NewzIntel.com

Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kustoff Introduces the Winter Canola Study Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Dale W. Strong (R-AL) and Tracey Mann (R-KS) introduced the Winter Canola Study Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation would request that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) conduct a study investigating the gap in crop insurance coverage for double crop grown winter oilseeds, such as canola. Additionally, the bill recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of rotationally and double crop grown canola and emphasizes the importance of investing in lower carbon-intensity renewable fuels to enhance rural communities, create jobs, and bolster energy security.

    “America’s farmers keep our economy going by putting food on the shelves and fuel in our tanks,” said Congressman Kustoff. “By allowing our farmers to plant winter canola in the off season, the Winter Canola Study Act will expand opportunities for growers and producers across the nation.”

    “The Winter Canola Study Act would give North Alabama farmers crucial new information and broaden the opportunity to plant winter canola as an alternative double crop option,” said Congressman Strong. “I am proud to work on behalf of farmers by joining Representative Kustoff and my colleagues in introducing this legislation. This research would help create a more competitive market for farmers while supporting the hard work they do to provide our food, fiber, and fuel.”

    “Harnessing the potential of American-grown commodities like winter oilseed supports the entire agriculture and energy supply from grower to consumer,” said Congressman Mann. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to help facilitate the growth of energy-abundant and sustainable fuel feedstocks by supporting access to risk management tools, research into yield improvements, and the environmental benefits of new crop rotations.”
     

    Click here for the full text of the bill.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Harris Statement on the Senate Amendment to the Budget Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration released the following statement on the Senate’s amendment to the budget resolution.

    Statement From Chairman Harris:

    “If the Senate can deliver real deficit reduction in line with or greater than the House goals, I can support the Senate budget resolution. However, by the Senate setting committee instructions so low at $4 billion compared to the House’s $1.5-2 trillion, I am unconvinced that will happen. The Senate is free to put pen to paper to draft its reconciliation bill, but I can’t support House passage of the Senate changes to our budget resolution until I see the actual spending and deficit reduction plans to enact President Trump’s America First agenda.”

    For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Activities for toddlers in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • Here is a list of fun experiences in Canberra for you and your toddler.

    When it comes to keeping toddlers busy, not just any activity will do.

    They have moved beyond entertainment for babies but aren’t quite ready for school-aged fun.

    Luckily, Canberra has plenty of facilities and activities for kids of all ages, including toddlers.

    Here are some toddler-friendly activities loved by Canberra families:

    The Discovery Centre at the National Museum of Australia

    The Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is a play space for children from birth to 6 years. It is jam-packed with different activities, including:

    • a quiet reading area with books
    • a wheelchair-accessible rocking deck
    • platforms, ropes, ramps and stairs to climb
    • light projections
    • and plenty more.

    There are also activity sessions during the school term, including:

    • pyramid making sessions on Wednesdays
    • story time on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    Little Griffins Play & Learn 

    Join a free event for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 4 on the last Friday of every month at the National Capital Exhibition. Each month has a different theme and includes activities like arts and craft and music.

    When you’re finished, pop next door to the Canberra and Region Visitor Information Centre at Regatta Point. There is colouring in and some fun activities from Questacon. There is also a playground next door to the Centre.

    Curious Corner at the National Gallery of Australia

    On the first Thursday of the month, the National Gallery of Australia hosts a program designed for children aged 3-5 and their caregivers.

    The sessions encourage curiosity and creativity. They build on ideas from the Gallery through creative making in the Tim Fairfax Learning studio.

    The event is free, and bookings are essential.

    Little Faces at the National Portrait Gallery

    The National Portrait Gallery hosts a range of family-friendly activities. Little Faces is a way for babies and toddlers to explore portraits through play, music and fun.

    Bookings are essential.

    PlayUP at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

    PlayUP is a playful way for young families to explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The exhibition includes play spaces, roleplay, craft activities, story time, and more.

    PlayUP is open from 9am to 4:30pm daily.

    National Arboretum Canberra

    The National Arboretum Canberra’s outdoor educators host weekly nature-based playgroups for children aged between 18 months and 5 years.Sessions run from 10am to 2pm on Mondays and Fridays during the school term.

    The Playgroup is designed for children to build physical and emotional confidence and unleash their creativity. It also helps them to become environmentally conscious individuals.

    Playgrounds

    Regardless of what side of Canberra you live in, you’re never far from an excellent playground.

    Some popular Canberra playgrounds include:

    • Ruth Park Playground in Coombs
    • Farrer Nature Play & Adventure Trail
    • Boundless Canberra
    • Pod Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra
    • Point Hut Pond Gordon District Playground
    • Moncrieff Community Recreation Park.

    Yarralumla Play Station

    The Yarralumla Play Station in Weston Park includes:

    • the Weston Park Miniature Railway
    • Lake Walter Mini Golf
    • Mini Farm Friends.

    Catch the mini train for a farm visit for an exciting day out. Afterwards, grab a babycino and some lunch from the Station Stop Café. There’s also a playground across the road.

    National Dinosaur Museum

    Dinosaurs are a source of fascination for toddlers. The National Dinosaur Museum is a fun, interactive way to learn about the earth’s ancient history. Explore the indoor exhibitions and then venture outside to the landscaped dinosaur garden.

    Giggle & Wiggle

    Giggle and Wiggle is a free program held at Libraries ACT for babies and toddlers up to two and their carers.

    The program focuses on language development. Sessions include singing, dancing and sharing rhymes.

    Families are encouraged to spend time in the library afterwards to build connections and make friends.

    Questacon

    Questacon is always a hit with kids, but Mini Q is built specifically for curious toddlers.

    There are a range of activities and spaces for children aged up to 6. Each area is designed to help children learn about the world around them.

    There is a play café, vet office and mechanic. You’ll also find water play, a space-themed area, and much more.

    Mini Q is included with general admission. There may be session times in place during peak periods like school holidays and long weekends.

    The Australian National Botanic Gardens

    The Botanic Gardens are the perfect place for toddlers to spend some time outdoors. There’s plenty of space to run, wander and explore.

    Head to the Visitors Centre to get a guide and map. The staff can also tell you about the family-friendly activities available at the Gardens.

    The ‘Who Lives Here?’ children’s discovery walk takes 30 minutes and is designed for children up to 8. It’s fun and teaches children about their environment.

    There is also Bush magic: storytime in the Gardens on the first Friday of the month from 10am-11am.

    Canberra Zoo and Aquarium

    A visit to Canberra Zoo and Aquarium is about so much more than just seeing animals and sea creatures.

    There are 2.6km of walking trails, complete with an Adventure Trail with interactive activities for kids.

    When it comes to playing, AdventureLand is the star of the show. It’s the Zoo’s playground space for children aged 2-12.

    There are 55 activities available for children, including:

    • cubby houses
    • a tree house
    • animal sculptures and structures.

    There’s even a toddler-specific area that’s close to the toilet block and baby change room.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen Joins Republican Governors Advocating EPA Increase the Renewable Volume Obligation for Biofuels

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    .S. EPA to bump up the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO), to help meet the nation’s energy goals and promote growth in the agriculture and biofuels industries.

     

    “Because of renewable fuels policy, we now have 24 ethanol plants. We have the infrastructure that allows Nebraska to be the epicenter of the new bioeconomy. Increasing RVO levels will benefit our state’s biofuels producers and is key to rural economic revitalization.”

     

    The joint letter, addressed to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, says in part:

     

    “Over the past several years, the biofuels industry has made significant investments to expand domestic production capacity and strengthen feedstock supply. Unfortunately, the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels set by the previous Administration failed to reflect this growth. As a result, an increasing number of biofuel producers, including ethanol and biodiesel facilities, have been forced to slow or cease operations, costing rural communities jobs and weakening key markets for American farmers.”

     

    The Governors are asking the EPA to establish a 2016 RVO of no less than 15 billion gallons for conventional ethanol and 5.25 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel.

     

    Including Gov. Pillen, other governors who signed the letter include: Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Gov. Mike Kehoe (MO), and Gov. Larry Rhoden (SD).

     

    A copy of the letter is included with this release.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: North China braces for gale-force winds

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Gale-force winds are sweeping across northern China and are expected to persist through Sunday, prompting authorities to implement measures to ensure public safety.
    Raging winds have already lashed regions including Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Beijing and Ningxia, driven by a powerful cold vortex moving southeast from Mongolia.
    The National Meteorological Center (NMC) said in an updated forecast that from 8 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday, winds of up to force 13 (37.0-41.4 m/s) on the national wind scale will hit parts of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei and Beijing.
    At 5 p.m. Friday, strong winds of 23.3 meters per second struck Yanqing District on the outskirts of Beijing, while scattered showers have already occurred and are expected to continue across most areas of the municipality by this evening, according to the Beijing Meteorological Service.
    The strongest winds will hit on Saturday, with temperature highs dropping to 14 degrees Celsius — a 13-degree-Celsius decrease in temperature within a 24-hour period, the service said.
    On Friday afternoon, gusts reaching a maximum force of level 13 hit northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, causing severe sandstorms that are expected to impair visibility, according to the region’s meteorological authorities.
    In northeast China’s Liaoning Province, temperatures are expected to drop by as much as 12 degrees Celsius by Saturday. Over the weekend, some areas of the province will experience moderate rain turning to sleet, followed by heavy snowfall and blizzards, with extreme blizzards anticipated in certain mountainous areas, according to the provincial meteorological service.
    NMC also issued alerts for strong gales, snowstorms, sandstorms and rainstorms on Friday, which are expected to impact northern regions and parts of central China.
    The meteorological center has advised the public in affected regions to stay indoors and avoid lingering under tall buildings, billboards, temporary structures and trees when outdoors.
    In response, multiple tourist sites in regions including Beijing and Ningxia have announced temporary closures. High winds have also led to the postponement or cancellation of some performances in Tianjin, as well as the suspension of ferry services.
    Farmers in Liaoning have been advised to spray antifreeze agents to prevent frost damage to their fruit and to reinforce their greenhouses. The province also recommends conducting thorough inspections and maintenance of infrastructure, such as power lines and communication cables, to prevent damage or short circuits caused by severe weather conditions.
    Beijing’s transportation authorities announced the suspension of certain bus routes passing through mountainous areas and some elevated rail services on Saturday.
    Over 14 train services in Beijing and surrounding areas will be temporarily suspended on Friday and Saturday to ensure safe operation, according to the China Railway Beijing Group Co., Ltd.
    The Beijing Capital International Airport has also warned that the strong winds may disrupt normal operations, potentially leading to flight delays or cancellations.
    The Chinese capital has postponed several sporting events, including marathons and football matches scheduled for the weekend, while residents are advised to avoid nonessential travel.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Water Treaty, Cornyn Praises President Trump, Endorses ‘Maximum Pain’ for Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement commending President Donald Trump for pressuring Mexico to deliver the water it owes to South Texas after years of continued delays under the Biden-Harris administration and endorsed the use of all diplomatic and economic options to force Mexico to supply timely and consistent water deliveries to Texas pursuant to the 1944 Water Treaty:

    “South Texas farmers and ranchers have been snubbed by Mexico for years and denied the water they’re rightfully owed, but no more.”

    “I commend President Trump for his show of force and commitment to taking back the water Mexico has essentially stolen from our agriculture community after four years of the Biden administration standing idly by as Texas farmers and ranchers struggled and Mexico took advantage of our country.”

    “I will continue working with the President and Secretaries Rubio and Rollins on this effort to inflict maximum pain and force Mexico to make good on their end of the bargain. President Trump and I will fight for what Texas farmers and ranchers need to put food on the table for millions of Americans.”

    Background:

    Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000-acre feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock. The current cycle ends in October and so far, Mexico has paid less than 500,000 acre-feet of water—about a quarter of what it owes, according to IBWC data.

    Sen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. He partnered with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to successfully secure more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage and led a request earlier this year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to push Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays.

    Last year, Sens. Cornyn and Cruz raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Restaurant Owner Sentenced for COVID-19 and Tax Fraud Schemes

    Source: US State of California

    A San Diego restaurant owner was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for schemes to defraud COVID-19 relief programs and filing false tax returns.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Leronce Suel was the majority owner of Rockstar Dough LLC and Chicken Feed LLC, both of which operated restaurants in the San Diego area, including Streetcar Merchants in the North Park neighborhood. He conspired with others to underreport over $1.7 million in gross receipts on Rockstar Dough’s 2020 corporate tax return and COVID-19 relief applications. Suel’s businesses fraudulently received $1,773,245 in COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program loans and Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, two programs created to provide financial assistance to American suffering economic harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Suel and his co-conspirator misappropriated COVID-19 relief program funds by making substantial cash withdrawals from their business bank accounts, purchasing a home in Arkansas, and keeping more than $2.4 million in cash in Suel’s bedroom.

    Suel did not file timely tax returns for 2018 and 2019, despite being legally required to do so. On his 2020 through 2023 tax returns, Suel also did not report the income from his businesses including millions of dollars in cash he withdrew. Finally, in 2023, Suel filed false original and amended tax returns for multiple years, including personal tax returns for 2016 and 2017 that included false depreciable assets and business losses.

    In September 2024, Suel was convicted by a federal jury of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the United States, filing false tax returns, and failing to file tax returns. Following the convictions, Suel agreed to forfeit $1,466,918 in U.S. currency.

    In addition to this prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro for the Southern District of California ordered Suel to pay approximately $1,773,245 in restitution to the Small Business Administration and forfeit $1,466,918. Restitution to IRS will be heard on June 6.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Julia Rugg of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Beeler for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Restaurant Owner Sentenced for COVID-19 and Tax Fraud Schemes

    Source: United States Attorneys General 8

    A San Diego restaurant owner was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for schemes to defraud COVID-19 relief programs and filing false tax returns.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Leronce Suel was the majority owner of Rockstar Dough LLC and Chicken Feed LLC, both of which operated restaurants in the San Diego area, including Streetcar Merchants in the North Park neighborhood. He conspired with others to underreport over $1.7 million in gross receipts on Rockstar Dough’s 2020 corporate tax return and COVID-19 relief applications. Suel’s businesses fraudulently received $1,773,245 in COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program loans and Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, two programs created to provide financial assistance to American suffering economic harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Suel and his co-conspirator misappropriated COVID-19 relief program funds by making substantial cash withdrawals from their business bank accounts, purchasing a home in Arkansas, and keeping more than $2.4 million in cash in Suel’s bedroom.

    Suel did not file timely tax returns for 2018 and 2019, despite being legally required to do so. On his 2020 through 2023 tax returns, Suel also did not report the income from his businesses including millions of dollars in cash he withdrew. Finally, in 2023, Suel filed false original and amended tax returns for multiple years, including personal tax returns for 2016 and 2017 that included false depreciable assets and business losses.

    In September 2024, Suel was convicted by a federal jury of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the United States, filing false tax returns, and failing to file tax returns. Following the convictions, Suel agreed to forfeit $1,466,918 in U.S. currency.

    In addition to this prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro for the Southern District of California ordered Suel to pay approximately $1,773,245 in restitution to the Small Business Administration and forfeit $1,466,918. Restitution to IRS will be heard on June 6.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Julia Rugg of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Beeler for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    So you just finished watching Microsoft Secure. That means by now, you’ve heard about our new protections for AI and Microsoft Security Copilot agents. These innovations will be the focus of Microsoft Security’s sessions and activities at RSACTM 2025 Conference (RSAC 2025).  

    The can’t-miss conference is just around the corner. Microsoft Security is bringing an exciting lineup of sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities to empower security professionals in the era of AI. Our entire presence at RSAC 2025 is designed to help you boost your AI skills so you can stay ahead of threats and manage security more effectively.  

    Whether you’re interested in protecting all your AI investments, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, or securing cloud environments, we’ve got something for you. To help you plan your time from Sunday, April 27 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in San Francisco, here’s a quick and easy guide to all the key Microsoft Security moments at RSAC 2025.

    Microsoft Pre-Day | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Palace Hotel 

    For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft Pre-Day kicks off the full lineup of Microsoft events and activities throughout RSAC 2025. We will host these at the Microsoft Security Hub at Palace Hotel, just a short walk from Moscone Center.  

    Hear directly from Microsoft Security leaders as they share reporting on emerging cyberthreat trends and the product innovations designed to protect against them. See the lineup below:  

    • Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Business 
    • Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Security 
    • Sherrod DeGrippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy 
    • Dorothy Li, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Copilot 
    • Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President (CVP) and Deputy CISO 
    • And more.  

    Register for Pre-Day today.  

    Networking Reception | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Microsoft Security Hub, Palace Hotel, Second Floor 

    Stick around after Microsoft Pre-Day to attend the Networking Reception—a lively evening designed to connect with the security community, engage with Microsoft leaders, and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off an inspiring week at RSAC 2025. 

    On Monday we ease into things by focusing on what’s new all around. We’ll share lots of goodness about agents and our new innovations announced in March. 

    Security Demo Experience at the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 | All day, every day | Moscone Center North Expo Hall  

    Monday is the first day to explore the show floor. Stop by the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 in Moscone Center North Expo Hall to explore live demos, meet Microsoft Security experts, and get hands-on with the latest tools. 

    Become a defender against cyber threats in a fast-paced, interactive game. You’ll be a part of a mission, navigating realistic incident response scenarios using Microsoft Security solutions, including our new AI Agents. Engage in quick skill challenges and wrap up with expert insights. Are you ready to beat the bad actors? 

    Keynote: Security in the Age of Agentic AI | 4:40 PM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    Agentic workflows will dramatically reshape what is possible in security. By enabling more complex problem-solving, agent collaboration, and iterative learning, agentic AI will empower a new paradigm for security that was once the domain of science fiction. Vasu Jakkal will take an imaginative look at the future of security AI agents, and the very human-driven way they will change the game. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    Our top Microsoft Security experts were chosen by RSAC to share their insights and best practices to help you level up your own security strategy. These sessions are designed for learning, not selling. So, you’ll hear more about what’s happening in the security space and less about products. 

    • Practical Strategies for Security Architecture in a Changing World​ @ 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM 

    This session will delve into the core pillars of security architecture and share practical strategies that uphold foundational principles. Will discuss holistic system thinking and provide a practical playbook for navigating the complexities of security architecture while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals and essential considerations for a secure digital environment. 

    Speaker: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft 

     

    • RSAC Innovation Sandbox @ 9:30 AM – 12:40 PM ​ 

    Ten of cybersecurity’s boldest new innovators compete in Innovation Sandbox for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” ISB celebrates 20 years & spotlights startups with potentially game-changing ideas. The Finalists have 3 minutes to share groundbreaking products & solutions with a panel of judges. Interact first-hand with these companies as the judges deliberate before the winner is crowned. 

    Speakers: Christopher Young, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures, Microsoft; David Chan, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer, Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Razi Howe, Operating Partner, Capitol Meridian Partners; Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman & RSAC Conference Program Committee Chair, RSAC; Paul Kocher, Researcher, Independent Researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO, Verizon 

     

    • AI Era Authentication: Securing the Future with Inclusive Identity @ 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM 

    This session explores the security and usability risks of authentication techniques for users with diverse needs. Emergence of AI agents, a new user identity acting on our behalf, also necessitates a rethink of authentication methods. Discover AI-era authentication using sensors like location and behavior and learn about the shift from active to passive authentication with prototypes in action.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft and Aditi Shah, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft 

     

    • DPRK Remote IT Workers – Have You Hired One and Are You at Risk? @ 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM 

    The DPRK actively deploys remote IT workers to generate revenue for the regime while circumventing sanctions. DPRK IT workers pose risks to companies, including insider access, potential intellectual property theft, and exposure to other malicious cyber activity. This panel will discuss best practices for identifying and preventing the hiring of DPRK IT workers. 

    Speakers: Greg Schloemer, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft; Elizabeth Pelker, Special Agent, FBI; Chris Horne, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence & Investigations, Upwork; Adam Meyers, SVP Intelligence, CrowdStrike; and Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director, FBI 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss our deep-dive sessions happening at the Microsoft Security Hub. Build your AI cybersecurity skills as Microsoft Security experts will share what they’ve learned and provide insights you can apply in your own organization. 

    • Harnessing Diversity – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce in the Age of AI ​@ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Amanda Minnich, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft; Nicole Ford VP, Customer Security Officer, Microsoft; Kyla Guru, Founder/CEO, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education; Tanell Ford, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft; and Sherrod Degrippo, Directory of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft 

     

    • Reshaping SecOps for the Cloud AI Era @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Scott Woodbridge, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft and Corina Feuerstein, Principal Product Manager for Copilot in Defender and Sentinel 

     

    • Practical use of CoPilot AutoFix to address Security Backlog @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub and Marcelo Oliveira, VP, Product Management, GitHub 

     

    • Executive Lunch: Scaling Compliance for Global Regulations @ ​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, CVP, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft  

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Here’s where we talk products. These 15-20 minute informal, come-and-go sessions run all day at the Microsoft Security booth. They’re demo-heavy product showcases to help you learn how to better use the tools you’ve got now. 

    • Identity Security in the Era of AI with Security Copilot @ 5:35PM – 5:55 PM 
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 6:05PM – 6:25 PM 
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security @ 6:35 PM– 6:55PM 

    MISA Awards| Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s time to suit up in heroic attire for an epic celebration at the 6th annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards! Just like the Avengers, assembling to save the world, we’re coming together to honor the extraordinary achievements of our MISA members who work so diligently to protect customers from external threats!  Congratulations to the incredible finalists for the sixth annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards presented by MISA! 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Security experts and enhance your cybersecurity knowledge. From April 28 to April 30, 2025 customers and CISOs can schedule one-on-one meetings at the Palace Hotel to discuss your most pressing security product and threat intelligence questions. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.  

    Tuesday is the busiest day of the conference, with lots of choices in front of you, so plan ahead. 

    Keynote: AI Safety: Where Do We Go From Here? | 8:30 AM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    During this keynote session, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the UK AI Safety Institute leaders come together for this blockbuster panel to explain the evolving landscape of AI safety. Attendees will gain insights into key developments in AI safety that should matter to organizations, its intersection with existing security initiatives, and time-tested approaches to translate AI safety to practice.  

    Speakers: Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Jade Leung, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; and Daniel Rohrer, VP Software Product Security, Architecture & Research, NVIDIA 

     

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    RSAC has chosen top Microsoft Security experts to share insights and best practices, letting you learn about the latest in security without the sales pitch. 

    • Incident Response Dilemmas: Sharing Intel Across Sectors in Critical Times​ @ 9:40 – 10:30 AM ​ 

    An incident may be a singular event affecting one entity. What happens when it affects our critical infrastructure and has the possibility of sector-wide impact and cascading effects? How do companies share information and meet regulatory expectations? The session will dive into the work that financial services companies, the government, and cloud service providers are taking to mature IR. 

    Speakers: Ann Johnson, CVP & Deputy CISO, Customer Security Managment Office, Microsoft; Ted Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Treasury; Heather Hogsett, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of BITS, Bank Policy Institute; and Erez Liebermann, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 

     

    • XPIA Attacks – Rethinking Defense in Depth for an AI-Powered World @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    As adversaries rapidly develop sophisticated AI attacks, the solutions also need to evolve rapidly. This panel will explore Cross/Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks (XPIA) and the need to rethink traditional defense in depth strategies. Gain insights into XPIA trends, risk analysis, and innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Join for practical strategies and expert insights.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft; Aanchal Gupta, CVP, Microsoft; John Leo, Jr, Managing Director – Threat and Vulnerability Management Leader, EY; and Stefano Zanero, Professor, Politecnico di Milano 

     

    • A Year(ish) of Countering Malicious Actors’ Use of AI: What Have We Learned? @ 2:25 –3:15 PM​ 

    Artificial Intelligence has changed the game when it comes to how cyber adversaries operate, and how defenders respond. This panel will explore lessons learned from the past year of countering malicious cyber actors’ use of AI, challenges and limitations of legal actions involving AI, and what roadblocks might appear going forward as AI, and the actors who use it, continues to evolve. 

    Speakers: Sherrod DeGrippo, Director, Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Morgan Adamski, Executive Director, US Cyber Command; Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and Sean Newell, Chief, National Security Cyber Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day | Monday – Wednesday Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Join Microsoft Security product leaders as they share their learnings and how you can apply them in your organization.  

    • Defending Against Modern Threats: Enhancing Endpoint Security and IT Resilience @ 8:00AM – 9:30AM 

    Speakers: Archana Devi Sunder Rajan, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft and Peter M. Thompson, Principal PM Manager, Microsoft   

    • Secure and Govern AI to safeguard your data, reduce risks, and support compliance @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Herain Oberoi, GM, Data & AI Security, Microsoft; Rudra Mitra, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Purview; and Neta Haiby, Director of AI Security, Microsoft 

    • Microsoft Security Copilot @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM 

    Speaker:  Dorothy Li, CVP, Microsoft Security Copilot

    • Secure your data in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    Speakers: Talhah Mir, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview and Maithili Dandige, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview 

    • ​AI and Automation Panel: The Startup Innovation for Enterprise Resilience – moderated by FC @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    **Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a copy of FC’s book, How I Rob Banks, and the chance to have it signed by the author at the end of the session.

    Speakers: Kevin Magee, Director Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups; FC, Co-founder & CEO, Cygenta; Shane Coleman, Chief Data Security Evangelist; Christ “Tito” Sestito, CEO, HiddenLayer; Ravid Circus, Co-founder & CPO, Seemplicity; and Jeremy Vaughan, CEO, Start Left Security 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Stop by the Microsoft Security booth to catch a short demo of your favorite product. 

    • See Beyond Silos and Protect Better with Microsoft Security Exposure Management 11:00 AM –11:20 AM              
    • Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with the Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM 
    • Automating Vulnerability Management: The Power of “Endpoint Vulnerability Remediation Agent” in Microsoft Intune 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM  
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Accelerating post-breach deep content analysis and mitigation with Microsoft Purview @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM  
    • Microsoft Sentinel Uncovered: Advanced Capabilities to Transform the SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Protect AI Workloads from Code to Runtime with Microsoft Defender for Cloud @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM    
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Unified SecOps: Defending Critical Infrastructure with Microsoft Defender @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM  
    • Be Fast as Lighting: Automate Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel Service Delivery @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM  
    • Mastering Cloud Threats: Detect, Investigate, and Respond in real-time with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Defender XDR integration @ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM  
    • Practical Strategies for Securing AI-Driven Data: Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Insider Risk Management @ 4:30 PM – 4:50PM  
    • Secure and govern access to GenAI apps with the Microsoft Entra Suite @5:00 PM – 5:20 PM  
    • Bolster your SOC with Microsoft’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) @ 5:30 PM – 5:50PM  

    Networking and Fun | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    • Secure & Sip: DevOps Edition @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM  

    Speaker: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub 

    Gather with GitHub’s security leaders and experts for meaningful conversations, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a custom ramen bar to round out your day at RSAC. 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Day 2 of meetings with Microsoft Security experts continues. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.  https://MicrosoftSecurityEvents.eventbuilder.com/MicrosoftRSAC2025events?source=blog_techcomm 

    As the conference starts to wrap up, don’t miss your chance to get hands-on with Microsoft Security solutions and ask questions at the Hub and booth and in 1:1 meetings. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | Location: Moscone Center 

    • Guardians of the Cyber Galaxy: Allies Against AI-Powered Cybercrime​ @ 8:30 – 9:20 AM  

    ​AI is revolutionizing cybercrime, putting traditional defenses to the test. Expert panelists unite to detail innovative public-private strategies and real-world case studies from their experience in INTERPOL, the FBI, Microsoft, and the Privacy & Cybersecurity Group of an international law firm. Gain actionable insights to protect the global community and fortify cybersecurity defenses.  

    Speakers: Sean Farrell, Lead Counsel, AI Strategy, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Corporation; Garylene Javier, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP; Craig Jones, Immediate Past Director Cybercrime, INTERPOL; and Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

     

    • Green and Sustainable AI for Cybersecurity​ @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    The session will consider the carbon cost of AI and analytics. It will focus on the estimated energy and carbon costs of many cybersecurity use cases and approaches that can be taken to build more sustainable solutions. This will be illustrated through the use of a threat hunting and detection analytical solution and how that could be designed to be most power efficient.  

    Speakers: Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft and Sian John, CTO, NCC Group 

     

    • Scaling AppSec With an SDLC for Citizen Development​ @ 1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    AppSec programs are difficult. Filled to the brim with vulnerabilities. Overloaded staff and inadequate budget. The common “solution” is to narrow scope and focus on crown jewels and their devs. Increasing the scope to 100x devs and 1000x apps surprisingly worked, resulting in program remediation of >50K vulnerabilities in 3 months. 18K of them in a single night. This session will show how. 

    Speakers: Ryan McDonald, Principal Program Manager, Microsoft and Michael Bargury, Co-Founder & CTO, Zenity 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss the final few Microsoft Security focused sessions at our Hub. 

    • Threat intelligence trends and insights panel: Exclusive briefing from Microsoft Threat Intelligence @10:30AM – 11:30AM​  

    Speakers: Sherrod De Grippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Jeremy Dallman, Senior Director of Security Research in Microsoft Threat Intelligence; and Steven Masada, Assistant General Counsel, DCU 

    • Secure access for your employees with Entra Suite @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speaker:  Irina Nechaeva, General Manager, Identity and Network Access 

    • Securing the AI Powered Enterprise Executive Panel Lunch @​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft; Brandon Dixon, Partner Product Manager, Security AI Strategy, Microsoft; Manny Sahota, Director, Global Cloud Privacy, Microsoft; Herain Oberoi, General Manager, Data Security, Governance, Compliance, Privacy Business and Marketing, Microsoft; and Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Don’t miss your chance to see demos and ask questions casually at the booth. 

    • Make Windows endpoints more secure and prevent downtime 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM            
    • Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Partnering with Microsoft 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM            
    • EY Security Copilot Empowered Solutions 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Microsoft Security Copilot: Protect at the speed and scale of AI 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM           
    • Phishing-Resistant Authentication, Trusted Onboarding & Recovery @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 
    • Building a multi-layered approach to data security SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Secure your email and collaboration tools against sophisticated cyber attacks @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM  
    • The latest intelligence on North Korean remote IT workers @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Secure and govern M365 Copilot with Microsoft Purview @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM 
    • Proactively Mitigate Risks with Microsoft Security Exposure Management @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM 
    • Windows 365: The security of Windows, the scale of the cloud@ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM 
    • Shift your SOC from manual incident response to automatic attack disruption @ 4:30 PM –4:50PM  
    • A Look Inside Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative: Progress, Innovations, and Best Practices @ 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM 
    • Simplifying Data Security for the Modern Network with Microsoft Purview and Netskope One @ 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s your final chance to ask your questions and give your suggestions directly to Microsoft Security experts. Book your meeting here: Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC | Location: Moscone Center 

    Last but certainly not least. 

    • Shaping Cybersecurity: How Regulation Shapes Operational Cyber Defense​ @ 10:50 – 11:40AM​  

    In 2024, elections and growing cyberthreats pushed cybersecurity to the forefront of government priorities. The panel will explore governments’ efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience through regulation, the impact on operational cyber defense, and discuss where greater alignment is possible. Attendees will gain an understanding of the quickly evolving global regulatory landscape.  

    Speakers: Ted Maurer, Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft; Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG Connect, European Commission; Ari Schwartz, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Services, Venable LLP; Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy, Tufts University, The Fletcher School; and Florian Schütz, Director, NCSC – National Cybersecurity Centre 

     

    • Taking the Fight Upstream: Pursuing Systemic Defense Against Phishing​ 12:20 – 11:10 PM​  

    Three decades into the public internet, cybercrime is booming and phishing remains a key vector. With AI-enhanced attacks rising, common users are increasingly ill-equipped to defend themselves. What can be done upstream to protect society? This session explores systemic defense strategies across the ICT ecosystem that hold the potential for significant ecosystem-wide impact.

    Speakers: Kelly Bissell, CVP Security & Fraud, Microsoft; Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy, World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity; Steven Kelly, Chief Trust Officer, Institute for Security and Technology; and Kemba Walden, President, Paladin Global Institute, Paladin Capital Group  

     

    • Fraud, Risk, Hollywood & Government—A Strategy for AI Across Industry 12:20 – 11:10 PM 

    ​Dive into the high-stakes world of AI as the experts in this session unravel AI’s game-changing roles in Hollywood, government, and finance. Experience firsthand revolutionary strategies, ethical showdowns, and futuristic trends set to redefine industry landscapes. Get ready for a session that’s as dynamic and ambitious as a Hollywood blockbuster! 

    Speakers: Vishal Amin, GM, National Security Group, Security; Gurpreet Bhatia, Acting Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, Acting CISO, DOD; David Mahdi, CIO, Transmit Security; and Scott Mann, Film Director & Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Flawless 

    • Generative AI Meets Identity Governance: Automating the Overlooked​ @ 1:30 – 2:20 PM​ 

    Identity governance is often the last thing to be implemented and rarely gets the attention it deserves due to its complexity. This session will explore how Generative AI agents can help overcome this by automating critical but often deprioritized tasks like role mining and identity lifecycle management, particularly addressing the challenges of managing ‘movers’ within organizations.  

    Speakers: Angelica Faber, Sr Security Architect, Microsoft and Wesley Kuzma, Architect Manager, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Catch the last day of theater sessions. 

    • How Enterprises will Continue to Learn from Open Source 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM  
    • Creating Bespoke Identity Governance Solutions with Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM  
    • Identity-first security: Using an event-based approach for threat remediation @ 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Securing and governing Agents built-in Microsoft Copilot Studio @ 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Azure Platform Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 

    How to Make the Most of Microsoft Security at RSAC 2025 

    Plan Ahead: Bookmark this blog to easily find the things that interest you the most. 

    Visit the Booth: Engage with our security experts and experience live demos.

    Follow Along Online: Stay updated by following Microsoft Security on LinkedIn and X. 

    Book a Meeting: Want to connect 1:1 with a Microsoft Security expert? Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

     

    See you at RSAC 2025! 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    So you just finished watching Microsoft Secure. That means by now, you’ve heard about our new protections for AI and Microsoft Security Copilot agents. These innovations will be the focus of Microsoft Security’s sessions and activities at RSACTM 2025 Conference (RSAC 2025).  

    The can’t-miss conference is just around the corner. Microsoft Security is bringing an exciting lineup of sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities to empower security professionals in the era of AI. Our entire presence at RSAC 2025 is designed to help you boost your AI skills so you can stay ahead of threats and manage security more effectively.  

    Whether you’re interested in protecting all your AI investments, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, or securing cloud environments, we’ve got something for you. To help you plan your time from Sunday, April 27 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in San Francisco, here’s a quick and easy guide to all the key Microsoft Security moments at RSAC 2025.

    Microsoft Pre-Day | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Palace Hotel 

    For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft Pre-Day kicks off the full lineup of Microsoft events and activities throughout RSAC 2025. We will host these at the Microsoft Security Hub at Palace Hotel, just a short walk from Moscone Center.  

    Hear directly from Microsoft Security leaders as they share reporting on emerging cyberthreat trends and the product innovations designed to protect against them. See the lineup below:  

    • Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Business 
    • Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Security 
    • Sherrod DeGrippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy 
    • Dorothy Li, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Copilot 
    • Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President (CVP) and Deputy CISO 
    • And more.  

    Register for Pre-Day today.  

    Networking Reception | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Microsoft Security Hub, Palace Hotel, Second Floor 

    Stick around after Microsoft Pre-Day to attend the Networking Reception—a lively evening designed to connect with the security community, engage with Microsoft leaders, and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off an inspiring week at RSAC 2025. 

    On Monday we ease into things by focusing on what’s new all around. We’ll share lots of goodness about agents and our new innovations announced in March. 

    Security Demo Experience at the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 | All day, every day | Moscone Center North Expo Hall  

    Monday is the first day to explore the show floor. Stop by the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 in Moscone Center North Expo Hall to explore live demos, meet Microsoft Security experts, and get hands-on with the latest tools. 

    Become a defender against cyber threats in a fast-paced, interactive game. You’ll be a part of a mission, navigating realistic incident response scenarios using Microsoft Security solutions, including our new AI Agents. Engage in quick skill challenges and wrap up with expert insights. Are you ready to beat the bad actors? 

    Keynote: Security in the Age of Agentic AI | 4:40 PM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    Agentic workflows will dramatically reshape what is possible in security. By enabling more complex problem-solving, agent collaboration, and iterative learning, agentic AI will empower a new paradigm for security that was once the domain of science fiction. Vasu Jakkal will take an imaginative look at the future of security AI agents, and the very human-driven way they will change the game. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    Our top Microsoft Security experts were chosen by RSAC to share their insights and best practices to help you level up your own security strategy. These sessions are designed for learning, not selling. So, you’ll hear more about what’s happening in the security space and less about products. 

    • Practical Strategies for Security Architecture in a Changing World​ @ 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM 

    This session will delve into the core pillars of security architecture and share practical strategies that uphold foundational principles. Will discuss holistic system thinking and provide a practical playbook for navigating the complexities of security architecture while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals and essential considerations for a secure digital environment. 

    Speaker: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft 

     

    • RSAC Innovation Sandbox @ 9:30 AM – 12:40 PM ​ 

    Ten of cybersecurity’s boldest new innovators compete in Innovation Sandbox for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” ISB celebrates 20 years & spotlights startups with potentially game-changing ideas. The Finalists have 3 minutes to share groundbreaking products & solutions with a panel of judges. Interact first-hand with these companies as the judges deliberate before the winner is crowned. 

    Speakers: Christopher Young, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures, Microsoft; David Chan, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer, Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Razi Howe, Operating Partner, Capitol Meridian Partners; Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman & RSAC Conference Program Committee Chair, RSAC; Paul Kocher, Researcher, Independent Researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO, Verizon 

     

    • AI Era Authentication: Securing the Future with Inclusive Identity @ 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM 

    This session explores the security and usability risks of authentication techniques for users with diverse needs. Emergence of AI agents, a new user identity acting on our behalf, also necessitates a rethink of authentication methods. Discover AI-era authentication using sensors like location and behavior and learn about the shift from active to passive authentication with prototypes in action.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft and Aditi Shah, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft 

     

    • DPRK Remote IT Workers – Have You Hired One and Are You at Risk? @ 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM 

    The DPRK actively deploys remote IT workers to generate revenue for the regime while circumventing sanctions. DPRK IT workers pose risks to companies, including insider access, potential intellectual property theft, and exposure to other malicious cyber activity. This panel will discuss best practices for identifying and preventing the hiring of DPRK IT workers. 

    Speakers: Greg Schloemer, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft; Elizabeth Pelker, Special Agent, FBI; Chris Horne, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence & Investigations, Upwork; Adam Meyers, SVP Intelligence, CrowdStrike; and Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director, FBI 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss our deep-dive sessions happening at the Microsoft Security Hub. Build your AI cybersecurity skills as Microsoft Security experts will share what they’ve learned and provide insights you can apply in your own organization. 

    • Harnessing Diversity – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce in the Age of AI ​@ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Amanda Minnich, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft; Nicole Ford VP, Customer Security Officer, Microsoft; Kyla Guru, Founder/CEO, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education; Tanell Ford, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft; and Sherrod Degrippo, Directory of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft 

     

    • Reshaping SecOps for the Cloud AI Era @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Scott Woodbridge, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft and Corina Feuerstein, Principal Product Manager for Copilot in Defender and Sentinel 

     

    • Practical use of CoPilot AutoFix to address Security Backlog @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub and Marcelo Oliveira, VP, Product Management, GitHub 

     

    • Executive Lunch: Scaling Compliance for Global Regulations @ ​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, CVP, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft  

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Here’s where we talk products. These 15-20 minute informal, come-and-go sessions run all day at the Microsoft Security booth. They’re demo-heavy product showcases to help you learn how to better use the tools you’ve got now. 

    • Identity Security in the Era of AI with Security Copilot @ 5:35PM – 5:55 PM 
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 6:05PM – 6:25 PM 
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security @ 6:35 PM– 6:55PM 

    MISA Awards| Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s time to suit up in heroic attire for an epic celebration at the 6th annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards! Just like the Avengers, assembling to save the world, we’re coming together to honor the extraordinary achievements of our MISA members who work so diligently to protect customers from external threats!  Congratulations to the incredible finalists for the sixth annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards presented by MISA! 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Security experts and enhance your cybersecurity knowledge. From April 28 to April 30, 2025 customers and CISOs can schedule one-on-one meetings at the Palace Hotel to discuss your most pressing security product and threat intelligence questions. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.  

    Tuesday is the busiest day of the conference, with lots of choices in front of you, so plan ahead. 

    Keynote: AI Safety: Where Do We Go From Here? | 8:30 AM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    During this keynote session, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the UK AI Safety Institute leaders come together for this blockbuster panel to explain the evolving landscape of AI safety. Attendees will gain insights into key developments in AI safety that should matter to organizations, its intersection with existing security initiatives, and time-tested approaches to translate AI safety to practice.  

    Speakers: Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Jade Leung, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; and Daniel Rohrer, VP Software Product Security, Architecture & Research, NVIDIA 

     

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    RSAC has chosen top Microsoft Security experts to share insights and best practices, letting you learn about the latest in security without the sales pitch. 

    • Incident Response Dilemmas: Sharing Intel Across Sectors in Critical Times​ @ 9:40 – 10:30 AM ​ 

    An incident may be a singular event affecting one entity. What happens when it affects our critical infrastructure and has the possibility of sector-wide impact and cascading effects? How do companies share information and meet regulatory expectations? The session will dive into the work that financial services companies, the government, and cloud service providers are taking to mature IR. 

    Speakers: Ann Johnson, CVP & Deputy CISO, Customer Security Managment Office, Microsoft; Ted Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Treasury; Heather Hogsett, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of BITS, Bank Policy Institute; and Erez Liebermann, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 

     

    • XPIA Attacks – Rethinking Defense in Depth for an AI-Powered World @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    As adversaries rapidly develop sophisticated AI attacks, the solutions also need to evolve rapidly. This panel will explore Cross/Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks (XPIA) and the need to rethink traditional defense in depth strategies. Gain insights into XPIA trends, risk analysis, and innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Join for practical strategies and expert insights.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft; Aanchal Gupta, CVP, Microsoft; John Leo, Jr, Managing Director – Threat and Vulnerability Management Leader, EY; and Stefano Zanero, Professor, Politecnico di Milano 

     

    • A Year(ish) of Countering Malicious Actors’ Use of AI: What Have We Learned? @ 2:25 –3:15 PM​ 

    Artificial Intelligence has changed the game when it comes to how cyber adversaries operate, and how defenders respond. This panel will explore lessons learned from the past year of countering malicious cyber actors’ use of AI, challenges and limitations of legal actions involving AI, and what roadblocks might appear going forward as AI, and the actors who use it, continues to evolve. 

    Speakers: Sherrod DeGrippo, Director, Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Morgan Adamski, Executive Director, US Cyber Command; Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and Sean Newell, Chief, National Security Cyber Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day | Monday – Wednesday Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Join Microsoft Security product leaders as they share their learnings and how you can apply them in your organization.  

    • Defending Against Modern Threats: Enhancing Endpoint Security and IT Resilience @ 8:00AM – 9:30AM 

    Speakers: Archana Devi Sunder Rajan, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft and Peter M. Thompson, Principal PM Manager, Microsoft   

    • Secure and Govern AI to safeguard your data, reduce risks, and support compliance @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Herain Oberoi, GM, Data & AI Security, Microsoft; Rudra Mitra, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Purview; and Neta Haiby, Director of AI Security, Microsoft 

    • Microsoft Security Copilot @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM 

    Speaker:  Dorothy Li, CVP, Microsoft Security Copilot

    • Secure your data in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    Speakers: Talhah Mir, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview and Maithili Dandige, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview 

    • ​AI and Automation Panel: The Startup Innovation for Enterprise Resilience – moderated by FC @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    **Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a copy of FC’s book, How I Rob Banks, and the chance to have it signed by the author at the end of the session.

    Speakers: Kevin Magee, Director Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups; FC, Co-founder & CEO, Cygenta; Shane Coleman, Chief Data Security Evangelist; Christ “Tito” Sestito, CEO, HiddenLayer; Ravid Circus, Co-founder & CPO, Seemplicity; and Jeremy Vaughan, CEO, Start Left Security 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Stop by the Microsoft Security booth to catch a short demo of your favorite product. 

    • See Beyond Silos and Protect Better with Microsoft Security Exposure Management 11:00 AM –11:20 AM              
    • Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with the Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM 
    • Automating Vulnerability Management: The Power of “Endpoint Vulnerability Remediation Agent” in Microsoft Intune 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM  
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Accelerating post-breach deep content analysis and mitigation with Microsoft Purview @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM  
    • Microsoft Sentinel Uncovered: Advanced Capabilities to Transform the SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Protect AI Workloads from Code to Runtime with Microsoft Defender for Cloud @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM    
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Unified SecOps: Defending Critical Infrastructure with Microsoft Defender @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM  
    • Be Fast as Lighting: Automate Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel Service Delivery @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM  
    • Mastering Cloud Threats: Detect, Investigate, and Respond in real-time with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Defender XDR integration @ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM  
    • Practical Strategies for Securing AI-Driven Data: Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Insider Risk Management @ 4:30 PM – 4:50PM  
    • Secure and govern access to GenAI apps with the Microsoft Entra Suite @5:00 PM – 5:20 PM  
    • Bolster your SOC with Microsoft’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) @ 5:30 PM – 5:50PM  

    Networking and Fun | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    • Secure & Sip: DevOps Edition @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM  

    Speaker: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub 

    Gather with GitHub’s security leaders and experts for meaningful conversations, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a custom ramen bar to round out your day at RSAC. 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Day 2 of meetings with Microsoft Security experts continues. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.  https://MicrosoftSecurityEvents.eventbuilder.com/MicrosoftRSAC2025events?source=blog_techcomm 

    As the conference starts to wrap up, don’t miss your chance to get hands-on with Microsoft Security solutions and ask questions at the Hub and booth and in 1:1 meetings. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | Location: Moscone Center 

    • Guardians of the Cyber Galaxy: Allies Against AI-Powered Cybercrime​ @ 8:30 – 9:20 AM  

    ​AI is revolutionizing cybercrime, putting traditional defenses to the test. Expert panelists unite to detail innovative public-private strategies and real-world case studies from their experience in INTERPOL, the FBI, Microsoft, and the Privacy & Cybersecurity Group of an international law firm. Gain actionable insights to protect the global community and fortify cybersecurity defenses.  

    Speakers: Sean Farrell, Lead Counsel, AI Strategy, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Corporation; Garylene Javier, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP; Craig Jones, Immediate Past Director Cybercrime, INTERPOL; and Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

     

    • Green and Sustainable AI for Cybersecurity​ @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    The session will consider the carbon cost of AI and analytics. It will focus on the estimated energy and carbon costs of many cybersecurity use cases and approaches that can be taken to build more sustainable solutions. This will be illustrated through the use of a threat hunting and detection analytical solution and how that could be designed to be most power efficient.  

    Speakers: Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft and Sian John, CTO, NCC Group 

     

    • Scaling AppSec With an SDLC for Citizen Development​ @ 1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    AppSec programs are difficult. Filled to the brim with vulnerabilities. Overloaded staff and inadequate budget. The common “solution” is to narrow scope and focus on crown jewels and their devs. Increasing the scope to 100x devs and 1000x apps surprisingly worked, resulting in program remediation of >50K vulnerabilities in 3 months. 18K of them in a single night. This session will show how. 

    Speakers: Ryan McDonald, Principal Program Manager, Microsoft and Michael Bargury, Co-Founder & CTO, Zenity 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss the final few Microsoft Security focused sessions at our Hub. 

    • Threat intelligence trends and insights panel: Exclusive briefing from Microsoft Threat Intelligence @10:30AM – 11:30AM​  

    Speakers: Sherrod De Grippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Jeremy Dallman, Senior Director of Security Research in Microsoft Threat Intelligence; and Steven Masada, Assistant General Counsel, DCU 

    • Secure access for your employees with Entra Suite @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speaker:  Irina Nechaeva, General Manager, Identity and Network Access 

    • Securing the AI Powered Enterprise Executive Panel Lunch @​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft; Brandon Dixon, Partner Product Manager, Security AI Strategy, Microsoft; Manny Sahota, Director, Global Cloud Privacy, Microsoft; Herain Oberoi, General Manager, Data Security, Governance, Compliance, Privacy Business and Marketing, Microsoft; and Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Don’t miss your chance to see demos and ask questions casually at the booth. 

    • Make Windows endpoints more secure and prevent downtime 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM            
    • Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Partnering with Microsoft 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM            
    • EY Security Copilot Empowered Solutions 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Microsoft Security Copilot: Protect at the speed and scale of AI 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM           
    • Phishing-Resistant Authentication, Trusted Onboarding & Recovery @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 
    • Building a multi-layered approach to data security SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Secure your email and collaboration tools against sophisticated cyber attacks @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM  
    • The latest intelligence on North Korean remote IT workers @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Secure and govern M365 Copilot with Microsoft Purview @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM 
    • Proactively Mitigate Risks with Microsoft Security Exposure Management @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM 
    • Windows 365: The security of Windows, the scale of the cloud@ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM 
    • Shift your SOC from manual incident response to automatic attack disruption @ 4:30 PM –4:50PM  
    • A Look Inside Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative: Progress, Innovations, and Best Practices @ 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM 
    • Simplifying Data Security for the Modern Network with Microsoft Purview and Netskope One @ 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s your final chance to ask your questions and give your suggestions directly to Microsoft Security experts. Book your meeting here: Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC | Location: Moscone Center 

    Last but certainly not least. 

    • Shaping Cybersecurity: How Regulation Shapes Operational Cyber Defense​ @ 10:50 – 11:40AM​  

    In 2024, elections and growing cyberthreats pushed cybersecurity to the forefront of government priorities. The panel will explore governments’ efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience through regulation, the impact on operational cyber defense, and discuss where greater alignment is possible. Attendees will gain an understanding of the quickly evolving global regulatory landscape.  

    Speakers: Ted Maurer, Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft; Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG Connect, European Commission; Ari Schwartz, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Services, Venable LLP; Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy, Tufts University, The Fletcher School; and Florian Schütz, Director, NCSC – National Cybersecurity Centre 

     

    • Taking the Fight Upstream: Pursuing Systemic Defense Against Phishing​ 12:20 – 11:10 PM​  

    Three decades into the public internet, cybercrime is booming and phishing remains a key vector. With AI-enhanced attacks rising, common users are increasingly ill-equipped to defend themselves. What can be done upstream to protect society? This session explores systemic defense strategies across the ICT ecosystem that hold the potential for significant ecosystem-wide impact.

    Speakers: Kelly Bissell, CVP Security & Fraud, Microsoft; Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy, World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity; Steven Kelly, Chief Trust Officer, Institute for Security and Technology; and Kemba Walden, President, Paladin Global Institute, Paladin Capital Group  

     

    • Fraud, Risk, Hollywood & Government—A Strategy for AI Across Industry 12:20 – 11:10 PM 

    ​Dive into the high-stakes world of AI as the experts in this session unravel AI’s game-changing roles in Hollywood, government, and finance. Experience firsthand revolutionary strategies, ethical showdowns, and futuristic trends set to redefine industry landscapes. Get ready for a session that’s as dynamic and ambitious as a Hollywood blockbuster! 

    Speakers: Vishal Amin, GM, National Security Group, Security; Gurpreet Bhatia, Acting Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, Acting CISO, DOD; David Mahdi, CIO, Transmit Security; and Scott Mann, Film Director & Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Flawless 

    • Generative AI Meets Identity Governance: Automating the Overlooked​ @ 1:30 – 2:20 PM​ 

    Identity governance is often the last thing to be implemented and rarely gets the attention it deserves due to its complexity. This session will explore how Generative AI agents can help overcome this by automating critical but often deprioritized tasks like role mining and identity lifecycle management, particularly addressing the challenges of managing ‘movers’ within organizations.  

    Speakers: Angelica Faber, Sr Security Architect, Microsoft and Wesley Kuzma, Architect Manager, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Catch the last day of theater sessions. 

    • How Enterprises will Continue to Learn from Open Source 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM  
    • Creating Bespoke Identity Governance Solutions with Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM  
    • Identity-first security: Using an event-based approach for threat remediation @ 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Securing and governing Agents built-in Microsoft Copilot Studio @ 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Azure Platform Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 

    How to Make the Most of Microsoft Security at RSAC 2025 

    Plan Ahead: Bookmark this blog to easily find the things that interest you the most. 

    Visit the Booth: Engage with our security experts and experience live demos.

    Follow Along Online: Stay updated by following Microsoft Security on LinkedIn and X. 

    Book a Meeting: Want to connect 1:1 with a Microsoft Security expert? Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

     

    See you at RSAC 2025! 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-4
    MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE               THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR               THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE               THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
    SUBJECT:      Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions
    As the Chief Executive and Commander in Chief, the United States Constitution empowers me to direct the various elements of the executive branch to protect our homeland and ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United States in the manner I deem most efficient and effective, consistent with applicable law.  Our southern border is under attack from a variety of threats.  The complexity of the current situation requires that our military take a more direct role in securing our southern border than in the recent past.  Through Executive Order 14167 of January 20, 2025 (Clarifying the Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States), I assigned the Armed Forces of the United States the military missions of repelling the invasion and sealing the United States southern border from unlawful entry to maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States.  This memorandum provides additional guidance on securing the southern border to the heads of certain executive departments. 
    Section 1.  Policy. (a) to accomplish the military missions described in Executive Order 14167, and to ensure the safety and security of the military and other Federal personnel in areas of military operations within Federal lands along the southern border, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate actions:
    (i)    to provide for the use and jurisdiction by the Department of Defense over such Federal lands, including the Roosevelt Reservation and excluding Federal Indian Reservations, that are reasonably necessary to enable military activities directed in this memorandum, including border-barrier construction and emplacement of detection and monitoring equipment; and
    (ii)   to provide for transfer and acceptance of jurisdiction over such Federal lands in accordance with applicable law to enable military activities directed in this memorandum to occur on a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense and for the designation of such Federal lands as National Defense Areas by the Secretary of Defense.
    (b)  The Secretary of the Interior shall allow the Secretary of Defense to use those portions of the Roosevelt Reservation not yet transferred or withdrawn under this memorandum. In accordance with Proclamation 10886 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States), 43 U.S.C. 155 is hereby invoked and the Secretary of the Interior may make withdrawals, reservations, and restrictions of public lands to provide for the utilization of public lands by the Department of Defense to address the emergency at the southern border, without regard to any limitation on withdrawals otherwise applicable under the terms of the Engle Act, 43 U.S.C. 155-158.
    (c)  The Secretary of Defense may determine those military activities that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to accomplish the mission assigned in Executive Order 14167 and that are necessary to protect and maintain the security of military installations, consistent with section 2672 of title 10, United States Code, and the longstanding authority of a military installation commander to exclude persons from a military installation, as recognized in section 21 of the Internal Security Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 797) and 18 U.S.C. 1382.
    (d)  In carrying out activities under this memorandum, members of the Armed Forces will follow rules for the use of force prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
    Sec. 2.  Phased Implementation. The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Homeland Security will initially implement this memorandum on a limited sector of Federal lands designated by the Secretary of Defense.  Within 45 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of Defense shall assess this initial phase.  At any time, the Secretary of Defense may extend activities under this memorandum to additional Federal lands along the southern border in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor, and other executive departments and agencies as appropriate.
    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)    the authority of the Secretary of Defense to authorize and request that State Governors order members of the National Guard under authority of title 32 of the United States Code to conduct Department of Defense activities, including as appropriate to support law enforcement activities under the responsibility of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security, if requested by such official;
    (ii)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (iii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s best sandwiches

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • This list includes cafes and delis from around Canberra.

    Chicken, roast beef, curried egg, salad, tuna or jam – however you like them, there’s a sandwich for everyone. We’re here to help you discover the best sandwiches Canberra has to offer.

    We asked Canberrans on WeAreCBR to name their favourite sandwich spot. These were the standouts, as voted by you:

    Located in No Name Lane, Sandoochie is open Monday-Friday to feed the working Canberrans. You will hardly ever see this joint without a line out the door. They offer a tantalising choice of 3-4 sandwiches and change the menu weekly.

    Blue Olive Café is located in the Melbourne Building. They offer a range of great Chunky New York style sandwiches for your next work lunch.

    This place not only offers great sandwiches and coffee, but you can grab both without even leaving your car. Kickstart is a drive-through cafe located in Fyshwick and Dickson, and they’ve just opened a third location in Belconnen.

    Melted menu items range from cheese toasties to Mi Goreng noodles – anything you would think wouldn’t go on a toastie is on offer.

    With over 10 locations in Canberra, Two Before Ten has become a go-to brunch and lunch spot. Of course they are offering up some solid sandwiches. They’ve got them fresh or toasted, and gluten-free and vego options.

    San Churro is a first and foremost a dessert venue, but who would’ve guessed they are also serving up some delicious toasties?!

    Hop into Bad Bunny for a great selection of sandwiches. They’ve got it all, from pork belly, corned beef to crispy chicken. They also have a great plant-based option of pulled mushroom with vegan cheese and vegan mayo.

    Bean Origin serves up great breakfast and lunch items. Try one of their delicious steak-sandwiches or toasties!

    &Sando is the casual counterpart to Matt Moran’s Compa. The menu features fresh deli counter sandwiches and pastries. Keep an eye out for the specials – past favourites have included Bolognese, provolone and bechamel, and a toasted truffle sando.

    Al’s Diner is bringing the New York-style deli experience to Alinga Street. Choose from fresh or hot sandwiches with flavours like beef & pickle, mushroom melt, chicken salad or the schnitty roll.

    You’ll find this bakery tucked away at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. They’re well-loved for their breads and pastries, and their sandwiches are just as delicious. Choose from ciabatta or sourdough with options like hot salami, smoked salmon, marinated pumpkin or roasted capsicum.

    The sandwiches at Café Stepping Stone come with a side of social good. Stepping Stone create employment opportunities for migrant and refugee women. The potato masala toastie or green Reuben toastie are available at both locations.

    You’ll find this Dutch-inspired patisserie inside Manuka Court. Their display shelves are filled with pastries, cakes, and croquembouche. Regulars love the toasted and fresh sandwich options.

    Lava is well-known for their coffee, but did you know they offer tasty toasties? Flavours include classics like ham, cheese and tomato, as well as chorizo, chilli jam, basil and Swiss cheese.

    Empanadas and coffee are specialties of this suburban gem. They also offer pastries as well as fresh or toasted sandwiches.

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Former Citizen of the Year blooms

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Nip started GG’s Flowers to support her younger sister Gayana, who has Down Syndrome.

    In brief:

    • Nip Wijewickrema was awarded Young Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2014.
    • Nip is the co-founder of GG’s Flowers, a social enterprise employing people with a disability.
    • Nominations for Young Canberra Citizen of the Year close on 30 September 2024.

    In 2014 Nip Wijewickrema was named the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year. The award recognised her work co-founding GG’s Flowers – a social enterprise employing people with disability.

    Ten years on from the award, Nip is still changing the world one flower at a time.

    “I’m still so passionate about meaningful employment for people with a disability,” she explains.

    Nip started the business to support her younger sister Gayana, who has Down Syndrome. She wanted to make sure Gayana would have support in the workplace and a chance to become more independent. Nip has grown GG’s Florist to a successful business spreading colour and joy across Canberra.

    “I feel like I have lived a lifetime in the last 10 years,” Nip says.

    “When I won the award, I was just freshly 21 and had no idea what the world had in store for me.”

    Being named Young Canberra Citizen of the Year gave Nip a helping hand at an important time.

    “Having the honour of being a Young Canberra Citizen was life affirming and really helped me on the journey to chase the stars in social enterprise land,” she explains.

    “Social entrepreneurs often don’t have a long shelf life. It’s a hard industry and almost impossible to remain profitable and viable as the years go on. Being able to fly that flag for 10 years is truly so wonderful.”

    So, 10 years on what does life look like?

    “I’m still working at GG’s Flowers, helping the team send beautiful flowers and gift hampers and create innovative NDIS disability support,” Nip says.

    “I’m wearing the same pink uniform and having a blast doing so! I can proudly say I still absolutely adore my job and love getting up every morning with purpose.”

    Each year the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year recognises an outstanding individual aged 12 to 25 who is:

    * is an exceptional role model

    * has championed youth issues

    * has significantly contributed to the ACT.

    Nip has words of advice to offer anyone thinking of nominating an outstanding young person this year.

    “I truly believe in acknowledging our unsung heroes to help them create good in our community. I know no one does good things for recognition, but if the recognition can help you do better and create social good – then go for it!”

    Nominations for Young Canberra Citizen of the Year are open to 30 September 2024. Find out more or make a nomination.

    Read more like this

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Votes Against Republicans’ Reckless Budget Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa released the following statement after he voted against Congressional Republicans’ reckless budget resolution, H.Con.Res 14, which would establish the congressional budget for the federal government for Fiscal Year 2025.“In less than 100 days, President Trump and Republicans have created economic chaos. Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs, crashing the stock market, and squeezing the pocketbooks of Americans. Now, Republicans are gutting Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical lifelines with the biggest cuts in history. I voted against this reckless budget resolution because turning our backs on America’s safety isn’t leadership, it’s cruelty. I won’t stop fighting back.” said Congressman Costa.BACKGROUNDCongressional Republicans passed a budget resolution that unlocks the next step in the budget reconciliation process and will allow committees in both the House and the Senate to begin drafting legislation to meet their targets, but Republicans long ago leaked their menu of options.

    Energy and Commerce Committee to cut at least $880 billion, which will lead to deep cuts to Medicaid – impacting 456,532 Medicaid enrollees in Costa’s district, and over 1.8 million enrollees in the San Joaquin Valley. 
    Agriculture Committee to cut at least $230 billion from nutrition assistance, which would cause over 131,000 people in Costa’s district to lose SNAP/food stamps. 
    Oversight and Reform Committee to cut at least $50 billion, which would endanger government employee retirement benefits and further cut the federal workforce. 
    Education and Workforce Committee to cut at least $330 billion targeting student loan programs, income-driven repayment, Pell grants, and school meals. 
    Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to claw back $10 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, preventing further investments in the San Joaquin Valley and California.  

    This also instructs the House Ways and Means Committee to approve tax cuts of $4.5 trillion over 10 years, while raising the deficit without accountability.
    The Yale Budget Lab found that the bottom 40 percent of Americans would see their costs go up and 70 percent of the benefits from the Republican budget would go to the richest 5 percent.  According to data from the House Budget Democrats, over 1.8 million people across the San Joaquin Valley depend on Medicaid – that’s larger than the state of West Virginia’s entire population.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz on President Trump’s Work to Secure Water for South Texas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    De La Cruz on President Trump’s Work to Secure Water for South Texas

    WASHINGTON, April 11, 2025

    Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s work to hold the Mexican government accountable for the over one million acre-feet of water they owe South Texas.  

    Read De La Cruz’s post here or below.

    “Thank you, President Trump, for holding the Mexican government accountable for the water they owe South Texans. As one of the largest agricultural producing states, any impact on Texas ag will impact our entire country. I will always fight for South Texas farmers and producers to secure the critical water resources we are owed.”

    Read President Trump’s post here or below.

    “Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation. This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly. Last year, the only Sugar Mill in Texas CLOSED, because Mexico has been stealing the water from Texas Farmers. Ted Cruz has been leading the fight to get South Texas the water it is owed, but Sleepy Joe refused to lift a finger to help the Farmers. THAT ENDS NOW! I will make sure Mexico doesn’t violate our Treaties and doesn’t hurt our Texas Farmers. Just last month, I halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies with the 1944 Water Treaty. My Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, is standing up for Texas Farmers, and we will keep escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED!”

    Background: 

    Since entering Congress, Rep. De La Cruz has been a leader on this issue and prioritized ensuring Texas farmers and producers receive the over one million acre-feet of water they are still owed under the 1944 Water Treaty.

    This Congress, she has introduced H.Res. 71 to condemn the Government of Mexico for failing to fulfill its water deliveries on an annual basis and sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to request Mexico be held accountable as a part of the ongoing trade negotiations. Additionally, she led a letter to President Trump in December requesting assistance in holding Mexico accountable for owed water deliveries.

    Earlier this year, alongside U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Congresswoman De La Cruz announced she helped secure $280 million in aid funds that will be deployed by the USDA to South Texas farmers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Salinas, Pingree, Tokuda Lead Colleagues in Slamming Trump Administration for Censoring Agricultural Research Crucial to Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

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

    April 11, 2025

    Leaked Agricultural Research Service memo contains a sweeping list of banned words, including “climate,” “affordable housing,” and “safe drinking water.”

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, and Jill Tokuda, D-Hawai’i, warned the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that Donald Trump’s politically motivated list of banned words – including “climate,” “affordable housing,” and “safe drinking water” — in research agreements being considered for federal funding would harm rural communities facing wildfires, drought, food insecurity, among other environmental agricultural challenges.

    In the letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers emphasized, “The exclusion of these terms from consideration for funding opportunities demonstrates an intentional effort to hinder, distort, and improperly steer federal scientific work in the name of political expediency, and the American people deserve far better than that.”

    The USDA has operated more than 600 research projects with a $1.7 billion budget. Banning terms like “runoff” or “soil pollution” from playing a role in funding these agricultural and environmental projects would stall opportunities to advance the agency’s core mission to carry out scientific work that bolsters lives, careers, and the overall wellbeing of communities across rural America. As Oregon’s climate changes, farmers are being exposed to emerging pest and disease threats, which could wipe out entire crops or even threaten human health. Climate change is a scientifically established threat to agricultural productivity, food security, and rural economies.

    The lawmakers continued, “The American people deserve transparency and integrity from federal research agencies, not political interference and outright censorship. The farmers and ranchers who rely on sound science to navigate environmental and economic challenges should not have their livelihoods undercut by unscientific, bureaucratic gatekeeping. Critical research proposals to reduce pollution, increase irrigation efficiency, or address emerging pest and disease threats should not be denied solely because they used a word that Donald Trump does not like.”

    Joining Wyden, the letter is cosigned in the Senate by Senators Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

    Joining Salinas, Pingree, and Tokuda, the letter is cosigned in the House by Representatives Janelle Bynum, D-Ore., Ed Case, D-Hawai’i, Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., Angie Craig, D-Minn., Jim Costa, D-Calif., Shomari Figures, D-Ala., Valerie Foushee, D-N.C., Jared Huffman, D-Calif., Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., Betty McCollum, D-Minn., Eleanor Norton, D-D.C., Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., Terri Sewell, D-Ala., Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Maxine Waters, D-Calif.

    Wyden demands immediate answers clarifying the implications of this politically motivated censorship to the following questions no later than April 18, 2025:

    1. Has the USDA conducted any review to determine whether this policy violates federal transparency laws, scientific integrity policies, or anti-discrimination statutes? If so, please share the documentation. If not, please explain why a review has not been done.
    2. The USDA has confirmed the existence of the ARS memo that has been publicly reported. Please provide any other lists of key words that the USDA is using to evaluate federal agreements, contracts, grants, loans, and other programs.
    3. For each list provided under question 2, please explain the purpose of each list, including any relevant laws, regulations, Executive Orders, or memoranda that the USDA is seeking to comply with.
    4. What safeguards have you put in place to ensure that these restrictions do not lead to biased or politically motivated decision-making at the expense of merit, scientific integrity, and public welfare?
    5. Have these restrictions resulted in the rejection of agreements that would have directly benefited farmers, food supply security, or rural economies? If so, what processes does the USDA have in place to allow for the appeal of decisions and evaluations made based off key word lists for federal agreements, contracts, grants, loans, or other programs? Provide an itemized list of all agreements under all impacted programs that were rejected because they included one or more of these banned terms, as outlined in the directive, as well as a full justification for each rejection.
    1. In the case of the ARS banned word list, if an ongoing research agreement is focused on biofuels, for example, the ARS website lists 29 research projects containing the word biofuel.[3] Will funding for these projects be revoked? Will ongoing research be halted? Will USDA require projects to rephrase their contracts? If a project cannot be rephrased without using a banned word, will the contract be terminated?
    2. What are the consequences for researchers or other agency employees who identify serious risks related to any of these banned terms, such as, for example, the expanded range of certain pests and diseases due to changing climate conditions, or nitrate contamination in the drinking water supply from fertilizer runoff?
      1. Will research proposals and agreements to address these critical issues – and others that include banned terms – be considered under this policy?
      2. If so, through what process are they getting around the banned terms list, and how is that decided? If not, how do you justify such negligence?
      3. Are career scientists, policy experts, and agency staff being pressured to remove or avoid these terms in their work? If not, explain how USDA plans to enforce these restrictions. If so, how does that not constitute political coercion?
    3. Does the USDA deny that climate change, pollution, and the accessibility of federal funding impact the safety and security of the American food supply? If so, provide your justification. If not, then why are these issues being censored?
    4. Will you release all internal communications regarding the creation, justification, and enforcement of this policy to ensure full transparency? If so, when? If not, why?

    This year, Wyden led colleagues in demanding a halt to the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to roll back decades of scientific findings on greenhouse gases. In February, Wyden called on the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to reverse harmful firings at the USDA that have harmed Oregon farmers and families.

    The text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey and Wicker Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Long-Term Weather Forecasting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill Text (PDF) | One Pager
    Washington (April 11, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), today announced legislation to improve subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) weather forecasting efforts at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through investments in advanced approaches to S2S weather forecasting. S2S forecasting refers to timescales of two weeks to three months and three months to two years, respectively. The Forecasting Optimization for Robust Earth Climate Analysis and Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Tracking (FORECAST) Act of 2025 would authorize federal funding to support research, demonstration, and application of cutting-edge data management and weather modeling technologies to improve the reliability of S2S forecasts. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
    “The recent devastating tornadoes, torrential rains, and flooding in the central United States demonstrate the urgent need for improved forecasts to support our farmers, mariners, utility workers, city planners, and communities,” said Senator Markey. “In pursuit of a 21st-century weather enterprise that brings predictability to disaster planning, NOAA requires robust subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting capabilities. The FORECAST Act will provide NOAA with the direction and resources needed to fully realize an S2S forecasting architecture that is cutting-edge, reliable, and maintainable, ensuring the short- and long-term safety of communities in the face of severe weather.”
    “As Mississippians live through this year’s tornado season, it is hard to think of a timelier bill,” said Senator Wicker. “We must keep improving weather forecasting, and I will continue supporting congressional efforts to make predictions as early and accurate as possible.”
    “Long-term forecasts on storms like atmospheric rivers are critical for preparing communities for growing water challenges and flooding in the West,” said Senator Padilla. “This investment in the next generation of our weather workforce will strengthen our long-term forecasting capabilities and keep the public informed beyond traditional two-week weather forecasts in the face of the climate crisis.”
    “As communities experience more extreme weather, we need to invest in forecasting technology and workforce development to make sure we’re prepared for these events,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m helping to introduce this bipartisan bill to build the next generation of researchers and engineers who will improve and operate forecasting and weather modeling technology. I’ll keep pushing for commonsense solutions that allow us to better adapt to climate change and become more resilient.”
    The FORECAST Act also directs NOAA to continue its record of successful cross-sectoral collaboration with leading universities and scientific organizations to make the most of the latest advances in S2S forecasting efforts. The bill also directs NOAA to leverage emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and unmanned systems, and creates a new workforce development program to develop the next generation of professionals in the weather enterprise.
    This legislation is endorsed by Woodwell Climate Center and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
    Senators Markey and Padilla previously introduced the FORECAST Act in July 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas, Pingree, Tokuda, Wyden Lead Colleagues in Slamming Trump Administration for Censoring Agricultural Research Crucial to Rural Communities

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Leaked Agricultural Research Service memo contains a sweeping list of banned words, including “climate,” “affordable housing,” and “safe drinking water.”

    Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02), along with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), warned the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that Donald Trump’s politically motivated list of banned words — including “climate,” “affordable housing,” and “safe drinking water” — in research agreements being considered for federal funding would harm rural communities facing wildfires, drought, food insecurity, among other environmental agricultural challenges.

    In the letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers emphasized, “The exclusion of these terms from consideration for funding opportunities demonstrates an intentional effort to hinder, distort, and improperly steer federal scientific work in the name of political expediency, and the American people deserve far better than that.”

    The USDA has operated more than 600 research projects with a $1.7 billion budget. Banning terms like “runoff” or “soil pollution” from playing a role in funding these agricultural and environmental projects would stall opportunities to advance the agency’s core mission to carry out scientific work that bolsters lives, careers, and the overall wellbeing of communities across rural America. As Oregon’s climate changes, farmers are being exposed to emerging pest and disease threats, which could wipe out entire crops or even threaten human health. Climate change is a scientifically established threat to agricultural productivity, food security, and rural economies.

    The lawmakers continued: “The American people deserve transparency and integrity from federal research agencies, not political interference and outright censorship. The farmers and ranchers who rely on sound science to navigate environmental and economic challenges should not have their livelihoods undercut by unscientific, bureaucratic gatekeeping. Critical research proposals to reduce pollution, increase irrigation efficiency, or address emerging pest and disease threats should not be denied solely because they used a word that Donald Trump does not like.”

    In addition to Salinas, Wyden, Pingree, and Tokuda, the letter is cosigned in the House by Reps. Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Ed Case (HI-01), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02) Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Maxine Waters (CA-43) and in the Senate by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

    The members demand immediate answers clarifying the implications of this politically motivated censorship to the following questions no later than April 18, 2025:

    1. Has the USDA conducted any review to determine whether this policy violates federal transparency laws, scientific integrity policies, or anti-discrimination statutes? If so, please share the documentation. If not, please explain why a review has not been done.
    2. The USDA has confirmed the existence of the ARS memo that has been publicly reported. Please provide any other lists of key words that the USDA is using to evaluate federal agreements, contracts, grants, loans, and other programs.
    3. For each list provided under question 2, please explain the purpose of each list, including any relevant laws, regulations, Executive Orders, or memoranda that the USDA is seeking to comply with.
    4. What safeguards have you put in place to ensure that these restrictions do not lead to biased or politically motivated decision-making at the expense of merit, scientific integrity, and public welfare?
    5. Have these restrictions resulted in the rejection of agreements that would have directly benefited farmers, food supply security, or rural economies? If so, what processes does the USDA have in place to allow for the appeal of decisions and evaluations made based off key word lists for federal agreements, contracts, grants, loans, or other programs? Provide an itemized list of all agreements under all impacted programs that were rejected because they included one or more of these banned terms, as outlined in the directive, as well as a full justification for each rejection.
    6. In the case of the ARS banned word list, if an ongoing research agreement is focused on biofuels, for example, the ARS website lists 29 research projects containing the word biofuel. Will funding for these projects be revoked? Will ongoing research be halted? Will USDA require projects to rephrase their contracts? If a project cannot be rephrased without using a banned word, will the contract be terminated?
    7. What are the consequences for researchers or other agency employees who identify serious risks related to any of these banned terms, such as, for example, the expanded range of certain pests and diseases due to changing climate conditions, or nitrate contamination in the drinking water supply from fertilizer runoff?
      1. Will research proposals and agreements to address these critical issues – and others that include banned terms – be considered under this policy?
      2. If so, through what process are they getting around the banned terms list, and how is that decided? If not, how do you justify such negligence?
      3. Are career scientists, policy experts, and agency staff being pressured to remove or avoid these terms in their work? If not, explain how USDA plans to enforce these restrictions. If so, how does that not constitute political coercion?
    8. Does the USDA deny that climate change, pollution, and the accessibility of federal funding impact the safety and security of the American food supply? If so, provide your justification. If not, then why are these issues being censored?
    9. Will you release all internal communications regarding the creation, justification, and enforcement of this policy to ensure full transparency? If so, when? If not, why?

    To read the full letter, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Hidden explosives continue to threaten communities

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    This story was written by the UN Mine Action Service’s South Sudan team. In close cooperation with South Sudan’s National Mine Action Authority and other partners, the team coordinates demining efforts and reaches out to communities to raise awareness on the dangers of explosive hazards and how to avoid them.
     

    After a conflict, after the guns fall silent, the legacy of war often remains hidden beneath the soil, lying on roadsides and scattered across farmland. Landmines and explosive remnants of war are left behind, threatening communities that are already reeling from the effects of violence.  

    This is the reality for many communities in South Sudan, a country that has faced decades of armed conflict and humanitarian crises. A farmer preparing their land, a child walking to school, a cattle herder guiding livestock, or a woman collecting firewood – all are put at risk by these hidden threats. So, too, are the humanitarians trying to reach communities that are in dire need of food, water, and medical assistance.  

    Since 2004, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), an integral part of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, has been working with South Sudan’s National Mine Action Authority and other partners to remove these hidden killers. Important progress has been made, but large areas remain contaminated, and renewed fighting risks reversing the progress made in clearing land.
     

     

    Together, UNMAS and its partners have cleared explosive remnants of war from thousands of kilometers of roads and land, letting life return to normal where demining has taken place. Farmers like Daniel Kong, from Malakal, who once feared tilling his land, can now cultivate their crops without fear. When his village was declared safe from mines, Mr. Kong was able to return to farming, letting him provide food for his family and earn a livelihood in the market. Pastoralists and women collecting firewood can now move freely without the fear of stepping on a hidden threat. Schools that were once contaminated with abandoned explosive weapons are now filled with students. This is a critical step forward in protecting children, who, over the last five years, have made up 80% of South Sudan’s victims of explosive remnants. Families can be reconnected, traders can resume their work, and humanitarians can deliver aid more safely. 

     

    However, South Sudan and some other conflict-affected areas around the world are facing renewed instability and the mass displacement of populations, reversing hard-won gains and posing new threats. This has made the need for mine action more urgent than ever.  

    Member State support will be critical to enabling UNMAS, UN peacekeeping missions, and our partners to continue to clear explosive threats and educate communities on how to identify and avoid them. At the upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, they will have the opportunity to contribute specialized personnel, weapons and ammunitions management training, and other critical resources that will help demining efforts across the globe. By working together, we can make places like South Sudan safer for communities and the people living in them. Every explosive item removed is a future restored and a step closer to peace.
     

     

    This story is part of the “Peacekeeping Impact” story series, which reports on the impact peacekeeping has for the people and communities it serves. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, addresses the inaugural session of the two-day National Level Review Meeting in Shillong, Meghalaya

    Source: Government of India

    Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, addresses the inaugural session of the two-day National Level Review Meeting in Shillong, Meghalaya

    Initiatives and formulation of strategies to further strengthen and modernise the Cooperative Sector across the country discussed during the Review Meeting

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah Ministry is committed to promoting cooperative-led economic growth

    Gujarat and Maharashtra are shining examples of how dairy can empower women and improve child nutrition

    Role of national-level cooperative institutions such as NCEL, NCOL, BBSSL, NCCF, and NAFED pivotal in enhancing the cooperative ecosystem and driving innovation and inclusivity

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, addressed the inaugural session of the two-day National Level Review Meeting in Shillong, Meghalaya. The Review meeting, held on 10-11 April 2025, discussed initiatives and formulation of strategies to further strengthen and modernise the Cooperative Sector across the country.

     

    Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah the Ministry is committed to promoting cooperative-led economic growth with robust inter-state cooperation to realize the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi.” He stressed on collating the PAN numbers of all cooperative societies of the country to enable more accurate representation of the cooperative sector in the national GDP. Dr. Bhutani reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening and advancing the cooperative ecosystem in the country.

    The Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation said that White Revolution 2.0 is one of the flagship initiatives, aimed at rural upliftment through the dairy sector. States like Gujarat and Maharashtra are shining examples of how dairy can empower women and improve child nutrition. He said that we are partnering with institutions like Amul and NDDB to support states Assam, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and other states in expanding dairy infrastructure. The economic potential of animal husbandry now exceeds that of traditional crop cultivation.

    Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani said that passing of the bill to establish India’s first Tribhuvan Sahkari University is a historic move. This university will standardise cooperative education across states and uplift over 250 existing cooperative institutions.

    Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, and Chief Secretary, Govt. of Meghalaya, along with senior officials, took part in a tree plantation drive under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative in International Year of Cooperatives.

    The meeting brought together key stakeholders including representatives from States and Union Territories, officials from cooperative federations, financial institutions, and policymakers, fostering a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange and strategic alignment.

    The States Review Session spotlighted the pivotal role of national-level cooperative institutions such as NCEL, NCOL, BBSSL, NCCF, and NAFED in enhancing the cooperative ecosystem and driving innovation and inclusivity.

    Director of IRMA, Anand (Gujarat), outlined the vision of Tribhuvan Sahkari University, the strategic objectives, and proposed institutional structure. The session reflected the Ministry’s long-term commitment to developing world-class cooperative education and research infrastructure.

    A dedicated workshop on the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, focusing on strategic priorities such as benchmarking cooperative societies, impact assessment, and the formulation of a Business Reform Action Plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Delegations from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand shared best practices and innovations in cooperative development.

    The focus areas of the two-day sessions were on expansion of banking services for cooperative societies and ensure doorstep banking services via micro-ATMs along with provision of zero-interest loans through RuPay Kisan Credit Cards to members of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), Dairy Cooperative Societies and other Cooperative institutions, and strengthening of Rural Cooperative Banking. Expansion of time-bound establishment of Multi-Purpose Agriculture Cooperative Societies (MPACS), Dairy and fishery cooperatives, Grain Storage Plan, digital transformation of PACS and Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) with an aim to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and service accessibility was also discussed. An analytical discussion was also held on the impact of NCDC’s schemes and the realignment of its strategic direction with broader national development priorities.

    ******

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2121020) Visitor Counter : 50

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s top spots for sunrises and sunsets

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberra’s sunrises and sunsets are spectacular.

    In brief

    • Canberra has beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
    • We asked Canberrans on the @wearecbr Instagram page where their favourite spots are.
    • Here is a list of the best places in Canberra to watch the sun rise or set.

    There are few better ways to start or end the day than by watching the sun rise or set.

    One of the benefits of living in the bush capital is that there are plenty of spots to see breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

    Dairy Farmers Hill lookout

    This lookout is home to the iconic eagle sculpture, Nest III, at the National Arboretum Canberra. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun rise or set, with 360-degree views of Canberra and the surrounds.

    Red Hill Lookout

    Whether you choose to hike or drive to the summit of Red Hill, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. To the northeast you’ll see Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. Further up the hill toward the west, you can see the Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Mount Taylor.

    Davidson Hill

    A little further towards Woden, you’ll find Davidson Hill. This quiet spot is ideal for enjoying golden hour.

    Gossan  Hill

    This scenic spot is in Belconnen. This Bruce reserve is named for it’s ochre-coloured rocks, enhancing the golden tones of a sunrise. Bring your furry friend (on-leash and on a track or trail only) to enjoy the view too. .

    West Belconnen Pond

    You’ll find this peaceful lake on the edge of Dunlop. The sun reflects off the water, casting the bushland in golden lavender hues.

    Mulligans Flat

    Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is well known for its beautiful woodland and native wildlife. It’s also a tranquil spot to watch the sun rise or set.

    Mount Ainslie

    Mount Ainslie is one of Canberra’s most iconic lookouts. The views seem to stretch on forever, and twilight casts the entire city in a soft glow.

    Weston Park

    Canberrans of all ages flock to Weston Park for many different activities. While it’s an excellent area to get active, it’s also a peaceful spot to start or end the day with the sun.

    Lake Burley Griffin

    A stunning sunrise from Lake Burley Griffin is enough to lure many Canberrans out of bed in the morning. A walk around the lake of an evening is an especially lovely way to finish the day.

    Shepherds Lookout

    This is the northern-most viewing point of the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT. There are a number of walking tracks, all of which offer bush vistas. You might even be lucky enough to see a platypus or a Gang Gang cockatoo.

    Read more like this

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: AMC makes a difference through native plants

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Leigh, Production Nursery and Horticulture Program supervisor at the Alexander Maconochie Centre

    Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) detainees are helping climate-proof the region through an innovative program.

    There are seven people employed in the AMC’s Production Nursery and Horticulture Program.

    Together, they are working to restore endangered grassy woodlands in the Yass region.

    Over the past year, they have propagated around 3,000 native plants to help the Murrumbateman Landcare Group (MLG).

    Plants include eucalypts, wattles, shrubs and groundcovers. The MLG chose these varieties for their ability to withstand future climate conditions.

    These were grown as seeds from both local and non-local sources to ensure genetic diversity.

    They will also improve soil health on both private and public lands in the region.

    The program has been running for three years at the AMC, which has commercial grow houses and stock gardens on site.

    It is one of several opportunities offered to help detainees build new skills and confidence and give back to the community.

    Those involved have learned various propagation techniques and have even raised species that have struggled to grow in Murrumbateman.

    “The experience has also given detainees a real sense of achievement while nurturing their own personal growth. For some, these programs are more than a way to pass the time of their sentences – it can open up pathways for life after prison,” AMC Production Nursery and Horticulture Program supervisor Leigh said.

    The AMC’s partnership with MLG demonstrates that rehabilitation and community engagement can go hand-in-hand, with positive results.

    “This partnership is a wonderful example of how we can work together to achieve positive outcomes for both the environment and individuals involved,” MLG Committee Member Gill Hall said.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Gungahlin’s best public art

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Stopping to Smell the Flowers is located near the Joey Park Playground in Throsby.

    Gungahlin in a multicultural region that’s home to many families.

    Many of the artworks scattered through Gungahlin feature playful elements that both adults and children will love.

    Set out for a day of art and adventure with this handy guide:

    Hall toilet block mural

    Location: Gladstone Street, Hall

    Artist: Geoff Filmer and Raphael

    Wildlife street artist Geoff Filmer collaborated with the Hall community to make this vibrant mural. The mural painted on the Hall toilet block channels a wildlife theme. Hall community members told Geoff how an echidna often runs across the road and into the park. This inspired Geoff to include two echidnas in the mural.

    The mural is a collaboration with an emerging artist who goes by the name of Raphael. To see more of Geoff’s work visit his Instagram page or Facebook page.

    Harrison School mural

    Artist: Eddie Longford

    Eddie Longford is a local Aboriginal artist who painted a mural at Harrison School. He collaborated with members of Harrison School to capture the essence of the school community.

    The mural depicts the mountain range behind the school along with native flora and fauna.

    For more of Eddie’s work, check out his Instagram.

    Ernest Cavanagh Street mural

    Location: near Communities @ Work, Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin

    Artist: Eddie Mowat

    This mural celebrates our essential workers during COVID-19. The piece depicts an empowering portrait of a nurse. The vibrant and captivating piece displays artist Eddie Mowat’s gratitude to essential workers. The mural is an ongoing reminder to our community of the hard work essential workers in Canberra do.

    Ginninginderry Light

    Artist: Geoff Farquhar-Still

    Ginninginderry is an Aboriginal word that means “sparkling” or “throwing out rays of light”. This sculpture is made of stainless steel and is embedded with millions of tiny glass beads. These beads reflect the light of the sun, the moon and local traffic to light up the Crace Pedestrian Plaza.

    Lady With Flowers

    Artist: Dean Bowen

    Melbourne artist Dean Bowen makes bronze sculptures with child-like whimsy. Lady with Flowers is close to a bus stop. It’s easy to imagine her catching a bus to the city to visit Bowen’s other Canberra sculpture, The Big Little Man.

    Stopping to Smell the Flowers

    Artist: Jimmy Rix

    This sculpture is close to the Joey Park Playground in Throsby. It was commissioned to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Floriade in 2017. It depicts the exchange of flowers as a representation of expressing love.

    A is for Alexander B is for Bunyip C is for Canberra

    Artist: Anne Ross

    The Monster that Ate Canberra is a children’s book written by author and illustrator, Michael Salmon. This sculpture features the books main character, Alexander Bunyip. You can find it near the Gungahlin Library.

    The Goongarline

    Artist: Malcolm Utley

    The local Indigenous people called Gungahlin’s rocky hills ‘Goongarline’. This sculpture is inspired by that landscape. It’s located near the Gungahlin Place Playground.

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Wyden Seek Watchdog Investigation of Potential Trump Administration Violations of Taxpayer Privacy Laws

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote a letter to the acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration seeking an investigation into reports that the Trump administration is providing sensitive taxpayer data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and people affiliated with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

    Senator Cortez Masto has repeatedly raised the alarm about the IRS’s cruel and illegal plans to share taxpayer information with DHS.

    “Taxpayer data held by the IRS is, by design, subject to some of the strongest privacy protections under federal law, the violation of which can trigger civil and criminal sanctions, including up to five years in prison,” wrote the senators. “Congress passed these protections in the 1970s after President Nixon weaponized the IRS against his political enemies. These legal protections for taxpayer data apply to all taxpayers and are an essential foundation for our tax system, which requires the voluntary submission of information to the government. Voluntary tax compliance depends on taxpayers having faith that their confidential information will not be used for anything other than tax administration.”

    “Immediately following Bessent’s execution of the [agreement with DHS], several IRS leaders announced their resignations, including Acting IRS Commissioner Melanie Krause and Chief Privacy Officer Kathleen Walters, raising further questions about whether they resigned to avoid being a party to a criminal conspiracy to violate tax privacy law,” they continued.

    “The risks created by these activities cannot be overstated. [… IRS] data can be inaccurate because of identity theft, keypunch errors, obsolete address information, and a wide range of other reasons,” they asserted. “If DHS relies on the same data to deport millions of people without validating its accuracy, it is likely to end up making grave errors that impact American citizens and immigrants with valid legal status.”

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    Senator Cortez Masto has pushed multiple Departments under the Trump Administration for detailed, public information regarding the impacts of President Trump and Elon Musk’s chaotic actions on Nevada – including at the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, and General Services Administration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler, Kennedy, Meng Lead New York Delegation in Push to Reverse Trump Administration’s Elimination of Critical Disaster Mitigation Funds

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, U.S. Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), and Grace Meng (NY-06) led a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton urging the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to eliminate over $325 million in funding for New York State through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.

    They were joined on the letter by Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), John Mannion (NY-22), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), George Latimer (NY-16), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Laura Gillen (NY-04).

    The Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate BRIC threatens over $325 million in hazard and flood mitigation projects across New York State. The Members also called on the Trump Administration to immediately release $1.6 billion in Disaster Relief Funds designated for New York, which remains unjustly frozen.

    In their letter, the Members wrote: “We urge you to reverse your decision to eliminate BRIC funding, take immediate steps to reinstate previously approved grants without delay, and unfreeze the $1.6 billion in additional Disaster Relief Funds for New York that remain unjustly withheld.

    During Hurricane Ida, 14 New Yorkers lost their lives—11 drowned in basement apartments. Nearly a decade earlier, Superstorm Sandy devastated our state, claiming 48 lives in New York and causing billions in damage,” the Members continued. “Entire neighborhoods were left underwater, infrastructure was destroyed, and vulnerable communities were pushed to the brink. In December 2022, after a historic winter storm claimed 47 lives in Western New York, a report found that investments in building upgrades were critical to building resilience and preventing this kind of devastation during future storms.”

    “The projects now being cut by the Trump Administration were designed to prevent these levels of suffering from happening again. Canceling them now, especially as construction was poised to begin, sends a message that our communities’ lives, safety, and futures are disposable. They are not,” the Members concluded.

    Among the projects now at risk are:

    • $50 million for flood mitigation infrastructure in Central Harlem, home to schools, hospitals, elder care facilities, and thousands of low-income families.
    • $50 million for East Elmhurst to prevent stormwater overflow in a largely residential area hit hard during Hurricane Ida.
    • $42.4 million for coastal protection around the South Street Seaport, a vital economic and cultural hub of Lower Manhattan.
    • $47 million for the Corona Corridor Cloudburst Hub, a green infrastructure project in Queens aimed at reducing storm-related runoff and flooding.
    • $46.6 million for the Kissena Corridor Cloudburst Hub, an integrated green infrastructure project in Queens aimed at mitigating flooding.
    • $13 million to protect Hunts Point—critical to New York City’s food supply and emergency response capacity.
    • $11.5 million for storm surge barriers around the NYCHA Polo Grounds public housing and the adjacent P.S. 046 in Harlem.
    • And many others, including nearly $20 million in protection for public housing developments in Brooklyn, such as Sheepshead Bay, Nostrand, and Breukelen Houses.

    Beyond New York City, FEMA’s reversal also threatens urgently needed projects across the state. This includes $24 million for flood and ice jam mitigation along the Erie Canal in the Capital Region and $731,000 for dam decommissioning and floodplain restoration in Westchester. Communities in Buffalo, slated to benefit from much-needed infrastructure modernization, will lose out on $284,000 in critical funding for sustainable building construction support.

    The full text of the members’ letter is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar to Visit 19 Counties on Rural Economy Tour

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
    Stops in Northwest, Central, and Southern Minnesota will focus on healthcare, small businesses, and tariffs
    MINNESOTA – This week Senator Amy Klobuchar will start a 19 county rural economy tour where she will meet with farmers, veterans, small business owners, and Minnesotans across the state. Today, she will be in Clay, Wilkin, Otter Tail, and Grant Counties.
    “This week I will visit farms, small businesses, and health care centers throughout rural Minnesota. I want to hear directly from Minnesotans about their challenges, particularly when it comes to health care access, household costs and the impact of the proposed tariffs on the rural economy. Our rural areas are critical to Minnesota’s strength.” 
    Every year Klobuchar visits all 87 Minnesota counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Fischer Introduce Protecting Children With Food Allergies Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    April 10, 2025
    The legislation would prepare school personnel to respond to potential food-related allergic reactions
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), who are both members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today introduced the Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act.  The legislation would ensure school food personnel receive essential information about food allergies as part of their existing annual trainings, so that they are better equipped to prevent, recognize, and respond to allergic food reactions.
    Food allergies are a growing public health concern.  Over the past two decades, the number of children with food allergies in the U.S. has more than doubled.  Now, eight percent of children, about two students per classroom, have food allergies, and more than 16 percent of them will have an allergic reaction while at school.  Further, 20 percent of all epinephrine shots administered in schools are given to children who have undiagnosed food allergies—which makes it even more important for school food personnel to understand how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction.
    “When parents drop their kids off at school, they should have the peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe environment with personnel who are trained to look out for their child’s food allergies.  And students should be focused on their schoolwork, not if they’ll have a potentially deadly allergic reaction at lunchtime,” said Durbin.  “Today, I introduced the bipartisan Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act with Senator Fischer to ensure that school food personnel will be well-equipped when a child is experiencing an allergic reaction.”
    “America’s parents have enough on their plate—they shouldn’t have to worry about whether their kids’ schools can respond to serious allergic reactions. Nebraska has already led the way as the first state to require schools to stock epinephrine, but we need more national solutions to protect our children. Our bipartisan legislation will ensure that food personnel in schools across the country receive proper training to respond to allergic reactions,” Fischer said.
    USDA offers annual trainings to school food personnel who work under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP).  These trainings include modules in nutrition, health, and food safety standards and methodologies.  However, federal law does not require information about food allergies to be included as part of these annual trainings.  The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act would add “food allergies” to the list of training modules to ensure that school food personnel receive essential information about food allergies as part of their existing annual trainings. 
    The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act of 2025 has endorsements from: Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), and School Nutrition Association (SNA).
    “FARE supports this legislation that will improve protection of the nearly four million children with life-threatening food allergies, which translates to about two children in every classroom in the U.S. The risks are immediate and significant when school food service personnel lack adequate food allergy training so it’s critically important that school staff have the training needed to recognize and prevent cross-contact during meal preparation and respond effectively when life-threatening emergencies occur,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, and CEO of FARE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall and Bennet Introduce the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology, and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), the subcommittee’s Ranking Member, introduced the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Improvement Act. This bipartisan bill provides family farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to conserve water on working lands, while fairly compensating them for retiring their water rights or limiting their water use.
    The CREP Improvement Act also explicitly directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow dryland farming on CREP land and ensures fairer compensation payments to producers.
    “As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology, I’m proud to partner with Ranking Member Senator Bennet in advancing a strong, bipartisan response to the water crisis we are facing out West,” said Senator Marshall. “The CREP Act is much-needed legislation that will provide Kansas farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to preserve our water supply for generations to come and receive fair compensation in doing so.”
    “Colorado’s family farmers and ranchers face a 1,200-year drought, a changing climate, and a hotter and drier future. We must ensure that USDA’s conservation programs live up to their potential. This bipartisan bill will give farmers the flexibility they need to conserve water, protect their way of life, and pass their operations on to future generations of Coloradans,” said Senator Bennet.
    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado).
    BACKGROUND:
    The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), leverages federal and non-federal funds to target specific state, regional, or nationally significant conservation concerns. Traditionally, it has provided farmers and ranchers with payments to remove land from production in order to address specific conservation concerns. Each CREP is unique, and in drought-prone regions in Kansas, Colorado, and across the West and the Great Plains, CREP is used primarily to voluntarily reduce water consumption on farmland.
    However, the CREP program has not always worked as intended, and producers have sought more flexibility to achieve CREP goals while allowing for alternative water conservation practices and fairer compensation for enrollment in the program. While the 2018 Farm Bill included a provision to allow dryland farming on retired irrigated acres in CREP, USDA still has not implemented this provision fully, and payments on dryland farmed acres are insufficient to encourage participation in key regions where water conservation is a top concern. As we look ahead to the next Farm Bill, adjustments to the CREP program will seek to improve flexibilities for farmers participating in the program and advance water conservation efforts.
    Specifically, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act would improve the program by:

    Explicitly directing USDA to allow dryland agricultural uses on CREP acreage where appropriate;
    Specifically adding dryland crop production and grazing to the list of appropriate conservation practices for the CREP program;
    Allowing continuous cropping systems, like alfalfa, to be eligible for drought and water conservation CREP agreements; 
    Ensuring fairer payments to producers by stipulating that annual payments for drought and water conservation CREP agreements will be equal to the difference between the irrigated acre payment rates and the dryland acre payment rates, as determined by USDA;
    Ensuring that any drought and water conservation agreement that includes the permanent retirement of a water right receives the full irrigated acre payment rate; 
    Making the payment formula retroactive for existing drought and water conservation agreements;
    Letting producers choose their payment allocations under the program, instead of a fixed payment per year for the 10-15-year contract period; and 
    Waiving CREP payments from the $50,000 annual payment limitation under the Conservation Reserve Program.

    Click HERE to read the full bill text. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly, Doggett, Davis, Feenstra Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Financial Assistance for College

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support, and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) introduced the bipartisan Tax-Free Pell Grants Act to remove a financial and logistical barrier impairing students from securing higher education opportunities. 

    Specifically, the legislation expands the usage of Pell Grants on a tax-free basis, improves coordination with the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), and ensures students do not lose out on any AOTC benefits. An incredibly timely solution as ongoing cuts to postsecondary institutions and research labs across the country result in lost revenue and financial gaps in operating costs, potentially leading to increases in tuition and fees for students and their families.

    “Pell Grants are an important way for more lower-income Americans to get an education and work toward a successful career,” said Rep. Kelly. “More than 216,000 Pennsylvania students benefitted from Pell Grants last year. I’m again proud to join Congressman Doggett on this bipartisan legislation that will expand what these grants can be used for – including child care and computers — so many more Americans, particularly single mothers, have the ability to access higher education to achieve long-term financial stability for themselves and their families.”

    “Everyone deserves a chance at success, and we should be simplifying our tax code to unlock more support for students interested in going to college but who may need a little financial help to get there,” said Rep. Doggett. “This legislation would also expand eligible expenses under the existing tax credit to include computers and childcare, which for many is essential to achieving their dreams and growing our economy.”

    “Education is fundamental to our democracy,” said Rep. Davis. “I am proud to join Representatives Doggett, Kelly, and Feenstra in leading this bill that helps low-income students get the most from the American Opportunity Tax Credit. In my District, relatively few taxpayers use the AOTC because many attend community colleges and can’t claim their childcare and computer costs. Ensuring that students can fully benefit from the AOTC credit without worry about being taxed on the Pell grant helps educate our citizenry and strengthen them economically.”

    “I have long supported Pell Grants because they offer academic opportunities to our students and ensure that Iowans who might otherwise skip higher education because of the cost can pursue advanced studies. These grants are an important investment in the next generation of leaders, farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will support our communities and power our economy forward,” said Rep. Feenstra. “However, current law still requires some students to pay taxes on their Pell Grants, reducing the financial support that these grants are intended to provide. That’s why I’m glad to help introduce legislation to make Pell Grants completely tax-free so that our kids can focus on their studies without worrying about the cost.”

    “The Tax-Free Pell Grant Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that ensures students—especially those at community colleges—can fully benefit from the financial aid they’ve earned without facing burdensome tax rules,” said Megan Coval, President of Butler County Community College (BC3). “As a proud member of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, Butler County Community College joins our colleagues across the commonwealth in supporting this important legislation. By making Pell Grants fully tax-free and aligning them with the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the bill removes barriers that disproportionately impact low-income students and those attending lower-cost institutions, like BC3. We applaud Congressman Kelly and Congressman Doggett for their leadership and strongly support this effort to expand opportunity, reduce financial uncertainty, and empower community college students in Butler County and across the nation.”

    BACKGROUND

    While Pell Grant awards used to pay for tuition and fees are already treated as tax-free income, any portion of a Pell Grant used for other education-related items like living expenses is taxed. Currently, using Pell Grants to cover tuition reduces potential AOTC eligibility and creates complications for students in maximizing their educational benefits. As a result, many students simply forgo the AOTC, leaving an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars unclaimed each year. By increasing compatibility with the AOTC, we can ensure that Pell Grants are not treated as taxable income, even if they are used for non-tuition education expenses.

    The AOTC covers up to $2,500 in annual college tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses — 40% of the credit, up to $1,000, is refundable. With more than 3 million undergraduate students in the United States being parents—nearly one in five college students—access to affordable childcare can be the difference between completing a degree program or not. The Tax-Free Pell Grants Act meets this need by adding childcare and computer costs as qualifying expenses for the AOTC.

    Endorsing organizations: American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Council on Education, Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

    The bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Alaska Businesses, Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by October Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Alaska of the May 12, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the severe storm and flooding occurring Oct. 20–23, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Northwest Arctic Borough.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, elevating flood prone structures,  and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

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

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofits and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement.

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

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is May 12. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 15.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –