NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beloit Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Craig Daskam, 69, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to four years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This prison term will be followed by ten years of supervised release.  In addition to these penalties, Daskam was ordered to pay $22,000 in assessments to funds that support victims of child exploitation crimes. Daskam pleaded guilty to this offense on March 19, 2025.

    In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Madison, Wisconsin, received a report from FBI-Charlotte that Daskam had received child pornography. The FBI ultimately searched Daskam’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Agents searched Daskam’s phone and found numerous child pornography images and videos.

    In sentencing Daskam, Judge Peterson expressed concern that Daskam’s conduct was driven by a dangerous impulse that Daskam doesn’t understand and can’t control.   

    The charge against Daskam was the result of an investigation conducted by FBI Madison, FBI Charlotte, and the Beloit Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg prosecuted this case.

    This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Physician Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Health Care Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago physician has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for billing Medicaid and private insurers for nonexistent and unnecessary services.

    MONA GHOSH owned and operated Progressive Women’s Healthcare, S.C., a medical office in Hoffman Estates, Ill., specializing in obstetrics and gynecology services.  From 2018 to 2022, Ghosh submitted and caused her employees to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid, TRICARE, and numerous other insurers for procedures and services that were not medically necessary, including endometrial ablations and biopsies, ultrasounds, vaccinations, laboratory blood tests, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases.  Some of the procedures were performed without patient consent.  Ghosh also fraudulently overstated the length and complexity of in-office and telemedicine visits and submitted claims using billing codes for which the visits did not qualify in order to seek higher reimbursement rates.  Ghosh prepared false patient medical records to support the fraudulent reimbursement claims.

    Ghosh, 52, of Inverness, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to two counts of health care fraud.  On Monday, U.S. District Judge Franklin U. Valderrama imposed the ten-year prison sentence and ordered Ghosh to pay approximately $1.5 million in restitution.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Jason Sargenski, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office; and Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kavitha Babu and Hayley Altabef.

    “When physicians submit fraudulent claims to federal health care programs, they divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Dr. Ghosh’s fraud scheme was particularly egregious because she endangered the health of her patients through unnecessary medical procedures, including procedures that denied women of childbearing age the opportunity to start their own families with children. We applaud the victims’ strength to come forward and confront this defendant.  Our Office will fight tirelessly for victims and work diligently with our law enforcement partners to safeguard taxpayer funds and hold accountable those who steal from the American public.”

    “Dr. Ghosh spent years traumatizing patients, lying to insurers, and stealing taxpayer money to feed her greed,” said FBI SAC DePodesta.  “The depraved conduct uncovered in this case represents an extreme betrayal of trust toward patients who were simply seeking care and integrity from their doctor.  The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue and hold accountable any medical professional who seeks to harm patients for their personal enrichment.”

    “Physicians and other medical professionals who place profits ahead of patient care do so at the expense of the very people they swore an oath to protect,” said HHS-OIG SAC Pinto.  “The sentence imposed in this case reflects the severity of the defendant’s crimes and the harm inflicted on numerous patients.  This investigation underscores our agency’s commitment to aggressively pursuing those who fraudulently submit claims to federal health care programs and put patients at risk.”

    “It is imperative that our service members have full confidence that the medical care they receive is both legitimate and delivered by healthcare providers who are unwaveringly committed to their well-being,” said DCIS SAC Sargenski.  “Today’s outcome should reassure the public that DCIS, alongside our investigative partners, remains steadfast in our pursuit of those who harm the health, safety, and readiness of our men and women in uniform.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Chiropractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Obstruction

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Shortly after trial began, an Alabama chiropractor pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion and obstructing the IRS.

    The following is according to court documents and evidence admitted at trial: Gary Forrest Edwards, of Shelby County, Alabama, owned and operated the chiropractic practice Hoover Health & Wellness Center. After not filing income tax returns for many years, in 2015, Edwards filed tax returns for 2009 through 2013. He later filed a tax return for 2017. On these returns, Edwards admitted that he owed more than $2.5 million in taxes. Nevertheless, he did not pay the taxes he reported due and did not pay the interest and penalties assessed against him.

    Edwards took steps to thwart the IRS’s efforts to assess and collect taxes against him, including concealing financial accounts he owned from the IRS, transferring funds from accounts he owned to accounts in only his spouse’s name, filing false court documents to terminate federal tax liens against his property, and lying to IRS criminal investigators.

    Edwards will be sentenced later this year. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the evasion charge and a maximum sentence of three years in prison on the obstruction charge. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco for the Northern District of Alabama will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Isaiah Boyd of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Garnett for the Northern District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: America’s Job Creators Back the One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Small business owners say taxes are their biggest worry right now — but help is on the way.
    In fact, small business owners overwhelmingly back the historic tax relief in President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, according to new polling:
    By a four-to-one margin, small business owners support extending the Trump Tax Cuts by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill.
    71% of small businesses support maintaining and expanding the small business tax deduction (which the One Big Beautiful Bill does).
    70% of small businesses say they’re likely to expand or reinvest in their business, boost worker wages or benefits, hire more employees, or increase charitable giving if the Trump Tax Cuts are extended.
    64% of small businesses say they’re likely to delay expansion, get a loan, reduce inventory, reduce employees, or reduce hours or wages if the Trump Tax Cuts expire.
    63% of small businesses say No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime will make it easier to hire workers.
    Las Vegas Review-Journal: The big beautiful tax bill will bolster small business
    “While there are numerous provisions in this bill that would support America’s small businesses, the update to Section 199A, the qualified business income deduction, would allow small businesses to thrive. This deduction is crucial for small businesses, allowing owners to deduct qualified business income. For many small businesses, this deduction has enabled them to remain afloat despite challenging market conditions.”
    Inc.: Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Offers a Big Tax Win for Small Businesses
    “Among its many provisions are an increased tax deduction for qualified business income at pass-through companies; a higher deduction for state and local taxes; and the extension of various other corporate and individual tax cuts that President Trump passed during his first term, which are otherwise set to expire at the end of this year. The total tax cut included in the bill is estimated to be around $4 trillion.”
    National Federation of Independent Business: One Big Beautiful Bill Act is one of the most pro-small business pieces of legislation in recent history
    “The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) supports the One Big Beautiful Bill Act because it is one of the most pro-small business pieces of legislation in recent history. The bill prevents a massive tax hike on over 33 million small business owners, while also providing a tax cut for most small business owners.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Collins, Durbin Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Help Runaway and Homeless Youth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Dick Durbin (D-IL), introduced the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2025.  This bipartisan legislation would reauthorize key federal grant programs to provide community-based programs with funding to help thousands of homeless young people nationwide. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-2), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-3).

    “Having a caring and safe place to sleep, eat, grow, and study is crucial for any young person’s development,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan legislation would support young people who run away, are forced out of their homes, or are disconnected from their families, by extending basic social services to these most vulnerable youth in our communities.”

    “Every child deserves a safe home, but far too many children are experiencing homelessness, are being forced out of their homes, or are escaping a dangerous environment,” said Senator Durbin. “The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, which funds key federal programs that address housing insecurity, will help children find a safe, comfortable home when they need it most.”

    “As the number of homeless and runaway youth increases, we must increase our federal efforts to assist and protect these youth who are particularly susceptible to trafficking,” said Representative Bacon. “This bill provides agencies with the means to support youth who are in vulnerable positions and gives them the resources to address these problems.”

    “As policymakers, we can expand opportunities for youth who don’t have a safe place to call home and put them on the path to stability,” said Representative Bonamici. “The bipartisan update to the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act strengthens services and programs for youth experiencing homelessness and victims of trafficking. I thank my cosponsors and hope we can pass this bill soon and create a better future for these youth.”

    “No kid should ever be homeless in America, yet over 2 million kids experience homelessness each year. It’s a national disgrace,” said Representative McGarvey. “I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to provide the resources young people need to find stable housing, get back on their feet, and build a prosperous future.”

    Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Peter Welch (D-VT) also joined as original cosponsors of the legislation.

    The landmark Runaway and Homeless Youth Act was first passed by Congress in 1974, providing nationwide support to address youth and young adult homelessness. This reauthorization would expand protections to youths who are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking and would authorize funding for local programs to help provide transitional housing, street outreach, and crisis intervention programs to address the needs of homeless and runaway youth.

    Specifically, the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2025 would:

    • Reauthorize, modernize, and increase authorization levels for programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act;
    • Create a new Prevention Services Program that would make additional resources available to organizations providing counseling, mediation, and other services aimed at preventing youth from running away or becoming homeless;
    • Increase annual competitive grants for rural youth demographics from $100,000 to $200,000;
    • Require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a national estimate of the prevalence of homeless youth every three years; and
    • Increase the allowable length of stay in the Basic Center Program from 21 days to 30 days.

    “Preble Street has been serving more youth experiencing homelessness than ever. These young people have been through traumatic events and are the victims of a wide variety circumstances outside of their control.  To break the devastating cycle of youth homelessness, our responsibility – as an agency, as a state, and as a nation – is to ensure that there is an integrated system of care and safety for these young people. The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2025 provides critical support for the services and resources that will help us to end youth homelessness. As a strong advocate for Maine’s vulnerable youth, Senator Collins’ understands that by investing in solutions, we can ensure a safe, stable, and independent future for all of our young people,” said Mark R. Swann, Executive Director, Preble Street in Portland, Maine.

    “RHYA programs prevent trafficking, identify survivors, and provide services to runaway, homeless, and disconnected youth. Through the excellent work of local street outreach, shelter, transitional living programs, and maternity group homes, these vital programs help homeless youth and parents access housing, education, employment, personal savings, and family reconnection services. The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act provides critical infrastructure for our nation’s most vulnerable children and youth who struggle to survive from day to day avoiding the predation of human traffickers, and criminal gangs. Reauthorization of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Trafficking Prevention Act will ensure that a bulwark continues to stand between these children and the cold hard realities of the streets,” said Chris Bicknell, Executive Director, New Beginnings in Lewiston, Maine.

    “We applaud our congressional champions for reintroducing the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act. Young people across the country continue to face limited access to safe housing, education, and living-wage employment. This critical legislation strengthens and expands the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program to meet the urgent needs of today’s youth, while continuing its powerful legacy. It also reflects what we know to be true: ending youth homelessness is a key strategy to preventing human trafficking. Every young person deserves safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive—and this bill brings us one step closer to that vision,” said Darla Bardine, Executive Director, National Network for Youth.

    “Senator Susan Collins has long been a champion for young people experiencing homelessness. We applaud her leadership in introducing the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act and in establishing the HUD Homeless Youth Demonstration Projects, two critical efforts that strengthen the systems meant to protect and uplift opportunity youth. For five decades, Sasha Bruce Youthwork has been on the front lines serving young people and families in crisis, and we are proud to honor Senator Collins at our Colors of Resilience celebration for her unwavering dedication to this work,” said Deborah Shore, Founder & Executive Director, Sasha Bruce Youthwork.

    A complete list of organizations endorsing the bill can be read here.

    The complete text of the bill can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 to Speak at the J.P. Morgan 2025 Energy, Power, Renewables & Mining Conference

    Source: Phillips

    Phillips 66 to Speak at the J.P. Morgan 2025 Energy, Power, Renewables & Mining Conference

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO of Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), will participate in a fireside chat at the J.P. Morgan 2025 Energy, Power, Renewables & Mining Conference at 10:55 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Also in attendance will be Kevin Mitchell, executive vice president and CFO, and Jeff Dietert, vice president of Investor Relations.
    To access the webcast, go to the Events and Presentations section of the Phillips 66 Investors site, phillips66.com/investors. A replay will be archived on the Events and Presentations page the day after the event, and a transcript will be available at a later date.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Novelty, negativity and no politicians: research reveals what makes some images more engaging than others

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University

    T.J. Thomson

    We see hundreds or thousands of images each day – but not all of them stand out to us. Why are some visuals more engaging than others? In an attention economy, where creators and organisations battle for our eyeballs, knowing the answer has never been more important.

    To address this question, we asked about 100 people across three different communities in Australia to rank photos from least to most engaging. We analysed the rankings, and interviewed respondents to understand the “why” behind their choices.

    Our new research reveals three interrelated criteria that affect why audiences engage with some images more than others. These are: the content of an image, how the images is presented, and who is seeing and reacting to it.

    What content makes for an engaging image?

    Who or what is shown, and how, markedly affects how someone engages with an image.

    We found viewers generally considered images with other people in them – and particularly images with faces – as more engaging than those without.

    The number of people or objects in the frame also mattered. Fewer objects resulted in simpler compositions that were easier to parse and, as a result, more eye-catching.

    Along the same lines, images were generally more engaging when they had a focal point (which would ideally be offset from the centre of the frame), compared to those with a lack of a focal point and arbitrary framing.

    However, centring the focal point worked well in symmetrical compositions, or when the frame was square.

    Participants ranked posed photos as less engaging than seemingly candid shots – appreciating the authenticity of the latter. They also ranked text-heavy images, such as those with people standing by or holding signs, as less engaging than action shots.

    In terms of emotional tone, images that showed negativity, conflict, or drama were ranked as more engaging than those that showed positivity. In the words of one interviewee:

    People always have a weird interest in yucky things. You’re like, ‘Oh, is
    someone dead?’ or you’re interested in the ‘Why?’ It’s intriguing.

    Participants preferred images that showed something they didn’t see every day, such as a rare double rainbow, or a visit from a prominent figure to a community.

    Novel camera angles also generated interest. This is partly why drone shots are so popular. They provide a new perspective and tend to be less “cluttered” than vision captured from the ground.

    In terms of visual depth, images with a clear foreground, mid-ground, and background were found to be more visually interesting than those with just a mid-ground and background.

    Presentation factors

    If you’re always tempted to apply black and white or muted filters to your images, think again.

    Our participants regarded images with bright and bold colours as more engaging than drab ones. This was even true for photos with conventionally boring subject matter. Colour, we found, can make or break an image.

    Size mattered, too. Viewers generally regarded larger images as more engaging than their smaller counterparts. Larger images were more eye-catching and could accommodate “busier” compositions, compared to smaller images that might be viewed on smaller smartphone screens.

    Viewers also relied on captions or accompanying descriptions to determine whether an image was relevant, local, or produced by trustworthy or notable figures – all three of which played a role in how “engaging” they found a particular image.

    What you bring to the viewing

    Your personal attributes and experiences shape how you interact with visual media.

    For instance, seeing a photo of the Sydney Opera House when you’ve never been there is different to seeing a photo after you’ve seen it in person. In the latter case, you bring your own memories and experiences to the viewing, and these can positively or negatively affect your engagement.

    We found engagement with an image was likely to be higher if the image depicted faces or places that were “local” to the viewer. For most viewers, obviously posed stock images were forgettable.

    To a degree, engagement behaviours were also shaped by what was interesting to a viewer’s friends, families, and other people they deemed important. As one 70-year-old participant explained:

    My grandchildren play sport, so I’m always interested in [seeing photos of] that.

    Winning and losing themes

    On average, some topics were considered more engaging than others. For example, images related to health and crisis situations were more widely relevant and engaging than sports or education.

    That said, not all widely relevant topics were necessarily engaging. For example, our participants ranked photos of politicians as unengaging. Although they acknowledged politics is important, many said these photos were boring or off-putting.

    How to stand out with your images

    The above insights into engagement behaviours can be used by anyone looking to spruce up their photos.

    When you’re making, editing, or publishing an image, carefully consider its content, the presentation circumstances and your audience.

    One key piece of advice is to focus on the action rather than the outcome. For instance, rather than showing an award-winner with their trophy, show what they did to earn that trophy. Also remember to keep your audience’s attributes in mind, and try to cater for them.

    Doing so will give your images the best chance to stand out among the billions of others circulating online each day.

    T.J. Thomson receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is an affiliated researcher with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society.

    Rachael Anderson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Novelty, negativity and no politicians: research reveals what makes some images more engaging than others – https://theconversation.com/novelty-negativity-and-no-politicians-research-reveals-what-makes-some-images-more-engaging-than-others-255612

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on WFP aid operations in Gaza

    Source: World Food Programme

    Overnight, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) dispatched 59 trucks carrying life-saving food assistance intended for northern Gaza. The aid convoy, transporting 930 metric tons of wheat flour, was stopped along the way and offloaded by hungry civilians in critical need of food to feed their families. Community responses of relief, gratitude and urgent pleas for more trucks reinforce the desperation of the situation.

    A second aid convoy with 21 trucks of food aid intended for southern Gaza was delayed and waited for clearances to move for over 36 hours. 

    Since the limited resumption of humanitarian assistance into Gaza on 19 May, WFP has only been able to bring in small amounts of life-saving food and aid. This is largely due to delays or denials of permission for humanitarian movements due to expanded military operations.

    As of 10 June – almost three weeks after limited supplies were allowed to enter Gaza, WFP has transported over 700 trucks of aid to the Kerem Shalom border crossing point. This compares to 600-700 trucks of aid transported per day during the ceasefire earlier this year. The trucks carried over 11,000 metric tons of food but only 6,000 metric tons has entered Gaza – enough to support less than 300,000 people for a month with minimal daily food requirements. This is a small fraction of what is needed for a population of 2.1 million people and far too slow to meet the overwhelming needs.

    To stave off starvation, stabilize markets and calm desperation, we need to consistently support the entire population with basic food requirements every month.

    After nearly 80 days of a total blockade of aid, and a trickle of assistance since the reopening, the fear of starvation inside Gaza remains high.

    For the trucks and drivers inside Gaza, insecurity and the breakdown in law and order also pose concerns. Some trucks have been looted by armed gangs, injuring drivers and damaging trucks. 

    WFP continues to call for better operating conditions so that food can reach families consistently, fairly, and safely — wherever they are across the Gaza Strip. This means more safe and reliable convoy routes, faster permission approvals and additional border crossings open for use. 

    This is the only way to reassure the population and to push back starvation.

    WFP has over 140,000 metric tons of food––enough to feed the entire population of 2.2 million Gazans for two months – within and on its way to the region.

    The food aid brought into Gaza during the ceasefire helped to push back the tide of hunger. We can do this again.

    Another ceasefire is urgently needed and is the only way to reach all people safely across Gaza with life-saving assistance.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Sending Delegation on Business Recruitment Mission to the Paris Air Show

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he will be joining a delegation of Connecticut state officials and business leaders at the 2025 Paris Air Show as part of a business recruitment mission intended to strengthen and support the state’s aerospace industry and the thousands of local jobs that it supports.

    The aerospace industry employs nearly 30,000 people in Connecticut, the third highest concentration of aerospace employment in the U.S. The aerospace and defense industry accounts for more than 32% of Connecticut’s total exports.

    “Connecticut is one of the top places in the world for aerospace companies to grow and develop, and it is our mission to help our state’s existing aerospace companies thrive and meet with international companies that are looking to establish operations in the U.S. market,” Governor Lamont said. “We want more of the world’s aerospace products to be made in Connecticut, where the world’s best and most talented workforce is located.”

    The Paris Air Show is considered one of the most important tradeshows of its kind in the world and is attended by world leaders, governors of several U.S. states, military officials, and some of the top business executives of the commercial aerospace and defense industry. More than 2,454 aerospace and defense companies from throughout the world will be exhibiting.

    Governor Lamont will be attending from June 15 to June 17, and his schedule includes attending industry networking events and meeting with several aerospace companies that have expressed interest in establishing operations in the United States. Other officials who are part of Connecticut’s delegation include Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe, Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, and Advance CT President and CEO John Bourdeaux.

    The State of Connecticut is sponsoring its own booth that will be occupied by ten aerospace companies with operations in the state, whose executives will be working to secure contracts for their products and services. These companies include:

    • Air Industries Group
    • Enjet Aero
    • Precision Sensors
    • NE-XT Technologies
    • Jonal Laboratories
    • Forecast International
    • Reno Machine
    • Production Metals, A Division of Ryerson
    • Mott Corporation
    • New England Airfoil Products (NEAP)

    “We are excited to be in Paris with a full delegation to demonstrate the critical role Connecticut plays in the aerospace industry,” Commissioner O’Keefe said. “We are here to support our aerospace manufacturers, compete for businesses, introduce the show’s participants to our world-class workforce, and make sure that global companies know that our state is one of the top aerospace markets in the world.”

    “We are here because Connecticut is an important player in the global aerospace ecosystem,” Bourdeaux said. “We invest a lot of time and resources into the Paris Air Show because it is a place where business gets done. We must be here to compete against other states, and I am proud to say that Connecticut competes very well in this industry. We have a strong track record in the aerospace sector, and we continue to be successful at bringing new corporate investors to our state.”

    Connecticut is the #1 state in the U.S. for aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing, which contributes more than $6.6 billion to Connecticut’s GDP. Airbus North America Chairman and CEO Robin Hayes called Connecticut the company’s #1 supplier state, with more than one-third of their total U.S. spend going to Connecticut.

    Connecticut has been participating in the Paris Air Show and the Farnborough International Air Show in England, which are held in alternating years, since 2006. These two tradeshows are considered the two most important events in the world for the global aerospace industry.

    At the 2023 Paris Air Show, conversations between Governor Lamont, AdvanceCT, and Hanwha Aerospace resulted in Hanwha relocating its International Engines Business from South Korea to Cheshire, Connecticut.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 10th, 2025 Heinrich, Wicker, Stansbury, Ciscomani Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Combat the Syphilis Epidemic, Protect Mothers and Infants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Roger Wicker (R- Miss.), and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) introduced the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act, legislation to protect pregnant mothers and infants by requiring the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to issue guidance to states on best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).
    In 2023, the New Mexico Department of Health reported a 20 percent increase in cases of congenital syphilis in New Mexico (91 cases). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks New Mexico as the state with the highest rate of congenital syphilis and the second highest rate of primary or secondary syphilis. On October 17, 2024, New Mexico Department of Health issued a renewed Public Health Order to increase awareness of syphilis and increase screening of both adults ages 18-50 and pregnant women to decrease rates of syphilis in all regions of New Mexico.
    Nearly eradicated in the U.S. during the 1990s, syphilis is treatable as it continues to be highly sensitive to penicillin. However, rates of infection are on the rise over recent years as the CDC reports infections are at their highest levels since the 1950s. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium that produces sores on the infected person. When left untreated, the infection can invade multiple systems in the body and cause life-threatening damage to organs. For pregnant women, congenital syphilis occurs when a mother passes the infection to her fetus.
    “We must do more to help stop the increase of babies born in New Mexico with congenital syphilis. My Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will help us improve screening and treatment to protect pregnant mothers and babies in New Mexico from this fully treatable condition,” said Heinrich.
    “The syphilis epidemic has impacted many Mississippians, and I am working to protect mothers and children from this disease. The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will expand access to life-saving screening and treatment for congenital syphilis,” said Wicker.
    “We must do everything we can to protect mothers and their infants,” said Stansbury. “Congenital Syphilis is treatable, and it is critical HHS provides treatment, support, and education. I am proud to sign on to the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act so women and babies in New Mexico get the care and treatment they deserve.” 
    “As rates of congenital syphilis continue to rise in Arizona’s newborns, we must ensure that our mothers, families, and healthcare professionals have access to information, treatment, and solutions they need to address this highly preventable disease,” said Ciscomani. “Information saves lives and I am proud to co-lead the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act to promote and expand access to screenings and treatment for syphilis to ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and babies are as healthy as possible.”
    Specifically, the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act requires the HHS to issue guidance to state Medicaid agencies, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Indian Health Service (IHS) on actions states may take to improve access to syphilis screening for pregnant mothers and infants, best practices for physicians treating cases of congenital syphilis, strategies for increasing access to telehealth services, and increasing access to treatment in the third trimester and at delivery.
    The legislation is endorsed by the Navajo Birthworker Collective, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), March of Dimes, the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
    “The Navajo Birthworker Collective supports the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act because our communities deserve access to timely screening and treatment to protect the lives and health of our mothers and babies,” said Amanda Singer, Doula, CLC, Executive Director of the Navajo Birthworker Collective.
    “Congenital syphilis is a national public health crisis—and it’s a crisis we can prevent. This bill ensures that every state has the tools and guidance needed to detect and treat syphilis in pregnancy. No woman or baby should suffer or die from a disease we have the power to stop,” said the National Coalition of STD Directors.
    The text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Banks Introduce Legislation to Address Excessive Executive Pay Within Federal Home Loan Banks System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Curbing Unreasonable Remuneration at Banks (CURB) Act. This bipartisan legislation grants the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency the authority to set reasonable compensation levels for senior executives. 
    “While the Federal Home Loan Bank system has continued to fail to meaningfully invest in affordable housing and community development, it pays its executives millions each year,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation gives the Federal Housing Finance Agency more oversight over FHLBanks executives’ compensation to help make sure the system delivers for working families.”
    “Federal Home Loan Banks exist to help Americans buy homes, not to pad the pockets of executives,” said Senator Banks.“This bill keeps FHLBs on mission and empowers President Trump and FHFA Director Pulte to eliminate excessive pay and waste of government resources.”
    Over the years, the Federal Home Loan Banks’ mission of supporting affordable housing and community lending has taken a back seat to incentivizing profit-driven behavior. As government-sponsored enterprises, FHLBs operate with public backing, including access to low-cost borrowing through government-implied guarantees and exemption from income tax, which gives them a unique responsibility to prioritize their mission and the public interest. However, a 2023 report from the FHFA indicated that executives earned bonuses tied to financial performance metrics that did not advance affordable housing goals. The CURB Act direct the Federal Housing Finance Agency to oversee and establish more reasonable salaries and bonuses.
    Full bill text can be found here.
    Throughout her time representing Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has made reforming the Federal Home Loan Banks a cornerstone of her work. In April, Cortez Masto introduced the Federal Home Loan Banks’ Mission Implementation Act, which would ensure the FHLBanks are re-focused on their mission to support housing finance and community development. In Congress, Senator Cortez Masto has also highlighted the fact that Nevada has been treated unfairly by the system, and she has sought additional investment in Nevada by the FHLBank of San Francisco resulting in the first-in-the nation targeted Affordable Housing Program for the state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Celebrates the Anniversary of DACA and Vows to Protect Dreamers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    FTP for TV stations of her remarks is available here.
    Cortez Masto shared the stories of two Dreamers who wrote her letters about their love for this country and their concern about their uncertain futures.
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) took to the Senate floor today to mark 13 years since the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. She promised to continue working to protect immigrants who were brought to this country as children and who have only ever called the United States home.
    Below are her remarks as delivered:
    Mr. President, in five days we will celebrate 13 years since President Obama created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. DACA has proven to be an overwhelming success, allowing Dreamers who have only ever known the United States as their home to continue contributing to our economy and our communities.
    DACA protects immigrants who came to the United States as children from deportation, and it authorizes them to legally work. Nevada and every state in the country has benefitted from DACA. We’re a better, stronger country because of this program.
    In my home state, nearly 136,000 U.S. citizens live with at least one family member who is undocumented. And 10,730 people in Nevada are DACA recipients. And we know – no matter what President Trump and others say – that our immigrant communities are a critical part of what makes our country great.
    I know that. My grandfather was from Chihuahua. Crossed the border, served in our military, and became a United States citizen.
    The Dreamers I know in my community have gone to college, they’ve become part of our workforce, they pay billions of dollars in taxes, and they are woven into the fabric of every community in Nevada and across this country. Dreamers contribute $810 million each year to our economy in Nevada alone!
    They love this country, and it is their home.
    As we celebrate the 13th anniversary of DACA, we must remember that the young people who became the first DACA recipients are now in their 30’s and 40’s. They have the responsibilities that all American adults have: maintaining their careers, caring for elderly relatives, paying bills and mortgages, and yes, putting food on the table for their families.
    But their ability to remain in the only home they’ve ever known is in jeopardy thanks to this administration’s threats to end DACA.
    President Trump tried to terminate DACA entirely in his first term, but he was stopped by the courts.
    Now, immigrant families across the country are once again bracing for their lives to be turned upside down on any given day because of threats of mass deportations and further attacks on the program.
    I can’t even imagine how exhausting it must be to spend so many years in fear and limbo, especially for Dreamers who have done everything right, who know this country as their only home, who want to be the future leaders, who want to be part of our communities, who want to be our doctors and our teachers – to know that they’re always concerned about that opportunity for their future. And they have, for the last 13 years, been met with endless delays and politics and people playing with their lives for some sort of political game.
    Not only that, but immigrant communities are being demonized and they’re facing threats because of politicians stoking hate and division in our communities. People who have lived here their whole lives and contribute to our country are now being told by those politicians they don’t belong.
    Here’s the other thing: I know in my state, they’re being demonized and called out by these politicians as criminals and drug traffickers and rapists. Well, I invite any of those politicians to come into my state and meet with my Dreamers. And I challenge anyone in this country who knows these families and who knows these Dreamers to stand by them. Because right now, they are under attack.
    This isn’t something that’s happening out of sight or behind closed doors – it’s happening in our neighborhoods every single day. These Dreamers have families who are a crucial part of our communities. You know them. We know them. We have families, many of them have spouses and children who are U.S. citizens, and they just want to be able to live normal lives and contribute and continue to pay taxes and be part of our jobs and economy and expanding this economy and this country.
    I will tell you, over the years, my office has received stacks of letters from Nevadans who have been impacted by DACA about the importance of the program for them and their families. I want to share just a couple of those stories and those letters with you.
    I received a letter from a 10-year-old girl who was born in North Las Vegas. Her father is a Dreamer who has lived in the United States since he was 7 years old. Her father always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but for much of his career, he was denied opportunity after opportunity.
    That changed when he became a recipient of DACA and was able to get a good job, buy a home for his family, and give his kids a better life. But every day, his daughter lives in fear that her father, who has worked hard in America all his life, could get deported back to Mexico – and that she and her siblings would have to live in a country whose language they don’t even speak.
    She said, “I would love for the government to see that my daddy and all Dreamers like him only want to be good citizens and have a better future.” She hopes to be a pediatrician one day and serve her community just like her dad always dreamed.
    The second letter I want to share with you I received from a young woman whose parents brought her to Nevada when she was just two years old. When she turned 18, she was excited to start working so she could earn a living for herself. But as an undocumented Dreamer without a Social Security number, she couldn’t apply for the jobs her peers were getting.
    She writes, “I am as much a citizen as them. I can do all that they are able to do. I have witnessed several individuals around my age waste their potential. They have everything they could possibly receive and choose not to take advantage.”
    I will tell you, Dreamers jump at every opportunity to create a better life for themselves than their parents had. I will tell you, these Dreamers do not run afoul of the law. I will tell you, these Dreamers do everything they possibly can to prove why they want to live here and be a crucial part of our communities. But all the while, they live in fear that their family could be torn apart by our broken immigration system that we have an obligation to fix.
    DACA has been an essential way to provide stability for Dreamers and their families.
    But in my state and across this country, Dreamers haven’t been able to apply for new DACA protections.
    Nearly half of Nevada’s Dreamers are eligible for DACA. But unfortunately, thousands of Dreamers in my state are currently vulnerable because this administration is refusing to accept their DACA applications.
    And now, it’s in direct defiance of a court order. In March of this year, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump administration must start accepting new DACA applications. Because that is the law. But months have gone by, and we haven’t seen any progress.
    Yesterday, my staff learned for the first time that one single new application that had been processed and accepted. Just one. Well, while one is better than zero, I will say this administration has a lot of work to do to follow the law and accept more applicants into the DACA program.
    I am so pleased that my colleagues and I are here today to keep the pressure on, to make sure this administration follows the law – but also to appeal to our Republican colleagues. It is time we come together and work together to put Dreamers and their families on a pathway to citizenship.
    These Dreamers are as American in their hearts as you and I. Our country is better with them in it. And as we celebrate the 13th anniversary of DACA, I remain committed to working with anyone who is willing to protect them and do the same.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH Director Commits to Providing Detailed List of Total Staff Reductions at NIH By End of Day; Senator Murray Grills Director on Cuts to Clinical Trials, Grant Terminations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Murray, DeLauro, Baldwin Blast Director Bhattacharya for Terminating Thousands of Active NIH Grants, Upending Research, Threatening Patient Treatment
    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s exchange with Bhattacharya***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya at a Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on the president’s fiscal year 2026 budget request for NIH. Senator Murray secured a commitment from Dr. Bhattacharya to provide a detailed list of total staff reductions across NIH—by Institute, Center, and Job Function—under the Trump administration by the end of the day. Senator Murray also grilled Dr. Bhattacharya on the abrupt termination of at least 160 clinical trials and the delay and freezing of grant funding, which is disrupting lifesaving research across the country.
    In her opening comments, Vice Chair Murray said:
    “I am extremely proud of the work that I’ve done on a bipartisan basis to strengthen our investments in NIH, to support lifesaving research, and to really maintain American leadership in biomedical innovation. I’m not going to mince words today about how that progress is now being unraveled.
    “What the Trump administration is doing to NIH right now is, frankly, catastrophic. Over the past few months, this administration has fired and pushed out nearly 5,000 critical employees across NIH, prevented nearly $3 billion dollars in grant funding from being awarded, and terminated nearly 2,500 grants—totaling almost $5 billion dollars for lifesaving research that is ongoing—that includes clinical trials for HIV and Alzheimer’s disease.
    “Across the country, including in my home state of Washington, research institutions have been waiting for months to receive funding for grants they’ve already been awarded. Meanwhile, NIH is cutting down on grant awards—with thousands of fewer research grants this year, and almost 15,000 fewer next year if the administration has its way.
    “Because, to pile on to this destruction, you and the President are requesting that we now slash NIH’s budget by 40 percent, or $18 billion dollars. I cannot fathom to what end. The Trump administration is already systematically dismantling the American biomedical research enterprise that is the envy of the world—throwing away billions in economic activity in every one of our states, and jeopardizing the lifesaving work of researchers across the country.
    “This budget proposal would effectively forfeit our leadership in research innovation and competitiveness to China. It would mean we depend on China for the latest treatments for devastating diseases.
    “No one in America wants us to do less cancer research. No one is asking you to make it harder to research Alzheimer’s disease. And no one is asking you to cut lifesaving clinical trials.
     
    “We are hearing this from the experts themselves. You just received a letter signed by hundreds of your own staff who believe this administration’s actions risk breaking NIH and the lifesaving work it does. I really hope you heed their warning, and it should go without saying, but I expect none of them to face retaliation for raising those concerns.
    “Everyone on this dais wants NIH to succeed. And you’re going to need to see some major changes from what you are doing right now to get us back on the right path.”
    [STAFF PUSHED OUT ACROSS NIH]
    Senator Murray began her questioning by following up on points she raised on a phone call with Dr. Bhattacharya last week, and that her staff has been asking for answers to for months: “We spoke on the phone last week, I appreciate that, I want to follow up on those questions and what I’ve been trying to get answers from you for months. You told me 25 staff have been fired from the NIH Clinical Center out of the 1,445 who have been fired across the entire agency. But that does not include staff leaving after being offered buyouts or threatened with future layoffs. I want to know, what is the total number of employees who left the Clinical Center and the entire agency as a result of the Trump Administration’s personnel actions in total?”
    “The numbers I have in front of me are for the Reduction in Force, that’s the 25 I mentioned in our conversation. We’ll get those numbers for the retirements to you,” said Dr. Bhattacharya.
    “Well, I told you I was going to ask for this [information] over the phone, I requested this multiple times, how come you do not have that for us today?” said Senator Murray.
    “My misunderstanding, I thought you were asking for the Reduction in Force numbers,” said Dr. Bhattacharya.
    “No. I was being very clear,” said Senator Murray. “I want to know, by the end of the day, can I have a detailed list of reductions in staff by Institute, by Center, by job function—not just the RIFs, but total staff reductions. Can I have that by the end of the day?”
    “Yes,” Dr. Bhattacharya committed.
    “Okay. Those are really basic questions, and I want to see that by the end of today,” Senator Murray said.
    [GRANT CANCELLATIONS FOR CLINICAL TRIALS]
    Senator Murray continued her questioning by asking Dr. Bhattacharya about NIH cuts to, and termination of, hundreds of clinical trials over the past few months: “Now I am also particularly concerned, as I told you, about cuts to clinical trials—which are harming patients’ care nationwide, and the chance for better treatments and cures. NIH has now terminated at least 160 clinical trials. In addition to terminating grants, you are also delaying grant awards and freezing, or significantly delaying, institutions from being able to draw down their grant funding, which is disrupting clinical trials—to say nothing of other research that it is now threatening. How many clinical trials across the country have been impacted by the grants you have terminated, frozen, or delayed?”
    “Senator, I don’t have the number for the specific numbers of trials,” Dr. Bhattacharya replied. “We’ve worked to make sure that no patients enrolled in the clinical trials are, have any delay in their care as a result of the—in 2020, the NIH terminated a very large number of clinical trials.”
    “Well I’m asking you about today, under your direction,” SenatorMurray said.
    Dr. Bhattacharya responded, “I don’t have specific numbers, and a lot of that is subject to negotiations. I’ve set a process where people can appeal for, if there’s any decisions made regarding grant pauses and terminations and we’re actively working to make sure that that appeals process is going. The numbers are in flux, and I’m happy to get some of those numbers to you later.”
    Senator Murray said, “Well we do know that patient care is being impacted, at your own Clinical Center and in more than 100 clinical trials in the country.”
    “On May 30th, you terminated a 23-year research effort to develop an HIV vaccine, just as scientists, including at the Fred Hutch Center in Seattle, are on the cusp of a functional cure for HIV. Terminating those HIV vaccine trials now cuts off access to treatment for 6,000 patients in the network. You canceled a clinical trial evaluating new evidence-based interventions for Type 2 Diabetes in rural communities in Appalachia. You terminated a clinical trial studying immunotherapy in combination with monoclonal antibodies to treat women with recurrent ovarian cancer. That is what has already happened. So now you are coming to us today, proposing to cut NIH funding by 40 percent next year. Tell us how many fewer clinical trials would you fund in the next fiscal year with a budget cut of $18 billion dollars from NIH?” Senator Murray asked.
    “Senator, can I just address HIV, because I am absolutely committed—in 2019, President Trump issued a challenge for us to eliminate the threat to HIV in this country,” Dr. Bhattacharya said. “And we’ve had a 22 percent reduction in HIV transmission since then. We now have the technological tools to do that, and I’ve been working on developing a program to actually implement this vision, so we can use—”
    “But you did terminate the HIV research at Fred Hutch that, again, was on the cusp of a treatment for 6,000 patients nationwide. You did do that?” Senator Murray pushed back.
    “I don’t—I’d have to get back to you on that,” Dr. Bhattacharya replied.
    “You did do that,” SenatorMurray said.
    “Senator, I think we actually have now the chance, with the existing technologies, Lenacapavir and other treatments, to actually address—” Dr. Bhattacharya hedged.
    “I’m delighted to hear that, but I’m just telling you what clinical trials have been terminated and I’m asking you this because we have to write an appropriations bill,” SenatorMurray replied.“How many fewer clinical trials will you fund in the next fiscal year with an $18 billion dollar cut? That’s your budget request.”
    “Senator, the budget request is a work of negotiation between Congress and the administration. President Trump has issued a letter to Secretary Kratsios committing the United States to be the leading nation—” dodgedDr. Bhattacharya.
    “Well you’re not answering the question. We need to know how many fewer clinical trials, can you get that number back to me please? You’re asking for a budget, we’re trying to figure out what that will fund. That’s our job,” SenatorMurray said.
    “The number depends on what the requests we get for proposals from all across the country. The budget itself would be dependent on what you all do, as well as what the administration does,” Dr. Bhattacharya responded.
    Senator Murray pressed, “Well I know, but we are trying to write a budget with the knowledge that you have, with the request that you have, I’m asking a question, how many fewer clinical trials—we need an answer back to that.”
    Dr. Bhattacharya again said, “It’s hard to give an answer back to that because I don’t know what the proposals are going to be.” To which Senator Murray replied: “You came here today to ask for a budget that reduces NIH significantly. I would expect as Director, you would know the impacts of that. We need to know what the impacts are in order to fund that budget.”
    “Senator, I mean it’s hard to say what the researchers of the country are going to do in response, for a hypothetical budget—” repliedDr. Bhattacharya.
    “Would you say there’s going to be MORE clinical trials under that? Under an $18 billion dollar, 40 percent cut?” Senator Murray asked.
    “It seems unlikely,” Dr. Bhattacharya admitted. “But I will say this, that the budget itself is a negotiation between the administration and Congress. Congress allocates the funds. I am absolutely committed to making sure that, whatever the allocation goes, that we address the health—
    “You are asking us for a significant reduction. It will impact the health of the United States of America. This committee has an obligation to know how you are spending that money,” Senator Murray concluded.
    ___________________________________
    Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.
    In particular, Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and push out nearly 5,000 NIH skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. Senator Murray released a statement decrying the Trump administration’s all-out assault on the NIH upon meeting with Bhattacharya in February, and at his nomination hearing in March, she pressed Mr. Bhattacharya on the Trump administration’s efforts to cut billions from biomedical research through an illegal cap on indirect costs, and their unprecedented halt on NIH Advisory Council Meetings, among other issues.
    When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. 
    Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler Statement on Donald Trump’s Reckless Escalation of Tensions in Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement on Donald Trump’s Reckless Escalation of Tensions in Los Angeles: 

    “Donald Trump has taken a series of provocative and dangerous steps intended to escalate tensions in Los Angeles. He floated the idea of arresting California’s governor, overrode six decades of precedent by deploying the National Guard without the state’s request, and has now mobilized a full Marine battalion, an alarming and unprecedented escalation. The use of active-duty military forces to confront civil protests, especially over the objections of state leaders, is a dangerous action that poses a direct threat to civil liberties and the foundations of our democracy.

    Let me be clear: I support peaceful protest and do not want to see violence on our streets. I am thankful that, as Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, and the Los Angeles Police Department have stated, the protests in Los Angeles have been overwhelmingly peaceful. It is clear that state and local law enforcement did not—and do not—need assistance from the National Guard or the Marines. Even before the Guard arrived in Los Angeles, Trump credited them with restoring calm, proving that this deployment was not a response to any real public safety need, but rather a calculated attempt to use the power of the federal government to intimidate communities, silence dissent, and punish states that defy him. Additionally, LAPD leadership stated yesterday that the deployment of Marines to Los Angeles “presents significant logistical and operational challenges for those of us charged with safeguarding this city.” Indeed, the deployment, which will cost American taxpayers at least $134 million, was so poorly planned that Marines and Guardsmen reportedly lack adequate fuel, water, and even a place to sleep.

    Trump has referred to protesters in Los Angeles as insurrectionists, and his hypocrisy is staggering. When violent extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and attacked law enforcement officers, Trump refused to call them insurrectionists or authorize the National Guard in time to stop the violence. Since then, he has pardoned many of them, including those who assaulted police and left more than 140 officers injured.

    Trump’s actions are also part of a broader effort to manufacture a crisis and use it to justify cruel, sweeping crackdowns on immigrant communities. Dreamers and longtime residents are being detained without warrants, denied access to legal counsel, and stripped of their rights. In some cases, individuals are taken in the middle of the night with no explanation and no official record of their whereabouts.

    These authoritarian crackdowns have reached as far as my own district office, where DHS officers entered without a warrant and unnecessarily detained a member of my staff. Across the country, DHS personnel are operating in secrecy, wearing masks, using unmarked vehicles, and arresting people on public streets without identifying themselves or offering any form of accountability. That is not how law enforcement should function in a democracy. Concealing identity and evading oversight are tactics of intimidation, not instruments of justice.

    Congressional Republicans cannot stand by silently while constitutional rights are trampled and federal forces are turned against the American people. That is how democracies backslide, through normalization and inaction. I will continue to do everything in my power to stop this abuse, demand accountability from the Trump Administration, and fight to ensure that our democratic principles are protected for future generations.”

                                                                                                                                                  ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ensuring Access to Mental Health Services

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Hochul today announced that all Medicaid managed care plans operating in New York State have improved compliance with rules for fair access to mental health and substance use disorder services, even as the Trump Administration rolls back enforcement of these critical protections. Among the plans reviewed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield were found to be 100 percent compliant with all regulations.

    “While the Trump Administration sleeps on regulations aimed at ensuring access to critical behavioral health services, New York State has achieved landmark reforms and is holding insurance companies accountable so that all New Yorkers can get coverage for this critical care,” Governor Hochul said. “The gains in compliance we’re seeing today reflect our steadfast commitment to ensuring these carriers cover critical mental health services and don’t restrict access to care.”

    Last month, the Trump administration indicated in a federal court filing that it does not intend to enforce certain mental health parity regulations, including rules requiring insurance companies apply fair standards for behavioral health services. These regulations prevent insurers from imposing additional barriers — such as prior authorization requirements or restrictive provider networks — making it harder for patients to access mental health and substance use care as compared to physical health services.

    In contrast, New York State has been actively taking steps to ensure Medicaid managed care plans are complying with regulations and providing New Yorkers with the coverage they are entitled to receive under law. The State Office of Mental Health reviewed six nonquantitative treatment limitations — provisions that are sometimes manipulated by these plans to restrict access to necessary behavioral health care — and found all carriers in compliance.

    In addition, OMH’s comprehensive and rigorous examination also determined that both the Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield were fully compliant with all 19 nonquantitative treatment limitations.

    OMH, however, also found that most managed care plans did not fully demonstrate compliance with other provisions with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Some continually applied a different rate-setting process for behavioral health services and reimbursing providers for less than they would for medical and surgical services.

    New York State has worked to hold managed care plans accountable for these violations. During a similar review of behavioral health claims filed between 2018 to 2020, OMH uncovered high levels of inappropriate denials for specialty services claims, including $39 million between December 2017 and May 2018. New York State took enforcement action on all 15 Medicaid managed care plans, issuing a total of 95 citations between 2019 and 2021, resulting in fines to 11 carriers totaling more than $1 million.

    Resulting fines were used to fund the Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project, also known as CHAMP. This program is the State’s independent health insurance ombudsman program for behavioral health care, which helps New Yorkers access treatment and insurance coverage for substance use and mental health treatment.

    New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Managed care plans have a legal obligation to cover behavioral health services and reimburse this treatment at or above the rates prescribed by law. Our efforts to hold Medicaid insurers accountable is removing barriers to care and helping New Yorkers get the mental health treatment they need. This work reflects Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to quality mental health care throughout our state.”

    New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Access to harm reduction and mental health services saves lives and the measures taken under Governor Hochul’s leadership ensures Medicaid managed care plans are complying with the regulations and are creating no limitations to care for New Yorkers who rely on these services. Access to affordable coverage is a matter of health equity and the State Department of Health will continue to work with our state and local partners to expand access to harm reduction and mental health services and eliminate health disparities in New York State.”

    State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, “As the Federal Government rolls back support for Medicaid, New York State is fighting to increase access to behavioral health services. As Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee, I am working alongside my colleagues to make sure that federal parity rules remain in place, in spite of the Trump Administration’s failures to protect them. I applaud Governor Hochul for prioritizing behavioral health care and ensuring that Medicaid managed care plans are in compliance to provide New Yorkers with the health coverage they deserve.”

    State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “Today’s announcement from Governor Hochul reminds us that every New Yorker deserves mental health care. At a time when the federal government is rolling back critical protections, New York is sending a message that we are building a future where every New Yorker can get the help they need, no matter who they are or where they come from.”

    OMH monitors managed care organizations on an ongoing basis to ensure they are properly providing behavioral health services to their members. The agency works in partnership with the Department of Health, which has the legal authority to apply fines and enforce compliance in the Medicaid program.

    Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is leading the nation in requiring health insurers to cover behavioral health services and continues to develop tools to ensure these companies are following all applicable laws. New York State’s new network adequacy standards will go into effect starting in July, entitling New Yorkers to an initial appointment for behavioral health care within 10 business days of the request, or seven calendar days following hospital discharge. Insurers unable to meet these timeframes will have to offer out-of-network mental health or substance use disorder coverage without increasing the cost for the consumer.

    The state now also requires commercial insurers to reimburse covered outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services provided by in-network OMH and Office of Addiction Services and Supports facilities at no less than the Medicaid rate. In the FY 2026 Enacted State Budget, Governor Hochul also secured $1 million to ensure that insurers are providing the mental health care coverage policyholders deserve including new resources to strengthen compliance oversight, educating consumers and providers, and investigating and mediating complaints.

    Governor Hochul also helped secure a state Medicaid waiver to cover social determinants of health, required commercial and Medicaid health plans to use transparent, nonprofit clinical guidelines and cover all medically necessary treatments.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter Introduces House Resolution Condemning Anti-ICE Riots in Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter Introduces House Resolution Condemning Anti-ICE Riots in Los Angeles

    Carter Introduces House Resolution Condemning Anti-ICE Riots in Los Angeles

    Washington, June 10, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced a House Resolution condemning the violent riots in Los Angeles, California targeting our brave Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

    The Resolution expresses the House of Representatives’ vehement opposition to the lawless clashes between illegal immigrants and federal law enforcement that left the city of Los Angeles in shambles and required deployment of the National Guard and Marine Corps.

    “It is our duty in the House of Representatives to send a clear message to those who harm our local and federal law enforcement: You have no place here. As disturbing images emerge from the violent riots in LA, including foreign nationals harming officers while waving other countries’ flags, we in Congress must make our stance perfectly clear. We back the blue, we support our ICE officers, and we will defend our cities from rioting, lawlessness, and destruction,” said Rep. Carter.

    Read full text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On One-Year Anniversary of Expiration of RECA, Luján, Heinrich, Leger Fernández, Vasquez, Advocates Hold Press Call Highlighting Need to Reauthorize and Strengthen RECA

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) expiring due to Congressional Republican inaction, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), issued the following statements highlighting the urgent need to reauthorize and strengthen RECA. The lawmakers underscored the critical importance of delivering long-overdue justice to Americans harmed by nuclear testing and uranium exposure.
    Despite the Senate passing RECA reauthorization twice with bipartisan support, House Republicans failed to act before the law expired during the 118th Congress. Senator Luján also secured the public support of then-President Joe Biden during a visit to New Mexico.
    “In New Mexico and across the country, thousands of Americans sacrificed in service to our national security. Exactly one year after House Republicans failed to reauthorize RECA, far too many families are still waiting for the justice they are owed. Letting this program expire is a disgrace to the victims and their loved ones who have suffered the consequences of radiation exposure,” said Luján. “One year is far too long to deny compensation to those who are sick and dying from exposure caused by our own government. This Congress, I’m proud to once again lead legislation to extend and expand RECA. I’m hopeful the Senate will once again pass this critical legislation, and I urge Speaker Johnson to finally do right by these victims and bring it to the House floor.”
    “In the year since the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expired, thousands of Americans lost compensation for health conditions caused by radiation exposure on behalf of our national security. And thousands of additional victims, victims who were never adequately compensated under the original bill, lost their chance to finally be included,” said Heinrich. “Our federal government has a moral responsibility to support Americans that helped defend our country– and it has a moral responsibility to include all people who were exposed. That begins with reauthorizing RECA and amending it to include those who have been left out for far too long. To the families impacted: keep telling your stories. Keep raising your voices. Together, that’s how we’ll reintroduce RECA, and it’s how we will make it the law of the land.”
    “It’s been a full year since RECA expired. A year of silence, sickness, and suffering that House leadership has ignored,” said Leger Fernández. “We know what justice looks like: it’s bipartisan, it’s passed the Senate, and it includes every community harmed by radiation—from the uranium miners in Shiprock to the downwinders in southern New Mexico. Speaker Johnson must let us vote. The longer he waits, the more people suffer.”
    “The failure to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act leaves many New Mexicans who continue to suffer from the legacy of nuclear testing and uranium mining without the support they urgently need. Speaker Johnson’s inaction denies justice to downwinders, Tribal nations, and rural communities. Our people are still sick — and they’ve been ignored once again,” said Vasquez. “I’ll keep fighting to reauthorize and expand RECA so these families get the compensation and recognition they deserve.”
    “The bomb was detonated at Trinity 80 years ago this July. The people of New Mexico have never been acknowledged or taken care of by their own government who willfully and negligently overexposed them to radiation and caused irreparable harm,” Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium. “It has now been one year since RECA expired. We continue to bury our loved ones on a regular basis and then someone else is diagnosed. It is time the people of New Mexico receive justice. Speaker Johnson must do the right thing and allow a vote to reauthorize and expand RECA. Waiting is not an option nor a solution. We will continue this fight until we see the justice we so deserve.”
    “Since the RECA bill expired on June 10th, 2024, many of our uranium miners have passed away with no compensation or apology for their sacrifices from the government,” said Loretta Anderson, RECA Advocate. “The RECA bill must be reauthorized to honor our Cold War Veterans, the Uranium Miners, and Downwinders here in New Mexico.”
    Since being elected to Congress, Senator Luján has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen the RECA program. He has introduced RECA legislation in every Congress since being elected in 2008.
    In January, Senator Luján reintroduced the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act alongside Senators Hawley and Heinrich to compensate Americans exposed to radiation by government nuclear programs. 
    In 2023, Senator Luján led a bipartisan coalition of Senators to pass RECA as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – the most significant Congressional action in decades to strengthen the program. Republican leadership ultimately blocked its inclusion in the final NDAA bill despite bipartisan support. 
    In March 2024, the Senate passed Senator Luján’s legislation to extend and expand the RECA program with strong bipartisan support. This included support from then-Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. After RECA legislation passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support, Senator Luján led a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately act to pass RECA. After months of inaction by Speaker Johnson, Senator Luján held a bipartisan, bicameral press conference in September 2024 with RECA advocates, urging Speaker Johnson to allow a vote on the Senate-passed RECA legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WTAS: Praise for Ernst Work to Codify Trump Effort to Eliminate Improper Payments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is earning sweeping praise for her new bill that will save taxpayers tens of billions annually. The bill will effectively eliminate improper payments across the federal government by codifying one of the Trump administration’s largest cost savings actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    Before any government expenditure can go out the door, the Delivering On Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act requires the Department of Treasury to have a description of the payment, link it to a budget account, and crosscheck the payment against government databases to ensure accuracy and eligibility. In Fiscal Year 2024, more than $160 billion in fraudulent and improper payments occurred.
    Here is some of the praise for the bill:
    “The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act is an extremely critical step towards codifying the policies in President Trump’s Executive Order. Before DOGE, taxpayer dollars have been the subject of waste and abuse. This legislation is as commonsense as it is bipartisan as it brings much-needed accountability by mandating that each agency undergoing review by the Treasury Department will have to report key financial information, thus ensuring fiscal responsibility and ending improper payments,” said Greg Sindelar, America First Policy Institute President & Chief Executive Officer.
    “Senator Ernst’s DOGE in Spending Act is a great step in assisting Congress in its work to analyze and track spending. It’s crucial that we respect taxpayers’ dollars and help drive down the costs that have led to billions in mismanagement and led to record inflation under the previous administration. Congress and the President must know where taxpayer funds are going to make coherent budgets and to execute the laws properly,” said Daniel Garza, The LIBRE Initiative President.
    “Congress and the President need to know where taxpayer funds go to make coherent budgets and to execute the laws properly. Senator Ernst’s DOGE in Spending Act would shine more light on federal spending so Congress can continue what’s working and change what isn’t,” said Kurt Couchman, Americans for Prosperity Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy.
    “The Delivering on Government Efficiency in Spending Act will require the Treasury Department to make all federal payments public and searchable. The increased spending transparency will help identify and eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. Taxpayers are grateful to Sen. Ernst for her continued leadership in holding the federal government accountable, and there should not be any objections from members of Congress to this commonsense legislation,” said Tom Schatz, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste President.
    “Under President Trump’s leadership, the DOGE effort has uncovered an unprecedented level of waste, fraud, and abuse. But there’s one big problem with DOGE’s work: Most of its work can be undone by a future president with the stroke of a pen. To make President Trump’s DOGE reforms permanent, Congress must act. Fortunately, under the leadership of Senator Joni Ernst, the Senate DOGE Caucus is doing precisely that, through the Delivering On Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act. If passed, the DOGE in Spending Act would help prevent future fraudulent and improper payments by providing the Treasury Department with the information needed to end improper payments, stop fraudsters, and protect American taxpayers. At the end of the day, the DOGE in Spending Act is just common sense,” said Tarren Bragdon, Foundation for Government Accountability President and CEO.
    “Open the Books has previously reported massive instances of wasted money that could have been avoided had federal agencies been in communication with the Do Not Pay system at Treasury. This legislation would mark a major step in curing that, too. The Delivering on Government Efficiency in Spending Act will improve transparency for taxpayers and accountability across federal agencies; it’s a no-brainer for passage,” said John Hart, Open the Books CEO.
    “Heritage Action strongly supports The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act to implement fiscal accountability within the federal government,” said Ryan Walker, Heritage Action Executive Vice President. “Each year the government loses billions in hard-earned taxpayer dollars to fraud. This DOGE-inspired legislation codifies the Trump executive order to ensure U.S. dollars are not improperly spent or lost, that waste is reduced, and we can accurately track federal spending. Heritage Action applauds Republican lawmakers for pushing this Act, and urges Congress to quickly codify this commonsense legislation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Introduces Bills to Increase Penalties on Violent Rioters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353June 10, 2025
    Cotton Introduces Bills to Increase Penalties on Violent Rioters 
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the No Visas for Violent Criminals Act and the Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness and Threats Act. Together, the pair of bills would stiffen punishment for violent rioters by establishing and increasing mandatory minimum sentences for violent offenders and by requiring deportation within 60 days of any non-citizen convicted of a criminal offense during a protest.
    “Rioters of any immigration status who assault ICE officers and engage in acts of violence should face stiff consequences. My bills make clear that Americans will not tolerate lawless rioting in support of illegal immigration,” said Senator Cotton.
    Text of the No Visas for Violent Criminals Act may be found here.
    Text of the Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness Act may be found here.
    The No Visas for Violent Criminals Act would immediately terminate any visa and require deportation within 60 days of any non-citizen convicted of:
    Any offense involving the obstruction of highways, roads, bridges, or tunnels.
    Any offense related to the individual’s conduct at and during the course of a protest.
    Any offense involving the defacement or destruction of federal property.
    The Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness Act would:
    Increase the maximum punishment for participating in a riot from five to ten years.
    Establish a mandatory minimum of one year for an act of violence as part of a riot.
    Establish a mandatory minimum of one year and eliminate the maximum penalty for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer or uniformed service member.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Democrats Fight Back with Bill to Reverse Trump, Hegseth Ban on Transgender Service Members in the Military

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 10, 2025
    Fit to Serve Act would enhance national security, prohibit Trump, Hegseth from attacking members of the military based on gender identity
    Text of Bill (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the top Democrat for the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, introduced the Fit to Serve Act, a bill to support our military readiness and national security by prohibiting discrimination against transgender service members. 
    Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), all also members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) joined as co-sponsors of the bill. 
    Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, led the introduction of the bill in the House of Representatives with Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). 
    In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender individuals joining and continuing to serve in the military. The Department of Defense (DoD) is forcing service members in active-duty to self-identify for voluntary separation by June 6, 2025; service members in the Reserves have until July 7, 2025. 
    Banning transgender service members undermines our military’s readiness. The administration’s actions hurt our national security and dehumanize the thousands of transgender service members who have made meaningful contributions to our armed forces.
    While the ban continues to be litigated in federal court, the Supreme Court has allowed the DoD to begin to implement the ban, threatening the careers of thousands of service members who serve as test pilots, Navy divers, intelligence analysts, weapons specialists, combat aviators, and other critical national security roles. The ban also threatens to waste billions of taxpayer dollars invested in training these troops, who have spent decades in the military, deployed multiple times, and commanded large numbers of troops. 
    Former Pentagon officials have testified that allowing transgender service members to openly serve “fosters openness and trust among team members, thereby enhancing unit cohesion” and that “transgender service members who meet the standards required for their positions serve effectively and contribute positively to unit readiness.”  To ensure the United States can continue to benefit from the service of transgender individuals, who have raised their hand to defend and protect their country and meet the same rigorous standards as their peers, the Fit to Serve Act prohibits DoD from: 
    Banning transgender service members from the military; 
    Prescribing qualifications for service on the basis of gender identity; 
    Denying necessary health care for service members on the basis of gender identity; 
    Forcing a service member to serve in their sex assigned at birth; or 
    Otherwise discriminating against service members on the basis of gender identity.
    “We recruit and train the best and bravest to protect our country – losing highly qualified service members, who meet strict standards to join the military, makes us less safe,” said Senator Warren. “While Trump plays politics with our troops, I’m fighting back to make clear that anyone who is qualified to serve should be able to regardless of who they are.”
    “Banning transgender Americans from serving in our military, and forcing current service members to quit serving, is a cruel attack on the very people who have dedicated their lives to defending our country,” said Senator Booker. “Transgender service members meet the same rigorous standards as their peers and have served our country with honor for years. The Fit to Serve Act is critical legislation to prevent the Department of Defense from discriminating against our troops on the basis of gender.”
    “If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, it shouldn’t matter if you are gay, straight, transgender, Black, white or anything else,” said Senator Duckworth. “Every transgender servicemember earned their role through rigorous training and is more qualified to serve in those roles than Pete Hegseth is to be Secretary of Defense. I’m proud to join Senator Warren and my Democratic colleagues in working to reverse the Trump Administration’s offensive transgender military ban, which is disruptive to our military, hurts readiness and not only does nothing to strengthen our national security—it actively makes things worse.”
    “Attacking people based on who they love or how they identify does nothing to make America safer. Our LGBTQ+ servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep our nation safe, and I’m always going to have their backs,” said Senator Fetterman. “Since day one, I’ve called on Secretary Hegseth to reverse course, and he’s failed to act. Now, I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce legislation to end this disgraceful, illegal ban.”
    “Transgender service members serve our country honorably, dedicating their lives to protecting our nation,” said Senator Hirono. “Yet, Trump continues attacking the transgender community, disrespecting these individuals, discriminating against them, and undermining our military readiness. By prohibiting this discrimination on the basis of gender identity, this legislation will help to ensure transgender individuals who are qualified to serve may do so.”
    “Every willing and qualified American deserves the chance to serve and defend our country, and many transgender individuals have done so for years with dignity and honor. This legislation will ensure these patriots can continue to serve freely and openly, now and in the future,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “As President Trump continues to denigrate and target transgender servicemembers, we must stand up for what is right and what makes our military strongest,” said Senator Kim. “We cannot build a united, incomparable force by alienating brave Americans ready and proud to serve their nation. This legislation honors our transgender troops’ service and anyone who is willing to put their life on the line for our freedoms and serve our nation in uniform.”
    “The persistent dehumanization of trans people by the Trump administration hurts many and helps no one. Trans members of the military – just like anyone else in service – have dedicated their lives to public service, and, in return, this administration dismisses them from service,” said Senator Ed Markey, “I am proud to stand with my colleagues to say this is wrong. Trans rights are human rights.”
    “Service members sign up to protect our country with patriotism and bravery,” said Senator Merkley. “Banning highly-skilled transgender service members endangers the safety and security of our nation, and takes us backward in our march towards equality.”
    “There’s no reason other than blatant discrimination for trans service members to be barred from serving in our military,” said Senator Schatz. “If someone is willing and meets the high standards to serve, they should be allowed to – it’s as simple as that.”
    “Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people in the military puts Americans’ safety last,” Senator Wyden said. “Fitness for military service has nothing to do with how a person identifies. The Fit to Serve Act will keep our military strong by ensuring that anyone who can do the job can join and serve.”
    This bill is endorsed by the following organizations: Human Rights Campaign, Minority Veterans of America, SPARTA, Out in National Security, Advocates for Trans Equality, Modern Military Association of America, National Women’s Law Center, and National Center for LGBTQ Rights.
    “Transgender servicemembers are trusted and effective warfighters. At a time when the United States faces growing threats around the world, banning them from the All-Volunteer Force will make Americans less safe,” said Luke Schleusener, CEO of Out in National Security (ONS), a professional association for LGBTQIA+ people across the national security enterprise. “This legislation underscores that the fight to honor the service of thousands of transgender Americans in uniform—and to strengthen America’s national security—is far from over.” 
    “The Fit to Serve Act is a necessary step to ensure our military reflects the values it claims to defend—honor, courage, and integrity. Banning transgender troops based on prejudice weakens our national security, erodes morale, and wastes taxpayer dollars. Transgender service members have always served with pride, even when denied recognition, and they deserve to serve openly in our armed forces and for leadership that is rooted in facts—not fear. This bill sends a clear message: Patriotism isn’t defined by gender identity, but by the selfless act of serving one’s country,” said Lindsay Church, MVA (Minority Veterans of America) Executive Director. 
    “The Fit to Serve Act is vital to stop the current unnecessary and cruel purge of trans troops, which weaponizes a gender dysphoria diagnosis. It would ensure our leaders cannot turn their backs on those fully capable and willing to serve, for no reason other than discrimination,” said Cathy Marcello, Modern Military Association of America’s Interim Executive Director. “The policy’s vague wording of ‘exhibits symptoms of gender dysphoria’ will undoubtedly be misused against anyone who military leadership wants to push out, similar to the ways Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was used to target individuals.
    “Trangender service members have already taken an extraordinary step most Americans never will: volunteering to risk their lives in defense of our nation. These thousands of patriots have already served openly and honorably around the world for nearly a decade, meeting the same standards as everyone else. Suddenly separating them and finding and training replacements will cost taxpayers billions over decades — while destroying the careers and livelihoods of thousands of military families and leaving units with critical operational and talent gaps.
    “Despite three federal courts deeming the policy unconstitutional and top military leaders noting no evidence of negative impacts of open trans service, the executive and judicial branches have failed to protect these service members. They are already experiencing the first steps of a novel and undignified separation process. We are truly thankful that Senators Warren, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Baldwin, Markey, Wyden, Hirono, Merkley, Fetterman, Van Hollen, Sanders, Kim, Booker, Schatz, and Smith are addressing this injustice by introducing the Fit to Serve Act to codify what so many of us know to be true: transgender service members are fit for service and don’t deserve to live with the uncertainty of ever-changing executive orders and litigation with each new administration.”
    “The Fit to Serve Act is a declaration that we will not stand by while our courageous troops are under political assault. Transgender servicemembers meet the same rigorous standards, deploy worldwide, put in the same hard work and demonstrate the same dedication as any of their colleagues. They have valiantly embraced the weighty responsibility of protecting our country and should not have their careers arbitrarily ended. Instead, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are taking away their jobs, cutting off their health care benefits, and disregarding the immense sacrifices these servicemembers and their families have made. It’s a slap in the face to all who serve and puts our military readiness at risk. We thank Sen. Warren for introducing this important legislation, and we urge every Member of Congress to support it and uphold this nation’s promise to support all of our servicemembers,” said Jennifer Pike Bailey, Government Affairs Director of the Human Rights Campaign. 
    “We are grateful to lawmakers for standing up for our nation’s troops and ensuring that every American has an equal opportunity to serve. Military service is about whether you can do the job, not who you are,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director, National Center for LGBTQ Rights (NCLR). 
    “Transgender people have long served in our military with honor, integrity, and courage. Efforts to ban them from service undermine the humanity and contributions of those who have risked their lives for our country,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, vice president for education and workplace justice at the National Women’s Law Center. “We strongly support the Fit to Serve Act and applaud Senator Warren’s leadership in defending the rights and dignity of trans service members. Everyone, regardless of who they are, deserves the right to work with dignity and without fear of harassment or other forms of discrimination, including in the military.”
    “SPARTA Pride supports the Fit To Serve Act introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren that aims to prohibit discrimination in the military on the basis of gender identity. This legislation represents a critical step toward ensuring that all who are willing and able to serve their country can do so with dignity, authenticity, and fairness—regardless of their gender identity,” said SPARTA Pride.
    “The United States military is as diverse as our country, and trans people have always been a part of the military, serving honorably and meeting the same rigorous standards as their peers. For nearly a decade, trans servicemembers have been able to serve in the military openly and authentically as themselves,” said Olivia Hunt, Advocates for Trans Equality Director of Federal Policy. “Trump’s ban on trans servicemembers betrays the trust of the thousands of trans people who have come out and transitioned while serving, with the full support of their unit members and chain of command. It also jeopardizes their access to critical benefits such as healthcare, education, and retirement, essential for their well-being and stability. We applaud Senator Warren and her cosponsors for introducing this important legislation and joining us in standing up for servicemembers.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Through Her Lens Photo Exhibition

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace premiered this June at New York’s Photoville Festival, spotlighting the leadership and impact of women driving peace in some of the world’s most fragile settings.

    Captured by local women photographers across 11 countries, the exhibition shares powerful stories of peacekeepers, activists, and allies working to build more just and secure futures.

    Presented in collaboration with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Women, and the Elsie Initiative Fund, the exhibit also marks 25 years of the #WomenPeaceSecurity agenda. We thank the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom for their generous support in making this global showcase possible.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4pkD3aZBj4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Myanmar: violence, humanitarian crisis, path to self-destruction – Special Envoy’s briefing | UN

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Julie Bishop, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, at the informal meeting of the General Assembly, 79th session.

    “I am deeply saddened to report to distinguished delegates, that the fighting across Myanmar continues and that the humanitarian crisis impacting its people is far worse than when I briefed the General Assembly last October.

    There has been no end to the violence, let alone any significant pause in the conflict between the warring parties, and the scale of the conflict has escalated over the four years since the military takeover in February 2021.

    There has been no end to the violence, even though thousands have been killed and thousands more injured;

    Even though civilians, women and children have been targeted in what should be safe spaces – schools, hospitals and places of worship.

    There has been no end to the violence, even though towns, villages, markets and other infrastructure have been bombed;

    Nor because of the immense humanitarian needs of over 20 million people, nor because the health system is collapsing, foreign direct investment is evaporating, and the economy is floundering.

    There has been no end to the violence, notwithstanding the calls of neighbouring countries and ASEAN, or the appeals of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

    Alarmingly, there has been no end to the violence even after the country was struck by a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake that devastated not only parts of Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Sagaing, but was so powerful that it impacted Thailand, China and other neighbouring nations.

    What will it take to end the violence? What will it take to cease hostilities in Myanmar so that we can begin a journey to peace and reconciliation?

    For if there is no end to the violence, Myanmar is on a path to self-destruction”.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HBgrpCSsZ4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Delivers Remarks at Fort Bragg

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Fort Bragg, NC

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=447wkXyiIjc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Wright Delivers Opening Remarks on Department of Energy 2026 Budget Request- June 10, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ4VdQB0Rsg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: DHSI FY 2025 Technical Assistance Pre-Application Webinar

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This is a recording of the technical assistance (TA) webinar, “DHSI FY 2025 Technical Assistance Pre-Application Webinar,” that was recorded for potential applicants to the DHSI Program FY 2025 competition for new awards.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiIUMzhSVEM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ocean Conference, Palestine, Myanmar & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (5 Jun) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
    ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ
    Highlights:

    Rome Trip Announcement
    Ocean Conference
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Myanmar
    Iraq
    Sudan
    Abyei
    Ukraine
    Haiti
    Colombia
    Resident Coordinator/Ecuador  
    Birth Rates
    Dialogue Among Civilizations
    Programming Note

    ROME TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT
    The Secretary-General landed in Rome a short while ago – after he concluded his program in Nice at the Ocean conference.
    Tomorrow, Wednesday 11 June, he will be in Vatican City for an audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing the cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See, notably on efforts to build a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.
    The Secretary-General will return to New York tomorrow.

    OCEAN CONFERENCE
    During a press event at the Ocean Conference, the Secretary-General told journalists we are in Nice on a mission – to save the ocean to save our future.
    He warned that the Ocean is approaching a tipping point, adding that powerful interests are pushing us towards the brink.
    We are facing a hard battle with a clear enemy: greed, Guterres told journalists. A greed that sows doubt, that denies science, that distorts truth, that rewards corruption and destroys life for profit.
    He added we are in Nice this week to stand in solidarity against those forces and reclaim what belongs to us all.
    The Secretary-General said we have a moral duty to ensure future generations inherit oceans swarming with life, and he called for stronger global cooperation, for action on plastic pollution and for the fight against climate change to extend to the seas.
    He also encouraged those countries that have yet to sign the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction to do so without delay. With ratifications coming in at a record rate, the treaty’s entry into force is now within sight.
    Before leaving Nice, the Secretary-General also held bilateral meetings with Mohamed Al-Menfi, the Head of the Presidential Council of Libya and with Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, the Vice-President of Tanzania.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that hostilities and hunger continue to fuel desperation among more than two million people who are being denied the basics necessary for their survival, amid reports of ongoing Israeli military operations.  
    In northern Gaza, Israeli military operations have intensified in recent days, with mass casualties reported. Hungry and displaced people have also reportedly been killed while risking their lives to access food at militarized distribution hubs.  
    Meanwhile, four new displacement orders have been issued by the Israeli authorities for northern areas of Gaza since 6 June. The last of these was said to be in response to reported Palestinian rocket fire into Israel. Combined, they cover about eight square kilometres but largely overlap with previously issued orders.
    OCHA underscores that civilians must be protected, including those fleeing and forced to leave through displacement orders and those who remain despite those orders. Civilians who flee must be allowed to return as soon as circumstances allow. OCHA reiterates that civilians must be able to receive the humanitarian assistance they need, wherever they are. All of this is required by international humanitarian law. 
    Yesterday, some supplies, mainly flour, were collected from the Kerem Shalom crossing. The aid was bound for Gaza City but was taken directly from the trucks by hungry and desperate people who have now endured months of deprivation. 
    Separately, there have also been some instances of violent looting and attacks on truck drivers, which are completely unacceptable. OCHA reiterates that Israel, as the occupying power, bears responsibility with regards to public order and safety in Gaza. That should include letting in far more essential supplies through multiple crossings and routes, to meet humanitarian needs and help reduce looting.
    Today, additional supplies have been sent to Kerem Shalom, and humanitarian partners continue their efforts to pick up supplies when they are allowed access by the Israeli authorities.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=10%20June%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFGasEIp8Jw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: High Above the World

    Source: NASA

    NASA astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz works with a grapple fixture during a June 2002 spacewalk outside of the International Space Station. He was partnered with CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales)  astronaut Philippe Perrin for the spacewalk – one of three that occurred during the STS-111 mission. Chang-Diaz was part of NASA’s ninth class of astronaut candidates. He became the first Hispanic American to fly in space.
    Image credit: NASA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: I Am Artemis: Ernesto Garcia

    Source: NASA

    Listen to this audio excerpt from Ernesto Garcia, Rayotech Scientific engineering manager:

    Your browser does not support the audio element.

    My name is Ernesto Garcia, and I am an engineering manager at Rayotech Scientific in San Diego, in charge of fabricating the windowpanes for the Orion spacecraft.
    Fabricating Orion’s windowpanes entails a very strict manufacturing process. It involves first starting from a giant sheet of glass that we cut down to near net shape. Once we get down to that near net shape, we perform a grinding operation. We grind the window edges and grind the faces.

    Once we do all that grinding, we perform a specialized process where we actually strengthen the edges of the window. Since most of the window’s strength comes from the edges, we want to make sure that those are perfect and pristine, and so we minimize any subsurface damage that is around that. Then we send it off to get polished and coated.
    After that, we perform pressure testing in our lab, which is really the most important thing that is required for this window to prove that it can survive in space. We apply the required stresses to make sure that the windows can survive on the Orion spacecraft.
    The opportunity to be part of this program has been something that I’m really proud of.

    Ernesto Garcia
    Engineering Manager, Rayotech Scientific

    Coming up with ideas of how to manufacture [the windows] and then coming up with the pressure testing equipment to verify that they are going to survive in space was extremely fulfilling.
    Being able to participate in Artemis I and seeing those windows on that [Orion spacecraft] — seeing it go into space — was probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced besides having my kids. My children are immensely proud of what I’m doing. Seeing my kids’ reactions when I’m letting them know that I’m working directly with people that are putting things in space, with people that are making changes in the world — it’s something that inspires them.

    I imagine it will be a very special experience for the Artemis II astronauts to look out of these windows on their mission around the Moon. For them to be able to just look out and see what’s around them…to explore what else is out there from their eyes, not a camera’s point of view. It’s going to be pretty extraordinary that they’ll be able to see from their eyes — through our windows — something that not everybody else gets to see.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Assistance for Those with Insurance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Assistance for Those with Insurance

    FEMA Assistance for Those with Insurance

    JACKSON, Miss

    – While FEMA cannot pay for the same things your insurance covers, FEMA may be able to provide additional money if your insurance settlement doesn’t cover all your essential disaster damage

       Residents in Covington, Grenada, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Leflore, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Smith, and Walthall counties can apply for FEMA assistance for those repairs as well as for certain personal property lost or damaged in the disaster and not covered by insurance

    Also, if a decision on your insurance settlement for disaster-caused damage has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim, you may be eligible for an insurance advance payment from FEMA

    These funds are considered a loan and must be repaid to FEMA once you receive your settlement from your insurance company

    When you apply with FEMA, you are required to inform FEMA of all insurance (flood, homeowners, vehicle, mobile home, medical, burial, etc

    ) coverage that may be available to you

    How To Apply for FEMA Individual AssistanceApply at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

    To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema

    gov/drc

    Call FEMA at 800-621-3362

    Help is available in most languages

    If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service

    Download and use the FEMA app

    For the latest information about Mississippi’s recovery, visit msema

    org or fema

    gov/disaster/4874

    joy

    li
    Tue, 06/10/2025 – 16:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA F-15s Validate Tools for Quesst Mission

    Source: NASA

    High over the Mojave Desert, two NASA F-15 research jets made a series of flights throughout May to validate tools designed to measure and record the shock waves that will be produced by the agency’s X-59 quiet supersonic experimental aircraft.
    The F-15s, carrying the recording tools, flew faster than the speed of sound, matching the conditions the X-59 is expected to fly. The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission to gather data that can help lead to quiet commercial supersonic flight over land.
    The team behind the successful test flight series operates under the Schlieren, Airborne Measurements, and Range Operations for Quesst (SCHAMROQ) project at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. There, they developed tools that will measure and visualize the X-59’s unique shock waves when it flies at Mach 1.4 and altitudes above 50,000 feet. For a typical supersonic aircraft, those shock waves would result in a sonic boom. But thanks to the X-59’s design and technologies, it will generate just a quiet thump.
    Cheng Moua, engineering project manager for SCHAMROQ, described the validation flight campaign as “a graduation exercise – it brings all the pieces together in their final configuration and proves that they will work.”
    NASA began to develop the tools years ago, anchored by the arrival of one of the two F-15s – an F-15D from the U.S. Air Force – a tactical aircraft delivered without research instrumentation.
    “It showed up as a former war-fighting machine without a research-capable instrumentation system – no telemetry, no HD video, no data recording,” Cheng said. “Now it’s a fully instrumented research platform.”
    The team used both F-15s to validate three key tools:

    A shock wave-measuring device called a near-field shock-sensing probe
    A guidance capability known as an Airborne Location Integrating Geospatial Navigation System
    An Airborne Schlieren Photography System that will allow the capture of images that render visible the density changes in air caused by the X-59

    Before the F-15D’s arrival, Armstrong relied on the second F-15 flown during this campaign – an F-15B typically used to test equipment, train pilots, and support other flight projects. The SCHAMROQ project used the two aircraft to successfully complete “dual ship flights,” a series of flight tests using two aircraft simultaneously. Both aircraft flew in formation carrying near-field shock-sensing probes and collected data from one another to test the probes and validate the tools under real-world conditions. The data help confirm how shock waves form and evolve during flight.

    For the Quesst mission, the F-15D will lead data-gathering efforts using the onboard probe, while the F-15B will serve as the backup. When flown behind the X-59, the probe will help measure small pressure changes caused by the shock waves and validate predictions made years ago when the plane’s design was first created.
    The schlieren photography systems aboard the F-15s will provide Quesst researchers with crucial data. Other tools, like computer simulations that predict airflow and wind tunnel tests are helpful, but schlieren imagery shows real-world airflow, especially in tricky zones like the engine and air inlet.
    For that system to work correctly, the two aircraft will need to be precisely positioned during the test flights. Their pilots will be using a NASA-developed software tool called the Airborne Location Integrating Geospatial Navigation System (ALIGNS).
    “ALIGNS acts as a guidance system for the pilots,” said Troy Robillos, a NASA researcher who led development of ALIGNS. “It shows them where to position the aircraft to either probe a shock wave at a specific point or to get into the correct geometry for schlieren photography.”
    The schlieren system involves a handheld high-speed camera with a telescopic lens that captures hundreds of frames per second and visualizes changes in air density – but only if it can use the sun as a backdrop.

    “The photographer holds the camera to their chest, aiming out the side of the cockpit canopy at the sun, while the pilot maneuvers through a 100-foot-wide target zone,” said Edward Haering, a NASA aerospace engineer who leads research on schlieren. “If the sun leaves the frame, we lose that data, so we fly multiple passes to make sure we capture the shot.”
    Aligning two fast-moving aircraft against the backdrop of the sun is the most challenging part. The photographer must capture the aircraft flying across the center of the sun, and even the slightest shift can affect the shot and reduce the quality of the data.
    “It’s like trying to take a photo through a straw while flying supersonic,” Robillos said.
    But with ALIGNS, the process is much more accurate. The software runs on ruggedized tablets and uses GPS data from both aircraft to calculate when the aircraft are in position for probing and to capture schlieren imagery. Giving pilots real-time instructions, enabling them to achieve precise positioning.
    The X-59 team’s validation milestone for the schlieren imaging and other systems confirms that NASA’s core tools for measuring shock waves are ready to study the X-59 in flight, checking the aircraft’s unique acoustics to confirm its quieter sonic “thump.”

    MIL OSI USA News –