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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Connecticut Delegation Call On Acting HHS Secretary To Address Impact Of Trump Funding Chaos On Community Health Centers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 12, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-Conn.-01), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03), Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04), and Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05) sent a letter urging the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Dorothy Fink, to address disruptions in Community Health Center funding caused by the White House’s recent Executive Orders. With over 440,000 Connecticut residents relying on these centers for essential care, health center leaders warn that ongoing payment and communication issues have caused panic among staff and patients, jeopardizing critical services like cancer detection and children’s medicine.

    “In Connecticut and across the country, health centers are a lifeline for vulnerable populations,” the members wrote. “1 in 8 Connecticut residents rely on health centers. These are often people with nowhere else to turn. 60% of health center patients in Connecticut are on Medicaid, while 16% are uninsured and 68% of these patients are below the federal poverty level. A threat to health center funding and operations is a threat to the health of our most vulnerable patients in Connecticut.”

    The members warned that funding disruptions may leave Connecticut’s health centers vulnerable to devastating service cuts, closures, and layoffs: “Health centers depend on federal funds to serve vulnerable populations. Most Connecticut health centers have only 57 days of cash on hand and would have to cut services and staff within two weeks of funding disruptions. For these reasons, the actions of the Trump Administration have put these health centers at risk. Since late January, following the announcement of the funding freeze, Connecticut health centers have experienced lock outs from the Payment Management System (PMS) where they normally draw down funds, experienced significant delays in receiving funds they are entitled to and undergone unusual review processes to ultimately access those funds. These disruptions have continued even following a judge’s court order blocking the funding freeze and have resulted in at least one center unsure if it can make its next payroll. In addition to disruptions in payments, centers have noted an inability to get feedback from normal communication channels with HRSA and the Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) system being inaccessible.”

    They continued: “Health center leaders in Connecticut say that they are experiencing unprecedented panic from both staff and patients, who are unclear whether funds can be drawn down for services like cancer detection and early childhood development due to recent the Executive Orders. Additionally, patients are unsure whether they will be served and are cancelling appointments, which will compromise their health and lead to more emergency room visits down the line.”

    The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    Dear Acting Secretary Fink,

    We are writing on behalf of the over 440,000 people in Connecticut who receive medical, dental, or behavioral health services at a Community Health Center (health center). As a result of the President’s Executive orders on January 20, 2025, as well as the subsequent guidance from the Office of Management and Budget, the health centers are continuing to experience disruptions in payment and communications that have already impacted services and will be catastrophic soon if not remediated.

    The goal of health centers is to provide primary and preventative care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. In Connecticut and across the country, health centers are a lifeline for vulnerable populations. 1 in 8 Connecticut residents rely on health centers. These are often people with nowhere else to turn. 60% of health center patients in Connecticut are on Medicaid, while 16% are uninsured and 68% of these patients are below the federal poverty level. A threat to health center funding and operations is a threat to the health of our most vulnerable patients in Connecticut.

    Health centers depend on federal funds to serve vulnerable populations. Most Connecticut health centers have only 57 days of cash on hand and would have to cut services and staff within two weeks of funding disruptions. For these reasons, the actions of the Trump Administration have put these health centers at risk. Since late January, following the announcement of the funding freeze, Connecticut health centers have experienced lock outs from the Payment Management System (PMS) where they normally draw down funds, experienced significant delays in receiving funds they are entitled to and undergone unusual review processes to ultimately access those funds. These disruptions have continued even following a judge’s court order blocking the funding freeze and have resulted in at least one center unsure if it can make its next payroll. In addition to disruptions in payments, centers have noted an inability to get feedback from normal communication channels with HRSA and the Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) system being inaccessible.

    Health center leaders in Connecticut say that they are experiencing unprecedented panic from both staff and patients, who are unclear whether funds can be drawn down for services like cancer detection and early childhood development due to recent the Executive Orders. Additionally, patients are unsure whether they will be served and are cancelling appointments, which will compromise their health and lead to more emergency room visits down the line. Given these impactful disruptions and the stress on our health centers, we request answers to the following questions by no later than February 14, 2025:

    1. What is the average time for submission of draw-down requests and receiving funding in PMS?
      1. How has that number changed between January 1, 2024, and the present?
      2. How has that number changed, daily, since January 27, 2025?
    2. How many health center draw-down requests have been denied since January 27, 2025?
      1. What is the rationale for these denials?
    3. Please list all disruptions of HRSA systems that could impact health centers, the length of these disruptions and the cause of these disruptions.
    4. What specific authority and under which executive action did HRSA or the Department of Health and Human Services use to restrict health center access to the PMS and funding that they had been previously awarded?
    5. Please provide a list of regular standing calls or meetings between HRSA staff and HRSA grantees that have been cancelled since January 20, 2025.
    6. Please outline a plan of communication to respond to future disruptions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Indigenous knowledge merges with science to protect people from fish poisoning in Vanuatu

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meg Parsons, Associate Professor in Historical Geography, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Wikimedia/Louisa Cass/AusAID, CC BY-SA

    Ciguatera fish poisoning is the world’s most frequently reported seafood-borne illness.

    It poses a serious health risk to tropical coastal communities, with some of the highest rates reported in Vanuatu. But now, Indigenous knowledge provides crucial insights for predicting fish poisoning outbreaks.

    Our study documents a collaboration between scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders on Vanuatu’s Ambae island. It offers a powerful new model designed to protect people’s health in vulnerable regions.

    Ecological indicators and fish poisoning risk

    Ciguatera poisoning occurs when people eat fish contaminated with ciguatoxins produced by marine algae that accumulate in reef-feeding fish. Symptoms can range from nausea and muscle pain to severe neurological effects. In some cases, the poisoning can lead to serious illness or even death.

    For millennia, Ambae islanders have relied on their knowledge of the local environment to manage their lands and seas in a sustainable manner. They have observed ecological indicators, including environmental changes that precede ciguatera fish poisoning events, to monitor and respond to risks.

    For instance, they note how heavy rains wash volcanic sediments into the ocean, triggering algal blooms that produce ciguatoxins. Likewise, jellyfish blooms and shifts in coral growth signal imbalances in the marine ecosystem, often preceding toxic fish contamination.

    These ecological indicators, passed down through oral traditions, have guided community decisions about fishing practices and food consumption.

    The islanders’ traditional observations are now being woven together with scientific data to create an early-warning system known as the Gigila Framework, named after a local term meaning “risk onset”, to aid public health responses.

    Our research documents 14 key environmental indicators used by Ambae island communities. We cross-referenced these indicators with climate, geological and marine data to confirm their accuracy. By comparing Ambae islanders’ observations with scientific data, we identify which Indigenous indicators can be used to assess when and where ciguatera fish poisoning outbreaks take place.

    Ambae islanders use ecological observations guide decisions about fishing practices and food consumption.
    Allan Rarai, CC BY-SA

    Lessons for other regions

    The Gigila framework is a community-driven early-warning system designed to reduce the risk of people eating contaminated fish. It uses visual markers, such as dials, to indicate risk levels.

    Village elders appoint local people to act as observers to track environmental changes. They then share their observations (such as jellyfish blooms) with government agencies.

    The Gigila model helps local community members make informed decisions about if and where they go fishing. It also strengthens collaborations between Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists and medical professionals.

    The approach makes health risk information more accessible and practical. Instead of replacing Indigenous knowledge, it seeks to empower and enhance it. It also helps to ensure that younger generations learn about it.

    Challenges of working with different knowledge systems

    The weaving together of Indigenous knowledge with scientific knowledge is not without hurdles.

    Indigenous knowledge practices are deeply rooted in local culture, passed on through oral traditions and combined with lived experiences. Scientific research, in contrast, relies on standardised testing, numerical data and universal theories.

    Unsurprisingly, miscommunication between scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders abounds. Scientists sometimes misinterpret and misunderstand Indigenous knowledge and treat it like data to be extracted and exploited. In doing so, Indigenous peoples’ sacred knowledge systems, cultural identities and ways of life are disrespected and marginalised.

    However, the success of the Gigila framework shows that respectful collaborations between scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders are possible. At the heart of this collaboration is respect for Indigenous knowledge holders’ expertise.

    Another vital component is that Indigenous communities are active participants in helping to create and maintain the early-warning system designed to protect their health. This approach highlights the strengths of combining different knowledge systems to address local environmental issues, which can be adapted to fit different problems and risks.

    Local and global applications

    The Gigila framework holds potential beyond Vanuatu. Many small island nations face similar challenges from fish poisoning. Climate change is making these risks worse by creating the environmental conditions that toxic algae favour.

    Warmer sea temperatures, ocean acidification, more intense and frequent extreme weather events and changes in the distribution of fish species are all contributing to more frequent fish poisoning outbreaks worldwide, including in areas with no history of it.

    This highlights the need for enhanced monitoring and management strategies to reduce the impacts on human health and communities that depend on fisheries.

    Other communities could develop their own early-warning systems drawing on the Gigila framework. Globally, Indigenous peoples manage vast ecosystems. Their knowledge and environmental guardianship practices are critical for sustainability and environmental health, but are often sidelined in science and policy.

    The Gigila framework highlights the continued relevance and importance of Indigenous knowledge and the need for Indigenous knowledge holders and scientists to work together in a respectful and equitable manner.

    As climate change accelerates, partnerships between communities and researchers will be crucial. Governments should support locally led initiatives that promote the deployment of Indigenous knowledge with scientific expertise to produce solutions that are both effective and culturally grounded.

    The Gigila framework offers a compelling example of what’s possible when different ways of knowing are woven together. By embracing these approaches, we can build stronger, more resilient and adaptable communities in the face of an uncertain future.

    Allan Rarai receives funding from the Association of the Commonwealth Universities through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme research grant.

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

    – ref. Indigenous knowledge merges with science to protect people from fish poisoning in Vanuatu – https://theconversation.com/indigenous-knowledge-merges-with-science-to-protect-people-from-fish-poisoning-in-vanuatu-249469

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Antarctic research has long been hamstrung by reliance on one icebreaker and sporadic funding. That might be about to change

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Younger, Lecturer in Southern Ocean Vertebrate Ecology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania

    Australia’s Antarctic territory represents the largest sliver of the ice continent. For decades, Australian scientists have headed to one of our three bases – Mawson, Davis and Casey – as well as the base on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, to research everything from ecology to climate science.

    But despite our role as leaders in Antarctic science, Australian funding and logistics for Antarctic research hasn’t kept pace. Our single icebreaking vessel spends most of its time on resupply missions, restricting its use for actual science. And funding is often piecemeal, which makes it hard to plan the complex, multi-year efforts it takes to do research down on the ice.

    This week, we saw a welcome change. The federal parliamentary committee on Australia’s external territories delivered a report calling for a second icebreaking vessel and more reliable funding. It also urged the government to progress work on marine protected areas in east Antarctica as well as resume fishing patrols, due to concern over illegal or exploitative fishing.

    These measures are long overdue. For those of us who work and study on the ice continent, logistics and funding have long been a challenge. Illegal fishing in Antarctica must be stamped out, and a second vessel would support our ambitious, world-leading science.

    Why is Antarctic science so important?

    Antarctica is often out of sight, out of mind for many Australians. But what happens on the ice doesn’t stay there.

    For climate science, Antarctica matters a great deal. For decades, much of the concern about melting ice focused on the Arctic and Greenland, while Antarctica stayed relatively stable. But this is now changing. Sea ice is melting more quickly than in the past. Glacial ice is retreating. Increased melting will affect sea level rise and ocean currents.

    I study diseases such as the lethal strain of bird flu which has devastated bird and some mammals populations around the world. It recently reached Antarctica, where it killed large numbers of penguins, skuas, crabeater seals and more. I saw the devastation myself on my recent journey there.

    If this strain makes it to Australia – the last continent free of it – it could come from the south and devastate both Australian wildlife and poultry.

    To study these large and important changes, we need to be down there on the ice. It’s not an easy task. Keeping our bases functional means we need regular resupply missions. Repairs and extensions require tradies. Scientists and other workers need to be brought home.

    Antarctic science has long relied on just one vessel, now the RSV Nuniya, which the Australian Antarctic Division describes as the “main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations and the central platform of our Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientific research”.

    The problem is, resupply can trump science. After all, no one wants bases running short of food or fuel. This is, in fact, what the Nuniya is largely doing.

    Australia’s role is key

    The Australian Antarctic Territory represents about 40% of the ice continent – the largest territory by far.

    Territory, here, doesn’t mean exclusive rights. In 1959, 12 nations with a scientific interest in the ice continent signed the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty was an agreement that Antarctica – the only landmass with no indigenous human presence – would be reserved for peaceful, scientific purposes.

    But in recent years, this treaty has come under pressure. Nations such as Norway and China have expanded fishing operations for krill. Illegal and unregulated fishing from various nations continues.

    The report recommends the Australian government continue efforts to establish a marine protected area off East Antarctica – where fishing would be restricted – as well as reopening fishing patrols. China – which recently opened its fifth Antarctic base – is opposed to the idea of fishing-free zones and is pushing to expand fishing in the Southern Ocean.

    Under Antarctica’s ice lie many resources. Mining is banned in Antarctica until 2048. What happens after that is uncertain. The race to tap critical minerals in Greenland signals what may lie ahead for Antarctica.

    This is why Australia’s leadership in Antarctic science matters. Australia was an original signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, and has a long history of exploration and science. Hobart has long been the home of Australia’s Antarctic vessels.

    As Antarctica changes, Australian scientists must be there to analyse, understand and report back. To do that, improvements are needed, including new vessels and longer-term funding. This report is the first step.

    The government is yet to formally respond to the report’s recommendations. Let’s hope it takes heed of the findings.

    Jane Younger receives funding from the Australian Research Council, WIRES Australia, the Geoffrey Evans Trust and the National Geographic Society.

    – ref. Antarctic research has long been hamstrung by reliance on one icebreaker and sporadic funding. That might be about to change – https://theconversation.com/antarctic-research-has-long-been-hamstrung-by-reliance-on-one-icebreaker-and-sporadic-funding-that-might-be-about-to-change-249714

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Trump Saying He Wants to Close U.S. Department of Education Immediately

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump said he wants the U.S. Department of Education to be closed immediately:

    “President Trump lives in a fantasy if he thinks closing the Department of Education is a good idea. Americans know that the key to achieving the American dream begins with a good education. The Education Department provides critical support for K-12 schools, administers aid to students pursuing higher education and job training programs, allows students with disabilities to access the same education opportunities as other students, and so much more. Closing the Department would harm every student across America, have negative consequences for our country’s economic growth and competitiveness for decades to come, and set America’s students up for failure. There is nothing more important right now to our nation’s success than ensuring students get the high-quality education they need, and I will use every legislative tool at my disposal to ensure this doesn’t happen.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Backbone University 2025

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

    A joint force of 89 Republic of Korea and U.S. senior Noncommissioned Officers came together from across the Korean Peninsula to attend the 2025 iteration of Backbone University, February 3-7, on Camp Humphreys.

    Backbone University is a one-week developmental course focused on providing NCOs of the E-7 pay-grade with an understanding of the joint operations environment while instilling valuable lessons on leadership that they can take with them to improve their organizations and the military as whole.

    “This week was impressive. The strength of the Alliance and the future of our services and countries were in safe and capable hands with these outstanding senior NCOs and chief petty officers leading in our formations,” said Sgt. Maj. Joseph Gaskin, Operations Sergeant Major of United States Forces Korea and Backbone University Director. “For the first time, participants worked together on capstone projects which focused on learning from examples of Republic of Korea and U.S. Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War. To see all these senior noncommissioned officers and chief petty officers from the joint and combined multinational force come together this week, overcome language barriers, work together in a mission command centric environment, intent based leadership, solve problems, face a very restrictive timeline, it was very inspiring to me.”

    The curriculum allowed participants to engage with senior leaders such as Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Maj. Gen. William H. Taylor, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jack H. Love, who were more than keen to share their insights and experiences with leadership, an NCOs purpose and function in a senior commander’s staff, and core lessons they learned along their journey.

    “Some of the things that really stuck with me were the 15 Secrets of Leadership from Command Sgt. Maj. Love. I’m going to take those lessons back and give it to my junior leaders and senior leaders so we can get moving on the right direction,” said Sgt. 1st. Class Daltyn Phelps, battery operations NCO, 210th Field Artillery Brigade.

    “One of the 15 secrets to leadership was inspect what you expect, and that really struck a chord with me coming from the airborne community. A lot of things get overlooked, like hands in pockets, things not being buttoned down or not having the right tools on you. That really struck me because I feel like that’s one thing that we can improve on as senior NCOs.”

    Participants started and ended each training day with teambuilding focused events such as: PT sessions led by Marine Forces Korea, Special Operations Command Korea, and Combined Forces Command; dodgeball tournaments and traditional Korean field day events such as three legged races; and the ‘Culminator’, which saw platoons fight through a six-mile-long slog of ice and snow all the while tackling obstacles, and carrying supplies such as water cans and simulated casualties.

    “Being in this training is beneficial for me personally, because I have never really worked with different branches before,” said Chief Petty Officer Voss, logistics specialist, Command Navy Forces Korea. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with Army, Marines, Air Force, and also ROK forces, because we have exercises where we have to brainstorm and learn about how the other branches approach problems, and we come up with different solutions that we wouldn’t normally think of, and as a group we produce better products.”

    “We had many branches from Korea, the U.S., and even New Zealand working together,” said Master Sgt. Joo-Won Hong, Republic of Korea Air Force, 19th Fighter Wing. “There were a lot of opportunities for me to integrate with our Alliance partners and learn different ways to tackle the challenges.”

    Ultimately, Backbone University is about building strong, joint teams, reaffirming the strength of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and preparing a stronger NCO Corps capable of dominating the battlefield.

    “You know, as you watch these NCOs come together, overcome all the barriers of communication, and draw upon lessons from the past to drive us into the future, the way they engage with the senior mentors who came to visit each day, the tough questions that they proposed, all of them really inspired me,” said Gaskin. “This easily fits the purpose of our core of NCOs and chief petty officers; we’re fighting and war winning. The grit these NCOs displayed this week tells me that our Alliance is strong, and our future is solid. We’re in capable hands with each one of these people who are leading our formations.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: New fish species discovered in South China Sea

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Chinese research team has discovered a new fish species, named Mononoke tilefish (Branchiostegus sanae), in South China Sea.
    The findings were published Wednesday in the international taxonomic journal Zookeys.
    Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Zhejiang University, and Ocean University of China identified the new species in the continental slope area between Hainan Island and Xisha Qundao at a depth of about 200 meters.
    Huang Haochen, first author of the study, said that the new species, like other deepwater tilefish, is an economically significant species. Despite their culinary value, limited scientific research has been conducted on these deep-dwelling fish.
    Known locally as “ghost horsehead fish” due to its distinctive head shape, this new species has long been recognized by fishermen along the South China Sea coast. Researchers collected specimens in 2023, enabling detailed study.
    Mononoke tilefish exhibits significant morphological and genetic differences from other tilefish species. While all known specimens were collected between Hainan’s Lingshui Li Autonomous County and Xisha Qundao, the new species is believed to inhabit the northwestern slope regions of the South China Sea, according to Chen Jingxuan, second author of the study.
    With this discovery, the number of known tilefish species in Chinese waters has risen to six. The Mononoke tilefish, which can exceed 40 centimeters in length, represents a rare find of a medium-to-large fish species in recent years. Further research into its biology and evolutionary history is expected to contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Dwyer, Research Director, Energy Futures, University of Technology Sydney

    24K-Productions

    Our cars sit unused most of the time. If you have an electric vehicle, you might leave it charging at home or work after driving it. But there’s another step you could take. If you have a bidirectional charger, you can set it to sell power back to the grid when demand is high.

    Fewer than ten people across Australia actually do this, because the technology – known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) – is very new. To date, it only works with a single car model (Nissan LEAF) and a single charger (Wallbox Quasar 1). We’ve estimated the number of users based on sales of this charger. The chargers are expensive and there’s a thicket of regulations to navigate.

    But that could soon change. Last year, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announced new Australian standards and communications protocols for bidirectional chargers in a bid to make it mainstream. Cheaper EVs and bidirectional chargers will make this more appealing.

    If it takes off, V2G could become extremely useful to the power grid as a way to release power as required and stabilise the grid against fluctuations.

    This week, Australia’s renewable energy agency released a V2G roadmap, which notes widespread uptake could “materially reduce electricity costs for consumers and accelerate national emissions reduction”.

    To understand why people are using the technology and the challenges to do so, we interviewed five early adopters from New South Wales and South Australia. Our findings are released today.

    A bidirectional charger is necessary to sell power back to the grid.
    doublelee/Shutterstock

    Setting up V2G isn’t easy

    Our interviewees reported a long, complex journey to set up V2G. These early adopters had no playbook to follow, so the process was one of trial and error.

    Some relied on professional networks or social media groups to gather information. They spent significant time and energy finding electricians, installers and charger manufacturers to set up their systems. Strata approvals were required. They also had to negotiate with power retailers and distributors.

    Delays were common, especially when seeking approval from the energy distributor. Some interviewees reported delays of months to years.

    Most interviewees had experience in a technical field such as engineering or technology. Some reported a significant learning curve, while others using new software from their retailer reported a smoother “set and forget” process.

    So why do it? Our interviewees had several reasons, ranging from getting the most out of expensive assets (solar and the EV) to offsetting power bills entirely.

    Four out of five interviewees reported making a small profit of about A$1,000 annually instead of a bill. Many wanted to be able to reduce dependence on the grid and reduce their environmental impact.

    As one told us:

    you originally think of it as a car you can also use to power your house. [But actually] it’s a house battery you can drive around.

    Maximising savings

    Typically, our interviewees plugged their car in at home during the day to charge from their rooftop solar. In the evenings when power prices peaked, they used an app to sell power back to the grid. This maximised their cost savings for charging the car battery and their earnings from the grid.

    For instance, a V2G user was alerted by their energy retailer that power prices had spiked to over $20 per kilowatt hour – far above normal rates of 25–45 cents. They immediately set their car and home battery to sell power back to the grid. In two hours, they sold 28 kilowatt hours of power to the grid and made more than $560. As they told us: “I look forward to more such events.”

    Our interviewees often monitored energy prices, solar output and car battery levels to optimise their output. To avoid their EV battery getting too low, they set a lower limit – say 30% of charge – after which their car would stop exporting power.

    This photo shows the setup of one of our early adopter interviewees. Pictured is the Nissan LEAF and bidirectional charger. For years, this has been the only car model compatible with vehicle to grid, but this is set to change.
    Author provided, CC BY-NC-ND

    Is there a downside?

    One of the main reasons people are sceptical of V2G is due to concern about accelerated degradation of the battery.

    This is a common concern. But to date, there’s no consensus showing V2G shortens the battery life of EVs significantly. One recent study shows it increases degradation by 0.3% a year. But another showed V2G might actually extend battery life in some scenarios.

    Last year, we surveyed more than 1,300 members of a motoring organisation about their view of V2G technology. We found battery warranty was a bigger concern than battery life. This is because most EV manufacturers other than Nissan don’t mention V2G in their battery warranties, leading drivers to believe they might void their warranty by using V2G.

    Awareness of V2G technology is growing. The survey also found almost 40% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with V2G, a jump from the 17% who reported familiarity in 2022. Among EV owners, almost 90% reported knowledge of the concept.

    Moving beyond early adopters

    For V2G to go mainstream, the process must be much simpler, cheaper and easier to set up.

    To accelerate uptake, reliable, accessible information is essential.

    Expanding government incentive programs to include bidirectional chargers would cut the upfront cost and make it more accessible.

    Even within the EV supply chain, knowledge of V2G is limited. Car dealerships will need to know which models work with V2G.

    Electricians may need specific training to install and maintain these chargers.

    EVs are falling in price as manufacturers vie for market share and cheaper options become available. V2G capabilities might help boost sales for competing car companies.

    As more motorists switch to EVs, interest in V2G will increase. While V2G can boost the appeal of EVs, there are others, such as Vehicle-to-Home (using your car to power your home during blackouts or to save money) and Vehicle-to-Load (using your EV to run power tools or appliances).

    Each of these can help consumers get more value from the vehicles parked in driveways and garages.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Kriti Nagrath receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    – ref. ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid – https://theconversation.com/a-house-battery-you-can-drive-around-how-a-handful-of-australians-are-selling-power-from-their-cars-back-to-the-grid-249696

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Industry focus

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Last updated 5 March 2020
    Last updated 5 March 2020

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    New Zealand is facing skills shortages in a number of sectors, including construction, food and fibre, health, and Secondary Initial Teacher Education.
    New Zealand is facing skills shortages in a number of sectors, including construction, food and fibre, health, and Secondary Initial Teacher Education.

    One of TEC’s core priorities is to help address these labour and skills shortages. Our work will link communities, industries, and education providers to education and employment pathways that are easy to navigate. Every New Zealander should have the skills, knowledge and confidence to create a fulfilling life.
    To achieve this, we are:

    building strategic partnerships and investing in provision that can deliver long-term post-study outcomes for learners 
    providing better quality learner information through our career services, including industry-specific attraction initiatives and dedicated career hub pages
    encouraging the development of quality and innovative learning packages and accessible pathways through funding training schemes and micro-credentials
    leading the work on the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE). This includes developing a new Unified Funding System and facilitating the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) and working with MBIE as they facilitate the development of Regional Skills Leadership Groups (RSLGs).

    Related Content

    Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE)

    read more

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘It’s a house battery you can drive around’ – how a handful of Australians are selling power back to the grid from their cars

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Dwyer, Research Director, Energy Futures, University of Technology Sydney

    24K-Productions

    Our cars sit unused most of the time. If you have an electric vehicle, you might leave it charging at home or work after driving it. But there’s another step you could take. If you have a bidirectional charger, you can set it to sell power back to the grid when demand is high.

    Fewer than ten people across Australia actually do this, because the technology – known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) – is very new. To date, it only works with a single car model (Nissan LEAF) and a single charger (Wallbox Quasar 1). We’ve estimated the number of users based on sales of this charger. The chargers are expensive and there’s a thicket of regulations to navigate.

    But that could soon change. Last year, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announced new Australian standards and communications protocols for bidirectional chargers in a bid to make it mainstream. Cheaper EVs and bidirectional chargers will make this more appealing.

    If it takes off, V2G could become extremely useful to the power grid as a way to release power as required and stabilise the grid against fluctuations.

    This week, Australia’s renewable energy agency released a V2G roadmap, which notes widespread uptake could “materially reduce electricity costs for consumers and accelerate national emissions reduction”.

    To understand why people are using the technology and the challenges to do so, we interviewed five early adopters from New South Wales and South Australia. Our findings are released today.

    A bidirectional charger is necessary to sell power back to the grid.
    doublelee/Shutterstock

    Setting up V2G isn’t easy

    Our interviewees reported a long, complex journey to set up V2G. These early adopters had no playbook to follow, so the process was one of trial and error.

    Some relied on professional networks or social media groups to gather information. They spent significant time and energy finding electricians, installers and charger manufacturers to set up their systems. Strata approvals were required. They also had to negotiate with power retailers and distributors.

    Delays were common, especially when seeking approval from the energy distributor. Some interviewees reported delays of months to years.

    Most interviewees had experience in a technical field such as engineering or technology. Some reported a significant learning curve, while others using new software from their retailer reported a smoother “set and forget” process.

    So why do it? Our interviewees had several reasons, ranging from getting the most out of expensive assets (solar and the EV) to offsetting power bills entirely.

    Four out of five interviewees reported making a small profit of about A$1,000 annually instead of a bill. Many wanted to be able to reduce dependence on the grid and reduce their environmental impact.

    As one told us:

    you originally think of it as a car you can also use to power your house. [But actually] it’s a house battery you can drive around.

    Maximising savings

    Typically, our interviewees plugged their car in at home during the day to charge from their rooftop solar. In the evenings when power prices peaked, they used an app to sell power back to the grid. This maximised their cost savings for charging the car battery and their earnings from the grid.

    For instance, a V2G user was alerted by their energy retailer that power prices had spiked to over $20 per kilowatt hour – far above normal rates of 25–45 cents. They immediately set their car and home battery to sell power back to the grid. In two hours, they sold 28 kilowatt hours of power to the grid and made more than $560. As they told us: “I look forward to more such events.”

    Our interviewees often monitored energy prices, solar output and car battery levels to optimise their output. To avoid their EV battery getting too low, they set a lower limit – say 30% of charge – after which their car would stop exporting power.

    This photo shows the setup of one of our early adopter interviewees. Pictured is the Nissan LEAF and bidirectional charger. For years, this has been the only car model compatible with vehicle to grid, but this is set to change.
    Author provided, CC BY-NC-ND

    Is there a downside?

    One of the main reasons people are sceptical of V2G is due to concern about accelerated degradation of the battery.

    This is a common concern. But to date, there’s no consensus showing V2G shortens the battery life of EVs significantly. One recent study shows it increases degradation by 0.3% a year. But another showed V2G might actually extend battery life in some scenarios.

    Last year, we surveyed more than 1,300 members of a motoring organisation about their view of V2G technology. We found battery warranty was a bigger concern than battery life. This is because most EV manufacturers other than Nissan don’t mention V2G in their battery warranties, leading drivers to believe they might void their warranty by using V2G.

    Awareness of V2G technology is growing. The survey also found almost 40% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with V2G, a jump from the 17% who reported familiarity in 2022. Among EV owners, almost 90% reported knowledge of the concept.

    Moving beyond early adopters

    For V2G to go mainstream, the process must be much simpler, cheaper and easier to set up.

    To accelerate uptake, reliable, accessible information is essential.

    Expanding government incentive programs to include bidirectional chargers would cut the upfront cost and make it more accessible.

    Even within the EV supply chain, knowledge of V2G is limited. Car dealerships will need to know which models work with V2G.

    Electricians may need specific training to install and maintain these chargers.

    EVs are falling in price as manufacturers vie for market share and cheaper options become available. V2G capabilities might help boost sales for competing car companies.

    As more motorists switch to EVs, interest in V2G will increase. While V2G can boost the appeal of EVs, there are others, such as Vehicle-to-Home (using your car to power your home during blackouts or to save money) and Vehicle-to-Load (using your EV to run power tools or appliances).

    Each of these can help consumers get more value from the vehicles parked in driveways and garages.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Kriti Nagrath receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    – ref. ‘It’s a house battery you can drive around’ – how a handful of Australians are selling power back to the grid from their cars – https://theconversation.com/its-a-house-battery-you-can-drive-around-how-a-handful-of-australians-are-selling-power-back-to-the-grid-from-their-cars-249696

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: You’re playing (or watching) sport and someone blurts out a racial slur. The next 60 seconds are crucial

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aish Ravi, Lecturer in Curriculum, Teaching and Inclusive Education, Monash University

    In October last year, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) launched Dealing with the Moment: Anti-Racism in Community Sport, a free online course designed to help community coaches, parents, umpires and players respond to racism in sport.

    The course equips people with the tools they need to intervene effectively when racism occurs, ensuring everyone feels safe, welcome and respected.

    One of the key recommendations from the course is what to do if you hear someone say something racist on the sports field.

    Why racist remarks are so damaging

    Racist remarks hurt more than just a player’s feelings — they attack their sense of belonging and identity on the field.

    I know from my own experiences.

    During my years playing various community sports as a young adult, including Australian rules football, soccer and cricket, I was often one of the only people of colour.

    In those moments, I wanted my play and skills to be the focus but unfortunately, my appearance often made me stand out, which led to racist comments.

    Those remarks were deeply offensive and hurtful. They made me feel like I didn’t belong or shouldn’t be there.

    Racism in sport sends a harmful message: that someone doesn’t belong because of their skin colour or background. These incidents leave lasting emotional and psychological scars, even if they don’t result in physical harm.

    Why I helped develop the course

    I worked on developing the course to address a significant gap in how racism is handled in community sport.

    The course aims to ensure all sport participants have a positive and inclusive experience and that everyone understands the importance of addressing racism immediately – in the moment.

    It’s not good enough to delay action, even if that’s how it has often been done in the past. Some organisations claim that delaying action allows for thorough investigations and careful consideration.

    However, this is often a strategy to protect reputations and minimise backlash rather than address the root causes of the problem.

    Such delays can silence victims, perpetuate harm, and show a lack of genuine commitment to tackling systemic racism. Immediate action is necessary to demonstrate accountability and foster meaningful change.

    We must do better. We need to see progress, not stagnation.

    So, what should you do after a racist comment?

    If you don’t have time to dive into the full course, here are the key lessons:

    • the first 60 seconds are crucial: intervening immediately sends a strong message that racism won’t be tolerated and shows support for the victim

    • understand racism: recognise what racism is and how it affects people. Never dismiss someone’s experience by saying it’s “not racism” or telling them to “get over it”. Just because the harm isn’t physical doesn’t mean it’s not significant

    • take action: the course provides clear guidance on how to respond effectively to incidents of racism and support those affected.

    Why are the first 60 seconds so cruical?

    Acting early allows you to nip the issue in the bud by calling it out and intervening on the spot. It leaves no room for misinterpretation of events or for the narrative to shift.

    The longer the delay, the more time it allows for the situation to be downplayed, the narrative to change, or for excuses to be made.

    Ultimately, delays often result in the issue being swept under the carpet, with no one taking accountability for the harm caused.

    Immediate action demonstrates clarity, conviction, and a genuine commitment to addressing racism.

    Strategies for coaches, parents and officials

    Everyone — coaches, parents, officials, players and spectators — has a role to play when dealing with racism. Here are some practical strategies:

    • acknowledge and act: staying silent is not an option. A simple statement like “that’s not okay” sends a strong message of support and sets a clear standard of behaviour

    • use your authority: coaches can address players directly, officials can stop play, and parents can challenge inappropriate behaviour from the sidelines. Everyone has the power to intervene

    • educate yourself: take the course or learn more about racism so you feel confident and empowered to act

    • don’t minimise the impact: never tell someone to brush it off or suggest it’s not a big deal. Acknowledge their feelings, show empathy, and take the situation seriously

    • apply this to all inappropriate behaviour: these strategies aren’t limited to racism. They apply to misogynistic, homophobic, or other harmful remarks as well.

    Sport should be for everyone

    We live in a multicultural society – a melting pot of diverse cultures that is beautifully reflected on our streets and in our classrooms. It would be wonderful to see this diversity equally represented in community sport.

    Greater representation on the field and in the stands would create a sense of belonging and allow all players to thrive, regardless of their background.

    This is why addressing racism is so crucial — it paves the way for more inclusive and equitable participation in sport.

    The goal is to make sport a space where diversity is celebrated, teamwork is valued, and everyone can thrive without fear of discrimination.

    We can all play a part in creating lasting change.

    Aish Ravi receives funding from organisations for consulting work on training and education and evaluation work. She is also on various volunteer committees advocating for change.

    – ref. You’re playing (or watching) sport and someone blurts out a racial slur. The next 60 seconds are crucial – https://theconversation.com/youre-playing-or-watching-sport-and-someone-blurts-out-a-racial-slur-the-next-60-seconds-are-crucial-248671

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst Work to Protect Farm Families’ Access to Higher Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer, joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to protect farm families’ access to higher education. The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act would amend the FAFSA Simplification Act to restore the original exemption of non-liquid, farm and small business assets when determining a family’s FAFSA eligibility.  
    “Farm assets can’t be cashed out in the same way traditional investments can,” Grassley said. “Last Congress, I worked with the Department of Education to ensure the FAFSA asset test is only applied to investment farms, not family farms. Our bipartisan legislation would codify this guidance to ensure farm kids and other small business operators get a fair shake when applying for need-based financial aid.” 
    “No one should have to sell off the farm – or their small business – to afford college. As a farm kid myself, I know the enormous impacts grants and financial aid have on rural students’ decision to go to college,” Ernst said. “I’m fighting for Iowa families, so unfair policies don’t hold them back from investing in their child’s education.” 
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). 
    Download audio of Grassley discussing the bill HERE.  
    Find bill text HERE. 
    Background:
    Under the original FAFSA contribution formula, the expected family contribution didn’t factor in the non-liquid assets of family farms and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. However, the 2020 FAFSA Simplification Act, which went into effect last year, created a new formula that didn’t explicitly exempt family farms and small businesses from declaration.
    The value of a farm family’s assets – including land, buildings, livestock, unharvested crops and machinery – could total millions of dollars, but the family’s annual salary is significantly less. Per Iowa College Aid, if the value of family farms is included in the FAFSA asset test, a family making $60,000 a year could face over $41,000 in annual college tuition costs, compared to $7,600 previously. 
    Grassley has voiced strong concerns about the new FAFSA contribution formula’s impact on Iowa families. An overview of Grassley’s FAFSA-related efforts follows: 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Welcomes First Stars of Valor Veterans Fellow in U.S. Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing Clayton Brown of Bondurant, Iowa will join his state staff as a veterans fellow and the first-ever participant of the U.S. Senate’s Stars of Valor Veterans Fellowship program. Brown, a U.S. Army veteran, will work directly with Iowa veterans and serve as a liaison with Veterans Service Organizations and other veterans service providers. He will attend local events and help Iowa veterans navigate federal agencies and facilitate connections with local medical services, employment opportunities and other community resources.  
    “During my 99 county meetings, I often hear about the challenges veterans face when they reintegrate into civilian life. Having a community outreach officer dedicated solely to Iowa veterans allows me to better address their needs and concerns,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to have Clayton join my dedicated team of caseworkers to help ensure the federal government fulfills its promises to the men and women who have served our country in uniform. A graduate of Colfax-Mingo High School, Clayton served for a decade as a unit supply specialist and brings important perspective to his new role serving our state’s hometown heroes.” 
    “I am deeply honored for the opportunity to represent Senator Grassley and Iowa veterans,” Brown said. 
    Background:
    A decade ago, Grassley created veterans fellow positions to add more eyes and ears on the ground to strengthen the process of representative government and focus on Iowa veterans’ unmet needs. Grassley’s office is the first in the U.S. Senate to utilize the Stars of Valor Veterans Fellowships program authorized in the 117th and 118th Congresses. 
    The Stars of Valor Fellowship Program provides two-year, paid fellowship opportunities in the U.S. Senate for qualifying veterans, eligible wounded or disabled veterans, active-duty military spouses and Gold Star families. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Ensure Viability of Organ Transplant Reforms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Chairmen of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, respectively, today introduced legislation to enable the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)’s continued implementation of Grassley’s life-saving reforms to the U.S. organ transplant system. The OPTN Fee Collection Authority Act would authorize HRSA to collect registration fees from OPTN member institutions, ensuring HRSA’s ability to maintain the improved organ transplant system.
    “It’s critically important our organ transplant system operates safely and efficiently, because lives hang in the balance. I was proud to lead reforms to our antiquated organ transplant system, and have been closely following HRSA’s implementation of the law at every turn. This latest fix will ensure HRSA has the tools it needs to implement the law as Congress intended, and patients receive the care they need,” Grassley said.
    “Continuing our efforts to reform the U.S. organ transplant system is vital to saving lives,” Cassidy said. “This legislation takes additional steps to improve the system and ensure more Americans can access lifesaving organs.”
    Find bill text HERE.
    Background:
    The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) is a federal program, founded in 1984 and housed under the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), that is responsible for coordinating all organ donations and transplants nationwide. For 40 years, the OPTN was operated by a single, deficient contractor – the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
    Grassley in 2023 authored and passed a bipartisan law to break up the OPTN contract, resulting in the first competitive bidding process for OPTN contracts in the program’s nearly half-a-century history. Previously, UNOS, as the sole OPTN contractor, collected all OPTN registration fees from Organ Procurement Organizations, transplant hospitals and other member institutions. The Grassley-Cassidy legislation provides HRSA explicit legal authority to collect these fees, rooting out UNOS’ and any other contractors’ undue influence and safeguarding the revamped program’s operation. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office report to Congress within two years of the bill’s passage.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Holds Senate Floor to Protest HHS Nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Underscores How RFK’s Extreme Views Would Endanger the Health of Millions of Middle-Class Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 12, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senate Democrats’ protest opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to serve as the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Trump. In her remarks, Duckworth underscored just how unqualified Kennedy is for the job and how his long-held, well-established extreme views would put programs and services that millions of middle-class Americans rely on—like Medicaid—at risk. Video of Duckworth’s full speech can be found on the Senator’s YouTube, Twitter/X and Facebook.

    Key quotes:

    • “Next month will mark the five-year anniversary of when COVID shut down our nation. In this moment, it is dangerous, reckless and heartless to everyone who lost a loved one in the pandemic to even consider nominating a guy who has stated that, quote, ‘no vaccine is safe and effective.’ And if our HHS Secretary refuses to ensure children are protected against preventable-yet-deadly diseases—like measles, RSV, whooping cough or polio—it will be our kids, not Mr. Kennedy, who pay the price.”
    • “The only reason Kennedy is even up for confirmation is because he, like Elon Musk, decided to throw his dignity to the wind and bow down at Trump’s altar. And because of that, he gets to be yet another rich guy with too few qualifications and too much power somehow now charged with leading our government… So why would any of us ever think that he’d have the courage to stand up to Trump if the President issues an order that actively harms everyday Americans? How could any of us actually believe that Kennedy would fight back against Trump’s worst instincts, when Kennedy has proven time and again that he believes more in sycophancy than science?”
    • “Americans are going be the ones to suffer. Because now, with Kennedy’s confirmation, even programs as popular, effective and vital as Medicaid will be in even greater danger… Medicaid is a lifeline for kids, pregnant women, people in nursing homes and Americans with disabilities. But Republicans don’t seem to care about any of that. It’s obvious that Donald Trump has never stayed up late at night hunched over the kitchen table, with a calculator in one hand and a medical bill in the other, praying to figure out a way to afford his child’s insulin.”
    • “To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: I am sure many of you have faced health crises of your own. I’m sure many of you have had a parent who’s been sick or a nephew who’s been in a car crash, a spouse who’s needed an emergency C-section or a child who’s relied on an autoimmune injector. Imagine if your loved one hadn’t had care they could rely on in that moment. Then ask yourself how you can sleep soundly tonight if you vote to further the agenda of a couple rich guys who so clearly don’t care about making America healthy—they only care about tipping it even more in favor of the wealthy. They’re not bringing back the good ole days of Reagan. They’re just bringing back the days of dying from the measles. And they’re certainly not making America great again. They’re making America sick again. That’s the Trump-Kennedy promise.”

    Duckworth’s opening remarks as prepared below:

    You know, if you go back exactly 20 years ago today, I could tell you exactly where I was. I was in Walter Reed Medical Center. I was staring at the beige colored walls. And amidst the pain in every inch of my body, I was trying to muster the strength to sit up, or to take a step, or even just to take a breath.

    I spent months and months and months in that room. Hooked up to machines, getting wheeled in and out of surgeries, learning how to live again in my new, post-shootdown world. But despite it all, looking back, I consider every one of those days in that hospital room lucky.

    Because when the worst happened to me—when that RPG exploded in my lap in Iraq and I needed serious, sustained medical attention to survive the hour, the day, the year—I had health care I could rely on.

    The same cannot be said for countless Americans.

    Americans whose health care costs have already been too high, and whose access to care is in even greater danger if this Chamber is foolish enough to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as our next Secretary of HHS. Put simply, Mr. Kennedy cannot be trusted with the grave, grave responsibility that comes with this job.

    He cannot be trusted with our lives. He is focused on pushing his agenda—regardless of the cost to middle-class Americans. And if this man is confirmed, more Americans will die preventable deaths because of his policies.

    Next month will mark the five-year anniversary of when COVID shut down our nation. In this moment, it is dangerous, reckless and heartless to everyone who lost a loved one in the pandemic to even consider nominating a guy who has stated that, quote, “no vaccine is safe and effective.”

    And if our HHS Secretary refuses to ensure children are protected against preventable-yet-deadly diseases—like measles, RSV, whooping cough or polio—it will be our kids, not Mr. Kennedy, who pay the price.

    I’ve gotten letter after letter from my constituents, begging me to try to reason with my colleagues, to do whatever I can to prevent a man so ignorant of all things science and medicine from holding a position of such power over our child’s next breath.

    One pediatrician from Illinois wrote to me: I will always remember the 9-month-old infant with whooping cough who could not be saved despite every high-tech ventilator and medication we had available.” Another said: “I recall a father screaming and punching a hole in the wall when his 4-year-old son died of chicken pox.” The stories, the letters, the avoidable tragedies go on and on. Imagine how much worse the heartbreak will become under a guy who acts like the term “vaccine” is a swear word.

    Look, the only reason Kennedy is even up for confirmation is because he, like Elon Musk, decided to throw his dignity to the wind and bow down at Trump’s altar.

    And because of that, he gets to be yet another rich guy with too few qualifications and too much power, somehow now charged with leading our government.

    Trump is running this country like the mob: Kiss his ring, pledge your unyielding loyalty, get made—it’s just this time, you get made into a Cabinet Secretary. Well, Kennedy has given Trump his fealty.  So why would any of us ever think that he’d have the courage to stand up to Trump if the President issues an order that actively harms everyday Americans?  How could any of us actually believe that Kennedy would fight back against Trump’s worst instincts, when Kennedy has proven time and again that he believes more in sycophancy than science?

    Now, Americans are going be the ones to suffer. Because now, with Kennedy’s confirmation, even programs as popular, effective and vital as Medicaid will be in even greater danger. Republicans told us in Project 2025 that they would come for Medicaid—and this is the rare case when the GOP has actually kept its word, putting at risk the roughly 80 million Americans who rely on it. Americans in red states and blue, in big cities and small towns—folks who may have never heard of RFK Jr., but who will certainly feel the effect when he rips away the care their family so desperately needs.

    Medicaid is a lifeline for kids, for pregnant women, for people in nursing homes, for Americans with disabilities. But Republican’s don’t seem to care about any of that. It’s obvious that Donald Trump has never stayed up late at night hunched over the kitchen table, with a calculator in one hand and a medical bill in the other, praying to figure out a way to afford his child’s insulin.

    No. Of course not.

    With every passing day, it becomes clearer and clearer that Republicans care more about tax breaks for the billionaires they pal around with on the golf course than prescriptions for the middle-class folks who actually work at Mar-a-Lago.

    And while that teacher in Peoria lays awake at night, trying to work out how she can afford her father’s home care now that he can no longer get those services through Medicaid… While that new mom in Chicago who’s just learned she has stage 3 cancer is trying to find a second job so she can afford both diapers for her newborn and her own chemotherapy… Donald Trump and Elon Musk will be too busy lining their already-full pockets to care.

    To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: I am sure many of you have faced health crises of your own. I’m sure many of you have had a parent who’s been sick or a nephew who’s been in a car crash… a spouse who’s needed an emergency C-section or a child who’s relied on an autoimmune injector. Imagine if your loved one hadn’t had care they could rely on in that moment.

    Then ask yourself how you can sleep soundly tonight if you vote to further the agenda of a couple rich guys who so clearly don’t care about making America healthy—they only care about tipping it even more in favor of the wealthy. They’re not bringing back the good ole days of Reagan. They’re just bringing back the days of dying from the measles.

    And they’re certainly not making America great again. They’re making America sick again. That’s the Trump-Kennedy promise.

    I care about my constituents’ ability to afford their prescription meds. Their ability to get the vaccines that’ll keep them alive through the next pandemic. Their ability to survive those worst-case-scenario health moments without going broke in the process.

    So for all those reasons and a thousand more, I will be voting no on Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s nomination. If my Republican colleagues care about any one of those things, too, then they will have no choice but to do the same. Thank you.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Blackburn Renew Bipartisan Push to Help Cosmetologists Recognize and Respond to Domestic Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 12, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to incentivize domestic violence awareness training for beauty professionals and cosmetologists, which would help these individuals better recognize signs of abuse in their clients, appropriately intervene and keep them safe. The bipartisan Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor (SALONS) Stories Act would increase already-established grants to states that require beauty professionals and cosmetologists to undergo free and easily accessible domestic violence awareness training in order to help ensure more of these individuals are trained to successfully navigate conversations with clients who could be in danger.

    “Victims of domestic violence often don’t know where to turn or who to talk to, but they do often continue going to their salons—which puts beauty professionals in a unique position of potentially being among the first people who can recognize signs of abuse,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to join Senator Blackburn in reintroducing our bipartisan bill, which builds on Illinois’s 2017 law, to help more beauty professionals access free domestic violence awareness training that can give them the tools and knowledge they need to help victims effectively. How they handle these critical moments could be life-saving.”

    “Domestic violence is a tragic epidemic in the United States, impacting millions of women every year who often suffer in silence,” said Senator Blackburn. “Given their close relationship with their clients, beauty professionals have the unique opportunity to be a first line of defense against domestic violence by identifying the signs of abuse and helping victims and survivors escape dangerous situations. The SALONS Stories Act would help save the lives of vulnerable and isolated women across the country, and the nation should follow Tennessee’s lead by equipping cosmetologists to recognize and support victims of domestic violence.”

    Illinois and Tennessee have joined several states in passing landmark legislation to give beauty professionals these necessary skills, serving as models for states around the nation. 

    The bipartisan SALONS Stories Act is supported by Professional Beauty Association, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Shear Haven, YWCA USA and YWCA Nashville.

    A copy of the bill text can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Hoeven & Rep. Mann Introduce Legislation to Move Food for Peace Program to USDA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) – members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry – joined Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), David Rouzer (NC-07) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15), in introducing legislation to move the administration of the Food for Peace Program from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    For the past 70 years, American farmers have helped combat international hunger through Food for Peace, feeding more than 4 billion people in more than 150 countries.

    “Kansas has a long history of providing food to the hungry beginning with a Kansas farmer suggesting the U.S. provide surplus grain to countries in need, to President Eisenhower establishing the resulting humanitarian aid program, to Senator Bob Dole expanding Food for Peace, to the farmers who grow the crops that feed the world,” said Sen. Moran. “As part of an ongoing effort to save money and increase efficiency, Food for Peace should be moved to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By moving this program closer to the producers who grow these crops, we can help reduce waste and make certain our farmers have access to this valuable market. Food stability is essential to political stability, and our food aid programs help feed the hungry, bolster our national security and provide important markets for our farmers.”

    “Our nation’s farmers and ranchers are the best in the world and work hard to provide food and fuel not only for our nation, but those in need across the globe,” said Sen. Hoeven. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture already administer U.S. farmer-based food aid programs and it only makes sense that USDA would oversee the Food for Peace program, as well.”

    “President Trump made a promise to the country to cut wasteful spending, reduce overbearing federal bureaucracy, and to ensure every taxpayer dollar was spent wisely and responsibly,” said Rep. Mann. “I applaud President Trump for upholding that promise and reviewing our federal spending line by line to root out waste, fraud, and abuse while ensuring programs like Food for Peace are in line with his mission and vision. For 70 years, Kansas and American farmers have played an active role in sending their commodities to feed malnourished and starving populations around the world. This free gift from the American people is more than food. It’s diplomacy and feeds the most vulnerable communities while helping them recognize the freedom, prosperity, and good America can establish across the globe. By moving Food for Peace to USDA, the program can continue to equip American producers to serve hungry people while providing more transparency and efficiency as to how taxpayer dollars are stewarded. I will continue to work with the Trump Administration to uproot wasteful spending while ensuring America can continue to be the beacon of hope and freedom we are to the rest of the world.”

    “Food for Peace is a critical program for American farmers and has a proven track-record of successfully feeding people all over the world,” said Rep. Crawford. “I am encouraged by the Trump Administration taking a fresh look at how we provide foreign assistance, including Food for Peace. I believe a move from USAID to USDA would make program administration more efficient and more in-line with America’s priorities. USDA already runs two international food assistance programs that deal with in-kind food donations, Food for Progress and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program. This makes USDA a natural home for Food for Peace.”

    “The Food for Peace program plays a critical role in helping prevent starvation in places around the world that need it most, while also providing American farmers additional market opportunities,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Moving this program from USAID to USDA allows a commodity-focused agency to manage and execute the program’s mission while ensuring accountability that funds will be spent responsibly. America must continue to be a global leader in the fight against hunger.”

    Last week, Sen. Moran urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to quickly ship and distribute the American-grown food that was stalled in ports and warehouses in the U.S. and around the world as a result of the State Department’s pause on international assistance. Nearly $560 million worth of American-grown food was at risk of spoiling. On February 8, the State Department provided notices to participating aid organizations to resume shipping and distribution of the stalled American-grown food aid.

    Statements of Support:

    “Kansas farmers take great pride in Food for Peace and the impact the program and American commodities have had on feeding the world,” said Chris Tanner, president of Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. “Moving Food for Peace to USDA would continue to provide the needed relief for people in need. Thank you to Senator Moran and Congressman Mann for leading the way on this issue.”

    “Kansas-grown sorghum is a critical crop for food security in America and abroad,” said Adam York, CEO of Kansas Sorghum Producers Association. “Throughout changes in administrations, sorghum farmers have worked to have a seat at the table in international food programs housed across many agencies to ensure America’s farmers can contribute to our national security. We recommend policy makers continue prioritizing American agriculture as a solution to challenges in domestic and foreign policy.”

    “National Sorghum Producers supports this legislation that would move U.S. food aid programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture—a move that makes sense and would ensure the long-term viability and success of these programs by continuing to provide a critical market for American sorghum farmers and the ability to move grain from our fields to the hands of those in need around the world,” said Amy France, chairwoman of National Sorghum Producers.

    “U.S. soybeans play an important role in addressing global hunger,” said Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association. “Soybeans are the only plant-based protein that provides all nine amino acids essential for human health, and our farmers have been proud to support international food assistance programs. ASA strongly supports efforts to protect these programs and to ensure U.S. grown commodities continue to feed vulnerable populations around the globe. We thank Representative Mann and Senator Moran for their leadership on this important issue.”

    “Our nation’s millers take great pride in feeding those facing famine emergencies around the world,” said Kim Z Cooper, Vice President of Government Affairs for the North American Millers’ Association. “Our flagship emergency food aid program Food for Peace not only helps those abroad, but is a critical component of Buy American and America First policies. We applaud Representatives Mann (R-KS), Thompson (R-PA), Crawford (R-AR), Newhouse (R-WA), Rouzer (R-NC), and Senators Moran and Hoeven for introducing legislation that would allow Food for Peace to operate under USDA, and reinstate this critical, life-saving program.”

    This legislation is also supported by the U.S. Dry Bean Council, National Sorghum Producers, U.S. Wheat Associates, National Association of Wheat Growers, The Midwest Dry Bean Coalition, North Central Bean Dealers Association, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, USA Rice, U.S. Peanut Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Forceful Senate Floor Speech, Murray Lays Out Real Dangers of Confirming RFK Jr., Calls on Colleagues to “Show Some Courage,” Reject Anti-Vaccine Conspiracy Theorist as Top Health Official

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “If you think RFK Jr. will change who he is, you are lying to yourself… If you do not draw a line somewhere, you will cross every line you could ever imagine. You will be pushed further and further into accepting things you never thought you would—things you never thought you could.”
    ICYMI: In Senate Hearing, RFK Jr. Refuses to Say HPV Vaccine is Safe to Sen. Patty Murray, Pressed on Credible Accusation of Sexual Assault
    Murray, a longtime congressional leader on health care who has led hearings on addressing vaccine hesitancy, has been a leading vocal opponent of RFK Jr.’s nomination—speaking out on the Senate floor, holding events, raising the alarm after meeting with him
    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s floor speech HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, took to the Senate floor to warn of the very real dangers that lie ahead if Republicans insist on confirming RFK Jr. as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and urge her colleagues to “show some courage… show some conscience” and vote against this nomination.
    Murray laid out the many ways RFK Jr. could undermine vaccines as HHS Secretary—as well as so much else that’s at stake with his confirmation. Murray pointed out that, if confirmed, there will be nothing stopping RFK Jr. from firing the CDC’s entire vaccine advisory committee—responsible for making recommendations about vaccines and indirectly determines which vaccines must be covered by insurance—and replacing them all with vaccine skeptics. RFK Jr. will also oversee FDA, another agency he has repeatedly tried to discredit and attack—and where he has said he plans to fire hundreds of scientists on Day One.
    “My colleagues should know better. They do know better,” said Murray on the Senate floor. “But they are looking the other way. They are choosing to pretend like it is in any way believable that RFK Jr. won’t use his new power to do exactly the thing he has been trying to do for decades—undermine vaccines.”
    Murray spoke about how RFK Jr. will also have jurisdiction over NIH, where he could redirect funds away from promising cures, or make good on his plan to fire hundreds of researchers and pause infectious disease research. Pointing to Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s’ recent attacks on NIH biomedical research funding, Murray said: “At a time when lifesaving research like this is already under attack from the President and the richest man in the world, no one who truly values medical research should vote to install one of the biggest attackers of medical science as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.”
    Murray also spoke about health insurance—another huge responsibility for HHS. “Last time Trump was in office, we saw millions of people lose their health coverage,” Murray said. “The uninsured rate went up after years of hard-won progress, and we all know he still wants to rip up the Affordable Care Act—driving up costs and kicking people off their coverage. And there’s no reason to think Mr. Kennedy will stand up to that effort. Indeed, there is no reason to think he has the experience and understanding of the system to do so. During his committee hearings, RFK Jr. confused Medicare and Medicaid—basic stuff—and failed to describe the components of Medicare.”
    Murray also hammered how RFK Jr. poses an enormous risk to reproductive health care in America—pointing out that not only did RFK Jr. confess to having no real understanding of the Department’s role in enforcing Americans’ right to emergency care, but he showed he will be totally open to Republicans’ efforts to rip away access to medication abortion nationwide.
    Also noting the danger of putting RFK Jr. in charge of pandemic threats, Murray emphasized that “We cannot take this man at his word—something he has changed and gone back and forth on time and again. But we can take him at his record—which is that he has consistently undermined vaccine confidence and even profited from it.”
    “I cannot tell my colleagues enough: this isn’t a game, this is not a political role without consequence, the Health Secretary has real power over whether Americans can get basic information and care that impacts whether they live or die,” Murray continued.
    “So if my colleagues are feeling the pressure from President Trump or if they are feeling the weight of the richest man in the world on their backs, I would warn them: this will certainly not be the last test we face here in the Senate… If you do not draw a line somewhere, you will cross every line you could ever imagine. You will be pushed further and further into accepting things you never thought you would—things you never thought you could.
    “I think most of my colleagues know what is really at stake here. I think most of my colleagues know what sort of man RFK Jr. is and what sort of damage he could do if confirmed. There are political realities, we all get that—but there is also right and wrong… So, I urge all my colleagues to show some courage. I urge them to show some conscience. I urge them to join me in voting NO on RFK Jr.’s nomination,” Murray concluded.
    When President-elect Donald J. Trump first announced his intention to select Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of HHS, Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move—and she has consistently spoken out and laid out for her colleagues the case against his nomination since, including in a lengthy Senate floor speech earlier this month—VIDEO HERE. Murray met with RFK Jr. on January 15th and released a statement afterward reiterating her opposition to his nomination and urging her colleagues, “to be honest with themselves about the stakes of putting one of the anti-vaccine movement’s loudest, proudest champions in charge of HHS and join me in opposing RFK Jr.’s nomination.” In December, Murray held a roundtable discussion at UW Medicine on the importance of scientific research and vaccines—especially for children—and spoke about how having RFK Jr. lead HHS would threaten Americans’ health and safety. At the hearing on his nomination before the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Murray pressed RFK Jr. to acknowledge that the HPV vaccine was safe and effective—he would not—and respond to credible accusations of sexual assault.
    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. As Chair of the HELP Committee, Murray was also instrumental in crafting the American Rescue Plan Act, including its landmark investments in public health and health care. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. Murray is also the lead sponsor of the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (PHISLA), legislation to establish $4.5 billion in dedicated, annual funding for a grant program to build up and maintain the nation’s public health system across the board. 
    In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander (R-TN) pressing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks on the Senate floor, as delivered are below and HERE:
    “Mr. President, the American people are watching now with alarm—because the vast majority of people know: vaccines are safe, they’re effective, they are lifesaving.
    But we are now on the verge of confirming, as our nation’s highest health official, a man who has spent considerable time, money, and effort undermining that basic fact.
    “A man who has abused his platform by refusing to acknowledge the well-established science that shows that vaccines arenot linked to autism. Fear about that point—fueled by RFK Jr. and others peddling misinformation—is a leading reason that parents do not get their kids vaccinated against preventable, dangerous diseases.
    “That’s why elevating a man like RFK Jr. to lead HHS would be so dangerous. Just giving him any platform to spread vaccine doubt is dangerous. But to give him one of the biggest megaphones in the world? It is truly shameful that we even are debating this.
    “My colleagues should know better. They actually do know better. They are looking the other way. They are choosing to pretend like it is in any way believable that RFK Jr. won’t use his new power to do exactly the thing he has been trying to do for decades—undermine vaccines.
    “Never mind the fact that CDC has already modified webpages with information about vaccines and other vital public health information—which a federal judge has now ordered the Trump Administration to restore.
    “Never mind that the Trump administration is also, reportedly, planning widespread and significant layoffs—layoffs—at CDC and across HHS.
    “This is how RFK Jr. substitutes his own beliefs for science. So, when the vaccine conspiracies start swirling—and RFK Jr. turns HHS into ground zero for misinformation—‘I had no idea’ is not going to be an excuse for confirming him.
    “Because at the HELP Committee hearing, the Chair pressed him repeatedly about the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism. And when RFK Jr. said he needed to ‘see the evidence,’ he was shown the evidence. But, to no one’s surprise, he did not keep his word, admit he’d been wrong, and spread the good news that vaccines do not cause autism.
    “He has had two weeks since that hearing to look at the same settled science as everyone else—crickets. But he won’t hesitate to quote the latest anti-vax conspiracy. He is totally up to speed on that front.
    “Are my colleagues really buying this guy will take an impartial look at the science?
    “If you think RFK Jr. will change who he is, you are lying to yourself. He has given no evidence to suggest that—and all the evidence in the world to the contrary.
    “Given his long, and growing track record, we cannot just pretend if RFK Jr. finally gets power to undermine vaccines—a cause that he has dedicated a considerable amount of time and effort to—that he’ll just give it up. That is not believable.
    “And I know I’ve been talking a lot about vaccines—because it is so obviously alarming—but the responsibility he would have goes far beyond that.
    “So, let’s break some of this down—both the ways he could undermine vaccines as HHS Secretary, and the other responsibilities that would be at stake.
    “To start with, the CDC is under HHS. That means that the Secretary directly appoints people to CDC’s vaccine advisory board. That board is responsible for making recommendations about vaccines—and it is those recommendations that determine whether or not certain vaccines have to be covered by insurance.
    “So, simply put: changing those recommendations will change what vaccines millions of Americans, including kids, will be able to get from their health care provider.
    “If he is confirmed, there would be nothing stopping RFK Jr. from firing the entire board and replacing them all with vaccine skeptics.
    “After all, he has said many times, and in many ways, he thinks CDC is corrupt and bought by pharma—as usual, by the way, without any evidence.
    “RFK. Jr. would also oversee the Food and Drug Administration; that is another agency he has repeatedly tried to discredit and attack—where he says he plans to fire—fire!—hundreds of scientists on Day One. And an agency that plays the crucial role of making sure our drugs and our treatments—including vaccines—are safe and effective.
    “Not only would Mr. Kennedy have a key perch from which he could undermine vaccines on a scale like never seen before, he could also use his platform to peddle quack treatments with no basis in science.
    “RFK Jr. would also have jurisdiction over NIH. That alone means influence over billions of dollars in medical research—research that is responsible for a significant portion of our economy, and more importantly, research that patients are desperately hoping will help them find cures. 
    “But RFK Jr. could redirect those funds to promote his favorite pet conspiracies instead of promising cures.
    “Or he could make good on his plan to fire hundreds of researchers and pause infectious disease research—for eight years. It should go without saying: viruses aren’t going to take a break.
    “And here’s the thing—the attacks on medical research are now already happening under Trump. From his day one Executive Orders, President Trump has already been threatening medical research.
    “Suddenly, all of our grants are at risk because they are looking at addressing ‘barriers to care’ or understanding why Black and Native American women have higher maternal death rates.
    “And now—President Trump also is trying to illegally, arbitrarily, and suddenly change NIH guidelines to set an unrealistically low cap on indirect cost rates. That would mean researchers are laid off, studies canceled—including lifesaving clinical trials—and kids are not able to get the treatment they need.
    “All because President Trump and Elon Musk don’t seem to understand how we actually fund important research, and couldn’t even be bothered to find out before taking an axe to medical research labs.
    “At a time when lifesaving research like this is already under attack from the President, and the richest man in the world, no one who truly values medical research should vote to install one of the biggest attackers of medical science as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    “And, M. President, insurance is another huge portfolio for HHS. Last time Trump was in office, we saw millions of people lose their health care coverage. The uninsured rate went up after years of hard-won progress, and we all know he still wants to rip up the Affordable Care Act—which will drive up costs and kick people off their coverage.
    “There’s no reason to think Mr. Kennedy will stand up to that effort. Indeed, there is no reason to think he has the experience and understanding of the system to actually do so.
    “During his committee hearings, RFK Jr. confused Medicare and Medicaid—this is basic stuff! He failed to describe the components of Medicare. 
    “And yes, Mr. President, I also absolutely have to talk about abortion care. This is of grave importance—especially right now.
    “In his hearings, not only did RFK Jr. confess to having no real understanding of EMTALA—that is a law which requires patients have access to lifesaving emergency care including, in some cases, abortion care—he also showed that he will be totally open to Republicans’ fact-free efforts to rip away access to medication abortion.
    “Like so many other issues that RFK Jr. is simply wrong about, the science on that has been settled for many years now.
    “Mr. Kennedy made clear though, he is very open to revisiting access to the abortion pill, based on a Republican argument against the science that basically boils down to: ‘Nuh uh, nuh uh!’
    “Putting up barriers to accessing the abortion pill—or ripping it off the market completely, as Republicans have made very clear they want to do—would be absolutely devastating.
    “And let’s not forget about pandemic threats. The lies that RFK Jr. spread during the last pandemic already make clear he is not the man to do this job. But if that weren’t enough, when there was a pandemic threat response planning session for this new Administration—he skipped it! He didn’t go! It would almost be comical if this wasn’t so serious.
    “Mr. President, everywhere you look, everything about this nominee is so concerning.
    “We cannot take this man at his word—something he has changed and gone back and forth on time and time again. But we can take him on his record—which is that he has consistently undermined vaccine confidence and, by the way, note: he even profited from that.
    “And we can take the threat of what he might do seriously, especially given the alarming things that are already happening.
    “If RFK Jr. gives you his word of honor, that he won’t freeze research—well guess what? We are already seeing the Trump Administration totally upend medical research. Thanks to the Trump funding freeze, NIH hasn’t issued any grant awards in weeks!
    “If RFK Jr. swears that he is not going to take down information about vaccines, that he is not going to silence experts, well don’t look now—but the Trump Administration has already taken down or changed CDC pages about vaccines. They have already silenced public health experts.
    “If RFK Jr. pinky promises you that he won’t undermine medical science or studies, and he won’t ignore global health threats, well, you might want to sit down for this—but President Trump has completely demolished our global health aid work. He has already completely demolished it.
    “The fallout is utterly heart wrenching. Already we know of a woman who died—because the USAID-supported hospital she went to for oxygen was forced to discharge her because they got a ‘stop-work’ order from the Trump administration.
    “It is not clear if she was the first death caused by Trump’s complete freeze, but there is no question, she will not be the last.
    “And Mr. President—let me make a really important point here: it is not just people across the world who will be affected by this.
    “There was a study being done on a new HIV treatment with thousands of volunteers, a study being done already having a thousand volunteers doing the treatment. But now, without their regular injections, which are cut off because of Trump’s move, there is going to be too little of the drug in their system to protect those people from HIV—but enough of the drug that if they contract HIV, it could mutate to become drug resistant.
    “So, for all the absolutely unhinged conspiracies we have heard about medical research from RFK Jr. and the like, where is the concern for this actual risk, in this actual study, happening right now all because President Trump cut off foreign assistance?
    “RFK Jr. has been silent about that risk, silent about how wrong that is—and so, even as he is making these empty promises on one hand to some of our colleagues, he is already standing by as President Trump breaks them on the other hand.
    “Oh, and here’s one more—if RFK Jr. says he is going to consult you on health care personnel, please do not be fooled.
    “Look, I don’t know why my colleagues need me to tell them this—I like to think we have some pretty smart people around here—but this vote, RFK Jr.’s own nomination, this is your consultation on health care personnel. Not some made up promise for later. This is the point you have the most power.
    “Whatever he might say, you don’t get to choose who RFK Jr. will appoint to this or that—heck, he doesn’t get to choose who President Trump appoints. 
    “The decision you get to make, all of us on this floor get to make, is the decision on this floor before us right now. You get to choose who you vote to confirm. And you will have to live with that decision.
    “And, if you ignore the warning signs, and confirm RFK Jr.—then, when the wheels fall off the wagon, you may try to tell yourself you were lied to, but you knew who you were dealing with. You knew who you were dealing with. You knew what he has said before, and what he has refused to say.
    “You had all the knowledge you needed to do the right thing.
    “I cannot tell my colleagues enough: this is not a game, this is not a political role without consequence. The Health Secretary has real power over whether Americans can get basic information and care that impacts whether they live or die.
    “As I have tried to drive home throughout this process—vaccines save lives. That is not a question. It is not a slogan. It is a fact.
    “If, when parents look to you, worried about their newborn, wanting to do what is best for their baby, and trusting your advice as a public health leader—if you cannot tell them the same truth that centuries of science and experience tells us, which is that vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving, then you have absolutely no business leading the Department of Health and Human Services. None. 
    “And so, just as I did at the hearing, I want to warn all of my colleagues: by merely voting to confirm Mr. Kennedy, we would be telling our constituents he is worth listening to on vaccines. That alone will get people killed—before he even lifts a finger.
    “Because he does not even need the levers of power to get people killed—all he needs is a megaphone.
    “To affirm his views by voting to confirm him as our highest health official—let’s not mince words about what that will mean.
    “When babies die from whooping cough because parents weren’t sure the vaccine was safe—will you be able to look them in the eye? When the flu sweeps our nursing homes, when measles sweeps through our communities—will it be worth it?
    “Mr. President, I will end on this—I’m sure there are plenty of members who know perfectly well just how dangerous it would be to confirm RFK Jr. They don’t need to hear it from me—in fact, some of them may even know the danger better than I do.
    “But here’s what I do know: conscience is a muscle. Courage is a muscle. The less you use them, the more they fade away.
    “So if my colleagues are feeling the pressure from President Trump or if they are feeling the weight of the richest man in the world on their backs on this vote, I would warn them: this will certainly not be the last test we face here in the Senate.
    “Giving into pressure now won’t make it go away. It won’t soften the pressure you face later, and it will not strengthen your resolve when the stakes are higher. It will just show: pressure works.
    “If you do not draw a line somewhere, you will cross every line you could ever imagine. You will be pushed further and further into accepting things you never thought you would—things you thought you never could.
    “I think most of my colleagues know what is really at stake here. I think most of my colleagues knowwhat sort of man RFK Jr. is, and what sort of damage he could do if confirmed.
    “There are political realities, we all get that—but there is also right and wrong. There is also fact and fiction.
    “There is people staying healthy, and people dying pointlessly—kids dying pointlessly—from diseases that we can prevent, because they thought Congress took its job vetting our health secretary seriously.
    “So, M. President, I urge all my colleagues to show some courage. I urge them to show some conscience. I urge them to vote NO on RFK Jr.’s nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at hormonal contraceptives and stroke and heart attack risk

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in the BMJ looks at hormonal contraceptives and the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

    Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, Clinical Director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said:

    “You shouldn’t be overly alarmed by these findings if you are using or considering starting hormonal contraception.  The additional risk of heart attack and stroke is very low for the vast majority – it’s equivalent to one extra heart attack for every 10,000 women using hormonal contraception for a year.  And pregnancy itself also increases your risk of developing blood clots, stroke and heart attack.

    “When considering hormonal contraception options, you will be able to discuss the risks and benefits with your GP so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.  This could include discussion and management of your existing cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or if you are living with obesity.

    “The study lends weight to previous evidence of an association between hormonal contraception use and a small increase in the number of heart attacks and strokes.  The researchers made use of a wealth of long-term electronic healthcare information from over 2 million people in Denmark – this scale and breadth makes the findings more reliable and complete than previous studies and enables study of even rare complications like these.

    “However, the study is observational so it can’t prove cause and effect, and there may be other factors at play driving the links seen that aren’t sufficiently accounted for.

    “This latest study supports the current practice of recommending the option of a progestin intrauterine device – the hormonal coil – for those already living with high cardiovascular risk, as this wasn’t linked to more heart attacks and strokes.”

    Dr Becky Mawson, NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care, and GP with special interest in sexual and reproductive health, University of Sheffield, said:

    “Please do not stop using contraception based on this study!  The risk of stroke and heart attack in pregnancy and postnatal period is significantly higher than the risks reported in this study for contraceptives.  For those using contraceptives for treatment of health conditions, the slightly increased risk needs to be balanced with the benefit in quality of life for those suffering debilitating gynaecological and hormonal conditions.

    “Saying that, if you have other risk factors for strokes and heart disease, then it is worth discussing with your healthcare team to look at the safest options like the hormonal coil.  This observational study looks at relationships in data, not causes.  It adds to previous studies within the same database looking at increased blood clot risk.

    “While it remains true as it has done for years that we need to find better, risk-free alternatives to prevent pregnancy, in my view this study hasn’t changed that and should not cause alarm but does add to growing knowledge in this area.”

    Dr Clare Arnott, Conjoint Associate Professor, Cardiologist and Head of Cardiovascular Program, The George Institute for Global Health, and UNSW Sydney, said:

    “This is an interesting, timely and important study.  It is wonderful to see sex-specific cardiovascular risk factors given appropriate attention in medical research.

    “The study identified twice the risk of stroke and heart attack in those exposed to the combined oral contraceptive pill (and around 1.5x the risk for progestin only formulations).  Interestingly, while risk was also increased for the combined vaginal ring and patch (with relative risks higher with these preparations), no increased risk was observed for the progestin-only IUD.  Also of note, and clinical relevance, duration of use did not appear to impact risk.

    “While these relative risks are important, particularly at a public health/population level, it should be noted that absolute risk remains low in this patient population of young women.  It is also important to note that this study excluded women with a history of arterial thrombosis – a high risk group, and thus these results cannot be extrapolated to that population.

    “The study is strengthened by a large cohort size, which is nationally representative, long patient follow up period, and is adequately powered with respect to the number of events recorded.  Of course, as the authors rightly acknowledge, this is observational research, and correlation is not the same as causation.

    “Nonetheless, it is valuable information that should be routinely communicated to women to allow them, in conjunction with their healthcare provider, to make informed decisions about their health.  These data are also very important at a public health/ population level given the >200 million women worldwide using hormonal contraception, and thus public health clinicians and policy makers should take note.”

    Prof Angela Clerk, Professor of Biomedical Science, University of Reading, said:

    “The study appears to be comprehensive and rigorous, representing the whole of the Danish population.  There should be some caution in extrapolating to other populations with different ethnicities, since genetic background and cultural variation could affect cardiovascular risk, and some ethnicities not fully covered by the Danish population could have greater vulnerability.

    “This is clearly an important study but, while the focus is on the potential negative effects of contraception on cardiovascular risk, it is also clear that any increase in risk is actually very small.  This emphasises the overall safety of the drugs, particularly when balanced against the negative effects of unwanted pregnancies resulting from a lack of contraception.  Yes, there should be informed choice of the type of contraception, but perhaps lifestyle choices need to take greater precedence.  Though I am past that stage, this study would not stop me from using any of these forms of contraception over not using one and facing an unplanned pregnancy.”

    Dr Channa Jayasena, Consultant in Reproductive Endocrinology, Imperial College London, said:

    “Contraceptive medication is a vital healthcare option, which offers lower chances of accidental pregnancy compared with barrier contraceptive methods.  Contraceptives work by using high doses of female hormones like oestrogen and / or progesterone to temporarily ‘switch off’ the ovaries and womb.  Oestrogen is a ‘sticky’ hormone because it makes blood more likely to clot.  It is well-known that The Pill increases blood clot risk.  Increased blood clot risk increases risks of related problems like stroke and heart attack.  The current study helps to define the risks of different types of contraceptive medication.

    “The study is well designed because looks at health records from 2 million women of reproductive age living in Denmark.  The authors were careful to adjust for factors which might have affected the results.  The findings confirm that The Pill is associated with increased risks of stroke and heart attack.  Observational studies like this one cannot conclude that the Pill has caused stroke and heart attack; but our prior knowledge of how the pill works makes this likely.

    “My biggest criticism is the way that the results are presented.  Only 3 per 1000 women were affected by a stroke or heart attack; the risk among those on the pill was about 6-10 per 1000.  The absolute risk of having a stroke or heart attack on The Pill is still very low.

    “Women should take away the importance of smoking cessation, healthy eating, and exercise to minimise the (small) increased risk of stroke or heart attack associated with being on the pill.  Women who have high risks of stroke or heart attack that cannot be reduced should strongly consider a hormonal coil, because of its lack of associated increased stroke or heart attack risk.”

    ‘Stroke and myocardial infarction with contemporary hormonal contraception: real-world, nationwide, prospective cohort study’ by Harman Yonis et al. was published in the BMJ at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 12 February 2025.

    DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2024-082801

    Declared interests

    Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan: “No conflicts of interests to declare.”

    Dr Becky Mawson: “Current project with South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub – The Hormone Effect – developing an app to collect data on side effects of contraception.

    Research lead (unpaid and no financial benefits) – The Lowdown Women’s Health Platform.”

    Dr Clare Arnott: “None to declare.”

    Prof Angela Clerk: “I no conflict of interest under any of the categories below with respect to industry funding.  I have no conflict of interest with any of my own research under these categories either.  I am a woman, however.”

    Dr Channa Jayasena: “No conflicts to declare.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Armstrong congratulates Superintendent Baesler on nomination to U.S. Department of Education post

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Gov. Kelly Armstrong today congratulated state Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler on her nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education.

    Baesler has served as the state school superintendent and administrator of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction since January 2013 and was re-elected to a four-year term in November 2024. She plans to continue serving in the role until being confirmed for the Department of Education position.

    In addition to her 12 years as state superintendent, Baesler served for 24 years in the Bismarck Public Schools system as a classroom teacher, instructional aide, library media specialist and vice principal, as well as nine years on the Mandan School Board.

    “Superintendent Baesler has the background and experience needed to bring North Dakota common sense to the U.S. Department of Education,” Armstrong said. “She understands that decisions affecting local schools are best left to local school districts, with guidance from the state and limited involvement from the federal government. We wish her all the best in D.C. and look forward to working with her to support 21st century learning environments that engage students, expand educational opportunities and empower parents.”

    Per state law, once Baesler is confirmed and resigns as state superintendent, Armstrong will appoint a replacement to serve in the role until the next regularly scheduled general election in November 2026.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota HHS supports oral health through education, preventive screening, services and child health coverage

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    February is nationally designated as Children’s Dental Health Month. In observance, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) joins dental professionals, health care providers, educators and other partners in promoting good oral health to children, their parents and caregivers, teachers and others.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood in the U.S.1 More than half of children ages 6-8 years have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth.2

    The Oral Health Program in HHS supports children’s dental health through prevention, education and SEAL!ND – a school-based sealant program. This program uses public health dental hygienists, private practice dental professionals and Federally Qualified Health Centers to provide oral health education, dental screenings, sealants and fluoride varnish treatments to thousands of children across the state.

    During the 2023-2024 school year, SEAL!ND was able to provide screenings for 3,070 students, apply 5,006 fluoride varnish applications, protect 8,531 teeth with dental sealants and make 1,817 referrals for further oral health treatment.

    “Schools are an ideal place to reach children, teachers and caregivers,” said Toni Hruby, HHS oral health prevention coordinator. “Through collaboration with external partners, we are able to expand our reach and serve more children.”

    Within HHS, North Dakota Medicaid also supports children’s dental health. North Dakota Medicaid’s Health Tracks benefit pays for dental care including exams, cleanings, x-rays, sealants and fluoride treatment for enrolled children. There are no copays for qualifying families. For more information about Health Tracks, visit hhs.nd.gov/health-tracks.

    HHS encourages North Dakotans of all ages to care for their smiles by following these tips: 

    • Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
    • Floss teeth daily
    • Eat a balanced diet
    • Drink tap water and limit sugary drinks and snacks
    • Avoid using cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and electronic nicotine or vaping products
    • Replace toothbrushes every three to four months and after an illness
    • Talk to a dentist about fluoride varnish and sealants for children to prevent cavities

    In addition to daily dental care at home, HHS also encourages North Dakotans to schedule an annual checkup with a dentist. Learn more about oral health and the HHS Oral Health Program at hhs.nd.gov/health/oral-health-program. To apply for North Dakota Medicaid, visit hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp.

    SOURCE: (1) Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington. 2020. Accessed October 17, 2023.

    SOURCE: (2) Lin M, Griffin SO, Gooch BF, et al. Oral health surveillance report: trends in dental caries and sealants, tooth retention, and edentulism, United States : 1999–2004 to 2011–2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2019.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Tiny splendid peacock spiders have the fastest known jump among their kin – new study

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ajay Narendra, Associate Professor of Insect Neuroethology, Macquarie University

    Pranav Joshi

    Jumping spiders – one of the largest spider families – get their name from the extraordinary jumps they make to hunt prey, to navigate and also to evade predators.

    Male jumping spiders also jump to escape from cannibalistic females and competing males. So they are under tremendous pressure to jump efficiently and rapidly.

    We studied the jumping abilities of miniature male and female Australian peacock spiders. We found that the males – incredibly light creatures, weighing just 2 milligrams – have the highest acceleration among any known jumping spider.

    Our study is the first to explore and identify differences in how male and female jumping spiders undertake their impressive jumps. It’s now published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

    A male Australian splendid peacock spider.
    Pranav Joshi

    Unique hydraulics

    Jumping is an energetically “expensive” movement strategy. To perform it, animals have to launch themselves from a surface by coordinating the movement of numerous body parts.

    Some invertebrates, like ants, jump with the help of their muscles. Others, like fleas, use energy stored in internal structures that are rapidly released to trigger a leap.

    Jumping spiders are different – they use a unique semi-hydraulic system. They don’t have muscles to extend their legs and power the jumps. Instead, they extend their legs by increasing the pressure of the haemolymph (fluid analogous to blood in invertebrates) in their legs, which triggers the jump.

    Peacock spiders are well known for the elaborate courtship display males carry out to court females. It has captured the attention of biologists and non-scientific audiences alike. The display includes extending and waving their third pair of legs and opening the colourful flap-like extensions on the abdomen.

    The quantitative description of jumping movements, known as jump kinematics, has only been conducted for four of the 6,000+ jumping spider species known worldwide. On top of this, scientists have never investigated differences in jump dynamics in male and female spiders.

    Because male and female peacock spiders differ strongly in size from each other, they present a unique opportunity to identify sex-specific differences in jump kinematics.

    Spiders on campus

    We studied the Australian splendid peacock spider (Maratus splendens) found both on the Macquarie University campus in Sydney and in the surrounding area.

    The females weighed more than twice as much as males, and the heaviest female was 6.6 times heavier than the lightest male. We scanned male and female specimens using micro-computed tomography and carried out a 3D reconstruction to determine the centre of mass of each sex.

    Micro CT reconstruction of the male of the Australian splendid peacock spider with centre of mass highlighted by a circle.
    Ajay Narendra

    We then filmed the jumps of male and female spiders using a high-speed camera, and tracked the animals’ centre of mass during each jump. From this, we measured a suite of kinematic measures, including jump take-off angle, acceleration, and g-force.

    We found that these lighter male peacock spiders have a distinct jump choreography and kinematics compared to the heavier females.

    High, fast and steep

    We discovered that the splendid peacock spiders accelerated at 127.8 m/s² – more than twice as fast as the previous highest known acceleration in jumping spiders.

    This rapid acceleration may have evolved to escape from predators or to track and capture fast-moving prey in their natural environments.

    Though the lighter males accelerated faster, after controlling for body mass we found that acceleration in males was slower compared to females. Males and females experienced accelerations equivalent to 13.03 times and 12.5 times the force of gravity, respectively.

    Interestingly, the jumps of males were at a steeper angle than those of females, which is likely an adaptation to rapidly escape from females and other males.

    A question that remained was which of the four pairs of legs powered this rapid jump. To figure this out, we tracked multiple joints on all of the spiders’ legs throughout the jump.

    We found that the joint on the third pair of legs had an extremely acute angle before jumping, and rapidly changed to something like a straight angle after attaining maximum acceleration. Our results show that it’s the third pair of legs that propels the splendid peacock spider into its impressive jumps.

    Ajay Narendra receives funding from Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Tiny splendid peacock spiders have the fastest known jump among their kin – new study – https://theconversation.com/tiny-splendid-peacock-spiders-have-the-fastest-known-jump-among-their-kin-new-study-247241

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Inflation is heating up again, putting pressure on Trump to cool it on tariffs

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jason Reed, Associate Teaching Professor of Finance, University of Notre Dame

    Inflation is building again; but the housing industry may find it harder to do so as a result of Trump tariffs. Win McNamee/Getty Images

    Inflation figures released on Feb. 12, 2025, will come as a disappointment to Americans who hoped President Donald Trump would be true to his word on bringing down prices “on Day One.” It will also put pressure on the new administration to be wary of policies that may heat up inflation – and that includes tariffs.

    The consumer price index, which measures the change in prices paid by consumers for a representative basket of goods and services, rose unexpectedly from December to January by 0.5%. It means consumers are paying around 3% more on item prices than they were a year ago.

    Economists had been expecting the pace of inflation to slow in January.

    The news isn’t good for anyone concerned. It means inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s long-run target of 2% – making it harder for the central bank to cut rates at its next meeting on March 19. At its last meeting, the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee kept its benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at a range of 4.25-4.50%.

    Following the release of the latest inflation data, markets have a stronger conviction that the Fed will again hold rates steady when it meets in March.

    It also means more pain for consumers. Higher interest rates set by the Fed play a large role in determining rates for mortgages, credit cards and auto loans. If January’s rate of inflation were to continue throughout 2025, consumers would see a painful 6.2% annualized inflation rate.

    And although it would be churlish to link the latest jump in inflation to an administration just weeks old, it does put into focus the current slate of Trump economic policies. Economists have long warned that imposing tariffs on imports and cutting taxes does little to curb inflation – rather, they may contribute to faster price increases.

    Already, China has been hit by a 10% tariff on all products. Trump has also proposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, and he mulled imposing new tariffs on Canada and Mexico – two of the United States’ largest trading partners.

    I believe that if these wide-ranging tariffs come into effect, the Federal Reserve will have no choice but to keep rates elevated for the remainder of 2025.

    Revving up for higher car costs

    One of the largest drivers of inflation in January was rent increases, which accounted for nearly 30% of all items increase. Rents jumped 4.6% from a year earlier.

    If Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports, like lumber, take effect, Americans can expect continued price increases in the homebuilding sector. Supply and demand imbalances remain a key driver for higher prices, so fewer houses being built due to higher materials cost will likely lead to higher rents.

    Consumers saw better news on new vehicle prices, which remained flat over the month and showed slight declines from a year ago.

    This is even as demand for new cars increased 2.5% over 2024. In January 2025, the number of new vehicles sold topped the same month a year earlier for the fifth month in a row.

    But as with homebuilding, any tariffs on the import of car parts or materials will impact the auto industry. Carmakers may have breathed an immediate breath of relief when Trump delayed new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. But if deals aren’t reached by the March 1 deadline, industry analysts expect immediate impacts on top sellers.

    And any higher cost of new cars will have a knock-on effect on used cars, which saw prices jump 2.2% in January – it’s largest increase since May 2023.

    Increased prices are no yoke! (groan)

    Of course, not all inflationary pressures are in the purview of government.

    The transportation sector, which includes insurance and parking fees, increased by 8% over the year. Insurance prices soared almost 12%, on the back of last year’s 20.6% increase in prices, while parking fees increased by almost 5% as a result of more expensive repairs and more dangerous driving behaviors.

    Meanwhile, with bird flu continuing to spread, egg prices rose a shocking 15.2% in January, and are 53% more expensive than at this time last year.

    All in all, voters who cited inflation as the main reason they were backing Trump may be feeling a little uneasy – the administration is only a few weeks old, but for one reason or other, Americans are experiencing ever higher prices with little relief in sight.

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

    – ref. Inflation is heating up again, putting pressure on Trump to cool it on tariffs – https://theconversation.com/inflation-is-heating-up-again-putting-pressure-on-trump-to-cool-it-on-tariffs-249815

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five best articles in Russian for 12.02.2025

    MIL Analysis : Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis consists of five articles that are prioritized at the moment.

    Today’s analysis shows economic productivity and the hot topic of cybersecurity of citizens from fraudsters.

    Rosneft is expanding contactless fuel payment and has already introduced this system at gas stations in Khakassia. The Moscow subway held the first training sessions with guide dogs this year, 12 future service dogs started their training. Also, free cyber sports tournaments will be held in Moscow, in which everyone can take part.

    You can read one of the articles below.

    1. Financial news: February 14 at 15:00 will be held a press conference on the results of the meeting of the Board of Directors on monetary policy.

    The event will be attended by the Chairman of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina and Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia Alexei Zabotkin.

    Elvira Nabiullina will make a statement on monetary policy and medium-term forecast.

    2. Financial news: Interview with German Zubarev “Komsomolskaya Pravda”.

    “Safe accounts” to save money does not exist

    One hundred million rubles. That’s how much financial fraudsters swindle from Russians every day. And this is only official data. Last year, the law that will allow to limit the losses started to work. Cellular operators block suspicious numbers, banks suspend payments and freeze accounts. But criminals still find the keys to our piggy banks.

    3. “Rosneft” introduced contactless fuel payment services at its filling stations in Khakassia.

    “Rosneft continued joint work with the Yandex Fueling Service to expand the geography of contactless fuel payment. The service became available at all Rosneft filling stations in the Republic of Khakassia. It is already possible to refuel a car using the mobile application at 95% of the network’s stations in almost all regions where the Company operates.

    4. Moscow Metro held the first classes with guide dogs this year.

    Moscow Metro

    The Moscow Metro held the first training sessions with guide dogs this year, with 12 future service dogs starting their training.

    Since 2014, more than 400 guide dogs have been trained in the subway under the guidance of inspectors from the Passenger Mobility Center and specialists from the Guide Dog Training School of the All-Russian Society for the Blind.

    5. “Moscow cybersport”: free online tournaments begin in the capital.

    Free online cybersport tournaments are starting in Moscow. During 2025 at least 135 online competitions will be held on the cybermos.ru platform. The first meetings are scheduled for February 14-16.

    Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Perryton Coach Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Teenage Student

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    A Perryton ISD coach who sexually abused a 15-year-old student was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.

    Cole Underwood, 29, was charged via criminal complaint in June 2024 and indicted later that same month. In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk to 30 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. 

    According to court documents, Perryton ISD’s superintendent reached out to law enforcement in May 2024 to report a possible inappropriate relationship between Mr. Underwood and a female student. According to the superintendent, surveillance video allegedly showed Mr. Underwood meeting with the girl alone after hours, despite being given a specific directive not to be alone with her.

    Agents reviewed the footage and observed Mr. Underwood propping an exterior door open and then shutting off lights. Approximately 15 minutes later, the girl entered the darkened building through the propped door and walked into Mr. Underwood’s office.

    In interviews with law enforcement, the child said Mr. Underwood had sex with her in his office more than a dozen times between February and May.

    She said that after she added him as a contact on Snapchat, he established a personal friendship with her, and even invited her to his office to confide in him. She said that Mr. Underwood began messaging her in a flirtatious and sexual manner in December, and eventually used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters.

    A search of the girl’s cell phone revealed multiple late-night conversations – some lasting more than six hours – between her and Mr. Underwood, who allegedly occasionally referred to the child as “wifey” and told her he loved her.

    At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, the student detailed how the situation escalated from the defendant acting as a confidant during a stressful period to isolating her and continually pressuring her for sex:

    “I had no idea that he was slowly in the process of grooming me, I genuinely thought that he actually cared about me,” she said in a victim impact statement. “I didn’t know how to stop it… He convinced me to shut everyone out. I felt like I seriously had no one but him.”

    “I hope if there is a girl out there who is going through what I have been through, she has the chance to hear my story to know it’s okay to speak up. There are people who want to help,” she bravely added. “Just because you have one bad chapter does not mean your story is over.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Amarillo Resident Agency, the Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perryton Police Department conducted the investigation with the full cooperation of the Perryton Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Ponce De Leon Foundation Grant Awarded in the Amount of $610,000 to Nonprofits

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRONX, N.Y., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of the Ponce De Leon Foundation is pleased to announce it has awarded $610,000 to nonprofits that are making a difference in our communities. Since its inception in 2017, the Foundation has provided over $2.4 million in grants.

    Madeline V. Marquez, Executive Director of the Ponce De Leon Foundation, stated, “Year after year our grant applications increase, and it is evident the immense needs in our communities. We pride ourselves in ensuring all our focus areas are recognized and that we spread our funds equitably as we continue to support and strengthen the impact to our organizations.”

    Carlos P. Naudon, President and Director of the Ponce De Leon Foundation, stated, “The mission on corporate social responsibility remains, we live it, breathe it and stay true to it. Once again overjoyed in serving our communities.”

    Steven A. Tsavaris, Chairman of the Ponce De Leon Foundation added, “Partnership is key, especially when missions align. Humbled by these impactful groups and organizations.”

    ACE Programs: $25,000 for the Expansion of Services for Low-Income, Independently Housed Individuals in Western Queens Project

    Act Now Foundation, Inc.: $20,000 for the Alzheimer’s Care Project

    Andromeda Community Initiative: $30,000 for Constructive Career

    Brooklyn Youth Sports Club Inc: $30,000 for Brooklyn Youths Sports Club Program.

    Creative Art Works: $15,000 for Public Art Youth Employment Programs.

    Daniel’s Music Foundation: $20,000 for Disability Awareness.

    Education Through Music: $30,000 for Music Education Program.

    Girls Incorporated of New York City: $30,000 for the Project Accelerate.

    Hope Kids NY.: $25,000 for the Ready, Set, Go to College Program.

    Housing Partnership Development Corp: $30,000 for Homeownership Counseling & Education program.

    I Challenge Myself Inc: $10,000 for Cycling Smartly in The Bronx program.

    Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning Inc: $20,000 for JCAL Riddim Section.

    Neighborhood Self Help by Older Persons Project Inc (SHOPP): $30,000 for Senior Community Assistance.

    New Heights Youth Inc: $25,000 for College Bound Program.

    New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce: $30,000 for the ContractHer Program.

    Palisades Emergency Residence PERC: $15,000 for Technology Access Program.

    Part of the Solution (POTS): $30,000 for the ESOL Support Program.

    Princeton Center for Leadership & Learning: $30,000 for Connecting Gardening, Science & Literacy

    Project Hope Charities, Inc: $30,000 for Food Pantry Project.

    Regional Aid for Interim Needs Inc RAIN: $30,000 for Cucina Dolores Mobile Food Kitchen Project.

    Spanish Speaking Elderly Council RAICES: $30,000 for Mindful Journey Program.

    The HOPE Program Inc: $30,000 for Digital Literacy for Low-Income New Yorkers Program.

    Union City Music Project, Inc: $15,000 for the 2025 After School Orchestral Music Education Program.

    The Young People’s Chorus of New York City: $30,000 for YPC South Bronx Community Chorus Program.

    About the Ponce De Leon Foundation: The Ponce De Leon Foundation is a private 501(c)3 charitable corporation launched in 2017 with a generous gift of stock and cash from Ponce Bank. As the bank has grown, so has the foundation, and when Ponce Bank became a fully public entity in January of 2022 additional funds were donated. Ponce De Leon Foundation’s mission remains, to improve the quality of life in the communities in which Ponce Bank maintains full-service branches. With these gifts, Ponce Bank made clear its commitment to continue its tradition of supporting the communities it serves. For further information on the Ponce De Leon Foundation, you can send an email to Grants@Poncedeleonfoundation.org.

    About Ponce Bank: Ponce Bank is a subsidiary of Ponce Financial Group, Inc., a NASDAQ company trading under the symbol PDLB. Ponce Bank is a federally chartered stock savings association headquartered in the Bronx, New York. The Bank’s business is conducted through the administrative office, 13 branch banking offices and 5 mortgage loan centers. The banking offices are located in the Bronx (4 branches), Manhattan (2 branches), Queens (3 branches), Brooklyn (3 branches), and Union City, New Jersey (1 branch). Mortgage centers are located in Queens, (Flushing, Jamaica and Astoria) Brooklyn (Marine Park), and Bergenfield, New Jersey. The primary market area currently consists of the New York City metropolitan area. www.poncebank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: United nations Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: 35 UN entities, 15 Secretariat Departments, Offices to Gather under Theme “United for a Better Future”

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Two months from today, the United Nations will welcome visitors to a dedicated pavilion in the Empowering Zone of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan under the theme “United for a Better Future”.  The United Nations Pavilion is proud to host exhibits and programming that represent the work of 35 UN entities and 15 UN Secretariat departments and offices.

    The United Nations pavilion will feature highlights of eight decades of impact, current efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to address global challenges and humanitarian crises, as well as a vision of a sustainable future that is possible only through collective action and multilateral collaboration.  The UN Pavilion will also host special weekly exhibits and events aligned with the Expo’s theme weeks, United Nations international days and other priorities to promote sustainable development, human rights, climate action and peace and security.  Visitors can also purchase UN and SDG-related merchandise at the giftshop located inside the pavilion.

    Confirmed participating UN entities include:

    • United Nations Secretariat
      • Department of Global Communications
      • Department of Economic and Social Affairs
      • Department of Peace Operations
      • Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
      • Development Coordination Office
      • Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
      • Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
      • United Nations Global Compact Office
      • United Nations Mine Action Service
      • United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
      • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
      • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
      • United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
      • United Nations Road Safety Fund / Special Envoy for Road Safety
      • United Nations Youth Office
    • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
    • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
    • International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
    • International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
    • International Labour Organization (ILO)
    • International Maritime Organization (IMO)
    • International Organization for Migration (IOM)
    • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
    • International Trade Centre (ITC)
    • Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
    • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
    • Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    • Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific)
    • United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
    • United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
    • United Nations Development Programme
    • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
    • United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women)
    • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    • United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
    • United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
    • United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
    • United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
    • United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
    • United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
    • United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
    • United Nations University (UNU)
    • United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV)
    • United Nations Water*
    • Universal Postal Union (UPU)
    • World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)
    • World Food Programme (WFP)
    • World Health Organization (WHO)
    • World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

    The UN Pavilion will also host prominent guest speakers, including senior UN officials, leading experts, celebrities and advocates, who will share their insights and experiences on global challenges and solutions.

    “In the year that the United Nations will turn 80 years old, the UN Pavilion presents key milestones since 1945 that have reshaped values and the world as we know it.  We will also showcase examples of the UN in our daily lives and a vision of a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet,” said Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo 2025.  “It is our hope that our pavilion will serve as a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration and inspiration for action.” 

    The video interview of Mr. Nasser is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MBS_DOB_k8.

    Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will run from 13 April to 13 October and is expected to attract over 28 million visitors.  The UN Pavilion will be open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    For additional information about the United Nations presence at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, please contact Naomi Ichikawa, UN Department of Global Communications (New York), at email:  nichikawa@un.org.

    __________

    * UN Water is a coordination mechanism, comprising United Nations entities (members) and international organizations (partners) working on water and sanitation issues.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Household spending flat in January as Aussies take a break after stronger fourth quarter – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    Spending stalled at 153.4 in January, following a strong sales spending to finish 2024.

    The monthly CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index was flat in January, unchanged at 153.4, as consumers took a breather from opening their wallets following sale activity in the final months of 2024.  

    Modest spending increases were seen across six of the 12 spending categories, with the most notable uplifts seen in spending on Motor vehicles (+1.5 per cent), Insurance (+1.2 per cent), and Health (+1.0 per cent).  

    The biggest spending falls in January were in Education (-1.8 per cent), driven by reduced spending on universities, Hospitality (-1.0 per cent) and Household Goods (-0.9 per cent).

    “The flat January HSI result was somewhat expected following the spike in spending we saw in the last three months of 2024 off the back of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales. Essentials made up the three highest spending categories in the month as consumers pulled back on discretionary spending,” CBA Senior Economist Belinda Allen said.

    “We expect the RBA to lower interest rates at their first meeting of the year next week which will help provide a boost to consumer spending over the coming months. We anticipate a total of 100 basis points of monetary policy easing throughout 2025 to drive an improvement in the consumer spending pulse.”

    On an annual basis, homeowners with a mortgage (+3.0 per cent) have surprisingly seen a larger increase in spending compared to those who own their home outright (+2.8 per cent), while renters continue to lag (+2.0 per cent).

    “The increase in spending by those with a mortgage can be attributed to the fact that not only are this cohort likely at a stage of life where they’re spending on essential items, they’re still dedicating a significant share of their wallet to recreation and entertainment,” Belinda Allen concluded.

    The CommBank HSI index tracks month-on-month data at a macro level and is based on de-identified payments data from approximately 7 million CBA customers, comprising roughly 30 per cent of all Australian consumer transactions.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Scott, Rosen Introduce Antisemitism Awareness Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which directs the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on campus. This bill ensures that the Department of Education has a clear definition of antisemitism when determining whether an antisemitic incident on campus crosses the line from free speech into harassing, unlawful, or discriminatory conduct. Congressmen Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

    “In the continued aftermath of the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas and Iran, we have seen college campuses across our nation become hotbeds of antisemitism where Jewish students’ rights are being threatened,” said Senator Scott. “It’s critical the Department of Education has the tools and resources it needs to investigate antisemitism and root out this vile hatred wherever it rears its ugly head. There can be no equivocating when it comes to the issue of anti-Jewish violence and harassment.”

    “Antisemitism is on the rise across the nation, particularly on college campuses, and Congress has a responsibility to do everything in its power to fight back against this hate,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation today with Senator Tim Scott to help protect Jewish students from antisemitic bigotry. I’ll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill passed and signed into law.”

    “The House overwhelmingly passed my bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act last session, and today I am proud to reintroduce this critical legislation in the new Congress. Since the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th, 83% of college students said they witnessed or experienced antisemitism on campus,” said Congressman Lawler upon introducing the House version of the bill. “This is unacceptable. No person should feel unsafe, targeted, or ostracized because of their faith – and the Antisemitism Awareness Act will stop it from happening. When I met with Jewish students at Columbia University last spring, their fear was palpable. Many wondered if they could ever feel safe on campus again. They deserve better—as does every student, and that’s what this bipartisan bill will accomplish.”

    “Since the heinous October 7 attacks on Israel, we have seen an explosion of antisemitic violence and intimidation on college campuses and in communities across New Jersey and the nation. Far too many in our community no longer feel safe in their own homes or classrooms,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “That’s why I’m reintroducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which will give state officials and law enforcement a clear framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism to hold harassers accountable. Our bipartisan bill adopts the most widely recognized definition of antisemitism in the world, already used by more than 40 countries and 35 states. Hate and discrimination have no place in New Jersey or the country, and we must act now to protect our Jewish students and families from threats, intimidation, and violence.”

    “The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations thanks Sens. Scott and Rosen for re-introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA). It comes at an important time–Since Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, there has been a dramatic increase in antisemitism on college campuses. We continue to see university administrators show they have little understanding of how to identify antisemitism.  The AAA will adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism into U.S. law, enabling university leaders to support Jewish students and accurately determine – and discipline those who engage in—antisemitic discrimination on college campuses. The Conference of Presidents urges swift passage of AAA,” said Stephanie Hausner, COO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (COP). 

    “Antisemitism isn’t just a Jewish problem. It’s everyone’s problem. Despite the hollow arguments of some, this legislation neither outlaws antisemitism nor is it anti-Christian. The Antisemitism Awareness Act, like President Trump’s 2019 executive order combatting antisemitism and his order last month doubling down on the same,  provides students, parents, teachers and administrators alike with a clear definition of the world’s oldest and most prevalent hatred. Advancing this legislation is  important in making American campuses safe and welcoming for all. We must defeat the vile cancer of antisemitism and defining it under US law is a critical step in that righteous effort,”said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.

    “As ADL data shows, antisemitism is at crisis levels in the United States, creating the urgent need for decisive action,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. “The Antisemitism Awareness Act makes clear that antisemitism, including anti-Zionist harassment, has no place in our schools or society and, importantly, reinforces the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as a critical tool for the U.S. Department of Education. We urge Congress to act swiftly and send a powerful message that combating antisemitism remains a national priority and deeply appreciate the effort by Senators Tim Scott and Jacky Rosen to quickly reintroduce this bipartisan bill.”

    “According to American Jewish Committee’s upcoming State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report, three in ten American adults are either unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term. This number jumps for young Americans (ages 18-29): 41% of young Americans are unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term, while, at the same time, young American Jews (ages 18-29) are more likely to have experienced antisemitism in the past year than Jews ages 30 and older. These numbers show why it is critical to have a clear understanding of what antisemitism is and why it matters for American society because to even begin to solve the problem of antisemitism, there must be clarity about what it is and what it isn’t. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a clear and concise description of antisemitism in its various forms. AJC has supported efforts by both Republican and Democratic Administrations to use this definition at the Department of Education when investigating Title VI complaints. We applaud Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) for introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, for prioritizing the continued use of this important educational tool and ensuring the safety of Jewish students across the country,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee.

    “As antisemitic incidents continue to rise, Jewish Federations of North America are grateful to Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) for introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act today. This bill provides a clear framework for identifying antisemitism, offering concrete examples to help distinguish between constitutionally protected speech and targeted attacks against Jewish individuals. Congress must act now to send a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our society,” said Karen Paikin Barall, Vice President, Government Relations, Jewish Federations of North America.

    Joining Senators Scott and Rosen in cosponsoring the legislation are Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

    In addition to introducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act during the 118th Congress, Senator Scott has worked relentlessly to push back on the alarming rise of blatant and vile antisemitism on college campuses by:

    • Leading a resolution to condemn the explosion of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses, call out university presidents who have enabled and refused to take action against this antisemitism, and urge the Biden Department of Education to take necessary actions to ensure that colleges and universities are complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students;
    • Calling on the president of Columbia University to resign over rampant antisemitism on campus;
    • Introducing the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act to defund colleges and universities that enable violent antisemitism on their campuses; and
    • Forcefully condemning antisemitism and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense in a speech at the Orthodox Union’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Nursing Shortage

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Train More Nurses Act to address the nursing shortage affecting communities across the nation. This bipartisan bill will direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a review of nursing grant programs to find ways to increase faculty at nursing schools, especially those in underserved areas. It will also increase pathways for Licensed Practical Nurses to become Registered Nurses.
    Nevada is experiencing a dire shortage of medical professionals. A recent analysis found that Nevada is one of the states with the least amount of nurses per capita. According to the University of Nevada Reno’s Nevada Health Workforce Research Center, it would take over 3,000 additional registered nurses for the state to catch up to the national average.
    “As Nevada continues to face a shortage of nurses and doctors, it’s becoming more difficult for hardworking families to get the medical care they need,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to help increase the number of nurses in our state and improve Nevadans’ access to high-quality health care.”
    “In the midst of a growing demand for medical treatments and services, health care providers across Maine continue to face a significant shortage of nurses. One challenge in growing the nursing workforce to meet this demand is the limited supply of nursing faculty available to increase student enrollment and train the next generation of nurses,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would identify strategies to close the faculty gap and expand our nursing workforce, ultimately improving access to care.”
    “By investing in nursing education and creating clear pathways to employment, we can ensure that registered nurses are well-prepared to meet the demand, and that patients receive the high-quality care they deserve,” said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nursing Executive for Renown Health. “At Renown Health (Reno, NV), we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact of supporting nursing students through scholarships, apprenticeships, loan repayment, preceptorships, and advanced simulation education. Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. We are so grateful to Senators Rosen and Collins for moving forward this bill to invest in nursing education, which is crucial to be able to have more qualified and compassionate nursing care for you and your family.”
    Senator Rosen is working to address Nevada’s health care professional shortage and improve medical care access in the state. Senators Rosen and Collins’ bipartisan Maximizing Health Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act was signed into law in 2022 to allow community health centers to use federal funds to establish new mobile health care units to increase access to health care services in rural and underserved communities. Last year, Senator Rosen pushed for more medical residency slots to be awarded to Nevada to help tackle the physician shortage. She also helped introduce the bipartisan Medical Student Education Authorization Act to address the doctor shortage by expanding the Medical Student Education Program and introduced a package of bipartisan bills aimed at addressing the shortage of doctors and dentists in Nevada and across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Waller, Reflections on a Maturing Stablecoin Market

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you for inviting me to speak today about stablecoins, an important innovation for the crypto ecosystem with the potential to improve retail and cross-border payments.1 A little over three years ago, I outlined my views on the benefits and risks of stablecoins.2 I can think of no better place than this conference to discuss the maturing stablecoin market and examine potential challenges that could impede stablecoins from reaching their full potential.
    For the purposes of this speech, I define stablecoins as a type of digital asset designed to maintain a stable value relative to a national currency and backed at least one-to-one with safe and liquid assets. Specifically, a pool of assets is held in reserve so that stablecoins can be redeemed for traditional currency in a timely fashion.
    Stablecoins—as with any means of payment—must demonstrate 1) a clear use case and 2) a clear commercial case to be economically viable. These terms are often conflated, but they are different, and both are necessary. Having a use case is how you attract consumers and businesses, while a business model is necessary for issuers of stablecoins to continue operating. As private sector innovators look to expand on the use cases of stablecoins and seek to achieve scale, what might emerge as challenges or roadblocks? This is a question I will explore today, including from a public sector perspective. Of course, as a policymaker, I am not here to endorse any of these use cases or business models, and what follows is not advice or recommendations. Rather, I am discussing them to underscore the varied ecosystem that policymakers must understand.
    I will begin by explaining some of the use cases of stablecoins, including those that are well established and those that are still emerging. The primary use of stablecoins is as a safe crypto store of value. In the early days of crypto trading, buying and selling crypto meant trading one crypto-asset for another crypto-asset. As we have seen, crypto prices can fluctuate substantially, which means crypto-assets that are not anchored as stablecoins suffer from price risk. All financial markets crave the existence of a safe, low-risk asset which allows traders to move out of risky positions into safe ones where the safe asset price is known and stable. The beauty of financial innovation is that if a market demands such an asset, someone will figure out how to supply it. Thus, stablecoins were born.
    A stablecoin’s value is tied to a national fiat currency, with the U.S. dollar being the fiat currency of choice for most stablecoins. In this sense, stablecoins are synthetic dollars. In our everyday life, the dollar serves as a medium of exchange and a unit of account. By their tie to the dollar, stablecoins are the medium of exchange and unit of account in the crypto ecosystem.
    But how does one trade a “real” dollar for a “synthetic” dollar, like a stablecoin? Exchanges already allowed agents to move in and out of the crypto ecosystem but doing so took time and money. Stablecoins provided a marketplace solution to this problem—a means to represent dollars on exchanges so that transactions could be carried out more quickly and efficiently. Currently, stablecoins are involved in over 80 percent of trading volume on major centralized crypto exchanges.3
    A second stablecoin use case is providing a means to access and hold U.S. dollars. Today, around 99 percent of stablecoin market capitalization is denominated in U.S. dollars, and the vast majority of digital asset trades are priced in U.S. dollars.4 This is no surprise given the primacy of the U.S. dollar in global finance and trade, and I believe that stablecoins have the potential to maintain and extend the role of the dollar internationally.5 U.S. dollar stablecoins could be particularly appealing to those in high inflation countries or to those without easy or affordable access to dollar cash or banking services.
    A third use case is cross-border payments. For example, we are hearing increased industry focus on the “stablecoin sandwich” model of cross-border payments, in which fiat currency in one country is converted first into a U.S. dollar stablecoin, then that stablecoin is transferred to another individual, and then finally the stablecoin is converted back into the local fiat currency at its destination. This has the potential to reduce the complexity of a series of correspondent banking networks, improving transparency, cost, and timeliness. As this use case develops, it is critical that market participants implement all anti-money laundering and relevant consumer safeguards.
    The last use case I will describe is in retail payments. At present, stablecoin use for retail payments is very limited. However, I am seeing a lot of new, private sector entrants looking to find ways to support the use of stablecoins for retail payments. For example, firms that provide point-of-sale technology are acquiring innovative fintechs or developing their own capabilities to accept stablecoins for retail purchases. This provides consumers with yet another option. Firms are also looking to incorporate stablecoins—and crypto more broadly—into peer-to-peer payment apps.
    It remains to be seen whether stablecoins will scale for retail payment use cases. Such an evolution would require both a substantial number of consumers to shift their preferences toward using stablecoins and a significant number of businesses to make necessary investments to receive payments via stablecoins. We know that consumer retail payments behavior is sticky, and when behavior does change, it generally happens over a long period. If retail payments use cases do increase, it would probably take years to have a significant impact. That said, if stablecoins reduce transaction fees or allow merchants to attract customers, then merchants could have an incentive to accept them. Ultimately, the market will sort out whether consumers and businesses have the incentives to use stablecoins in this way.
    In addition to stablecoins having clear cut use cases, issuers must have a viable business model. To cite one famous example, Red Lobster’s endless shrimp deal was popular with customers, but it did not turn out to be a sustainable model for the restaurant chain. Let me describe what I think are the incentives for stablecoin issuers, but I am here today to learn more.
    To date, most stablecoin issuers appear to generate revenue primarily by earning higher returns on their reserve assets than they incur in expenses. They issue a zero-interest liability and use the proceeds to acquire interest earning assets, thereby profiting from the spread. As with bank deposits, the interest rate environment will have a significant effect on the profitability of firms issuing stablecoins. Higher interest rates generally mean higher rates of return on reserve assets, which generates revenue for the issuer. However, higher interest rates also have the potential to make non-interest bearing assets less attractive for consumers to hold. That said, users who hold stablecoins as an accessible, safe store of U.S. dollar denominated value may not be particularly sensitive to the interest rate environment, a phenomenon we already see today with some holders of physical U.S. dollars.
    An additional way stablecoin issuers can generate revenue is through fees. This could include charging minting and burning fees, which occur when a customer acquires a new stablecoin for a real dollar or wants to redeem it for real dollars. This is very much like the foreign exchange market in fiat currencies that most of us are familiar with. Alternatively, as occurs with most payments firms, the issuer could earn money from transaction fees.
    Finally, stablecoin issuers may use stablecoins as part of a broader strategy to attract customers to whom they may sell other products and services. In that case, stablecoins could be seen as a “loss leader” to entice customers to use other products or services offered by the stablecoin issuer that are much more profitable.
    With the exception of the last example, the viability of the other business models will depend on the ability of stablecoins to scale as a means of payment and on how consumers and businesses respond. For example, if the stablecoin issuer decides to pass through interest earnings on its assets, that will make the stablecoin more attractive, but it will reduce the profits from issuing a stablecoin. The smaller the interest rate spread, the more important scale becomes. For the fee-based models, free entry into this space will drive down fees as it does in any other market, which will reduce the revenue from issuing a stablecoin.
    Within this market, scale is important for achieving certain use cases as well as satisfying certain business models. For example, stablecoins are unlikely to become a viable option for retail payments if consumers question whether stablecoins will be widely accepted as a means of payment, while stablecoin issuers cannot generate significant revenue from interest on backing assets or fees without scale. I call this the “Field of Dreams” problem—if you build it, will they come?
    With all of that in mind, let’s now dive into some of the potential challenges or roadblocks that will need to be overcome for stablecoins to achieve their full potential.
    The first theme I will explore is one that I have discussed in the past—the safety and soundness of stablecoins and the need for a clear regulatory regime for stablecoins in the United States.6 Stablecoins are forms of private money and, like any form of private money, are subject to run risk, and we have seen “depegs” of some stablecoins in recent years. Additionally, all payment systems face risk of failure, and stablecoins are subject to clearing, settlement, and other payment system risks as well. At the same time, it is important to note that the risks faced by stablecoin issuers are not the same risks faced by banks. The stablecoin market would benefit from a U.S. regulatory and supervisory framework that addresses stablecoin risks directly, fully, and narrowly. This framework should allow both non-banks and banks to issue regulated stablecoins and should consider the effects of regulation on the payments landscape, including competing payment instruments.
    I want to reiterate that I think it is important that U.S. legislation makes provision for the supervision and regulation of stablecoin issuers that is proportionate to the risks they pose, without stifling their innovative potential while the marketplace is still developing. I believe in the power of the private sector to develop solutions that benefit businesses and consumers, with the job of the public sector to create a fair set of rules for market participants to operate within, including guardrails that ensure safety for consumers and the financial system as a whole. Having a level of certainty is important for businesses looking to invest in new products and services as well as for consumer confidence and assurance.
    Fragmentation is the next theme I’ll explore, first from a technical perspective. Currently, several popular blockchain networks are designed as distinct from one another. Firms looking to scale across blockchains are seeking technical solutions to achieve cross-chain interoperability. Will this ultimately prove efficient, especially in a world with multiple stablecoin providers operating within potentially different combinations of blockchain networks? Or will there be multiple, competing ecosystems, for example where one stablecoin dominates on certain blockchains, and another stablecoin dominates on others? Alternatively, a stablecoin market featuring a high degree of interoperability could support a variety of stablecoin issuers and blockchain networks, providing consumers a choice in stablecoins and technologies. It is not yet clear how these dynamics will ultimately impact business models and use cases for stablecoins, but it is an issue that bears watching as firms work to scale and mature their businesses.
    Fragmentation around the use and acceptance of stablecoins will also act as an impediment to scaling and will impact how stablecoin use cases develop. As I noted, stablecoins will prove useful as a means of payment insofar as holders of a specific stablecoin expect that others will accept them. The more people will accept a stablecoin, the more convenient a stablecoin will be. For the retail payment use case, how easy will it be for me as a consumer to pay with stablecoins at the point of sale, either in-person or online? From the merchant perspective, what incentives will firms have to accept stablecoins? Similarly, for cross-border payments, how widely will different firms (and their banking partners) transact in stablecoins? And, more broadly, could stablecoins have the potential to recreate and potentially exacerbate the current challenges associated with correspondent banking, further fragmenting the marketplace? Or could stablecoins mature in such a way to change the market structure of cross-border payments?
    Fragmentation in regulation also has the potential to hold stablecoins back from reaching their full potential. As I already discussed, the stablecoin market does not have a clear regulatory framework in the United States. While there have been efforts to develop some international standards, the emergence of different global stablecoin regulatory regimes creates the potential for conflicting regulation domestically and internationally.7 This regulatory fragmentation could make it difficult for U.S. dollar stablecoin issuers to operate at a global scale. And as I have noted, scale is vital for any means of payment to achieve its full potential.
    For example, under Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, stablecoin issuers can earn interest on their reserve assets as a business model, whereas other regulatory models being discussed would require reserves for stablecoins deemed systemically important to be held as non-interest-bearing central bank deposits, limiting stablecoin issuers into a specific business model. Domestically, state regulators have been key players in the development of the stablecoin market, and several states are in the process of developing state laws or finalizing new regulations related to stablecoin issuance. There is a risk that state regulations may conflict, which could prevent the use of the same stablecoin across all states and reduce stablecoin scalability. As with the United States’ dual banking system, a complementary framework with state and federal regulators working together can allow innovation to flourish while achieving some of the benefits of scale that come with a harmonized set of market rules.
    Different regulatory regimes are also creating separate reserve asset and redemption requirements for stablecoin issuers—a further potential regulatory regime fragmentation. In Europe, non-systemic stablecoin issuers are required to hold a minimum of 30 percent of their backing assets in bank deposits, and regulators have further proposed concentration limits per bank.8 This differs from the requirements of some U.S. state-regulated issuers.9 To operate at a global scale, stablecoin issuers would therefore have to issue the same stablecoin under multiple regimes with separate reserve asset and redemption requirements. Will this be efficient and ultimately prove workable if the number of regulatory regimes domestically and internationally continue to grow? Will we expect a stablecoin issuer to rebalance its reserves when a stablecoin is transferred between users in different countries or U.S. states? Creating consistency at the federal level could allow federal authorities to negotiate with foreign counterparts to ensure global regulations serve the interests of U.S. consumers and businesses and allow the U.S. to be a regulation setter for an asset class primarily denominated in our national unit of account.
    In conclusion, my hope is that the stablecoin market will grow or diminish on the merits of their benefits to consumers and the broader economy. For the private sector, that means continuing to develop innovative solutions that fit a market need while building sustainable business models. And for the public sector, it means setting clear and targeted legal and regulatory frameworks and coordinating those frameworks across states and national boundaries to enable private sector innovation at a global scale.
    Thank you.

    1. Thank you to Marc Rodriguez, Alex Sproveri, Sonja Danburg, and David Mills of the Federal Reserve Board for their assistance in preparing this text. The views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board. Return to text
    2. See Christopher J. Waller, “Reflections on Stablecoins and Payments Innovations” (speech at “Planning for Surprises, Learning from Crises” 2021 Financial Stability Conference, Cleveland, OH, November 17, 2021). Return to text
    3. See “Share of Trade Volume by Pair Denomination,” The Block, last modified February 10, 2025, https://www.theblock.co/data/crypto-markets/spot/share-of-trade-volume-by-pair-denomination. Return to text
    4. See “DefiLlama-Defi Dashboard,” https://defillama.com/. Return to text
    5. See Christopher J. Waller, “The Dollar’s International Role” (speech at “Climate, Currency, and Central Banking,” Nassau, BS, February 15, 2024). Return to text
    6. See Chrisopher J. Waller, “Reflections on Stablecoins and Payments Innovations.” Return to text
    7. See Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures and Board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions, Application of the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures to stablecoin arrangements (PDF) (Basel: Bank for International Settlements, July 2022). Return to text
    8. See Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on markets in crypto-assets, and amending Regulations (EU) No 1093/2010 and (EU) No 1095/2010 and Directives 2013/36/EU and (EU) 2019/1937. See European Banking Authority, Draft Regulatory Technical Standards to specify the highly liquid financial instruments with minimal market risk, credit risk and concentration risk under Article 38(5) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (PDF) (Paris: European Banking Authority, June 2024) and European Banking Authority, Draft Regulatory Technical Standards to further specify the liquidity requirements of the reserve of assets under Article 36(4) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (PDF) (Paris: European Banking Authority, June 2024). Return to text
    9. For example, see “Virtual Currency Guidance,” New York State Department of Financial Services, last modified June 8. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –