NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Opposes DHS Plan to Reprogram Border and Cybersecurity Funding to Ice, Highlighting National Security Implications of Their Reckless Spending

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    May 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Friday objected to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) transfer notification that would move $312.5 million from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Murphy criticized the Department for purposefully spending beyond its means and highlighted the national security implications of transferring funding from CISA.

    Murphy noted that the Department’s transfer authority is supposed to be used sparingly and in unforeseen circumstances, not as a way to spend money they don’t have: “I remind the Department that Congress provided transfer and reprogramming authorities in acknowledgment of unforeseeable and compelling circumstances that may arise after Congress has provided funds for the current fiscal year. The Department should not abuse this authority for avoidable reasons as is the case with this proposed notification. Since the start of this Administration, the Department has knowingly and willfully spent above its means, putting ICE on a path to becoming anti-deficient or simply, spending more funding than you are authorized to spend.”

    Murphy demanded more information about the impact of transferring funding from CISA, given the role it plays in keeping the nation safe from cybersecurity threats: “Further, the Department has failed to provide my staff sufficient details on the impacts of transferring nearly $144,000,000 away from CISA operations and procurements… To that end, I reiterate my staff’s request for information on the impacts of these reductions to CISA’s capacity to mitigate threats to our national security through its cyber defense and critical infrastructure protection activities, including the impacts of proposed transfers of election security funding.”

    Murphy rebuked Secretary Noem at a hearing on the Administration’s skinny budget request for her department’s ‘out of control’ spending, illegal impoundments of Congressional appropriated funds, and for targeting and deporting legal immigrants and student protesters without due process.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear Madam Secretary:

    This letter is in response to the April 30, 2025, notification submitted to the Committee by Mr. Jeffrey Bobich, the Director of Financial Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to transfer a total of $312,500,000 from the fiscal year 2025 funding levels for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—Operations and Support—Custody Operations.

    I do not support the proposed transfers. Additionally, I remind the Department that Congress provided transfer and reprogramming authorities in acknowledgment of unforeseeable and compelling circumstances that may arise after Congress has provided funds for the current fiscal year. The Department should not abuse this authority for avoidable reasons as is the case with this proposed notification. Since the start of this Administration, the Department has knowingly and willfully spent above its means, putting ICE on a path to becoming anti-deficient or simply, spending more funding than you are authorized to spend. The Administration and this Department have continued to ignore funding limits set by Congress, overspending at levels that it cannot sustain and turning to other Departments, such as the Department of Defense to augment its funding.

    Further, the Department has failed to provide my staff sufficient details on the impacts of transferring nearly $144,000,000 away from CISA operations and procurements. Transfer and reprogramming notices should be accompanied by adequate justifications and the Department should seek to provide rapid and sufficient responses to questions. To that end, I reiterate my staff’s request for information on the impacts of these reductions to CISA’s capacity to mitigate threats to our national security through its cyber defense and critical infrastructure protection activities, including the impacts of proposed transfers of election security funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: International Children’s Day celebrated across China

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

    Pupils participate in a sports game ahead of the International Children’s Day at a school in Anshan, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, May 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: IOMed to provide pathways for international dispute resolution: Chinese FM

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, poses for a group photo with other guests at the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong, south China, May 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) aligns with the peace concept cherished by both China and Benin, and will provide new pathways for international dispute resolution mechanisms, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Hong Kong on Friday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari who participated the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed in Hong Kong, south China.

    Wang noted that the establishment of the IOMed addresses the common concerns of countries seeking peace, promoting stability, and pursuing development. It aligns with the prevailing trend of win-win cooperation and promotes the development of global governance towards a more just and equitable direction.

    When discussing China-Benin relations, Wang said Benin is a strategic partner of China in Africa, adding that the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and the initiatives of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation are being steadily implemented.

    China is willing to work with Benin to effectively implement the 10 partnership actions for modernization, accelerate the process of common development, and promote the continuous growth of the China-Benin strategic partnership, Wang added.

    For his part, Bakari said that being one of the first signatory countries of the convention, Benin shares with China the concept of upholding multilateralism, and advocating for dialogue and consultation to resolve conflicts and disputes. Benin will expedite the approval of the convention, aiming for the IOMed to operate as soon as possible, bringing greater stability to the world, which is very important for the African continent.

    Benin will always stand with China and is willing to promote the continuous advancement of Benin-China relations, the foreign minister said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: When AI out-writes writers, can human creativity survive?

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

    At the 2025 Lijiang River Literary Award ceremony in south China’s Guilin City, Liu Chuxin, a research assistant at the Hubei Academy of Social Sciences, stood on stage, clutching the trophy for his novel “Ni Tan,” or literally “Mud Pit.” His voice cracked with emotion.

    Han Song, Chinese journalist and famous sci-fi writer, speaks at the opening forum for 2014 Xingyun (Nebula) Award for Global Chinese Science Fiction in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2014. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

    As he recounted the personal tale of his 20-year literary journey, he spoke of his late girlfriend, who had died of cancer. She left him a final letter — an aching plea to turn his grief into a masterpiece. He shared something she had once said to him: “In life, we experience many pains, but when we look back, they are all legends.” Her memory and his words resonated with the audience.

    The young writer’s emotional speech was not merely a celebration of a personal success born of pain, but perhaps also, unknowingly, a reflection of a profound shift underway in the world of creation. His story, rooted in grief and human experience, stood in quiet contrast to the emotionless output of artificial intelligence — a force that, despite feeling no joy, sorrow, or loss, is now seemingly beginning to out-write, out-create, and out-imagine human beings.

    A month before this speech, another literary figure, the famed science fiction author Liu Cixin, shared his own disquiet at the pace of AI’s creative advancements.

    Speaking at a reading promotion event in April 2025, Liu, whose “Three-Body Problem” trilogy has become a global sci-fi phenomenon, admitted that his creative spark had waned in recent years. He confessed, “The inspiration and drive to write that once surged within me are becoming increasingly rare.” For Liu, who has been lauded for his visionary worlds, this sense of creative stagnation was no abstract worry — it was profoundly felt. “The bottleneck I face now is a constant,” he said. “It’s like searching for meteorites in the vast, barren Gobi Desert — I simply can’t find the kind of inspiration that once excited and moved me.”

    But perhaps the most disconcerting moment in Liu’s reflection came when he turned to the AI model DeepSeek to continue a chapter of a novel he had written. The result left him shaken: “What it produced was far better than what I could have written myself,” Liu confessed. The revelation left him with a deep sense of loss. As AI improved its capacity to mimic and even enhance human creativity, Liu was left to ponder whether his role as a writer, one of the most coveted in the literary world, might soon be usurped by a machine.

    A conversation about the future of human creativity is taking place across China, not only among writers like Liu Cixin but also among artists, thinkers and scientists. Could AI, now advancing at breakneck speed, become the superior creative force, a challenge not just to the craftsmanship of individual writers, but to the very notion of creativity itself?

    Han Song, another acclaimed science fiction author, offered his own perspective on the rise of AI in writing. “AI opens up new possibilities for collaboration,” Han told Xinhua. “It can provide insights, spark ideas, and even suggest solutions that may not occur to human minds. But at the same time, there are elements of human creativity — our lived experiences, our ability to intuit, to draw from the depths of emotion — that AI cannot replicate. Not yet.”

    In Han’s view, creativity is tied to human consciousness and emotional fluctuation — something that remains far from being resolved in the field of computing. “AI operates within the boundaries of what algorithms can exhaust,” he explained, “but creativity often arises from the mysterious workings of human awareness.”

    Rather than replacing writers, Han suggested that AI could serve as a creative partner — one that can augment, but not replace human creativity.

    He pointed to the potential for AI to push the boundaries of science fiction and create ideas that challenge even the best minds. “AI models can analyze vast amounts of data and uncover connections that would take humans years to discover,” Han noted. “They can generate speculative ideas that are groundbreaking, bringing fresh approaches to old problems.” In the future, he added, writing science fiction without the assistance of AI models may simply no longer be viable.

    However, some others are less sanguine about AI’s growing role in the world of creativity. Yu Baimei, a director and screenwriter, expressed concerns about the future of human art in the wake of AI’s advancements. At the 2025 Beijing International Film Festival, Yu argued that AI’s ability to digitally map creativity was both exhilarating and terrifying. He contended that AI would eventually learn and replicate not just technical skills but the very essence of human creativity, surpassing the limits of human imagination.

    Yu highlighted the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of AI’s learning process. “AI can analyze, simulate and recreate the patterns in human creative works that we, as humans, might never even notice,” he said. “In the future, its creativity could overwhelm humanity, not in the sense of destroying us, but in the sense of rendering our artistic endeavors obsolete.”

    Indeed, as AI models continue to evolve, they bring us closer to a future where human creativity is not only complemented by machines but, in some cases, overshadowed. Liu Cixin’s statement about feeling “displaced” by AI’s creations speaks to a deep existential fear that many artists now face: that the very nature of art — rooted in personal experience, imperfection and the mysterious processes of the human mind — could be lost in the march of technological progress.

    But there is another side to this argument. Just as the advent of photography, cinema and digital media did not render traditional art forms obsolete, some believe that AI will not diminish the value of human creativity, but rather push it to evolve in unforeseen ways.

    Whether AI will ever surpass human creativity entirely is still a matter of speculation. But one thing seems clear: the relationship between art and technology is entering new, uncharted territory. As AI’s capabilities continue to grow, writers, artists and creators of all kinds must grapple with the challenge of defining their place in a world where the boundaries between human and machine creativity are becoming increasingly blurred.

    Liu Cixin, for one, remains hopeful. Despite his frustration with his own creative limitations, he expressed a curious sense of gratitude towards AI. “At first, I didn’t pay much attention to AI, but now I find myself emotionally connected to it,” he said. “Due to the biological nature of the human brain, there are certain cognitive limits that cannot be surpassed. However, AI may have the potential to break through those barriers.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 kicks off in Singapore amid geopolitical tensions

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

    People in uniforms perform security duties outside the Shangri-La Hotel, the venue for the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore, May 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defense and security summit, opened in Singapore on Friday amid geopolitical tensions.

    This year’s dialogue drew representatives from 47 countries, including 40 ministerial-level delegates, 20 chief of defense forces-level delegates, over 20 senior defense officials, and prominent academics, according to the Singapore Ministry of Defense.

    A Chinese delegation from the National Defense University of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is attending the event.

    French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a keynote speech late Friday, where he’s expected to position France — and Europe — as champions of international cooperation and rules-based trade.

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to speak on Saturday about America’s “new ambitions for Indo-Pacific security.” Observers say he faces a tough task in convincing Asian allies, many of whom remain uneasy about President Donald Trump’s disruptive policies, not least those related to trade.

    Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will also give a speech on Saturday and make clear how, amid global geopolitical uncertainties and sharpened geo-economic fault lines, Malaysia as ASEAN’s current chair, provides strategic leadership for the region and beyond, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the organizer.

    EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is also scheduled to speak on Saturday.

    Analysts say key topics will likely include regional cooperation, the U.S. security policies and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The implications of sweeping U.S. tariffs are also likely to attract attention, as officials will use the platform to reassure partners and navigate an increasingly multipolar security landscape.

    The Dialogue runs from Friday through Sunday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy criticizes US handling of resolution on South Sudan sanctions

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

    A Chinese envoy on Friday expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. role in the adoption of a Security Council resolution on South Sudan sanctions.

    During consultations on the draft resolution, the African members of the Security Council put forward a proposal to allow the exemption of the arms embargo for the Necessary Unified Forces. It is a reasonable and feasible solution at the current stage, said Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

    However, the United States, as the penholder, insisted on its national position, disregarded the strong demand from the country concerned, refused to fully discuss the constructive views of the regional countries, and insisted on keeping the sanctions, he said in an explanation of vote. “This is disappointing.”

    The penholder delayed the consultation process and reduced the limited window of time. It never formally sought the written comments on the text of the draft resolution from other council members, and pushed for a vote while there were still clear differences among members, obviously not in line with the established practices of the council, said Sun.

    “These practices undermine the council’s unity and cooperation. We urge the penholder to take an objective and impartial approach, listen to the reasonable demand of the country concerned and the countries in the region, work to bridge differences between council members, and effectively shoulder its due responsibilities,” the Chinese envoy said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: CPC delegation attends int’l conference of Asian political parties

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

    A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Sun Haiyan, vice minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, visited Russia from Wednesday to Friday.

    During the visit, the delegation attended the meeting of the Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties and participated in a forum on Eurasian cooperation hosted by the United Russia party.

    Sun met with Vladimir Yakushev, secretary of the United Russia’s General Council. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening exchanges between the ruling parties of China and Russia and jointly implementing the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders.

    Sun also briefed Yakushev on the key messages of the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs with Neighboring Countries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US begins additional vetting for anyone seeking visa to travel to Harvard

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

    This photo taken on May 24, 2025 shows a view of the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The U.S. Department of State on Friday ordered all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to “immediately begin additional vetting” for anyone seeking a visa to travel to Harvard University for “any purpose.”

    According to a diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and seen by local media, the “additional vetting” comprises “a complete screening of the online presence” of the applicants, and “such applicants include, but are not limited to prospective students, students, faculty, employees, contractors, guest speakers, and tourists.”

    The word “any” is underlined with bold font in the passage, while the cable states that the screening applies to “any” nonimmigrant visa applicant for “any” purpose.

    The cable instructs U.S. consular officers to have applicants who are otherwise eligible for a visa to set their social media accounts to public and then refer their cases to the Fraud Prevention Unit, who should conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting of each such applicant, including social media activity … and more generally any online presence, to identify possible inadmissibilities.

    “The enhanced vetting measures described in this guidance aim at ensuring that consular officers can appropriately identify such visa applicants with histories of anti-Semitic harassment and violence, and to duly consider the visa eligibility under U.S. immigration law,” the cable states.

    The move is an escalation of the Trump administration’s feud with the Ivy League institution as it applies to more than just students, local media claimed. It will also serve as a pilot for expanded social media screening and vetting visa applicants across the board.

    The U.S. government on Tuesday suspended scheduling new interviews for student-visa applicants, saying it was considering requiring all foreign students applying to study in the United States to undergo social media vetting.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray on President Trump’s Budget Request 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the release of President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget request, which proposes slashing critical investments in non-defense programs that matter immensely to families and our country’s competitiveness and future.
    “It’s telling that President Trump has chosen to release his budget on a Friday night with no fanfare whatsoever. That’s probably because his budget would raise costs for working people, destroy basic services we all count on, and let our adversaries run circles around us—all while President Trump works to shower billionaires like himself in new tax breaks. 
    “For President Trump: it’s no billionaire left behind—and good luck to everyone else.  
    “This budget would outright eliminate programs that help working families afford the basics, gut investments in our students and schools, slash Pell Grants, and kick hundreds of thousands of Americans out of their homes. President Trump wants to let America’s small businesses go under, turn his back on our Tribes, and let trash pile up at our national parks.  
    “America’s research enterprise has long been the envy of the world, driving awe-inspiring technological progress and producing medical treatments and cures that have saved millions of lives. But President Trump is now proposing to destroy it by nearly halving the NIH’s budget and gutting all kinds of cutting-edge scientific research. You might as well gift wrap the future and hand it to China. 
    “President Trump apparently wants to make our communities less safe and healthy—because he is now asking Congress to gut funding to prevent violent crime, crack down on drug trafficking, tackle the opioids and mental health crises, and protect people’s health. 
    “This president wants to explode the debt and deficit by trillions of dollars to help line billionaires’ pockets while kicking millions off their health care and shredding investments that matter most to families and our country’s success.  
    “This is now the latest budget request in history, and remarkably, it is not even complete, because it still lacks all manner of essential details. 
    “This is a draconian proposal to hurt working people and our economy, and it is dead on arrival in Congress as long as I have anything to say about it. But this is just another reminder we need Republicans to join us to reject these reckless cuts, focus on the investments we actually need to make in our communities and security, and to finally force Trump to follow the law and end his devastating funding freeze.” 
    On President Trump’s proposed budget for Hanford, Howard Hanson Dam, and the Puget Sound Geographic Program, Senator Murray said:
    “The president’s proposed budget for Hanford is utterly unacceptable and will be going nowhere as far as I am concerned. Trump’s proposal for Hanford would force us to fall behind on the cleanup mission at a critical time, leaving key milestones unmet and raising the cost of the cleanup in the long run—not to mention increasing the safety and environmental risks for the Tri-Cities. Writing spending bills will be challenging, but I’ll be fighting to support Hanford, the workers powering the cleanup mission, and the Tri-Cities community. 
    “Similarly, it is disappointing that Trump is providing zero construction funding for the Howard Hanson Dam, a shovel-ready project that is absolutely critical to ensuring long-term water reliability for over one million people in Washington state and saving endangered salmon. Trump is also proposing a devastating $25 million cut to the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which will seriously set back progress to save our salmon and protect and restore our water quality and ecosystems throughout the Puget Sound. Trump’s budget request for Geographic Programs appears to continue a corrupt pattern of targeting blue states by ripping away their funding while sparing red states—this is a politically motivated abuse of power that should be deeply troubling to everyone. 
    “As I’ve said many times, President Trump’s shortsightedness is going to have severe consequences down the road. I will be tearing up Trump’s budget and working hard to help write a new one.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Panetta Announces Six Local Nominees to the U. S. Service Academies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced his 2025 nominations of six outstanding high school students to the United States Service Academies.  These students have been selected to attend the nation’s prestigious military academies this fall, where they will begin their journey to become officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.  The nominees and their families and friends were recognized at a special reception on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Monterey.

    “These students are stepping forward and stepping up to lead at a time when we need young men and women at the forefront of our defense of democracy,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Few choices are as selfless and courageous as choosing to serve our nation, and these exceptional young people have each raised their hands to do so on behalf of our community and country.  It is one of my highest honors to nominate these leaders who fully comprehend our obligation to our democracy and embody the values and strength of California’s 19th Congressional District, knowing they will help defend and strengthen our country.”

    Students seeking appointment to a U.S. service academy must receive a formal nomination from a Member of Congress, a U.S. Senator, or the Vice President.  Applicants undergo a rigorous process including submission of academic records, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and a formal interview with a panel of community leaders and veterans.  The nomination panel provides recommendations for Rep. Panetta to make his final selections.

    Rep. Panetta’s office nominates students to the United States Naval Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.  High school seniors in California’s 19th Congressional District interested in a 2026 nomination are encouraged to apply online and contact Rep. Panetta’s district office at 831-424-2229 with any questions.

    Rep. Panetta’s 2025 nominees are:

    United States Naval Academy

    • Christina Doan, Evergreen Valley High School

    United States Military Academy, West Point

    • Jacob Yu, Leland High School
    • James Kim, Santa Teresa High School

    United States Air Force Academy

    • Gabriel Dobson, Pacific Collegiate School
    • Spencer Sanders, Templeton High School

    United States Merchant Marine Academy

    • Cyrus Wong, Lynbrook High School

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Spur Plant Biostimulant Research and Development

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Monterey, CA – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Jim Baird (IN-04) reintroduced the Plant Biostimulant Act.  This legislation would create a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants, establish a consistent regulatory pathway to market, and promote additional research into the benefits of biostimulant products on soil health and crop production.  Currently, there is no clear or consistent federal framework to govern the use and approval of plant biostimulants, which creates uncertainty for producers and limits the adoption of these innovative tools.  The updated legislation would address this gap through federal guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS).

    Plant biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soils to enhance natural processes, improve nutrient uptake, increase tolerance to environmental stress, and boost overall plant health and crop yield.  These products also show promise for improving sustainability through practices like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement.

    “The lack of a standard regulatory definition or pathway to market for plant biostimulants makes it harder for producers to access this sustainable and effective technology,” said Rep. Panetta.  “By reintroducing this bipartisan bill, we’re pushing for the clarity and federal coordination needed to encourage the adoption of biostimulants.  Increasing access to these products helps our farmers improve crop yields, protect our environment, and maintain U.S. leadership in sustainable agriculture.”

    “Our farmers and ranchers deserve a regulatory process that provides a clear path for their products to go to market, especially as new technologies become available for famers and producers to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of our agriculture industry,” said Rep. Baird.  “Biostimulants have the significant potential benefits for producers and their sustainability footprint.  Defining these products and creating a consistent process is an important step in giving farmers better access to plant biostimulants and other new technologies to ensure our agriculture sector can thrive.”

    “California’s agriculture industry is essential to our national economy and puts food on the table for families across the country,” said Senator Padilla.  “As we make our agriculture sector more sustainable, our evolving practices must be properly implemented to ensure their efficacy and safety.  Oversight and regulatory standards for plant biostimulants, which could replace or reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are critical to maintain California’s leadership at the forefront of this bio-based agricultural technology.”

    “Innovation is the cornerstone of American agriculture. By creating pathways to approve new agronomic tools like plant biostimulants, our nation’s farmers are able to produce more food with less crop protection tools and fertilizers,” said Senator Marshall.  “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Padilla and Representatives Baird and Panetta to help make the world cleaner, safer, and healthier than we found it.” 

    The Plant Biostimulant Act would:

    • Amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define plant biostimulants;
    • Direct the EPA to revise the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the new definition;
    • Require the USDA to study the contributions of plant biostimulants to soil health and sustainability.

    The Plant Biostimulant Act is endorsed by; Agriculture Retailers Association (ARA), American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), CropLife America (CLA), The Fertilizer Institute Biostimulant Council, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Humic Products Trade Association (HPTA), International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA), and Western Growers.

    “Reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act is a vital step forward, and we applaud Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Jim Baird for their leadership,” said Keith Jones, Executive Director of the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA).  “This bipartisan bill is critically important to the future of the biostimulant industry, as it will codify a federal definition for plant biostimulants and clarify the path to market for these innovative products.  By establishing a clear regulatory framework, the legislation will drive investment in U.S.-led agricultural innovation and enhance American competitiveness in the global biological marketplace.  BPIA looks forward to working with Congress to see this bill signed into law.”

    “The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) strongly supports the reintroduction of the Plant Biostimulants Act, and we thank Reps. Panetta and Baird for their continued bipartisan leadership on this important issue.  This crucial legislation will provide a clear regulatory pathway for innovative agricultural technologies, enhancing efficiency and productivity in American agriculture and ensuring food security for our nation.  By promoting plant biostimulants, we can improve soil health, water quality, and crop resilience, while also reducing farmers’ reliance on costly pesticides and fertilizers.  BIO is committed to advancing cutting-edge bio-based solutions for our farmers and plant producers, securing a productive yet sustainable future for our agricultural community and our planet,” said Sylvia Wulf, Interim Head of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Ag & Environment Center of Excellence

    “The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) thanks Reps. Panetta and Baird for reintroducing this important legislation. This bill provides a critical definition for plant biostimulants which will help states establish a clear path to market for these important products and technologies, critical to a variety of growers,” said Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute.

    “CropLife America (CLA) appreciates Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Jim Baird (R-IN) for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act.  By establishing a federal definition for plant biostimulants and clarifying their pathway to market, this legislation will facilitate farmers’ access to these innovative products and drive further research and development. CLA looks forward to working with Congress on this important legislation,” said Alexandra Dunn, President and CEO of CLA.  

    “I’d like to thank Congressmen Panetta and Baird for reintroducing the “Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Megan Provost, President of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment). “Plant biostimulants help homeowners, landscape professionals and golf course superintendents provide healthy greenspaces that benefit us all. This legislation will help to clarify how they are defined and ensure access to these valuable products.”

    “The Humic Products Trade Association sincerely thanks Representatives Panetta and Baird for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Russell Taylor, President, Humic Products Trade Association.  “This legislation updates FIFRA to match today’s reality: farmers need crop inputs that help build soil resilience, optimize nutrient use, and safeguard water. By defining plant biostimulants outside the pesticide framework, Congress will give states—and innovators—the regulatory clarity needed to foster this growing product category. HPTA supports this bill because it equips growers with modern, science-backed tools, which ultimately help deliver safe, sustainable food to consumers.”

    “I’d like to thank Congressmen Panetta and Baird for reintroducing the “Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Courses Superintendents Association of America.  “Plant biostimulants help golf course superintendents provide healthy greenspaces that benefit everyone.  This legislation will help ensure golf’s access to this valuable product.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Abuse of “Gas Station Heroin” Following FDA Warnings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11) to crack down on the unregulated sale and abuse of tianeptine, a dangerous substance often referred to as “gas station heroin.”  The Scheduling Tianeptine and Analogues Now to Defend Against Emerging Opioids Act (STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act) would classify tianeptine and its analogues as Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to sell them without a prescription.

    Tianeptine is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use in the United States. It produces opioid-like effects by acting on mu-opioid receptors, leading to euphoria, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and potentially fatal overdoses. Despite this, it remains widely available at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online under brand names like Tianaa, Zaza, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus, and TD Red.

    In response to a growing number of adverse events, including reports of agitation, respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and death, the FDA has renewed its warnings about the dangers of tianeptine.  A recent outbreak of illnesses in New Jersey linked to Neptune’s Fix , a product found to contain both tianeptine and synthetic cannabinoids,  underscores the urgent need for federal action.

    “Tianeptine is a dangerous, addictive substance being sold on store shelves right next to energy drinks and snacks.  The FDA has been clear about the health risks, but the reality is that tianeptine remains widely accessible and largely unregulated,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act would give federal law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on the illicit sale of tianeptine, help prevent its abuse, and protect our communities.  This is exactly the kind of proactive step we need to stay ahead of evolving public health threats.”

    “The growing availability of tianeptine—a dangerous, opioid-like drug—is deeply concerning and putting lives at risk,” said Rep. Pfluger.   “I am proud to join Congressman Jimmy Panetta on bipartisan legislation to move tianeptine to Schedule III, a necessary step to limit its access and curb misuse.  By backing state-level efforts and putting public health first, we’re taking concrete action to confront the opioid epidemic and ensure safer communities.”

    The STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act would:

    • Schedule tianeptine and its analogues as Schedule III substances under federal law.
    • Maintain FDA’s authority to approve legitimate medical uses in the future.
    • Help close regulatory loopholes and prevent widespread abuse of unapproved and dangerous substances.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Northland

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following a serious crash in Northland this morning.

    At around midnight emergency services were called to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1, near Waiomio, south of Kawakawa.

    Sadly, one person died at the scene. Our thoughts are with their family at this difficult time.

    The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and the road is now open.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Honors Fallen Service Members at Memorial Day Ceremony

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    (Boscawen, NH) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) delivered remarks at a Memorial Day event at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery to honor the brave service members who gave their lives for our country. Photos from today’s event can be found here.
    “It was an honor to be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery today to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our security and freedom,” said Senator Shaheen. “Generations of Granite Staters have answered the call to serve, and I join with everyone across our state in remembering our fallen heroes.”
    “I was honored to attend this morning’s Memorial Day ceremony at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery honoring the heroes who gave up everything so that others could live in freedom,” said Senator Hassan. “We owe service members – both those who are with us and those who we have lost – our freedom and our very way of life. We each must live our lives honoring what they died for, defending our Live Free or Die values and fighting for freedom at home and abroad.”
    “Today at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, we paused to honor and pay our respects to all the brave service members who lost their lives defending our country since its founding,” said Congressman Pappas. “Every fallen Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine is forever part of our American family, and we must never waiver in honoring them and their families. It is a tremendous price paid by some so that our freedoms and way of life can be enjoyed by all. Thank you to the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, NH DAV, and all of the partners who helped host this important event.”
    “America is the land of the free because of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of the American people — past, present, and future,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “Thank you to New Hampshire Disabled American Veterans for bringing together fellow citizens — veterans, military families, servicemembers —  from across New Hampshire today on the hallowed ground of our State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen to honor truly honorable Americans: our fallen heroes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man going to prison for making purchases on illicit online marketplace and cocaine charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Corey Robert Dodge a/k/a Cakesbaylor, 43, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. In addition, Dodge was ordered to forfeit $27,000, which represented proceeds of his criminal activities.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin.

    Between March 26, 2020, and May 30, 2021, Dodge purchased 14 packages on Genesis Market, that included stolen account credentials. The stolen credentials included accounts for Paypal, Tracfone, eBay, Amazon, FedEx, Etsy, Walmart, Chase, Venmo, and eTrade. In addition, on April 3, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Dodge’s residence to search for evidence related to his use of Genesis Marketplace. During the search, the FBI also found and seized quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and drug paraphernalia.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multinational forces kick off KAMANDAG 9 in the Philippines

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, Philippines — Philippine, U.S., Japan, Korean and United Kingdom military leaders launched KAMANDAG 9 on Monday with an opening ceremony hosted at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, marking the official start of the ninth iteration of the Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat (“Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea”) exercise.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joint Region Marianas emphasizes continuity of operations, strong partnerships during change of command ceremony

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    GUAM — Commander, Joint Region Marianas U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Brent DeVore transferred command of JRM to U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Brett Mietus during a change of command ceremony at Department of Defense Education Activity Guam High School in Agana Heights, Guam, May 29.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST promotes HK’s measures for integrating traditional and digital finance at Web Summit Vancouver (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST promotes HK’s measures for integrating traditional and digital finance at Web Summit Vancouver  
    The Web Summit, a mega event for the tech sector, attracted over 10 000 tech investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders across the world each time it is hosted. This is the first time the Summit has been held in Vancouver. Mr Hui engaged in a panel discussion session titled “Local to global: Strategies for tech success”, which was joined by the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, Ms Diana Gibson. They had an illuminating discussion on the various approaches taken in building dynamic fintech economies, ranging from developing talent, attracting investment to creating opportunities.
     
    Mr Hui said that as one of the top three international financial centres and a leading international green finance hub, Hong Kong is pioneering the integration of traditional and digital finance with a view to strengthening its position as Asia’s gateway for financial innovation. The city is striving to accelerate green and sustainable finance and virtual asset development, with a view to making them key components of the diversified financial value chain. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has already commenced sandbox experimentation of Project Ensemble, which is a new wholesale central bank digital currency project to support the development of the tokenisation market in Hong Kong.
     
          The fintech ecosystem is thriving in Hong Kong, with around 1 100 fintech companies and start-ups, including 10 licensed virtual asset trading platforms, eight digital banks and four virtual insurers. Pledged to continue playing a leading role in facilitating green and sustainable financing and investment for the global agenda of green transition, Hong Kong issued a policy statement last October to set out its policy stance and approach on the responsible application of artificial intelligence in the financial market. The Government also launched a roadmap last December to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs) to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) and to provide a well-defined pathway for large PAEs to fully adopt the ISSB Standards no later than 2028. This brings Hong Kong among the first jurisdictions to align its local requirements with ISSB Standards. As an initial step, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited has already started to implement in phases new climate disclosure requirements to reflect the ISSB Standard No. 2: Climate-related Disclosures since this January.
     
    Mr Hui also updated the Summit on the latest passage of legislation last week establishing a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoins issuers in Hong Kong, as a way to further enhance Hong Kong’s regulatory framework on virtual asset activities for supporting the healthy, responsible and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s stablecoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem. Hong Kong is among the first batch of regions to have introduced stablecoin legislation and strives to fully implement the licensing regime within this year, with a view to approving the first batch of licences as soon as practicable.
     
    Looking forward, Hong Kong will soon promulgate a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets to explore the convergence of traditional finance and virtual assets. A consultation on the licensing regimes for virtual asset over-the-counter trading services and custodian services will also be conducted within this year.
     
    During his stay at the Summit, Mr Hui visited exhibition booths manned by Hong Kong delegates. He was pleased to learn that the Hong Kong delegates received encouraging feedback over the past few days, reflecting the world-class standard of Hong Kong fintech talent and their appeal to investors.
     
         In the afternoon, Mr Hui paid a courtesy call to the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, Mr Yang Shu. Mr Yang said Hong Kong has always been a window of the country to the world and will continue to be. He encouraged Hong Kong to keep up with its work in deepening international exchanges and co-operation.
     
    Before concluding his visit to Canada, Mr Hui visited Bank of Montreal and met with the Senior Vice President & Head, Mid-Market, Commercial Bank, Mr Andrew Hung, and Senior Vice President & Head, BC & Yukon, Mr Greg Vriend. He told them that in a world full of geopolitical uncertainties, Hong Kong’s financial market is emerging as a risk-off haven for investors and attracting more investments owing to its connectivity with the Mainland and the world at large, bringing greater prospects for the banking sector and different financial areas.
     
    Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong in the early hours of May 31 (Vancouver time).
    Issued at HKT 9:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coinciding with Older Americans Month, Leaders of House Democratic Task Force on Aging & Families Introduce Older American Bill of Rights

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

    Full Text of Resolution (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, coinciding with Older Americans Month, the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families, chaired by U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Doris Matsui (CA-07), introduced the Older Americans Bill of Rights. This resolution, which identifies and establishes fundamental rights that every older American and their families deserve, is centered around four pillars including: guaranteeing access to affordable, equitable and comprehensive health care; financial and retirement security for seniors and their families; full participation and contribution to their communities; and aging with dignity and respect.

    “Right now, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits are under attack. Older Americans have spent their lives working to raise families, pay their taxes, protect our country, and build our communities, yet Trump and his fellow Republicans are working to cut your hard-earned benefits. Older Americans have earned the right to retire with dignity and respect, and deserve high quality health care and financial security,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families, I feel that it is imperative we reintroduce the Older Americans Bill of Rights. We must protect the earned benefits of older Americans and ensure that they, their families, and their caregivers have all the resources they need to not just survive—but thrive.”

    “Older Americans have worked hard their entire lives to contribute to our economy, care for our families and enrich our communities. It is now up to us to guarantee seniors the right to affordable, high-quality health care, financial security, and livable communities that support aging at home,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Many seniors now face difficulties achieving retirement security, a challenge only exacerbated by the rising costs in health care and prescription drugs. As the Trump Administration moves to cut funding for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits, these affordability challenges will only get worse. The Older American Bill of Rights is a forceful response to these threats that reinforces how Democrats stand with our older Americans and will fight for their priorities. Our seniors have earned the right to retire and age with dignity.”

    “Older Americans have worked hard all their lives and deserve to retire with the benefits and financial security they have spent decades paying into,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA). “As Republicans continue their attacks on the basic needs programs that Seniors rely on to make ends meet, I am proud to join the Chairs of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families in reintroducing the Older Americans Bill of Rights to help guarantee that our seniors can retire and age with the dignity, respect and peace of mind they deserve.”

    Every day in the United States, 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old, and this number is expected to significantly increase over the next few decades. The Task Force was created to listen and respond to the concerns of older Americans. Over the years, the Task Force has worked to raise awareness and prioritize aging-related issues, including by introducing the Older Americans Bill of Rights. 

    Today, when we face serious assaults on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, communicating House Democrats’ focus on protecting and strengthening the rights of aging Americans is more important than ever.

    Original cosponsors of the Older American Bill of Rights also include Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Mark Takano (CA-39), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Bill Keating (MA-09), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Grace Meng (NY-06), Henry Johnson (GA-04),and Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    The Older American Bill of Rights is endorsed by Social Security Works, AFL-CIO, Long Term Care Community Coalition, The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), Elder Justice Coalition, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Diverse Elders Coalition, Gerontological Society of America, and Alliance for Aging Research.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A county in China exports matcha around the world

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhuanet) — The tradition of drinking matcha originated in ancient China and was later spread to Japan. Jiangkou County in Tongren City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, has become the world’s production center for this type of tea. In 2024 alone, the county sold more than 1,200 tons of matcha, worth over 300 million yuan (about 41.7 million U.S. dollars). The county’s products enter overseas markets including Japan, the United States and France.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Lianjiang County, Fujian Province: Fishermen hold dragon boat races at sea

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    On May 27, a sea dragon boat race was held in Dinghai Village, Lianjiang County, Fujian Province, to celebrate the upcoming Duanwu Festival. It is known that the tradition of sea dragon boat racing in Dinghai dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Today, every year during the Duanwu Festival, villagers voluntarily hold colorful competitions to preserve this centuries-old tradition.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Happy Duanwu Festival!

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Duanwu Jie is one of the most ancient Chinese holidays, with a history of over 2,000 years. It is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar (usually in June).

    There are several legends about the origin of the holiday. The most popular is the story of Qu Yuan, a famous ancient poet and nobleman of the Chu kingdom who lived during the Spring and Autumn period (722-481 BC). Seeing his homeland under attack from the powerful Qin kingdom, Qu Yuan gave the ruler of Chu valuable advice on strengthening the military power of the state and resisting the enemy. However, the advice was disputed by other nobles and as a result, the ruler of the kingdom dismissed Qu Yuan from his post and expelled him from the capital. In exile, Qu Yuan composed immortal works in which he expressed his longing for his homeland: Lisao (Elegy of the Detached), Tianwen (Questions to Heaven), Jiuge (Nine Elegies), etc.

    In 278 BC, when the Qin army captured the capital of Chu, Qu Yuan wrote his last work, Huaisha, and, unable to bear the shame of his country’s fall, threw himself into the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month. Upon learning of the poet’s death, the subjects of Chu came to the river. Fishermen tried to find the body of the drowned man. People threw rice, eggs, and other food into the river so that the fish and crayfish would not harm Qu Yuan’s body. One of the doctors poured strong rice wine into the river so that the inhabitants of the river, having drunk the wine, would not be able to eat the poet’s remains. Thus, gradually a custom developed of holding dragon boat races, drinking rice wine, and eating the festive delicacy “zongzi” every year on the fifth day of the fifth month.

    Zongzi is a steamed dish made from glutinous rice, wrapped in reed, bamboo or palm leaves and tied with colorful silk threads. According to historical records, zongzi originated during the Spring and Autumn period. The filling for zongzi can be dates, bean puree, meat, egg yolk. Nowadays, every year at the beginning of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, many Chinese families soak the glutinous rice, wash the reed leaves and cook zongzi. This festive dish can also be bought in stores.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorneys general oppose Trump ban on transgender military service

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — The president’s discriminatory ban on transgender military service members undermines state and national security, attorneys general in 20 states argued in a brief filed in the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Friday. The brief was filed in support of a lawsuit from personnel seeking to overturn the order.

    Washington Attorney General Nick Brown co-authored the amicus brief that says the president’s order “not only violates the Constitution…but it will also weaken our nation’s military, including the National Guards operated by all Amici States.”

    The brief was filed in Shilling v. Trump, which was brought by lead plaintiff and decorated U.S. Navy Commander Emily Shilling. Shilling, who has served for over 20 years and flown over 60 combat and high-risk missions, is transgender and wants to continue working for the American public. Back in February, Brown’s office — joined by 20 other states — filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs. The district court relied on that brief in issuing a preliminary injunction halting implementation of the president’s executive order nationwide.

    Friday’s amicus filing reaffirms that the injunction is necessary to protect important state interests.

    The attorneys general describe how the president’s action deprives states’ National Guard units of experienced and qualified soldiers at a time when recruitment is especially challenging. Trump’s blatantly discriminatory policy is also fundamentally at odds with state laws protecting transgender individuals.

    Washington was joined by the attorneys general of 19 other states in the filing, which was co-authored by Brown’s office and the Vermont Attorney General’s Office. The other states joining are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

    The brief is available here.

    -30-

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    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global Forum on Int’l Mediation held in Hong Kong to address state-to-state, commercial disputes

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

    This photo taken on May 30, 2025 shows a view of the International Organization for Mediation in south China’s Hong Kong. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Global Forum on International Mediation was convened in Hong Kong on Friday, following the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) earlier.

    The occasion gathered leaders of several signatory states of the Convention, heads of international organizations and multilateral institutions, experts in the field of international mediation, and other stakeholders, to delve into topics including state-to-state mediation as well as international investment and international commercial dispute mediation.

    They applauded mediation’s dual focus on procedural and outcome fairness, describing it as a “win-win” alternative to adversarial legal processes. They also believed that the IOMed would fill a critical gap in global dispute-resolution mechanisms, enhancing both international governance and state-to-state collaboration.

    In his keynote address, Paul Lam, secretary for justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, emphasized the principle of peaceful dispute resolution under international law, calling mediation a forward-looking and constructive approach compared to traditional litigation and arbitration.

    Lam underscored the selection of Hong Kong as the court’s headquarters as a testament to its legal infrastructure, citing Hong Kong’s pool of cross-jurisdictional legal talent and track record in international dispute resolution. Hong Kong’s common law system and reputation for efficiency position it as a global hub for legal services, he said, adding that it would leverage this role to expand mediation services and attract more member states.

    Indonesia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Arif Havas Oegroseno praised the convention’s timing, calling it a response to global demand for cooperative conflict resolution. He highlighted gaps in current international mechanisms and stressed the importance of a specialized body for strengthening the global legal framework. Oegroseno said Indonesia would actively participate in drafting the court’s rules and collaborate with the relevant parties to advance its mandate.

    Edward Liu, the principal representative of the International Chamber of Shipping (China) Liaison Office and a partner at Haiwen & Partners LLP, described the court as a “Chinese solution” expands the focus on economic engagement to formal dispute resolution, saying that it embodies China’s philosophy of “harmony with diversity” and signals China’s commitment to global governance.

    Noting Hong Kong’s unique status as a common law jurisdiction under “one country, two systems,” Liu said Hong Kong’s role as the court’s base aligns with its designation as an “Asia-Pacific international legal and dispute resolution center.”

    The role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world positions Hong Kong to serve both national priorities and international needs, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM meets Pakistani counterpart on ties

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Hong Kong on Friday that China is willing to work with Pakistan and like-minded countries to enhance the unique advantages of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).

    When meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who attended the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed in Hong Kong, Wang said that China is willing to work with Pakistan and other countries to provide voluntary and efficient new options for dispute settlement for all countries, and a new platform for maintaining peace, stability, fairness and justice in the global South.

    Dar said that China’s initiative to establish the IOMed was timely and represented an important contribution to strengthening the multilateral system. He noted that the recent informal meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan in Beijing was a success. Pakistan decided to accept China’s mediation proposal and elevate its diplomatic relations with Afghanistan to the ambassadorial level.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Pakistan’s move to upgrade its diplomatic ties with Afghanistan will help improve relations, enhance trust and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

    China supports Pakistan in assuming the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council in July and contributing to international peace and security, Wang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Trans Mountain Corporation Releases First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trans Mountain Corporation (“TMC” or “the Company”) has released its financial statements and associated management report for the three months ending March 31, 2025. The Company’s financial results are also included in Canada Development Investment Corporation’s (“CDEV”) consolidated quarterly financial statements.

    Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) reflect the performance of TMC’s base business. Revenues and Adjusted EBITDA have increased significantly following the commercial commencement of the Expanded System on May 1, 2024.

    Financial Highlights:

    • EBITDA: For the three-month period ending March 31, 2025, Adjusted EBITDA increased by $532 million to $568 million, compared to $36 million in the same period of the prior year.
    • Capital Structure: In December 2024, Canada TMP Finance Ltd., the entity which holds the Government of Canada’s investment in TMC, provided funding to repay $17.9 billion of guaranteed third-party debt. The refinancing results in lower interest costs for the Company, making additional funds available to optimize the system, grow, pay down debt or increase returns to its shareholder.
    • Capital Return: During the first quarter an aggregate of $311 million was paid to Canada TMP Finance Ltd., consisting of $148 million in interest payments and $163 million in cash dividends. These distributions are expected to grow significantly in 2026 and beyond.

    Operational Highlights:

    • Throughput: During the first quarter, the Expanded System had an average daily mainline throughput of approximately 757,000 barrels per day (bpd), including 445,000 bpd to Westridge Marine Terminal, 227,000 bpd to Washington state on the Puget Sound Pipeline and 85,000 bpd to BC delivery points.
    • Vessel Traffic: For the three-month period ending March 31, 2025, 74 vessels were loaded at Westridge Marine Terminal, including 29 vessels in March marking a new monthly high for the Expanded System’s operation. Since the commercial commencement of the Expanded System on May 1, 2024, TMC has loaded 266 vessels at the terminal. Third-party information suggests vessel destinations have been broadly split between the US West Coast and Asia.
    • Loading Performance: Ship loading performance remains strong. During the quarter, approximately 90 per cent of ships were loaded on time, with delays attributable to vessel operator factors.

    Since the commercial commencement of the Expanded System, all deliveries have been subject to the Expanded System tariff and tolls. Contractually committed revenues associated with the 15-and 20-year transportation service contracts covering approximately 80 per cent of the Expanded System’s capacity have resulted in a significant increase to transportation volumes, revenues and Adjusted EBITDA.

    TMC reported net income of $148 million for the first quarter of 2025, as compared to $158 million in the same period of the prior year. While Adjusted EBITDA reflects the results from the Company’s base business, net income incorporates depreciation and amortization expense, as well as the significant financing impacts of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (“TMEP”), specifically, the equity allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”), interest expense and capitalized debt financing costs.

    While net income decreased by $10 million year-over year, the underlying factors changed significantly. Interest expense before capitalized debt financing costs was materially lower, reflecting the recapitalization of TMC’s balance sheet in December 2024. However, these savings were offset by increased depreciation and amortization expense, and the cessation of equity AFUDC and capitalized debt financing costs on TMEP following the commercial commencement of the Expanded System.

    CEO Comments

    “Trans Mountain is demonstrating its strategic value to Canada’s economy,” said Mark Maki, Chief Executive Officer, Trans Mountain Corporation. “Our team remains focused on safe, reliable operations as we complete one year of Expanded System operations. The Expanded System has driven strong value to Canada’s energy producers and Canadians overall.” Maki continued, “This critical infrastructure is opening new global markets for Canadian energy, reducing reliance on a single US market and ensuring long-term economic benefits for Canadians. These results reflect the hard work, commitment to safety and collaboration of our dedicated team.

    For the three-month period ending March 31, 2025, the West Texas Intermediate to Western Canadian Select differential averaged US$13 per barrel (bbl), which was US$4 per bbl narrower than the average of US$17 per bbl in Q1, 2024. While the differential does not directly affect TMC’s operational or financial performance, the commencement of the Expanded System has contributed to greater egress optionality and improved oil prices for Canadian producers in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin,” concluded Maki.

    See the full financial statements and management report documents here. See CDEV’s Quarterly Report here.

    Looking Forward

    Toll Hearing: TMC continues to operate under an interim toll structure currently before the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). On November 30, 2023, the CER approved preliminary interim tolls for the Expanded System, which remain in effect today. Under the current CER hearing timeline, final arguments are scheduled for late 2025.

    Optimization Opportunities: Trans Mountain is exploring both short and long-term optimization projects aimed at increasing pipeline capacity by 200,000 bpd to 300,000 bpd. Potential solutions may include the use of drag-reducing agents to increase flow efficiency, as well as other operational enhancements to improve system capabilities.

    Forward-looking information

    This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking information”). Forward-looking information is not historical fact, but instead represents the current expectations of TMC regarding future operating results and other future events relating to TMC, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the control of TMC. Forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as “will”, “may”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “aim”, “potential”, “should”, “would” and similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, expectations regarding future distributions, potential uses of funds resulting from lower interest costs, expected timing for final arguments for the current CER hearing, potential optimization projects and the expected increase in pipeline capacity resulting from such projects. the opening of global markets for Canadian energy and long-term economic benefits resulting from TMC’s infrastructure. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release is based on certain assumptions that TMC has made regarding, among other things: market conditions, economic conditions, prevailing governmental policies, regulatory, tax, and environmental laws and regulations, inflation rates and commodity prices, future demand for space on TMC’s pipeline systems, interest, tax and foreign exchange rates and expected cash flows and availability of funds. Although TMC believes the assumptions and other factors reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and factors will prove to be correct and, as such, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: the regulatory environment and decisions, including the outcome of regulatory hearings, the available supply and price of energy commodities, TMC’s ability to successfully implement its strategic priorities, the operating performance of TMC’s pipelines and related assets, performance and credit risk of TMC’s counterparties, the geopolitical environment, actions taken by governmental or regulatory authorities, changes in laws, the occurrence of unexpected events such as fires and severe weather conditions, cyber-attacks and other accidents or similar events and adverse general economic and market conditions or other risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of TMC. The foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release speaks only as of the date hereof. TMC does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. All forward looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    GAAP and Non-GAAP measures

    We make use of certain financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning under U.S. GAAP because we believe they improve management’s ability to evaluate our operating performance and compare results between periods. These are known as non-GAAP measures and may not be similar to measures provided by other entities. The non-GAAP measures discussed above should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than revenues, net income, operating income or other U.S. GAAP measures. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and equity AFUDC) is a non-GAAP measure we use to evaluate our operating performance and is calculated from its most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, operating income but excludes the impact of financing decisions, non-cash depreciation and amortization, and non-cash equity AFUDC.

    AFUDC (Allowance for Funds Used During Construction) is an amount recognized under U.S. GAAP by rate-regulated entities to reflect a return on the equity and debt components of capital invested in construction work in progress.

    About Trans Mountain

    Trans Mountain Corporation (together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, “Trans Mountain”) operates Canada’s only pipeline system transporting oil products to the West Coast. Trans Mountain is a wholly owned entity of Canada TMP Finance Ltd., a subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), the entity which holds the Government of Canada’s investment in TMC. We have nominal capacity to deliver 890,000 barrels of petroleum products each day through a pipeline system of more than 1,180 kilometres of pipeline in Alberta, British Columbia and 111 kilometres of pipeline in Washington state. Trans Mountain also operates a state-of-the-art loading facility, Westridge Marine Terminal, with three berths providing tidewater access to global markets. As a federal Crown corporation, Trans Mountain continues to build on more than 70 years of experience delivering operational and safety excellence through our crude oil pipeline system. To learn more, visit us at www.transmountain.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 29th, 2025 Heinrich Presses Trump Administration on Plans to Transfer Public Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers on the Department’s plans to transfer National Park System units out of federal management. The letter follows Heinrich’squestioning of Secretary Burgum during a Senate Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, where Burgum failed to provide sufficient answers on the Trump Administration’s plan to transfer hundreds of sites managed by the National Park Service (NPS) to the states.
    “The Administration’s budget proposes a $900 million reduction to the operation of the National Park System – approximately a 30 percent cut. In the same budget submission, the Administration proposed ‘transferring smaller, lesser visited parks to [s]tate and tribal governments,” Heinrich wrote in his letter to Secretary Burgum.
    The Administration’s proposal to reduce NPS’s budget and transfer management responsibilities of park system units to states threatens local economies and businesses. In fact, national parks are engines of economic growth. In 2023, visitors to NPS sites contributed an estimated $55.6 billion to the economy and supported over 400,000 jobs.
    Heinrich noted that only Congress has authority to transfer NPS units in most circumstances, stating clearly his opposition to transferring these sites to the states, “As you know, most NPS units were established legislatively, and transferring them out of federal management would require legislation from Congress. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over legislation regarding the National Park System, I am opposed to the Administration’s proposal to transfer NPS sites to the states.”
    Heinrich continued, emphasizing his concerns over the Secretary’s lack of information on the units under consideration, and what states the Administration hopes to transfer the units to,“You told me that you have not yet consulted with the states that you hope to transfer these units to, nor have you determined which units are under consideration… You told the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, that there are ‘over 400 other locations that the National Park Service manages’ that are under consideration for divestment, but you did not provide any detail about which units those are, other than that they are not the ‘crown Jewels.”’
    Heinrich concluded his letter by asking for detailed answers from Secretary Burgum to the following questions:
    At the hearing in the House Appropriations Committee, you said the administration is not considering transferring any of the “crown jewel” national parks. Please list which NPS units the administration is not considering transferring to states and which units the administration is considering transferring to states. For each unit the administration is considering transferring to states, please describe why the administration is considering the transfer.
     What factors will the administration consider when generating its list of which NPS units to transfer and which units not to transfer? In responding to this question, please provide a comprehensive list of all factors the Department will consider.
     For each NPS unit the Department is considering transferring to a state, has the Department conducted or does the Department plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand the economic impact to local gateway communities? If so, please provide a copy of the analysis.
     For each NPS unit the Department is considering transferring to a state, has the Department conducted or does the Department plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand if the state is equipped (e.g., possesses sufficient resources and funding) to manage the site? If so, please provide a copy of the analysis.
    Read the full letter here and below.
    Dear Secretary Burgum:
    Earlier this month, the Trump administration released its preliminary 2026 budget request outlining significant cuts to government agencies, including steep cuts to the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service (NPS). The administration’s budget proposes a $900 million reduction to the operation of the National Park System – approximately a 30 percent cut.
    In the same budget submission, the administration proposed “transferring smaller, lesser visited parks to [s]tate and tribal governments.” The administration’s proposal to reduce NPS’ budget and transfer management responsibilities of park system units to states threatens local economies and businesses. In fact, national parks are engines of economic growth. In 2023, visitors to NPS sites contributed an estimated $55.6 billion to the economy and supported over 400,000 jobs.
    As you know, most NPS units were established legislatively, and transferring them out of federal management would require legislation from Congress. As the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over legislation regarding the National Park System, I am opposed to the administration’s proposal to transfer NPS sites to the states. States do not have the same resources as the Federal government to manage and maintain these sites that tell the complex story of our nation. The budget proposal makes clear that the administration expects the states to shoulder the burden of managing these sites without any additional funding or resources, many of which have significant and costly deferred maintenance backlogs.
    You appeared before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, earlier this week to outline the administration’s budget submission. At that hearing, I asked you about the administration’s plan to transfer hundreds of NPS units to the states. You told me that you have not yet consulted with the states that you hope to transfer these units to, nor have you determined which units are under consideration. Earlier in the week, you told the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, that there are “over 400 other locations that the national park service manages” that are under consideration for divestment, but you did not provide any detail about which units those are, other than that they are not the “crown Jewels.”
    In light of these outstanding questions and concerns, I request you provide comprehensive responses to the following questions by June 6, 2025:
    1. At the hearing in the House Appropriations Committee, you said the administration is not considering transferring any of the “crown jewel” national parks. Please list which NPS units the administration is not considering transferring to states and which units the administration is considering transferring to states. For each unit the administration is considering transferring to states, please describe why the administration is considering the transfer.
    2. What factors will the administration consider when generating its list of which NPS units to transfer and which units not to transfer? In responding to this question, please provide a comprehensive list of all factors the Department will consider.
    3. For each NPS unit the Department is considering transferring to a state, has the Department conducted or does the Department plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand the economic impact to local gateway communities? If so, please provide a copy of the analysis.
    4. For each NPS unit the Department is considering transferring to a state, has the Department conducted or does the Department plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand if the state is equipped (e.g., possesses sufficient resources and  funding) to manage the site? If so, please provide a copy of the analysis.
    Thank you, in advance, for your prompt responses to these questions. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact my staff at (202) 224-4971.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 30th, 2025 Heinrich Leads Letter to the Department of the Interior Inspector General Urging Evaluation of Threats Posed by Workforce Reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    Heinrich and Senators to the DOI Acting Inspector General: “We are concerned that the Administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions”
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, led seven Democratic Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee colleagues in a letter urging the U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Inspector General (IG) Caryl Brzymialkiewicz to evaluate the extent to which  the Trump Administration’s workforce reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) prevent the agency from fulfilling its statutory mission and implementing relevant programs and activities authorized by Congress.
    “Recent reductions in workforce significantly threaten BOR’s ability to safely and reliably deliver water to communities and farmers, keep waterways flowing for fish and wildlife across the western United States, and produce reliable electricity,” the senators began.
    The BOR is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States – delivering trillions of gallons of water to more than 31 million people. The BOR also is the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the country. The facilities the BOR operate generate 40 million megawatt-hours of electricity each year.
    According to reports, the BOR has lost 1,400 public servants, around 25 percent of the agency’s entire workforce, since the Administration began its assault on the federal workforce.
    The senators continued, expressing concern over the lack of strategy and harm to public safety that workforce reductions pose, “Rapid reductions to BOR’s workforce raise significant concerns about the Bureau’s ability to meet its core responsibilities, particularly inspecting dams and identifying threats to public safety.”
    “BOR needs experienced personnel with the necessary expertise to manage critical infrastructure. We are concerned that the Administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions,” the senators continued.
    The senators concluded their letter by requesting that the IG evaluate whether recent workforce reductions at BOR inhibit the Bureau from carrying out its obligations.
    The letter is led by Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). The letter is signed by Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Democratic members U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Rueben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).
    The full text of the letter is here and below:
    Dear Acting Inspector General Brzymialkiewicz:
    We write to request that your office evaluate the extent to which workforce reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation (“Bureau” or “BOR”) prevent the agency from fulfilling its statutory mission and implementing relevant programs and activities authorized by Congress. The Bureau is the largest wholesaler of water in the United States—delivering trillions of gallons of water to more than 31 million people. The Bureau is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the country. The facilities BOR operate generate 40 million megawatt-hours of electricity each year. However, recent reductions in workforce significantly threaten BOR’s ability to safely and reliably deliver water to communities and farmers, keep waterways flowing for fish and wildlife across the western United States, and produce reliable electricity.
    According to reports, BOR has lost 1,400 public servants since the administration began its assault on the federal workforce. The positions reportedly eliminated include mechanics, engineers, and fish biology specialists—personnel with considerable expertise. Through firings of probational workers, buyouts, early retirements, and other related actions, BOR has shrunk by 25 percent. This workforce reduction has lacked a coherent, mission- and safety- driven strategy and instead led to the departure of experienced personnel—some with over 20 years of experience—leaving the Bureau susceptible to operational disruptions.
    Rapid reductions to BOR’s workforce raise significant concerns about the Bureau’s ability to meet its core responsibilities, particularly inspecting dams and identifying threats to public safety. BOR manages over 450 dams throughout 17 western states. Previously, BOR’s dam safety program identified over 300 high and significant hazard dams at more than 200 facilities. The age and complex nature of dam systems necessitates having experienced staff trained in the operation of such systems. In fact, as your office identified in a September 2023 report, approximately 90 percent of BOR’s dams are more than 50 years old and “[a]ging dams increaset he risk of dam failures.” BOR needs experienced personnel with the necessary expertise to manage critical infrastructure. We are concerned that the administration’s actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions.
    Your office is responsible for promoting “accountability, integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within” the DOI and identifying “ways to improve the DOI’s programs and operations by offering specific, actionable recommendations that lead to positive change.” We therefore urge you to evaluate whether recent workforce reductions at BOR inhibit the Bureau from carrying out its obligations.
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 30th, 2025 Heinrich Invites U.S. Forest Service Chief to Pecos Watershed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter inviting U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to visit the Upper Pecos Watershed in Northern New Mexico and hear from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, and recreationists about the importance of protecting the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.
    “For decades, the community in the Upper Pecos Watershed of New Mexico has been united in an effort to protect the river basin from the very real threat of mine waste pollution. Everyone in the community can agree that the Pecos River is an invaluable lifeline. With headwaters in Northern New Mexico, the Pecos supports a wide range of uses from recreation and agriculture to traditional use by the Pueblos in the area. Unfortunately, this region has a history of poorly managed mining projects,”Heinrich wrote to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.
    “The area is still recovering from a devastating 1991 mine spill, which threatened the health and economic survival in the immediate community and for hundreds of miles throughout the state. Thanks to decades of hard work and millions of dollars, this watershed is once again one of the cleanest and most productive in the state – though the remediation is not complete,” Heinrich stated.
    In 1991, a toxic waste spill from a closed mine in the Upper Pecos Watershed caused more than 11 miles of fish kill in the river and required a clean up effort that took decades and millions of dollars to complete. For years, there has been a community-led effort to protect the area from future mining claims to avoid similar threats and pollution.
    In response to a letter sent by Heinrich and the N.M. Congressional Delegation, in December 2024, President Biden’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service initiated a process to propose a 20-year withdrawal to help secure the region’s water and air quality, cultural resources, critical fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. The withdrawal, for lands in San Miguel and Santa Fe counties, encompassed multiple Pecos River tributaries, including Dalton Canyon, Macho Canyon, Wild Horse Creek, Indian Creek, and Doctor Creek.
    On December 16, 2024, the BLM and Forest Service initiated a 90-day public comment period to gather input on the proposal. During the comment period, the two agencies were scheduled to host a public meeting for the proposed Upper Pecos River Watershed Protection Area withdrawal on February 26, 2025. This public meeting was cancelled by the Trump Administration on February 19, 2025, with no further explanation. Despite the cancellation, the Administration received hundreds of public comments in support of the mineral withdrawal.
    On April 7, 2025, reporting from Source New Mexico revealed the Trump Administration plans to reverse the BLM and the Forest Service’s decision to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.
    “I am concerned by the Forest Service’s decision to reverse the temporary protection and discontinue the process for a longer-term withdrawal. This decision was made without proper community engagement or review of the hundreds of positive comments that were submitted during the public comment period,” Heinrich continued in his letter to Chief Schultz.
    In response to the Trump Administration’s reversal, Heinrich reintroduced his Pecos Watershed Protection Act to permanently withdraw all federally managed minerals in the watershed from development — preventing the leasing, patent, or sale of all publicly owned minerals.
    To continue the effort to protect the Pecos, Heinrich invited Chief Schultz at the end of his letter, writing, “I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit New Mexico and the Pecos area so you can hear firsthand from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, recreationists, and others while experiencing the beauty of this watershed. While there, you can see why this river is so valuable and witness the very real threat of mining pollution that still exists.”
    At the end of his letter, Heinrich included invitations to Chief Schultz from local and Tribal leaders that show the widespread community support for permanently protecting the Pecos.
    Read the community letter from over 20 local leaders and members of the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council here.
    Read the invitation from the Pueblo of Jemez here.
    Read the invitation from the Pueblo of Tesuque here.
    Read Heinrich’s full letter here and below:
    Dear Chief Schultz:
    For decades, the community in the Upper Pecos Watershed of New Mexico has been united in an effort to protect the river basin from the very real threat of mine waste pollution. Everyone in the community can agree that the Pecos River is an invaluable lifeline. With headwaters in Northern New Mexico, the Pecos supports a wide range of uses from recreation and agriculture to traditional use by the Pueblos in the area. Unfortunately, this region has a history of poorly managed mining projects. The area is still recovering from a devastating 1991 mine spill, which threatened the health and economic survival in the immediate community and for hundreds of miles throughout the state. Thanks to decades of hard work and millions of dollars, this watershed is once again one of the cleanest and most productive in the state – though the remediation is not complete.
    To New Mexicans who are facing a threat to their way of life and cultural heritage, there is no doubt that this area should be permanently protected. The spill in 1991 left scars on the landscape and with those who depend on the river. We celebrated when the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management announced last year that they would be pursuing a 20-year mineral withdrawal in the basin. The long-overdue action by the last Administration was a major victory for the Pecos Valley.
    However, I am concerned by the Forest Service’s decision to reverse the temporary protection and discontinue the process for a longer-term withdrawal. This decision was made without proper community engagement or review of the hundreds of positive comments that were submitted during the public comment period. The Administration also cancelled a public forum that would have allowed for discussion of the administrative withdrawal and demonstrated to your agency that this community is united by the beauty and health of the Pecos River.
    Therefore, I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit New Mexico and the Pecos area so you can hear firsthand from local leaders, Tribes, community members, farmers, business owners, recreationists, and others while experiencing the beauty of this watershed. While there, you can see why this river is so valuable and witness the very real threat of mining pollution that still exists.
    I am including letters and invites from local and tribal leaders that show the widespread support for this effort in the area. They represent just a few of many examples of community support for protecting the Pecos. Thank you for your attention to this request and I hope I can see you in New Mexico soon.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces Bill to Repeal Job-Killing ‘Tan Tax’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
     
     
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    May 30, 2025, 2025
     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
     
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Tan Tax Repeal Act, legislation to eliminate the burdensome 10 percent tax on indoor tanning services—a relic of the disastrous Affordable Care Act. The tax, imposed in 2010 as a last-minute addition to fund Obamacare, has disproportionately hurt small businesses and women entrepreneurs across the country. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).
    “This tax was never about public health—it was about squeezing more money out of hardworking Americans to fund a broken government program,” said Dr. Paul. “The Tan Tax is a perfect example of the federal government picking winners and losers—and in this case, punishing women-owned businesses trying to stay afloat in a tough economy.”
    BACKGROUND:
    The so-called “Tan Tax” was slipped into the Affordable Care Act as a last-minute replacement for a proposed “Botox tax.” The result? Over 11,000 tanning salons—most of them women-owned—have closed their doors. 
    According to the American Suntanning Association, more than 110,000 jobs, mostly held by women, have been lost. The tax also decimated domestic tanning equipment manufacturers, shifting jobs and production to foreign countries.
    Dr. Paul has long opposed the Affordable Care Act and has consistently called for the repeal of harmful, overreaching policies like the Tan Tax. He previously included this repeal in his broader Obamacare replacement legislation.
    You can read the Tan Tax Repeal Act HERE.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –