NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Putin announced Russia’s readiness for the third round of negotiations with Ukraine

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow/Minsk, June 27 (Xinhua) — Russia is ready for a third round of talks with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday after a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Minsk.

    “The subject of negotiations with Ukraine should be the discussion of memoranda between the two countries,” the Russian president said.

    He recalled that Russia and Ukraine are currently fulfilling agreements on the exchange of prisoners of war, as well as the bodies of dead soldiers. The humanitarian component is important. This creates conditions for further resolution of the essence of the problem, the Russian leader added.

    “We have already given away over six thousand bodies and are ready to give away almost three thousand more,” said V. Putin.

    The leaders of both delegations are in constant contact with each other, the Russian President concluded.

    Earlier, according to Ukrainian media reports citing the words of Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Ukraine plans to propose holding a meeting between V. Zelensky and V. Putin after the completion of the humanitarian exchange. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sales of used Chinese cars in Russia grew by 44 percent in January-May — Russian analyst

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, June 27 /Xinhua/ — In the first five months of 2025, sales of used Chinese passenger cars in Russia increased by 44 percent and reached 93.5 thousand units, Sergey Tselikov, an analyst at the Avtostat agency, said on Thursday.

    According to him, 49.8 percent of the used Chinese brand car market is made up of cars up to 3 years old. The most popular brand among used Chinese cars /22.8 percent/ among Russians is Chery. In second place is the Geely brand, and in third place is the Haval brand.

    The most popular Chinese car models in Russia under 3 years old were Haval Jolion, Geely Monjaro, Geely Coolray, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max, Omoda C5. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran delays full opening of airspace until June 28

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, June 27 (Xinhua) — Iran has postponed the full opening of its airspace until the afternoon of June 28, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported.

    As the agency noted, citing the official representative of the Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, Majid Akhavan, the corresponding decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers and flights, as well as taking into account the opening of airspace in the east of the country for domestic and international flights.

    The official said that Iran’s airspace in the northern, southern and western parts of the country will remain closed until 2 p.m. local time (10:30 GMT) on Saturday.

    On the evening of June 25, the ministry announced the reopening of airspace, saying the move was aimed at gradually restoring air traffic to pre-conflict levels.

    Iran closed its airspace on June 13 after Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other areas. A ceasefire was reached between the two countries on June 24 after 12 days of airstrikes. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘When Women and Girls Rise, Everyone Thrives’, Says Secretary-General in Message to Event Honouring Women Delegates to 1945 San Francisco Conference

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message, delivered by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, to the exhibition honouring women delegates to the 1945 San Francisco Conference, in New York today:

    My thanks to the Permanent Missions of Brazil, China and the Dominican Republic — along with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) — for helping to shine a spotlight on the women who helped shape the very foundation of the United Nations.

    Eighty years ago, as the world emerged from the ashes of war, a small group of women delegates stood their ground in San Francisco.  They were a handful among hundreds, but they were powerful in their determination.

    Thanks to their efforts, the Charter became the first international agreement to recognize the equality of women and men as a human right.

    Over the years, we have transformed those values into practical instruments for change — including the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.

    At the UN itself, for the first time in our history, we have achieved gender parity among senior leadership, resident coordinators and in the international professional categories.

    Despite advances around the world, women and girls face persistent and systemic barriers to equality across the board.  And yet, like those delegates in 1945, women everywhere continue to lead — demanding their rights and reimagining a more just and equitable world for everyone.

    As we mark this milestone, let us move forward together with the conviction that when women and girls rise, everyone thrives.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oregon Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Microwave Tower Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Oregon of the July 29, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Microwave Tower Fire occurring July 22- Aug. 11, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Oregon counties of Clackamas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Marion, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler as well as the Washington county of Klickitat.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than July 29.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Judge Kenneth A. Talley named district administrative judge for the District Court of Maryland in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties

    Source: US State of Maryland

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 27, 2025

    Government Relations and Public Affairs
    187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401

    Judge Kenneth A. Talley named district administrative judge for the District Court of Maryland in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties

    ANNAPOLIS, Md. – District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey, with the approval of Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, has named Charles County District Court Judge Kenneth A. Talley as the new administrative judge for District 4 (Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties). Judge Talley’s new role is effective August 1, 2025.

    Judge Talley succeeds District Administrative Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser, who will step down from her administrative judge role in preparation for her retirement in 2026.

    “Judge Talley is an excellent jurist and choice as the new administrative judge for the District Court in Southern Maryland,” said Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader. “I am confident that he will continue to be an effective leader in his district to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all.”

    District 4 Administrative Judge Kenneth A. Talley

    District administrative judges oversee the administration of the court and manage trial calendars to ensure the expeditious disposition of cases.

    “Judge Talley’s leadership in the District Court in Charles County for the past 16 years has prepared him to take on this new role,” said District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey. “Administrative Judge Chesser has been an exemplary administrative Judge, has served her District well for the past 15 years, and will be available to manage the transition with Judge Talley.”   

    Judge Talley was appointed as an associate judge to the District Court in Charles County in May 2009 by then-Governor Martin O’Malley. 

    Judge Talley has served on the Judiciary’s Security and Post-COVID Judicial Operations Committees. Additionally, he served as a member of the Maryland Judiciary’s Judicial Council Equal Justice Committee from 2020 to 2022. 

    Judge Talley served as a law clerk for retired Judge Herman C. Dawson, Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, from 1998 to 1999, before starting his career as an attorney at Don Ansell & Associates, at which he worked from 1999 to 2000. He formerly served as an assistant public defender in Charles County from 2000 to 2005. Additionally, he served as a partner at Collins & Talley from 2005 to 2007, and as an assistant state’s attorney in Charles County from 2007 to 2009. 

    Judge Talley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, in government and politics in 1990, and a juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1993. He is admitted to the Maryland Bar, and he is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association. He has been a member of the Charles County Bar Association since 2002, serving on its board of directors from 2004 to 2009, as treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president, and still served in the role as president upon his appointment to the bench in 2009. Judge Talley was also a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

    Judge Talley served from 2004 to 2007 as a community judge for the Charles County Teen Court Program, where he earned the Community Judge Appreciation Award for Outstanding Service. He also served as a member of the board of directors of Jude House, Inc. In 2001, Judge Talley earned the Assistant Public Defender of the Year Award, District IV.

    “It is a great honor and a privilege to be able to serve the citizens, staff, and judges of Southern Maryland, said Judge Kenneth A. Talley, Charles County District Court.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell on War Powers Resolution: Divorced From Strategic And Constitutional Reality

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement ahead of today’s Senate vote on the Kaine War Powers Resolution: 
    “Iran’s war against the United States is decades old. Through direct and proxy attacks, it has killed and wounded thousands of Americans.
    “Five years ago, President Trump’s correct decision to remove Iran’s terrorist mastermind, Qassem Soleimani, from the battlefield restored a meaningful measure of deterrence. Within weeks, the Senate was forced to defeat an effort to constrain the President’s authority to take similar action in the future.
    “Regrettably, under the Biden Administration, this hard-won deterrence eroded away. With the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan came a sobering reminder that the perception of American retreat emboldens our adversaries. Iran and its terrorist network shrugged off empty threats of deterrence and spilled yet more American blood.
    “This weekend, the President seized a strategic opportunity to restore deterrence. In response to Iran’s ongoing war, U.S. forces dealt a devastating blow to the regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
    “Now, less than a week later, the Senate will again need to defeat an attempt to limit the Commander in Chief’s authority. And once again, the restrainers behind this effort on both sides of the aisle face simple questions:
    “In what ways does this discrete and limited exercise of American power exceed the limits within which President Clinton directed operations in Kosovo or President Obama in Libya? In what ways does it differ from the strikes in Syria or Yemen for which President Biden invoked his Article II authorities?
    “Was degrading Iran’s nuclear capability without expanding the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East a mistake? Was it wrong to seize the rare opportunity made possible by Israel’s operations over the last 20 months? Did it not demonstrably advance U.S. interests in the region? Or are isolationists correct in suggesting that such interests do not exist?
    “I have not heard the frequent flyers on War Powers resolutions reckon seriously with these questions. Until they do, efforts like this will remain divorced from both strategic and constitutional reality.
    “I will oppose Senator Kaine’s resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.”
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Landmark Legislation to Strengthen Cybersecurity

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today signed into law S.7672A/A.6769A, a pivotal measure aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity and resilience of state and local government networks across New York. First announced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State, this legislation will improve the State’s ability to respond to threats, safeguard critical infrastructure and reduce statewide cybersecurity risks. Governor Hochul made the announcement today following a meeting with City, County, Town and Village officials from across the State to discuss current security efforts in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

    “My top priority as Governor is the security and safety of all New Yorkers, and with this legislation we’re strengthening our ability to respond to and ultimately prevent cyber threats all across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “As global conflicts escalate and cyber threats evolve, so must our response, and we are taking a whole of government approach in doing so. Requiring timely incident reporting and providing annual cybersecurity training for government employees will build a stronger digital shield for every community across the State and ensure they get the support they need when it matters most.”

    The legislation mandates that all municipal corporations and public authorities promptly report cybersecurity incidents and ransom payments to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), fortifying the statewide defense against digital threats. Under the new law, municipalities and public authorities are required to report cybersecurity incidents within 72 hours to DHSES and provide notice of payment of a ransom within 24 hours. The legislation also mandates annual cybersecurity awareness training for government employees across New York and sets data protection standards for State-maintained information systems.

    New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said, “The cyber threats that municipalities face have never been more numerous, more sophisticated, or more dangerous, and coordinated whole-of-government information sharing is more important than ever to tackle these threats. This legislation will enable New York State to build situational awareness of statewide cyber threat activity and create a comprehensive threat picture that can protect all New Yorkers. Ensuring that state and local government employees complete annual cybersecurity awareness training adds another line of cyber defense and empowers government employees statewide to recognize and respond to cyber threats.”

    State and local governments are on the front lines of a growing wave of cyberattacks that threaten essential services and public data. As attackers become more sophisticated and aggressive, municipalities face mounting risks with limited support and rapidly evolving threats. Recent ransomware incidents across the country have underscored the urgent need for coordinated, statewide action to help local agencies respond swiftly and protect the communities they serve. The 72-hour reporting requirement will give New York State critical visibility into threats, allowing for faster response, better coordination and damage limitation.

    State Senator Monica R. Martinez said, “Protecting the public is government’s most important responsibility, but attacks on critical infrastructure put essential services and the people who rely on them at risk. This bill gives municipalities the structure, support, and accountability they need to protect residents and taxpayers from prolonged disruption in the event of a cyberattack. I thank Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature for recognizing the cost of inaction and for advancing this important legislation.”

    State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “In our increasingly digital world, our data is constantly at risk. As emerging technologies make it easier for hackers to access our data, readiness isn’t just an option for our government; it’s our imperative. I thank the sponsor for introducing this bill and the Governor for signing it into law. It is a smart measure that will improve municipal cybersecurity posture and threat intelligence sharing within the state. I look forward to more legislation on cybersecurity being considered so we can make New York as technologically safe as possible.”

    Assemblymember Billy Jones said, “This piece of legislation is vital for our ever-changing technological state. The unique threats digital attackers pose to our municipalities requires a strong and direct response, and this bill will allow our local and state leaders to do just that. Cybersecurity is an increasingly important topic across all sectors of the state, and ensuring our government offices and agencies are able to respond to threats is critical.”

    Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “Since the August 2023 release of Governor Hochul’s NYS Cybersecurity Strategy, New York has steadily increased cybersecurity assistance to local governments. This important legislation continues that commitment by requiring prompt reporting of cyberattacks and ransom payments and cybersecurity training of government employees. Full knowledge of cyberattacks statewide will allow state cyber agencies to better advise local governments and school districts about the evolving threat environment. This new law is another example of Governor Hochul and the Legislature working together to expand our resilience to these threats.”

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “As Governor Hochul says, our number one job is to keep New Yorkers safe. That includes protecting local governments from cyberattacks. This bill will ensure that all local governments and public authorities report cyberattacks soon after they occur so that our cyber security team has the information we need to respond to the ever-changing threat landscape.”

    New York State Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology Services Dru Rai said, “Training and awareness is a key component in enhancing New York’s statewide cybersecurity posture and creating an army of cyber warriors who can better shield their IT assets, safeguard sensitive data and protect all New Yorkers. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s strong leadership and historic cybersecurity investments, as well as our ongoing partnership with the Senate, Assembly and our local governments, New York State is better prepared than ever to take the fight to the enemy. Cyber threat actors will continue to change their tactics in an attempt to find even the slightest vulnerability, but as a State we will continue to adapt, evolve, educate and strengthen our overall defenses to aggressively and proactively meet this challenge.”

    New York Association of Towns Executive Director Christopher A Koetzle said, “Municipalities face ever-increasing and sophisticated cyber threats. I applaud the governor and the Legislature for helping to better protect our local governments across the state and giving them more tools to prepare for and respond to these growing threats. NYAOT has long stood in partnership with NYMIR in its mission of delivering cyber security training to each of our member towns and this bill will ensure that more towns make training a priority in the coming years.”

    New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “Almost everything that counties and local governments do today rely on some type of information technology system, and we know that these systems are under threat. This new law is designed to raise the baseline of understanding of cybersecurity for all local leaders and employees so we can all better defend the information systems and data we all rely on to operate government and serve residents. On behalf of the county governments of New York, we commend Governor Hochul for approving this legislation.”

    New York State Conference of Mayors Executive Director Barbara Van Epps said, “NYCOM applauds Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for making cybersecurity a top priority for New York. The enactment of this legislation marks a critical step forward in strengthening our collective defense against digital threats to the State and its local governments. By requiring prompt incident reporting, ransomware disclosures and annual cybersecurity training, the Governor is sending a clear message: cybersecurity is not just an IT issue — it’s a core public safety priority that demands coordination, vigilance and shared responsibility.”

    The enactment of S.7672A/A.6769A underscores New York State’s commitment to cybersecurity, setting a precedent for other states to follow in protecting both state and local critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has led the nation in developing smart and effective cybersecurity policy — from nation-leading financial sector regulations to landmark legislation to protect New York’s energy grid from cyberattacks, and first-in-the-nation hospital cybersecurity regulations.

    These and other initiatives build on Governor Hochul’s previous actions and investments to build a more resilient, safer and secure digital environment for all New Yorkers. Following escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, Governor Hochul immediately convened the State’s top security personnel from counterintelligence, State Police and Homeland Security. In order to protect New York’s municipalities and cyber infrastructure, Governor Hochul has invested millions of dollars to harden local assets and ensure the protection of critical data that’s used to deliver services to New Yorkers.

    Over the last three years, Governor Hochul has also made foundational investments in New York’s cybersecurity by establishing the NYS Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC), operationalizing the statewide shared services program for counties and municipalities and expanding the State’s law enforcement cyber capabilities by growing the Computer Crimes Unit, Cyber Analysis Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Center at the New York State Police.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Affordable Summer Activities at Jones Beach State Park

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Hochul today announced a wide range of free and affordable events and activities hosted at Jones Beach State Park all summer long, including the Long Island park’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration. Offering Long Island residents and visitors ongoing opportunities to relax and enjoy evenings out at no or low cost, the 2025 Bandshell at Jones Beach State Park event series hosts free events at the Field 4 Boardwalk every night from June 28 to August 31 (excluding the July 4 holiday). The annual fireworks display at Jones Beach State Park will again take place on Independence Day, July 4, illuminating the sky at Long Island’s popular oceanfront park.

    “In addition to welcoming New Yorkers to its beautiful oceanfront facility for continuous outdoor recreation this summer, Jones Beach State Park is also hosting dozens of free and affordable events and activities for individuals and families to unwind and enjoy,” Governor Hochul said. “While Bandshell events kick-off prior to the July 4th holiday, this year’s Independence Day fireworks celebration is sure to deliver exciting, lifelong memories for attendees of all ages, and I strongly encourage New Yorkers to attend this remarkable summer tradition.”

    Hosting events and activities for all age groups and interests, attendees of Bandshell events can expect everything from film screenings and child-centered programming to dance nights, fitness classes, and music performances from multiple genres. 2025 Bandshell events take place 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM on weekdays, and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekend evening, free of charge.

    The Jovia Financial Credit Union 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular returns this year with fireworks going live at 9:30 PM. Costumed characters from Beauty and the Beast and Spiderman will walk the boardwalk from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM to interact and take photos with the public. A band will be playing live music from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM and then from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM following the fireworks program.

    New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Jones Beach State Park has been a welcoming community hub for locals and visitors for generations, and summer 2025’s free entertainment and activities build on that legacy by offering the public transformational fun for their mind, body and spirit. Where else can you be dancing bachata one night, watching a live-music performance the next, and round-out your week with a 25-minute fireworks display, an exercise class and enriching fun for the kids without breaking the bank? When it comes to incorporating healthy activity into residents’ daily lives, New York State Parks has you covered.”

    This year’s Fourth of July program, with lead sponsorship by Jovia Financial Credit Union, is also made possible with support from the Natural Heritage Trust, Foundation for Long Island State Parks Inc., Newsday, Connoisseur Media Long Island and J & B Restaurant Partners.

    Jones Beach State Park’s 2025 Bandshell concerts and Independence Day fireworks programs are free to attend. Normal parking fee of $10 per vehicle is in effect.

    The programs build on Governor Hochul’s efforts to encourage affordable outdoor recreation. The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget includes $200 million for State Parks to invest in and aid the ongoing transformation of New York’s flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system.

    As a part of her 2025 State of the State agenda, Governor Kathy Hochul announced ‘Unplug and Play,’ a new effort to promote kids’ mental and physical health. The Governor will continue to rebuild the state’s social infrastructure for children by launching a holistic strategy to help support parents in steering their children away from the harms of social media and toward positive activities like youth sports, arts programs, civic engagement, and community building.

    The Governor’s ‘Unplug and Play’ initiative also earmarks $100 million for construction and renovation of community centers through the Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS), $67.5 million for the Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) initiative helping New York communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing playgrounds; and an additional $90 million for the continuation of the NY SWIMS initiative including $50 million for a competitive grant program supporting municipalities in the renovation and construction of swimming facilities and $40 million for other swimming-based investments.

    Free 2025 Bandshell at Jones Beach State Park events include:

    JUNE

    Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Eclipse (Pink Floyd tribute)

    Sunday, June 29, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Zumba

    Monday, June 30, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    JULY

    Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Latin Night

    Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, July 3, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Kids Rock Night

    Friday, 4th of July (Independence Day) – No Bandshell Events

    Saturday, July 5, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Simply Stapleton (Chris Stapleton tribute)

    Sunday, July 6, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Zumba

    Monday, July 7, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Kids Rock Night

    Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Barry Walker Acoustic Rock

    Friday, July 11, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – All Revved Up (Meatloaf tribute)

    Saturday, July 12, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Ape Theory

    Sunday, July 13, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Latin Night

    Monday, July 14, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Jump & Jam Foam Party

    Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, July 17, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Local School Night Mitch Paulsen

    Friday, July 18, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Southbound Writers Round + Brooke Moriber

    Saturday, July 19, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Awaken (Yes tribute)

    Sunday, July 20, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Zumba

    Monday, July 21, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Salsa / Bachata Class

    Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, July 24, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Center Stage Music Center

    Friday, July 25, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Janis Joplin Experience

    Saturday, July 26, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Maxwell Peters Planet of Sound Sceneless Scene

    Sunday, July 27, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM– Zumba

    Monday, July 28, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Latin Night

    Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, July 31, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – One Step Ahead

    AUGUST

    Friday, August 1, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Iriespect

    Saturday, August 2, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Jackie Guma Equilibrium

    Sunday, August 3, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Zumba

    Monday, August 4, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Kids Rock Night

    Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 7 :30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, August 7, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – 20 Highview Entertainment

    Friday, August 8, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Scarecrow (John Cougar Mellencamp tribute)

    Saturday, August 9, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM–– Listen Up Long Island

    Sunday, August 10, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM–– Zumba

    Monday, August 11, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Latin Night

    Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, August 14, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Jump & Jam Foam Party

    Friday, August 15, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Circus Mind or Diva

    Saturday, August 16, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM–– Mark Newman and Friends

    Sunday, August 17, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM–– Zumba

    Monday, August 18, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Salsa / Bachata Class

    Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, August 21, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Local / School Night Mitch Paulsen

    Friday, August 22, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Wonderous Stories

    Saturday, August 23, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM–– Radio Flashback

    Sunday, August 24, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM–– Zumba

    Monday, August 25, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Movie Night

    Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Light Night

    Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Line Dancing

    Thursday, August 28, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Kids Rock Night

    Friday, August 29, 2025, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM – Half Step (Grateful Dead tribute)

    Saturday, August 30, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM–– Barometer Soup (Jimmy Buffett tribute)

    Sunday, August 31, 2025, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM–– Zumba (Last Day of the Season)

    Other affordable offerings at Jones Beach include swimming at the West Bathhouse pool ($5 for adults and $3 for children), plus bocce ball, corn hole, table tennis, miniature golf, shuffleboard, paddle tennis, pickleball and more, all ranging from $3 to $10 per person.

    Governor Hochul also encourages New Yorkers to participate in the New York State Parks Wellness Challenge echoes Governor Hochul’s initiatives in encouraging both mental wellness and outdoor recreation while also educating residents and visitors on wellness-focused activities within State Parks.

    The New York State Parks Wellness Challenge includes 50 missions that can be completed at various state parks and historic sites. The challenge is available throughout the entirety of 2025 both digitally on the Goosechase app, and physically as a printed checklist brochure at more than 250 New York State Parks facilities. Once participants finish 25 of the available 50 missions, they will receive a commemorative sticker and postcard mailed to their address as a prize.

    The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit  parks.ny.gov, download the free  NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on  Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the  OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, Luján Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Universal Service Fund

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
     Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chair of the Senate Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member, released the following statement after the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling on the Universal Service Fund (USF):“We’re encouraged by the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Universal Service Fund, and we look forward to working together to focus on long-term solutions for the USF, evaluate broadband programs, and help connect unserved and underserved communities across America.”This month, Fischer and Luján announced the reconstitution of the USF Working Group. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Garcia Renew Fight to Limit Flow of Ammunition Into American Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 27, 2025
    Bill Text (PDF) 
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) reintroduced the Ammunition Modernization and Monitoring Oversight (AMMO) Act, legislation that would restrict bulk sales of ammunition, require businesses that sell ammunition to obtain the same federal license as firearm dealers, and require businesses to conduct a background check on ammunition buyers.
    Currently, businesses are not required to possess licenses to sell ammunition and can sell to any buyer, in any quantity, without a background check and with no recordkeeping or data sharing.
    The bill would prohibit bulk sales of ammunition based on the type of ammo. It limits individuals to purchasing no more than 100 rounds of .50-caliber ammunition—the most deadly, potent military grade—and 1000 rounds for all other ammunition within a 5-day period. The AMMO Act would restrict individuals from purchasing ammunition to then sell illegally to others and require data sharing on ammunition sales. 
    “Our government needs to step up and limit access to ammunition if we want to stop the gun violence epidemic in this country,” said Senator Warren. “I’m going to keep fighting to keep our communities safe from potential mass shooters.”
    “It makes absolutely no sense that anyone in this country can walk into a business and buy as much ammunition as they want, with no background check and no questions asked,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “We need to do everything in our power to prevent mass shootings and end our nation’s gun violence epidemic. During Gun Violence Awareness Month, I’m proud to help lead a bill that closes this loophole with a commonsense fix that will save lives and protect our communities.”
    The legislation is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).
    The legislation is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Melanie Ann Stansbury (D-N.M.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (D-Ga.), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.), Juan Vargas (D-Cal.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.-At Large), Janice D. Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Daniel S. Goldman (D-N.Y.), Julia Brownley (D-Cal.), Eric Swallwell (D-Cal.), Kevin Mullen (D-Cal.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-Cal.), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.), and Sean Casten (D-Ill.).
    The AMMO Act is endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady, Community Justice Action Fund, Newtown Action, the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, Orange Ribbons, and Voters of Tomorrow.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham, 100 Impact Leaders Dinner and Annual Awards, Digital Assets Global Forum, UK House of Lords

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    Good evening, my lords, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to express my gratitude to Lord Taylor of Warwick and Dr. Lisa Cameron, as well as the Financial Club and the UK US Crypto Alliance, for this recognition at the Digital Assets Global Forum 100 Impact Leaders Dinner and Annual Awards and inviting me to provide remarks. Thank you also to Baroness Uddin and Lord Ranger, and especially to all the event staff at the House of Lords.
    It is a great honor to receive this year’s Legacy Award, and a great privilege to share my views regarding innovation and market structure in financial services. Tonight’s event is a testament to the strength and longevity of the close relationships among UK and U.S. institutions, and the special relationship between our two great Nations.
    Crypto and Digital Assets
    In April, Treasury Secretary Bessent and Chancellor Reeves discussed digital asset regulation and laid the groundwork for our governments to explore ways “to support the use and responsible growth of digital assets.”
    In the context of that discussion, I was pleased to learn that Chancellor Reeves acknowledged the importance of the UK-U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group (FRWG), which I will discuss in a few minutes. Both the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are members, and our agencies have partnered closely for decades.
    The UK Government has moved quickly on cryptoasset regulatory proposals, including the FCA’s public consultation on various papers and publication of an FCA Crypto Roadmap.
    So, I would like to highlight for you the CFTC’s swift progress on President Trump’s executive orders and policy agenda for digital assets.
    For both our Nations, this is the light at the end of a very long tunnel, the dawn of a new golden age for market innovation, and the culmination of years of hard work by both the public and private sectors.
    Responsible innovation and fair competition
    While UK regulators have recently gained a secondary mandate on competition, the CFTC has long had a dual mandate to promote responsible innovation and fair competition in our markets.
    Our dual mandate enshrines the simple truth that derivatives are financial instruments that are at the cutting edge of market innovation, and therefore our regulatory framework must be principles-based and flexible to adapt to new markets and new products.
    Let me tell you about my personal journey towards ensuring that the CFTC remains not only the first, but also at the forefront, of leadership on digital asset markets.
    The U.S. regulation of spot digital assets is a high priority for the CFTC because the largest digital asset markets are commodities.
    It is also a high priority for me because I have worked on crypto and digital assets initiatives for over 10 years—since 2013, when I was staff at the CFTC and the Bitcoin Foundation came to Washington, DC to engage with regulators on responsible innovation.
    That’s right—the crypto industry did not run away from regulation, they ran towards it, even in those early years, in hopes of finding a clear regulatory roadmap.
    At that time, we at the CFTC thought that Bitcoin was a commodity. Two years later, in 2015, the CFTC made this view known publicly, and has maintained this view ever since as this novel asset class has expanded to include more tokens.
    After my initial experience with crypto at the CFTC, I engaged on crypto again in the private sector.
    I worked on Citi’s digital asset strategy, including product development and strategic equity and venture capital investments, and I worked on transactions, partnerships, vendors, and new clients.
    I led digital assets global regulatory strategy and policy advocacy and initiatives to implement governance, risk, and control frameworks and compliance policies and procedures. That included leading global engagement in supervisory examinations of distributed ledger technology (DLT or blockchain) and digital assets by both U.S. and non-U.S. regulators—including the FCA.
    Based on my hands-on experience, when I became a CFTC Commissioner, I knew providing regulatory clarity for digital assets had to be a priority.
    I first proposed 10 fundamentals for responsible digital asset markets, which could be universally applied in any jurisdiction, in 2022. Then, I proposed a CFTC digital asset markets pilot program as a U.S. regulatory sandbox in 2023. I was gratified to be named to CoinDesk’s Most Influential 2023 list for these efforts.
    Last year, in 2024, the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee of the CFTC’s Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC), which I sponsor, developed and made two recommendations to the Commission: (1) a U.S. digital asset taxonomy and (2) regulatory treatment of tokenized non-cash collateral.
    I want to thank the firms—many in this audience—from the largest banks and asset managers, to exchanges and clearinghouses, to crypto native startups, who have contributed to the GMAC’s efforts and graciously provided their time and resources to create a consensus view across both traditional and digital asset markets.
    These recommendations for industry standards reflect years of thoughtful, disciplined work from the actual builders in this space who are the industry leaders.
    It’s a common global solution that works for everyone, and also includes input from both international standard setters and non-U.S. regulatory authorities.
    A golden age for market innovation
    This year, in the Trump Administration’s first 100 days, the CFTC has taken decisive action to implement these prior proposals and promote a pro-innovation, pro-growth approach for digital assets.
    The CFTC is a member of the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which is expected to release a report next month that will be the Administration’s crypto roadmap. We have been working closely with the U.S. Treasury Department, the SEC, and other agencies on this productive and fruitful effort.
    In February, I hosted a first-ever Crypto CEO Forum and participated in the groundbreaking White House Digital Assets Summit.
    The CFTC has withdrawn outdated staff advisories and released new guidance to improve regulatory clarity for American and other innovators and entrepreneurs in crypto and digital assets.
    We have had discussions on a digital asset markets pilot program and will soon participate as an observer in industry tokenization initiatives.
    And, the CFTC recently completed a public comment period on 24/7 trading and perpetual derivatives, two crypto market innovations that may have implications for other asset classes with sufficient liquidity. Perpetual derivatives have been trading live on CFTC-registered designated contract markets (DCMs) since April, and 24/7 trading has been live since May.
    The CFTC has provided technical assistance to Congress on various digital asset legislative proposals, including the CLARITY Act, and stands ready to carry out our mission if our jurisdiction is expanded. The future is bright.
    Looking ahead, the U.S. must have a durable and flexible approach to regulation that will keep up with continuing innovation and stand the test of time.
    Lessons learned
    I appreciate Lord Taylor’s remarks about learning from the past. I will share some lessons learned from my experience at the CFTC and in the private sector with implementing the Dodd-Frank Act, the last time the U.S. enacted legislation that dramatically reshaped market structure.
    The CFTC’s implementation of Dodd-Frank with our swaps regulations had far-reaching unintended consequences. Fifteen years later, the CFTC is still working to eliminate unworkable, overly burdensome requirements and resolve regulatory overreach that have significantly increased costs for all market participants with no meaningful benefits.
    There are two key lessons learned, and we must not repeat the mistakes of the past.
    Regulatory moat
    First, Dodd-Frank’s duplicative, costly, and unnecessary regulatory requirements that cost billions of dollars annually for registration, compliance, and reporting—in addition to enforcement penalties that have become a tax on doing business—have resulted in a regulatory moat that is a barrier to entry for smaller firms, startups, and entrepreneurs.
    This has led to anti-competitive effects and consolidation and concentration of market participants, because only the biggest firms can afford the overhead.
    Any mandate or issuance of new regulations by the CFTC should leverage our existing registration categories and compliance requirements to avoid piling on with another layer of overregulation that has no benefit to market integrity or customer protection.
    Market fragmentation
    Second, Dodd-Frank’s jurisdictional overreach and the CFTC’s initial approach to cross-border activity resulted in swaps market fragmentation. These effects were especially profound in London and New York, the most important trading hubs.
    A lack of harmonization based on principles of international comity, mutual recognition, and regulatory coherence led to fractured market liquidity that is less resilient to market shock or dislocation, increasing both market volatility and systemic risk.
    Market fragmentation also resulted in increased complexity and costs for international financial institutions and other market participants’ legal entity strategy, booking models, and other operational processes. Increasing complexity increases both financial and non-financial risks.
    Again, fifteen years later, the CFTC still has not completed implementing a substituted compliance regime across all CFTC swaps regulation.
    Most of the CFTC’s over 20 staff letters, advisories, or other guidance issued since January under my leadership as acting Chairman have been to fix remaining Dodd-Frank issues based on my experience as an operating executive.
    Because crypto and digital asset markets are borderless by design, it is imperative that the CFTC’s policy approach ensures that substituted compliance will be available from the start for entities that are properly registered in their home country jurisdictions that have comparable regulatory schemes, and that reciprocal mutual recognition for CFTC-registered entities is available as well.
    The close partnership between UK and U.S. authorities can help to achieve this regulatory coherence. By leveraging existing registration categories and cross-border substituted compliance or mutual recognition, the CFTC and our non-U.S. regulatory counterparts would not have to reinvent the wheel and further delay growth and progress for digital asset markets.
    Our current CFTC regulated entities could begin trading crypto on day one, and bring previously offshore activity back onshore to the U.S. with no negative impact to depth of market liquidity.
    Simplicity is the solution
    I have encouraged technology-neutral regulations that do not have to be continually rewritten to keep up with innovation, and activity-based regulations that do not require burdensome and costly entity-registration requirements that stifle competition by raising the gate to new entrants with less capital (namely, start-ups and entrepreneurs).
    It is critical that once further regulatory clarity is provided, including through interpretations and exemptions, that the CFTC is prepared to move quickly rather than waiting to complete the 4 to 5 year process to develop and adopt additional digital asset regulations, for the crypto and financial sector to then spend even more years to implement.
    The regulatory burn rate and the costs of missing out on market share are real.
    A simple approach that can be completed in 12 to 18 months is the fastest way to ensure that the U.S. is no longer left behind when it comes to promoting innovation and welcoming American entrepreneurs and companies to come back home.
    This is how we ensure U.S. competitiveness and that the U.S. leads the way in harnessing the potential of this new technology to create economic opportunities for all Americans.  This is how the U.S. becomes the crypto capital of the world.
    UK and U.S. Relationship
    In the FinTech and digital-assets space, the CFTC’s coordination with our UK counterparts has enabled us to navigate the rapidly changing landscape, mitigate risks, and advance responsible innovation. I especially want to recognize our close cooperation with the FCA in this regard.
    In 2018, the CFTC and the FCA signed a FinTech Innovation Arrangement wherein we each committed to collaborate and support innovative firms through our respective financial technology initiatives.
    CFTC staff members have also benefitted from participating with their UK peers and other regulatory partners in the Financial Innovation Partnership, which is a dialogue like the FRWG, designed to focus on facilitating our mutual engagement in financial innovation.
    In other areas of financial services oversight, we have a long and deep history of collaboration.
    These long-standing examples serve as a formidable blueprint for successful collaboration going forward regarding digital-assets, decentralized finance, and artificial intelligence (AI):

    In 1986, the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK Department of Trade and Industry, now succeeded by the FCA.

    In 1989, the CFTC included the UK among the first exemptions issued under Rule 30.10 (allowing UK firms to serve as futures brokers for U.S. customers on UK exchanges without having to register as brokers in the U.S.).   Many UK firms still avail themselves of this 30.10 relief.

    In 1991, we signed a memorandum of understanding amongst the CFTC, SEC, the then Department of Trade and Industry, and the Securities and Investments Board (the latter two succeeded by the FCA, the Prudential Regulation Authority, and the Bank of England) on mutual assistance and the exchange of information.

    In 2009, the CFTC and the Bank of England executed a memorandum of understanding on Central Counterparty Clearing House (CCP) supervision.

    In 2020, the CFTC revised that clearing memorandum of understanding with the Bank of England to reflect the cooperation and exchange of information in the supervision and oversight of CCPs that operate on a cross-border basis in the U.S. and UK.

    In the Spring of 2023, the CFTC and Bank of England announced a further strengthening of our commitment to close cooperation and mutual understandings on the supervision of CCPs.

    Later in 2023, the UK Parliament published its CCP equivalence decision for the CFTC. This was an important milestone in our mutual deferential approach to supervision because it highlights our strong cooperation and allows greater cross-border access for our regulated entities.

    Each of these achievements have been possible because we have a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
    Since the financial crisis and global derivatives regulatory reform, the CFTC directly regulates the largest UK banks as swap dealers, and much hard work has gone into establishing a substituted compliance and mutual recognition regime. I’m pleased to have furthered these efforts under my chairmanship as well.
    The UK-U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group
    During the most recent FRWG meeting, representatives of our finance ministries, markets regulators, and prudential authorities discussed the strong current of innovation evident in our jurisdictions as well as the means to collaborate on a foundational framework in the areas of digital-assets and AI.
    Our respective delegations provided updates on proposed legislation to regulate digital assets, including stablecoin. UK participants also noted that you have updated your Digital Securities Sandbox and are building on recent discussions between the Chancellor and the U.S. Treasury Secretary.
    Importantly, the FRWG also discussed exploring potential opportunities to support cross-border innovation. Participants emphasized the importance of effective regulation in promoting economic growth while also addressing risks and continued bilateral and international engagement within the sector and amongst authorities.
    In that regard, FRWG representatives also exchanged views on their respective approaches to AI and both current and future AI use cases within financial services. U.S. and UK authorities discussed means to work together, including as appropriate through international standard-setting and coordination institutions, to realize the potential of this technology and address the risks of AI in financial services.
    Conclusion
    During my chairmanship and as a commissioner, I have tirelessly advocated for a level playing field for global businesses and access to markets. Relationships—especially special ones like ours, the UK and the U.S.—make this possible.
    Through my work with the CFTC’s GMAC and engagement with international standard-setters like the Financial Stability Board (FSB), Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Basel Committee for Banking Supervision (BCBS), the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and my bilateral relationships with nearly two dozen of the CFTC’s regulatory counterparts around the world, I believe that we can achieve shared prosperity through economic growth and the engine of capital markets.
    As our Nations continue to forge ahead with our pro-innovation agendas through our multiple regulatory initiatives, our markets will be well-served by our continued cooperation.
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham, 100 Impact Leaders Dinner and Annual Awards, Digital Assets Global Forum, UK House of Lords

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    Good evening, my lords, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to express my gratitude to Lord Taylor of Warwick and Dr. Lisa Cameron, as well as the Financial Club and the UK US Crypto Alliance, for this recognition at the Digital Assets Global Forum 100 Impact Leaders Dinner and Annual Awards and inviting me to provide remarks. Thank you also to Baroness Uddin and Lord Ranger, and especially to all the event staff at the House of Lords.
    It is a great honor to receive this year’s Legacy Award, and a great privilege to share my views regarding innovation and market structure in financial services. Tonight’s event is a testament to the strength and longevity of the close relationships among UK and U.S. institutions, and the special relationship between our two great Nations.
    Crypto and Digital Assets
    In April, Treasury Secretary Bessent and Chancellor Reeves discussed digital asset regulation and laid the groundwork for our governments to explore ways “to support the use and responsible growth of digital assets.”
    In the context of that discussion, I was pleased to learn that Chancellor Reeves acknowledged the importance of the UK-U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group (FRWG), which I will discuss in a few minutes. Both the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are members, and our agencies have partnered closely for decades.
    The UK Government has moved quickly on cryptoasset regulatory proposals, including the FCA’s public consultation on various papers and publication of an FCA Crypto Roadmap.
    So, I would like to highlight for you the CFTC’s swift progress on President Trump’s executive orders and policy agenda for digital assets.
    For both our Nations, this is the light at the end of a very long tunnel, the dawn of a new golden age for market innovation, and the culmination of years of hard work by both the public and private sectors.
    Responsible innovation and fair competition
    While UK regulators have recently gained a secondary mandate on competition, the CFTC has long had a dual mandate to promote responsible innovation and fair competition in our markets.
    Our dual mandate enshrines the simple truth that derivatives are financial instruments that are at the cutting edge of market innovation, and therefore our regulatory framework must be principles-based and flexible to adapt to new markets and new products.
    Let me tell you about my personal journey towards ensuring that the CFTC remains not only the first, but also at the forefront, of leadership on digital asset markets.
    The U.S. regulation of spot digital assets is a high priority for the CFTC because the largest digital asset markets are commodities.
    It is also a high priority for me because I have worked on crypto and digital assets initiatives for over 10 years—since 2013, when I was staff at the CFTC and the Bitcoin Foundation came to Washington, DC to engage with regulators on responsible innovation.
    That’s right—the crypto industry did not run away from regulation, they ran towards it, even in those early years, in hopes of finding a clear regulatory roadmap.
    At that time, we at the CFTC thought that Bitcoin was a commodity. Two years later, in 2015, the CFTC made this view known publicly, and has maintained this view ever since as this novel asset class has expanded to include more tokens.
    After my initial experience with crypto at the CFTC, I engaged on crypto again in the private sector.
    I worked on Citi’s digital asset strategy, including product development and strategic equity and venture capital investments, and I worked on transactions, partnerships, vendors, and new clients.
    I led digital assets global regulatory strategy and policy advocacy and initiatives to implement governance, risk, and control frameworks and compliance policies and procedures. That included leading global engagement in supervisory examinations of distributed ledger technology (DLT or blockchain) and digital assets by both U.S. and non-U.S. regulators—including the FCA.
    Based on my hands-on experience, when I became a CFTC Commissioner, I knew providing regulatory clarity for digital assets had to be a priority.
    I first proposed 10 fundamentals for responsible digital asset markets, which could be universally applied in any jurisdiction, in 2022. Then, I proposed a CFTC digital asset markets pilot program as a U.S. regulatory sandbox in 2023. I was gratified to be named to CoinDesk’s Most Influential 2023 list for these efforts.
    Last year, in 2024, the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee of the CFTC’s Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC), which I sponsor, developed and made two recommendations to the Commission: (1) a U.S. digital asset taxonomy and (2) regulatory treatment of tokenized non-cash collateral.
    I want to thank the firms—many in this audience—from the largest banks and asset managers, to exchanges and clearinghouses, to crypto native startups, who have contributed to the GMAC’s efforts and graciously provided their time and resources to create a consensus view across both traditional and digital asset markets.
    These recommendations for industry standards reflect years of thoughtful, disciplined work from the actual builders in this space who are the industry leaders.
    It’s a common global solution that works for everyone, and also includes input from both international standard setters and non-U.S. regulatory authorities.
    A golden age for market innovation
    This year, in the Trump Administration’s first 100 days, the CFTC has taken decisive action to implement these prior proposals and promote a pro-innovation, pro-growth approach for digital assets.
    The CFTC is a member of the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which is expected to release a report next month that will be the Administration’s crypto roadmap. We have been working closely with the U.S. Treasury Department, the SEC, and other agencies on this productive and fruitful effort.
    In February, I hosted a first-ever Crypto CEO Forum and participated in the groundbreaking White House Digital Assets Summit.
    The CFTC has withdrawn outdated staff advisories and released new guidance to improve regulatory clarity for American and other innovators and entrepreneurs in crypto and digital assets.
    We have had discussions on a digital asset markets pilot program and will soon participate as an observer in industry tokenization initiatives.
    And, the CFTC recently completed a public comment period on 24/7 trading and perpetual derivatives, two crypto market innovations that may have implications for other asset classes with sufficient liquidity. Perpetual derivatives have been trading live on CFTC-registered designated contract markets (DCMs) since April, and 24/7 trading has been live since May.
    The CFTC has provided technical assistance to Congress on various digital asset legislative proposals, including the CLARITY Act, and stands ready to carry out our mission if our jurisdiction is expanded. The future is bright.
    Looking ahead, the U.S. must have a durable and flexible approach to regulation that will keep up with continuing innovation and stand the test of time.
    Lessons learned
    I appreciate Lord Taylor’s remarks about learning from the past. I will share some lessons learned from my experience at the CFTC and in the private sector with implementing the Dodd-Frank Act, the last time the U.S. enacted legislation that dramatically reshaped market structure.
    The CFTC’s implementation of Dodd-Frank with our swaps regulations had far-reaching unintended consequences. Fifteen years later, the CFTC is still working to eliminate unworkable, overly burdensome requirements and resolve regulatory overreach that have significantly increased costs for all market participants with no meaningful benefits.
    There are two key lessons learned, and we must not repeat the mistakes of the past.
    Regulatory moat
    First, Dodd-Frank’s duplicative, costly, and unnecessary regulatory requirements that cost billions of dollars annually for registration, compliance, and reporting—in addition to enforcement penalties that have become a tax on doing business—have resulted in a regulatory moat that is a barrier to entry for smaller firms, startups, and entrepreneurs.
    This has led to anti-competitive effects and consolidation and concentration of market participants, because only the biggest firms can afford the overhead.
    Any mandate or issuance of new regulations by the CFTC should leverage our existing registration categories and compliance requirements to avoid piling on with another layer of overregulation that has no benefit to market integrity or customer protection.
    Market fragmentation
    Second, Dodd-Frank’s jurisdictional overreach and the CFTC’s initial approach to cross-border activity resulted in swaps market fragmentation. These effects were especially profound in London and New York, the most important trading hubs.
    A lack of harmonization based on principles of international comity, mutual recognition, and regulatory coherence led to fractured market liquidity that is less resilient to market shock or dislocation, increasing both market volatility and systemic risk.
    Market fragmentation also resulted in increased complexity and costs for international financial institutions and other market participants’ legal entity strategy, booking models, and other operational processes. Increasing complexity increases both financial and non-financial risks.
    Again, fifteen years later, the CFTC still has not completed implementing a substituted compliance regime across all CFTC swaps regulation.
    Most of the CFTC’s over 20 staff letters, advisories, or other guidance issued since January under my leadership as acting Chairman have been to fix remaining Dodd-Frank issues based on my experience as an operating executive.
    Because crypto and digital asset markets are borderless by design, it is imperative that the CFTC’s policy approach ensures that substituted compliance will be available from the start for entities that are properly registered in their home country jurisdictions that have comparable regulatory schemes, and that reciprocal mutual recognition for CFTC-registered entities is available as well.
    The close partnership between UK and U.S. authorities can help to achieve this regulatory coherence. By leveraging existing registration categories and cross-border substituted compliance or mutual recognition, the CFTC and our non-U.S. regulatory counterparts would not have to reinvent the wheel and further delay growth and progress for digital asset markets.
    Our current CFTC regulated entities could begin trading crypto on day one, and bring previously offshore activity back onshore to the U.S. with no negative impact to depth of market liquidity.
    Simplicity is the solution
    I have encouraged technology-neutral regulations that do not have to be continually rewritten to keep up with innovation, and activity-based regulations that do not require burdensome and costly entity-registration requirements that stifle competition by raising the gate to new entrants with less capital (namely, start-ups and entrepreneurs).
    It is critical that once further regulatory clarity is provided, including through interpretations and exemptions, that the CFTC is prepared to move quickly rather than waiting to complete the 4 to 5 year process to develop and adopt additional digital asset regulations, for the crypto and financial sector to then spend even more years to implement.
    The regulatory burn rate and the costs of missing out on market share are real.
    A simple approach that can be completed in 12 to 18 months is the fastest way to ensure that the U.S. is no longer left behind when it comes to promoting innovation and welcoming American entrepreneurs and companies to come back home.
    This is how we ensure U.S. competitiveness and that the U.S. leads the way in harnessing the potential of this new technology to create economic opportunities for all Americans.  This is how the U.S. becomes the crypto capital of the world.
    UK and U.S. Relationship
    In the FinTech and digital-assets space, the CFTC’s coordination with our UK counterparts has enabled us to navigate the rapidly changing landscape, mitigate risks, and advance responsible innovation. I especially want to recognize our close cooperation with the FCA in this regard.
    In 2018, the CFTC and the FCA signed a FinTech Innovation Arrangement wherein we each committed to collaborate and support innovative firms through our respective financial technology initiatives.
    CFTC staff members have also benefitted from participating with their UK peers and other regulatory partners in the Financial Innovation Partnership, which is a dialogue like the FRWG, designed to focus on facilitating our mutual engagement in financial innovation.
    In other areas of financial services oversight, we have a long and deep history of collaboration.
    These long-standing examples serve as a formidable blueprint for successful collaboration going forward regarding digital-assets, decentralized finance, and artificial intelligence (AI):

    In 1986, the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK Department of Trade and Industry, now succeeded by the FCA.

    In 1989, the CFTC included the UK among the first exemptions issued under Rule 30.10 (allowing UK firms to serve as futures brokers for U.S. customers on UK exchanges without having to register as brokers in the U.S.).   Many UK firms still avail themselves of this 30.10 relief.

    In 1991, we signed a memorandum of understanding amongst the CFTC, SEC, the then Department of Trade and Industry, and the Securities and Investments Board (the latter two succeeded by the FCA, the Prudential Regulation Authority, and the Bank of England) on mutual assistance and the exchange of information.

    In 2009, the CFTC and the Bank of England executed a memorandum of understanding on Central Counterparty Clearing House (CCP) supervision.

    In 2020, the CFTC revised that clearing memorandum of understanding with the Bank of England to reflect the cooperation and exchange of information in the supervision and oversight of CCPs that operate on a cross-border basis in the U.S. and UK.

    In the Spring of 2023, the CFTC and Bank of England announced a further strengthening of our commitment to close cooperation and mutual understandings on the supervision of CCPs.

    Later in 2023, the UK Parliament published its CCP equivalence decision for the CFTC. This was an important milestone in our mutual deferential approach to supervision because it highlights our strong cooperation and allows greater cross-border access for our regulated entities.

    Each of these achievements have been possible because we have a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
    Since the financial crisis and global derivatives regulatory reform, the CFTC directly regulates the largest UK banks as swap dealers, and much hard work has gone into establishing a substituted compliance and mutual recognition regime. I’m pleased to have furthered these efforts under my chairmanship as well.
    The UK-U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group
    During the most recent FRWG meeting, representatives of our finance ministries, markets regulators, and prudential authorities discussed the strong current of innovation evident in our jurisdictions as well as the means to collaborate on a foundational framework in the areas of digital-assets and AI.
    Our respective delegations provided updates on proposed legislation to regulate digital assets, including stablecoin. UK participants also noted that you have updated your Digital Securities Sandbox and are building on recent discussions between the Chancellor and the U.S. Treasury Secretary.
    Importantly, the FRWG also discussed exploring potential opportunities to support cross-border innovation. Participants emphasized the importance of effective regulation in promoting economic growth while also addressing risks and continued bilateral and international engagement within the sector and amongst authorities.
    In that regard, FRWG representatives also exchanged views on their respective approaches to AI and both current and future AI use cases within financial services. U.S. and UK authorities discussed means to work together, including as appropriate through international standard-setting and coordination institutions, to realize the potential of this technology and address the risks of AI in financial services.
    Conclusion
    During my chairmanship and as a commissioner, I have tirelessly advocated for a level playing field for global businesses and access to markets. Relationships—especially special ones like ours, the UK and the U.S.—make this possible.
    Through my work with the CFTC’s GMAC and engagement with international standard-setters like the Financial Stability Board (FSB), Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Basel Committee for Banking Supervision (BCBS), the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and my bilateral relationships with nearly two dozen of the CFTC’s regulatory counterparts around the world, I believe that we can achieve shared prosperity through economic growth and the engine of capital markets.
    As our Nations continue to forge ahead with our pro-innovation agendas through our multiple regulatory initiatives, our markets will be well-served by our continued cooperation.
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Energy Manufacturers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks has reintroduced the Limiting Liability for Critical Infrastructure Manufacturers Act, legislation to protect American energy manufacturers from wildfire-related lawsuits that threaten the reliability of our power grid and the strength of our domestic supply chain. Representatives Thomas Tiffany (WI-07) and Robert Latta (OH-05) joined her in introducing the legislation.

    “No manufacturer should be driven out of business for building the components that power our homes, hospitals, and national defense,” said Miller-Meeks. “This bill protects the men and women who make the grid work, from transformers to transmission lines, and ensures they’re not punished for natural disasters beyond their control. It strengthens domestic manufacturing, secures our energy future, and sends a clear message: America will not let baseless lawsuits cripple the industries that keep this country running.”

    Background:

    As wildfires grow more severe, energy infrastructure manufacturers, who build essential components like transformers, switchgear, and high-voltage lines, face mounting legal risk, even when they follow all safety protocols. Without protection, these companies could shut down or move production overseas, weakening America’s grid and driving up energy costs.

    The Limiting Liability for Critical Infrastructure Manufacturers Act shields manufacturers from wildfire-related lawsuits unless there is clear evidence of willful misconduct. It applies to companies in the “critical manufacturing sector” as defined by federal cybersecurity law and references the definition of critical infrastructure established under the USA PATRIOT Act.

    The legislation was first introduced in the 118th Congress as H.R. 9608.

    Industry Support:

    “The United States is making significant progress to reshore manufacturing of critical grid components that will ensure a safe, reliable, and resilient supply of electricity for our homes, businesses, and industries. However, frivolous lawsuits stemming from the increased threat of wildfires could disrupt this vital domestic supply chain,” said Wes Smith, President and CEO of NAED. “The Limiting Liability for Critical Infrastructure Manufacturers Act will help sustain this momentum by providing U.S. manufacturers with greater certainty and protection from these claims.NAED is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Mariannette Miller‑Meeks, Thomas Tiffany, and Robert Latta in introducing this important legislation, and we are happy to support their efforts to secure our nation’s critical infrastructure”

    “The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires not only impact our nation’s power grid—they also pose legal challenges for manufacturers of critical grid components,” said Spencer Pederson, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, NEMA. “This legislation will provide much-needed liability protection from frivolous claims, greater risk management, and increased business certainty to American manufacturers that produce switchgears, transmission and distribution wires, transformers, and other critical grid infrastructure that is vital to providing on-demand energy to customers. NEMA thanks Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Thomas Tiffany (R-WI), and Robert Latta (R-OH) for their leadership and is proud to support this legislation at a time when the electrical industry most needs business certainty.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Auchincloss questions Kennedy on the corruption of Trump Administration healthcare officials

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts, 4)

    June 24, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about conflicts of interest stemming from the Trump Administration’s use of special government employees who still run and own their own health care companies. Earlier this month, Auchincloss sent letters calling on the boards of health companies True Medicine (TrueMed) and Main Street Health to provide information about conflicts of interest regarding their founders’ roles as special government employees overseeing health policy for the Trump administration: Calley Means of TrueMed, and Brad Smith of Main Street Health.

    Mr. Means currently serves as a White House Advisor and as a Special Government Employee detailed to Secretary Kennedy. As a leading policy-maker behind the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, Mr. Means has significant influence in both regulation and legislation. Mr. Means’ TrueMed creates partnerships with businesses to sell health and wellness products, many of which are not FDA-regulated. TrueMed offers “letters of medical necessity” (LMNs) that enable patients to use pre-tax dollars from their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to purchase these products. The Executive Order establishing the MAHA commission ordered health agencies to promote this application of HSAs, ultimately suggesting increased revenue for companies like TrueMed. The ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ also promotes the use of HSAs. 

    Mr. Smith served as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) until his reported departure on May 29, 2025. In this position, Mr. Smith was reportedly the primary official responsible for planning and implementing the major reduction-in-force (RIF) at HHS. Mr. Smith’s Main Street Health’s biggest investors are regulated by or transact with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), including the largest Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs): UnitedHealthcare, Centene, CVS Health Ventures, Elevance, and Humana. These MAOs benefited from the Administration’s reduction in oversight and increase in reimbursement, as well as from Mr. Smith’s ability to win favor with CMS by protecting personnel from RIFs. 

    As Special Government Employees, neither Mr. Means nor Mr. Smith were required to recuse themselves from their private business interests or obtain ethics waivers. Please find below portions of Auchincloss’ questioning of Secretary Kennedy: 

    Auchincloss: Good afternoon, Secretary. You’ve emphasized throughout your career concerns about corruption and conflicts of interest in health care, yes? 

    Secretary Kennedy: About corruption and health care? 

    Rep. Auchincloss: Yes.

    Secretary Kennedy. Yeah. 

    Rep. Auchincloss: And you’ve pledged during your confirmation hearing and then again today, quote. Radical transparency, yes? 

    Secretary Kennedy. Yes.

    Rep. Auchincloss: And you explained to my colleague from New York that you divested yourself, yes?

    Secretary Kennedy. Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss:: And you fired the 17 members of ACIP because you think they have conflicts of interest? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss:: And do you think that everybody within Health and Human Services at a senior level should hold themselves to a standard of radical transparency and divestment? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Well, I’m going to hold them to that standard but–

    Rep. Auchincloss: So not everybody should hold themselves to a standard…?

    Secretary Kennedy. Well, everybody, and OGE makes them all divest. 

    “Rep. Auchincloss:: So, everybody should divest and everybody should be radically transparent–who works for you? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss: Yes. And, does that include people who have involvement in Health and Human Services policymaking, even if they’re not in your department, would you want them to be radically transparent as well? 

    Secretary Kennedy: I don’t have any control over anybody except those in my department.

    Rep Auchincloss: Well, I think you do. Let’s talk, though, about how radically transparent you have been to date, because I want to ensure for the American public that they’re getting what you pledged. Mr. Calley Means is a Special Government Employee. He’s also a White House adviser, you know him well, he actually introduced you to Donald Trump. And he’s the founder and the owner of TrueMed.

    Now, TrueMed is a company that sells saunas and supplements, and maybe medical devices that you describe, to people using pre-tax dollars. And he has described his mission as routing federal funds away from health insurance programs towards these Health Savings Accounts. 

    Now, Mr. Means has tremendous influence over Medicare and Medicaid. Based on the executive order on Making America Healthy Again and the One Big Beautiful Bill, which both call for the expansion of HSA usage for these wellness and supplement products – so that’s a direct revenue stream for his company while he’s working in the government.”

    Please find the full video of Rep. Auchincloss’ exchange with Secretary Kennedy on Mr. Smith and Mr. Means here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Auchincloss questions Kennedy on the corruption of Trump Administration healthcare officials

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts, 4)

    June 24, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about conflicts of interest stemming from the Trump Administration’s use of special government employees who still run and own their own health care companies. Earlier this month, Auchincloss sent letters calling on the boards of health companies True Medicine (TrueMed) and Main Street Health to provide information about conflicts of interest regarding their founders’ roles as special government employees overseeing health policy for the Trump administration: Calley Means of TrueMed, and Brad Smith of Main Street Health.

    Mr. Means currently serves as a White House Advisor and as a Special Government Employee detailed to Secretary Kennedy. As a leading policy-maker behind the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, Mr. Means has significant influence in both regulation and legislation. Mr. Means’ TrueMed creates partnerships with businesses to sell health and wellness products, many of which are not FDA-regulated. TrueMed offers “letters of medical necessity” (LMNs) that enable patients to use pre-tax dollars from their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to purchase these products. The Executive Order establishing the MAHA commission ordered health agencies to promote this application of HSAs, ultimately suggesting increased revenue for companies like TrueMed. The ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ also promotes the use of HSAs. 

    Mr. Smith served as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) until his reported departure on May 29, 2025. In this position, Mr. Smith was reportedly the primary official responsible for planning and implementing the major reduction-in-force (RIF) at HHS. Mr. Smith’s Main Street Health’s biggest investors are regulated by or transact with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), including the largest Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs): UnitedHealthcare, Centene, CVS Health Ventures, Elevance, and Humana. These MAOs benefited from the Administration’s reduction in oversight and increase in reimbursement, as well as from Mr. Smith’s ability to win favor with CMS by protecting personnel from RIFs. 

    As Special Government Employees, neither Mr. Means nor Mr. Smith were required to recuse themselves from their private business interests or obtain ethics waivers. Please find below portions of Auchincloss’ questioning of Secretary Kennedy: 

    Auchincloss: Good afternoon, Secretary. You’ve emphasized throughout your career concerns about corruption and conflicts of interest in health care, yes? 

    Secretary Kennedy: About corruption and health care? 

    Rep. Auchincloss: Yes.

    Secretary Kennedy. Yeah. 

    Rep. Auchincloss: And you’ve pledged during your confirmation hearing and then again today, quote. Radical transparency, yes? 

    Secretary Kennedy. Yes.

    Rep. Auchincloss: And you explained to my colleague from New York that you divested yourself, yes?

    Secretary Kennedy. Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss:: And you fired the 17 members of ACIP because you think they have conflicts of interest? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss:: And do you think that everybody within Health and Human Services at a senior level should hold themselves to a standard of radical transparency and divestment? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Well, I’m going to hold them to that standard but–

    Rep. Auchincloss: So not everybody should hold themselves to a standard…?

    Secretary Kennedy. Well, everybody, and OGE makes them all divest. 

    “Rep. Auchincloss:: So, everybody should divest and everybody should be radically transparent–who works for you? 

    Secretary Kennedy: Yes. 

    Rep. Auchincloss: Yes. And, does that include people who have involvement in Health and Human Services policymaking, even if they’re not in your department, would you want them to be radically transparent as well? 

    Secretary Kennedy: I don’t have any control over anybody except those in my department.

    Rep Auchincloss: Well, I think you do. Let’s talk, though, about how radically transparent you have been to date, because I want to ensure for the American public that they’re getting what you pledged. Mr. Calley Means is a Special Government Employee. He’s also a White House adviser, you know him well, he actually introduced you to Donald Trump. And he’s the founder and the owner of TrueMed.

    Now, TrueMed is a company that sells saunas and supplements, and maybe medical devices that you describe, to people using pre-tax dollars. And he has described his mission as routing federal funds away from health insurance programs towards these Health Savings Accounts. 

    Now, Mr. Means has tremendous influence over Medicare and Medicaid. Based on the executive order on Making America Healthy Again and the One Big Beautiful Bill, which both call for the expansion of HSA usage for these wellness and supplement products – so that’s a direct revenue stream for his company while he’s working in the government.”

    Please find the full video of Rep. Auchincloss’ exchange with Secretary Kennedy on Mr. Smith and Mr. Means here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Discusses Crisis in Sudan

    Source: United Nations 4

    Meetings Coverage

    9947th Meeting (AM)

    The Security Council will hear briefings on the crisis in Sudan from Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, and a civil society representative.  Also expected to brief is Joonkook Hwang (Republic of Korea), Chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, who will update the Council on the Committee’s latest activities.

    […]

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Trump v. CASA, Inc.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which sided with the Trump administration’s request to limit universal injunctions issued by federal courts:

    “The Constitution created three branches of government with equal power: the courts, Congress, and the president. Today, the Supreme Court made clear that one branch – the executive – has free reign to do what it wishes without meaningful checks or review.

    “The Court’s ruling will only embolden President Trump and his illegal, dangerous dismantling of our federal government. It will create an unworkable patchwork of laws that shift depending on who you are or what state you’re in. It means courts will be flooded with case after case about the exact same thing – slowing our legal system and delaying justice for everyone. How will that work for those too poor to hire a lawyer? For children? For working parents? 

    “Barring further intervention by the Court, next month there will be children who will be citizens if they are born in Delaware, but if born in another state, might not be. This is as wrong as it is cruel. The Court has unleashed chaos and confusion. Children, their families, and our nation will pay the price.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Trump v. CASA, Inc.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which sided with the Trump administration’s request to limit universal injunctions issued by federal courts:

    “The Constitution created three branches of government with equal power: the courts, Congress, and the president. Today, the Supreme Court made clear that one branch – the executive – has free reign to do what it wishes without meaningful checks or review.

    “The Court’s ruling will only embolden President Trump and his illegal, dangerous dismantling of our federal government. It will create an unworkable patchwork of laws that shift depending on who you are or what state you’re in. It means courts will be flooded with case after case about the exact same thing – slowing our legal system and delaying justice for everyone. How will that work for those too poor to hire a lawyer? For children? For working parents? 

    “Barring further intervention by the Court, next month there will be children who will be citizens if they are born in Delaware, but if born in another state, might not be. This is as wrong as it is cruel. The Court has unleashed chaos and confusion. Children, their families, and our nation will pay the price.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons announces support for War Powers Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement announcing he would vote for the War Powers Resolution offered by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.):

    “A week after President Trump’s strikes against Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, it is too early to conclude how far Iran’s dangerous nuclear program has been set back and whether it will continue to pursue nuclear weapons. American forces being called back into action for an extended period of time, unfortunately, remains a possibility. Congress, not the president, has the sole power to commit our troops to action. If President Trump chooses to do so, he must consult with Congress and seek our approval. This is why I will vote for Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution. We cannot afford risky military measures against an unpredictable adversary without a clear understanding of the costs and a plan for what comes next.”

    Senator Coons is Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Mahmoud v. Taylor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which decided that parents with religious objections can opt their children out of public school instruction that references same-sex marriage and gender identity:

    “The Supreme Court’s decision today will put an additional burden on our schools and teachers at a time when they are already underfunded and strained to the breaking point. 

    “This decision will be weaponized by the loudest voices in school districts across the country, forcing schools to appease them at the risk of silencing all other voices. Respecting one family’s religious liberty should not mean denying another family the freedom to learn.

    “The world around us will not simply disappear because we ban schools from teaching how it works. This decision tells Americans that certain families and certain kids don’t deserve the same respect as others. Instead of supporting those who most need it, the Court’s opinion pushes them further away. I will keep fighting for all Delawareans’ access to an education that prepares them to thrive.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Terminates Haiti TPS, Encourages Haitians to Obtain Lawful Status

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti. The TPS designation for the country expires on Aug. 3, 2025, and the termination will be effective on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 

    At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and if so, how long to extend the designation.  

    “This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protective Status is actually temporary,” said a DHS spokesperson. “The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home. We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the Department’s resources in returning to Haiti, which can be arranged through the CBP Home app. Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible.”

    After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Haiti no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements. The Secretary’s decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Haiti and in consultation with the Department of State. The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Haitians can return home in safety. She further determined that permitting Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States. Haitian nationals returning home are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new joint federal rule with the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will make it easier and more efficient to fine illegal aliens.

    The current process requires giving illegal aliens 30 days’ notice of the intent to fine them before a fine is issued. This new rule will eliminate the 30-day notice period, authorize DHS immigration officers to send fines to illegal aliens by regular mail, and shorten the process that applies if illegal aliens contest their fines.

    “The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it.” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for law and order and making our government more effective and efficient at enforcing the American people’s immigration laws. Financial penalties like these are just one more reason why illegal aliens should use CBP Home to self-deport now before it’s too late.”

    The new process will be applied to:

    • Aliens who enter the United States illegally
    • Aliens who ignore removal orders or delay their removal
    • Aliens who do not honor agreements to comply with judges’ voluntary departure orders

    Fines include:

    • $100 to $500 per unlawful entry or attempted entry
    • $1,992 to $9,970 for failure to honor a voluntary departure order
    • Up to $998 per day for willfully failing to comply with a removal order

    Fines such as these were never issued by DHS prior to President Trump’s first term in office. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped issuing them when President Biden took office. Shortly after President Trump returned to office, ICE started issuing failure-to-depart fines again as of June 13, 2025, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE

    Aliens who self-deport through the CBP Home App will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States. All illegal aliens are encouraged to start their CBP Home self-deportation process immediately.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Traffic safety bulletin: Don’t drive impaired

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Provide Drought Support with the Doubled Low Yield Appraisal

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 27, 2025

    Today, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison announced the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is implementing measures to offer support to producers facing this year’s challenging dry conditions. SCIC is implementing the double low yield appraisal process, encouraging acres of low-yielding eligible crops to be diverted to make additional feed available to graze, bale or silage. 

    “I’ve spoken with livestock and crop producers in Saskatchewan who are worried about the impact that dry conditions could have this year,” MacDonald said. “Changing the yield threshold will give them some breathing room, so they can make the best decisions for their operations.”

    “In multiple areas throughout the province, our livestock producers are facing challenges from this year’s dry conditions,” Harrison said. “There is a need to quickly adapt to best support producers’ timely, on-farm decisions. In 2021 and 2023, this same initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in over half a million acres of additional low yield crop redirected to feed. Once again, livestock producers are encouraged to work directly with neighbouring crop producers to access additional feed.”

    When crops are severely damaged and the appraised yield falls below an established threshold level, the yield is reduced to zero for the Crop Insurance claim. SCIC is doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values, allowing customers to salvage their eligible crops as feed, without negatively impacting future individual coverage. Prior to compensation, all qualifying acres for double low yield appraisals must be diverted to livestock feed. They cannot be left to harvest. Prior to putting damaged crops to an approved alternate use, producers should contact their local SCIC office.

    “This announcement is welcome news for our livestock producers,” SARM President Bill Huber said. “As in past years, it will help address feed shortages so many ranchers are experiencing. Timely support like this is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the sector in this province.”

    “Many cattle producers throughout the province are facing potential feed shortages,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross said. “The recent rains may help with some of the later seeded crops and possible pasture rebound in some areas. Unfortunately, the hay crop was already burnt off in several places. Writing off some crops through doubling the low yield threshold will provide cattle producers an option for feeding their animals they didn’t previously have. The SCA thanks Ministers Harrison and MacDonald, along with the governments for moving quickly on this.”

    “We appreciate governments recognizing and meeting the need to support access to feed,” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga said. “There are producers struggling with drought conditions. They are assessing and adjusting crop and feed requirements. This action taken helps our producers make those important decisions in a timely fashion. As we move forward, I strongly encourage producers to directly connect with each other to coordinate access to any additional feed made available through this change.”

    “Swift action from government has provided a vital lifeline to many Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers amid this year’s early challenges,” APAS President Bill Prybylski said. “The quick adjustment of support measures reflects a strong commitment to agriculture and sets a high standard for proactive, responsive risk management programming. Producers across the province feel heard, supported and valued.”

    AgriStability can provide support to producers for production losses and increased expenses resulting from dry conditions. In most cases, the additional expense a producer incurs to acquire additional feed for their livestock is an eligible expense through the AgriStability Program. The deadline for producers to enroll in the existing AgriStability program for the 2025 program year is extended to July 31, 2025. The AgriStability Program includes an option to access timely support through an Interim Benefit, which gives producers the option of receiving funds prior to the completion of the fiscal period in the program year. This can help support losses and cover costs. 

    SCIC recognizes the most pressing concern for livestock producers is reduced hay and pasture production. Pasture acres are insured for the impact of dry conditions through the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program. Starting July 15, 2025, eligible producers will begin to receive claim payments, providing timely financial relief to help offset the impact of below average rainfall. By August 15, 2025, remaining claims are automatically calculated based strictly upon weather station data.

    Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line provides support when producers need it the most. This is a confidential service, available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442. Calls are answered by Mobile Crisis Services Regina, a non-profit, community-based agency and there is no call display.

    Crop Insurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

    For more information, producers can call 1-888-935-0000, visit scic.ca or contact their local SCIC office.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Provide Drought Support with the Doubled Low Yield Appraisal

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 27, 2025

    Today, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison announced the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is implementing measures to offer support to producers facing this year’s challenging dry conditions. SCIC is implementing the double low yield appraisal process, encouraging acres of low-yielding eligible crops to be diverted to make additional feed available to graze, bale or silage. 

    “I’ve spoken with livestock and crop producers in Saskatchewan who are worried about the impact that dry conditions could have this year,” MacDonald said. “Changing the yield threshold will give them some breathing room, so they can make the best decisions for their operations.”

    “In multiple areas throughout the province, our livestock producers are facing challenges from this year’s dry conditions,” Harrison said. “There is a need to quickly adapt to best support producers’ timely, on-farm decisions. In 2021 and 2023, this same initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in over half a million acres of additional low yield crop redirected to feed. Once again, livestock producers are encouraged to work directly with neighbouring crop producers to access additional feed.”

    When crops are severely damaged and the appraised yield falls below an established threshold level, the yield is reduced to zero for the Crop Insurance claim. SCIC is doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values, allowing customers to salvage their eligible crops as feed, without negatively impacting future individual coverage. Prior to compensation, all qualifying acres for double low yield appraisals must be diverted to livestock feed. They cannot be left to harvest. Prior to putting damaged crops to an approved alternate use, producers should contact their local SCIC office.

    “This announcement is welcome news for our livestock producers,” SARM President Bill Huber said. “As in past years, it will help address feed shortages so many ranchers are experiencing. Timely support like this is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the sector in this province.”

    “Many cattle producers throughout the province are facing potential feed shortages,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross said. “The recent rains may help with some of the later seeded crops and possible pasture rebound in some areas. Unfortunately, the hay crop was already burnt off in several places. Writing off some crops through doubling the low yield threshold will provide cattle producers an option for feeding their animals they didn’t previously have. The SCA thanks Ministers Harrison and MacDonald, along with the governments for moving quickly on this.”

    “We appreciate governments recognizing and meeting the need to support access to feed,” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga said. “There are producers struggling with drought conditions. They are assessing and adjusting crop and feed requirements. This action taken helps our producers make those important decisions in a timely fashion. As we move forward, I strongly encourage producers to directly connect with each other to coordinate access to any additional feed made available through this change.”

    “Swift action from government has provided a vital lifeline to many Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers amid this year’s early challenges,” APAS President Bill Prybylski said. “The quick adjustment of support measures reflects a strong commitment to agriculture and sets a high standard for proactive, responsive risk management programming. Producers across the province feel heard, supported and valued.”

    AgriStability can provide support to producers for production losses and increased expenses resulting from dry conditions. In most cases, the additional expense a producer incurs to acquire additional feed for their livestock is an eligible expense through the AgriStability Program. The deadline for producers to enroll in the existing AgriStability program for the 2025 program year is extended to July 31, 2025. The AgriStability Program includes an option to access timely support through an Interim Benefit, which gives producers the option of receiving funds prior to the completion of the fiscal period in the program year. This can help support losses and cover costs. 

    SCIC recognizes the most pressing concern for livestock producers is reduced hay and pasture production. Pasture acres are insured for the impact of dry conditions through the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program. Starting July 15, 2025, eligible producers will begin to receive claim payments, providing timely financial relief to help offset the impact of below average rainfall. By August 15, 2025, remaining claims are automatically calculated based strictly upon weather station data.

    Saskatchewan Farm Stress Line provides support when producers need it the most. This is a confidential service, available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442. Calls are answered by Mobile Crisis Services Regina, a non-profit, community-based agency and there is no call display.

    Crop Insurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

    For more information, producers can call 1-888-935-0000, visit scic.ca or contact their local SCIC office.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canadian Multiculturalism Day

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “Canada was built on the bedrock of three peoples – Indigenous, French, and British. In the generations since, Canada has embraced these roots and become a bold, ambitious, and innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation.

    “Our nation is home to many cultures, languages, and traditions, united by shared purpose and values. Enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, multiculturalism is central to who we are as Canadians.

    “Today, we celebrate our multicultural heritage and affirm our commitment to building an ever more inclusive Canada.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kick-off Canada Day with Parks Canada at Signal Hill National Historic Site for the annual sunrise event

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 27, 2025                  St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador                  Parks Canada

    Parks Canada will kick off Canada Day celebrations with a special sunrise event at Signal Hill National Historic Site.

    The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard will bring greetings on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

    Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.

    The details are as follows:

    Date:               Tuesday July 1, 2025

    Time:               6 a.m. (NDT)

    Location:        Signal Hill National Historic Site – Upper Parking Lot

    St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

    **Note – media will be permitted to park their vehicles at the upper parking lot (adjacent to Cabot Tower).

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to limit lower court judges’ ability to block President Trump’s birthright citizenship order nationwide. 

    “Today, the Supreme Court disrupted a foundational American principle: that everyone born in our country is rightfully an American citizen. The mixed decision threatens to create a fractured system where a child born in one state is a U.S. citizen, but a child born across state lines in another is not,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Once again, this radical Supreme Court is empowering Donald Trump and abandoning its role as a co-equal branch of government. While this legal battle is not over as the case works its way through the lower courts, I call on Republicans in Congress to uphold their oath and work with Democrats to fight this assault on the Constitution.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to limit lower court judges’ ability to block President Trump’s birthright citizenship order nationwide. 

    “Today, the Supreme Court disrupted a foundational American principle: that everyone born in our country is rightfully an American citizen. The mixed decision threatens to create a fractured system where a child born in one state is a U.S. citizen, but a child born across state lines in another is not,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Once again, this radical Supreme Court is empowering Donald Trump and abandoning its role as a co-equal branch of government. While this legal battle is not over as the case works its way through the lower courts, I call on Republicans in Congress to uphold their oath and work with Democrats to fight this assault on the Constitution.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –