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Category: CTF

  • University News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for May 14, 2025

    University News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on May 14, 2025.

    MIL-OSI Global: As US ramps up fossil fuels, communities will have to adapt to the consequences − yet climate adaptation funding is on the chopping block
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bethany Bradley, Professor of Biogeography and Spatial Ecology, UMass Amherst Salt marshes protect shorelines, but they’re already struggling to survive sea-level rise. John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images It’s no secret that warming temperatures, wildfires and flash floods are increasingly affecting lives across the United States. With the U.S. […]

    MIL-OSI Australia: New generation of skin substitutes give hope to severe burns patients
    Source: 14 May 2025 A dermal matrix – one of the latest advancements to regenerate skin after severe burns. Severe burns remain one of the most challenging injuries to treat, causing high disease and death rates worldwide, but Australian researchers have flagged some promising new approaches that could save lives and dramatically improve patient recovery. […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Clark, Pressley Condemn Termination of Federal Grants to Harvard University
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey Washington (May 13, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, along with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) and Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), today condemned the Trump Administration’s cancelation of $450 million in federal grants […]

    MIL-OSI Security: ICYMI-Deputy Secretary Edgar: “An Illegal Immigrant Killed Two Teenagers In My Community. Under The Trump Administration, He Will Face Justice”
    Source: US Department of Homeland Security ICYMI-Deputy Secretary Edgar: “An Illegal Immigrant Killed Two Teenagers In My Community. Under The Trump Administration, He Will Face Justice”  Oscar Ortega-Anguiano is set to be released from prison after serving just three-and-a-half years of his 10-year sentence for the killing of Anya Varfolomeev and Nikolay Osokin  WASHINGTON – […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Peters Urges Fiscal Responsibility and Against Healthcare Cuts in Republican Tax Plan Committee Consideration
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)   [embedded content] Washington D.C. – Today, at an Energy & Commerce Committee meeting on the Republican tax plan, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) urged his colleagues to not go through with their extreme cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act […]

    MIL-OSI USA: PHOTO: Cornyn Meets with UT San Antonio President
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met yesterday with University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) President Taylor Eighmy and other system leaders to discuss their leading academic programs, merger with UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and their research efforts in […]

    MIL-Evening Report: From GPS to weather forecasts: the hidden ways Australia relies on foreign satellites
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Steer, Chair, Australian Centre for Space Governance, Australian National University Japan Meteorological Agency via Wikimedia You have probably used space at least 20 times today. Satellites let you buy a coffee with your phone, book a rideshare, navigate your way to meet someone, and check the […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye – P10_TA(2025)0092 – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg
    Source: European Parliament The European Parliament, –  having regard to the European Council conclusions of 17 and 18 April 2024, 30 June 2023, 23 June 2022, 24 June 2021 and 12 December 2019, and to all relevant previous Council and European Council conclusions, –  having regard to Türkiye’s membership of the Council of Europe and NATO, –  having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and […]

    MIL-OSI Australia: Back into the closet: Is aged care failing LGBTI+ people?
    Source: 14 May 2025 Many older LGBTI+ people feel pressure to ‘straighten up’ and ‘blend in’, concealing their identities to feel safe in aged care facilities, say researchers at the University of South Australia.                                            […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Using a blue inhaler alone is not enough to manage your asthma
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Hughes, Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, University of Sydney New Africa/Shutterstock Inhalers have been key to asthma management since the 1950s. The most common, salbutamol, comes in a familiar blue-coloured inhaler (or “puffer”). This kind of “rescue inhaler” brings quick relief from asthma symptoms. You may know […]

    MIL-OSI USA: InCHIP Supports Principal Investigators Amid Uncertainty in Federal Research Funding
    Source: US State of Connecticut On Friday, May 30, UConn’s Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP) will hold a virtual coffee break for faculty to receive updates on the evolving federal research funding landscape and guidance for writing competitive grant applications in the current climate. The event will feature a panel of […]

    MIL-OSI Global: ‘The pope is Peruvian!’ How 2 decades in South America shaped the vision of Pope Leo XIV
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Matthew Casey-Pariseault, Associate Clinical Professor of History, Arizona State University Faithful hold a photo of Robert Prevost, who was elected Pope Leo XIV, in front of the Cathedral of Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as bishop for several years. AP Photo/Manuel Medina In his first appearance as Pope […]

    MIL-OSI USA: 05.13.2025

    Sen. Cruz Announces Key Senior Staff Hires and Promotions
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced key senior staff hires and promotions in his Washington, D.C. office. OMRI CEREN promoted to Senior Advisor for Policy and Communications. Omri previously served as National Security Advisor and then Legislative Director for Senator Cruz. […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Aguilar Announces $300,000 to Strengthen CSUSB Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Research
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca) Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced a $300,000 grant for California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) to enhance its research into the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on the cybersecurity workforce. Continuing Rep. Aguilar’s focus on strengthening the cybersecurity program at CSUSB, this […]

    MIL-Evening Report: The pay equity puzzle: can we compare effort, skill and risk between different industries?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gemma Piercy, Lecturer, Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Waikato Getty Images Last week’s move by the government to amend pay equity laws, using parliamentary urgency to rush the reforms through, caught opposition parties and New Zealanders off guard. Protests against the Equal Pay Amendment Bill […]

    MIL-OSI Global: How redefining just one word could strip the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mariah Meek, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University Green sea turtles, like this hatchling in Florida, are endangered due in part to habitat destruction and fishing nets. Keenan Adams/USFWS It wouldn’t make much sense to prohibit people from shooting a threatened woodpecker while allowing its forest […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Trump moves to gut low-income energy assistance as summer heat descends and electricity prices rise
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Conor Harrison, Associate Professor of Economic Geography, University of South Carolina Cities like Houston get high humidity in addition to the heat, making summer almost unbearable without cooling. Brandon Bell/Getty Images The U.S. is headed into what forecasters expect to be one of the hottest summers on record, […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Commission, executive agencies and European Development Funds – P10_TA(2025)0077 – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg
    Source: European Parliament The European Parliament, –  having regard to its decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section III – Commission, –  having regard to its decisions on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budgets of the executive agencies for […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Schiff Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Boost Teacher Compensation
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker WASHINGTON, D.C. — During Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) reintroduced the bicameral Respect, Advancement, and Increasing Support for Educators (RAISE) Act, legislation that would boost teacher compensation by putting tax money back in their pockets and […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: HSE and Hanoi State University will create a joint research institute
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics – An agreement was signed in Moscow between the HSE and Hanoi National University (HNU). The document was signed during the visit of the official Vietnamese delegation to the celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the […]

  • Analysis – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for May 14, 2025

    Analysis: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on May 14, 2025.

    MIL-Evening Report: NZ celebrates Rotuman as part of Pacific Language Week series
    By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist Aotearoa celebrates Rotuman language as part of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Pacific Language Week series this week. Rotuman is one of five UNESCO-listed endangered languages among the 12 officially celebrated in New Zealand. The others are Tokelaun, Niuean, Cook Islands Māori and Tuvaluan. This year’s theme is, ‘Åf’ạkia […]

    MIL-Evening Report: In Indonesia, Albanese has a chance to reset a relationship held back by anxiety and misperceptions
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hangga Fathana, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has wasted little time taking his first overseas trip since Labor won a historic victory in Australia’s federal election. He’ll head to Indonesia today to meet the country’s new president, Prabowo […]

    MIL-OSI Global: As US ramps up fossil fuels, communities will have to adapt to the consequences − yet climate adaptation funding is on the chopping block
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bethany Bradley, Professor of Biogeography and Spatial Ecology, UMass Amherst Salt marshes protect shorelines, but they’re already struggling to survive sea-level rise. John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images It’s no secret that warming temperatures, wildfires and flash floods are increasingly affecting lives across the United States. With the U.S. […]

    MIL-Evening Report: From GPS to weather forecasts: the hidden ways Australia relies on foreign satellites
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Steer, Chair, Australian Centre for Space Governance, Australian National University Japan Meteorological Agency via Wikimedia You have probably used space at least 20 times today. Satellites let you buy a coffee with your phone, book a rideshare, navigate your way to meet someone, and check the […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney’s cabinet: A course correction on gender, but there’s more work ahead
    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jeanette Ashe, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled his federal cabinet in his first major opportunity to define his newly elected government’s direction. For academics and activists concerned with gender equity, the cabinet announcement was a crucial litmus test for […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Using a blue inhaler alone is not enough to manage your asthma
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Hughes, Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, University of Sydney New Africa/Shutterstock Inhalers have been key to asthma management since the 1950s. The most common, salbutamol, comes in a familiar blue-coloured inhaler (or “puffer”). This kind of “rescue inhaler” brings quick relief from asthma symptoms. You may know […]

    MIL-OSI Global: ‘The pope is Peruvian!’ How 2 decades in South America shaped the vision of Pope Leo XIV
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Matthew Casey-Pariseault, Associate Clinical Professor of History, Arizona State University Faithful hold a photo of Robert Prevost, who was elected Pope Leo XIV, in front of the Cathedral of Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as bishop for several years. AP Photo/Manuel Medina In his first appearance as Pope […]

    MIL-Evening Report: The pay equity puzzle: can we compare effort, skill and risk between different industries?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gemma Piercy, Lecturer, Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Waikato Getty Images Last week’s move by the government to amend pay equity laws, using parliamentary urgency to rush the reforms through, caught opposition parties and New Zealanders off guard. Protests against the Equal Pay Amendment Bill […]

    MIL-OSI Global: How redefining just one word could strip the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mariah Meek, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University Green sea turtles, like this hatchling in Florida, are endangered due in part to habitat destruction and fishing nets. Keenan Adams/USFWS It wouldn’t make much sense to prohibit people from shooting a threatened woodpecker while allowing its forest […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Trump moves to gut low-income energy assistance as summer heat descends and electricity prices rise
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Conor Harrison, Associate Professor of Economic Geography, University of South Carolina Cities like Houston get high humidity in addition to the heat, making summer almost unbearable without cooling. Brandon Bell/Getty Images The U.S. is headed into what forecasters expect to be one of the hottest summers on record, […]

    MIL-OSI Global: The trend for ‘quiet’ and ‘soft’ quitting is a symptom of our deteriorating relationship with work
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John-Paul Byrne, Lecturer, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences shutterstock Hananeko_Studio/Shutterstock How do you feel about your work? Do its daily demands leave you burned out and drained of energy? Do you find yourself reducing how much effort you make to engage in some “quiet” or “soft” […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Amazon’s new robot has a sense of touch, but it’s not here to replace humans
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kartikeya Walia, Lecturer, Department of Engineering, Nottingham Trent University Amazon has just unveiled its newest warehouse robot called Vulcan, which has a “sense of touch”. Designed to gently stow items using pressure-sensitive gripping and artificial intelligence (AI), Vulcan is now being tested in two Amazon facilities, in Spokane, […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Arctic ice is vanishing – our bold experiment is trying to protect it
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Shaun Fitzgerald, Director, Centre for Climate Repair, University of Cambridge The author and colleagues exploring in the Canadian Arctic. Real Ice Like ice in a drink, Arctic sea ice keeps things cold – until it melts. Using the same principle, some scientists are investigating whether they can make […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Russia-China ties on full display on Victory Day – but all is not as well as Putin is making out
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham Chinese troops participating in Russia’s Victory Day parade in Red Square, Moscow, on May 9 is a clear indication that President Xi Jinping is fully committed to his “no-limits” partnership with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Xi’s own attendance […]

    MIL-OSI Global: What to look out for from the music of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samuel Murray, Lecturer in Music Management, University of Leeds I’m in Basel, Switzerland – host city of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest – to present research about treatment of songwriters in the contest. While I’m here, I’ll be conducting field research and attending one of the shows. Here’s […]

    MIL-OSI Global: How optical fibres are transforming cancer care
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sinead O’Keeffe, Senior Research Fellow, Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre, University of Limerick asharkyu/Shutterstock In rural areas, the arrival of high-speed internet is often a game-changer. Homes are more connected, businesses have new opportunities and telehealth becomes more accessible. At the heart of this transformation is a tiny […]

    MIL-OSI Global: From blood clots to rare cancers, a plastic surgeon explains the risks to consider before going under the knife – or the needle
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By James D. Frame, Professor of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Anglia Ruskin University RomarioIen/Shutterstock A series of ads for Brazilian butt lifts (BBL) on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook were recently banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). These ads were found to be misleading and irresponsible, […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Can AI help prevent suicide? How real-time monitoring may be the next big step in mental health care
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ruth Melia, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, University of Limerick Nan_Got/Shutterstock Suicide represents one of the most complex and heartbreaking challenges in public health. One major difficulty in preventing suicide is knowing when someone is struggling. Suicidal thoughts and behaviour can come and go quickly, and they’re not […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Threat of enslavement hangs over reported plans to deport migrants from US to Libya
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Plaut, Senior Research Fellow, Horn of Africa and Southern Africa, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London Human rights organisations have expressed alarm at possible US plans to send a group of migrants from Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines to Libya on a […]

    MIL-OSI Global: Could the assisted dying bill fall at the next hurdle?
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Gover, Senior Lecturer in British Politics, Queen Mary University of London Almost six months after MPs backed the principle of assisted dying, the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill – sponsored by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater – is set to return to the House of Commons […]

  • Technology – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for May 14, 2025

    Technology News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for May 14, 2025

    MIL-OSI USA: Murphy On Trump’s Middle East Trip: This Isn’t America First. This Is Trump First. It’s A National Security Disaster And A Moral Abomination.
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy [embedded content] WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to deliver a blistering condemnation of President Trump’s foreign policy corruption, highlighting his use of the office to enrich himself while putting U.S. national security at risk. Murphy […]

    MIL-OSI China: Full Text: President Xi’s keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Full Text: President Xi’s keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum BEIJING, May 13 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Bold science reforms to fuel economic growth
    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets The Government is moving swiftly to implement the most significant science reforms in three decades, with three new public research organisations to be formed by 1 July, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.“These reforms are about unlocking the full potential of science to […]

    MIL-OSI: NowVertical Named Qlik Latin America Channel Growth Partner of the Year 2024
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) TORONTO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NowVertical Group Inc. (TSXV: NOW) (“NowVertical” or the “Company”), a leading data and AI solutions provider, today announced it has been awarded the Qlik Channel Growth Partner of the Year for 2024 in Latin America. This achievement follows NowVertical’s recent 2025 Google Cloud Data Analytics Partner […]

    MIL-OSI: Best VPNs U.S.A. 2025: NordVPN Ranked Top of VPN Services
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Chicago, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following a comprehensive evaluation, NordVPN, a VPN service that encrypts internet connections, hides IP addresses, and keeps online activities private, has outpaced its competitors and emerged as the clear leader among the crowded field of virtual private networks. CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST VPN […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Luján Introduce Legislation to Improve AI Testing and Evaluation Systems
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Testing and Evaluation Systems for Trusted Artificial Intelligence (TEST) AI Act of 2025. This legislation would improve the federal government’s ability to test and evaluate Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to drive […]

    MIL-OSI: Westport Fuel Systems Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (“Westport“) (TSX:WPRT / Nasdaq:WPRT) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided an update on operations. All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated. “We continue to make significant strides in transforming Westport and […]

    India launches first 3nm chip design centres in Noida and Bengaluru
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday inaugurated India’s first 3-nanometre (3nm) chip design centres in Noida and Bengaluru, marking a key milestone in the country’s push towards advanced semiconductor innovation. The centres have been set up by Renesas Electronics India Private […]

    MIL-Evening Report: From GPS to weather forecasts: the hidden ways Australia relies on foreign satellites
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Steer, Chair, Australian Centre for Space Governance, Australian National University Japan Meteorological Agency via Wikimedia You have probably used space at least 20 times today. Satellites let you buy a coffee with your phone, book a rideshare, navigate your way to meet someone, and check the […]

    MIL-OSI: Wrap Technologies, Inc. Plans to Hold a Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. ET
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) MIAMI, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies, Inc, (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”), a global leader in innovative public safety technologies and non-lethal tools, today announces it plans to hold a conference call on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time (6:15 a.m. Pacific Time) to discuss […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – GGSC opinion on NGTs – shift of safety assessment and liability risks from biotech companies to the food industry – E-000920/2025(ASW)
    Source: European Parliament It is the responsibility of food business operators to verify if the food they intend to place on the EU market falls in the scope of the Novel Food Regulation[1]. Food obtained from Category c New Genomic Techniques (NGT) plants will fall under that regulation if it contains significant changes in the composition or […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Discharge 2023: Joint Undertakings – P10_TA(2025)0089 – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg
    Source: European Parliament Texts adopted  296k  91k Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg Discharge 2023: Joint Undertakings 1. European Parliament decision of 7 May 2025 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2023 (2024/2031(DEC)) The European Parliament, –  having regard to the final annual accounts […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye – P10_TA(2025)0092 – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg
    Source: European Parliament The European Parliament, –  having regard to the European Council conclusions of 17 and 18 April 2024, 30 June 2023, 23 June 2022, 24 June 2021 and 12 December 2019, and to all relevant previous Council and European Council conclusions, –  having regard to Türkiye’s membership of the Council of Europe and NATO, –  having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strengthening EU action against organised crime networks’ use of AI – E-001832/2025
    Source: European Parliament Question for written answer  E-001832/2025to the CommissionRule 144Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) A new report by Europol warns that artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of serious and organised crime in the EU. AI’s accessibility, versatility, and sophistication enable criminal networks to automate, scale up, and conceal illicit activities at an unprecedented rate, […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Applauds Connecticut Robotics Teams for National Success, Celebrates Manufacturing Innovation Fund Investment in Youth Talent
    Source: US State of Connecticut (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today is congratulating ten Connecticut-based teams for advancing to the 2025 FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas – one of the world’s premier STEM competitions – and is highlighting the role of the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) in helping prepare young talent for careers […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Reconciliation Recommendations of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
    Source: US Congressional Budget Office Legislation Summary H. Con. Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, instructed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to recommend legislative changes that would decrease deficits by a specific amount over the 2025-2034 period. As part of the reconciliation process, the House Committee on […]

    MIL-OSI: Satellogic Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Revenue of $3.4 million in 1Q 2025 Domestication to U.S. Completed Awarded $30 Million Contract for AI-First Constellation and Closed $20 Million Registered Direct Offering NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in sub-meter resolution Earth Observation (“EO”) data collection, today provided a business update […]

    MIL-OSI: Practice AI Accelerates Strategic Outreach and Legal Tech Partnerships Following a Dynamic PILMMA 2025 Super Summit
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) DENVER, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Practice AI, in collaboration with its esteemed partner Legal Soft, is proud to announce a series of new initiatives and partnerships for May 2025. Fresh off the success of the PILMMA 2025 Super Summit, which took place from April 29 to May 2 at the […]

    MIL-OSI USA: News 05/13/2025
    Blackburn, Luján Introduce Bill to Ensure U.S. Remains the World Leader in Quantum
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Quantum Leadership in Emerging Applications and Policy (LEAP) Act which will ensure the United States remains the world leader in quantum by establishing a legislative commission to tackle the issues facing American ingenuity: “The United States cannot […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA‐UAB) – Autonomous University of Barcelona
    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction Mission The Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA-UAB) is a multidisciplinary centre that promotes academic research and postgraduate education in the environmental sciences. It aims to improve our understanding of global environmental change, and the nature and causes of environmental problems. In addition, it studies policies, strategies and technologies […]

  • MIL-OSI China: China supports UN’s core role in global security governance: defense minister 2025-05-14 08:24:13 China’s Minister of National Defense Dong Jun on Tuesday highlighted the importance of the United Nations peacekeeping efforts, reaffirming China’s support for the UN’s central role and its core position in global security governance.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BERLIN, May 13 (Xinhua) — China’s Minister of National Defense Dong Jun on Tuesday highlighted the importance of the United Nations peacekeeping efforts, reaffirming China’s support for the UN’s central role and its core position in global security governance.

      During his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Berlin while attending the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025, Dong noted that over the past 80 years since its founding, the UN has played an important role in upholding international fairness and justice. Amid complex and profound changes in the current international landscape, the UN’s role must be strengthened rather than weakened, he said.

      The UN’s peacekeeping operations were born for peace and have played a significant role in maintaining world peace, Dong stressed.

      The minister added that China will announce new peacekeeping commitments, support the reform and transformation of UN peacekeeping efforts, and remain a steadfast supporter and constructive force in UN peacekeeping operations.

      Guterres expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support for the United Nations, describing the country as an important pillar of multilateralism both now and in the future.

      He said the United Nations highly values the three major global initiatives proposed by China and is committed to close cooperation with China across a wide range of areas, firmly opposing unilateralism based on power politics.

      Guterres also noted China’s increasingly important role in UN peacekeeping and said he looks forward to closer cooperation with China in this field. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sheet Harbour — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Robert Fleet

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Halifax Regional Detachment is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 56-year-old Robert James Fleet, who was last seen on May 13, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. in Watt Section.

    Fleet is described as 6-foot-1, 229lbs, hazel eyes, and short curly/white hair. He is likely wearing blue jeans, a blue t-shirt, and a hoodie.

    He is believed to be travelling in a 2018 Black GMC Sierra with Nova Scotia license plate FJG-669.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Robert Fleet is asked to contact the Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020 or local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    Note to media: A photo of Robert Fleet is attached.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Trail bike riders intercepted during targeted operation in Launceston

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Trail bike riders intercepted during targeted operation in Launceston

    Wednesday, 14 May 2025 – 10:31 am.

    Police intercepted six trail bike riders during a targeted operation in Launceston on Saturday.
    Members of Launceston Police and Road Policing Services conducted the operation in bushland across several northern suburbs of Launceston, targeting the unlawful use of recreational vehicles and trail bikes.
    During the operation, police intercepted the six riders operating trail bikes who were in close proximity to residential houses.
    Three riders will face proceedings for offences committed, including unlicensed driving and breaches of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2016.
    Tasmania Police remind users of recreational vehicles and trail bikes that they cannot operate within 500 metres of another residence that is not their own, nor within 500 metres of another residence if they are on their own land.
    Anyone wishing to report the unlawful use of recreational vehicles or trail bikes near their home is encouraged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hooning incident at Bruny Island

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Hooning incident at Bruny Island

    Wednesday, 14 May 2025 – 10:37 am.

    A Kingston man responsible for burnouts in the gravel car park of the Bruny Island hotel will be prosecuted for hooning offences and driving without a licence.Tasmania Police used CCTV footage to help identify the driver from the incident on Monday and say they are disappointed in the behaviour shown by the 30-year-old man, who was a visitor to the island.Senior Constable Ashley Hopwood said the man was leaving the Hotel Bruny, at Alonnah on Bruny Island, about 5pm and proceeded to do burnouts in his vehicle in the gravel carpark of the hotel.The incident was reported to local police by members of the community.A review of CCTV footage helped identify the vehicle and the owner.“This sort of driving behaviour is reckless, and it puts innocent people at risk,” Senior Constable Hopwood said.“Police are committed to keeping our roads as safe as possible and hoons should be warned that this type of behaviour can lead to loss of licence, vehicle confiscation, vehicle destruction and significant fines.”“Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving on our roads should contact police on 131 444, or Triple-Zero (000) in an emergency.”“If you can’t call at the time, but you have dash cam or other footage, you can upload it to our evidence portal at police.tas.gov.au/report.”This week, May 12 to 16, is National Road Safety Week.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Green Budget: Early Childhood Education for Everyone

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party has unveiled its new plan to make Early Childhood Education (ECE) free.

    “This is about making ECE for everyone,” says Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson.

    “Every child deserves the best possible start in life. However, ECE costs are a huge stress and barrier for many families.

    “Families in Aotearoa face some of the highest ECE costs in the world. A lot of families pay around $10,000 a year per child – making ECE the biggest household cost after housing for many.

    “One of the main reasons for this is corporate greed. Too much money meant for our children disappears into corporate profits, while parents pay sky-high fees and teachers earn far too little.

    “Our plan makes ECE accessible for whānau while enhancing the quality of care our tamariki receive.

    “We will initially cap charges at $10 per day per child on top of the current 20-hour free entitlement. This represents a significant shift from the $12 an-hour some families currently pay. By 2029, we will make ECE free by raising the entitlement to 35 hours a week.

    “This is what ECE can look like when we put our kids first and push aside the corporate greed that is dominating the sector.

    “A large portion of the Government’s funding for ECE goes straight into the pockets of for-profit chains. These for-profit providers benefit from hundreds of millions in public subsidies while charging high fees and paying low wages to teachers which impacts upon the quality of care. Teacher’s working conditions are our children’s learning conditions.

    “Our Budget covers the full cost of delivering quality ECE, ending subsidies to corporations and instead supporting community-based and public centres that prioritise the needs of our kids, not the interests of shareholders.

    “With a Green Government, whānau will have the confidence that their tamariki are receiving quality care, without huge costs,” says Marama Davidson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Green Budget for a country worth fighting for

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Budget shows how much better our lives could be under a Green Government, instead of one dominated by corporate greed.

    “This is a Budget for a country that belongs to and works for New Zealanders,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. 

    “We believe in fairness and common sense. A Green Government will rapidly reduce emissions, reduce the cost of living and improve our quality of life.

    “That means free GP visits, free Early Childhood Education, free dental care, an Income Guarantee to ensure no one falls below the poverty line, housing for all, a stable climate, clean air, clean water and clean soil.

    “We can do this by taxing the wealthiest fairly.

    “Or, we can continue to let our infrastructure crumble, kids go hungry and the healthcare system teeter on the edge of collapse, as the Government promises for their Budget next week.

    “These are political choices. The Greens choose a country worth fighting for, instead of the Luxon Government’s choices seeing New Zealanders leaving in record numbers.

    “The Aotearoa we all deserve is entirely within our grasp. Our Green Budget is the detailed map, and in the coming weeks, we will be working with communities across Aotearoa to start our journey to making it a reality,” says Chlöe Swarbrick. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says US to lift Syria sanctions, inks arms deal with Saudi Arabia

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday secured a 600-billion-U.S. dollar investment commitment from Saudi Arabia in Riyadh and vowed to lift sanctions on Syria.

    Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (R) meets with visiting U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025. (Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Xinhua)

    According to a White House statement, the investment commitment involves agreements spanning various sectors, including “energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals.”

    Among the deals was “the largest defense sales agreement in history — nearly 142 billion dollars,” the statement said.

    As part of the defense agreement, the United States will provide Saudi Arabia with “state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms.”

    “This deal represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense and regional security, built on American systems and training,” the statement added.

    Speaking later at an investment forum, the U.S. president announced that he would lift sanctions on Syria.

    “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance,” Trump said, noting that the United States had taken the first steps toward normalizing relations with Damascus.

    While praising ties with Saudi Arabia, Trump expressed hope that the kingdom would join the Abraham Accords.

    The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States during Trump’s first term in office, aimed to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations.

    U.S. efforts to promote normalization between Israel and Arab countries stalled amid Washington’s support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 52,900 Palestinians since October 2023 and drawn widespread regional criticism.

    On potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio would travel to Türkiye later this week to join the negotiations.

    Trump is on a four-day trip to the Middle East from Tuesday to Friday, his first major foreign visit since taking office in January. Saudi Arabia is the first stop of his tour, which will also include Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UN eyes reform to modernize itself ahead of 80th anniversary

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

    The United Nations General Assembly convened an informal plenary meeting on Monday to hear a briefing from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the UN80 Initiative, a wide-ranging reform effort launched as the UN approaches its 80th anniversary of founding.

    The UN80 Initiative, introduced in March, aims to modernize the operations of the 193-member body. The reform focuses on identifying efficiencies and improvements within existing frameworks, reviewing how member states’ requests are carried out, and exploring changes to the agency’s structure, said Guterres.

    The changes are expected to yield “meaningful reductions” in the overall budget, said Guterres. The departments for political and peacekeeping affairs could see a 20 percent reduction in staff by eliminating duplication, according to UN.

    The financial strain on the organization is already apparent. As of May, just 1.8 billion U.S. dollars of the 3.5 billion dollars in regular budget assessments for 2025 has been received, which represents a shortfall of roughly 50 percent, according to data from the Fifth Committee of the UNGA.

    Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, said his expectation of this reform initiative is to advance institutional renewal and efficiency enhancement. “This is a task of great importance, and the Secretary-General must exercise strict oversight. China hopes the reform will deliver concrete results.”

    “As the world enters a new period of turbulent transformation marked by rising unilateralism and multiplying global challenges, the role of the United Nations must be reinforced, not diminished,” Fu said.

    It is essential to uphold the authority and status of the United Nations, he said. He added that reform must strengthen rather than weaken the organization.

    “The more complex and volatile the international situation becomes, the more important it is to support the UN in playing its central role and to safeguard the international system with the UN at its core. This must remain the fundamental direction and ultimate goal of the reform, and should be firmly upheld,” the Chinese envoy said.

    “A more streamlined, efficient, responsive, financially accountable, and influential United Nations is in the interest of all parties,” he said.

    As reform concerns the interests of all member states, “it is imperative to enhance transparency, strengthen consultation with member states, build the broadest possible consensus, conduct comprehensive and prudent evaluations, and make responsible decisions,” he added.

    “Reform must not be used as an excuse for the UN to do less or even nothing, nor should it become a justification for certain countries to shirk their financial obligations,” Fu emphasized.

    He stressed that the legitimate interests of developing countries must be fully safeguarded. Their representation and voice must be effectively enhanced. “This is key to the success of the reform,” he said.

    “It is unacceptable for the interests of a few countries to override those of other member states, or for the legitimate rights and interests of the vast number of developing countries to be sacrificed to meet the demands of a minority,” he said.

    Guterres and his predecessors have faced challenges in trying to reform the organization over the past decades. The UN has been criticized for heavy bureaucracy, slow decision-making, and fragmented coordination among agencies. The UN is also heavily dependent on voluntary contributions from member states, which leads to unpredictable funding.

    Abbas Kadhom Obaid, permanent representative of Iraq to the UN, speaking at Monday’s meeting on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, expressed “deep concern” over the dire liquidity situation of the UN.

    He noted that “one single member state, which is also the only beneficiary of the maximum ceiling on the scale of assessments, continues to be responsible for more than 90 percent of arrears to the regular budget.”

    Obaid pointed out that any proposal aimed at achieving efficiencies by reducing duplications and redundancies across the UN system “should not aim at dismantling UN agencies and funds, to the detriment of due support to member states.”

    “We emphasize that any reforms foreseen under this initiative must preserve, first and foremost, the multilateral and inclusive nature of the United Nations, while also avoiding strategy-driven models that may ultimately compromise the effectiveness of our organization, particularly with regard to the implementation of its multiple mandates approved by member states,” he said.

    He added that for small states, a strong and effective multilateral system, underpinned by respect for the UN Charter and international law, is not an option but an existential necessity.

    Burhan Gafoor, permanent representative of Singapore to the UN, speaking on behalf of the Small States Group (SSG), said the world is witnessing a period of geopolitical tension, economic fragmentation and rising nationalism. “We are deeply concerned by the erosion of respect for international law and by efforts to reverse economic integration and globalization,” he said.

    The UN is facing a significant budget shortfall as the United States and other donors scale back humanitarian aid and multilateral funding. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes deep cuts to foreign aid, with signals that U.S. contributions to the UN system could be nearly eliminated.

    Richard Gowan, UN Director at the International Crisis Group, warned in April that the UN may face a 20 percent budget reduction in 2026 due to donor cuts and unpaid member contributions, The New York Times reported.

    In February, Trump signed an executive order calling for a review of U.S. engagement with the UN and withdrew from agencies focused on human rights, reproductive health, climate change, and global health. Other UN donors, including the United Kingdom, are also reducing humanitarian spending.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to adjust tariffs on imported US products on Wednesday

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

    China will adjust tariffs on imported U.S. products from 12:01 p.m. Wednesday, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced on Tuesday.

    China will modify accordingly the application of the additional ad valorem rate of duty on articles of the United States set forth in the Announcement of the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council No. 4 of 2025, by suspending 24 percentage points of that rate for an initial period of 90 days, while retaining the remaining additional ad valorem rate of 10 percent on those articles.

    The country will also remove the modified additional ad valorem rates of duty on those articles imposed by the No. 5 and No. 6 announcements issued by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council on April 9 and 11, respectively.

    In last month’s aforementioned announcements, China raised the additional tariffs on products imported from the United States to 84 percent and 125 percent, respectively, as countermeasures against the United States’ “reciprocal tariffs.”

    The commission said that the reduction of bilateral tariffs is in line with the expectations of producers and consumers in both countries, and is conducive to the economic and trade exchange between China and the United States, as well as the global economy. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ancelotti focused on finishing ‘spectacular adventure’ with Madrid

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

    Carlo Ancelotti insisted that he was fully committed to the club despite the news that he will start work as Brazil national team coach on May 26th.

    Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts during the Spanish Copa del Rey quarterfinal match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 26, 2023. (Photo by Pablo Morano/Xinhua)

    The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Monday that Ancelotti will be its first non-Brazilian coach, meaning the Italian won’t be in charge of the forthcoming Club World Cup in the United States.

    When asked about his decision, Ancelotti said that in the last two weeks of his stay at Real Madrid, he would be fully focused on his current job.

    “The days I have left here, and out of the great respect I have for this club, its fans, and its players, I am completely focused on what I have to do in this final stretch of this spectacular adventure,” he said in his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s match at home to Mallorca.

    He refused to comment on Real Madrid’s failure to confirm his departure although, Brazil has done so.

    “Real Madrid will issue the statement whenever it wants; there’s no problem. It will do it at the time it wants and considers appropriate; as the Brazilian Confederation did yesterday. Everyone acts as they see best,” he said.

    “I know exactly what these two weeks are going to be like, preparing for the three remaining matches with Real Madrid. And then, on the 26th, I have something else to do,” insisted Ancelotti. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Barcelona on brink of sealing La Liga title

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

    FC Barcelona could be crowned La Liga champion on Wednesday night without kicking a ball in the wake of Sunday’s 4-3 win at home to Real Madrid.

    The win left Barca seven points clear of Madrid at the top of the table with just three games left to play and nine points still available, meaning that if Madrid fails to win at home to Mallorca, Barca will be champion.

    Although a draw would leave Madrid six points behind Barcelona with two games to play, teams that are level on points are separated by head-to-head goal difference, which Barca has in its favor after winning both this season’s league matches against Madrid.

    Lamine Yamal (R) of FC Barcelona vies with Fran Garcia of Real Madrid during the Copa del Rey football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, in La Cartuja Stadium, Seville, Spain, on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Pablo Morano/Xinhua)

    The match in the Bernabeu is likely to be played in a strange atmosphere after it was confirmed that Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club at the end of the season to take charge of the Brazil national team, while Sunday’s fourth defeat of the season is also likely to affect the fans.

    Real Madrid’s injury list grew longer on Monday with confirmation that Vinicius Jr and Lucas Vazquez join Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba on the sidelines, while Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards.

    Ancelotti will have to improvise in defense and is likely to call on Madrid’s B-team for cover, and there is a chance that Jesus Vallejo could get a rare chance to play, given that Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio are the club’s only fit first-team defenders.

    A win for Mallorca would temporarily lift the club up to seventh in the table and strengthen its chances of playing in Europe next season.

    Valencia is also making a late charge for Europe and has a vital visit to Alaves, with the Basque side currently just one point above Leganes, who occupies the last relegation spot.

    Alaves lost 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, but will hope to have striker Kike Garcia available after a muscle strain prevented him from playing at the weekend.

    Leganes has a difficult match away to fifth-placed Villarreal, with the home side three points behind Athletic and three ahead of sixth-placed Real Betis, with five teams set to play next season’s Champions League.

    Villarreal has won its last three matches, but three draws and a win have dragged Leganes to the brink of survival, although it will be difficult to stop the home side’s free-flowing attack, which features Alex Baena, Ayoze Perez and Nicolas Pepe.

    FC Barcelona visits Espanyol on Saturday, and if Real Madrid does win on Wednesday, three points for Hansi Flick’s side away to their local rivals would ensure the title.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finance Committee Advances CBP Commissioner Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The U.S. Senate Finance Committee today advanced the nomination of Rodney Scott to be U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner by a vote of 14-13.  Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below:
    “Mr. Scott’s decades of service and dedication to our nation’s security make him highly qualified to oversee CBP.  I look forward to his confirmation and working with him to ensure the agency is focused on border security, the flow of legitimate trade and enforcement of U.S. trade laws.”
    Executive session information can be found here.
    Read Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing here, and his statement at the executive session here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ celebrates Rotuman as part of Pacific Language Week series

    By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist

    Aotearoa celebrates Rotuman language as part of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Pacific Language Week series this week.

    Rotuman is one of five UNESCO-listed endangered languages among the 12 officially celebrated in New Zealand.

    The others are Tokelaun, Niuean, Cook Islands Māori and Tuvaluan.

    This year’s theme is, ‘Åf’ạkia ma rak’ạkia ‘os fäega ma ag fak Rotuma – tēfakhanisit Gagaja nā se ‘äe ma’, which translates to, ‘Treasure & teach our Rotuman language and culture — A gift given to you and I by God’.

    With fewer than 1000 residents identifying as Rotuman, it is the younger generation stepping up to preserve their endangered language.

    Two young people, who migrated to New Zealand from Rotuma Island, are using dance to stay connected with their culture from the tiny island almost 500km northwest of Fiji’s capital, Suva, which they proudly call home.

    Kapieri Samisoni and Tristan Petueli, both born in Fiji and raised on Rotuma, now reside in Auckland.

    Cultural guardians
    They are leading a new wave of cultural guardians who use dance, music, and storytelling to stay rooted in their heritage and to pass it on to future generations.

    “A lot of people get confused that they think Rotuma is in Fiji but Rotuma is just outside of Fiji,” Samisoni told RNZ Pacific Waves.

    Rotuman Language Week.        Video: RNZ Pacific

    “We have our own culture, our own tradition, our own language.”

    “When I moved to New Zealand, I would always say I am Fijian because that was easier for people to understand. But nowadays, I say I am Rotuman.

    “A lot of people are starting to understand and realise . . . they know what Rotuma is and where Rotuma is, so it is nice saying that I am Rotuman,” he said.

    Samisoni moved to New Zealand in 2007 when he was 11 years old with his parents and siblings.

    He said dancing has become a powerful way to express his identity and honour the traditions of his homeland.

    Learning more
    “Moving away from Fiji and being so far away from the language, I think I took it for granted. But now that I am here in New Zealand, I want to learn more about my culture.

    “With dance and music, that is the way of for me to keep the culture alive. It is also a good way to learn the language as well.”

    For Petueli, the connection runs deep through performance and rhythm after having moved here in 2019, just before the covid-19 pandemic.

    “It is quite difficult living in Aotearoa, where I cannot use the language as much in my day to day life,” Petueli said.

    “The only time I get to do that is when I am on the phone with my parents back home, or when I am reading the Rotuman Bible and that kind of keeps me connected to my culture,” he said.

    He added he definitely felt connected whenever he was dancing.

    “Growing up, I learnt our traditional dances at a very young age.

    Blessed and grateful
    “My parents were always involved in the culture. They were also purotu, which is the choreographers and composers for our traditional dances. So, I was blessed and grateful to have that with me growing up, and I still have that with me today,” he said.

    Celebrations of Rotuman Language Week first began as grassroots efforts in 2018, led by groups like the Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group Inc before receiving official support from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples in 2020.

    Interview with Fesaitu Solomone.      Video: RNZ Pacific

    The Centre for Pacific Languages chief executive Fesaitu Solomone said young people played a critical role in this movement — but they don’t have to do it alone.

    “Be not afraid to speak the language even if you make mistakes,” she said.

    “Get together [and] look for people who can support you in terms of the language. We have our knowledge holders, your community, your church, your family.

    “Reach out to anyone you know who can support you and create a safe environment for you to learn our Pasifika languages.”

    Loved music and dance
    She said one of the things that young people loved was music and dance and the centre wanted to make sure that they continued to learn language through that avenue.

    “It is great pathway and we recognise that a lot of our people may not want to learn language in a classroom setting or in a face to face environment,” she said.

    Fesaitu said for these young leaders, the bridge was already being crossed — one dance, one chant, and one proud declaration at a time.

    “And that is the work that we try and do here, is to look at ways that our young people can engage, but also be able to empower them, and give them an opportunity to be part of it.”

    Petueli hopes other countries follow the example being set in Aotearoa to preserve and celebrate Pacific languages.

    “I do not think any other country, even in Fiji, is doing anything like this, like the Pacific languages [weeks], and pushing for it.

    “I think we are doing a great job here, and I hope that we will everywhere else can see and follow through with it.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House GOP Honors America’s Fallen Police Officers

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

    WASHINGTON — In honor of National Police Week, Speaker Johnson hosted a candlelight vigil in the U.S. Capitol today to pay tribute to fallen police officers and commemorate their service to our nation. Speaker Johnson was joined by families of fallen officers and members of the House Republican Conference.

    “This year, the names of 345 fallen heroes will be etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. They join more than 24,000 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Speaker Johnson said. “These men and women are the first to run toward danger, to stand on the lines of justice, and to put themselves in harm’s way so the rest of us don’t have to. Most of us will never see the quiet heroism that defines this work. And though we owe these brave Americans an unpayable debt, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their service.”

    Watch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.

    Read below for the transcript of Speaker Johnson’s remarks:

    There’s a lot of things going on on Capitol Hill today, but we certainly want to pause and give honor where honor is due. It’s a biblical admonition, and one we take very seriously. We gather this week, as we do every year to honor our nation’s law enforcement officers and all those who have fallen.

    I come from a first responder family and understand that sacrifice. My dad was a firefighter. When I was 12 years old, he was burned in the line of duty – 80% of his body – third degree burns and permanently disabled thereafter. And in that fire, his co-captain and his one of his dearest friends perished in the fire.

    First responders take on a risk that most people can’t imagine, and we know it well. But when it comes to law enforcement, there truly are fewer callings that could be imaginable and demand more courage and carry more risk than the people who pledge to serve and protect and defend everyone else. It is a noble calling. It’s a calling by God, and one that is often thankless and always demanding.

    People take for granted the risk that is taken on. And these men and women who are first to run towards danger, to stand on the lines of justice and to put themselves in harm’s way, they do that, so the rest of the public doesn’t have to.

    Most people will never see the quiet heroism that defines that work as our communities go about their lives under the shelter of the protection of our brave men and women in uniform. And we can sometimes take for granted that they too will just return home each night, that they’ll go home safe and sound to their families. But on some fateful days that does not happen, and that day changes everything, of course. And that day is why we are here.

    This year, the names of 345 fallen heroes will be etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. They join more than 24,000 officers who have made the same ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

    And for each of you, there are some of the families here. There is a name on that memorial that stands out, a father, a mother, a sister, a brother, a friend, a son, a daughter. That’s who we remember today; not just what they did, but who they were. And no amount of words or wreaths can heal the hole in each family member’s heart that’s left behind.

    But I do hope that these families find some comfort in knowing that millions of Americans grieve with them. We certainly do. And though we owe you an unpayable debt, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have our prayers, and you have our support, and we’ll have your back.

    To Ashley and Kelly and to you and the families here today, we’re humbled by your courage. We thank you for being here to share your story. And I want to introduce one of the House’s own staunchest advocates for law enforcement. He is a congressman, but I still call him the sheriff, and that’s Mr. John Rutherford.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HAPPENING NOW: CASTOR DEFENDS HEALTH CARE FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF TAMPA BAY NEIGHBORS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) is standing up for her neighbors against Congressional Republicans’ and President Trump’s cruel cuts, kicking people off their health coverage, hitting families’ wallets with higher electric bills and costlier health care and much more included in their big, bad budget bill.

    “Tony McLaurin is a spirited seven-year-old from Wesley Chapel, Florida – a part of the world that my colleagues Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee know very well – North of Tampa. He is an athletic kid. He loves to play and watch football with his father, Ronnie. Loves math and playing video games. He’s sweet and respectful. But last December, his mother noticed that Tony didn’t have the same energy, and on the morning of his football championship banquet, she took him to the emergency room, where, after several blood tests, he was diagnosed with leukemia.

    “Since then, Tony has been in and out of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for chemotherapy, where he will be undergoing treatment for the next two years. Pauline, his mom, is a fifth-grade teacher, and she had to quit her job when Tony was diagnosed.

    “Now, it is a real struggle for them to pay their bills on Dad, Ronnie’s, electrician salary. When Pauline was forced to quit her job to take care of Tony, the family lost their health insurance that was tied to his mother’s teaching employer. But thankfully, St. Joe’s helped them enroll in Medicaid, which covers the whole family and helps provide all the chemotherapy that they need. Pauline feels hopeless, scared, and uneasy about the prospect of losing Medicaid. She said, ‘It’s not like I have a second option. Medicaid is the second option.’

    “Medicaid insures one out of every three children diagnosed with cancer in the United States, and without consistent Medicaid coverage, some children with cancer likely will die. Even a gap in coverage or costly red tape requirements will cost lives. Studies have shown that children who experience interruptions to health coverage before or during their cancer diagnosis are less likely to survive.

    “There is a new worry, though, for Pauline and Tony and the family, because the priority of the President and Republicans in Congress is to give a massive tax giveaway to Elon Musk and billionaires that’s going to be paid for with Medicaid cuts. It’s outrageous, and at a time of so much uncertainty driven by what the President has done and Elon Musk’s heartless actions. When the cost of living is so high, when cancer research is under attack, the last thing a parent with a child diagnosed with cancer needs is to worry about affordable health care.

    “Musk already torpedoed a bipartisan piece of legislation at the end of the year that would have helped children diagnosed with cancer by speeding the development of new drugs and treatments. Do he and all his billionaire buddies really need more in their bank accounts, while kids and the vulnerable and families across this country must deal with them ripping coverage away? Let’s not be the Committee that makes it more difficult for our neighbors to get medical care for children battling cancer, forcing them to make an impossible choice between paying for treatment, food, utility bills or housing. The bill before us today is heartless, cruel, and costly, and I will not stand for it. Let’s be the Committee that supports Pauline, Tony, and their entire family—affordable, consistent health coverage is the least we can do for a family going through such an unthinkable hardship.”

    There are approximately 432,000 children who rely on Medicaid and CHIP in the Tampa Bay area – children with complex medical conditions like cancer, children who need school-based services, military-connected children, and children who just need to visit their pediatrician. Medicaid is their lifeline.

    Watch the Committee livestream here.

    Watch Castor’s opening remarks below:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Celebrates Passage of Bill to Help Prevent Deadly Wildfires

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement upon passage of the bipartisan Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Valadao joined Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jim Costa (CA-21) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) to re-introduce this bill which would allow the U.S. Forest Service to approve the removal of hazardous trees near power lines on federal forest lands without requiring a timber sale. This eases a serious threat that has been a major cause of destructive wildfires in the past.

    “California is no stranger to destructive wildfires, and in the Central Valley, we live with the consequences,” said Congressman Valadao. “Far too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of proper forest management, and it directly impacts air quality in the Valley. It shouldn’t be so hard to remove the dead trees we know make fires worse, and I’m glad to see this commonsense step toward reducing wildfire risk cross the finish line in the House.”

    “The Western United States continues to experience catastrophic wildfires, and we need common-sense solutions that balance sustainable forest management practices with reducing wildfire risks,” said Rep. Carbajal. “My bipartisan bill strives to find this balance and is a common sense solution to protect our communities.”

    “As our communities continue to recover from devastating wildfires, the House took the right step by passing the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act to help prevent future disasters,” said Rep. Costa. “This legislation will cut red tape, streamline the removal of hazardous vegetation near power lines, and strengthen our infrastructure to better protect homes and businesses.”

    “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I’ve worked to advance practical, prevention-first solutions to reduce wildfire risks. The House’s bipartisan passage of the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act is a meaningful step forward—cutting through red tape to allow for the safe removal of hazardous vegetation near power lines on federal lands. This commonsense measure will help protect lives, support our firefighters, and make our communities more resilient in the face of growing wildfire threats,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

    Background:

    Currently, utility companies are required to keep trees and branches away from power lines on federal lands. But fallen or dead trees cannot be cleared currently without a timber sale, creating an administrative step that can slow clearing of hazardous fuel and potential wildfire triggers on federal lands.

    This bill was adopted as an amendment to the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act was first introduced in 2023 by California Congressmen David Valadao (CA-22), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Jim Costa (CA-21) and was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously in September 2024.

    U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) led the companion bill in the Senate.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP. HILL’S BILL TO PRESERVE MORE OF ARKANSAS’S NATURAL BEAUTY PASSES THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. French Hill’s (AR-02) bill, H.R. 1612, the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act, to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area in central Arkansas by approximately 2,200 acres, passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote.

    Rep. Hill’s bill designates an additional 2,200 acres as part of the Flatside Wilderness Area, fulfilling the vision Arkansas leaders first set forth in the 1984 Arkansas Wilderness Act. It marks the culmination of Rep. Hill’s determined effort to complete the Flatside Wilderness footprint and reflects a decades-long, bipartisan commitment to conserving one of The Natural State’s most treasured landscapes for future generations.

    Rep. Hill said, “For over 40 years, Arkansas leaders have worked to secure the future of the Flatside Wilderness. My legislation completes that vision. It maintains what is best about The Natural State and conserves a place of cultural, ecological, and personal significance for Arkansans and visitors alike.”

    “My bill reflects a thoughtful approach that balances conservation with access and ensures this extraordinary landscape remains available for generations to come. I am proud to complete what former Sen. Dale Bumpers and my predecessor, Rep. Ed Bethune, started four decades ago, and I am grateful for the strong support from Governor Sanders and local leaders, as well as for Chairman Westerman’s help in getting this bill to the House Floor.” 

    Rep. Hill’s leadership in preserving the Flatside Wilderness Area reflects a decade-long effort to expand and protect one of Arkansas’s most scenic and ecologically significant landscapes. In 2019, he successfully passed legislation to add 640 acres to the Flatside Wilderness, which was signed into law by President Trump. That same year, Congress directed the U.S. Forest Service to study surrounding lands for potential inclusion. The recommendations from that study form the basis for today’s legislation.

    The Flatside Wilderness Area is part of the larger Ouachita National Forest, the oldest and largest national forest in the South, stretching across central Arkansas into eastern Oklahoma. Known for its rugged terrain and iconic views, the area is a popular destination for hikers, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and families across the region.

    The bill has received broad support from Arkansas leaders, including Governor Sarah Sanders, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and local officials and outdoor recreation advocates throughout the region.

    Governor Sanders said, “I am proud to support Rep. French Hill and his bill to expand and complete the Flatside Wilderness Area in our state. This legislation complements the Natural State Initiative my administration established to make Arkansas a leading destination for year-round outdoor adventure, growing our tourism industry, getting families off screens and outdoors, and preserving our world-class natural beauty.”

    Chris Racey, interim director for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said, “There are twelve wilderness areas in Arkansas that Arkansas Game and Fish Commission partners to bring these unique natural areas to Arkansans for recreation. Thank you to Congressman Hill for his work to further expand the wild lands of Flatside Wilderness.”

    Anders Reynolds, federal legislative director for the Southern Environmental Law Center, said, “The Flatside Wilderness Additions Act would bolster an already strong outdoor recreation economy in The Natural State and preserve for future generations some of the Ouachita National Forest’s most rugged places. SELC applauds Representative Hill’s leadership on this bill, and joins countless hikers, hunters, campers, and paddlers in celebrating its passage through the House of Representatives today.”

    Barry Hyde, Pulaski County judge, said, “I fully support H.R. 1612, the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act. This legislation safeguards one of our region’s most treasured natural areas while providing meaningful benefits to the people of Pulaski County. Expanding the Flatside Wilderness will enhance access to outdoor recreation, attract tourism, and contribute to the well-being of our residents — all while preserving the scenic beauty and ecological integrity of the Ouachita Mountains. I commend Rep. French Hill and our congressional delegation for their leadership in protecting these irreplaceable public lands for future generations.”

    Larry Blackmon, Perry County judge, said, “The Flatside Wilderness Area is truly a treasure to the state of Arkansas and Perry County. Its natural beauty draws visitors from all over the United States. The citizens of Perry County are very appreciative of Congressman Hill’s efforts to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area and hope you will show your support for H.R. 1612 and allow the Flatside Wilderness Area to become an even greater beauty than it already is.”

    Brian Thompson, president of the Ozark Society, said, “These Flatside additions will make a good wilderness even better, by including Cedar Creek Watershed lands, and by securing long-term protection for spectacular views from Flatside Pinnacle.”

    Jill Gottesman, southeastern states director for The Wilderness Society, said, “TWS applauds the introduction of Congressman Hill’s Flatside Wilderness Additions Act to expand the existing Flatside Wilderness Area in the Ouachita National Forest. This expansion will improve the protection, restoration and manageability of the wilderness area. The bill supports Arkansas’ rich biodiversity, strengthens the growing outdoor recreation economy, and enhances rugged outdoor experiences for hikers, hunters, campers and other public land users.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Introduces Bill to Repeal DEI Requirements within STEM Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    May 13, 2025

    Cotton Introduces Bill to Repeal DEI Requirements within STEM Workforce

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Dismantling Ideological Policies for Semiconductors and Science Act, legislation that would restore the original intention of the Chips and Science Act to supercharge the domestic semiconductor industry and STEM workforce development by repealing requirements related to DEI ideology. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) are cosponsors of this legislation. 

    “The United States must work at breakneck speed to build up our STEM workforce. The focus must be on excellence and innovation, rather than burdensome, divisive DEI policies. My bill ensures that we provide equal opportunities to all STEM talent driven by merit and that every talented person is invited to contribute,” said Senator Cotton.

    Full text of the bill may be found here.

    The DIPSS bill would eliminate duplicative, burdensome, or discriminatory provisions in the Chips and Science Act that are related to DEI and other left-wing priorities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Collins, King Urge OPM to Process Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Civilian Hires to Address Shipyard Workforce Needs and Support U.S. National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) are urging the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to process nearly 150 personnel that have received initial job offers from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for civilian positions that have been approved by U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan. In their letter to OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell, the Senators note that individuals who are needed to fill critical national security roles cannot be fully onboarded at the Shipyard until OPM processes their job offers. The letter follows the Senators’ recent visit to the Shipyard with Navy Secretary Phelan.

    The Senators wrote, in part: “On April 17, we held a roundtable discussion at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard with the Secretary of the Navy and leaders from both the shipyard and the submarine industrial base. During that meeting, we were made aware that nearly 150 personnel have received initial job offers for civilian general schedule (GS) positions at the shipyard which have been approved by Secretary Phelan but have not been processed through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As a result, individuals who are needed to fill roles critical to our national security cannot been fully onboarded into their positions.”

    They concluded: “On March 18, 2025, Mr. Jules Hurst, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, issued guidance directing that “positions at depots, shipyards, arsenals, and maintenance facilities” would be exempt from the current civilian hiring freeze. In keeping with that directive and with Secretary Phelan’s approval for the hiring of these nearly 150 new shipyard workers, we request that you provide the following information no later than May 16, 2025: 1. What screening and/or processing of hiring decisions approved by Department of Defense leadership is conducted by OPM prior to final onboarding of new employees? 2. How long does OPM require to conduct its internal processing of new hires for the public shipyards? 3. How long does OPM anticipate that it will take to complete processing of the backlog of positions that have been approved by Secretary Phelan for employment at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?”

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a key economic driver in the region, supporting thousands of jobs integral to America’s national security. After calls from Shaheen and Collins, and Shaheen and King, the U.S. Department of Defense exempted the shipyard workforce from the civilian hiring freeze. Last month, Shaheen, Collins and King visited the Shipyard with U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to highlight the Shipyard’s role in supporting U.S. national security and the need to bolster the Shipyard’s workforce to meet workload demand.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: On CNN News Central this Morning, Shaheen Discusses Trump’s Trip to the Middle East, Slams Plan to Accept Luxury Qatari Plane as Air Force One

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined CNN News Central this morning to discuss President Trump’s trip to the Middle East this week and rebuke the President’s reported plans to accept a luxury Qatari jet to use as Air Force One, which raises clear ethical, Constitutional and national security implications. Click HERE to watch Senator Shaheen’s full interview. 

    Key quotes from Senator Shaheen: 

    • On President Trump’s trip to the Middle East, Shaheen said: “Unfortunately, while I think the economic agreement is a good thing, he seems to be missing the two biggest threats in the Middle East. One if from Iran and the terrorism that they continue to support, their effort to get a nuclear weapon. And the other is the war in Gaza – this is an opportunity to engage the other Arab nations in helping to see what the long-term future is to address Gaza and Israel.” 
    • On reports of President Trump’s plan to accept a luxury Qatari jet as Air Force One, Shaheen said: “With respect to Qatar and the plane, I think there are serious Constitutional questions about this, but there are also questions about national security. And sadly, the President doesn’t seem too concerned about national security. He’s been willing to allow his Secretary of Defense to engage in classified discussions over unclassified channels. He has, again, looking at accepting this plane without thinking about what the implications would be. […] But then there’s the other question of corruption, and I think that’s what the American people should also be concerned about. This is a President who has, between his crypto coin scheme, his investments in Qatar for a golf course, taking this plane – it all raises questions about who his commitment really belongs to. Does it belong to the American people and the United States? Or does it belong to himself and all of the dollars that he can bring in to himself and his family?” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Coons Lead Group Of 27 Senators In Introducing Resolution To Condemn $400 Million Airplane Gift To Trump From Qatar

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today introduced a resolution in the Senate condemning a luxury airplane gift, valued at $400 million, President Donald Trump announced he will receive from the government of Qatar. According to reports, Trump intends to designate the plane as Air Force One while in office and then transfer it to a foundation for personal use following the end of his term. In addition to Schatz and Coons, the resolution is cosponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.).

    “Air Force One is more than just a plane — it’s a symbol of the presidency and of the United States itself,” said Senator Schatz. “Any president who accepts this kind of gift, valued at $400 million, from a foreign government creates a clear conflict of interest, raises serious national security questions, invites foreign influence, and undermines public trust in our government. We are asking the Senate to vote to reiterate a basic principle: no president should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts.”

    “President Trump’s penchant for corruption and grift has risen to a new level with the news his presidency is for sale – if you happen to have $400 million dollars,” said Leader Schumer. “This Qatari plane deal would be the largest Presidential bribe in modern history and it’s not just naked corruption, it’s a grave national security threat. Senate Republicans may bury their heads in the sand while Trump tries to enrich himself and his billionaire buddies, but Senate Democrats are going to stand up for the American people and say enough is enough – we condemn this attempt at corruption and gross violation of the Constitution.”

    “We wouldn’t trust another country to decorate the Oval Office, to set up our Situation Room, or to wire the White House briefing room, so why would we let another country build Air Force One for us, which is an airborne version of all three? This isn’t just a massive act of corruption, it’s a national security risk of the highest order,” said Senator Coons, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “If President Trump is so willing to put his own administration in danger for the sake of a $400 million gift, imagine how much danger he’s willing to put the American people in.”

    “While Republicans plot to gut vital services like Social Security and Medicaid and unleash economic uncertainty onto hardworking Americans, Donald Trump is planning to accept a luxury jet, valued at $400 million, from a foreign government,” said Senator Booker. “This not only creates a clear conflict of interest, raises serious national security concerns, and undermines public trust in our government, but is a slap in the face to the people across the country who are struggling to make ends meet. All Senators should be able to agree that no one should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts. I hope my Republican colleagues will support this resolution.”

    “The president doesn’t get to trade U.S. foreign policy and national security for a private jet,” said Senator Murphy. “This resolution sends the message Trump won’t: the Oval Office is not for sale.”

    “No, Donald Trump cannot accept a $400 million flying palace from the royal family of Qatar. Not only is this farcically corrupt, it is blatantly unconstitutional,” said Senator Sanders. “Congress must not allow this over-the-top kleptocracy to proceed.”

    “President Trump wants to accept a $400 million private jet from a foreign government, have American taxpayers pay to retrofit it as Air Force One, and then keep it for himself to jet around the world as soon as he leaves office. It’s hard to imagine more brazen corruption or a clearer violation of our Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, and there’s no question this outlandish proposal puts our country’s national security at risk,” said Senator Murray. “Every member of Congress should support this simple resolution condemning violations of the Emoluments Clause and making clear Trump cannot accept a $400 million private jet from Qatar without explicit consent from Congress.”

    “If someone came to one of my town halls in Oregon and tried to argue that getting a $400 million jet from the government of Qatar wasn’t corruption, they would be laughed out of town,” said Senator Wyden. “Instead of securing new allies against adversaries like China or opening new markets for American products, Trump is using America’s clout to get a private jet. It’s corruption plain and simple that fritters away American influence and leaves us weaker.” 

    “While Republicans in Congress are working to gut Medicaid and Social Security, President Trump is brazenly accepting a luxury jumbo jet from Qatar — for his use during and after he leaves office,” said Senator Padilla. “Once again, Trump is showing us that he puts his own interests above those of the American people, benefiting himself and leaving working families behind. This foreign gift reeks of corruption, is blatantly against the law, threatens our national security, and will cost taxpayers tens of millions in retrofit costs and security upgrades.”

    “Donald Trump is accepting a multimillion dollar plane from a foreign government as a personal gift, while clearly ignoring the Constitution,” said Senator Rosen. “Trump gets richer off of his position while hardworking families suffer from his reckless actions. This is corruption plain and simple, and I’m supporting this resolution to make our strong opposition clear.”

    “This is corruption plain and simple. The President of the United States accepting a $400 million plane from a foreign government is unheard of, and would require direct consent from Congress,” said Senator Warner. “This is just the latest act by President Trump that shows his administration has no regard for the rule of law and is ripe to be exploited by foreign actors.”

     “Trump’s brazen willingness to accept a luxury jet from Qatar raises the dangerous prospect that the president can be bought and paid for by foreign powers — putting their interests over Americans’ and our national security. Every Senator should join us in rejecting it and blocking the sale of the presidency to the highest bidder,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “Our founding fathers knew that we must protect ourselves from corruption and foreign influence, which is exactly why we have a constitutional provision prohibiting presidents from accepting lavish gifts from foreign governments—a super luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, reportedly valued at $400 million, is no exception,” said Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Shaheen. “Congress and the American public have a right to know the details of any arrangement that calls into question whether the President is acting on behalf of American interests and American interests alone. Further, the security implications of taking a foreign-owned and managed plane and outfitting it with the most sensitive U.S. technology continues to demonstrate a lack of judgement in this administration when it comes to guarding U.S. intelligence.”

    “There’s no such thing as a $400 million “no-strings-attached” gift,” said Senator Duckworth. “This is the mother of all bribes. It puts our national security in jeopardy and erodes public trust—all for the President’s own personal gain. Donald Trump wants to sell our foreign policy and sell out our people.”

    “Donald Trump accepting a $400 million gift from a foreign country is corruption in plain sight,” said Senator Hirono. “Trump’s latest grift undermines our national security, flies in the face of the Constitution, and will cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions, if not billions, in retrofits.”

    “The mere notion that the President would cravenly accept a $400 million attempt to win favor from a foreign power is beyond the pale and reeks of corruption.  The White House and presidency are sacred trusts from the American people, not venues for Trump to enrich himself and his family with shady deals and influence buying,” said Senator Durbin. “Our resolution reaffirms what our Constitution makes clear – no President should receive gifts from a foreign power.”

    “While President Trump claims to target fraud and abuse, his actions continue to prove that his priorities are his own interests and those of his wealthy friends,” said Senator Bennet. “His plan to accept a $400 million luxury jet from the Qatari government for use as Air Force One is an act of blatant corruption and a violation of our Constitution that poses severe counterintelligence risks, needlessly undermining U.S. national security.”

    “This is corruption in plain sight. Under no circumstance should a sitting president be accepting luxury gifts from a foreign government, especially while negotiating an arms sale,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “This is yet another example of President Trump focusing on enriching himself rather than improving the lives of everyday Americans. I’m joining with my colleagues on this resolution to protect national security, to stand up for our constituents, and to uphold the rule of law.”

    “If an ordinary government official accepted a gift even a fraction as valuable as this, there would be a full investigation, and potential firings due to concerns of foreign influence,” said Senator Slotkin. “Now the President is taking a $400 million foreign gift. Beyond the perception of corruption, the idea that a foreign country would have access to Air Force One, as the buyer, during production, leaves it incredibly vulnerable to bugs, tracking devices, and whatever else they or other countries may attempt to manipulate.”

    “This is corruption, plain and simple. The U.S. is not for sale, and we cannot allow the presidency to be bought by foreign interests,” said Senator Klobuchar.

    “Just when you think the Trump Administration can’t sink to a new low of ethical misconduct, he accepts a luxury jet from a foreign nation. Corruption on full display,” said Senator Merkley.

    “We’re beyond foreign interference at this point. We’re watching a President invite a foreign government to buy him off,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “American values are actively being flushed down the toiled by this corrupt President.”

    “The American public knows this is wrong—especially a gift of this size,” said Senator Kim. “It’s blatant corruption, and the President knows it. Air Force One isn’t just a plane—it’s a secure command center for national security decisions and classified communications and is hardened to ensure the President is protected. Taking a jet from a foreign government is a serious national security risk, and taxpayers will still foot the bill to make it flight ready. This is a dangerous abuse of power, plain and simple.”

    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: No President Should Take $400 Million Gift From A Foreign Country

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today took to the Senate floor to condemn a luxury airplane gift, valued at $400 million, that President Donald Trump announced he will receive from the government of Qatar. According to reports, Trump intends to designate the plane as Air Force One while in office and then transfer it to a foundation for personal use following the end of his term. Schatz also announced he will be asking for a vote in the Senate to condemn this action.

    “I cannot believe I have to say this, but a president should not take a $400 million gift from a foreign country,” said Senator Schatz. “The Emoluments Clause. It’s a fancy phrase, but a simple idea: No foreign gifts.”

    “Air Force One is not just a random luxury airplane,” continued Senator Schatz. “It is a symbol of — and a projection of — American power… It represents not just the weight of the presidency, but America itself — generations of history and international leadership. But in one fell swoop, Donald Trump is selling out one of the most iconic symbols of American power that we have.”

    “This week, several of my colleagues and I will be asking the Senate to vote to condemn this action,” concluded Senator Schatz. “There should be 100 of us that agree on this fundamental principle: No president should take free stuff from a foreign government. And certainly nothing worth $400 million.”

    The full text of his remarks can be found below. Video is available here.

    I cannot believe I have to say this, but a president should not take a $400 million gift from a foreign country.

    It doesn’t matter which president, what party. It doesn’t matter which foreign country. It doesn’t matter if there is or is not a legal justification. No president should take a $400 million gift from a foreign country.

    I shouldn’t have to explain why — but it is a high principle literally enshrined in the Constitution because people who we have representing us should know, not think, but know, that their representatives are focused on them and this country only, that our loyalties not be divided, that our minds are not wandering elsewhere.

    The Emoluments Clause. It’s a fancy phrase, but a simple idea: No foreign gifts.

    If a foreign government offers you anything — but especially something close to half a billion dollars—the answer is, ‘No, thank you.’ End of story. Very simple. End of story. ‘I cannot take that.’

    First of all, because I cannot take that because I cannot have divided loyalties. I’m going into the region; I cannot take a $400 million gift before I begin negotiations with you. But it is explicitly prohibited by the United States Constitution. And the gift in is that the country of Qatar is going to literally provide a luxury aircraft — not just any luxury aircraft to the President of the United States, but Air Force One.

    And why does this matter? Air Force One is not just a random luxury airplane. It is a symbol of — and a projection of — American power. It has flown 15 different presidents. It carried President John F. Kennedy’s body after his assassination, and saw President Johnson be sworn in under unprecedented circumstances, it rushed President George W. Bush back to Washington after the Twin Towers were struck, and just two years ago, it flew President Joe Biden for a secret trip to Ukraine during the war.

    When people see Air Force One on TV, when they see it land in other countries— whether in London, or Tokyo, or Brazil — they immediately know that America has arrived. It represents not just the weight of the presidency, but America itself — generations of history and international leadership.

    But in one fell swoop, Donald Trump is selling out one of the most iconic symbols of American power that we have, and what people will now see is the most powerful man on Earth flying around in a plane paid for by a foreign government. It is disgusting. It is wildly corrupt. And just because they are doing the corruption in plain sight does not make it any less damning or sad or gross.

    This week, several of my colleagues and I will be asking the Senate to vote to condemn this action. There should be 100 of us that agree on this fundamental principle: No president should take free stuff from a foreign government. And certainly nothing worth $400 million.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate and House Republicans Make Strides to Repeal Over a Dozen Biden-Era Regulations to Advance Trump’s America First Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – In a seismic victory for President Trump’s America First Agenda, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today released the following statement on Senate and House Republicans’ efforts to reverse over a dozen of Joe Biden’s nonsensical regulations using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) – a legislative tool allowing Congress to strike down federal rules and regulations with a simple majority vote.
    “While the Biden-Harris administration tried to suffocate our nation’s businesses and families with nonsensical regulation after regulation, Senate and House Republicans are tearing down these barriers to unleash American prosperity,” said Senator Marshall. “I am committed to continue working with my colleagues to ensure these CRAs allow us to boldly deliver on President Trump’s promises.”
    Among the 13 burdensome Biden-Harris-era regulations that were targeted, Senate Republicans have slashed red tape to unleash American energy, end costly green new scam mandates, strengthen digital finance, and expand personal freedoms. These actions deliver on President Donald Trump’s America First agenda by reducing consumer costs, protecting privacy, and empowering businesses.
    Promise Made: Unleash American Energy
    Promise Kept:

    S.J.Res. 11 – Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era rule that prevented offshore oil and gas drilling because of the presence of “shipwrecks and cultural resources.” 
    Why It Matters: By overturning this regulation, we can unleash American energy through expanded production capacity off American shores.
    Status: Passed and became law on March 14, 2025.

    S.J.Res. 31 – Tailpipe Emissions and Area Pollution

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era rule that requires sources of persistent and bioaccumulative hazardous air pollutants to comply with certain major source emission standards under the Clean Air Act.
    Why It Matters: By eliminating it, we’re lessening regulations and letting American industry flourish without the heavy and misguided hand of activist government bureaucrats holding it back.
    Status: Passed the Senate but has not yet passed the House.

    Promise Made: End the Green New Scam
    Promise Kept:

    H.J.Res. 24 – Walk-in Coolers and Freezers

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era regulation that defines “walk-in coolers” and “walk-in freezers” as refrigerated spaces smaller than 3,000 square feet, which would have increased costs and regulations on manufacturers and restaurants.
    Status: Passed, but not yet signed by the President.

    H.J.Res. 42 –Appliance Energy Efficiency

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era Department of Energy (DOE) rule that would have increased the cost of basic appliances.
    Status: Passed, but not yet signed by the President.

    H.J.Res. 75 –Energy Standards for Freezers and Refrigerators

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era DOE rule that attempts to amend energy conservation standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, that would have increased the cost of basic appliances. It would also have put financial constraints on any business that uses these appliances, such as restaurants, grocers, and more.
    Status: Passed, but not yet signed by the President.

    H.J.Res. 20 – Gas Powered Water Heaters

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era rule that would have placed restrictions and regulations on gas-powered water heaters, which would have resulted in increased costs of tankless water heaters and reduced choice in the market.
    Status: Passed, but not yet signed by the President.

    H.J.Res. 35 – Waste Emissions Tax for Energy Producers

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that implemented a Methane Tax on American energy producers, which would have resulted in higher costs passed onto consumers.
    Status: Passed and became law on March 14, 2025.

    H.J.Res. 61 – Rubber Tire Manufacturer Emissions

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era EPA rule that attempted to add emissions standards to rubber tire manufacturing, including them in the hazardous air pollutant (HAP) regulation requirements, which would have resulted in higher costs passed onto consumers.
    Status: Passed, but not yet signed by the President.

    Why They Matter: By passing resolutions to overturn these six specific rules, we’re preventing increased costs from being invariably be passed onto consumers, removing burdensome regulations that could harm businesses large and small, and allowing American families to have more choice in the market and keep more of their hard-earned money.

    Promise Made: Strengthen U.S. Leadership in Digital Finance
    Promise Kept:

    S.J.Res. 3 / H.J.Res. 25 –Crypto IRS Reporting Requirements

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era rule that mandates that brokers submit information returns and provide payee statements detailing the gross proceeds from digital asset transactions they carry out for their clients.
    Why It Matters: With the elimination of this rule, the private financial information of American citizens is further protected. 
    Status: Passed and became law on April 10, 2025.

    S.J.Res. 18 – Overdraft Fee Regulations

    What It Does: This resolution overturns an overreaching Biden-era Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule that limited overdraft fees.
    Why It Matters: Overturning this ensures that banks and financial institutions can negotiate their own relationships with customers with limited government interference. 
    Status: Passed and became law on April 10, 2025.

    S.J.Res. 28 – Digital Payment Providers

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a burdensome and overreaching Biden-era CFPB rule that would have threatened Americans’ privacy interests.
    Why It Matters: The rule, if left intact, could stifle innovation and impose undue burdens on digital payment providers like Venmo or PayPal. 
    Status: Passed, but not yet signed by the President.

    S.J.Res. 13 –Bank Merger Application Review

    What It Does: This resolution overturns a Biden-era rule from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) that would have made more stringent the government’s review of bank mergers.
    Why It Matters: Overturning this rule will allow American financial institutions to make decisions that work best for their customers. 
    Status: Passed the Senate but has not yet passed the House.

    Promise Made: Eliminate Burdensome Regulations
    Promise Kept:

    H.J.Res. 60 – Regulations for ATV Usage

    What It Does: This resolution will make minor changes to a Biden-era regulation that will result in improved management of motorized uses in the Orange Cliffs Special Management Unit, including:

    Prohibiting the use of ORVs and street-legal ATVs on an 8-mile segment of the Poison Spring Loop located on Route 633 proceeding north to Route 730.
    Eliminating the superintendent’s authority to potentially allow ORVs and street-legal ATVs on the upper portion of the Flint Trail.

    Why It Matters: By improving this regulation, we will give Americans greater freedom to traverse the great outdoors, without the government needlessly telling them how to do it. 
    Status: Passed, but not yet signed by the President.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall and Rep. Nehls Reintroduce Bill to Support Families of Victims Killed by Illegal Aliens

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today reintroduced the Justice for Angel Families Act, legislation that would amend the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) to expand financial coverage for Angel Families – the immediate relatives of victims killed by illegal aliens, including in drunk driving accidents. This legislation would allow federal funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs, easing the financial burden on grieving families.
    Additionally, the bill would codify the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), originally established by President Trump in 2017 and recently reopened last month by the Trump Administration after the Biden Administration shuttered it. The VOICE Office provides critical services like grief counseling and case follow-ups for victims’ families. This bill would ensure the VOICE Office can never be shut down again.
    “President Trump is righting the catastrophic wrongs of the Biden-Harris Administration by restoring law and order, securing our borders, and putting an end to the lawlessness that plagued our nation for too long,” said Senator Marshall. “But for countless Angel Families, the damage is permanent – their loved ones were taken from them because of disastrous open-border policies. I urge my colleagues to join Congressman Nehls and me in delivering justice and ensuring these families receive the resources and support they deserve by passing the Justice for Angel Families Act.”
    U.S. Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22) introduced the House companion version of this bill. Cosponsors in the House include Representatives Paul Gosar (R-Arizona-09), Don Bacon (R-Nebraska-02), Randy Weber (R-Texas-14), Lance Gooden (R-Texas-05), Barry Moore (R-Alabama-01), Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin-07), and Brian Babin (R-Texas-36). 
    “President Trump and his administration are restoring law and order and standing up for American citizens,” said Congressman Nehls. “Millions of illegal aliens flooded our country during the Biden Administration, and many of them took the lives of Americans, such as Jocelyn Nungaray, Laken Riley, and Rachel Morin. By codifying the VOICE Office, which was reopened last month by Secretary Noem, no future president can close the office again, ensuring that families that fall victim to illegal alien crimes are supported, not left behind.”
    The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana).
    “Under the Biden administration’s watch our country faced record levels of illegal immigration that resulted in innocent American lives lost,” said Senator Budd. “Our nation’s Angel Families have faced unimaginable tragedies because of Joe Biden’s senseless open-border policies. Now, we must stand with them – giving them the support and justice they deserve.”
    “Families of victims murdered by illegal immigrants are forced to face unimaginable grief,” said Senator Cramer. “This bicameral bill supports Angel Families by ensuring they have the help and resources they need.”
    The legislation is also supported by Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime, NumbersUSA, and National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE).
    “As a nation, we spend hundreds of billions of dollars supporting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country. Yet the victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens are left to fend for themselves at the worst times in their lives,” said Don Rosenberg, President and Treasurer of Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime. “Financial compensation will never replace the loss of a loved one, but the “Justice for Angel Families Act” will at least reduce the financial burden faced by those families who have been betrayed by the failure of some in our government to uphold the rule of law.”
    “It’s a shame that our past open border policies have made it necessary and needed to pass legislation to aid Angel families who suffered loss at the hands of illegal immigrants,” said Michael Hough, Director of Federal Government Relations at NumbersUSA. “This legislation will rightfully help those families who have lost their loved ones.”
    “To support angel families – American citizens permanently separated from loved ones due to illegal alien crime – President Trump relaunched the Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement (VOICE) office,” said RJ Hauman, President of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE). “Now fully operational again, VOICE is assisting thousands of angel families, connecting them to vital services like grief counseling, tracking their cases, and ensuring criminal aliens responsible for their suffering are arrested, detained, and removed. This stands in stark contrast to the previous administration, which dismantled VOICE, opened our borders, and neglected angel families while policies led to more tragic losses. With Republicans now leading Congress, angel families are no longer ignored. Congressman Nehls and Senator Marshall are championing the Justice for Angel Families Act, reaffirming that their highest duty is to American citizens. This bill honors angel families, ensures their loved ones’ deaths were not in vain, and strengthens our nation’s safety and security. NICE urges everyone to support the Justice for Angel Families Act and calls on Congress to pass it after ICE receives critical resources via reconciliation.”
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Sec. Kennedy Testifying Before The Senate, Gillibrand, Schumer Demand Answers On Chaos At The World Trade Center Health Program After Kennedy And President Trump Broke Promises, Fired Workers, And Gutted The Vital Health Care Of 9/11 First Responders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Ahead of Secretary Kennedy’s Testimony Before Senate HELP Committee, Senators Say 9/11 First Responders Deserve Clear Answers On Safety Of Their Health Care After Recurring Firings Of Medical Staff & Lack Of Transparency 

    Gillibrand, Schumer: “Secretary Kennedy Must Honor America’s Promise To Never Forget Our 9/11 Heroes”

    *** Watch The Full Press Conference HERE ***

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer held a press conference demanding answers from Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on ongoing chaos, recurring cuts, sudden reversals, and lack of transparency at the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). They were joined by 9/11 advocate John Feal; President of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act and President of Local 94 International Union of Operating Engineers Thomas Hart; President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 94 IAFF AFL-CIO Andrew Ansbro; and 9/11 survivor and advocate Mariama James.

    The press conference comes ahead of Secretary Kennedy’s appearance in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), where he is expected to be asked about his plan to honor our promise to 9/11 first responders and survivors and ensure they get the health care they are owed.

    Since Trump has taken office, there has been constant upheaval at the WTCHP — including the firing of critical staff and release of inaccurate information about rehiring and program operation – which has disrupted continuity of care for 9/11 survivors and first responders with 9/11-related health issues, including cancer and lung ailments. In February 2025, the Trump administration slashed the workforce of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) as part of DOGE’s senseless cuts to the federal health system. In response, Schumer and Gillibrand, together with a bipartisan group of House members, called on the administration to reverse the cuts. The Trump administration relented and re-hired WTCHP staff. Most recently, last month, nearly all staff at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) including Dr. John Howard, the administrator of the WTCHP, were fired. On April 5th HHS and NY House Republicans said Dr. Howard was rehired, but it later came out that was not true and for nearly a month his position was stuck in limbo, delaying the treatment of care for 9/11 first responders.

    While some staff have been rehired, the disruptions have led to cancer treatment being denied; enrollments for as many as 800 9/11 responders and survivors halted; and processing of nearly 1,200 written treatment approvals stopped. Access to treatment has been hindered for those impacted by the toxic chemicals at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site.

    Senators Gillibrand and Schumer have reached out to Secretary Kennedy directly demanding clear answers on the status of operations at the WTCHP, including whether or not WTCHP Administrator John Howard is being reinstated; whether or not there was a month-long pause in enrolling new members; whether CDC and NIOSH staff that support the WTCHP will be reinstated; and whether the administration will support the senators’ legislation to address the WTCHP’s impending funding deficit. 

    “We are tremendously concerned about the conflicting reports that the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has stopped providing services to injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors. We have worked for years alongside first responders and community leaders to get Congress to recognize the health effects of toxic exposure and ensure that our nation’s heroes get the care they deserve,” wrote the senators in a letter to Secretary Kennedy.  “That is why we are truly dismayed at what staff at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the DOGE staffers have done in just one hundred days. We write to get clear information on what has happened with staff of the World Trade Center Health Program and the ability for survivors of 9/11 to get necessary care. To support the function of the World Trade Center Health Program, Dr. Howard must be fully restored to his position, including past June 2, and the WTCHP staff must be brought to full strength, permanently reinstating the medical, epidemiological, contract, grant, and support staff.  This needs to be done immediately. The CDC and NIOSH staff that support and work on behalf of 9/11 responders and survivors must be restored and HHS’ external “communications pause” must be lifted so Members of Congress are able to receive up to date information on WTCHP operations.”

    The full text of the senators’ letter to the WTCHP is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Brecheen and Congressman Roy Introduce Energy Freedom Act to End Biden’s Trillion-Dollar “Green New Deal” Tax Subsidies with Senator Mike Lee

    Source: US Congressman Josh Brecheen (2nd District)

    Congressman Brecheen and Congressman Roy Introduce Energy Freedom Act to End Biden’s Trillion-Dollar “Green New Deal” Tax Subsidies with Senator Mike Lee

    Washington, May 13, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen and Congressman Chip Roy introduced the Energy Freedom Act. This legislation would repeal the more than 20 green energy tax subsidies created or expanded by the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Senator Mike Lee is currently leading companion legislation in the Senate.

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen and Congressman Chip Roy introduced the Energy Freedom Act. This legislation would repeal the more than 20 green energy tax subsidies created or expanded by the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Senator Mike Lee is currently leading companion legislation in the Senate.

    “The Democrats’ so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act’, signed into law in 2022, is nothing more than a massive, taxpayer-funded gift to green energy lobbyists and their leftist billionaire employers,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “Families in Oklahoma should not have to subsidize unreliable energy that makes their electricity bills more expensive and inflates other costs. By repealing these costly and reckless green energy subsidies, the Energy Freedom Act also brings us back to an energy policy that puts American workers first, and stops enriching battery and solar industries in China.”

    Background:

    Since its enactment in 2022, the IRA has enacted or expanded the Biden Administration’s green energy tax credits, projected to cost taxpayers between $825 billion (CBO) and over $1 trillion in the next decade (Goldman Sachs), and up to $4.7 trillion by 2050 (CATO). These subsidies entice utilities to overbuild unreliable sources of energy, driving up costs and undermining grid stability.

    The Energy Freedom Act would:

    • Eliminate more than 20 green energy tax credits created or expanded by the IRA for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

    • Save American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade.

    • Repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s petroleum tax.

    • Protect grid reliability and lower consumer energy costs by creating a level playing field for all energy sources.

    • Close loopholes that allow entities to monetize green energy subsidies.

    What will happen if we don’t repeal these green energy subsidies?

    • Wind and solar will displace natural gas on the electric grid. In 2024 alone, solar represented 61% of all new electricity generation in our nation, with more expected this year according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

    • The stability and independence of our electric grid will be put in jeopardy. By the end of this year, wind generation in the U.S. is expected to increase 11% from 2023 because of these green energy subsidies.

    • American jobs and economic growth will be outsourced to China. As of mid-2023, China produced 97 percent of the world’s solar panel silicon wafers.

    • Estimates project the Inflation Reduction Act will cost between $825 billion—according to the Congressional Budget Office as of January 2025—and over $1 trillion, per analysts at Goldman Sachs, over the next decade.

    Representatives Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Scott Perry (R-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Eli Crane (R-AZ), and Barry Moore (R-AL) are the original cosponsors.

    Daily Caller wrote an exclusive story on the bill, which you can read here.

    Read the full text of this legislation here.

    Press Inquiries: darren.dershem@mail.house.gov

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Supports Resolution Thanking and Honoring Police and Law Enforcement Officers

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during National Police Week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for a congressional resolution recognizing the invaluable contributions that Iowa police and law enforcement officers make to our communities.

    “Our police and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe. They dedicate their careers to public safety and make incredible sacrifices to keep our families safe. We cannot thank them enough for their service,” said Rep. Feenstra. “While we can never adequately show our appreciation, I voted for a congressional resolution to express my unwavering support for our men and women in law enforcement and recognize the invaluable contributions that these heroes make to our communities. I will always back the blue and support our fellow Iowans who answered the call to serve.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –