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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met prioritises neighbourhood policing to tackle crime in London hotspots

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Metropolitan Police is ruthlessly prioritising resources and putting more officers on the beat in the busiest parts of London – including the West End – to focus on core policing priorities, protect the public, and tackle areas with high crime.

    Despite the Met getting smaller, it is applying more resources and smarter tactics to tackle the biggest priorities.

    Up to 80 more officers will join the dedicated West End team to bear down on crimes which Londoners care about the most – including antisocial behaviour, violence against women and girls, shoplifting and phone robbery – as part of the Met’s focus on neighbourhood policing.

    The intensified action is part of ongoing work by the Met and Mayor of London to boost local neighbourhood teams, enhance partnership working and put high visibility policing at the heart of fighting crime and rebuilding trust.

    The West End will see its policing team grow by over 50 per cent so they can relentlessly target prolific offenders as well as being visible and approachable to protect the public and deter criminals.

    Six town centre teams will also be expanded or newly created with 90 additional officers in areas with the highest volumes of thefts and robberies covering Brixton, Kingston, Ealing, Finsbury Park, Southwark, and Spitalfields.

    Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

    “The Met is getting smaller but more capable. We have a laser-like focus on ensuring our officers and staff are in roles where they can drive down crime on issues that matter the most to Londoners.

    “This is what the public expects of the police, which is why we are putting neighbourhood policing first, tackling the crimes that we know are impacting the public in the busiest areas, and making the capital’s streets safer.

    “We’re adding up to 170 additional officers, split between the West End and town centres across London. Thanks to the hard work of our local teams, neighbourhood crime has already fallen by almost a fifth over the last year and moving these officers to the frontline will make sure we are a more visible presence in London.

    “While our budget has decreased in real terms, we are using this additional funding from City Hall and Home Office productively to support our mission to take a targeted approach to tackling volume crime and bolster our specialist tactics to disrupt the criminal gangs who fuel anti-social behaviour, robbery and theft.”

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

    “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe. Thanks to record funding from City Hall, the West End will see a 50 per cent increase in the number of police officers on the beat and an additional 90 police officers working in new or enhanced town centre teams in hotspot areas.

    “Despite years of austerity by the previous government, this is the latest example of the Met Police and I prioritising what Londoners want and delivering on our pledge to put high visibility policing at the heart of fighting crime and rebuilding community confidence and trust.

    “These new and boosted Safer Neighbourhood Teams will focus on tackling antisocial behaviour, phone robbery and shoplifting in key areas. This fresh targeted action is happening in tandem with enhanced police and partnership work already underway in our high streets and town centres this summer. We will continue to build on the crime reductions already achieved in the capital – with robbery, theft and knife crime down since the start of the financial year – to build a safer London for all.”

    Already, the Met has recruited over 300 additional PCSOs for neighbourhood policing teams towards a target of 500, as well as adding over 300 officers from Superintendents to Constables.

    This work to focus resource in the right places, builds on enhanced partnership action with local authorities, businesses and communities to tackle crime in London’s busy town centres and high streets, announced earlier this month.

    The Met is arresting 1000 more criminals each month and thanks to the hard work of its officers, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), local authorities and partners, the first six weeks of this financial year have seen promising reductions in a number of crime types compared to the same period last year.

    • Neighbourhood crime down by 15.3 per cent
    • Knife crime down by 18.1 per cent
    • Residential burglary down by 17.7 per cent
    • Theft from the person down by 15.6 per cent
    • Personal robbery down by 12.8 per cent
    • Shoplifting – solved 163 per cent more cases this year
    • In the West End specifically the Met has reduced:
    • Personal robbery by 20%
    • Violence with injury by 25%
    • Violence against a person by 8%

    Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance:

    “A safer West End is essential to its success. We welcome the Mayor and Met Commissioner’s response to our calls for more policing. With over 200 million visitors a year and a £50 billion contribution to the UK economy, keeping this district secure isn’t optional — it’s vital. We’ll continue working with the Met to protect the West End’s reputation as a world-class destination.”

    Dee Corsi, Chief Executive, New West End Company, said:

    “We know, first-hand, the incredible work that the Metropolitan Police Service undertakes every day here in the West End to tackle anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, phone robbery and violence against women and girls. But we also know that tackling complex crime challenges is more difficult when resources are squeezed. That’s why today’s announcement, and renewed commitment to the West End, is a critical step forward. We will continue to work in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, the Mayor of London and other local stakeholders to ensure the West End remains safe and welcoming for all.”

    Anthony Hemmerdinger, Managing Director, Boots said:

    “Retail theft alongside intimidation and abuse of our team members is unacceptable, so we welcome this additional support from the Mayor and Metropolitan Police to increase resources in some of our busiest central London store locations.

    “While we continue to invest significantly in schemes to deter and disrupt crime, including our state-of-the-art CCTV monitoring centre and bodycams for our team members in stores, it is only through close partnership working with Government, Police, and local communities, that we can ensure high streets feel like welcoming and safe spaces for people to work, shop and visit, all the time.”

    Against the backdrop of these improvements and increased demand for policing in London, tough choices are still being made across the organisation.

    The Met is shrinking overall by 1,700 officers and staff – they have started by moving officers from the dedicated Royal Parks policing team and schools officers into local policing teams. This will ensure officers are part of larger neighbourhood policing teams, policing parks as part of larger teams and ensuring children are safe on their school commute where they are most at risk.

    The Met are going further to place officers on the beat, ensuring London is a safer place to live, work and visit. A more visible presence will increase reassurance for the public and create a hostile environment for criminals who will be arrested in greater numbers.

    The Met secured additional funding after submitting their draft budget which laid out how they would spend their money in 2025/26. As a result, they are using £32 million of additional funding from City Hall and the Home Office to reduce the total officer and staff reductions in priority areas.

    The efficiency savings are due to real-term reductions in public spending on policing and every decision the Met makes is to ensure resources are focussed in the most vital areas and on core-policing priorities.

    The funding will also allow specialist police capabilities to be expanded to support neighbourhood policing priorities and improve out outcomes in tackling high-harm offenders and violence against women and girls. This will include:

    • Bolstering Flying Squad with over 50 additional officers to support neighbourhood policing as they tackle the organised crime gangs that fuel phone robbery and shoplifting.
    • Scaling up our use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) more widely supported by additional officers and staff. Currently LFR is used four times a week across two days, but this will increase up to five days a week, delivering up to 10 deployments a week across London to drive up arrests of wanted offenders.
    • The Public Order Crime Team will expand to accommodate the rise in protest-related criminal investigations to ensure frontline officers are freed up to focus on local issues. Demand in this area increased in the last two years.
    • Additional resource will be funded to support local policing teams to coordinate work to hunt down dangerous and predatory offenders identified in our V100 and Violence Harm Assessment work.

    As well as targeting resource in specific priority areas, the funding has allowed the Met to reduce some of the previously outlined cuts – including providing 17 officers to join neighbourhood policing teams to support the continued policing of Royal Parks as part of our business as usually work and stopping previously proposed reductions to Flying Squad.

    The Met is also publishing A New Met for London: Phase 2 – a plan for the next three years, following the success of the first plan to deliver more trust, less crime and high standards.

    The new plan focusses on shedding distractions and bureaucracy that divert police away from crime-fighting, allowing our officers and staff to focus on what matters most to the public we serve, making greater use of technologies such as live facial recognition and automation, and providing officers and staff with the tools and equipment they need, to be more effective and more productive.

    The Met is asking the public for their views. To share your views complete this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6NCR3LH

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met prioritises neighbourhood policing to tackle crime in London hotspots

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Metropolitan Police is ruthlessly prioritising resources and putting more officers on the beat in the busiest parts of London – including the West End – to focus on core policing priorities, protect the public, and tackle areas with high crime.

    Despite the Met getting smaller, it is applying more resources and smarter tactics to tackle the biggest priorities.

    Up to 80 more officers will join the dedicated West End team to bear down on crimes which Londoners care about the most – including antisocial behaviour, violence against women and girls, shoplifting and phone robbery – as part of the Met’s focus on neighbourhood policing.

    The intensified action is part of ongoing work by the Met and Mayor of London to boost local neighbourhood teams, enhance partnership working and put high visibility policing at the heart of fighting crime and rebuilding trust.

    The West End will see its policing team grow by over 50 per cent so they can relentlessly target prolific offenders as well as being visible and approachable to protect the public and deter criminals.

    Six town centre teams will also be expanded or newly created with 90 additional officers in areas with the highest volumes of thefts and robberies covering Brixton, Kingston, Ealing, Finsbury Park, Southwark, and Spitalfields.

    Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

    “The Met is getting smaller but more capable. We have a laser-like focus on ensuring our officers and staff are in roles where they can drive down crime on issues that matter the most to Londoners.

    “This is what the public expects of the police, which is why we are putting neighbourhood policing first, tackling the crimes that we know are impacting the public in the busiest areas, and making the capital’s streets safer.

    “We’re adding up to 170 additional officers, split between the West End and town centres across London. Thanks to the hard work of our local teams, neighbourhood crime has already fallen by almost a fifth over the last year and moving these officers to the frontline will make sure we are a more visible presence in London.

    “While our budget has decreased in real terms, we are using this additional funding from City Hall and Home Office productively to support our mission to take a targeted approach to tackling volume crime and bolster our specialist tactics to disrupt the criminal gangs who fuel anti-social behaviour, robbery and theft.”

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

    “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe. Thanks to record funding from City Hall, the West End will see a 50 per cent increase in the number of police officers on the beat and an additional 90 police officers working in new or enhanced town centre teams in hotspot areas.

    “Despite years of austerity by the previous government, this is the latest example of the Met Police and I prioritising what Londoners want and delivering on our pledge to put high visibility policing at the heart of fighting crime and rebuilding community confidence and trust.

    “These new and boosted Safer Neighbourhood Teams will focus on tackling antisocial behaviour, phone robbery and shoplifting in key areas. This fresh targeted action is happening in tandem with enhanced police and partnership work already underway in our high streets and town centres this summer. We will continue to build on the crime reductions already achieved in the capital – with robbery, theft and knife crime down since the start of the financial year – to build a safer London for all.”

    Already, the Met has recruited over 300 additional PCSOs for neighbourhood policing teams towards a target of 500, as well as adding over 300 officers from Superintendents to Constables.

    This work to focus resource in the right places, builds on enhanced partnership action with local authorities, businesses and communities to tackle crime in London’s busy town centres and high streets, announced earlier this month.

    The Met is arresting 1000 more criminals each month and thanks to the hard work of its officers, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), local authorities and partners, the first six weeks of this financial year have seen promising reductions in a number of crime types compared to the same period last year.

    • Neighbourhood crime down by 15.3 per cent
    • Knife crime down by 18.1 per cent
    • Residential burglary down by 17.7 per cent
    • Theft from the person down by 15.6 per cent
    • Personal robbery down by 12.8 per cent
    • Shoplifting – solved 163 per cent more cases this year
    • In the West End specifically the Met has reduced:
    • Personal robbery by 20%
    • Violence with injury by 25%
    • Violence against a person by 8%

    Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance:

    “A safer West End is essential to its success. We welcome the Mayor and Met Commissioner’s response to our calls for more policing. With over 200 million visitors a year and a £50 billion contribution to the UK economy, keeping this district secure isn’t optional — it’s vital. We’ll continue working with the Met to protect the West End’s reputation as a world-class destination.”

    Dee Corsi, Chief Executive, New West End Company, said:

    “We know, first-hand, the incredible work that the Metropolitan Police Service undertakes every day here in the West End to tackle anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, phone robbery and violence against women and girls. But we also know that tackling complex crime challenges is more difficult when resources are squeezed. That’s why today’s announcement, and renewed commitment to the West End, is a critical step forward. We will continue to work in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, the Mayor of London and other local stakeholders to ensure the West End remains safe and welcoming for all.”

    Anthony Hemmerdinger, Managing Director, Boots said:

    “Retail theft alongside intimidation and abuse of our team members is unacceptable, so we welcome this additional support from the Mayor and Metropolitan Police to increase resources in some of our busiest central London store locations.

    “While we continue to invest significantly in schemes to deter and disrupt crime, including our state-of-the-art CCTV monitoring centre and bodycams for our team members in stores, it is only through close partnership working with Government, Police, and local communities, that we can ensure high streets feel like welcoming and safe spaces for people to work, shop and visit, all the time.”

    Against the backdrop of these improvements and increased demand for policing in London, tough choices are still being made across the organisation.

    The Met is shrinking overall by 1,700 officers and staff – they have started by moving officers from the dedicated Royal Parks policing team and schools officers into local policing teams. This will ensure officers are part of larger neighbourhood policing teams, policing parks as part of larger teams and ensuring children are safe on their school commute where they are most at risk.

    The Met are going further to place officers on the beat, ensuring London is a safer place to live, work and visit. A more visible presence will increase reassurance for the public and create a hostile environment for criminals who will be arrested in greater numbers.

    The Met secured additional funding after submitting their draft budget which laid out how they would spend their money in 2025/26. As a result, they are using £32 million of additional funding from City Hall and the Home Office to reduce the total officer and staff reductions in priority areas.

    The efficiency savings are due to real-term reductions in public spending on policing and every decision the Met makes is to ensure resources are focussed in the most vital areas and on core-policing priorities.

    The funding will also allow specialist police capabilities to be expanded to support neighbourhood policing priorities and improve out outcomes in tackling high-harm offenders and violence against women and girls. This will include:

    • Bolstering Flying Squad with over 50 additional officers to support neighbourhood policing as they tackle the organised crime gangs that fuel phone robbery and shoplifting.
    • Scaling up our use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) more widely supported by additional officers and staff. Currently LFR is used four times a week across two days, but this will increase up to five days a week, delivering up to 10 deployments a week across London to drive up arrests of wanted offenders.
    • The Public Order Crime Team will expand to accommodate the rise in protest-related criminal investigations to ensure frontline officers are freed up to focus on local issues. Demand in this area increased in the last two years.
    • Additional resource will be funded to support local policing teams to coordinate work to hunt down dangerous and predatory offenders identified in our V100 and Violence Harm Assessment work.

    As well as targeting resource in specific priority areas, the funding has allowed the Met to reduce some of the previously outlined cuts – including providing 17 officers to join neighbourhood policing teams to support the continued policing of Royal Parks as part of our business as usually work and stopping previously proposed reductions to Flying Squad.

    The Met is also publishing A New Met for London: Phase 2 – a plan for the next three years, following the success of the first plan to deliver more trust, less crime and high standards.

    The new plan focusses on shedding distractions and bureaucracy that divert police away from crime-fighting, allowing our officers and staff to focus on what matters most to the public we serve, making greater use of technologies such as live facial recognition and automation, and providing officers and staff with the tools and equipment they need, to be more effective and more productive.

    The Met is asking the public for their views. To share your views complete this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6NCR3LH

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mrvan Holds Workforce Roundtable

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN)

    Gary, IN – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) and Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) held a Workforce Roundtable through their roles with the New Democrat Coalition with Northwest Indiana representatives of organized labor, higher education institutions, and local nonprofit organizations to discuss the federal government’s role in strengthening the workforce through education and training initiatives.  

    The roundtable included representatives from the Center of Workforce Innovations, the Construction Advancement Foundation, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, IBEW Union 6th District, the Indiana Plan, Ironworkers Local Union 395, Ivy Tech Community College, the Northwest Indiana Building Constructions Trade Council, Operating Engineers Local Union 150, United Steelworkers Local Unions 1010 and 1014, and United Way Northwest Indiana.

    Congressman Mrvan stated, “Thank you to Rep. Budzinski, all of our colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition, and all of the participants today for this discussion on how we can continue to collaborate together to create more work and wealth in Northwest Indiana and communities across our country.  Northwest Indiana is a community of people who work hard to get ahead, and I am grateful that this conversation can focus on the invaluable contributions from labor unions and their apprenticeship programs, nonprofits with dedicated job training resources, and technical education programs offered at high schools and institutions of higher education.  This region’s commitment to education and training sends a clear message that Northwest Indiana is not only open for business, but we have the skilled workforce to get the job done.”

    Congresswoman Budzinski stated, “I was excited to join Congressman Mrvan for our seventh New Dems on the Road stop to talk about a workforce development agenda that meets the demands of the 21st century economy.  As a trade unionist, I know that a traditional four-year degree is far from the only path to a successful career – in fact, programs like registered apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities for folks to learn in-demand skills and get connected with good-paying jobs. It was great to hear from union leaders, community colleges, and local nonprofits about the work they’re doing in Indiana to expand access to these job training programs, and I look forward to bringing the insights from this conversation back to Washington, DC.”

    For additional information on the New Democrat Coalition workforce initiatives, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement At Spotlight Forum Examining Trump Administration’s Voter Suppression Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 30, 2025

    Today’s spotlight forum comes after Durbin and Padilla led all Senate Democrats in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at his and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-CA) spotlight forum entitled “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.” Today’s spotlight forum examined the recent surge in voter suppression by Republican state legislatures and the Trump Administration, ranging from attempts to purge voter rolls to the push to invalidate the results of the 2024 North Carolina State Supreme Court election through targeted disenfranchisement of voters after they had cast their ballots.

     

    Today’s spotlight forum comes after Durbin and U.S. Senator Reverand Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led all Senate Democrats in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act.

     

    Key quotes:

    “We are here today because the sacred right to vote in America is under attack. Republican elected officials—and now federal institutions under the Trump Administration—are attempting to further restrict access to the ballot under the false banner of ‘election integrity.’ Most disturbingly, some of these efforts are being carried out or enabled by the very government entities charged with protecting that right.”

    “This betrayal is deliberate. It is strategic. It is eroding the foundation of our democracy. Let me be clear. There is no longer a functioning federal entity actively safeguarding your right to vote.”

    “The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, once the proud defender of voting access for communities of color, military service members, rural voters, and people with disabilities, has turned inward. Under a reimagined mission, aligned with MAGA politics and driven by the lies of widespread voter fraud, the Division’s Voting Section has completely abdicated its role in confronting the real and rising tide of disenfranchisement.”

    “Look at North Carolina, where there was an aggressive, though thankfully unsuccessful, attempt to discard valid ballots and overturn an election after Justice Allison Riggs—now a member of the state’s highest court and a witness here today— finally won her seat.”

    “Look at our federal agencies. The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security are making demands for voter rolls from multiple states to initiate voter roll purges. These efforts, made under the guise of combating fraud, will disproportionately endanger voters of color, low-income communities, and active-duty military personnel.”

    “What we are witnessing today is not a series of isolated misjudgments. This is a coordinated effort—emboldened by the myth of the stolen 2020 election—to restrict access to the polls through redistricting, voter roll purges, and legislative barriers.”

    “We must treat this effort to erode our democracy with the urgency it demands. Yesterday, I joined Senators Warnock, Schumer, Blumenthal, Booker, [and Padilla], in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This legislation would restore and strengthen preclearance protections gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013 and reestablish meaningful federal oversight of voting laws in jurisdictions with a history of discrimination.”

    “The last time the Voting Rights Act was reauthorized, the Senate unanimously passed the legislation… This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the passage of the original Voting Rights Act, and 20 years since its last reauthorization—and unfortunately, the bipartisan support we once saw for protecting the most fundamental of our rights has disappeared.”

    “Have we forgotten Selma? Have we forgotten that people bled on the bridge and others lost their lives so that all Americans could have the freedom to cast their ballot without intimidation and baseless, discriminatory restrictions?”

    “We must act—not just to protect the future, but to honor the legacy of those who fought to secure the ballot. History is watching, and it will not be kind to silence.”

    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    -30-

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 30, 2025

    Durbin’s questions provided the nominees a chance to clarify their controversial positions and past remarks before the Committee

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Joshua Dale Dunlap, nominated to be a United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit; Eric Chunyee Tung, nominated to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; William Walter Mercer, nominated to be a United States District Judge for the District of Montana; and Stephen Chad Meredith, nominated to be a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

     

    Durbin first asked Mr. Tung to clarify his commentary on gender roles and LGBTQ+ rights. Just months ago, in remarks for a Federalist Society event, Mr. Tung defended originalism and wrote, “Whether there’s a constitutional right to abortion, same-sex marriage, sodomy, pornography, transgender procedures — the answer for the originalist is simple: No.”

     

    “You seem to be questioning landmark Supreme Court decisions like Lawrence v. Texas and Obergefell [v. Hodges.] Let me ask you point blank: do you believe there’s a constitutional right formarriage for same-sex couples?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Tung responded only that if confirmed as a circuit judge, he would “be bound” by the precedent in the Supreme Court’s ruling.

     

    “What do you believe now [in regard to gender roles?]” Durbin asked.

     

    Mr. Tung dodged the question by stating that he could not comment on “live issues” as a judicial nominee.”

     

    Durbin responded, “See that is where we run into problems. When we get down to basic values and positions, we know what he [wrote] years ago. I asked him what he believes today, and he tells me he can’t tell me the answer because he is possibly going to be on the bench. So, it’s very difficult to really understand where you stand on this situation.”

     

    Durbin then asked Mr. Dunlap about minors’ abortion rights. In March 2015, Mr. Dunlap submitted written testimony to the Maine Legislature in support of a bill that would have made it more difficult forminors and incapacitated people to access abortions. The bill he supported sought to change Maine law which does not require minors to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before having an abortion.

     

    “Should a minor who is sexually assaulted or a victim of incest be forced to give birth if her parents do not consent to her having an abortion? Durbin asked.

    Mr. Dunlap would not directly answer but claimed that his own views would not be relevant if he is confirmed to the bench and that he would “faithfully” abide by binding precedent.

     

    “Let me ask you: are you saying what you said [in] March 2015 is the same position you hold today or a different one?” Durbin asked.

     

    Mr. Dunlap again said his personal views are not applicable if confirmed as a judge.

     

    What about Obergefell? Durbin asked.

    Mr. Dunlap responded, “that would be binding precedent should I be confirmed.”

     

    Durbin then asked Mr. Tung about his affiliation with Mike Davis, the president of the right-wing Article III Project. According to public reporting, Mr. Davis has played a key role in advising President Trump on judicial nominations during his second term.

     

    “Is he [Mike Davis] your friend?” Durbin asked.

     

    To which Mr. Tung replied that they are friends.

     

    “Have you had any conversations regarding your nomination before President Trump announced it on July 2? Durbin asked.

     

    “Just simply that it happened, Senator,” Mr. Tung responded.

     

    Durbin then asked about Mr. Davis’s overtly racist remarks. In an October 2023 social media post, Mr. Davis wrote “[t]he violent Black underclass is a danger to America” and “[t]hese monsters will kill.”

     

    “Do you condemn this offensive statement by Mr. Davis?” Durbin asked.

     

    Mr. Tung refused to fully condemn the statement and instead said only that Mr. Davis’s comments “are not necessarily my views.”

     

    Video of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

     

    During the second round of questions, Durbin asked Mr. Mercer about his views of January 6 defendants.

     

    “What is your reaction to the full and unconditional pardon of the January 6 defendants by President Trump?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Mercer refused to answer the question and instead said the judiciary has no involvement with the pardon power.

    Durbin then asked Mr. Meredith about his anti-choice record. Beginning in 2017, Mr. Meredith defended Kentucky law that required doctors to present certain information to patients before performing an abortion procedure. As part of his defense of that law, he stated, “not every patient understands the consequences of an abortion procedure.”

     

    “Do you believe that female patients are less likely or less able to understand medical advice than male patients? Durbin asked.

    Mr. Meredith asked Durbin to clarify.

     

    “Well, you said not every patient understands the consequences and we know we’re talking about primarily of women of childbearing status. You went onto say there are a ‘number of patients who don’t understand the nature of the fetus [within them].’ Do you believe that female patients are less likely to understand this?” Durbin asked.

     

    Mr. Meredith claimed that he was summarizing the evidence in the record for the court.

     

    “If you want to clarify what you said in light of what I quoted, please do so. At this point, I think there really is serious question as to what you’re trying to say,” Durbin responded.

     

    Video of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall & Baldwin Introduce Legislation to End Dairy Mislabeling

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) to introduce the bipartisan Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, milk, and cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act (DAIRY PRIDE Act) of 2025. This legislation will ensure that non-dairy products cannot engage in duplicitous labeling practices, such as calling non-dairy imitation products “milk” or “yogurt” that do not contain dairy and are instead from a plant, nut, or grain.
    “Consumers deserve clear, honest labels on the products they purchase. Misleading labels on non-dairy products, which are often nutritionally inferior, cause confusion and undermine the value of real dairy,” said Senator Marshall. “With 90% of Americans falling short of daily dairy intake recommendations, milk stands out as an excellent source of critical nutrients like Calcium and Vitamin D, essential for building strong bones in kids and adults. These imitation products not only fail to match the 13 essential nutrients found in whole milk but also harm dairy farmers who tirelessly meet rigorous health standards to deliver the most nutritious drink known to man.”
    “Wisconsin is known across the world as America’s Dairyland because our hardworking dairy farmers produce the best products with the highest nutritional value,” said Senator Baldwin. “But, for far too long, imitation dairy products made from plants and nuts have ridden the coattails of our dairy farmers and gotten away with using dairy’s good name without meeting those standards. I’m proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to settle this once and for all by requiring the federal government to stop these imitation products of lesser nutritional value from using labels like milk, cheese, and yogurt.”
    The legislation was cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Angus King (I-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), and Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota).
    “Dairy comes from cows, goats, and sheep—not almonds. Plant-based products’ misleading branding is a disservice to consumers and the farmers who dedicate their lives to making the nutritious dairy products Idahoans enjoy,” said Senator Risch. “The DAIRY PRIDE Act requires the FDA to enforce accurate definitions for dairy terminology, end deceptive labeling, and advocate for the farmers who feed us.”
    “As an Aroostook County native, I know how essential the dairy industry is to Maine’s economy and how hard our state’s dairy farmers work to produce nutritious milk, yogurt, cheese, and other products. It is unfair for non-dairy products to capitalize on milk’s nutritious brand,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would help protect our dairy farmers and the quality of their goods by requiring non-dairy producers to accurately label their products.”
    “Our dairy farms are the heart of Vermont’s economy, our history, and our communities.  The work they do should be protected and supported. That’s why I’m proud to join Senators Baldwin, Risch, and Collins in introducing the bipartisan DAIRY PRIDE Act,” said Senator Welch. “This bill will give our farmers much needed support and correct FDA’s misguided efforts to allow non-dairy products to use dairy names—giving dairy farmers the protections they need to thrive.”
    This legislation is supported by the National Milk Producers Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation, EDGE Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Midwest Dairy Coalition, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Idaho Dairymen’s Association, and Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI).
    Click here to read the full bill text.
    Background:

    Current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations define dairy products as being from animals. But the most recent FDA guidance on fluid dairy products allows plant-based alternatives to continue to use dairy terms despite not containing dairy.
    The DAIRY PRIDE Act would require the FDA to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled imitation dairy products within 90 days and require the FDA to report to Congress two years after enactment to hold the agency accountable for this update in its enforcement obligations.
    Senator Marshall understands the nutritional importance of real, whole dairy products. He introduced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would expand healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall’s Bill to Strengthen Employee Ownership in America Unanimously Passes Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) unanimously voted to advance the bipartisan Retire through Ownership Act. This bill provides legal and regulatory clarity, making the formation of new employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) easier and operating current ESOPs less burdensome.“Kansans are known for their work ethic, and they deserve a secure retirement following a lifetime of hard work,” said Senator Marshall. “Today, every Republican and Democrat member of the HELP Committee voted to advance my bipartisan legislation that will make it easier for Americans to save for the future and retire with confidence. I urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation.”
    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: We’re Not Tired of Winning

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins the Brian Kilmeade Show to Discuss Trump Trade Deals, the MAHA Movement, and Democrats Obstructing Confirmations
    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Brian Kilmeade on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio to discuss President Trump’s historic trade deals and what they mean specifically for Kansas agriculture, MAHA movement momentum, China deterrence, and Senate Democrats’ attempts to obstruct the confirmation process.

    Click HERE or on the image above to listen to Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On President Trump’s trade deals:
    “Brian, I mean, we’re ecstatic, absolutely ecstatic. Every time I see the President, I’ll tell him we’re not tired of winning. But you know, who’s excited about these trade deals are my Kansas farmers and the aerospace industry. What Kansas exports are agriculture products and airplanes, and jets. So just ecstatic about these deals. The President removing these non-trade barriers all these countries, in addition to giving us basically zero types of penalties going into their country’s tariffs, but they’re also opening their markets, and they’re moving investment into America. Just this past week, I had several of the large pharma companies who make their drugs overseas, very popular, very successful [say that] they’re moving that manufacturing here, so we’re all excited about them.”
    On Fed Chair Powell and interest rates:
    “I sure hope so. Jerome “too late” Powell, he is too late, kind of like “too tall” Jones. This is Jerome “too late” Powell. He should have cut it a quarter point, some time ago, a quarter point now, half point in the future. He’s a lame duck, and I don’t know what he’s going to do. If he doesn’t drop something today, I just have to think it’s politically or emotionally motivated.”
    On the progress of the MAHA movement:
    “Yeah, we’re making great progress. Making incredible progress. We have a group of bills that will help support that movement as well. A group of bills that’s going to make our soil healthier, help our farmers grow more with less pesticides, and with less fertilizers. The thing I’m worried about right now, which is coming to my attention, Brian is China continues to make a lot of knockoffs. So, for instance, China is making a knockoff of a GLP-1, that they’re sending to the US, that’s compounded into a pharmacy. 14 people have died from that. So, one of my big emphases here is moving all that supply chain back to the United States. It’s easier said than done.”
    On U.S.-China trade deals:
    “The big picture is that with China, we have a $270 billion trade deficit to address. I think that people missed the calculated way that the Trump administration is doing this. Basically, they boxed in China. Think about it. They’ve done the EU. They’ve done Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia, so that by having bilateral trade agreements with them, it’s putting a lot of pressure on China. One other thing China does to cheat is they’ll send a bunch of T-shirts that they made or tennis shoes, and they’ll send them to Vietnam, and then Vietnam is getting them in at their lower tariff rate. So, the President is doubling up on that type of transaction to make sure that those are tarred appropriately. So, we absolutely are getting there. To your point, I’m much more concerned about fentanyl poisoning, their intellectual property theft, the counterfeits they make, all those things. But I have faith in Scott Bessent. This guy is one of the sharpest people I’ve ever met.”
    On Democrats stalling nominations and spending bills:
    “I think this is the big political picture here, and you get this, but what’s driving the Democrat Party right now is the far left. Chuck Schumer is scared to death of AOC on the far left, so they’re demanding he’s got to do something. He’s got to do something. So, he’s doing everything in his power to gum up the process, whether it’s nominations or appropriations bills as well. He’s in a panicked mode right now, and he’s lashing out, slowing up what is traditionally done. People that would pass with unanimous consent and take zero floor time, we’re having to vote on them three times and spend two hours or more on each one of them. So, if they’re going to keep doing that, then we just need to stay here in August till we get more of these people confirmed.
    On the Senate delaying recess until nominations are confirmed:
    “The Democrats secretly want to all go home, right? That is their number one priority. These people are professional politicians; they’re used to having all summer off. And by the way, when I go back, I’m going to work harder back in Kansas than I do here. Then, at the same time, their leader is scared to death. I can’t believe he’s still there. Their leader hasn’t been fired yet, but he’s scared to death to be in a primary. So it’s all about his political legacy right now, keeping that together. But I just have to emphasize, Brian, yes, I want to go home, but I’ve done four telephone town halls up here with people back in Kansas in the last two weeks, with over 5,000 people on each one of those calls. You can go home on weekends. We’ve had significant, strong events as well. We could stay for easily two weeks, and still go back and accomplish that mission of targeting the great things about the Big Beautiful Bill, whether it’s the biggest tax cut in American history or no tax on tips, all those types of things. So, I think we can walk and chew gum. But, what we could do most to help the people of America is get President Trump’s nominations confirmed so they can execute his agenda.”
    On Democrats battling each other on bipartisan bills:
    “First of all, the one thing I learned politically up here is when your opponent is forming a circular firing squad, don’t hop in the middle of them. So, I think we need to give them all the rope we can on this. This kind of takes us back to what I was talking about earlier. The far left of the Democrat Party is the tail wagging the dog. Here’s Cory Booker running for president, right? He’s trying to reach that primary base, saying he’s the most radical, progressive person up here. That’s what he’s doing right there. And again, this is a party that won’t stop digging. They’re in this hole. They have no respect for law and order. They he just keep digging and digging. These bills that she’s proposing are bipartisan, stronger law and order support the police. He’s out there still shouting like this mayor candidate from New York that wants to defund the police. So, I think this is all political. They’re more interested in running for president, Cory Booker is. Then here, you have Amy Klobuchar, who’s one of the most moderate Democrats, level-headed people up here. And to be honest, it’s just been a joy to get to know and work with her. We’re in bipartisan prayer breakfast together. It’s something you’ll never see, but she gave just an incredible lesson to us today about life in our bipartisan prayer breakfast.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: The USDA is Coming to Kansas City

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Questions Deputy Secretary of Agriculture About the USDA Reorganization
    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned Deputy Secretary of Agriculture,The Honorable Stephen Alexander Vaden, during a recent Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hearing focused on the recently announced USDA reorganizational proposal.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full exchange.
    Highlights from the hearing include: 
    On why the USDA relocation to Kansas City makes sense:
    Senator Marshall: “Mr. Vaden, welcome. Glad you’re here today. In your testimony, you were mentioning some of the advantages of moving to some of these communities. And I would just point out that you failed to mention that moving to Kansas City that suddenly you would have the advantage of being a Chiefs fan, rather than suffering through another year here with the Washington Commanders. You failed to mention, to be within an hour of the most storied basketball program in the nation, and just barely two hours away from the first land-grant university in America.
    “And I just would want to give you a chance to talk a little bit more. You think about the Kansas City Metro, within a two-hour drive of the Iowa State University, the Nebraska University, Missouri, Arkansas…. How far away is Auburn? Not too far. So, my point is, you know what? You can’t coach talent. You have to have talent, and within just miles of there, some of the greatest ag research in the world. How important is that to American agriculture to have, let alone the affordability issues you mentioned?”
    Deputy Secretary Vaden: “It’s vital. And I want to add to the mix, NBAF. We haven’t forgotten about that. You haven’t either. I know there’s some unfinished business left there. But when you think about the potential that facility has and the technology and level of research that can go on there that are vital for the future of American agriculture, you’ve pointed to many of the reasons why Kansas City also joined as one of our five hubs.
    “The Department put some thought into this. We want to spark that level of collaboration that you have noted, whether it be with our land grant and non-land grant university partners, whether it be with individual farmers, whether it be with the local Chamber of Commerce in an area that is driven and motivated, even though it may be in an urban setting, by agriculture.
    “I know that you’re well aware that the Federal Reserve has a location in Kansas City, and that we’re looking at the shape of the agricultural economy for inclusion in the Beige Book, so we look to what the Kansas City Fed has to say. USDA will be able to take advantage of all of these synergies, and not only Kansas City, but the other hubs that we have laid out.”
    On the USDA’s right to reinitiate the relocation process:
    Senator Marshall: “Over the past four years, it was reported that only 6% of USDA employees were in the office as well. And more and more, just a crescendo of complaints from my ag producers back home that they could work with their local FSA officer or their conservation officer, but then that report would get somehow clogged here in DC. I want to compliment the White House on the $10 billion that was appropriated in [the] spring; within days, my farmers had the help that they needed.
    “And then, more recently, I think it was a $16 billion, so something is working, right from a standpoint of customer services. And I just can’t help but think when you’re when you have people working for USDA out there, going to church, going to the soccer match, all those type of things with the local farmers and ranchers, is going to be a better service of wealth. So just talk about customer service, how that was going to be impacted by these people, the net, net moving out into the hinterlands, as we call it.”
    Deputy Secretary Vaden: “Well, I don’t consider it the hinterlands, I consider it home, Senator. But with regard to having more people in the field, we agree with you that we think the level of service will improve. Not only do we agree with you, even if we had a disagreement, the Congress has legislated on this point, and this is another matter that drove our consideration of this plan, and that’s looking at USDA reorganization authority, which was granted to us by the Congress in 1953.
    “And if you actually look at the statute, I’m a former judge, so I tend to look at statutes. What does the statute say? The statute says, in carrying out this law, quote, ‘the Secretary shall seek to simplify and make efficient the operation of the Department of Agriculture, to place the administration of farm programs close to the state and local levels,’ close quote from the statute. This is exactly what Congress intended: the maximum amount of USDA resources dedicated out in the field, not in Washington, D.C.”
    Senator Marshall: “Just want to make one last point, President Trump’s tariffs are working. He has made incredible trade deals that are going to open up markets that we never had access to before. We’ve never sold a cheeseburger in all of Europe. Ethanol: 40% of our corn crop goes to ethanol. Suddenly, the EU, UK, and all these countries are going to be buying ethanol as well. We’re seeing manufacturing jobs move back to this country because of these tariffs as well. American agriculture will benefit significantly from long-term trade. Agreements for long-term success as well, and we can’t wait to see what’s next coming out of the White House and the tariffs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Government releases important review into the Over-Representation of First Nations People in the ACT Criminal Justice System

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 30/07/2025 – Joint media release

    The ACT Government has today released the Jumbunna Institute’s final report of its Independent Review into the Over-Representation of First Nations People in the ACT Criminal Justice System.

    This comprehensive report was commissioned by the ACT Government to help address this significant issue in our community.

    The ACT Government thanks the Jumbunna Institute for this extensive and comprehensive report.

    The review contains 99 recommendations that span across the spectrum of ACT Government, including corrective services, community supports, policing, courts and sentencing, the administration of bail, youth justice, child protection, and education.

    The recommendations range across numerous themes including the need to address systemic racism, improved access to data, increased First Nations involvement in governance structures, and increased accountability.

    It has also identified the need to build on and expand important government programs and services that already exist in youth justice, child protection, the Galambany Court, bail support, post-release support and detainee programs.

    The ACT Government remains committed to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our justice system.

    As this review shows, this is a complex challenge that will require a whole-of-government and community approach.

    Given the large number of recommendations, we will now consider the review thoroughly before providing an interim response in September.

    In developing this report, the Jumbunna Institute undertook extensive consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and organisations, as well as non-Aboriginal organisations with First Nations programs and staff.

    Key ACT Government stakeholders were also included in the consultation process, including ACT Policing, ACT Corrective Services, ACT Courts and Tribunal and the Education Directorate.

    There is a significant amount of evidence contained in the Final Report of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s lived experience and history. The ACT Government acknowledges the courage of those sharing their perspectives and experiences and is committed to hearing and responding to their contributions.

    Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Tara Cheyne:

    “This review provides an honest and critical assessment of how our justice system affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It reinforces the need to ensure that our laws, institutions and processes deliver justice fairly and equitably for everyone.

    “As Attorney-General, I take seriously the responsibility to lead reforms that uphold human rights, build public trust, and ensure better outcomes for First Nations people. I recognise this report lays bare that for change to occur, the recommendations need to be considered in totality and through their interconnectedness, and all parts and levels of Government need to share a commitment to achieving better outcomes. We will consider the recommendations in full and work closely with community and across government to deliver meaningful change.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Suzanne Orr:

    “The over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the justice system is one of the starkest examples of where our systems and institutions are failing.

    “While other states and territories may be walking back their commitments for justice reform this report is the start of the ACT walking with community to do much much more.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Yvette Berry:

    “This report highlights the need for our education system to be a safe and supportive space for all students, and to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can thrive.

    “We are committed to embedding cultural safety, inclusive practices, and trauma-informed responses in our schools. Education must play a leading role in breaking cycles of disadvantage and ensuring every young person is supported to succeed.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Marisa Paterson:

    “The over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our justice system is unacceptable and must change. This report is an important reminder of work still to be done.”

    “ACT Corrective Services has already begun work to improve outcomes, but this review provides a valuable and necessary roadmap for deeper reform. I am committed to ensuring our correctional system is safe, culturally appropriate, and genuinely rehabilitative.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson:

    “This report reinforces the urgent need to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the justice system.

    “We are committed to supporting initiatives to divert young people away from the system and providing a trauma informed and culturally safe response.”

    Quotes attributable to Chris Cunneen, Professor of Criminology at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney

    “Jumbunna has provided the ACT Government with a comprehensive blueprint for tackling the problem of First Nations over-representation in the criminal legal system.

    “Our report has practical recommendations for reform related to a range of matters involving child protection, youth justice, policing, bail, sentencing, the AMC and post-release support.

    “The report also has proposals aimed at more structural issues including addressing systemic racism and improving processes for First Nations decision-making and government accountability.

    “We particularly acknowledge the wide support and participation we received from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT.”

    – Statement ends –

    Tara Cheyne, MLA | Suzanne Orr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Marisa Paterson, MLA | Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac makes annual tender decisions

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to reduce the cost of some funded medicines to free up money for new medicines.

    “For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.  

    “The annual tender helps us manage how much New Zealand spends on medicines by reducing the cost of those we already fund. This frees up money to fund new medicines.

    Annual tender changes allow Pharmac to free up between $30 million and $50 million annually. 

    “Each year, Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main supplier of medicines that are no longer under patent,” Mr Seymour says.

    “Medicine patents typically last for 20 years from the date of filing. Once a patent expires the doors are opened to generic competition. Other manufacturers can apply to produce and sell products containing the previously patented active ingredient. Generic market competition drives the price of medicines down significantly. 

    “Where practicable, and once relevant groups are consulted on, Pharmac might change from some original brand-name product to generic alternatives. 

    “My expectation is that Pharmac should have good processes to ensure that people with an illness, their carers and family, can provide input to decision-making processes. This is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement. 

    “People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of brand changes would be for them, and what support would be required if there was a change to their current medicine. I expect all key groups to be involved in changes to funded medicine brands through the annual tender. 

    “Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch. The community let Pharmac know that they weren’t consulted enough on the original decision. 

    “Pharmac has learnt from this. They added an additional consultation step to the annual tender process to seek feedback when considering a medicine brand change. This patient-centric approach was taken in today’s decisions. 

    “Pharmac asked for feedback from people who use the medicines in the list below, as well as from healthcare professionals and advocacy groups. The feedback has helped Pharmac shape its decisions.

    “The decisions to add an additional consultation step on the annual tender process follows the appointment of Natalie McMurtry as the incoming Chief Executive, appointing a Consumer Working Group, publishing the Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, and my letters of expectations, as positive steps towards a system which works for the people who rely on it.”

    Information onthe annual tender process can be found here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/31-july-tender-notification

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reform of import health systems begins

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is taking decisive steps to modernise New Zealand’s import health system, with a new programme aimed at significantly reducing the time it takes to develop Import Health Standards (IHSs) while maintaining the country’s world-class biosecurity protections.

    Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the current regulatory framework is over 30 years old and is struggling to adapt to today’s fast-moving global trade environment.

    “The way we develop import health standards hasn’t kept pace with the demands of modern trade and innovation. We need a system that is faster, smarter, and more responsive, without compromising our biosecurity.”

    A regulatory efficiency programme is now underway to transform the IHS development process.

    “The programme will make IHSs easier to use and understand for industry, but also much faster to develop.”  

    Mr Hoggard says one of the most promising innovations is the use of generative artificial intelligence to support pest risk analysis, standards drafting, and consultation materials.

    “We’ve already seen successful proof-of-concept trials that show AI can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete key parts of the IHS process. This is about using smart tools to do the heavy lifting, so our experts can focus on the decisions that matter most.”

    A key pilot project is the reform of the Plant Nursery Stock import system, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has started work reforming the plant import system in collaboration with importers and growers.

    “Our plant-based industries need safe and efficient access to new plant material to stay competitive, improve productivity, adapt to climate change, and meet evolving consumer preferences. We’re working closely with industry to co-design a system that works for users, supports access to new plant genetics, and protects our environment.
    These protections underpin the work of our farmers and growers, and the $59.9 billion primary sector.

    Once fully delivered, this reform programme will mean faster approvals for imported goods that New Zealand businesses need and the removal of unnecessary restrictions to growth and productivity, while still maintaining strong biosecurity protections.”

    We’re committed to building a system that supports growth, innovation, and resilience for the years ahead,” Mr Hoggard says.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom strengthens local control in Los Angeles burn scar areas

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 30, 2025

    What you need to know: In response to concerns from local elected leaders and community members about the potential for widespread SB 9 development concentrated in areas rebuilding from destructive fires and crowding evacuation routes, the Governor today issued an executive order that will give local government the discretion to limit SB 9 development in very high fire hazard severity zones within the rebuilding areas.

    LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order providing local governments with stronger authority to limit Senate Bill 9 development in high fire hazard severity zones in Los Angeles County that fall within the burn scar areas. The executive order continues the Governor’s efforts to help respond to local concerns, provide tools to address rebuilding, and ensure that communities can recover safely. Read the executive order here.

    “We will continue to assist communities in rebuilding safely in ways that are responsive to local concerns. This executive order responds directly to requests from local officials and community feedback, recognizing the need for local discretion in recovery and that not all laws are designed for rebuilding entire communities destroyed by fires overnight.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The executive order remains in effect as long as the state of emergency remains active. The order:

    • Grants local governments authority to adjust rules for SB 9 development (lot splits and duplexes in single-family residential zones) in very high fire severity zones within the LA fire burn scars. This order affects the entire Palisades within the city of LA, the eastern foothills portions of Altadena, Sunset Mesa, and Malibu. 
    • Includes a seven-day pause on SB 9 development in these specific areas while locals develop their own standards. 
    • Provides local governments with the flexibility to tailor standards based on community needs. For example, local officials could add additional mitigation requirements or designate areas within the affected zones where SB 9 development is or isn’t allowed. It allows local officials to make determinations as to what best serves their community — balancing the needs of their community and fire-resilient, safe recovery.

    The executive order is consistent with the state’s commitment to increasing the state’s housing supply and its unwavering dedication to supporting local officials in rebuilding their communities. It leaves the SB 9 framework in place everywhere other than very high fire hazard severity zones in the burn scar, and within those zones allows local leaders discretion to ensure that SB 9 development in the rebuilding areas appropriately accounts for fire safety concerns.

    Helping communities rebuild

    Today’s announcement adds to recent orders by the Governor to help the Los Angeles community recover and rebuild, including another order fast-tracking rebuilding the homes and schools affected by the disaster by suspending permitting laws and building codes, which adds to earlier orders cutting red tape and streamlining the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. The Governor also issued an executive order removing administrative barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.

    California’s all-in efforts

    Since the first day these firestorms ignited, Governor Newsom has been on the ground leading an all-in state response and recovery. 

    The Governor deployed resources before the hurricane-force fires broke out – growing to over 16,000 boots on the ground at the peak of the state’s response. And in the hours that followed, Governor Newsom launched historic recovery and rebuilding efforts to help Los Angeles get back on its feet, faster. 

    Even before the fires were out, Governor Newsom worked closely with outgoing President Joe Biden to secure a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and then coordinated with the Trump Administration to ensure comprehensive federal support for Los Angeles. 

    That work has paid dividends as the current pace of debris and hazardous waste removal is months ahead of the cleanup timeline for the Camp, Woolsey, Hill fires in 2019 and Tubbs Fire in 2017/18, which at the time were themselves the fastest of their kind. 

    State and federal officials worked hand in glove to clear hazardous waste from 9,000 homes in less than 30 days. At the project’s peak, as many as 500 crews of expert heavy equipment operators from the Army Corps of Engineers worked around the clock to rapidly clear ash, soot, and fire debris from structures damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

    By the numbers 

    • 16,000 first responders and recovery personnel deployed
    • $2.5 billion in Small Business Administration Assistance approved. 
    • $144.2 million in individual assistance disbursed
    • $100 million in dedicated community partnerships through LA Rises
    • 40,000 totals visitors to disaster recovery centers 
    • 30 days to clear properties of hazardous waste
    • 9,195 properties cleared of debris 
    • 2,300 homes cleared of debris 
    • 12,500 right of entry forms submitted 
    • 8 of 8 schools resumed in person instruction 
    • 9 of 9 water systems reactivated  

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    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 17 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) – Elections: precinct maps.AB 377 by Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Clovis) – High-Speed Rail Authority: business plan:…

    Jul 30, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard medevacs woman from cruise ship 120 miles off Washington coast

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard Northwest District PA Detachment Astoria
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria
    Office: (503) 861-6380
    After Hours: (206) 220-7237
    PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

     

    07/30/2025 07:14 PM EDT

    A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, Oregon, medevaced a woman experiencing a health emergency onboard the cruise ship Carnival Legend nearly 120 miles west of Grays Harbor, Washington, Tuesday night.  At the time of the hoist, the cruise ship was transiting from Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to San Francisco, California.  At 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Northwest District Command Center received the medevac request from the cruise ship Carnival Legend for a 71-year-old woman experiencing a cardiac event.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman on assault police charge, dangerous dog seized

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Woman on assault police charge, dangerous dog seized

    Thursday, 31 July 2025 – 9:09 am.

    A 57-year-old woman has been charged with assaulting police, and a dangerous dog seized, after an incident in East Devonport on Wednesday.
    The North-West woman was remanded in custody overnight and is scheduled to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court today.
    She is facing charges of assaulting police, abusing and threatening police, and being the owner of a dog that attacks a person.
    The charges stem from an incident at Melrose Street, East Devonport, on Wednesday afternoon.
    Police had been called to assist Devonport Council and North West Animal Control Services issue a warrant to seize an American pit bull, a dog that had been identified as being dangerous.
    Police will allege the woman refused to surrender the dog and that she threatened and verbally abused officers during the issuing of the warrant.
    Tasmania Police specialist resources were deployed and negotiations with the woman continued for several hours.
    During this time, the unrestrained dog was released by the woman and the animal ran off.
    The woman is then alleged to have assaulted police officers before being arrested without further incident and taken into custody.
    The dog was subsequently located and safely seized by police in collaboration with Animal Control Services. Police drone resources were used to help locate the dog.
    Tasmania Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in reporting sightings of the dog, which played a key role in its safe recovery.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Updated GA workplan released alongside regulatory roadmaps

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    We’re pleased to announce the release of our updated General Aviation (GA) Workplan 2025, alongside the Forward Regulatory Program and the refreshed RPAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategic Regulatory Roadmap – 3 key initiatives shaping the future of aviation in Australia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Opening Remarks on Protecting Online Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, delivered the following opening statement at the subcommittee hearing titled “Protecting the Virtual You: Safeguarding Americans’ Online Data.”

    Testifying at the hearing was Alan Butler, Executive Director and President of the Electronic Privacy Information Center; Samuel Levine, Senior Fellow at the UC Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice; Kate Goodloe, Managing Director at the Business Software Alliance; Paul Martino, General Counsel at the Main Street Privacy Coalition; and Joel Thayer, President of the Digital Progress Institute.

    A rough transcript of Klobuchar’s full opening statement is available below and a video can be downloaded here.

    Senator Klobuchar: Well. Thank you very much, Chair Blackburn, and thank you to all of our witnesses, and I’m really grateful for your leadership on these issues, Madam Chair, and your willingness to work with me and Senator Blumenthal and many others. 

    We all know new technologies have made it easier for people to monitor their health, collaborate with colleagues, communicate with loved ones, and more. But federal law doesn’t do enough, as we all know, to address the privacy that comes with these innovations, the privacy concerns.

    Technology companies collect an enormous amount of personal information about our daily lives. They know what we buy, who our friends are, where we live, where we work and travel, even how much we would be willing to pay for something. Yet, for too long, the big tech companies, many of which dominate the market that they operate in, have been telling American consumers, “Just trust us,” even though their business models are designed to collect personal information and to use it for profit. 

    The bottom line is that we are the product, we are, and that’s how many tech companies make their money, and a lot of it. In 2024, Google and Meta earned a combined $420 billion in advertising revenues alone. And they made a lot more money because Americans lack privacy protections. An American’s data earned Meta $68 in a single quarter last year. Think about that, all these people who don’t realize that they’re being tracked. But a European Facebook user with a comprehensive privacy protection only generated $23, and that money can be used for a lot of other things that people need right now.

    And it seems like every day we hear a new story about companies playing fast and loose with data and taking advantage of customers. Earlier this year, a whistleblower from Facebook, now Meta, testified to another subcommittee about how the company would track users so closely that it could identify when teenage girls felt emotionally vulnerable and then target them with ads exploiting these emotions. For example, when a teenage girl would delete a selfie, Facebook might serve her an ad for diet products. 

    Criminals also view huge troves of data as attractive targets for hacking. We’ve seen major data breaches ranging from the 2017 Equifax database breach that exposed sensitive financial information from more than 140 million individuals to the hack of Change Healthcare, affecting 190 million people and causing more than 100 electronic systems vital to the U.S. health care system to be shut down. 

    On my way here, I was on the phone with the mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, because they, like so many other jurisdictions, are responding to a targeted cyber-attack on their IT infrastructure, which has shut down some of the city’s digital services and may have compromised city employee data. 

    Once in the hands of criminals, data can be used for everything from identity theft to more serious crimes. And we all learned too tragically with the horrific murders in my state of my good friend Melissa Hortman, the former Speaker of the House, and her husband Mark how accessible personal data is, including people’s addresses, because the murderer only killed the people and went to the houses of the people whose addresses he had. 

    Businesses are also using personal data collected across the internet in novel ways, such as to set individualized prices designed to increase costs for consumers.

    Should a person, and this is a question we have to ask as Senators, really have to submit to this kind of intrusive data collection just to send a message to a friend online, to book a flight, or to order some diapers? I don’t think so. 

    That’s why more than 20 states have stepped in. I suspect today we’ll hear from some of our witnesses about the patchwork of state laws. I agree it’s a problem, but I believe we should have passed privacy legislation many, many years ago. I advocated for it back then. We tried, and in fact, in [2024], I [worked on] a comprehensive privacy bill with Senator Cantwell and Kathy McMorris Rogers, a former Republican House member. The bill would have required companies to collect only the information necessary to provide the goods and services that consumers sought, ensured consumers consented before their personal data was shared with third parties, and put consumers in control of their data by allowing them to access, correct, and even delete personal data. 

    But many of the businesses that today complain about the burden of complying with the patchwork of state laws, I have the advantage of having been there then, even before Maria Cantwell’s bill was introduced, when the companies were lobbying against a federal privacy law, and now they’re back complaining about the patchwork of laws. And I would like to change that, but I do think it’s important to know that’s why we’re in the position that we are and to understand why some of these states are looking at this going, “Wait a minute.”

    The need for federal privacy reform is even more urgent as AI continues to expand its role in to our lives. Data is both the gasoline and the engine for AI models. That means that demand for our data is skyrocketing, so it is critical that we set guardrails to ensure the data that powers AI is responsibly sourced and used for legitimate means and protected when you want to have it protected. 

    Luckily, there is a bipartisan agreement that Congress needs to act. The Commerce Committee, on which Chair Blackburn and I also sit, has seen strong bipartisan, bicameral proposals for federal privacy reform. Not everyone agrees with all of them, but there has been some start out of that committee, and I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about why we need these guardrails now. 

    Thank you, Senator Blackburn.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Cotton Back Effort to Establish Drone Production Facility at Red River Army Depot

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) joined Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and John Cornyn (R-TX) to introduce the SkyFoundry Act of 2025, legislation to establish a Department of Defense drone production facility at the Red River Army Depot to develop, produce and field drones for the Department of Defense.

    “The men and women of the Red River Army Depot are committed to providing our servicemembers with the tools they need to defend our nation,” said Boozman. “With unmanned aircraft systems playing an increasingly prominent role in modern warfare, tasking them with developing and sustaining an adequate supply of drone systems would be a win for this skilled workforce and our armed forces. I am pleased to join my colleagues to champion this effort and the Arkansans whose vital contributions to Red River support our national security and local economy.”

    “Large-scale manufacturing of small drones is critical to the Army’s current and future operational capability,” said Cotton. “This bill is a win for national security and for Arkansas as the Skyfoundry program presents a unique opportunity to more fully utilize the Army’s organic industrial base by positioning Red River Army Depot to meet the Army’s emerging requirements.”

    “Establishing a drone manufacturing facility at the Red River Army Depot will help ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of drone production,” said Cruz. “I’m proud to see the Lone Star State continuing to lead in defense innovation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to swiftly pass this legislation.”

    “Russia and China are currently outpacing America in scalable drone production and investment, making us vulnerable to national security threats if left unmatched,” said Cornyn. “This legislation seeks to close this gap and help ensure America remains competitive with our foreign adversaries by establishing a new innovation and production facility that would rapidly improve our ability to develop, test, and mass-produce small unmanned aircraft systems.”

    Specifically, the SkyFoundry Act of 2025 will:

    • Establish a production facility and innovation facility for the manufacturing and development of small unmanned aircraft systems;
    • Utilize a Government-Owned, Government-Operated Contractor Augmented (GOGO/CA) model, blending military, civilian and contract personnel; and
    • Encourage public-private partnerships with industry, academia and nonprofits.

    Boozman has continually championed efforts to support the Red River Army Depot,  successfully securing $47 million in 2024 for workforce support and recently advancing an additional $93 million in funding through the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee as part of the FY 2026 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act.  

    This legislation is supported by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce and the TexAmericas Center.

    Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10).

    The bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman-Backed Legislation to Support Veterans Passes Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, applauded the advancement of four bipartisan legislative initiatives he championed that earned the overwhelming support of his Veterans’ Affairs Committee colleagues. 

    “We must continue to honor those who have sacrificed for our country, and advancing these bills helps fulfill the promise we made to them,” said Boozman. “I am especially pleased that we passed my bipartisan effort to address a scheduling need at the VA by giving veterans the ability to easily make appointments for specialty care through one scheduling system.”

    The Improving Veteran Access to Care Act, co-led by Boozman and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), passed out of committee. This bill would create a centralized platform that streamlines the VA scheduling system by allowing multiple visits and appointments to be scheduled at once, ultimately improving and simplifying the health care scheduling process for those who have served.

    Additional approved measures championed by Boozman include legislation to expand the External Provider Scheduling Program (EPS) to reduce the time necessary for veterans to find and create medical appointments, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act to identify and ensure American-Jewish servicemembers’ headstones correctly reflect their religious affiliation, and the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025 that would raise compensation and benefits rates so they keep pace with inflation.

    The panel also passed legislation to expand and reauthorize the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which Boozman and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) designed to provide essential funding for mental health outreach in veteran communities. The senators have been working to extend and enhance the program before it expires at the end of the year.

    “This program was created out of a dire need to improve community-based resources to address the veteran suicide crisis,” said Boozman. “I am pleased we are making progress on reauthorizing this important initiative to support the great work it is producing.” 

    The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Grills Trump Admin on How So-Called ‘Reorganization Plan’ of USDA Hurts Vermont 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, grilled U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden on the Trump Administration’s reorganization plan for USDA, which will rob rural communities of vital local control and leadership. Senator Welch also questioned Dep. Sec. Vaden about how USDA plans to better balance and allocate resources to specialty crop, organic, and dairy farms in comparison to large commodity farms.  
    “Let me be candid: I have some inclination to be supportive of folks being back home, closer to where they’re serving,” said Senator Welch. “The concern I have is whether the reorganization plan is on the level—whether it’s about empowering local communities or it’s about decimating the already severely cut back work force.” 
    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ plan to restructure USDA follows the Department’s firing of 15,000 employees as part of the Trump Administration’s mass-layoff campaign of federal employees. While USDA claims the reorganization will bring USDA closer to farmers, the proposal would force more than 2,000 local USDA federal employees to relocate across five regional hubs in North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Colorado, and Utah. The location of these hubs makes it clear that USDA values large-scale commodity and row cropping farms over the small-scale farms in Vermont and the Northeast.  
    Farmers and agricultural organizations have expressed concerns over how the sudden large-scale restructuring of USDA could disrupt essential services the agency provides and erode support for farmers and rural communities. 
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden: 

    Read key excerpts of Senator Welch’s questioning below: 

    Senator Welch: “In Vermont, we’ve lost 78 staff members already. And our local USDA is terrific—they’re responsive, we call them, they give us an answer—they help us…So, how am I going to get excited about this so-called ‘reorganization plan’ where folks are going back, but we’ve already lost 78? Tell me why I should be confident about this.” 
    Mr. Vaden: “Well Senator, to use your phrase, this plan is ‘on the level.’ The Secretary and I are both serious. Employees who accept their new locations—they’ve got a job, and we’ve got an office for them, and we’re planning a new home for them in a location where their federal salary will go farther.” 
    Senator Welch: “But here’s what doesn’t make sense to me: If you believe in the local control, why do you fire local people?” 
    Mr. Vaden: “Senator, if you’re referring to the deferred resignation plan, those were voluntary decisions made by individual employees who chose—with the information that the agency provided to them—to seek a new career elsewhere.” 
    Senator Welch: “You know, you’re talking about a lot of federal workers—they felt the axe was coming down, and they had to make a choice between two really terrible things: get fired…or take the buyout. So, that doesn’t satisfy me. And again, we’ve got 78 people who wanted to stay on their jobs, buy and large, and were doing a good job and would answer the phone when I called—and they’re gone. 
    “You know what my concern is, and I’d like to be able to follow up, because I want this in the real world to be beneficial for folks in Vermont, for our farmers who are incredibly valuable citizens.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to allocate 90 billion yuan for nationwide childcare subsidies

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

    China’s central budget will allocate 90 billion yuan (about 12.6 billion U.S. dollars) this year to support the issuance of childcare subsidies, the Ministry of Finance said Wednesday.

    A woman and her child have fun at a park in Zaozhuang, east China’s Shandong Province, June 1, 2025. (Photo by Sun Zhongzhe/Xinhua)

    The fund, which is a transfer payment from the central budget, will assist local governments in issuing the subsidies, covering nearly 90 percent of the total amount distributed, ministry official Guo Yang told a press conference.

    The move follows the country’s recent introduction of a nationwide childcare subsidy program, which sets a standard of 3,600 yuan per year for each child under the age of three, and is expected to benefit more than 20 million families each year.

    The finance and healthcare departments are actively advancing the calculation and distribution of the fund, Guo said, emphasizing that through comprehensive oversight, every penny will safely reach those eligible for the support.

    According to Wang Haidong, an official with the National Health Commission (NHC), childcare subsidy applications will be gradually rolled out across China in late August, with full access expected by Aug. 31.

    EASY ACCESS TO CHILDCARE SUBSIDIES

    The subsidy can be applied for online through a unified national information system, allowing everyone to submit applications without leaving home, while offline channels and in-person services will also be in place, Wang said at the press conference.

    Those who are unable to apply online due to special circumstances can do so by going to the township or subdistrict office where the infant is registered, he added.

    Measures have been introduced to make the application process easier. Applicants, notably, only need to submit essential materials that verify the infant’s identity and caregiving relationship — such as the birth certificate and household registration book.

    A wide range of application channels will also be available, including provincial-level government service platforms and third-party platforms such as Alipay and WeChat, which are all commonly used and can be conveniently accessed online using mobile phones, Wang said.

    Guo Yanhong, deputy head of the NHC, said the subsidy is available to all eligible children, regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas, their ethnicity or region, or whether they are the first, second, or third child in the family.

    She noted that the subsidy standard was set based on factors such as childcare costs and fiscal capacity, while also drawing on international practices, as direct financial support is a common policy tool to encourage childbirth globally. In China, some local governments have piloted similar programs, which have been well-received by the public.

    EXPANDING BIRTH-FRIENDLY POLICIES

    According to Liu Hongmei at the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, China has intensified efforts to protect the maternity rights of working women.

    At the press conference, Liu said that from 2022 to 2024, the organization allocated 22.5 million yuan in employer subsidies to expand workplace childcare, making these services more accessible and affordable for working parents.

    Trade unions nationwide are encouraged to foster family-friendly workplaces through multiple measures, such as providing breastfeeding rooms for female employees, the official said.

    Liu Juan, an official of the National Healthcare Security Administration, said that a total of 253 million people were covered by China’s maternity insurance by June 2025, including rising numbers of flexible employees and migrant workers.

    Since 2021, the country’s maternity insurance benefits have been accessed 96.14 million times, with cumulative fund expenditure totaling 438.3 billion yuan, she added.

    Notably, assisted reproductive services are now covered by medical insurance across 31 provincial-level regions and in the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and painless delivery services are also covered in certain regions, according to Liu. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rainstorms leave 8 dead, 18 missing in north China county

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

    The latest round of heavy rains have left eight people dead and 18 missing in Xinglong County in north China’s Hebei Province, local authorities said late Wednesday.

    The rainstorms had wreaked havoc on some villages in Liudaohe Township, said the rescue headquarters, adding that the rescue and search operation is still ongoing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China drafts new rules to guide, evaluate government investment funds

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

    China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced on Wednesday that it is soliciting public opinions on draft plans to guide and evaluate government investment funds, aiming to better leverage their role in serving national strategies, boosting industrial upgrading, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

    The draft plan on guiding government investment funds is designed to provide robust support for major national strategies, key sectors, and areas where market mechanisms fall short. It also seeks to facilitate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, back the growth of competitive and distinctive industries, and accelerate the cultivation of new quality productive forces.

    Government investment funds are required to channel investments into sectors aligned with the encouraged industries specified in national industrial catalogs. The plan also emphasizes the need to maintain differentiated investment focuses between national and local funds, while strengthening coordination to attract more social capital and create synergistic effects.

    The draft plan on evaluating government investment funds clarifies their role in integrating market forces with government oversight, as well as supporting state-encouraged sectors and restricting regulated ones.

    As defined in the draft, national funds are government investment funds approved by the State Council and capitalized by central government departments and their affiliates. Local funds are those set up with government capital from provincial or lower-level governments, their departments, or affiliates.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Average small business tax refund tops $5k: Tax tips and traps for business owners filing their tax return – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    With CommBank data showing most small business tax refunds are processed in the first quarter of a financial year, here are some tax tips for business owners on staying financially fit and scam aware.

    Key facts:

    • New CommBank data shows on average, small business owners received a tax return of around $5,000 for financial year 2024.
    • The number of refunds processed between July and September in 2024 are 75 per cent higher than the average number processed in the prior three quarters.
    • Mining contractors, electricians, plumbers, manufacturers, small agribusinesses, and wholesale traders can expect to get the highest tax returns this year. 

    According to the data, based on funds deposited into small business customer accounts by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), states with the highest average tax refunds are ACT and Queensland ($5,700), followed by Victoria ($5,300), NSW ($4,900) and WA ($4,800).

    Interestingly, electricians and plumbing businesses top the list for average tax returns in NSW and TAS, mining contractors unsurprisingly for WA, and education and communication services for VIC, while small agriculture businesses top the average tax return in Queensland.

    Mixed emotions as tax time rolls around

    Drew Campbell, co-founder of boutique travel company Reveling – Nestled on the Gold Coast, Reveling is redefining luxury travel with a focus on immersive, small-group and private experiences across Australia and Africa. Co-founded by a team of passionate adventurers, the company is powered by a growing collective of guides, hosts, artisans, and creatives who share a love for meaningful connection through travel.

    “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people connect deeply with nature and community,” said Drew Campbell, co-founder of Reveling.

    Since its inception, Reveling has carved out a niche in the high-end travel space, offering curated experiences that blend authenticity with elegance. But behind the scenes of dreamy destinations and bespoke itineraries lies the reality of running a small business – especially during tax time.

    “Honestly, it’s a bit of both stress and excitement,” Mr Campbell admits.

    “It’s a good checkpoint to assess how we’re tracking and tidy up any loose

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On 60th Anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare, Congressman Amo Visits Providers Hit Hard by Trump’s Big, Ugly Law 

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law undercuts the promise of health care for the elderly and vulnerable, which Medicare and Medicaid were meant to fulfill.

    RIVERSIDE, RI – TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), member of the House Budget Committee, toured the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) Family Health Care- Riverside to discuss with Medicaid providers how President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law will devastate their ability to serve vulnerable Rhode Islanders. Amo met with EBCAP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lisa Denny and former Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sarah Fessler. 

    “For six decades, Medicaid and Medicare have provided essential, life-improving health care to Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law is poised to take health care from 47,000 Rhode Islanders and break the promise President Lyndon B. Johnson made 60 years ago today that our government would care for the elderly and vulnerable. Trump and Congressional Republicans’ decimation destabilizes our state’s entire health system. Today, the East Bay Community Action Program’s medical staff shared the immense challenges that Rhode Island’s health centers and their patients will face because of their new law. I won’t stop speaking out until we reverse Trump’s treacherous cuts, restore investment in Medicaid and Medicare, and ensure all Rhode Islanders have access to high-quality health care.”

    “East Bay Community Action Program provides services and resources to more than 30,000 Rhode Islanders each year,” said Jesse Shipley, Chief Operation Officer, East Bay Community Health Program. “Any health care funding reductions passed into law put our East Bay residents at risk, add continued pressure to hospitals and the health care workforce, and can contribute to reductions in health care access across our state.”

    Background

    On July 3, 2025, Congressman Amo voted no on the Big, Ugly Law after speaking out against the bill on the House Floor at 3:45 AM.

    On July 2, 2025, Amo took to the floor to urge adoption of an amendment to protect Medicaid and SNAP. Republicans stood in the way. 

    On July 1, 2025, Amo spoke out in the House Rules Committeeabout Republicans’ dastardly plan to steal from the poor to gift tax handouts to the rich. 

    Amotook to the House Floor at 3:30 AM to hit back at Republicans’ original passage of the Big, Ugly Bill in the House on May 22, 2025, before he voted no.

    On April 9, 2025, Amo slammed the Republican budget resolution on the House floor and shared the story of a Rhode Islander in the First Congressional District who would be hurt by Republican cuts. 

    On February 25, 2025, Amo took to the House Floor to slam the Republican budget resolution that threatens devastating cuts to critical programs.

    On February 24, 2025, Amo submitted two amendments to the House Committee on Rules to protect SNAP and affirm that Medicaid is a critical program for more than 306,000 Rhode Island residents. The Republican-controlled House Committee on Rules refused to consider Congressman Amo’s amendments.    

    During the House Budget Committee markup on February 13, 2025, Amo offered two amendments to support protecting and extending Medicare’s solvency as well as protecting SNAP, the Community Eligibility Provision, the School Breakfast Program, and the National School Lunch Program. Republicans voted no.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On 60th Anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare, Congressman Amo Visits Providers Hit Hard by Trump’s Big, Ugly Law 

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law undercuts the promise of health care for the elderly and vulnerable, which Medicare and Medicaid were meant to fulfill.

    RIVERSIDE, RI – TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), member of the House Budget Committee, toured the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) Family Health Care- Riverside to discuss with Medicaid providers how President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law will devastate their ability to serve vulnerable Rhode Islanders. Amo met with EBCAP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lisa Denny and former Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sarah Fessler. 

    “For six decades, Medicaid and Medicare have provided essential, life-improving health care to Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law is poised to take health care from 47,000 Rhode Islanders and break the promise President Lyndon B. Johnson made 60 years ago today that our government would care for the elderly and vulnerable. Trump and Congressional Republicans’ decimation destabilizes our state’s entire health system. Today, the East Bay Community Action Program’s medical staff shared the immense challenges that Rhode Island’s health centers and their patients will face because of their new law. I won’t stop speaking out until we reverse Trump’s treacherous cuts, restore investment in Medicaid and Medicare, and ensure all Rhode Islanders have access to high-quality health care.”

    “East Bay Community Action Program provides services and resources to more than 30,000 Rhode Islanders each year,” said Jesse Shipley, Chief Operation Officer, East Bay Community Health Program. “Any health care funding reductions passed into law put our East Bay residents at risk, add continued pressure to hospitals and the health care workforce, and can contribute to reductions in health care access across our state.”

    Background

    On July 3, 2025, Congressman Amo voted no on the Big, Ugly Law after speaking out against the bill on the House Floor at 3:45 AM.

    On July 2, 2025, Amo took to the floor to urge adoption of an amendment to protect Medicaid and SNAP. Republicans stood in the way. 

    On July 1, 2025, Amo spoke out in the House Rules Committeeabout Republicans’ dastardly plan to steal from the poor to gift tax handouts to the rich. 

    Amotook to the House Floor at 3:30 AM to hit back at Republicans’ original passage of the Big, Ugly Bill in the House on May 22, 2025, before he voted no.

    On April 9, 2025, Amo slammed the Republican budget resolution on the House floor and shared the story of a Rhode Islander in the First Congressional District who would be hurt by Republican cuts. 

    On February 25, 2025, Amo took to the House Floor to slam the Republican budget resolution that threatens devastating cuts to critical programs.

    On February 24, 2025, Amo submitted two amendments to the House Committee on Rules to protect SNAP and affirm that Medicaid is a critical program for more than 306,000 Rhode Island residents. The Republican-controlled House Committee on Rules refused to consider Congressman Amo’s amendments.    

    During the House Budget Committee markup on February 13, 2025, Amo offered two amendments to support protecting and extending Medicare’s solvency as well as protecting SNAP, the Community Eligibility Provision, the School Breakfast Program, and the National School Lunch Program. Republicans voted no.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vice Ranking Member Amo Applauds Partnership to Deliver Humanitarian Aid, Blasts Trump’s Failure to Keep Aid Promises to Starving Kids and American Producers

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, House Foreign Affairs Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI) thanked Edesia Nutrition and Ocean State Job Lot’s initiative in sending Rhode Island-made therapeutic food to aid severely malnourished children in South Sudan. Amo also called on President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to support American farmers and aid producers by delivering Edesia’s food aid to children and providing new contracts so Edesia can continue their essential work.

    “Thanks to Ocean State Job Lot and Edesia Nutrition, working in coordination with World Vision, America can still answer the call when aid is needed. By partnering together, these organizations are filling the massive gap left by President Trump in delivering needed food assistance to children around the world. Rhode Island workers and businesses are meeting the moment while Donald Trump and the State Department sit on their hands, hide behind red tape, and refuse to take accountability for literally incinerating food. Children are starving. There is no excuse for Republican inaction,”  said Vice Ranking Member Amo (D-RI).“I have pressed Secretary Rubio and his State Department underlings repeatedly to resurrect America’s aid programs. I will keep fighting to ensure our government combats childhood malnutrition and supports American farmers by delivering and continuing to fund American-made therapeutic food.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vice Ranking Member Amo Applauds Partnership to Deliver Humanitarian Aid, Blasts Trump’s Failure to Keep Aid Promises to Starving Kids and American Producers

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, House Foreign Affairs Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI) thanked Edesia Nutrition and Ocean State Job Lot’s initiative in sending Rhode Island-made therapeutic food to aid severely malnourished children in South Sudan. Amo also called on President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to support American farmers and aid producers by delivering Edesia’s food aid to children and providing new contracts so Edesia can continue their essential work.

    “Thanks to Ocean State Job Lot and Edesia Nutrition, working in coordination with World Vision, America can still answer the call when aid is needed. By partnering together, these organizations are filling the massive gap left by President Trump in delivering needed food assistance to children around the world. Rhode Island workers and businesses are meeting the moment while Donald Trump and the State Department sit on their hands, hide behind red tape, and refuse to take accountability for literally incinerating food. Children are starving. There is no excuse for Republican inaction,”  said Vice Ranking Member Amo (D-RI).“I have pressed Secretary Rubio and his State Department underlings repeatedly to resurrect America’s aid programs. I will keep fighting to ensure our government combats childhood malnutrition and supports American farmers by delivering and continuing to fund American-made therapeutic food.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment

    Source: Scottish Government

    A vision for improving access to support for disabled people.

    Issued on behalf of the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment

    A landmark independent review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has called for a simplified and more accessible application process, urging the Scottish Government to protect and improve access to support for disabled people.

    Led by experienced charity leader, Edel Harris OBE, the review highlights that while Adult Disability Payment is significantly more compassionate than the UK benefit it replaced, some people still face barriers, complexity and distress when applying for the benefit.

    While the review notes that there are several welcome changes such as the cessation of DWP-style assessments and recognises the compassionate approach of Social Security Scotland staff, it concludes that there is still more that can be done to deliver a truly human-rights based approach.

    Edel Harris, Chair of the Adult Disability Payment Review, said:

    “Adult Disability Payment has been described by many as a step change – kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing.

    “I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal.

    “This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible. The recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to making Adult Disability Payment work better for everyone who needs it.”

    The review engaged extensively with disabled people and the organisations that support them. It drew on evidence from a public consultation, written submissions, in-person and online events, and the lived experience of an advisory group made up of third sector representatives, disabled people and people with long-term health-conditions.

    Over the course of the review, Edel Harris also met with stakeholder groups, third sector organisations, and officials from the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland to understand a variety of experiences of Adult Disability Payment.

    The review makes over 50 recommendations including:

    • Enhancing the client experience and embedding trauma-informed, stigma-free approaches.
    • Simplifying the application form and improving the decision-making process.
    • Training, guidance, and clearer communication for staff and clients.
    • Reviewing eligibility criteria and improving fairness in decision-making.

    A key recommendation from the review is that eligibility should be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities. It also recommends that the application process should be made easier for those with fluctuating conditions and mental health problems and take into consideration the environment in which the person lives.

    The report also calls for sustainable funding for welfare advice services, more inclusive communication, and automatic entitlement in some circumstances.

    Edel visited Inspire by Community Integrated Care an Aberdeen-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs. The visit offered an insight into the role of social security in promoting independence, inclusion, and dignity.

    Community Integrated Care’s Managing Director for Scotland, Sara Murphy, said:

    “It was a privilege to welcome Edel to our Inspire by Community Integrated Care service and show how financial support like Adult Disability Payment can make a visible difference in people’s lives. As a care provider, we see every day how inclusive, person-centred support enables people to build confidence, develop skills, and live more independently.

    “We welcome the review’s call for a system that truly listens to disabled people and reflects their real-life experiences. We hope it leads to meaningful change that makes accessing support fairer, simpler, and more empowering for those who need it.”

    Background

    The full report is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836918912

    The review was commissioned by the Scottish Government in February 2024 to examine the first year of Adult Disability Payment delivery, with the aim of identifying improvements to the eligibility framework, decision-making process and client experience.

    Implementation of the recommendations in the review will be assessed against criteria including deliverability, cost, and alignment with human rights principles.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment

    Source: Scottish Government

    A vision for improving access to support for disabled people.

    Issued on behalf of the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment

    A landmark independent review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has called for a simplified and more accessible application process, urging the Scottish Government to protect and improve access to support for disabled people.

    Led by experienced charity leader, Edel Harris OBE, the review highlights that while Adult Disability Payment is significantly more compassionate than the UK benefit it replaced, some people still face barriers, complexity and distress when applying for the benefit.

    While the review notes that there are several welcome changes such as the cessation of DWP-style assessments and recognises the compassionate approach of Social Security Scotland staff, it concludes that there is still more that can be done to deliver a truly human-rights based approach.

    Edel Harris, Chair of the Adult Disability Payment Review, said:

    “Adult Disability Payment has been described by many as a step change – kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing.

    “I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal.

    “This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible. The recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to making Adult Disability Payment work better for everyone who needs it.”

    The review engaged extensively with disabled people and the organisations that support them. It drew on evidence from a public consultation, written submissions, in-person and online events, and the lived experience of an advisory group made up of third sector representatives, disabled people and people with long-term health-conditions.

    Over the course of the review, Edel Harris also met with stakeholder groups, third sector organisations, and officials from the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland to understand a variety of experiences of Adult Disability Payment.

    The review makes over 50 recommendations including:

    • Enhancing the client experience and embedding trauma-informed, stigma-free approaches.
    • Simplifying the application form and improving the decision-making process.
    • Training, guidance, and clearer communication for staff and clients.
    • Reviewing eligibility criteria and improving fairness in decision-making.

    A key recommendation from the review is that eligibility should be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities. It also recommends that the application process should be made easier for those with fluctuating conditions and mental health problems and take into consideration the environment in which the person lives.

    The report also calls for sustainable funding for welfare advice services, more inclusive communication, and automatic entitlement in some circumstances.

    Edel visited Inspire by Community Integrated Care an Aberdeen-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs. The visit offered an insight into the role of social security in promoting independence, inclusion, and dignity.

    Community Integrated Care’s Managing Director for Scotland, Sara Murphy, said:

    “It was a privilege to welcome Edel to our Inspire by Community Integrated Care service and show how financial support like Adult Disability Payment can make a visible difference in people’s lives. As a care provider, we see every day how inclusive, person-centred support enables people to build confidence, develop skills, and live more independently.

    “We welcome the review’s call for a system that truly listens to disabled people and reflects their real-life experiences. We hope it leads to meaningful change that makes accessing support fairer, simpler, and more empowering for those who need it.”

    Background

    The full report is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836918912

    The review was commissioned by the Scottish Government in February 2024 to examine the first year of Adult Disability Payment delivery, with the aim of identifying improvements to the eligibility framework, decision-making process and client experience.

    Implementation of the recommendations in the review will be assessed against criteria including deliverability, cost, and alignment with human rights principles.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –