are underway. 

    Your guide to securing an ATA Carnet 

    If you are planning to temporarily import professional equipment, samples or exhibition materials for similar happenings, here’s everything you need to know to secure your ATA Carnet, your international customs documents for duty- and tax-free temporary import of goods. 

    Step 1: Planning and inventory check

    Start by making a detailed list of all the items needed for your presence at the World Expo or another global event—display stands, promotional materials, demo equipment and branded merchandise. 

    Check these guidelines to know whether your items are eligible for an ATA Carnet. ATA Carnets cover almost everything (except consumables and giveaways) including:  

    • goods for use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions  
    • professional equipment  
    • commercial samples  
    • personal effects and goods for sports purposes 

    Step 2: Contacting your national ATA Carnet issuing body  

    • Find your national guaranteeing association, short NGA, through a simple online search. NGAs are authorised by your Customs administration and affiliated with the international guarantee chain managed by the International Chamber of Commerce. 
    • Get your Carnet application form and a list of requirements from your NGA. 
    • Check with your local chamber of commerce if info sessions to clarify the process are available. 

    Tip: If you plan to attend multiple trade fairs before and after the World Expo, confirm if the same Carnet could be used for multiple destinations. 

    Step 3: Submitting the ATA Carnet application  

    • Fill out the application with: 
      • A complete list of goods (with serial numbers, values and descriptions). 
      • Your planned entry and exit dates. 
      • A security (either a deposit, guarantee made by a bank or an insurance company depending on the rules of the issuing body. The security will be discharged upon your return if the temporary admission is regularised correctly). 
    • The issuing body processes your request within a few days and delivers your ATA Carnet to you. 

    Step 4: Shipping and pre-departure logistics  

    • Book a freight forwarder familiar with ATA Carnets to ensure smooth customs clearance. 
    • Add the Carnet document to your shipment paperwork and make multiple copies. 
    • Check the host country’s customs regulations to ensure compliance and avoid last-minute issues. Your freight forwarder might be able to help. 

    Step 5: Using the ATA Carnet at the border 

    • Upon arrival, present the Carnet document to local customs officials. 
    • They stamp the importation counterfoil and detach the importation voucher, allowing your goods to enter duty-free. 
    • After setting up your pavilion or booth, keep the Carnet in a secure place— you will need it again for re-export. 

    Step 6: Re-exporting and refund 

    • After the event, pack all your items and head to customs before leaving Japan. 
    • Present your Carnet to have the exit stamped—this confirms you re-exported everything as required. 
    • Once back home, return the Carnet to your issuing body and receive your security deposit refund. 

    In 2024, 204 224 ATA Carnets were issued worldwide, allowing goods worth $32 billion to pass through customs checkpoints – duty free and tax free for up to one year. Its efficiency was highlighted during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, when hundreds of thousands of pieces of equipment were imported for the Games using ATA Carnets.   

    As the one and only globally unified customs document, the ATA Carnet is the backbone of global events, trade shows, sports competitions and more, allowing smooth customs clearance of professional equipment without the need for a guarantee, bond, or cash deposit at borders. 

    Learn more about the ATA Carnet and find your local contact point in +80 countries and territories

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

    In recent years, World Expo organisers and pavilion hosts have designed immersive exhibition experiences and transported pioneering technology, like flying cars, across borders.  

    As the opening in Osaka approaches, preparations for a range of events, trade shows or global fairs in other corners of the world are underway. 

    Your guide to securing an ATA Carnet 

    If you are planning to temporarily import professional equipment, samples or exhibition materials for similar happenings, here’s everything you need to know to secure your ATA Carnet, your international customs documents for duty- and tax-free temporary import of goods. 

    Step 1: Planning and inventory check

    Start by making a detailed list of all the items needed for your presence at the World Expo or another global event—display stands, promotional materials, demo equipment and branded merchandise. 

    Check these guidelines to know whether your items are eligible for an ATA Carnet. ATA Carnets cover almost everything (except consumables and giveaways) including:  

    • goods for use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions  
    • professional equipment  
    • commercial samples  
    • personal effects and goods for sports purposes 

    Step 2: Contacting your national ATA Carnet issuing body  

    • Find your national guaranteeing association, short NGA, through a simple online search. NGAs are authorised by your Customs administration and affiliated with the international guarantee chain managed by the International Chamber of Commerce. 
    • Get your Carnet application form and a list of requirements from your NGA. 
    • Check with your local chamber of commerce if info sessions to clarify the process are available. 

    Tip: If you plan to attend multiple trade fairs before and after the World Expo, confirm if the same Carnet could be used for multiple destinations. 

    Step 3: Submitting the ATA Carnet application  

    • Fill out the application with: 
      • A complete list of goods (with serial numbers, values and descriptions). 
      • Your planned entry and exit dates. 
      • A security (either a deposit, guarantee made by a bank or an insurance company depending on the rules of the issuing body. The security will be discharged upon your return if the temporary admission is regularised correctly). 
    • The issuing body processes your request within a few days and delivers your ATA Carnet to you. 

    Step 4: Shipping and pre-departure logistics  

    • Book a freight forwarder familiar with ATA Carnets to ensure smooth customs clearance. 
    • Add the Carnet document to your shipment paperwork and make multiple copies. 
    • Check the host country’s customs regulations to ensure compliance and avoid last-minute issues. Your freight forwarder might be able to help. 

    Step 5: Using the ATA Carnet at the border 

    • Upon arrival, present the Carnet document to local customs officials. 
    • They stamp the importation counterfoil and detach the importation voucher, allowing your goods to enter duty-free. 
    • After setting up your pavilion or booth, keep the Carnet in a secure place— you will need it again for re-export. 

    Step 6: Re-exporting and refund 

    • After the event, pack all your items and head to customs before leaving Japan. 
    • Present your Carnet to have the exit stamped—this confirms you re-exported everything as required. 
    • Once back home, return the Carnet to your issuing body and receive your security deposit refund. 

    In 2024, 204 224 ATA Carnets were issued worldwide, allowing goods worth $32 billion to pass through customs checkpoints – duty free and tax free for up to one year. Its efficiency was highlighted during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, when hundreds of thousands of pieces of equipment were imported for the Games using ATA Carnets.   

    As the one and only globally unified customs document, the ATA Carnet is the backbone of global events, trade shows, sports competitions and more, allowing smooth customs clearance of professional equipment without the need for a guarantee, bond, or cash deposit at borders. 

    Learn more about the ATA Carnet and find your local contact point in +80 countries and territories

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise: Passing the Budget Resolution Can’t Wait

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria to discuss the need to quickly pass the amended budget resolution framework to start the process of working with the Senate to implement President Trump’s agenda by cutting wasteful spending, growing the economy by cutting taxes and unleashing American energy, and securing the border. Leader Scalise also highlighted how this budget bill works in tandem with President Trump as he works towards fair trade and has foreign countries in line to negotiate with the United States.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview. 
    On the urgent need to pass the budget resolution for hardworking families: “The bill that we worked incredibly hard on in the House laid out a lot of specifics on how far we’re going to go on spending reductions. President Trump is right there with us. You saw, as you pointed out, in his Truth Social yesterday. We’re going to still make those savings. The Senate is far behind us right now. You look at their resolution, it didn’t go into near the detail. I think that’s what some members, including myself, had issue with. But at the end of the day, all the things we want to achieve in the House product can still be achieved.“The bottom line is we’ve got to move this process forward, Maria. We can’t wait two more months for the Senate to get where we are. The market sure can’t wait. The economy can’t wait. Families don’t want to wait for the relief they’re going to get, the certainty they’re going to get on locking in tax rates. President Trump needs the money for border security. I was talking to Tom Homan last week. They need more money for deportations. You saw the Supreme Court this morning said they can move forward with deporting these gang members, hardened gang members. But we’ve got to get this bill done. I know everybody’s got their questions. It’s more to make sure we’re going to follow through on the spending reductions, and we will. President Trump’s committed to that. He said it yesterday again in his tweet.”On the timeline of passing President Trump’s agenda:“Maria, like any big bill we work on, there’s still a lot of conversations we’re going to have today. I was in a meeting last night with the Speaker and some members that had some other questions. We went through it, and they’re in a good place now, but we have other members that will still have questions today. We’re going to answer all of those, and let’s then go and move the bill forward. The plan is to move it tomorrow. I think the President is going to be talking to some people as well. We’ve got dinner with the President tonight, and he’s going to be talking about that as well as other things about how important it is to move the Trump agenda. So much of that, as you ran that comment from the Speaker on Fox last night, all of that is in this one big, beautiful bill. It’s not just locking in the tax rates; it’s border security, it’s energy production for America, some defense spending to keep up with China, trying to get some regulatory relief, locking in DOGE savings, all that in this bill. I think you’ll see economic growth like we haven’t seen, job creation, wage growth for families once we get this bill moved by the summer to the President’s desk.”On President Trump’s steps to fair trade: “No, I don’t [want Congress to get involved in President Trump’s decision-making on tariffs], Maria. Look, this is a healthy debate. Let everybody have it. But President Trump said in the State of the Union, go back and watch the tape. He said, look, trust me on this, there will be some short-term pain, but long-term, we’re going to get fair trade. Countries are going to have to stop ripping us off. I think everybody in America gets that. Even the people that are concerned about the effects on today’s market or even on today’s prices, they recognize China cheats, manipulates currency, all of those things. But other countries are taking advantage of us, too, that are friendly countries. Why are we letting that happen for decades and decades? If we can get zero tariffs by everybody, look at what you talked about a little while ago with Europe. They have a VAT tax, which is in essence, like a tariff on American products. We don’t do that to them. Why don’t they treat us the same way? Remove barriers to trade, allow American companies to sell their products into foreign nations, friend or foe, just as easy as it is for them to sell their products here. If you get to fair trade, and that’s the end result of this, I think everybody will look back and go, this was a good thing. Look, that’s why there’s a line out the door, as Scott Bessent mentioned, of countries wanting to get new trade deals with the United States.”On unlocking economic growth:“Look, I’ve been urging my colleagues in the House to move on this bill as quickly as possible for a lot of reasons. One is to get the economy booming. There is a lot of pent-up, and you probably talk to people like I do that say there’s trillions of dollars sitting on the sidelines waiting to see if there’s going to be tax certainty. Because if there’s a four-and-a-half trillion dollar tax hike, meaning if Congress does nothing, that’s the taxes that go up on every American. Nobody would be immune from it, and it would crush the economy. We need to get this tax bill in place to give not only certainty to the economy, but to bring that investment back in and get real economic growth.”On unleashing American energy:“I hear from people all the time that want American energy, oil and natural gas, especially natural gas. We could have contracts for decades. That’s why Trump lifted the ban that Biden had on LNG exports. We are going to continue to produce more energy, and that’s in this one big, beautiful bill.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A world of career opportunities

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On April 10, the Youth Career Forum was held in the Technopolis Polytech research building. Representatives of companies offered students and future graduates vacancies, internships, practical training places and development programs. The event was organized by the SPbPU Career Development Department.

    Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova opened the forum and expressed gratitude to the company representatives for their participation.

    Today, representatives of 64 companies have gathered at the Polytechnic University. This is a record number for us. Employers will share information about the best places for practice and internships. Various surprises and activities await you. I am sure that our partners will find ambitious and unique young specialists, and our students will get acquainted with the companies of their dreams, – emphasized Lyudmila Pankova.

    A career is a life-long marathon, full of ups, downs, personal transformations and discoveries. Today, we, employers, together with Polytech, will help you find answers to important questions: what internships will help you, what programs will suit you, – said Svetlana Barabantseva, Head of Young Talents at Severstal.

    At the stand session, the largest Russian companies vividly demonstrated vacancies and opportunities for internships and traineeships. Representatives talked about the conditions, answered students’ questions and conducted interviews.

    Among the regular participants of the IFF are such well-known companies as Sber, Gazprom Neft, Power Machines, Severstal, Petersburg Tractor Plant, VK Education, Rosatom State Corporation, Geropharm, etc. They attracted the attention of students with logical tasks, quizzes, games, puzzles, and, of course, branded gifts.

    The company “Russian Mechanics” from Rybinsk specializes in the development, production and sale of snowmobiles and ATVs. At the forum, representatives demonstrated the RM 800 T ATV of the “Silk Road” series and the multi-purpose snow and swamp vehicle with a 6×6 wheel arrangement “Termite”.

    The Petersburg Tractor Plant is a regular participant in the Polytechnic University career events. The enterprise employs many Polytechnic University graduates: designers, technologists and quality management specialists. At the forum, the company showed the Kirovets K-7 tractor.

    The Sovcombank company has been participating in SPbPU events for several years now, and many of its employees are graduates of the Polytechnic University. Today, specialists have prepared tasks related to key areas of activity, a game of Tic-Tac-Toe with artificial intelligence, and gifts.

    Polytechnicians work for us as interns, junior specialists, employees in the departments of system analysis and development. Students actively participate in our events. This is an intensive course in system analysis “SovkomLab”, the School of Credit Analysts, competitions in the profile of information security and the career festival “Adventure League”. Many of them continue to work in full-time positions. Therefore, our cooperation with Polytechnic is truly productive, – shared the team leader of the team for the development of the HR brand and interaction with universities Valeria Kozinets.

    Young were present as new members

    In addition to manufacturing products for the science and medical industries, we actively cooperate with schools and universities in matters of popularizing science. So that children can see in practice what radiation is and not be afraid of it. We are also interested in finding new employees in universities. The company has an agreement with the Polytechnic University, students do their internships with us. Today we decided to show ourselves at our home university. By the way, I am also a graduate of the Polytechnic University, I graduated from IMMiT in 2017, – said the head of the component sector Pavel Krikunov.

    Traditionally, the forum featured a stand of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. Leading engineers and heads of educational programs of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU told students and graduates of the Polytechnic University about promising areas of training and employment. The event was also attended by industrial partners of the school, including Centrotech-Engineering LLC (part of the Fuel Division of the Rosatom State Corporation), St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelectrotrans. They presented joint master’s programs that combine fundamental training with applied knowledge. Students gain unique experience by participating in real research and development (R&D) work.

    The forum was attended by employees of the SPbPU Center for Work with Applicants, who provided advice to students on issues of admission to a master’s program.

    The business program included 19 offline and online activities, divided into two tracks: career and skills. Students watched presentations of internship programs, learned life hacks on building a career after university, participated in master classes on time management, project management and building self-esteem, attended workshops and networking.

    CareerTalks format events were held by VK Education, SBER, Rosatom, Lukoil. Employees of Axenix, Tricolor, Arman, Gazprom Gazofiya held master classes. Specialists of the Scientific and Educational Center for Information Technologies and Business Analysis Gazprom Neft organized a business game “Everything (Not) According to Plan”. A career master class on adaptation in the company after an offer was held in the VK group of the Career Development Department of SPbPU.

    The forum also included a round table for ISI students and employers in the construction sector, “Problems of Forming Interaction between Students and Organizations: Expectations vs. Reality.” The event was moderated by ISI student practical training officer Janis Olekhnovich. Company employees shared valuable advice and recommendations with students on developing the necessary skills and acquiring knowledge that will allow them to stand out in the professional environment.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –