NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fighting for a Livable Future: Markey, Labor Leaders, Workers Speak Out Against Republican Efforts to Cut Clean Energy and Climate Investments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Watch: Markey, labor leaders, workers slam clean energy investment cuts

    Markey joined by labor leaders, workers in Dorchester at IBEW Local 103
    Boston (June 6, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, today hosted a press conference at IBEW Local 103 with labor union leaders and workers to highlight how Congressional Republicans’ proposed budget reconciliation cuts to climate and clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act would hurt workers in Massachusetts.
    The Congressional Budget Office estimates the House-passed Republican bill would cut more than $500 billion in investments for environment, energy, and climate, which could lead to 830,000 jobs lost by 2030 and shrink the national economy by $1.1 trillion over the next decade.
    “In Massachusetts, we have over 115,000 workers in the clean energy sector. Thousands of union jobs will be at risk. Trump and Republicans are selling out the livelihoods of working people and the future of our children, all to pay for tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. The Trump agenda is clear: steal from the workers to give to the wealthy. But if Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans think that union workers are going to roll over as their jobs, families, and livelihoods are threatened—they have another thing coming,” said Senator Markey. “Together, we are going to make clear how Republicans are hurting people in their own states; slow and stop this bill—defending our jobs, our future, and our way of life; and put Republicans on the record. The fight ahead of us is hard, but the harder the fight, the more important it is that we take it on. We fight until we win. For every worker. For every American. For a livable future.”
    “We need more energy, and we need more jobs in Massachusetts, plain and simple. Working families shouldn’t have to purchase energy from billionaire oil tycoons and foreign governments or let them set the price of our energy bills. We can generate massive amounts of energy right here in Massachusetts and we can create thousands of union jobs for Massachusetts residents while we do it. Over the last few years, thousands of our neighbors and our friends have been put to work on electric grid upgrades, battery storage facilities, and manufacturing plants. They’re building our clean energy future and we’re all benefiting: the family that these workers support, the homes, the schools, the businesses that need a reliable supply of energy, and every one of us that will live on a cleaner, safer planet because of it.” said Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO.
    “Repealing clean energy tax credits is a union job killer. These tax credits help level the playing field, they drive investment, and they put IBW electricians, laborers, ironworkers, and pipe fitters to work building America’s energy future. If you take those tax credits away, you’re not just pulling funding: you’re pulling paychecks from working families, you’re pulling apprentices out of training facilities, you’re pulling opportunity straight out of our communities. Every solar panel installed, every wind turbine wired, every EV charger connected, that’s a job with wages, healthcare, and a pension that stands for dignity for the American worker. You don’t kill that kind of progress: you build on it.” said Lou Antonellis, Business Manager/Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 103.
    “Hundreds of thousands of lives will be affected if these tax credits are repealed. Our members are the ones out here in the freezing cold and the blazing heat; laying foundations, wiring schools, setting steel, climbing wind turbines, and putting up solar panels. I’m here today representing those skilled union workers who build the schools our kids learn in, the bridges we drive on, and because of smart, clean energy investments, the solar and wind farms that will power our future. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, we saw national investment in clean energy that wasn’t about corporate tax breaks. It was about people. It meant workers having access to construction projects that benefit communities and families and taking part in building a clean economy. But now the Republican Reconciliation package threatens to undo all of that. said Chaton Green, Business Agent, Greater Boston Building Trades Union.
    “We need long-term, sustained investment in renewable energy to ensure this work continues well beyond the current round of offshore wind projects. Major solar and hydroelectric projects must also move forward to deliver clean power to our communities and meaningful, local jobs to our members. These are more than just jobs—they’re life-changing careers, especially for people who have historically been left out of economic opportunity. This is exactly the kind of progress we need to protect and expand for the future,”said Andy Benedetto, Business Representative, Local 1121 Millwrights. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 2: Alberta wildfire update (June 6, 4 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Treasury targets network trafficking cocaine to the US and Europe following ICE HSI New York investigation with law enforcement partners

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — On June 5, following an investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations’ New York field office and law enforcement partners, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned four Guyanese nationals and two Colombian nationals responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.

    These sanctions target drug traffickers utilizing boats and narco-subs to traffic ton-quantities of cocaine, along with an alleged corrupt Guyanese law enforcement official. The sanctions also target individuals who are operating covert airstrips to traffic drugs via aircraft.

    For decades, reported corrupt actors have used Guyana as a transshipment point for the movement of drugs from South America to the United States, with Mexican drug cartels also maintaining a presence in the region. International cocaine trafficking remains a serious threat to the United States, as the substantial profits generated from these sales continue to fund and strengthen cartel operations.

    The June 5 action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 14059, which targets the proliferation of illicit drugs and their means of production. ICE HSI New York and OFAC carried out this investigation in coordination with ICE HSI Bogota, the Drug Enforcement Administration Guyana Country Office, DEA New York, Customs and Border Protection Office of Intelligence New York, Internal Revenue Service New York and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, with assistance from NYPD Intelligence Bureau, CBP New York and the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

    According to the investigation:

    Guyana’s proximity to the Caribbean, as well as alleged corruption along its ports and borders, allows aircraft and maritime vessels, also known as narco-submarines, to transit through its waters undetected. Drug traffickers exploit the rivers and jungles of South America by transporting large quantities of cocaine from Colombia and Venezuela through Guyana and Suriname.

    In the last few years, Guyana has been the focus of major U.S. law enforcement operations in partnership with Guyanese authorities, resulting in multi-ton seizures of cocaine. In March 2025, a cargo vessel originating in Guyana was discovered by police in the waters of Trinidad and Tobago with approximately 182 kilograms of cocaine.

    On Feb. 20, the State Department identified the Sinaloa Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization and as a specially designated global terrorist.

    On March 21, 2024, U.S. and Guyanese law enforcement seized 2,370 kilograms of cocaine in a self-propelled semi-submersible approximately 150 miles off the coast of Guyana.

    In August 2024, Guyanese authorities, with support from DEA and DSS, discovered 4.4 tons of cocaine in a clandestine airfield in the northwest region of Guyana known as Barima-Waini, or Region One.

    More information, including the full press release announcing these OFAC sanctions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sanders Announces Capture of Inmate Grant Hardin

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement today on the capture of inmate Grant Hardin:

    “Thanks to the great work of local, state and federal law enforcement Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief and I can confirm that violent criminal Grant Hardin is back in custody. I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bodies located near crashed car following search for tourists missing in Tasmania

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Bodies located near crashed car following search for tourists missing in Tasmania

    Saturday, 7 June 2025 – 1:07 am.

    Sadly, police can confirm two bodies, believed to be that of missing tourists Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya, have been located near a crashed vehicle in northeast Tasmania this evening.
    Inspector Luke Manhood said police located a car in water off Tebrakunna Road about 5.30pm on Friday, with the deceased pair found nearby a short time later.
    “At this early stage it appears they were travelling over a bridge when the vehicle has left the roadway and ended up in the water,” he said.
    “This is a tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones.”
    “Our initial investigations suggest there are no suspicious circumstances, but further forensic examinations will now take place as is the usual process, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.”
    “We would like to thank community members for their efforts in providing information to assist in the search.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Court Allows Trump Administration to Proceed with Efforts to Destroy Institute of Museum and Library Services as Case Continues

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    American Library Association and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Warn of Grave Threats Nationwide


    Washington, D.C.     – A federal judge has declined to block the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The ruling, issued today in ALA v. Sonderling, will allow the administration’s cuts at the independent agency while the case proceeds. The case was brought by Democracy Forward and Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP on behalf of the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

    On May 6, a federal district court in Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction in a separate case, prohibiting the agency from shutting down while that case is pending. That decision remains in effect.

    “ALA is disappointed that the court did not grant our motion for preliminary injunction. The extent to which some libraries have already cancelled services and programming – and even lost staff in some cases – is evidence of the importance of IMLS. ALA will not rest until libraries in every state receive the funding promised and IMLS is back in full force to meet the information needs of all Americans,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl.

    “Our fight to protect our nation’s libraries and museums will continue,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “This administration cannot ignore the separation of powers and dismantle agencies established by Congress at will. After we obtained an initial temporary restraining order, another federal court in a case brought by state attorneys general has agreed with our position and blocked the gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. So, while we disagree with today’s decision, the fight is not yet lost. We will regroup and continue moving this case forward.”

    “Museums and libraries are vital for people and communities across our nation. Attacking those who ensure the continuity of their services is an attack on access to information and the truth itself. Democracy Forward is committed to working to protect these important institutions in our country. We will explore all legal avenues available to us as we continue this case,” said Robin Thurston, Legal Director at Democracy Forward.

    With today’s ruling, the IMLS – a non-partisan and independent agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums and libraries and the crucial community services they provide in every state across the country – may face devastating cuts to grants and services that will make it impossible to operate as required by Congress. The case will now proceed on the merits in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

    IMLS was first created and funded by Congress in 1996 and charged with supporting America’s libraries and museums. The agency has had bipartisan support throughout its history, having been reauthorized under the Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations. IMLS is bound by laws requiring that the agency conduct certain activities to support libraries and report on important issues to Congress. The complaint explains that cutting programs at IMLS will violate the law by eliminating programs Congress has provided funding for and directed IMLS to undertake.

    This case continues Democracy Forward’s record of working with communities, parents, and libraries to defend the freedom to read. That work has previously included efforts in Arkansas, where Democracy Forward represented a coalition of librarians, booksellers, and readers who successfully prevented portions of an Arkansas law that threatens to criminalize librarians and booksellers from taking effect is asking a court to permanently stop the law from being enforced; Florida, where Democracy Forward represented the Florida Education Association, Florida Freedom to Read Project, and Families for Strong Public Schools to challenge the DeSantis administration’s actions that shutter classroom libraries and undermine public education in Florida; and in Alabama, where Democracy Forward is representing a group of Alabama families and librarians with a broad array of political and religious backgrounds in a suit to stop policies approved by the library board that threaten to keep constitutionally protected books like To Kill a Mockingbird off of public library shelves.

    The Democracy Forward legal team leading the matter are counsel Rachel Fried, Orlando Economos, Kayla Kaufmann, Robin Thurston and Skye Perryman. 

    Read the full complaint here and today’s order here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supreme Court Allows DOGE’s Unlawful Seizure of Americans’ Social Security Data as Challenge Continues

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Washington, D.C. – The United States Supreme Court has stayed a preliminary injunction in AFSCME v. SSA, which had prevented the Trump administration from granting staff at the so-called “Department of Governmental Efficiency” (DOGE) unprecedented and dangerous access to the sensitive, personal data of millions at the Social Security Administration. An appeals court previously declined to stay the injunction, which recognized that DOGE’s operatives’ unprecedented access to private Social Security data, ranging from immigration records to health and financial information, violates critical privacy protections and will cause irreparable harm.

    This decision overturns a first of its kind order issued by a lower court that required Elon Musk and DOGE to “disgorge” and “delete” any personal data.

    Democracy Forward represents the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; the American Federation of Teachers; and the Alliance for Retired Americans in this case. The coalition issued the following statement:

    “This is a sad day for our democracy and a scary day for millions of people. This ruling will enable President Trump and DOGE’s affiliates to steal Americans’ private and personal data. Elon Musk may have left Washington, D.C., but his impact continues to harm millions of people. We will continue to use every legal tool at our disposal to keep unelected bureaucrats from misusing the public’s most sensitive data as this case moves forward.”

    The case will now proceed on the merits in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

    Democracy Forward’s legal team in this matter includes Anne Swift, Mark Samburg, Emma Leibowitz, and Robin Thurston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 379

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 379
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    455 PM CDT Fri Jun 6 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern New Mexico
    The Oklahoma Panhandle
    West/Northwest Texas and the Texas Panhandle

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 455 PM until
    1100 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 4
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Multiple intense supercells will likely pose a threat for
    very large to potentially giant hail this afternoon and evening as
    they move generally east-southeastward. The largest hailstones may
    reach up to 3-4 inches in diameter. A few tornadoes will also be
    possible with any sustained supercells, mainly this evening as the
    low-level jet strengthens. Scattered severe/damaging winds with peak
    gusts up to 60-75 mph may become an increasing concern later this
    evening if thunderstorms can congeal into one or more bowing
    clusters.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 85 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 50 miles west northwest of Guymon OK to
    50 miles southeast of Hobbs NM. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 376…WW 378…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean
    storm motion vector 28025.

    …Gleason

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 379
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    455 PM CDT Fri Jun 6 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern New Mexico
    The Oklahoma Panhandle
    West/Northwest Texas and the Texas Panhandle

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 455 PM until
    1100 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 4
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Multiple intense supercells will likely pose a threat for
    very large to potentially giant hail this afternoon and evening as
    they move generally east-southeastward. The largest hailstones may
    reach up to 3-4 inches in diameter. A few tornadoes will also be
    possible with any sustained supercells, mainly this evening as the
    low-level jet strengthens. Scattered severe/damaging winds with peak
    gusts up to 60-75 mph may become an increasing concern later this
    evening if thunderstorms can congeal into one or more bowing
    clusters.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 85 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 50 miles west northwest of Guymon OK to
    50 miles southeast of Hobbs NM. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 376…WW 378…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean
    storm motion vector 28025.

    …Gleason

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 379 TORNADO NM OK TX 062155Z – 070400Z
    AXIS..85 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    50WNW GUY/GUYMON OK/ – 50SE HOB/HOBBS NM/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 75NM E/W /63ESE TBE – 24WNW MAF/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..4 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 600. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 28025.

    LAT…LON 36930080 32160116 32160407 36930388

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 379 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Mod (30%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (40%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    High (70%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Gavin Newsom on recent chaotic & reckless Immigration raids

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 6, 2025

    Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement in response to widespread immigration raids by federal agents in Los Angeles:

    Continued chaotic federal sweeps, across California, to meet an arbitrary arrest quota are as reckless as they are cruel. 

    Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Recent news

    Jun 6, 2025

    News Reduce the Risk campaign educates people about the 9 protection orders available What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced a comprehensive campaign to engage youth and community leaders on the available protection orders to keep Californians safer from gun…

    Jun 5, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the Golden State Literacy Plan — a step-by-step strategy to improve student reading achievement across California, building on existing efforts and proposing bold new investments. The Golden State…

    Jun 5, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must restore funding to AmeriCorps in California. This comes after Governor Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta and a coalition of…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On ICE Detaining Several People At An Immigration Supervision Program Site In Chicago

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 06, 2025

    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained several people in Chicago:

    “This Administration is diverting historic levels of law enforcement personnel and resources away from narcotics and violent crime to Trump’s mass deportation effort. Individuals with no record of dangerous crime are being rounded up at great expense and removed even when they are awaiting a court hearing. America is not safer or stronger with this Trump plan.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Visits Hackmatack Wildlife Refugee To Celebrate Expansion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 06, 2025

    RICHMOND – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge—the first such Refuge in the Chicago metropolitan area—to celebrate a major milestone in regional conservation. Durbin has championed Hackmatack for more than a dozen years, including by helping secure federal funding for the Refuge.

    Durbin’s visit to Hackmatack highlights the recent acquisition of Tamarack Farms, the refuge’s largest acquisition, which connects to existing protected lands, and was made possible in part due to an earmark secured by Durbin in 2022.

    “In 2012, I visited Hackmatack to officially designate the site as a National Wildlife Refuge. I am thrilled to return today to celebrate this historic expansion,” said Durbin. “The dream of protecting Tamarack Farms has now become a reality, and I was honored to secure an earmark that helped cover some of this acquisition. Hackmatack’s more than 11,000 acres are home to rare natural communities, unusual glacial landforms, high quality waters, and abundant native plants. Thanks to the work done by Friends of Hackmatack, Openlands, the Conservation Fund, McHenry County Conservation District, and Illinois Audobon Society, Illinoisans and Wisconsinites can enjoy these precious natural resources. I’ll continue advocating for the protection of this refuge on the federal level.” 

    “Hackmatack is more than a refuge for wildlife, it’s a refuge for people. With 80 percent of Americans living in metropolitan areas, the need for accessible nature has never been greater. Thanks to Senator Durbin’s leadership, dedicated grassroots advocates, and strong partnerships, this refuge stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when we work together: healthier communities, stronger local economies, and a deeper regional identity rooted in nature,” said Michael Davidson, President and CEO at Openlands.

    “We were happy to have played a part in securing the 1,000 acres and are pleased to see that the plans put in place are moving forward to create habitat for threatened and endangered species of plants and wildlife, and to provide an opportunity in the future for the public to discover a new appreciation of nature here at the refuge,” said Jo Fessett, Executive Director at Illinois Audubon Society.

    “Tamarack Farms will enable the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to dramatically expand public land access for residents and visitors of the region,” said Emy Brawley, VP Midwest for The Conservation Fund. “Senator Durbin’s steadfast support of Hackmatack has been key in achieving this top conservation priority and realizing the many benefits that will flow from it.”

    To date, approximately 3,299 acres have been protected within the greater Hackmatack area, including 890 acres now owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Refuge provides vital habitat for 109 wildlife species of concern and serves as a key link in the regional conservation landscape. Hackmatack is poised to enhance McHenry County’s identity as a nature destination, contributing to a growing tourism sector generating $344 million in visitor spending and over 2,000 jobs.

    Durbin worked with the Obama Administration’s then Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to officially establish the area as a National Wildlife Refuge in 2012. In Fiscal Year 2022, Durbin secured a $500,000 earmark for additional land acquisition in Hackmatack—which was used for the acquisition and transfer some of the Tamarack Farms to the Fish and Wildlife Service.  

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wolcott Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE COLON, 37, of Wolcott, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2024, Waterbury Police arrested Colon after he discarded a privately made 9mm handgun (“ghost gun”) loaded with six rounds of ammunition during a foot pursuit.

    Colon’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for assault, weapon, and risk of injury offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    Colon has been detained since his arrest.  On February 20, 2025, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

    This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Apple Valley Woman Charged with Participating in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – The 72nd defendant in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme has been charged in a federal indictment with three counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

    “This fraud is outrageous, brazen, and seemingly never-ending,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “As Acting United States Attorney, I intend to put the full weight of this office behind rooting out and prosecuting the shocking and unacceptable levels of fraud in Minnesota.”

    “Stealing from a program designed to feed vulnerable children is not only criminal — it’s unconscionable,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Today’s indictment underscores our commitment to rooting out fraud that targets taxpayer-funded programs and ensuring those who exploit them are held fully accountable. The FBI, alongside our partners, will not relent in our pursuit of those who seek to profit from deception.”

    According to court documents, Dorothy Jean Moore, 57, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, launched two purported federal child nutrition program sites in late 2020 under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. According to meal count forms Moore completed and signed, Moore purportedly served 1,500 meals to children a day at each of her sites, which she purportedly operated out of community churches. Through Feeding Our Future, Moore claimed and received reimbursements, in federal taxpayer dollars, for those purported meals.

    At the same time, Moore claimed that she operated a catering company called Jean’s Soul Food. She claimed entitlement to further federal reimbursements for food she purported to provide from that company to her own sites. However, bank records show that Moore used little of the reimbursement dollars she received to purchase food. Instead, Moore used those funds for other purposes, including to purchase cars and fund an enhanced lifestyle.

    Moore made her initial appearance in U.S. District Court today before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Throwing Methamphetamine into Federal Prison Yard

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Garrett Scott Wheelen, 33, of Fresno, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dena M. Coggins to 12 years and 7 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    “Garrett Wheelen brazenly attempted to throw packages containing tobacco and methamphetamine into the prison yard of Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “Federal prisons are tightly controlled, and the FBI works closely with its local, state, and federal partners to ensure anyone attempting to introduce contraband into a prison is held accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents, on May 1, 2024, Wheelen arrived at the Federal Correctional Institution Mendota wearing a facemask, baseball cap, and hoodie to conceal his identity. In broad daylight, Wheelen ran to the prison fence and tossed four packages into the prison’s recreation yard. He was quickly apprehended after attempting to flee. The packages contained more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine. Wheelen was on supervised release from a prior federal felony charge at the time.

    Initially, Wheelen’s plan was to stuff the narcotics inside red squirrel pelts to avoid detection by prison staff. In text messages, he discussed purchasing the pelts and sewing up the narcotics inside. Wheelen, however, abandoned this plan and ultimately tossed the narcotics over the fence without any such effort to disguise their nature.

    Wheelen was also sentenced to a term of 2 years in prison for his violation of supervised release terms, to run concurrently to his sentence for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mendota Police Department, and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Dhruv M. Sharma are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Condemns Trump Administration For Rescinding Approval of High-Speed Internet Funding for Nevada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Senator Rosen Announces She’s Going To Block Expedited Confirmation of Trump Commerce Department Nominees That Oversee Or Deal With Broadband Until Nevada Gets Funding
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to rescind Nevada’s approval to receive its share of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding. The BEAD program was created to connect families in the hardest-to-serve communities to high-speed internet and close the digital divide.
    Senator Rosen worked across party lines to help create the BEAD program, and she secured $416 million for Nevada through BEAD. The state has been fully approved to receive this funding since January 2025. Given the Administration’s pause and delay of the program, Senator Rosen led 11 of her colleagues in a letter last month demanding that the Trump Administration immediately release funding for the program. The Trump Administration’s new guidance will rescind this final approval and hinder Nevada’s ability to connect Nevadans to high-speed internet. 
    “I’m beyond outraged that the Trump Administration has moved the goal post yet again and rescinded Nevada’s approval to get the BEAD funding I secured to connect the hardest-to-reach communities in our state to high-speed internet,” said Senator Rosen. “This decision will put Nevada’s broadband funding in jeopardy, and it’s a slap in the face to rural communities that need access to high-speed internet. I’m going to put a hold on all nominations for Commerce Department positions that oversee or deal with broadband policy in any way, and block their expedited confirmation, until Nevada gets its BEAD funding.”
    Senator Rosen has been a strong advocate for expanding high-speed internet access in Nevada. Through her efforts, she has secured $550 million in federal funding through various programs and legislation for the High Speed Nevada Initiative, including the Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program she created. Senator Rosen helped write the broadband section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, securing $65 billion in overall nationwide investments to make high-speed internet affordable for Americans. She also successfully pushed the Federal Communications Commission to update its deeply flawed National Broadband Map and ensure Nevada receives its fair share of BEAD funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), otherwise known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America’s leadership in global innovation.  But criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponization of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland.  Drug cartels use UAS to smuggle fentanyl across our borders, deliver contraband into prisons, surveil law enforcement, and otherwise endanger the public.  Mass gatherings are vulnerable to disruptions and threats by unauthorized UAS flights.  Critical infrastructure, including military bases, is subject to frequent — and often unidentified — UAS incursions.  Immediate action is needed to ensure American sovereignty over its skies and that its airspace remains safe and secure.
    Sec. 2.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this order:
    (a)  the term “unmanned aircraft systems” or “UAS” has the meaning given in 49 U.S.C. 44801;
    (b)  the term “critical infrastructure” has the meaning given in 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e), and includes systems and assets in all of the designated critical infrastructure sectors identified in National Security Memorandum 22 of April 30, 2024 (Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience) (NSM-22); and
    (c)  the term Sector Risk Management Agency or “SRMA” has the same meaning given in 6 U.S.C. 650 and as further described in NSM-22.
    Sec. 3.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to ensure control over our national airspace and to protect the public, critical infrastructure, mass gathering events, and military and sensitive government installations and operations from threats posed by the careless or unlawful use of UAS.
    Sec. 4.  Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty.  To assist in ensuring control over our national airspace, there is hereby established the Federal Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty (Task Force).  The Task Force shall be chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) or a designee, and include principals, or their designees, from appropriate executive departments and agencies as identified by the APNSA.  The Task Force shall review relevant operational, technical, and regulatory frameworks and develop and propose solutions to UAS threats, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, and shall make recommendations on the implementation of all actions identified in this order.
    Sec. 5.  Airspace Regulations to Protect the Public.  The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shall:
    (a)  with respect to the rulemaking required by section 2209(f) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, as amended:
    (i)   promptly submit a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Task Force establishing the statutorily required process for restricting drone flights over fixed site facilities, and interpreting, to the extent appropriate, critical infrastructure consistent with the definition of that term in this order; and
    (ii)  promulgate a final rule as soon as practicable after publication of the NPRM;
    (b)  make national security and homeland security assessments under section 2209 in coordination with Sector Risk Management Agencies (SRMAs), the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Attorney General, as appropriate, and whenever military installations or operations are implicated, with the Secretary of Defense; and
    (c)  within 180 days of the date of this order, make freely available online Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in an open format easily accepted for drone geofencing and Aircraft Navigation and Guidance system purposes.  This online availability should supplement, but not replace, existing NOTAMs and TFR promulgation methods.
    Sec. 6.  Enhancing Airspace Sovereignty.  (a)  the Attorney General, in coordination with the Administrator of the FAA, shall take appropriate steps to ensure full enforcement of applicable civil and criminal laws when drone operators endanger the public, violate established airspace restrictions, or operate a drone in furtherance of an element of another crime;
    (b)  on a recurring basis, the Attorney General shall submit to the President, through the APNSA, legislative proposals that would revise criminal penalties for violations of restricted airspace; and
    (c)  within 30 days of the date of this order, and to the extent allowed by law, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that their respective departments’ grant programs permit otherwise eligible State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies to receive grants to purchase UAS or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, consistent with the legal authorities of those SLTTs.
    Sec. 7.  Detection, Tracking, and Identification of Drones and Drone Signals.  (a)  To the extent permitted by law and consistent with the Fourth Amendment, executive departments and agencies shall use all available existing authorities to employ equipment to detect, track, and identify drones and drone signals.
    (b)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission shall revise the August 2020 “Advisory on the Application of Federal Laws to the Acquisition and Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems” to reflect relevant developments in Federal law and regulations addressing drones.
    (c)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of the FAA shall provide, to the extent permitted by law, including the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), automated real-time access to personal identifying information associated with UAS remote identification signals to appropriate executive departments and agencies and SLTT agencies for the purposes of enforcing applicable Federal or State law, with appropriate national security and privacy safeguards.
    (d)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of the FAA, in coordination with the heads of other SRMAs as appropriate, shall publish guidance to aid private critical infrastructure owners or operators in employing technologies to detect, track, and identify drones and drone signals.
    Sec. 8.  Enhancing General Protections.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit a recommendation to the President, through the APNSA, using risk-based assessment as defined in 6 U.S.C. 124n(k)(8), on whether the northern and southern land borders; large airports; Federal facilities; critical infrastructure; and military installations, facilities, and assets should be designated as covered facilities or assets under 6 U.S.C. 124n and 10 U.S.C. 130i and whether any changes to law would be necessary relating to such designation.  
    Sec. 9.  Building Counter-UAS Capacity.  (a)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall explore integrating counter-UAS operational responses as part of Joint Terrorism Task Forces for the purpose of protecting mass gathering events.
    (b)  The Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense; the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the FAA; the Secretary of Homeland Security; the Director of OMB; and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shall promptly take all appropriate steps to implement the recommendations of the March 2022 Feasibility Report to Congress with regard to the creation of the National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Center), and, upon establishment of the Center, focus initial training provided by the Center on development of Federal and SLTT capabilities to secure major upcoming national and international sporting events held in the United States, such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
    Sec. 10.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    (d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Transportation.
    DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        June 6, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leading The World in Supersonic Flight

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESTHE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE CENTERS FOR MEDICAREAND MEDICAID SERVICES
    SUBJECT:       Eliminating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Medicaid
    My Administration has been relentlessly committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Government programs to preserve and protect them for those who rely most on them. 
    The Medicaid program was designed to be a program to compassionately provide taxpayer dollars to healthcare providers who offer care to the most vulnerable Americans.  To keep payments reasonable, billable costs for such care were historically capped at the same level that healthcare providers could receive from Medicare.  The State and Federal Governments jointly shared this cost burden to ensure those of lesser means did not go untreated.
    Under the Biden Administration, States and healthcare providers were permitted to game the system.  For example, States “taxed” healthcare providers, but sent the same money back to them in the form of a “Medicaid payment,” which automatically unlocked for healthcare providers an additional “burden-sharing” payment from the Federal Government.  Through this gimmick, the State could avoid contributing money toward Medicaid services, meaning the State no longer had a reason to be prudent in the amount of reimbursement provided.  Instead of paying Medicare rates, many States that utilize these arrangements now pay the same healthcare providers almost three times the Medicare amount, a practice encouraged by the Biden Administration.
    These State Directed Payments have rapidly accelerated, quadrupling in magnitude over the last 4 years and reaching $110 billion in 2024 alone.  This trajectory threatens the Federal Treasury and Medicaid’s long-term stability, and the imbalance between Medicaid and Medicare patients threatens to jeopardize access to care for our seniors.
    I pledged to protect and improve these important Government healthcare programs for those that rely on them.  Seniors on Medicare and Medicaid recipients both deserve access to quality care in a system free from the fraud, waste, and abuse, that enriches the unscrupulous and jeopardizes the programs themselves.  We will take action to continue to love and cherish the Medicare and Medicaid programs to ensure they are preserved for those who need them most.
    The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid, including by ensuring Medicaid payments rates are not higher than Medicare, to the extent permitted by applicable law.  
    This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Leads Colleagues to Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Federal Software Purchases and Save Taxpayer Dollars

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to save taxpayer dollars by improving how federal agencies purchase and manage software. The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act requires federal agencies to conduct independent, comprehensive assessments of their software licensing purchases and develop plans to save costs. These assessments will provide Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the General Services Administration (GSA) with critical insights to strengthen oversight of software contracts, streamline operations and reduce wasteful spending.

    This legislation builds on the success of Peters and Cassidy’s bipartisan MEGABYTE Act, which was signed into law in 2016. The MEGABYTE Act has saved taxpayers more than $4 billion by reducing duplicative software purchases and improving software management practices. The SAMOSA Act will build on the MEGABYTE Act and could save taxpayers an estimated $750 million dollars per year.

    “By improving how the federal government tracks and manages software purchases, this bipartisan bill will help save taxpayer dollars, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote innovative government operations,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense approach ensures agencies can make needed upgrades to better serve the American people while reducing wasteful spending.” 

    “President Trump wants to cut waste and spend taxpayer dollars wisely,”said Dr. Cassidy. “By consolidating their inventory, this bill forces federal agencies to spend as if taxpayers were spending their own money.” 

    “The federal government’s ancient computers and outdated, noncompetitive bidding process for software contracts cost taxpayers hundreds of millions every year,” said Senator Ernst. “Through the SAMOSA Act, we can bring Washington out of the Stone Age and into the 21st century to save Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. Let’s pass this bipartisan bill to force federal agencies to take commonsense steps when purchasing software.” 

    “The SAMOSA Act is government tech policy done right –it will save money and give federal agencies better software,” said Senator Wyden.“I’m particularly pleased the bill takes steps to increase competition for government software contracts, so agencies are less reliant on a few massive vendors.” 

    Federal agencies spend billions of dollars on software purchases and license updates every year. Agencies’ lack of visibility of what they have already purchased, combined with the way vendors sell software, often leads to duplicative purchases and limits agencies’ ability to conduct their own oversight of these purchases. The senators’ legislation would help agencies get fairer, more cost-effective deals on their software purchases and achieve important technology modernization goals. 
    Below are statements in support of the senators’ bipartisan legislation: 
    “A comprehensive overview of federal software licensing will increase agency coordination and help realize new ways to advance projects, which directly benefit U.S. taxpayers,” said Brian McMillan, Vice President, Federal Affairs for the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA).“We encourage policymakers to recognize the far-reaching positive impacts of this bill.” 
    “SAMOSA Act will enhance federal agencies’ ability to adopt modern, secure cloud-based technologies by reforming software procurement practices,” said Ross Nodurft, Executive Director of Alliance for Digital Innovation. “This legislation will make government IT procurement more efficient and more cost effective while improving cybersecurity and the digital services available to American citizens.” 
    “We are thrilled to see lawmakers coming together to support theSAMOSA Act and address the government waste resulting from restrictive software licensing practices,” said Ryan Triplette, Coalition for Fair Software Licensing Executive Director. “The coalition applauds Senators Peters, Cassidy, and Ernst for leading on this important issue and working to drive significant cost savings and improvements in federal software management. We look forward to working with lawmakers in both chambers to put this bill on the President’s desk as soon as possible.” 
    “NetChoice strongly supports this bipartisan effort and commends Senators Ernst, Peters and Cassidy for reintroducing the SAMOSA Act,” said NetChoice President & CEO Steve DelBianco. “If passed this year, the SAMOSA Act would be a win for agencies that have been pressured by incumbent software vendors for too long. It will empower competition for contracts in the IT space, saving taxpayers around $750 million per year. SAMOSA will also incentivize companies to improve their product quality, security, and value—a big win for taxpayers.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Speaks at 94th Annual Vermont State Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) spoke at the Joint Opening Session of the 94th Annual Vermont State VFW convention. Senator Welch thanked Vermont veterans for their service to our country and discussed how Washington can better support veterans and servicemembers across America. 
    “Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in patriotic service to our country. And if there were ever something for everyone to agree on, it is that the cost of the war must include the cost of taking care of the warrior. I’m proud of the work we’ve done on the PACT Act and am grateful to Vermont’s veterans service organizations who ensure our veterans, and their families, are supported and have access to vital services and care,” said Senator Welch. “I’m committed to doing everything I can to ensure that every Vermont veteran has the care, services, and tools they deserve to succeed in civilian life.” 
    View photos from the event below: 
    Senator Welch championed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act as a member of the House of Representatives. The PACT Act is delivering benefits and care to millions impacted by toxic exposures from burn pits while serving, as well as their survivors. It is also expanding toxic exposure screenings and other care services. Since the PACT Act was passed, more than 1.7 million PACT Act related claims have been approved, including 3,100 in Vermont.  
    Senator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act, and Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act, bills that build on the PACT Act to increase support for Veterans exposed to burn pits, improve data collection on burn pit and toxic substance exposure, and help mitigate future toxic substance exposure for service members. In February, Senator Welch led the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity (DRIVE) Act, legislation to bring reimbursement rates for veterans travelling to receive VA care up to current federal standards. 
    Last Congress, Senator Welch led the Vermont and New Hampshire congressional delegations in urging Secretary of Veterans Affairs to use authority granted under the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act to make it easier for Veterans stationed in Kosovo from 1999 onwards to access health care and disability benefits for conditions related to toxic substance exposure during their service. In 2023, a bipartisan amendment led by Sen. Welch requiring the VA to conduct a review on mortality and toxic exposure data for Veterans who served in Kosovo passed with bipartisan support.  
    Senator Welch’s talented team of caseworkers can help Veterans, families, and survivors with casework related to the VA, as well as other federal agencies. Vermonters seeking assistance are encouraged to visit welch.senate.gov or call his Burlington office: 802-863-2525. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Cheers on Vermont Athletes at Special Olympics Statewide Summer Games 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    COLCHESTER, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) helped kick off the 2025 Special Olympics Statewide Summer Games today at St. Michael’s College. Senator Welch joined Vermonters from across the state to cheer on athletes at the Vermont Unified Basketball Exhibition Game and provided the ceremonial tip-off to start the game. 
    “It was an honor to join folks from across the state to cheer on Vermont athletes in the 2025 Special Olympics Summer Games,” said Senator Welch. “Everyone should have the opportunity to compete in the sports they love. The skills, determination, and passion of these athletes make Vermont proud.” 
    View photos from the event below: 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Wyden Press Trump Officials on Seniors’ Economic Pain As Result of Trump’s Chaotic Tariffs, Social Security Takeover

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 06, 2025
    New Fidelity analysis found average 401(k) balances fell 3%, IRA balances fell 4%, due to market volatility
    “The Trump Administration must answer for the damage it is inflicting on America’s seniors.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, pressed top Trump administration officials on how President Trump’s chaotic tariffs — paired with his efforts to dismantle the Social Security Administration — are harming America’s seniors. The letter follows a new analysis released by Fidelity Investments, the largest provider of 401(k) plans in the U.S., finding that average 401(k) balances fell 3% even as savings rates rose, and the average individual retirement account (IRA) balance fell 4%.
    The lawmakers wrote to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano with their concerns.
    “The economic chaos triggered by President Trump’s disastrous tariff policy has the potential to decimate retirees’ savings. Simultaneously, the Trump Administration has taken a wrecking ball to the Social Security Administration, limiting seniors’ access to their hard-earned benefits,” wrote the lawmakers. “In doing this, the Trump Administration is making it harder for seniors across the country to make ends meet.”
    President Trump’s trade policy has created economic chaos for Americans. The Department of Commerce recently released data showing that the nation’s economy shrank 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025 — the first decline in over three years. At the same time, Trump’s red-light, green-light approach to tariffs is “rain[ing] volatility on markets.” 
    “Higher inflation reduces consumers’ purchasing power and reduces the value of Americans’ hard-earned financial savings. Consumers, businesses, and professional economic forecasters are all in agreement that President Trump’s tariffs have the economy teetering on a cliff,” wrote the lawmakers.
    America’s seniors are particularly hurt by President Trump’s chaotic economic policy. 77% of the 57 million retirees in the U.S. rely on a combination of their savings and Social Security benefits. Some retirees are reporting that if stock market volatility continues, they “can’t stay retired.” Consumer confidence among Americans 55 years and older has plummeted since the start of the Trump administration.
    The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is also hollowing out the Social Security Administration as a backdoor means of cutting benefits. DOGE is closing offices, cutting the workforce, and destroying the IT infrastructure that Americans rely on to access benefits. As a result, wait times have increased on the national 1-800 help number, and Americans have been forced to deal with long service blackouts and glitches.
    “More than half of Americans over the age of 50 worry they do not have enough savings to support them in retirement. Further reducing the value of these savings while limiting access to Social Security benefits means putting seniors at risk of having to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent,” concluded the lawmakers. “The Trump Administration must answer for the damage it is inflicting on America’s seniors.”
    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magnitude 6.4 earthquake hits northern Chile, causing power outages

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    SANTIAGO, June 6 (Xinhua) — A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile on Friday, causing power outages in several areas but no casualties were reported, local authorities said.

    The earthquake struck at 13:15 local time /17:15 GMT/, 54 km south of the town of Diego de Almagro in the Atacama region of northern Chile, about 950 km north of Santiago, according to the National Seismology Center of the University of Chile.

    The earthquake’s hypocenter was located at a depth of 65 km, and tremors were felt in nearby cities.

    Local media reported power outages in affected areas, and officials said more details would be released later in the day.

    The Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service has ruled out the risk of a tsunami.

    Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response System continues to assess potential damage to populations, infrastructure and essential services.

    Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Staten Island, New York Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl While on Federal Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 2, 2025, Xavier Parker, 31, of Staten Island, New York was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Parker previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and admitted that in February and March 2024 he worked with a co-conspirator to distribute fentanyl in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Judge Sessions also sentenced Parker to 24 months’ incarceration, to run consecutively to the 18-month sentence, for a related supervised release violation.

    According to court records, the offense involved multiple controlled purchases and additional drugs quantities found hidden on Parker at his arrest, totaling approximately 12.1 grams of cocaine base, 2.2 grams of fentanyl, 0.67 grams of heroin, and 5.6 grams of cocaine. Critically, Parker committed this offense while on federal supervised release following his 2020 conviction in U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base. Parker began his supervised release in August 2022, and not even two years later, he was selling drugs again.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont State Police.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Cate and Michelle Arra. Parker was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marathon County Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Leading Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua L. Lake, 32, Stratford, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 11 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Lake pleaded guilty to these charges on February 26, 2025.

    In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals, led by Lake, who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Marathon County area.

    On February 26, 2024, Lake sold 118 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at Lake’s residence in Stratford, Wisconsin. Other co-defendants completed additional controlled purchases of methamphetamine in March and April 2024. On April 15, 2024, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force officers executed a search warrant at Lake’s residence. Officers found approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 2 rifles, over $25,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search.

    Further investigation revealed that between January 22, 2024, and April 15, 2024, Lake distributed approximately 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine. Lake also delivered a firearm to a drug cartel contact in exchange for drugs. Lake admitted receiving the firearm in exchange for methamphetamine. Lake is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley described Lake’s conduct, including his drug trafficking and involvement with firearms, as egregious and said the quantity of almost pure methamphetamine found at his residence was stunning.

    Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Mercadys Perkins was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 6 years in federal prison on April 17, 2025. Dustin Brunker was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 7 years in federal prison on April 24, 2025. Jessica Colby was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and sentenced to 2 ½ years in federal prison on May 1, 2025.

    The charges against Lake were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.

    This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western District of Texas Adds 410 New Immigration Cases Going into June

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN ANTONIO –United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 410 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 30 through June 5.

    Among the new cases, Mexican national Albert Sanchez-Jaimes was charged with one count of illegal re-entry in Austin. Sanchez-Jaimes was encountered at the Burnet County Jail, where he was booked for alleged charges of boating while intoxicated and marijuana possession. Sanchez-Jaimes has lengthy immigration and criminal records that include four prior removals, a deadly conduct conviction in 2020, multiple convictions for assault on a family member, and two prior convictions for illegal re-entry.

    In Waco, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fugitive Operations Team arrested Mexican national Daniel Edgar Perez-Cortez on June 5as the result of an investigation stemming from a Waco Crime Stoppers referral. Perez-Cortez has a prior conviction for illegal re-entry in 2024, as well as convictions for Driving While Intoxicated and possession of prohibited weapons, and a conviction for deadly conduct discharging a firearm. He’s now federally charged with illegal re-entry and, if convicted, faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Two Honduran nationals were arrested for illegal re-entry charges in Eagle Pass. U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Ariel Antonio Lopez-Serrano on June 2. Lopez-Serrano was convicted in 2023 for human smuggling and was removed to Honduras through Houston on Feb. 28. On June 3, Jose Aparicio Diaz-Amaya was arrested by USBP agents, having been deported three times—the most recent removal being to Honduras on May 2 through Alexandria, Louisiana.

    Multiple individuals were arrested and charged with human smuggling offenses in El Paso. On May 31, U.S. citizens Cynthia Guerrero and Berenice Stevens attempted to enter the U.S. through the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry, allegedly telling the Customs and Border Protection Officer that they were returning to El Paso from a baby shower in Juarez. A criminal complaint alleges that there were seven additional people inside the vehicle, including six children. After discussion about a stack of birth certificates Guerrero provided the CBP Officer, along with a handwritten note supposedly giving Guerrero permission to transport her alleged cousin’s children into the U.S., the officer referred the vehicle to a secondary inspection. At the secondary inspection, Guerrero allegedly told CBP Officers that she was smuggling three undocumented minors into the U.S. after she had been offered $1,900 to do so. The complaint also alleges that the minors had been given seven gummies of an unknown substance to make them sleep. Three of the six minors in Guerrero’s vehicle were found to be Mexican nationals. Both Guerrero and Stevens are charged with human smuggling charges and have been previously convicted. Guerrero Two Mexican nationals were charged in a human smuggling bust after Ysleta Border Patrol Station agents responded to a location where they apprehended five illegal aliens who had just crossed into the U.S. According to a criminal complaint, several of the individuals were continuously receiving calls on their cell phones, and one individual provided consent for the agents to view, search and utilize his phone. The communications led the agents to Jose Adan Meza-Marquez, who allegedly drove a vehicle to the area where the aliens had been apprehended and confirmed he was there to pick them up. Posing as the illegal aliens, USBP agents got in Meza-Marquez’s vehicle, which allegedly transported them to a stash house being used to harbor illegal aliens. A second individual, Jose Ramiro Chavez-Leal, allegedly opened the door. The criminal complaint alleges that agents found five additional illegal aliens present at the residence and both Meza-Marquez and Chavez-Leal admitted to smuggling illegal aliens on prior occasions.

    Another human smuggling bust by Ysleta Border Patrol agents led to federal charges four Mexican nationals: Erasmo Ortiz-Arzola, Cesar Arturo Beltran-Rocha, Jesus Alberto Fernandez-Vazquez, and Kevin Alexis Morin-Lopez. During a knock and talk operation, agents allegedly observed 15 individuals in the living room area of an apartment, and an additional 14 elsewhere in the apartment. A criminal complaint indicates that subjects were questioned and determined to be illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador. During the arrests and subsequent investigation, the four defendants were identified as alleged pick-up drivers and caretakers.

    A Mexican national and convicted felon, Rosendo Dominguez-Morales, was charged with illegal re-entry and two additional counts for entering the U.S. through the National Defense Area (NDA), west of the El Paso Port of Entry. Dominguez-Morales was previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico on Aug. 20, 2024 through Brownsville, two days after he was convicted in Lyon County for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: First week of June sees more than 200 charged in SDTX cases in relation to enforcement efforts along southwest border

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    HOUSTON – A total of 202 cases have been filed from May 30-June 5 in immigration and border security matters, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    The filed cases include seven involving human smuggling. A total of 129 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while another 63 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. Other relevant cases charged this week relate to other immigration crimes.

    One such person charged this week is Luis Humberto Gonzalez-Sanchez who was arrested for allegedly harboring 16 illegal aliens in his home in Mercedes. The criminal complaint alleges he harbored over 100 aliens in the last six months for whom he was paid $150 each. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Also facing new criminal charges are six Mexican nationals, all of whom had been previously convicted of illegal reentry into the United States and sentenced to terms ranging from 15-46 months in federal prison. However, their charges allege authorities had found them in the Rio Grande Valley after once again unlawfully returning without any permission to do so. Oscar Vicente Perez-Lopez, Juan Manuel De La Cruz-Mejia, Jose Luis Tostado-Flores, Jesus Morales-Vargas, Jose Patricio Rios-Rojas and Juan Manuel Alvarado-Gonzalez had allegedly been previously removed on varying dates between 2015-2023 and now face up to 20 years in prison, upon this conviction.

    In addition to the new cases, an illegal alien from El Salvador was sentenced for assaulting law enforcement. Authorities conducted a traffic stop in November 2024 in Rio Grande City when Oscar Adilio Sanchez-Rivera notified them of his alien status. As a Border Patrol (BP) agent attempted to place him in a vehicle, Sanchez-Rivera attempted to evade arrest, punched the agent in the face and caused an additional injury that required surgery. He will now serve 36 months in prison.

    “The defendant here managed to turn a simple removal case to a multi-year federal sentence,” said Ganjei. “Let this case be an example to others who may wish harm on police or federal agents; assaulting law enforcement will not be tolerated.”

    Also announced was the sentencing in Houston of an illegal alien for stealing a U.S. citizen’s identity. In imposing the 40-month sentence, the court noted the seriousness of the offense and that Carlos Bedolla Sanchez’s previous penalties did not do enough good or make him repentant. The investigation revealed Sanchez began using the victim’s identity in approximately March 2009 to obtain state driver’s licenses and other U.S. identification, including a passport.

    Following a two-day jury trial in Corpus Christi, a Houston trucker was convicted of transporting illegal aliens. A lawful permanent resident since 1989, Armando Balladares-Prado had pulled up to the BP checkpoint south of Falfurrias and seemed nervous. His vehicle was completely empty but had a seal and lock on it as if there was a full transport load in the back. Authorities soon found two individuals hidden underneath the bed of the sleeper compartment. Both were determined to be citizens of Guatemala illegally present in the United States. Balladares-Prado told the aliens to get under the bed and instructed them on what to say if law enforcement discovered them. He now faces a federal prison sentence and possible loss of his status in the United States.

    In Laredo, two men also learned their fate for their roles in an extensive human smuggling conspiracy and operating stash houses in Laredo and Poteet. Manuel Capetillo and Michael Diaz are attributed with smuggling over 65 aliens, including adults and children as young as six, who came from multiple countries as far south as Guatemala. Over several months, Capetillo recruited drivers, scouts and caretakers to bring aliens in from countries in Central America and transport them throughout the southern and central areas of Texas. Capetillo received an 85-month-term of imprisonment, while Diaz was ordered to serve 70 months. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the inhumane conditions in which the aliens were transported and that Capetillo and Diaz had made a business out of smuggling aliens. “You thought of these people as cattle,” he said.

    Another sentencing in McAllen saw an illegal alien heading to prison for 37 months for trafficking over $1 million in cocaine. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Rolando Banda-Lucero did not have status to be in the country and got involved in narcotics trafficking for money.

    Also finalized this week was an adult male pretending to be a minor as he illegally entered the country. On Feb. 2, Elger Fabricio Cotto-Navarro claimed to be an unaccompanied minor so he could be housed in a special facility. The investigation revealed Cotto-Navarro was actually an adult posing as a minor. He was sentenced and now expected to face removal proceedings. 

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, BP, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Franklin County Jail Deputy Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violation

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A former Franklin County sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty in federal court in Columbus, Ohio, today to depriving an inmate of his civil rights. Matthew Carey, 28, of Grove City, admitted to depriving an individual of their right to be free from a deputy’s deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of serious harm, while acting under color of law.

    According to court documents, in March 2022, Carey intentionally disclosed a pretrial detainee’s pending charge of rape of a minor to Gmier McCall, another pretrial detainee. Carey knew that disclosing the victim’s charges created a substantial risk that he would be assaulted by others in the jail, and in fact inmates did assault the victim.

    Carey faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. McCall previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to deprive the victim of his civil rights and also faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at future hearings.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris for the Southern District of Ohio, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office announced the plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Demands That Trump Administration Restore Funding For Youth Mental Health Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    New York Was Awarded Over $18 Million Through The Now-Terminated Programs From FY2022-FY2024

    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is demanding that the Trump administration restore funding to two grant programs that support school-based mental health services, the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH). MHSP and SBMH were designed to create a workforce development pipeline for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals in New York and across the country. Thanks to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the programs were slated to provide a combined $1 billion through Fiscal Year 2026, $18.2 million of which was already allocated to schools in New York State.

    “Protecting the mental health of our kids should not be a partisan issue,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am appalled by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate MHSP and SBMH funding, particularly as the shortage of mental health professionals and school counselors persists nationwide. Thousands of students are set to benefit from the mental health care they’re receiving because of these programs, and I am committed to fighting for the restoration of this vital funding.”

    Senator Gillibrand’s most recent letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon follows a similar letter that she sent with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in May. In that letter, the senators discussed the impact of the MHSP and SBMH programs nationwide and asked for the Department of Education’s rationale for terminating this funding. The senators received an unsatisfactory response to this outreach last month.

    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s most recent letter can be found here or below:

    Dear Secretary McMahon,

    I write to you with grave concern over the administration’s reports of terminations of youth mental health grant funding to school districts in New York. The Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) and School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH) programs have benefitted not only New York but countless states across the country in urban and rural settings alike. I wrote to you about these terminations on May 9, 2025, and received an unsatisfactory response from your office on May 30, 2025. Both MHSP and SBMH programs play a vital role in addressing the shortage of school-based mental health professionals. Furthermore, they do not undermine standards for fairness, merit, and excellence in education as asserted in your response sent on May 30, 2025. 

    Your response to my earlier letter indicated that both the MHSP and SBMH programs would end at the end of the grants’ current budget periods. This outcome would harm both the students and mental health professionals who benefit from these programs. The demand for behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse disorder services is projected to increase in the coming years. By 2037, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of 113,830 psychologists, 50,440 psychiatrists, and 39,710 school counselors. The MHSP and SBMH programs directly address this shortage, and discontinuing these programs will negatively impact current and future students.  

    These funding streams were intended to create a workforce development pipeline for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Thousands of students have benefited from the mental health care they received because of these programs. There are also hundreds of future mental health professionals in New York alone who benefit from these programs. However, with current grants set to expire soon, successful programs, like those in Lyons Central School District and the Seneca Falls Central School District, that have built mental health professional pipelines for students in high-need school districts could see their momentum stopped in its tracks. Hundreds of future mental health professionals, who are sorely needed across New York, stand to lose the support of innovative programs that serve my constituents and their families.

    I am concerned that the Department is disrupting grant funding that truly represents how the government can address the direct needs of our taxpayers and their families. These programs work, and New York students deserve their continued benefits.

    I request your response to the following questions by no later than June 4, 2025:

    1.         Will the Department commit to answering the nine questions from my original letter sent May 9, 2025, most of which were unaddressed in your response dated on May 30, 2025? 

    2.         How did each MHSP and SBMH grant that received a non-continuation notice violate Federal civil rights law?

    3.         What are the Department’s plans to recompete its mental health program funds in the next grant cycle, including the grant application and selection criteria for the upcoming cycle?

    4.         How will the Department address service disruptions for New York students after the expiration of this funding?

    5.         Explain how the Department plans to address mental health workforce shortages stemming from the disruption of this funding.
    6.         Have New York mental health and education stakeholders been engaged? Please provide a detailed explanation of your engagement processes with stakeholders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Legislation to Replenish Disaster Relief Fund As North Carolina Prepares For Hurricane Season

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – With hurricane season officially underway, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has introduced legislation to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to ensure FEMA has the financial resources it needs to respond to natural disasters in the months ahead.

    Tillis’ legislation would provide $25 billion for the DRF, which would fulfill President Trump’s historic DRF funding request for Congress. Since last year, North Carolina has received roughly $4.45 billion from the DRF to respond and recover from Helene. 

    “With Western North Carolina still recovering from Helene and an above-normal hurricane season expected this year, we have to ensure that FEMA has the constant flow of resources it needs to help states respond to natural disasters,” said Senator Tillis. “Congress shouldn’t wait until the last minute, and I’m proud to lead the effort to replenish the DRF and ensure that President Trump’s request is fulfilled so FEMA can focus on its critical mission of helping states and local communities respond to emergencies.” 

    Read the bill HERE.

    Background: 

    Senator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall. 

    On October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.   

    On October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.

    On October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.  

    On October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.

    On November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator.

    On November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.

    On November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.   

    On November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

    On November 21, 2024, Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. 

    On December 5, 2024, Senator Tillis joined Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.  

    On December 10, 2024, Senator Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene’s devastation.  

    On December 18, 2024, Senator Tillis committed to filibustering any continuing resolution that did not include disaster aid for Western North Carolina. 

    On December 21, 2024, Senator Tillis voted to pass a bipartisan government funding bill that included more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including North Carolina during Hurricane Helene. 

    On January 7, 2025 Senator Tillis announced $1.65 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to help rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.  

    On January 24, 2025, Senator Tillis released a statement thanking President Trump for his visit to Western North Carolina to survey the devastation left behind by Helene. 

    On January 31, 2025, Senator Tillis introduced the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025, legislation that excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any qualified catastrophe mitigation payment made under a state-based catastrophe loss mitigation program. 

    On March 11, 2025, Senator Tillis reintroduced the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to simplify the application process for federal disaster recovery assistance.  

    On April 1, 2025, Senator Tillis sent a letter urging U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to work with Congress to quickly distribute the more than $23 billion Congress passed in December to assist farmers, ranchers and rural Americans in responding to devastating natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

    On April 3, 2025, Senator Tillis (R-NC) introduced the FEMA Independence Act, bipartisan legislation to restore the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent cabinet-level agency and improve efficiency in federal emergency response efforts.  

    On April 24, 2025, Senator Tillis introduced the Helene Recovery Small Business Act and the Loans in Our Neighborhoods (LIONs) Act of 2025, legislation that would provide much-needed relief to small businesses as they work to recover from the devastation of Helene.

    On June 4, 2025, Senator Tillis announced he helped secure approximately $1.45 billion in federal funding for disaster-impacted communities, including those in Western North Carolina affected by Helene.

    In addition to Senator Tillis’ legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER STATEMENT ON USDOT SECRETARY DUFFY HEEDING HIS CALLS TO MEET WITH FLIGHT 3407 FAMILIES AHEAD OF FAA SENATE HEARING

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Trump’s FAA Nominee, The CEO Of Republic Airways, Has Previously Fought To Roll Back Basic Air Safety Standards – Including Rule That Pilots Must Have 1,500 Hours Of Flight Training – That Flight 3407 Families Have Fought For

    Senate Hearing For Trump’s FAA Nominee Will Be Next Week, And After Weeks Of Schumer Pressuring USDOT To Meet With Flight 3407 Families, The Transportation Secretary Has Now Agreed

    New York, N.Y. – Today, after calling on USDOT Secretary Duffy to meet with 3407 families amid growing concerns for aviation safety and the upcoming hearing of Trump’s controversial FAA Nominee, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer released the following statement on news of Secretary Duffy heading his calls to meet with the families of Flight 3407:

    Senator Schumer said, “The families of Flight 3407 have been my guiding light for more than 16 years and their unwavering dedication has unequivocally changed the course of aviation history in America for the better. Now, at this critical moment when so many Americans are worried about air travel, the safety reforms they fought for, like the 1,500 hour rule, are more critical than ever. I appreciate Secretary Duffy heeding my calls to meet with the Flight 3407 families. I remain seriously concerned about Bedford’s nomination to serve as FAA administrator, whose attempts undercut and circumvent basic air safety standards, including the 1500-hour rule the families and I have fought for years. Secretary Duffy must commit clearly and unequivocally to the protection of the 1,500 hour rule and other air safety reforms the Flight 3407 helped create, the safety of our skies depends on it.”

    “We are pleased to learn that Secretary Duffy has agreed to meet with the Families of Flight 3407 very soon regarding the pending confirmation of a new FAA Administrator,” said Scott Maurer, who lost his 30-year-old daughter Lorin in the crash. “Now is the time to strengthen the aviation system and not weaken it. Our families group intends to deliver that message when we meet with the Secretary, and we thank Senator Schumer for his advocacy and help facilitating this meeting.”

    Schumer has been a long-time, relentless advocate for air safety standards following the tragic crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407. In February 2009, the tragic crash of Flight 3407 near Buffalo, New York claimed 50 lives and alerted the nation to the shortfalls in our aviation safety system, particularly at the regional airline level. In the wake of the tragedy, Schumer worked with the families who lost loved ones in the crash, to pass the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010. This landmark aviation safety legislation addressed many of the factors contributing to the increasing safety gap between regional and mainline carriers by requiring the FAA to develop regulations to improve safety, including enhanced entry-level pilot training and qualification standards, pilot fatigue rules, airline pilot training and safety management programs, and the creation of an electronic Pilot Record Database.

    Notably, the legislation included a mandate that first officers – also known as co-pilots – hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires that the pilot log 1,500 flight hours, and the advocacy of the families has led to many other laws including regulations to combat pilot fatigue, the establishment of the electronic Pilot Records Database, and more.

    Schumer’s previous letter to Secretary Duffy can be found HERE 

    MIL OSI USA News –