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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Implementation of safe and secure parking areas – E-001308/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) 2024/1679[1] introduced the obligation for the Member States to ensure, by 31 December 2040, the development of safe and secure parking areas (SSPAs) certified in accordance with EU standards along the roads of the core and extended core trans-European transport network (TEN-T), with an average maximum distance of 150 kilometres between two SSPAs.

    The Commission supports the Member States in their efforts to build more SSPAs, notably by providing funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) .

    For the realisation of projects across the EU, CEF Transport made available EUR 250 million each in 2022 and 2023, and EUR 320 million for the call for proposals of 2024, supporting both the creation of new SSPAs and the upgrade of existing parking areas in line with EU safety and security standards .

    Since 2022, when the Commission adopted the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012[2], 35 SSPAs have been built and certified in the EU, providing 4 943 parking spots. Furthermore, the realisation of 49 CEF projects is currently ongoing, with 4 614 parking places in SSPAs expected to be added.

    The Commission recognises numerous advantages in public-private partnerships (PPPs) for accelerating the implementation of SSPAs.

    Firstly, PPPs can alleviate the financial burden on governments while introducing expertise and innovative technologies, thereby enhancing project efficiency and quality.

    Secondly, by transferring certain risks to private partners, PPPs ensure more reliable and timely project delivery. Lastly, leveraging private financing reduces the reliance on public funds, thus expediting the development process and fostering economic growth.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (OJ L 2024/1679, 28.6.2024).
    • [2] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012 of 7 April 2022 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the establishment of standards detailing the level of service and security of safe and secure parking areas and to the procedures for their certification (OJ L 170, 28.6.2022, p. 27).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Making use of the infrastructure that has been implemented in Greece and that can ensure the energy security of the EU – E-000579/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Between August 2022 to December 2024, the EU has reduced its natural gas demand by 18% compared to the average of the years 2017-2021, resulting in 175 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas saved.

    As substantiated in the impact assessment of the Climate Target Plan 2040[1], the projections show 90 bcm of gaseous fuels (including biogas and biomethane) will still be used by 2050. Gaseous fuels will be part of our energy mix in the future but at a reduced level and in cleaner form, including biogas and biomethane.

    The Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) High-Level Group is working on maximising the use of the Trans-Balkan Pipeline, which can significantly contribute to the regional diversification of supply.

    CESEC has been addressing barriers to its full use, notably gas quality, regulatory barriers (including tariffs) and market barriers. Through CESEC, the Commission follows the evolution of the Vertical Corridor while maintaining that maximised use of existing natural gas infrastructure should be a pre-condition to capacity developments.

    The EU-Türkiye High-Level Energy Dialogue was suspended in 2019 following Turkish unauthorised drilling activities in the East-Med region.

    The Commission and the High Representative presented a Joint Communication on EU-Türkiye relations[2] in November 2023 recommending that the High-Level Energy Dialogue be reopened, under strict conditions.

    In April 2024, EU Leaders underlined that the EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye and tasked the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to the European Union (Coreper) to advance work on the recommendations of the Joint Communication in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner.

    • [1] SWD/2024/63 final (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024SC0063).
    • [2] JOIN(2023) 50 final (https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/joint-communication-european-council-state-play-eu-turkiye-political-economic-and-trade-relations-0_en).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The human rights factor in the country benchmarking methodology annex of the EU Deforestation-free Products Regulation – E-000753/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The annex to the Strategic Framework for International Cooperation Engagement[1] presents the general principles of the benchmarking methodology. It relies on quantitative criteria based on scientific evidence and internationally recognised latest available data, primarily from the Global Forest Resources Assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

    The benchmarking methodology allows to have a specific approach to the countries which are at the lower or higher end of the standard risk category, and that these countries will be a priority for the Commission to engage with. A qualitative methodology will support the dialogues that will be conducted with these countries, based on EU Deforestation Regulation ( EUDR)[2] Article 29 (4) criteria such as existence and implementation of laws protecting human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, local communities and other customary tenure rights holders.

    2. In the framework of this exercise, the EUDR Article 29 (4) also states that information submitted by non-governmental organisations and third parties, including indigenous peoples, local communities and civil society organisations may be take into account and therefore be part of such assessment.

    • [1] https://green-business.ec.europa.eu/document/download/98053bb7-bb73-4157-bf35-a9ffa35e2ee2_en?filename=Annex%20to%20Communication%20Strategic%20Framework%20for%20International%20Cooperation%20EUDR.pdf
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.
    Last updated: 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission consults on possible countermeasures and readies WTO litigation in response to US tariffs

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 08 May 2025 The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a list of US imports which could become subject to EU countermeasures, if ongoing EU-US negotiations do not result in a mutually beneficial outcome and the removal of the US tariffs.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament endorses new screening rules for foreign investment in EU

    Source: European Parliament

    On Thursday, MEPs adopted revised rules to prevent security risks from foreign investments.

    Under the new rules, sectors such as media services, critical raw materials and transport infrastructure will be subject to mandatory screening by member states, in order to identify and address foreign investment-related security or public order risks. The procedures applicable to national screening mechanisms will be harmonised and the Commission will have the power to intervene on its own initiative or where there are disagreements between member states about potential security or public order risks emanating from a specific foreign investment. The new law will also cover transactions within the EU where the direct investor is ultimately owned by individuals or entities from a non-EU country.

    If the screening authority finds that the planned foreign investment project is likely to have a negative effect on security or public order, it will either have to authorise the project subject to mitigating measures, or prohibit it.

    The proposal was adopted by 378 votes in favour, 173 against and with 24 abstentions.

    Quote

    Parliament’s rapporteur Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D, FR) said: “Right now, the EU’s foreign investment screening system is fragmented, costly for investors, and insufficiently effective at mitigating risks. Leaving large industrial plants, energy grids, and media giants open to foreign takeovers — whether from China, the US, or elsewhere — ultimately puts our security and economic sovereignty on shaky ground.

    Screening procedures will now be streamlined across member states, keeping the single market open and attractive, while also protecting our industries, safeguarding key sectors, and allowing our strategic industries to become more competitive. The Commission will have the authority to take final decisions in instances of disagreement, ensuring a more unified approach across the EU.”

    Background

    The current foreign direct investment screening framework entered into force on 11 October 2020. It addressed growing concerns about certain foreign investors seeking to acquire control of EU firms that supply critical technologies, infrastructure or inputs, or hold sensitive information, and whose activities are critical for security or public order at EU level. The rules are designed to help identify and address security or public order risks relating to foreign direct investment involving at least two member states or the EU as a whole. The Commission submitted its new proposal on the screening of foreign investment projects in the EU in January 2024.

    Next steps

    Now that the report has been adopted in plenary, negotiations with member states on the final shape of the law can begin. Parliament and Council must adopt the final legislative act before it can enter into force.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Securing Europe’s gas supply – E-000863/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    EU storage levels are indeed lower than last year, but conform with the average of the 5-year reference period between 2016 and 2021. On 17 March 2025, EU storages are reported at 35%.

    The Commission Implementing Regulation 2024/2995[1] based on the Gas Storage Regulation (EU) 2022/1032 sets the gas storage filling trajectory for 2025 for each Member State.

    This regulation helps ensuring that the EU enters the winter with a high level of gas storage, thereby supporting its security of supply. The Commission proposed on 5 March 2025 to prolong the current Gas Storage Regulation COM/2025/99 until the end of 2027[2].

    This 2-year extension will contribute to ensuring continued security of energy supply across the EU, sufficient flexibility in filling trajectories, and stability of the European gas market.

    The Commission Recommendation C/2025/1481[3] invites EU countries to consider current market conditions and fully use existing flexibilities when deciding on measures to refill storage facilities this summer, allowing them to fill their storage facilities throughout the season at the best purchase conditions.

    The Commission will also continue monitoring the security of gas supply of the EU and coordinate any potential storage filling measures together with the Member States in the Gas Coordination Group.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R2995
    • [2] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/amending-regulation-eu-20171938-regards-role-gas-storage-securing-gas-supplies-ahead-winter-season_en
    • [3] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/recommendation-implementation-gas-storage-filling-targets-2025_en
    Last updated: 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members seek to broaden ITA participation, examine links with AI and e-commerce

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Members agreed to organize three thematic sessions from the autumn of 2025 to the end of 2026. The first will be on “The Opportunities of ITA Participation: Participants’ and Stakeholders’ Experiences” with a view to expanding participation in the ITA and ITA Expansion Agreement. The second will focus on the ITA’s role in promoting artificial intelligence and other new technologies. The third session will look into the ITA’s role in supporting e-commerce and addressing the digital divide. The Chair of the ITA Committee, Mr. Ta-Lin (Peter) Shih (Chinese Taipei), said the WTO Secretariat and interested members will work together to follow up on the details of these sessions and keep the Committee informed of further developments.

    The Chair also updated members on his consultations on furthering discussions on non-tariff measures (NTMs) imposed by governments to regulate trade, which members further discussed at the meeting.

    Suggestions included focusing on NTMs imposed on the most traded ITA products, such as mobile phones and computers, and tackling NTMs related to the remanufacturing of electronic products, which refers to disassembling and repairing used devices. Members also suggested organizing joint sessions with the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), undertaking a survey to identify NTMs participants would like to discuss, and revitalizing the NTMs working group. The Chair encouraged members to elaborate on their suggestions at the next meeting, adding that the next chair could consult on creating a new NTM work programme. The Chairperson of the Goods Council is consulting with members regarding chairpersons for subsidiary bodies, including the ITA Committee.

    ITA product classifications

    In response to members’ requests, the Secretariat provided a working document containing guidance on how to update the classification of 22 IT products so that they align with the 2022 version of the Harmonized System (HS) — the system used for classifying traded goods and determining the tariffs applied to them. Members have not so far agreed on common HS codes for these 22 products, which include flat panel displays and network equipment. The Secretariat noted that the document is prepared on its own responsibility based on its best judgement on how the classifications should evolve, adding that it has asked the World Customs Organization for feedback on the document.

    The European Union; Japan; Hong Kong, China; and the United Kingdom thanked the Secretariat for this new initiative and the way forward proposed, indicating that they would study the working document, with several noting that it represents a good start to resolving classification divergences among members and ensuring the healthy functioning of the ITA.

    ITA implementation issues raised at the meeting included concerns about Indonesia’s and Egypt’s import duties on IT products and mobile phones considered by participants to be covered by the ITA. These concerns have also been raised at previous meetings.

    Next meeting

    The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for 4 November. Additional meetings may be convened as required.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Lithuania: Decision to leave convention banning anti-personnel mines could put civilian lives at risk

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to a vote Lithuanian parliament to withdraw from the Ottawa convention, a landmark treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel mines, Esther Major, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Research in Europe, said:

    “Today’s decision to leave the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention is a retrograde move that will only further weaken the global consensus aimed at minimizing civilian harm during armed conflict.

    “Anti-personnel mines are inherently indiscriminate weapons. They have devastating effects on civilians, sometimes decades after they are deployed, while unexploded anti-personnel landmines can blight whole regions for generations. The use of weapons which are by their nature indiscriminate is prohibited under customary international humanitarian law.

    “This move, which follows the country’s recent withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, is part of a disturbing trend which last month saw the Estonian government approve a proposal to withdraw from the convention, and the Latvian president sign into law a bill on the country’s exit from the treaty. We call on the Lithuanian government to reverse this decision that could put civilian lives at risk.”

    Background

    The 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (the Ottawa treaty) bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of antipersonnel mines and currently has 165 states parties.

    In March, the defence ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland issued a joint statement calling on their countries to pull out of the treaty. The Finnish government has recently initiated the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa treaty.

    Today Lithuania’s defence minister tweeted that the country will “resume mine production and acquisition”.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Invest Africa and United Kingdom (UK) Government Announce Strategic Partnership for The Africa Debate – London

    SOURCE: Invest Africa

    As the UK’s leading forum for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic trajectory, The Africa Debate 2025 will convene over 500 senior leaders from government, finance, and industry to explore this year’s theme: “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth”

    LONDON, United Kingdom, May 8, 2025 – Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), the leading platform for promoting trade and investment across the African continent, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the UK Government for the 11th edition of The Africa Debate, taking place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at the historic Guildhall in the City of London.

    As the UK’s leading forum for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic trajectory, The Africa Debate 2025 will convene over 500 senior leaders from government, finance, and industry to explore this year’s theme: “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth”. The agenda will examine how African nations can leverage their abundant resources – from critical minerals and biodiversity to human capital – to build globally competitive industries, enhance intra-African value chains, and deliver inclusive, sustainable development.  

    The event comes at a strategically important moment: just over one year into the new UK Government, as it sets out a renewed international agenda focused on trade, investment, and strategic partnership with Africa.

    The Rt Hon. the Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, commented: “The UK recognises the critical role Africa plays in the global economy and in shaping a sustainable, inclusive future. We are proud to support The Africa Debate as a strategic platform to deepen trade and investment ties with African partners and boost mutual economic growth between our countries. Our ambition in our new approach to Africa is to support the scale-up of transformative green growth across the continent – and the UK stands ready to be a long-term, trusted partner in that journey.”

    Chantelé Carrington, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa, added: “Our collaboration with the UK Government is a major milestone for The Africa Debate. With a new administration in place, this is a crucial opportunity to shape a modern and meaningful UK-Africa relationship centred on mutual benefit. As African economies focus on industrialisation, value addition, and sustainable investment, we are proud to offer a platform that connects the UK’s financial expertise and private sector strength with Africa’s vast economic potential.”

    The Africa Debate 2025 will feature head of state and ministerial keynotes, alongside high-level plenaries and curated side events that convene senior leaders from across Africa and the global investment community. This year’s agenda will examine how the continent can harness its natural capital – through the lenses of finance, industrialisation, and digital innovation – to drive long-term value creation and sustainable development. Our strategic partnership reflects the UK’s commitment to forging deeper, future-oriented relationships with African partners – focused on mobilising investment at scale, promoting inclusive economic growth, and co-creating resilient solutions to shared global challenges.

    Websites:
    Invest Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4k2YU2U)
    The Africa Debate (https://apo-opa.co/43u2xbJ)

    About The Africa Debate:
    The Africa Debate is London’s premier investment forum dedicated to shaping the future of African trade, investment, and economic transformation. Now in its 11th year, the event serves as a critical platform for global businesses, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage in high-level discussions on Africa’s evolving role in the global economy.

    About Invest Africa:
    Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform, that drives trade and investment across the continent. With over sixty years’ experience in Africa, we provide our network with trusted market insights, tailored business support, and platforms for meaningful engagement. Our network includes more than 400 multinational corporations, investors, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, united by a shared commitment to building sustainable opportunity across Africa.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ukraine on the situation in the country – Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Informal comments to the media by Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, Chargée d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, on behalf of Ukraine, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union, on the situation in Ukraine.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYys6ZNW_9Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Sudan, South Sudan, UNRWA & other topics – Daily Press Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – Secretary-General/ Chief Executives Board
    – Sudan
    – Sudan/ Food Assistance
    – South Sudan
    – UNRWA
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – UNIFIL
    – Haiti
    – Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
    – Senior Personnel Appointment – Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia
    – International Day

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/ CHIEF EXECUTIVES BOARD
    The Secretary-General is in Denmark, where today he is chairing the biannual session of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, also known as the CEB, which brings together the heads of the UN system organizations.
    During their biannual session, the Chief Executives Board Members will reflect on current world affairs as they affect and are related to the UN system. They will also engage in deliberations on ‘Adapting to New Realities: Leveraging the UN80 Initiative’ and ‘Upholding Respect for International Law’.

    SUDAN
    A statement we issued last night expressed the Secretary-General’s grave concern that recent drone attacks in Port Sudan, the main entry point for humanitarian aid into Sudan, threaten to increase humanitarian needs and further complicate aid operations in the country. The Secretary-General warns that this major escalation could lead to large-scale civilian casualties and further destruction of critical infrastructure.
    The Secretary-General is alarmed at the expansion of the conflict into an area that has served as a place of refuge for large numbers of people displaced from the capital, Khartoum, and other areas.   
    The Secretary-General reiterates that all parties to the conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. They must not direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects; must take all feasible precautions to avoid, and in any event to minimize, incidental civilian casualties; and must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need.  
    The Secretary-General calls on the parties to engage constructively with the mediation support mechanisms already in place to assist the parties to reach a political solution, underscoring the United Nations’ continued support to help find a way out of this crisis. He renews his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and stresses that dialogue is the only way to achieve the peace that the people of Sudan demand. The full statement is online.

    SUDAN/ FOOD ASSISTANCE
    And further on Sudan, our colleagues at the World Food Programme are saying that in Tawila, families who fled horrific violence in El Fasher have received vital food and nutrition supplies.
    WFP says that the Agency supported more people than originally planned as needs are overwhelming with hundreds of thousands displaced, and more aid is on its way in the coming week.

    SOUTH SUDAN
    Moving to South Sudan, where our mission, UNMISS, and partners—the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development or IGAD, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, have jointly called on South Sudan’s leaders to cease ongoing hostilities immediately and urgently progress inclusive peace implementation.
    They urged swift, thorough and impartial investigations into security escalations so that responsible parties can be held to account and public trust, restored.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=08%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMOZA1L9xXQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: General Terms for the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Economic Prosperity Deal

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Context and ObjectivesPresident Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer committed to deliver shared prosperity for American and British citizens alike. Our governments have a unique opportunity to enhance our economic partnership through the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD).
    A first of its kind, the United States and the United Kingdom expect the EPD to address three core objectives, based on fairness and reciprocity:
    To grow the quality and volume of mutually beneficial trade between the United States and the United Kingdom, creating good, high-paying jobs and growth in both countries;
    To remove barriers to make it easier for American and British businesses to operate, invest and trade in both countries; and
    To ensure that the Special Relationship is rooted in an enduring economic partnership that is fair, reciprocal, future-facing, and built on a shared vision of the challenges that face our economies.
    This document serves to define the general terms for the EPD that set forth the shared desires of the United States and the United Kingdom to make bilateral trade fairer, easier, and more substantial. Alongside this document covering our trading relationship, we are continuing discussions toward a transformative technology partnership between our countries.
    The United States and United Kingdom are immediately beginning negotiations of the EPD to develop and formalize the proposals made in this document. Once the initial proposals have been formalized and implemented, the United States and United Kingdom understand that the EPD can further be expanded over time to cover additional areas. Each country intends to continue to improve market access under the EPD.
    Both the United States and the United Kingdom recognize that this document does not constitute a legally binding agreement.
    Addressing Tariffs(a) Following a reasonable period of negotiation: (i) the United Kingdom intends to reduce its applied tariff rates on a preferential basis on a range of originating goods of the United States in sectors of importance to the United States; and (ii) the United States intends to reduce its applied tariff rates on a preferential basis on a range of originating goods of the United Kingdom in sectors of importance to the United Kingdom. The countries intend to coordinate the timing of their respective tariff reductions to be as soon as practicable, taking into consideration their respective domestic processes. On request of the United Kingdom, the United States will consider reducing its applied tariff rates for a UK territory or territories for whose international relations the United Kingdom is responsible on a preferential basis.(b) U.S. beef exports to the United Kingdom are currently subject to a 20 percent tariff within a quota of 1,000 metric tons (mt). The United Kingdom will remove the 20 percent tariff. Additionally, the United Kingdom will create a preferential duty-free quota of 13,000 mt for U.S. beef. In return, the United States will reallocate to the United Kingdom 13,000 mt of its existing “Other Countries” tariff rate quota (TRQ) for beef. Additionally, the United Kingdom will offer a preferential duty-free TRQ of 1.4 billion liters for U.S. ethanol.(c) The United States intends to provide certain key UK imports with modified reciprocal tariff treatment, based on our balanced trading relationship and shared national security priorities. Any such modifications will be consistent with those shared national security priorities, including priorities identified in future U.S. Section 232 investigations.(i) The United States will create a quota of 100,000 vehicles for UK automotive imports at a 10 percent tariff rate, and an accompanying arrangement for attendant auto parts for such autos.(ii) The United Kingdom will work to promptly meet U.S. requirements on the security of the supply chains of steel and aluminum products intended for export to the United States and on the nature of ownership of relevant production facilities. Understanding the United Kingdom will meet these requirements, the United States will promptly construct a quota at most favored nation (MFN) rates for UK steel and aluminum and certain derivative steel and aluminum products.(iii) Contingent on the findings of the U.S. Section 232 investigation on pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, and consistent with the United Kingdom’s compliance with the supply chains security requirements described in subparagraph (ii), the United States and the United Kingdom intend to promptly negotiate significantly preferential treatment outcomes on pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients. The United Kingdom confirms that it will endeavor to improve the overall environment for pharmaceutical companies operating in the United Kingdom.(iv) In addition to products already addressed in this document, the United States and the United Kingdom intend to adopt a structured, negotiated approach to othersectors that may be subject to Section 232 investigations or other tariff measures with a view to a significantly preferential outcome. Any such approach is contingent on the United Kingdom ensuring the security of supply chains, using appropriate measures, of products intended for export to the United States and on the findings of related U.S. investigations of, or other tariff measures related to, such sectors.(d) To ensure U.S. and UK firms can benefit from these changes in practice, both countries intend to apply rules of origin that maximize bilateral trade and prevent non-participants from using our bilateral arrangement to circumvent tariffs. The United States affirms that it intends to take into consideration during the negotiations of the EPD the United Kingdom’s request that the United States continues to work to lower tariffs on UK goods imposed by U.S. executive authority as well as those subject to Congressional approval.
    Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers(a) The United Kingdom and the United States plan to work constructively in an effort to enhance agricultural market access. Further, both countries positively support future discussions to strengthen bilateral agricultural trade. The United Kingdom and the United States affirm that imported food and agricultural goods must comply with the importing country’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards and other mutually agreed standards. The United Kingdom and the United States commit to working together to improve market access for agricultural products, to highlight concerns, and to increase agricultural cooperation on areas such as certain export verification programs to facilitate greater trade, and more formal bilateral engagement through international standard setting bodies.(b) The United Kingdom and the United States each confirms its intent to accord to conformity assessment bodies of the other treatment no less favorable than that it accords to conformity assessment bodies located in its own territory. Treatment under this paragraph includes procedures, criteria, fees, and other conditions relating to accrediting, approving, licensing, or otherwise recognizing conformity assessment bodies.(c) Both countries intend to build on an existing set of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) by negotiating additional agreements, as appropriate, across certain industrial goods and advance toward an agreement on services domestic regulation.(d) The United Kingdom and United States intend to discuss the principles and criteria used in order to recognize a standard as an international standard. The United Kingdom and the United States will further commit to discuss respective applicable standards for mutually agreed sectors of interest and, within those specified sectors, to agree which of the other’s relevant domiciled standards development organizations (SDOs) currently meet recognized international principles.
    Increasing Digital Trade(a) Both countries confirm that they will negotiate an ambitious set of digital trade provisions that will include within its scope services, including financial services.(b) Both countries confirm that they will negotiate provisions on paperless trade, pre-arrival processing, and digitalized procedures for the movement of goods between our countries.
    Strengthening Alignment and Collaboration on Economic Security(a) Both countries intend to strengthen cooperation on economic security, including by coordinating to address non-market policies of third countries.(b) Both countries intend to cooperate on the effective use of investment security measures, export controls, and ICT vendor security, building on the current levels of close alignment on trade and investment security measures.(c) In order to ensure more competitive, reciprocal, and secure access to our procurement markets, both countries reaffirm their procurement commitments under the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and their respective free trade agreements, and intend to discuss the implementation of our respective procurement commitments, including through the United Kingdom’s new National Security Unit for Procurement and the United Kingdom’s new powers under the Procurement Act 2023, which provides that non-“treaty states” are not guaranteed non-discriminatory treatment in procurement.(d) Both countries confirm that they will negotiate as part of the EPD provisions on duty evasion customs cooperation to combat evasion schemes and the illegal transshipment of goods from countries subject to antidumping, countervailing duties, safeguards, etc., which undermine economic security.
    Commercial Considerations and OpportunitiesBoth countries commit to continuing to identify mutually beneficial goods, services, investment opportunities and commercial transactions that serve to increase economic integration in critical industries and defense preparedness, leveraging government policies, licenses, and programs and private-sector participation to facilitate such transactions.
    Other Matters(a) Both countries confirm that they intend to discuss high-standard commitments related to intellectual property rights protection and enforcement, labor practices (including addressing forced labor in supply chains), and environmental policies and practices.(b) The United Kingdom will consider the interests of those UK territories for whose international relations it is responsible.(c) The United Kingdom and the United States recognize that the purpose of this arrangement is to deepen our trade relationship based on mutual trust and a shared commitment to fair and reciprocal trade. On request of either country, the United Kingdom and the United States will consult with a view to considering any changes that may need to be made to this arrangement to ensure that it remains mutually beneficial.(d) The United States or the United Kingdom may terminate this arrangement by giving written notice to the other. The United Kingdom and the United States further plan to discuss procedures for review and termination as part of the negotiations of the EPD.
    This document becomes operative on May 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls on China, Russia to maintain strategic resolve, coordination

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

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have a chat over tea at the president’s office of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MOSCOW, May 8 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China and Russia should maintain strategic resolve and coordination as the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation.

    Xi made the remarks during a chat over tea with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the president’s office of the Kremlin in Moscow.

    As long as China and Russia maintain strategic resolve and coordination, no force can stop the two countries from achieving their respective development and revitalization, no force can shake the strong foundation of long-standing friendship between the two peoples, and no force can hold back the prevailing trend toward a multipolar world and economic globalization, said Xi.

    Xi also voiced readiness to stay in close communication with Putin to chart the course for China-Russia relations and make contributions to advancing global governance.

    For his part, Putin said that Russia and China have always stood together in solidarity and supported each other, forging an unbreakable friendship.

    The Russian president said he is willing to maintain close strategic communication with Xi, provide strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations, jointly respond to the challenges of a complex international landscape, deepen comprehensive strategic coordination, safeguard common interests of the two countries and promote the development of a more equitable, democratic and multipolar world.

    The two heads of state exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other issues. Xi said that China advocates for and remains committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security at the global level, and believes it is important to take seriously the legitimate security concerns of all countries and eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine crisis.

    China welcomes all efforts conducive to peace and looks forward to reaching a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement on the Ukraine crisis that is accepted by all relevant parties through dialogue, Xi noted.

    Putin highly commended China’s objective and impartial position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, saying that Russia is ready to engage in peace talks without preconditions and hopes to reach a fair and lasting peace agreement.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy To Secretary Of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: Your Department Is Out Of Control

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Thursday held a subcommittee hearing with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 skinny budget request for the Department of Homeland Security. Murphy slammed the administration for flagrantly ignoring money appropriated by Congress and the legal rights of immigrants, warning such actions undermine both the Constitution and the rule of law.
    “I say this with seriousness and respect, but your department is out of control,” Murphy said. “You are spending like you don’t have a budget. You are on the verge of running out of money for the fiscal year. You are illegally refusing to spend funds that have been authorized by this Congress and appropriated by this committee. You are ignoring the immigration laws of this nation, implementing a brand-new immigration system that you have invented that has little relation to the statutes that you are required – that you are commanded – to follow as spelled out in your oath of office. You are routinely violating the rights of immigrants who may not be citizens, but whether you like it or not, have constitutional and statutory rights when they reside in the United States. Your agency acts as if laws don’t matter, as if the election gave you some mandate to violate the Constitution and the laws passed by this Congress. It did not give you that mandate. You act as if your disagreement with the law – or even the public’s disagreement with the law – is relevant and gives you the ability to create your own law. It does not give you that ability.”
    Murphy explained how Noem’s reckless spending of federal funds is going to bankrupt the Department while leaving the U.S. vulnerable to cyber-attacks and putting communities at greater risk for severe storm damage: “You’re on track to trigger the Anti-Deficiency Act. That means you are going to spend more money than you have been allocated by Congress. This is a rare occurrence, and it is wildly illegal. Your agency will be broke by July, over two months before the end of the fiscal year. You may not think that Congress has provided enough money to ICE, but the Constitution and the federal law doesn’t allow you to spend more money than you’ve been given, or to invent money. And this obsession with spending at the border, as the Chairwoman mentioned, has left the country unprotected elsewhere. The security threats to the United States are higher, not lower, than before Trump came to office. To fund the border, you have illegally gutted spending for cybersecurity. As we speak, Russian and Chinese hackers are having a field day attacking our nation. You have withdrawn funds for disaster prevention. Storms are going to kill more people in this country because of your illegal withholding of these funds. Your myopia about the border, fueled by President Trump’s prejudice against people who speak a different language, has shattered many of this country’s most important defenses. 
    On the administration’s illegal impoundments of congressionally appropriated funds, Murphy said: “When Congress appropriates funds for a specific purpose, the administration has no discretion as to whether to spend or not spend that money, unless you go through a very specific process with this committee. Let me give you two of many instances of this illegal impoundment. The first is a shelter and services program. Senator Britt may want to zero that account out, but that account is funded, and it was funded in a bipartisan way. You don’t like the program. Your policy is to treat migrants badly. I think that that’s abhorrent, but it doesn’t matter that you don’t like the program. You cannot cancel spending in this program, and you cannot use the funds, as you have, to fund other things, like ICE. You have also canceled citizenship and integration grants, which help lawful, permanent residents become citizens, helping them take the citizenship test. I know your goal is to try to make life as hard as possible for immigrants, but that goal is not broadly shared by the American public. That’s why Congress, in a bipartisan way, for decades, has funded this program to help immigrants in this country become citizens. “
    Murphy blasted the administration for targeting and deporting legal immigrants and student protesters without due process: “Finally, let’s talk about these disappearances. In an autocratic society, people who the regime does not like, or people who are protesting the regime, they are just often picked up off the street, spirited away, sometimes to open-ended detention, sometimes they are never seen again. What you are doing, both to individuals who have legal rights to stay here, like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, or students, who are just protesting Trump’s policies, is immoral. And to follow the theme, it is illegal. You have no right to deport a student visa holder with no due process simply because they have spoken in a way that offends the President. You cannot remove migrants who a court has given humanitarian protection from removal. Now, reports suggest that you’re planning to remove immigrants with no due process and send them to prisons in Libya. Libya is in the middle of a civil war. It is subject to a level four travel advisory, meaning we tell American citizens never to travel to Libya. We don’t have an embassy there, because it is not safe for our diplomats. Sending migrants with pending asylum claims into a war zone just because it’s cruel is so deeply disturbing.”
    Murphy concluded his opening remarks: We as an appropriations committee, we work interminable hours to write and pass a budget. This budget is really hard to write and pass. And so we make ourselves irrelevant when we allow the administration to ignore what we have decided. And then, when we look the other way when the administration rounds up immigrants who are here illegally and have committed no offenses worthy of detainment, we also do potential, irreversible damage to the Constitution. These should not be partisan concerns. Destroying the power of Congress, eroding individuals’ constitutional rights – this should matter to both parties. Madam Secretary, thank you for being here and I look forward to your testimony.”
    After Noem refused to acknowledge the Supreme Court’s order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Murphy said: “The discussion ends when the Supreme Court rules 9-0 that you have to facilitate his release. And the fact that you can’t even acknowledge the wording of the order which commands you to facilitate his release and you advertise to this committee that you are going to willfully ignore the ruling–that is incredibly chilling for the balance of powers in a democracy that relies on the executive branch to honor decisions made by the highest court of the land.”
    A full transcript of Murphy’s opening remarks can be found below:
    MURPHY: “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Secretary, thank you for being here. I’m sorry that I missed your call yesterday, and I look forward to working closely with you. 
    “I say this with seriousness and respect, but your department is out of control. You are spending like you don’t have a budget. You are on the verge of running out of money for the fiscal year. You are illegally refusing to spend funds that have been authorized by this Congress and appropriated by this committee. You are ignoring the immigration laws of this nation, implementing a brand-new immigration system that you have invented that has little relation to the statutes that you are required – that you are commanded – to follow as spelled out in your oath of office. You are routinely violating the rights of immigrants who may not be citizens, but whether you like it or not, have constitutional and statutory rights when they reside in the United States. Your agency acts as if laws don’t matter, as if the election gave you some mandate to violate the Constitution and the laws passed by this Congress. It did not give you that mandate. You act as if your disagreement with the law – or even the public’s disagreement with the law – is relevant and gives you the ability to create your own law. It does not give you that ability. 
    “Let’s start with your spending. You’re on track to trigger the Anti-Deficiency Act. That means you are going to spend more money than you have been allocated by Congress. This is a rare occurrence, and it is wildly illegal. Your agency will be broke by July, over two months before the end of the fiscal year. You may not think that Congress has provided enough money to ICE, but the Constitution and the federal law doesn’t allow you to spend more money than you’ve been given, or to invent money. 
    “And this obsession with spending at the border, as the Chairwoman mentioned, has left the country unprotected elsewhere. The security threats to the United States are higher, not lower, than before Trump came to office. To fund the border, you have illegally gutted spending for cybersecurity. As we speak, Russian and Chinese hackers are having a field day attacking our nation. You have withdrawn funds for disaster prevention. Storms are going to kill more people in this country because of your illegal withholding of these funds. Your myopia about the border, fueled by President Trump’s prejudice against people who speak a different language, has shattered many of this country’s most important defenses. 
    “Now let’s talk about the impoundments. When Congress appropriates funds for a specific purpose, the administration has no discretion as to whether to spend or not spend that money, unless you go through a very specific process with this committee. Let me give you two of many instances of this illegal impoundment. The first is a shelter and services program. Senator Britt may want to zero that account out, but that account is funded, and it was funded in a bipartisan way. You don’t like the program. Your policy is to treat migrants badly. I think that that’s abhorrent, but it doesn’t matter that you don’t like the program. You cannot cancel spending in this program, and you cannot use the funds, as you have, to fund other things, like ICE. You have also canceled citizenship and integration grants, which help lawful, permanent residents become citizens, helping them take the citizenship test. I know your goal is to try to make life as hard as possible for immigrants, but that goal is not broadly shared by the American public. That’s why Congress, in a bipartisan way, for decades, has funded this program to help immigrants in this country become citizens. 
    “Now let’s talk about why encounters at the southern border are down so much. This is clearly going to be your primary talking point today. You will tell us that it represents a success. But the primary reason why encounters are down is because you are brazenly violating the law every hour of every day. You are refusing to allow people showing up at the southern border to apply for asylum. I acknowledge that you don’t believe that people should be able to apply for asylum, but you don’t get to choose that. The White House does not get to choose that. The law requires you to process people who are showing up at the border and who claim asylum. Why? Because our asylum law is a bipartisan commitment, an effort to correct for our nation’s unconscionable decision to deny entry to Jews to this country who were being hunted and killed by the Nazis. Our nation, Republicans and Democrats, decided – wrote it into law – that we would not repeat that horror ever again, and thus we would allow for people who were fleeing terror and torture to come here, arrive at the border, and make a case for asylum. 
    “Finally, let’s talk about these disappearances. In an autocratic society, people who the regime does not like, or people who are protesting the regime, they are just often picked up off the street, spirited away, sometimes to open-ended detention, sometimes they are never seen again. What you are doing, both to individuals who have legal rights to stay here, like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, or students, who are just protesting Trump’s policies, is immoral. And to follow the theme, it is illegal. You have no right to deport a student visa holder with no due process simply because they have spoken in a way that offends the President. You cannot remove migrants who a court has given humanitarian protection from removal. Now, reports suggest that you’re planning to remove immigrants with no due process and send them to prisons in Libya. Libya is in the middle of a civil war. It is subject to a level four travel advisory, meaning we tell American citizens never to travel to Libya. We don’t have an embassy there, because it is not safe for our diplomats. Sending migrants with pending asylum claims into a war zone just because it’s cruel is so deeply disturbing. 
    “Listen, I understand that my Republican colleagues on this committee don’t view the policy the way that I do. My Republican colleagues do not share my level of concern for the way that this administration treats immigrants. That’s fine. But what I don’t understand is why we do not have consensus, in the Senate and on this committee, on the decision by this administration to impound the spending that we have decided together to allocate in defense of this nation. We as an appropriations committee, we work interminable hours to write and pass a budget. This budget is really hard to write and pass. And so we make ourselves irrelevant when we allow the administration to ignore what we have decided. And then, when we look the other way when the administration rounds up immigrants who are here illegally and have committed no offenses worthy of detainment, we also do potential, irreversible damage to the Constitution. These should not be partisan concerns. Destroying the power of Congress, eroding individuals’ constitutional rights–this should matter to both parties. Madam Secretary, thank you for being here and I look forward to your testimony.”
    An excerpt of Murphy’s exchange with Secretary Noem can be found below:
    MURPHY: “I assume that you have read the Supreme Court decision in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia?”
    NOEM: “Yes.”
    MURPHY: “That court decision requires the administration to facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release from El Salvador. Can you describe the steps that you’ve taken to facilitate this release, and specifically can you answer as to whether you’ve reached out to your counterpart in El Salvador to facilitate Mr. Abrego Garcia’s release?”
    NOEM: “Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador and should never have been in this country and will not be coming back to this country. There is no scenario where Abrego Garcia will be in the United States again. If he were to come back we would immediately deport him again because he is a terrorist, he’s a human smuggler, and he is a wife beater.”
    MURPHY: “You have read the Supreme Court decision. Does the Supreme Court decision not require you to facilitate the return of Mr. Abrego Garcia?”
    NOEM: “The Trump Administration is complying with all court orders and judges’ orders.”
    MURPHY: “Does the Supreme Court order require you to facilitate the return of Mr. Kilmar Abrego Garcia? Yes or no?”
    NOEM: “Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador. It is up to the president of El Salvador to make the decision.”
    MURPHY: “You’re a defendant in the case.”
    NOEM: “It has been a big topic of conversation between all of us, between the countries. When the president visited the United States of America, it was discussed and talked about there. The president has been very clear on this issue, as the Secretary of State and I have as well. Abrego Garcia is not a citizen of this country and is a dangerous individual who doesn’t belong here. “
    MURPHY: “The discussion ends when the Supreme Court rules 9-0 that you have to facilitate his release. And the fact that you can’t even acknowledge the wording of the order which commands you to facilitate his release and you advertise to this committee that you are going to willfully ignore the ruling–that is incredibly chilling for the balance of powers in a democracy that relies on the executive branch to honor decisions made by the highest court of the land.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University spinouts to grow industries of the future with new government backing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    University spinouts to grow industries of the future with new government backing

    Public sector is being primed to bring innovative ideas out of government labs and onto the market with £30 million backing and new guidance.

    • 4 of the UK’s most exciting regional research clusters to grow their ideas into thriving companies and industries of tomorrow with £30 million government backing
    • £30 million awarded to world-leading universities working with industry partners across Merseyside, East Anglia, Northeast England and the Midlands to grasp the opportunity to incubate and scale-up the businesses and jobs of the future
    • Alongside, first-of-its-kind guidance priming public sector to bring innovative ideas out of government labs and into markets, pulling in the investment that’s vital for growth and job creation to deliver on our Plan for Change

    4 innovative UK hubs across Merseyside, East Anglia, the Midlands, and Northeast England will today (Friday 9 May) get fresh backing to grow more ‘spinouts’,  innovative new businesses created from within research institutions. 

    In turn creating new jobs, developing the industries of tomorrow and driving economic growth through the Plan for Change.

    UK innovators have made great strides in getting bright ideas onto the market and in front of investors, but red tape, talent shortages and a lack of access to funding is holding back innovators from turning their ideas into viable growing businesses.  

    New £30 million funding will support a taskforce of world-leading universities and industry experts across the 4 locations to take advantage of this huge, and all-too-often untapped, opportunity.  

    It will support efforts to incubate and spin out new companies and create the most fertile and attractive environment for the brightest thinkers and entrepreneurs.

    The government is also priming the public sector with first ever guidance to put groundbreaking ideas on the path to investment, becoming the next generation of businesses, creating a pipeline of innovative businesses emerging from the UK’s excellent public sector research landscape.  

    With step-by-step advice, a new generation of British R&D entrepreneurs in the public sector will be empowered with the tools and support they need to turn ambitious research into marketable products – and in turn unlock benefits from clean energy, to healthcare, and beyond. 

    Announcing the news on a visit to Aston University, Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: 

    The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities, and we have deep strengths from life sciences to cutting-edge fields like quantum and engineering biology. But we can and must do more to unlock scientific research’s vast economic potential, and to help our innovators world-leading public sector labs turn brilliant ideas into businesses that attract investment and sustain jobs.

    The funding and guidance we are announcing today will reinforce those efforts – supporting our mission to grow the economy as part of the Plan for Change.

    The 4 projects receiving funding from Research England 

    Strategic Commercialisation Ecosystem North East (SCENE)

    Based in the North East is receiving over £8 million over 5 years to strengthen and expand the region’s ecosystem, engaging businesses, sector bodies, Catapults and investors more actively in commercialising university research. 

    Forging ahead/Forging beyond

    Based in the Midlands is receiving almost £10 million over 5 years to address the talent, expertise and skills gaps in the Midlands by creating a Talent Pool, inward investment champions and innovation networks. The project will particularly target Heath, Advanced Manufacturing, Net Zero, and Creative & Digital sectors.  

    Biologics Regional Innovation and Technology Ecosystem (BRITE)

    Based in Merseyside will get over £4 million over 3 years to establish a sustainable life sciences ecosystem, in the Liverpool City Region (LCR), focused on developing treatments like vaccines, by addressing gaps in the development of products and materials from living cells or their components, scale-up, and commercialisation.

    It will strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and civic partners to create a connected innovation ecosystem and accelerate the translation of biologics for antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and emerging health challenges.

    Agri-Tech Commercialisation Ecosystems (ACE)

    Based in Lincolnshire and East Anglia will receive almost £5 million over 3 years to establish a world-leading, self-sustaining Agri-Tech research commercialisation cluster in Greater Lincolnshire and East Anglia, with support from Barclays Eagle Labs, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, New Anglia LEP, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority plus commercial partners.  

    Ana Avaliani, Director of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Hub, said:

    Industry Academia partnerships create the ideal setting for transforming groundbreaking research into spinouts, addressing real world challenges while fostering economic growth and creating pathways for talented researchers to become entrepreneurs. These spinouts drive innovation and represent a crucial and growing component in our economic future. Our Spotlight on Spinouts 2025: UK academic spinout trends report tracked UK university spinouts securing over £2.6 billion in funding, nearly 40% more than the previous year.

    This welcome investment and new guidance from government will enhance support for these fledgling businesses as they face complex issues such as skills gaps and funding challenges. They will help foster strategic alliances that aren’t just beneficial but essential for maintaining competitive advantage in today’s innovation landscape.

    Notes to editors

    The Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) is publishing 2 guides. They provide step-by-step advice on how public sector organisations can create spinouts.

    The publications are: 

    The universities involved in the 4 projects

    Project: Strategic Commercialisation Ecosystem North East (SCENE)

    The universities involved are:

    • Durham University (Lead)   
    • Newcastle University   
    • Northumbria University   
    • University of Sunderland  
    • Teesside University   

    Project: Forging ahead/ Forging beyond 

    The universities involved are:

    • Loughborough University (Lead)   
    • Aston University  
    • University of Birmingham    
    • Birmingham City University   
    • Cranfield University  
    • Coventry University  
    • Derby University  
    • De Montfort University  
    • Keele University   
    • Leicester University  
    • University of Lincoln  
    • University of Nottingham 
    • Nottingham Trent University   
    • University of Warwick   
    • University of Wolverhampton   

    Project: Biologics Regional Innovation and Technology Ecosystems (BRITE)

    The universities involved are:

    • Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (Lead)   
    • University of Liverpool  
    • Liverpool John Moores University  
    • Edge Hill University    

    Project: Agri-tech commercialisation ecosystems (ACE)

    The universities involved are:

    • University of Lincoln (Lead)   
    • University of Cambridge  
    • University of East Anglia  
    • Cambridge Enterprise

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

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    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Red tape slashed to get more teachers into classrooms

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Red tape slashed to get more teachers into classrooms

    Government announces cut to the duration of apprenticeships, opening up more training opportunities to get thousands of more teachers into the classroom.

    More people will soon have the opportunity to train to teach, as the government cuts apprenticeship red tape as part of steps to get thousands more teachers into the classroom. 

    As the government steps up work to recruit an additional 6,500 teachers, postgraduate teaching apprenticeship (PGTA) courses will be slashed from twelve months to nine, aligning to the school year and getting newly trained teachers into the classroom sooner.  

    Courses currently run from September to September, meaning trainees typically have to wait months before kicking off their careers, and making it challenging for schools to support apprentices while training.  

    The change will be made from August this year and is expected to open up more opportunities to train to teach, as well as accelerating trainees’ journeys to the front of the classroom. 

    The PGTA has seen a 58 per cent growth over the past few years, showing how popular the offer is, giving participants the chance to earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience in the classroom. 

    More than 1,400 people trained to teach via this route this year, but demand for places currently far outstrips supply, with around 2,800 eligible applicants last year unable to secure a place on a coveted course.

    The change supports the government’s drive through its Plan for Change to recruit an additional 6,500 expert teachers, and follows early progress on teacher recruitment, with over two thousand more people training to become secondary school teachers this year, alongside a 25% boost in the proportion set to begin training in shortage STEM subjects. 

    Schools Minister, Catherine McKinnell said:  

    Recruiting and keeping high-quality teachers in our classrooms is the single biggest driver of high standards in schools, which is why our Plan for Change has a clear commitment to recruit an additional 6,500 expert teachers by the end of this Parliament. 

    Our schools are crying out for more expert teachers, and this government will continue to pull every lever it can to plug the gaps and build on the green shoots we are already seeing. 

    Bringing teaching apprenticeships in line with the school year is not only logical, it will open the doors for more and more people to become brilliant teachers, shaping the lives of the next generation.” 

    Apprenticeships are a brilliant way for schools to recruit and train the high-quality teachers they need, while supporting more people to gain the skills and experience they need to become expert teachers and build a successful career in teaching. 

    The government is offering schools up to £28,000 to cover the cost of training apprentices in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computing, and modern foreign languages – the subjects which have the highest teacher shortages. This means apprentices pay nothing for their training and will earn a salary while they are training before moving on to full time teacher pay salary. 

    The apprenticeship changes build on wider steps the government is already taking to support teacher recruitment and retention, including last summer’s 5.5% pay award and a targeted retention incentive, worth up to £6,000 after tax for early career teachers working in shortage subjects.

    Action is also being taken to tackle the systemic challenges that the sector faces which drive high workload and poor wellbeing. This includes improvements to the accountability framework, prioritising SEND reform, reviewing the curriculum through the curriculum and assessment review, supporting schools to use technology effectively and addressing child poverty.

    PGTA apprentice teacher in biology at Outwood Academy Acklam, Dan Harrison, shared his experience so far: 

    The National Institute of Teaching’s postgraduate teaching apprenticeship has enabled me to take the leap from my role as a learning manager to being a teacher. It’s been a great way to quickly get to grips with the day-to-day practicalities of the role, while also understanding the underpinning theory of what makes great teaching and applying this to my immediate context.

    I’ve really enjoyed being fully embedded in the teaching community at my school and would recommend this as an ideal route for those who are interested in the profession but looking for a way to learn on the job.

    National Institute of Teaching Executive Director of Programmes, Reuben Moore said:

    The potential of teacher apprenticeships is significant, strengthening routes into the profession and helping to reach a range of candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds in hard-to-recruit areas where teachers are needed most.  

    The hands-on learning offered alongside critical reflection through the apprenticeship route means that trainees can become fully qualified teachers in less time, without compromising on the quality of teaching or educational outcomes.

    We welcome the government’s efforts on removing barriers to this important training route, not only focusing on its impact but the opportunity to grow it further and help ensure that all children have access to an excellent education.

    Courses will still offer the same high-quality content but at a reduced length with trainees gaining Qualified Teacher Status after they have completed the programme, going on to build successful careers in teaching.  

    As part of the work to drive high and rising standards in schools the government’s landmark Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill is also introducing measures to ensure new teachers have or are working towards Qualified Teacher Status, so that children can benefit from high-quality teaching. Parents want to be confident that there is a professionally qualified teacher leading their children’s learning, and we expect the same.

    As well as the PGTA, there are a range of apprenticeships available to individuals who are considering entering the teaching profession including a new degree level teacher apprenticeship as well as teaching assistant apprenticeships.  

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister to announce largest ever sanctions package targeting shadow fleet as UK ramps up pressure on Russia

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Prime Minister to announce largest ever sanctions package targeting shadow fleet as UK ramps up pressure on Russia

    Russia’s shadow fleet will be hit with the largest ever sanctions package today, ramping up pressure on Putin and protecting UK and European critical national infrastructure.

    • New action, which will be announced by the Prime Minister at the Joint Expeditionary Force meeting in Oslo today, will turn up the pressure on Russia’s economy, which is reeling thanks to lower oil prices and the high costs of the war 
    • Major package of sanctions will target the decrepit and dangerous shadow fleet carrying Russian oil 
    • Reckless actions of the fleet pose costly threat to UK and Euro-Atlantic critical national infrastructure and the environment 
    • New package will mean the UK has sanctioned more shadow fleet ships than any other country 

    Russia’s shadow fleet will be hit with the largest ever sanctions package today, ramping up pressure on Putin and protecting UK and European critical national infrastructure.

    The Government will today sanction up to 100 oil tankers that form a core part of Putin’s shadow fleet operation and are responsible for carrying more than $24 billion worth of cargo since the start of 2024.

    It is the latest move by the Government to safeguard working people, protect the UK’s national security and deliver on the foundations of the Plan for Change.

    The shadow fleet operation, masterminded by Putin’s cronies, is not just bankrolling the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine – the fleet’s languishing vessels are known to be damaging critical national infrastructure through reckless seafaring in Europe. 

    Protecting subsea infrastructure from malicious and careless incidents is expected to be a key part of Leaders’ discussions at the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Oslo today. 

    It comes after the JEF activated an advanced UK-led reaction system, known as Nordic Warden in January, to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the Russian shadow fleet, following reported damage to a major undersea cable in the Baltic Sea. 22 areas of interest – including parts of the English Channel, North Sea, Kattegat, and Baltic, are currently being monitored from the JEF’s operational headquarters in Northwood, UK.  

    Subsea infrastructure is the lifeblood of the UK’s connectivity, carrying 99% of international telecommunications data, and vital energy supplies such as electricity, oil and gas. 

    The infrastructure is at risk of being disrupted by unseaworthy vessels lacking safety certification, the right technology to avoid the infrastructure, or purposefully disabling locator technology. 

    Alongside the large number of shadow fleet tankers targeted today, the UK is also expected to disrupt those behind the shadow fleet.  

    Today’s action further demonstrates that there is no place to hide for those who help fund Putin’s war machine.  

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    Every step we take to increase pressure on Russia and achieve a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine is another step towards security and prosperity in the UK.  

    The threat from Russia to our national security cannot be underestimated, that is why we will do everything in our power to destroy his shadow fleet operation, starve his war machine of oil revenues and protect the subsea infrastructure that we rely on for our everyday lives.  

    My government will safeguard working people from paying the price from the costly threat Putin’s fleet poses to UK critical national infrastructure and the environment.

    Putin uses the shadow fleet to cling onto his oil revenues and prop up the Russian oil industry.  Thanks to Western sanctions, Russia’s oil and gas revenues have fallen every year since 2022 – losing over a third of its value in three years. Sanctions and the cost of his barbaric war are causing the Russian economy to stall – with the wealth fund hollowed out, inflation rising and government spend on defence and security spiralling.

    Meanwhile, JEF leaders are today expected to announce an enhanced JEF partnership with Ukraine, bringing the JEF grouping – some of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters – and Ukraine even closer together. 

    This will further support Ukrainian Armed Forces through intensive training exercises, increasing interoperability across military platforms and enhancing countering disinformation support as well as allowing JEF Nations to learn from the battlefield experience of Ukraine’s armed forces. 

    Today’s meeting in Oslo is the second visit by the Prime Minister to Norway, after he travelled to Bergen in December to launch a new Green Industrial Partnership with Norway, which was signed by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband earlier this week.

    The UK and Norway are also expected to agree a new memorandum of understanding on space domain awareness today, to harness opportunities and protect critical national infrastructure in the skies, through tracking and sharing intelligence on satellites, space debris and other objects flying above Earth. 

    The agreement will allow the UK and Norway to advance and develop greater coverage of the increasingly congested and contested domain. 

    The UK has ambitious plans in space, with the first space launches from SaxaVord in the Shetland Islands scheduled later this year. 

    The Joint Expeditionary Force is comprised of 10 like-minded nations, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden and the UK as the Framework Nation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Legal aid consultation launches to deliver justice for victims

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Legal aid consultation launches to deliver justice for victims

    Thousands of victims across England and Wales stand to benefit as the Government launches a major consultation on criminal legal aid today (9 May).

    • Consultation proposes increasing funding by up to £92 million a year
    • Funding to address inherited crisis in criminal legal aid, delivering justice for victims
    • Part of the Government’s Plan for Change to keep our streets safe by creating a more sustainable criminal legal aid sector

    The eight-week consultation will aim to deliver more efficient justice for victims and stabilise the criminal legal aid system by investing millions more in criminal legal aid.

    The sector will benefit from up to £92 million a year in additional funding for criminal legal aid solicitors working in police stations, courts, and prisons. This funding aims to improve access to justice for victims and addresses the crisis inherited in the legal aid system.

    This major investment forms a core part of the Government’s Plan for Change – recognising the vital work of criminal legal aid lawyers, driving reform, and helping to keep our streets safe.

    Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

    These proposals mark a crucial step in rebuilding a legal aid sector that has been neglected for too long.

    Access to justice is a cornerstone of our legal system, and this investment will ensure that the wheels of justice continue to move.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we’re putting legal aid on a sustainable footing now and for the future.

    These proposals lay the groundwork for long-term reform of the criminal legal aid system, making it easier for solicitors to take on legal aid cases while ensuring that everyone can access help, wherever they live.

    They build on our earlier £24 million investment in solicitors working in police stations and Youth Courts, strengthening frontline legal support where it’s most needed.

    This is part of our wider mission to support victims and deliver faster justice. Alongside this investment the Lord Chancellor is funding a record 110,000 court sitting days this financial year to tackle the outstanding backlog in the Crown Court.  An independent review of criminal courts, led by Sir Brian Leveson, is also exploring bold reforms that could cut delays and put victims first.

    We continue to work closely with legal professions, including the Criminal Bar Association and Bar Council, to improve the system as a whole.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Russia Express Readiness to Strengthen Cooperation to Protect Authority of International Law

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, May 8 (Xinhua) — China and Russia have pledged to strengthen cooperation to uphold the authority of international law, according to a joint statement released in Moscow on Thursday.

    The two countries pledged to firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, and resolutely defend the central role of the UN in international affairs.

    Both countries reaffirmed their full commitment to the UN Charter, the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the UN Charter, and the holistic and interdependent nature of the fundamental principles of international law clearly set out in that declaration.

    The principles of international law are the cornerstone of the multipolar world system, based on mutually beneficial cooperation, fair international relations, building a community of common destiny for mankind, creating a common space of equal and indivisible security and economic cooperation.

    The parties condemned any acts of interference in the internal affairs of another country with the aim of forcibly changing its legitimate government, reiterating the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes.

    China and Russia resolutely opposed unilateral sanctions that run counter to international law and long-arm jurisdiction. They strongly condemned unilateral sanctions that violate the principles of sovereign equality, state immunity and non-interference in the internal affairs of states and are not sanctioned by the UN Security Council. The two countries opposed the drawing of dividing lines based on ideology. They stressed that states have the right to carry out normal trade and economic cooperation.

    China and Russia also opposed the practice of double standards and the imposition of one state’s will on another, and rejected any attempt to harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries, as well as to destroy their peace and stability in the name of the “rule of law” or “rules-based order.” —–

    It is the common belief of the two countries that national and multilateral criminal justice mechanisms should not be abused for narrow political purposes to undermine international relations and the rights that States enjoy under international law.

    China and Russia called for further efforts to strengthen arms control, promote disarmament, prevent the weaponization of outer space, and address global challenges such as climate change, plastic pollution and cybercrime. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: An art exhibition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War has opened at the Belarusian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    MINSK, May 9 (Xinhua) — An exhibition of art works dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus on Thursday. The exhibition features paintings from the collection of the Belarusian National Center for Contemporary Arts, reflecting various periods of the Great Patriotic War. The relevant information was released by the press service of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.

    The opening ceremony was attended by heads and employees of the Foreign Ministry, veterans of the diplomatic service, more than 40 heads of diplomatic missions and representative offices of international organizations.

    Students of the Belarusian State Academy of Arts presented a musical program with theatrical elements. Participants and guests were able to try soldier’s porridge from the military field kitchen.

    In his speech, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov noted the special role of diplomats in maintaining peace and called attempts to destroy historical memory in a number of countries unacceptable.

    “Today, when it is time to remember what happened 80 years ago and to think, it is absolutely unacceptable how in some countries this memory is being erased, evidence of those events is being destroyed, they are trying to rewrite history and create a basis for a new life, in which, unfortunately, threats to peace on our planet may again appear,” M. Ryzhenkov emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping Calls on China, Russia to Maintain Strategic Decisiveness and Maintain Strategic Coordination

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, May 9 (Xinhua) — At a time when the world is entering a new turbulent period of dramatic changes, China and Russia should maintain strategic resolve and maintain strategic coordination, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

    Xi Jinping made the statement during a tea party and conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.

    As long as the parties maintain strategic determination and maintain strategic interaction, no force will be able to prevent China and Russia from achieving development and growth, will not be able to resist the will of the peoples of the two countries to strengthen traditional friendship, will not be able to restrain the modern trends of the formation of a multipolar world and economic globalization, the Chinese President noted.

    Xi Jinping expressed his willingness to maintain close contact with Vladimir Putin to determine the course of further development of Chinese-Russian relations and make a positive contribution to the promotion of global governance.

    V. Putin, for his part, noted that Russia and China always overcome adversity together and support each other, and the friendship between the two countries is unbreakable.

    The Russian leader expressed his desire to maintain close strategic communication with Xi Jinping, provide strategic guidance for the development of interstate relations, jointly respond to the challenges of the complex international situation, deepen comprehensive strategic interaction, defend the common interests of the two countries, and promote the development of a more just, democratic and multipolar world.

    The two heads of state exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis and other issues. Xi Jinping said that China is an advocate and champion of the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable global security, and believes that it is necessary to take into account the legitimate security concerns of all countries and eliminate the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine.

    China welcomes all efforts to promote peace and hopes to achieve, through dialogue, a fair, long-term and legally binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties concerned, he said.

    V. Putin highly praised China’s objective and impartial position on the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, declared Russia’s readiness to begin peace talks without preconditions and expressed hope for reaching a fair and long-term peace agreement. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain’s Statement on Historic U.S.-U.K. Trade Deal

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    Chairwoman McClain’s Statement on Historic U.S.-U.K. Trade Deal

    Washington, May 8, 2025

    WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) released the following statement after the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) announced a historic trade deal that will benefit American workers, farmers, producers, and manufacturers. 

    “Breaking down trade barriers and expanding market access ensures that Michigan’s agricultural products can globally compete and thrive. This is a major win for American businesses and reaffirms our partnership with our longest-standing ally. I applaud President Trump for continuing to deliver new opportunities for growth and prosperity for Michiganders and all Americans. This deal shows countries WILL come to the negotiating table,” Chairwoman McClain said.

    The trade deal will significantly expand U.S. market access in the U.K., creating a $5 billion opportunity for new exports for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers. This includes more than $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in other agricultural products, like beef.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 05.08.2025 Sen. Cruz Introduces Bill Penalizing Universities that Mask Foreign Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Actto penalize universities that take money from foreign adversaries and do not report foreign funding as required by the Higher Education Act.
    Sen. Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party expends vast resources to control what Americans see, hear, and ultimately think, as do other adversaries including Russia and Iran. Unchecked foreign funding flowing into American universities opens the door for such adversaries to influence American students and research. This bill would ensure that higher education institutions are held accountable if they fail to disclose foreign funding, as required by law. I call on my colleagues to expeditiously advance it, for the House to then pass it, and to get it to the President.”
    This bill is supported by Heritage Action and FDD Action.
    Ryan Walker, EVP for Heritage Action said, “The Department of Education has failed the American people for years as billions in undisclosed foreign funding poured into our higher education system. $6.5 billion has seeped into academia from adversarial nations such as China and Russia. The Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act will address the failures on foreign funds to academic institutions and force universities to be transparent as to where their endowments are coming from. Heritage Action commends Senator Ted Cruz for introducing this legislation and for his staunch commitment to upholding institutional integrity, transparency, and American values within higher education.”
    Nick Stewart, Senior Director of Government Relations for FDD Action said, “FDD Action strongly supports Senator Ted Cruz’s Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act, a vital measure to safeguard American higher education from foreign interference. By imposing rigorous audits and substantial penalties, this legislation ensures transparency and accountability, deterring malign actors like China and Russia from exploiting our universities. Protecting our academic institutions from covert foreign influence is essential for national security, and we urge swift passage of this bill.”
    Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX-26).
    Rep. Gill said, “American universities that receive taxpayer funding and mold the minds of our next generation of working adults should not be compromised by the foreign influence of adversarial nations and their big ticket donations. I am honored to team up with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas to combat foreign propaganda in our higher education system through this legislation.”
    Read the full text of the bill here.
    BACKGROUND
    The Higher Education Act requires U.S. colleges and universities to disclose foreign gifts and contracts that total $250,000 or more in a calendar year. Under this law, all U.S. institutions of higher education that receive federal funding must comply with the reporting requirement.
    This bill would require the following:
    Implement a 300% excise tax on all funds institutions receive from designated countries of concern.
    Mandate a biennial audit of 30 universities, prioritizing institutions with large endowments and a history of misconduct.
    Implement a 110% excise tax on unreported funds by institutions that fail to disclose funding from any foreign entity.
    The taxes are cumulative, meaning an institution of higher education receiving money from an entity of concern and failing to report under section 117 is assessed a 410% excise tax.
    This past month, President Trump’s administration launched an investigation into the University of California over its alleged failure to report $220 million from the Chinese government.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Immigrants Who Murder Innocent Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn and several of their colleagues to introduce the Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order subjecting illegal immigrants who kill American citizens to the death penalty. Earlier today, Sen. Tuberville joined Sen. Cornyn, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) for a press conference about the bill.

    “Over the past four years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris welcomed more than 10 million illegal immigrants into this country with open arms,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As a direct result, innocent Americans like Laken Riley and Rachel Morin have lost their lives. It’s simple: if you’re in this country illegally and you murder an American citizen, you should face the death penalty. President Trump has essentially stopped the crisis at our southern border. Republicans in Congress must do our part to ensure no more American blood is shed at the hands of criminals who shouldn’t be here in the first place.”
    “Violent predators who enter our country illegally and brutally murder American citizens should be subject to the death penalty as a consequence of their heinous actions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By enshrining President Trump’s Executive Order into law, this legislation would protect the American people, make our country safe again, and ensure no future President can singlehandedly undo this consequence for taking innocent lives.”
    Joining Senators Tuberville and Cornyn in cosponsoring the bill are Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Justice (R-WV), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
    Watch the full press conference here or Sen. Tuberville’s remarks here.
    BACKGROUND:
    Under the Biden administration’s reckless open-border policy and failure to enforce the law, millions of illegal immigrants flooded into the United States, creating the worst immigration crisis in history. After entering the U.S., many illegal immigrants subsequently committed crimes, including violent felonies and murder. For example:
    August 5, 2023 – An illegal immigrant from El Salvador attacked, raped, and murdered 37-year old Rachel Morin, a mother of five, in Bel Air, Maryland. The perpetrator had previously attacked a 9-year old girl and her mother in Los Angeles. 
    December 4, 2023 – An illegal immigrant from Mexico stabbed 16-year old Lizbeth Medina to death and left her body in a bath tub in Edna, Texas.
    February 22, 2024 – An illegal immigrant from Venezuela murdered 22-year old Laken Riley as she went for a run in Athens, Georgia. 
    March 22, 2024 – An illegal immigrant from Mexico shot and killed 25-year old Ruby Garcia while in her car, then left her body on the side of a highway in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 
    June 17, 2024 – Two illegal immigrants from Venezuela kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and strangled 12-year old Jocelyn Nungaray to death in Houston, Texas.
    January 26, 2025 – Two illegal immigrants, one from Ecuador and the other from Venezuela, bound, gagged, and beat 63-year old George Levin to death in Chicago, Illinois. 
    March 12, 2025 – An illegal immigrant from Honduras choked 52-year old Camillia Williams, a mother of five and grandmother, to death, then dumped her body in the woods in Marietta, Georgia. 
    As President Trump highlighted, since America’s founding, capital punishment has been an essential tool for deterring and punishing murder. When illegal immigrants come into the United States and murder law-abiding American citizens, they should face the death penalty. The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act would ensure that this deterrent is applied to predators illegally crossing our border and committing violent crimes here.
    The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act would:
    Amend the Criminal Code to create a new aggravating factor for illegal immigrants who murder U.S. citizens
    Help direct juries to administer the death penalty when an illegal immigrant murders a U.S. citizen
    Fully implement and permanently codify President Trump’s Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order, “Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety,” specifically Section 3(b)(i) of the Executive Order, which states that the “Attorney General shall, where consistent with applicable law, pursue Federal jurisdiction and seek the death penalty regardless of other factors for every federal capital crime involving … [a] capital crime committed by an alien illegally present in this country.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to Subject Illegal Immigrants Who Kill Americans to Death Penalty

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jim Banks (R-IN), Jim Justice (R-WV), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) today introduced the Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order subjecting illegal immigrants who kill American citizens to the death penalty:
    “Violent predators who enter our country illegally and brutally murder American citizens should be subject to the death penalty as a consequence of their heinous actions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By enshrining President Trump’s Executive Order into law, this legislation would protect the American people, make our country safe again, and ensure no future President can singlehandedly undo this consequence for taking innocent lives.”
    “This legislation sends a strong message across the globe: we will not tolerate the senseless murder of innocent Americans at the hands of illegal immigrants any longer,” said Sen. Daines. “I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn to take decisive action and support President Trump’s efforts to make our communities safe again.”
    “When criminal illegal aliens murder American citizens, they should receive the harshest penalties,” said Sen. Ricketts. “After four years of Biden’s open border policies, measures must be taken to secure our communities. This bill will deter criminals and punish illegal aliens who callously take American lives.”
    “Over the past four years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris welcomed more than 10 million illegal immigrants into this country with open arms,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As a direct result, innocent Americans like Laken Riley and Rachel Morin have lost their lives. It’s simple: if you’re in this country illegally and you murder an American citizen, you should face the death penalty. President Trump has essentially stopped the crisis at our southern border. Republicans in Congress must do our part to ensure no more American blood is shed at the hands of criminals who shouldn’t be here in the first place.”
    “Illegal immigrants who murder American citizens deserve the death penalty,” said Sen. Banks. “I fully support codifying President Trump’s executive order to ensure these monsters face justice.”
    “Under the Biden administration’s open-border agenda, illegal immigration surged—and with it, a horrifying rise in violent crimes committed by those who should never have been here in the first place,” said Sen. Tim Scott. “This legislation will help restore the rule of law, protect our communities, and ensure that no more families suffer the kind of unimaginable loss that so many already have.  We owe it to the victims and their families to hold these criminals fully accountable.”
    “If you come into this country illegally and murder an American citizen, you should absolutely face the full force of the judicial system,” said Sen. Justice. “There is no gray area, no excuse, and zero tolerance for this kind of evil. I am proud to support this bill because it puts American lives first and ensures the most brutal crimes committed by illegal aliens are met with the strongest punishment under law.”
    Background:
    Under the Biden administration’s reckless open-border policy and failure to enforce the law, millions of illegal immigrants flooded into the United States, creating the worst immigration crisis in history. After entering the U.S., many illegal immigrants subsequently committed crimes, including violent felonies and murder. For example:
    August 5, 2023 – An illegal immigrant from El Salvador attacked, raped, and murdered 37-year old Rachel Morin, a mother of five, in Bel Air, Maryland. The perpetrator had previously attacked a 9-year old girl and her mother in Los Angeles.
    December 4, 2023 – An illegal immigrant from Mexico stabbed 16-year old Lizbeth Medina to death and left her body in a bath tub in Edna, Texas.
    February 22, 2024 – An illegal immigrant from Venezuela murdered 22-year old Laken Riley as she went for a run in Athens, Georgia.
    March 22, 2024 – An illegal immigrant from Mexico shot and killed 25-year old Ruby Garcia while in her car, then left her body on the side of a highway in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
    June 17, 2024 – Two illegal immigrants from Venezuela kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and strangled 12-year old Jocelyn Nungaray to death in Houston, Texas.
    January 26, 2025 – Two illegal immigrants, one from Ecuador and the other from Venezuela, bound, gagged, and beat 63-year old George Levin to death in Chicago, Illinois.
    March 12, 2025 – An illegal immigrant from Honduras choked 52-year old Camillia Williams, a mother of five and grandmother, to death, then dumped her body in the woods in Marietta, Georgia.
    As President Trump highlighted, since America’s founding, capital punishment has been an essential tool for deterring and punishing murder. When illegal immigrants come into the United States and murder law-abiding American citizens, they should face the death penalty. The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act would ensure that this deterrent is applied to predators illegally crossing our border and committing violent crimes here.
    The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act would:
    Amend the Criminal Code to create a new aggravating factor for illegal immigrants who murder U.S. citizens;
    Help direct juries to administer the death penalty when an illegal immigrant murders a U.S. citizen;
    And fully implement and permanently codify President Trump’s Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order, “Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety,” specifically Section 3(b)(i) of the Executive Order, which states that the “Attorney General shall, where consistent with applicable law, pursue Federal jurisdiction and seek the death penalty regardless of other factors for every federal capital crime involving … [a] capital crime committed by an alien illegally present in this country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Tennessee Man Indicted on Arson and Explosive Charges for Setting Fire to Nonprofit Organization

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee returned an indictment on May 7, charging Regan Darby Prater, 27, with arson for firebombing the Highlander Center, a nonprofit research and education center in New Market, Tennessee; and with carrying an explosive device during the commission of the arson. Prater appeared in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill E. McCook and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment. He was held pending trial, which has been set for July 15 in United States District Court, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

    According to court documents, on March 29, 2019, Prater used an explosive to firebomb the Highlander Center’s administrative building, resulting in a fire that consumed the entire structure. Court documents also allege that Prater was inspired by the March 15, 2019, mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, and left a symbol of the Iron Guard, a World War II-era Romanian Nazi organization, spraypainted in the Highlander Center’s parking lot. The same symbol appeared on the Christchurch gunman’s rifle as he livestreamed his attacks.

    If convicted, Prater faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison on the arson charge, and an additional ten years in prison on the explosive charge.

    Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee; and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Knoxville Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey T. Arrowood and Anne-Marie Svolto of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Kyle Boynton and Katherine McCallister of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GREAT DEAL FOR AMERICA: President Trump’s “Breakthrough” Trade Deal

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    In February, President Donald J. Trump promised “a great trade agreement” with the United Kingdom — and today he delivered with a “breakthrough” trade deal that expands market access, curbs non-tariff barriers, and levels the playing field for American exporters.
    Promises made, promises kept — and he’s just getting started.
    It’s the first such deal under President Trump’s transformational plan to liberate Americans from globalist trade policies that make foreign countries rich while Americans get robbed. It’s all part of President Trump’s vision of economic prosperity: fair trade, historic tax cuts, deregulation, and a manufacturing revival that will cement America’s new Golden Age for decades to come.
    Here’s what they’re saying:
    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Buck Wehrbein: “With this trade deal, President Trump has delivered a tremendous win for American family farmers and ranchers. For years, American cattle producers have seen the United Kingdom as an ideal partner for trade. Between our countries’ shared history, culture, and their desire for high-quality American beef, securing a trade agreement is a natural step forward. Thank you President Trump for fighting for American cattle producers.”
    Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper: “We sincerely thank President Trump and his trade negotiators for ensuring that American-made ethanol is an important part of the trade agreement announced today with the United Kingdom. While we are still awaiting the specific details of the agreement, we are excited about the prospects of expanded market access that will help boost our farm economy, while also delivering lower-cost, cleaner fuel to UK drivers.”
    International Dairy Foods Association President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M.: “On behalf of America’s dairy processors and producers, IDFA applauds President Trump’s announcement today that the United States and the United Kingdom have reached the terms for a significant trade deal between our two markets that promises to expand access for U.S. agricultural goods, reduce tariffs, and remove barriers to trade … For too long, the UK has limited America’s food and agricultural exports to the world’s sixth largest economy and now President Trump’s deal promises to level the playing field. IDFA looks forward to studying the details of this agreement as they emerge, especially specifics on relief and new market access opportunities for U.S. dairy products. The United States offers the world’s most wholesome, high-quality and affordable dairy products and IDFA is excited to work with our member companies to bring these delicious products to more consumers in the United Kingdom.”
    Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor: “In terms of trade with the UK, the American ethanol industry had its best year ever last year of exports valued at over $535 million. This trade agreement puts us on track to set another record, all to the benefit of American farmers, biofuel producers, and UK consumers. We look forward to learning more, and finding new ways to help the UK achieve its economic and environmental goals through the increased use of American biofuels. We commend the President and his team for making this deal and creating new opportunities for American ethanol and rural America.”
    Job Creators Network CEO Alfredo Ortiz: “Trump’s trade deal with the United Kingdom is a big victory for small businesses, American consumers, and the Trump administration itself. By reducing tariffs and trade barriers, American small businesses will be able to expand their markets and more easily sell to the relatively wealthy UK, whose population is 70 million. American consumers — including small businesses — will also get cheaper access to British goods. President Trump’s tough tariff stance is starting to pay dividends in the form of fairer and freer trade deals that put America first. The many more deals to come will greatly improve the small business economy, financial markets, and American prosperity.”
    Consumer Brands Association President and CEO Melissa Hockstad: “Consumer Brands commends the Trump administration’s successful completion of a comprehensive trade deal with the United Kingdom. As President Trump and his team pursues the America First Trade Policy agenda, the consumer packaged goods industry — America’s largest domestic manufacturing sector by employment — supports the creation of new opportunities for U.S. businesses and efforts to address unfair trade barriers around the world. As the administration continues to pursue deals with other countries, we encourage U.S. trade representatives to examine the needs of different manufacturing sectors and prioritize maintaining access to unavailable natural resources. Ensuring continued trade flows of those key ingredients, which are not available from U.S. sources, is critical to achieving the president’s economic vision, fighting grocery inflation and protecting the 22.3 million American jobs supported by food, beverage, household and personal care manufacturers.”
    HSBC USA President & CEO Lisa McGeough: “Today’s landmark US – UK trade agreement marks a significant step in strengthening transatlantic economic ties and expanding opportunities for businesses and investors. As a British-headquartered bank with a strong US footprint, we’re uniquely positioned to help American companies and investors seize new growth opportunities domestically, in the UK, and beyond. In the US, we stand ready to leverage our position as the world’s leading trade bank to facilitate cross-border commerce, support job creation, and drive investment. We commend the administration on the first of what we hope will be many forward-looking trade agreements.”
    American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farm Bureau appreciates the work between the administration and the United Kingdom to secure a new trade agreement. We have long advocated for new trade deals, and this is an important first step in expanding markets in the four countries … We’re encouraged by progress to create market opportunities for farmers.”
    Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen: “Trade matters to Nebraska because our farmers and ranchers produce the absolute best – and feed the world. America’s relationship with the U.K. is longstanding, and there is great potential for expanded trade between our countries. President Trump and his administration know that we need more trade with fewer barriers, and they are working around the clock to finalize trade deals with partners across the globe. That’s good news for Nebraska.”
    Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig: “A new trade deal with a key ally like the United Kingdom is great news and so I am very encouraged by President Trump’s announcement today. I am particularly pleased to hear the President tout expanded market access for ethanol, beef, and, as he put it, ‘virtually all the products produced by our great farmers’ … Today’s trade announcement demonstrates that there is real progress being made toward opening additional markets for Iowa products across the globe. I hope this deal is the first of many that will be announced with other trading partners in the coming weeks and months.”
    Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “It’s good to have the dealmaker-in-chief back in the White House. President Trump’s historic trade deal with the U.K. will mean more jobs and increased investment right here in America. More promises kept.”
    Sen. Jim Banks: “Art of the Deal!”
    Sen. John Boozman: “I just spoke on the phone with USTR Ambassador Greer to discuss the good news. He’s doing a great job, and I look forward to working with him and @SecRollins to ensure agriculture market access remains a priority as the details continue to be worked out.”
    Sen. John Cornyn: “@POTUS Donald Trump will unveil his first post-Liberation Day trade deal this morning — a “major” agreement with the United Kingdom on rolling back tariffs.”
    Sen. Joni Ernst: “President Trump continues to deliver and is opening new markets for Iowa farmers!”
    Sen. Bill Hagerty: “No surprise that our Dealmaker-in-Chief President Donald Trump is rapidly delivering on his promise to ensure our trading partners are operating in good faith and that America is being treated fairly. The deal the President struck with the UK is proof that countries are responding to tariffs and want to enter into trade agreements with the United States that benefit both parties. I look forward to many more announcements in the near future.”
    Sen. Roger Marshall: “Promises made. Promises kept. We are opening up new markets for our world class Kansas beef! Big win.”
    Sen. Jerry Moran: “The UK offers a strategic market for American aviation & agricultural products. I introduced legislation earlier this year to lay the groundwork for a strong bilateral trade relationship, & President Trump’s announcement of a new trade agreement with the UK is a positive step forward.”
    Sen. Bernie Moreno: “An absolutely historic pro America deal by the most pro America President of my lifetime. We will no longer be ripped off and will no longer tolerate trade imbalances that have destroyed the opportunities for working Americans.”
    Sen. Eric Schmitt: “After years of getting ripped off, America is finally playing to win. More exports, more products made here, and record-breaking investment thanks to President Trump’s trade deals.”
    Sen. Rick Scott: “Great news! Thank you, President Trump, for working with our allies while putting America first and protecting American jobs!”
    Sen. Tim Sheehy: “The Art of the Deal. President Trump just delivered a huge win for hardworking Americans. Let’s keep them coming!”
    Sen. Thom Tillis: “A big win secured by @POTUS with the United Kingdom, our greatest ally and one of our largest trade partners. This is a significant step toward establishing fair and mutually beneficial trade relationships with our global partners.”
    Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “Today’s trade deal with the UK is the first of many to come. Like I always say: Never bet against @realDonaldTrump. THE ART OF THE DEAL”
    House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “The master negotiator succeeds again. @POTUS promised to bring our trading partners to the table and secure deals that put AMERICA FIRST—and that’s exactly what he did. More to come!”
    House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain: “Promises Made, Promises KEPT! @POTUS brought countries to the negotiation table and has already DELIVERED a historic trade deal.”
    House Republican Leadership Chair Elise Stefanik: “President @realDonaldTrump delivers AGAIN. Thanks to his bold leadership and tough tariffs, the UK is the first to come to the table—with a new trade deal that puts American workers and businesses FIRST. This is what economic strength and real leadership looks like. Fair trade. Better deals. America wins.”
    Rep. Mark Alford: “Fact check: President Trump’s tariff strategy works. Boosting American manufacturing and fighting for our farmers. ANOTHER WIN FOR AMERICA.”
    Rep. Rick Allen: “Another VICTORY! @POTUS is bringing our trading partners to the table and securing billions in new market access for American workers, businesses, and producers. Today’s trade deal with the U.K. will be the first of many. Economic strength is national strength!”
    Rep. Don Bacon: “I congratulate @POTUS on striking a trade deal with the U.K. While we wait for the finer details of the agreement, including more than $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in other AG products like beef, every Nebraskan will surely feel it.”
    Rep. Aaron Bean: “President Trump announced the first historic trade deal with the UK—something the legacy media said was ‘impossible.’ Today’s deal will make our economy stronger, put American workers first, and unleash the full potential of American industry.”
    Rep. Vern Buchanan: “President Trump has once again delivered for the American people with a historic trade agreement that puts our workers and businesses first. This new deal with the United Kingdom dramatically expands access for American exports—especially agriculture—and levels the playing field for our manufacturers.”
    Rep. Tim Burchett: “.@realDonaldTrump is fulfilling his promise to protect American workers and businesses. The UK trade deal slashes tariffs against the U.S. and is Making America Prosperous Again.”
    Rep. Buddy Carter: “This new trade deal with the United Kingdom is just the start to the Golden Age of America. President Trump is keeping his promise, bringing fair trade to America by using the art of the deal!”
    Rep. Andrew Clyde: “ART OF THE DEAL in action!”
    Rep. Mike Collins: “President Trump’s tariff strategy works. Today’s trade deal with the U.K. will make our economy stronger and put American workers first. The only people upset are the Democrats and liberal media who wanted him to fail.”
    Rep. Warren Davidson: “A glaring example of why we need to trust President Trump’s tariff strategy—it’s working. Stay the course.”
    Rep. Pat Fallon: “Another day, another deal!”
    Rep. Michelle Fischbach: “More promises made and kept by @POTUS. He said he would hold our trade partners accountable and put America first, and he’s delivering. This is just the beginning!”
    Rep. Julie Fedorchak: “@POTUS is delivering exactly what our producers need. North Dakota grows and raises some of the best products in the world, and now we have greater access to one of the world’s largest markets. This is just the first of many trade victories to come under President Trump!”
    Rep. Chuck Fleischmann: “@POTUS is ending decades of unfair trade deals that have ripped off the American People and is moving at lightning speed to negotiate and deliver America First trade deals. The US-UK trade deal announced today is historic and is only just the beginning!”
    Rep. Mike Flood: “Over the last four years, President Biden did nothing on trade. Within a matter of months, President Trump’s dealmaking experience resulted in a trade deal with the United Kingdom, one of our country’s oldest allies.”
    Rep. Virginia Foxx: “The Art of The Deal.”
    Rep. Lance Gooden: “In four years, Joe Biden signed ZERO major trade deals. In just over 100 days, President Trump negotiated and signed a major trade deal with the United Kingdom. America is leading once again.”
    Rep. Mark Green: “Once again, the Negotiator-in-Chief is closing deals to safeguard American manufacturers and grow our trade bigger and better than ever. On Victory in Europe Day, there isn’t a better anniversary to solidify our partnership with the United Kingdom.”
    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: “Another incredible trade deal just secured by President Trump! The Golden Age of America is here!!”
    Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “This is a HUGE WIN! Because of @POTUS’s leadership, America is securing historic economic deals—and this is just the beginning!”
    Rep. Ashley Hinson: “Huge win—and many more to come! @POTUS is fighting to right the wrongs of the past, return to fair trade, and build a more abundant America. Thank you for prioritizing new market opportunities for Iowa’s farmers and biofuels producers.”
    Rep. Richard Hudson: “This is what decisive leadership looks like. Thank you, @POTUS!”
    Rep. Wesley Hunt: “Economic Security IS National Security — and PRESIDENT TRUMP is doing it again! This HISTORIC DEAL delivers:A stronger industrial baseTougher export controlsProtection of U.S. techBoosted steel productionThis is the Art of the Deal — the world is taking notes!”
    Rep. Jim Jordan: “President Trump’s trade deal with the UK is the first of many to come. There’s no better negotiator. There’s no one better to fix Joe Biden’s broken economy.”
    Rep. Young Kim: “I’m glad to see the Trump administration work with our ally Britain to promote fair trade and expand market opportunity for U.S. agricultural producers.”
    Rep. David Kustoff: “Today, @POTUS unveiled a historic U.S.-UK trade deal. $5B in new market access, $6B in tariff revenue, and a stronger alliance! @realdonaldtrump keeps delivering on his promises! This is America First!”
    Rep. Barry Loudermilk: “America has spent far too long on the losing end of global trade. President Trump pledged to put America’s interests first, and he is doing so beginning with this trade deal with one of our oldest allies. #promiseskept.”
    Rep. Tom McClintock: “The freer the trade, the greater the benefits for all countries involved. The UK agreement takes us in the right direction. Let’s keep going toward a new golden age of global free trade and the peace and prosperity it produces.”
    Rep. Dan Meuser: “This is a strong step forward. Fairer trade, lower energy costs, and pro-growth tax policies will keep driving investment here at home. I also laid out how we can responsibly reduce spending while extending key provisions of President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which delivered significant benefits for families and small businesses.”
    Rep. Mary Miller: “THE ART OF THE DEAL!”
    Rep. Riley Moore: “Absolute genius to announce this deal on V-E Day!”
    Rep. Troy Nehls: President Trump is the Dealmaker in Chief. He has reached a historic trade deal with the United Kingdom. President Trump and his entire administration are working hard to protect American industries, protect American workers, and grow our economy. AMERICA FIRST!”
    Rep. Ralph Norman: “MASSIVE win for our farmers who will have the opportunity for a wider range in markets!! Art of the deal.”
    Rep. Andy Ogles: “President Trump delivers again!! This deal will bring billions home and make America stronger, richer, and more respected. A huge win for the American people.”
    Rep. Gary Palmer: A win for our nation secured by President Trump! This is what it looks like to have leadership in the White House.”
    Rep. August Pfluger: “President Trump just secured a huge trade deal—one I believe will be the first of many. This massive win for all Americans brings us one step closer to restoring fair trade policies.”
    Rep. Adrian Smith: “I’m pleased the Trump administration has struck an initial trade deal with one of our nation’s greatest trade partners and longest-standing allies. This is a significant step toward eliminating barriers to American products in foreign markets and friendshoring supply chains. I commend President Trump and his administration for conducting negotiations swiftly to the mutual benefit of our producers, job creators, and consumers. This agreement builds upon the groundwork laid in the President’s first term, and I am pleased the administration has indicated it continues to pursue dynamic dialogue with the United Kingdom to address additional concerns.”
    Rep. Marlin Stutzman: “As @POTUS says, the first of many, this is a great day for America! A combination of Trump’s trade deals and the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill will make our country strong for generations to come.”
    Rep. Claudia Tenney: “.@POTUS is continuing to put America FIRST, working to strengthen our economy & national security by achieving historic trade deals. This is a huge win for American manufacturers & farmers, & there is only more winning to come!”
    Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “The first of many historic trade deals!! Better market access for US products!”
    Rep. Daniel Webster: Once again, @POTUS delivers for the American people by securing a historic trade deal with our key ally, the United Kingdom. This agreement lowers trade barriers, opening $5 billion of increased market access for American exports, especially for American farmers. Thank you President Trump for putting America’s farmers, businesses, and workers first!”
    Rep. Tony Wied: “The Art of the Deal.”
    Rep. Rudy Yakym: “President Trump is bringing countries to the table and securing fair trade deals. The first of many!”
    Rep. Ryan Zinke: “Great news for Montana! The UK is our 6th largest trade partner and this will help that grow!”
    House Committee on Agriculture: “This announcement is a big win for American agriculture! @POTUS is unlocking billions in new market access for U.S. exports like beef, ethanol, and more—boosting our GREAT farmers and rural economies!”
    Republican Study Committee: “Another day, another historic deal secured by President Trump! This is a MASSIVE victory for American workers. PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes the 2025 Discussions on Common Policies of Member Countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 8, 2025

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with member countries on common policies of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The Board considered and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting.[2]

    The currency union has provided a strong anchor for macroeconomic stability. In 2024, strong tourism performance and continued infrastructure investments have supported robust growth of 3.9 percent, and inflation moderated to below 2 percent in tune with global trends. This has facilitated a moderate reduction in the currency union’s fiscal and external imbalances, although public debt remains high at above 71 percent of GDP and the post-pandemic trend of narrowing of sizable current account deficits has stalled. The ECCB’s stable reserves underpin a strong currency backing ratio. The ECCU financial system has remained stable, though exhibiting legacy asset quality and credit condition weaknesses.

    The union’s recent growth momentum is projected to wane. Increasing constraints to tourism capacity and completion of major infrastructure projects are set to slow real GDP growth to around 2½ percent over the medium term. Modest growth prospects reflect weak productivity and local investment, as well as headwinds from ageing populations, a shrinking labor force, and constrained fiscal space for public investment in most union members. Fiscal and external imbalances are projected to narrow over the medium term, reflecting in part completion of import-intensive public investment projects.

    Risks to the outlook remain mostly on the downside amid a highly uncertain external environment. As reported in the April World Economic Outlook, the escalation of trade tensions and high levels of policy uncertainty are a major negative shock to global economic activity. For ECCU economies, increased global trade and geopolitical tensions could give rise to disruptions to tourism and FDI inflows and renewed inflationary pressures. High public debt, persistent current account deficits and weaknesses in the local financial system amplify vulnerability to recurrent ND shocks alongside the uncertain outlook for future citizenship-by-investment inflows.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    The ECCU has achieved a strong rebound from successive adverse shocks. Strong tourism performance and continued infrastructure investments have supported robust post‑pandemic growth, while inflation has moderated in tune with global trends. This has facilitated a moderate reduction in the currency union’s fiscal and external imbalances, although public debt levels and current account deficits remain high in several members. The ECCU’s external position is assessed as weaker than implied by fundamentals and desirable policies, but the current account deficits remain fully financed and the stability of the ECCB’s reserves underpin a strong currency backing ratio. The financial system has remained stable, albeit exhibiting continued asset quality and credit condition weaknesses. 

    Growth momentum is nonetheless projected to wane and risks to the outlook remain mostly on the downside. Increasing constraints to tourism capacity and completion of major infrastructure projects are set to slow growth to around 2½ percent over the medium term. This modest growth potential reflects weak productivity and local investment, as well as headwinds from ageing populations, a shrinking labor force, and constrained fiscal space for public investment in most union members. Downside risks to the outlook are significant amid a highly uncertain external environment, where increased trade and geopolitical tensions could give rise to renewed inflationary pressures and disruptions to tourism and FDI inflows. High public debt, persistent current account deficits, and weaknesses in the local financial system amplify vulnerability to recurrent natural disaster (ND) shocks alongside the uncertain outlook for future Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) inflows.

    Achieving more robust, resilient, and inclusive long-term growth would support the currency union’s fiscal and external sustainability and raise living standards. To support this objective, common regional policies should be anchored in building economic, fiscal, and financial resilience and addressing supply bottlenecks that underpin the recent decades’ downward trend in the region’s growth potential.

    A key policy priority is alleviating the region’s structural growth impediments, which calls for a coordinated multipronged approach. Addressing frictions to employment and skills development requires a renewed effort to attune human capital to economic needs and development priorities through vocational training and modernized education systems, complemented by active labor market policies and improved access to child and elderly care. Common policies can also enhance the scale, resilience, and efficiency of the region’s capital stock by helping to accelerate energy transition to local renewables, optimize the CBI funding model, and increase ND preparedness. Substantial productivity gains may also be achieved through cooperative efforts to address bottlenecks to innovation and allocative efficiency, including by digitalizing key services, streamlining licensing and administrative processes, and strengthening financial intermediation.

    Fiscal policies should remain closely focused on rebuilding buffers, reducing public debt consistent with the regional debt anchor, and improving resilience to shocks. Region‑wide adoption of strong medium-term fiscal frameworks (MTFFs) embedded with well-designed fiscal rules and credible policy plans would support sustainability objectives and create policy space for growth-enhancing social and resilience investment. Comprehensive fiscal resilience strategies, including adequate disaster-financing frameworks, can help alleviate periodic ND disruptions to debt sustainability and support the region’s growth resilience. Strengthening fiscal management of uncertain CBI revenues can similarly alleviate risks and facilitate fiscal planning. These efforts can be supported by more institutionalized regional oversight and continued strengthening of national fiscal institutions.

    Enhancing financial system resilience and reducing persistent credit-frictions can support a more conducive environment for growth-supporting local investment. Regional policy priorities include reducing vulnerabilities from legacy bank balance sheet weaknesses, mitigating risks from rapid credit union expansion, building readiness to manage risks from high dependency on global reinsurance, and strengthening national AML/CFT frameworks. Common minimum NBFI regulatory standards under the planned Eastern Caribbean Financial Stability Board (ECFSB) will be an important step toward their more unified oversight, although a more centralized supervisory structure would better facilitate management of regional stability risks. Coordinated efforts to reduce institutional frictions in local credit markets and support small ECCU businesses’ bankability can help address structural challenges in financial intermediation, revive local credit and investment, and foster development of a more vibrant private sector.

    Strengthening economic data could significantly improve regional policy design and risk management. Priorities include addressing shortcomings in coverage, quality, and timeliness of key national and external accounts and reducing significant blind spots in areas such as the regional labor markets and CBI flows. Greater leveraging of synergies in regional data compilation and processing could help address persistent resource and capacity gaps.

    Table 1. ECCU: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2020-2026 1/
       

    Est.

    Proj.

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    (Annual percentage change) 

    Output and Prices

    Real GDP

    -17.6

    6.5

    11.8

    3.7

    3.9

    3.5

    2.7

    GDP deflator

    -2.2

    4.4

    4.1

    3.3

    2.7

    1.7

    2.1

    Consumer prices, average

    -0.6

    1.7

    5.6

    4.0

    2.3

    1.9

    2.0

    Monetary Sector

    Net foreign assets

    6.1

    16.5

    -0.7

    11.5

    4.8

    1.7

    4.1

      Central bank

    3.6

    11.6

    -4.8

    5.4

    12.3

    5.9

    4.4

      Commercial banks (net)

    8.5

    21.1

    2.8

    16.3

    -0.5

    -1.7

    3.7

    Net domestic assets

    -16.5

    1.2

    13.0

    -5.8

    7.9

    11.0

    6.1

      Of which: private sector credit

    -0.9

    1.5

    1.6

    3.6

    4.7

    5.1

    2.5

    Broad money (M2)

    -4.7

    10.1

    4.6

    4.3

    6.0

    5.3

    4.9

    (In percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Public Finances

    Central government

    		          

      Total revenue and grants

    29.0

    30.5

    29.7

    30.0

    30.8

    28.3

    27.3

      Total expenditure and net lending

    35.8

    33.4

    32.5

    31.2

    32.2

    32.8

    27.8

    Overall balance 2/

    -6.8

    -2.9

    -2.7

    -1.3

    -1.4

    -4.5

    -0.5

      Of which: expected fiscal cost of natural disasters

    0.5

    0.4

    0.5

    0.7

    0.7

    0.7

    0.7

      Excl. Citizenship-by-Investment Programs

    -11.5

    -8.7

    -9.3

    -8.0

    -7.3

    -8.4

    -3.6

    Primary balance 2/

    -4.3

    -0.6

    -0.5

    0.9

    1.1

    -1.8

    1.7

    Total public sector debt

    89.2

    84.5

    76.2

    73.9

    71.2

    70.8

    69.9

    External Sector

    Current account balance

    -19.1

    -18.5

    -12.3

    -10.3

    -10.4

    -9.9

    -8.3

    Trade balance

    -29.5

    -30.1

    -33.3

    -32.0

    -34.2

    -34.1

    -32.7

      Exports, f.o.b. (annual percentage change)

    -28.5

    31.5

    40.5

    21.9

    -9.7

    13.9

    11.4

      Imports, f.o.b. (annual percentage change)

    -23.2

    15.2

    29.7

    5.3

    11.0

    5.8

    1.9

    Services, incomes and transfers

    10.4

    11.6

    20.9

    21.8

    23.9

    24.2

    24.5

      Of which: travel

    17.1

    20.5

    34.6

    39.8

    42.1

    42.2

    42.5

    External public debt

    47.9

    47.6

    42.6

    42.7

    42.1

    43.7

    44.8

    External debt service (percent of goods and nonfactor services)

    21.3

    14.8

    10.3

    9.0

    10.3

    9.1

    8.6

    International reserves

       In millions of U.S. dollars

    1,747

    1,952

    1,869

    1,972

    2,202

    2,332

    2,435

       In months of prospective year imports of goods and services

    5.7

    4.8

    4.0

    4.0

    4.2

    4.4

    4.4

       In percent of broad money

    28.1

    28.5

    26.1

    26.4

    27.8

    28.0

    27.9

    REER (average annual percentage change)

    		    

       Trade-weighted 3/

    -.07

    -2.8

    3.1

    -1.1

    -1.0

    …

    …

    Sources: Country authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Includes all eight ECCU members unless otherwise noted. ECCU consumer price aggregates are calculated as weighted averages of individual country data. Other ECCU aggregates are calculated by adding individual country data. The staff report projections are based on the information available as of March 31, 2025. It, therefore, does not reflect the impact of the escalation of trade tensions on and after April 2, 2025.

    2/ Projections include expected fiscal costs of natural disasters.

    3/ Excludes Anguilla and Montserrat.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. Staff hold separate annual discussions with the regional institutions responsible for common policies in four currency unions—the Euro Area, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, the Central African Economic and Monetary Union, and the West African Economic and Monetary Union. For each of the currency unions, staff teams visit the regional institutions responsible for common policies in the currency union, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the currency union’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis of discussion by the Executive Board. Both staff’s discussions with the regional institutions and the Board discussion of the annual staff report will be considered an integral part of the Article IV consultation with each member.

    [2] The staff report reflects discussions with the authorities during January 8-16 and January 27-February 10, 2025, and is based on the information available as of March 31, 2025. It, therefore, does not reflect the impact of the escalation of trade tensions on and after April 2, 2025. Based on information available until April 29, 2025, and covered in the Staff Supplement, the thrust of the staff appraisal remains unchanged.

    [3] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/08/pr-24135-caribbean-imf-concludes-2025-discussions-on-policies-of-east-carib-currency-union

    MIL OSI

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Barbados on the Fifth Reviews Under the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 8, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country or a virtual staff visit. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • The IMF team reached a staff-level agreement with the Barbadian authorities on the completion of the fifth and final reviews of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangements. The IMF’s Executive Board is expected to consider both reviews in June. Once the reviews are approved by the IMF Executive Board, Barbados will have access to about US$57 million in financing.
    • Barbados’ economy continues to perform well. Growth has been robust, inflation has moderated, and the external position has strengthened. Nevertheless, risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside, given the highly uncertain external economic environment and Barbados’ vulnerability to natural disasters.
    • Implementation of the home-grown Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT 2022) plan remains strong. The authorities continue to focus on increasing resilience by maintaining fiscal discipline and debt sustainability and accelerating structural reforms to deliver more inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Bridgetown, Barbados: At the request of the Government of Barbados, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Michael Perks visited Barbados between May 2-8 to discuss the implementation of Barbados’ Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT 2022) plan, supported by the IMF under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangements. To summarize the mission’s findings, Mr. Perks made the following statement:

    “Following productive discussions, the IMF team and the Barbadian authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the completion of the fifth and final reviews of the EFF and the RSF arrangements with Barbados. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, which is expected to consider the reviews in June. The completion of the final reviews will mark the successful conclusion of the arrangements and will allow the authorities to draw the remaining SDR 14.175 million (about US$19 million) under the EFF arrangement and SDR 28.35 million (about US$38 million) under the RSF arrangement.

    “The economy grew strongly in 2024 and continues to expand in 2025, driven by tourism, construction, and business services. Inflation has moderated further, due to an easing of global commodity prices and prices of domestic goods and services. The external position has improved, with a significant strengthening of the current account in 2024. International reserves have increased to almost US$1.7 billion (equivalent to over 7 months of import cover), ample to support the exchange rate peg. Real GDP is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in 2025, sustained by construction related to tourism projects and public investment. Nevertheless, the economic outlook is subject to significant downside risks, given heightened global uncertainty and Barbados’ vulnerability to external shocks and natural disasters.”

    “Program performance remains strong. All quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets for the fifth review of the EFF were met. The fiscal primary surplus reached 4.3 percent of GDP in FY2024/25, with strong corporate tax revenues and prudent current spending controls enabling a significant increase in capital investment aimed at boosting infrastructure and resilience. For FY2025/26, the budget aims to reach a primary surplus of 4.4 percent of GDP, consistent with program projections. Public debt continues to decline, and the authorities remain firmly committed to reaching the 60 percent of GDP target by FY2035/36.

    “The structural reform agenda is advancing, supported by technical assistance from the Fund and development partners. All three structural benchmarks (SBs) were met, including completing the assessment of human resource needs at the Barbados Customs and Excise Department, preparing a draft public-private partnership (PPP) framework and developing a daily liquidity forecasting framework by the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB). Efforts to strengthen growth and the business environment also continue to progress, including measures to address the skills gap.

    “The authorities have completed both reform measures for the fifth RSF review. Key elements to strengthen the integration of climate concerns into public financial management have been delivered, including the development of public investment project appraisal guidelines, deepening of fiscal risk analysis, and preparation of a PPP framework. The CBB has also included physical climate risks in its bank stress testing exercise. In addition, the government has created a new Resilience and Regeneration Fund, repurposing the previous Catastrophe Fund with an expanded role and additional financing for disaster mitigation, response, and regeneration.

    “The team would like to thank the authorities and other counterparts for their hospitality and the constructive and candid policy dialogue.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/08/pr-25136-barbados-imf-reaches-agreement-with-barbados-on-the-5th-rev-under-the-eff-and-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FBI Director Shows Up to Budget Hearing With “No” Timeline for Budget, Walks Back His Criticism of Trump’s Plan for Big Cuts at FBI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Asked about FBI budget, Patel tells Senate Appropriations Committee: “I’m not asking you for anything at this time.”
    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks and questioning***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee hearing on the FY26 budget for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, grilled Director Kash Patel on President Trump’s proposed budget for the FBI, the Department of Justice’s sweeping cancellation of grants to local law enforcement, and how the FBI is focusing its resources.
    In opening comments, Vice Chair Murray said:
    “The FBI does really crucial work to keep our nation safe—whether it’s stopping criminal organizations, or domestic terrorists. It protects our nation’s secrets, prevents cyber attacks, keeps our children safe from harm, and a lot more. So, this is really sober work with extremely high stakes.
    “And I’m concerned that instead of focusing on the incredibly important mandate—to keep Americans safe and to help impartially enforce our laws—under your leadership, Director Patel, the FBI has been weaponized to go after Americans who disagree with the President. FBI resources have been diverted away from combatting terrorism to focusing on immigration requests.
    “All of this—the diverted mission, fewer resources, fewer agents, heightened politicization—is happening now under your watch, and it is, I believe, making Americans less safe.”
    [LACK OF FBI SPEND PLAN AND FULL FY26 BUDGET]
    Senator Murray began her questioning by pressing Director Patel on where the FBI’s statutorily-required spend plan and its full FY26 budget is.
    “As Ranking Member Van Hollen noted earlier, this hearing is being held without the FBI’s fiscal year 2025 spend plan and a full budget request for fiscal year 2026. The spend plan, is required by law, it was due to Congress over a week ago, we have not yet seen it. That is really absurd. The FBI is our nation’s leading law enforcement agency, with a budget of $10.7 billion dollars—and it is critical that we understand how you are spending taxpayer dollars. So, Director Patel, when should we expect the FY25 spend plan for the FBI? Have you seen it, have you reviewed it, when will we get it?”
    “I will get you an answer ma’am. I don’t have a timeline on that,” replied Director Patel.
    Senator Murray noted, “It was due last week, by law.”
    “I understand,” said Director Patel.
    Senator Murray asked for clarification, “And your answer is you just understand, you’re not going to follow the law?”
    Director Patel dodged, stating: “My answer is that I am following the law, and I’m working with my interagency partners to do this and get you the budget that you are required to have.”
    “And you have no timeline?” Senator Murray inquired.
    “No,” stated Director Patel.
    Senator Murray then asked Patel about when the full FY26 FBI budget will arrive, stating: “Well we also need a full budget request—not a single paragraph full of wild talking points that we saw with the ‘skinny’ budget proposal. We’re now having a budget hearing without a budget request. So, Director Patel, where is the FY 2026 budget request for the FBI?”
    “It’s being worked on ma’am,” said Director Patel.
    “Have you reviewed it? Have you approved it?” Senator Murray continued to press.
    Director Patel responded, “Not yet.”
    Senator Murray asked for more details, “When will you get it?”
    “As soon as I can get it from my interagency partners and get it approved,” Director Patel replied.
    “Six months from now?” Senator Murray pressed.
    Director Patel continued to provide no details, stating: “I don’t know ma’am. I’m not going to make up a timeline.”
    Senator Murray pushed back, “Well, how do we as a Congress do our budget and our work without that request and without the spend plan?”
    Director Patel demurred, stating, in part: “I’m doing the best I can.”
    Senator Murray emphasized, “That is insufficient and deeply disturbing. No response?”
    Director Patel stated, “I have given my response.”
    [PATEL WALKS BACK CRITICISM OF TRUMP BUDGET REQUEST]
    Senator Murray then asked Director Patel about his apparent disagreement with President Trump’s budget request for the FBI. On Wednesday, Patel told House appropriators that he disagreed with the more than half a billion dollar proposed cut to the FBI budget that President Trump asked Congress to make in his preliminary request submitted last week. Patel told House lawmakers: “We have not looked at who to cut. We are focusing our energies on how not to have them cut by coming in here and highlighting to you that we can’t do the mission on those 2011 budget levels.” On Wednesday, Patel said the FBI actually requested an increase in the request it submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    “Well, the FBI is already down 1,900 employees since 2023 as a direct result of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. And under the Trump administration, FBI agents, analysts, linguists, cyber experts, and scientists are being asked to do a lot more in order to keep us safe. Director Patel, we all know that budget cuts will reduce the FBI’s ability to counter threats of terrorism, and it will hinder its ability to keep pace with firearm background checks, and shutter operations that combat violent crime, drugs, gangs, and transnational organized crime,” said Senator Murray. “Now, I understand that you told our House colleagues yesterday that you don’t want to reduce the FBI workforce—meaning that you disagree with what President Trump is proposing?”
    “No, I agree that we can sustain the mission with the proposed budget, and I agree with the budget,” replied Director Patel—walking back his sharp criticism of the funding levels for FBI in President Trump’s proposed budget.
    “That’s different than what you told the House yesterday. What are you communicating to the President and the White House about what you need, and again, we don’t have a budget request from you, so I’m not sure what you are asking us for,” pressed Senator Murray.  
    Director Patel said, “I’m not asking you for anything at this time.”
    Senator Murray asked, “You can operate without a budget?”
    “I never said that,” replied Director Patel.
    Without further details, Senator Murray said, “Well, this is unprecedented. Ok, well, let me just go to another topic, since you are not going to answer that.”
    [CUTS TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT]
    Senator Murray then asked Director Patel about how the FBI’s mission is affected by the sweeping cuts in funding the Trump administration has already made for its local law enforcement partners, stating: “The FBI partners with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement organizations. They provide critical intelligence and operational capabilities to combat violent crime, gangs, terrorist threats, and fentanyl trafficking—challenges that our local communities really can’t face alone. I’m going to give you an example. A few years ago, the Southeast Washington Safe Streets FBI task force worked with our Benton County and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices, multiple Tri-Cities’ police departments, and the state corrections department to carry out one of the largest-ever drug seizures in the region’s history. Now we’ve got an administration already cutting more than $800 million in assistance in 2025 to local law enforcement organizations while proposing a half billion dollar cut for the FBI. Director Patel, can you explain to this Committee how cutting resources for our local law enforcement partner agencies the FBI relies on to help your bureau keep people safe, how do you expect the FBI and local law enforcement to do more without those significant resources they need?”
    “The FBI will continue to do what it does, which is work with embedded state and local law enforcement officers in our joint terrorism task force, the street task force, and our gang task forces. Those are a priority. Those billets have been maintained. Those billets have not been reduced. And with my reorientation, reprogramming—that we’ve notified congress to—you will see an augmentation in the field in every single state in this country,” replied Director Patel, dodging the question in its entirety.
    Senator Murray noted, “Again, we need to see the numbers and we need to see that budget from you.”
    [BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM]
    She continued her questioning by pressing Director Patel on whether he will maintain the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)and support adequate funding for it, stating: “The FBI is really on the front lines of keeping guns out of the hands of very dangerous criminals. The NICS serves a really critical role in enhancing national security and public safety by conducting background checks, you know this. They are supported by the vast majority of American people. And I wanted to ask you this morning: will you commit to continuing to fund and run the FBI background check system?”
    “Yes,” replied Director Patel.
    [POLITICIZATION OF FBI]
    Senator Murray concluded her questions by grilling Director Patel on how the FBI is focusing its resources: “President Trump has turned the Department of Justice into a tool to go after his perceived enemies, and many of the actions we have now seen at the FBI are alarming. The FBI has reassigned and pushed out career FBI agents for political reasons. We’ve seen fear and intimidation promoted throughout the Bureau, including by polygraphing your own staff. We’ve seen the arrest of a sitting judge in Wisconsin. During your confirmation hearing, you committed that there would be no politicization, no retribution at the FBI under your leadership. You have reportedly placed FBI employees responsible for investigation January 6th cases on leave. Is that keeping up your promise of no politicization, no retribution?”
    Director Patel avoided the question, saying, “It is because that is wildly inaccurate. Let me tell you what the FBI has done since I got there…—”
    Senator Murray interjected, “Well, that is not my question.”
    Director Patel again demurred.
    “But you have placed on leave FBI employees responsible for the investigation of January 6, that sounds political to me,” Senator Murray pressed.
    “I have not placed anyone on leave who has not violated their ethical obligation or their oath to the constitution,” Director Patel said.
    Senator Murray asked, “So, if they were investigating January 6, you believe they were violating an ethic obligation?”
    “Nope, I think the common theme here is you putting words in my mouth and I am not going to tolerate it, nor will the men or women of the FBI,” Director Patel said.
    “Well, you did place on leave an analyst responsible for investigating Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election. Is that politicization, is that retribution?” Senator Murray pushed back.
    Director Patel continued to dodge the question, “No, not if she broke the law or the ethical guidelines. I don’t know which case you are talking about but that’s the standard. We will hold ourselves inordinately accountable and we will not be strayed from our mission because people think we are politicizing the bureau. If you want to talk about someone who is attacked by a weaponized bureau, you are looking at him and now he’s the director of the FBI and he’s cleaning it up.”
    Senator Murray concluded by emphasizing: “Well, I would just say to everyone who is listening, The FBI needs to be focused on its mission to keep the entire country safe, it should not be weaponized for partisan political gain.”

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