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  • MIL-OSI USA News: America First Investment Policy

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
             THE SECRETARY OF STATE
             THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
             THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
             THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
             THE SECRETARY OF LABOR
             THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY
             THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
             THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
             THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
             THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
             THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
             THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS
             THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
             THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
             THE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

    SUBJECT:       America First Investment Policy
     
     
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following:
     
             Section 1.  Principles and Objectives.  America’s investment policy is critical to our national and economic security.  Welcoming foreign investment and strengthening the United States’ world-leading private and public capital markets will be a key part of America’s Golden Age.  The United States has the world’s most attractive assets, in technology and across our economy, and we will make it easier for our overseas allies to support United States jobs, United States innovators, and United States economic growth with their capital.
     
             Investment by United States allies and partners can create hundreds of thousands of jobs and significant wealth for the United States.  Our Nation is committed to maintaining the strong, open investment environment that benefits our economy and our people, while enhancing our ability to protect the United States from new and evolving threats that can accompany foreign investment.
     
             Investment at all costs is not always in the national interest, however.  Certain foreign adversaries, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), systematically direct and facilitate investment in United States companies and assets to obtain cutting-edge technologies, intellectual property, and leverage in strategic industries.  The PRC pursues these strategies in diverse ways, both visible and concealed, and often through partner companies or investment funds in third countries. 
     
             Economic security is national security.  The PRC does not allow United States companies to take over their critical infrastructure, and the United States should not allow the PRC to take over United States critical infrastructure.  PRC-affiliated investors are targeting the crown jewels of United States technology, food supplies, farmland, minerals, natural resources, ports, and shipping terminals.
     
             The PRC is also increasingly exploiting United States capital to develop and modernize its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, which poses significant risk to the United States homeland and Armed Forces of the United States around the world.  Related actions include the development and deployment of dual-use technologies, weapons of mass destruction, advanced conventional weapons, and malicious cyber‑enabled actions against the United States and its people.  Through its national Military-Civil Fusion strategy, the PRC increases the size of its military-industrial complex by compelling civilian Chinese companies and research institutions to support its military and intelligence activities.
     
             Those Chinese companies also raise capital by:  selling to American investors securities that trade on American and foreign public exchanges; lobbying United States index providers and funds to include these securities in market offerings; and engaging in other acts to ensure access to United States capital and accompanying intangible benefits.  In this way, the PRC exploits United States investors to finance and advance the development and modernization of its military.
     
             Sec. 2.  Policy.  (a)  It is the policy of the United States to preserve an open investment environment to help ensure that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies of the future are built, created, and grown right here in the United States.  Investment in our economy from our allies and partners, some of whom have tremendous sovereign wealth funds, supports the national interest.  My Administration will make the United States the world’s greatest destination for investment dollars, to the benefit of all of us. 
     
             (b)  Yet for investment in United States businesses involved in critical technology, critical infrastructure, personal data, and other sensitive areas, restrictions on foreign investors’ access to United States assets will ease in proportion to their verifiable distance and independence from the predatory investment and technology-acquisition practices of the PRC and other foreign adversaries or threat actors.
     
             (c)  The United States will create an expedited “fast-track” process, based on objective standards, to facilitate greater investment from specified allied and partner sources in United States businesses involved with United States advanced technology and other important areas.  This process will allow for increased foreign investment subject to appropriate security provisions, including requirements that the specified foreign investors avoid partnering with United States foreign adversaries.  
     
             (d)  My Administration will also expedite environmental reviews for any investment over $1 billion in the United States.
     
             (e)  The United States will reduce the exploitation of public and private sector capital, technology, and technical knowledge by foreign adversaries such as the PRC.  The United States will establish new rules to stop United States companies and investors from investing in industries that advance the PRC’s national Military-Civil Fusion strategy and stop PRC-affiliated persons from buying up critical American businesses and assets, allowing only those investments that serve American interests.
     
             (f)  The United States will use all necessary legal instruments, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), to restrict PRC-affiliated persons from investing in United States technology, critical infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, energy, raw materials, or other strategic sectors.  My Administration will protect United States farmland and real estate near sensitive facilities.  It will also seek, including in consultation with the Congress, to strengthen CFIUS authority over “greenfield” investments, to restrict foreign adversary access to United States talent and operations in sensitive technologies (especially artificial intelligence), and to expand the remit of “emerging and foundational” technologies addressable by CFIUS.
     
             (g)  To reduce uncertainty for investors, reduce administrative burden, and increase Government efficiency, my Administration will cease the use of overly bureaucratic, complex, and open-ended “mitigation” agreements for United States investments from foreign adversary countries.  In general, mitigation agreements should consist of concrete actions that companies can complete within a specific time, rather than perpetual and expensive compliance obligations.  More administrative resources, in turn, will be directed toward facilitating investments from key partner countries.
     
             (h)  The United States will continue to welcome and encourage passive investments from all foreign persons.  These include non-controlling stakes and shares with no voting, board, or other governance rights and that do not confer any managerial influence, substantive decisionmaking, or non-public access to technologies or technical information, products, or services.  This will allow our cutting-edge businesses to continue to benefit from foreign investment capital, while ensuring protection of our national security.
     
             (i)  The United States will also use all necessary legal instruments to further deter United States persons from investing in the PRC’s military-industrial sector.  These may include the imposition of sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) through the blocking of assets or through other actions, including actions pursuant to Executive Order 13959 of November 12, 2020 (Addressing the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies), as amended by Executive Order 13974 of January 13, 2021 (Amending Executive Order 13959 — Addressing the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies) and Executive Order 14032 of June 3, 2021 (Addressing the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Certain Companies of the People’s Republic of China), and actions pursuant to Executive Order 14105 of August 9, 2023 (Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern).  Executive Order 14105 is under review by my Administration, pursuant to the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (America First Trade Policy), to examine whether it includes sufficient controls to address national security threats.
     
             (j)  This review will build on measures taken under my authority in 2020 and 2021 and consider new or expanded restrictions on United States outbound investment in the PRC in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, hypersonics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, directed energy, and other areas implicated by the PRC’s national Military-Civil Fusion strategy.  Covered sectors should be reviewed and updated regularly, including by the Office of Science and Technology Policy.  As part of the review, my Administration will consider applying restrictions on investment types including private equity, venture capital, greenfield investments, corporate expansions, and investments in publicly traded securities, from sources including pension funds, university endowments, and other limited-partner investors.  It is past time for American universities to stop supporting foreign adversaries with their investment decisions, much as they should stop granting university access to supporters of terrorism.
     
             (k)  To further reduce incentives for United States persons to invest in our foreign adversaries, we will review whether to suspend or terminate the 1984 United States-The People’s Republic of China Income Tax Convention.  That tax treaty, along with the PRC’s admission to the World Trade Organization and the related undertaking by the United States to accord unconditional Most Favored Nation treatment to goods and services of the PRC, led to the deindustrialization of the United States and the technological modernization of the PRC military.  We will seek to reverse both those trends.  United States investors will invest in the future of America, not the future of the PRC.
     
             (l)  To protect the savings of United States investors and channel them into American growth and prosperity, my Administration will also:
     
             (i)    determine if adequate financial auditing standards are upheld for companies covered by the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act;
     
             (ii)   review the variable interest entity and subsidiary structures used by foreign-adversary companies to trade on United States exchanges, which limit the ownership rights and protections for United States investors, as well as allegations of fraudulent behavior by these companies; and
     
             (iii)  restore the highest fiduciary standards as required by the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974, seeking to ensure that foreign adversary companies are ineligible for pension plan contributions.
     
             Sec. 3.  Implementation.  The policy set forth in section 2 of this memorandum shall be implemented, to the extent permitted by law and available appropriations, and subject to internal programmatic and budgetary processes, as follows:
     
             (a)  With respect to sections 2(a) through 2(k) of this memorandum, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the United States Trade Representative, and the heads of other executive departments and agencies (agencies) as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of the Treasury, and with respect to the authorities of CFIUS in coordination with the members thereof, shall take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, to support all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, and other statutes to carry out the purposes of this memorandum.
     
             (b)  With respect to section 2(d) of this memorandum, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the heads of other agencies as appropriate, shall carry out the purposes of this memorandum.
     
             (c)  With respect to section 2(l)(i) of this memorandum, the Secretary of the Treasury shall engage as appropriate with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; with respect to section 2(l)(ii) of this memorandum, the Attorney General, in coordination with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall provide a written recommendation on the risk posed to United States investors based on the auditability, corporate oversight, and evidence of criminal or civil fraudulent behavior for all foreign adversary companies currently listed on domestic exchanges; and with respect to section 2(l)(iii) of this memorandum, the Secretary of Labor shall publish updated fiduciary standards under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for investments in public market securities of foreign adversary companies.
     
             Sec. 4.  Definition.  For purposes of this memorandum, the term “foreign adversaries” includes the PRC, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region; the Republic of Cuba; the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; the Russian Federation; and the regime of Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro.
     
             Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

                      (i.) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

                      (ii.) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

             (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
     
             (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Child criminal exploitation and cuckooing to be criminal offences

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Child criminal exploitation and cuckooing to be criminal offences

    Two new offences from the government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill will introduced in Parliament making child criminal exploitation and cuckooing illegal.

    Image: Getty Images

    Children and vulnerable people who are exploited by gangs for criminal purposes will receive greater protection, with two new criminal offences set to be introduced by the government next week.

    Landmark legislation will be brought forward to ban cuckooing, a highly exploitative practice where criminals seize control of a vulnerable person’s home without consent to conduct illegal activities like drug dealing.

    Another new offence will be created against adults who use a child to commit criminal activity. Both of these measures will be part of the government’s landmark Crime and Policing Bill, which is set to be introduced in Parliament next week and forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change. 

    Current estimates show that approximately 14,500 children were identified as at risk or involved in child criminal exploitation (CCE) in 2023 to 2024, although this is likely an underestimate as many exploited children will not be known to authorities.

    However, under current legislation, only a small number of individuals have been charged for using children in criminal activity.

    This standalone CCE offence will therefore look to target those adults who unscrupulously groom and exploit children into criminal activity, such as county lines drug running or organised robbery, as well as increasing the opportunities for children to be identified.

    Those convicted of committing a CCE offence could face a maximum of 10 years in prison, sending a clear message that this form of child exploitation will never be tolerated.

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: 

    The exploitation of children and vulnerable people for criminal gain is sickening and it is vital we do everything in our power to eradicate it from our streets.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we are introducing these two offences to properly punish those who prey on them, ensure victims are properly protected and prevent these often-hidden crimes from occurring in the first place.

    These steps are vital in our efforts to stop the grooming and exploitation of children into criminal gangs, deliver on our pledge to halve knife crime in the next decade and work towards our overall mission to make our streets safer.

    The new legislation also includes the creation of new CCE prevention orders, which may be issued at the end of criminal proceedings or upon application by police.

    These bespoke orders will ensure that courts can impose restrictions and requirements on individuals who pose a risk of exploiting a child for criminal purposes, such as limiting their ability to work with children, contact specific people or go to a certain area. 

    This will help manage the risk of offending, or reoffending, and breach of these orders (or failure to comply with any relevant notification requirements) will also be a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison. 

    Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, said:

    The ruthless criminal exploitation of vulnerable children has been a brutal and lucrative business model for organised criminals for too long.

    It has had tragic consequences for thousands of young lives and has devastated families and communities.

    This change in the law is long overdue, very welcome, and will save lives.

    Mark Russell, Chief Executive at The Children’s Society said: 

    This new offence is a vital step forward that we have been campaigning for over the years. A standalone crime of child criminal exploitation (CCE) will finally shift the focus onto perpetrators, not victims. For too long, adults who groom children into criminal activity – forcing them to hold drugs or launder money or commit theft – have evaded accountability. Charges such as drug possession ignore the core truth; these are child abusers exploiting vulnerable young people.   

    To protect the 14,500 children identified at risk last year – and the thousands more unseen – these measures must be backed by three pillars; strong enforcement, training for safeguarding professionals and a statutory definition of CCE to help end the postcode lottery in victim support.   

    This is how we break cycles of harm: punish the exploiters, prioritise the victims, and put child safety first.

    In further measures to better protect vulnerable people, a new offence making cuckooing illegal will also be introduced.

    Dame Rachel de Souza, The Children’s Commissioner, said:

    As Children’s Commissioner, I know the criminal exploitation of children is a complex type of abuse that causes harm to victims in a way that has for too long been undercounted and poorly understood.

    Many children targeted by adult criminals themselves face punishment instead of support. Like too many child victims, they are often ignored and overlooked. Their voices and experiences must be listened to, if we are to create a child-centric justice system that puts safeguarding at its heart.

    Introducing this new offence and new prevention orders will help create that much needed clarity that exploited children are victims. I hope this will enable professionals to intervene at far earlier stages of intervention, backed by plans to create a unique identifying number for every child that helps services identify those in need of support.

    These measures will be introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill alongside the new CCE offence.

    It is commonly associated with drug supply, serious violence and antisocial behaviour, seeing people often with disabilities or those with substance misuse issues targeted by criminals for their own personal gain. 

    The introduction of this new offence will target individuals who take over the homes of vulnerable people for criminal purposes and punish them for the harm caused. It will carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Combat Intensifying Wildfires and Drought Across the American West

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 21, 2025

    Protect the West Act would invest $60 Billion to reduce wildfire risk, restore watersheds, protect communities, and reduce wildfire suppression costs.

    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to reintroduce legislation that would  make a $60 billion investment in forests in Oregon and across the West to lessen wildfire risk, restore watersheds, protect communities, and reduce wildfire suppression costs.

    “With summers getting drier and hotter, the treasured lands in Oregon and the West are a tinderbox waiting to light ablaze,” said Wyden. “In my town halls, I’ve heard countless Oregonians fearing for their health and safety while struggling to maintain their economic livelihood as severe drought and wildfires wreak more havoc on their communities every year. More investments are needed to protect our forests and watersheds so local communities across the West are healthy and can have the opportunity to explore its beautiful natural treasures for generations.”

    America’s forests and public lands are essential infrastructure – supporting a $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and $222 billion agricultural economy. 

    Despite the importance of our forests to our economy, watersheds, and way of life, Washington DC  has failed to adequately invest in them. The federal government spends $2.9 billion to put out wildfires every year, with costs expected to rise to $3.9 billion by 2050. Preventing wildfires before they start saves taxpayers money by reducing response and recovery costs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that, over the last five years, the U.S. spent nearly $48 billion on wildfires. Barely three months into 2025, annual wildfire costs are already estimated to exceed $250 billion in damages due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

    Specifically, the Protect the West Act would do the following:

    1. Establish an Outdoor Restoration & Watershed Fund to increase support for local efforts to restore forests and watersheds, reduce wildfire risk, clean up public lands, enhance wildlife habitat, remove invasive species, and expand outdoor access;
    1. Establish an advisory council of local, industry, conservation, Tribal, and national experts to advise funding priorities, coordinate with existing regional efforts, and provide oversight;
    1. Empower local leaders by making $20 billion directly available to state and local governments, Tribes, special districts, and nonprofits to support restoration, drought resilience, and fire mitigation projects. These funds would empower local leaders to bring diverse voices to the table to develop solutions;
    1. Partner with states and Tribes to invest $40 billion to tackle the backlog of restoration, fire mitigation, and resilience projects across public, private, and Tribal lands;
    1. Create or sustain more than two million good-paying jobs, primarily in rural areas, to support existing industries like forest product, agriculture, and outdoor recreation; and
    1. Save landowners and local governments money by investing in wildfire prevention and natural hazard mitigation on the front end, which is thirty times more cost-effective than recovering forests and watersheds after natural disasters have struck.

    In addition to Wyden, the legislation was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Ruben Gallego, D-Ari., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and U.S. Representative Jason Crow, D-Colo.

    The bill is supported by The National Wildlife Federation, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, National Association of State Foresters, The Freshwater Trust, American Forests, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Audubon Society, Family Farm Alliance, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Western Landowners Alliance, Western Resource Advocates, Trout Unlimited, and Conservation Legacy.

    The full text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Shaheen Offers Dozens of Amendments to Republican Budget Resolution, Forces Vote on her Amendment to Lower Health Care Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – Last night, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations and Armed Services Committees and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, offered dozens of amendments to the Republican budget resolution that would have forced the forthcoming reconciliation bill to prioritize lowering costs for American families and businesses, enhancing public safety and strengthening national security, among other important priorities for New Hampshire and the country. Shaheen forced a vote on an amendment that would have supported the provisions of her Health Care Affordability Act to make permanent tax credits that have cut health care costs for 24 million Americans—including nearly 70,000 Granite Staters. Nearly all Senate Republicans rejected including Shaheen’s amendment to make health care more affordable and accessible. 

    “In New Hampshire, we hear every day about people rationing medicines, skipping appointments and delaying care all because of costs. By advancing my amendment to extend tax credits we could have offered a lifeline for millions who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford the care they need, but almost all of my Republican colleagues voted against it,” said Shaheen. “Unfortunately, the budget resolution that the Senate advanced last night does nothing to help working Americans make ends meet. Instead, it paves the way to give tax cuts to the wealthiest while slashing programs families rely on.” 

    Last night, Shaheen raised a vote on one of her amendments that mirrors her Health Care Affordability Act—bicameral legislation she introduced last month that would make permanent the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits for Marketplace coverage. According to the Congressional Budget Office, if the tax credits are allowed to expire at the end of this year, health care premiums would skyrocket and 4 million Americans would lose their health insurance altogether. 

    Below is an overview of the dozens of other amendments Senator Shaheen offered for consideration last night. 

    To help lower everyday costs, Shaheen offered amendments that would have: 

    • Supported housing affordability by preventing construction cost increases due to tariffs and delays and expanding investment in housing development. 
    • Helped households afford groceries, including preventing broad tariffs which would raise the price of food or cuts to food aid for families. 
    • Prevented funding cuts to child care or early childhood education programs helping New Hampshire families. 
    • Supported affordable housing in disaster recovery by rebuilding with resilient and cost-effective methods, especially those that lower home insurance rates. 
    • Lowered sugar prices for American businesses and consumers harmed by the U.S. sugar program. 

    To help make health care more affordable and accessible, Shaheen offered amendments that would have: 

    • Ensured that Medicaid expansion programs aren’t eliminated by drastic cuts to federal funding, including New Hampshire’s Granite Advantage covering more than 60,000 Granite Staters. 
    • Ensured that patients suffering from diabetes do not face unnecessary barriers to care, including access to $35 insulin. 
    • Ensured hospitals and doctors working in rural areas can keep their doors open and continue providing lifesaving care for their patients. 
    • Ensured that our community health centers can continue to provide vital care to their patients. 

    To help enhance public safety and keep families secure, Shaheen offered amendments that would have: 

    • Made investments in the Air Traffic Controller workforce and overturned the reckless firing of hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration personnel critical to aviation safety. 
    • Improved cell service and communications for emergency services along the northern border. 
    • Ensured that DHS has the technology needed to monitor and defend the U.S.-Canada border against the flow of drugs and illegal migration. 
    • Raised pay for U.S. Bureau of Prisons correctional officers in New Hampshire and across the country. 
    • Preserved funding for programs that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence. 
    • Ensured local law enforcement agencies and communities are not left with the bill for unfunded federal mandates. 
    • Prioritized the deportation of undocumented individuals who pose threats to our national security or public safety. 
    • Ensured that increased funding for the DOJ and DHS is focused on stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. 

    To help lower American households’ energy costs, Shaheen offered amendments that would have: 

    • Protected Americans from higher energy costs for gas, heating oil and propane due to broad tariffs. 
    • Protected bipartisan investments that lower energy costs, promote electric grid reliability and improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including addressing PFAS contamination. 
    • Protected families, farmers and businesses from higher energy costs by ensuring energy saving and renewable energy projects funded by Congress continue. 
    • Prevented Congress from blocking state or local governments from updating their building codes to protect life and property, reduce losses from disasters or lower energy costs for families. 
    • Supported energy efficient building construction and retrofits to lower energy costs and enhance electric grid reliability. 
    • Supported resources that help make home heating more affordable, including energy assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and weatherization. 

    To help bolster America’s national security and support American service members and their families, Shaheen offered amendments that would have: 

    • Supported military service members, veterans and families, including by protecting family members who were recently fired from federal employment solely because they were new to a job. 
    • Replenished the defense industrial base ramping up to support Ukraine. 
    • Replenished the defense industrial base ramping up to support the defense of Taiwan. 
    • Ensured that U.S. continues its commitments to NATO, which supports the collective defense of the United States. 
    • Resumed U.S. foreign assistance that counters Chinese influence. 
    • Ensured that federal employees essential to national security are not impacted by OMB buyout and federal hiring freeze memos. 
    • Required oversight over wasteful spending. 
    • Protected DoD’s policy that ensures service women receive the same coverage for contraception as civilian women. 
    • Ensured that servicewomen, who are stationed in areas without access to reproductive care, through no fault of their own, can be reimbursed for the cost of travel. 
    • Ensured that U.S. farmers do not suffer economic harm due to the freeze on U.S. assistance. 
    • Protected U.S. small businesses and contractors from a pause on U.S. foreign assistance. 

    Additional amendments would have: 

    • Prevented a reduction in postal service for rural America, including by preventing closure of processing centers. 
    • Ensured that Americans are protected against fraud, price gouging and higher rental and housing prices caused by illegal price information sharing. 
    • Supported funding to assist Afghan SIVs and refugee resettlement. 
    • Cut more than $40 billion in wasteful agriculture spending going to large corporate farm operations while preserving benefits to small family farms. 
    • Ensured strong funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission. 
    • Prevented adding $5 trillion of tax cuts to the national debt and raising interest rates when the Federal Government is already paying $1 trillion per year in interest. 
    • Supported screening for Avian Flu both domestically and overseas. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Strongly Condemns Ongoing Offensives by M23 Rebel Movement in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2772 (2025)

    Source: United Nations 4

    The Security Council today strongly condemned ongoing offensives by the 23 March Movement, or M23, in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, deciding that M23 shall immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from areas it controls and fully reverse the establishment of illegitimate parallel administrations in that country’s territory.

    Unanimously adopting resolution 2773 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2773(2025)), the Council — acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations — also called on the Rwanda Defence Force to cease support to M23 and immediately withdraw from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo without preconditions.  Further, it strongly urged Kinshasa and Kigali to return to diplomatic talks, supported all initiatives and contributions to this end and reaffirmed the critical role of both the Luanda and Nairobi processes.

    Through the resolution, the Council additionally called for the cessation of support provided by Kinshasa’s military forces to specific armed groups — particularly the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda, or FDLR — as well as urgent implementation of commitments to neutralize that group.  The organ also demanded that all parties facilitate the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations in need.  To that end, it called on all parties to urgently open temporary humanitarian corridors in North and South Kivu.

    By other terms, the Council reaffirmed its full support to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and emphasized that any attempts to undermine the Mission’s ability to implement its mandate will not be tolerated.  As well, the Council condemned the systematic illicit exploitation and trafficking of natural resources in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and reaffirmed its strong commitment to that country’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.

    Text Sends Clear Message There Is No Military Solution to Conflict 

    Speaking after the adoption, the representative of France, the text’s author, said that it delivers a clear message:  “There is no military solution to the conflict in the east of the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo]; the offensive carried out by M23 — supported by Rwanda — must be put to an end.”  Further, Rwandan forces must withdraw from Congolese territory without delay, and MONUSCO must be able to carry out its mandate without obstruction.  Stating that the Council must speak clearly alongside regional initiatives, he welcomed that the organ “has risen to its responsibility”.

    Delegates Stress African-Led Initiatives Must Be Supported 

    On those initiatives, Algeria’s representative recalled a recent statement by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, which clearly emphasized that political settlement is the only way to end the conflict.  “As Africans who hold their continent dear”, he stressed the need to support regional mediation efforts.  Further, he said that all external actors must end their negative interventions, also noting the legacy of the bygone colonial era — as well as current “looting and plundering”.

    “The illegal exploitation of natural resources remains a key driver of instability in the region,” added the representative of Sierra Leone, urging greater adherence to relevant international frameworks to prevent the financing of armed groups.  He also joined others in underscoring that dialogue is the only sustainable path to lasting stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  On that, he observed:  “Talking to adversaries is hard — perhaps a taboo for some — but we do not make peace with friends.”

    Also underlining the importance of dialogue, Somalia’s representative pointed out that “experience has taught us that silencing the guns in Africa does not begin with finger-pointing”.  A sustainable solution must emerge through inclusive dialogue and regional cooperation, “rather than through measures that might inadvertently complicate existing peace initiatives”, he said.  Adding that the recent proposed convergence of the Luanda and Nairobi processes “represents a significant step forward in regional cooperation”, he called on the Council to ensure that international engagement “aligns with and reinforces existing African-led initiatives”.

    In that vein, the representative of China, Council President for February, spoke in his national capacity to express support for “solving African issues the African way”.  Further, he said that Council resolutions should be “designed to support regional processes” and “build synergy with mediation efforts at the regional level”.  He added: “The Great Lakes region is at a critical juncture, and to stand on the side of peace is our shared responsibility.”

    “We must not let everything unravel before our eyes,” urged Pakistan’s representative, also emphasizing that today’s text — “most importantly” — welcomes and supports regional efforts and processes to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Welcoming the consensus achieved, he said that the resolution reaffirms the Council’s commitment to that country’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and “upholds the fundamental principles of the UN Charter”.

    Resolution Supports UN Charter

    “This is a resolution in support of the Charter of the United Nations,” said the representative of the Russian Federation, stressing:  “This needs to be fulfilled by the parties without delay.”  The hostilities must end, lives must be saved, ordinary people must be able to return to their homes and Kigali and Kinshasa must, once again, sit at the negotiating table.  Adding that the parties must implement, in good faith, measures “agreed upon by Africans at the highest level”, he warned:  “Otherwise, the region will be faced with yet another brutal war, with colossal human casualties.”

    “The entire DRC is now at stake, and the situation literally stands on the brink of a full-scale regional war,” warned the representative of the Republic of Korea.  He, too, stressed that there can be no military solution to this conflict and urged both Kinshasa and Kigali to urgently return to meaningful diplomatic dialogue.  Both countries, stressed Guyana’s representative, must implement their commitments under the Luanda and Nairobi processes and abide by the decisions of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council.

    For his part, Panama’s representative underlined his country’s “unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo”.  Urging M23 to immediately cease its hostilities there, the representative of the United Kingdom stressed:  “No Member States should impede this.”  He also underscored that, if the parties do not fully abide by today’s resolution, “this Council will need to consider further action”.

    On accountability, the representative of the United States reported that her Government has imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, Rwandan Minister of State for Regional Integration, and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, as well as two of the latter’s companies.  She added that, while it is necessary to support African solutions for African problems — and regional countries have a high stake in preventing an all-out war in the Great Lakes region — African-led responses must not preclude swift action from the Council.

    Kinshasa’s Delegate Says Council’s Paralysis for Three Weeks Gave Rwandan Defence Force ‘Free Rein’ to Illegally Occupy Democratic Republic of the Congo

    However, the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pointed out that “three weeks had to elapse for the Council to speak unanimously about this subject”.  “In this particular case,” he added, “the Council’s paralysis gave free rein to the illegal occupation of DRC territory by the [Rwandan Defence Force] and their supporters.”  Nevertheless, the Council has now acted, and he thanked the organ’s members on behalf of his Government and “all of the boys and girls of the DRC”.  He urged that today’s resolution be implemented immediately to offer respite to those in occupied areas — “they are paying the highest price and bearing the brunt of this military adventure”.

    Kigali’s Speaker Concerned by ‘Unprecedented Intimidation of African Voices’ in Council

    Meanwhile, Rwanda’s delegate expressed concern about “the unprecedented intimidation of African voices” in the Council, stating: “This speaks volumes about the [Democratic Republic of the Congo] and its belief that the solution to their inter-Congolese conflict will come from actors from outside the continent — most of whom are at the historical root cause of this conflict.”  He also urged the Council to reflect on the question: “How did we end up here?”  Any outcome that does not consider Rwanda’s security challenges and ignores the legitimate grievances of the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese — the root of M23’s existence — will not help resolve the conflict, he stressed.

    For his part, Angola’s representative called for an immediate ceasefire and resumed dialogue, adding that there is no military solution to the dire security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  “We need to uphold and consolidate the deliverables of the Luanda process,” he stressed, welcoming the draft resolution “as a significant step in the right direction”.  The Council has a responsibility to assist the people and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to prevent further escalation of the conflict.  “We need to save lives and stop the bloodshed of innocent civilians,” he added, emphasizing the need to “promote African solutions to African problems”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Media analyst criticises Trump for applying ‘strategic coercion, economic blackmail’ policy

    Pacific Media Watch

    One of the leading Middle East’s leading political and media analysts, Marwan Bishara, has accused President Donald Trump of applying a doctrine of ‘strategic coercion” and “economic blackmail” in his approach to the Gaza ceasefire.

    Bishara, senior political analyst of the Doha-based Al Jazeera global television network, was responding to the news that Trump has apparently backed off his plan for expelling more than 2 million Palestinians from their Gaza homeland and to redevelop it as the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

    He has now been describing it as a “recommendation” that would not be enforced.

    “The idea that Trump starts with [about taking over Gaza] is mad. But there is a method to the madness,” Bishara said.

    “The method to the madness, you can see it in the context of Trump’s doctrine, if you will – and that is strategic coercion and economic blackmail.

    “In fact, he started his administration by inviting [Israeli Prime Minister] Netanyahu to Washington, blessing him with all kinds of support . . .  and blackmailing Egypt and Jordan into accepting two million refugees, or else — and then asking them to come up with something else.”

    Bishara said he expected the Trump doctrine to be applied elsewhere in the world, such as with his efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

    ‘This kind of strategic coercion of Arab countries on behalf of the United States and Israel, and economic blackmail — I think we’re going to see it as part of the Trump doctrine throughout the world.


    President Trump’s walkback on his “Riviera” plan for Gaza. Video: Al Jazeera

    ‘Surprised’ over opposition
    The US president had said in a radio interview with Fox News that he was “a little bit surprised” that Jordan and Egypt had voiced opposition to his plan to “take over” Gaza and displace Palestinians.

    “I’ll tell you, the way to do it is my plan — I think that’s the plan that really works,” Trump said.

    “But I’m not forcing it, I’m just going to sit back and recommend it.

    “And then the US would own the site, there’d be no Hamas, and there’d be development and you’d start all over again with a clean plate.”

    A former Egyptian deputy foreign affairs minister to the European Union, Gamal Bayoumi, said the “informal” meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, of the leaders of several Arab countries to discuss an Egyptian counterproposal had led to the softening of Trump’s stance.

    Speaking from Cairo, Bayoumi said Trump had appeared “inexperienced concerning international law” and the Middle East, saying the US president’s plan “has no logic . . . to ask the Palestinians to leave their own country.”

    The Riyadh meeting has ended with the leaders rejecting Trump’s plan and the Arab League will meet in Cairo, Egypt, on March 4 to discuss the counterproposal in more detail.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Demand VA Secretary Reverse Mass Terminations of VA Employees, Put Veterans Above Politics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Demand VA Secretary Reverse Mass Terminations of VA Employees, Put Veterans Above Politics

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), alongside Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), led a group of 34 Senators calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated last week—essential employees who serve veterans and their families nationwide, including those combatting veteran suicide at the Veterans Crisis Line.
    The Trump Administration’s mass terminations of VA employees, which included numerous veterans and military spouses, comes at a time when the VA faces critical staffing shortages and increased demand for its services, such as urgently needed mental health care to reduce the veteran suicide rate. In addition, many of these terminated employees had exemplary performance records and multiple years of work experience in government service.
    “Last week, we were outraged by the Administration’s abrupt and indiscriminate termination of tens of thousands of workers across almost every government agency, including more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees,” wrote Senator Reverend Warnock and his colleagues. “We were further disturbed by the manner in which you publicly celebrated this reprehensible announcement – a clear departure from the assurances provided throughout your confirmation process to never ‘balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits’ and to always ‘put the veteran first.’ Not only will this latest action put veterans’ care and benefits at risk, but it further confuses, demoralizes, and threatens a VA workforce we need to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to our veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much.”
    The Senators directly refuted VA Secretary Collins’ vague assurances that these terminations “will not negatively impact VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries,” by detailing how Trump Administration’s directives to gut VA’s workforce are already negatively impacting veterans:
    Openings for new clinics have been delayed because VA cannot hire the necessary staff to open their doors;
    Service lines at VA hospitals and clinics have been halted;
    Beds and operating rooms at VA facilities have been suspended;
    Support lines for caregivers have been reduced;
    Veterans Crisis Line employees have been fired, and suicide prevention training sessions have been postponed or canceled; and, 
    Transportation options for disabled veterans, which help ensure veterans can attend regular health care appointments, have been cut back because volunteer drivers are now unable to get credentialed.
    Beyond the obvious harm to veterans, the Senators also underscored how these terminations are a massive waste of taxpayer dollars that have already been spent recruiting, vetting, and training these VA employees: 
    “Because probationary employees tend to be younger, many of them represented the next generation of VA employees – talented men and women who chose a long-term career path of serving veterans. VA already invested in recruiting and training these individuals because veterans deserve the very best staff possible,” the Senators continued. “The list of real-life negative impacts of this Administration’s directives is expansive and growing every day. Rather than putting the interests of veterans first, you made your priorities abundantly clear in your statement applauding the mass firings: ‘At VA, we are focused on saving money.’ It’s clear from the slashing of services and benefits this priority is coming directly at the expense of veterans.”
    The Senators concluded by calling on Secretary Collins to put veterans first and rescind the blanket layoffs of the more than 1,000 VA employees: “With the best interests of veterans in mind, and to ensure VA is capable of carrying out its sacred obligation of behalf of veterans, we urge you to immediately reinstate all of the employees dismissed in the latest indiscriminate terminations and commit to VA employees and veterans that no additional widespread terminations will occur without advanced notification to Congress, a detailed justification, coordination with service-level leadership, and an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on veterans’ health care and benefits. Congress remains ready to collaborate with you, if you are willing to come to the table and put the needs of our veterans above all else.”
    In addition to Senator Reverend Warnock, the letter was led by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Blumenthal and joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennett (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Timothy Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacklyn Rosen (D-NV), Bernard Sanders (D-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Collins:  
    Last week, we were outraged by the Administration’s abrupt and indiscriminate termination of tens of thousands of workers across almost every government agency, including more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees. We were further disturbed by the manner in which you publicly celebrated this reprehensible announcement – a clear departure from the assurances provided throughout your confirmation process to never “balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits” and to always “put the veteran first.” Not only will this latest action put veterans’ care and benefits at risk, but it further confuses, demoralizes, and threatens a VA workforce we need to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to our veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much.
    The more than 1,000 VA employees whose lives and careers you have upended included a substantial number of veterans and military spouses. Many had exemplary performance records. Because probationary employees tend to be younger, many of them represented the next generation of VA employees – talented men and women who chose a long-term career path of serving veterans. VA already invested in recruiting and training these individuals because veterans deserve the very best staff possible. And they all deserved better than to be casually discarded by an Administration that places a greater priority on political loyalty than fitness to serve.
    You have repeatedly claimed these massive, arbitrary staff terminations – done without advance consultation with service-level leadership or advisement from experienced senior leaders trained to manage VA’s health care, benefits, and memorial workforce –– “will not negatively impact VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries.” However, we have heard directly from VA employees and veterans across the country that this is absolutely not the case. In fact, we have been made aware of numerous detrimental developments as a direct result of the actions of this Administration. Openings for new clinics have been delayed because VA cannot hire the necessary staff to open their doors. Service lines at VA hospitals and clinics have been halted. Beds and operating rooms at VA facilities have been suspended. Support lines for caregivers have been reduced. Veterans Crisis Line employees have been fired, and suicide prevention training sessions have been postponed or canceled. And transportation options for disabled veterans, which help ensure veterans can attend regular health care appointments, have been cut back because volunteer drivers are now unable to get credentialed.
    The list of real-life negative impacts of this Administration’s directives is expansive and growing every day. Rather than putting the interests of veterans first, you made your priorities abundantly clear in your statement applauding the mass firings: “At VA, we are focused on saving money.” It’s clear from the slashing of services and benefits this priority is coming directly at the expense of veterans.
    With the best interests of veterans in mind, and to ensure VA is capable of carrying out its sacred obligation of behalf of veterans, we urge you to immediately reinstate all of the employees dismissed in the latest indiscriminate terminations and commit to VA employees and veterans that no additional widespread terminations will occur without advanced notification to Congress, a detailed justification, coordination with service-level leadership, and an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on veterans’ health care and benefits. Congress remains ready to collaborate with you, if you are willing to come to the table and put the needs of our veterans above all else.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Issues Directive to Prevent the Unfair Exploitation of American Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    SAFEGUARDING AMERICA’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER ITS ECONOMY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a memorandum to defend American companies and innovators from overseas extortion.
    This Administration will consider responsive actions like tariffs to combat the digital service taxes (DSTs), fines, practices, and policies that foreign governments levy on American companies.
    DSTs allow foreign governments to collect tax revenue from American companies simply because they operate in foreign markets, even though those companies are generally not otherwise subject to foreign jurisdiction.

    President Trump will not allow foreign governments to appropriate America’s tax base for their own benefit.
    This memorandum directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to renew the DST investigations under Section 301 that were initiated during President Trump’s first term, and investigate any additional countries that use a DST to discriminate against U.S. companies. 
    The Administration will review whether any act, policy, or practice in the European Union or United Kingdom incentivizes U.S. companies to develop or use products and technology in ways that undermine free speech or foster censorship.
    Foreign governments will invite responsive actions from the Administration if they take steps to coerce U.S. businesses to hand over their intellectual property.
    Regulations that dictate how American companies interact with consumers in the European Union, like the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, will face scrutiny from the Administration.
    DEFENDING AMERICAN COMPANIES FROM EXTORTION: President Trump’s memorandum unveils a comprehensive approach to ensuring that U.S. products and services are governed by the United States of America, not foreign governments.
    Rather than position their own companies and workers for success, foreign governments have been taxing the success of America’s companies and workers.
    America’s economy will not be a source of revenue for countries that have failed to cultivate economic success of their own.  

    To the detriment of America’s economy, in recent years, a number of our trading partners began enacting DSTs to raise revenue for their own government spending.
    Foreign governments could collect billions in DSTs from U.S. companies annually.

    This exploitation goes beyond DSTs to other forms of unfair fines, practices, and penalties that undermine the ability of American companies to operate as intended and force them to incur additional compliance costs, lowering U.S. global economic competitiveness.
    In terms of GDP, the United States digital economy has been larger than most countries’ entire economy in recent years, including Australia, Canada, and most members of the European Union.
    America’s digital economic dominance is driven by cutting-edge American tech companies, and the American innovation and workers behind them.
    RESTORING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT OF AMERICA: President Donald J. Trump has a track record of protecting American manufacturers and empowering American innovators and workers.
    During his first administration, President Trump initiated Section 301 cases against DSTs and negotiated platinum-standard rules for digital trade with Japan and separately through the USMCA.  
    President Trump demonstrated in his first term that punitive measures like tariffs strengthened the U.S. economy and brought back American industry.
    Just last week, President Trump announced the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on trade to restore fairness in U.S. trade relationships and counter non-reciprocal trade agreements.    
    On Day One, President Trump initiated his America First Trade Policy to make America’s economy great again.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Defending American Companies and Innovators From Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-left”>MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
         THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
         THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
         THE SENIOR COUNSELOR TO THE PRESIDENT FOR TRADE
         AND MANUFACTURING
    SUBJECT:       Defending American Companies and Innovators From               Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties      Section 1.  Purpose.  In recent years, the gross domestic product of the United States’ digital economy alone, driven by cutting-edge American technology companies, has been bigger than the entire economy of Australia, Canada, or most members of the European Union.  Instead of empowering their own workers and economies, foreign governments have increasingly exerted extraterritorial authority over American companies, particularly in the technology sector, hindering these companies’ success and appropriating revenues that should contribute to our Nation’s well-being, not theirs.        Beginning in 2019, several trading partners enacted digital services taxes (DSTs) that could cost American companies billions of dollars and that foreign government officials openly admit are designed to plunder American companies.  Foreign countries have additionally adopted regulations governing digital services that are more burdensome and restrictive on United States companies than their own domestic companies.  Additional foreign legal regimes limit cross-border data flows, require American streaming services to fund local productions, and charge network usage and Internet termination fees.  All of these measures violate American sovereignty and offshore American jobs, limit American companies’ global competitiveness, and increase American operational costs while exposing our sensitive information to potentially hostile foreign regulators.      My Administration will not allow American companies and workers and American economic and national security interests to be compromised by one-sided, anti-competitive policies and practices of foreign governments.  American businesses will no longer prop up failed foreign economies through extortive fines and taxes.      Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of my Administration that where a foreign government, through its tax or regulatory structure, imposes a fine, penalty, tax, or other burden that is discriminatory, disproportionate, or designed to transfer significant funds or intellectual property from American companies to the foreign government or the foreign government’s favored domestic entities, my Administration will act, imposing tariffs and taking such other responsive actions necessary to mitigate the harm to the United States and to repair any resulting imbalance.      In taking such responsive action, my Administration shall consider:      (a)  taxes imposed on United States companies by foreign governments, including those that may discriminate against United States companies;      (b)  regulations imposed on United States companies by foreign governments that could inhibit the growth or intended operation of United States companies;      (c)  any act, policy, or practice of a foreign government that could require a United States company to jeopardize its intellectual property; and      (d)  Any other act, policy, or practice of a foreign government that serves to undermine the global competitiveness of United States companies.   
         Sec. 3.  Agency Responsibilities.  (a)  The United States Trade Representative shall determine, in accordance with applicable law, whether to renew investigations under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2411) of the DSTs of France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, which were initiated under my Administration on July 16, 2019, and June 5, 2020.  If the United States Trade Representative determines to renew such investigations, he shall take all appropriate and feasible action in response to those DSTs.
         (b)  The United States Trade Representative shall determine, consistent with section 302(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2412(b)) (section 302(b)), whether to investigate the DST of any other country that may discriminate against United States companies or burden or restrict United States commerce.  He shall further determine whether to pursue a panel under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on the DST imposed by Canada and whether to investigate Canada’s DST under section 302(b).  In making these determinations, the United States Trade Representative shall consult with the Secretary of the Treasury, as appropriate.      (c)  The Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative shall jointly identify trade and other regulatory practices by other countries, including, without limitation, those described in section 2 of this memorandum, that discriminate against, disproportionately affect, or otherwise undermine the global competitiveness or intended operation of United States companies, in the digital economy and more generally, and recommend to me appropriate actions to counter such practices under applicable authorities.  The United States Trade Representative shall include the results of this review as part of the report required in section 5(c) of the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (America First Trade Policy) (America First Trade Policy Memorandum).      (d)  The Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative shall investigate whether any act, policy, or practice of any country in the European Union or the United Kingdom has the effect of requiring or incentivizing the use or development of United States companies’ products or services in ways that undermine freedom of speech and political engagement or otherwise moderate content, and recommend appropriate actions to counter such practices under applicable authorities.  The United States Trade Representative shall include the results of this review as part of the report required in section 5(c) of the America First Trade Policy Memorandum.      (e)  The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, shall determine whether any foreign country subjects United States citizens or companies, including, without limitation, in the digital economy, to discriminatory or extraterritorial taxes, or has any tax measure in place that otherwise undermines the global competitiveness of United States companies, is inconsistent with any tax treaty of the United States, or is otherwise actionable under section 891 of title 26, United States Code, or other tax-related legal authority.  The Secretary of the Treasury shall include the results of this determination as part of the report required in section 2 of the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Global Tax Deal).      (f)  The United States Trade Representative shall identify tools the United States can use to secure among trading partners a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.  The United States Trade Representative shall include the results of this review as part of the report required in section 5(c) of the America First Trade Policy Memorandum.      (g)  The United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Senior Counselor to the President for Trade and Manufacturing, shall establish a process that allows American businesses to report to the United States Trade Representative foreign tax or regulatory practices that disproportionately harm United States companies.      Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:           (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or           (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.      (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.      (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
         (d)  The United States Trade Representative is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council condemns M23 offensive in eastern DR Congo

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    The UN Security unanimously adopted a resolution on Friday that strongly condemned the ongoing offensive and advance of M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    The 15 members called on the Rwanda Defence Forces to stop supporting the armed group and immediately withdraw from Congolese territory “without preconditions.”

    The Council reiterated its urgent appeal for all parties to conclude an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as called for by leaders from East and Southern Africa.

    They also strongly urged the DRC and Rwanda “to return without preconditions to diplomatic talks as a matter of urgency to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution of the protracted conflict in the region.”

    ‘A clear message’

    The resolution was submitted by France whose Ambassador, Nicolas de Rivière, who thanked Council members for their commitment during negotiations over the past week.

    “This delivers a clear message: there is no military solution to the conflict in the east of the DRC,” he said. “The offensive carried out by the M23 supported by Rwanda must be put to an end.”

    The situation in the eastern DRC has deteriorated since January as M23 fighters advanced across North and South Kivu provinces, with the crisis spreading to Ituri.

    They have captured the regional capital Goma and the second city, Bukavu. Thousands of people have been killed and even more displaced, including to neighbouring countries such as Burundi.

    Allow aid access

    The resolution strongly condemned all attacks directed against civilians and infrastructure, including UN, humanitarian and medical personnel.

    It also condemned summary executions and maiming, sexual and gender-based violence, human trafficking and the recruitment and use of children.

    The Council demanded all parties to allow and facilitate safe, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need, as well as the restoration of basic services such as healthcare, water, electricity and communications.

    The Council also reaffirmed full support to the UN mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, and stressed that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter – DOGE’ing the Collapse of our Republic

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Dear Friends,
    This past month has been a remarkable period in our national history.  The new Department of Government Efficiency, known colloquially as DOGE, has uncovered waste, inefficiency and corruption at unprecedented levels and in every agency examined so far.
    USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, has been at the center of this first round of audits. From DEI projects in Serbia to transgender operas and comic books in South America, to tourism promotion in Egypt and sex changes in Vietnam, the USAID projects appear to lack both fiscal restraint and accountability.  Tens of millions, hundreds of millions, even billions of taxpayer dollars are being carelessly thrown at projects around the globe without consideration for our national security, priorities, or strategic interests. USAID resources have even ended up in the hands of designated terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.
    Other upcoming audits include FEMA, which recently sent $59 million to New York City to house illegal immigrants in luxury hotels instead of providing disaster relief in North Carolina.  Also being examined is the Pentagon, which failed its seventh straight audit last year.  Another essential audit will be the Department of the Treasury, which issues every government check.  Following the money is critical in any competent review.
    Those reviews recently uncovered that the Environmental Protection Agency recklessly distributed $20 billion to outside financial institutions in the final hours of the Biden Administration, just to get the money off the books.  Just this week, it was discovered that two billion of those dollars were given to an organization connected to die-hard Biden supporter and two-time failed Georgia democratic gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams, for “climate change.”  One Biden-appointed bureaucrat confided that it was, “throwing gold bars off the Titanic.”
    These audits aren’t without controversy for some.  Seventy-seven million Americans who voted for President Trump may cheer the well-advertised reckoning that was promised daily in his campaign to root out government fraud and waste.  Others have expressed concerns that their private data may be accessed by enthusiastic auditors.
    Unsurprisingly, the oversight bureaucracies previously set up to find fraud appear to be disinterested, at best, and complicit, at worst. Instead of investigating the billions of dollars wasted, they repeat the talking points of the coordinated efforts opposing the Trump Administration’s in-depth review.  They say that unelected and “unvetted” bureaucrats, specifically Elon Musk and the DOGE team, might access their social security and tax data, and that unelected people just aren’t accountable.
    Having spent four terms in Congress representing Idaho, I can say confidently there are exactly 537 elected people in your entire federal government:  435 Congressmen, 100 Senators, the Vice-President, and the President.  That’s it!   Everyone else is an unelected bureaucrat — from the agency heads to the generals, all the way to the accountants who currently have access to your personal data — well over two million government workers in total.  I have to admit that I am amused by the Left’s newfound skepticism of unelected bureaucrats. Welcome to my side.  In reality, if these groups are concerned about DOGE, it’s because of what Elon Musk and his team are likely to uncover and not the fact they are unelected.
    This isn’t a partisan issue, or at least it shouldn’t be.  We as taxpayers have a very vested interest in where our money is going and why.  No single political party has a monopoly on improper spending.  Waste and corruption have occurred across many administrations, Republican and Democrat alike.  Those who have taken advantage of the system to enrich themselves or others need to be held accountable, regardless of any party affiliation.  I have confidence that accountability will happen under these audits, and it hints at why there was such unnaturally visceral opposition to President Trump, even before DOGE was a common term.
    As your Attorney General, my office is monitoring the situation closely in the interest of Idahoans.  While I am confident that no Idaho laws are being broken, I will stand up for the protection of Idahoans’ information and privacy.  At the same time, I will also stand up against the corruption and waste in our federal government.  Those two goals are not in conflict at all.  We absolutely can and should do both.
    President Trump was very clear about his promise to audit how the federal government spends money, and his appointed team is carrying that promise out.  Those weren’t just empty words on a campaign stage.  People aren’t used to politicians keeping promises and it likely shocks some people.
    But that shock is something we as a nation must work through.  Our Republic is strong enough to ask hard questions and demand hard answers, because that’s how we grow, adapt, and improve.  Change is uncomfortable, even painful.  But the slow decay of disinterest is terminal.  We need to see these audits through.  America’s best years are ahead of us, and we need to push forward to get there.
    Alexander Fraser Tytler, a Scottish author and jurist, wrote:
    “A Democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government.  It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse [money] from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefit from the public treasury, with the result that democracy always collapses over a loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.”
    We simply cannot allow the loose fiscal policy Tytler warned against to collapse our country.  Our nation must stand strong against the graft and self-interest of bureaucrats and technocrats and reclaim the authority of our national checkbook – not to vote ourselves money, but to ensure that money spent is in the very best interests of America and Americans.  This will require restraint, vigilance, and discipline.
    To avoid the dangers of a direct democracy and the temptation to vote ourselves money from the public treasury, our Founders wisely gifted us with a Constitutional Republic. As your Attorney General, I’ll fight with all my might to keep it and will support President Trump’s efforts to rein in government fraud, waste and abuse.

    Best regards,
    Not yet subscribed to the Labrador Letter?  Click HERE to get our weekly newsletter and updates.  Miss an issue?  Labrador Letters are archived on the Attorney General website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian Extradited from Switzerland to the United States to Face Indictment Charging Involvement in $290M+ Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tens of thousands of investors deposited bitcoin expecting an investment strategy – Instead, new investor bitcoin used to pay off other investors in a Ponzi scheme

    SEATTLE – A citizen of Brazil appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today, after being extradited from Switzerland to face a 13-count indictment for wire fraud and conspiracy regarding his bitcoin investment scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Douver T. Braga, 48, lived in Florida between approximately 2016 and 2021 during the bulk of the alleged fraud. The indictment alleges Braga operated a bitcoin investment scheme that was really a Ponzi scheme, as well as an illegal multilevel marketing scheme.

    The grand jury returned the indictment in October 2022. It was unsealed last week following Braga’s arrest in Switzerland. Today Braga pleaded “Not Guilty,” and trial was scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on April 28, 2025.

    “Mr. Braga allegedly ran a fraud scheme that harkens back more than a century, but he updated his ‘Ponzi’ scheme with the hot new thing: bitcoin,” said U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “The victim investors have waited years to see justice. I commend our federal partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation for their diligent work on this case.”

    According to the indictment, Braga conspired with others to create a cryptocurrency trading platform called Trade Coin Club (TCC) with an office in Belize. As early as 2016, Braga worked with others to promote TCC, claiming that investors would make money because the TCC had a sophisticated software program that allowed investors to profit on the fluctuating price of bitcoin. Braga also promised that investors could make money by referring other investors to the platform. In reality, there was no investment platform and no sophisticated software. Those who invested early were paid off by later investors as in a Ponzi scheme.

    Braga traveled the world promoting TCC: In Thailand in March 2017, in Nigeria and Macau in May 2017.  TCC was promoted on social media and in videos. At various events Braga claimed TCC had as many as 126,000 members in 231 different countries.

    Through his false promises of sophisticated investments and high returns, Braga induced tens of thousands of people to entrust over 82,000 bitcoin, valued at over $290 million at the time of investment, and to deposit it with TCC. Braga continued the false representations, creating an “online portal” where investors could track the supposed activity of their investment accounts. The site was a fiction as there was no trading activity.

    Braga withdrew and misappropriated investor funds. Between December 2016 and July 2019, at least $50 million in bitcoin was transferred to accounts Braga controlled.

    However, by late 2017 and early 2018, investors had trouble accessing their funds. In January 2018, TCC announced to investors that it was ceasing to operate in the United States and was cancelling their accounts.  Many investors were located in the Western District of Washington.

    Braga allegedly profited handsomely, while failing to report the earnings to the IRS. In 2017, he received bitcoin worth $30.5 million, but only reported income of $152, 298. In 2018, he reported $73,473 in income but got $13.1 million in bitcoin and in 2019, reported $72,870 in income while he received $10 million in bitcoin.

    “The type of scheme Mr. Braga is charged with operating is not new, he just used the allure of a flashy new technology to obscure the well-worn scam.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While the victims in this case waited and wondered about the fate of their investments, he siphoned off millions of dollars for his personal use. This case demonstrates the determination of the FBI and our partners in IRS Criminal Investigation to hold fraudsters accountable, no matter where in the world they may be.”

    “The charges against Mr. Braga and his co-conspirators reflect a well-designed scheme to solicit investment in a fake cryptocurrency trading platform from victims around the globe,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI), Los Angeles Field Office.  “Furthermore, Mr. Braga is alleged to have knowingly ignored and circumvented laws regulating multi-level marketing programs in the U.S.- laws that exist to protect investors from becoming victims in pyramid schemes.  Despite the complexity of this scheme, IRS Criminal Investigation and our partners at the FBI successfully uncovered the evidence necessary to bring forth these charges.”

    Braga is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud reflecting 12 wires investors sent to TCC for deposits in their “accounts.” Braga is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

    The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The case was investigated by the IRS-CI and the FBI.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Phillip Kopczynski. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the extradition.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Atlanta VA Doctor Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting a Female Veteran Patient

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Rajesh Motibhai Patel has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for violating his patient’s constitutional right to bodily integrity while acting under color of law and for the offense of abusive sexual contact.                                                                                            

    “Patel used his position of trust as a VA physician to sexually assault his female veteran patient who had honorably served our country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “His crimes were an egregious breach of that trust and an abuse of his power. This sentence prevents Patel from causing future harm to veterans who seek care at from the VA.”

    “This sentence holds Dr. Patel accountable for the vile acts he committed while serving as a VA physician,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “VA employees are entrusted with keeping our nation’s veterans safe while receiving care. Acts of violence against veterans in VA facilities are reprehensible and erodes that trust. The VA OIG commends the dedicated prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, was convicted of sexually assaulting a female veteran patient during what should have been a routine medical exam in January 2020. During the exam, Patel unlawfully touched the victim’s body, including her breast and vaginal area, in ways that violated her consent and for no legitimate medical purpose.

    Rajesh Motibhai Patel, 69, of Lilburn, Ga., was sentenced to two years in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Patel is prohibited from practicing medicine while on supervised release. Patel was found guilty by a jury on November 5, 2024, of violating his patient’s constitutional right to bodily integrity while acting under color of law and of the offense of abusive sexual contact. 

    This case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Erin N. Spritzer and Jennifer Keen prosecuted the case.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 21st, 2025 Heinrich Fights Against Republicans’ Plan for Handouts to Billionaires at the Expense of New Mexico Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    VIDEO

    Heinrich on the Senate floor through the night to stand up for New Mexicans who will be harmed by Republicans’ billionaire handout 

    Republicans vote against Heinrich amendment to reinstate grants Trump has blocked for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence

    WASHINGTON — Last night, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Republicans’ budget resolution that paves the way for billionaire tax handouts at the expense of working people.

    Heinrich repeatedly attempted to amend Republicans’ resolution by voting to protect police officers, veterans, wildland firefighters, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, farmers, Tribal communities, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP, and to deliver tax cuts for working people, lower prescription drug costs, lower rent costs, and more. At every turn, Heinrich and Senate Democrats’ amendments were defeated by Senate Republicans.

    Just after 3:00 a.m. ET, Heinrich took to the Senate floor to offer an amendment to reinstate blocked grants for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and ensure law enforcement can hold predators and abusers accountable. Republicans voted against his amendment. Watch Heinrich’s video here.

    “Under the cloak of darkness last night, Republicans rammed through a $340 billion budget framework to clear the way for billionaires’ tax handouts at the expense of working Americans. Throughout the night and into the early morning, I fought for dozens of amendments to shield New Mexico families from this harmful legislation: protections for children, veterans, law enforcement, wildland firefighters, farmers, Tribal communities, and the programs they depend on, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. Alongside my Democrat colleagues, we also put forward solutions to cut taxes for working people, lower food costs, and lower rent costs. Republicans rejected every single one – even blocking our amendment to say no tax cuts for people like Elon Musk making over $500,000,000,” said Heinrich “I’m especially outraged that Republicans opposed my amendment to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and ensure that law enforcement can hold abusers and predators accountable.”

    Heinrich continued, “When Republicans had the opportunity to go on the record and show the American people whose side they’re on, they chose billionaires and threw working people under the bus. I’ll always choose New Mexico families — that’s who I’m fighting for.”

    Last night, Senate Republicans blocked Heinrich’s efforts to:

    • Support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and help law enforcement hold predators and abusers accountable.
    • Help law enforcement agencies hire additional officers to keep our communities safe.
    • Address the ongoing avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak and lower the cost of eggs.
    • Protect Americans’ privacy from unauthorized access by Elon Musk’s “DOGE.”
    • Stop tax cuts for billionaires while families struggle to put food on the table.
    • Ensure billionaires pay their fair share in taxes.
    • Lower energy costs for Americans.
    • Lower housing costs and rent for working families.
    • Prevent cuts to school lunch and breakfast programs for kids.
    • Prevent cuts to programs critical to rural Americans and food assistance for working families.
    • Protect access to fertility services and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
    • Prevent millions of Americans from being kicked off their health coverage.
    • Protect Medicare and Medicaid benefits, including access to maternal and pediatric health care through Medicaid.
    • Preserve and extend the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits to make health care more accessible and affordable.
    • Ensure full and uninterrupted funding for veteran health care benefits under the PACT Act.
    • Reinstate federal employees fired by Trump and Musk at the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
    • Support federal wildland firefighter personnel.
    • Prevent the indiscriminate termination of federal employees who protect the health and safety of Americans.
    • Reverse the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate cuts to biomedical research and the life saving work supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
    • Increase funding for research on Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Ensure continued support for Ukraine to stand firm against aggression by Russia.

    Below is a total list of amendments that Heinrich filed to amend Republicans’ budget resolution to cut taxes for billionaires at the expense of working people:

    • Amendment to lower the cost of groceries for working families, including eggs and milk.
    • Amendment to lower the cost of consumer goods and services for working families.
    • Amendment to protect access to Head Start and Early Head Start programs for working families.
    • Amendment to lower residential electricity rates and protect home energy rebate programs for working families.
    • Amendment to protect veteran-owned businesses access to Small Business Administration loan programs.
    • Amendment to expand and modernize land ports of entry to better detect and intercept illicit fentanyl, firearms, and currency.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal citizens from wrongful searches and interrogations by ICE and requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue guidance on what forms of identification are acceptable as valid proof of United States citizenship, including Tribal government-issued identification.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal sovereignty.
    • Amendment to strengthen America’s power grid.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal energy projects.
    • Amendment to improve food safety in the meat and poultry supply chain.
    • Amendment to defend funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration, which ensures our nation maintains a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear deterrence.
    • Amendment to prevent the sell-off of American public lands.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Removes One Entry from Its Sanctions List

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    On 21 February 2025, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al‑Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities removed the entry below from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al‑Qaida Sanctions List after concluding its consideration of the de-listing request for this name submitted through the Office of the Ombudsperson established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1904 (2009), and of the Comprehensive Report of the Ombudsperson on this de-listing request.

    Therefore, the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2734 (2024) and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations no longer apply to the name set out below:

    A.    Individuals

    QDi.095 Name: 1: LIONEL 2: DUMONT 3: na 4: na
    Title: na Designation: na DOB: 29 Jan. 1971 POB: Roubaix, France  Good quality a.k.a.: a) Jacques Brougere b) Abu Hamza c) Di Karlo Antonio d) Merlin Oliver Christian Rene e) Arfauni Imad Ben Yousset Hamza f) Imam Ben Yussuf Arfaj g) Abou Hamza h) Arfauni Imad Low quality a.k.a.: a) Bilal b) Hamza c) Koumkal d) Kumkal e) Merlin f) Tinet g) Brugere h) Dimon Nationality: France Passport no: na National identification no: na

    The names of individuals and entities removed from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al‑Qaida Sanctions List pursuant to a decision by the Committee may be found in the “Press Releases” section on the Committee’s website.  Other information about the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List may also be found on the Committee’s website at the following URL: www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/procedures-for-delisting.

    The ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List is updated regularly on the basis of relevant information provided by Member States and international and regional organizations.  An updated List is accessible on the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee’s website at the following URL:  www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list.

    The Consolidated United Nations Security Council List is also updated following all changes made to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.  An updated version of the Consolidated List is accessible via the following URL:  www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/un-sc-consolidated-list.

    Other information about the Status of Cases of the Office of the Ombudsperson to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee may be found on the Ombudsperson’s website at the following URL:  www.un.org/securitycouncil/sc/ombudsperson/status-of-cases.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Video Teleconference with Chiefs of Defence from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom

    Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

    February 21, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., spoke with Chiefs of Defence from the Five Eyes nations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the U.S.) Feb. 19 by video teleconference.

    Gen. Brown, Australia Chief of the Defence Force Adm. David Johnston, Canada Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, New Zealand Defence Force Chief of Defence Air Marshal Tony Davies, and United Kingdom Chief of the Defence Staff Adm. Sir Tony Radakin discussed current global crises, national priorities, and opportunities to maximize collective capability and capacity.

    The Five Eyes defense partnership is undergirded by shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.

    For more Joint Staff news, visit: www.jcs.mil.
    Connect with the Joint Staff on social media: 
    Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube,
    LinkedIn and Flickr.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin Debunks Media Narrative on Kash Patel and President Trump’s Ukraine-Russia Posture on CNN

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin Debunks Media Narrative on Kash Patel and President Trump’s Ukraine-Russia Posture on CNN

    Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper to discuss the importance of confirming Kash Patel for Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and America’s response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On the mistakes of President Zelensky:

    “I believe Zelensky and Ukraine has made some mistakes. I believe they made some mistakes with the ambassador when they went on the campaign trail with Harris. I think that was a problem, and now I would say with President Zelensky being less than grateful to President Trump and the United States for their help in the last few meetings that they’ve had. It has been difficult for the support to still stay there.”

    On how the war in Ukraine wouldn’t have happened under President Trump:

    “President Trump is the only one that could have prevented this war from taking place, and President Trump now is cleaning up the mess that President Biden left behind. And President Trump will get it done, he will negotiate an end to this war. He wants to see the war ended, regardless of how that takes place. He wants to see a win for Ukraine and a win for Russia at the same time, because there’s a lose-lose going on for both countries right now. People are dying, and the president said he wants people to stop dying.”

    On how Kash Patel uncovered the FBI’s bias:

    “What he was doing was exposing what he felt was truth and I don’t think he was far off-base. He’s also the one that exposed the hypocrisy coming out of the FBI and exposing what Director Wray was doing by weaponizing the FBI to go after political enemies. You’ve got to remember this is the same FBI that was going after Catholic churches saying that they could be domestic terrorist organizations. They’re the same people who went after parents for going to school board meetings during Covid. This is an organization that should be mission-focused on keeping all Americans safe, not weaponizing themselves after political foes…”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Week Six Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

    With Legislative Day 20 behind us, we have officially reached the halfway mark of the 2025 Legislative Session.

    One of our biggest legislative priorities this session has been lawsuit reform. Reining in the costly legal environment that burdens small businesses, healthcare providers, and consumers has been long overdue, and I am proud to report that the Senate has taken a significant step forward with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 68. These commonsense reforms will help stabilize insurance costs, prevent frivolous litigation and ensure that businesses—especially small, family-owned operations—can operate without the constant threat of excessive verdicts. By curbing lawsuit abuse, we protect jobs and keep costs down for Georgia consumers. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to send these bills to the Governor’s desk.

    This week, we also passed SB 52, the “Timberlands Recovery, Exemption, and Earnings Stability (TREES) Act,” which provides vital tax relief to timberland owners impacted by Hurricane Helene. The storm caused catastrophic damage, destroying an estimated $1.3 billion in standing timber across South Georgia. Many of these landowners depend on their timber harvest for income, and the economic impact has been devastating. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), will help stabilize the market, ease the financial strain on affected families and support the long-term recovery of Georgia’s forestry industry—one of the largest in the nation.

    Another key legislative win this week was the passage of SB 89, which expands Georgia’s Child Tax Credit to provide direct financial relief to families with young children. Sponsored by Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), this bill builds on the recommendations of the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare, which spent months gathering input from working parents, childcare providers, and business leaders. The bill increases the state tax credit for childcare expenses to 40% of the federal level and creates a new tax credit for families with children under seven. Additionally, SB 89 incentivizes businesses to help employees with childcare costs by raising the employer tax credit cap from 50% to 75%. With the rising cost of childcare making it harder for parents—particularly mothers—to remain in the workforce, this legislation will provide real relief for Georgia families and help grow our state’s economy.

    In addition to these major policy advancements, I introduced SB 125 to address the arduous process that professional engineers face to obtain certification. SB 125 would decouple the current sequential order of experience and examination requirements, which would allow engineers to acquire their license more quickly. This reform would also help prepare engineers to enter the Georgia workforce and advance in their careers. SB 125 was passed out of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities, and I look forward to bringing it to the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

    On a personal note, I was honored to celebrate Future Farmers of America (FFA) Day on Tuesday. Georgia is home to the third-largest chapter of this excellent organization, whose work is instrumental in directing young people to the forefront of agriculture and preparing them for career success. The future of farming depends on our youth, and with the help of FFA, Georgia agriculture will continue to be our state’s top industry.

    As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the 20th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your input helps shape the policies that impact our state, and I value your voice in this process.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Walker: Week Six Under the Gold DomeChairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: United Community Banks, Inc. Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend on Common Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) (“United”), reported that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable April 4, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 14, 2025.

    About United Community Banks, Inc.
    United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution that is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and the communities it serves. United Community provides a full range of banking, wealth management and mortgage services. As of December 31, 2024, United Community Banks, Inc. had $27.7 billion in assets, 199 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment lending subsidiary. In 2024, United Community became a 10-time winner of J.D. Power’s award for the best customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast region and was recognized as the most trusted bank in the Southeast. In 2024, United was named by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” for the eighth consecutive year and was recognized in the Greenwich Excellence and Best Brands Awards, receiving 15 awards that included national honors for overall satisfaction in small business banking and middle market banking. Forbes has also consistently listed United Community as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s Best Banks. Additional information about United can be found at ucbi.com.

    For more information:
    Jefferson Harralson
    Chief Financial Officer
    (864) 240-6208
    Jefferson_Harralson@ucbi.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: This resolution makes clear that M23 must withdraw from Goma and Bukavu: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    This resolution makes clear that M23 must withdraw from Goma and Bukavu: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The United Kingdom is grateful for the efforts of France, as penholder, and the engagement of all Council members to enable the adoption today of this important resolution.

    The United Kingdom welcomes and fully supports this text. We hope it makes a positive contribution to the diplomatic leadership in the region, especially the recent EAC-SADC summit, and helps bring an end to the conflict.

    UK ministers are engaging intensively to support a diplomatic end to the conflict because there is no military solution. 

    President, the violations we have seen in recent weeks in eastern DRC are wholly unacceptable. Today’s resolution sends a clear message that these violations must stop and the parties to return to the African-led political processes. 

    It makes clear that there needs to be a ceasefire and the withdrawal of M23 from Goma and Bukavu. We strongly urge M23 to immediately cease hostilities. No Member States should impede this. 

    It also makes clear that international humanitarian law must be respected, as must MONUSCO’s mandate.

    And critically, it makes clear that DRC’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as the UN Charter must be respected. The UK supports this resolution’s call for all Rwandan Defence Forces to withdraw from Congolese territory.

    We urge the parties to fully abide by this resolution. Otherwise this Council will need to consider further action. 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Introduces Bill Demanding Accountability for ‘Every Penny’ of Ukraine Aid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Friday, February 21, 2025

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) reintroduced the Inspector General for Ukraine Act, which would establish a new watchdog dedicated to auditing the billions of American dollars that have gone toward aiding Ukraine. 

    “American taxpayers shouldn’t have to wonder where their billions in aid to Ukraine went and what they’re funding there now. They deserve an accounting of every penny Congress shipped over there,” said Senator Hawley. “Let’s stand with President Trump to get peace in Ukraine and respect the American taxpayer again.”

    Oversight is particularly important given Ukraine’s history of corruption and recent findings exposing U.S. government waste and abuse. Senator Hawley’s legislation would cut through the current bureaucracy by establishing an independent inspector general to better account for every penny spent.  

    As President Trump works to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Senator Hawley’s bill would allow Congress to play a vital role in protecting American taxpayer dollars. 

    Senator Hawley first introduced the legislation in March 2023 but the Democrat-controlled Senate voted down his proposal later that month.

    The Inspector General for Ukraine Act would:

    • Establish the Office of the Inspector General for Ukraine.
    • Empower this new Inspector General to conduct audits, investigations, and other oversight activities in Ukraine and oversee aid programs run by the Defense Department, State Department, and U.S. Agency for International Development.
    • Direct this new Inspector General to submit quarterly reports to Congress, which shall require detailed reports on the contracts and grants the U.S. enters into, the operating expenses of agencies receiving U.S. funds, and the Ukrainian government’s compliance with anti-corruption measures.
    • Authorize funding for these operations using the Ukraine Economic Assistance Fund.

    Read the bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 21.02.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    21 February 2025 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 21.02.2025

    Espoo, Finland – On 21 February 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 1,384,423 4.78
    CEUX – –
    BATE – –
    AQEU – –
    TQEX – –
    Total 1,384,423 4.78

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 21 February 2025 was EUR 6,616,434. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 255,830,208 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Marks Artemis Progress With Gateway Lunar Space Station

    Source: NASA

    NASA and its international partners are making progress on Gateway – the lunar space station that will orbit the Moon as a centerpiece of the agency’s Moon to Mars architecture.

    Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts on missions to and around the Moon. The agency and its international partners report progress continues on Gateway, the first space station that will permanently orbit the Moon, after visiting the Thales Alenia Space facility in Turin, Italy, where initial fabrication for one of two Gateway habitation modules is nearing completion.
    Leaders from NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and the Italian Space Agency, as well as industry representatives from Northrop Grumman and Thales Alenia Space, were in Turin to assess Gateway’s HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module before its primary structure is shipped from Italy to Northrop Grumman’s Gilbert, Arizona site in March. Following final outfitting and verification testing, the module will be integrated with the Power and Propulsion Element at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    “Building and testing hardware for Gateway is truly an international collaboration,” said Jon Olansen, manager, Gateway Program, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “We’re excited to celebrate this major flight hardware milestone, and this is just the beginning – there’s impressive and important progress taking shape with our partners around the globe, united by our shared desire to expand human exploration of our solar system while advancing scientific discovery.”

    To ensure all flight hardware is ready to support Artemis IV — the first crewed mission to Gateway – NASA is targeting the launch of HALO and the Power and Propulsion Element no later than December 2027. These integrated modules will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and spend about a year traveling uncrewed to lunar orbit, while providing scientific data on solar and deep space radiation during transit.
    Launching atop HALO will be ESA’s Lunar Link communication system, which will provide high-speed communication between the Moon and Gateway. The system is undergoing testing at another Thales Alenia Space facility in Cannes, France.
    Once in lunar orbit, Gateway will continue scientific observations while awaiting the arrival of Artemis IV astronauts aboard an Orion spacecraft which will deliver and dock Gateway’s second pressurized habitable module, the ESA-led Lunar I-Hab. Thales Alenia Space, ESA’s primary contractor for the Lunar I-Hab and Lunar View refueling module, has begun production of the Lunar I-Hab, and design of Lunar View in Turin.

    Northrop Grumman and its subcontractor, Thales Alenia Space, completed welding of HALO in 2024, and the module successfully progressed through pressure and stress tests to ensure its suitability for the harsh environment of deep space.
    Maxar Space Systems is assembling the Power and Propulsion Element, which will make Gateway the most powerful solar electric propulsion spacecraft ever flown. Major progress in 2024 included installation of Xenon and chemical propulsion fuel tanks, and qualification of the largest roll-out solar arrays ever built. NASA and its partners will complete propulsion element assembly, and acceptance and verification testing of next-generation electric propulsion thrusters this year.

    SpaceX will provide both the Starship human landing system that will land astronauts on the lunar surface during NASA’s Artemis III mission and ferry astronauts from Gateway to the lunar South Pole region during Artemis IV, as well as provide logistics spacecraft to support crewed missions.
    NASA also has selected Blue Origin to develop Blue Moon, the human landing system for Artemis V, as well as logistics spacecraft for future Artemis missions. Having two distinct lunar landing designs provides flexibility and supports a regular cadence of Moon landings in preparation for future missions to Mars.
    CSA (Canadian Space Agency) is developing Canadarm3, an advanced robotics system, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) is designing and testing Lunar I-Hab’s vital life support systems, batteries, and a resupply and logistics vehicle called HTV-XG.
    NASA’s newest Gateway partner, the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates, kicked off early design for the Gateway Crew and Science Airlock that will be delivered on Artemis VI. The selection of Thales Alenia Space as its airlock prime contractor was announced by MBRSC on Feb. 4.
    Development continues to advance on three radiation-focused initial science investigations aboard Gateway. These payloads will help scientists better understand unpredictable space weather from the Sun and galactic cosmic rays that will affect astronauts and equipment during Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
    The Gateway lunar space station is a multi-purpose platform that offers capabilities for long-term exploration in deep space in support of NASA’s Artemis campaign and Moon to Mars objectives. Gateway will feature docking ports for a variety of visiting spacecraft, as well as space for crew to live, work, and prepare for lunar surface missions. As a testbed for future journeys to Mars, continuous investigations aboard Gateway will occur with and without crew to better understand the long-term effects of deep space radiation on vehicle systems and the human body as well as test and operate next generation spacecraft systems that will be necessary to send humans to Mars.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces 13 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 371 New Jobs and over $165 Million of Investment

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces 13 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 371 New Jobs and over $165 Million of Investment

    Governor Stein Announces 13 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 371 New Jobs and over $165 Million of Investment
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein today announced that the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 13 grant requests to local governments totaling $9,627,500. The grants include commitments creating a total of 785 jobs, 414 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $165.9 million in public and private investment. 

    “North Carolina’s success is rooted in our rural communities,” said Governor Stein. “When we look for and create opportunities in every corner of North Carolina, we are creating more jobs, more investments, and more economic prosperity.”

    The RIA is supported by the rural economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. RIA members review and approve funding requests from local communities. Funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. Grants support a variety of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition, and site improvements.

    “Our economic competitiveness is greatest when all of North Carolina benefits,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “This funding will help rural communities be more resilient and better prepared as they compete for economic development opportunities.”

    The RIA approved three grant requests under the state’s Building Reuse Program in three categories: 

    Vacant Building Category 

    • Town of Edenton (Chowan County): A $275,000 grant will support the reuse of a 22,000-square-foot vacant building in Edenton. An IT outsourcing firm, Provalus, will make a Center of Excellence dedicated to training and developing technology talent in downtown communities. Overall, this project is expected to create 61 jobs with an investment of $6 million, while 37 jobs and a private investment of $5,986,355 are tied to this grant.
    • Columbus County: A $450,000 grant will help support the reuse of a 220,000-square-foot building in Chadbourn. The building will be occupied by Barrier Fencing Supply Company, a distributor and wholesaler of fencing material, gates, hardware, and accessories. While this company will create 91 jobs with an investment of $14 million overall, 57 jobs and a private investment of $985,986 being tied to this grant.
    • City of Whiteville (Columbus County): A $390,000 grant will help reuse a 19,000-square-foot building in Whiteville for Provalus, as it opens another office for IT outsourcing and talent development. The company will create 60 new jobs with a private investment of $1,724,000.

    The Building Reuse Program provides grants to local governments to renovate vacant buildings, renovate and/or expand buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and renovate, expand or construct health care facilities that will lead to the creation of new jobs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, as well as rural census tracts of Tier 3 counties.

    The RIA approved one grant request under the state’s federally-funded Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development program:

    • Town of Mocksville (Davie County): A $750,000 grant will upfit a 500,000-square-foot shell building in Mocksville. The new site will be the first North American manufacturing facility for SBA Home, a Lithuanian company that supplies furniture to IKEA. This project will create 250 jobs and $50,800,000 in private investment, with 76 jobs tied to this grant.

    The Community Development Block Grant program is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program administered in part by N.C. Commerce. CDBG’s economic development funds provide grants to local governments for creating and retaining jobs. Project funding is based on the number of jobs to be created and the level of economic distress of applicant communities.

    The RIA approved five grant requests under the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account program:

    • Town of Aurora (Beaufort County): A $200,000 grant will enable the Town of Aurora to complete infrastructure improvements and pay increased electrical service expenses for the development of the Town’s 30-acre industrial park.
    • City of Claremont (Catawba County): A $1,000,000 grant will enable the City of Claremont to improve sewer infrastructure for more than 450 industrial acres to help the expansion of Prysmian Cables and Systems.
    • Hoke County: A $1,400,000 grant will help extend sewer infrastructure at the Hoke County Regional Industrial Park that will be developed by Pennsylvania Transformer Technology LLC. The company is expected to create 181 jobs, with an accompanying private investment of $95,168,572 tied to this grant.
    • Lenoir County: A $1,900,000 grant will support sewer infrastructure improvements at the NC Global TransPark where the U.S. Department of Navy will build a Fleet Readiness Center. The Navy will provide aircraft maintenance and repair for the C-130 military aircraft. The project is expected to create 311 jobs.
    • City of Lumberton (Robeson County): A $825,000 grant will allow the City to relocate electrical circuits in the Southeast Crossroad Industrial Park, where Cold-Link Logistics will build a cold storage facility. For this project, 63 jobs and an investment of $10,000,000 are tied to this grant.

    The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account provides grants to local governments located in the 80 most economically distressed counties of the state, which are classified as either Tier 1 or Tier 2. Funds may be used for publicly owned infrastructure projects that are reasonably expected to result in new job creation. The IDF – Utility Account is funded through a process tied to the state’s signature Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program. When JDIG-awarded companies choose to locate or expand in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 county, a portion of that JDIG award is channeled into the Utility Account.

    The RIA approved four grant requests under the state’s Rural Downtown Economic Development program in two categories:

    Public Infrastructure Category

    • Town of Troy (Montgomery County): An $850,000 grant will assist the Town in its Main Street Revitalization and Connectivity Project, which includes improvements to the sidewalk, concrete, drainage, gutters and curbs, as well as lighting enhancements, power line relocations, brick repairs, and ADA compliance. The project is expected to leverage an investment of $197,700.

    Public Buildings Category 

    • City of Goldsboro (Wayne County): A $612,500 grant will support the City’s Saving Union Station project to preserve the historic building in downtown Goldsboro. The project will restore the concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and finishes for the two-story, 12,000-square-foot building. The project is expected to leverage $787,500 of investments.
    • Watauga County: A $125,000 grant will assist the County with its Public Library Renovation Project to include renovations that will expand resources and improve functionality of the space. The project will add two conference rooms, more digital access and emerging technologies, and provide improvements to the youth programs and outdoor patio entrance. The library renovation will leverage $236,250 in private investments.
    • City of Wilson (Wilson County): An $850,000 grant will support the Barnes Street Properties Rehabilitation Project in downtown Wilson. This project will rehabilitate two buildings to create a Downtown and Whirligig Park Visitors Center that includes spaces for makers, offices, and Whirligig maintenance and repairs. Leveraging $42,500 of investments, the project will improve the building exteriors, reconstruct the roof, repair the floors, and add ramp access and new electrical and HVAC systems.

    The Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants program provides grants to local governments to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives that are intended to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth, economic development, and prosperity by providing public improvements to help retain businesses and leverage main street assets for community-wide use.

    In addition to reviewing and approving funding requests, the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority formulates policies and priorities for grant and loan programs administered by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team. Its 17 voting members are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President Pro Tem. The North Carolina Secretary of Commerce serves as a member of the authority, ex officio.

    Visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage for more information. 

    Feb 21, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Upgrade to iPhone 16e and save with incredible offers from Verizon

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Upgrade to iPhone 16e and save with incredible offers from Verizon

    NEW YORK – Verizon will offer iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring breakthrough battery life, the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence1, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value. Customers can pre-order the new iPhone 16e starting Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28. Visit verizon.com for complete pricing and availability details,

    Major savings and value on iPhone 16e at Verizon

    Starting February 21, Verizon customers can get:

    • Switch to Verizon or add a new line and can get iPhone 16e for $5 a month for 36 months on myPlan2.
    • Want to trade in your phone? Get iPhone 16e on us when you trade-in your current iPhone, Samsung or Google phone — in any condition — and sign up for a new line on myPlan3.
    • Verizon Business customers: For a limited time, get iPhone 16e on us with a new activation on either the Business Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Pro plan with a Verizon Device Payment agreement4. And, eligible Public Sector customers can get a new 128GB iPhone 16e on us on a qualifying two year agreement5.

    Verizon myPlan gives you ultimate access to Apple One

    Supercharge your iPhone 16e with Verizon myPlan, built to give you more flexibility, more perks and more value. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest iPhone for yourself or keeping your business running smoothly with a Verizon Business Unlimited Plan, you’ll stay connected with Verizon’s ultra-fast 5G network—built for whatever life throws your way.

    With myPlan, you’re in control. Pick the perks that matter to you, like Apple One for just $10/month (Individual Plan) or $20/month (Family Plan), plus get deals on entertainment, shopping and more. It’s your phone, your plan, your way — only with Verizon.

    Everything you need to know about the iPhone 16e

    iPhone 16e offers powerful capabilities at a more affordable price. It delivers fast, smooth performance and the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. iPhone 16e is also built for Apple Intelligence, the intuitive personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI. The 48MP Fusion camera takes gorgeous photos and videos, and with an integrated 2x Telephoto, it is like having two cameras in one, so users can zoom in with optical quality. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, iPhone 16e can use Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite.

    With custom-designed components and deeply integrated software, iPhone 16e users can stay connected and get help when it matters most6. iPhone 16e will be available in two elegant matte finishes — black and white — with colorful cases available to accessorize.

    iPhone 16e can be activated with an eSIM, a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card. With eSIM, users can quickly activate their cellular plan, store multiple cellular plans on the same device, and stay connected. Verizon supports eSIM Quick Transfer which allows users to transfer their existing plan to their new iPhone.

    Visit verizon.com on February 28 to order your new iPhone 16e.

    For more details on Apple products, please visit www.apple.com.

    1 Apple Intelligence is available in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S. Additional languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) will be available in April. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.

    2 $599.99 (128 GB only) purchase w/new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan req’d. Less $419.99 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Offer may not be combined with other offers. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.

    3 $599.99 (128 GB only) purchase w/new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $600 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Trade-in must be from Apple, Google or Samsung; trade-in terms apply. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.

    4 Taxes & fees apply. New line w/device payment purchase agmt & Business Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Pro plan req’d. $599.99 credit applied to acct. over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos, 0% APR); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credits begin in 2-3 bills & will include appropriate credit amounts from order date. Cannot be combined with other device offers. This device supports only 5G Ultra Wideband mid-band (C-band), 5G and 4G LTE. iPhone 16e 128GB monthly fee after credit: $0. Offer ends 3.31.2025.

    5 iPhone 16e offer only. Plan Requirements: Fed – $15+ with data feature; State & Local – $19.99+ with data feature; State of TN – flat rate plan with data feature (must meet PP requirement). Available to government-liable subscribers only and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of Verizon Wireless-approved government contracting vehicles. An Offer Recovery Fee (ORF) will be assigned to NASPO MA 152 customer lines that take advantage of select quarterly offers and will be charged on the customer’s bill if the line is disconnected before the end of the line term. 5G and 5G UWB may not be available to all government customers. See terms and conditions of your contract. Pricing excludes taxes and fees and is subject to change without notice. Offer ends 3.31.2025.

    6 Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 16e . For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426. Messages via satellite will be available in the U.S. and Canada in iOS 18 or later. SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details. Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in the U.S. with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, and in the U.K. with Green Flag. Participating roadside assistance providers may charge for services, and iPhone users who are not members can take advantage of their roadside assistance services on a pay-per-use basis. Apple’s satellite features were designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be impacted by obstructions such as trees or surrounding buildings.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Decisions taken by the Governing Council of the ECB (in addition to decisions setting interest rates)

    Source: European Central Bank

    February 2025

    21 February 2025

    Market operations

    Extension of liquidity lines until January 2027

    On 23 January 2025 the Governing Council approved the extension of the ECB repo lines with eight non-euro area central banks (Magyar Nemzeti Bank, Banca Națională a României, Bank of Albania, Andorran Financial Authority, National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia, Central Bank of the Republic of San Marino, Central Bank of Montenegro and Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo) until 31 January 2027. The decision was taken pursuant to the new framework for euro liquidity lines, which was adopted in 2023.

    Eurosystem climate stress test report

    On 13 February 2025 the Governing Council took note of the main findings of the 2024 climate stress test on the Eurosystem’s balance sheet, which will feed into the Eurosystem’s climate-related financial disclosures.

    Market infrastructure and payments

    Inclusion of provisions on the TARGET Analytical Environment in the T2 Currency Participation Agreement

    On 13 February 2025 the Governing Council approved the amendments to the agreement on the use of T2 services (T2 Currency Participation Agreement) to include the TARGET Analytical Environment as a standard feature offered to both current and future signatories of the T2 Currency Participation Agreement.

    Advice on legislation

    ECB Opinion on flood insurance

    On 4 February 2025 the Governing Council adopted Opinion CON/2025/3 at the request of the Chair of the Oireachtas (Irish National Parliament) Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister).

    ECB Opinion on indirect participants in, and access to, payment systems, and a new exemption from the cash rule

    On 5 February 2025 the Governing Council adopted Opinion ECB Recommendation on the external auditors of the European Central Bank for the financial years 2025 to 2029

    On 12 February 2025 the Governing Council adopted Recommendation ECB/2025/6 to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the European Central Bank.

    Statistics

    Extension of the Integrated Reporting Framework and the Common Data Management investigation phases

    On 17 February 2025 the Governing Council approved the revised Quality Review Gate 1 documentation (including the Financial Envelopes and Project Charters), extending until the end of September 2025 the investigation phases of the ESCB and SSM Common Data Management and the ESCB Integrated Reporting Framework projects.

    Banknotes and coins

    Composition of the design contest jury for the new euro banknotes

    On 6 February 2025 the Governing Council took note of the composition of the design contest jury for the new euro banknotes. The jury will prepare a shortlist of designs to support the selection of the final design of the future euro banknotes by the Governing Council and is scheduled to start work in early 2025.

    ECB Banking Supervision

    Update of the 2025 Supervisory Examination Programme (SEP) for on-site inspections and internal model investigations at significant institutions

    On 30 January 2025 the Governing Council did not object to a proposal by the Supervisory Board for an update of the 2025 SEP for on-site inspections and internal model investigations at significant institutions and outsourcing service providers. The on-site SEP is based on SSM supervisory priorities for 2025-2027 published on the ECB’s banking supervision website.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/21/2025 Blackburn, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Help Rescue Children from Violence by Recording Child Protective Services Interviews

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the Generate Recordings of All Child protective Interviews Everywhere (GRACIE) Act, which would incentivize states to require the recording of all Child Protective Services (CPS) interviews with children and adults. Modernizing CPS interview protocols would increase the likelihood that child trafficking victims will be identified and removed from dangerous situations, including sex and labor trafficking, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, and other forms of violence.
    “Children are often silenced by their abusers, and we need to do everything in our power to ensure that does not happen,” said Senator Blackburn. “The GRACIE Act would help give more children a voice, increase domestic violence reporting, and strengthen the foster care system.”
    “We can never do enough to support vulnerable children in Georgia and across the country,” said Senator Ossoff. “Senator Blackburn and I are introducing this new bipartisan bill to strengthen transparency in State child protective agencies and help States better fund their operations.”
    BACKGROUND
    In the U.S., it is estimated 37.4% of children will be interviewed by CPS at some point in their childhood. These initial interviews can be traumatic, so we must do everything we can to ensure transparency and accountability during the process. CPS is the gateway to the foster care system, and approximately 60% of U.S. domestic child sex trafficking victims have engaged with the foster care system. Many of them undergo multiple interviews without one CPS staffer identifying them as child trafficking victims or removing them from real-time trafficking violence.
    CPS has a history of distorting the testimony of children who are trying to speak out about abuse and trafficking. As a result, children can remain in abusive and dangerous situations. CPS interview protocols are broken, and mandating all CPS interviews be recorded would be a good first step toward fixing this broken system.
    The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has required recordings of all interrogations for nearly a decade, and state law enforcement departments often require police body cameras. Similar accountability measures are long overdue in the child protection space. It is imperative that federal and state legislation require at least audio recording – if not video recording, too – of all CPS interviews.
    THE GRACIE ACT
    The GRACIE Act would create a program within the DOJ to award states that require the recording of all CPS interviews with children and adults. This legislation includes provisions to protect the privacy and security of those recordings, so they are not shared with anyone outside of a law enforcement investigation. They would also only be retained for the amount of time needed to deal with the case.
    Click here for bill text. 
    ENDORSEMENTS
    This legislation is endorsed by Street Grace, No Trafficking Zones, Pearl at the Mailbox, The Foundation United, Rights for Girls, 3Strands Global, Engage Together, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, and Paving the Way Foundation. 
    “As an organization dedicated to stopping the exploitation of children, we have seen firsthand the urgent need for reform—especially at the intersection of child protection and foster care. The GRACIE Act is a crucial step toward ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and that those on the frontlines of working with exploited children are held to the highest standards of accountability. This legislation closes a critical gap, providing necessary safeguards to protect vulnerable youth from further harm.” – Bob Rodgers, CEO of Street Grace

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (21 February)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    D.R. Congo Refugees
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Secretary-General
    Deputy Secretary-General
    South Sudan
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Israel/Palestine
    U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon
    Libya
    Ukraine
    Mother Language Day
    Financial Contributions
    Guest

    D.R. CONGO REFUGEES
    UNHCR today launched an appeal seeking $40.4 million to deliver protection and assistance to 275,000 internally displaced people in South Kivu, North Kivu, Maniema and Tanganyika provinces of the DRC, as well as to support a potential influx of 258,000 refugees, asylum-seekers, and returnees in neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
    UNHCR said there is an urgent need for shelter, food and latrines as well as relocation of the new arrivals to other sites to address overcrowding. UNHCR and its partners are stepping up assistance, distributing warm meals and water to new arrivals. They need all sorts of relief supplies.

    DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
    And just to say that in South Kivu, humanitarian partners have also raised concerns that ongoing clashes in Uvira are hindering access – including the movement of ambulances – while hospitals report daily casualties among civilians.
    An in the Kalehe territory, fighting has forced more than 50,000 people to flee over the past week, many to Burundi. Since February, more than 40,000 Congolese nationals – the majority of whom are women and children – have arrived in Burundi seeking protection there.

    SECRETARY-GENERAL
    A couple of travel notes, as I mentioned to you yesterday, the Secretary-General will be in Geneva on Monday to address the Human Rights Council as well as the committee on disarmament.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
    Our Deputy Secretary-General is in South Africa, where today she took part in the second and final day of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting.
    In her remarks, Amina Mohammed reaffirmed our support for the G20 platform. With just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, she warned that we are off track and that decades of development gains are at risk, particularly for the most vulnerable. She underscored that in today’s deeply interconnected world, no nation can stand alone and that global challenges demand global action.
    In the afternoon, she had a number bilateral discussions with several foreign ministers, emphasizing the urgency of reinforced multilateralism and strong partnerships to accelerate the implementation of the Pact for the Future and the SDGs.
    She also sought their support for securing an ambitious outcome at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development which will take place in Seville, Spain, in July.
    Tomorrow, she travels to Nairobi, Kenya, for a series of engagements on food systems ahead of the second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake, which will take place in Addis Ababa, also in July.
    And, yesterday, I said that Ms. Mohammed met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. I stand corrected – that meeting did not take place.

    SOUTH SUDAN
    Our Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, is continuing his own travels in eastern Africa. In South Sudan, he met today with the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar. They discussed the progressing peace implementation, among other topics.
    He also met with key members of technical bodies tasked with constitution-making and electoral preparations, to get a sense of the challenges they face in making significant advances in their respective areas.
    Additionally, he held discussions with the diplomatic community, including the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, known as IGAD. As mentioned, Mr. Lacroix will travel to Abyei tomorrow to visit the peacekeeping mission there.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIV6qzoYa9Q

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Closes Ninetieth Session in Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today closed its ninetieth session after adopting concluding observations on the reports of Belarus, Belize, Congo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and on the exceptional report of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on conflict-related sexual violence in its eastern provinces.

    The concluding observations adopted by the Committee on the countries under review will soon be available on the session’s webpage.

    In concluding remarks, Committee Chairperson Nahla Haidar said that during the challenging ninetieth session, in addition to holding dialogues with States parties, the Committee had held informal meetings with non-governmental organizations from most of the State parties reviewed and with four national human rights institutions. It was grateful to these organizations and to United Nations entities for providing it with detailed information.

    Ms. Haidar said the highlight of the session was the half-day of general discussion on gender stereotypes on 17 February, which was attended by 46 States parties and 17 non-governmental organizations. The discussions highlighted the fact that gender stereotypes were underlying causes of gender-based violence against women and posed significant barriers to women’s access to political life, education, employment and leadership positions. They marked a crucial step in developing a general recommendation to guide States parties on eliminating stereotypes.

    During the session, Ms. Haidar said, the Committee made important progress in rationalising and harmonising its working methods with those of other treaty bodies, including through changes to rationalise working groups, increase the number of lists of issues prior to reporting to be adopted over the coming two years, and to systematically raise male succession to the throne in dialogues and concluding observations, where relevant.

    Ms. Haidar welcomed the progress achieved by the Working Group on gender-based violence against women on its draft working paper on online and tech-facilitated gender-based violence against women. She also commended the convening of an illustrious group of experts and private sector representatives to discuss best practices in digital innovation and mitigation of gender gaps during the Committee’s public meeting with the Working Group on business and human rights, and further welcomed the endorsement of the Committee’s contribution to the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

    Ms. Haidar said the Committee had adopted five follow-up assessments and prepared four final decisions on individual communications. It also adopted the report of Inquiry 2014/2 concerning large-scale abductions of women and girls by insurgents and other armed groups, which would be published after the expiry of the six-month period for the State party concerned to submit observations.

    During the session, Ms. Haidar said, the Committee also held informal meetings with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on climate change, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the World Health Organization.

    In closing, Ms. Haidar thanked all those who contributed to the session, including new Committee Experts Hamida Al-Shukairi (Oman), Violet Eudine Barriteau (Barbados), Nada Moustafa Fathi Draz (Egypt), Mu Hong (China), Madina Jarbussynova (Kazakhstan), Jelena Pia-Comella (Andorra), Erika Schläppi (Switzerland), and Patsilí Toledo Vasquez (Chile), as well as other Committee members, the Committee secretariat and United Nations staff. Though not an easy task, she said, the Committee had successfully delivered on its mandate to protect and promote women’s rights and gender equality.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Committee Rapporteur Brenda Akia presented the draft report of the session, which contained the draft report of the Working Group of the Whole and the provisional agenda for the Committee’s ninety-first session. The Committee then adopted the report ad referendum.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is provisionally scheduled to hold its ninety-first session from 16 June to 4 July 2025, in which it will review the reports of Afghanistan, Botswana, Chad, Mexico, Monaco, San Marino and Thailand.

    In addition, from 7 to 11 April in Suva, Fiji, the Committee will hold a technical cooperation session to review the reports of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu and engage with Pacific States that are not yet parties to the Convention.

    ___________

    CEDAW.25.053E

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.

    English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Israeli Freight Forwarder Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Violating Export Restrictions Imposed on Russia

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Israeli Freight Forwarder Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Violating Export Restrictions Imposed on Russia

    Gal Haimovich, 49, of Israel, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to illegally ship aircraft parts and avionics from U.S. manufacturers and suppliers to Russia, including for the benefit of sanctioned Russian airline companies. In addition, Haimovich paid the full forfeiture amount of $2,024,435.44 at today’s sentencing.

    MIL OSI USA News –