NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Unveils Comprehensive Tax Reform Framework to Lower Costs, Expand Economic Opportunity, Promote Fiscal Responsibility

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Rejecting the GOP Tax Scam, Rep. Davids is charting a new path forward

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined the New Democrat Coalition in unveiling a new Tax Framework aimed at advancing commonsense reforms that deliver better outcomes for Kansas’ hardworking families, support small businesses, and strengthen our long-term economy.

    The Framework stands in clear contrast to President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ extreme tax plan, which slashes health care and nutrition support for working families to pay for tax breaks for billionaires — adding $3.3 trillion to the national debt.

    “We should be focused on finding commonsense solutions that lower costs for hardworking families — not on extreme proposals that only benefit billionaires and the wealthiest corporations,” said Davids. “This new framework puts Kansas families and small businesses first by lowering costs, supporting job creation, and ensuring we grow the economy without adding to the national debt.”

    The Framework lays out a policy roadmap capable of amassing support on both sides of the aisle, including more than 20 pragmatic solutions that fall into one of three principles: lowering costs for middle class families and hardworking Americans; expanding economic opportunity and growing American jobs and businesses; and promoting fiscal responsibility and long-term economic security. 

    Framework Goals (read more here):

    1. Lower Costs for Working Families:
      • Support American Families and Children
        • Ex: Extend the expanded, refundable Child Tax Credit
      • Reward Work and Support Economic Mobility
        • Ex: Simplify and expand access to work-related tax benefits, including commuting and caregiving expenses
      • Make Higher Education and Training More Affordable
        • Ex: Update the tax code to recognize modern training and credentialing programs to support lifelong learning and upskilling
    2. Sustained Economic Growth and Grow American Jobs and Businesses:
      • Strengthen Innovation and Investment
        • Ex: Support tax incentives for domestic research and development and manufacturing
      • Support Small Business and Entrepreneurs
        • Ex: Modernize and simplify small business tax provisions to reduce compliance burdens and help startups and small businesses scale and compete
      • Promote Long-Term, Broad-Based Growth
        • Ex: Ensure international tax rules encourage U.S. investment and onshoring, keep IP in the U.S., and American companies are globally competitive
    3. Fiscal Responsibility and Long-Term Economic Security:
      • Lower annual deficits
        • Ex: Reject irresponsible tax policies that primarily benefit the wealthiest individuals at the expense of working families and the deficit
      • Stabilize and then reduce debt-to-GDP ratio
        • Ex: The more the U.S. spends on interest on the debt, the less it can spend on children, Social Security, Medicare, and defense

    This week, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are pushing a budget plan that gives tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and large corporations while raising costs and cutting services for everyone else. Davids previously voted against a version of this bill because it would:

    • Gut Medicaid and force rural hospitals to close;
    • Increase grocery prices and put smaller grocery stores at risk of closing;
    • Cut clean energy tax credits that are saving Kansans money on energy bills and supporting domestic manufacturing;
    • Add $3-5 trillion to the national deficit through 2034;
    • Raise taxes on hardworking families to fund tax giveaways for billionaires.

    The New Democrat Coalition is a group of more than 100 forward-thinking, solutions-focused House Democrats committed to growing the economy, strengthening communities, and protecting our democracy. Representing more than half the Democratic Caucus, they work across the aisle to deliver real results on issues like health care, housing, and national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Amo Statement on Trump Administration Withholding Education Funds

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

    “Trump’s assault on public education, teachers, and working families knows no bounds. By withholding $29 million from Rhode Island and billions in federal education funding already approved by Congress, he’s continuing his reckless crusade to dismantle the Department of Education. 

    I will keep fighting to unlock these funds that support thousands of multilingual learners, afterschool programs, teacher professional development, and adult education in our state because everyone deserves a chance to succeed.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Aderholt Introduces DUAL Act to Expand College Credit Opportunities for Military-Dependent Students in DODEA Schools

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

    Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt introduced the DUAL (Defense United Access to Learning) Act, a bill that would allow the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) to partner with accredited colleges and universities to offer dual enrollment programs for high school students in military families, similar to what is already available to public school students in most states.

    Currently, DODEA students pay out of pocket for these opportunities and must organize these arrangements, whereas high school students nationwide have access to state-funded dual enrollment programs in which the schools establish. The DUALAct would eliminate that disparity, opening the door for thousands of students living on military bases, both in the U.S. and overseas, to earn college credit while completing high school. Importantly, the bill requires no new funding; it simply authorizes DODEA to use existing Department of Defense funds for this purpose.

    “Military families make tremendous sacrifices for our country, and their children deserve the same educational opportunities that are available to other students nationwide,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This bill removes an unnecessary barrier and allows DODEA to invest in the future of its students, without increasing federal spending.”

    The legislation would provide equitable access to advanced academic opportunities for the approximately 12,000 high school students enrolled in DODEA schools. It is designed to enhance college readiness, remove financial barriers, and strengthen the academic competitiveness of Department of Defense dependents.

    “The DUAL  Act ensures that the children of our service members are no longer placed at a disadvantage simply because of their parents’ military service,” Aderholt added. “It’s a commonsense fix that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of military families.”

    The DUAL  Act is supported by leading education and military family advocacy organizations, including the Military Child Education Coalition and the National Military Family Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Harder Demands Release of Frozen Education Funding for San Joaquin County Ahead of New School Year

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    $18 million for hiring teachers, STEM education, and after-school programs locked up

    Clock running out with first day of school just weeks away

    STOCKTON – Today, in response to unacceptable education funding freezes just weeks away from the first day of school, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) demanded the immediate release of these funds to ensure Valley students heading into the new school year aren’t affected. More than $18 million in federal funding promised to San Joaquin County is currently locked up.

    Here’s what’s on Washington’s chopping block:

    • Funding for homework assistance and after-school clubs.
    • Investments in STEM education and digital learning services.
    • Hiring and training more teachers — one local school district has a 100+ shortage.

    “Make no mistake — this is an attack on our kids and their futures, and I’m furious that Washington is trying to pull the rug out from under our schools just weeks away from the first day of school,” said Rep. Harder. “Working families deserve to know that their tax dollars are going to invest in our schools, not sit locked up in the hands of politicians. I’m calling on Washington to immediately reverse this mindless decision before it’s too late.”

    In his letter, Harder urged Washington to:

    • Immediately release the $18 million promised to San Joaquin County.
    • Restore funding for hiring teachers and providing education programs.
    • Prioritizekids’ education and career futures.

    Read the full letter here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse Leads Coalition of Lawmakers Opposing Proposed Cuts to NOAA

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

    In letters to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik and Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers, lawmakers urge the rejection of proposed funding cuts and facility closures at NOAA. 

    Washington, DC— Following the release of the White House’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) led a coalition of 23 lawmakers urging both the Department of Commerce and their colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to reject devastating proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by the Trump administration. The budget proposal would decimate funding for NOAA’s critical programs, including the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), and terminate several Weather Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes, including several in Colorado’s Second Congressional District.   

    In their letter, the lawmakers condemned the proposed budget cuts to NOAA and underscored the importance of the agency and its Cooperative Institutes. Colorado is home to several of NOAA’s Climate Laboratories, including the Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL), the Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL), and the Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML), all located in Boulder, CO. 

    Colorado is also the only state in the nation home to two Cooperative Institutes, the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University and the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder, which are academic and non-profit research centers that have provided invaluable support to NOAA’s mission and work in drought, wildfire, and space weather since 1967. The lawmakers denounced the proposed cuts in their letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Subcommittee Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Meng, as well as any plans to terminate funding for these institutions, making clear the damage to our nation would be irreversible, and emphasizing the important work that is ongoing at both CIRES and CIRA.  

    “CIs are home to experienced researchers and long-standing data collection programs with major impacts on human societies. If these sweeping cuts are made, the damage will be irreversible. Even short-term interruptions in their research could threaten the safety and economies of the communities that CIs serve across the nation. These cuts would primarily leave tornado and weather research and ocean observation to be reprogrammed to other offices, effectively moving weather research and development under the National Weather Service, while getting rid of most of the people and infrastructure that do this critical work.” 

    They continued: “The value NOAA and its programs, like OAR, provide to our communities cannot be overstated. OAR operates research laboratories across the country providing the foundation for understanding and predicting changes in Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and inland waters. This work improves weather and climate forecasts, provides early warnings for natural disasters, and enhances our understanding of Earth’s systems. The work our scientists and civil servants do at NOAA is essential to U.S. national security and economic prosperity, as well as the personal safety and daily lives of Americans. Any attempt to gut these essential programs would have devastating effects on Americans.” 

     

    Read their full letter HERE and below: 

    July 8, 2025

    The Honorable Howard Lutnick 

    Secretary

    U.S. Department of Commerce 

    1401 Constitution Ave. NW 

    Washington, DC 20230

     

    The Honorable Laura Grimm

    Acting Administrator

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    1401 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20230
     

    Dear Secretary Lutnick and Acting Administrator Grimm,

    We write to implore you to reject the proposed funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as laid out in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. NOAA’s programs provide essential services to all Americans, and gutting its programs and research would be gravely irresponsible.

    In NOAA’s FY26 Congressional Justification document, the agency lays out plans to effectively eliminate NOAA’s Operations, Research, and Facilities for FY26. This includes a decrease in 216 employees and complete termination of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes. 

    This document also proposes closing down several NOAA facilities across the United States that are in our respective districts. This includes the Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, FL; the Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) in College Park, MD, Idaho Falls, ID, and Oak Ridge, TN, Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) in Boulder, CO; the Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, CO; the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) in Princeton, NJ; , as well as a nation-wide network of soil moisture sensors; the Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) in Boulder, CO, Utqiaġvik, AK; Mauna Loa, HI; Hilo, HI; Big Island, HI; American Samoa, and the South Pole; and the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) in Seattle. Shutting down these facilities would be devastating for our communities.

    These cuts would also affect Cooperative Institutes (CIs), which are academic and non-profit research institutions that support NOAA’s goals, containing 80 universities and institutions across 33 states. CIs are home to experienced researchers and long-standing data collection programs with major impacts on human societies. If these sweeping cuts are made, the damage will be irreversible. Even short-term interruptions in their research could threaten the safety and economies of the communities that CIs serve across the nation.

    These cuts would primarily leave tornado and weather research and ocean observation to be reprogrammed to other offices, effectively moving weather research and development under the National Weather Service, while getting rid of most of the people and infrastructure that do this critical work. You cannot simply shuffle a handful of programs across NOAA offices while terminating an entire line office responsible for providing the research base for the agency and expect continued success; to maintain American excellence in this work requires continuity of OAR’s core functions as well as its skilled workforce, including at the labs and CIs.

    The value NOAA and its programs, like OAR, provide to our communities cannot be overstated. OAR operates research laboratories across the country providing the foundation for understanding and predicting changes in Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and inland waters. This work improves weather and climate forecasts, provides early warnings for natural disasters, and enhances our understanding of Earth’s systems. The work our scientists and civil servants do at NOAA is essential to U.S. national security and economic prosperity, as well as the personal safety and daily lives of Americans. Any attempt to gut these essential programs would have devastating effects on Americans. As such, we urge you to reject these proposed funding cuts and facility closures at NOAA.

    Sincerely,

     

    Read their full letter HERE and below: 

    July 8, 2025

     

    The Honorable Hal Rogers 

    Chairman

    Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

    Committee on Appropriations

    H-310 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515

     

    The Honorable Grace Meng

    Ranking Member

    Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science,

    and Related Agencies

    Committee on Appropriations

    H-310 The Capitol, Washington, DC 20515

     

    Dear Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Meng,

    As you continue crafting the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, we write to implore you to reject the proposed funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as laid out in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. NOAA’s programs provide essential services to all Americans, and gutting its programs and research would be gravely irresponsible.

    In NOAA’s FY26 Congressional Justification document, the agency lays out plans to effectively eliminate NOAA’s Operations, Research, and Facilities for FY26. This includes a decrease in 216 employees and complete termination of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes. 

    This document also proposes closing down several NOAA facilities across the United States that are in our respective districts. This includes the Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) in Boulder, CO; the Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) in Boulder, CO; the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) in Princeton, NJ; Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, FL; the Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) in College Park, MD, Idaho Falls, ID, and Oak Ridge, TN, as well as a nation-wide network of soil moisture sensors; the Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) in Boulder, CO, Utqiaġvik, AK; Mauna Loa, HI; Hilo, HI; Big Island, HI; American Samoa, and the South Pole; and the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) in Seattle. Shutting down these facilities would be devastating for our communities.

    These cuts would also affect Cooperative Institutes (CIs), which are academic and non-profit research institutions that support NOAA’s goals, containing 80 universities and institutions across 33 states. CIs are home to experienced researchers and long-standing data collection programs with major impacts on human societies. If these sweeping cuts are made, the damage will be irreversible. Even short-term interruptions in their research could threaten the safety and economies of the communities that CIs serve across the nation.

    These cuts would primarily leave tornado and weather research and ocean observation to be reprogrammed to other offices, effectively moving weather research and development under the National Weather Service, while getting rid of most of the people and infrastructure that do this critical work. You cannot simply shuffle a handful of programs across NOAA offices while terminating an entire line office responsible for providing the research base for the agency and expect continued success; to maintain American excellence in this work requires continuity of OAR’s core functions as well as its skilled workforce, including at the labs and CIs.

    The value NOAA and its programs, like OAR, provide to our communities cannot be overstated. OAR operates research laboratories across the country providing the foundation for understanding and predicting changes in Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and inland waters. This work improves weather and climate forecasts, provides early warnings for natural disasters, and enhances our understanding of Earth’s systems. The work our scientists and civil servants do at NOAA is essential to U.S. national security and economic prosperity, as well as the personal safety and daily lives of Americans. Any attempt to gut these essential programs would have devastating effects on Americans. As such, we urge you to reject these proposed funding cuts and facility closures at NOAA, and to instead fully fund NOAA in the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

    Sincerely,

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Leads Bipartisan Bill to Help Servicemembers Suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury

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

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger, has introduced the Support Modern Approaches in Recovery Technology for Traumatic Brain Injury (SMART for TBI) Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve care for active-duty servicemembers suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) by identifying ways that digital technology can be used to better deliver care.

    Due to the rigors of military training and combat, servicemembers are particularly vulnerable to traumatic brain injury. TBI affects brain function, and if left untreated, people have a higher risk of experiencing mental health or substance use problems, as well as an increased risk of suicide. Between 2000 and 2019, more than 400,000 American servicemembers were diagnosed with at least one TBI – and more than 185,000 veterans have been diagnosed with TBI through the VA system. 

    Congressman Crow’s Support Modern Approaches in Recovery Technology for Traumatic Brain Injury (SMART for TBI) Act would require the establishment of a working group to identify ways digital technology can treat our active-duty servicemembers with TBI. Congressman Jeff Crank (R-CO-05) joined Congressman Crow in introducing this bipartisan legislation.

    “As a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, caring for our servicemembers is personal to me,” said Congressman Crow. “That’s why I’m introducing a bipartisan bill to identify new ways to treat traumatic brain injury & deliver world-class care for our servicemembers.”

    “I am proud to cosponsor the SMART for TBI. We owe it to our service men and women, along with our veterans, to advance Traumatic Brain Injury treatments. Using Artificial Intelligence and digital health technologies, we can improve outcomes for servicemembers and veterans in training and operational environments,” said Congressman Jeff Crank.

    “Conducting innovative medical research into traumatic brain injuries is crucial for active duty warfighters, veterans, and first responder communities,” noted Vik Bebarta, MD, interim chair of Emergency Medicine and the director of the Center for Combat and Battlefield Research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.  “We are grateful for Congressman Crow and Congressman Crank’s leadership by introducing SMART TBI Act,  ensuring Colorado remains the leader in digital health innovation and TBI treatment.”

    As an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, ensuring America’s military servicemembers and their families get the appropriate care and resources is a top priority for Congressman Crow. In the 118th Congress, he introduced the Veteran’s Sentinel Act, bipartisan legislation to respond to suicide by US veterans at Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) facilities by improving the accuracy of data collection and enhancing congressional oversight. Previously, he introduced the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act and supported the PACT Act, which expands health care to millions of servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: [VIDEO] Rep. Omar Sounds Alarm on Catastrophic Big Ugly Budget Bill on Minnesotans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

    MINNEAPOLIS– Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) hosted a press conference in Minneapolis to sound the alarm on the catastrophic impacts the Big Ugly budget bill will have on Minnesotans. The Congresswoman was joined by local and state leaders to share the widespread impacts this bill will have across our state. 

    The full video can be found here.

    Full transcript below:

    “I wish we were gathered under different circumstances. 

    “But today, we’re here to speak the truth about the GOP budget bill that will devastate the very people we fight for.

     “The bill Republicans passed is one of the most harmful, immoral budgets we’ve seen in modern American history. 

    “It is a direct assault on working families in Minnesota and across this country. 

    “Let me tell you what this bill does. 

    “It slashes Medicaid, kicking 17 million Americans off their healthcare plans, thousands of whom are in this district. 

    “The bill rips 186 billion dollars from SNAP. 

    “That’s food off the tables of seniors, children, and single moms.

    “People who are already struggling to get by. 

    “Here in the 5th district, nearly 90,000 people rely on SNAP.  

    “I’ve spoken to them and many are now asking how do I feed my kids and still pay bills? 

    “This is the United States of America. 

    “No one should ever have to make that choice.

    “And while families are being told to tighten their belts, billionaires are getting a windfall. 

    “Permanent tax cuts for the rich.  

    “Temporary scraps for everyone else.  

    “This is the largest upward transfer of wealth in our lifetime. 

    “It makes the rich richer and leaves working people behind.

     “Republicans love to call themselves the party of the working class but this bill proves otherwise.  

    “It threatens nearly 2 million construction jobs, including 800,000 green jobs, and could erase 148 billion dollars in wages and benefits. 

    “That’s not a working-class agenda.

    “It also cuts 300 billion dollars in education programs. 

    “It drives up student debt and slams the door shut on millions of young people who simply want a chance at a better future.  

    “This district is home to one of the youngest constituencies in the country, including the University of Minnesota. 

    “This bill tells them you’re on your own.

    “And for what? 

    “To hand over 150 billion dollars to immigration enforcement.  

    “45 billion dollars for ICE jails, more than 13 times their current budget.  

    “We’re already seeing reports of new detention centers like “Alligator Alcatraz” being built in Florida.  

    “We are being told, again and again, that we can’t afford universal healthcare, quality education, or universal school meals. 

    “But somehow, we can always afford another detention center or tax cuts for the rich.

    “The American people do not want this budget.  

    “But Republicans rammed it through anyway in the middle of the night because they know it won’t stand up to public scrutiny.

    “And here’s the kicker, they delayed most of the cuts until 2027.  

    “Why? Because they know just how deeply unpopular this bill is.

    “We’ve seen what happens when the powerful put profits over people. 

    “But we’ve also seen what happens when working people, immigrants, students, parents, and neighbors come together and refuse to be ignored. 

    “That’s the spirit of Minnesota’s Fifth District.

    “We do have people power and we’re going to keep fighting for a country that invests in children, that feeds families, and expands opportunity. 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Ilhan Omar Pens Op-Ed in Minnesota Star Tribune Sounding the Alarm on Republicans’ Cruel Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

    MINNEAPOLIS– Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) authored an op-ed in the Minnesota Star Tribune on how the passage of the Republican “One Big, Beautiful Bill” will be devastating for her constituents in Minnesota’s Fifth District and across the nation. Her op-ed focuses on the historical funding cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and higher education programs. She also discussed how the bill facilitates the largest upward wealth transfer in American history, all while giving ICE a higher budget than almost all of the world’s militaries.

    You can view the op-ed here and below. 

    U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar: Republican ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ is best characterized by how it harms

    My House colleagues Tom Emmer, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber should be ashamed.

    By Ilhan Omar

    President Donald Trump just signed the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” one of the most cruel, immoral pieces of legislation ever passed. Every single Republican member of the Minnesota congressional delegation voted to greenlight this catastrophic bill. Tom Emmer, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber should be ashamed. They voted to take away health care for 173,268 Minnesotans in the biggest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in history. It will be remembered as one of the most harmful pieces of legislation ever signed into law.

    Because my Republican colleagues cowered to special interests and their billionaire donors, 17 million Americans, including thousands of Minnesotans, will lose their health coverage. This passage could cause 50,000 Americans to die each year because Republicans shamefully voted to kick millions off Medicaid and failed to extend the premium tax credits in the Affordable Care Act. Even Republicans have acknowledged the harm this will cause, one Senate Republican even wrote a New York Times commentary titled “Don’t Cut Medicaid” before caving to Trump at the expense of his constituents. It will also increase health care costs and endanger access to care for all Americans. Rural hospitals will be forced to shut down. Nursing homes and community health clinics will be severely affected. The damage will have far-reaching, incomprehensible consequences.

    This bill contains $186 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cuts mean vulnerable families will go hungry. At a time when food insecurity is rising across the country, Republicans chose to gut lifesaving nutrition assistance. In my district, nearly 90,000 people rely on SNAP to put food on the table. These are single parents, seniors and essential workers who depend on this assistance to afford groceries. Recently, I hosted a roundtable discussion with Minnesota’s U.S. Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar on the impact of these catastrophic cuts to SNAP. I heard from many of my constituents that they will now have to make the painstaking decision between paying their rent or affording groceries. Others shared they don’t know how they will be able to feed their kids without the lifeline of SNAP. Cutting nutrition assistance for the most at-risk communities is one of the most egregious and unconscionable actions the Republicans included in their betrayal budget.

    This bill is the biggest upward wealth transfer in American history. While working people will be devastated, billionaires will walk away with massive benefits. Low- and middle-income families may see tiny tax cuts and temporary scraps, such as no tax on tips, but they will be quickly wiped out by rising costs from tariffs, benefit cuts, and higher interest rates. Meanwhile, millionaires and billionaires will rake in massive, permanent windfalls. The bill makes the appalling estate tax giveaway permanent, which only applies to a few thousand ultra-wealthy heirs, and expands it to $15 million and $30 million for couples. It also locks in the costly, inefficient passthrough deduction, a loophole that overwhelmingly benefits millionaire business owners while doing little for small businesses. These wasteful provisions have been criticized by experts across the ideological spectrum for being too expensive, poorly targeted and ineffective at promoting economic growth. All together, the bill’s tax changes are projected to cost at least over $3 trillion and will ultimately deepen the already wide wealth and income inequality gap.

    The budget is the largest job-killing legislation ever passed. It threatens nearly 2 million construction jobs, including 800,000 green jobs. It could also erase $148 billion in annual wages and benefits to working people. The Republican Party loves to claim that it is the party of the working class, but its budget clearly debunks that lie.

    It will now make it harder for working-class young people to go to college. I represent one of the youngest constituencies in the country, including many who attend the University of Minnesota. The rising cost of college is already a top concern for our district. Not only does this bill cut $300 billion in federal higher-education programs, it raises the cost of student loan repayment and cuts protections for student borrowers. This bill is a direct attack on those seeking a higher education. Every single person deserves access to higher education without any barriers. Now that dream for young people to not be shackled by student loan debt is farther out of reach.

    What are all these cuts paying for? This bill gives $150 billion for immigration enforcement and another $150 billion to the Pentagon to fund a police state. It contains a slush fund for even more Immigration and Customs Enforcement abductions and mass detention. Shamefully, it includes $45 billion just for ICE jails, including family detention. This is more than 13 times ICE’s current annual detention budget. ICE facilities have little to no oversight and have already resulted in nine deaths in less than four months. Their leadership has begun banning members of Congress from conducting oversight in the facilities. And they’re building concentration camps in the Everglades. This budget gives ICE a higher budget than almost all of the world’s militaries. It runs counter to the very ideals of our country.

    In poll after poll, the American people are clear in their opposition to this bill. Donald Trump and Republicans know this, which is why they rammed this bill through in the middle of the night. Every single American will remember who chose to side with billionaires instead of working people.

    We will never forget that Republicans sold out the American people for their billionaire donors.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Poll: Diversity of civilizations drives human progress

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

    Scholars and experts from home and abroad share their insights on Friday with guests attending the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting at a subforum of the meeting on inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning in Beijing. [Photo/China Daily]

    A majority of international respondents view inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning as a pivotal driver of human civilization, global peace and development, according to the results of a survey released on Friday.

    Among the survey’s 12,302 respondents in 41 countries, 89.8 percent agreed that intercultural engagement advances the common progress of humankind, with 91.8 percent of respondents from 18 to 24 years old and 91.6 percent of those ages 25 to 34 agreeing.

    In the survey, which was jointly conducted by China Media Group and Renmin University of China, 90.8 percent of the respondents agreed that respecting the diversity of civilizations is a fundamental principle of global society, and 89.4 percent believed that enhancing international cultural exchanges can foster mutual understanding among people of all nations.

    “It fully demonstrates that people worldwide have a strong aspiration for respecting civilizations and enhancing cultural exchanges,” said Shen Haixiong, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of China Media Group.

    He made the remarks on Friday at Inter-Civilization Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Cultural Inheritance and Innovation, a subforum of the two-day Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, which began on Thursday in Beijing.

    More than 140 guests from over 20 countries and regions attended the subforum, at which the survey results were released.

    At the event, Renmin University of China announced the Global Research Program for Inter-Civilization Exchanges and Mutual Learning, which is dedicated to transforming the principles of the Global Civilization Initiative, put forward by President Xi Jinping in March 2023, into concrete actions.

    Its goals and tasks include establishing research centers for exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations around the world, forming a global media collaboration alliance, and creating high-end exchange forums, a global youth forum, a joint fund and an international award.

    Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of Renmin University of China, said: “Only through protection and research can exchanges and mutual learning be achieved. This initiative aims to bring together domestic and international scholars from various fields to pioneer original, landmark and forward-looking research, collectively charting a new blueprint for the progress of human civilization.”

    Keynote speakers from home and abroad had an in-depth exchange of views on topics such as how digital technologies help boost cultural exchanges, inheritance and innovation.

    Su Bomin, dean of the Dunhuang Academy, a national institution for the conservation, management and research of the world-famous Mogao Grottoes in Gansu province, shared the importance of embracing new technologies and strengthening efforts for cultural inheritance. “Our digitalized work plays an important role in academic research, cultural inheritance and exhibitions, as well as promoting Dunhuang culture on integrated media platforms,” Su said.

    Colin Chinnery, cofounder of the Beijing-based Sound Art Museum, said the museum is trying to go beyond the boundaries of music and explore how digital technologies and museums can create more enriching content. “We invite artists and musicians from all around the world to help us launch projects in China, to have audiences experience nature in a different way. All this is only possible through digital technologies,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Online course at Lu Ban’s Workshop at MTUCI trains Russian specialists in 5G technologies

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 12 (Xinhua) — An online course on the application of 5G technologies and other relevant areas was recently completed at the Lu Ban Workshop at the Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics (MTUCI).

    Using Chinese technology and 5G equipment that meets Chinese standards, teachers shared advanced knowledge in the field of digital technology with students. As a result of the classes, students not only expanded their theoretical knowledge base, but also improved their practical skills and increased their ability to solve practical problems.

    Lu Ban’s workshop, which officially opened at MTUCI in June this year, was established jointly by MTUCI and Tianjin Vocational College of Electronics and Information Science. It is becoming an important bridge for Chinese-Russian cooperation in the field of digital technologies.

    “We have trained teachers. The curriculum covers advanced technologies in the digital economy, such as 5G and the Internet of Things. To date, a total of 1,246 Russian teachers have been trained,” said Qian Guoliang, head of the Department of Modern Communications Technology at Tianjin Vocational College of Electronics and Information Science.

    Lu Ban’s workshop at MTUCI is closely linked to the needs of Russia’s digital economy industry, and enterprises in China’s communications industry are actively involved in the workshop’s teaching activities, he added.

    Lu Ban Workshop, named after the famous ancient Chinese craftsman Lu Ban, is a brand of international vocational education initiated and promoted by Tianjin City Government.

    To date, China has built 34 Lu Ban Workshops in 30 countries and regions around the world. 10 of them were established in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Egypt and other SCO countries.

    Lu Ban’s workshop at MTUCI has provided powerful support to China and Russia in educating highly qualified specialists of international class who meet the needs of information technology development, noted Anastasia Kazantseva, Deputy Director of the Department for the Development of Digital Competencies and Education of the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation.

    Lu Ban’s workshop in Russia will continue to gain strength and show broader development prospects, she said. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Votes Against GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill. Again.

    Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Scott Votes Against GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill. Again.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce and a member of the House Committee on the Budget, issued the following statement after voting against the Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill: 

    “Once again, Republicans rushed to jam their Big, Ugly Bill through Congress. Their bill will have serious consequences for America’s working families. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that 17 million people will lose their health insurance, including over 322,000 Virginians. It will make college less affordable.  Three million people will lose access to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And up to 16 million students could lose access to free school meals. The Republican bill does all of this to fund tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires and corporations. And it makes annual deficits and the national debt worse than they would be if we did nothing. 

    “For years, we have heard Congressional Republicans preach about fiscal responsibility and complain about deficits and the national debt. Yet they just voted for a bill that will add an estimated 3.4 trillion dollars to our deficitand that does not even include the cost of interest. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, because every Republican administration since President Nixon has left for their Democratic successors a worse budget deficit than the one they inherited. And every Democratic administration since President Kennedy has left for their Republican successors a better deficit situation than the one they inherited. All without exception.

    “This bill is a collection of policies that will harm America’s working families, bestow tax breaks on the wealthy, and significantly increase the national debt. Every single Democrat in Congress voted against it, while almost every Republican in Congress voted for it while having the audacity to try to call the legislation ‘beautiful.’” 

    For more information about cuts to education and nutrition programs, click here and here.

    For more information about how the bill betrays the middle class, click here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Statement on Braidwood Management SCOTUS Decision

    Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Scott Statement on Braidwood Management SCOTUS Decision

    As originally released by the Committee on Education & Workforce, Democrats

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Supreme Court’s ruling inKennedy v.Braidwood Management, in which plaintiffs sought to weaken a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that requires private health plans to cover preventive care services at no cost.

    “Access to preventive care saves lives. By detecting health problems early on, preventive care helps us address serious diseases—such as colon cancer and high cholesterol—before they become complicated and more expensive to treat.  For more than a decade, over four million people in my home of Virginia have been able to count on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to access these services without having to pay anything out of pocket.

    “I am pleased that the Supreme Court recognized what we all know: that the structure of the ACA’s preventive services requirement is fundamentally sound. We cannot go back to a time when far too many Americans were forced to choose between financial stability and the care they needed to avert life-threatening diseases. 

    “While this decision is a victory for working people’s health, we cannot let our guard down.  Right now, Congressional Republicans are attempting to make the largest cut to Medicaid in history in their ‘Big Ugly Bill.’  Under this legislation, 19 people will lose their health insurance for every millionaire who gets a tax break.  Additionally, over four million Americans will lose access to their health coverage if Congressional Republicans do not extend the subsidies included in the Inflation Reduction Act. I am working with Congressional Democrats to stop these harmful and unfair cuts to working families’ health coverage.

    “Moreover, after today’s ruling, it will also be more important than ever to hold the Trump Administration accountable for faithfully implementing this requirement to save lives, reduce racial and ethnic health inequities, and reduce the nation’s health care costs.”

    In September 2022, Committee Democrats released a report examining how the preventive services requirement under the ACA has helped provide access to preventive care for the millions of people with health coverage under the ACA, as well as the vast majority of people with coverage through their job.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Scott Statement on Resignation of UVA’s President

    Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Ranking Member Scott Statement on Resignation of UVA’s President

    As originally released by the Committee on Education & Workforce, Democrats

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, issued the following statement after James E. Ryan, the President of the University of Virginia resigned. 

    “The University of Virginia (UVa) has consistently been recognized as one of the nation’s premier public universities because of its commitment to academic excellence.  However, today’s decision of UVa President James E. Ryan to resign because of the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) threat to withhold federal funds is an attack on due process, the independence and integrity of ‘academic freedom’ in higher education, and the UVa’s effort to address its own history.

    “Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the DOJ is not authorized to impose sanctions until it has concluded that the university violated the law, and it would not redress the abuse.  The DOJ’s demand that Ryan step down was both premature and a perversion of the civil rights resolution practice. 

    “During Trump’s first administration, UVa was the scene of white supremacists’ Unite the Right march where white supremacists’ chanted ‘you will not replace us, Jews will not replace us.’ Then-President Trump’s response to the violence and the death of Heather Heyer was that there were ‘very fine people on both sides.’

    “As a result, President Ryan was brought to UVa in 2018 to improve the university’s racial climate, learning environment, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts.  Under President Ryan’s tenure, UVa has been recognized for its commitment to free speech, financial aid among public universities for the fourth year in a row, and this year, 10,000 first-generation students applied to UVa. All indications are that President Ryan was very popular among the academicians and students alike.

    “As a country, we are all worse off because of the Trump Administration’s crusade against diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, while there has been no crusade against racial discrimination.  Ryan’s resignation, therefore, signals to the higher education community that diversity as a positive value is now diminished and that segregation is to be celebrated.  This situation is made worse because of the willingness of universities and businesses to quickly capitulate.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 12, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 12, 2025.

    NFIP activists, advocates to open nuclear-free Pacific exhibition
    Asia Pacific Report Nuclear-free and independent Pacific advocates are treating Aucklanders to a lively week-long exhibition dedicated to the struggle for nuclear justice in the region. It will be opened today by the opposition Labour Party’s spokesperson on disarmament and MP for Te Atatu, Phil Twyford, and will include a range of speakers on Aotearoa

    A new exhibition is a thoughtful examination of the lasting relationship between Asia and Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Mendelssohn, Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne Jacky Cheng, Imaginary Homelands, 2025, installation view, The Neighbour at the Gate, National Art School Gallery, Sydney, 2025. Image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Peter Morgan Almost 60 years after former prime

    Hendra virus has killed a horse in Queensland. Should we be worried?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vinod Balasubramaniam, Associate Professor (Molecular Virology), Monash University CJKPhoto/Getty The death of an unvaccinated horse from Hendra virus this week in southeast Queensland is the state’s first reported case in three years. Before that, Australia’s last case was in July 2023, when another unvaccinated horse died in

    The ACT wants dog owners to spend 3 hours a day with their pet. But quality, not quantity, matters most
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Hazel, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Photo by Anna Tarazevich/Pexels Authorities in the ACT have released draft regulations for the welfare of dogs. One inclusion getting attention is a guideline “requiring all dogs to have a minimum of three hours

    Guests at a feast in Iran’s Zagros Mountains 11,000 years ago brought wild boars from all across the land
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Petra Vaiglova, Lecturer in Archaeological Science, Australian National University Kathryn Killackey Have you ever stopped by the grocery store on your way to a dinner party to grab a bottle of wine? Did you grab the first one you saw, or did you pause to think about

    What is cannabis use disorder? And how do you know if you have a problem?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Dawson, PhD Candidate, School of Psychology and National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland Around 41% of Australians report they’ve used cannabis at some point in their life. Research estimates that 22% of recreational cannabis consumers meet criteria for a cannabis use

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 12, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 12, 2025.

    NFIP activists, advocates to open nuclear-free Pacific exhibition
    Asia Pacific Report Nuclear-free and independent Pacific advocates are treating Aucklanders to a lively week-long exhibition dedicated to the struggle for nuclear justice in the region. It will be opened today by the opposition Labour Party’s spokesperson on disarmament and MP for Te Atatu, Phil Twyford, and will include a range of speakers on Aotearoa

    A new exhibition is a thoughtful examination of the lasting relationship between Asia and Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Mendelssohn, Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne Jacky Cheng, Imaginary Homelands, 2025, installation view, The Neighbour at the Gate, National Art School Gallery, Sydney, 2025. Image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Peter Morgan Almost 60 years after former prime

    Hendra virus has killed a horse in Queensland. Should we be worried?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vinod Balasubramaniam, Associate Professor (Molecular Virology), Monash University CJKPhoto/Getty The death of an unvaccinated horse from Hendra virus this week in southeast Queensland is the state’s first reported case in three years. Before that, Australia’s last case was in July 2023, when another unvaccinated horse died in

    The ACT wants dog owners to spend 3 hours a day with their pet. But quality, not quantity, matters most
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Hazel, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Photo by Anna Tarazevich/Pexels Authorities in the ACT have released draft regulations for the welfare of dogs. One inclusion getting attention is a guideline “requiring all dogs to have a minimum of three hours

    Guests at a feast in Iran’s Zagros Mountains 11,000 years ago brought wild boars from all across the land
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Petra Vaiglova, Lecturer in Archaeological Science, Australian National University Kathryn Killackey Have you ever stopped by the grocery store on your way to a dinner party to grab a bottle of wine? Did you grab the first one you saw, or did you pause to think about

    What is cannabis use disorder? And how do you know if you have a problem?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Dawson, PhD Candidate, School of Psychology and National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland Around 41% of Australians report they’ve used cannabis at some point in their life. Research estimates that 22% of recreational cannabis consumers meet criteria for a cannabis use

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Member of Armed Services Committee, Peters Helps Advance Strong National Defense Bill to Bolster Michigan’s Defense Capabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – As a member of the Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped advance the annual National Defense Authorization Act out of committee. Peters successfully authored and secured provisions in the bipartisan bill to strengthen U.S. national security, invest in Michigan’s military facilities and robust defense sector, support our nation’s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, fund initiatives to clean up PFAS contamination, and give our servicemembers a pay raise. The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
    “Across Michigan, our servicemembers, defense manufacturers, and top-notch military installations play an essential role in keeping our nation safe and secure,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to secure investments in this bill to bolster those defense assets and capabilities, while supporting statewide economic growth. This bill also helps us meet the rising threats posed by our adversaries like China and Russia to protect both folks at home and our troops serving around the world.”
    The National Defense Authorization Act sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has been signed into law for more than 60 consecutive years. 
    Peters led or supported the following provisions, including authorizing more than $18 million in funding for Michigan’s military facilities: 
    Investing in Michigan’s Military Facilities
    $9 million for Runway Improvement at Selfridge Air National Guard Base: This funding would allow for runway improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to prepare for basing of future missions, including the KC-46 Tankers and F-15EX fighter jets that were announced for Selfridge following years of persistent work and advocacy by Peters. 
    $5.2 million to Construct Two New Taxiways at Selfridge: This funding would support the construction of two new taxiways at Selfridge to prepare for basing of future missions including Selfridge’s two missions. This includes $2.8 million for the construction of Taxiway Alpha and $2.4 million for the construction of Taxiway Bravo.
    $4.4 million for Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex: This funding would kickstart the Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex (ADWTC) critical for military training exercises like Northern Strike. The ADWTC provides a state-of-the-art facility where servicemembers can plan, lead, and execute realistic training. The ADWTC is critical for growing military training exercises like Northern Strike and ensuring this critical exercise remains the premier training exercise in the country.
    Permanent Funding for Northern Strike: Peters secured report language urging permanent funding for the annual Northern Strike Exercise, which is the largest all-domain reserve forces exercise. Northern Strike provides a realistic training environment and robust training experiences for units and leaders to strengthen joint all-domain warfighting – and helps keep Michigan central to our national defense operations.
    Bolstering Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production: Senator Peters secured language in the bill that directs the Air Force to move forward with initial full-scale production of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Peters has pushed forand secured language to support the development and integration of CCAs, including during a hearing last year with the former Secretary of Defense and a recent hearing with the current U.S. Air Force Secretary. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has also secured language to help position Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a potential location for CCA fielding. He led a provision included in recent government funding legislation requiring a report regarding basing criteria of CCAs. This report will include an evaluation of whether existing Air National Guard bases with legacy fighter missions, such as Selfridge, may be appropriate locations for the basing of CCAs.
    Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center at Selfridge: Peters led a provision in the bill underscoring the growing threat of cyberattacks on both manned and unmanned military vehicles and platforms, as well as critical infrastructure that interacts with advanced vehicles. The provision recognizes the work of the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) in Warren, Michigan to identify cyber vulnerabilities to secure joint ground vehicle platforms and prevent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The bill encourages vehicle cybersecurity at places like GVSC who is working to establish its Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center, which will also be located in Michigan at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. In addition to supporting our Armed Forces and servicemembers, the Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center will support Michigan’s auto industry and help establish Southeast Michigan as a hub for all auto-cyber activity in the country. Peters has continuously used his role on the Armed Services Committee to support the GVSC, and recently warned DOD officials about the consequences of potential cuts at the GVSC.
    Emergency Response Authority Act: Peters successfully secured an amendment to give states more flexibility in deploying Army Guard and Reserve (AGR) personnel with specialized skills for emergency response. This proposal would allow AGR forces to respond to state declared emergencies, such as floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters, for a total of 14 days per person. This provision empowers states to respond to major disasters more quickly and effectively.
    Supporting Our Servicemembers and Their Families
    Pay Raise for Servicemembers: This bill includes pay raises of 3.8 percent for military servicemembers. 
    Addressing PFAS Contamination
    Improving Transparency of PFAS Cleanup & Remediation Efforts: Peters successfully included a provision that requires DOD to submit annual reports detailing site-specific funding, progress, and barriers for all interim PFAS remediation and cleanup efforts. This includes timelines, performance metrics, and the status of the actions. Peters’ provision also requires DOD to create a public online dashboard within one year to display updated PFAS cleanup data, funding, timelines, and community points of contact. Peters has worked with communities across Michigan for years on PFAS remediation efforts. Peters convened the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, and convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. He has also passed numerous bills into law to help address PFAS contamination and protect Michiganders. Michigan is home to a number of military installations where PFAS contamination has been detected, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda.
    Ensuring Access to Clean Drinking Water for Communities Affected by PFAS Contamination: The bill contains a Peters led initiative to direct DOD to provide bottled water to communities with private drinking water wells with high levels of PFAS contamination as a result of DOD activities. 
    Supporting Michigan’s Defense Sector
    Bolstering Infantry Squad Vehicle Production: The bill also authorized $34.4 million to maintain continued production and fielding of General Motors (GM) Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). GM Defense conducts its testing, research, and development of projects at the Milford Proving Ground in Oakland County, where two of its key programs of record were conceived, and employs over 50,000 people in Michigan.
    Supporting Munition Production in Grayling: The bill includes $31.9 million to support production of the Army’s Individual Assault Munitions (IAM), which will soon be made at a new production facility being constructed in Grayling, Michigan. This new facility is expected to employ 70 people in 2025 and expand to an estimated 100 employees by 2027. 
    Boosting Made in Michigan Ground Vehicle Production: The bill authorizes robust funding for the Army to produce new, modernized Strykers as well as Abrams tanks. This funding would help ensure that Made in Michigan testing and development of ground vehicles like the Strykers are operating with cutting edge technology designed to keep our servicemembers safe.
    Bolstering Military Aircraft Engine Industrial Base: Peters secured a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a roadmap for bolstering our military aircraft engine industrial base to support existing and planned platforms. 
    Expanding Fuel Cell Use: This provision Peters secured authorizes $5 million for research and development of multi-modular fuel cells, primarily to be used in electric vehicle charging stations and mobile generators. This research will help increase the reliability of power for military installations and improve DOD’s energy management and efficiency plans. 
    Strengthening Cybersecurity and Advanced Technology Capabilities
    Protecting Against Phishing Attacks: This report language, secured by Peters, requires DOD to issue a strategy on implementing the adoption of phishing-resistant authentication across the Department. There has been an increase in phishing attempts targeting officials at DOD to retrieve personal information that allows hackers and foreign adversaries to gain access to delicate national security information. This provision would ensure that DOD takes steps to protect sensitive national security information and protect American lives.
    Preventing Manipulation of DOD-Generated Media: Peters secured an amendment he led which would require DOD to implement digital content provenance across the Department. Digital content creation, editing, and distribution tools are increasingly more accessible, and can be easily weaponized against the U.S. by our foreign adversaries who seek to threaten our national security, spread anti-American propaganda, and weaken our institutions. The amendment would help prevent DOD media content from being manipulated and used maliciously against our country by creating a pilot program to implement authenticity information on DOD-generated media. This builds on Peters’ bipartisan Digital Defense Content Provenance Act, which he secured in a previous national defense bill and requires DOD to create a course at the Defense Information School to teach personnel about the threats posed by synthetic media such as deepfakes, as well as emerging technologies and key concepts of digital content provenance. The bill also created a pilot program at DOD to assess the feasibility of establishing content standard technologies on DOD-produced and owned media content.
    Strengthening U.S. Cyber Workforce: Peters secured a provision that would require a report on the implementation of the DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy. DOD has struggled to attract and retain a skilled cyber workforce. The DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy was designed to identify difficulties and provide specific activities to increase applications and retainment of the cyber workforce, both military and civilian. A skilled DOD cyber workforce benefits all Americans.
    Enhancing DOD Weapons Systems to Protect Against Real-Time Cybersecurity Threats: The bill includes specific directives for the DOD to enhances its weapons systems with technology to track cybersecurity threats. This will all for weapons systems at Military bases in Michigan and across the country to track cyber threats in real time and constantly update the health and security of their cybersecurity operations. 
    Developing U.S. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Capabilities: The bill would provide increased funding for the development of new and innovative design and production of low-cost, uncrewed systems. The bill would also require a strategy to develop a secure domestic supply chain of critical components for small UAS systems.
    Advancing Counter-UAS Technologies: The bill would authorize increased funding for various counter-UAS activities, and require a strategy for countering drone technologies and assessing resources or authorities needed for drone incursion response to ensure we are equipped for the future of warfare. It would direct the Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide briefings on their respective service plans for counter-UAS capabilities. 
    Supporting U.S. Security Interests Around the World
    Planning for Enhanced Operations in Artic Region: The bill includes a provision authored by Peters that recognizes the current geopolitical challenges and opportunities presented by the Artic region, and supports efforts to better understand the emerging need to enhance operations in the region. Specifically, the bill encourages the Secretary of Defense to partner with interagency organizations, including the Center for Arctic Security and Resiliency and the Joint All Domain Weather Operations Center, to coordinate federal agency planning for Arctic operations as well as testing of systems to support Arctic operations.
    Support Israel’s Defense Against Emerging Threats: Peters secured funding in the bill to help increase U.S. collaboration with Israel to develop emerging defense technologies to meet the warfare challenges of the future. Peters also secured a provision that would establish a cooperative program between the U.S. and Israel for advancing C-UAS technologies and joint research. Peters introduced bipartisan legislation last Congress to bolster collaboration between the United States and Israel on emerging technologies.
    Strengthen Efforts to Combat Anti-Tunneling Activity: The bill authorizes additional funding to strengthen current collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to combat Hamas and strengthen anti-tunneling activity in the Gaza strip. As part of the DOD’s collaboration with the IDF, Israel shares its counter-tunnel technology with the DOD and Department of Homeland Security to combat growing threats at our borders, as well as similar threats faced on the Korean Peninsula and in multiple locations in the Middle East. 
    Support for Taiwan: This bill would strengthen security cooperation across the defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan. The bill would support Taiwanese defense needs and strengthen U.S.-Taiwanese defense collaboration. The bill would also direct the Defense Department to assess Taiwan’s critical digital infrastructure and identify potential actions to help strengthen it.
    Counter Chinese Communist Party Aggression: The bill includes numerous provisions to counter aggression from the Chinese government, including a provision requiring a report on the intelligence capabilities of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cuba.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Member of Armed Services Committee, Peters Helps Advance Strong National Defense Bill to Bolster Michigan’s Defense Capabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – As a member of the Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped advance the annual National Defense Authorization Act out of committee. Peters successfully authored and secured provisions in the bipartisan bill to strengthen U.S. national security, invest in Michigan’s military facilities and robust defense sector, support our nation’s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, fund initiatives to clean up PFAS contamination, and give our servicemembers a pay raise. The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
    “Across Michigan, our servicemembers, defense manufacturers, and top-notch military installations play an essential role in keeping our nation safe and secure,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to secure investments in this bill to bolster those defense assets and capabilities, while supporting statewide economic growth. This bill also helps us meet the rising threats posed by our adversaries like China and Russia to protect both folks at home and our troops serving around the world.”
    The National Defense Authorization Act sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has been signed into law for more than 60 consecutive years. 
    Peters led or supported the following provisions, including authorizing more than $18 million in funding for Michigan’s military facilities: 
    Investing in Michigan’s Military Facilities
    $9 million for Runway Improvement at Selfridge Air National Guard Base: This funding would allow for runway improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to prepare for basing of future missions, including the KC-46 Tankers and F-15EX fighter jets that were announced for Selfridge following years of persistent work and advocacy by Peters. 
    $5.2 million to Construct Two New Taxiways at Selfridge: This funding would support the construction of two new taxiways at Selfridge to prepare for basing of future missions including Selfridge’s two missions. This includes $2.8 million for the construction of Taxiway Alpha and $2.4 million for the construction of Taxiway Bravo.
    $4.4 million for Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex: This funding would kickstart the Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex (ADWTC) critical for military training exercises like Northern Strike. The ADWTC provides a state-of-the-art facility where servicemembers can plan, lead, and execute realistic training. The ADWTC is critical for growing military training exercises like Northern Strike and ensuring this critical exercise remains the premier training exercise in the country.
    Permanent Funding for Northern Strike: Peters secured report language urging permanent funding for the annual Northern Strike Exercise, which is the largest all-domain reserve forces exercise. Northern Strike provides a realistic training environment and robust training experiences for units and leaders to strengthen joint all-domain warfighting – and helps keep Michigan central to our national defense operations.
    Bolstering Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production: Senator Peters secured language in the bill that directs the Air Force to move forward with initial full-scale production of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Peters has pushed forand secured language to support the development and integration of CCAs, including during a hearing last year with the former Secretary of Defense and a recent hearing with the current U.S. Air Force Secretary. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has also secured language to help position Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a potential location for CCA fielding. He led a provision included in recent government funding legislation requiring a report regarding basing criteria of CCAs. This report will include an evaluation of whether existing Air National Guard bases with legacy fighter missions, such as Selfridge, may be appropriate locations for the basing of CCAs.
    Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center at Selfridge: Peters led a provision in the bill underscoring the growing threat of cyberattacks on both manned and unmanned military vehicles and platforms, as well as critical infrastructure that interacts with advanced vehicles. The provision recognizes the work of the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) in Warren, Michigan to identify cyber vulnerabilities to secure joint ground vehicle platforms and prevent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The bill encourages vehicle cybersecurity at places like GVSC who is working to establish its Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center, which will also be located in Michigan at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. In addition to supporting our Armed Forces and servicemembers, the Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center will support Michigan’s auto industry and help establish Southeast Michigan as a hub for all auto-cyber activity in the country. Peters has continuously used his role on the Armed Services Committee to support the GVSC, and recently warned DOD officials about the consequences of potential cuts at the GVSC.
    Emergency Response Authority Act: Peters successfully secured an amendment to give states more flexibility in deploying Army Guard and Reserve (AGR) personnel with specialized skills for emergency response. This proposal would allow AGR forces to respond to state declared emergencies, such as floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters, for a total of 14 days per person. This provision empowers states to respond to major disasters more quickly and effectively.
    Supporting Our Servicemembers and Their Families
    Pay Raise for Servicemembers: This bill includes pay raises of 3.8 percent for military servicemembers. 
    Addressing PFAS Contamination
    Improving Transparency of PFAS Cleanup & Remediation Efforts: Peters successfully included a provision that requires DOD to submit annual reports detailing site-specific funding, progress, and barriers for all interim PFAS remediation and cleanup efforts. This includes timelines, performance metrics, and the status of the actions. Peters’ provision also requires DOD to create a public online dashboard within one year to display updated PFAS cleanup data, funding, timelines, and community points of contact. Peters has worked with communities across Michigan for years on PFAS remediation efforts. Peters convened the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, and convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. He has also passed numerous bills into law to help address PFAS contamination and protect Michiganders. Michigan is home to a number of military installations where PFAS contamination has been detected, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda.
    Ensuring Access to Clean Drinking Water for Communities Affected by PFAS Contamination: The bill contains a Peters led initiative to direct DOD to provide bottled water to communities with private drinking water wells with high levels of PFAS contamination as a result of DOD activities. 
    Supporting Michigan’s Defense Sector
    Bolstering Infantry Squad Vehicle Production: The bill also authorized $34.4 million to maintain continued production and fielding of General Motors (GM) Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). GM Defense conducts its testing, research, and development of projects at the Milford Proving Ground in Oakland County, where two of its key programs of record were conceived, and employs over 50,000 people in Michigan.
    Supporting Munition Production in Grayling: The bill includes $31.9 million to support production of the Army’s Individual Assault Munitions (IAM), which will soon be made at a new production facility being constructed in Grayling, Michigan. This new facility is expected to employ 70 people in 2025 and expand to an estimated 100 employees by 2027. 
    Boosting Made in Michigan Ground Vehicle Production: The bill authorizes robust funding for the Army to produce new, modernized Strykers as well as Abrams tanks. This funding would help ensure that Made in Michigan testing and development of ground vehicles like the Strykers are operating with cutting edge technology designed to keep our servicemembers safe.
    Bolstering Military Aircraft Engine Industrial Base: Peters secured a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a roadmap for bolstering our military aircraft engine industrial base to support existing and planned platforms. 
    Expanding Fuel Cell Use: This provision Peters secured authorizes $5 million for research and development of multi-modular fuel cells, primarily to be used in electric vehicle charging stations and mobile generators. This research will help increase the reliability of power for military installations and improve DOD’s energy management and efficiency plans. 
    Strengthening Cybersecurity and Advanced Technology Capabilities
    Protecting Against Phishing Attacks: This report language, secured by Peters, requires DOD to issue a strategy on implementing the adoption of phishing-resistant authentication across the Department. There has been an increase in phishing attempts targeting officials at DOD to retrieve personal information that allows hackers and foreign adversaries to gain access to delicate national security information. This provision would ensure that DOD takes steps to protect sensitive national security information and protect American lives.
    Preventing Manipulation of DOD-Generated Media: Peters secured an amendment he led which would require DOD to implement digital content provenance across the Department. Digital content creation, editing, and distribution tools are increasingly more accessible, and can be easily weaponized against the U.S. by our foreign adversaries who seek to threaten our national security, spread anti-American propaganda, and weaken our institutions. The amendment would help prevent DOD media content from being manipulated and used maliciously against our country by creating a pilot program to implement authenticity information on DOD-generated media. This builds on Peters’ bipartisan Digital Defense Content Provenance Act, which he secured in a previous national defense bill and requires DOD to create a course at the Defense Information School to teach personnel about the threats posed by synthetic media such as deepfakes, as well as emerging technologies and key concepts of digital content provenance. The bill also created a pilot program at DOD to assess the feasibility of establishing content standard technologies on DOD-produced and owned media content.
    Strengthening U.S. Cyber Workforce: Peters secured a provision that would require a report on the implementation of the DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy. DOD has struggled to attract and retain a skilled cyber workforce. The DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy was designed to identify difficulties and provide specific activities to increase applications and retainment of the cyber workforce, both military and civilian. A skilled DOD cyber workforce benefits all Americans.
    Enhancing DOD Weapons Systems to Protect Against Real-Time Cybersecurity Threats: The bill includes specific directives for the DOD to enhances its weapons systems with technology to track cybersecurity threats. This will all for weapons systems at Military bases in Michigan and across the country to track cyber threats in real time and constantly update the health and security of their cybersecurity operations. 
    Developing U.S. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Capabilities: The bill would provide increased funding for the development of new and innovative design and production of low-cost, uncrewed systems. The bill would also require a strategy to develop a secure domestic supply chain of critical components for small UAS systems.
    Advancing Counter-UAS Technologies: The bill would authorize increased funding for various counter-UAS activities, and require a strategy for countering drone technologies and assessing resources or authorities needed for drone incursion response to ensure we are equipped for the future of warfare. It would direct the Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide briefings on their respective service plans for counter-UAS capabilities. 
    Supporting U.S. Security Interests Around the World
    Planning for Enhanced Operations in Artic Region: The bill includes a provision authored by Peters that recognizes the current geopolitical challenges and opportunities presented by the Artic region, and supports efforts to better understand the emerging need to enhance operations in the region. Specifically, the bill encourages the Secretary of Defense to partner with interagency organizations, including the Center for Arctic Security and Resiliency and the Joint All Domain Weather Operations Center, to coordinate federal agency planning for Arctic operations as well as testing of systems to support Arctic operations.
    Support Israel’s Defense Against Emerging Threats: Peters secured funding in the bill to help increase U.S. collaboration with Israel to develop emerging defense technologies to meet the warfare challenges of the future. Peters also secured a provision that would establish a cooperative program between the U.S. and Israel for advancing C-UAS technologies and joint research. Peters introduced bipartisan legislation last Congress to bolster collaboration between the United States and Israel on emerging technologies.
    Strengthen Efforts to Combat Anti-Tunneling Activity: The bill authorizes additional funding to strengthen current collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to combat Hamas and strengthen anti-tunneling activity in the Gaza strip. As part of the DOD’s collaboration with the IDF, Israel shares its counter-tunnel technology with the DOD and Department of Homeland Security to combat growing threats at our borders, as well as similar threats faced on the Korean Peninsula and in multiple locations in the Middle East. 
    Support for Taiwan: This bill would strengthen security cooperation across the defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan. The bill would support Taiwanese defense needs and strengthen U.S.-Taiwanese defense collaboration. The bill would also direct the Defense Department to assess Taiwan’s critical digital infrastructure and identify potential actions to help strengthen it.
    Counter Chinese Communist Party Aggression: The bill includes numerous provisions to counter aggression from the Chinese government, including a provision requiring a report on the intelligence capabilities of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cuba.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard finalizes permanent relief of National Motor Lifeboat School Commanding Officer

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release  

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

     

    07/11/2025 06:18 PM EDT

    The U.S. Coast Guard permanently relieved Chief Warrant Officer Timothy Crochet, the Commanding Officer of the National Motor Lifeboat School, Tuesday July 8, 2025 after temporarily relieving him on May 23, 2025.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Lao People’s Democratic Republic Presents Credentials

    Source: United Nations 4

    The new Permanent Representative of Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the United Nations, Thongphane Savanphet, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres today.

    (As provided by the Protocol and Liaison Service)

    Date of Birth:    28 June 1964

    Place of Birth:   Bolikhamxay Province, Lao PDR

    Marital Status:   Married to Mrs. Dalavanh SAVANPHET and has three daughters

    Education and Training:

    1997-1998   – M.A. in Diplomatic Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK

    1983-1988   – M.A. in Public International Law, Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), Moscow, Russia (Former Soviet Union)

    1990        – English Training Course, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia

    1982-1983   – Russian Language, Institute of Foreign Languages, Kiev, Ukraine (Former Soviet Union)

    1970-1982   – Primary and High Schools completed in Bolikhamxay Province, Lao PDR

    Employment:

    Sept 2016-Present – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

    2013- 2016  – Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to the United Nations Office, WTO and other International Organizations in Geneva; 

                         – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to Switzerland; and Non-resident Ambassador of the Lao PDR                         to the Hellenic Republic (Greece), the Republic of Italy, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Republic of Malta and the                                     Republic of Turkey

    2011-2013   – Director-General, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Vientiane, Lao PDR

    2010-2011   – Deputy Director-General, Department of Economic Affairs, MFA

    2002-2010   – Assistant Director/Head, ASEAN Political Cooperation Division (2009 -2010) and ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan and Republic of Korea) Division (2007-2009); Senior Officer and Coordinator, ASEAN Plus Three Unit (2003-2006); and Senior Officer, Social Development Unit (2002-2003), ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia

    1996-2002   – Director (2001-2002), Deputy Director (1999-2001) and Official (1996-1999), ASEAN Political and Security Cooperation Division, Department of ASEAN Affairs, MFA

    1993-1996   – Third Secretary, Embassy of the Lao PDR, Canberra, Australia

    1989-1993   – Official, Department of International Organizations, MFA

    Others:

    – Governor for the Lao PDR to the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) (Singapore) (2011-2013)

    – Council Director for the Lao PDR to the ASEAN-Japan Centre (Tokyo, Japan) ) (2011-2013)

    – Council Member for the Lao PDR to the Mekong Institute (Khon Kaen, Thailand) ) (2011-2013)

    Foreign Languages:  English, Russian

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mission Viejo Post Office Renamed in Honor of Fallen Hero Major Megan McClung

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Mission Viejo, CA – On July 3, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Post Office on 28081 Marguerite Parkway was officially redesignated as the Major Megan McClung Post Office Building, following a bipartisan effort by U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) to honor the fallen hero.

    The plaque presentation ceremony featured remarks from Mission Viejo Postmaster Robert Garcia, Mayor Bob Ruesch, Supervisor Don Wagner, and Major McClung’s brother, Michael McClung, who reflected on her life of service and sacrifice.

    Major Megan McClung was raised in Mission Viejo, attending De Portola Elementary, La Paz Intermediate, and Mission Viejo High School before earning degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 and Boston University in 2006. She faithfully served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for 11 years, leading with humility, positivity, and selfless commitment to the service. In her final month of deployment, she made the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was the first female Marine officer to be killed in the Iraq War and the first woman graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to fall in the line of duty.

    She received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

    “Major Megan McClung’s legacy speaks as loudly as her life, and her spirit of boldness, humility, and courage continue to inspire our community,” said Rep. Young Kim. “While we can never truly repay her for her sacrifice, I am glad that her legacy is preserved for generations to come in Mission Viejo. I am proud to have played even a small role in honoring her memory.”

    H.R. 3608, bipartisan legislation led by Rep. Kim, passed the House and Senate with unanimous support and was signed into law in 2024.

    Read more about Major Megan McClung’s life and legacy here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mission Viejo Post Office Renamed in Honor of Fallen Hero Major Megan McClung

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Mission Viejo, CA – On July 3, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Post Office on 28081 Marguerite Parkway was officially redesignated as the Major Megan McClung Post Office Building, following a bipartisan effort by U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) to honor the fallen hero.

    The plaque presentation ceremony featured remarks from Mission Viejo Postmaster Robert Garcia, Mayor Bob Ruesch, Supervisor Don Wagner, and Major McClung’s brother, Michael McClung, who reflected on her life of service and sacrifice.

    Major Megan McClung was raised in Mission Viejo, attending De Portola Elementary, La Paz Intermediate, and Mission Viejo High School before earning degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 and Boston University in 2006. She faithfully served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for 11 years, leading with humility, positivity, and selfless commitment to the service. In her final month of deployment, she made the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was the first female Marine officer to be killed in the Iraq War and the first woman graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to fall in the line of duty.

    She received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

    “Major Megan McClung’s legacy speaks as loudly as her life, and her spirit of boldness, humility, and courage continue to inspire our community,” said Rep. Young Kim. “While we can never truly repay her for her sacrifice, I am glad that her legacy is preserved for generations to come in Mission Viejo. I am proud to have played even a small role in honoring her memory.”

    H.R. 3608, bipartisan legislation led by Rep. Kim, passed the House and Senate with unanimous support and was signed into law in 2024.

    Read more about Major Megan McClung’s life and legacy here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Peru Presents Credentials

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The new Permanent Representative of Peru to the United Nations, Gustavo Lino Adrianzén Olaya, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres today.

    (As provided by the Protocol and Liaison Service)

    Gustavo Lino Adrianzén Olaya is a distinguished Peruvian lawyer and the current Permanent Representative of Peru to the United Nations (UN) since 1 July 2025.

    Throughout his career, he has held several high-level positions within the Peruvian Government, including President of the Council of Ministers (March 2024 – May 2025) and Minister of Justice and Human Rights (April – October 2015).  He previously served as Vice-Minister of Justice, as well as Public Prosecutor in the Ministry of Defense, and Specialized Public Prosecutor of the National Police of Peru.

    From February 2023 to March 2024, he served as Peru’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).

    He holds a law degree from the University of Lima and a master’s degree in public administration and management from Spain’s National Institute of Public Administration.  He also earned an officially recognized law degree from the University of Alcalá de Henares in Spain.  His academic background is further enriched by postgraduate studies in human rights at specialized institutions in Geneva, Strasbourg, San José de Costa Rica and Florence.

    In October 2015, he was awarded the Order of Merit for Distinguished Services in the rank of Grand Cross in recognition of his public service.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Federal Agents

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jason Raysean Broadbent, 38, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine near a school with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and possession of an unregistered, short-barreled machine gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2015, federal agents went to Broadbent’s girlfriend’s residence in Sacramento to serve a search warrant. After the agents knocked and announced their presence and no one came to the door to answer, they forced entry and began filing into the living room shouting “police” and “search warrant.” Within seconds, Broadbent fired shots through a bedroom wall at the agents in the living room, narrowly missing them. Broadbent then fled out a back door of the residence, climbed up onto a fence in the backyard, and pointed his Glock semi-automatic pistol at another ATF agent on the perimeter, who then shot Broadbent several times. Broadbent was transported to the hospital where he was treated for and recovered from his injuries.

    In the bedroom from which Broadbent fired at the agents, law enforcement found almost two pounds of methamphetamine, a revolver, and a small safe that contained a semi-automatic pistol and a pipe bomb. Broadbent possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others, within 1,000 feet of Christian Brothers High School. Broadbent also knowingly possessed the firearms and the pipe bomb. Broadbent was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had multiple prior felony convictions.

    Law enforcement also served a search warrant at Broadbent’s Sacramento residence that same day. In Broadbent’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol in the same backpack as the methamphetamine, and two unserialized (ghost gun) AR-15 style short-barreled machine gun rifles. Each rifle had a 9-inch barrel, and a conversion device called a “lightning link” to convert them into fully automatic machine guns.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Spencer, Justin Lee, and Nicole Vanek are prosecuting the case.

    Broadbent is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 23, 2025. Broadbent faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $20 million fine. The plea agreement contemplates a sentence of 50 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case was a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Federal Agents

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jason Raysean Broadbent, 38, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine near a school with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and possession of an unregistered, short-barreled machine gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2015, federal agents went to Broadbent’s girlfriend’s residence in Sacramento to serve a search warrant. After the agents knocked and announced their presence and no one came to the door to answer, they forced entry and began filing into the living room shouting “police” and “search warrant.” Within seconds, Broadbent fired shots through a bedroom wall at the agents in the living room, narrowly missing them. Broadbent then fled out a back door of the residence, climbed up onto a fence in the backyard, and pointed his Glock semi-automatic pistol at another ATF agent on the perimeter, who then shot Broadbent several times. Broadbent was transported to the hospital where he was treated for and recovered from his injuries.

    In the bedroom from which Broadbent fired at the agents, law enforcement found almost two pounds of methamphetamine, a revolver, and a small safe that contained a semi-automatic pistol and a pipe bomb. Broadbent possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others, within 1,000 feet of Christian Brothers High School. Broadbent also knowingly possessed the firearms and the pipe bomb. Broadbent was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had multiple prior felony convictions.

    Law enforcement also served a search warrant at Broadbent’s Sacramento residence that same day. In Broadbent’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol in the same backpack as the methamphetamine, and two unserialized (ghost gun) AR-15 style short-barreled machine gun rifles. Each rifle had a 9-inch barrel, and a conversion device called a “lightning link” to convert them into fully automatic machine guns.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Spencer, Justin Lee, and Nicole Vanek are prosecuting the case.

    Broadbent is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 23, 2025. Broadbent faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $20 million fine. The plea agreement contemplates a sentence of 50 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case was a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Federal Agents

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jason Raysean Broadbent, 38, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine near a school with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and possession of an unregistered, short-barreled machine gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2015, federal agents went to Broadbent’s girlfriend’s residence in Sacramento to serve a search warrant. After the agents knocked and announced their presence and no one came to the door to answer, they forced entry and began filing into the living room shouting “police” and “search warrant.” Within seconds, Broadbent fired shots through a bedroom wall at the agents in the living room, narrowly missing them. Broadbent then fled out a back door of the residence, climbed up onto a fence in the backyard, and pointed his Glock semi-automatic pistol at another ATF agent on the perimeter, who then shot Broadbent several times. Broadbent was transported to the hospital where he was treated for and recovered from his injuries.

    In the bedroom from which Broadbent fired at the agents, law enforcement found almost two pounds of methamphetamine, a revolver, and a small safe that contained a semi-automatic pistol and a pipe bomb. Broadbent possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others, within 1,000 feet of Christian Brothers High School. Broadbent also knowingly possessed the firearms and the pipe bomb. Broadbent was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had multiple prior felony convictions.

    Law enforcement also served a search warrant at Broadbent’s Sacramento residence that same day. In Broadbent’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol in the same backpack as the methamphetamine, and two unserialized (ghost gun) AR-15 style short-barreled machine gun rifles. Each rifle had a 9-inch barrel, and a conversion device called a “lightning link” to convert them into fully automatic machine guns.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Spencer, Justin Lee, and Nicole Vanek are prosecuting the case.

    Broadbent is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 23, 2025. Broadbent faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $20 million fine. The plea agreement contemplates a sentence of 50 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case was a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Federal Agents

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jason Raysean Broadbent, 38, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine near a school with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and possession of an unregistered, short-barreled machine gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2015, federal agents went to Broadbent’s girlfriend’s residence in Sacramento to serve a search warrant. After the agents knocked and announced their presence and no one came to the door to answer, they forced entry and began filing into the living room shouting “police” and “search warrant.” Within seconds, Broadbent fired shots through a bedroom wall at the agents in the living room, narrowly missing them. Broadbent then fled out a back door of the residence, climbed up onto a fence in the backyard, and pointed his Glock semi-automatic pistol at another ATF agent on the perimeter, who then shot Broadbent several times. Broadbent was transported to the hospital where he was treated for and recovered from his injuries.

    In the bedroom from which Broadbent fired at the agents, law enforcement found almost two pounds of methamphetamine, a revolver, and a small safe that contained a semi-automatic pistol and a pipe bomb. Broadbent possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others, within 1,000 feet of Christian Brothers High School. Broadbent also knowingly possessed the firearms and the pipe bomb. Broadbent was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had multiple prior felony convictions.

    Law enforcement also served a search warrant at Broadbent’s Sacramento residence that same day. In Broadbent’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol in the same backpack as the methamphetamine, and two unserialized (ghost gun) AR-15 style short-barreled machine gun rifles. Each rifle had a 9-inch barrel, and a conversion device called a “lightning link” to convert them into fully automatic machine guns.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Spencer, Justin Lee, and Nicole Vanek are prosecuting the case.

    Broadbent is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 23, 2025. Broadbent faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $20 million fine. The plea agreement contemplates a sentence of 50 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case was a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Federal Agents

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jason Raysean Broadbent, 38, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine near a school with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and possession of an unregistered, short-barreled machine gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2015, federal agents went to Broadbent’s girlfriend’s residence in Sacramento to serve a search warrant. After the agents knocked and announced their presence and no one came to the door to answer, they forced entry and began filing into the living room shouting “police” and “search warrant.” Within seconds, Broadbent fired shots through a bedroom wall at the agents in the living room, narrowly missing them. Broadbent then fled out a back door of the residence, climbed up onto a fence in the backyard, and pointed his Glock semi-automatic pistol at another ATF agent on the perimeter, who then shot Broadbent several times. Broadbent was transported to the hospital where he was treated for and recovered from his injuries.

    In the bedroom from which Broadbent fired at the agents, law enforcement found almost two pounds of methamphetamine, a revolver, and a small safe that contained a semi-automatic pistol and a pipe bomb. Broadbent possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others, within 1,000 feet of Christian Brothers High School. Broadbent also knowingly possessed the firearms and the pipe bomb. Broadbent was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had multiple prior felony convictions.

    Law enforcement also served a search warrant at Broadbent’s Sacramento residence that same day. In Broadbent’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol in the same backpack as the methamphetamine, and two unserialized (ghost gun) AR-15 style short-barreled machine gun rifles. Each rifle had a 9-inch barrel, and a conversion device called a “lightning link” to convert them into fully automatic machine guns.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Spencer, Justin Lee, and Nicole Vanek are prosecuting the case.

    Broadbent is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 23, 2025. Broadbent faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $20 million fine. The plea agreement contemplates a sentence of 50 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case was a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Federal Agents

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jason Raysean Broadbent, 38, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine near a school with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and possession of an unregistered, short-barreled machine gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2015, federal agents went to Broadbent’s girlfriend’s residence in Sacramento to serve a search warrant. After the agents knocked and announced their presence and no one came to the door to answer, they forced entry and began filing into the living room shouting “police” and “search warrant.” Within seconds, Broadbent fired shots through a bedroom wall at the agents in the living room, narrowly missing them. Broadbent then fled out a back door of the residence, climbed up onto a fence in the backyard, and pointed his Glock semi-automatic pistol at another ATF agent on the perimeter, who then shot Broadbent several times. Broadbent was transported to the hospital where he was treated for and recovered from his injuries.

    In the bedroom from which Broadbent fired at the agents, law enforcement found almost two pounds of methamphetamine, a revolver, and a small safe that contained a semi-automatic pistol and a pipe bomb. Broadbent possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others, within 1,000 feet of Christian Brothers High School. Broadbent also knowingly possessed the firearms and the pipe bomb. Broadbent was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had multiple prior felony convictions.

    Law enforcement also served a search warrant at Broadbent’s Sacramento residence that same day. In Broadbent’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol in the same backpack as the methamphetamine, and two unserialized (ghost gun) AR-15 style short-barreled machine gun rifles. Each rifle had a 9-inch barrel, and a conversion device called a “lightning link” to convert them into fully automatic machine guns.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Spencer, Justin Lee, and Nicole Vanek are prosecuting the case.

    Broadbent is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 23, 2025. Broadbent faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $20 million fine. The plea agreement contemplates a sentence of 50 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case was a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Megabill to Cut Over $6.6 Billion from WA Hospitals

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on new data showing that Washington hospitals will lose an estimated $662 million a year, or over $6.6 billion over the next decade, because of Trump and Republicans’ megabill that was signed into law last week.

    “The ripple effects of this law will be felt like a tsunami in Washington’s health care system. These cruel cuts will kick 330,000 Washingtonians off their health coverage. Regardless of what kind of health coverage someone has, they will feel the impact. Hospitals across Washington are estimated to lose over $6.6 billion because of the Apple Health cuts. It will force hospitals and providers to close facilities and scale back services, and insurers to raise insurance premiums across the board.

    “All of this so Republicans can give billionaires another massive tax break.”

    Some of the largest estimated annual cuts in Western Washington include:

    • Over $56 million cut to Harborview Medical Center (Seattle)
    • Over $45 million cut to the University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle)
    • Nearly $30 million cut to Swedish Medical Center (Seattle)
    • Nearly $29 million cut to Providence Regional Medical Center (Everett)
    • Over $12 million cut to Virginia Mason Medical Center (Seattle)
    • Over $11 million cut to Evergreen Health (Kirkland)
    • Over $7.8 million for Overlake Hospital (Bellevue)
    • Over $1.9 million cut to Evergreen Health (Monroe)

    What Washington Health Systems Are Saying:

    “The federal cuts to Medicaid payments are a disaster for hospitals across the country. In Washington State alone, hospital payments for services delivered will be cut by more than $6 billion over the next ten years. In addition, hundreds of thousands of people will lose coverage. There is no way hospitals can absorb this level of cuts in the Medicaid program without impacting everyone’s access to services. Important hospital services will disappear, nurses and doctors will be laid off, and some hospitals are at risk of full closure,” said Jacqueline Barton True, Vice President, Advocacy and Rural Health, Washington State Hospital Association.

    “Medicaid funding is critical to keep hospitals open and operating for all patients. This is especially true for public safety net health systems like UW Medicine. The federal budget reconciliation bill will significantly reduce both patient eligibility for coverage and Medicaid funding going directly to hospitals for daily operations,” said Dr. Tim Dellit, CEO of UW Medicine and Dean University of Washington School of Medicine. “It is not simply Medicaid patients who will be impacted; these cuts will disrupt the financial foundation that supports the entire health care system, reducing resources and access to care for everyone. As Washington state’s largest public hospital system and safety net provider of health care, the loss of Medicaid reimbursements will have a profound impact on UW Medicine’s ability to serve the community and meet our mission of improving the health of the public by treating every patient who needs our care.”

    “From a patient’s perspective, the biggest concerns about the law are the numerous provisions, including significant Medicaid cuts, that will make it harder for patients to get health insurance coverage and keep that coverage. When people lose their coverage, their medical needs don’t go away. Lack of health insurance coverage can end up exacerbating those needs, as patients without insurance genuinely don’t receive the preventive care that they desperately need that keep patients and populations healthy. Patients may even ration food or skip medication altogether. All this adds up to patients who, when they do seek care, will require higher level care—which is also more expensive,” said Jon Duarte, President & CEO, MultiCare Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, CEO, North Sound Region. “In addition, they often enter the health care system through an emergency department, putting increased stress, not only on them, but on other patients in emergency department care as well. In accordance with our mission at MultiCare, we provide care for all who need it, any day, any hour of the day as well, regardless of their ability to pay. When patients lose access to health insurance, hospitals like Overlake will have no choice but to care for those patients and absorb the increased costs associated with providing uncompensated care, creating a financially unintentional and unsustainable situation for health systems. Ultimately, we may have to cut services, causing entire communities to lose important access to care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Megabill to Cut Over $6.6 Billion from WA Hospitals

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on new data showing that Washington hospitals will lose an estimated $662 million a year, or over $6.6 billion over the next decade, because of Trump and Republicans’ megabill that was signed into law last week.

    “The ripple effects of this law will be felt like a tsunami in Washington’s health care system. These cruel cuts will kick 330,000 Washingtonians off their health coverage. Regardless of what kind of health coverage someone has, they will feel the impact. Hospitals across Washington are estimated to lose over $6.6 billion because of the Apple Health cuts. It will force hospitals and providers to close facilities and scale back services, and insurers to raise insurance premiums across the board.

    “All of this so Republicans can give billionaires another massive tax break.”

    Some of the largest estimated annual cuts in Western Washington include:

    • Over $56 million cut to Harborview Medical Center (Seattle)
    • Over $45 million cut to the University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle)
    • Nearly $30 million cut to Swedish Medical Center (Seattle)
    • Nearly $29 million cut to Providence Regional Medical Center (Everett)
    • Over $12 million cut to Virginia Mason Medical Center (Seattle)
    • Over $11 million cut to Evergreen Health (Kirkland)
    • Over $7.8 million for Overlake Hospital (Bellevue)
    • Over $1.9 million cut to Evergreen Health (Monroe)

    What Washington Health Systems Are Saying:

    “The federal cuts to Medicaid payments are a disaster for hospitals across the country. In Washington State alone, hospital payments for services delivered will be cut by more than $6 billion over the next ten years. In addition, hundreds of thousands of people will lose coverage. There is no way hospitals can absorb this level of cuts in the Medicaid program without impacting everyone’s access to services. Important hospital services will disappear, nurses and doctors will be laid off, and some hospitals are at risk of full closure,” said Jacqueline Barton True, Vice President, Advocacy and Rural Health, Washington State Hospital Association.

    “Medicaid funding is critical to keep hospitals open and operating for all patients. This is especially true for public safety net health systems like UW Medicine. The federal budget reconciliation bill will significantly reduce both patient eligibility for coverage and Medicaid funding going directly to hospitals for daily operations,” said Dr. Tim Dellit, CEO of UW Medicine and Dean University of Washington School of Medicine. “It is not simply Medicaid patients who will be impacted; these cuts will disrupt the financial foundation that supports the entire health care system, reducing resources and access to care for everyone. As Washington state’s largest public hospital system and safety net provider of health care, the loss of Medicaid reimbursements will have a profound impact on UW Medicine’s ability to serve the community and meet our mission of improving the health of the public by treating every patient who needs our care.”

    “From a patient’s perspective, the biggest concerns about the law are the numerous provisions, including significant Medicaid cuts, that will make it harder for patients to get health insurance coverage and keep that coverage. When people lose their coverage, their medical needs don’t go away. Lack of health insurance coverage can end up exacerbating those needs, as patients without insurance genuinely don’t receive the preventive care that they desperately need that keep patients and populations healthy. Patients may even ration food or skip medication altogether. All this adds up to patients who, when they do seek care, will require higher level care—which is also more expensive,” said Jon Duarte, President & CEO, MultiCare Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, CEO, North Sound Region. “In addition, they often enter the health care system through an emergency department, putting increased stress, not only on them, but on other patients in emergency department care as well. In accordance with our mission at MultiCare, we provide care for all who need it, any day, any hour of the day as well, regardless of their ability to pay. When patients lose access to health insurance, hospitals like Overlake will have no choice but to care for those patients and absorb the increased costs associated with providing uncompensated care, creating a financially unintentional and unsustainable situation for health systems. Ultimately, we may have to cut services, causing entire communities to lose important access to care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –