NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Proposed changes to the Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle

    Source: police-emblem-97

    Have your say

    The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is consulting on proposed changes to how sheep and beef cattle are farmed in New Zealand.

    NAWAC has reviewed the existing code of welfare for sheep and beef cattle and wants your feedback. The committee is proposing several updates to minimum standards and recommendations for best practice.

    You can make a submission between 14 May and 15 July 2025.

    Consultation documents

    Proposed changes to the Code of Welfare: Sheep and Beef Cattle [PDF, 750 KB]

    Related documents and information

    NAWAC Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle [PDF, 810 KB]

    NAWAC Code of Welfare Evaluation Report [PDF, 1.2 MB]

    Find out about NAWAC

    What’s being proposed?

    Proposed changes to the code include:

    • incorporating dairy sheep into the code
    • amended behavioural provisions for sheep and beef cattle
    • new minimum standards for animals in off-paddock facilities and feedlots.

    NAWAC is also proposing a regulation to prohibit the use of electro-immobilisation devices.

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback on the draft code by 5pm on 15 July 2025 to animal.consult@mpi.govt.nz

    You can also use our online survey to make a submission.

    Online submission form for the sheep and beef cattle code of welfare

    While we prefer email, you can post written submissions to:

    Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle Submission
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140
    New Zealand.

    What to include

    Make sure you tell us in your submission:

    • the title of the consultation document
    • your name and title
    • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it)
    • your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

    Additionally, state in your submission which of these groups you best associate with:

    • primary sector organisation
    • farming
    • member of the public
    • animal advocacy organisation
    • transport or livestock company
    • animal health professional
    • research institute
    • other – please specify.

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

    If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Fast-track referral applications progressed

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Minister for Infrastructure has referred the first two non-listed projects into the Fast-track approval process under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

    “The Fast-track Approvals Act contains two pathways for projects to enter the Government’s new one-stop shop approvals process. 

    “The first pathway, Schedule 2 of the Act – commonly referred to as the Fast-track list – contains 149 projects which can apply directly to the Environmental Protection Authority to have an expert panel assess the project, decide whether to consent it, and apply any relevant conditions. The first three expert panels are already underway and more are expected soon.

    “The second pathway is for project owners to apply to the Minister for Infrastructure for referral into the Fast-track process. For this pathway, the Minister for Infrastructure must consult the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, along with iwi and the relevant local authority, before deciding whether to refer the project.

    “I have today referred the first two projects into the Fast-track process. 

    “One of these projects is the Ayrburn Screen Hub. This application is for the construction and operation of a film and television production facility on about 26 hectares of land between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes, Otago.

    “The other project is Ashbourne in Matamata, Waikato. This application is for a residential and retirement development project of 530 new homes and 250 retirement units, along with associated commercial development and infrastructure and two solar farms with the capacity to power 8000 homes.

    “These two projects may now move to the next stage in the Fast-track process by lodging substantive applications with the EPA to be considered by expert panels.”

    Note to editor:

    Project details will be published on the Fast-track website: www.fasttrack.govt.nz.

    The three projects currently being considered by expert panels are:

    1. Maitahi Village (Nelson)
    2. Delmore (Auckland)

    Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension (Auckland)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Truck broken down, SH2 Aongatete

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Motorists are advised of delays on State Highway 2, Aongatete after a truck broke down.

    Reports came in to Police around 8:15am, of the incident in the northbound lane about 500m north of Wright Road.

    There are no injuries but motorists are advised there is significant traffic build-up as a result, and are urged to delay travel if possible.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • 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 hypersonics. See photo below.

    This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.
    Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTO: Cornyn Meets with National Border Patrol Council

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met yesterday with National Border Patrol Council board members to discuss improving infrastructure, updating technology, and increasing personnel along our southern border to give them the resources needed to do their job. Thanks to Border Patrol’s work and President Trump’s historic efforts to secure the border and enforce the laws on the books, southern border apprehensions are down nearly 95% from one year ago. See photo below.

    This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.
    Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Introduces Mission to MARS Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Mission to Modernize Astronautic Resources for Space (MARS) Act, which would improve and modernize Johnson Space Center’s (JSC) infrastructure to prepare National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for human missions to the moon and Mars:
    “Throughout history, America has pioneered human space exploration and boldly charted the path into the great unknown,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am proud to lead this legislation to not only send humans back to the moon, but to the next frontier of Mars, where technological advancements and untold scientific discoveries await.”
    Background:
    The Mission to MARS Act would bolster Johnson Space Center’s human spaceflight infrastructure by:
    Preparing the Neutral Buoyancy Lab for commercial space station training, lunar-suited operations, and collaborations with the Department of Defense;
    Upgrading and repairing the Astromaterials Curation and Research facility for samples from the moon and Mars;
    Modernizing the Mission Control Center to prepare for crewed missions beyond low-Earth orbit;
    Improving Ellington Field astronaut flight training facilities;
    Constructing the space food systems laboratory;
    And refurbishing astronaut training aircraft.
    This legislation aligns with Governor Greg Abbott’s Texas Space Commission’s efforts to further cement Texas as a leader in space exploration, and it supports President Trump’s call during his Joint Address to Congress to “conquer the vast frontiers of science” and “lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond.” As the space race with China accelerates, we must take steps to strengthen our national security and ensure American ingenuity is not weaponized against us. By staying one step ahead of this adversary in our missions to the moon and Mars, this legislation would help reinforce America’s standing as the preeminent global power in space.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Hoeven Introduce Bill to Strengthen Farm Safety Net

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) in introducing the Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act, legislation to strengthen crop insurance and make higher levels of coverage more affordable for agricultural producers.
    “Farmers must have the risk management tools they need to plan for the future. The FARMER Act would make critical improvements to the farm safety net and deliver support to producers across the country who rely on these programs. I appreciate Senator Hoeven for continuing to lead on this issue as we work to provide certainty to America’s farm families,” Boozman said. 
    “Crop insurance remains the number one risk management tool for our farmers, but it doesn’t provide the kind of affordable coverage options that all producers need. The result has been the repeated need for ad-hoc disaster assistance. Ultimately, producers buying higher levels of coverage will lessen the need for ad-hoc disaster assistance in the future. That means less emergency spending by the federal government, greater certainty for farmers and a more resilient ag economy. Those are wins across the board,” Hoeven said.
    Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) have cosponsored the bill.
    The FARMER Act would:
    Increase premium support for higher levels of crop insurance coverage, which will enhance affordability and reduce the need for future ad-hoc disaster assistance;
    Improve the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) by increasing premium support and expanding the coverage level, providing producers with an additional level of protection;
    Direct the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to conduct a study to improve the effectiveness of SCO in large counties; and
    Give producers flexibility to make decisions that work best for their operations rather than obligating them to choose between purchasing enhanced crop insurance coverage or participating in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.
    The bill is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, Crop Insurance Professionals Association, Farm Credit Council, Midwest Council on Agriculture, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Sunflower Association, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Durum Growers Association, Southwest Council of Agribusiness and Western Peanut Growers Association.
    The bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Chairman Pham Statement on Court Sanctions Against CFTC

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham made the following statement regarding the Federal District Court report and recommendations for sanctions against the CFTC for misconduct in CFTC v. Traders Global Group Inc:
    “Americans rightly demand the highest level of conduct, candor, professionalism, and ethics from the federal government—especially law enforcement agencies like the CFTC. As described in detail in the Court’s report, the CFTC engaged in willful and bad faith conduct by making multiple false statements to the Court and other ‘numerous instances of sanctionable behavior’ over the course of a year. This is inexcusable. The CFTC must now accept accountability so that appropriate corrective action can finally be taken to address the conduct issues, and the CFTC can put this behind us and move forward to restore the agency’s credibility and reputation.
    “This case is a wakeup call to those of us who hold and serve the public’s trust. The conduct by CFTC staff and especially CFTC management in this case led to failures that were foreseeable, which means they were also avoidable. I first raised numerous concerns about CFTC conduct in this case nearly two years ago—even before the complaint was filed, and again during the litigation when I reviewed CFTC emails evidencing management efforts to conceal the false statements from the Court. The CFTC not only disregarded my serious concerns and an oversight letter from a member of Congress, but also engaged in a malicious campaign of retaliation and defamation designed to impugn my character and integrity. It is vindicating that the Court cites my prior statements that raised concerns in this case and my efforts to ensure accountability.
    “While the Court’s findings have shined a bright light on the CFTC’s widespread violations of both the duty of candor to the Court and applicable rules of attorney professional conduct, these types of failures are rarely an isolated incident and point to a broader breakdown in the culture of the Division of Enforcement. This case clearly shows that the Division has for far too long maintained a culture that the CFTC is above the law and that breaking the rules is justified because the CFTC is a government agency. This culture is a slippery slope that turns good intentions into bad actions and normalizes wrongdoing.
    “Worse, this culture has predictably led to the abuse of the government’s prosecutorial power and the violation of a defendant’s Constitutional right to due process. I have discovered that for years, many highly respected leaders of the legal profession and former government attorneys have repeatedly raised red flags about CFTC staff conduct in enforcement actions—even before I raised concerns as a Commissioner. It is therefore unsurprising that the Court finds that ‘[w]ithout the imposition of sanctions, [the CFTC’s] conduct appears likely to repeat itself.’
    “Since I became Acting Chairman, I’ve wasted no time in fixing these issues. We’ve reorganized the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement, ensuring cases are appropriately assigned based on staff experience and expertise. We’ve established transparent, public guidelines to encourage greater self-reporting and cooperation in enforcement actions and launched an initiative to reduce a backlog of noncompliance matters, redirecting resources to more serious fraud and manipulation cases. We’ve adopted a Justice Department policy aimed at ending regulation by prosecution, and took steps to improve communication and referral procedures between the Division of Enforcement and the CFTC’s other operating divisions. 
    “I also want to commend our new Director of Enforcement, Brian Young, for taking immediate and proactive steps to promote an ethical culture and enhance continuing education and training opportunities for our enforcement staff to make sure this conduct never happens again, and the CFTC adheres to the highest standards.
    “We are now closing this chapter so we can focus on the future. The CFTC is made up of hundreds of dedicated and talented public servants who routinely demonstrate our value to our markets and American taxpayers. This case does not reflect the CFTC’s people, our values, or our critical mission. Trust is earned, and the CFTC remains committed to delivering for the American people.  As an agency, we will take the lessons learned from this case and be better for it.”
    The Court’s report finds that the CFTC’s conduct and internal communications “. . . implicate involvement of both the CFTC line attorneys and the highest levels of management in the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement.” The Court’s report also finds, “The CFTC, as one of the primary prudential regulators in the United States, has an obligation to discharge all of its obligations—statutory, regulatory, and ethical—faithfully. It also unquestionably has a duty of candor to the Court. However, at almost every stage in this case, the CFTC failed in this regard.” While some CFTC staff were removed from the case in 2024 following the filing of the sanctions motion, the CFTC has taken necessary measures to ensure accountability at all levels, including placing staff on administrative leave pending further investigation.
    Proactive CFTC Remediation and Reform Efforts
    Since being elevated to Acting Chairman in January, Pham has proactively led efforts to overhaul the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement and reform culture and conduct, develop staff, and leverage expertise and reduce siloing. The establishment of a new task force model allows CFTC attorneys to specialize in categories of cases, thereby enhancing relevant knowledge, practices and mentoring opportunities, and reducing the risk of legal or ethical lapses. 
    The Division of Enforcement has also launched a Basic Trial Advocacy Skills training series, with sessions ranging from opening, closing and direct examinations, interactions with jury and opposing counsel, and techniques to avoid creating misimpressions, with more sessions being planned. The sessions offer practical instruction on investigations and litigation as well as opportunities to discuss ethical and discovery dilemmas that can occur in real life litigation scenarios. 
    The Division of Enforcement also delivered various ethics training, including ensuring candor and openness in engagement with defense counsel. It also hosted a training on the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct as applied to government attorneys, with additional trainings being planned. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE SLAMS GOP’S ATTEMPT TO SLASH MEDICAID IN ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    May 13, 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke delivered the following remarks at the Committee on Energy and Commerce Full Committee Reconciliation Markup:

    “I would like to begin by sharing a story of one of my constituents, David. This is David — one of the many faces of Medicaid. David is a 55-year-old Brooklyn resident who has been living with congestive heart failure since 2016. Once a full-time worker, his diagnosis sadly forced him to stop working and rely solely on Medicaid for his healthcare. Medicaid covers all aspects of his medical needs — including the daily medications he has to take, regular cardiac monitoring, and hospital-based care. His condition was so severe that during his first visit to the hospital, he remained admitted for nearly a full year, that extended hospitalization was entirely covered by Medicaid — and it saved his life. He was able to receive this life-saving care at SUNY Downstate, a vital hospital in my district, that also heavily relies on Medicaid dollars to provide high-quality care to their patients — just like most healthcare institutions across the nation, from rural to urban. 

    The medical team there provided him with consistent, high-quality care in a community-based setting. Without Medicaid, David would lose access to his medications and to the physicians who have managed his condition for nearly a decade. David clearly said, ‘If Medicaid is cut, I will have no way to afford my care. No medication. No follow-up. No hospital. Without Medicaid, I will die prematurely.’ David’s story is a powerful example of how essential Medicaid is. It’s not just policy, but a lifeline for Americans in my district and across the nation.

    “Let’s be crystal clear about what’s happening here. We are being asked to sit in this room today and pretend that gutting Medicaid is somehow a ‘necessary evil’ and ‘a tough decision’ made in the name of fiscal responsibility. But it’s not. It is a political CHOICE that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are choosing to make. It is a CHOICE that disproportionately targets low-income communities, communities of color, immigrants, and working-class families. It is a CHOICE that will impact hospital systems, especially in New York, that are still trying to recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. It is a CHOICE that will strip away life-saving healthcare for 17.3 million Americans — nearly 7 million, or 1 in 3, New Yorkers who rely on this program.

    “In New York’s 9th District, this amounts to over 65,000 people over the age of 65, over 24,000 disabled children and adults, over 146,000 young adults, over 85,000 parents and caretakers, over 149,000 children, and over 11,000 pregnant women. MAKE NO MISTAKE — this Medicaid cut would hit Republican or red states the hardest. For months, House Republicans have lied about their plans to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid — and now the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that their plan will kick millions of people off their health care. The only winners in the Republican budget scheme are their billionaire donors like Elon Musk.

    “And yet, here we are ONCE AGAIN, witnessing Republicans playing political games with people’s lives, so their billionaire friends enjoy tax breaks and their private jets. ONCE AGAIN, they are here to feed their relentless obsession to dismantle the Affordable Care Act — which we’ve fought to preserve. Somehow we always find the money for tax breaks for the wealthy… but when it comes to health care for working people, suddenly we are out of money? This is boldface cruelty. Their goal is to shift federal support to their donors’ pockets. They are punitive, they are shortsighted, and they will devastate people — like David.

    “So no, I will NOT quietly sit here so that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can chip away at the health and dignity of the American people and call it ‘compromise.’ In one of the wealthiest and most advanced nations in the world, EVERYONE — no matter their political beliefs — deserves access to quality, affordable health care. This is not fiscal policy. This is a moral failure. And I reject this bill.

    “Cruelty is the point!”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veterans History Project Interview Featuring Musician Third Class Dennis White, United States Navy)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

    May 13, 2025 | Press Releases

    View the Video Here.
    SARASOTA – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the latest installment of the Veterans History Project Series, featuring Musician Third Class Dennis White, United States Navy. A lifelong musician and the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award at his high school in Springfield, Ohio, White’s journey to military service was rooted in a passion for music and a determination to serve his country.
    White served at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and performed across New York City, including a national television appearance on a Saturday night version of The Tonight Show. He also played during Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to New York and attended the Broadway premiere of South Pacific. Through these once-in-a-lifetime experiences, he developed lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for the discipline and direction instilled by military service.
    “Well, basically, I’d like people to understand this: there are people who are afraid to take a challenge. And if you’re enthusiastic about something, follow your dream and follow your own guidelines; that will make you a better person. It really did change my personality, my attitude, and my character,” said White. “I don’t know where I would’ve been if I hadn’t joined the music program or even the Navy. It led to opportunities. Like I said, I didn’t give it up. I counted it as a hobby. But it gave me direction into adulthood and just made me a better person all around, I think.”
    “Dennis White’s story exemplifies the unique paths our servicemembers take,” said Congressman Steube. “His service reminds us that the military doesn’t just train warriors; it molds leaders, artists, and professionals. We are honored to help preserve his legacy for future generations.”
    After leaving the Navy in 1959, White went on to a successful career in banking, ultimately serving as Vice President at Ellis Bank in Sarasota. He remained involved with the Navy music community, raised a family in Florida, and continued mentoring young musicians throughout his life.
    Please click here to watch the full interview.
    Be sure to check Congressman Steube’s YouTube channel in the future for upcoming interviews.The Office of Congressman Greg Steube will submit the interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.Initially started in 2000, the Veterans History Project aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of the United States military veterans and Gold Star Families so that future generations may hear directly from the veterans and better understand their service. Researchers, scholars, and educators rely upon VHP collections as a primary source. The oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, and other original materials supplement historical texts and valued cultural resources. Veterans from all branches and ranks of the United States military who served in World War I through the more recent conflicts are eligible to participate. For more information on the VHP, please visit https://www.loc.gov/vets/.If you live in Florida’s 17th Congressional district, please visit https://steube.house.gov/services/vhp to participate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Green Condemns CFPB Dismantling, Warns Trump Is Turning Democracy Toward Plutocracy in 100 Days

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, DC) — On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Regulatory Overreach: The Price Tag on American Prosperity.”

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green question the witness on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Cordially Invites You to the Congressional Art Competition and Explore the Original Masterpieces Crafted by Ninth Congressional District Students

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX)—On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Congressman Al Green cordially invites you to the Congressional Art Competition event, where remarkable original masterpieces created by students from the Ninth Congressional District will be showcased. This showcase will feature the 27 stunning visual art submissions from 7th – 12th  grade students across Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County, culminating in the exciting announcement of the winning artistic creation. This event will take place at the Stafford Campus Learning HUB at 10041 Cash Road, Stafford, Texas 77477 at 10:00 a.m. CT.

    Congressman Al Green stated, “Art has a remarkable way of expressing our shared experiences, which is why I am truly proud to host the Congressional Art Competition. It honors the young emerging visionaries from our district who bring their dreams to life through beautiful and meaningful creations. The artwork crafted by these talented students tells a story, offering us a glimpse into their creative thoughts and emotions. Initiatives like this are beneficial for our communities and students, encouraging creativity and self-expression.”

    Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Green Previews Articles of Impeachment Against Pres. Trump, Alerts of Constitutional Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor to preview Articles of Impeachment against President Trump, alerts of constitutional crisis. 

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s full speech online here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Honored with Charles Hamilton Houston Medallion of Merit by Washington Bar Association

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, DC)— On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Congressman Al Green was honored by the Washington Bar Association (WBA), the oldest and largest association of Black attorneys in the D.C. area, with the Charles Hamilton Houston Medallion of Merit. The WBA presented its highest award to Congressman Green and civil rights scholar Professor Sherrilyn Ifill. Charles Hamilton Houston was a WBA founder and civil rights leader, he was key in ending Jim Crow segregation and played a critical role in the Brown v. Board of Education decision that overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine. This award is given to individuals who embody the principles of Charles Hamilton Houston through leadership and service.

    Past recipients of this distinguished honor include the Honorable Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Honorable Johnnie Cochran, the Honorable Congressman John Lewis, the Honorable Dr. Dorothy Height, the Honorable Eric Holder, the Honorable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Honorable Valerie Jarrett, the Honorable Justice Constance Baker Motley, and the Honorable Marian Wright Edelman. WBA President Joshuah R. Turner and President-Elect Cristina A. Beckles were among the notable legal leaders in attendance.

    Congressman Al Green stated, “I am deeply humbled to receive this award from the Washington Bar Association (WBA). To be included among such a distinguished group of civil rights giants is an extraordinary honor. I thank the WBA for its unwavering commitment to justice and for continuing to elevate voices that fight for equity under the law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Green Offers Amendment to Prevent HUD Cuts & Improve Disaster Relief for Vulnerable Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, DC) — On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Markup of Various Measures.”

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green question the witness on the panel here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • 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 Transportation and Infrastructure approved legislation on April 30, 2025, with provisions that would decrease deficits.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    In CBO’s estimation, the reconciliation recommendations of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure would decrease deficits by $36.6 billion over the 2025‑2034 period. The estimated budgetary effects of the legislation are shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 400 (transportation), 500 (education, training, employment, and social services), 700 (veterans benefits and services), and 800 (general government).

    Return to Reference

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of Reconciliation Recommendations Title X, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2025-2029

    2025-2034
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Budget Authority

    28,780

    67

    -36

    -35

    -35

    -36

    -35

    -35

    -35

    -35

    28,741

    28,565

    Estimated Outlays

    -612

    537

    1,643

    3,810

    5,061

    4,389

    3,925

    3,675

    3,355

    1,975

    10,439

    27,758
     

    Increases in Revenues

    		    

    Estimated Revenues

    0

    423

    1,742

    3,405

    5,230

    7,064

    8,815

    10,660

    12,556

    14,414

    10,800

    64,309
     

    Net Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit

    From Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues

    		    

    Effect on the Deficit

    -612

    114

    -99

    405

    -169

    -2,675

    -4,890

    -6,985

    -9,201

    -12,439

    -361

    -36,551

    Basis of Estimate

    For this estimate, CBO assumes that the legislation will be enacted in summer 2025. CBO’s estimates are relative to its January 2025 baseline and cover the period from 2025 through 2034. Outlays of appropriated amounts were estimated using historical obligation and spending rates for similar programs. CBO’s estimate incorporates administrative and judicial action as of April 10, 2025, the date that H. Con. Res. 14 was approved by the Congress.

    Direct Spending

    Enacting the bill would increase direct spending by $27.8 billion over the 2025-2034 period (see Table 2), CBO estimates. Most of that amount would result from specified direct appropriations for activities of the Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), offset by a reduction in direct spending from funds rescinded from transportation projects and programs involving federal buildings.

    Coast Guard Assets Necessary to Secure the Maritime Border and Interdict Migrants and Drugs

    Section 100001 would appropriate $21.2 billion for the Coast Guard to acquire, procure, and improve equipment and facilities, as follows:

    • $14.6 billion for vessels, including offshore patrol cutters, polar security cutters, and arctic security cutters;
    • $3.2 billion for shoreside infrastructure;
    • $2.0 billion for aircraft; and
    • $1.5 billion for other activities, including $500 million to acquire, procure, or construct a floating dry dock at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Based on historical spending patterns for similar projects, and using information from the Coast Guard, CBO estimates that enacting section 100001 would increase outlays by $19.6 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    Changes to Mandatory Benefits Programs to Allow Selected Reserve Orders for Preplanned Missions to Secure Maritime Borders and Interdict Persons and Drugs

    Section 100002 would authorize the Coast Guard to place members of the Selected Reserve on active duty under certain circumstances. That time would count toward the reservists’ entitlement for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill; those benefits are paid from mandatory appropriations. Accounting for the increased benefits some reservists and their dependents would receive and using information from the Coast Guard, CBO estimates that each year, 250 reservists, on average, would accrue about six months of additional active duty that would be counted toward their eligibility.

    Using information from the Department of Veterans Affairs, CBO estimates that the longer time reservists spend on active duty would increase direct spending by $9 million over the 2025-2034 period.

    Vessel Tonnage Duties

    Section 100003 would increase tonnage duties on vessels entering the United States. Those charges are levied by Customs and Border Protection and recorded in the budget as offsetting receipts (that is, as reductions in direct spending). In general, the bill would increase tonnage duty rates by 125 percent relative to rates under current law. In 2024, the government collected about $33 million in such charges.

    CBO estimates that the higher rate would increase collections (and reduce direct spending) by about $38 million per year relative to current law, totaling $343 million over the 2025‑2034 period.

    Registration Fee on Motor Vehicles

    Section 100004 would appropriate $104 million in 2026 to support states as they implement systems for collecting registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles. Those collections are discussed below in the section on Revenues.

    Based on historical spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates that enacting this section would increase outlays by $102 million over the 2025-2034 period.

    Motor Carrier Data

    Section 100006 would appropriate $5 million to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to create a public website for tracking motor carriers’ compliance with the agency’s operating requirements. The provision also would allow FMCSA to collect fees from entities that access the website, which could be spent without further appropriation. Those collections are discussed below in the section on Revenues.

    CBO estimates that enacting this section would increase outlays by $20 million over the 2025-2034 period, reflecting spending of the direct appropriation ($5 million) and the collected fees ($15 million).

    Rescissions

    Section 100007 would rescind funds from seven programs established under the 2022 reconciliation act with the following purposes:

    • Support development of sustainable aviation fuel;
    • Support projects to improve walkability, safety, and transportation access in disadvantaged communities;
    • Convert General Services Administration (GSA) facilities to high-performing green buildings;
    • Install low-carbon materials in GSA facilities;
    • Support use of emerging technologies for environmental programs in GSA facilities;
    • Support environmental review for transportation projects; and
    • Support development of low-carbon transportation materials.

    CBO estimates that enacting this section would reduce budget authority by $5.2 billion and outlays by $4 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    Air Traffic Control Staffing and Modernization

    Section 100008 would appropriate $12.5 billion for the FAA to construct, acquire, improve, and operate various facilities and equipment as follows:

    • $7.8 billion for radar and telecommunications systems;
    • $2.2 billion for air traffic control facilities;
    • $1.0 billion for air traffic controller recruitment, retention, and training; and
    • $1.6 billion for other activities, including runway safety projects and unstaffed infrastructure.

    Based on historical spending patterns for similar projects and using information from the FAA, CBO estimates that enacting this section would increase outlays by $12.0 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Appropriations

    Section 100009 would appropriate $257 million for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, increasing outlays by the same amount over the 2025-2034 period.

    Revenues

    Enacting the bill would increase revenues by $64 billion over the 2025-2034 period (see CBO estimates that enacting sections 100004 and 100005 would increase revenues, on net, by $64 billion over the 2025-2034 period.

    Motor Carrier Data

    Section 100006 would authorize FMCSA to charge an annual fee of $100 for access to a website that would track motor carriers’ compliance with FMCSA’s operating requirements. Under the provision, brokers and similar entities would be considered to have exercised reasonable and prudent care in engaging motor carriers if they use the website to verify a carrier’s compliance status.

    When they are collected by the federal government under its sovereign authority, fees are considered revenues. CBO considers a determination that an entity has acted in a “reasonable and prudent” manner as a matter of law to be an exercise of sovereign authority, so those access fees would be considered revenues.

    Based on expected participation rates, and accounting for the offset for indirect taxes, CBO estimates that the collection of access fees would increase federal revenues, on net, by $12 million over the 2025-2034 period.

    Uncertainty

    Many of CBO’s estimates for the budgetary effects of enacting title X are subject to uncertainty because they rely on underlying projections and other estimates that are themselves difficult to estimate.

    Several areas in particular are difficult to estimate:

    • The amounts collected in tonnage duties under section 100003 could vary from CBO’s estimates because the volume of goods imported into the United States is uncertain. CBO also cannot predict changes in tariffs or certain other factors that would affect the volume of imported goods.
    • Revenues collected for registrations of electric and hybrid vehicles under section 100004 could differ from estimated amounts if states begin to collect fees more quickly or slowly than CBO expects, or if there are more or fewer registrations than expected under current law.

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

    The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. The net changes in outlays and revenues that are subject to those pay-as-you-go procedures are shown in Chief, Income Security Cost Estimates Unit

    Ann E. Futrell
    Acting Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit

    David Newman
    Chief, Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit

    Joshua Shakin
    Chief, Revenue Projections Unit

    Kathleen FitzGerald
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    Christina Hawley Anthony
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    H. Samuel Papenfuss 
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Chad Chirico 
    Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    [Table 2 begins on the next page.]

    Return to Revenues

    Table 2.

    Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title X, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2025-2029

    2025-2034
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Sec. 100001, Coast Guard Assets Necessary to Secure the Maritime Border to Interdict Migrants and Drugs

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    21,207

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    21,207

    21,207

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    270

    850

    1,760

    2,280

    2,880

    3,020

    3,170

    3,390

    2,010

    5,160

    19,630

    Sec. 100002, Changes to Mandatory Benefits Programs to Allow Selected Reserve Orders for Preplanned Missions to Secure Maritime Borders and Interdict Persons and Drugs

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    4

    9

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    4

    9

    Sec. 100003, Vessel Tonnage Duties

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    *

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -39

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -152

    -343

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -39

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -38

    -152

    -343

    Sec. 100004, Registration Fee on Motor Vehiclesa

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    0

    104

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    104

    104

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    19

    39

    25

    19

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    102

    102

    Sec. 100006, Motor Carrier Data

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    5

    0

    1

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    10

    20

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    4

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    10

    20

    Section 100007, Rescissions

    		                    

    Sec. 100007(a), Repeal of Funding for Alternative Fuel and Low-Emission Aviation Technology Program

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -210

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -210

    -210

    Estimated Outlays

    -1

    -47

    -67

    -49

    -39

    -5

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -203

    -208

    Sec. 100007(b), Repeal of Funding for Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -2,400

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -2,400

    -2,400

    Estimated Outlays

    -181

    -353

    -466

    -407

    -226

    -90

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -1,633

    -1,723

    Sec. 100007(c), Repeal of Funding for Federal Building Assistance

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -46

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -46

    -46

    Estimated Outlays

    -11

    -11

    -24

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -46

    -46

    Sec. 100007(d), Repeal of Funding for Use of Low-Carbon Materials for Federal Building Assistance

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -421

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -421

    -421

    Estimated Outlays

    -104

    -104

    -213

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -421

    -421

    (Continued)

    Table 2.

    Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title X, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025

    (Continued)
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2025-2029

    2025-2034
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Sec. 100007(e), Repeal of Funding for General Services Administration Emerging Technologies

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    -277

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -277

    -277

    Estimated Outlays

    -175

    -52

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -227

    -227

    Sec. 100007(f), Repeal of Environmental Review Implementation Funds

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    -55

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -55

    -55

    Estimated Outlays

    -4

    -8

    -11

    -9

    -5

    -2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -37

    -39

    Sec. 100007(g), Repeal of Funding for Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    -1,800

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -1,800

    -1,800

    Estimated Outlays

    -136

    -265

    -349

    -305

    -170

    -68

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -1,225

    -1,293
     

    Subtotal, Sec. 100007

    		                    
     

    Budget Authority

    -5,209

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -5,209

    -5,209
     

    Estimated Outlays

    -612

    -840

    -1,130

    -770

    -440

    -165

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -3,792

    -3,957

    Sec. 100008, Air Traffic Control Staffing and Modernization

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    12,520

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    12,520

    12,520

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    1,030

    1,840

    2,780

    3,200

    1,710

    940

    540

    0

    0

    8,850

    12,040

    Sec. 100009, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Appropriations

    		                    

    Budget Authority

    257

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    257

    257

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    91

    79

    50

    37

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    257

    257

    Total Changes

    		                        

    Budget Authority

    28,780

    67

    -36

    -35

    -35

    -36

    -35

    -35

    -35

    -35

    28,741

    28,565

    Estimated Outlays

    -612

    537

    1,643

    3,810

    5,061

    4,389

    3,925

    3,675

    3,355

    1,975

    10,439

    27,758
     

    Increases in Revenues

    		    

    Sec. 100004, Registration Fee on Motor Vehiclesa

    		                    

    Estimated Revenues

    0

    423

    1,741

    3,404

    5,229

    7,063

    8,813

    10,658

    12,554

    14,412

    10,797

    64,297

    Sec. 100006, Motor Carrier Data

    		                    

    Estimated Revenues

    0

    0

    1

    1

    1

    1

    2

    2

    2

    2

    3

    12

    Total Changes

    		                        

    Estimated Revenues

    0

    423

    1,742

    3,405

    5,230

    7,064

    8,815

    10,660

    12,556

    14,414

    10,800

    64,309
     

    Net Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit

    From Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues

    		    

    Effect on the Deficit

    -612

    114

    -99

    405

    -169

    -2,675

    -4,890

    -6,985

    -9,201

    -12,439

    -361

    -36,551

    a.Includes amounts for section 100005, Deposit of Registration Fee on Motor Vehicles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • 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 in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

    This year, seven high school-level FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams from Connecticut represented the state on the national stage. Among them were three rookie teams and four teams from Alliance Districts, which are Connecticut’s thirty highest-need school districts. In total, ten teams across multiple FIRST programs competed from Connecticut, including FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams.

    “Young talent is the future of Connecticut’s robust and thriving manufacturing industry,” Governor Lamont said. “These students prove what’s possible when we invest in opportunity. They’re not just building robots, they’re building skills, confidence, and careers. I am very proud of what they’ve accomplished on the world stage. This is what it means to ‘Make It Here.’”

    These positive outcomes reflect the growing impact of the $2.7 million MIF investment administered through the Office of Manufacturing and ReadyCT, which has helped scale robotics programming statewide. The investment directly supports new team creation, equipment, mentorship, and travel – all of which are opening doors for students in underserved communities to gain hands-on experience in design, coding, and collaboration.

    The MIF was established by the General Assembly in 2014 to strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing sector. Since then, it has supported training programs, technology adoption, and workforce pipeline development to meet evolving industry needs. The robotics program is one of the fund’s key youth engagement strategies.

    “This is exactly what the Manufacturing Innovation Fund is all about,” Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, said. “These robotics competitions reflect the foundation of our industry – collaboration, ingenuity, and passion. From funding to mentorship, we’re building the next generation of makers and innovators right here in Connecticut, showing the world that if you can dream it, you can make it here in Connecticut.”

    Among the standout teams were:

    • FRC 7153, Aetos Dios from Manchester – Winner of the FIRST Championship Team Spirit Award
    • FRC 3182, Athena’s Warriors from Hartford – Winner of the Imagery Award in honor of Jack Kamen
    • FLL Challenge 52604, Aluminum Eyas from Pawcatuck – Recipient of the Rising All-Star Award

    Additional teams include:

    • FTC 130, Blazing Spirits from Windsor
    • FTC 7034, Singularity Technology 7024 from Wilton
    • FRC 176, Aces High from Windsor Locks
    • FRC 195, CyberKnights from Southington
    • FRC 230, Gaelhawks from Shelton
    • FRC 5142, RoboDominators from New Haven
    • FRC 7407 Wired Boars from Wallingford

    “The remarkable achievement of seven Connecticut FIRST Robotics teams advancing to the national championship underscores the profound impact of the Manufacturing Innovation Fund’s $2.7 million investment in expanding robotics programs statewide,” Shannon Marimon, executive director of ReadyCT, said. “This strategic support not only enhances STEM education but also cultivates the essential skills – such as teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation – that are vital for building a robust manufacturing workforce for the future.”

    As Connecticut continues to expand its manufacturing ecosystem, programs like FIRST are critical to ensuring that students from all backgrounds see a future for themselves in high-skill, high-wage careers. The success of these teams – especially those from high-need districts and rookie programs – demonstrates the talent and drive that exists across the state.

    To learn more about the MIF and its youth initiatives, visit manufacturing.ct.gov/mif.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Giving Students Access to Healthy Local Food at School

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that $10 million has been awarded to two projects through round two of New York’s Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program. Projects on Long Island and in Central New York were awarded $5 million each to improve meal preparation and distribution for Kindergarten through Grade 12 students using local agricultural products. First announced in the Governor’s 2023 State of the State, the program will provide a total $50 million over five years to eligible applicants in all ten regions of New York State to facilitate the on-site processing and preparation of fresh, nutritious meals; increase the use of more healthy, local New York food products; and provide a boost to New York farmers.

    “Every New Yorker deserves access to fresh, locally grown, nutritious foods to eat,” Governor Hochul said. “This program is a great example of how we’re working together to connect the dots within our food systems, reduce food insecurity and support our producers. I congratulate the awardees and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”

    Administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program is providing critical funding for schools to aggregate, store, process and prepare farm products, making it possible to cook fresh, nutritious, scratch made meals for school children. The program also encourages workforce development by providing training to schools, communities and students for culinary arts, food processing, safe food handling and storage, logistics, delivery and more based on community need.

    The projects awarded in round two are:

    • East End Food Institute (Long Island) is being awarded $5 million to continue work on their Food Hub, which is positioned to serve as a centralized hub for food aggregation, processing and distribution in the Long Island Region. The project will focus on addressing logistical challenges that schools and institutions face in sourcing local food, such as constraints around bidding, pricing and distribution. East End Food Institute will incorporate workforce development training into the project by providing staff with training focused on food preparation and production. This project will support the following districts, Southampton Union Free School District, Westhampton Beach School District, Riverhead Central School District (CSD), Copiague School District, North Shore School District, and Half Hollow Hills School District.
    • Onondaga County Health Department (Central NY) is being awarded $5 million to develop a food business venture space to increase school access to New York State grown products across the Central New York region. To increase farm-to-school opportunities, this project will support the development of an expanded warehouse and distribution center to be rented and operated by Russo Produce, and a processing facility to be rented and operated by Upstate New York Growers & Packers. The facility will provide significant community-level benefits, including opportunity for strengthening the farm network in the region and beyond by providing meeting and office spaces. This project will support the following districts: Syracuse City School District, Auburn City School District, Baldwinsville CSD, Cazenovia CSD, Fayetteville-Manlius CSD, Lafayette CSD, Liverpool CSD, Marcellus CSD, Sandy Creek CSD, Southern Cayuga CSD, Syracuse Academy of Sciences, and West Genesee CSD.

    State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Ensuring our schools have the equipment they need to cook from scratch and use ingredients made by our farmers and producers is a crucial component of getting New York food directly into our communities. The Regional School Food Infrastructure program provides an opportunity to collaborate with our partners across the state to strengthen our food system and provide delicious, healthy and locally sourced meals to our students while supporting our farmers. I congratulate the awardees and thank Governor Hochul for her support of this program, which will have a lasting impact on our Long Island and Central New York communities.”

    In each of the five rounds of the program, two regions will be awarded $5 million each, until all regions are awarded. Funding from the first round of the program was awarded to projects in the North Country and in Western New York.

    State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “The New York State Education Department is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the nutritious meals they need to grow, thrive, and reach their full academic and personal potential. Through the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program—and in partnership with our colleagues at the Department of Agriculture and Markets—we’re helping to make certain that New York’s students receive the nutritious meals they need to be successful academically and meet the demands of a rigorous school day.”

    East End Food Executive Director Marci Moreau said, “East End Food extends our deepest thanks to Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Their investment is transformational—for our schools, our farmers, and most importantly, our children. With this support, we can break down the barriers that have kept fresh, local food out of school cafeterias for too long. We’re building a regional food system that nourishes every student with dignity and health, while uplifting the producers who feed us. This is what the power of food looks like when community, equity, and sustainability come first. We are truly elated and honored to be part of this movement!”

    State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Every student in New York deserves access to healthy school meals made with local ingredients from New York farms. Farm-to-school programs help make that possible, but only if schools have the infrastructure to cook, store, and serve fresh food. This grant program delivers the capital needed to build those systems, helping our farmers gain reliable, in-state markets and making sure our kids are eating nutritious, high-quality food. Congratulations to the school districts on Long Island and in Central New York that will benefit from these critical investments.”

    Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “The Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program supports schools and other institutions in their efforts to incorporate fresh, local produce into the meals they serve. The program promotes healthy eating and supports hardworking farmers all while strengthening local food systems, making it especially impactful. These critical infrastructure investments will benefit multiple schools districts across two regions, paying dividends for years to come.”

    Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Onondaga County and Central New York is blessed with a rich and diverse agricultural economy and my administration has worked diligently to support and grow access to our abundance of fresh locally grown products. Thanks this important grant from our partners at New York Ag & Markets, we will be able to expand our efforts exponentially while also investing in our historic Regional Market.”

    Riverhead Town Supervisor Hubbard said, “We are extremely grateful for Governor Hochul’s awarding of the New York’s Regional School Infrastructure Grant Program. We have a very diverse community here in Riverhead and always face economic challenges. This will help ensure our students in grades K-12 have good nutritious food prepared for them while at school. This program not only helps provide local jobs but promotes the use of local agricultural products. Its a big win for our community. Thank you Governor Hochul!”

    Easthampton Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez said, “Farming is at the heart of East Hampton’s heritage, and economy. With this investment in the East End Food Institute’s hub, our local farmers will have new opportunities to get their fresh, homegrown food onto the plates of students across the East End, including right here in our own schools. We thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Agriculture and Markets for supporting our farmers and investing in the health and well-being of our students.”

    The Regional School Food Infrastructure program builds on New York’s many programs that prioritize local foods in schools, including tools to help school districts procure and purchase farm products from local producers, ensuring that New York remains New York’s first and best customer.

    The successful Farm-to-School program connects schools with local farms and food producers to strengthen local agriculture, improve student health and promote regional food systems awareness. Through the program, the Department of Agriculture and Markets provides financial, technical and promotional assistance to schools, farms, distributors and other supporting organizations to bring more local, nutritious, seasonally varied meals to New York students.

    The 30 Percent New York State Initiative further facilitates the provision of healthy New York sourced food products to children as part of their lunch meal in school. The initiative increases the reimbursement schools receive for lunches by 19 cents per meal for any district that ensures their school lunches are made up of at least 30 percent eligible New York produced and processed products. The Department of Agriculture and Markets took over administration of the program as part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 State of the State commitment to better connect farms and schools across New York. Since then, the program has seen increased participation from school food authorities, with a total of 73 school food authorities approved to receive enhanced reimbursement during this school year, up from 59 approved for reimbursement last year. In total, more than $9.7 million was spent on New York agricultural products during the 2023-2024 school year by schools applying for the incentive.

    Building on the work of these programs, Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State laid out a plan that will continue to support farmers, strengthen New York’s agricultural industry, and build a more resilient food supply in New York State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Mayor Participates in Meeting of Boards of Trustees of Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Vladimir Putin held a meeting boards of trustees of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres. It was attended by Sergei Sobyanin.

    Opening the meeting, the Russian President noted that many companies and patrons actively help the country’s two leading theaters and other creative groups, museums, libraries and cultural institutions. With the support of trustees, initiatives related to the preservation of architectural and historical heritage are implemented, as well as tours, festivals, competitions, concerts, educational and exhibition events and programs are held. Particular attention is paid to the development of young musicians, artists and actors, which helps them to actively participate in the public life of the country.

    “Cultural heritage, spiritual identity, creative wealth – this is a powerful foundation for the development of the country, the consolidation of society. By supporting a variety of projects in the cultural sphere, you, dear colleagues, make a great contribution to strengthening the unity of our people. I sincerely want to thank you for this and, of course, for your active participation in the life of the flagships of our culture: the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters. You are their true friends and partners,” said Vladimir Putin.

    The performances and concerts of the two leading theatres of the country and their branches are in great demand and are loved by the public. Every year they present more than a dozen premieres, the President of Russia noted. Next year, the 250th anniversary of the Bolshoi Theatre, which is one of the most valuable objects of the national heritage of Russia, will be celebrated. Its anniversary will be a real holiday for all fans of opera, ballet and symphonic music. Preparations for it are already underway.

    “The Bolshoi and the Mariinsky are two powerful symbols of Russia, without any exaggeration, they are our pride, the embodiment of great Russian culture and world centers of musical art,” Vladimir Putin noted.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12747050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Co-Sponsor Legislation to Ban Conversion Therapy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    May 13, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley (both D-Ore) today announced they are co-sponsoring legislation that would ban so-called “conversion therapy,” a practice fraudulently claiming to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. 
    “Forcing Americans into sham therapy for a non-existent illness is medieval quackery, not modern science,” Wyden said. “This legislation protects the LGBTQ+ community from forced treatment for something that doesn’t need fixing.” 
    “So-called ‘conversion therapy’ has been discredited by every mainstream medical association and is not legitimate medical care,” said Merkley. “It’s dangerous and ineffective, yet too many LGBTQ+ people are still being harmed by it. The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act will protect LGBTQ+ Americans from this fraudulent and damaging practice.”
    The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act would ban a practice that has been recognized by the national community of professionals in health, education, social work, and counseling as both dangerous and ineffective.
    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (D-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.),Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and led by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
    Full text of the bill is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Just Follow the Science,” King Gains Agreement from Army Corps of Engineers Nominee in Discussion of Climate Resiliency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King questioned an administration nominee on his willingness to follow the science in the face of increasingly occurring and violent weather events. In his questioning of Mr. Adam Telle to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, King asked about the importance of Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in responding to natural disasters and how, if confirmed, he would lead the Army Corps of Engineers to work with FEMA.
    Senator King began, “Does FEMA play an important role in disaster response in this country, particularly for major disasters that affect more than one state?
    “Senator King, thank you for the question. And FEMA certainly has played a role in disaster response,” Telle responded. “The US Army Corps of Engineers under the National Response Framework, is of course, charged with leading on debris removal, and that relationship between our emergency managers and the Corps of Engineers is important as we respond to disasters like those that occurred recently, recently in North Carolina and Tennessee and surrounding areas with Hurricane Helene.”
    Senator King said, “I just don’t see how we’re going to be able to turn disaster response entirely over to the States, given the fact that disasters don’t respect state borders. Resiliency planning. That has to be part of the responsibility when the Corps is doing projects wherever they are. Do you agree?”
    “Yes, Senator, resiliency is critically important,” Telle affirmed.
    Senator King continued, “And do you agree that we are facing more and greater and more devastating storms than we have in the in the past?”
    “Senator King, we’ve certainly faced devastating natural disasters throughout our nation’s history,” Telle said. “It’s been a long-standing issue that we’ve dealt with. I don’t have the specific data about the intensity of those disasters, but they’re still happening. They’ve been happening throughout our nation’s history, and we have to stay vigilant to make sure we’re up to date with the latest data.”
    Senator King continued asking Mr. Telle, if confirmed, he would follow the science in his role leading the Army Division of Civil Works.
    “Well, I hope that regardless of the position of the administration on climate change, that the corps will take advantage of the science, which I think you’ve committed to, and particularly in resiliency planning. The worst thing we could do would be to build to 100-year-old standards instead of 100 years from now standards. Do you agree?” Senator King asked.
    Telle responded, “Senator, I do agree, and the Corps of Engineers currently, and it’s my understanding, we’ll continue to use the latest hydrological trend data that we can measure to make decisions about investments and the design of flood control infrastructure.”
    Senator King followed up, “Just follow the science, correct?”
    “Senator, we should follow the science,” Telle concluded.
    Because Maine faces increasingly extreme weather and storms, modernizing energy infrastructure through clean solar energy and new storage technologies can help ensure public buildings are able to maintain access to energy during destructive weather events. Last year, Senator King secured $2.5 million through the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally-Directed Spending appropriations package for the Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to support an energy resiliency pilot program. The pilot program is helping to fund climate resiliency initiatives in Caribou, Carthage, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Jonesport, Limestone, Lubec, Machias, Millinocket, and Rockland.
    Senator King is also a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. He also led a bipartisan bill to provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Wants RIers to Have a Say Before U.S. Coast Guard Removes Any Coastal Buoys

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – As the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) embarks on phase one of a multi-phase plan to remove dozens of buoys from waters along Rhode Island’s coast and the surrounding area, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Committee, is urging the Coast Guard to seek input from Rhode Island commercial and recreational boaters and harbormasters before removing any navigational markers in the water.
    The Coast Guard recently announced a modernization plan to phase out hundreds of physical coastal buoys and lateral marks across the First Coast Guard District system and transition to more tech-based navigation practices, including reliance on GPS and other maritime technology.   
    An interactive grid map of the area shows just how expansive the Aids to Navigation (AtoN) system is along Rhode Island’s waterways, as well as the coastal buoy candidates considered for discontinuation.  The Ocean State is home to about 400 federal aids to navigation, including the roughly three dozen coastal buoys identified for removal in phase one of USCG’s plan.
    Senator Reed says public outreach and input is essential in this process and wants to ensure all impacted Rhode Islanders have a chance to weigh in and be heard before changes are made or buoys are eliminated.
    “The Coast Guard’s goal should be to ensure safety through an effective, efficient, and resilient navigation system.  Rhode Islanders know these waters best, and their views should guide Coast Guard decision-making.  That’s why it is important for mariners to register their views with the Coast Guard during this comment period,” said Senator Reed.  “GPS technology and apps are great, but when technology fails, there needs to be a fail-safe to keep people safe.  Everyone agrees it’s better to save a life than a few bucks.  I will not support any changes that undermine marine safety.”
    The Coast Guard is accepting public comments by email until June 13.  The electronic chart systems are available digitally through the Coast Guard’s Navigation Center.
    When providing feedback, USCG requests users include “the size and type of your vessel, how you use the buoys to navigate and the distance at which you start looking for and using it.”
    Responses are only accepted via email at: D01-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil.  A special notice, posted to USCG’s District One’s local notice to mariners website further details USCG’s request for feedback.
    Most buoys in Rhode Island’s navigation system are made of steel with steel chains, which can be costly to upkeep over time due to salt water and the elements. 
    “The Coast Guard works hard to maintain our buoy infrastructure.  And as they make changes, it is essential that they listen to local voices.  That is why I have encouraged them to reach out to Rhode Islanders and also encourage Rhode Islanders to be proactive in providing feedback.  Waterways can change over time and we want to ensure everyone can navigate them safely and efficiently,” Reed concluded.
    This coastal buoy project is just the first of USGC’s three planned efforts to modernize and reduce Rhode Island’s overall buoy constellation.  Two other plans identify shallow water and harbor buoys that the Coast Guard is considering for discontinuation.  In total, Rhode Island waters could see roughly 100 federally maintained aids to navigation cut, or roughly 25 percent of the total buoy constellation reduced in the coming years.  The Coast Guard’s overall plan can be viewed with this interactive map.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Crack Down on U.S. Firearms Flowing to Latin American Drug Cartels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Congressmen Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10) and Rob Menendez (D-N.J.-08) in a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Trump administration to use its recent designation of Latin American cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) to take aggressive action to stop the illegal trafficking of American firearms south across the Southern Border.
    “We were pleased that President Trump agreed to address the outflow of hundreds of thousands of American-made firearms across the southern border when he initially postponed the implementation of tariffs on our ally Mexico. Accordingly, we urge you to utilize the FTO designation to take aggressive action to stem the flow of American guns to the cartels,” the Members wrote. 
    The lawmakers called for a coordinated federal response to stem the flow of hundreds of thousands of American firearms that arm violent drug cartels, fuel lawlessness along the Southern Border, and bring drugs into communities across the United States. Between 200,000 and 500,000 American firearms are smuggled across U.S. borders into Mexico every year, arming Latin American criminal organizations that have used them to undermine domestic law enforcement and assert control over fentanyl and human trafficking operations back into the United States. 
    “The new FTO designation for these cartels provides additional legal tools to bolster interagency coordination, disrupt their financial networks, and impose stricter penalties on those who provide material support to these criminal enterprises. Specifically, under current statute, it is unlawful to knowingly provide material support or resources to a Foreign Terrorist Organization and those who do so can be fined or imprisoned for up to 20 years,” the Members continued. 
    The members urged the administration to effectively and strategically employ the full suite of legal options this new designation enables and offered their assistance to empower it to specifically address the “Iron River” of American firearms that are fueling violence and destruction in communities across the United States and Mexico. 
    “We hope that you move swiftly and use these new legal authorities to combat southbound arms trafficking. We stand ready to assist in this effort in any way we can, including through legislation that expands your programmatic authorities to address this critical issue,” the Members concluded. 
    Read the full letter here. 
    Senator Cortez Masto has been working to crack down on cross-border crime since she was first elected Attorney General, when she worked with Nevada’s Republican governor, law enforcement, and Mexican officials to combat the rise of methamphetamine manufacturing and cross-border drug trafficking. In the Senate, she has authored legislation to combat drug trafficking online that was signed into law, and passed critical legislation to eliminate illegal fentanyl supply chains. She has also introduced legislation to crack down on the deadly fentanyl additive xylazine. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Wyden Demand Answers from Promoters who Paid Trump Nominee to Sell Investors Fraudulent Tax Credits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) demanded answers from the promoters of a fraudulent “tribal tax credit,” after they obtained a recording of an investor call showing the scam may be far larger than previously known. Billy Long, Trump’s nominee to lead the IRS, reported earning $65,000 for his work related to the scheme. 
    The call between White River Chief Financial Officer Jay Puchir and 100 or more investors provides new evidence that the company could not provide its own investors with clear proof that the “tribal tax credit” was legitimate. White River could not provide investors with a definitive government document or government point of contact willing to validate or authenticate the legitimacy of the “tribal tax credits” sold by White River.
    The call also contains evidence of a potentially corrupt lobbying scheme between White River and incoming Trump Administration officials to authorize millions in so-called “tribal tax credits” the IRS claimed “do not exist.” During the call, Puchir claims he will use his “contacts” in the new Trump Administration to gain favorable treatment on regulatory approvals from the IRS and other federal agencies, including a potential private letter ruling from the IRS. Puchir also claims to have contacts at the SEC that will help White River get its stock publicly traded again after being delisted on the OTCQB stock market.
    “We believe the investor call contains evidence of a corrupt lobbying scheme between White River and incoming Trump Administration officials to authorize millions in so-called “tribal tax credits” the IRS claims do not exist,” wrote Cortez Masto and Wyden. “During the call, Puchir claims he will use his ‘contacts’ in the new Trump Administration to gain favorable treatment on regulatory approvals from the IRS and other federal agencies, including a potential private letter ruling from the IRS.”
    Last month, the senators called for a criminal investigation into the tax credit scheme, after the IRS informed Democratic Finance Committee Staff that “these tax credits do not exist.” 
    The full text of the letter can be found here.
    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading voice fight fraud throughout her career. She sounded the alarm on increasing check fraud scams, which cost consumers millions of dollars each year. She introduced legislation to protect and support whistleblowers reporting wrongdoing to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and her bipartisan legislation to deter disruptive and potentially harmful phone calls and texts was signed into law in 2020.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Ernst, Case, Radewagen Work to Strengthen Strategic Relationships with Pacific Islands, Counter Chinese Aggression in the Region

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Congressman Ed Case (D-Hawaii-01), and Delegate Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-A.S.). introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at strengthening the United States’ strategic partnerships with Pacific Island nations, supporting sustainable development, and combating the increasing Chinese aggression in the region. The Pacific Partnership Act would help the U.S. establish a clear, comprehensive strategy to support diplomatic, security, and economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.
    “Supporting our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific is essential to combating the Chinese Communist Party’s influence and to our long-term national security,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan bill is critical to strengthening our ties with our allies in the Pacific and ensuring they become enduring global relationships.”
    “Strengthening America’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific is critical to deterring Chinese aggression,” said Senator Ernst. “This bipartisan legislation equips us to work with nations in the Pacific that serve as the first line of defense against the Chinese Communist Party and keep Americans safe at home.”
    “Our Pacific Partnership Act responds directly to the reality that our country’s and world’s future lies in the Indo-Pacific, and that the islands of the Pacific are our indispensable partners in charting that future,” said Congressman Case. “The Pacific Islands are under increasingly severe economic, environmental and geopolitical stress, and we must expand our generational engagement to assist them where they most need assistance. The Pacific Partnership Act, molded directly on the Pacific Islands’ own blueprint to their collective future, is our roadmap to expanded engagement as well.”
    “Thank you to Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Ernst, and Congressman Case for their focus on these important partnerships that are close to home for my congressional district in the South Pacific,” said Congresswoman Radewagen. “We need sustained U.S. engagement for enduring partnerships in the Pacific Islands, keeping China’s influence in check, and strengthening mutual development opportunities.”
    The U.S. has a longstanding relationship with the Pacific Islands, and they play a crucial role in U.S. national security, facilitating military operations in support of American allies and partners. Nevada – through the National Guard – collaborates with the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Independent State of Samoa under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, strengthening security cooperation globally. 
    The Pacific Partnership Act would strengthen these crucial ties by creating a “Strategy for Pacific Partnership”. This strategy, crafted by the President and presented to Congress every four years, would outline U.S. involvement in the Pacific Islands and highlight combined efforts to combat regional challenges including natural disasters, security threats, and economic development. 
    Read the full bill here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party’s influence and protect the American national and economic security. She introduced the PASS Act to ban individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land and businesses located near U.S. military installations or sensitive sites and the Strengthening Exports Against China Act, which would incentivize economic growth by eliminating barriers for American businesses competing directly with China in emerging industries like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets, which are critical components of cell phones, computers, defense systems, and electric vehicles, but are almost exclusively made in China.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Introduces Legislation Supporting Law Enforcement in Honor of National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a resolution recognizing law enforcement officers for their diligence in protecting and serving our communities and calling for increased health and safety measures for law enforcement professionals.
    “As hostility toward police officers grows, threats to their safety increase. We must support those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” said Dr. Cassidy. 
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jim Justice (R-WV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Bernie Moreno (R-OH). Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in introducing the legislation. U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (MS-04-R) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “It’s an honor to join my colleagues in observing National Police Week. Our bipartisan resolution recognizes the valor, dignity, and dedication of our incredible law enforcement officers. Those who wear the uniform and stand with integrity to protect the liberties we cherish so deeply are owed a great debt of gratitude by our nation. I’m deeply thankful for their continued service to the state of Alabama and our entire country,” said Senator Britt.
    “The courageous men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our communities. In the face of outrageous attacks against these American heroes, we salute them, we thank them, and we pray for them,” said Senator Lee.
    “Brave law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Hagerty. “As growing threats occur, it’s critical that they have the resources they need to stay protected. I’m pleased to join this resolution calling for increased health and safety resources for law enforcement officers and highlighting their outstanding and important work.”
    “National Police Week is an opportunity to honor the men and women of law enforcement who uphold our laws, hold criminals accountable, resolve disputes, and protect the safety of our communities,” said Senator Sullivan. “There is something special, sacred even, about people who put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens in the course of a typical day at work. This week, we remember our fallen law enforcement heroes and their families, and we thank all of our public safety professionals for their selfless service on our behalf.”
    “During National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women of our law enforcement who put their lives on the line for our communities. I am proud to back the blue each and every day. May God protect all who serve,” said Senator Mullin. 
    “As a former sheriff with four decades in law enforcement, I know firsthand what it means to put on the badge and serve your community,” said Representative Ezell. “This resolution is about showing our law enforcement professionals that Congress stands with them, not just in words, but through meaningful support. We honor their service, we mourn those we’ve lost, and we commit to making sure every officer has what they need to do their job safely and effectively.”
    The bill is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, United States Deputy Sheriffs Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs’ Association, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, and Citizens Behind the Badge.
    “We endorse this resolution’s call for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well being of our law enforcement professionals. Our officers deserve the full support of the communities and the nation they so faithfully serve. Let us honor their service not only with words but through concrete actions that empower them to continue their essential work. We would like to thank Senator Cassidy for being the author of this resolution and for his continued support of Law Enforcement,” said Fabian Blache, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director.
    “Efforts like your resolution that bring greater awareness and appreciation to the sacrifices of our officers goes a long way in helping our sheriffs and police chiefs recruit and retain our forces. At the same time, it also builds a greater community understanding and appreciation which is critically needed for law enforcement work,”said Kevin Cobb, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director. 
    “Our organization has the honor of working with these quiet professionals across the nation. They serve with integrity and honor every day and more than ever need to know they are supported. We thank Senator Cassidy for his continued commitment to these everyday heroes who deserve this recognition,” said Mike Willis, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association National Training & Programs Director.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Smith Reintroduce Bill Preventing Spread of Foreign Animal Diseases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Click HERE to download audio of Grassley discussing the legislation
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) reintroduced the Healthy Dog Importation Act to combat the spread of foreign animal diseases entering the United States. The legislation would expand the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) program by providing additional tools to monitor and safeguard the health of dogs being imported into the country. 
    “Maintaining animal health is critical to our nation’s overall public health goals. We want to stop the spread of diseases that can hurt both animals and humans. Our commonsense proposal will boost an existing program to ensure all dogs entering the United States are healthy and not at risk of spreading dangerous diseases that threaten humans and our livestock,” Grassley said. 
    “We’ve seen first-hand the risk that animal-borne diseases pose to other species and humans, so it’s important that we screen animals coming across the border to make sure we’re keeping Minnesotans and their families safe. This bipartisan legislation ensures every dog imported into the United States is screened and vaccinated. Monitoring the illnesses of imported dogs will not only protect the health of our domestic and wild animals, it will also prevent disease outbreaks in people,” Smith said. 
    In addition to expanding the USDA-APHIS program, the Healthy Dog Importation Act would require every imported dog to have a certificate of veterinary inspection from a licensed veterinarian, with some exemptions for personal pet travel and military dogs. The health certificate must attest the dog has received all required vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results. 
    The legislation also would create an online database containing documentation and import permits to ensure dogs entering the country are being properly screened. This would allow further cooperation and communication between APHIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 
    “NAIA commends Representatives Johnson and Davis and Senators Grassley and Smith for taking action to reduce the spread of foreign animal diseases and pathogens. The bipartisan Healthy Dog Importation Act ensures that imported dogs meet basic health standards before crossing our borders—an essential safeguard not only for animal welfare, but for public health, biosecurity, and the integrity of our domestic pet and livestock industries. It’s a commonsense measure that responds to the realities of an increasingly interconnected world,” President of the National Animal Interest Alliance Patti Strand said.
    “NASDA is grateful for Senators Grassley and Smith’s leadership to reintroduce this timely legislation. The ongoing avian influenza outbreak and the ever-present threat of deadly African Swine Fever show the need to better protect the U.S. from highly contagious pathogens and zoonotic diseases. This legislation is critical for NASDA members, as the state departments of agriculture regulate and oversee animal health programs in their states to protect against an animal disease outbreak and secure our food supply. The Healthy Dog Importation Act helps our partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services by providing additional tools to monitor and safeguard the health of dogs being imported into the country,” CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Ted McKinney said.
    “Animal health is a top priority for U.S. cattle producers. This legislation will strengthen the inspection process to guard against the entry of zoonotic animal disease and protect public health and cattle health in the U.S. NCBA thanks Reps. Dusty Johnson and Don Davis and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tina Smith for introducing this important bill,” NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera said.
    “With the number of dogs imported into the United States rising to over one million annually, the risk of introducing and spreading diseases impacting human and animal health has dramatically increased. The proposed legislation equips federal agencies with the necessary tools to ensure all dogs entering the country are healthy and not a risk to public health. We urge Congress to pass the Healthy Dog Importation Act swiftly, as it is vital to improving our dog importation standards and strengthening the country’s animal health infrastructure,” American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President Dr. Sandra Faeh said. 
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).
    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.
    Click HERE to download audio of Grassley discussing the legislation
    Background:
    CDC estimates up to 1.245 million dogs are imported into the U.S. each year. For the estimated 113,000 canines imported from countries considered at a high-risk for rabies transmission, CDC requires a rabies vaccination certificate, but no other health documentation or identification. For the 950,000 dogs imported from rabies-free, low-risk or moderate risk countries, CDC requires no documentation or vaccination. 
    The COVID-19 pandemic has increased public health officials’ concerns regarding zoonotic diseases, which can be spread between animals and humans. The CDC reports 60 percent of all infectious diseases and three out of four emerging diseases can be spread from animals to humans. USDA-APHIS has separate regulatory authority over dogs imported for resale. However, USDA’s import requirements apply to only half of a percent of all imported dogs. 
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Force Senate Vote for Trump Admin to Obey Federal Courts, Due Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined Alex Padilla, Chris Van Hollen, Chuck Schumer, and Tim Kaine to introduce a resolution to investigate the Trump administration’s compliance with due process and court orders and El Salvador’s human rights abuses.
    “Due process is a fundamental American value and a constitutional requirement,” Hickenlooper said. “The administration cannot ignore our courts and send people to a prison in a foreign country without following due process. That’s just un-American. This vote will put every senator on the record.”
    The senators will force a vote on the resolution as soon as this week to require the Trump administration to produce a report including the following:
    Steps the administration is taking to follow court orders for U.S. citizens or residents who were wrongfully deported by the U.S. to El Salvador
    Confirmation whether U.S. security assistance has been used to support the illegal detention of U.S. residents
    Assessment of El Salvador’s human rights record
    Under existing Senate rules, if the administration fails to produce the report, security assistance to El Salvador would be prohibited by federal law.
    Companion legislation is being led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Joaquin Castro.
    Full text of the resolution available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Challenges posed by provisions on the processing and storage of fishery products – E-001814/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001814/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz (PPE)

    Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1141 requires producers to complete the processing of fishery products at temperatures between -18°C and 0°C within 96 hours, regardless of the actual microbiological risk profile. This limitation includes the stiffening process, which is generally applied in the fishing industry and is considered microbiologically safe in terms of the growth of Listeria monocytogenes.

    However, the provisions do not impose similar restrictions on the storage period for finished fish products in retail outlets. These products may be stored at temperatures between +4°C and +7°C over the shelf life specified by the manufacturer, which may be as long as 35 days. Under such conditions, the active growth of bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, is possible.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.What are the grounds for imposing a 96-hour limit on the processing of fishery products at temperatures between -18°C and 0°C, especially for processes that are not conducive to the growth of bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes?
    • 2.Has the Commission compared the microbiological risks associated with the stiffening process and the storage of finished fish products under retail conditions?
    • 3.What is the Commission’s assessment of the consistency of food safety rules, given the differences in rules on fish processing and the storage of finished products under retail conditions?

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    Last updated: 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Counterfeit pharmaceutical medicines – E-001808/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001808/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Benoit Cassart (Renew), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Billy Kelleher (Renew), Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu (Renew), Sophie Wilmès (Renew)

    The EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment report entitled ‘The changing DNA of serious and organised crime’ underlines growing concerns over pharmaceutical crime, namely the circulation and promotion of counterfeit, falsified, substandard or fraudulently obtained medicines. The report highlights the fact that all types of medicines can be concerned but that there are growing concerns over antidiabetic, weight loss and hormonal substances. Furthermore, pharmaceutical crime has been identified as an enabler for drug crime, as pharmaceuticals are used for the production of synthetic drugs.

    The report warns about the theft of medicines, which may occur throughout the supply chain, in locations ranging from manufacturing sites to hospitals, and the illicit manufacturing of pharmaceuticals within EU-based clandestine laboratories.

    Pharmaceutical crime poses a clear risk to public health and safety, undermines the European pharmaceutical industry and incurs significant economic losses.

    • 1.What action does the Commission intend to take to fight pharmaceutical crime?
    • 2.What action does the Commission intend to take to protect EU patients and to better inform them about the risks posed by counterfeit medicines for their health and safety?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to work with the Council to include pharmaceutical crime as one of the top EU crime priorities under EMPACT (the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) for the post-2025 period?

    Submitted: 5.5.2025

    Last updated: 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –