Category: DJF

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New operational partnership with delivery giants to combat illegal working
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

New operational partnership with delivery giants to combat illegal working

New agreement between Home Office and top food delivery firms will help stop illegal working in the delivery sector
More delivery riders caught sharing their accounts with migrants who have no right to work in the UK will be suspended, as part of the government’s UK-wide crackdown on illegal working under the Plan for Change.

A new agreement between the Home Office and Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats will ensure delivery firms receive new information concerning the locations of asylum hotels to help tackle illegal working.

Under existing security measures, any delivery riders caught sharing their accounts with migrants who have no right to work in the UK will be suspended. This new agreement goes further to ensure more people who are breaking the rules can be caught.

Efforts by the companies to crack down on illegal account sharing through real-time identity and Right to Work checks have been successful and have led to thousands being offboarded from platforms. Despite this, there continues to be abuse in the system. Under the new agreement, the firms will be empowered to go further in detecting patterns of misuse, identify unauthorised account sharing and quickly suspend accounts.

The move comes after a commitment made by the firms during a roundtable last month, chaired by Ministers, to implement new security measures. This includes increased facial verification checks and fraud detection tools meaning only verified users can access their platforms. The Home Office will continue to collaborate closely with the three companies, with meetings taking place in the coming weeks to update on progress and delivery.

Today’s announcement is part of the government’s work to step up enforcement across the UK targeting illegal working hotspots, with a focus on the gig economy and migrants working illegally as delivery riders. It forms a key part of a whole system approach to tackle illegal migration from every angle, by ending the false promise of jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on small boats.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, said:

Illegal working undermines honest business, exploits vulnerable individuals and fuels organised immigration crime.

By enhancing our data sharing with delivery companies, we are taking decisive action to close loopholes and increase enforcement.

The changes come alongside a 50% increase in raids and arrests for illegal working under the Plan for Change, greater security measures and tough new legislation.

Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at the Home Office, said:

This next step of co-ordinated working with delivery firms will help us target those who seek to work illegally in the gig economy and exploit their status in the UK.

My teams will continue to carry out increased enforcement activity across the UK and I welcome this additional tool to disrupt and stop the abuse of our immigration system.

A Deliveroo spokesperson said:

Deliveroo has led the sector in introducing security measures to prevent the abuse of our platform and tackle the sophisticated criminals seeking new ways to exploit all delivery platforms’ systems. We are fully committed to working with the government as we continue to collectively combat illegal working.

A Just Eat spokesperson said:

Just Eat is committed to tackling any illegal working via our platform. We continue to invest significant resources to strengthen our systems against abuse by individuals and organised criminal groups seeking to evade right to work rules. We are working closely with the Home Office and our industry partners to address any loopholes in the industry’s checks, as well as collaborating on data sharing and enforcement.

An Uber Eats spokesperson said:

Uber Eats is fully committed to tackling illegal work and will continue to work with the Home Office and industry. We have introduced a range of state of the art detection tools to find and remove fraudulent accounts. We are constantly reviewing our tools and finding new ways to detect and take action on people who are trying to work illegally.

Since the government came into power one year ago, there have been more than 10,000 illegal working visits across multiple sectors, leading to 7,130 arrests, up around 50% compared to the year before. This marks the first time in a 12-month period where more than 10,000 visits have taken place.

Almost 750 illegal working civil penalty notices were also handed to businesses caught violating immigration rules in the first quarter of the year, marking the highest level since 2016 – and an 80% increase compared to the same time last year.

The government is tightening the law by making it a legal requirement for all companies, including the gig economy, to check that anyone working for them has the legal right to do so. This will end the abuse of flexible working arrangements. The new measures will be introduced through the landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.

The fight against illegal working forms just one part of government’s work to bolster border security across the system.

Since coming into power one year ago, the government has returned 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK including failed asylum seekers, immigration and foreign national offenders. There are now fewer asylum hotels open than since the election, saving millions of taxpayers’ money.

This is on top of a new groundbreaking deal with the French which will mean that, for the very first time, illegal migrants will be sent back to France. This targets the heart of the criminal smuggling gangs’ business model and sends a clear message that these life-threatening journeys are pointless and a waste of thousands of pounds. 

The deal seeks to detain and return migrants who arrive via small boat, and an equal number of migrants will be able to come to the UK from France through a new legal route – fully documented and subject to strict security checks.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 22 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Mount Benson North transferred from B.C. to Snuneymuxw First Nation

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Province have completed a transfer of over 700 hectares of land on te’tuxwtun, also known as Mount Benson North, to the Nation, advancing its reconciliation journey.

This marks the latest step in the implementation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and British Columbia Land Transfer Agreement (2020). Under this agreement, over 3000 hectares of land is being returned to Snuneymuxw.

“This third transfer marks another meaningful step forward in restoring our responsibility over our lands,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “Each parcel returned strengthens our Nation’s economic independence and renews our deep connection to te’tuxwtun North. More than 2,000 hectares of our village lands have yet to be returned under the agreement, and we remain firmly committed to continuing this vital work until every piece is restored, for our people and future generations.”

The land will be held in fee simple by the Nation’s Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) and will join the Nation’s forestry business, Mount Benson Forestry.

“PDG, through a Mount Benson Forestry Limited Partnership, will continue working with the land to build an economic engine that drives prosperity and strengthens self-determination,” said Ian Simpson, CEO, Petroglyph Development Group. “We are reclaiming our vital role within our territory and continuing a legacy of sustainable growth.”

Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said: “Working in partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation on the next steps of our reconciliation agreement is helping to create more jobs in Nanaimo and the mid-Island, and build strong, healthier communities. Working together on the path of reconciliation makes life better for us all.”

Since 2020, Snuneymuxw and B.C. have partnered on numerous agreements and collaborative work. This work was made possible with strong local and regional government support in the Nanaimo Regional District.

Quotes:

Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship —

“This return of land supports economic opportunity and responsible stewardship, recognizing Snuneymuxw’s deep cultural and environmental connection to these lands since time immemorial. It creates opportunities for sustainable forestry, protects important wildlife habitat and brings lasting benefits to Snuneymuxw members and the wider mid-Island community. This is a meaningful step forward on the path of reconciliation, respecting Indigenous rights, supporting local economies and honouring the land.”

Ravi Parmer, Minister of Forests —

“This agreement puts the Snuneymuxw First Nation in the driver’s seat, bringing economic prosperity, protection of cultural values and greater certainty to the land base.”

Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island —

“Working together, we’ve moved forward. Today’s return of 700 hectares of land is part of the late premier John Horgan and my commitment to the Snuneymuxw First Nation to help resolve a long-standing desire for a greater stake in the economic development of Crown lands in their territory.”

Learn More:

Snuneymuxw First Nation: https://www.snuneymuxw.ca

Petroglyph Development Group: https://petroglyphdg.com

2020 Land Transfer Agreement: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/download/0583431F80F9413B8CB15E0038583FC9

2021 Snuneymuxw, Canada and British Columbia Memorandum of Understanding: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/agreements/snuneymuxw_tripartite_mou_final_-_signed_by_all_july_28_2021.pdf

212 hectares of land returned on Te’tuxwtun, known as Mount Benson East (2024):
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024IRR0001-000020

B.C. returning downtown Nanaimo village site to Snuneymuxw (2024): https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024IRR0040-001110

A backgrounder follows.

MIL OSI Canada News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kelly highlights need for Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization reform during Ways & Means hearing
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a joint hearing of the Ways & Means Subcommittees on Health & Oversight, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, renewed calls for Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization reform and highlighted his highly popular legislation, the bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.

“More than 33 million Americans, including more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians, rely on Medicare Advantage as a part of their coverage. Patients, practitioners, and policymakers all agree — modernization of the prior authorization process is long overdue, and my legislation does just that,” said Rep. Kelly. “I am proud to reintroduce the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025, which would move the health care sector into the 21st century by giving doctors and Medicare Advantage plans the tools to make health coverage decisions in a timely manner.”

During Tuesday’s hearing, which focused on Medicare Advantage, Kelly highlighted how the legislation would improve both patient costs and patient outcomes. Kelly’s legislation has 145 co-sponsors in the U.S. House during the 119th Congress.

You can watch his remarks from Tuesday’s hearing here.

BACKGROUND

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act would:
- Establish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
- Increase transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use.
- Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.
- Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.
- Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.
- Previously, Rep. Kelly led similar legislation in the 118th Congress. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act unanimously passed the House in the 117th Congress and was cosponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House of Representatives.
You can read the full bill text here and a section-by-section here.

MIL OSI USA News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Moore and Zinke Introduce Legislation to Codify Executive Order on National Parks

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02) and Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) introduced the PATRIOT Parks Act — which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order “Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks.”

Currently, the National Parks System faces more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on parklands in West Virginia. This legislation implements increased entrance fees for foreign visitors at National Parks, with the additional funds being reinvested back into parks for maintenance and other basic operating costs. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana and Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The bill is supported by the American Conservation Coalition Action (ACC Action) and the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC). Both organizations were instrumental in helping craft the President’s executive order. The Bull Moose Project and American Prairie are also supportive of the legislation.

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“From the New River Gorge in my home state to Shenandoah, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and the Grand Canyon – God blessed our nation with a tremendous natural heritage. We owe it to future generations to ensure these natural marvels are protected.

“Unfortunately, the National Park System currently faces a backlog of more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on properties across the Mountain State. Our commonsense legislation keeps entry fees static for Americans while charging more for foreigners visiting our National Parks. This will allow us to finally start tackling this extensive maintenance backlog.”

Here’s what others are saying:

“National Parks are America’s best idea and maintaining that legacy for future generations means making smart investments in the management of the parks,” said Congressman Zinke. “Americans already pay for parks in our tax dollars as well as at the gates. It’s unfair to American taxpayers to foot the bill for millions of foreign visitors. Almost every other country charges foreign visitors more, it’s common sense. President Trump and Secretary Burgum did the right thing directing the National Park Service implement a foreign visitor fee. This legislation will codify the policy and ensure Americans are put First in our own parks.”

“Americans already pay for our parks through federal taxes on top of standard admission fees, so it’s fair to ask foreign visitors to chip in more,” said Senator Banks. “This bill codifies President Trump’s executive order and helps protect our national treasures for future generations.”

“Our national parks drive Montana’s tourism economy by bringing in visitors from all over the world and define our way life by offering an experience you can only find in America,” said Senator Sheehy. “Implementing a foreign visitor fee is an America First, commonsense way to secure affordable access for American families, improve our national parks for all visitors, and better manage our treasured public lands. It’s not too much for Americans to ask that their government puts them first, and that’s why I’m proud to support the PATRIOT Parks Act so more American families can enjoy our national parks for generations to come.”

“Our national parks are America’s best idea and a crucial part of our natural heritage, but in recent decades, they have fallen into disrepair with a multibillion-dollar maintenance backlog,” said ACC Action President Chris Barnard. “An increased entry fee for international visitors would raise needed revenue to steward our national treasures and ensure that everyone who enjoys them contributes to protecting them. The American Conservation Coalition Action and our thousands of members are proud to support this effort to bolster the National Park Service.”

“Visitors from across the globe come to see the wonder of America’s national parks, and this proposal offers them a way to give back,” said PERC CEO Brian Yablonski. “Charging a modest fee to international tourists—something many countries already do—provides a steady source of funding to improve park infrastructure, enhance visitor experiences, and invest in long-overdue restoration. Drawing on years of PERC research, we’re grateful to Sen. Banks and Rep. Moore for championing efforts to conserve these iconic places for future generations.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Moore’s Amendment Addressing Water Crisis in Southern Coalfields Passes House Appropriations Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Riley M. Moore’s amendment to address the the drinking water crisis in the Southern Coalfields of West Virginia passed the House Appropriations Committee. Congressman Moore worked in conjunction with Congresswoman Carol Miller on this important amendment.

Specifically, the amendment directs the EPA to brief Congress on the federal resources available to communities, including Wyoming and McDowell Counties, that have high prevalence of violations of drinking water regulations.

Rep. Moore and Rep. Miller issued the following statement:

“Clean drinking water is a necessity, but tragically, some communities in West Virginia struggle to access this basic need. Our amendment that passed the House Appropriations Committee today will help us identify and deliver real solutions to this water crisis in the Southern Coalfields. No parent should ever have to wonder how they’re going to ensure their kids have water to drink or bathe in. We are committed to doing everything in our power to help these communities dealing with this terrible situation.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ‘Why are we here?’ | Ranking Member Pingree Slams Sham Appropriations Process as Republicans Allow Trump to Usurp Power of the Purse

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Ranking Member of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, spoke out against Republicans’ funding bill for the 2026 fiscal year during the Appropriations Committee’s markup today. In her opening remarks, Pingree called the entire appropriations process into question as the Trump Administration continues to undermine previous funding bills with cuts and rescissions.

“Now, as we Democrats are in the minority, we don’t expect to have a lot of power. But for all of us on this Appropriations Committee, why are we here and what is our role now as appropriators? Last week, the majority passed the Rescissions …and that bill eliminated spending that we had negotiated over the prior years,” Pingree said. “The hard work that we do every day in this committee, the hard work you’re doing right now—that is all gone when we pass the Rescissions bill. And how will it be any different once we pass this bill, or the other bills we intend to pass this week?”

[embedded content]
Watch Pingree’s full remarks here; Watch the Appropriations Committee markup here.

Pingree also called out the reckless cuts this bill makes to the EPA, National Parks, and the arts and humanities, as well as 72 riders that undermine climate policies and add to the deficit.

A transcript of Pingree’s opening remarks is copied below.

+++

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you for yielding me the time.

First, I want to thank the Chair, Mr. Simpson, for the great working relationship we have on this committee. And thank you to Chairman Cole as well. Also, Rosa DeLauro, the Ranking Member of the full committee, for her amazing hard work on this committee, and to the staff on both sides of the aisle who work so hard to put together this legislation, and in particular the minority staff of this committee, Rita Culp, Jocelyn Hunn, and Michael Schmeltz. Thank you so much for all the work to get us here today.

But I guess the first question I’d have to ask of the appropriators on this committee is, why are we actually here today? What is our role now as appropriators? In the last six months, we’ve seen President Trump propose a dramatic diminishment in the power of this committee and of the Congress.

Now, as we Democrats are in the minority, we don’t expect to have a lot of power. But for all of us on this Appropriations Committee, why are we here and what is our role now as appropriators? You know, everyone is so fond of saying they’re Republicans and Democrats and appropriators, but really, are there appropriators anymore? Do we actually have a role in this Congress? Do we have any more power? Last week, the majority passed the Rescissions package to the House, the Senate, back to the House again.

And that bill eliminated spending that we had negotiated over the prior years. The hard work that we do every day in this committee, the hard work you’re doing right now—the snacks that you eat, the candy that’s going into your mouth, the amount of time that we take—that is all gone when we pass the Rescissions bill. And how will it be any different once we pass this bill, or the other bills we intend to pass this week?

I truly appreciate Chairman Cole’s efforts to have this committee work through these bills and pass these bills. But the question is, what are we doing? And do we have any power left anymore? Now, this bill, like so many others, will continue the damage and the cuts that this President has done over the first six months of his presidency.

I believe what he has done is illegal. These funding freezes and rescissions—and the compound damage he has done to our agencies and our states and communities—is something we will be dealing with for years. This bill—in particular at the EPA—cuts the funding to the states for water infrastructure by 62%. Cuts grant programs that fund our state environmental programs, and slashes the EPA by 23%.

Nobody benefits when we make those levels of cuts. Our states still have to do the work—on water infrastructure, on permitting. But the cuts in this bill, coupled with the rescissions in the Big Ugly bill, will debilitate America’s ability to address the climate crisis or to address our infrastructure needs, or to make sure our vital needs in our states of permitting will be enacted.

This presidency, this administration, is no longer just in denial. It is actively dismissing the government’s climate work and our vital environmental work. And this is work that needs to be done if we want to make sure we have a planet to hand over to our children and grandchildren.

Now, at the National Park Service, this bill cuts $213 million. And this is in addition to what happened in the Big Ugly bill, where nearly half a billion was rescinded from our national parks and our public lands. This is money that’s meant to go to conservation projects and habitat restoration, habitat restoration and critical staffing at our national parks. This is our vital season for national parks. And Americans want to be there.

And it is all compounded because we have not reauthorized the Great American Outdoors Act, which is another $1.3 billion that should be going for the maintenance backlog. This bill also funds the arts, but what a mess this administration has made of that. It was appalling to watch this administration illegally terminate thousands of grants at the NEA and the NEH.

They fired nearly 80% of the NEH staff, and they revoked funding for our State Humanities Council. This is money that’s meant to go to our communities, to our artists and workers, to kids in rural schools, to local economies that rely on cultural institutions and a don’t have a lot of other sources for funding. They’ve cut the Smithsonian by 12%, the National Gallery by 11%.

[They’re] gutting these funds, by cutting these funds and sidelining anything that they deem artistically and culturally offensive. They are gutting our arts and cultural institutions. I am relieved—and I’m grateful to the chair of the subcommittee and the full committee—that funding for tribal programs didn’t suffer the same cuts. And I appreciate that bipartisan cooperation and understanding of our treaty and trust obligation.

This bill also has 72 poison pill riders going after environmental protection, undermining our climate policies, and adding to our deficit. And overall, these cuts will only contribute to our struggling agencies. At the same time, this administration is redirecting funds to tax cuts and increasing our deficit by $3.4 trillion.

So I just want to go back to ending as I started this opening, OMB Director Vought has promised to send us more rescission packages. Each time we pass a rescission package, we undo—we wipe out—all the hard work we do negotiating in this committee. He said he’s looking to change the paradigm in appropriations, and that appropriations has to be less bipartisan.

When’s the last time one of your constituents came up to you and said, you people should be less bipartisan. You people should fight more, bicker more, and do less of what we ask you to do. How often do you hear that?

Now we’re appropriators, and we’re all proud to get to this moment when we actually get to serve on this committee. So let’s do our job. Let’s be appropriators, and let’s fight back for the power that goes to this committee and to our Congress. I encourage you to oppose this bill, unfortunately, and I yield back my time.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Democrats Fight Against Republican Funding Bill that Raises Utility Bills and Energy Prices, Slashes Resources for the Arts and National Parks
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

During today’s House Appropriations Committee markup of the 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill, Democrats shined a light on how Republicans drafted yet another funding bill that makes the cost-of-living crisis worse. Their bill raises energy utility bills while slashing funds for National Parks and the arts.

House Republicans’ Interior funding bill takes an aggressive anti-environment, pro-pollution stance with crippling cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and policy provisions that endanger public health.

The bill:
- Raises utility bills by shifting costs onto state and local governments and making utilities more expensive through funding cuts and extreme policies that would cripple renewable energy development.
- Exposes more Americans to contaminated and polluted water by cutting funds for state and local governments to help communities across the country access clean, safe drinking water.
- Worsens the climate crisis by defunding all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) climate work.
- Slashes funding for national parks, threatening Americans’ ability to enjoy public lands.
- Guts resources for museums, arts, and culture, suppressing American’s engagement with the arts and art education.
- Favors polluters over public health through dozens of harmful policies that undermine EPA’s ability to regulate pollution.
- Promotes environmental discrimination against rural and poor communities by defunding environmental justice initiatives, making it more difficult for hardworking people to deal with the rising costs associated with climate change.
- Exploits public lands and accelerates ecosystem decline by allowing harmful and dirty mining activities and by removing Endangered Species Act protections for numerous species.
“Since President Trump took office, his Administration has undertaken a concerted and alarming assault on Congress’s power of the purse, with Republicans willingly ceding their authority to the Executive Branch,” Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) said.“Coupled with the Administration’s illegal funding freezes, reckless cuts and rescissions, and the Republican Majority’s inability to pass full-year funding bills, it’s clear that the FY2026 Interior and Environment funding bill Republicans on the Committee passed today is nothing more than a hollow attempt at governance. This funding bill perpetuates a dangerous pattern of cuts and policy decisions that harm public health, weaken environmental protections, and threaten our treasured national parks. It undermines bipartisan agreements, deepens existing crises, and puts critical programs at risk, including drastic cuts to water infrastructure, EPA programs, and the arts and humanities. Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority and stop enabling this destructive agenda.”

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s full remarks are here.

“We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. President Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but instead, he and House Republicans are making the cost-of-living crisis even worse,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “House Republicans 2026 Interior, Environment funding bill would raise utility bills and energy prices, worsen the climate crisis, put polluters over public health, and abandon stewardship of our National Parks, all to benefit billionaires and big corporations. It doubles-down on President Trump’s pro-pollution, anti-environment, anti-Arts agenda. Instead of working with Democrats to make investments that can help lower their costs, protect our environment, and preserve our public lands and institutions, Republicans have put forward a bill that favors billionaires’ and corporations’ right to pollute and destroy the environment over the health and safety of the American people.”

Congresswoman DeLauro’s full remarks are here.

During today’s markup, Democrats fought to:
- Increase funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to overcome House Republicans more than 60 percent cut to these critical funds that help ensure people in every state have access to clean water.
- Restore funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
- Prevent Republicans’ elimination of environmental justice resources.
House Republicans rejected these efforts.

A summary of the bill is here. A fact sheet is here.

The text of the bill, before the adoption of amendments in full committee, is here. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here. Information on Community Project Funding in the bill is here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Pillen Thanks, Welcomes Home Nebraska Task Force One

Source: US State of Nebraska

. The 45-member group — Nebraska’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Team — spent the last two weeks helping aid flood recovery efforts in Texas.

“As Nebraskans always do, Nebraska Task Force One stepped up to help our neighbors in need. We can’t thank these heroes enough,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our hearts continue to break as we think about the families and communities that have forever been changed. The State of Nebraska stands with our sister state Texas and will continue to coordinate with Governor Greg Abbott and do what we can to help Texans.”

Nebraska Task Force One is one of 28 US&R groups in the national disaster response system. Normally, those groups are deployed and managed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This situation was unique in that the deployment was directed under the authority of Gov. Pillen through the Nebraska Emergency Management Act.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Luttrell, Guest Highlight Cybersecurity Concerns at U.S. Border

Source:

WASHINGTON — Congressmen Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Michael Guest (R-MS) urged the Department of Homeland Security to address potential cybersecurity concerns in systems used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the border.

CBP deploys advanced technology to secure our nation’s borders, including unmanned aerial systems, biometric identification systems, autonomous surveillance towers, land mobile radio communications, and the Border Enforcement Coordination Network. These critical operational systems require robust cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats that could compromise border security operations.

In their letter, the members wrote:

“We must defend our borders not only from physical threats, but from the growing danger in cyberspace. Our adversaries are getting smarter, faster, and more aggressive. That means our defenses must be sharper, stronger, and always one step ahead.”

Under President Donald Trump’s second term in office, the southern border has witnessed unprecedented security — including record low illegal crossings and the construction of a border wall. The success of these efforts must not be diminished by vulnerabilities in the United States’ cybersecurity systems.

Read the full letter here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MAJOR STEP FORWARD FOR BUILDING NEW CAPITAL DISTRICT ARMORY FOR NY ARMY NATIONAL GUARD’S 42ND INFANTRY DIVISION HEADQUARTERS

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

Current 42^nd Infantry Division HQ Armory Built in 1971 Has Long-Been Running Out Of Space, Technology, And Infrastructure Needed To Maintain US Army Division HQ And Support Training, Readiness, And Mission Requirements

After Months Of Work, Schumer Just Secured New $90M Authorization – Unlocking The Funding Process – For Project In The FY 2026 Senate NDAA; Senator Is Pushing To Deliver $$ In Future Appropriations Bill For New, Consolidated National Guard Headquarters

Schumer: NDAA Authorization Is A Major Step Forward For A New Armory For NY Army National Guard’s 42^nd Infantry Division In Capital Region!

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced a major step forward for building a new armory and readiness center for the NY Army National Guard’s 42^nd Infantry Division Headquarters to be located in Colonie at the former site of the old Heritage Park minor league baseball stadium that was home to the Albany-Colonie Yankees. The long needed new HQ will also consolidate NY Army National Guard facilities currently located at Watervliet Arsenal, which is needed to maximize space and accommodate planned modernization and expansion projects at Watervliet Arsenal.

Schumer explained the current armory does not meet Army division HQ requirements, and securing this authorization for funding in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 is a critical milestone that unlocks the funding process. The next step is to pursue funding in future appropriations. The $90 million authorization he secured to be eligible for the project in the Senate is a massive step forward for the NY Army National Guard which has long been pushing for a new modern expanded armory and readiness center.

“This is a major step towards securing funding to build a new Armory for the 42^nd Infantry Division, all while breathing new life into the former site of the Heritage Park minor league in Colonie. NY’s Army National Guard is critical to our national security, but the 42^nd Infantry Division’s current headquarters was built over 50 years ago and needs more space to meet the Army’s growing requirements. When I heard the NY National Guard needed help to continue its vital mission and service in the Capital Region, I immediately got to work to secure this critical funding authorization so it can receive future appropriations funding in order to begin the process of building a new, modern facility,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding authorization in the Senate’s national defense bill is a major milestone for building a new state-of-the-art armory and readiness center for the Rainbow Division. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to secure this funding in future appropriations so we can get shovels in the ground for this new Armory.”

Major General Ray Shields, Adjutant General, New York National Guard said, “Senator Schumer has delivered again for the New York Army National Guard – in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2026 with $90M in authorized federal funds to build a new Readiness Center in Albany for the historic 42nd Infantry Division. Because of the Senator’s efforts to authorize this funding, we are one step closer to the construction of this new 140,000 square foot facility. The impact of this facility on the Division’s readiness will be significant and long lasting.”

Schumer explained that the 42^nd Infantry Division Armory in Troy was constructed in 1971 for a smaller organization, but the current Armory housing headquarters does not meet the Army’s minimum facility requirements, with the Division growing and needing a larger space. Simultaneously, the Watervliet Arsenal is modernizing its manufacturing facilities and production streams. However, as a result, this will displace the National Guard Division’s warehouses located on Watervliet Arsenal grounds by 2028. The New York Army National Guard will move the warehouses at Watervliet Arsenal to the site of the current Armory will continue to be used by the NYNG.

Building a new, modernized Armory to house headquarters and consolidating warehouses, now at Watervliet, to the old Heritage Park site in Colonie would ensure that the 42^nd Infantry Division has the centralization, resources, infrastructure, and capabilities needed to maintain the division’s mission readiness and its training and deployment activities.

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Building a new Capital District Armory on the former site of Heritage Park would be a win-win for both the NY Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division and Albany County. A new division headquarters, on what has been a long vacant county-owned property, would accommodate the need for more space in a modern facility. It would also provide a nice shot in the arm for our restaurants and hotels in that area. I want to thank Senator Schumer for his continued efforts to move this forward and secure funding for what will be a transformational project. This state of the art center will keep the Division mission ready and be able to maintain vital training and preparation for deployments.”

Schumer took action to push for the federal funding needed to support the Army’s operations in the Capital Region. NY State has already provided $5 million to acquire a new Capital Region location for a headquarters facility near the Albany International Airport that is shovel-ready and capable of handling large military vehicles. The state has also delivered $10 million to advance design and has pledged to contribute an additional $30 million to bring this idea to life if the federal government is able to deliver the $90 million needed to complete the project.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER SECURES PROVISION IN SENATE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL TO ADDRESS FORT DRUM’S LONG-NEEDED EXPANSION FOR MATERNAL HEALTH CARE TO SUPPORT MILITARY MOMS & FAMILIES ON BASE – AND AT RURAL…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

Fort Drum Has History Of OB/GYN Staffing Shortage & Relying on Local Hospitals & Providers For Maternal Care; Amid Nationwide OB/GYN Shortage, Senator Says Department of Defense Needs To Boost Access To Maternal Health Care At Fort Drum & In Watertown, As Well As Military Installations Across The U.S.

After Months Of Work, Schumer Just Secured Language In The Senate NDAA To Address The Longstanding Maternal Healthcare Issues At Fort Drum, Directing The DoD To Develop A Comprehensive Plan & Study Of The OB/GYN Shortage In The Greater Watertown Area

Schumer: Fort Drum’s Military Moms & Families Deserve The Very Best When It Comes To HealthCare

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced he has secured legislation in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) to begin to address the long standing shortage of Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) at Fort Drum. For years, Fort Drum has faced shortages of OB/GYNs, forcing soldiers and military families in need of maternal health care to seek care from local hospitals off base or to drive for hours when local care is unavailable.

Schumer said if this language passes into the final NDDA it would require the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to immediately begin work to create a comprehensive plan to expand OB/GYN care serving Fort Drum and the surrounding Watertown area.

“Our Fort Drum military moms & families, who serve our nation proudly, deserve better access to vital maternal healthcare. But right now, our servicemembers at Fort Drum and their families often have to leave base to access the basic maternal healthcare they need. The bottom line is that we need to take better care of our brave military moms,” said Senator Schumer. “The North Country already experiences major shortages when it comes to recruiting OB/GYNs, and we can’t be forcing our military families who sacrifice so much to be stuck without the proper care they need when they move to our community in service to our country. That is why I am proud to have secured a provision in the Senate NDAA to put Fort Drum’s military moms & families’ first. This is a massive step in the right direction, and we need DoD to immediately address this urgent need to expand OB/GYN care at military installations and make sure families—both at Fort Drum and around the country—have what they need to be safe and healthy. Fort Drum is woven in the very fabric of the North Country, and our military families, military moms and those on the base deserve only the best when it comes to health care.”

Fort Drum has a history of relying on the civilian healthcare network for primary health care, as well as specialty care provided by OB/GYNs. When Camp Drum became Fort Drum in 1974, the decision was made to not build a hospital on-post, and to instead only have a clinic, in order to integrate Fort Drum families with the local network in Watertown.

Shortages of OB/GYN providers on base force those in need of maternal health care to seek care in the community for a multitude of reasons, which can range in urgency from routine check-ups to emergency childbirth. Samaritan Medical Center and Carthage Area Hospital serve Fort Drum soldiers and families with incredible dedication and top-notch medical care, but when their OB/GYNs are spread too thin, soldiers and families must travel over an hour and a half to Syracuse or farther for care. Schumer said this not only increases the risk to patients unnecessarily, but it also saddles soldiers with expenses that they are not eligible to be compensated for under the Department of Defense’s Joint Travel Regulation (JTR).

To help fix the situation, Schumer proudly pushed for and successfully secured language in the Senate version of the NDAA to develop a plan & study the administrative and cost barriers to expanding OB/GYN care specifically in the Watertown area and to create a comprehensive plan to expand OB/GYN care serving Fort Drum. The provision also directs the Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on the plan December 1 of this year to ensure that there is no more delay in providing the Fort Drum community with reliable, high-quality maternal health care close to home.

Schumer said the shortage of OB/GYNs at Fort Drum is part of a nationwide shortage, with particularly low access in rural areas. OB/GYNs have one of the highest attrition rates compared to most medical professions, and increased threats to OB/GYN safety driven by anti-abortion politics. Labor and delivery units, especially in rural areas, are currently closing nationwide due to low reimbursement, and with Medicaid paying for more than 40% of births across the country, even more L&D units are at risk. The recent GOP cuts to Medicaid – the largest in history – will force more units in rural parts of the country to close. This will exacerbate the already dire situation of limited access to critical OB/GYN care for those living on bases in rural America.

Erika Flint, Executive Director, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, said “Ensuring access to high-quality OBGYN care for military members and their families continues to be a key focus for the local healthcare community. Maintaining this standard of care—locally and consistently—reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of those who serve. We appreciate the support and attention given to this issue by Senator Schumer, which affects our North Country families, both civilian and military alike.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER SECURES PROVISION IN SENATE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL TO ADDRESS FORT DRUM’S LONG-NEEDED EXPANSION FOR MATERNAL HEALTH CARE TO SUPPORT MILITARY MOMS & FAMILIES ON BASE – AND AT RURAL…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

Fort Drum Has History Of OB/GYN Staffing Shortage & Relying on Local Hospitals & Providers For Maternal Care; Amid Nationwide OB/GYN Shortage, Senator Says Department of Defense Needs To Boost Access To Maternal Health Care At Fort Drum & In Watertown, As Well As Military Installations Across The U.S.

After Months Of Work, Schumer Just Secured Language In The Senate NDAA To Address The Longstanding Maternal Healthcare Issues At Fort Drum, Directing The DoD To Develop A Comprehensive Plan & Study Of The OB/GYN Shortage In The Greater Watertown Area

Schumer: Fort Drum’s Military Moms & Families Deserve The Very Best When It Comes To HealthCare

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced he has secured legislation in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) to begin to address the long standing shortage of Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) at Fort Drum. For years, Fort Drum has faced shortages of OB/GYNs, forcing soldiers and military families in need of maternal health care to seek care from local hospitals off base or to drive for hours when local care is unavailable.

Schumer said if this language passes into the final NDDA it would require the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to immediately begin work to create a comprehensive plan to expand OB/GYN care serving Fort Drum and the surrounding Watertown area.

“Our Fort Drum military moms & families, who serve our nation proudly, deserve better access to vital maternal healthcare. But right now, our servicemembers at Fort Drum and their families often have to leave base to access the basic maternal healthcare they need. The bottom line is that we need to take better care of our brave military moms,” said Senator Schumer. “The North Country already experiences major shortages when it comes to recruiting OB/GYNs, and we can’t be forcing our military families who sacrifice so much to be stuck without the proper care they need when they move to our community in service to our country. That is why I am proud to have secured a provision in the Senate NDAA to put Fort Drum’s military moms & families’ first. This is a massive step in the right direction, and we need DoD to immediately address this urgent need to expand OB/GYN care at military installations and make sure families—both at Fort Drum and around the country—have what they need to be safe and healthy. Fort Drum is woven in the very fabric of the North Country, and our military families, military moms and those on the base deserve only the best when it comes to health care.”

Fort Drum has a history of relying on the civilian healthcare network for primary health care, as well as specialty care provided by OB/GYNs. When Camp Drum became Fort Drum in 1974, the decision was made to not build a hospital on-post, and to instead only have a clinic, in order to integrate Fort Drum families with the local network in Watertown.

Shortages of OB/GYN providers on base force those in need of maternal health care to seek care in the community for a multitude of reasons, which can range in urgency from routine check-ups to emergency childbirth. Samaritan Medical Center and Carthage Area Hospital serve Fort Drum soldiers and families with incredible dedication and top-notch medical care, but when their OB/GYNs are spread too thin, soldiers and families must travel over an hour and a half to Syracuse or farther for care. Schumer said this not only increases the risk to patients unnecessarily, but it also saddles soldiers with expenses that they are not eligible to be compensated for under the Department of Defense’s Joint Travel Regulation (JTR).

To help fix the situation, Schumer proudly pushed for and successfully secured language in the Senate version of the NDAA to develop a plan & study the administrative and cost barriers to expanding OB/GYN care specifically in the Watertown area and to create a comprehensive plan to expand OB/GYN care serving Fort Drum. The provision also directs the Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on the plan December 1 of this year to ensure that there is no more delay in providing the Fort Drum community with reliable, high-quality maternal health care close to home.

Schumer said the shortage of OB/GYNs at Fort Drum is part of a nationwide shortage, with particularly low access in rural areas. OB/GYNs have one of the highest attrition rates compared to most medical professions, and increased threats to OB/GYN safety driven by anti-abortion politics. Labor and delivery units, especially in rural areas, are currently closing nationwide due to low reimbursement, and with Medicaid paying for more than 40% of births across the country, even more L&D units are at risk. The recent GOP cuts to Medicaid – the largest in history – will force more units in rural parts of the country to close. This will exacerbate the already dire situation of limited access to critical OB/GYN care for those living on bases in rural America.

Erika Flint, Executive Director, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, said “Ensuring access to high-quality OBGYN care for military members and their families continues to be a key focus for the local healthcare community. Maintaining this standard of care—locally and consistently—reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of those who serve. We appreciate the support and attention given to this issue by Senator Schumer, which affects our North Country families, both civilian and military alike.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Luján Secures Nearly $190 Million in Federal Investments for New Mexico in Committee-Passed Appropriations Bills
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced funding secured for New Mexico communities through the Appropriations Committee’s bipartisan passage of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Bill and Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Bill.

From both appropriations bills, Senator Luján secured $189,820,000 for key local projects that will strengthen our national security, boost violence intervention programs, and equip law enforcement with the resources needed to keep New Mexico communities safe.

“Across New Mexico, these vital investments will deliver resources to enhance public safety in our communities and upgrade infrastructure at our military bases to boost our military’s readiness and safety,” said Senator Luján. “This funding will equip our brave law enforcement officers with the tools they need to protect New Mexicans, support programs aimed at reducing youth violence and violence in Tribal communities, and reinforce critical infrastructure at our military bases. I’m proud to have fought to secure these investments for our communities, and I’ll continue working to deliver the federal support our families and communities need and deserve.”

The Committee process is the first step, and the appropriations bills will next be considered by the full U.S. Senate.

Senator Luján Secured Nearly $190 Million for the Following Local Projects:

Strengthening New Mexico’s Air Force Bases:
- $90,000,000 for Cannon Air Force Base to construct a 192-bed dormitory. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
- $83,000,000 for Kirtland Air Force Base to construct a Space Rapid Capabilities Office. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
- $8,100,000 for infrastructure upgrades at Cannon Air Force Base, specifically for ADAL Security Forces Facility. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
- $2,000,000 for infrastructure upgrades at Kirtland Air Force Base, specifically for the design for the Wyoming Gate Project. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
- $700,000 for infrastructure upgrades at Holloman Air Force Base, specifically for the design for the Holloman High Speed Test Track. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
Boosting Public Safety Throughout New Mexico:
- $1,069,000 for the City of Albuquerque’s Real Time Crime Center for the purchase of law enforcement technology.
- $1,042,000 for Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office to purchase a new fleet of vehicles.
- $1,031,000 for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Police to provide 5G technology in fleet vehicles. Secured by Senator Luján, Senator Heinrich, and Representative Stansbury in the House-companion bill.
- $1,000,000 for UNM Office of the Medical Investigator DNA processing laboratory to allow for the purchase of equipment for DNA identification. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
- $500,000 for Bernalillo County public safety technology upgrades to address high rates of crime in the Albuquerque metro area. Secured by Senator Luján, Senator Heinrich, and Representative Vasquez in the House-companion bill.
- $250,000 for the San Juan County Partnership’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program to assist in mitigating individuals with substance use disorder or mental/behavioral health challenges from continuously interacting with law enforcement.
Funding Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs:
- $1,0350,000 for the City of Albuquerque’s expansion of school-based violence intervention program to assist at risk students by improving grades and reducing youth violence.
- $93,000 for the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native women to address challenges in domestic violence and sexual violence in Tribal communities.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on Latest CBO Analysis of Final Republican Budget Bill

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

Nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office Predicts Republican Bill Will Add $3.4 Trillion to National Debt

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published analysis that the final version of the Republican Budget Betrayal will add $3.4 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years:

“The latest CBO analysis confirms what we’ve known all along: the Republican budget betrayal will deal a devastating blow to our nation’s fiscal future and harm New Mexico families.

“This law will rip health care away from millions of Americans, take food off the tables of hungry children, and pile an additional $3.4 trillion to the national debt. To satisfy President Trump’s demands, Congressional Republicans rushed through a reckless plan that cuts critical lifelines for working families, all to hand out massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.

“The facts are clear: Congressional Republicans turned a blind eye and pushed through legislation that hurts children, families, and seniors, and leaves the American people to foot the bill.”

Senator Luján backed a series of amendments and motions to the Republican reconciliation bill aimed at protecting access to health care and nutrition programs and lowering costs for New Mexicans. Senate Republicans blocked these common-sense proposals from Senator Luján and Senate Democrats.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: A new partnership for economic cooperation
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Premier Danielle Smith and Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand economic cooperation while attending the Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ontario.

The agreement will help Alberta businesses sell more goods and services into the Yukon, while giving Yukon companies new opportunities to access Alberta’s growing markets and invest in the province. Both jurisdictions will identify ways to align certification, licensing and registration for regulated occupations while increasing opportunities for our apprentices and skilled workers to grow their careers across jurisdictions.

“Canada’s premiers are making it our collective goal to knock down the barriers that have been holding back our workers and our economies for far too long This agreement is the latest in a new era of cooperation that will see Canada’s provinces and territories unleash the full potential of our provincial, territorial and national economies. Alberta looks forward to working with the Yukon through this agreement to build a more adaptable and competitive labour market and economy so that Albertans and Yukoners can share in prosperity together.”

Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

“The Yukon is proud to support Team Canada efforts to reduce barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility, creating new economic opportunities here at home and across the country. This agreement builds on work the Yukon has already done to reduce red tape across the territory and it strengthens our long-standing economic and labour cooperation with Alberta. We look forward to accelerating that work to make it easier to do business across our jurisdictions – for the benefit of Yukoners and Albertans alike.”

Mike Pemberton, Premier of the Yukon

Ongoing work under this new agreement will also acknowledge the vital role of First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities in advancing economic opportunity. It will align with the core principles and spirit of the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and other existing partnerships that aim to remove internal trade barriers and support long-term economic growth, stability and prosperity Canada-wide.

Quick facts
- In 2017, Alberta and the Yukon signed an MOU for Apprenticeship Technical Training Seats. The MOU allows Yukon apprentices to participate in classroom instruction in Alberta and ensures common training between Yukon and Alberta apprentices.
- In 2019, Alberta:
  
  Removed 21 of its original 27 exceptions, including all procurement exceptions, representing 80 per cent of Alberta’s exceptions under the CFTA at the time.
  
  Narrowed the scope of two of its retained exceptions to enhance Alberta’s open and competitive liquor market and better align with the regulatory framework for Alberta’s forestry sector.
- In 2023, Alberta proclaimed the Labour Mobility Act, which makes it faster and easier for Canadians moving to Alberta to have their credentials recognized.
- On July 8, the Yukon removed five of its party-specific exceptions under the CFTA as part of its phased approach to significantly reduce the Yukon’s total number of exceptions.
Related information
- Council of the Federation
- Leading the way on interprovincial trade
Related news
- Stronger pipeline pact spans three provinces (July 22, 2025)
MIL OSI Canada News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Case To Host Another Live District-Wide Tele-Talk Story July 29th

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), now in his sixth full term in the U.S. House, will host another live virtual Tele-Talk Story with constituents on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The event will be broadcast live on his Facebook page at @repedcase and on his official web site at https://case.house.gov/events/.

“It is critical to my representation of a very diverse district in Congress that I communicate openly and frequently with my over 700,000 constituents in all possible ways,” said Case. “My regular in-person and virtual live districtwide events, at which I report back from Congress, listen to concerns and guidance and answer questions, have been a central part of my connection with my district throughout my time on Capitol Hill.”

Since returning to Congress in 2019 representing Hawaii’s First Congressional District (Honolulu from Makapu’u to Mililani and Kapolei), Case has held 55 live districtwide in-person and virtual Talk Story meetings with his constituents, including throughout COVID-19. Case also served in Congress representing Hawaii’s Second Congressional District (Windward, North Shore, West O’ahu and all other islands) from 2002 to 2007, during which he hosted 172 live in-person Talk Story community meetings throughout the islands in order to reach a far more dispersed constituency.

To broaden his 1^st Congressional community outreach, Case also this year initiated his Walk Stories, in which he spends a week home from Capitol Hill randomly walking communities throughout his district, talking with his constituents where they live, work and play. He has completed two Walk Stories, as follows:

1.   In July, Case walked the communities of Pālolo, Kaimukī , Mō‘ili‘ili, Kalihi, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Moanalua, Hālawa and ‘Aiea.

2.   In April, Case walked parts of Kalama Valley, Niu Valley, ‘Āina Haina, Wai‘alae, Nui Valley, McCully, Pearlridge, Waimalu, Pearl City, Pacific Palisades, Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Waipahu, ‘Ewa Beach, ‘Ewa Villages, Kalaeloa and Kapolei.

To join Case’s July 29^th Tele-Talk Story, constituents can call during the Talk Story at (855) 274-9528 or go to https://case.house.gov/live/ or https://www.facebook.com/RepEdCase/ for a live broadcast or anytime during the Talk Story.

Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing the Congressman at ed.case@mail.house.gov or, during the Talk Story, on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RepEdCase/.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘Eat the rich’ — Why horror films are taking aim at the ultra-wealthy

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Heather Roberts, PhD Candidate in Screen Cultures and Curatorial Studies, Queen’s University, Ontario

Samara Weaving in the horror film ‘Ready or Not.’ Weaving plays Grace, a bride who must survive until dawn on her wedding day as her in-laws hunt her down. (Searchlight Pictures)

This story contains spoilers about ‘Ready or Not’ and ‘The Menu.’

When Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sánchez held their lavish three-day wedding celebration in Venice recently, it wasn’t just a party — it was a spectacle of wealth, reportedly costing between US$47 million and US$56 million.

Critics highlighted the environmental toll of such an event on the fragile, flood-prone city, while protesters took to the streets to condemn the wedding as a tone-deaf symbol of oligarchical wealth at a time when many can’t afford to pay rent, let alone rent an island.

The excessive show of opulence felt like the opening of a horror film, and lately, that’s exactly what horror has been giving us. In films like Ready or Not (2019) and The Menu (2022), the rich aren’t simply out of touch; they’re portrayed as predators, criminals or even monsters.

Read more:
Horror comedy ‘The Menu’ delves into foodie snobbery when you’re dying for a cheeseburger

These “eat-the-rich” films channel widespread anxieties about the current socioeconomic climate and increasing disillusionment with capitalist systems.

In a world where the wealthy and powerful often seem to act with impunity, these films expose upper-class immorality and entitlement, and offer revenge fantasies where those normally crushed by the system fight back or burn it all down.

Horror takes aim at the wealthy

Originally a quote from social theorist Jean-Jacques Rousseau during the French Revolution, “eat the rich” has re-emerged in recent years in public protests and on social media in response to increasing socioeconomic inequality.

In cinema, eat-the-rich films often use grotesque hyperbole or satire to reveal and critique capitalist systems and the behaviours of the wealthy elite.

Film scholar Robin Wood argues that horror films enact a return of what is repressed by dominant bourgeois — that is, capitalist — ideology, typically embodied by the figure of the monster.

He cites The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), a classic example of anti-capitalist sentiment in horror that depicts Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen) and his working-class family as monstrous victims of the 1970s industrial collapse. Rather than accept repression, they return as cannibalistic monsters, making visible the brutality of capitalist systems that exploit and degrade people like obsolete commodities.

But in eat-the-rich horror, it is the wealthy themselves who become the monsters. The locus of repression becomes their privilege, which is often built on exploitation, inequality and invisible or normalized forms of harm.

These films render these abstract systems tangible by making the elite’s monstrosity visible, literal and grotesque.

Revenge horror for the 99 per cent

Recent horror films are increasingly using genre conventions to critique wealth, privilege and the systems that sustain them.

Ready or Not turns the rich into bloodthirsty monsters who maintain their fortune through satanic rituals and human sacrifice. Grace (Samara Weaving) marries into the Le Domas family, board game magnates who initiate new family members with a deadly game of hide-and-seek. She must survive until dawn while her new in-laws hunt her down to fulfil a demonic pact.

The film critiques the idea of inherited wealth as something earned or honourable, combining humour and horror to reflect anxieties about class entrenchment and the moral decay of the elite.

Trailer for the 2019 horror film ‘Ready or Not.’

The Le Domases are monstrous not only for their violence, but for how casually they justify it. When several maids are accidentally killed in the chaos, they react with self-pity, indifferent to who must be sacrificed to maintain their wealth.

In The Menu, the rich are portrayed as monstrous not through physical violence, but through their moral failings — like financial crimes and infidelity — and their hollow consumption of culture.

Celebrity chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) lures wealthy foodies to his exclusive island restaurant, using food as a weaponized form of art to expose guests’ hypocrisy and misdeeds. In one scene, guests are served tortillas laser-printed with incriminating images, such as banking records and evidence of fraudulent activity.

The tortilla scene from the 2022 horror film ‘The Menu.’

The film criticizes consumption in an industry where food is no longer a source of enjoyment or sustenance, but a status symbol for the elite to display their wealth and taste.

Why these films are striking a nerve now

It’s no surprise that audiences are turning to horror to make sense of systems that feel increasingly bleak and inescapable. In Canada, the cost of living continues to outpace wages, housing affordability remains an issue for many, while grocery prices are a source of horror in their own right.

A university degree, once considered a reliable path to stability, no longer guarantees the financial security of a salaried job. Many Canadians now rely on gig economy jobs as supplementary income.

Meanwhile, the wealth gap is increasing and obscene displays of wealth — like a multi-million-dollar wedding — can feel disconnected, even offensive, to people experiencing financial precarity.

Eat-the-rich films tap into this collective sense of injustice, transforming economic and social anxieties into a cathartic spectacle where ultra-wealthy villains are held accountable for their actions.

Margot, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, and executive chef Julian Slowik, played by Ralph Fiennes, in ‘The Menu.’
(Eric Zachanowich/Searchlight Pictures)

At the end of Ready or Not, the members of the Le Domas family explode one by one and their mansion burns down. In The Menu, the guests are dressed up like s’mores and immolated. In both films, fire serves as a symbolic cleansing of the wealthy, their power and the systems that protect them.

More than that, these films provide someone to root for: working-class protagonists who are targeted by the elite but ultimately survive. Former foster child Grace fights her way through a pack of murderous millionaires, while escort Margot/Erin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is spared when she rejects the pretentiousness of fine dining and orders a humble cheeseburger instead.

In this way, horror becomes a form of narrative resistance, illustrating class rage through characters who refuse to be consumed by the systems trying to oppress them. While inequality and exploitation persist in reality, eat-the-rich films offer escape, and even justice, on screen.

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

– ref. ‘Eat the rich’ — Why horror films are taking aim at the ultra-wealthy – https://theconversation.com/eat-the-rich-why-horror-films-are-taking-aim-at-the-ultra-wealthy-260550

MIL OSI –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 155th Joint Mekong River Patrol Begins

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

KUNMING, July 22 (Xinhua) — Law enforcement agencies from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on Tuesday launched the 155th joint patrol of the Mekong River to combat cross-border crime.

The patrol officially began at around 9 a.m. Tuesday, when three Chinese vessels left Jingha Port in southwest China’s Yunnan Province. Patrol vessels from Laos and Myanmar also set out from ports in Laos and Myanmar at the same time, heading to a pre-designated area.

The four-day, three-night joint patrol involves more than 100 law enforcement officers from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, as well as seven patrol vessels from those countries, excluding Thailand. The mission will include combined water-land inspections and training in some key waters on the Mekong River, aimed at combating drug trafficking, fraud, smuggling and illegal migration.

During the patrol, the relevant law enforcement agencies of the four countries will also hold an information-sharing meeting in Chiang Saen, Thailand, to review the security situation in the Lancang-Mekong basin and identify priority areas for further cooperation.

The previous joint patrol ended at the end of June this year. During it, representatives of the joint patrol group organized various preventive actions in villages, schools and enterprises in the coastal zone, distributing more than 1,000 anti-drug leaflets and 4,000 educational materials.

The Mekong River, known in China as the Lancangjiang, is one of the most important waterways for transboundary shipping in Southeast Asia. Joint patrols of the Mekong involving China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been conducted since December 2011. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Georgia Discuss Bilateral Cooperation and Regional Projects

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Tbilisi, July 22 (Xinhua) — Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held talks in Tbilisi to discuss key areas of bilateral and regional cooperation, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

The parties exchanged views on strengthening political dialogue, cooperation in the areas of energy, transport and trade, and also touched upon current challenges in the area of regional security.

Following the talks, a joint press conference was held. M. Bochorishvili emphasized the importance of ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the South Caucasus, expressing hope for the earliest possible achievement of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The head of the Georgian Foreign Ministry placed special emphasis on the trilateral format of cooperation between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. “We believe that we have the potential to continue cooperation between the three countries in this format,” she said.

J. Bayramov, for his part, confirmed the unwavering support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and highly appreciated the level of political relations between the two states. He noted that in the first five months of 2025, bilateral trade turnover exceeded USD 330 million, which is 20 percent more than in the same period last year. In addition, as the minister added, Azerbaijan continues to be one of the largest foreign investors in the Georgian economy with a total investment of over USD 3.6 billion.

J. Bayramov emphasized the strategic importance of joint infrastructure projects, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Southern Gas Corridor and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. According to him, these projects contribute to the expansion of regional connectivity and have great international potential.

During the talks, the parties also discussed the development of a cross-border project to deliver renewable energy from Azerbaijan through Georgia and the Black Sea to the European market and ways to improve the efficiency of cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Iran FM: Lifting sanctions, respecting country’s nuclear rights necessary to resume talks with US

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

TEHRAN, July 22 (Xinhua) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that his country is ready to resume indirect talks with the United States on the condition that sanctions are lifted and Tehran’s right to use nuclear technology for “peaceful” purposes is respected.

The diplomat made the statement at a meeting with members of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, as reported by the official Iranian news agency IRNA, citing committee member Yaghub Rezazadeh.

According to the legislator, A. Araghchi noted that “if sanctions are lifted and Iran’s right to use peaceful nuclear technologies is respected, indirect negotiations with the United States will take place before the issue of /activating/ the sanctions rollback mechanism is raised in October.”

The sanctions snapback mechanism is part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It allows other parties to reimpose all international sanctions if Iran fails to comply with the agreement.

As Y. Rezazadeh pointed out, in addition, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced preparations for negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program between Iran and Russia, as well as a meeting of representatives of Iran and three European countries – France, Great Britain and Germany, which is scheduled to take place on July 25 in Istanbul and will be devoted to the same issue.

Iran signed the JCPOA with six countries – Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States – in July 2015. Under the deal, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

In 2018, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to begin gradually backtracking on its nuclear commitments. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Update 15: Alberta wildfire update (July 22, 3 p.m.)
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Current situation (as of 3 p.m., July 22)
- There are 61 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area, and three mutual aid fires.
  
  16 are classified as out of control, 12 are being held and 33 are under control.
  
  There have been 10 new wildfires since yesterday.
- Since Jan. 1, there have been 816 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, burning more than 670,000 hectares.
- More than 1,400 Alberta firefighters, contract firefighters and imported firefighters are currently battling wildfires across the province.
- Resources currently being used include heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters and night vision helicopters.
- Alberta has imported firefighters and support staff from Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Australia and Chile.
- Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Orders and alerts
- Updates on evacuation orders are available on www.alberta.ca/emergency.
- On July 20, the Town of Slave Lake and the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124 issued an evacuation alert for a wildfire burning northeast of the town and east of Highway 88. Everyone on the east side of the lake must be prepared to evacuate on short notice if needed, including the Town of Slave Lake, properties along Devonshire Road North, the Hamlet of Marten Beach, Summerwood, Township Road 740 and Gilwood Golf and Country Club.
- The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake remains in effect.
  
  Reception centre at Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca-Desmarais.
- The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council’s evacuation alerts for the communities of Loon Lake, Trout Lake and Peerless Lake remain in effect.
- The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation alert for Red Earth Creek remains in effect.
- Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued by local authorities and are updated at their discretion. For the best source of information on the status of evacuation orders and alerts, residents are encouraged to follow their local authorities’ preferred communication channels for updates.
- People living in Alberta are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.
Fire bans
- Fire advisories are in place for the Grande Prairie, Lac La Biche, High Level, Slave Lake and Peace River Forest Areas.
  
  Under the advisory, fire permits will only be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  
  Safe campfires are still permitted.
- Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at alberta.ca/fire-bans.
- Fire bans outside the Forest Protection Area are the responsibility of municipalities and counties.
- Everyone has a role to play in wildfire prevention. Follow all fire bans and restrictions to avoid new fire starts. If you see smoke or flames in the forest, call 310-FIRE to report it.
- Applying FireSmart principles to homes and property can mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Removing flammable materials and vegetation around the property and preventing embers from accumulating can help protect your home from wildfires. To learn more, visit FireSmart Alberta.
Air quality
- Visit Wildfire Smoke Information for air quality monitoring information to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to protect your health. While wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in parts of Alberta, the presence of smoke does not necessarily mean there is fire near your community. Find information about the status of active wildfires and wildfire updates at Alberta Wildfire.
Roads and highways
- There are no road closures from wildfires.
- 511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.
- Alberta highways that are affected by the wildfires will open and close frequently depending on safety and weather conditions. Be patient and respect the staff at the closure/detour sites – they are there with your safety in mind.
Health
- For information about wildfire resources, including mental health, visit Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services.
Child care
- Opportunity Childcare in Red Earth Creek has reopened.
- Licensed child-care programs are required to notify Child Care Connect if they close unexpectedly.
- Parents and guardians should reach out to their child-care provider for information on closures.
Justice and court services
- The Red Earth Creek courthouse is closed until further notice.
- Visit the Alberta Courts website for the most current information regarding court scheduling.
Related information
- Active emergency updates
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts app
- Download the Alberta Wildfire app
- How to prepare for an emergency
- Wildfire smoke information
- Emergency evacuation payments
- Free admission to provincial museums and historic sites
MIL OSI Canada News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Wildfire Update July 22
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on July 22, 2025

As of 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, there are 49 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, one is categorized as contained, 14 are not contained, 17 are ongoing assessments and 17 are listed as protecting values.

Eleven communities are currently under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval, Jans Bay, Patuanak/English River First Nation, Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Northern Village of Pinehouse, Canoe Lake Cree First Nation/Canoe Narrows, Île-à-la-Crosse, Resort Subdivision of Cole Bay and Resort Subdivision of Little Amyot Lake.

There are four active declarations of local emergency due to wildfire: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, Northern Village of Beauval, Resort Subdivision of Little Amyot Lake and Northern Hamlet of Cole Bay.

A full list of evacuated communities can be found on the Active Evacuations webpage.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) reminds the public that it is important to be prepared should an evacuation alert or an evacuation order be issued for your community. An evacuation alert is to be prepared to leave on short notice while an evacuation order indicates that you are at risk and need to leave immediately using routes provided by officials.

Part of the preparation is being ready to leave, including:
- keeping your vehicle fuelled;
- being set to evacuate livestock or pets if needed; and
- checking in on neighbours who may need assistance.
More information on evacuation planning can be found in the Wildfire Emergency Planning fact sheet.

Any evacuees should register through the Sask Evac Web Application and then call 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have their needs assessed for additional assistance. Individuals who need help registering through the application can call the 855 Line for assistance.

Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross should call 1-800-863-6582.

As a reminder, there is a fire ban that is still in place due to the extreme fire risk. The ban encompasses the area north of the provincial forest boundary up to the Churchill River. The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District within those boundaries.

The latest wildfire information, an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips can be found at saskpublicsafety.ca.

Review the current fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites.

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: China, Russia, Terrorist Networks Destabilizing Africa

Source: United States Department of Defense

Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson and Navy Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley spoke about great-power rivalry and terrorism in Africa and the importance of U.S. Special Operations Command during a nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Armed Services in Washington.

MIL Security OSI –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Major Montana Wins Included in the FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill
Source:

Zinke’s requests for clean water infrastructure, ESA reform, and forest management pass full committee markup
Washington, D.C. – Today, Western Montana Congressman and former Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced the inclusion of several key Montana priorities in the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. As a member of the subcommittee, Zinke has been fighting to ensure that Montanans’ voices are heard, and that critical funding and policies reflect the state’s unique needs. The FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill now heads to the House floor for a vote.

“As a former Secretary of Interior, I’ve seen firsthand how mismanagement of our public lands from Washington can hurt our communities and how good policy can make a real difference on the ground,” said Zinke. “This bill gets us back to common sense management. It reverses years of top down bureaucratic regulation that choked our industries, hampered forest management and fire prevention, and shut off access to our lands. The infrastructure investments in this bill will go directly to our communities, funding clean water and allowing for growth. Montanans love our public lands and the outdoor experience; this bill supports multiple use and improves the quality of life for the people who live near and around those lands. It’s a science backed, community led piece of legislation, and I am proud to support it as it heads to the house floor.”

The bill includes multiple Community Project Funding (CPF) requests from Congressman Zinke that will directly improve water infrastructure in rural communities. Community Project Funding is allocated from previously authorized grant accounts, allowing elected Members of Congress to direct grant funding would otherwise be decided by unelected officials in the federal government, without increasing spending. See all of Congressman Zinke’s FY26 CPF’s here.
- Granite County Clean Water Infrastructure Project – $1.75 million
- Alberton Clear Water Infrastructure Project – $1 million
- Lolo Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Phase 1 – $1.75 million
“I would like to thank Congressman Zinke and his team,” said Daniel Reddish, Mayor of Phillipsburg. “This reflects their total commitment to rural Montana. Promises made, promises kept! Bravo!”

In addition to direct funding, Zinke successfully included several important policy provisions in the bill:
- Delisting 3 Grizzly Bear Populations – Requires the Department of the Interior to delist the recovered grizzly bear populations in the Greater Yellowstone, Northern Continental, and Bitterroot Ecosystems from the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
- The Cottonwood Fix – Reinstates a permanent fix to prevent litigious groups from abusing the ESA to delay or block forest management projects, a key victory for wildfire prevention and responsible land stewardship.
- Wolverine ESA Restriction – Prohibits funding to list the wolverine under the ESA, consistent with longstanding scientific and state management concerns.
- Canadian Lynx ESA Rolled Back – Blocks enforcement of ESA provisions for the Canadian lynx, allowing more flexibility in forest management and land use.
- Native American Ironworker Training Program – $5 million to reinstate the successful program under the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), helping tribal members access skilled trades and employment opportunities.
- Forest Roads Access – Submits bill language to lift restrictions on construction and reconstruction of Forest Service roads to support timber harvest and firefighting operations.
- Good Neighbor Authority Expansion – Encourages the Forest Service to expand use of Good Neighbor Authority agreements with states and tribes to accelerate forest management and wildfire mitigation projects on federal lands.
- Bison on Charles M. Russell (CMR) Refuge – Prohibits the introduction of bison on the CMR National Wildlife Refuge, protecting the land’s traditional multiple-use management and safeguarding ranching interests.
“As someone who went through the Native American Ironworker Training Program , I’ve seen firsthand the impact it can have on individuals and on tribal communities,” said Tom Tanner, a graduate of the program with 32 years of experience in the ironworking trade. “This program is a smart investment in Americas future; backing the skilled workforce our country needs to rebuild roads, bridges, and energy infrastructure. It trains tribal members for careers that offer good pay, union benefits, and a path to long-term stability. This program’s inclusion in the Interior bill shows a real commitment to skilled trades and job creation and I appreciate Congressman Zinke’s work on this issue.”

“As a retired wildlife biologist who lives within Montana’s wolverine biological range, I oppose any funding of efforts to list the wolverine under the Endangered Species Act and am glad this language is included in this year’s Interior Appropriations Bill,” said Montana State Representative Paul Fielder. “If the decision is based on wolverine biology alone, the wolverine should not qualify as either an Endangered or a Threatened species administered under the ESA. Too often agencies use the ESA to try to carve out sub-sets of a plant or animal species home range into “distinct population segments”, “recovery zones” or some other sub-group. The ESA refers to the Endangered Species Act, not the Endangered Distinct Population Segment Act and this language reflects that.”

Read the full text of the bill HERE.

###
MIL OSI USA News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: U.S. House Passes Rep. Lauren Boebert’s Bipartisan Zip Code Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) successfully passed her bipartisan Zip Code bill, H.R. 3095, through the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday evening. The final recorded vote total was 278-121, a significant bipartisan victory for the Congresswoman and the multiple towns and communities in the 4th District included in the legislation.

H.R. 3095 directs the United States Postal Service to create unique zip codes for more than 65 cities, towns, and communities across the country. The bill, which includes 15 communities in Colorado and 33 cosponsors, is a reintroduction of the Congresswoman’s similar effort in the 118th Congress which passed through the U.S. House in December 2024.

Cities and towns like Castle Pines, Lone Tree, and Severance all have their sales tax revenue, insurance rates, mail delivery rates, and response times for first responders negatively impacted by the lack of a unique zip code for their community. This legislation will address these issues and directly improve the quality of life for Coloradans and Americans living in these communities.

“This is a tremendous, hard-fought victory for the cities, towns, and communities in Colorado’s 4th District and across our country who have called a unique zip code to improve the quality of life for our constituents,” said Congresswoman Boebert. “Zip code reform is not a partisan issue; it’s a unifying, fundamental need for the municipalities that have been denied their own zip code and have dealt with public safety issues, mail delivery problems for seniors and veterans, business permitting challenges, and the loss of revenue that leads to cutting public services. I am proud to have worked with leaders from across the aisle and across the country to get H.R. 3095 through the House; it’s time for the Senators who represent the many communities in this bill to step up and deliver this bill to President Trump’s desk.”

“The City of Castle Pines is grateful for Congresswoman Boebert’s tireless efforts to secure a unique zip code for Castle Pines and dozens of communities across the nation,”said Castle Pines Mayor Tracy Engerman.“The passage of this bill by the House is a significant step in ensuring that residents in our communities receive their fair share of collected tax revenue and timely responses from emergency services. The Congresswoman’s ability to work across the aisle on this bipartisan effort has been critical in moving the bill to the Senate. On behalf of the National Zip Code Advocacy Coalition, I want to thank her for her support and work on this important issue.”

“The successful passage of Rep. Boebert’s Zip Code Bill is crucial and is the key to the success of ‘Small Town America’ in the future,”said Severance Mayor Matt Fries. “Every town in American deserves a unique zip code, especially when sales tax collection is 100% zip code identified, emergency responses is dependent on a correct zip code, and accurate insurance rates for citizens and businesses are tied to zip codes. I can’t understand why any person or organization would disagree with what this bill accomplishes. Congresswoman Boebert has fought like hell for small town America to maintain its own identity. I call on the Senate to stand with her to get this common-sense legislation across the finish line. The citizens of Severance, Colorado deserve their own, unique zip code.”

“The Zip Code bill is the solution to an issue that’s impacted communities like Lone Tree for far too long,” said Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon. “This federal legislation is a critical step toward addressing an issue that has created unnecessary challenges for cities like Lone Tree with community identity, emergency management, public safety, business attraction and retention, insurance coverage, and mail delivery. With the passage of this legislation, we can improve service delivery, eliminate confusion, and better reflect the identity of the cities. I urge the U.S. Senate to act swiftly and support Colorado communities in doing what’s best for the people we serve.”

BACKGROUND:

The full text of Congresswoman Boebert’s H.R. 3095 can be read HERE. A shortened clip of the Congresswoman’s remarks from the House debate can be viewed HERE.

The following news stories are a mixture of recent news articles and coverage on Congresswoman Boebert’s previous effort on zip codes in the 118th Congress:

Washington Examiner: These 76 cities could receive new Zip Codes

Fox 31: Proposed bill could give these Colorado areas a new zip code

CBS News Colorado: New zip codes could improve Colorado towns’ income, safety

9News: Colorado communities could receive new Zip Codes

The Orange County Register: Could North Tustin get its own zip code? Proposed congressional effort underway to do that

The Zip Code system was instituted in America in the 1960s. The Postal Service utilizes the zip code system to deliver mail, but it is also heavily used and relied on by economic developers, insurers and emergency personnel.

Communities that do not have a unique Zip Code often experience associated problems that include the loss of economic development, loss of sales tax, unjustifiably high insurance rates, tax remittance and commercial licensing issues, diminished public safety and reduced emergency response times, identity issues, and efficiency issues.

For example, first responders often go to the wrong streets and people needing help experience delays due to Zip Code issues that would be addressed by this legislation.

Small towns and cities can petition the Postal Service for a new Zip Code but it is rarely approved and if it is denied they cannot appeal this decision for up to 10 years. Congress has intervened on these matters and last passed a law enacting four new Zip Codes through the Post Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006.

The current list of 33 cosponsors for H.R. 3095 includes Rep. Young Kim [CA-40], Rep. Brittany Pettersen [CO-07], Rep. Jason Crow [CO-06], Rep. Gabe Evans [CO-08], Rep. Joe Courtney [CT-02], Rep. Byron Donalds [FL-19], Rep. Mikie Sherrill [NJ-11], Rep. Nancy Mace [SC-01], Rep. Jared Moskowitz [FL-23], Rep. Keith Self [TX-03], Rep. Brandon Gill [TX-26], Rep. H. Morgan Griffith [VA-09], Rep. Bryan Steil [WI-01], Rep. Gwen Moore [WI-04], Rep. Scott Fitzgerald [WI-05], Rep. Harriet M. Hageman [WY-AL], Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes [OH-13], Rep. Andy Barr [KY-06], Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy [NY-23], Rep. Nick LaLota [NY-01], Rep. Troy E. Nehls [TX-22], Rep. Mark Harris [NC-08], Rep. Pat Fallon [TX-04], Rep. Clay Higgins [LA-03], Rep. Mark E. Amodei [NV-02], Rep. Brad Finstad [MN-01], Rep. Sean Casten [IL-06], Rep. Gilbert Ray Cisneros [CA-31], Rep. Linda T. Sanchez [CA-38], Rep. Julia Letlow [LA-05], Rep. Brad Sherman [CA-32], Rep. William Timmons [SC-04], and Rep. Jeff Hurd [CO-03].

The full list of communities included can be found below:

(1) Canyon Lake, California.

(2) Hidden Hills, California.

(3) Industry, California.

(4) North Tustin, California.

(5) Tehachapi, California.

(6) Castle Pines, Colorado.

(7) Centennial, Colorado.

(8) Cherry Hills Village, Colorado.

(9) Greenwood Village, Colorado.

(10) Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

(11) Keystone, Colorado.

(12) Lone Tree, Colorado.

(13) Mountain Village, Colorado.

(14) Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado.

(15) Severance, Colorado.

(16) Silver Cliff, Colorado.

(17) Sterling Ranch, Colorado.

(18) Superior, Colorado.

(19) Telluride, Colorado.

(20) Oakland Park, Florida.

(21) Lighthouse Point, Florida.

(22) Coconut Creek, Florida.

(23) Parkland, Florida.

(24) Deerfield Beach, Florida.

(25) Wilton Manors, Florida.

(26) Burr Ridge, Illinois.

(27) Carmel, Indiana.

(28) Noblesville, Indiana.

(29) Westfield, Indiana.

(30) Zionsville, Indiana.

(31) Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

(32) Montz, Louisiana.

(33) Springwater Township, Minnesota.

(34) Grass Valley, Nevada.

(35) Swanzey, New Hampshire.

(36) Kinnelon, New Jersey.

(37) Flanders, New York.

(38) Glendale, New York.

(39) Riverside, New York.

(40) Pendleton, New York.

(41) Weddington, North Carolina.

(42) Goose Creek, South Carolina.

(43) Fairview, Texas.

(44) Fate, Texas.

(45) Heath, Texas.

(46) Murphy, Texas.

(47) Northlake, Texas.

(48) Parker, Texas.

(49) Sargent, Texas.

(50) Fairlawn, Virginia.

(51) Caledonia, Wisconsin.

(52) Franklin, Wisconsin.

(53) Glendale, Wisconsin.

(54) Greenfield, Wisconsin.

(55) Village of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.

(56) Village of Somers, Wisconsin.

(57) Village of Harrison, Wisconsin.

(58) Hochatown, Oklahoma.

(59) Green, Ohio.

(60) Rochester, Wisconsin.

(61) Quartzite Township, Minnesota.

(62) Frederick, Colorado.

(63) Camargo, Kentucky.

(64) Wheatfield, New York.

(65) Mauldin, South Carolina.

(66) Josephine, Texas.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Votes for Responsible Land Management, Unleashing Natural Resources
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes for Responsible Land Management, Unleashing Natural Resources

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

“In my four years as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I worked hard to counter the Biden administration’s top-down regulations that threatened our public lands and natural resources across the West. This legislation is a course correction from the previous administration to unleash the resources we have under our feet, protect public lands for all who enjoy their benefits, and prioritize conservation over preservation across the United States. I also secured critical funding for three water infrastructure projects in Othello, Winthrop, and Oroville to address the water supply and distribution challenges these communities face,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse added, “I thank Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson and Full Committee Chairman Tom Cole for their leadership and commitment to funding priorities that support our rural way of life.”

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $37.971 billion, which is $2.54 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level.

The bill fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, estimated at $550 million, and prioritizes funding for Tribes and Wildland Fire Management.

Champions American energy dominance and reduces regulatory burdens by:
- Providing the OMB requested increase of $13.6 million for offshore oil and gas development at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the OMB requested increase of $15 million for onshore oil and gas development at the Bureau of Land Management.
- Requiring the Secretary of the Interior to conduct onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales.
- Prohibiting the use of the social cost of carbon, which has stymied new development.
- Prohibiting the EPA from imposing the methane fee on oil and gas producers created by the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act.
- Prohibiting multiple U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rulings used to weaponize the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers.
Protects access to public lands by:
- Blocking restrictions on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands.
- Preventing additional regulations on ammunition, ammunition components, or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act or any other law.
- Prohibiting restrictions on where standard lead ammunition and fishing tackle can be used on certain federal lands or waters unless conditions are met.
- Stopping the Bureau of Land Management’s Conservation and Landscape Health rule to ensure continued access to public lands for grazing, recreation, and energy development.
Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:
- Reducing our reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals by promoting access to resources here at home through blocking certain lease withdrawals in Minnesota and reinstating mineral leases in the Superior National Forest.
- Promoting domestic mining by ensuring ancillary mining activities can be approved, which is a fix to the Rosemont decision that created additional red tape and regulatory uncertainty for mining operations.
- Ensuring chemical and pesticide manufacturers are not overburdened with requirements that would drive businesses overseas and threaten American competitiveness.
- Prohibiting funds for the National Park Service to provide housing to an alien without lawful status.
- Providing $771.84 million for Tribal Public Safety and Justice programs, which is a 39% increase over the FY25 enacted level.
Newhouse secured funding for the following projects in Washington’s Fourth District in this legislation:

City of Othello

Amount Secured: $1,000,000

The City of Othello is 100 percent reliant on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply and after several years of data collection, study completions, and pilot test studies, the City of Othello has developed an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) strategy to mitigate declining water levels in the Wanapum Basalt aquifer. The ASR method has proven to be effective, and the City has progressed to the stage of predesign. The City is requesting funding assistance with the next phase of “design” to build a permanent solution that will result in a sustainable, reliable, environmentally responsible water supply plan for the Othello region.

City of Winthrop

Amount Secured: $1,500,000

The proposed project will improve the reliability of the Town of Winthrop’s water source and distribution system. The town only has one functioning well (Well #1). If that well goes down, the town only has a day or two of water available in its three reservoirs. Well #2 has been approved as an emergency water source by Department of Health, but it needs to be rehabilitated to be in regular use.

Scope of work includes:
- Rehabilitation of Well #2, including new pump, motor, piping, electrical/controls, generator backup, and a new well house.
- Repairs to the Town’s East Reservoir, including waterproofing, concrete repairs, and altitude valve replacement.
Community benefits include public health and safety, fire protection, and water conservation. Winthrop is ranked #6 on the Washington DNR’s burn probability list. Given the community’s vulnerability to wildfire, ensuring a resilient and redundant water supply system with reliable fire flow capacity is critical for public safety.

City of Oroville

Amount Secured: $1,400,000

The project will result in new, upgraded water pipes that ensure safe and reliable drinking water to Oroville’s north end area. The City of Oroville requests $1,750,000 for construction of the first phase of the project which consists of approximately 3,500 lineal feet of aging and undersized water transmission main piping serving the “North End” of the City’s water system. The existing water t-mains consist of 4-inch and 6-inch deteriorated PVC pipe, which cannot provide adequate fire flow or service pressure and are prone to leaking. The project will replace these existing, undersized transmission mains with 12-inch transmission mains along 20th from Main St to Juniper St, and along Juniper St and Main St from 20th St to 23rd St. The project will also replace existing, undersized water transmission mains with 8-inch transmission mains along Deerpath Dr from 21st St to 23rd St, and along 23rd St from Deerpath Dr to Westlake Ave.

Bill text before amendments can be found here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Raleigh County Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Carey Ann Trotter, also known as “Carey Ann Metz-Wood,” 41, of Crab Orchard, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 1, 2024, Trotter possessed approximately 10.51 grams of methamphetamine and a total of 25.95 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, a synthetic opioid, in several packages. As part of her guilty plea, Trotter admitted that she intended to use some of the controlled substances and aid and abet another individual in the possession and distribution of controlled substances.

Trotter further admitted to possessing a Glock model 21 .45-caliber pistol, a CBC model 817 .17-caliber rifle, and a 26-round high-capacity magazine for .45-caliber ammunition. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Trotter knew she was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of her prior felony conviction for delivery of oxycodone in Raleigh County Circuit Court on January 3, 2017.

Trotter is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.

Trotter’s co-defendant, Joshua Mason Trotter, 44, of Crab Orchard, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joshua Mason Trotter admitted to possessing the Glock model 21 .45-caliber pistol and CBC model 817 .17-caliber rifle on July 1, 2024. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office.

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.

This case is 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-22.

###

MIL Security OSI –

July 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Kneecap’s stance on Gaza extends a long history of the Irish supporting other oppressed peoples

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ciara Smart, PhD Graduand in Australasian Irish History, University of Tasmania

Love them or hate them, there’s no doubt Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap are having a moment.

Their music – delivered in a powerful fusion of English and Irish – is known for its gritty lyrics about party drugs and working-class life in post-Troubles Ireland. More recently, the group has made headlines for its outspoken support for the Palestinian people.

British police have charged member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (known by his stage name Mo Chara) with a terrorism offence. Ó hAnnaidh was charged in May, after being accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London concert in November.

But this isn’t the first time an Irish republican group has courted controversy for backing other oppressed peoples. This has been happening for almost two centuries.

Unsanitised and vocal support

Ireland is composed of 32 counties. Twenty-six are in the Republic of Ireland, while six are part of the United Kingdom in Northern Ireland. When the British government withdrew from most of Ireland in 1921, the Irish Free State was largely Catholic, while Northern Ireland was more heavily Protestant. But these divisions are becoming increasingly irrelevant.

While Ireland is still split across two nations, public support for Irish unity remains strong, particularly among citizens of the Republic.

Kneecap’s members are from Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. They are also fierce republicans, which means they want to see Ireland united as one nation. One of their most popular songs, Get Your Brits Out, calls for the British state’s withdrawal from Northern Ireland.

The group has experienced a meteoric rise in recent years, helped by a semi-autobiographical film released last year.

They have reclaimed the term “Fenian”, often used as an anti-Irish slur. Their decision to rap in Irish is also a cultural milestone, as the language was suppressed in Northern Ireland for most of the 20th century, only achieving official language status in 2022.

Despite being undeniable provocateurs, they claim they aren’t
interested in reigniting Catholic-Protestant conflict. They celebrate the similarities between both groups, rather than highlight their differences.

Ó hAnnaidh’s alleged terrorism offence came after he waved a Hezbollah flag at a London gig and chanted “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah”. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are considered terrorist groups in Britain. He will face court on August 20.

Irish-Māori solidarity

Kneecap is carrying on a long tradition of Irish groups who faced controversy for denouncing the oppressive acts of powerful states.

In the 19th century, several Irish nationalist groups expressed solidarity with other colonised peoples, especially Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Groups such as the Irish Republican Brotherhood (whose members were called Fenians) arguably saw Māori and Irish as co-victims of a tyrannical state.

Irish nationalist newspapers often wrote sympathetically about the colonisation of New Zealand, and tried to inspire Ireland to resist British subjugation, like Māori seemed to be doing.

This painting by Kennett Watkins, The Death of Von Tempsky at Te Ngutu o Te Manu (circa 1893), portrays conflict in 1868 between armed constabulary and Māori forces.
Wikimedia

In July 1864, the Fenian newspaper The Irish People stressed British hypocrisy. It wrote, “savages we call [Māori], using the arrogant language of civilisation, but, honestly, they deserve to be characterised by a much better word”.

It also scoffed at the “unconquerable propensity of the Anglo-Saxon to plunder the lands of other people – a propensity which manifests itself most strikingly alike in Ireland and New Zealand”.

Similarly, in December 1868, the nationalist newspaper The Nation contrasted “valiant” Māori with “terrified” British. It sarcastically described Māori as “rebels (men fighting for their own rights on their own soil)” and mocked the British forces as “valiant men who could bully a priest”.

The article finished on a sombre note: “Mere valour will in the end go down before the force of numbers and the cunning of diplomacy”.

Rumours of a secret rebellion

Other Irish leaders, such as the nationalist Michael Davitt, saw inspirational parallels between the nonviolent campaign of Charles Stewart Parnell, the 19th century leader of the Irish Home Rule movement, and Māori leader Te Whiti-o-Rongomai.

In Ireland, Parnell encouraged poor tenant farmers to pause rent payments to their British landlords. In New Zealand, Te Whiti encouraged Māori to dismantle colonially-constructed fences and plough the land for themselves. Both were arrested in 1881 within three weeks of each other.

The ‘No Rent Manifesto’ was issued on 18 October 1881, by Parnell and others of the Irish National Land League while in Kilmainham Jail.
National Library of Ireland

So strong was the sense of kinship between Irish and Māori that, in the 1860s, there were persistent rumours of a joint Irish-Māori rebellion reported in the media and even New Zealand’s parliament.

In March, 1869, the conservative New Zealand newspaper Daily Southern Cross reported a large number of Māori “have decided on joining the Fenian Brotherhood, and have adopted the green flag as their national emblem”.

Later that year, the paper reported the supposed Fenians told a Māori resistance group that, “like the Maori, they hate the British rule, and are prepared to make common cause […] to overthrow that rule in New Zealand”.

However, these rumours were probably no more than a conspiracy fuelled by racist anti-Irish paranoia.

Actions and outcomes

Any tangible results of cross-cultural sympathy from 19th century Irish nationalists were mixed, at best. My ongoing research shows solidarity with Māori was partly motivated by humanitarian motives, but was also often used to make a point about Ireland.

Identifying with another oppressed peoples within the context of a corrupt empire was a powerful way to argue for improved political recognition within Ireland. Irish nationalists generally didn’t do much other than declare their sympathy.

Kneecap, on the other hand, seems willing to bear the legal and financial consequences of being vocal about human rights abuses in Gaza. Some of their shows have been cancelled, and funding providers have withdrawn.

While curated rebellion can be lucrative in show-business, Kneecap says the controversy following them is a distraction. They insist the world should focus squarely on Gaza instead.

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

– ref. Kneecap’s stance on Gaza extends a long history of the Irish supporting other oppressed peoples – https://theconversation.com/kneecaps-stance-on-gaza-extends-a-long-history-of-the-irish-supporting-other-oppressed-peoples-261261

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Central bank independence and credibility matters. Here’s why

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Simon, Adjunct Fellow in Economics, Macquarie University

Olga Kashubin/Shutterstock

In the United States, President Donald Trump has been pressuring the chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, to slash interest rates. This is partly to ease the interest payments on the ballooning US government debt.

Powell has so far resisted, but Trump has also threatened to replace him with someone who will do what he asks.

In Australia, after the Reserve Bank’s surprise decision to hold interest rates steady this month, some commentators have wondered if the central bank had “betrayed” Australians. Treasurer Jim Chalmers pointedly remarked:

It’s not the result millions of Australians were hoping for or what the market was expecting.

On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank released the minutes of that controversial policy-setting meeting, which said some economic data was slightly stronger than expected. The majority of the board believed:

lowering the cash rate a third time within the space of four meetings would be unlikely to be consistent with the strategy of easing monetary policy in a cautious and gradual manner.

Can’t rates just be kept low?

Wouldn’t we be better off if central banks kept interest rates low, as some politicians and borrowers were hoping for? It would certainly help those of us with mortgages.

Surprisingly, the answer is no.

We are better off when central banks set interest rates with a view on the longer run rather than just the short-term demands of politicians and borrowers.

To see why we can look at history to see what happens when a central bank isn’t independent.

Why does independence matter?

In the 1970s the chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Arthur Burns, was pressured to cut interest rates in the run-up to the 1972 election. He dutifully did so and, while President Richard Nixon was re-elected, this led to “stagflation” – with inflation, unemployment and even interest rates, higher than before interest rates were cut.

A more recent example of political pressure can be seen in Turkey where the president pressured the central bank to cut interest rates. He hoped to stimulate the economy and believed higher interest rates caused higher inflation.

Unfortunately, lower rates were shortly followed by higher inflation and, ultimately, much higher interest rates.

And today in the US, even though Powell has so far resisted Trump’s pressure, financial markets are shaken and long-term interest rates go up when Trump talks about replacing him.

Lower interest rates can be like a caffeinated energy drink – they give you a short-term energy boost, but can leave you tired, irritable and with a headache when the effects wear off.

So, why does this happen? It’s all about expectations.

Expectations about the future matter

A central bank influences the economy both through what it does and what people expect it to do. The ability to shape expectations is a powerful tool for central banks, especially during crises such as the COVID pandemic, when official interest rates were close to zero.

Imagine, for example, you are about to take out a mortgage. In making this decision you will likely think not just about current interest rates and your ability to make repayments, but what is likely to happen to future interest rates, your wages and inflation.

Credibility is the key to successfully shaping people’s expectations. If a central bank is independent and credible, consumers and businesses will listen to what it says and adjust their expectations accordingly.

The chart below illustrates this point.

Macquarie University’s Business Outlook Scenarios Survey asks businesses if they believe the Reserve Bank will meet its inflation goals. Those that do trust the bank (the line labelled “certain”) have lower inflation expectations than those that don’t (the line labelled “uncertain”).

Importantly, the expectations of those that trust the bank to meet its inflation goals tend to align with the bank’s 2–3% inflation target over the business cycle.

And these expectations affect what businesses and consumers do today.

So, how credible is the Reserve Bank today?

Despite the surprise hold, Australians still trust the RBA

Data from the Business Outlook Scenarios Survey shows the Reserve Bank has rebuilt its credibility since its 2021 “promise” not to raise interest rates until 2024. It has done this by reforming its board structure and membership, being more open and, most critically, by hitting the inflation target.

Indeed, the most recent survey data shows that, if anything, the surprise decision increased people’s confidence in the bank’s ability to control inflation.

In July, the survey was in the field between July 7 and 10. The Reserve Bank made its announcement on July 8. Out of 512 businesses surveyed, 368 completed it before the announcement and 144 completed it after the announcement.

Overall, more than 40% of businesses surveyed were certain the Reserve Bank will achieve its inflation target. This is up from less than 10% a year ago. And, those who completed the survey after the announcement were more likely to trust the Reserve Bank than those that who completed it before the announcement.

So next time you hear politicians and commentators calling for immediate interest rate cuts, you should hope the Reserve Bank ignores those calls and focuses on the longer term. Overseas experience shows things do not end well when politicians start determining interest rates.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Central bank independence and credibility matters. Here’s why – https://theconversation.com/central-bank-independence-and-credibility-matters-heres-why-260198

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Ultra fast fashion could be taxed to oblivion in France. Could Australia follow suit?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rowena Maguire, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre of Justice, Queensland University of Technology

Ryan McVay/Getty

For centuries, clothes were hard to produce and expensive. People wore them as long as possible. But manufacturing advances have steadily driven down the cost of production. These days, clothing can be produced very cheaply. In the 1990s, companies began churning out fast fashion: low cost versions of high end trends. In the 2010s came ultra fast fashion, where clothes are produced extremely rapidly and intended to be almost disposable.

Ultra fast fashion is deeply unsustainable. Producing it is energy intensive and many low quality items go rapidly to landfill.

In response, France is planning to add a A$16 tax to each item of ultra-fast fashion, require mandatory environmental disclosures and ban advertising and influencer promotions.

To date, Australia has done little about the problem – even though every Australian bought an average of 53 new pieces of clothing as of 2023 and we send 220,000 tonnes of clothes to the dump annually. Responses so far have focused on voluntary schemes, which have done little to help. Policymakers should look overseas.

Ultra-fast fashion companies such as Shein and Temu would be targeted by new French laws, if they are passed.
Arnaud Finistre/Getty

Why is ultra fast fashion such a problem?

About 117 billion pieces of clothing were purchased worldwide in 2023 – about 14 pieces per person. That’s well beyond the limit of five new garments per year experts recommend if we’re to live within our planetary boundaries.

There are many problems with buying too many cheap clothes. Textile manufacturing is surprisingly energy intensive. At present, the industry is responsible for about 2% of global emissions and this is expected to rise steadily. Millions of barrels of oil are used each year to make synthetic fibres such as polyester.

Ultra fast fashion items rely heavily on synthetic fibres. When washed, they produce large volumes of microplastics which go into rivers and oceans. The European Union estimates textiles account for about 20% of freshwater pollution annually. Many ultra cheap clothing items have question marks over how ethically they were produced. Nearly all of these cheap clothes only have one owner before going to the dump.

Australia’s response is minimal

Australia has no national policy on clothing. Circular economy policies and strategies at both federal and state levels don’t tend to focus on textiles.

Australian consumer laws regulate greenwashing of products. In 2023, Australia’s peak competition regulator flagged the textile industry as one with a high rate of concerning claims.

Similarly, Australia’s modern slavery laws require large corporations to identify and address risks of slave labour in their operations. Fashion brands often source materials and labour from regions with high exploitation risks Unfortunately, these laws don’t have penalties attached.

These laws are positive, but still far from the EU’s large-scale efforts to regulate the textile industry.

One promising effort is the voluntary Seamless textile scheme. Voluntary schemes like these are often used as a way to introduce reforms to a previously unregulated sector or industry.

The goal of this scheme is to help brands take responsibility for the entire lifespan of the garments they make or sell. Participating brands and retailers pay a levy which is used to promote clothing repair and rental, expand recycling and run information campaigns. Seamless is meant to help the industry prepare for a potential mandatory scheme in the future. Former Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said she was “not afraid to regulate” last year, but nothing has happened since.

To date, participation has been very limited. Around 60 brands and retailers have signed up. Ultra-fast fashion brands such as Temu and Shein aren’t covered by the scheme, as they’re based overseas.

Ultra-fast fashion rapidly turns into rubbish.
Ernest Rose/Shutterstock

Time for laws with teeth?

France’s planned ultra fashion laws are directly aimed at high-volume, low-cost clothing producers with binding measures such as taxes and advertising bans. If the laws come into effect, France would likely see a substantial drop in the flows of these clothes and the textile waste produced.

By contrast, Australia’s efforts so far aren’t changing things. The Seamless scheme is voluntary, while greenwashing and modern slavery laws rely on disclosures and lack enforcement powers and penalties.

It wouldn’t be easy. At present, Australia lacks laws focused on textiles, while responsibility for clothing imports is split between different government departments and levels of government. The issue of fast fashion often hits local governments hardest in the form of increased waste volumes, for instance, but local governments have no power over the problem. If policymakers did introduce a French-style tax, they would face resistance from the industry and from some consumers.

The upside? France’s approach is far more likely to actually curb the damage done by ultra-fast fashion.

Rowena Maguire receives funding from United Nations Environment Program – Legal Division.

– ref. Ultra fast fashion could be taxed to oblivion in France. Could Australia follow suit? – https://theconversation.com/ultra-fast-fashion-could-be-taxed-to-oblivion-in-france-could-australia-follow-suit-259559

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 23, 2025