NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call for banking sector to ensure financial systems are inclusive

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on the banking sector to be intentional in designing financial systems that assist the underserved and empower the marginalised.

    Addressing the Group of Twenty (G20) Breakfast-Round Table on the Empowerment of Women and Disability Inclusion in the Banking Sector, the Minister emphasised that financial inclusion is not a luxury but it is a right that is a critical enabler of economic independence, dignity, and equality.

    “Yet, across the world and particularly here in South Africa, too many women remain excluded from basic financial services without bank accounts, denied access to credit and disconnected from investment opportunities.

    “This exclusion is even more pronounced for women living with disabilities, rural women, young women and women in the informal employment,” Chikunga said on Monday in Johannesburg.

    The breakfast meeting was aimed at engaging the banking sector in investing in the work of the Empowerment of Women Working Group and the G20 Disability Inclusion Initiatives.

    The Minister encouraged the banking sector to reimagine financial systems by ensuring they serve women entrepreneurs, especially those leading micro and small enterprises; create demand-driven financial products tailored to women’s lived realities and incentivise financial institutions to become more inclusive through policy and innovation.

    Furthermore, Chikunga suggested that the banking sector invest in digital literacy, infrastructure and access to technology for women and persons with disabilities as well as integrate inclusion into the very architecture of economic planning.

    “We must also look at the role of care infrastructure not as a social cost but as an economic multiplier. Investment in the care economy is investment in jobs, community wellbeing and women’s ability to fully participate in the workforce.

    “Together, we must not only reimagine, but also actively innovate alternative pathways to building an economy that is dynamic, resilient, and inclusive enough to truly leave no one behind.

    “Together, let’s explore practical strategies, share success stories, break barriers, challenge stereotypes and fast track the development of financing models that unlock the full economic potential of women and persons with disabilities. Together, lets create a banking environment where everyone can thrive,” she said.

    The Minister explained that G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) has committed to advancing three urgent priorities that include the care economy, financial inclusion for and of women, and gender-based violence and femicide.

    “As part of this working group, we have developed several empowerment programmes as legacy projects that we wish to partner with private sector partners beyond South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

    “To this end, we have conceptualised and designed a series of Transformative Emerging Industrialists Accelerator Programs and intend to rally all relevant stakeholders, particularly SOEs, private sector companies and industry associations behind their implementation,” the Minister said.

    These programs will target emerging women industrialists in key sectors, including energy security, the maritime, defence and aerospace industries, platform economies and agriculture, among others.

    Participating emerging industrialists will work alongside experienced industry associations, receiving support from ideation through to product development, financing, market access, and commercialisation pathways.

    “To advance disability inclusion, we have also developed an investment case for the establishment of a Disability Inclusion Nerve Centre, a legacy project of South Africa’s Chairship of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group.

    “This centre will serve as a cornerstone for advancing disability rights and inclusion in the region, aligning with both South Africa’s constitutional imperatives and international commitments,” the Minister said.

    The centre will focus on the following priorities:

    • Research on mainstreaming the mights of persons with disabilities, particularly in the areas of financial inclusion, care economy, artificial intelligence (AI), climate change and conducive working conditions.
    • Establishing a national disability data observatory.
    • Strengthening data collection and reporting systems across public and private sectors.
    • Developing early childhood disability screening protocols.
    • Enhancing institutional capacity through strengthened disability focal points.
    • Leveraging AI for disability inclusion.
    • Supporting special schools across South Africa to train teachers, address the digital divide, and improve educational outcomes for learners with disabilities.
    • Developing a model disability inclusive classroom and school for South Africa.

    South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Let us honour our struggle icons- President Ramaphosa 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has, through his weekly newsletter, called on South Africans to celebrate the lives of struggle icons who fought and died for freedom.

    The President’s call comes days after the reburial of struggle icon, Advocate Duma Nokwe, who the President recently conferred the honorary title of Senior Counsel (Silk).

    In Monday’s newsletter, President Ramaphosa described the lives lost during the fight against Apartheid as a “heavy price” paid for the families that lost loved ones.

    “For the many families and communities across this country who never got the opportunity to lay their loved ones to rest or to even know how they died, the past will continue to cast a long shadow. In the interests of national reconciliation; in the interests of moving forward, we will continue with our efforts to restore dignity to all those who were denied it in life. 

    “A heavy price was paid by many for the democracy we have today. This should continue to inspire us as we work together towards a shared future,” he said.

    Following the fall of the apartheid government, South Africa established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) described by President Ramaphosa as an attempt to “shed a light on the atrocities committed during apartheid”.

    “Even as democratic South Africa attempted to unearth what happened and to hold those accountable to account, many apartheid-era security officials either refused to appear before the TRC or did not fully disclose their actions. Others resorted to delaying tactics and obstruction to evade trial.

    “As we recently announced, I am in the process of establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to look into allegations of interference in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by TRC,” he said.

    Repatriating heroes

    During the apartheid era, several political parties faced banning orders from the racist government – forcing many activists into exile.

    Some activists – like Advocate Duma Nokwe – died while in exile with their remains still in those countries.

    READ | Adv Duma Nokwe honoured for fighting against apartheid

    President Ramaphosa assured families still waiting for the return of the remains of their loved ones that government is “steadfast in our commitment to restoring the dignity of activists who died and were buried abroad, and to our country men and women who were subjected to indignities in foreign lands.”

    “This is being done within legal frameworks such as the National Heritage Resources Act. This framework facilitated the repatriation of Sara Baartman’s remains for burial in South Africa in 2002. We have also developed a draft National Policy on the Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects which will guide our efforts going forward. 

    “The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and other government institutions continue to engage with several countries to facilitate the return of human remains,” he said.

    The President reflected that although dealing with “the memory of past atrocities is one of the most difficult and delicate tasks a nation can undertake,” it can be a “cathartic process”.

    “[It] is vital if a country is committed to enhance national healing, cohesion and unity. The way a country remembers its painful past can shape the character of its democracy, the legitimacy of its institutions and the resilience of its people.

    “As a country, we have had to contend with our past in the interests of social cohesion and nation-building. We have advanced policies of restitution and redress to both acknowledge and correct the historical injustice of apartheid. 

    “We remain equally committed to restoring the dignity of apartheid’s countless victims and to bringing closure to their families,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President in France for a working visit

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has on Monday arrived in Paris, France, for a working visit aimed at reinforcing South Africa’s historic and warm bilateral relations with that country.

    During the working visit, the two countries will be expanding on existing cooperation projects as well as identify new areas of cooperation with specific focus on trade and investment.

    The Deputy President’s visit follows a recent visit by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, last week to co-chair the 9th Session of the Forum for Political Dialogue (FPD) where the status of bilateral political relations between the two countries was discussed, including matters of mutual interest relating to international developments. 

    “Deputy President Mashatile will participate in the SA-France Investment Conference, where South Africa will intensify cooperation in the fields of infrastructure development; science, technology and innovation; education and skills development as well as improve the already strong people-to-people links between the two countries and increase the flow of tourism to South Africa from France,” said the Presidency in a statement.

    It said France is the 14th largest investor in South Africa, with about 400 French companies investing in sectors such as Financial Services, Renewable Energy, Rail, Chemicals, Oil and Gas, to mention but a few.

    “French companies have played a pivotal role in the Presidential Investment Conference. 

    “Since the first Presidential Investment Conference hosted in 2018, French companies have committed more than R70 billion with the majority of projects either completed or being implemented. “ 

    As part of his programme, Deputy President Mashatile will pay a courtesy call on Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, meet with captains of different industries and conduct site visits to the Suez Global Waste Management Company and Dassault Systèmes.

    The Deputy President is accompanied by Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi; Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy; Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie; Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille; Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela; Deputy Minister Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham-Maré. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Condolences for family of MP Mnganga-Gcabashe

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, May 19, 2025

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed condolences to the family of Member of Parliament, Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, who passed away on Saturday.

    Mnganga-Gcabashe, 64, was serving as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism in Parliament at the time of her passing.

    She previously served in the legislative body between 2014 and 2019 and before re-election in 2024.

    “In the past week, Honourable Mnganga-Gcabashe participated in the Africa Travel Indaba, hosted by the Department in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. A true testament to her commitment to the country and serving South Africans. 

    “Her commitment to a non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous society has guided her path and contribution to the struggle against apartheid through the United Democratic Front, Natal Organisation of Women and during the course of our democracy in legislative structures. 

    “I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and comrades. May her soul rest in peace and may the contributions she has made to the struggles for gender equality and non-racialism remain etched in the history of our country,” Deputy President Mashatile said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Withdrawal of SA soldiers in DRC proceeding according to plan

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, May 19, 2025

    The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has assured the public that the withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) is currently underway and proceeding according to plan.

    This comes after a media report claimed that the South African soldiers were stranded in Goma as the buses that were meant to transport the group had not arrived.

    In a statement on Sunday, the SANDF said the logistical arrangements for the withdrawal remain under the full coordination and control of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

    “We further assure the public that all SANDF members deployed as part of this mission are safe, adequately supplied for and continue to receive their daily meals and essentials. No member is stranded or without support.

    “It is unfortunate that the City Press article published on Sunday, 18 May 2025 was released without soliciting comment from the SANDF, despite the significance and sensitivity of the matter. 

    “The SANDF appeals to members of the public and the media to exercise discernment and patience during this sensitive withdrawal phase. Inaccurate or speculative reporting may cause unnecessary concern and mislead the nation,” the SANDF said.

    The SANDF emphasised that it remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as the withdrawal progresses.

    Earlier this month, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said the withdrawal of the SANDF from the eastern DRC marked a new chapter in regional peacekeeping efforts.

    READ | New chapter as SANDF withdraws from DRC

    “This withdrawal is a structured process designed to ensure safe return of both our troops and equipment. All our logistical support will continue during this phase,” the Minister said at a media briefing at the time. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Financing biodiversity key for realising Africa’s economic potential

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh has called on delegates from governments across the continent to innovatively think about financing biodiversity, beyond the traditional funding from national budgets.

    According to the Deputy Minister, more than 7 000 species across the continent face extinction, which could harm Africa’s economic potential.

    “Biodiversity is not a luxury; it is the foundation of our economies, our health, and our survival. As you are aware that the financing gap to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 from all sources is estimated at 200 billion US Dollars annually. 

    “Every hectare of forest cleared, every waterway polluted, and every species lost diminishes not just our ecological wealth, but our economic potential,” Singh said on Monday in Cape Town.

    He was addressing the regional dialogue for member States of the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community and other Anglophone countries on the update or revision of national and regional biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs).

    This regional dialogue offers an opportunity for countries that have already revised their NBSAPs to share good practices, address common challenges, and identify potential solutions.

    The goal of the NBSAP is to conserve and manage biodiversity to ensure sustainable benefits to the people of South Africa, through co-operation and partnerships that build on strengths and opportunities.

    “Strong NBSAPs are more than policy, they are strategic tools to unlock international finance, attract private investment, and guide public spending where it matters most. But a plan on paper is not enough – it must be matched by budgets and political commitment,” he said.

    The Deputy Minister offered insights into the innovative finance solutions that were developed in South Africa through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) programme.

    The BIOFIN programme supports countries to enhance their financial management of biodiversity and ecosystems.

    “Through the BIOFIN programme, a framework has been developed to guide a fee setting process for biodiversity permits, which enables cost recovery and value attribution to the natural resources. 

    “The basis for this work is that revenue from sources such as protected area gate fees, tourism concessions, conferencing facilities, fees and permits related to biodiversity can play an important role in supporting the financial sustainability of the conservation estate,” he said.

    Through the programme, some municipalities have given rates relief to conservation areas leading to funds saved which can be further invested into biodiversity conservation. 

    “The financial result of this has been 124 000.00 US dollars saved by conservation areas over the last three years. We were delighted to learn from the Botswana example, where their rate collection increased seven-fold,” Singh said.

    A biodiversity offset portal will be launched on 22 May 2025 as part of celebrating the International Day of Biodiversity. 

    The offset portal which will be publicly accessible is aimed at improving the way offsets are conducted for the benefit of funding protected area management.

    “The Biodiversity Sector investment portal was launched in 2022 and formally handed over to the Government of South Africa. The portal has been institutionalized within the department and established a Biodiversity Economy Investment Portal, officially recognised as an ongoing conduit of opportunities for investment in the Small and Medium Enterprises. The department has fully taken over the portal and allocated a budget towards its ongoing maintenance,” he said. –SANews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SIU to probe SITA, Bushbuckridge municipality

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is poised to launch separate investigations into the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga Province.

    This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed two proclamations authorising the corruption busting unit to probe the two entities.

    At the SITA, the SIU will investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption focusing on the procurement of a Turnkey Software Asset Management Solution and Integrated Logistics Support Services. 

    “The SIU will assess whether the procurement process adhered to National Treasury guidelines or if it was tainted by irregularities, lack of transparency, or wasteful expenditure. Additionally, the investigation will examine any unlawful or improper conduct by SITA employees, suppliers, or other entities involved in the contract.

    “The investigation period spans 13 July 2017 to 16 May 2025, including any relevant conduct before or after this timeframe,” the SIU said.

    The investigation at the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality will zero in on serious maladministration and unlawful conduct related to a street paving contract for the Lillydale Phase 1 project.

    “The SIU aims to address allegations regarding the fairness, competitiveness, transparency, equity, and cost-effectiveness of the procurement process, examining whether it has violated any applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, or municipal policies. Additionally, the investigation will scrutinise any instances of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure connected to this project.

    “The investigation will also examine improper conduct by municipal officials, employees, suppliers, or service providers and determine whether such conduct resulted in financial losses for the municipality or the state.

    “The Proclamation covers conduct occurring between 1 January 2018 and 16 May 2025, as well as any related activities before or after this period that are connected to the matters under investigation,” the SIU said.

    Furthermore, evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigations will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

    “Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses.

    “Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the unit concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Musician Manqoba Ntombela shot outside his Heidelberg home

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, May 19, 2025

    Founder of the iconic music group Woza Afrika, Manqoba Ntombela, has been shot dead outside his Ratanda home in Heidelberg, Gauteng.

    According to the Ratanda South African Police Service (SAPS), Ntombela was shot multiple times while sitting in his car outside his house on Friday evening.

    Ntombela, known for the hit song “Istokvela”, was also a businessman, educator and community leader. 

    At the time of his death, he was actively involved in the Mazibuye Kasi Spaza Shops initiative, empowering local business owners.

    The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police are investigating the matter. 

    Police have encouraged members of the community who may have information about the murder case to contact the Ratanda police station on 016 343 7014 or 079 692 4853. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call to close financial inclusion gap for women

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, has emphasised the importance of closing the financial inclusion gap for women and ensuring that they can leverage financial services to smooth their incomes, invest in opportunities, and protect themselves against shocks.

    “Usage remains low, and significant gaps persist, particularly for women, youth, informal workers, and rural entrepreneurs,” Masondo said on Monday in Skukuza, Mpumalanga.

    Addressing the second Plenary Meeting of the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, the Deputy Minister said empowering women is not just a matter of fairness or social equity; it is smart economics.

    “When women gain access to financial tools and earnings, they invest in their families and communities to an impressive degree. Studies find that women typically reinvest up to 90% of their income back into their households, compared to around 30–40% for men. 

    “We have seen that financially empowering a woman creates a ripple effect; children stay in school longer, family nutrition improves, and local economies become more resilient. Conversely, when women remain on the margins of finance, we all lose out on growth and innovation.

    “Let us remember that closing the financial inclusion gap for women is not a sidebar, it is central to our agenda. … Giving women access to and the ability to use affordable payments, credit, and insurance will boost development broadly,” he said.

    The Deputy Minister asserted that South Africa has made women’s economic empowerment a priority in the national strategies encouraging progress is being made.

    “But there is much farther to go to ensure that the creative entrepreneur I described, and millions like her can prosper. She does not want charity; she wants the playing field: levelled reliable digital payments, safe savings, and fair credit so her enterprise can grow.

    “Turning this vision into reality will require concerted action on multiple fronts: public policy, private innovation, and grassroots capacity-building. South Africa is committed to doing its part. 

    “Through our Financial Sector Development Reform Program (FSDRP), supported by partners like the World Bank and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, we invest in the infrastructure and reforms that move inclusion from access to usage,” Masondo said.

    The Reserve Bank has launched the Inclusive Payments Digitalisation Programme that aims to bring practical digital payment solutions to the informal sector.

    “We have piloted it in two communities, Tembisa and Hammanskraal, to develop digital ecosystems right where people live and work. Some of you visited these enterprises in March. 

    “This pilot is a testament to what is possible when we blend policy intent with on-the-ground innovation. We plan to expand such efforts, informed by data and community feedback, so that no entrepreneur is left behind by the digital finance revolution.

    “Our commitment goes further. We are streamlining regulations to encourage low-cost fintech solutions through the Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group, strengthening consumer protection to build trust in digital finance through the Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill, and improving connectivity in rural areas through the SA Connect programme,” he said.

    In essence, efforts are being made to create an environment where using financial services is easy, affordable, and safe so that inclusion translates into actual economic participation. 

    “But South Africa cannot do it alone. The beauty of the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) is that it allows us to learn from each other and to tackle common challenges together. Every country in this room has experiences, successful policies, clever tech applications, and even instructive failures that can inform the way forward for all of us,” Masondo said.

    GPFI is an inclusive platform for Group Twenty (G20) countries, non-G20 countries and relevant stakeholders for peer learning, knowledge sharing, policy advocacy and coordination. 

    It is the primary implementing mechanism of the G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP).

    South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Akani Simbine continues with winning streak

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South African sprinter, Akani Simbine, continued his dominance in the United States when he surged to victory in the 100m at the Atlanta City Games, stopping the clock in 9.86 seconds.

    The time won’t be recognised as the fastest of the year, given that it was wind-aided, but that won’t matter to the star South African. 

    “After winning both 100m Diamond League events this season, winning a medal at the World Indoors and anchoring Team SA to gold in the 4x100m World Relays, Simbine is unquestionably the fastest man on the planet right now,” the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) said on its website.

    Simbine competed in the Atlanta City Games on Saturday afternoon.

    Reacting to the victory, Simbine said: “It’s no pressure. I get to come enjoy something that is no stress; just run and have fun. I wasn’t expecting that [time] at all. Crazy.”

    He was expecting, however, the reigning Olympic champion, Noah Lyles, to be lining up alongside him, but the American scratched from the race, withdrawing due to a “tight ankle” that has impacted him in the last two weeks.

    “Simbine’s 9.90 from the Botswanan Golden Grand Prix last month remains as the official world lead for 2025, though his performance on Saturday clearly pleased him, too. He started a bit slow, but hit his stride at the 50-metre mark well ahead of Nigerian Udodi Onwuzurike, who was second with a 10.05,” SASCOC said.

    Also in action was men’s 400m world record holder, Wayde van Niekerk, who was making his seasonal debut. He placed a creditable third in the 200m in 20.03. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Rosen Lead Colleagues in Demanding President Trump Lift Hold on High-Speed Internet Funding for New Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led 1o Senate colleagues in a letter demanding that the Trump administration release funding for states under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This program connects families in the hardest-to-serve communities to high-speed internet. Senator Luján successfully helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that created the BEAD Program. New Mexico has been approved to receive $675 million in funding through the BEAD Program, but the Trump administration’s pause on this critical program is indefinitely delaying New Mexico’s ability to connect New Mexicans to high-speed internet.

    “We write with concern regarding the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) recent announcement that it is delaying the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program,” wrote the senators. “This unprecedented move by the NTIA will further delay our communities from having the connectivity they need to grow and thrive. To unlock the full strength of the U.S. economy, every community must have access to the vast opportunities enabled by broadband, and this can be achieved by your Administration following the law as outlined in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58).”

    “Currently, there are multiple states ready for broadband providers to put shovels in the ground tomorrow,” the senators continued. “NTIA must act swiftly to release BEAD funding to states that have already been approved and expeditiously work to approve the remaining eligible applications. Time is of the essence, and our rural and tribal communities cannot afford more delays.”

    In addition to Senators Luján and Rosen, the letter was signed by Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Angus King (I-ME).

    As Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, Senator Luján is a strong champion for 100% broadband connectivity. In the 118th Congress, Senator Luján introduced the bipartisan Tribal Connect Act to make it easier for Tribes to secure high-speed internet access at Tribal Essential Community-Serving Institutions through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF) Schools and Libraries Program, or E-Rate program. In the 117th Congress, Senator Luján introduced legislation to help close the homework gap by equipping school buses with Wi-Fi technology and improving financing options for broadband deployment.

    The full letter can be found here or below:

    Dear President Trump:

    We write with concern regarding the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) recent announcement that it is delaying the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This unprecedented move by the NTIA will further delay our communities from having the connectivity they need to grow and thrive. To unlock the full strength of the U.S. economy, every community must have access to the vast opportunities enabled by broadband, and this can be achieved by your Administration following the law as outlined in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58).

    The intent of Congress when it created and appropriated over $42 billion for the bipartisan BEAD program was to connect the hardest-to-serve Americans to high-speed internet and finally close the digital divide. Congress explicitly shaped this program to give deference to states, so they could address the unique challenges their states face reaching the goals of the program Congress mandated.

    Currently, there are multiple states ready for broadband providers to put shovels in the ground tomorrow. Forty-two states have begun or completed their BEAD application process. Three states have even had their applications fully approved and yet are waiting on funds to be released by your Administration. Many states have applications that are tech-neutral and dramatically more cost-effective than previous projects funded by federal broadband programs, all while fulfilling the program’s mission to bring high-speed, reliable broadband to all unserved communities in their state. The attempts by NTIA to revise the state application process at this late stage will cause further delays to the program and leave rural and tribal communities behind in an increasingly connected economy. NTIA must act swiftly to release BEAD funding to states that have already been approved and expeditiously work to approve the remaining eligible applications. Time is of the essence, and our rural and tribal communities cannot afford more delays.

    It is imperative to follow the law, deliver on the promise of access to affordable high-speed internet, and ensure that every American, regardless of where they live, has the tools to succeed in the modern economy.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy on Meet The Press: Republican Tax Plan is Greatest Transfer of Wealth from the Poor and Middle Class to the Rich in the History of the Country

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    May 18, 2025

    [embedded content]

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss the Trump administration and congressional Republicans’ plan to give the ultra-wealthy a giant tax break paid for by slashing Medicaid and programs millions of Americans rely on, and President Trump’s corruption of U.S. foreign policy.

    Murphy slammed the disastrous Republican tax plan: “Well, what we’re standing in the way of is the most massive transfer of wealth from the poor and the middle class to the rich in the history of the country. This budget bill is an absolute disaster. It is going to kick over 10 million people off of their health care — Medicaid covers about a quarter of all Americans — in order to pass along a new trillion-dollar tax cut for the richest 1%. Nobody in this country is asking for that…These guys are running the economy recklessly because all they care about is the health of the Mar-a-Lago billionaire class. They only care about their corporate friends. They’re going to destroy this economy, they’re going to throw millions of people off of health care, just so that they can pass along a benefit to a small handful of very rich Americans.”

    Murphy pushed back on claims by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that the growing deficit is due to Democratic policies: “I think it’s important to remember that some of the most important legislative achievements during Joe Biden’s presidency were done in a way that reduced the deficit. In fact, the Inflation Reduction Act – which made massive investments in renewable energy, reduced prescription drug costs – was done in a way that drove down the deficit, not driving the deficit up. Most of the deficit was added under Joe Biden’s presidency was in those early days when we were still recovering from the pandemic. But there’s just no doubt that it was Donald Trump who added more to the deficit than any president in the history of the country, and he is on pace to do it for a second time. It’s going to crater the economy. And listen, it won’t have an impact on his billionaire friends. His Mar-a-Lago crowd will come out all right, but it will impact the regular people I represent in New Britain, Bristol and Bridgeport, Connecticut.”

    On Trump’s corrupt trip to the Middle East, Murphy said: “So why did he choose these three countries to go to for his first major foreign trip? It’s not because these are our most important allies, are the most important countries in the world. It’s because these are the three countries willing to pay him off. Every single one of these countries is giving Trump money — the plane from Qatar and investment in his cryptocurrency scam from the UAE, and they are asking for national security concessions in return. This is the definition of corruption. Foreign governments putting money in the President’s pocket and in the United States, giving them national concerning concessions that hurt our own security.”

    He continued: “By the way, the plane is not a gift to the American people, as the Secretary said. It is going directly to Donald Trump. That library will take a decade to build, and so once he leaves the White House until the library is built, he gets to use that plane to fly around all of his billionaire friends while his policies result in millions of Americans losing their health care and having to pay higher costs. That is the definition of corruption.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans for future development of Packmoor to be considered following major consultation

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 19th May 2025

    A new masterplan for Packmoor is set to be drawn up after a major consultation exercise with residents.

    The council is set to make clear any future development of the site must deliver a wide range of improvements for local communities.

    The masterplan would see the council develop specific proposals for the site, with direct community involvement through a new Packmoor Community Liaison Group – for which the Council is seeking community champions and representatives.

    It would include plans to improve local roads, high-quality green space, cycle paths and better local centre facilities. Local services could be strengthened through the planning processes, including potential funding from developers for expanded NHS services.

    And it would look to ensure that every effort was made not to impinge on the individual identities of surrounding communities, such as Packmoor, Brindley Ford and Fegg Hayes.

    A series of community engagement events have been taking place over the last few months giving local people the chance to have their say on what improvements they would like in the village and surrounding area.

    Hundreds of suggestions have been made on a series of topics including housing, better use of green space, more facilities – such as shops and healthcare – and improved roads and community safety.

    The community engagement – which centres on 80 hectares of semi-rural land – has been carried out by consultants Augarde and Partners.

    Consulting and Engineering experts Tetratech have also carried out a technical site assessment to gauge what could be feasibly developed.

    Based on all the feedback and the two reports, the city council’s Cabinet will be asked to choose from three options:

    *Develop a set of proposals for residential development as part of a masterplan

    *In principle, market and dispose of developable parcels of the site to housebuilders (subject to statutory requirements)

    *Do nothing

    Moving forward, at all stages, residents will be consulted on any proposed plans and the council will work with local people to develop them.

    Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker – Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Regeneration – said: “We’re very grateful to the hundreds of people who have been involved in the community engagement over the last few months. Their feedback is absolutely vital in shaping any future plans for the site.

    “I’ve always been clear that doing nothing is not an option. Families in Packmoor deserve better: better roads, better local services, better green spaces that bring people together.

    “At the same time, we can’t ignore the reality that Stoke-on-Trent urgently needs more homes – good, affordable homes that work for working people. That means we have to plan with care, with purpose, and with the community at the heart of every decision.

    “If we move forward with a masterplan, it will be grounded in what people have told us and it will be based on community involvement at every stage.”

    The Augarde report can be read here: mgconvert2pdf.aspx

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CISA Welcomes Madhu Gottumukkala as the New Deputy Director

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is proud to announce the appointment of Madhu Gottumukkala as its new Deputy Director. In this role, he will help lead CISA’s mission to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the cyber and physical infrastructure that the American people rely on every day. 

    Prior to his appointment as the CISA Deputy Director, Dr. Gottumukkala served as Commissioner and Chief Information Officer for South Dakota’s Bureau of Information and Technology, overseeing statewide technology and cybersecurity initiatives. He assumed this role after serving as South Dakota’s second-ever chief technology officer, focused on innovation through the adoption of emerging technologies, while increasing efficiency by replacing outdated legacy systems.

    “I am honored to be appointed by Secretary Noem to serve as Deputy Director of CISA. As a former state and local leader, I have seen firsthand the exceptional work CISA does in advancing our nation’s cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience,” said Gottumukkala. “I look forward to building on that foundation by fostering collaboration and strengthening resilience across all levels of government and the private sector. Together, through trusted partnerships, transparency, and shared responsibility, we can better manage systemic risks and safeguard the critical functions that ensure our nation’s safety and prosperity.”

    “CISA is excited to welcome Madhu to the team. As we work around the clock to safeguard our nation’s most critical infrastructure, Madhu brings a unique blend of technical expertise and real-world experience that will enhance our mission,” said CISA Senior Official Performing the duties of the Director Bridget Bean. “His deep understanding of both the complexities and practical realities of infrastructure security will strengthen CISA in its role as the nation’s lead cyber defense agency and the national coordinator for infrastructure resilience today and into the future.”

    With over 24 years of experience in information technology (IT), Dr. Gottumukkala has held leadership roles spanning both the public and private sectors, including work across the wireless and telecom, unified communications, and health technology industries. He currently serves on the Advisory Committee of the College of Business and Information Systems at Dakota State University.

    Dr. Gottumukkala holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems from Dakota State University, an MBA in Engineering and Technology Management from the University of Dallas, an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Andhra University.

    For more information about CISA’s leadership team, please visit the official CISA website at CISA Leadership | CISA

    ###

    About CISA 

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: From skepticism to success: How AI is helping teachers transform classrooms in Peru

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: From skepticism to success: How AI is helping teachers transform classrooms in Peru

    Marco Antonio Pedraza, a sixth-grade primary school teacher who migrated as a young man from the countryside to bustling Lima, used to spend his own money to purchase specialized teaching materials for the three neurodivergent kids in his class. He had only a vague idea of what AI was and was skeptical about its potential. 

    Then Pedraza was introduced to Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, the AI companion that helps with work tasks. A group of AI experts recently trained him on how to write effective prompts to quickly generate personalized activities for the students just by typing a few traits of each. He was amazed by the results. 

    “It was a revelation,” says Pedraza, an experienced public school teacher with a humble background. “These days, a teacher requires technology to effectively assist the kids.” 

    He says the new tool saves him precious time and facilitates a more personalized education. As he gradually expands its use, he hopes Copilot will enhance the learning experience of all his students while opening new horizons for him that could help him thrive within Peru’s educational system. 

    [embedded content]

    Pedraza is one of nearly 500 primary public school teachers participating in a pioneering pilot program launched by the education authorities of Lima metropolitan area (DRELM) in partnership with the World Bank, spanning over 200 public schools. All educators teach fifth and sixth grades. Most of the schools cater to children from low-income families, with some located in the city’s poorest areas. 

    Local education authorities expect AI can raise education standards and improve teachers’ capabilities in an inexpensive and easily scalable way, says Marcos Tupayachi, the representative of Peru’s education ministry for metropolitan Lima, the country’s capital and one of the largest cities in South America with 10.5 million residents or 30% of Peru’s population.  

    “It will help us a lot in transitioning from a traditional approach to a much more modern, student-centered approach,” Tupayachi points out. 

    Copilot Chat is powered by the latest AI models and uses web data and files uploaded by users to generate content. After a short training co-designed with a group of primary teachers, participating educators began using it at the start of the school year in early March through accounts provided by Peru’s education authorities. Chats are protected and not exposed to the public or used to train AI models.  

    If the results are as positive as expected, demonstrating enhanced student learning and improved teacher-student dynamics, the program could be expanded to all primary schools in Lima starting next year, Tupayachi says. 

    Marco Antonio Pedraza, a sixth-grade teacher in Lima, hopes Copilot will enhance the learning experience of all his students while helping him thrive within Peru’s educational system. Photo by Julio Reaño

    A companion in the classroom 

    The World Bank is offering technical support to Peru to deploy the program, as part of the group’s wider efforts to promote education and social inclusion across the developing world. 

    Through AI, teachers can quickly and efficiently create lesson plans, curriculums and learning materials, while supporting grading and other administrative tasks, explains Ezequiel Molina, a World Bank senior economist. 

    This is especially important in a developing country where public schools are often understaffed and educators are underpaid and face limited training and access to advanced technology, Molina notes. 

    “We thought AI could be seen as an ally, helping teachers solve their challenges, design better and faster lessons and use the extra time to think about improving the educational experience for students,” he says. 

    Many educators in Peru have several jobs to make ends meet, says the economist, so AI can decisively help find a balance between work and life. As reliable connectivity is not widely available across schools, many educators in the program use Copilot on their own laptops at home or on their phones. They say they could barely believe the effectiveness of the AI tool when they first tried it. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Meet four developers leading the way with AI agents

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Meet four developers leading the way with AI agents

    Agents can get past the fragmentation of data that come from clinician notes, notes from the staff that deals with insurance, notes from nurses, images such as CT scans that are very different from pathology slides, and more, Keyes says.

    “It’s really hard to get a chat model to do this,” he says. But agents can focus on a specialized task, with the healthcare agent orchestrator directing requests to the appropriate agent. Getting started is really easy. Stanford Health Care set up the initial agents from Azure AI Foundry Agent Catalog and deployed into Microsoft Teams for testing in about 10 minutes, Keyes says.

    The data organizer brings in clinical notes, labs, medications and genomic data, all of which come in different formats, and structures the information into a succinct abstract, with citations so the clinician can quickly verify it or go to see the relevant section in depth.

    Keyes recalls being with other medical trainees and his attending physician asking for a radiology report in the electronic health record. “And it’s like, click, click, click, click, click, click – 100 different clicks versus ‘oh, it’s right here in front of me.’’’ When he checked the agent’s citations against the actual notes, they were correct.

    The radiology agent reads radiology images using the leading specialized AI models on Azure AI Foundry, and the pathology agent analyzes the whole-slide images and provides relevant pathology findings. Another agent identifies which clinical trials the patient is eligible for.

    The medical research agent uses reasoning models to search over scientific papers on cancer, again giving links for quick retrieval of the full documents.

    At the end of the process, a report creation agent summarizes the key components of the patient’s case to be discussed at the tumor board, turning it into a Word document or PowerPoint.

    Preparing a single patient’s case for a tumor board could take Keyes several hours; in testing, AI agents might make the work 10 times faster, he says. Stanford Health Care has more than a dozen tumor boards serving about 4,000 patients, so the time savings would multiply quickly.

    “The agents will enable the work to be done easier, faster and more efficiently, which really matters when you’re talking about meetings with 10 clinicians in them, where time is really precious,” Keyes says. Time is precious, too, for the patients.

    “I think in a lot of industries when they think agentic, they get very excited about, ‘it’s going to work very autonomously. It’s going to be making decisions, and I can just look at what it’s doing every once in a while.’ That is not really what we’re envisioning. We do want the clinicians in charge of a patient’s care. We always want them to be able to check.”

    “I would be excited at the idea of AI helping my doctors to be the best version of themselves and to liberate them from some of the time-consuming components of documentation so they can spend more time with me the patient,” he says.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Sonowal reviews inland waterways projects in Assam and Northeast; Rs.1,500 cr projects in pipeline to boost maritime growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday conducted a comprehensive review of inland waterways infrastructure projects in Assam and the Northeast. The high-level meeting, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), and state PWD, focused on aligning regional development with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

    Sonowal emphasised the timely completion of projects under the ₹1,000 crore inland waterway development plan for the region, asserting that the Northeast remains a top priority for the central government. “Our work must resonate with the larger vision of Viksit Bharat. In the past two years, over Rs. 1,000 crore has already been invested, with ₹300 crore worth of work completed. The remaining ₹700 crore projects are on track to finish by end-2025,” he said.

    Projects under the spotlight include key developments along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak). These cover passenger vessel construction, modern terminal infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives. The minister also reviewed proposed projects in Nagaland’s Doyang, Noune, and Shilloi lakes for IWT and tourism, and feasibility studies in Mizoram and Meghalaya for similar ventures.

    Highlighting inland waterways as a catalyst for economic transformation, Sonowal said, “Since 2014, the Modi government has revived this once-neglected mode of transport. Initiatives like Jalvahak are helping businesses adopt this cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative, reducing the burden on road and rail networks.”

    To ensure skill development aligns with infrastructure growth, the government is developing the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati and the Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport in Dibrugarh. “We are training a workforce ready for both inland and global maritime opportunities,” he added.

    Looking ahead, over Rs. 1,500 crore has been earmarked for additional projects to be completed by 2027-28. These include modern jetties at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan. In Guwahati, a new cruise terminal worth Rs. 100 crore, a Rs. 315 crore Water Metro project with two electric catamarans, and infrastructure for the Mercantile Marine Department are also in the pipeline.

    The IWAI is executing Rs. 1,010 crore worth of work across NW2 and NW16, which includes terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa and a Rs. 208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu. The Barak River corridor will be equipped with dredging equipment and floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur.

    To maintain year-round navigability along Brahmaputra (NW2), the Dredging Corporation of India has been assigned to maintain a minimum draft of 2.5 metres up to 2026-27, supported by an additional Rs. 191 crore.

    Reiterating the government’s focus, Sonowal said, “The Northeast is not just a gateway to Southeast Asia but a key pillar in India’s journey toward becoming a global maritime leader by 2047.”

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland’s future must be at the heart of Europe

    Source: Scottish Greens

    19 May 2025

    Patrick Harvie MSP comments on EU/UK trade deal

    Reacting to Starmer’s European Union trade deal, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie has said, “the only deal good enough for Scotland is a deal to rejoin the EU”.

    The trade deal secured by the UK Labour Government and the European Union guarantees EU fishing boats access to UK waters until 2038, controversial carbon markets and farming agreements.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

    “Five years after Brexit, we are still picking up the pieces of a disastrous decision that the people of Scotland overwhelmingly rejected.

    “Keir Starmer may celebrate this deal as if it’s the greatest possible outcome, but in reality, this is just another disappointment that lets Scotland down. We didn’t vote to leave the EU, but Scottish communities and businesses are being hit the hardest by decisions made in Westminster.

    “This deal fails to deliver for people or planet, it shows the true long-term economic damage that pandering to Nigel Farage and the far-right can have on the economy and our society. The only deal good enough for Scotland is a deal to rejoin the EU that allows Scotland to regain our rights as European citizens.

    “Scotland deserves better. As an independent nation, we could rejoin the EU and work together with our friends across the continent to tackle the climate emergency and build a fairer, greener Europe.”

    Alongside industrial trade agreements, the deal is set to include a youth experience scheme and potential access to the Erasmus+ programme, something the Scottish Greens have long called for.

    Mr Harvie added:

    “Rejoining Erasmus+ would be extremely welcome, but this hasn’t been included in the initial deal, and clearly hasn’t been a priority for Labour Ministers. Young people have already been missing out on life-changing opportunities, and their freedom of movement should be restored to them.

    “It’s more important than ever that the UK government get this part of the deal over the line to open doors for students in Scotland, the UK, and across Europe.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 May 2025 News release WHO recognizes four countries with life-saving trans fat elimination policies

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized four countries – the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Norway, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Singapore – for their exemplary efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their food supplies. These countries have implemented best-practice policies alongside effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to promote public health.

    The WHO validation certificates were officially presented by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly. “Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Trans fats are a major contributor to preventable deaths each year, particularly due to their impact on heart health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “These countries are not only protecting the health of their populations, but also setting an exemplary standard for other countries to follow.”

    This recognition marks another significant milestone in the global effort to eliminate trans fats, reflecting not only policy commitments but also the concrete actions being taken to remove trans fat from the food supply.

    Trans fat clogs arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease – responsible for over 278 000 deaths each year globally. Trans fat, or trans-fatty acids (TFA), are unsaturated fatty acids that come from either artificial (industrial) or natural sources. Industrially produced trans fats are often found in many baked goods such as biscuits, pies and fried foods, as well as margarine, vegetable shortening, Vanaspati ghee, among many others. Both industrially produced and naturally occurring trans fats are equally harmful.

    “Recognizing the incredible harm caused by industrially produced trans fats, we became the second country to introduce measures to eliminate it. An EU-wide regulation is now in place, and Austria acknowledges its pioneering role in this important development. Bold, evidence-based policies can deliver real public health impact, and we are proud to be among the countries leading this global effort,” said Korinna Schumann, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Austria.

    Seven years ago, WHO called for the global elimination of industrially produced trans fats. At that time, only 11 countries covering 6% of the global population had best-practice trans-fat elimination policies in effect. Today, nearly 60 countries have best-practice policies in effect, covering 46% of the global population.

    “Eliminating industrially produced trans fats marks a significant milestone in our commitment to protecting our population’s health. We are proud to be among the 60 countries implementing this lifesaving policy, and especially honored to be recognized as one of the nine countries leading the way in eliminating this harmful ingredient,” said Dr Hilal bin Ali bin Hilal Alsabti, Minister of Health, Oman.

    WHO recommends that governments implement best-practice trans fat elimination policies either by setting a mandatory limit of 2 grams of trans fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods and/or by banning the production and use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) as an ingredient in food products. The WHO validation programme for trans fat elimination recognizes countries that have gone beyond introducing best practice policies by ensuring that rigorous monitoring and enforcement systems in place. Monitoring and enforcing compliance with policies is critical to maximizing and sustaining health benefits.

    “Our efforts to implement robust, best-practice trans fat elimination policies are showing clear, measurable results. The latest monitoring data confirms that it is not only possible to reduce trans fat intake but to virtually eliminate it,” said Jan Christian Vestre, Minister of Health and Care Services, Norway.

    Replacing trans fats with healthier oils and fats is a low-cost intervention that yields high economic returns by improving population health, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. Governments can eliminate the cause of 7% of cardiovascular disease globally with a low-cost investment aimed at reducing or eliminating trans fats from the food supply.

    “Our journey towards eliminating industrially produced trans fats began over a decade ago. Today, we have made significant progress. This is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through applying a consistent public health policy, across countries and regions, and working collaboratively with the industries. We are proud to stand alongside other countries in building a healthier and safer food environment for all,” said Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, Singapore.

    WHO remains committed to supporting countries in their efforts and to recognizing their achievements. By working with national nutrition and food safety authorities, WHO can better support governments not only in developing and adopting trans fat elimination policies, but also in monitoring and enforcing them to ensure lasting impact.

    The next application cycle for the TFA elimination validation programme is now open and countries are welcome to apply by 31 August 2025 to be considered for the third cycle.
     

    Note to editors

    The World Health Organization has partnered with Resolve to Save Lives, a not-for-profit organization, to support the development and implementation of the REPLACE action package. Launched in 2018, the WHO’s REPLACE action package provides a strategic approach to eliminating industrially produced trans fat from national food supplies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Murray Call for Energy Department to Reverse New, Expanded Caps on Indirect Research Costs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    ICYMI: Kaptur, Murray call for reversal of arbitrary cap on DOE-funded research — a policy already blocked in federal court for university grants

    Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright expressing deep concern about the Department’s recently announced caps on indirect costs for DOE research for a variety of recipients. The new caps, which follow the Department’s previously announced arbitrary cap on indirect costs for research at universities, will jeopardize critical research and innovation — and Kaptur and Murray call for the immediate reversal of the policy.

    “We write in response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to impose sweeping new caps on indirect cost rates across a wide spectrum of its funding recipients — including state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and for-profit partners,” write Kaptur and Murray. “Capping indirect cost rates far below their current values compounds the detrimental policy you have already announced cutting funding for university-led research, and these proposed cuts put energy innovation and economic development in communities across the country at serious risk.”

    The lawmakers note the policy will disproportionately hurt smaller research institutions: “Ultimately, this policy threatens to prevent smaller, under-resourced organizations from getting the support they need to conduct cutting-edge research, which will stifle innovation in regions that need investment the most.”

    “If left to stand, the consequences of these cuts will be severe: multi-sector collaboration will be chilled, community-led innovation efforts across the US will be disrupted, and thousands of jobs supporting energy and infrastructure will be at risk. This abrupt policy change will undercut the very institutions — state and local governments, non-profits, and research organizations — that drive energy innovation, workforce development, and clean energy solutions in local communities,” Kaptur and Murray write.

    They conclude by calling for an immediate reversal of the policies and demanding answers on how the Department determined the caps, whether it consulted with stakeholders, and whether it considered the economic consequences.

    The full letter is available HERE and below:

    The Honorable Christopher Wright
    Secretary of Energy
    U.S. Department of Energy
    1000 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC 20585

    Dear Secretary Wright,

    We write in response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to impose sweeping new caps on indirect cost rates across a wide spectrum of its funding recipients — including state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and for-profit partners. While direct costs support salaries, supplies, and equipment, indirect costs provide essential support for general operations and infrastructure. Capping indirect cost rates far below their current values compounds the detrimental policy you have already announced cutting funding for university-led research, and these proposed cuts put energy innovation and economic development in communities across the country at serious risk. Like so many actions your Department has already taken, these new cuts will also raise energy costs for American families and businesses.

    By imposing an arbitrary, inflexible cap of 10 or 15% on indirect costs — regardless of organizational type, mission, or financial structure — the Department is undermining the ability of its grantees and partners to deliver on DOE’s core priorities. Ultimately, this policy threatens to prevent smaller, under-resourced organizations from getting the support they need to conduct cutting-edge research, which will stifle innovation in regions that need investment the most. These indirect cost caps disregard the essential infrastructure required to administer safe, scalable, and high-impact projects.

    Local governments and non-profits, already stretched thin, now face arbitrary limitations that will squash efforts to fortify electricity grids to be robust to storms and other disruptions, initiatives to ensure all community members can access affordable and reliable energy, and emerging technology deployment at the local level.

    If left to stand, the consequences of these cuts will be severe: multi-sector collaboration will be chilled, community-led innovation efforts across the US will be disrupted, and thousands of jobs supporting energy and infrastructure will be at risk. This abrupt policy change will undercut the very institutions — state and local governments, non-profits, and research organizations — that drive energy innovation, workforce development, and clean energy solutions in local communities. America’s energy future must be built on strong partnerships — not policies that penalize those on the front lines of progress.

    These abrupt changes have been announced without the transparency you have promised, without public engagement, and without any meaningful justification. Worse, they appear to ignore the diverse cost structures and compliance burdens that entities must absorb to responsibly manage federal funds. These are not “wasteful” administrative expenses — they are essential costs of conducting federally sponsored research that benefits the American people.

    We reiterate our call to immediately reverse these harmful caps, urge you to engage stakeholders and experts in crafting any future reforms, and request written responses to the following questions by no later than May 30:

    1. What will happen to existing (conditional and nonconditional) awards if they do not meet the new terms and conditions in this policy?
    2. What data and models did DOE use to conclude that a uniform 10 or 15% cap would be sufficient and sustainable across such varied institutional types (e.g., local governments, non-profits, for-profits)? Will DOE release this analysis publicly?
    3. How does DOE justify this cap given that many organizations and governments currently operate with indirect cost rates significantly higher than the new proposed cap?
    4. How does DOE reconcile these cost caps with existing negotiated indirect cost rates under OMB Circulars and 2 CFR 200, particularly where they exceed the new ceilings?
    5. What outreach or consultation — if any — did DOE undertake with non-profit, municipal, or private-sector stakeholders prior to issuing these policy changes?
    6. What specific exemptions, waivers, or appeal mechanisms will DOE make available for awards where capped indirect costs would result in program delays, layoffs, or funding shortfalls?
    7. Has DOE assessed the potential regional economic and workforce consequences of capping indirect costs on state, local, and non-profit implementation partners? If so, will DOE release that analysis publicly?

    We look forward to your responses and attention to this critical issue.

    Sincerely,  

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur Statement Following Budget Committee Hearing Held In Dark Of Night

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC – Tonight, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) released the following statement after House Republicans reconvened a Budget Committee hearing at 10 pm on Sunday evening. While most Americans are preparing for the work week and not tuned in, The GOP has failed to advance its legislation to kick 13.7 million Americans off their health care, and make middle-class families suffer in order to fund Trillions in tax giveaways to Millionaires, Billionaires, and wealthy corporate donors.

    “This bill that is being rammed through the Budget Committee in the dead of night on a weekend is a betrayal to the American people. It is just another bonanza for Billionaires,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Don’t they have enough yet? Now the GOP Majority is making it harder for struggling people on Medicaid, by pushing legislation that would kick 13.7 million Americans off their health care. They are voting to reduce food to the hungry, by cutting back $300 Billion in SNAP funding for those struggling just to get by.”

    “Our nation is the richest nation on Earth. Surely we can and must do better than this cruel, damaging and harmful legislation. When a handful of top Billionaires in our nation hold half the wealth of our nation, that is too much to few,” continued Congresswoman Kaptur. “The Billionaire class owns as much as the 160 million American and families in the bottom half of our population in the middle-class and working-class. Such a radical financial stratification of our nation’s population is dangerous. It must not be perpetuated. As the late President John F. Kennedy said, ‘if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.’”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing From Psychiatrist

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

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Jerry Leonard Carnley, Jr., 55, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 16, 2025.  Carnley was also ordered to pay restitution of $191,251.35 to his victims.

    According to information presented in court, Carnley was employed as an office manager and information technology (IT) specialist for a local psychiatric practice. As such, Carnley had access to the business checking account.  As part of his scheme to defraud the business, Carnley would utilize the business checking account, which had a debit card attached to it, and withdraw money from ATMs for matters other than business, including his own personal use. One of Carnley’s responsibilities was to provide an accounting firm with documents necessary for the filing of federal income tax returns. From December 2020 to September 2021, However, Carnley purposefully refused to provide the accounting firm with requested information such as quick books and bank statements. Eventually, Carnley told the accounting firm that he would file the taxes himself and that the doctor would no longer be using their services.  These actions allowed Carnley to continue to discretely withdraw money from the business checking account. Carnley befriended the doctor’s mother with the pretense of getting to know the doctor better and obtained information that would help him change passwords to bank accounts.  From November 2020 to December 2021, Carnley made 355 unauthorized withdrawals from an ATM machine located at the Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel and Casino in Vinton, Louisiana, and 53 unauthorized cash withdrawals from banks in and around Beaumont, Texas. As a result of the scheme, Carnley was responsible for obtaining over $191,000 by fraud.

    This case was investigated by FBI’s Beaumont field office and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Extradition of Fugitive Miguel Angel Urbano-Vazquez

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

    Special Agent in Charge (SAC) W. Mike Herrington of the Seattle Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today that Miguel Angel Urbano-Vazquez was extradited to the United States. He had been arrested without incident in Chimalhuacan, Estado de Mexico, Mexico, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

    Urbano-Vazquez was wanted for his alleged involvement in the homicide and rape of Sharon Van Gilder in Pierce County, Washington, in 2002. Additionally, he has been charged for the rapes of three other individuals in 2002. Between 2002 and 2012, the rape cases and the murder case were unsolved, but in 2012 the cases were linked by DNA evidence to Urbano-Vazquez, who was identified as the suspect in all four. 

    Urbano-Vazquez was charged with murder and three separate rapes in the Superior Court of Washington for Pierce County, Washington, and a local arrest warrant was issued for him in October 2012.

    In 2018, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the FBI in locating and apprehending Urbano-Vazquez, as the investigation determined he had been deported to Mexico. 

    “This extradition should send a message to those who commit violence in our communities: you can run, but you can’t hide. Thanks to strong international partnerships, Mr. Urbano-Vazquez has learned that lesson first-hand and now will face justice here in the State of Washington for his horrific actions threatening our community,” said SAC Herrington.

    The FBI Seattle Field Office credits the FBI’s Legal Attaché office in Mexico City, Mexico, Unidad Especializada de Combate al Secuestro (UECS), Fiscalia General de Justicia del Estado de México, Agencia de Investigación Criminal (AIC) Fiscalía General de la República, and the Western District of Washington’s U.S. Attorney’s Office in coordinating the arrest of Urbano-Vazquez, who was deported to the U.S. where he will be tried in the Pierce County, Washington, Superior Court.

    The public is reminded that indictments contain only allegations of criminal misconduct and that defendants are presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    FBI Seattle is one of the 55 FBI field offices located in the United States. The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. For more information, visit www.fbi.gov or www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/seattle.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Central African Republic Implements the Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS)

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, May 19, 2025/APO Group/ —

    With the successful launch of the new data portal—the National Summary Data Page (NSDP) — the Central African Republic has implemented a key recommendation of the IMF’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS) to publish essential macroeconomic and financial data. The e-GDDS is the first tier of the IMF Data Standards Initiatives that promote transparency as a global public good and encourage countries to voluntarily publish timely data that is essential for monitoring and analyzing economic performance.

    The launch of the NSDP is a testament to the Central African Republic’s commitment to data transparency. It serves as a one-stop portal for disseminating various macroeconomic data compiled by multiple statistical agencies. The published data include statistics on national accounts, prices, government operations, debt, the monetary and financial sector, and the external sector.

    The launch of the NSDP was supported by an IMF technical assistance mission, financed by the Government of Japan through the Japan Administered Account for Selected Fund Activities (JSA), and conducted in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) from May 12 to 16, 2025. The mission was hosted by “Institut Centrafricain de Statistique et des Études Économiques et Sociales,” in close collaboration with the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) and the Ministry of Finance and Budget.

    With this reform, the Central African Republic will join 75 countries worldwide and 33 countries in Africa using the e-GDDS to disseminate standardized data.  

    Mr. Bert Kroese, Chief Statistician and Data Officer, and Director of the IMF’s Statistics Department, welcomed this as a major milestone in the Central African Republic’s statistical development. He went on to express that the country would benefit from the improvement in data transparency and that the IMF stood ready to “continue supporting the authorities in further developing their statistical systems.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Statement by International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Bo Li at the Conclusion of a Visit to Mozambique

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    MAPUTO, Mozambique, May 19, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today in Mozambique at the end of his visit from May 15-17, 2025: 

    “I am pleased to be in Mozambique for my first visit as IMF Deputy Managing Director. I would like to thank President Daniel Chapo, Finance Minister Carla Loveira, and Central Bank Governor Rogerio Zandamela, as well as other senior officials, for their hospitality and constructive discussions. We discussed opportunities to strengthen our continued partnership through regular policy dialogue and technical assistance. The IMF remains a close partner in supporting the country’s efforts to lift the living standards of the Mozambican people.

    “During my visit, I also met with the Committee of Central Bank Governors of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to advance efforts to improve cross-border payments within the regional bloc. Member countries remain committed to this joint objective and are making good progress. We also discussed opportunities to further strengthen ongoing technical assistance provided jointly by the IMF and the World Bank on cross-border payments. We look forward to continuing the tight and productive collaboration.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Squawk Box on CNBC to Discuss GENIUS Act, Budget Reconciliation, Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    NEW YORK CITY—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Squawk Box on CNBC live in-studio to discuss the GENIUS Act vote in the Senate, the budget reconciliation package, and President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade negotiations.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Partial Transcript
    Hagerty on the GENIUS Act: “It’s actually born from a great deal of frustration. We started working on the bill in earnest back in the fall, but we’ve watched what’s happened with the absence of any type of regulatory framework here in America. And what we see is this type of innovative technology moving offshore. The last thing I want to see is that I don’t want to see innovation leaving America. It’s all happening here right now. But what we saw was a lack of regulatory framework, which means a lack of certainty. And if you’re using enforcement actions from the [Securities and Exchange Commission], which was what has been happening for the past four years, to regulate the markets, it creates massive amounts of uncertainty. This will fix it […] It basically establishes a legal and regulatory framework to issue stablecoins here in America. Stablecoin is stable, meaning it’s backed by a certain currency. In this case it’s tied to the U.S dollar, but also, it’s backed either by cash or by short-term U.S. treasury securities. So, it’s entirely safe having that type of regulatory framework and disclosure around it so we know exactly what’s backing up these digital dollars, if you will, is going to be great.”
    Hagerty on the difference between stablecoins and typical cryptocurrency:“This is a payment mechanism, and not to be confused with Bitcoin or something that has a speculative component. This puts us into a digital payment framework. The fastest rails available, much better than the system developed in the seventies and eighties, which is slow. It takes days to clear […] It’s not going to be [backed by] equities. It’s going to be high quality, short-term assets, either short-term U.S. treasuries or cash. I think the majority of it’ll be U.S. treasuries. In fact, what this will do, and the projections are by 2030, this is according to Citibank, stablecoin issuers will be the largest holders of U.S. treasuries in the world.”
    Hagerty on opposition to the GENIUS Act: “No one in the industry is [opposing this legislation] and has to do with my colleagues. And basically, it’s gotten to be a question; we’ll find out tonight. We have broad policy agreement, Democrats and Republicans. The question is, can we get past the partisan politics and allow us to actually have a victory? I would enjoy having a bipartisan victory […] It’s politicians that want to see centralized control. And centralized control, if you want that, buy the digital yuan. I don’t want to see that happen here in America. I think it would be devastating for the dollar’s value as the reserve currency. This will actually perpetuate the dollar’s value as a reserve currency. It will extend that momentum. It’s going to extend demand for U.S. treasuries. There’s a lot to like about this.”
    Hagerty on Moody’s U.S. credit downgrade highlighting the need to pass the budget reconciliation package: “I think it puts more pressure on us as well, over the next couple of weeks, to get this reconciliation bill done in a way that’s responsible and shows real progress against the deficit […] I’d certainly like to see [the bill passed] sooner, and so would my colleagues in the Senate […] [Treasury Secretary] Scott [Bessent’s] perspective on the market is born from his experience. I’ll just say the immediate impact is real, but I think the market’s going to digest this. The other rating agencies [have] already put us at this place, but what I want to see is the reconciliation package come through stimulation of capital investment. That capital investment will be at more jobs, more economic activity, that’s going to be good for revenue growth […] My colleagues in the Senate want to see significant cuts.”
    Hagerty on the ongoing trade negotiations: “I think it’s coming much more clear. What we have is a system that’s a result of—you go back to the post World War II era, we put in place very favorable terms of trade. Countries like those in Europe, Japan, their economies were devastated. But we should have put a GDP-per-capita or a time limit on those. We didn’t. So, we wind up with these gross imbalances. For example, you build a car here in America, sell to Europe, ten percent tariff. They build one there, sell to us, two and a half percent. We’d never do that deal today. So, this sort of reciprocity is sorting itself out. We’ve had a deal struck with the UK; we’re in a good place with China.”
    Hagerty on tariff impacts: “To the extent there is an increase, you’ve got the producer, you’ve got the shipper, you’ve got the middleman, the retailer, and you’ve got the consumer. All of them may bear some of that. But it’s not certain to me at all, that that’s where we’re going to head. We could head to lower tariffs around the board […] The president’s been working very hard with China to make sure we get this thing addressed as quickly as possible.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Peters, Ernst Bipartisan Resolution Designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 05.19.2025
    Resolution Promotes Safe Roadway Practices for Motorcyclists & Motorists

    WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), co-chairs of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, to designate May as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.” The resolution promotes safe practices for the millions of motorcycle riders across America. 
    “I’ve always said there’s no better way to get from point A to point B than on a motorcycle. But we must ensure that our roads are safe for both drivers and riders,” said Senator Peters. “With summer around the corner and more riders hitting the open road, I’m proud the Senate has once again passed this bipartisan resolution to promote best practices that will keep folks safe and informed.”
    “From delivering messages as a young girl to my dad while he was working out in the fields to riding through the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa with family and friends, some of my most cherished memories include motorcycles so I’m proud to designate May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,” said Senator Ernst. “As the weather warms up and folks hit the road, I’m excited to share my love of riding while highlighting safety and rider education.”
    “Senators Peters and Ernst have long been champions of the motorcycle industry and we thank them for highlighting Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by authoring this resolution,” said Scott Schloegel, Senior Vice President of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and the Motorcycle Industry Council. “As riders themselves, the Senators have surely encountered instances of car & truck drivers encroaching on motorcycles when changing lanes or vehicles turning in front of motorcyclists due to a lack of attention. May is a time when many riders are returning to the roads after the winter season and it is the perfect time to remind all road users to lookout for motorcycles as we share the roads.”

    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in 2023, accounting for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities on record since the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) began data collection in 1975. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month aims to address these safety concerns by promoting roadway education, safety training opportunities, and the use of proper gear for motorcycle operation. 
    The text of the resolution can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In 14-Page Letter, Warren Demands IRS Nominee Explain Record of Corruption and Fraud, Support for Tax Policies that Hurt Working Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 19, 2025
    Warren asks former Congressman Billy Long to commit to resisting Trump’s attempts to politicize agency
    “I am deeply concerned about your ability to lead an agency as critical as the IRS and ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share, hardworking Americans can file their taxes and claim refunds, and the agency protects taxpayer privacy and retains its independence and non-partisan integrity.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Billy Long, nominee for Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), with concerns over his record of supporting regressive tax policies, his acceptance of “campaign donations” from tax-dodging companies, his work promoting fraudulent tax credits, and more. Long will face senators, including Warren, at his hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on May 20, 2025. 
    Long served as a Missouri congressman from 2011 through 2023. His time in Congress ended after an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2022. He was nominated by President Trump to lead the IRS in December 2024, despite his lack of tax policy experience, and his conflicts of interest. 
    Senator Warren concerns include: 
    Long’s potential politicization of the IRS, given President Trump’s promise to use the agency against his political opponents, including, most recently, Harvard University, after the university refused to cave to the Administration’s demands to change their hiring and other practices. Senator Warren asked Long to commit to preserving the agency’s independence and non-partisan stance. 
    “[T]he IRS is a non-political and non-partisan institution, created to meet the needs of the American public, not the political whims of the President…If confirmed, you will be responsible for maintaining that independence…However, I have serious doubts that you will do so,” said Senator Warren. 
    Long’s slim tax policy experience and record of supporting regressive tax policies. Long’s record in Congress includes supporting the abolition of the IRS itself, along with the Fair Tax Act, which would overhaul the entire tax system and replace it with a regressive, 30 percent sales tax. The bill would have also slashed taxes for the rich and increased taxes for lower and middle-income taxpayers.
    “As head of the IRS, you will play an integral role in writing and enforcing tax rules, directly affecting who pays their fair share…I am concerned that your lack of experience in a role directly related to administering the tax code, paired with your focus on cutting taxes for the wealthy as a U.S. Representative, make you a dangerous pick for this position,” wrote Senator Warren. 
    Long accepting donations from tax-dodging companies, posing major ethical concerns and calling into question his fitness for the role of IRS Commissioner. Following his nomination to lead the IRS, companies, including ones tied to an allegedly fraudulent tax credit scheme referred to the IRS for criminal investigation by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Wyden, donated to Long’s failed 2022 Senate campaign. All of these companies donated to Long more than two years after he had lost the election, and the donations were enough to cover Long’s outstanding personal campaign debt of $130,000. In May 2025, Senator Warren demanded answers from these companies for these donations to Long. 
    “It is implausible to suggest that those were legitimate contributions to an ongoing campaign—one cannot run in the 2022 election more than two years later. Instead, these companies appear to be attempting to earn your indulgence and cash in on those contributions, if you are confirmed, in the form of favorable treatment and regulatory decision-making from the IRS,” said Senator Warren. 
    Long’s record of promoting the fraud-ridden Employee-Retention Tax Credit. After leaving Congress in 2023, Billy Long worked as a tax consultant, repeatedly pushing businesses to file for the ERTC, a refundable tax credit designed to support businesses that struggled as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Long bragged about securing a $3 million faulty refund, and falsely claimed “everybody qualifies” for the credit. In January 2025, Senator Warren pressed Long to explain his involvement in this scheme.  
    “Given the widespread issues caused by ERTC mills and your role in their questionable practices, taxpayers deserve a better understanding of your work promoting these credits,” wrote Senator Warren. 
    Long’s promotion of fake “Tribal Tax Credits.” The Treasury Department and the IRS have confirmed that “tribal tax credits” do not exist. Long is affiliated with firms promoting selling these fake credits, which donated to Long’s failed Senate campaign. 
    Senator Warren asked Long to explain his role in the allegedly fraudulent tax scheme, and whether he would recuse himself from matters related to these fake tax credits. 
    Long’s potential continuation of cuts to the IRS’s Workforce. Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have repeatedly targeted the IRS through mass firings at the agency. The firings have disproportionately targeted people working in collections, despite the IRS collecting 96 percent of federal revenue and the agency already being understaffed. 
    “This presents a serious problem that, if confirmed, you will have to address. A functional IRS is the backbone of a strong federal government,” said Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren asked Long to be prepared to answer her questions at his hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on May 20, 2025. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Baldwin, Lawmakers Challenge Trump to Close Carried Interest Loophole

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 19, 2025
    Democratic lawmakers agree with Trump goal to close loophole, press Trump to demand Congressional Republicans eliminate it in tax bill
    “You were an avid supporter of closing the carried interest loophole throughout your first campaign and during the first few months of your first administration…So, Mr. President, will you get it done?”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) led colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald Trump, challenging him to eliminate the carried interest loophole. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) joined in signing the letter.
    “During your first campaign, you claimed that the carried interest loophole was ‘ridiculous’ and ‘unfair to American workers’ and that the individuals reaping the benefits from the loophole were ‘getting away with murder.’ We agree,” wrote the lawmakers. “We write to ask that you follow through on your promise to eliminate the carried interest loophole and demand that Congressional Republicans eliminate it in any tax bill they send to your desk.”
    When private equity managers oversee an investment fund, they receive a 20% share of the profits earned from the funds’ investments, called “carried interest.” This interest is not subject to the ordinary income tax rate of 37%, and is instead taxed at the 20% capital gains rate as long as the investments are held for at least three years. As a result, private equity fund managers who routinely make hundreds of millions of dollars are subject to a tax rate lower than that of an average blue-collar worker.
    “Despite the extraordinary profits that private equity funds are raking in each year, the carried interest loophole allows private equity managers to avoid paying their fair share of taxes, often paying tax rates that are lower than middle-class workers,” wrote the lawmakers.
    Although he was an avid supporter of closing the carried interest loophole during his first term, President  Trump failed to get it done. Now, he has another opportunity.
    “You have once again confirmed your desire to end the loophole, and we understand that last week you asked Speaker Johnson to close the carried interest loophole. Notably, the House Ways and Means Committee defied your wishes and chose to advance legislation that does not eliminate the carried interest loophole,” wrote the lawmakers. “So, Mr. President, will you get it done?”
    The massive loophole costs the federal government tens of billions of dollars in tax revenue, and the private equity industry regularly donates significant sums to politicians sympathetic to their cause in order to make sure the loophole remains open for their profit. The industry has donated almost $600 million to political campaigns over the last decade to maintain a loophole worth upwards of $63 billion over the next 10 years.
    “It is clear that the private equity industry has fought hard to retain these extraordinary tax giveaways. What is less clear is whether you will allow your party to deviate from your commitments, bow to industry demands, and fail to close the loophole for a second time,” the lawmakers wrote to President  Trump.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish people show strong support for free tuition

    Source: Scottish National Party

    The SNP’s Katy Loudon, former teacher and candidate in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, has praised the “transformative impact” of free tuition as a key element of John Swinney’s Cost of Living Guarantee as a poll showed strong Scottish public support for the policy.

    The poll, conducted by Survation for True North, revealed that 57% of respondents support the SNP policy of free tuition with only 17% opposed to it. Those backing free tuition include over half of those who voted Labour last year.

    Free tuition is one of four elements of John Swinney’s Cost of Living Guarantee. Others include free prescriptions, expanded free childcare and the lowest council tax bills in the UK.

    In 2008 the SNP scrapped the ‘Graduate Endowment’ – the label Labour and the LibDems gave to their version of tuition fees.

    Tuition fees were first introduced by the Labour party in 1998 despite Tony Blair declaring just weeks before the 1997 election that: “Labour has no plans to introduce tuition fees for higher education.”

    And Labour still can’t be trusted with tuition fees.

    To be elected Labour leader, Keir Starmer promised Labour members he would “support the abolition of tuition fees”. Yet now he claims it would be ‘impossible‘ to abolish tuition fees despite the fact it is a reality in Scotland.

    Since being elected Labour has increased tuition fees in England to a staggering £9,535. If those fees were imposed in Scotland, parents of two children, would face having to pay £76,280 for their children’s education.

    With Scottish Labour’s finance spokesperson signalling that they could consider bringing in backdoor tuition fees, the threat of the return oftuition fees in Scotland still looms.

    Commenting on tuition fees, Katy Loudon said:

    “As a former teacher, I know first-hand the transformative impact that free tuition has had on Scotland’s young people.

    “Under the SNP, there are record numbers of Scottish students attending university and near-record numbers from our most deprived areas.

    “Meanwhile Labour governments in England and Wales have increased tuition fees to record levels.

    “I, along with many fellow teachers and parents, have seen countless futures changed by free tuition, and I’m enormously proud of the difference SNP policies like this are making every day.

    “Labour in power is letting Scots down, but you know the SNP is always on Scotland’s side.

    “The SNP abolished Labour’s tuition fees and we will never let them be reimposed on Scotland’s students.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –