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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata’s Statement of Strong Support for President Trump’s Fishing Order as Lawsuit Filed

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement: 

    “These islands within PRIMNM are not Hawaiian islands nor are they American Samoan islands; these are America’s islands and waterways, and food security is national security. Insuring the safe supply of domestic American canned tuna for our military, schoolchildren and consumers is paramount and a national emergency that President Trump has recognized and acted upon with the urgency that is needed.

    “I commend his Administration for both enacting his Executive Orders in this regard in his first 100 days and for doing so on April 17, American Samoa’s Flag Day, when the union between the United States and American Samoa was enacted.

    “The President recognized and honored Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan way of life, by taking this action on the historic 125th Flag Day just a few weeks ago and helped all Americans during these critical times of food and other resource needs to protect our whole country.

    “Lastly, neither Presidents Bush, Obama or Biden ever asked American Samoa what they wanted before they took away our indigenous fishing rights without any science — they decided what they wanted first, gave us lip service and back filled their decisions with bureaucracy and outside interests. President Trump asked and acted, and I thank him again for his EO for the safety and security of the food supply for American Samoa and all America.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Welcomes $302,000 EPA Water Quality Monitoring Grant

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming $302,000 in federal funds for American Samoa from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorized by Congress in the BEACH Act. 

    “The EPA is fulfilling one of its original key functions with these coastal water monitoring funds for health protection,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, a friend and former colleague in Congress, as well as Region 9 Administrator Josh F.W. Cook as you work with our dedicated local department and American Samoa Government on this and other efforts throughout the year.”

    In all, the EPA has announced $9.7 million in BEACH Act grant funding for states, Tribes and territories to monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches such as to notify the public if elevated levels of illness-causing bacteria make swimming unsafe.

    The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act was reauthorized by Congress in 2024. The EPA states these allocations advance the agency’s goals of cooperative federalism and ensuring that every American has access to clean and safe water. Each of these goals supports EPA’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative.

    “Millions of Americans will travel to the beach this summer to relax or play in the water. They will make lifelong memories and provide a boon to local economies,” said EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Peggy Browne. “With $9.7 million from EPA, states and local authorities can help ensure that our beaches are open for business and that beachgoers can swim and splash without fear of getting sick.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER REP. CHARLIE RANGEL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement upon news today that former Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York had passed:

    “Charles B. Rangel dedicated his life to this country and the people of New York from fighting on the battlefields of Korea to commanding the gavel in the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He was a decorated soldier, a determined federal prosecutor, and a champion for human and civil rights. He was driven to create a better world and make the American Dream more attainable for hard-working Americans.

    “He was a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and helped blaze a trail for future generations of public servants. I had the honor of working with him to improve the lives of our veterans as co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Veterans Brain Trust.

    “He was a patriot, true friend, and compassionate soul. My wife, Vivian, and I send our deepest condolences his family, friends and all who mourn his loss.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP OPPOSES PARTISAN BUDGET BILL THAT INCREASES U.S. DEFICIT WHILE ALSO HURTING FAMILIES, SENIORS, VETERANS, AND THE DISABLED

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) opposed H.R. 1, a budget reconciliation bill that would gut crucial basic needs programs upon which millions of Americans rely and increase red tape. These cuts are being used to fund trillions of dollars in tax giveaways that overwhelmingly benefit billionaires and still explodes the deficit by $3.8 trillion.

    “Despite weeks of efforts by Democrats and some Republicans to make this bill better and remove at least a few of its many warts, Congressional Republican leaders ignored our amendments and, in the dead of night, moved forward on a bill that makes it harder for millions of Americans to afford food and healthcare, and undermines public education,” said Congressman Bishop.

    The Congressman added, “This bill is a reverse Robin Hood. Make no mistake, more children will go hungry and more working Americans will lose access to healthcare. Seniors and veterans will find it harder to access their hard-earned benefits and care. The cost of living for the vast majority of Americans will go up thousands of dollars in return for meager tax relief. However, the wealthiest 1% of Americans – folks who do not rely on the programs and services being cut – will each get over $100,000 in tax breaks.”

    H.R. 1 hurts Americans by:

    • Cutting nearly $700 billion in Medicaid which will cause millions to lose healthcare coverage as well as make it harder for hospitals and nursing homes across the country to provide all the care communities need or to even stay open – even people who do not rely on Medicaid may have to travel farther to get the care they need;
    • Taking $300 billion from the ACA exchanges which will increase monthly health insurance premiums and co-payments;
    • Slashing SNAP by $300 billion which will cost America’s farmers around $30 billion in lost income, threaten more than 27,000 retailers nationwide and imperil nearly 400,000 jobs and $20 billion in direct wages throughout the food supply chain;
    • Gutting school breakfast, lunch, and senior nutrition programs;
    • Increasing the cost of education by eliminating Pell Grants for over 4 million students;
    • Eliminating energy conservation program funds that will push up gasoline prices, make it harder for homeowners and small businesses to become more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs, makes it harder for schools to afford less expensive, clean buses that reduce their students’ exposure to air pollution, and undermine efforts to revitalize domestic manufacturing;

    If H.R. 1 is enacted, Georgia’s Second Congressional District will see:

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  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF ISRAEL EMBASSY EMPLOYEES IN WASHINGTON, DC

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement in response to the killing of two Israel Embassy employees last night in Washington, DC:

    “It is heartbreaking that these two young Israel Embassy employees who were attending an event dedicated to peace were cut down in the prime of their lives. Antisemitism and political violence have no place in a civilized society. May the memories of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim be a blessing.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP’S STATEMENT REGARDING THREAT TO JOB CORPS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Job Corps Caucus, released the following statement in response to news today that the Trump Administration is pausing Job Corps Center operations, effectively shuttering Job Corps Centers nationwide, including the Turner Job Corps Center in Albany, Georgia.

    “The Job Corps program is the embodiment of a hand up and not a handout. It provides workforce skills and training that empower participants to become self-sufficient and productive citizens. Today’s foolish action by the White House and the United States Department of Labor to close the Job Corps program will shatter the dreams and aspirations of tens of thousands of promising students.

    “For over sixty years, there has been strong, bipartisan support for Job Corps. It has paid tremendous dividends in terms of ensuring that young people become valuable members of the labor force. I intend to work with my Republican colleagues to protect and improve Job Corps to ensure its continued success.”

    Job Corps is a national program with over 120 centers across the country. Job Corps offers at-risk youth varied academic opportunities and career pathways in business and industry.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Neguse Issues Statement Following Attack on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Lafayette, CO — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement after an attack earlier today on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder: 

    “I am horrified by the heinous act of terror that took place in downtown Boulder this afternoon, and my wife Andrea and I are praying for the victims. Tonight, as many prepare to mark the Shavuot holiday, our Jewish community has been subjected to yet another brutal and horrific act of violence. The scourge of antisemitism has metastasized across our country, and we must do more — now — to stop this hatred and violence. We stand with the Jewish community — today and always — and will be united in supporting the victims and their families, and to redoubling our efforts to stop antisemitism.” 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse Statement on Removal of Nevada & Utah Public Lands Sale in Republicans’ Disastrous Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — After public outrage swelled following Congressman Joe Neguse’s exposure of House Republicans’ last-minute move to force the sale of thousands of acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada, the amendment was stripped from the reconciliation bill. The provision at issue would have mandated the sale of 11,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah and at least 500,000 acres in Nevada, all to pay for tax cuts benefiting the country’s wealthiest citizens.

    Rep. Neguse, Ranking Member of the Committee on Federal Lands, unveiled Republicans’ disastrous scheme during the House Natural Resources Committee’s midnight markup of the budget reconciliation bill earlier this month, and further amplified opposition to the provision during the House Rules Committee 21-hour marathon markup this week. 

    “As my Republican colleagues push forward with a disastrous scheme to strip millions of Americans of health care, food assistance, and more—all to fund a $7 trillion tax giveaway to billionaires—House Democrats remained consistent in our pursuit of the truth. For literally the last 29 hours straight — and pushing back day after day, week after week prior — my colleagues and I continue to stand in firm opposition to this reckless legislation,” said Congressman Neguse. 

    “While I am proud to see our efforts result in the removal of Republicans’ plan to sell off treasured public lands in Nevada and Utah, I continue to be deeply concerned for the sweeping threats this bill still poses to critical conservation and public oversight programs. It’s time for common sense to prevail and for more members of the Republican Conference to speak up for the folks they were elected to represent, working with us to champion beliefs I know we’ve long shared, like the protection of America’s prized public lands.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse Leads Bipartisan Effort to Cut Red Tape for Disaster Survivors’ Access to Federal Disaster Aid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, is leading a bipartisan effort to streamline homeowners’ access to federal assistance after natural disasters. Neguse, who represents a congressional district that is no stranger to natural disasters, introduced two bills that would modernize how the Small Business Administration (SBA) distributes aid for homeowners: the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act, co-led by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and the Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act, co-led by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC). 

    “After working with constituents impacted by natural disasters from Granby to Fort Collins and everywhere in between, I know the road to recovery can be slow, all-consuming, and too often lacking in resources and support,” said Congressman Neguse. “With these bills, we’re taking action to ensure those affected receive clear guidance on next steps, along with the time they need to react and recover. You never know when tragedy will strike, and I’m proud to join Reps. Ciscomani and Edwards in this bipartisan effort to equip homeowners, small business owners, and individuals with the foundational tools they need to ensure the people we represent have a safety net to fall back on.”

    “As we head into the summer and temperatures in Arizona continue to rise, we have seen wildfires ignite across the state, disrupting small businesses and impacting the lives of thousands of residents,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Unfortunately, the road to recovery from these disasters can often be slow and burdensome. As families and businesses look to rebuild, the last thing they should encounter are unnecessary financial hurdles. This is why I am proud to co-lead the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act to codify a policy within the Small Business Administration to provide zero-interest loans for victims of natural disasters and give homeowners and entrepreneurs up to a year from the date of the loan to begin making payments.”

    “After Hurricane Helene, many business and home owners did not know Small Business Administration disaster loans were needed until after they had gone through the FEMA application process. Despite extensions to the SBA application window, there were still folks left behind without access to this vital recovery resource because the FEMA process took too long and the SBA application closed before victims realized they needed to apply,” said Congressman Edwards. “The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act will make sure that homeowners and small business owners have sufficient time and information to get the assistance they need after their lives have been turned upside down. It’s a commonsense way to better support disaster survivors in their greatest times of need.”

    Find additional details on both bills below: 

    • The Natural Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act codifies a policy previously implemented by the SBA that would waive the interest rate for the first year on new disaster loans and extend the initial payment deferment period automatically to 12 months. Read bill text HERE.
    • The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act modifies application deadlines and communication requirements for disaster assistance by directing the SBA to extend loan application deadlines past the current window of two to three months post-disaster declaration, and issuing guidance for public awareness campaigns in affected areas to better educate individuals on the application process and ensuring the Members of Congress who represent these districts stay informed and receive regular updates. Read bill text HERE.

    Background 

    Congressman Joe Neguse has prioritized efforts to extend the access of federal disaster assistance for communities responding to and recovering from natural disasters, like wildfires, since first being elected to Congress. Earlier this year, he helped introduce the Small Business Disaster Damage Fairness Act, a bill that would allow borrowers to get a SBA disaster assistance loan for up to $50,000, rather than the current $14,000, without pledging collateral.
    Additionally, last summer, Neguse moved quickly to secure federal funding to help Coloradans fight the Alexander Mountain Fire burning in Larimer County and the Stone Canyon Fire burning in Boulder County. He also took swift action to ensure that Coloradans had secured proper cost coverage after the Marshall Fire in 2021, leading a successful effort alongside Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, to get the SBA to update their formula used to calculate the Disaster Loan Program amount survivors can borrow to rebuild after the Marshall Fire. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse Introduces Legislation to Reinstate All Parks and Forest Staff Fired by DOGE Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — As the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) brace for impact, with public reporting warning additional layoffs are imminent, Congressman Joe Neguse introduced landmark legislation that pushes back against further cuts to the federal workforce and moves to restore adequate staffing levels ahead of the agencies’ busy summer months. The bills, the Protect our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act, direct administration officials to rehire individuals wrongfully terminated as part of Trump’s DOGE initiative.  

    Neguse, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, represents some of Colorado’s world-renowned parks and forests, including Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho and Roosevelt and White River National Forests. Since the start of the year, he’s been a vocal opponent of the administration’s full-scale attack on the federal workforce, and his latest effort highlights the dramatic impact of cuts on parks and forests—leaving these shared spaces understaffed and vulnerable, with weakened wildfire prevention, search-and-rescue operations, and maintenance of campgrounds, trails, and restrooms. 

    “Coloradans are sounding the alarm: the Trump Administration’s federal funding and purging of the workforce have made our national parks and forests less safe and more prone to disaster. This is simply unacceptable,” said Congressman Neguse. “With the summer months fast approaching, we must act to reinstate terminated employees at our land management agencies to protect communities across the West.” 

    Both the Protect our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act are co-led by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), as well as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, Andrea Salinas (OR-06). They are championed by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) in the United States Senate. 

    “The Trump Administration’s relentless and deeply damaging attacks on our federal workforce, especially the dedicated public servants at the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, demand accountability,” said Ranking Member Jared Huffman. “From abrupt relocations to politically motivated firings, the career professionals who steward our public lands have been treated as expendable. With another wave of forced reductions reportedly imminent, Congress must act. The Protect Our Parks Act and the Save Our Forests Act will ensure these agencies are fully staffed, reinstate wrongfully terminated employees, and keep critical federal projects on track—from climate resilience and wildfire prevention to trail maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. We owe it to these workers, and to the American people who depend on them, to set this right.”

    “With summer fast approaching, we should be hiring more workers who can keep visitors safe at our national parks and protect our communities from wildfires. Instead, the Trump Administration is recklessly firing workers at both the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service – putting even more strain on these agencies at a time when they are already short-staffed,” said Congresswoman Salinas. “These job cuts are unacceptable, which is why I’m proud to introduce two bills that would restore staffing levels and rehire Park Rangers and Forest Service workers who were wrongfully terminated. America’s public servants deserve respect and appreciation for their hard work, and our legislation does just that.”

    “The National Park Service and National Forest Service are crucial to land conservation, historic preservation, and protecting our natural resources. Due to the illegal actions of this Administration, these agencies are operating on a skeleton crew and shoestring budget to carry out the work the law requires. I am proud to co-lead the Protect Our Parks Act and Save Our Forests Act with Assistant Leader Neguse, Ranking Member Huffman, and Rep. Salinas to reinstate staff and restore funding at the NPS and NFS,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.  

    Find additional details on the bills below:

    • The Protect our Parks Act directs the Secretary of Interior to ensure adequate staffing within the National Park System for the overall safety and wellbeing of visitor safety and natural and cultural resource protection. It also orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part of the Trump Administration’s reckless mass firings (beginning on January 20, 2025).
    • The Save Our Forests Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure adequate staffing within the National Forest System, as well as proper resources for maintaining the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands. It also orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part of the Trump Administration’s reckless mass firings (beginning on January 20, 2025). 

    Both bills also help keep critical federal projects moving forward, including those funded by widely supported and enacted laws such as the Great American Outdoors Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. 

    They are endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, The Wilderness Society, Environment America, National Federation of Federal Employees, and The Trust for Public Land; and the Protect our Parks Act has additional backing from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).  

    See what they’re saying below:  

    “With mass firings of land management staff, the Trump administration has put our public lands and our ability to enjoy and benefit from them at risk,” said LCV Conservation Program Director, America Fitzpatrick.“Legislation like the bills introduced today by Representatives Neguse, Huffman, Elfreth, and Salinas will serve to curb the fallout from the Trump administration’s dangerous policies that seek to decimate our parks and public lands. LCV thanks the bill sponsors for standing up for public servants who steward our parks and public lands, fight wildfire, educate the public, and share our nation’s history, and for continuing to fight back against this administration’s dangerous and indiscriminate firings.“ 

    “Our national parks are facing a crisis. Since January, roughly 13% of park staff have been pushed out due to pressured buyouts, retirements and resignations,” said President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), Theresa Pierno. “These workers are the backbone of our parks, maintaining trails, managing wildlife, guiding visitors, and protecting our natural and cultural heritage. Parks can’t thrive without the staff who protect them, which is why this bill is so critical right now. This bill would bring back essential staffing as parks face record-breaking crowds. NPCA commends Representatives Neguse, Huffman, Elfreth and Salinas for supporting the dedicated staff who care for America’s most cherished places every day.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Neguse Calls for Renewed Commitment to American Servicemembers, Introduces Legislation to Boost Veteran Employment

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Lafayette, CO — With Memorial Day upcoming, Congressman Joe Neguse called for a renewed commitment by the Congress to supporting American servicemembers by introducing two bills aimed at expanding support for veterans after their service. The Veterans Jobs Training Act and the Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act focus on the essentials for successful reintegration: employment, housing, and establishing a clear path forward.

    Colorado is home to over 300,000 veterans, many of whom rely on regular access to federal assistance as they adjust to civilian life. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration’s reckless federal cuts have impacted these individuals’ ability to access their hard-earned and well-deserved benefits. In response, the bills Congressman Neguse introduced are a step toward ensuring our nation’s veterans aren’t left to navigate these hurdles on their own. 

    “As we memorialize the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our Armed Forces, we must also recommit ourselves to supporting the veterans in our communities. Our neighbors who sacrificed so much to keep us safe. In their honor, I’m proud to introduce legislation that ensures they have access to good-paying jobs and a roof over their heads. And these bills do exactly that—helping employ veterans in careers where their skills and service are valued, including among our wildland firefighting workforce,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 

    Find details on the bills below:

    • The Veterans Jobs Training Act would increase the authorization level for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) by $15 million in federal funding, expanding the already successful initiative’s ability to provide competitive employment for unhoused veterans. HVRP’s core objectives are to provide services to assist in reintegrating unhoused veterans into meaningful employment and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address problems facing unhoused veterans. Read the bill text HERE.
    • The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act would establish a pilot program to help employ veterans into wildland firefighting positions, putting their valuable skill set to work. More specifically, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate in an effort to help employ veterans in any temporary, seasonal, or permanent wildland firefighting activities. Read the bill text HERE.

    The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act is supported by the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFEE) and Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. 

    “NFFE is proud to support legislation that would encourage our military veterans to continue serving their country as federal wildland firefighters,” said Randy Erwin, National President, NFFE. “These men and women understand the sacrifice of public service and the importance of defending American communities. Thank you to Representative Neguse for his continued support of veterans, wildland firefighters, and federal workers.”

    “The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters applaud Congressman Neguse on his continued efforts to bolster and address wildfires in the United States. United States Veterans and federal wildland firefighting have a long and storied history. Any effort to reinforce and build a bridge between United States military veterans and the work of wildland firefighting should be robustly supported by Congress. The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters fully support the efforts and intent of Congressman Neguse,” said Luke Mayfield, President, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. 

    Background

    Congressman Joe Neguse has been a strong advocate for veterans and service members since first being elected to Congress. Significantly, he was successful in getting his bill the Mental Health for Military Families Act signed into law, expanding access to counseling and mental health services for Colorado’s military families. Neguse has also championed proposals that would improve the treatment and compensation for veterans experiencing PTSD and create regional “network hubs” for veterans, service members, and their families to seek resources and support. And in 2022, the Colorado lawmaker helped secure $650,000 for the Veterans Community Project Transitional Housing in Longmont, Colorado. A project that supports veterans in Colorado’s Second Congressional District through the construction of modular homes.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow, Senator Bennet Host Centennial Town Hall

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    CENTENNIAL — Last night, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) hosted a town hall at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, where they spoke directly with Coloradans about how they’re fighting to lower costs and pushing back against Republicans attacks on Medicaid. This is Congressman Crow’s third town hall this year.

    “One of the most important parts of my job is listening to constituents. It was great to talk with hundreds of Coloradans and hear about the issues that matter most to them. As Republicans vote to kick millions off their health care to give the wealthiest Americans a massive tax cut, Senator Bennet and I are doing everything we can to fight back,” said Congressman Crow.

    “This is an extraordinary time in our country’s history, a profoundly reactionary time in our nation’s history,” Senator Bennet said at the town hall. “But I have no doubt that if we do what we’re required to do, when we consider what our responsibilities are to this democracy, that we will not just get through this – that there will be something on other side that is very important to the kids, for instance, that graduated this week from Arapahoe High School. That is who is on my mind when I’m on the Senate floor.”

    Congressman Crow is dedicated to hearing directly from his constituents on the issues that matter most to them. He most recently hosted a town hall in Aurora and a telephone town hall with thousands of constituents. He has hosted regular in-person and telephone town halls throughout his time in Congress, and regularly hosts student town halls to hear from youth in the community.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow, Lt. Gov. Primavera Discuss Trump’s Harmful AmeriCorps Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, representatives from Serve Colorado, and local non-profits held a roundtable to discuss the impact of the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to AmeriCorps. 
     

    Since its founding in 1993, AmeriCorps has provided more than 1 million Americans with the opportunity to address challenges in their communities, especially in the areas of education, economic opportunity, veterans and military family services, health, the environment, and disaster services. In 2024, more than 6,600 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors served at over 700 local sites across Colorado. However, the Trump administration abruptly ended more than $400 million in AmeriCorps grants and laid off most of the full-time workforce, requiring more than 32,000 members to stop their critical work in communities nationwide. 

    “Service makes our nation better, and AmeriCorps enables Coloradans to serve their community directly. Their service makes Colorado a better, safer place to call home. Trump’s cuts to AmeriCorps are narrow-minded, short-sighted, and will leave Colorado worse off. I’ll continue speaking out and fighting back,” said Congressman Crow.

    “I’ve seen firsthand how national service changes lives — not just for those who serve, but for the individuals and families they support,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “This isn’t just a budget issue — it’s about what’s at stake for students, patients, and neighbors who rely on AmeriCorps programs daily. When you cut AmeriCorps, you don’t just shrink a program — you take away mentors from classrooms, hands from food banks, and care from underserved communities. We’re standing up to stop that from happening.”

    “AmeriCorps is a proven pipeline into Colorado’s most critical industries, from education and public health to climate resilience. These cuts don’t just threaten AmeriCorps service across the state – they undermine our future workforce and the communities that depend on it,” said John Kelly, Executive Director of Serve Colorado.

    Participants included: Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera; John Kelly, Executive Director of Serve Colorado; Manuel Aragon, Senior Director of Programs of Corps for a Change; Hannah Chung, Member of Corps for a Change serving at Vista Peak in APS; Barb Knapp, Manager of Spark Health Corps; Katie Navin, Executive Director of Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education; and Brittany Pimental, Senior Director of Operations for Denver Urban Gardens.

    Congressman Crow strongly opposes the Trump administration’s efforts to gut AmeriCorps, and has supported bipartisan efforts to block these cuts. He has been vocal about balancing the federal budget in a way that does not take a sledgehammer to critical programs that working Americans rely on for their families and communities.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Works to Fight Corruption in Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) held a roundtable with Colorado constituents, along with End Citizens United, to discuss his efforts in Congress to fight corruption, enact meaningful campaign finance reform, get dark money out of politics and fight special interests.

    This constituent roundtable in Aurora follows shocking instances of corruption in the Trump Administration, including the President accepting a $400 million jet from a foreign government, the Trump family opening a private club for the wealthy to pay for direct access to government officials, and a high-dollar dinner hosted by Trump for the largest investors in his crypto meme coin that he has personally benefited from.

    “Ever since I came to Washington, I’ve fought to end corruption, take on special interests, and get dark money out of politics. Our system should represent all Americans, not just the elite few. That’s why I call out corruption when I see it and will continue to fight for common sense reforms,” said Congressman Crow.

    Participants included former U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT); Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United; and Aly Belknap, Executive Director of Colorado Common Cause.

    Congressman Crow has long led the fight to root out corruption, including introducing the End Dark Money Act. This legislation would go a long way in fighting corruption and cracking down on dark money influencing U.S. elections. He also recently introduced the Shell Company Abuse Act, a bipartisan bill to limit foreign interference in U.S. Elections. Additionally, he previously served as the co-chair of the End Corruption Caucus, and has introduced other legislation, including the SHINE Act and DISCLOSE Act to end the influence of special interests in our elections. He also supports the TRUST in Congress Act to ban members of Congress and their families from owning or trading stocks.

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  • MIL-OSI China: Critical thinking key to AI education, experts say

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

    A student takes online course at home in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 17, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As intelligent digital transformation has dramatically reshaped higher education globally, universities must strengthen students’ competencies in critical thinking, creativity and ethical judgment to harness technological opportunities while addressing the risks, university presidents, professors and scholars said at a forum on Sunday.

    They made the remarks at the Global University Presidents Forum held at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

    The forum, part of the university’s 100th anniversary celebrations, attracted presidents of over 100 universities from home and abroad. More than 30 experts delivered speeches on topics including intelligent digital transformation, innovation in global higher education and talent cultivation.

    Philip H. Dybvig, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis and 2022 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, said reacting to AI is a challenge for universities at the moment, and it is a good example why students need to acquire both knowledge and critical thinking.

    Dybvig said, “Large language models such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek make a lot of tasks easier. However, to use LLMs most effectively, it will be essential to have knowledge of programming in general and knowledge of how they work in particular.”

    He emphasized that it will also be essential to use critical thinking to anticipate, identify and correct problems. “LLMs lack a moral filter and this must be provided by our students,” he added.

    Mary Gorman, vice-president for enrollment management and strategic academic initiatives at Baruch College, City University of New York, said that universities must prepare their students for a world that is not only rapidly changing but also increasingly reliant on AI-driven technologies.

    “To truly prepare our students for the digital era, we must weave AI into the fabric of our academic programs,” Gorman said, adding that the integration of AI into higher education must be guided by a strong ethical foundation.

    “We must teach students to critically evaluate when and how to use AI, and, crucially, when not to use it,” she said.

    To prepare students for workplace expectations, Gorman suggested universities adopt a phased approach to AI integration.

    “Early in their academic journey, students should focus on foundational skills — critical thinking, quantitative reasoning and ethical analysis,” she said. “Once these competencies are solidified, we can introduce AI as a tool for problem-solving and innovation.”

    Li Yongqiang, president of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, emphasized that universities must adapt to the rapid evolution of intelligent science and technology by optimizing academic discipline structures.

    “We should place greater emphasis on cultivating AI literacy, deep learning capabilities, and future-oriented adaptability and creativity in students,” Li said, adding that universities should accelerate digital infrastructure development centered on data, computing power, disciplinary AI models and intelligent services.

    Universities must also be ready for the impact of intelligent digital transformation in fields including knowledge innovation, social interactions and institutional governance, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing Ronald McDonald House hosts Children’s Day celebration

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

    The Beijing Ronald McDonald House held an International Children’s Day event on May 29 for children with critical illnesses and their families, featuring activities designed to provide support during medical treatment.

    Ronald McDonald poses for photos with children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children’s Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

    The Beijing McDonald’s Volunteer Group, backed by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, organized clay workshops, cookie-making, remote-controlled car races and games with the McDonald’s mascot.

    “I wish all the children at Beijing Ronald McDonald House a happy International Children’s Day and good health,” one volunteer said before the event began.

    While laughter and joy filled the air at the event, the children present were confronting serious health challenges, including tumors and blood disorders.

    Ronald McDonald interacts with children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children’s Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

    One of three Ronald McDonald Houses in China, the Beijing facility sits across from Beijing Children’s Hospital and provides free temporary housing for families traveling long distances for their children’s medical treatment.

    The facility has 10 family rooms, a kitchen, laundry room, playroom and dining area. Staff organize regular events, including holiday parties and birthday celebrations, to support children during treatment.

    The facility provides more than just accommodation, serving as a “home away from home” for families with sick children, according to Li Huiru, director of the Beijing Ronald McDonald House.

    Ronald McDonald gives gifts to children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children’s Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

    “For children at the Ronald McDonald House, International Children’s Day is the most anticipated moment of the year,” Li told China.org.cn. “We, as the organizers of the event, want to create joy and hope for these children on this special day.”

    The Ronald McDonald House program and broader community support enable children with severe diseases to receive high-quality care at leading children’s hospitals far from home.

    Children and their families engage in a clay-making activity at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

    “The Ronald McDonald House has already provided beacons of hope for families with children battling severe diseases,” Li added. “We hope more facilities like ours will emerge to help these families navigate their children’s treatment more smoothly.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Museum of Chinese Gardens hosts Dragon Boat Festival cultural bazaar

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

    Editor’s Note: This Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture is hosting a cultural bazaar featuring traditional Chinese embroidery and intangible cultural heritage crafts such as lacquer fan-making. Set within the museum’s classical garden grounds, these activities let visitors experience traditional crafts in an authentic historical setting.

    A girl in traditional attire poses for a photo at the Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture, Beijing, May 31, 2025. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Afghan police foil attempt to smuggle 790 sheep abroad

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

    The Afghan police have foiled an attempt to smuggle 790 sheep abroad, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock reported late Sunday.

    Without giving details on whether anyone was arrested on the charge of the case, the ministry added that the police would not allow anyone to smuggle livestock.

    The police thwarted attempts to smuggle 500 sheep from northern Badakhshan province to neighboring Tajikistan a couple of months ago.

    Animal smugglers occasionally try to transport livestock across borders to neighboring countries in pursuit of profit. Afghan security forces remain vigilant and consistently intercept these attempts. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election

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

    Karol Nawrocki, an independent candidate backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, won Poland’s presidential runoff election, according to the final vote count released by Polish National Electoral Commission (PKW) early Monday.

    The final result, reading “Elected in the second round,” was written next to Nawrocki’s name on the public website of PKW on Monday.

    Nawrocki, a historian and head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, received 50.89 percent of the vote in the presidential runoff, ahead of Rafal Trzaskowski, the ruling Civic Coalition (KO) candidate and mayor of Warsaw, who garnered 49.11 percent.

    This was Nawrocki’s first presidential campaign — an uphill battle from the start. He consistently trailed Trzaskowski in polls, including Sunday evening’s initial exit survey.

    Born in 1983 in Gdansk, Nawrocki is set to succeed the incumbent president Andrzej Duda, whose second and final term ends on Aug. 6. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 6 killed, 11 injured in passenger bus accident in central Myanmar

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

    Six people were killed and 11 others injured after a highway passenger bus rolled over in central Myanmar’s Mandalay region, an official from the Mandalay Region Fire Services Department told Xinhua on Monday.

    The accident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. local time on Monday in Meiktila township in Mandalay, he said, adding that the bus, carrying about 19 passengers, slipped off the road due to rain and overturned.

    All the injured were taken to the local hospital, the official said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rising Ayeyarwady River displaces over 1,000 households in northern Myanmar

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

    Over 1,000 households have been displaced in northern Myanmar’s Kachin state due to the rising Ayeyarwady River, according to the Myanmar Fire Services Department on Monday.

    As of Monday, a total of 55,117 people from 1,165 households have been relocated to safer areas, an official from the department told Xinhua.

    The river has been rising since Saturday, and authorities, along with rescue teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society, the Myanmar Fire Services Department, and other volunteers, continue working to move residents from low-lying areas in Kachin state to safety, he said.

    As of Monday morning, Myanmar’s Meteorology and Hydrology Department reported that the Ayeyarwady River in Myitkyina of Kachin state has risen about 2 inches above its danger mark.

    The department has advised residents in low-lying areas and along riverbanks in Myitkyina to move to safer locations as a precaution. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Construction of 15 school buildings completed in Afghanistan’s Paktika province

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

    Authorities have completed the construction of the buildings of 15 schools in eastern Afghanistan’s Paktika province, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported on Monday.

    The projects costed 192 million afghani (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in 14 districts, the state-owned media outlet added.

    Numerous schools have no proper buildings in Afghanistan, and the students learn in the open air. The Afghan interim government has announced to build buildings for schools across the country. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Domestic helpers, nannies, butlers all in high demand

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

    An undated photo shows nannies learning how to take care of babies at a training center in Jimo, Shandong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Stella Tian, a 33-year-old office worker in Beijing, has two toddlers — a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old — and employs two nannies to help look after the children and simplify her life, as she and her husband have hectic work lives.

    “I have changed my nannies a few times. Some were not professional enough and didn’t get along well with my family members, and some had other plans that came up. It’s not easy to find a suitable nanny for the long term,” Tian said.

    Like Tian, demand for homemaking services among Chinese urban families is surging, and trained domestic helpers, nannies and nurses for the elderly are in great demand, promising to incubate a market expected to reach 1.3 trillion yuan ($181.1 billion) in 2026.

    The forecast, made by the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Trade in Services and Commercial Services, together with data analysis provider iiMedia Research, said China’s household services sector has maintained rapid growth.

    Millions of middle-income Chinese families, especially those with young children and aging family members, are seeking professional helpers to ease life’s burdens, while it has sometimes been difficult for them to find satisfactory professional homemakers. Compared with diversified and high-quality demand, there are still problems such as a shortage of professional supply and nonstandard industry development.

    It is estimated that there is a shortage of over 20 million domestic workers in China, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Demand for household services is no longer limited to daily chores, as online shopping and food deliveries have made it increasingly convenient for consumers, and they have indicated demand for higher-level specialized services, industry insiders said.

    To address such issues and further boost consumption, China has published a guideline to further promote the development of its home-based services sector, such as housekeeping, eldercare and childcare services, by expanding the scale and upgrading service quality. Such efforts aim to cultivate new growth points for the country’s services consumption, according to the document released by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other entities in late April.

    A series of measures have been proposed to improve the quality of household services supply, promote convenient consumption and optimize the consumption environment of the sector, according to the guideline.

    For example, the government will encourage household service enterprises to expand into emerging service areas such as professional deep cleaning, indoor air treatment and nutritional consulting, and strengthen integrated development with sectors such as home furnishings and interior decorating, the guideline said.

    In addition, social capital is encouraged to flow into the household services sector, and local governments may include homemaking occupations into local shortage directories. It is also suggested that more employment-oriented domestic service training should be offered, the guideline said.

    “Household services are an important sector that helps promote consumption, benefits people’s lives and stabilizes employment,” said Kong Dejun, director of the Department of Trade in Services and Commercial Services at the commerce ministry.

    “China will continue to expand domestic demand, strengthen supply-side structural reform, give full play to the country’s human resources advantages and cultivate new growth points of service consumption,” Kong said.

    Currently, China has over 30 million household service providers such as nannies and housekeepers. Last year, total revenue of the sector stood at 1.23 trillion yuan, up 6 percent year-on-year, the ministry said.

    Women are the main practitioners in the household services industry. The All-China Women’s Federation said the sector is showing a growing trend that practitioners are becoming younger and more professional, and it would continue to help promote the digitalization of the sector.

    On the demand side, the need for babysitters and caregivers for the elderly is huge. The number of those aged 60 and above has exceeded 300 million, and the over-65 population has topped 220 million. In addition, China has some 30 million youngsters aged below three, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

    China will cultivate a group of distinctive brands in the homemaking sector and foster more platform-based companies to help match supply and demand.

    “We will guide various regions to implement employment and entrepreneurship policies, and homemaking personnel should enjoy tax incentives and social security subsidies upon laws and regulations,” said Luo Shoufeng, deputy head of the department of migrant workers’ jobs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

    Catering to such demand, a number of platform-based homemaking service companies such as 58.com and Ayibang have continued to develop their business to raise the efficiency of supply-demand matching.

    Beijing-based life services platform 58.com said some 2.6 million homemakers have registered on the platform, and all of them will undergo pre-work training to ensure the provision of standardized and professional services.

    It has launched more than 200 training bases nationwide, integrating online teaching and offline training sessions, and the company became the first in the sector to introduce VIP membership services for consumers.

    “For emerging household services demand such as deep cleaning, clutter control and storage, pest management and home management services, we have launched more than 10 professional courses. Those include courses that we developed with entities in Japan and Hong Kong together, in an aim to foster more high-quality household service providers,” said Li Zijian, president of 58.com’s domestic business.

    In densely populated first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Guangdong province, demand for homemaking services has been the highest, 58.com found.

    Among different types of services, demand for household cleaning, home appliance cleaning, nannies and maternity matrons — or yuesao, who mainly care for newborns — has been the highest, the company said.

    Most consumers choose to hire day-shift nannies and part-time workers to assist with household chores and cooking. Demand for eldercare and childcare has continued to grow. In May, demand for nannies and eldercare service providers jumped 83 percent and 48 percent on a yearly basis, respectively.

    For deep cleaning of homes, consumers pay more attention to the thorough cleaning of kitchen oil stains, bathroom tiles and hard-to-clean corners and under spaces. For home appliances, cleaning demand for air-conditioners, range hoods and washing machines has been the highest. In May, demand for air-conditioning cleaning climbed by 76 percent month-on-month and 26 percent year-on-year.

    “Urbanites have shown an increasingly higher health awareness, and a growing number of consumers choose to clean their airconditioners before the arrival of summer to reduce respiratory diseases,” Li said.

    Meanwhile, China’s high-net-worth families are becoming younger, and they are showing a growing demand for hiring private butlers as they embrace such a trend in Western countries, and more college graduates, including those who have studied abroad, are looking to butlers as career choices.

    Private butlers usually act as senior life consultants for their employers’ core family management issues. Unlike ordinary housekeeping service personnel, private butlers usually need to understand advanced family affairs.

    They usually speak one or two foreign languages, understand children’s educational planning, and have knowledge about issues such as nutrition, luxury products and ironing. They also cook multiple cuisines and are skillful at safeguarding and risk management, according to Meiyinghui Family Service Co Ltd, a Beijing-based butler management company.

    The average salary of a private butler is about 200,000 yuan to 400,000 yuan annually for those who have one or two years of work experience, and the salary grows as they master more skills, thus attracting many people to engage in this profession.

    “Employers would like to hire young butlers, including college graduates. The demand has become higher, as more families have a growing awareness of hiring butlers. Besides, many families have been quite busy with business matters after the COVID-19 pandemic, and they need to hire someone for household management,” said Zhang Ran, founder and president of Meiyinghui Family Service.

    “Now, 70 percent of butlers in China are females. A lot of graduates and qualified people are still hesitating about engaging in this profession, and the supply of butlers is seeing a shortage. We plan to host a session to introduce the career path of the profession and attract more graduates,” Zhang said.

    Besides major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, some families in second-tier cities such as Qingdao in Shandong province and Shijiazhuang, Hebei province have also indicated high demand for hiring butlers, the company found.

    Butlers usually need to take a few months of training classes before they start working. Li Siwen is a teacher who conducts training sessions for butlers, earning a master’s degree in hotel management from the University of Manchester.

    “I’m quite interested in this sector. I used to work in the human resources management department of a company, and this job is similar. I mainly teach students psychology, color matching, sorting and organization of items, and business etiquette,” Li said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese well-drilling technology turns Egypt’s deserts into farmland

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

    As summer begins, patches of lush farmland stretch across Egypt’s Western Desert, an area that, until recently, was dominated by sand and rocks. Thanks to the deep wells drilled by the Egypt branch of China’s Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group (ZPEC), wheat, alfalfa and potatoes now thrive in tidy rows under the desert sun.

    These wells, part of a broader effort to reclaim desert land for agriculture, have transformed the barren landscape into productive farmland, offering a model for sustainable development in arid regions and underscoring the potential of international cooperation in addressing food security and ecological restoration.

    The project is an example of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. In Egypt, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has evolved into a platform for transformative collaboration, extending beyond infrastructure to encompass agriculture, technology and industry. By tackling pressing challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment and technological gaps, the initiative is helping to lay the groundwork for more resilient and sustainable growth.

    Drilling for resource of life

    Egypt, home to over 100 million people, grapples with the daunting task of expanding farmland in a country where only about 4 percent of the land is arable. To reduce reliance on food imports, the Egyptian government has stepped up efforts to reclaim desert land since 2015, with water sources development a crucial part of this push.

    ZPEC, operating in Egypt since 2016, has played a key role. Its teams — composed of Chinese and Egyptian employees — have drilled more than 680 wells across the country, from the Sinai Peninsula to Aswan.

    This photo taken on May 3, 2025 shows a well-drilling rig at night at the site of Owainat Water Well Project in the desert of New Valley Governorate, Egypt. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Zhao Baojiang, project manager for ZPEC’s Owainat well-drilling operation in Egypt, said his team has drilled 63 wells, each about 450 meters deep, in less than a year by overcoming such challenges as extreme temperatures, sandstorms, complex geology and logistical hurdles.

    “We’re having our first wheat harvest this year, and we’re very happy to cooperate with the Chinese company,” said Abou-elKhier Ibrahim, manager of the Owainat sector of the Future of Egypt agricultural project.

    Wheat, Egypt’s dietary cornerstone, is in high demand. According to a report released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, per capita wheat consumption in Egypt averages about 146 kg annually.

    Mohamed Elhosary, electromechanical division manager of the Owainat sector of the Future of Egypt agricultural project, estimated that each feddan (about 0.42 hectares) of the farmland in Owainat can yield 3 tons of wheat.

    “The yield from each feddan is sufficient to cover the annual wheat consumption of at least 20 Egyptians,” Zhao Wutao, general manager of the ZPEC branch in Egypt, told Xinhua.

    Innovation brings benefits

    In Minya Province, 360 km south of Cairo, ZPEC is also supporting the farm of Canal Sugar Company, a joint venture between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The farm allocated a significant portion of its land to sugar beet production for a large-scale local refinery.

    ZPEC engineers faced technical hurdles there as well. According to Abumesalam Mohamed Gouda, operations manager of ZPEC’s Egypt branch, the groundwater layer in Minya’s desert is unstable, and large-diameter drilling poses risks of collapse and leakage.

    Workers operate on a well-drilling rig at the site of Owainat Water Well Project in the desert of New Valley Governorate, Egypt, on May 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    To address these issues, the company’s technical team introduced air foam drilling technology, which uses stable foam as drilling fluid to prevent leakage and increase efficiency. This method was later shared with local companies to help improve their performance.

    Hassan Gamal, technical manager of the Canal Sugar farm, said that the 193 wells drilled by ZPEC can irrigate 30,000 feddans (12,600 hectares) of land. In 2023 alone, the farm planted 22,000 feddans (9,240 hectares) of beets, which were processed into sugar and sold widely. “This wouldn’t have been possible without ZPEC’s wells,” he said.

    Beyond agriculture, ZPEC’s work has also supported local employment and skills training.

    Mohamed Gaber, who joined ZPEC as a worker five years ago, is now a platform manager. He credited his Chinese colleagues for teaching him skills and helping him navigate challenges. “I always strive to do my best with the support of teammates, and I’m proud to grow in such a team,” he said.

    Growing Partnership

    For many Egyptians, these projects represent more than infrastructure — they represent progress toward greater food security, stable income, and a hopeful future, experts said, expressing their eagerness to expand collaboration with Chinese enterprises.

    “This is a notable and very positive contribution by the Chinese company in advancing agricultural development in Egypt,” Ahmed Galal, dean of the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Cairo, told Xinhua.

    “Any efforts in extracting water or increasing Egypt’s water resources directly lead to positive results for agricultural development in Egypt … We certainly hope it continues,” he said.

    The well-drilling project is just part of broader cooperation between Egypt and China under the BRI. Other projects include the Central Business District of Egypt’s new administrative capital, a textile city in Sadat City, and the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna. These ventures are seen by Egyptian experts as essential engines for job creation, industrialization and joint development.

    This photo taken on May 3, 2025 shows makeshift rooms for workers at the site of Owainat Water Well Project in the desert of New Valley Governorate, Egypt. [Photo/Xinhua]

    “China is now increasingly viewed as a development partner that contributes to job creation and improved living standards,” said Waleed Gaballah, a member of the Egyptian Association for Political Economy, Statistics and Legislation.

    He stressed China’s leadership in renewable energy, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing. “Providing access to these technologies at a reasonable cost to countries participating in the BRI could make a major shift in the way of life in their societies.”

    Echoing his view, Galal said he looks forward to more Chinese investment in his country, as the ongoing Egypt-China cooperation under the BRI is “fruitful and promising.”

    “We in Egypt truly need all such investments. I also hope this cooperation grows in all fields, because it is, first of all, mutually beneficial — a win-win situation in terms of shared gains and joint development,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Thailand claims two titles at Singapore Badminton Open

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

    Thailand secured two championships on Sunday at the Singapore Badminton Open, with Kunlavut Vitidsarn winning the men’s singles crown and the mixed doubles pair of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran also triumphing.

    Kunlavut Vitidsarn returns a shot during the men’s singles final match between Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand and Lu Guangzu of China at the Singapore Badminton Open 2025 in Singapore, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Second-seeded Kunlavut dominated the men’s singles final, defeating China’s Lu Guangzu 21-6, 21-10 in just 37 minutes. The victory marked Kunlavut’s fourth title of the season and is set to propel him to the world No. 1 ranking in the men’s singles when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) releases its latest standings next week. He will also become the first men’s singles player born after 2000 to achieve the top ranking.

    Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran (R) of Thailand react after scoring during the mixed doubles final match against Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet of China’s Hong Kong at the Singapore Badminton Open 2025 in Singapore, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Earlier, Thai mixed doubles stars Puavaranukroh and Paewsampran captured their title by defeating Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong, China, 2-0 in the final.

    Chen Yufei of China celebrates after winning the women’s singles final match against Wang Zhiyi of China at the Singapore Badminton Open 2025 in Singapore, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s Chen Yufei claimed the women’s singles title, defeating compatriot Wang Zhiyi in straight sets for her fourth championship of the season. Notably, Chen ended the 27-match winning streak of reigning Olympic gold medalist An Se-young of South Korea in the quarterfinals. Since returning to competition in February following a three-month study break in Australia, Chen has regained her form and extended her own winning streak to 22 matches.

    In doubles action, South Korean pairs secured one gold and one silver medal. Kim Hye-jeong and Kong Hee-yong won the women’s doubles title by defeating Japan’s Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi 21-16, 21-14. However, Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik beat Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae 15-21, 21-18, 21-19.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready for challenge ahead of crucial away match in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

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

    China’s forward Zhang Yuning expressed confidence on Sunday, saying the team is ready to secure a victory in a decisive away match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers against Indonesia.

    Zhang praised the team’s preparation following its final public training session in Shanghai, saying, “We focused on key techniques like offense, defense, and set-pieces. We’ve performed well, but in matches, we must be able to adapt flexibly to on-the-spot situations.”

    “This is a battle for survival. Victory is the only option. There’s no room for retreat,” Zhang emphasized, adding that as the away side, China must turn pressure into momentum and showcase its strengths, training results, and team unity.

    Wang Yudong, a rising star on the squad, said, “The veterans always share their experience. My role is to focus on the game, using speed and skills to challenge the opponents and help create an edge for the team.”

    China is scheduled to face Indonesia on June 5, followed by its final group match at home against Bahrain on June 10 in Chongqing, southwest China.

    Currently, China sits at the bottom of Group C with six points, level with Bahrain and three points behind fourth-placed Indonesia. To advance to the playoffs as the group’s fourth team, China must win both remaining matches. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI launches Survey on Computer Software and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) Exports: 2024-25

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank has launched the 2024-25 of its annual survey on Computer Software and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) Exports.

    The survey collects data on various aspects of computer services exports as well as exports of information technology enabled services (ITES) and business process outsourcing (BPO). The survey results are disseminated in public domain besides being used in compilation of India’s external sector statistics.

    The survey schedule for the 2024-25 round is required to be filled in by all software and ITES/BPO exporting entities. The format of the ITES survey schedule has been updated for the current round. The soft form of this survey schedule (both in Hindi and English) is available on the RBI’s website under the head ‘Regulatory Reporting’ → ‘List of Returns’ → ‘Return Name’ → ‘ITES – Survey Schedule’ [or under the head ‘Forms’ (available at the bottom of the home page) and sub-head ‘Survey’], which can be duly filled and submitted via email by July 15, 2025.

    The instructions are provided in FAQs and, in case of any query or clarification, kindly contact us at itesquery@rbi.org.in or given below address.

    The Director,
    International Investment Position Division,
    Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM),
    Reserve Bank of India,
    C-9, 5th floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E),
    Mumbai – 400 051.
    Please click here to send email.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/453

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI launches the Survey on Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies: 2024-25 round

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank has launched the 2024-25 round of its annual survey on ‘Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies’. The survey collects the information from mutual fund companies and asset management companies on their external financial liabilities and assets as at end-March of the latest financial year. The survey results are disseminated in the public domain besides being used in compilation of India’s external sector statistics.

    Asset management companies (AMCs) are required to submit the annual return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) online through the web-based portal (https://flair.rbi.org.in) by July 15, 2025.

    In addition, mutual fund companies are required to fill the survey schedule (Schedule-4), which is available on the RBI website under the head ‘Regulatory Reporting’ → ‘List of Returns’ → ‘FLA MF – Survey Schedule’ [or under the head ‘Forms’ (available at the bottom of the home page) and sub-head ‘Survey’], and send via e-mail by July 15, 2025.

    Both Hindi and English formats are available for Schedule-4 and reporting companies may use either of them. Please refer to the instructions with FAQs and in case of any query or clarification, kindly contact:

    The Director,
    International Investment Position Division (IIPD),
    Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM),
    Reserve Bank of India,
    C9-5th floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (East),
    Mumbai-400051.
    Please click here to send email.

    Ajit Prasad           
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)      

    Press Release: 2025-2026/452

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI launches the 15th round of the Survey on Foreign Collaboration in Indian Industry

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India has been conducting the Survey on Foreign Collaboration in Indian Industry since 1965. The 15th round of the survey with 2023-24 and 2024-25 as the reference period has now been launched.

    The survey collects information on the operations of the Indian companies having foreign technical collaboration in terms of performance indicators (e.g., production, exports, imports, cost of material) along with the crucial features of technology transfer agreements (viz., nature, duration, mode of payment, export restriction, provision of exclusive rights, use of technology after expiry of the agreements).

    The schedule of this survey is required to be filled by the Indian companies having technical collaborations with foreign companies. The soft form of the survey schedule (both in Hindi and English – one of which can be used) is available on the RBI website under the head ‘Regulatory Reporting’ -→ ‘List of Returns’ -→ ‘FCS – Survey Schedule’ [or under the head ‘Forms’ (available at the bottom of the home page in sub-head ‘Survey’), which can be duly filled-in and submitted to email by July 15, 2025.

    The instructions are provided in RBI website under ‘Research and Data’ in FAQs and, in case of any query or clarification, kindly contact us at:

    The Director,
    International Investment Position Division,
    Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM),
    Reserve Bank of India,
    C-9, 5th floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E),
    Mumbai – 400 051.
    Please click here to send email.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/451

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lavish Trips and Long-Haul Junkets: Stormont spends over £470,000 on travel outside the British Isles since the return of devolution

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “For some weeks I have been collecting data on the spend of the different Executive departments on travel outside the British Isles since devolution returned. To say I am appalled at the scale and extravagance of ministerial and departmental spending on foreign travel is an understatement.

    “When collated, the responses reveal an astonishing total of £470,000 spent on international travel by Stormont departments in just over a year — and more than £52,000 of that squandered by Ministers themselves.

    “Luxury long-haul flights and costly hotel stays seem to be the norm for the Executive.

    “No department has flown further or spent more widely than the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. In total, the department spent nearly £78,000, with trips ranging from Brussels to New Zealand, Germany to New York.

    “Three individuals, including the Minister, few to New York Climate Week at a cost of £11,134 — supposedly to discuss sustainability of all things, while burning jet fuel and public money.

    “Officials also attended climate-linked events in Sweden, Spain, and Germany — clocking up thousands more in expenses — with little to no clarity on what outcomes, if any, these junkets delivered for the Northern Ireland public.

    “The Department of Finance racked up over £32,700 in international travel — including a single trip to Brussels by 16 officials from the Departmental Solicitor’s Office, costing the public £17,066. We’re told this was a “bespoke study visit” linked to the Windsor Framework.

    “Can a 16-person legal trip to Brussels be justified? Ministers must explain why such a large group needed to attend, and what real value was achieved.

    “The Minister for Education himself spent over £8,000 on overseas travel in a single year — including trips to Washington DC and Reykjavik, Iceland. Minister Givan’s personal travel and accommodation expenses account for nearly 25% of the total expenses by the Department on foreign travel.

    Among the more concerning examples in the Department of Education are:
    •     Two officials who travelled to Paris and racked up costs of over £2,100 and
    •     A trip to Tokyo which cost £3,366, with no listed outcomes.

    “With education budgets under severe strain, with SEN services stretched to breaking point people working in education will be asking questions.

    “The biggest spenders though are of course the Executive Office. Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little Pengelly’s department has managed to spend over £126,000 on international travel.

    “When people see Ministers parading on the world stage while hospital waiting lists grow at home, it’s not hard to understand the anger. Spending more on a single trip than many people earn in a year is shameful.

    “Across the Executive, this pattern of waste repeats. Ministers and officials racking up air miles while local services go without.

    “When we ask the public to tighten their belts, the very least they should expect is that Ministers do the same.

    “Climate change conferences abroad are no substitute for sound governance at home.

    “Ministerial egos should not be subsidised by people struggling to make ends meet.

    “With many already questioning the value of Stormont, these figures will do nothing to restore public confidence.”

    Note to editors

    You can read the full set of questions and answers online here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –