NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Applications open for $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Applications have opened for a $30 million fund for projects that will enhance the resilience of New Zealand’s coastal shipping connections and help boost economic growth, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.

    The Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund was established through the Government Policy Statement on land transport. Funding will be allocated through a contestable process, with the criteria’s scope confirmed today.

    “The coastal shipping sector is vulnerable to natural hazard risks. Disruption to the sector could worsen New Zealand’s supply chain and economic performance,” Mr Meager says.

    “This long-term investment is crucial to ensuring we as a nation can get our goods to market, which is vital to growing the economy. Economic growth means more jobs, higher incomes and better public services for all Kiwis.”

    The fund will be used to invest in a small number of landmark projects, to support assets and facilities with a long lifespan well beyond the three-year funding period.

    This could include strengthening wharves and jetties, improving access routes to and from ports, or upgrading freight handling equipment.

    Preference will be given to applications which include co-investment.

    Mr Meager says the fund will also consider requests from sectors that support the resilience of the wider coastal shipping sector through, for example, energy and fuel, navigation aids, or the training of seafarers. 

    “Coastal shipping plays an important role in New Zealand’s freight network. It provides a safe and low emitting way of transporting large, heavy cargo such as shipping containers – along with cement and aggregate used in building new infrastructure.

    “It is also a lifeline when natural disaster strikes, as demonstrated following Cyclone Gabrielle when coastal shipping provided critical services to Tairāwhiti. The fund will ensure those benefits can continue.

    “The fund will enhance the coastal shipping sector’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptive events that would otherwise undermine our coastal freight connections.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information on missing person

    Source: New Zealand Police

    New Plymouth Police are working to locate missing person Jan.

    Jan was last seen walking north along State Highway 3 near the intersection of Thomason Road, between Egmont Village and New Plymouth at around 11am yesterday.

    She was last seen wearing long pants and a green jacket.

    Police have serious concerns for her welfare.

    If you see Jan, or have any information that could help, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105 and quoting file number 250611/5626.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Stillwater to Relocate

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the relocation of its Stillwater Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) from the City of Stillwater Community Center to the Meridian Technology Center beginning Thursday, June 12 at 8:00 a.m.

    SBA opened the DLOC to provide personalized assistance to Stillwater residents, small businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by wildfires and straight-line winds occurring March 14-21.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

    Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The City of Stillwater Community Center DLOC will permanently close Wednesday, June 11 at close of business. The Meridian Technology Center DLOC will open Thursday, June 12 with the location and hours of operation as indicated below.

    PAYNE COUNTY

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Meridian Technology Center
    Rooms 127 and 129
    1414 South Sangre Rd.
    Stillwater, OK  74074

    Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Opens Thursday, June 12 at 8:00 a.m.

    The following DLOC locations are also open and continue to serve survivors:

    CREEK COUNTY

    LINCOLN COUNTY

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    First Baptist Church of Mannford
    105 Greenwood Ave.
    Mannford, OK  74044

    Mondays – Tuesdays, 
    9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    Thursdays – Fridays, 
    9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Carney High School
    203 Carney St.
    Carney, OK  74832

    Mondays – Fridays, 
    9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

     

     

     

    LOGAN COUNTY

    PAWNEE COUNTY

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Logan County Courthouse Annex
    (Across the street north of the 
    courthouse in the old 
    Girl Scout room)
    312 E. Harrison Ave.
    Guthrie, OK  73044

    Mondays – Fridays, 
    9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    First Baptist Church Cleveland
    201 W. Crestview Rd.
    Cleveland, OK  74020|

    Mondays – Fridays, 
    8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 22, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Highlights Trump Administration’s Cruelty Toward Veterans During Appropriations Markup

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at the House Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill and Subcommittee Allocations. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:

    Click here to watch a full video of his remarks.

    “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, unfortunately, this bill has been a bipartisan bill. As a matter of fact, many of the bills that we did do, in the past, have been bipartisan bills. And very frankly, in that respect, I think they were better bills. Not only that, but I think they were more likely to be adopted, not only by the Senate, but by the Congress and signed by the president. These bills are not going to go anywhere, and they’re not going to be passed.

    “And there is a disturbing discrepancy, Mr. Chairman, between how this administration praises our veterans and military families, and how it actually treats them. Earlier this year, I met with a veteran from my district, Albert Ostering, who works in cybersecurity. He served in the Air Force back in the 90s. He later spent six years as a federal contractor for the Department of Defense and then eight years as a civilian employee with the Marine Corps, tasked with supporting critical cyber security missions. In 2023, he got [a] promotion to work at [the] Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He helped defend America and our allies from cyber-attacks and hacking operations perpetrated by foreign adversaries like Russia.

    “The job wasn’t easy. Albert often spent Christmas and other holidays apart from his family while on assignments abroad. In that job, throughout his career, however, Albert consistently, consistently exceeded expectations and received outstanding reviews from his superiors. He excelled under both Republican and Democratic administrations. He told me, and I quote him, ‘Not once would I ask is this a Republican mission or a Democratic mission. It’s an American mission. It’s what we need to do.’ That was his premise and his action.

    “On February 14th – Valentine’s Day, this year, Albert received an email that he had been terminated for performance issues. That was a lie. That was a ruse. That was a made-up reason for removing him for no cause. Neither he nor his supervisor had been warned in advance. A decade of service, health care for his family, his entire livelihood, all brought to an end with a single email. The rhetoric that we use for veterans was not displayed in that action toward that veteran. Is that really how we want to treat our veterans?

    “Sadly, Albert’s story, as so many of you know, is not unique. I’m sure every one of you has heard from somebody in your district about how they received a summarily dismissal without cause, without reason, and without notice. That number will surely grow, given the veterans represent some 30% of our federal workers whom the Trump Administration has deemed ‘villains.’ You know the quote from Mr. Vought, who heads up OMB. He wanted them to be perceived as villains. Every one of our federal employees. How sad.

    “Trump’s plan to fire 80,000 – to fire 80,000 VA employees – and privatize medical services for our vets will only increase costs, diminish the quality of care, and reduce access to vital programs. That’s why, Mr. Chairman, thousands of veterans took to the National Mall last week to protest this administration. These were not my words. These were not Democratic words. These were people who had fought for our country, displayed valor in battle, committed to America’s freedom and democracy, summarily told, ‘We don’t need you anymore.’ Frankly, they don’t want a parade. They want their country to honor its commitment to them, just as they honored their commitment to their country.

    “This bill is another example, Mr. Chairman, of our government falling short of our sacred duty to care for our veterans and military families. It advances the Trump Administration’s VA overhaul. However, it hurts our military readiness and the quality of life of our servicemen, members and military families by underfunding military construction. Therefore, I must oppose this bill and urge a No Vote in each and every member who cares deeply about serving our veterans and our country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Backs Bill to Require Trump Tariff Cost Transparency

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) co-sponsored U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD-08) Truth in Tariffs Act, which would require large retailers to clearly display the portion of an item’s price attributable to tariffs. At a time of increasing economic chaos generated solely by President Trump, this bill will give Americans full transparency on the hidden costs of tariffs.

    “Instead of delivering on his promise to lower costs for families, Trump is recklessly imposing new tariff taxes that will have the opposite effect,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Families who carefully budget every dollar deserve to know how this Administration’s trade policies are driving up prices. That’s why I’m co-sponsoring Rep. Raskin’s bill to ensure large retailers provide full transparency on tariff costs—so families can make informed decisions.”

    Under the Truth in Tariffs Act, Americans who are being asked to pay more for the products they need will have greater decision-making power at grocery stores, car dealerships, e-commerce marketplaces, and more. Furthermore, this legislation will protect consumers from price-gouging by ensuring that large retailers do not use President Trump’s chaotic tariffs rollout as an excuse to hike up prices even further.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ahead of 13th Anniversary of DACA, Rosen Slams Trump’s Attacks on Dreamers, Calls for Permanent Protections on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    Senator Rosen Urged Her Colleagues to Pass a Bipartisan Solution That Gives DACA Recipients a Pathway to Citizenship and Keeps Families Together
    Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to mark the thirteenth anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and deliver a forceful defense of Nevada’s Dreamers in light of the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrant communities across the country. Senator Rosen reaffirmed her commitment to do everything in her power to protect the more than 12,000 DACA recipients in Nevada who know no other home but the U.S., and she condemned Donald Trump’s repeated efforts to dismantle the program.
    Senator Rosen also criticized Washington’s long-standing failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform, calling it unacceptable that DACA recipients continue to live in fear and uncertainty. She urged her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stop using Dreamers as a political football and take immediate action to pass legislation that provides permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship.
    Below are excerpts of Senator Rosen’s floor remarks:
    As we approach the thirteenth anniversary of DACA, I rise today in strong support of this program and the thousands of Nevadans who rely on it.
    My state of Nevada is home to more than twelve thousand DACA beneficiaries who know of no other country as their own. 
    They grew up in our communities and contribute to our nation and our economy.
    They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. 
    Many of them are now even raising their own families here – sending their kids to school, taking them to soccer practice, and going to the park on weekends.
    But Washington has failed them. 
    What started out as a temporary program – meant to protect Dreamers while Congress worked to pass a more permanent solution – has turned into a decades-long lifeline for so many. 
    Washington’s gridlock and its inability to pass comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers has left them to depend on DACA.
    It has also opened the door to attacks from the Trump Administration and right-wing extremists…
    During his first term, Donald Trump rescinded DACA and threw this critical program into a tail-spin… leaving the future of Dreamers and their families to depend on court case after court case.
    Can anyone in this chamber imagine the stress, the fear, the uncertainty they have had to endure all of these years not knowing if they’d be separated from their families or not?
    In his second term, Trump has been relentless in attacking and separating hardworking, law-abiding immigrant families… increasing fear and worry in our immigrant communities, including DACA recipients. 
    If DACA were to end, millions of Dreamers across our nation would be at risk of having to leave the only country they’ve ever known… the only place they’ve ever called home.
    Parents would face separation from their children, leaving families forever traumatized.
    And our economy and communities would gravely suffer.
    And just imagine the message we would be sending….
    Nevadans who have done everything right since they arrived in our state… Nevadans who were brought here as kids through no fault of their own, and who followed the rules when the government asked them to, followed the rules… Nevadans who have graduated college, Nevadans who have served in the military, and started businesses in our communities… Nevadans who are currently protected… could now lose the only life they have ever known.
    So, Mr. President, it’s past time that politicians in Washington stop using Dreamers as a political football and finally pass a law that permanently protects them.
    These hardworking Americans deserve to have peace of mind… and they deserve a life without fear.
    I want Dreamers to know they have allies in their corner. 
    As Nevada’s Senator, I’ll do everything in my power to protect all of our communities and keep families together.
    Since Day One in the Senate, I’ve been pushing my colleagues to come together in a bipartisan way to pass a permanent solution… one that gives Dreamers permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship. A pathway to citizenship now, while we continue to work on comprehensive immigration reform that this country so surely needs. 
    This shouldn’t be a partisan issue… and as long as I’m in the Senate, I won’t stop fighting for it.  
    I want everyone to know that in the meantime, I will continue to do everything in my power to protect DACA and the thousands of Nevadans who rely on it. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Congratulates EPA Deputy Administrator on Senate Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    June 10, 2025

    Washington, D.C.— Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed David Fotouhi as deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    “Congratulations to David Fotouhi on becoming deputy administrator of the EPA,” said Lummis. “David is a champion for commonsense environmental regulations and rolling back Green New Scam policies that burdened Wyoming and the west. I look forward to partnering with him to deliver real results for the Cowboy State.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 06.10.2025 Sens. Cruz, Rosen Introduce Bill Expanding Fellowship Opportunities for Servicemembers Leaving Active Duty

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Jacky Rosen (D- Nev.) introduced the SkillBridge Congressional Fellowship Act of 2025. This legislation allows servicemembers transitioning out of active duty to complete congressional fellowships through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) SkillBridge program, allowing them to begin exploring post-service careers in public service and policy. 
    Sen. Cruz said, “Each year, thousands of servicemembers leave active duty with a desire to continue serving their country outside of military service. Meanwhile Congress would benefit greatly from individuals with firsthand military and operational experience. This bill provides opportunities for those servicemembers to evaluate a legislative career path, and more broadly what a career in politics or policy would entail, while allowing them to serve in Congress. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation swiftly.”
    Sen. Rosen said, “Our service members sacrifice so much to keep us safe, and it’s our duty to do everything possible to help them transition back to civilian life. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to expand opportunities for service members to continue in public service after their military career by making it easier to take part in congressional fellowships. I’ll always support our nation’s service members and veterans.”
    Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. John McGuire (R-Va.-05).
    Read the full text of the bill here.
    BACKGROUND
    This bill will:
    Grant eligibility for service in member offices, leadership offices, and committees.
    Limit participation to one fellow per office.
    Require approval from both the servicemember’s chain of command and the congressional host.
    Standardize onboarding covering ethics, Hill procedures, and the legislative process.
    Mandate formal notification procedures to DoD legislative affairs.
    Allow for a maximum fellowship duration of 180 days.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine: New Report Shows Over 302,000 Virginians Will Lose Health Insurance Under GOP Tax Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after a new Joint Economic Committee (JEC) report found that an estimated 302,608 Virginians would lose their health insurance under President Trump and Republicans’ tax plan:
    “This new report estimates that the Trump tax plan would cause over 302,000 Virginians, including low-income children and people with disabilities, to lose their health insurance—all to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. That’s over 302,000 Virginians who will be forced to forgo a trip to the doctor’s office or get the critical medication they need. These cuts will have long-term, negative consequences for the health and wellbeing of our communities and our already overburdened health care system. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop this bill that will do real harm to communities across Virginia and the country.”  
    According to the JEC, an estimated 136,583 Virginians would lose coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and 166,025 Virginians would lose coverage under Medicaid. This JEC report is based off of the latest numbers available, including from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s recent analysis of the Republican tax bill.
    Warner and Kaine have been sounding the alarm about the effects of the GOP plan on Virginia families if Republicans in Congress continue to insist on gutting vital programs in order to pay for tax breaks for the richest Americans. The senators have noted that the GOP bill would cut SNAP benefits for more than 204,000 people in Virginia, raise energy costs for Virginia households, and jeopardize more than 20,000 Virginia jobs. The bill would also explode the deficit, eliminate a program allowing Americans to file federal taxes for free, raise taxes on minimum-wage workers while giving the richest 0.1% a $188,000 tax cut, eliminate gun safety measures, and make it harder for federal judges to hold government officials accountable when they act lawlessly.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Introduces Trump’s Nominees Andy Puzder, Jacob Helberg

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, introduced Andy Puzder, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, and Jacob Helberg, President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Remarks as prepared for delivery:
    Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Shaheen, thank you for holding today’s hearing.
    It is my honor to introduce two of my good friends this morning:
    Mr. Andy Puzder—President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the European Union; and,
    Mr. Jacob Helberg—President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
    Let me first speak to Andy’s qualifications.
    Andy is a patriot whose highly accomplished career in business, law, and public policy makes him an excellent candidate for this ambassadorial role.
    Andy is widely recognized for his leadership as the former CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.
    During his tenure, he led the company through a significant turnaround, growing CKE’s role as a major player in the global fast-food industry.
    Under Andy’s leadership, CKE expanded to over 3,800 restaurants across 45 states and 40 foreign countries, with more than 115,000 employees worldwide.
    His experience navigating international markets and cross-border business challenges gives him a practical, hands-on understanding of global commerce—an asset of particular relevance to a diplomatic post in Brussels that is focused on transatlantic economic relations.
    Yet his qualifications extend beyond the boardroom.
    Andy is a seasoned attorney, a published author, and a deeply respected voice in national debates over public policy.
    He has also been a vocal advocate for pro-growth economic policies, regulatory reform, and other efforts to strengthen American competitiveness in global markets—issues that are central to the ongoing relationship between the United States and the European Union.
    As the nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Andy brings with him not only decades of executive leadership, but also a clear understanding of how economic policy affects real people, businesses, and international relationships.
    At a time when transatlantic cooperation faces both opportunities and challenges—from trade and technology to security—his experience and know-how will be critical to furthering ties between the United States and Europe in support of President Trump’s agenda.
    Let me now turn to Jacob Helberg, a nominee whose vision, intellect, and tenacity make him uniquely qualified for the role of Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
    His nomination comes at a pivotal moment.
    From economic coercion to critical mineral choke points to energy issues and the weaponization of advanced technologies, the challenges posed by adversaries to our nation are urgent and complex.
    To meet these challenges, we need fierce advocates for American competitiveness like Jacob at the State Department.
    Over the years I have known Jacob, I have found that he is a true visionary, with a rare ability to take big, strategic ideas and turn them into meaningful action.
    I remember when Jacob came by my office shortly after being nominated and I commented that his nomination was likely very unwelcome news in Beijing—and for good reason.
    Jacob’s ideas and publications have helped reframe how policymakers view China’s predatory trade practices and the strategic dimensions of emerging technologies in AI, space, and robotics.
    Jacob is a public servant, whose work as a commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has driven U.S. policy toward a safer and more prosperous future.
    And Jacob is an internationally recognized leader, whose Hill and Valley Forum has become a preeminent venue for bringing Washington policymakers and Silicon Valley innovators together to address important economic and national security issues—the same issues that Jacob will tackle if confirmed as Under Secretary.
    At a time when authoritarian regimes like China exploit economic tools and emerging technologies to undermine our national interests, Jacob’s nomination reflects the urgent need for strategic, tech-savvy leadership of U.S. foreign policy.
    Jacob will bring to the role of Under Secretary not only a profound understanding of the global economy, but also a powerful grasp of the digital battlegrounds where this century’s great power competition is playing out.
    I have no doubt that Jacob will serve with integrity, focus, and a determination to strengthen America’s hand on the world stage.
    Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to introduce my friends Andy and Jacob this morning.
    I would also like to extend my regards to Ben Black, nominated to lead the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, whose expertise in investment and development will be instrumental in advancing our nation’s global economic interests.
    We need these highly qualified leaders on the frontlines of American diplomacy, and I urge my colleagues to support their nominations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement Mourning Passing of Former Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    NEWARK, N.J. – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
    “I am deeply saddened by the news of former Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes’ passing. He was a true champion for all New Jerseyans, dedicating his life’s work to the improvement of our shared communities. Brian’s legacy is one of service, investing in the infrastructure that moves our state and the programs that serve our neighbors. I send my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know Brian.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Navy Secretary Declares Support for Legislation to Guarantee the Military’s Right to Repair Its Own Equipment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 10, 2025
    Secretary Phelan: “I am a huge supporter of right to repair.”
    Chairman Wicker: “I look forward to working with my two colleagues on a workable solution.”
    Video of Exchange (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Navy Secretary John Phelan told U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) that he is a “huge supporter of right to repair” and expressed support for a bill guaranteeing the military can repair its own equipment and requiring contractors to offer repair materials for a fair and reasonable price.
    Defense contractors have a history of sneaking fine print into contracts that limits troops’ ability to repair equipment at crucial moments. These restrictions also mean that the U.S. government often has to cover the cost of sending a contractor to the field to perform even minor fixes or has to ship equipment back to the U.S. for repairs. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that flying a contractor out for maintenance can add up to as much as $1.2 million in travel costs. In Okinawa, Japan, Marines were forced to send engines in need of repair back to contractors in the U.S., turning the repair into a lengthy process that could have been completed more quickly on-site by Marines. 
    Secretary Phelan stated that the Navy’s current repair rules “make no sense” and agreed the money wasted on travel costs for contractors could be better spent training service members on how to fix equipment themselves. Secretary Phelan highlighted additional examples of instances in which contractor-imposed repair restrictions have hurt readiness: in one instance, six out of eight ovens on a 5,300-person aircraft carrier were not working, and instead of having a service member fix them, they had to wait for a contractor to fly out. Secretary Phelan also noted that, because of repair restrictions, an elevator outage requires five contractors to fly out just to diagnose the issue.
    “It is crazy. We should be able to fix this,” said Secretary Phelan.
    Asked by Senator Warren, Secretary Phelan said he supports a bill to help the services better negotiate for repair rights at a fair and reasonable price. Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) expressed interest in the bill, stating, “I look forward to working with my two colleagues on a workable solution, particularly since the Secretary is so supportive of that concept.”
    “This is an opportunity to stand up for our sailors and Marines as well as for the taxpayers, and I look forward to working with [Secretary Phelan]…[t]o make sure that our service members have the tools they need to be able to repair their own equipment,” concluded Senator Warren.
    In a recent Fox News op-ed, Senators Warren and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) underscored how right to repair restrictions imposed by defense contractors hurt the military’s ability to respond to threats and called for every service of the military to follow Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s lead and ensure the military has the right to repair the equipment it owns. The senators also announced an upcoming new bipartisan bill to make securing the right to repair at a fair and reasonable price the policy across all of the military services. During the hearing, Secretary Phelan expressed support for this legislation.
    Transcript: Hearings to examine the posture of the Department of the Navy in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense ProgramSenate Armed Services CommitteeJune 10, 2025
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, for years, giant defense contractors have been sneaking fine print into contracts that prevent sailors and Marines from maintaining their own equipment. These restrictions increase costs, they hurt readiness, and they make a lot of money for the contractors. 
    During your confirmation process, Secretary Phelan, you committed to explore how to “best leverage right to repair and technical data rights within acquisition contracts to enable organic repair capacity.” I wrote it down. So, I want to make sure that that maintains as a priority. 
    Marines in Okinawa, Japan, had to send back engines to contractors in the U.S. for repairs, a process that took months, when the Marines could have done it themselves onsite, but they had to do that because that is what the contract said, and when it’s a ship, the United States government actually foots the bill to send the contractor out to sea. GAO found that travel costs to have a contractor complete repairs for one order on the USS Montgomery in Singapore would cost about $1.2 million. That’s just for the travel costs. 
    So, Secretary Phelan, would you agree that the Navy could be using those millions of dollars to train service members on the skills they need so they can fix their own equipment, rather than spending that money to fly contractors to provide tech support?
    Secretary John C. Phelan: Senator, thank you for the question. I know it’s very important to you. What we do makes no sense to me. Okay, and so I am a huge supporter of right to repair. I went on the Ford carrier. They had eight ovens. This is a ship that serves 15,300 meals a day. Only two were working. Six were out. And I said, “You’ve got 5300 people on the ship. You’re telling me someone can’t fix an oven. We got a lot of engineers.” We can, but we need to wait for the contractor to get out. I asked the question about our elevators. If an elevator goes out, what happens? We’ve got to call Huntington. They’ve got to call the four other people. They have to come out and diagnose the problem, and then they’ll fix it. It is crazy. We should be able to fix this. And my other hot button, which I know is another one of yours and this committee’s, is IP and our intellectual property rights. We end up paying for a lot of things that we don’t control, and we need to change that. And so contracting in general is something we’re looking at very hard, and we need to really try to ensure going forward we control our IP and we have the ability to fix things, because if we’re in a fight, how do we not? How do we fix it then?
    Senator Warren: You have this so right. The importance, not only of doing it on a day-by-day basis, but you need all of that muscle memory of how to fix things in case you’re under much more adverse circumstances and don’t have time to let something lie there unused while you try to fly in somebody from halfway around the world. 
    So, let me just make sure I’ve got you on the record here. Do you agree that the Navy needs to negotiate for comprehensive repair rights so that contractors cannot find shady ways both to insist on their ability to do the repairs, but also to keep the data that you need away from you so that you can’t do it yourself?
    Secretary Phelan: Senator, I agree, we need to repair the right to repair our ships. How we specifically go about that, I need to look at and understand better. But trust me, you and I are simpatico on this.
    Senator Warren: Okay, and then I will ask you, while we’re being so simpatico here, let me ask you one more: Do you support Congress passing a law that will help you negotiate repair rights at a fair and reasonable price? 
    Secretary Phelan: Yes, I do. 
    Senator Warren: Okay. I really do appreciate this, you know, and so do 70% of voters, according to recent polling. And this is why Senator Sheehy and I are introducing the Warrior Right to Repair Act to make sure that every service follows the Army’s lead of securing repair rights and requiring contractors to offer those rights at fair and reasonable prices. This is an opportunity to stand up for our sailors and Marines as well as for the taxpayers, and I look forward to working with you. I know that Senator Sheehy does as well. And we want to work with all of our colleagues to make sure that our service members have the tools they need to be able to repair their own equipment. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Roger Wicker: Thank you, Senator Warren. Secretary Phelan, have you had a chance, or has your team had a chance, to look at the specifics of the language of the Warren-Sheehy bill that has been referred to?
    Secretary Phelan: I have not, Senator. 
    Chairman Wicker: Okay, will you please do that, and comment about the specifics on the record? It would be very helpful to us.
    Secretary Phelan: Absolutely. 
    Chairman Wicker: Thank you. And I look forward to working with my two colleagues on a workable solution, particularly since the Secretary is so supportive of that concept.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Slams Trump Administration’s Request to Rescind Over $9 Billion in Federally Appropriated Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight took to the Senate floor to slam the Trump Administration’s reckless request to rescind $9.4 billion in Fiscal Years (FY) 2024 and 2025 Congressionally-appropriated funds, which provide vital support to Americans through public broadcasting and radio networks and promote U.S. global leadership.  
    In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized how rescinding these funds will put American lives at risk, damage security alliances and global partnerships, and erode Congress’s constitutional authority over appropriations. 
    “The President likes to talk about his historic mandate. He did win—it was 2 million votes out of 152 million cast. It was a small margin of victory, the smallest by a Republican presidential candidate since the 1900s. My point here is not so much the size of the ‘mandate.’ Whatever the ‘mandate,’ a President should embrace the responsibility that he or she has to the entire country, and that includes folks who didn’t vote for him,” said Senator Welch.  
    “I do not believe even those who did were voting to risk their lives and their children’s lives by cutting funds to stop the spread of Ebola, or measles, or West Nile virus. This wasn’t a mandate to shut down programs to defend democracy where it’s under assault. This was not a vote to withdraw from UNICEF. This was not a vote, necessarily, to turn our back on the world’s refugees, including in particular, Afghan refugees who saved lives of our men and women in uniform.” 
    Senator Welch concluded: “Of course, Article I gives to the Congress the power to tax and the power to spend. And it is absolutely essential we do that carefully and wisely because our constituents are the ones who are going to pay the bill through taxes we assess, and they are the ones who are going to receive the benefits through appropriations we make. But to abdicate that power—which is essentially what this rescission would accommodate for the executive—is to turn over that power to the President. And it’s not just a matter of it being this President—it’s any President. In order for us to meet our responsibilities, we have to adhere to our constitutional responsibility under Article I. We are the ones who are subject to the will of the people—in the House every two years, in the Senate every six years—to account for how we tax and how we spend. Let’s not dodge by delegating that power to the executive.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s full speech below: 
    The following programs would be eliminated or drastically reduced if the Trump Administration’s request for recissions are approved: 
    A cut of $1.1B for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 
    A cut of $500 million for Global Health Programs, for activities to protect child and maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases.  
    A cut of $800 million for assistance for refugees, like those fleeing genocide in Darfur and Burma. 
    A cut of $83 million for programs to support democracy, through organizations like the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, and Freedom House, which have always received strong bipartisan support.  
    A cut of $1.65 billion for the Economic Support Fund, which funds economic assistance for Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon, and scores of other programs that combat corruption, transnational money laundering and terrorist financing, human and wildlife trafficking, and that build markets for U.S. exports.     
    A cut of $460 million for assistance for Georgia, Armenia, Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the other former Soviet Republics.  
    A cut of $496 million for international disaster assistance that provides life-saving aid for victims of natural and man-made disasters, from earthquakes and hurricanes to armed conflicts. 
    A cut of $202 million for specialized agencies, including for the United States’ contribution to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 
    Senator Welch has been a leading voice in pushing back against the Trump Administration’s unlawful efforts to dismantle vital programs and terminate billions of dollars in life-saving aid. Following the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE’s, unlawful firings of over 5,500 U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees, Senator Welch demanded answers from the State Department on DOGE’s actions that directly violate funds appropriated by Congress through the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act.   
    In April, Senator Welch spoke on the Senate Floor on how President Trump’s January 20th Executive Order suspending admission to the United States for Afghan refugees has left vulnerable families stranded and abandoned thousands who face persecution. In his remarks, the Senator urged Congress to expedite the resettlement of Afghan refugees, many of whom worked with, and for, the U.S. government, our diplomats, and our intelligence officers.   
    Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Condemns Trump Federalizing of National Guard After Indiscriminate ICE Raids in Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla Condemns Trump Federalizing of National Guard After Indiscriminate ICE Raids in Los Angeles

    WATCH: Padilla calls Trump’s cruel immigration enforcement an attempt to “distract from his failed agenda”WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, spoke on the Senate floor to blast President Trump for manufacturing a crisis by launching indiscriminate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across Los Angeles and deploying the National Guard and active-duty servicemembers to the region. Padilla slammed President Trump for scapegoating immigrants to distract from his failed policies, including Republicans’ billionaire-first budget reconciliation bill that would cut critical services like health care and nutrition for millions of working families across the country.
    Despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections, Trump federalized California’s National Guard without the request and support of the Governor for the first time since 1965. Padilla emphasized that this unprecedented move from President Trump was designed to “create chaos, in order to escalate tensions in the region and to create a pretext for more extreme actions in the future.”
    Padilla urged Californians to exercise their First Amendment rights to peacefully protest President Trump’s abuse of the armed forces and ignorance of due process, but he stressed that violence and vandalism have no place in these protests.
    Key Excerpts:
    “It’s not a coincidence, after one of the most embarrassing weeks, to be sure, of the Trump presidency, as the public has continued to learn the truth about the budget reconciliation bill that would cut health care for so many working families across the country in order to pay for further tax breaks for the most wealthy in America.”
    “Just as he’d done so many times before, when things are going bad, when all else fails, what does he do? Classic Trump playbook: he turns to scapegoating immigrants, and he decided that this was the time to launch indiscriminate ICE raids throughout the Los Angeles region, clearly not just targeting criminals, but so many others. ICE raids in workplaces in an attempt to manufacture a crisis.”
    “Let’s be clear: what you’re all seeing on the news about the Los Angeles region right now is a crisis that Donald Trump has created, and he’s doing it to distract from his failed agenda.”
    “Let’s not give the President what he wants. There’s two things he wants. He either wants us to be quiet and go away and let him continue to overreach and abuse his power. We will not stand for that. We have First Amendment rights, and so let’s peacefully protest. Second, for those who think this is an opportunity to exploit and to turn violent, to vandalize, that’s exactly what Donald Trump wants: any excuse, large or small, to continue to escalate his use of force. Let’s not give him that.”
    “To the rest of the country, I urge you to see this for what it is, because when the headline turns on Donald Trump, Donald Trump turns on the American people.”
    Senator Padilla has been outspoken in slamming the Los Angeles ICE raids and Trump’s misguided mobilization of the National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. Yesterday, Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded answers from top Trump Administration officials regarding the arrest and detention of David Huerta, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California and SEIU-United Service Workers West. Padilla has joined national and local TV and radiobroadcasts in the past few days to condemn the Trump Administration’s ICE raids across Los Angeles and President Trump’s ensuing unprecedented deployment of California’s National Guard and Marines to the region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Help Introduce Bicameral Bill to Repeal the Gun Industry’s Legal Liability Shield

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 09, 2025
    Legislation would give victims of gun violence their day in court & enable them to hold manufacturers accountable for negligence
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – During Gun Violence Awareness Month, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) and more than 80 Members of Congress in introducing the bicameral Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, legislation to ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety. The bill would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), passed by Congress in 2005, which gives the gun industry a unique and unjustifiable legal liability shield that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits. 
    “The needless gun violence that too many Illinoisans—and Americans across the country—experience is heartbreaking and not reflective of the kind of future my daughters or any of our young people deserve,” Duckworth said. “That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, that will hold gun manufacturers accountable and bring justice to grieving families. I’ll never stop working for commonsense gun safety reforms.”
    “It’s unconscionable that the gun industry is shielded from the consequences of negligent behavior that would result in liability if this were any other product,” said Durbin. “Gun dealers and manufacturers do not deserve special treatment, and certainly not at the expense of the communities that are plagued by gun violence. By repealing this unjustifiable legal liability shield, this bill will allow victims of gun violence to seek justice and have their day in court.”
    When Congress passed PLCAA, its supporters argued that it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits, and that victims of gun violence would not be shut out of the courts. In reality, numerous cases around the nation have been dismissed on the basis of PLCAA, even when the gun dealers and manufacturers acted in a fashion that would qualify as negligent if it involved any other product. Victims in these cases were denied the right to even discover or introduce evidence. This legislation allows civil cases to go forward against irresponsible bad actors.
    In 2005, the National Rifle Association (NRA) identified PLCAA as their “number one” legislative priority, and the NRA celebrated the passage calling it the “most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years.” Letting courts hear these cases would provide justice to victims and their families, while creating incentives for responsible business practices that would reduce injuries and deaths. Effectively, the gun industry would once again be subject to the same laws as every other industry, just as it was prior to 2005.
    The legislation is endorsed by Brady, GIFFORDS Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Guns Down America, Newtown Action Alliance and Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.
    In addition to Duckworth and Durbin, the legislation is also co-sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-District At Large), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), David Scott (D-GA-13), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02).
    Full text of the bill is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Warren and Colleagues Demand Investigation After Uncovering DOGE Employee Gained Access to Sensitive Education Department Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 09, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and fellow Senate Democratic colleagues in calling on the Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to open an investigation into new information obtained by her office revealing that DOGE may have gained access to “two of [Federal Student Aid] FSA’s internal systems: Financial Management System (FMS) and Partner Connect,” in addition to sensitive borrower data. Following DOGE’s “takeover” of ED, the Senators opened an investigation into the matter. In response, ED disclosed that DOGE supported a review of FSA’s contracts, and to conduct this review, ED granted “one employee [] read-only access” to two of FSA’s internal systems, which both hold sensitive personal information for people on Title IV loan and grant programs. 
    “Because of the Department’s refusal to provide full and complete information, the full extent of DOGE’s role and influence at ED remains unknown,” wrote the Senators. “This lack of clarity is not only frustrating for borrowers but also dangerous for the future of an agency that handles an extensive student loan portfolio and a range of federal aid programs for higher education.”
    ED also disclosed that it had since “revoked” that employee’s access to both of those systems. Alarmingly, ED did not indicate why the DOGE employee’s access had been revoked, whether this employee has retained access to any other ED databases and what actions the Department has done to ensure that student loan borrowers’ sensitive information would not be released or misused. The Senators are requesting that the ED OIG conduct a review to determine whether ED adhered to the Privacy Act and also determine the impact of DOGE’s new plans to consolidate Americans’ personal information across government databases.
    In addition to Duckworth and Warren, the letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    Full text of the letter is available below and on Senator Duckworth’s website:
    Dear Acting Inspector General Rocque:
    Earlier this year, we opened an investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) infiltration of the Department of Education (ED or the Department). Our investigation revealed some new information about the scope of DOGE’s access to the Department’s internal databases. For example, ED informed us that “one employee had read-only access to two of [Federal Student Aid] FSA’s internal systems:” Financial Management System (FMS) and Partner Connect. However, ED refused to provide us other key information, including which DOGE employees had access to sensitive Education Department data, whether access to borrowers’ data, in particular, was granted, and what safeguards had been implemented to protect this sensitive ED data.
    We write to refer these findings to your office and, given the Department’s failure to provide full information in response to our inquiries, request that the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (ED OIG) conduct a review to determine whether DOGE and ED may have compromised sensitive data or violated the agency’s procedures and responsibilities to protect sensitive data from misuse and unauthorized access. Furthermore, given new reporting that DOGE plans to consolidate Americans’ personal information across government databases, we request that you evaluate the impact this action will have on students’ and educators’ privacy and provide recommendations for safeguarding this data in light of these new threats.
    In Response to Congressional Requests, ED Has Refused to Provide Key Information About DOGE’s Takeover
    In February 2025, DOGE initiated a “takeover” of the Education Department, “gain[ing] access to federal student loan data, which includes personal information for millions of borrowers.” Initial reporting raised potential privacy concerns given the federal student loan database stores borrowers’ Social Security numbers, income information, and other personally identifiable information. Indeed, one ED employee worried that DOGE would “use information from the national student loan database to target Americans, push career employees out and hamper the federal government’s ability to collect on federal loans.” Soon afterwards, we opened an investigation into the matter. Throughout the course of this investigation, ED revealed a limited set of new information about the extent of DOGE’s access to ED’s internal databases, but refused to disclose whether and to what extent DOGE had access to student loan borrowers’ data, specifically.
    In its February 18, 2025 response, the Department disclosed that DOGE “support[ed] a review of the Department and Federal Student Aid (FSA) contracts to identify possible efficiencies.” To conduct this review, ED granted “one employee [] read-only access” to two of FSA’s internal systems, FMS and Partner Connect, which both hold information on Title IV loan and grant programs. ED also disclosed that it had since “revoked” that employees’ access to both systems. However, the Department did not indicate why the DOGE employee’s access had been revoked, whether this employee has retained access to any other ED databases, and what actions the Department has done to ensure that sensitive information would not be released or misused. ED refused to answer any of these questions in our February 26, 2025 follow-up letter, citing “ongoing litigation.”
    ED further refused to disclose any information about the scope of DOGE’s access to sensitive student borrower data, including whether or not DOGE was granted access to the National Student Loan Data System or any other database that holds sensitive federal student loan borrower data. ED also did not answer any of our questions about how it intends to safeguard personal student loan borrower data or other financial data, given DOGE’s interventions. The Department refused to provide any identifying information about or an exact number of employees “who have been granted access to Department information technology and data systems,” potentially including student borrower data. And, when pressed about discrepancies in how these employees were reportedly onboarded, ED remained silent. In short, these responses failed to diminish our concerns about borrowers’ privacy and whether the Department may have violated the law or the federal government’s procedures in handling this data.
    Request for a Review by the ED OIG
    Because of the Department’s refusal to provide full and complete information, the full extent of DOGE’s role and influence at ED remains unknown. This lack of clarity is not only frustrating for borrowers but also dangerous for the future of an agency that handles an extensive student loan portfolio and a range of federal aid programs for higher education.
    Additionally, DOGE is now reportedly “leading an effort to link government databases” across federal agencies, consolidating all of Americans’ segregated records in one large “data trove.” This consolidation threatens the privacy of millions of students, educators, and student loan borrowers across the country whose information is on file at ED. Furthermore, this initiative “would break a longstanding covenant between the federal government and the U.S. public rooted in privacy laws — that Americans who share their personal data with official agencies can trust that it will be secured and used only for narrow purposes.”
    Accordingly, we request that you conduct a review as to whether ED adhered to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, and “all applicable laws and regulations concerning management of borrower data” and institutional data when it allowed DOGE access to its databases. We are concerned that ED undermined its own mission to “protecting student privacy” in its collaboration and arrangements with DOGE. This review would be consistent with your office’s mission to promote “integrity of the Department’s programs and operations” and “identify[] … abuse[] and criminal activity involving Department funds, programs, and operations.”
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Van Hollen, Klobuchar and Colleagues in Pressing Administration for Answers on Cancelled Protected Status for Afghans Living in U.S.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 10, 2025
    Decision could endanger thousands of Afghans, including many who supported U.S. efforts during the war in Afghanistan
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04) in leading 96 of their colleagues in pressing for answers from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State around the decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals living in the United States. The lawmakers’ letter, sent to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, notes the devastating impact of this decision, including on the many Afghans who supported the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan and who face significant danger upon their return.
    “We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country. Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service. We respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions,” the lawmakers wrote.
    They go on to note, “The Secretary of Homeland Security ‘may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.’  This is why, following the withdrawal of American troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, in May 2022 the U.S. designated Afghanistan for TPS.”
    “The grave conditions that forced Afghan nationals to flee and seek refuge in the U.S. following the return of the Taliban to power remain. Because of this harsh reality, forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls,” they stress.
    The lawmakers close the letter urging the Administration to reverse course and seeking the following information:
    Any reports that credibly determine that conditions have improved in Afghanistan since 2023. 
    Details on how the Administration made the determination that “there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security” and how widespread these allegations of fraud and threats are.
    A description the collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to reach the determination that Afghanistan no longer meets the conditions for designation for TPS.
    Any reports that indicate the Taliban is no longer a threat to Afghan nationals that assisted the United States military during the war in Afghanistan.
    The steps being taken to ensure that Afghan nationals who previously had TPS will not be sent back to persecution or torture in Afghanistan
    Duckworth has been an outspoken leader in calling for the protection of our Afghan allies who’ve aided the United States during the war in Afghanistan. During July of 2021, after learning of and encountering problems with the efficiency of employment verification for applicants in the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, Duckworth wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin asking them to take immediate action to fix the problem. By the fall, DoD responded to Duckworth’s request to confirm they have taken steps to in line with her suggestions to improve the process through Project Rabbit, a program designed to simplify the employment verification process for Afghan employees who have applied for a SIV.
    In addition to Duckworth and Durbin, U.S. Senators Van Hollen (D-MD), Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Ivey (D-MD-04), the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Alsobrooks (D-MD), Baldwin (D-WI), Blumenthal (D-CT), Booker (D-NJ), Coons (D-DE), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Fetterman (D-PA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Heinrich (D-NM), Hirono (D-HI), Kaine (D-VA), Kelly (D-AZ), Kim (D-NJ), King (I-ME), Markey (D-MA), Padilla (D-CA), Reed (D-RI), Rosen (D-NV), Sanders (I-VT), Schiff (D-CA), Smith (D-MN), Warner (D-VA), Warnock (D-GA), Welch (D-VT) and Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Ansari (D-AZ-03), Balint (D-VT-At-Large), Bell (D-MO-01), Beyer (D-VA-08), Budzinski (D-IL-13), Carbajal (D-CA-24), Carter (D-LA-07), Casten (D-IL-06), Castro (D-TX-20), Chu (D-CA-28), Clarke (D-NY-09), Cleaver (D-MO-05), Courtney (D-CT-02), Dean (D-PA-04), DeGette (D-CO-01), DelBene (D-WA-01), Elfreth (D-MD-03), Evans (D-PA-03), Fields (D-LA-06), Garcia (D-CA-42), García (D-IL-04), Garcia (D-TX-29), Goldman (D-NY-10), Gomez (D-CA-34), Gonzalez (D-TX-34), Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Hayes (D-CT-05), Jackson (D-IL-01), Jayapal (D-WA-07), Johnson (D-GA-04), Johnson (D-TX-32), Kaptur (D-OH-09), Keating (D-MA-09, Kelly (D-IL-02), Kennedy (D-NY-26), Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Landsman (D-OH-01), Larson (D-CT-01), Latimer (D-NY-16), Levin (D-CA-49), Lieu (D-CA-36), Lofgren (D-CA-18), Lynch (D-MA-08), McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), McClellan (D-VA-04), McCollum (D-MN-04), McGovern (D-MA-02), Meeks (D-NY-05), Mfume (D-MD-07), Moulton (D-MA-06), Norton (D-DC-At-Large), Olszewski (D-MD-02), Pallone (D-NJ-06), Panetta (D-CA-19), Peters (D-CA-50), Raskin (D-MD-08), Sánchez (D-CA-38), Scanlon (D-PA-05), Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Sherman (D-CA-32), Sorensen (D-IL-17), Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Swalwell (D-CA-14), Titus (D-NV-01), Tlaib (D-MI-12), Tokuda (D-HI-02), Tonko (D-NY-20), Vargas (D-CA-52), Veasey (D-TX-33) and Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).
    The full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below.
    Dear Secretary Noem and Secretary Rubio:
    We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country. Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service. We respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions.
    The Secretary of Homeland Security “may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.” This is why, following the withdrawal of American troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, in May 2022 the U.S. designated Afghanistan for TPS. In September 2023, the U.S. extended and redesignated TPS for Afghanistan. The Administration’s decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan negatively impacts approximately 9,000 Afghan nationals.
    In your announcement, you state that “there are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions.” But you also concede that threats of violence and terrorism, as well as humanitarian concerns, remain. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, they will be caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP. According to Human Rights Watch, in 2024, Taliban authorities intensified their crackdown on human rights, especially against women and girls. Women and girls are banned from attending secondary school or university and are unable to move freely. The Taliban also continues to detain and torture journalists, curtailing free speech and media. The 2023 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report covering Afghanistan found that women’s rights rapidly declined and restrictions on freedom of expression increased. The horrific human rights conditions in Afghanistan are unsafe for Afghan nationals to return to and returning would put their personal safety at immediate risk.
    We are also deeply concerned about the State Department Human Rights Report finding that widespread arbitrary and unlawful killings against officials associated with the pre-August 2021 government have occurred. Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. military should not be put in harm’s way because they supported the U.S. in its fight against the Taliban. This would be a betrayal of those who bravely served alongside our servicemembers for nearly two decades.
    Afghan civilians still face devastating humanitarian and economic conditions. Over half of the population in Afghanistan needs urgent humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch reports that in 2024, 12.4 million people were facing food insecurity and 2.9 million were at emergency levels of hunger. The World Bank also found that in Afghanistan, as of May 2025, “per capita income has stagnated, while poverty and food insecurity remain pressing challenges, exacerbated by high unemployment and restrictions on women’s economic participation.” 
    The grave conditions that forced Afghan nationals to flee and seek refuge in the U.S. following the return of the Taliban to power remain. Because of this harsh reality, forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls.
    In August 2021, Americans welcomed Afghan nationals at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia with open arms, and we refuse to turn our backs on them now. We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan and ask that you respond to the following requests no later than two weeks of receipt of this letter:
    Please provide any reports that credibly determine that conditions have improved in Afghanistan since 2023.
    The TPS termination announcement stated that “there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security.” Please provide additional details on how the Administration made this determination and how widespread these allegations of fraud and threats are.
    Describe the collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to reach the determination that Afghanistan no longer meets the conditions for designation for TPS.
    Please provide any reports that indicate the Taliban is no longer a threat to Afghan nationals that assisted the United States military during the war in Afghanistan.
    What steps are you taking to ensure that Afghan nationals who previously had TPS will not be sent back to persecution or torture in Afghanistan?
    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and we hope to receive your responses soon.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Lead Illinois Colleagues in Condemning Trump’s Termination of Digital Equity Program, Blocking Illinoisans’ Access to Reliable Internet

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 09, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) led 12 of their Illinois delegation members in criticizing the Trump Administration’s cancellation of the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grants Program. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Members urged the Trump Administration to reinstate the program that was terminated last month. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) was in the process of implementing a Digital Equity Capacity Grant under this program, which would have provided more than $23.7 million to Illinois organizations across the state to equip households and residents with the skills, resources and tools needed to use high-speed internet and fully participate in Illinois’s economy.
    “This is not a, ‘woke handout based on race.’ This is help for households with the highest need based on historic and ongoing barriers to getting online, such as living in a rural area,” the Members wrote. “This not only includes racial and ethnic minorities, but also, Veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents and older adults (ages 60 years or older). Nearly 80% of Illinois residents belong to at least one of the categories of individuals the law is designed to assist,”
    “Without these funds, programs that help job seekers create a resume to apply for jobs, help farmers use data to optimize crop and livestock production, help seniors pay their bills online and speak with their healthcare providers and help entrepreneurs to develop a website would be slashed.”
    Along with Duckworth and Durbin, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Representatives Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17).
    The full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below.
    Dear Secretary Lutnick,
    We strongly object to May 9, 2025, termination of Digital Equity Act (DEA) funding and request that the U.S. Department of Commerce reinstate this funding immediately.
    Under the Constitution, Congress makes spending decisions.
    Congress recognized that broadband access and digital literacy are increasingly critical for employment, education, healthcare and participation in the broader economy. Accordingly, in a bipartisan manner, Congress provided $2.75 billion for the states to help ensure that all households have the technology, skills and capacity to access and benefit from the digital economy. Illinois has been awarded $23.7 million through the Digital Equity Capacity Grant, and organizations working throughout our State have also been awarded grant funds for multi-state Digital Equity Competitive Grant projects.
    This is not a, “woke handout based on race[.]” This is help for households with the highest need based on historic and ongoing barriers to getting online, such as living in a rural area. This not only includes racial and ethnic minorities, but also, Veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents and older adults (ages 60 years or older). Nearly 80% of Illinois residents belong to at least one of the categories of individuals the law is designed to assist.
    Without these funds, programs that help job seekers create a resume to apply for jobs, help farmers use data to optimize crop and livestock production, help seniors pay their bills online and speak with their healthcare providers and help entrepreneurs to develop a website would be slashed.
    Additionally, investments in digital skill building and device access generates a significant return on investment for Americans and U.S. businesses. According to a report from the National Skills Coalition, people who qualify for jobs that require at least one digital skill earn, on average, 23% more than those working in jobs that require none. This represents an increase of $8,000 per year for an individual worker. The impact on wages is even higher for jobs that require more digital skills. Businesses that can hire job seekers with more skills up front must therefore invest less in upskilling them.
    We urge you to reverse course and reinstate this critical funding.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth at Unite for Veterans Rally: “Veterans Keep This Nation Strong, and We Deserve Better than Trump”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 10, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At today’s “Unite for Veterans” rally on the National Mall, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) delivered impassioned remarks slamming Donald Trump for using our nation’s heroes as political pawns, firing them by the thousands and making it harder for them to access the quality care and benefits they’ve earned. In her speech, the Senator drew from her personal experience serving in the military to call on her fellow Veterans to continue their lifelong mission of keeping this nation strong by pushing back against Trump’s cruel, anti-Veteran agenda. Photos of the event can be found on Duckworth’s website, and video of Duckworth’s remarks can be found in the rally’s livestream.
    Key Quotes:
    “America is what it is today because of the blood our brothers and sisters shed in combat zones. Our children grow up with the rights they deserve because of the sweat that’s poured down our faces, everywhere from the dust of Fallujah to the jungles of Vietnam. Our sacrifices were the currency we paid to defend America’s freedoms. And even as I stand here on titanium legs, with my wheelchair by my side, I wouldn’t take back those sacrifices for a second. Because America is worth it. As flawed as she may be, she is worth it.”
    “We’re here because we refuse to see the democracy that we fought so hard for get dismantled. Because we refuse to let the health care that our buddies earned be gutted. And because we refuse to let thousands of Veterans who chose to continue serving this nation as federal workers be fired for no apparent reason…It’s a middle finger to our heroes. It’s a slap in the face to the sacrifices they’ve made. It’s bullshit, frankly…We’ve come together this afternoon because even if we’re no longer wearing the uniform, we are always wearing the flag on our shoulder, facing forward. We’re here because we’re not afraid to call out wrongs that need to be righted—or to call out wannabe kings that need a history lesson.”
    “Personally, I’m tired of a guy who was never brave enough to serve claiming that the America that some of our buddies died for isn’t already great. And it pisses me off that a man who cried “bone spurs” when his nation need him the most—a five-time-draft-dodging coward who calls fallen servicemembers “suckers and losers”—it pisses me off that that guy would use our heroes as political pawns to get elected, then screw them over so badly once he took office. If you’re pissed off too…if you think Veterans deserve better than to be fired by the thousand…if you think our buddies deserve more than to have their health care ripped away because Trump wants to put another dollar in a rich guy’s pocket…Well then I need you by my side.”
    Senator Duckworth’s remarks as prepared can be found below:
    Hello everyone!
    First off, let me say a huge thank you to everyone who made this afternoon possible.
    I’m honored to get the chance not only to speak today in my capacity as a Senator, but also to listen, as one of you, as a Veteran.
    Because I may currently be a Member of Congress, but in my heart, first and foremost, I will always be an Army grunt. And I’m damn proud of that.
    I’m here today because I love this nation. I know the same is true for all of you.
    But I’m also here because I’m sick of politicians promising to look out for Veterans when they’re on the campaign trail, then abandoning them when they take office. I’m sick of military families being treated like props.
    And I’m sick of people in power wrapping themselves in the flag with their left hand, then with the other, signing off on orders that sell out our heroes to line their own pockets. You deserve better. You’ve earned better.
    After all, since the first shots rang out at Lexington and Concord…Since the Tuskegee Airmen took to the skies to defend a nation that still wouldn’t let them sit at the same lunch counter as their white peers…Since our warriors landed on the beaches of Normandy, on this very day, 81 years ago…Those who’ve worn the uniform have defied the odds to define America at its best.
    America is what it is today because of the blood our brothers and sisters shed in combat zones.
    Our children grow up with the rights they deserve because of the sweat that’s poured down our faces, everywhere from the dust of Fallujah to the jungles of Vietnam. Our sacrifices were the currency we paid to defend America’s freedoms.
    And even as I stand here on titanium legs, with my wheelchair by my side, I wouldn’t take back those sacrifices for a second.
    Because America is worth it. As flawed as she may be, she is worth it.
    I know some of us here hung up our uniforms long ago. But looking out at you all, I see a group who recognizes that in this perilous moment for our country, our mission today is not too different than what it was when we served: To protect our democracy. To defend our freedoms. To keep our nation as strong as she should be.
    That is why each of you took off work… travelled from every pocket of this country… and showed up in this heat today. Not because it was easy—it’s never easy. But because we love this country enough to try to shape it for the better, even when the road ahead is hazy. Even when the task ahead is daunting.
    We’ve come together this afternoon because even if we’re no longer wearing the uniform, we are always wearing the flag on our shoulder, facing forward. We’re here because we’re not afraid to call out wrongs that need to be righted—or to call out wannabe kings that need a history lesson.
    We’re here because we refuse to see the democracy that we fought so hard for get dismantled. Because we refuse to let the health care that our buddies earned be gutted. And because we refuse to let thousands of Veterans who chose to continue serving this nation as federal workers be fired for no apparent reason.
    Employees who include folks working at the Veterans Crisis Line, for God’s sake…The Veterans working there are doing some of the toughest work imaginable to support our heroes in their absolute darkest hour.
    These are the people this Administration has kicked to the curb over the past few months. That should tell you everything you need to know about how the guys in power actually feel about our Vets.
    Let’s be clear: The only reason they’re doing all this is to try to find enough loose change behind the couch cushions so that they can give even bigger tax breaks to the rich guys they pal around with on the golf course.
    Let me say that another way: They care more about making sure billionaires can buy yet another private jet than ensuring our Veterans have access to the benefits and care they’ve earned. They care more about stroking Donald Trump’s ego to the tune of a 30-million-dollar birthday parade than spending that money to provide child care for military families. Or to save Veterans’ jobs. Or to better their health care.
    So let’s call this what it is: It’s a middle finger to our heroes. It’s a slap in the face to the sacrifices they’ve made. It’s bullshit, frankly. And every one of us who has served should feel insulted. I certainly do. I’d bet some of you do, too.
    But the important thing now is to channel our outrage into action.
    A couple months after my Black Hawk was shot down in Iraq, a U.S. Senator named Dick Durbin walked into my Walter Reed hospital room and gave me his phone number, saying to call him any time if I or any of the other patients around me needed some help.
    He…well, I’m not sure he thought I would take his words quite so literally. I called him…a lot. I called him way, way too much. I was the highest-ranked amputee on the ward at the time, so I felt responsible for the men and women around me.
    So I kept on ringing up a United States Senator to help me help these folks get their pay… get their benefits… even to help get that one elevator in the hospital working better. At that point, I was so early in my recovery that I could barely sit up for 15 minutes at a time. But when Dick looked at me, he saw past the wounds…saw past the wheelchair.
    He saw a Soldier in search of her next mission. Recognizing long before I did that just because I could no longer fly Black Hawks for the Army didn’t mean that I couldn’t find a new way to serve my nation.
    And he said the words that changed my life. He told me that I could best help the Veterans around me by running for Congress myself.
    I thought he was nuts. But it turns out, he was right. So all these years later, I’m asking each of you to take on a new mission, too.
    Because personally, I’m tired of a guy who was never brave enough to serve claiming that the America that some of our buddies died for isn’t already great.
    And it pisses me off that a man who cried “bone spurs” when his nation need him the most—a five-time-draft-dodging coward who calls fallen servicemembers “suckers and losers”—it pisses me off that that guy would use our heroes as political pawns to get elected, then screw them over so badly once he took office.
    If you’re pissed off too…if you think Veterans deserve better than to be fired by the thousand…if you think our buddies deserve more than to have their health care ripped away because Trump wants to put another dollar in a rich guy’s pocket…Well then I need you by my side.
    I need you to think of today not just as a singular moment, but as the start of our new collective mission: A mission to stand up for the buddies we served with. To do right by the warriors who came before us.
    And to look out for all those men and women still serving.
    Those young Soldiers and Sailors, those Marines and Airmen and Coasties, who are ready to sacrifice everything at the drop of a hat if the drums of war start beating again like they did for many of us when we were still in uniform.
    Look, I get how in this moment, it’d be easy to feel defeated…to want to tune out rather than turn on the news. But now more than ever, we can’t let ourselves become disengaged. Because there’s too much at stake to get discouraged. The reality is, there will always be people in big fancy buildings who try to use their power to only look out for themselves.
    But there are three things I know: First, the power of the people is always greater than the people in power. Second, those of us here today have never been too scared to take on a tough mission, especially when it means protecting the democracy we’ve fought so long to defend. And third, we Veterans sure as hell would never leave a comrade behind—whether that was one of our buddies on the battlefield or, now, one of the folks getting fired or left without care from the VA.
    So if we want tomorrow to be better than yesterday, we have to come together. We have to recognize that our voices do still matter. Then we’ve got to use those voices to speak out. Even if—especially when—anyone tries to silence us.
    Because we Veterans have always been the ones helping keep this nation as strong as she should be. This moment is no exception.
    And along the way, you have my word that I’ll be right there with you. That I am one of you. And that I will always live by the Soldier’s Creed: never, ever leaving you behind.
    It’s an honor to call myself part of this team—and to have you as my partners on the front lines.
    Thank you.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Cassidy Call for End to Biden-Era FEMA Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in sending a letter to David Richardson, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), calling for an end of the Biden-era policy, Risk Rating 2.0, which caused flood insurance premiums to skyrocket.
    “Since the Biden Administration’s rollout of Risk Rating 2.0, premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) increased in every state. By FEMA’s own estimates, 77 percent of all NFIP policies now pay more than under the old system,” said the Senators.
    “The lack of transparency surrounding Risk Rating 2.0 is beyond troubling. FEMA has never allowed for meaningful public comment nor has it published the underlying data or assumptions used to justify the steep premium increases and refuses to disclose its actuarial model. Without transparency, communities cannot plan mitigation projects, lenders cannot accurately underwrite mortgages, and citizens cannot appeal punitive rate increases. Worse still, rising costs encourage policy lapses—shifting risk back to taxpayers when disasters strike,” continued the Senators.
    Sens. Tuberville and Cassidy were joined by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in sending the letter. 
    Read full text of the letter below or here. 
    “Dear Acting Administrator Richardson,
    We write to draw your urgent attention to the increasingly untenable flood insurance premiums paid by American homeowners as a result of the Biden era policy, Risk Rating 2.0, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). We respectfully ask for your leadership to halt further premium increases under Risk Rating 2.0 and implement much needed transparency from FEMA.
    On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order (EO) 13990, directing every federal agency to target and modify Trump era regulations under the auspice of combating climate change. A few months later, Biden signed EO 14030, requiring agencies to integrate up-to-date flood risk considerations into federal actions. Collectively, both of these EOs laid the groundwork for FEMA’s implementation of a new rating system known as Risk Rating 2.0, which was enacted on October 1, 2021.  
    Since the Biden Administration’s rollout of Risk Rating 2.0, premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) increased in every state. By FEMA’s own estimates, 77 percent of all NFIP policies now pay more than under the old system. According to a 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, premiums on primary residences under Risk Rating 2.0 are subject to a maximum 18 percent increase each year until such premiums reflect “the full risk loss of the insured property,” as determined by FEMA.
    Families in the following Republican states are especially hard-hit.
    Louisiana:
    It is estimated that 80 percent of Louisiana NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    In 2023 alone, the average flood insurance premium in our state jumped by 234 percent, forcing more than 52,000 Louisianans—many of them seniors on fixed incomes—out of the program.
    Coastal parishes, which depend on flood insurance to secure mortgages and rebuild after storms, are now facing premiums that exceed 2 percent of median household income—a threshold that federal guidance deems “cost prohibitive.”
    West Virginia:
    It is estimated that 83% of West Virginia NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    As of August 2023 (the latest available FEMA data), Risk Rating 2.0 would increase annual NFIP premiums for homeowners in West Virginia by ~176%.
    Over the last 12 months, ~600 West Virginians have left the NFIP as a result of premium increases.
    Texas:
    It is estimated that 86% of Texas NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    As of August 2023 (the latest available FEMA data), Risk Rating 2.0 would increase annual NFIP premiums for homeowners in Texas by ~53%.
    Over the last 12 months, ~26,300 Texans have left the NFIP as a result of premium increases.
    Alabama:
    It is estimated that 79% of Alabama NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    As of August 2023 (the latest available FEMA data), Risk Rating 2.0 would increase annual NFIP premiums for homeowners in Alabama by ~106%.
    Over the last 12 months, ~1,200 Alabamians have left the NFIP as a result of premium increases.
    Mississippi:
    It is estimated that 84% of Mississippi NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    As of August 2023 (the latest available FEMA data), Risk Rating 2.0 would increase annual NFIP premiums for homeowners in Mississippi by ~103%.
    Over the last 12 months, ~2,200 Mississippians have left the NFIP as a result of premium increases.
    Rural and low-income homeowners, along with high-risk coastal areas, are being priced out at far higher rates than urban or wealthier communities. In ten states, full risk NFIP premiums today exceed 2 percent of median household income.  This undermines home values, depresses property tax revenues, and ultimately inflates federal disaster assistance costs when uninsured homeowners cannot rebuild.
    The lack of transparency surrounding Risk Rating 2.0 is beyond troubling. FEMA has never allowed for meaningful public comment nor has it published the underlying data or assumptions used to justify the steep premium increases and refuses to disclose its actuarial model. Without transparency, communities cannot plan mitigation projects, lenders cannot accurately underwrite mortgages, and citizens cannot appeal punitive rate increases. Worse still, rising costs encourage policy lapses—shifting risk back to taxpayers when disasters strike.
    The President has long championed policies that reduce federal overreach and protect everyday Americans from burdensome costs. To limit the damage caused by this harmful Biden era policy, we urge you to:
    Direct FEMA to terminate the Risk Rating 2.0 pricing methodology. 
    Require FEMA to publish all actuarial inputs and outputs of future flood insurance premium increases exceeding the 5% statutory minimum so stakeholders can verify fairness and accuracy.
    Restore targeted affordability measures for coastal, low income, and historically underinsured communities—ensuring NFIP remains accessible to those who need it most.
    Time is of the essence. Each month that Risk Rating 2.0 continues unchecked, more families are forced to abandon their insurance coverage, neighborhoods face economic strain, and entire communities risk collapse after the next disaster. We respectfully urge you to act now—before further harm is done—to protect vulnerable Americans, preserve homeownership, and ensure the NFIP fulfills its mission as Congress intended.
    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
    Sincerely,”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with U.S. Navy Secretary and U.S. Marine Corps Commandant

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to receive an update on U.S. Naval operations. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville spoke with Secretary of the Navy John Phelan about the implementation of AI in shipbuilding. Additionally, he spoke with General Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, about the mistreatment of an Alabama constituent.
    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.
    ON IMPLEMENTING AI IN SHIPBUILDING
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a quick statement, Secretary Phelan. Everything we read obviously is China’s using AI on almost everything that they do. They can build a bridge in three months that takes us three years. I’m sure ship building is part of that. And your travels, hopefully, we’re getting into that. I don’t know how far and how impressed you have been with that. Any thoughts?”
    PHELAN: “So, Senator, thanks for that. We’re slowly adapting and getting there. I think that there is more that we need to do, and we’re focused in the public shipyards trying to get that done. You know, I saw at Fincantieri (Marine Group), actually, they have these 3D goggles where you can actually look at where they’re welding and how it matches up, versus the blueprint to make sure that they’re not off because the precision of this manufacturing is incredibly intense. I mean, these are very complicated things. So, we’re getting there, and I think implementing AI even just basically digital twinning of projects there are a number of things we have to do to get in and done that I think will speed up construction, make design faster. We spend way too much time in requirements and design. This needs to move much, much quicker. So, streamlining that, I think, will be helpful as well.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Just what I read, it looks like we’re just falling farther and farther behind, you know, the Chinese, and we can’t deal with that too much.”
    ON MISHANDLING INVESTIGATION OF ALABAMA MARINE
    TUBERVILLE: “General Smith, I’d like just to make a statement here and discuss [with] you about a constituent matter. Normally, this would be handled in the emails and conversations between our staffs. And after more than seven months of headquarters of the Marine Corps being evasive and unresponsive to my questions, here we are. A little over two years ago, we had an F-35 crash in Charleston, South Carolina. The pilot, an Alabama constituent who entered service from my state, had been selected for a very important command and was in the process of converting from another aircraft and staying current for his new job.”
    “This mishap got a lot of attention because the pilot ejected, the aircraft continuing to fly for an extended period of time before it eventually hit the ground. Of course, there was no way for the pilot to know that this would happen. If he had, he would have remained in the aircraft. What the pilot knew at the time was that the weather was bad. He had no visual reference with the ground and his primary and secondary instruments had completely failed. Disoriented by the cascading failures and [being] low to the ground he ejected.”
    […]
    “It is important to emphasize that all information on this mishap and the investigation had been available to headquarters of the Marine Corps for more than eight months by this point, and it was also available when this family was moved across the country. During the video call relieving him, this marine was told by the deputy commandant for aviation that ‘you’ve done nothing wrong, you’re doing a great job.’ But the commandant had decided ‘you could not stay in command.’ I wonder what the reasons were for this erratic and hasty decision. The officer who conducted the command investigation inappropriately offered his opinion.”
    […]
    “General Smith, I’d like you to get answers to these questions I’ve been asking since October. I’d prefer it to happen through normal means instead of a hearing. But I am chairman of the subcommittee on personnel, and we can arrange that. But to Tre and Jess Del Pizzo and their family, thank you for your many years of service and sacrifice to this great nation. I think you deserve much better here. There is no excuse to treat a Marine and his family this way. So, I look forward to hearing from you, General Smith. Thank you.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Fighting Discrimination Against U.S. Workers

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Epik Solutions, a California technology recruiting company, to resolve Epik Solutions’ violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by preferring to recruit foreign H-1B visa holders over U.S. workers.

    This settlement is the first since the department re-launched its Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative to enforce the law against companies that unlawfully discriminate against American workers in favor of foreign visa workers. The company will pay $71,916 in civil penalties to the United States, undergo training, revise its employment policies, and refrain from placing job advertisements that unlawfully exclude U.S. workers from employment opportunities.

    “A top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is protecting American workers from unlawful discrimination in favor of foreign visa workers,” said Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon. “Companies engaging in such discrimination are on notice that the days of the federal government looking the other way on American workforce protection are over.”

    The public can call Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) Section free hotline at 1-800-255-7688 for workers or at 1-800-255-8155 for employers (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired) for informal assistance; sign up for a live webinar or watch an on-demand presentation; email IER@usdoj.gov; or visit www.justice.gov/ier.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wear your gear, Police urge motorcyclists

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

    Bay of Plenty Police are urging motorcyclists to ensure they’re wearing appropriate safety gear before going for a ride, after recent crashes in the region.

    We are seeing more instances where riders are not wearing the correct protective equipment, including a helmet.

    No Police officer wants to knock on somebody’s door to tell them their loved one has been seriously injured or killed, so we’re asking riders to take all the necessary steps to ensure their safety.

    Ensure your safety gear, including your helmet, is properly fitted. This could be the difference between walking away from an accident or not.

    If you’re riding with friends, ensure everyone is riding safely and has all the correct equipment on before you go. Dangerous behaviour on the road that can be seen as ‘fun’ can have serious consequences.

    More safe riding tips can be found here – Safe riding tips | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft announces quarterly dividend

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft announces quarterly dividend

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Microsoft announces quarterly dividend

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft announces quarterly dividend

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pakistani National Extradited to Face Charges in Connection with Plot to Carry Out ISIS-Inspired Mass Shooting at Jewish Center in New York City

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was extradited to the United States on June 10, in connection with an indictment filed in the Southern District of New York. Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Khan is scheduled to make an initial appearance in court on June 11.

    “The foreign terrorist organization ISIS remains a clear and present danger to the American people, and our Jewish citizens are especially targeted by evil groups like these,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice is proud to help secure this extradition, and we will prosecute this man to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Khan allegedly tried to enter the United States to commit an attack on the Jewish community in New York City, planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting around the one-year anniversary of the attack on Gaza by Hamas,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thankfully, the great work of the FBI and our partners shut that down, and Khan has now been extradited to New York to face American justice. I want to thank our teams and partners for their diligent work in this case and executing the mission.”

    “As alleged, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan attempted to enter the United States to carry out a deadly terrorist attack on a Jewish center in New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “He planned to use automatic weapons to kill as many members of our Jewish community as possible, all in support of ISIS. Khan’s deadly, antisemitic plan was thwarted by the diligent work of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors in this Office who are committed to rooting out antisemitism and stopping terror. Thanks to their efforts, Khan will now face justice in New York.”

    Khan was provisionally arrested in Canada on Sept. 4, 2024 based on a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. As alleged in the complaint, Khan, who resided in Canada, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers (collectively, the UCs).

    During those conversations, Khan confirmed that he and a U.S.-based ISIS supporter (Associate-1) had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular U.S. city (City-1). Among other things, Khan said that he had been actively attempting to create “a real offline cell” of ISIS supporters to carry out a “coordinated assault” in City-1 using AR-style rifles to “target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1].” During subsequent conversations, Khan repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified the specific locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks. During these conversations with the UCs, Khan emphasized that “Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews” because “oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur.”

    On or about Aug. 20, Khan changed his target location from City-1 to New York City. After initially suggesting certain neighborhoods in New York City to the UCs, Khan decided to target Location-1, a Jewish center located in Brooklyn, New York. Khan told the UCs that he planned to carry out this attack on or around Oct. 7, 2024 — which Khan recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, a designated FTO, which, on Oct. 7, 2023, launched a wave of violent, large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel. In support of his choice of New York City as his target location, Khan boasted that “New york is perfect to target jews” because it has the “largest Jewish population In america” and therefore, “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” Khan proclaimed that “we are going to nyc to slaughter them,” and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.

    Thereafter, Khan continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other equipment for his attack, including “some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats.” Khan repeatedly reiterated his desire to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, and discussed planning for the attack, including by identifying rental properties close to Location-1 and paying for a human smuggler to help him reach and cross the border from Canada into the United States. During one communication, Khan noted that “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”

    On or about Sept. 4, as Khan said he planned to do in connection with his attack, Khan attempted to reach the U.S-Canada border. To do so, Khan used three separate cars to travel across Canada towards the United States, before he was stopped by Canadian authorities in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.

    Khan is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and one count of attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI’s New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Field Offices are investigating the case. The Justice Department is grateful to Canadian law enforcement for their actions in this matter. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division accomplished the extradition of Khan from Canada.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A complaint or an indictment merely contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: The harvesting campaign has started in Russia – the grain harvest will amount to at least 135 million tons

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “Almost 20 million hectares of winter crops were sown for the current year’s harvest, 93% of which remained in normal condition. This figure is higher than last year. Russian farmers began spring field work in 2025 a week earlier than the average long-term dates. By now, spring sowing has already been carried out on an area of more than 52 million hectares. In accordance with the approved forecast structure, the area under grain, oilseeds, and sugar beet should be increased this year. I would like to emphasize separately that the area under vegetables and potatoes will increase, which should have a positive impact on providing the domestic market with these products,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the systemic measures taken by the Government have created a basis for high-quality preparation for seasonal field work. Thanks to this, they are completed without interruptions.

    “The necessary measures to support farmers are maintained. A significant amount of federal funds are allocated for this. Including subsidies for the purchase of seeds, fertilizers and fuel. A set of tools is provided for the development of domestic selection and stimulation of the use of Russian seeds in production. Thanks to this, we have already made significant progress in terms of self-sufficiency in this category,” added Dmitry Patrushev.

    Preferential lending remains available. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the dynamics of short-term loan issuance is ahead of last year. In addition, the Government has additionally allocated more than 4 billion rubles to Rosagroleasing this year, which will allow increasing the supply of equipment to farmers. Non-financial support measures aimed at ensuring the availability of fertilizers and fuels and lubricants are also maintained.

    “The harvesting campaign is beginning in the Russian Federation. Farmers in the Republic of Crimea are gradually starting to harvest grain. I ask the regional leadership to make sure that people on the ground are provided with everything necessary for the regular harvesting. Based on the current situation, we can count on decent harvests of the main crops. According to available estimates, the grain harvest will be at least 135 million tons. This is more than a year earlier,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    If the weather is favorable, work will soon begin in other regions of the Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts. First of all, this is the Republic of Dagestan, Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories. In addition, the Astrakhan Region, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and Krasnodar Territory are starting to harvest potatoes and vegetables. The passage of this period is directly related to ensuring food security of the country.

    Following the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture was instructed to continue the practice of holding headquarters meetings and off-site meetings, as well as to monitor the dynamics of the delivery of state support funds to farmers.

    Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the importance of observing fire safety measures and monitoring the phytosanitary condition of crops.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: About 11 thousand new rooms in modular hotels will appear in 55 regions of the country

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The moderators of the plenary session were Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov. The main topic was the changes that tourism brings to regions and cities, and economic sectors.

    The Deputy Prime Minister read out a greeting from Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the head of state, in particular, noted: “In recent years, tourism in our country has been developing dynamically, its infrastructure has been improving, new routes and popular, creative tourism products aimed at people of different ages have been developed. And of course, the tourism industry serves as an important factor in strengthening the socio-economic potential of cities and entire regions, opens up opportunities for creating modern jobs, increasing entrepreneurial activity in related areas – trade and construction, public catering and folk crafts. It contributes to the preservation and revival of historical, architectural and cultural monuments.”

    A video greeting from Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin was also shown at the event.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that for the first time at one site, at VDNKh, the tourism potential of the entire country is presented to citizens and foreign guests of Russia: “89 entities, 140 exhibition objects, more than 400 organizations and 4 thousand participants from 30 countries of the world, who from June 10 to 15 will be immersed in the world of tourism and Russian hospitality. An extensive business program is planned within the framework of the forum, more than 50 sessions, where the most important issues of the industry development will be discussed with the participation of 350 speakers.”

    He emphasized that the Government is carrying out extensive and systematic work to develop domestic tourism.

    “Without investments in the industry, there would not be such rapid growth of the industry. It is important to maintain a positive trend and the desire of businesses to invest in domestic tourism. One of the most effective mechanisms of the national project is the preferential lending program. 367 hotels with a total of 78 thousand rooms are being created under this program. The cost of the projects is almost 2 trillion rubles,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    In 2024, Moscow was visited by 26 million people, which is 2 times more than the official population of the capital. The city provides 14% of the tourist flow from the all-Russian one, and in terms of foreign trips, the figure is approaching 50%.

    Another popular measure of the national project is the creation of modular accommodation facilities. Under this program, 13 thousand rooms have already been introduced. Taking into account the demand for the program, the Government decided to extend its validity, and a selection of projects was conducted for the next three years. And just now the Ministry of Economic Development summed up the results of the next selection of projects, within the framework of which it is planned to create about 11 thousand rooms in modular hotels in 55 regions of the country.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko added that the Government has launched programs to support the development of large ski resorts. Currently, the creation of 17 new resorts from the Leningrad Region to Sakhalin is supported with a total investment of 76 billion rubles.

    Also, as part of the national project, a separate federal project “Industrial Support for Tourism” is being implemented to support domestic manufacturers. Demand for equipment has been formed: cable cars, snow cannons, snow groomers, buses, and attractions.

    The government has supported the development of Suzdal in preparation for the millennium since its foundation. This includes the construction of a road from Vladimir, and the modernization of utilities and the urban environment. Suzdal is an example of private capital participating in the formation of a unique environment for tourists and local residents.

    “Our joint goal is to make travel around Russia not just an opportunity, but a natural part of the life of every citizen,” the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

    Maxim Reshetnikov also focused on measures to support the tourism business. He emphasized the role of a single subsidy for regions, which allows for the creation of in-demand tourism products locally.

    “We provide a significant part of the national project resources to the regions in the form of a single subsidy, giving a fairly large degree of freedom in how to use it. For three years, this is 27 billion rubles, a considerable amount. It can be used to develop the city center, create a new tourist route, navigation or tourist information center. In general, to make travel more comfortable and interesting. The growth potential of the domestic tourism market is large, there will be enough tourists for everyone. But the ability to competently and unconventionally present your local features, flavor, “tricks” comes to the fore in the competition,” noted Maxim Reshetnikov.

    Representatives of small tourism businesses from the regions shared their success stories. Among them are the founder of the Leto-Leto complex from Tyumen, which is implementing the concept of an urban resort, Vladimir Shevchik, the founder of the camping and glamping for active recreation Vetreno from the Yaroslavl region Ksenia Radchenko, the creator of the Russian gastronomic guide GreatList Alexander Sysoev, the director of the Ural design bureau Ratrak-Ural, which is engaged in the production of equipment for ski resorts, Alexander Pashnin, the general director of the ceramics factory from Suzdal Dymov Keramika Vadim Dymov, the general director of the company for the development of high-speed shipping Vodolet from Nizhny Novgorod Nikita Italyantsev.

    The Governor of Krasnodar Krai, Veniamin Kondratyev, spoke about how tourism is developing in one of the most popular holiday destinations.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Maxim Reshetnikov presented the Ministry of Economic Development’s badges “For Contribution to Tourism Development” for the first time.

    The Deputy Prime Minister and the guests of the forum also assessed the exhibition area of the updated route “Golden Ring of Russia”. This route received national status on the opening day of the forum. The new status cemented its role as one of the key elements of the country’s cultural and historical heritage, and also opened up new opportunities for the development of tourism infrastructure. The exhibition area of the route unites exhibits from Moscow, Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Moscow regions. The stands present the new brand of the Golden Ring.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also inspected the exposition of the national tourist route “Silver Necklace” and the stands of the Altai Republic, Crimea, Zaporozhye Region, and Krasnodar Region.

    Among the foreign expositions, the tour program included stands of Cuba and Venezuela, where guests were greeted with Latin American songs and dances. At the stand presented by the ANO “National Priorities”, patriotic routes were discussed with the participation of the Deputy Prime Minister, and at the exposition of the state corporation “Tourism.RF” – promising investment projects for the creation of new Russian resorts and tourist clusters.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and his delegation assessed the exposition of Russian manufacturers. They participate in the program of import substitution of equipment and machinery for the tourism industry. This is one of the areas of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality”.

    The organizer of the International Tourism Forum “Travel!” is the Roscongress Foundation together with the Ministry of Economic Development with the support of the Government of Russia and the Moscow City Tourism Committee.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The limit of payment under the European protocol for accidents with disagreements is doubled

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The maximum amount of compensation under OSAGO when drawing up documents about an accident without calling the police (Europrotocol) in case of disagreement between the participants of the accident increases from 100 thousand to 200 thousand rubles. You can count on compensation within this limit if there is photographic evidence of damage. This rule is provided by law, which was adopted by the State Duma.

    In the absence of disagreements, the terms of payment under the European protocol remain the same. The victim receives compensation of up to 400 thousand rubles with photo recording and up to 100 thousand rubles if there is no photo recording.

    The innovation will allow accident victims to receive a larger amount of insurance compensation under the Europrotocol in case of disagreement. This will contribute to the growth of accident registration without the involvement of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. According to the Bank of Russia, in 2024, more than 40% of all accidents reported in the OSAGO system were registered under the Europrotocol. The amount of insurance compensation in more than 80% of such cases was less than 100 thousand rubles.

    The rule on increasing the limit will come into effect 10 days after the official publication of the law.

    For more information on the procedure for registering an accident using the Europrotocol, see the section “Questions and Answers”.

    Preview photo: Slexp880 / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    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: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24694

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets with Foreign Ministers of Several African Countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CHANGSHA, June 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday held separate meetings with a number of African counterparts who arrived in China to attend the ministerial meeting of the coordinators of the implementation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FCAC) to be held in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province.

    The African foreign ministers Wang Yi met with included Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi, Senegal’s Yassine Fall, Tanzania’s Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Namibia’s Selma Ashipala-Musawya, Botswana’s Penyo Butale and Angola’s Tete Antonio.

    At the meeting with Mudavadi, Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Kenya to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, firmly support each other, strengthen mutual trust, consolidate the political foundation of China-Kenya relations, and continuously inject strong impetus into bilateral cooperation.

    Noting that the ministerial meeting is a gathering of Chinese and African countries, the Chinese Foreign Minister expressed confidence that it will certainly strengthen the unity of the countries of the Global South.

    He added that China attaches great importance to Kenya’s role and influence and is willing to strengthen strategic communication and coordination to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and the fundamental norms of international relations.

    M. Mudavadi, for his part, assured that strict adherence to the one-China principle is the cornerstone of Kenya’s foreign policy, and the Kenyan side will continue to firmly stand by China. The diplomat added that Kenya expects to further deepen Kenyan-Chinese cooperation for mutual benefit and common gain.

    During the meeting with Yi Fal, Wang Yi said that China is willing to continue to share new development opportunities with African countries, including Senegal, and promote the modernization of African countries.

    Wang Yi added that China is willing to work with Senegal to uphold the concept of multilateralism and the fundamental norms of international relations, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, international fairness and justice.

    For her part, Ya. Fall assured that Senegal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will defend the strong friendship between the two countries, as well as between Africa and China.

    Senegal hopes to strengthen high-level exchanges with China and promote quality improvement and renewal of bilateral cooperation, the diplomat said, adding that her country welcomes increased investment from China.

    At the meeting with M. T. Kombo, the Chinese diplomat noted that Tanzania has become one of the countries where the results of the Beijing FCAS summit are being implemented most effectively, and the Chinese side appreciates Tanzania’s understanding and support for China’s legitimate position on issues affecting its core interests.

    China hopes to work with Tanzania and Zambia to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia railway and set a model for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa, Wang said.

    M. T. Kombo, for his part, thanked China for its assistance in Tanzania’s national construction and development and for providing it with a zero customs duty regime, saying that China has become one of Tanzania’s most important trade and economic partners.

    The diplomat assured that Tanzania firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is firmly committed to friendship between the two countries.

    During the meeting with S. Ashipala-Musavi, Wang Yi expressed China’s willingness to work with Namibia to continue the fine traditions of mutual trust, mutual support and sincere attitude towards each other, and help China-Namibia friendship to radiate new vitality in the new era.

    The Chinese Foreign Minister also pointed out that the two sides need to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, promote the improvement of quality and renew mutually beneficial cooperation so that Namibia can accelerate the industrialization process and bring more benefits to its people.

    S. Ashipala-Musavi, for her part, stated that Namibia looks forward to strengthening its engagement with China and expressed firm confidence that the current ministerial meeting of coordinators will yield significant results.

    At the meeting with P. Butale, Wang Yi recalled that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Botswana, pointing out that China supports Botswana in seeking an independent and self-sufficient development path.

    Noting that China is willing to work with Botswana to achieve more significant results in mutually beneficial cooperation, Wang Yi noted that China intends to further open its market to Botswana and explore opportunities to expand cooperation in areas such as trade and economy, energy, manufacturing and health care.

    P. Butale, for his part, assured that Botswana firmly adheres to the one-China principle and strives to deepen cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road.

    At the meeting with T. Antonio, Wang Yi said that China adheres to a consistent and stable policy towards Angola, providing assistance without any political conditions.

    Wang Yi said China supports Angola’s efforts to promote national development, encourages and supports Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Angola, and hopes that Angola will protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and employees in Angola.

    T. Antonio, for his part, expressed gratitude to hundreds of Chinese companies for their contribution to the development of Angola and the construction of infrastructure, adding that his country is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China and properly carry out its duties as the Chairman of the African Union. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –