NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash, Forth

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Fatal crash, Forth

    Saturday, 26 July 2025 – 6:12 pm.

    At approximately 12.40pm today, emergency services responded to reports of a crash on Wilmot Road where a tree had fallen onto a 4WD utility as it was travelling on the roadway.
    Sadly, the driver of the vehicle, a man in his 50s died at the scene.
    The passenger in the vehicle, a woman in her 50s was provided medical assistance at the scene and was being flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries.
    Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected by the crash.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership Conducts Mission Stop in Lae, Papua New Guinea, July 2025 [Image 3 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    LAE, Papua New Guinea (July 23, 2025) – Army Capt. Levi Jackson assigned to the 72nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support unit and Navy Lt. j.g. William Chipmon assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Key West, conduct a food and water risk assessment at a restaurant in Lae, Papua New Guinea, July 23, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 07.23.2025
    Date Posted: 07.23.2025 06:46
    Photo ID: 9197305
    VIRIN: 250723-N-YV347-1089
    Resolution: 7311×4874
    Size: 20.99 MB
    Location: LAE, PG
    Web Views: 38
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Pacific Partnership Conducts Mission Stop in Lae, Papua New Guinea, July 2025 [Image 5 of 5], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Elevates the Foldable Era and Everyday Well-being with Global Launch of Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch8 Series

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced availability of its latest foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, as well as its new Galaxy Watch8 series.
    Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7: Ultra-Thin and Light With Intuitive Intelligence
    Refined by years of breakthrough engineering and elevated with advanced intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent the next leap in smartphone innovation. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are Samsung’s thinnest, lightest, and most advanced Z series devices yet. Powered by cutting-edge performance and seamlessly integrated Galaxy AI,1 they are intelligent, adaptive companions that anticipate and respond to users’ needs in real time. With expansive, flexible displays, pro-grade cameras, and context-aware intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Filp7 open up new realms of the Ultra experience with productivity, creativity, and connection.

    Galaxy Z Fold7 brings Galaxy advancements together and broadens their scope, delivering an ultra-level experience in the thinnest, lightest, and most advanced Z series yet. It offers immersive and high-performance experiences on an expansive screen, empowering users to game, stream, connect, and create all at once. Plus, innovative AI tools have been optimized for the foldable format, enabling fluid interactions across more apps and the larger screen. And with camera and screen sharing with Gemini Live,2 users can talk naturally to Gemini about what they’re viewing. They can simply share a picture of a local delicacy while they’re exploring a new city and ask Gemini if there is a nearby restaurant where they can try it. Plus, Galaxy Z Fold7’s 200MP high-resolution camera gives the freedom to shoot at flexible angles, putting professional-quality content creation at users’ fingertips. For example, convenient editing features like Generative Edit,3 now automatically detect passersby in the background of photos and proactively recommends what to remove, eliminating the need to make manual selections and edits. With Galaxy Z Fold7, users get familiarity and durability in a head-turning new design that unfolds into something extraordinary.
    As for Galaxy Z Flip7, it distills flagship power, intelligence, and personality into a compact and iconic form. With its edge-to-edge FlexWindow, users can express themselves, access key features at a glance, and stay connected — all without opening the device. Built for dynamic lifestyles, Galaxy Z Flip7 transforms the way users capture and share content — from flawless selfies to cinematic video — all with the agility and creativity that only Flip devices can offer. Now Bar4 delivers helpful information right on Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow to help users stay in control of their day, such as seeing what song is playing, viewing workout progress, and even checking a rideshare’s ETA at a glance. Gemini Live also allows users to share what they see through their camera and chat with Gemini in real time directly on FlexWindow, whether they’re asking for travel tips while road tripping with their dog or need outfit suggestions based on the day’s weather. Users can also simply share the camera in Flex Mode and converse with Gemini hands-free. Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexCam makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect selfie. Real-time filters on the FlexWindow instantly enhances FlexCam selfies, so that they can be ready to post or share without the need for any extra editing. And with fun new features like Portrait Studio5 for pets, users can instantly transform any snapped or downloaded pet photo into a work of art. They can choose from styles that resemble artistic paintings, 3D cartoons, fisheye lens photos, or professional-quality portraits and create frame-worthy masterpieces with one quick tap.

    Samsung Wallet is just a swipe away on millions of Galaxy smartphones, including Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, for easy-to-use mobile transactions, peer-to-peer payments, and more. Samsung Wallet offers convenient access to users’ digital essentials — from IDs and memberships to digital keys, payment cards and more6 — directly on their mobile device. Now, Samsung Wallet also gives users the option to pay with installments using existing credit, offering more flexibility and control without the need to apply for a new line of credit.
    Years of breakthrough engineering have led foldables to become flexible canvases for the new AI experience. As a new class of smartphones designed to fit into and elevate users’ lives, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 represent this achievement. Familiar yet transformative, they blend power, portability, style, and substance, whether users seek a revolutionary, ultra-level experience or an AI powerhouse that fits in their pocket. As form factors evolve to look and think differently, this generation of foldables represents the next leap in smartphone innovation.
    Galaxy Watch8 Series: Ultra-Comfort Meets Real-Time Health Motivation
    Completing the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch8 series — including Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic — brings the same spirit of re-engineering found in the new phones to the wrist. Galaxy Watch8 features advanced sensor technology and creates an intuitive AI-powered experience7 to help users fulfill a healthier, more connected life, while its ultra-thin cushion design and Dynamic Lug system flex naturally for all-day comfort and precise sensor contact.8 Leveraging Samsung’s BioActive Sensor for continuous health tracking, the watches deliver insights and rewards or alerts across sleep, stress, nutrition, and activity, turning healthy intentions into immediate, motivating feedback. Plus, for the first time in a smartwatch, Galaxy Watch8 has introduced the Antioxidant Index,9 enabling users to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds and make informed lifestyle choices.
    Hands-On With the Galaxy Z Series and the Watch8 Series at Galaxy Experience Spaces
    After Unpacked, Samsung opened its Galaxy Experience Spaces in major cities, including: Dubai, London, New York, Paris, and Seoul. Designed to offer consumers an early, hands-on experience of the newest Galaxy devices, these spaces featured interactive zones that highlighted the devices’ design, performance, and Galaxy AI features. Samsung also partnered with local communities, including running, photography, and skateboarding groups to host various sessions, teaching visitors how they can get the most out of their new devices.
    In addition, Samsung launched a new Experience Store locator feature on Samsung.com, making it easier for users to find nearby stores and try the newest devices in person.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • India advances Siddha’s global reach with WHO standards, cementing role as Ayush knowledge hub

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has taken a significant step toward globalizing its traditional medical systems, with the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush and the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), concluding a two-day WHO External Expert Group Meeting on July 24–25. The meeting focused on finalizing the Draft WHO Technical Reports on Training and Practice in Siddha, aiming to establish globally harmonized standards for this ancient Indian medical system.

    In his keynote address, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized India’s commitment to promoting evidence-based practices in traditional medicine. He underscored the importance of robust training standards to enhance Siddha’s global credibility. Joint Secretary Monalisa Dash highlighted Siddha’s scientific relevance and cultural heritage, describing it as a living tradition with growing international resonance. She stressed the need for structured, evidence-based training to elevate Siddha’s global recognition.

    Dr. Kim Sungchol, Head of WHO’s Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCI) Unit, praised India’s leadership in traditional medicine and outlined WHO’s vision to integrate Siddha into national healthcare systems while preserving its traditional roots. He acknowledged the Ministry of Ayush’s technical and financial support in developing evidence-based documents.

    The hybrid-mode meeting brought together 16 international experts from 11 countries across all six WHO regions, including Sri Lanka, Japan, Malaysia, the USA, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, the UAE, Singapore, Canada, and Australia. Their region-specific inputs enriched the draft documents, ensuring their global applicability while preserving Siddha’s indigenous identity. Facilitated by WHO’s TCI Unit and supported by the Government of India, the deliberations marked a milestone in aligning Siddha with international frameworks.

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press conference, Sydney

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    ANNE STANLEY: Hi, everyone. Thank you for being here this morning. My name is Anne Stanley. I’m the Federal Member for Werriwa. This is a fantastic start to more roads that will make sure that this part of the world is not in gridlock all the time. It will get trucks moving around our part of the world. And it is fantastic that the New South Wales Labor Government and the Federal Labor Government are finally doing what we’ve been waiting over 20 years to happen. So I’m just going to hand over now to Minister King to talk to you. 

    CATHERINE KING: Great, thanks very much. And first, can I just say to Anne and to David, our new Member for Hughes, it’s so fantastic to be here. I think this is the first event that I’ve done with David here in this space, but it’s great to be here with both of you. But also, of course, Ryan Park as Acting Premier and my friend and colleague, Jenny Aitchison who worked so closely together on projects such as this. 

    Well, we know that driving westbound along the M5 has become quite difficult for people. As the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct has come online, the weave that happens as trucks are trying to get on to the M5 to then get on to the Hume to get our goods to and from market. They’re also obviously competing with the many people and many commuters who live in this area who are finding that they are often queued back for almost a kilometre as we do that weave to try and get through this intersection. And really, the announcement today, this $380 million announcement, 50-50 funding, State and Federal Government working in partnership together, is about untangling that weave, untangling that intersection to make sure that commuters can get to and from work faster, that our trucks can get to market, and to move around this precinct more efficiently, because we know that economic activity is incredibly important here in this part of Sydney, and we also want to make sure people are able to move about efficiently and safely. Any time that a family is spending in a car or a worker is spending in a car, it’s time that they are not spending at home with their families. So this upgrade, it’s a complex piece of work. The fact that we’re here today getting the contracts signed for the delivery of this project, it’s been a long time coming, but I’m really delighted. And it’s taken, really, a federal and state Labor government who really don’t just talk about projects, we actually deliver them. We do the hard work, we do the planning, we do the design work, and we actually deliver projects, and I’m delighted to be here as part of that.

    I’ll hand over to Jenny, and then I think the Acting Premier is going to say a few words, take some questions, and then they’re going to sign a contract. Thanks everybody.

    JENNY AITCHISON: Thanks everyone. It’s great to be here today with Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure federally, and federal colleagues Anne and David, and of course, my state colleagues, Acting Premier Ryan Park and the Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda.

    It is a great day, a great announcement, $380 million to ensure that the success that we are seeing with freight and ensuring that our goods get to market is delivered. So we’ve just been over at the Moorebank Intermodal, and this will be a critical piece of infrastructure that will realise the potential of that development. Getting those vehicle movements to stop weaving between the lanes, the interchange to be grade-separated will be a major game-change. There will be upgrades to rail and also to pedestrian infrastructure. This will make this a much better piece of transport for all road users and stop that interweaving that we’re seeing of up to 2900 vehicles a day doing that. We’re looking at 2500 trucks using this, so it is really important for safety, for congestion busting, that we get this right.

    The Minns Labor Government is building better communities right across Western Sydney and indeed all of New South Wales, and this is a significant step forward. I’m really pleased that we’ll be signing the contract today with Seymour Whyte. It’s a design and construct contract, so they will be doing that design work. But people will start to see work happening soon as the geotechnical investigations happen, and then we will hope to have shovels in the ground very shortly after that. So, it is a major piece of investment in our communities of Western Sydney that have been crying out for so long for assistance with reducing those traffic snares. As Minister King said, every minute in the car is a minute away from friends, from family, from that wonderful time we have of recreation and rest. And most importantly, it’s the safety aspects of this to ensure that once the cars and the trucks are using this infrastructure, they are able to do so safely without creating issues.

    I’m going to pass over now to Acting Premier Ryan Park, and he can give you a few comments as well

    ACTING PREMIER RYAN PARK: Thank you, Minister, and thank you, Minister King, for being here. It’s delightful that you’re in this portfolio again. I know it’s one that you’re very passionate about. It’s great for New South Wales to continue their partnership and relationship with the Albanese Labor Government in Canberra and to Catherine King, who’s a very experienced Minister when it comes to the delivery of infrastructure. Thank you to Minister Aitchison and the team from Transport for New South Wales, local members at both the state and federal level. Anne Stanley was saying to me earlier that this is something that has been around since 2008, so no doubt the people of South Western Sydney can’t wait for this to happen.

    A $380 million investment in an important part of the road network essentially improves efficiency, improves safety, improves travel times for people moving in and around this area, but also in particular for freight. That’s a very important part of what happens in this South Western Sydney component. This is a major freight hub, not just for New South Wales but the entire country. And what we know is we need to continue to invest in the road infrastructure to make sure that we are delivering roads that are safe, performing efficiently and effectively for local community members, as well as those moving in and around there from other areas.

    I do want to speak a little bit overnight about a report that I’ve received from Dr Chant in relation to influenza, COVID, and RSV. Influenza continues to rise. We are continuing to see significant cases of influenza being presented to our local emergency departments. I can’t stress this enough right now: as we are heading to the peak or just on peak of influenza, we need people to get vaccinated. We need children to get vaccinated. We are still seeing not enough people, both over the age of 65 and young children, getting that vaccination. We need to take pressure off our emergency departments as we head through the winter months. And what we can all want to do over the winter here in New South Wales and, of course, in Sydney, is enjoy our surroundings, enjoy being with family. You can’t do that if you have the flu. So I’m saying to people today, once again, we are reaching or on the verge of reaching the peak in terms of influenza, but that is an important message to get through about making sure you go and get vaccinated. That includes young children and particularly includes older people.

    We’ve also got to emphasise with this much influenza around, RSV and of course COVID, which has started to stabilise – we’ve probably reached the peak of COVID – please don’t go to aged care facilities if you’re unwell. Please stay at home. Please don’t go to hospitals. What we want to do is make sure that our system can perform for those who need our hospital system. What we don’t want to do is people stuck in our hospital system with serious case of influenza, RSV or COVID. We can all do our thing and what we can do is go and get vaccinated.

    CATHERINE KING: I’ll leave questions to you. Any questions?

    JOURNALIST: You mentioned that shovels will be in the ground shortly. Do you have any more indication of when that would be?

    RYAN PARK: Well, I understand we’ve got to sign the contract today, and then we’ve got to make sure that, as all state governments do, we spend the Commonwealth’s money as quickly and as fast as we can.

    [Laughter]

    CATHERINE KING: On time and on budget. 

    RYAN PARK: That’s always the way. Never get in the road of a state government minister and some federal government money, but it’ll happen very, very soon. Shovels in the ground, and we’ll be proceeding with this project I imagine in the next few weeks.

    JOURNALIST: How long will the construction take?

    JENNY AITCHISON: Yep. So, the project will, the actual construction will start in early 2026. By the time the design elements are done, it will take probably two years to do that. Obviously, we will be working to expedite that as much as possible with the contractors and, you know, the way that we have been working in New South Wales on ensuring that our infrastructure spend is spent in a much more measured and considered way will help us to keep to those time frames. But obviously, you know, weather and other factors can come in.

    JOURNALIST: And how long do you expect it to take once the construction starts in early 2026?

    JENNY AITCHISON: Yeah, so we’re expecting that it will take a couple of years to get construction finalised. Obviously, that depends on a range of factors of weather and things like that. But, you know, we know that we have been working very hard to get our construction timelines back under control to ensure that things are being built on time and ready for the public. We know that during this time there is often disruptions for local communities. We thank them for their patience during that time.

    JOURNALIST: And those disruptions that will happen, they’re obviously necessary, so to speak, but what impact do you expect to have for traffic?

    JENNY AITCHISON: Look, what will happen is that there will be the usual construction impact, so that may be lane closures at particular times to keep workers safe. Everything these days- we know that there have been some really big challenges for construction work on roads. We’re really urging cars to travel to those roadside- roadworks speed limits. One of the things I’ve been very disappointed to see in some of our projects is people speeding through work zones. That is not acceptable. We have really worked to minimise those across all of our projects, those speed limits, but we want to make sure that drivers are driving to conditions.

    JOURNALIST: So we will see some traffic impact on those lanes around where you need to widen the road?

    JENNY AITCHISON: Yes, certainly there will be some, and we will use all the elements at our disposal, things like working at night where there’s less traffic, ensuring that we’ve got proper signalling and all that sort of thing in place so that we can minimise that disruption, but it is always a challenge. There’s, as we like to say, no gain without pain, but we are doing everything we can to minimise it and we’re really grateful to those members of the public who assist us in that by driving to the conditions.

    JOURNALIST: And do you have any sort of forecast on how this will help improve traffic, like any time reductions or anything like that?

    JENNY AITCHISON: Look, I don’t have specific time reductions here, but I think the main point is really the safety benefits. And we know at the moment there is queuing, so there will obviously be those timings. I can’t give you exact numbers right off the top of my head, but the main thing is not having that situation where a vehicle turning left then going right has only got a couple of hundred metres to do it, or conversely coming right and going left. They won’t be working together on the same piece of roadway. The grade separation will enable that to be a much safer transition.

    JOURNALIST: Acting Premier, does it really pass the pub test that taxpayers are paying for gym memberships and picnic days for rail workers while there are still so many public sector workers waiting for pay rises?

    RYAN PARK: Well, look, government reaches agreements through the bargaining process with unions and their trade union movement and representatives. The nature of those arrangements will become very, very clear as a part of the fair work process. We’re not trying to hide anything here. The reality is what we wanted to do was get an agreement, and we had to strike a balance between making sure that we provided fair work and conditions and pay for working men and women on our transport system, but at the same time making sure that we can get a transport system operating at its very highest capacity, and operating as efficiently and effectively for passengers and commuters every single day.

    JOURNALIST: Some pretty funny perks. Was it a matter of offer them the funny perks, just so that they can stop striking?

    RYAN PARK: Well, look, no one wants rail workers striking. We want working men and women who work in our transport system to be paid well with good conditions. We’re not going to apologise for that. As a part of the bargaining process, that’s how and which you agree to conditions or disagree with conditions. For us, the process is about making sure that we got the balance right between ensuring that we had a well-run, well-operated and efficient and maintained transport system, at the same time making sure that working men and women had their conditions and pay recognised. We think we’ve got the balance right.

    As the Health Minister, I’ll continue to work with those workers in the healthcare sector over the weeks and months ahead to make sure that we can strike a deal in relation to their paying conditions as well.

    JOURNALIST: As you know, all public sector groups were asked to find to help pay for their pay rises. Do you know if the rail union did have a productivity offsets down and what they might be?

    JENNY AITCHISON: Look, certainly there were savings provisions and productivity provisions within that bargaining process. The enterprise agreement, as is required and as has long been government policy, will be published by the Fair Work Commission, so everyone will be able to see what those are. But as an example, you know, moving to one rail, ensuring we have efficiencies there is really important. Even the consultation periods, you know, we had the former government that had rolling stock on the tracks, sitting idle for literally years because they couldn’t negotiate and consult with the union. We have a fair, open and transparent agreement. We’ve got three years of that. It will provide certainty to the travelling public, It will provide certainty to the travelling public, certainty to the rail workers and certainty to everyone who is- you know, taxpayers who want to see value for money.

    We can always cherry-pick parts of the agreements for things that we might not think are important but the reality is here, we’ve got a very good deal for the taxpayers of New South Wales that has got the unions back to work. It’s been very substantially and overwhelmingly agreed to by the unions, 92 per cent agreement, a very high participation in the ballot. 

    So, I think this is, what we’ve got, is a good agreement that strikes the balance. It’s going to Fair Work now to get that final tick off and check everything’s right. But we have done this in a very open and transparent manner and that’s what’s important here. 

    JOURNALIST: Minister, can I ask you about those offsets? And the consolidation I suppose with one rail. There’s been some suggestion from the opposition that the agreement results in 100 job losses. Toby Warnes was asked the other day whether that would be the case [indistinct]. Are we expecting 100 job losses over the next few years, for Transport for New South Wales to pay the union?

    JENNY AITCHISON: Look, we are working very closely with the union to ensure efficiency and productivity. No-one likes job losses, we know that. But the reality is, where there’s efficiency gains that can be made they will happen because we want to have a better service for commuters. We want to have a reliable, stable service that is resilient and is well maintained. The One Rail initiative is really important for the regions, because what it does is really go back to the idea that we have one rail network in NSW that services everyone. 

    We’ve been working on that right across transport over the last two years, to deliver one transport for all of New South Wales The idea that there’s a binary system of transport in New South Wales, whether it’s in rail or road, is done. We have one transport for New South Wales We have one road network. We have one rail network. There will be efficiencies in that. And we hope to grow the task for transport. We hope to grow services for commuters. 

    So, what we’re saying is we should be investing in growth of the services, and we need to ensure that we have the maximum productivity. And that’s what this agreement’s giving us. 

    JOURNALIST: How much does the agreement cost? What’s the cost of it? Obviously, it’s been struck – we’ve seen it, we’ve gone through the clauses. How much is it? 

    JENNY AITCHISON: Look, the overall quantum is still being finalised. Obviously as you can agree, until that goes through the final stages of the Fair Work Commission process, it would be premature to put a final figure on it. We need to make sure that we have one figure out there that everyone is aware of, but we are working on that and we will come back with that when it’s the appropriate time. 

    JOURNALIST: Ryan, I understand that you are just a seat warmer this week, but the Premier did make a bet with the Queensland Premier that he would record a tourism ad for Queensland if we lost the Origin. Is that something you’ll be doing this week?

    RYAN PARK: Well, well, well. Yes, he gave me one job, hey? I’ve let him down within 48 hours. So, no doubt, I won’t be doing this job again for a little while. No, disappointing last night. Boys put up an incredible fight, but an inspirational performance by Cameron Munster, given what he’s been dealing with over the course of the last few days. They were just too good for us, no doubt. We’ll have to do the add and we’ll do it a lot quicker than what Queensland haven’t paid New South Wales for their COVID bill – it’s about 115 million bucks but, yeah, maybe we can call it quits.

    JOURNALIST: You haven’t put your hand up to record it while he’s away?

    RYAN PARK: No doubt I’ll have to do it. I’ll take that huge load on. It was tough watching New South Wales last night. It was tough being the Acting Premier, but if he wants me to do it, I’m a team player, I’ll do it.

    JOURNALIST: You’re at the bargaining table for nurses, have they put gym memberships on the table, are you open to that one?

    RYAN PARK: Look, I want to get the nurses resolved as quickly as possible. Everyone knows that that’s what I’m trying to do, we’re not there yet, we’re not at the stage. They haven’t put those types of incentives to me, but if they do, like every other arrangement, we’ll have a look at what things come forward as a part of that. That’s not something we’re looking at the moment. Our focus is to try and make sure that we can get a deal. We’ve got the independent umpire in place to make a determination if we can’t do it before then.

    JOURNALIST: I know this isn’t quite in your wheelhouse, but there’s been some issues around with the new bail consolidation, basically a massive backlog of matters before the courts, especially with the Downing Centre being out of action, and people languishing in cells for longer. Has anyone raised with you this week, because you’re the Acting Premier, that there have been these teething issues?

    RYAN PARK: I’ve had raised just very, very briefly, actually by the Governor of New South Wales the other day, given her legal background in relation to the Downing Court and some challenges there. I understand that repairs and some refurbishments as a result of the damage is currently underway. I understand that judicial officers and court staff are looking to make sure those cases are moved around to other areas. It’s an important part of our democracy, the delivery of justice, and justice needs to be delivered as quickly as possible. That’s what we always try and do. It is a challenge in relation to the Downing Centre, given the extensive nature of the appearances and the hearings that are held there and the number of lists that are done there but we’re working through that.

    JOURNALIST: Is it a concern that there are these people that are being kept longer than they should themselves before they get a bail hearing?

    RYAN PARK: Well it’s always concerning when there’s ever delay in any part of the justice system. That’s always a concern for members of the community no matter who they are and what side of the issue they’re on, that’s always a concern. But we will obviously work through that. The Attorney-General with New South Wales Police and Corrections are no doubt working through those issues in relation to court challenges. The Downing Centre situation has made it difficult, but I understand judicial officers and court staff are working through that process to try and get as many people through those other facilities as we can.

    JOURNALIST: Also not really in your wheelhouse, but we know for many people rents have gone up by around $20 per week, for some people that means cutting back on essentials. What do you say to those people who are struggling right now?

    RYAN PARK: Well, we know very clearly that’s it’s tough out there. It’s really tough. For many, many people, cost of living is certainly the biggest challenge they talk to me about as a local member in their own community. Things are tough. The decision not to drop interest rates is tough on people with mortgages that can correspondingly make it challenging for people in rental properties.

    What we’ve tried to do over the last few years is introduce a number of reforms in the rental space to try and make it as easy and as cost effective for people to rent as possible. We know close to 40 per cent of people now rent. That’s very, very different even in the times period since I’ve been in public office. That’s really changed. So we are going to, as a government and future governments at all levels, we’ll continue to have to look at ways to make renting affordable, to make it as efficient and effective as possible. Because it now deals with a very large group of people.

    JOURNALIST: And I guess just on the missing surfer, he was found after about [indistinct]. 

    RYAN PARK: Yeah. See, that is that is absolutely amazing. As a local member of parliament on a coastal sea, unfortunately, we see this frequently. And very rarely do we get the outcome that we’ve been made aware of today. Absolute remarkable case. Phenomenal that our emergency personnel were able to rescue him. Phenomenal that he is still alive. That is obviously not the outcome that is often we see, that often we see in these types of incidents when they take place, and that is a fantastic result for him, his family, but I’m sure the people of the North Coast are just thrilled when they’ve heard that news.

    CATHERINE KING: Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Common-sense change clears way for counsellors

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the completion of a revised accreditation process has removed an unnecessary workforce barrier preventing more than 330 experienced counsellors from working in publicly funded mental health services.

    Health New Zealand, in partnership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), has finalised a strengthened accreditation pathway for counsellors.

    “This is a common-sense step that unlocks existing workforce capacity at a time of high demand,” Mr Doocey says.

    “I’ve been clear from day one, workforce shortages are one of the key barriers to delivering timely mental health support for New Zealanders in their time of need.

    “This is a practical and common-sense decision that ensures we’re making full use of the experienced counsellors already working in our communities.”

    Previously, counsellors were excluded from publicly funded roles due to a lack of formal regulation. In response, Health NZ, alongside the largest counselling membership and accredited professional body, NZAC, worked on one recognised and robust accreditation pathway.

    “With more than 330 counsellors now eligible through this expanded pathway, the move is expected to bolster primary mental health workforce initiatives.

    “Driving down mental health and addiction vacancies and making better use of underutilised workforces like peer support specialists and counsellors is common sense.

    “We are starting to turn the corner with reducing wait times and increasing the workforce. We have more mental health nurses, psychologists, support workers and addiction counsellors working on the ground, and overall vacancy rates are starting to ease.

    “While many challenges remain, this is yet another step this Government is taking to turn the corner on the longstanding mental health workforce vacancies.

    “When someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get support, workforce should never be a barrier.”
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 26, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 26, 2025.

    Gaza: Global community must act amid reports of starvation of journalists, says IPI
    By Jamie Wiseman The International Press Institute (IPI) has joined calls for urgent action to halt the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza as global news organisations warn that their journalists there are experiencing starvation. Israel must immediately allow life-saving food aid to reach journalists and other civilians in Gaza, IPI said in a statement today.

    Caitlin Johnstone: It’s a genocide, but it’s also so much more than that
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone The mass atrocity in Gaza is a genocide, obviously, and is an undisguised ethnic cleansing operation. But it’s also a lot more than that. It’s an experiment  —  to see what kinds of abuses the public will accept without causing significant disruption

    Leaked document reveals proposed law revisions in NZ, as Western defence of Zionist genocide threatens Pacific
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Mick Hall A leaked document has revealed secretive plans to revise terror laws in New Zealand so that people can be charged over statements deemed to constitute material support for a proscribed organisation. It shows the government also wants to widen the criteria for proscribing organisations to include groups that are judged

    Ceasefire talks collapse – what does that mean for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University Efforts to end the relentless siege of Gaza have been set back by the abrupt end to peace talks in Qatar. Both the United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams, accusing Hamas of a “lack of

    As oceans warm, tropical fish are moving south. New friendships may be helping them survive
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angus Mitchell, Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Ecology, University of Adelaide Angus Mitchell When you think about climate change in our oceans, you may picture coral bleaching, melting sea ice, or extreme weather events. But beneath the ocean’s surface, another quiet shift is underway. Australia’s tropical fish are

    As oceans warm, tropical fish are moving south. New friendships may be helping them survive
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angus Mitchell, Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Ecology, University of Adelaide Angus Mitchell When you think about climate change in our oceans, you may picture coral bleaching, melting sea ice, or extreme weather events. But beneath the ocean’s surface, another quiet shift is underway. Australia’s tropical fish are

    What is chikungunya virus, and should we be worried about it in Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Stephens, Associate Professor in Public Health, Flinders University Noppharat05081977/Getty Images This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns about a surge in the number of cases of a mosquito-borne viral infection called chikungunya. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, highlighted an outbreak

    What makes a song ‘Australian’? Triple J’s Hottest 100 reignites a bigger question of national identity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate Professor, Music Industry, RMIT University On July 26, Triple J will broadcast the Hottest 100 Australian Songs, as voted by the public. While predictions for winners and even preemptive complaining about the shortlist are taking up column space and social media posts, there is

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 25, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 25, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 26, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 26, 2025.

    Gaza: Global community must act amid reports of starvation of journalists, says IPI
    By Jamie Wiseman The International Press Institute (IPI) has joined calls for urgent action to halt the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza as global news organisations warn that their journalists there are experiencing starvation. Israel must immediately allow life-saving food aid to reach journalists and other civilians in Gaza, IPI said in a statement today.

    Caitlin Johnstone: It’s a genocide, but it’s also so much more than that
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone The mass atrocity in Gaza is a genocide, obviously, and is an undisguised ethnic cleansing operation. But it’s also a lot more than that. It’s an experiment  —  to see what kinds of abuses the public will accept without causing significant disruption

    Leaked document reveals proposed law revisions in NZ, as Western defence of Zionist genocide threatens Pacific
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Mick Hall A leaked document has revealed secretive plans to revise terror laws in New Zealand so that people can be charged over statements deemed to constitute material support for a proscribed organisation. It shows the government also wants to widen the criteria for proscribing organisations to include groups that are judged

    Ceasefire talks collapse – what does that mean for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University Efforts to end the relentless siege of Gaza have been set back by the abrupt end to peace talks in Qatar. Both the United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams, accusing Hamas of a “lack of

    As oceans warm, tropical fish are moving south. New friendships may be helping them survive
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angus Mitchell, Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Ecology, University of Adelaide Angus Mitchell When you think about climate change in our oceans, you may picture coral bleaching, melting sea ice, or extreme weather events. But beneath the ocean’s surface, another quiet shift is underway. Australia’s tropical fish are

    As oceans warm, tropical fish are moving south. New friendships may be helping them survive
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angus Mitchell, Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Ecology, University of Adelaide Angus Mitchell When you think about climate change in our oceans, you may picture coral bleaching, melting sea ice, or extreme weather events. But beneath the ocean’s surface, another quiet shift is underway. Australia’s tropical fish are

    What is chikungunya virus, and should we be worried about it in Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Stephens, Associate Professor in Public Health, Flinders University Noppharat05081977/Getty Images This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns about a surge in the number of cases of a mosquito-borne viral infection called chikungunya. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, highlighted an outbreak

    What makes a song ‘Australian’? Triple J’s Hottest 100 reignites a bigger question of national identity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate Professor, Music Industry, RMIT University On July 26, Triple J will broadcast the Hottest 100 Australian Songs, as voted by the public. While predictions for winners and even preemptive complaining about the shortlist are taking up column space and social media posts, there is

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 25, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 25, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Faster cancer diagnosis pathway for women in Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A new outpatient hysteroscopy service launched at North Shore Hospital will help women get faster diagnoses by combining their first specialist assessment and diagnostic procedure into a single visit, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

    “This is a practical, patient-focused pathway that means women can get the answers they need sooner, without the stress and delays of multiple appointments or hospital admission,” Mr Brown says.

    “Previously, women needing a hysteroscopy would attend an initial specialist appointment and then wait weeks to undergo the procedure in theatre under general anaesthetic. The new approach removes that delay for women suitable to for this treatment model.

    “Now, women needing an uncomplicated hysteroscopy procedure can choose to have both the specialist assessment and the procedure in a single outpatient appointment. That means fewer hospital visits, less time off work or away from family, and a much more streamlined experience.

    “For women with a high suspicion of cancer, this pathway can reduce the diagnostic timeline by two to six weeks compared to traditional models. That time could make all the difference.”

    North Shore Hospital expects to deliver around 60 outpatient hysteroscopy clinics over the next 12 months, with approximately 240 procedures.

    “Every outpatient procedure frees up valuable theatre space and clinical teams for patients who require more complex surgery. That’s better for patients, and better for the whole system.”

    This means that a significant proportion of uncomplicated hysteroscopies that would have otherwise been performed in theatre under anaesthesia can now be done safely as outpatient procedures.

    The new service follows similar successful models already operating in Auckland, Counties Manukau, and Waikato.

    “This is part of a regional effort to improve the quality, timeliness, and experience of care for women undergoing investigation for gynaecological cancers. It will also play an important role in meeting our faster cancer treatment target by speeding up diagnosis and helping women start treatment sooner.

    “We’re focused on what matters: putting patients first, getting people seen sooner, and delivering a health system that works better for patients,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Capito-led Efforts, Administration Releases Education Formula Funding to States

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), announced that the U.S. Department of Education will officially release the remaining anticipated education formula funding to states—an issue she has heard about directly from impacted individuals.

    On July 16, Senator Capito led a group of her Republican colleagues in a letter to Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating to release this funding. Shortly after sending that letter, OMB Director Vought notified Senator Capito that the funding to support 21st Century Community Learning Centers would be released. Today’s announcement means that all of the remaining funding requested is now unfrozen. Click here to read the full letter.

    “The education formula funding included in the FY2025 Continuing Resolution Act supports critical programs that so many rely on. The programs are ones that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children, which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies, and programs to support adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education. That’s why it’s important we continue to protect and support these programs. I made this clear to OMB Director Vought and was glad he followed through on my request to release all of the education formula dollars that states across the country are expecting to receive,” Senator Capito said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Pressley Makes Powerful Call to Center Survivors After Successful Subpoena of Epstein Files

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Pressley Was Involved in Successful Subpoena, Demands Transparency, Accountability, and Healing

    “These powerful abusers have been protected by institutions that are more concerned with protecting predators than centering survivors.”

    “When you are violated, when you are groomed, when you are exploited, when you are preyed upon, when you are violated as a child—it changes you at your core, on a cellular level. It is a life sentence.”

    Video (YouTube)

    WASHINGTON – In an MSNBC interview, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) described why her work to subpoena the Epstein files is deeply personal to her. Congresswoman Pressley, who is a survivor of sexual assault, demanded healing, transparency, and accountability for those harmed by Epstein and his co-conspirators.

    As a member of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Pressley successfully helped pass a motion to subpoena the Epstein files and is calling for the Department of Justice to release the full, complete files without delay, with the privacy of survivors respected.

    An excerpt of her remarks is available below, and the full video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley Makes Emotional Call to Center Survivors After Successful Subpoena of Epstein Files

    MSNBC

    July 24, 2025

    JEN PSAKI: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a Democrat from Massachusetts, she’s also a member of the House Oversight Committee. There’s so many things I want to ask you about.

    Let me just ask you about some of these developments, the birthday book. What is the latest on the subpoena and trying to get access to that birthday book from the committee?

    REP PRESSLEY: Well, you know, in real time, we’re having to move with a nimble strategy, to follow up any new leads as they emerge.

    The fact of the matter is, Jen, that for decades, there has been a dereliction of duty here in getting accountability, truth, transparency, and justice for these survivors.

    These powerful abusers have been protected by institutions that are more concerned with protecting predators than centering survivors, and that’s what I want to really focus on here.

    Because I think — I fear — that we’ve lost the plot, that people have gotten so caught up in what they perceive to be the political gamesmanship and sport of this that they are losing sight of the survivors. 

    And I do want to take a moment just to thank Maria Farmer for her courage and her bravery. And I am — it is infuriating that for this many decades, she has been failed by so many because of these ongoing efforts to obstruct the truth.

    So it is really essential that we have the full Epstein files released. I joined Ranking Member Garcia and Congresswoman Summer Lee, Ranker for our Subcommittee, in a decisive vote to motion for the subpoena for the Epstein files, a full redacting of the victims’ names.

    Today, Ranking Member Garcia sent a letter to Chairman Comer saying, without delay, transmit this subpoena to the Department of Justice.

    And then, you know, the role — we’re doing our job in Oversight. You know this is our obligation, but it is the Department of Justice’s responsibility to ensure full compliance, and we’re giving them 30 calendar days to do that. 

    JEN: It certainly is and, and I want, you mentioned Maria Farmer, and for people who are just tuning in later in the show, she is a survivor, and one of the first people who came forward almost 30 years ago.

    And we had her on earlier in the show to talk to her about her story, for exactly the reason you mentioned, which is that there’s not enough light that is being shined — 

    REP. PRESSLEY: Almost 30 years.

    JEN: — on the survivors and the people who are so courageously speaking out. Let me ask you, because you are a survivor yourself, and you have been speaking out, and you’ve been involved in speaking out for survivors.

    You’ve, you’ve definitely, this is, this is a line people are not all walking perfectly, even people who are well-intentioned. What do you want people to understand about what people who have survived, who have been victimized, whether through this or any other scenario, as they’re reading these newspaper articles, how they’re consuming it, how it’s impacting them?

    REP. PRESSLEY: First, I think it’s important to contextualize that this smart, effective strategy by Ranking Member Garcia and Congresswoman Summer Lee yesterday was happening within the context of a Subcommittee hearing on the trafficking of children.

    And so this hearing was chosen specifically to call out the hypocrisy of Republicans in shielding abusers instead of protecting and centering survivors. 

    I’ve been doing the advocacy for survivors’ justice for all my life.

    I’m a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and sexual violence, and it is a life sentence. I think about what I experienced every single day. 

    And I know that’s true for every survivor. When you are violated, when you are groomed, when you are exploited, when you are preyed upon, when you are violated as a child — it changes you at your core, on a cellular level.

    It is a life sentence. 

    And so for those cynics or political watchers who see this as political gamesmanship or sport, it is certainly not that for me. Or those who would say that this is a distraction and don’t we have better things that we could be working on — no.

    This healing, transparency, accountability for these survivors is important, and they deserve it, and it is long overdue. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Schatz Introduce New Legislation to Improve Wages, Operations Transparency for Rideshare Drivers, Delivery App Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 25, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Thursday joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) in introducing the Empowering App-Based Workers Act, new legislation to improve transparency on how app companies operate and help boost wages for rideshare drivers and delivery app workers.

    “App-based companies purposely keep gig workers in the dark so they can grossly underpay them while also price gouging consumers,” said Murphy. “Our bill forces these companies to be transparent with workers about what they will be paid and establishes wage minimums so they can’t exploit loopholes to mislead and steal from their workers.”

    “Every day rideshare drivers and delivery app workers work long hours and travel many miles to make a living, often without knowing how much money they’ll make. Our bill would shed some light on how apps determine work assignments and pay, ensuring workers are treated and paid fairly,” said Schatz.

    Millions of workers across multiple industries, report to work by turning on an app. These platforms collect data from both workers and consumers to shape working conditions, evaluate workers, and make work-related decisions, including decisions on how much to pay a worker, which workers get which assignments, and whether, when, or for how long a worker will be suspended or ‘deactivated.’ All this is done with systems that are not transparent to workers, consumers, or regulators, creating information imbalances that mask wage theft, discrimination, and price-gouging.

    The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would create a level playing field for workers managed by digital labor platforms by:

    • Requiring disclosure of electronic monitoring and automated decision systems uses, including how they are used to determine pay and other work decisions;
    • Providing itemized receipts to workers and consumers after every work assignment;
    • Providing workers receive weekly pay statements with relevant information on their compensation;
    • Ensuring rideshare workers receive at least 75 percent of the amount paid by consumers; and
    • Stopping platforms from using interfaces that contain unfair or deceptive information on compensation.

    The bill is supported by the ACE Collaborative of New Virginia Majority, Action Center on Race and Economy, AFL-CIO, Athena, Center for Law and Social Policy, Color Of Change, Colorado Independent Drivers United, Connecticut Drivers United, Coworker, Data & Society, Drivers Union Washington/Teamsters Local 117, Economic Policy Institute, Fair Work Center, Groundwork Collaborative, Hawai‘i Workers Center, Los Deliveristas Unidos, Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association, Make the Road New Jersey, National Women’s Law Center, National Employment Law Project (NELP), New York Taxi Workers Alliance, New School Center for NYC Public Affairs, NLAN/GLOW, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Open Markets Institute, Portland Drivers United, Rideshare Drivers United, PowerSwitch Action, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Tech Equity Collaborative, Tennessee Drivers Union, The People’s Lobby, Towards Justice, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, and Working Washington.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Senators Call on Netanyahu to Immediately Change Course in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), Ranking Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-DE), and Ranking State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriator Brian Schatz (D-HI) released the following joint statement urging the Trump Administration to press Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately change course in its war in Gaza:

    “Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are appalling and unconscionable. This week, more than 100 NGOs—including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam—warned of mass starvation spreading across Gaza. Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nearly 3-month blockade of humanitarian assistance, three-quarters of the population is facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger.

    “The handful of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites are wholly inadequate to meet the needs of this starving population. Widespread problems have made GHF aid delivery chaotic and dangerous, leading to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. Yet the Trump Administration recently approved $30 million for GHF, overriding established procedures and waiving consultation with Congress.

    “While some established humanitarian organizations have been allowed to resume very limited operations, a number of restrictions and security challenges prevent them from fully functioning. To make matters worse, this week’s expansion of Israel’s military operation into central Gaza for the first time in the conflict has put at risk these few remaining operations. Moreover, the UN estimates that nearly 88 percent of Gaza is no longer accessible to civilians, leaving approximately two million people confined to a troublingly small remaining area.

    “Meanwhile, hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, including American citizens, and three out of four Israelis are calling for an end to this war. Last September, the IDF assessed that Hamas had been largely defeated militarily from its peak strength when it heinously attacked Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023 and is now effectively a “guerilla terror group.” As we know from our own experience following the attacks of September 11, 2001, there is no solely military solution to defeating a terrorist group. Continuing this war with no discernable end is not in Israel’s national security interest, and the lack of a viable “day after” plan has been a glaring mistake.

    “We call on the Trump Administration to use its considerable leverage to press Prime Minister Netanyahu to:

    • Reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases the hostages as soon as possible.
    • Support a surge in humanitarian assistance that provides both a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid and credible mechanisms for effective distribution, including the verification and monitoring of assistance to ensure equitable distribution and to prevent Hamas from diverting assistance. Established humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme have the experience and ability to renew their delivery of assistance without civil unrest. We must allow them to do their jobs.
    • Dramatically reform or shut down the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and resume support for the existing UN-led aid coordination mechanisms in Gaza with enhanced oversight to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.
    • Establish a “day after” plan for Gaza where Hamas does not retain power, Israel disavows annexation of the West Bank and further integrates into the region, a reformed Palestinian Authority is fostered and empowered, and regional partners are included in rebuilding.
    • Create a framework for a viable path back to a two-state solution that will allow the Israeli and Palestinian people to live side by side in security, dignity, and prosperity.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 25th, 2025 After Republicans’ Cuts Threaten Rural Healthcare, Heinrich & Luján Demand Transparency on Trump Administration’s Inadequate Rural Health Slush Fund & Backroom Deals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with 12 of their Democratic colleagues, to demand accountability from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on how the rural health slush fund will be distributed to states and what guidance will be considered in this decision:

    In a letter to Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Senators demanded clarity on how the rural health slush fund will be distributed across the country. Earlier this month, Senate Republicans passed their “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” which delivered devastating cuts to the U.S. health care system – slashing funding by over $1 trillion dollars, the largest cut to healthcare in history. To try and cover up the damage of these cuts, they included a $50 billion rural health slush fund. However, this temporary fund only accounts for 5 percent of the cuts, which will have devastating, irreversible impacts. Perhaps even more alarming is the potentially blatant political distribution of this fund, underscoring the importance of accountability as to how CMS plans to award this money to states.

    “We are alarmed by reports suggesting these taxpayer funds are already promised to Republican members of Congress in exchange for their votes in support of the Big, Ugly Betrayal. In addition, the vague legislative language creating this fund will seemingly function as your personal fund to be distributed according to your political whims. As states, patients, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers brace for devastating cuts, we urge you to provide straightforward, detailed answers on how you plan to administer these funds,” the Senators wrote. “Republicans in Congress hastily developed the rural health slush fund to buy their members’ votes and give their caucus political cover for voting for the Big, Ugly Betrayal. Several Members of Congress have already touted your promises about the funding their states and districts will receive from the rural health slush fund.”

    Moreover, there are many questions about how the funds will be distributed. Shortly after the passage of the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” Republican Senators took to “X” (formerly known as Twitter) to celebrate specific money for their states to support rural hospitals. Senator Britt (R-AL) tweeted: “the Senate just amended the Big Beautiful Bill to invest over $500M in Alabama’s rural hospitals.” Senator Husted (R-OH) said: “I’m proud to have secured $1.3 billion in funding for rural hospitals across Ohio—because every Ohioan deserves access to quality care close to home.” Senator Cassidy (R-LA) even noted an inequity, tweeting: “We secured a $50 billion fund to support rural hospitals. Louisiana is set to receive about 2% of that money, despite having only 1% of the U.S. population—a double share.” Since CMS has yet to release the criteria for how the funding will be awarded, there are questions about if this slush fund constituted a political pay-off.

    Additionally, the Senators noted the hasty and ill-conceived wording of the fund, which leaves it open to abuse, fraud, and re-appropriation.

    “Not only does the Republican rural health slush fund provide a meager amount of funding that fails to plug the $1 trillion hole caused by the Big, Ugly Betrayal, the fund is drafted in such a vague and open-ended manner that it is not even guaranteed to support rural health care. States are not required to use this funding to support rural hospitals or other rural health care providers. In fact, states can use funds to pay any health care providers, support technology-driven efforts like wearable devices, or fund unproven models of care that have nothing to do with rural health,” the Senators continued. “Further, there are no parameters outlined in the legislative language for how CMS should award, distribute, or rescind funding from the rural health slush fund, making it even more susceptible to abuse.”

    To combat this apparent political giveaway, the Senators demanded answers on several questions, including:

    • When will CMS provide guidance to states on criteria for an application?
    • Will they commit to clear defined criteria before distributing these funds, and an appeals process related to funding award decisions?
    • Will CMS prioritize rural providers receiving these funding awards?
    • How will CMS define proper vs improper use of funds and accountability for how CMS will hold states accountable for improper use?
    • What states/districts has the Trump administration already promised funding to?

    In addition to Heinrich, Luján, Schumer, and Wyden, other Senators who signed on to the letter include Senators Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Durbin (D-Ill.), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kim (D-N.J.), Markey (D-Mass.), Merkley (D-Ore.), Padilla (D-Calif.), Sanders (I-Vt.), Smith (D-Minn.), Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Warren (D-Mass.).

    The full text of the letter can be seen here and below.

    Dear Administrator Oz:

    As you know, the Republican reconciliation bill cuts funding to the U.S. health care system by over $1 trillion, and will devastate communities nationwide, with disproportionate, negative impacts on health care access in rural America. To cover up the harms of these catastrophic cuts, Trump and Republicans stood up a temporary $50 billion rural health slush fund. This meager investment amounts to just five percent of the Big, Ugly Betrayal’s largest health care cuts in history.

    We are alarmed by reports suggesting these taxpayer funds are already promised to Republican members of Congress in exchange for their votes in support of the Big, Ugly Betrayal. In addition, the vague legislative language creating this fund will seemingly function as your personal fund to be distributed according to your political whims. As states, patients, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers brace for devastating cuts, we urge you to provide straightforward, detailed answers on how you plan to administer these funds.

    Republicans in Congress hastily developed the rural health slush fund to buy their members’ votes and give their caucus political cover for voting for the reconciliation bill. Several Members of Congress have already touted your promises about the funding their states and districts will receive from the rural health slush fund. Before the Big, Ugly Betrayal was even signed into law, Senator Husted celebrated the $1.3 billion he claims is promised to rural hospitals in Ohio, and Senator Hawley said the bill will give $1 billion to rural hospitals in Missouri.

    Other reports suggest you promised to send funding from the rural health slush fund to districts in Pennsylvania that are not even rural. The Trump Administration’s explanation that this fund can and will be used for more than rural areas was a key fact that swayed Republicans to vote for the bill. The rural health slush fund appears to be nothing more than a political parachute to pay off members of Congress for their unpopular votes.

    Rural communities will suffer greatly because of the health care cuts enacted in the Republican reconciliation bill. One-third of all rural hospitals are already at risk of closing, and the bill will force over 330 rural hospitals to reduce service lines, convert to other types of hospitals with fewer services, or close altogether. The Big, Ugly Betrayal makes no meaningful investments in rural hospitals, rural health centers, and other rural health care providers, which have some of the most fragile operating margins in the nation, and often are the largest employers and economic engines of their communities.

    Not only does the Republican rural health slush fund provide a meager amount of funding that fails to plug the $1 trillion hole caused by the reconciliation bill, the fund is drafted in such a vague and open-ended manner that it is not even guaranteed to support rural health care. States are not required to use this funding to support rural hospitals or other rural health care providers. In fact, states can use funds to pay any health care providers, support technology-driven efforts like wearable devices, or fund unproven models of care that have nothing to do with rural health.

    Further, there are no parameters outlined in the legislative language for how CMS should award, distribute, or rescind funding from the rural health slush fund, making it even more susceptible to abuse. There is no clear definition of an appropriate state application for the rural health slush fund, CMS is not required to follow a clear formula for distribution of funds, and there are no guardrails on how CMS should claw back funding from states in cases of inappropriate use. Without more clarity, this rural health slush fund is vulnerable to the very abuse of taxpayer spending that Republicans purport to care about.

    To provide states, rural hospitals, and other health care providers clarity on the available use of funding from the rural health slush fund in advance of the December 31, 2025 deadline for CMS to approve or deny state applications, we request that you provide a staff-level briefing on the parameters of this fund as well as detailed, written responses to the following questions by August 15, 2025:

    1. When will CMS provide states with guidance on the components that should be included in an appropriate state application for funding from the fund?

    a) Will CMS provide guidance to states on applications for use of funds that are required to be distributed equally among states with an approved application?

    b) Will CMS provide guidance to states on applications for use of funds that are not required to be distributed equally among states?

    2. What percentage of program funding will CMS allocate to rural health care providers?

    a) How will CMS ensure that states use this federal funding to benefit rural hospitals and other health care facilities, providers, and patients?

    b) What is the breakdown of funding that CMS anticipates allocating across the different categories of eligible providers?

    c) How will CMS make sure that states use the funds for purposes that support the financial viability of rural hospitals and other health care providers, including by providing funding to address high fixed costs and low volumes, improve health care workforce retention and recruitment in rural areas, and replace aging infrastructure?

    3. The Big, Ugly Betrayal outlines several metrics that CMS may consider when distributing funding to states. How will CMS apply these metrics—the number of people who live in rural communities, the number of rural health facilities in a state, and the number of Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) in a state—when distributing funding to states?

    4. Will CMS commit to make the formula for awarding and distributing funds to states public before making any commitments to states and before formally distributing funding?

    5. Will CMS commit to creating a public website outlining state applicants for funding, the funding formula and criteria for distributing funds, and approved state applications?

    6. How will CMS define and determine improper uses of funding? How will CMS monitor funds to ensure appropriate spending and use?

    7. Will CMS commit to establishing an appeals process for states to provide an opportunity to contest decisions made on award, distribution and/or clawback of funding?

    8. Given the ongoing hiring freeze at CMS, it appears that the agency cannot hire more people to distribute this funding. How will CMS use the $200 million in implementation funding tied to the rural health slush fund?

    a)Will CMS hire a third party to administer this fund?

    b) If yes, has CMS already committed to a hire a specific third party to administer this fund and, if so, which vendor?

    9. What other states or districts have Trump Administration officials already promised funding from the rural health slush fund to? Which states and districts have received this promised funding?

    While this taxpayer-supported rural health slush fund is wholly insufficient to plug the massive hole created by the Big, Ugly Betrayal including the 15 million people expected to lose insurance coverage, it is critical that CMS move with urgency to provide clarity to rural communities, states, hospitals, and other health care providers about the fund. We look forward to your prompt response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 25th, 2025 After Republicans’ Cuts Threaten Rural Healthcare, Heinrich & Luján Demand Transparency on Trump Administration’s Inadequate Rural Health Slush Fund & Backroom Deals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with 12 of their Democratic colleagues, to demand accountability from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on how the rural health slush fund will be distributed to states and what guidance will be considered in this decision:
    In a letter to Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Senators demanded clarity on how the rural health slush fund will be distributed across the country. Earlier this month, Senate Republicans passed their “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” which delivered devastating cuts to the U.S. health care system – slashing funding by over $1 trillion dollars, the largest cut to healthcare in history. To try and cover up the damage of these cuts, they included a $50 billion rural health slush fund. However, this temporary fund only accounts for 5 percent of the cuts, which will have devastating, irreversible impacts. Perhaps even more alarming is the potentially blatant political distribution of this fund, underscoring the importance of accountability as to how CMS plans to award this money to states.
    “We are alarmed by reports suggesting these taxpayer funds are already promised to Republican members of Congress in exchange for their votes in support of the Big, Ugly Betrayal. In addition, the vague legislative language creating this fund will seemingly function as your personal fund to be distributed according to your political whims. As states, patients, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers brace for devastating cuts, we urge you to provide straightforward, detailed answers on how you plan to administer these funds,” the Senators wrote. “Republicans in Congress hastily developed the rural health slush fund to buy their members’ votes and give their caucus political cover for voting for the Big, Ugly Betrayal. Several Members of Congress have already touted your promises about the funding their states and districts will receive from the rural health slush fund.”
    Moreover, there are many questions about how the funds will be distributed. Shortly after the passage of the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” Republican Senators took to “X” (formerly known as Twitter) to celebrate specific money for their states to support rural hospitals. Senator Britt (R-AL) tweeted: “the Senate just amended the Big Beautiful Bill to invest over $500M in Alabama’s rural hospitals.” Senator Husted (R-OH) said: “I’m proud to have secured $1.3 billion in funding for rural hospitals across Ohio—because every Ohioan deserves access to quality care close to home.” Senator Cassidy (R-LA) even noted an inequity, tweeting: “We secured a $50 billion fund to support rural hospitals. Louisiana is set to receive about 2% of that money, despite having only 1% of the U.S. population—a double share.” Since CMS has yet to release the criteria for how the funding will be awarded, there are questions about if this slush fund constituted a political pay-off.
    Additionally, the Senators noted the hasty and ill-conceived wording of the fund, which leaves it open to abuse, fraud, and re-appropriation.
    “Not only does the Republican rural health slush fund provide a meager amount of funding that fails to plug the $1 trillion hole caused by the Big, Ugly Betrayal, the fund is drafted in such a vague and open-ended manner that it is not even guaranteed to support rural health care. States are not required to use this funding to support rural hospitals or other rural health care providers. In fact, states can use funds to pay any health care providers, support technology-driven efforts like wearable devices, or fund unproven models of care that have nothing to do with rural health,” the Senators continued. “Further, there are no parameters outlined in the legislative language for how CMS should award, distribute, or rescind funding from the rural health slush fund, making it even more susceptible to abuse.”
    To combat this apparent political giveaway, the Senators demanded answers on several questions, including:
    When will CMS provide guidance to states on criteria for an application?
    Will they commit to clear defined criteria before distributing these funds, and an appeals process related to funding award decisions?
    Will CMS prioritize rural providers receiving these funding awards?
    How will CMS define proper vs improper use of funds and accountability for how CMS will hold states accountable for improper use?
    What states/districts has the Trump administration already promised funding to?
    In addition to Heinrich, Luján, Schumer, and Wyden, other Senators who signed on to the letter include Senators Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Durbin (D-Ill.), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kim (D-N.J.), Markey (D-Mass.), Merkley (D-Ore.), Padilla (D-Calif.), Sanders (I-Vt.), Smith (D-Minn.), Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Warren (D-Mass.).
    The full text of the letter can be seen here and below.
    Dear Administrator Oz:
    As you know, the Republican reconciliation bill cuts funding to the U.S. health care system by over $1 trillion, and will devastate communities nationwide, with disproportionate, negative impacts on health care access in rural America. To cover up the harms of these catastrophic cuts, Trump and Republicans stood up a temporary $50 billion rural health slush fund. This meager investment amounts to just five percent of the Big, Ugly Betrayal’s largest health care cuts in history.
    We are alarmed by reports suggesting these taxpayer funds are already promised to Republican members of Congress in exchange for their votes in support of the Big, Ugly Betrayal. In addition, the vague legislative language creating this fund will seemingly function as your personal fund to be distributed according to your political whims. As states, patients, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers brace for devastating cuts, we urge you to provide straightforward, detailed answers on how you plan to administer these funds.
    Republicans in Congress hastily developed the rural health slush fund to buy their members’ votes and give their caucus political cover for voting for the reconciliation bill. Several Members of Congress have already touted your promises about the funding their states and districts will receive from the rural health slush fund. Before the Big, Ugly Betrayal was even signed into law, Senator Husted celebrated the $1.3 billion he claims is promised to rural hospitals in Ohio, and Senator Hawley said the bill will give $1 billion to rural hospitals in Missouri.
    Other reports suggest you promised to send funding from the rural health slush fund to districts in Pennsylvania that are not even rural. The Trump Administration’s explanation that this fund can and will be used for more than rural areas was a key fact that swayed Republicans to vote for the bill. The rural health slush fund appears to be nothing more than a political parachute to pay off members of Congress for their unpopular votes.
    Rural communities will suffer greatly because of the health care cuts enacted in the Republican reconciliation bill. One-third of all rural hospitals are already at risk of closing, and the bill will force over 330 rural hospitals to reduce service lines, convert to other types of hospitals with fewer services, or close altogether. The Big, Ugly Betrayal makes no meaningful investments in rural hospitals, rural health centers, and other rural health care providers, which have some of the most fragile operating margins in the nation, and often are the largest employers and economic engines of their communities.
    Not only does the Republican rural health slush fund provide a meager amount of funding that fails to plug the $1 trillion hole caused by the reconciliation bill, the fund is drafted in such a vague and open-ended manner that it is not even guaranteed to support rural health care. States are not required to use this funding to support rural hospitals or other rural health care providers. In fact, states can use funds to pay any health care providers, support technology-driven efforts like wearable devices, or fund unproven models of care that have nothing to do with rural health.
    Further, there are no parameters outlined in the legislative language for how CMS should award, distribute, or rescind funding from the rural health slush fund, making it even more susceptible to abuse. There is no clear definition of an appropriate state application for the rural health slush fund, CMS is not required to follow a clear formula for distribution of funds, and there are no guardrails on how CMS should claw back funding from states in cases of inappropriate use. Without more clarity, this rural health slush fund is vulnerable to the very abuse of taxpayer spending that Republicans purport to care about.
    To provide states, rural hospitals, and other health care providers clarity on the available use of funding from the rural health slush fund in advance of the December 31, 2025 deadline for CMS to approve or deny state applications, we request that you provide a staff-level briefing on the parameters of this fund as well as detailed, written responses to the following questions by August 15, 2025:
    1. When will CMS provide states with guidance on the components that should be included in an appropriate state application for funding from the fund?
    a) Will CMS provide guidance to states on applications for use of funds that are required to be distributed equally among states with an approved application?
    b) Will CMS provide guidance to states on applications for use of funds that are not required to be distributed equally among states?
    2. What percentage of program funding will CMS allocate to rural health care providers?
    a) How will CMS ensure that states use this federal funding to benefit rural hospitals and other health care facilities, providers, and patients?
    b) What is the breakdown of funding that CMS anticipates allocating across the different categories of eligible providers?
    c) How will CMS make sure that states use the funds for purposes that support the financial viability of rural hospitals and other health care providers, including by providing funding to address high fixed costs and low volumes, improve health care workforce retention and recruitment in rural areas, and replace aging infrastructure?
    3. The Big, Ugly Betrayal outlines several metrics that CMS may consider when distributing funding to states. How will CMS apply these metrics—the number of people who live in rural communities, the number of rural health facilities in a state, and the number of Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) in a state—when distributing funding to states?
    4. Will CMS commit to make the formula for awarding and distributing funds to states public before making any commitments to states and before formally distributing funding?
    5. Will CMS commit to creating a public website outlining state applicants for funding, the funding formula and criteria for distributing funds, and approved state applications?
    6. How will CMS define and determine improper uses of funding? How will CMS monitor funds to ensure appropriate spending and use?
    7. Will CMS commit to establishing an appeals process for states to provide an opportunity to contest decisions made on award, distribution and/or clawback of funding?
    8. Given the ongoing hiring freeze at CMS, it appears that the agency cannot hire more people to distribute this funding. How will CMS use the $200 million in implementation funding tied to the rural health slush fund?
    a)Will CMS hire a third party to administer this fund?
    b) If yes, has CMS already committed to a hire a specific third party to administer this fund and, if so, which vendor?
    9. What other states or districts have Trump Administration officials already promised funding from the rural health slush fund to? Which states and districts have received this promised funding?
    While this taxpayer-supported rural health slush fund is wholly insufficient to plug the massive hole created by the Big, Ugly Betrayal including the 15 million people expected to lose insurance coverage, it is critical that CMS move with urgency to provide clarity to rural communities, states, hospitals, and other health care providers about the fund. We look forward to your prompt response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 9th CIIE launches exhibitor recruitment drive

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

    SHANGHAI, July 25 — With just over 100 days to go until the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), recruitment for the ninth CIIE was officially launched in Shanghai on Friday, and over 40 foreign companies have already signed up to exhibit, according to the event organizer.

    The ninth CIIE has already secured a contracted exhibition space of 30,000 square meters. Over 20 companies, including L’Oréal, GE Healthcare, Honeywell, Jaguar Land Rover and Lesaffre, were among the first to commit to a ninth consecutive year of participation.

    Vincent Boinay, president of L’Oréal North Asia Zone and chief executive officer (CEO) of L’Oréal China, said during a recruitment launch ceremony on Friday that thanks to the growing “spillover effect” of the CIIE, the company has launched more than 10 new brands, dozens of beauty tech products and hundreds of new items in China over the past seven years, accelerating the entry of international products into the Chinese market.

    The expo has not only witnessed but also boosted the development of companies, said Sheng Wenhao, CEO of Theland Asia Pacific Region. Through the CIIE, Theland has signed deals with dozens of professional buyers, covering more than 5,000 offline stores across 25 provincial-level regions in China.

    “Participating in the CIIE means embracing opportunities for us. Over the past seven years, we have signed more than 10 strategic cooperation agreements for fruit imports, with a contract value of up to 200 million U.S. dollars secured at the seventh CIIE last year,” said Guo Min, Joy Wing Mau Chile Spa’s deputy marketing director in China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Demands Trump Admin Stop Withholding Funding for Labs that Protect Food Supply to Prevent Disease Spread and Price Hikes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is leading her colleagues in demanding that the Trump Administration release withheld funding for labs that are dedicated to early detection, response, and control of animal diseases and outbreaks. If these labs do not get their funding by the end of July, the risk of food contamination increases, threatening the safety of our domestic food supply chains, restricting American farmers’ access to markets, and driving up grocery prices across the country. Wisconsin is one of seventeen states that host a Level 1 National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.

    “Barring the labs from doing their jobs risks a major disease outbreak which would exacerbate the stress on our nation’s farmers and food supply, ultimately driving up food costs for American consumers. Now is not the time for confusion and uncertainty; OMB must allow the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expend these funds and protect the American agricultural sector from disease spread,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Office of Management and Budget Secretary Russell Vought. 

    Every Level 1 laboratory, spread across 17 states, relies on federal funding to support personnel and operations. If OMB fails to immediately release funding, operations at these facilities will be severely impaired, or even halted entirely, when their current funding expires at the end of July 2025.

    This letter was co-signed by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Gary Peters (D-MI).

    Full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Director Vought:

    We write to you today to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) release the funds designated for Level 1 laboratories within the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) that are currently being withheld. These funds are dedicated for early detection, response and control of animal diseases and outbreaks. Withholding these funds threatens the safety of our domestic food supply chains, restricts American farmers access to international markets, and could cause a rapid increase in food costs for Americans.

    As Senators representing states that host Level 1 NAHLN laboratories, we have seen firsthand the vital role these facilities play in safeguarding farmers, workers and agricultural operations. The laboratories are on the frontlines of identifying and containing highly contagious and economically devastating animal diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, African swine fever, and the New World screwworm. These diseases pose enormous risks, but the longstanding funding of NAHLN labs, and their coordination with farmers and ranchers, has successfully mitigated the impact of many disease outbreaks thus far.

    Each Level 1 laboratory, spread across 17 states, relies on $250,000 in annual infrastructure funding to support personnel and operations. By withholding over half of these funds, approximately $2.65 million in total, OMB is putting these laboratories in a grave position. If OMB fails to immediately release funding, operations at these facilities will be severely impaired, or even halted entirely, when their current funding expires at the end of July 2025.

    NAHLN funds are a key component to our ability to rapidly detect and respond to animal disease outbreaks, maintain international trade, and conduct biosecurity measures. Barring the labs from doing their jobs risks a major disease outbreak which would exacerbate the stress on our nation’s farmers and food supply, ultimately driving up food costs for American consumers. Now is not the time for confusion and uncertainty; OMB must allow the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expend these funds and protect the American agricultural sector from disease spread.

    We strongly urge OMB and USDA to work together to immediately release the remaining 58% of funding before the July 31 deadline to ensure operational continuity of Level 1 NAHLN laboratories. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Salinas and Barragán, Sens. Padilla and Gallego Introduce Mental Health for Latinos Act

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Washington, D.C. – As the nation observes Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), introduced the Mental Health for Latinos Act, legislation to improve mental health outcomes among Latino and Hispanic communities.  

    Barriers to mental health care within Latino communities cause far too many individuals to suffer in silence. Only 47.4 percent of Hispanic adults ages 18 or older with any mental illness received services in 2023. Between 2010 and 2020, the suicide rate among male Hispanic adults (ages 20 to 64) increased by 35.7 percent, and the rate among women specifically increased by 40.6 percent. Even those who can access services rarely receive the effective, culturally competent care they need. 

    “As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus and a proud Latina, I know how crucial it is to end the stigma around mental health care and improve outcomes and access to care among Latino communities,” said Representative Salinas. “I’ve been on the other end of a phone call with someone who is having a mental health crisis. I see how important it is for people not only to have access to mental health care, but also to be able to get the culturally competent care that meets them where they are.”

    “This legislation is a first step to breaking down the unique barriers that prevent our Latino communities from receiving the help they need. Mental health is a challenge that many Americans bear silently — but they shouldn’t have to,” said Representative Barragán. “Ensuring that our communities in need receive specialized resources and outreach will help break down cultural stigmas and language barriers that prevent Americans from accessing mental health care that is essential to their overall health and well-being.”

    “No one should suffer in silence,” said Senator Padilla. “We need to break down the barriers that keep Latinos from getting the mental health care they need, when stigma and language access can make it even harder to ask for help. The Mental Health for Latinos Act would improve mental health outcomes by reducing stigma in the Latino community and encouraging people to reach out for help. As we tackle the rise in mental health challenges, it’s critical that we acknowledge the distinct needs of our diverse communities and develop solutions that meet people where they are.”

    “Too many Latinos, especially men, shy away from seeking help because they’re afraid of being judged, and that only makes the problem worse. This issue is personal to me. This bill would help break the stigma around mental health and make it easier to get care from people who actually understand our community. I want everyone to know that they’re not alone and that getting help is not a weakness,” said Senator Gallego.

    “APA is proud to support the Mental Health for Latinos Act of 2025,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr. PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association. “By promoting mental health and reducing stigma in the Latino community, this legislation underscores APA’s mission to use psychological knowledge to improve the lives of all individuals.”

    “Long-standing health care disparities within the Latino community are preventing countless individuals from receiving the timely, high-quality mental health care they need,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The Mental Health for Latinos Act from Senator Padilla, Representative Salinas, Senator Gallego and Representative Barragan will help address these disparities and bring mental health resources to historically underserved communities.”  

    “The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention strongly supports the Mental Health for Latinos Act of 2025, which will advance health equity by addressing long-standing barriers to care and stigma that disproportionately impact Hispanic and Latino communities,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “In 2023, Hispanic adults were 60% less likely to have received mental health treatment than non-Hispanic white adults. By promoting culturally and linguistically tailored outreach and education, this bill will help ensure that more individuals recognize the signs of mental health conditions and are connected to life-saving resources. It represents a meaningful step forward in our national effort to prevent suicide and expand access to mental health support for all communities.”

    Informed and culturally competent resources, education materials, and outreach programs are vital to addressing the mental health crisis. The Mental Health for Latinos Act recognizes the unique mental health challenges of the Latino community, aiming to reduce cultural stigma and rectify health care disparities that prevent people from receiving lifesaving mental health services. As our nation confronts a worsening mental health crisis, this critical legislation reinforces the message that there is zero shame in asking for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength.

    Specifically, the bill would:

    • Require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop and implement an outreach and education strategy to promote behavioral and mental health among the Latino and Hispanic populations that:
      • Meets diverse cultural and language needs and is developmentally and age-appropriate,
      • Increases awareness of symptoms of mental illnesses,
      • Provides information on evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate adapted interventions and treatments,
      • Ensures full participation of community members, and
      • Uses a comprehensive public health approach to promoting behavioral health by focusing on the intersection between behavioral and physical health.
    • Require SAMHSA to report annually to Congress on the extent to which the strategy improved behavioral and mental health outcomes among these populations.

    The Mental Health for Latinos Act is endorsed by organizations including American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Unidos US, American Mental Health Counselors Association, Inseparable, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), Global Alliance for Behavioral Health & Social Justice, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), American Group Psychotherapy Association, Epilepsy Foundation of America, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the International Society for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN), Fountain House, and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Statement on Arrest of Man Charged with Assaulting ICE Law Enforcement Officers

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The second person charged, Danielle Nadine Davila, is still at large

    WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement regarding two medical staffers in southern California who are facing charges for assaulting and obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.  

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California today announced federal charges against Jose de Jesus Ortega and Danielle Nadine Davila. DHS law enforcement arrested Ortega today and is seeking the arrest of Davila following charges for assaulting a federal officer and conspiracy to prevent by force and intimidation a federal officer from discharging his duties. 

    “The media attempted to demonize ICE agents by saying that our agents were arresting individuals inside a medical center—but that is completely FALSE. On July 8, ICE officers conducted a targeted enforcement operation where one of the illegal aliens fled on foot to evade law enforcement and ended up near the Ontario Advanced Surgery Center in San Bernadino County. Surgical Center staff members Jose de Jesus Ortega and Danielle Nadine Davila obstructed and assaulted ICE agents,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Today, these individuals are being charged for their crime. Anyone who actively obstructs or assaults law enforcement, including U.S. citizens, will face consequences which include arrest.”

    On July 8, 2025, ICE officers conducted a targeted enforcement operation to arrest two illegal aliens. Officers in clearly marked ICE bullet proof vests approached the illegal alien targets as they exited a vehicle. One of the illegal aliens, Denis Guillen-Solis who is from Honduras, fled on foot to evade law enforcement. He ended up near the Ontario Advanced Surgical Center where hospital staff assaulted law enforcement and dragged the officer and illegal alien into the facility.  

    The two staff members attempted to obstruct law enforcement’s arrest by locking the door, blocking law enforcement vehicles from moving and calling police claiming there was a “kidnapping.”  

    ICE encourages the public to report crimes or suspicious activity by contacting the ICE tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or visiting www.ice.gov.   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Joins Britt, Colleagues in Advocating Critical NIH Research Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Katie Britt (R-AL), joined by twelve of their Republican colleagues, called on White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought to disburse appropriated funds for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help cure disease, advance health, protect biomedical innovation, benefit the economy and compete with adversaries like Communist China.

    Specifically, Boozman and colleagues requested the administration implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, which President Trump signed into law earlier this year. This legislation contains critical funding to support NIH initiatives across a range of research areas, including but not limited to cancer, cardiovascular disease and rare pediatric disorders.

    “We are concerned by the slow disbursement rate of FY25 NIH funds, as it risks undermining critical research and the thousands of American jobs it supports. Suspension of these appropriated funds – whether formally withheld or functionally delayed – could threaten Americans’ ability to access better treatments and limit our nation’s leadership in biomedical science. It also risks inadvertently severing ongoing NIH-funded research prior to actionable results,” wrote the senators.

    “We share your commitment to ensuring NIH funds are used responsibly and not diverted to ideological or unaccountable programs,” the senators continued. “We are confident Secretary Kennedy and Director Bhattacharya are well positioned to uphold gold standard research by ensuring that NIH awards are grounded in transparency, scientific merit, and a clear alignment with national interests.”

    Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Todd Young (R-IN) co-signed Boozman and Britt’s letter to Director Vought.

    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Brown releases statement on agreement to temporarily pause federal restrictions on public benefit programs

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Washington Attorney General Brown today released the following statement after the federal government agreed to temporarily pause implementation of harmful new restrictions on access to public benefit programs:
     
    “I’m glad there is a temporarily pause in enforcement of this harmful policy, which has caused confusion and chaos for Washington’s safety net programs. But relief through September 3 is not enough. All Washingtonians should be able to access critical services without fear.”
     
    Earlier this week, Attorney General Brown and 20 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit opposing the federal government’s attempt to change how eligibility for federally supported services is interpreted under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). Now, the U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor have agreed not to enforce the challenged policy changes in the plaintiff states until at least September 3, 2025. The agreement also confirms that no one will face penalties or enforcement for any actions taken in line with the old PRWORA rules during this same period. 

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Announces Vermont Will Receive Nearly $20 Million in Withheld Public Education Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    BURLINGTON, Vt., July 25 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today issued the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would release nearly $20 million in public education funding for Vermont that it had illegally withheld, as part of nearly $5.5 billion that was held back nationwide.

    A total of $26.1 million will now be available for schools in Vermont as a result of Sanders’ efforts.

    On June 30, just one day before states expected to receive the funds, the Education Department sent a three-line email notifying states that $6.88 billion in public education funding would be illegally withheld. This decision received strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress — including a letter led by Sanders and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) alongside 32 Democratic senators, and a letter from Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and nine Republican senators demanding the release of these funds.

    Last week, the department released a portion of these funds for summer and after-school programs — $6.5 million in Vermont and $1.3 billion nationally — as a result of Sanders’ demands that the Trump administration release the funds. That funding supports nearly 100 after-school and summer programs in Vermont serving 11,000 students.

    “Let’s be clear: Today the administration solved a problem of its own making by finally releasing funding for our public schools that it illegally and unconstitutionally withheld,” Sanders said.

    “I am glad these funds will finally get to schools to offer critical services — including support for students learning English, professional development for educators, and mental health services in the classroom. We as a nation must do much, much more to support our public schools,” Sanders continued. “I will continue to do everything in my power as Ranking Member to ensure the Department administers these funds in accordance with the law and without additional strings attached.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thailand to consider ceasefire ‘based on relevant conditions on the ground’ – FM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BANGKOK, July 25 (Xinhua) — Thailand will consider a ceasefire, but it must be based on the conditions on the ground, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

    The statement from the Foreign Ministry said the Thai government would like to thank Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his ceasefire proposal, “which Thailand fully agrees with in principle and will consider.”

    However, the ministry noted that Cambodian armed forces continued their “indiscriminate attacks” on Thai territory throughout Friday.

    “Any ceasefire must be based on the relevant conditions on the ground. Thailand places the highest priority on the safety of civilians, and Cambodia’s actions at this time demonstrate a lack of good faith and continue to put civilians at risk,” the statement said. The Thai government “has an obligation to fully defend its sovereignty and its citizens,” the Thai Foreign Ministry added.

    As of 9:00 p.m. Thursday local time, 14 Thai citizens had been killed and 46 injured in clashes near the Thai-Cambodia border, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.

    Met Meas Phekdey, deputy governor of Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey Province, told Xinhua by telephone that one villager was killed and five others were injured when Thai shelling hit Cambodian territory on Thursday.

    Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated after clashes broke out early Thursday, with each side accusing the other of violating international law. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Investigating Death of 8-Year-Old Boy Who Received Elevidys

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 25, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating the death of an 8-year-old boy who received Elevidys, a Sarepta Therapeutics gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The death occurred on June 7, 2025. The FDA has requested and received voluntary suspension of product distribution as it investigates the safety concerns.  
    Elevidys is an adeno-associated virus vector-based gene therapy using Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.’s AAVrh74 Platform Technology for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The product is administered as a single intravenous dose.  Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic condition characterized by progressive muscular weakness. The disease occurs due to a defective gene. 

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

    ###

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    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Content current as of:
    07/25/2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After GOP Cuts Threaten Rural Healthcare, Luján and Heinrich Demand Transparency on Administration’s Inadequate Rural Health Slush Fund and Backroom Deals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), joined Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with 12 of their Democratic colleagues, to demand accountability from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on how the rural health slush fund will be distributed to states and what guidance will be considered in this decision:

    In a letter to Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Senators demanded clarity on how the rural health slush fund will be distributed across the country. Earlier this month, Senate Republicans passed their “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” which delivered devastating cuts to the U.S. health care system – slashing funding by over $1 trillion dollars, the largest cut to healthcare in history. To try and cover up the damage of these cuts, they included a $50 billion rural health slush fund. However, this temporary fund only accounts for 5 percent of the cuts, which will have devastating, irreversible impacts. Perhaps even more alarming is the potentially blatant political distribution of this fund, underscoring the importance of accountability as to how CMS plans to award this money to states.

    “We are alarmed by reports suggesting these taxpayer funds are already promised to Republican members of Congress in exchange for their votes in support of the Big, Ugly Betrayal. In addition, the vague legislative language creating this fund will seemingly function as your personal fund to be distributed according to your political whims. As states, patients, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers brace for devastating cuts, we urge you to provide straightforward, detailed answers on how you plan to administer these funds,” the Senators wrote. “Republicans in Congress hastily developed the rural health slush fund to buy their members’ votes and give their caucus political cover for voting for the Big, Ugly Betrayal. Several Members of Congress have already touted your promises about the funding their states and districts will receive from the rural health slush fund.”

    Moreover, there are many questions about how the funds will be distributed. Shortly after the passage of the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” Republican Senators took to “X” (formerly known as Twitter) to celebrate specific money for their states to support rural hospitals. Senator Britt (R-AL) tweeted: “the Senate just amended the Big Beautiful Bill to invest over $500M in Alabama’s rural hospitals.” Senator Husted (R-OH) said: “I’m proud to have secured $1.3 billion in funding for rural hospitals across Ohio—because every Ohioan deserves access to quality care close to home.” Senator Cassidy (R-LA) even noted an inequity, tweeting: “We secured a $50 billion fund to support rural hospitals. Louisiana is set to receive about 2% of that money, despite having only 1% of the U.S. population—a double share.” Since CMS has yet to release the criteria for how the funding will be awarded, there are questions about if this slush fund constituted a political pay-off.

    Additionally, the Senators noted the hasty and ill-conceived wording of the fund, which leaves it open to abuse, fraud, and re-appropriation.

    “Not only does the Republican rural health slush fund provide a meager amount of funding that fails to plug the $1 trillion hole caused by the Big, Ugly Betrayal, the fund is drafted in such a vague and open-ended manner that it is not even guaranteed to support rural health care. States are not required to use this funding to support rural hospitals or other rural health care providers. In fact, states can use funds to pay any health care providers, support technology-driven efforts like wearable devices, or fund unproven models of care that have nothing to do with rural health,” the Senators continued. “Further, there are no parameters outlined in the legislative language for how CMS should award, distribute, or rescind funding from the rural health slush fund, making it even more susceptible to abuse.”

    To combat this apparent political giveaway, the Senators demanded answers on several questions, including:

    • When will CMS provide guidance to states on criteria for an application?
    • Will they commit to clear defined criteria before distributing these funds, and an appeals process related to funding award decisions? 
    • Will CMS prioritize rural providers receiving these funding awards?
    • How will CMS define proper vs improper use of funds and accountability for how CMS will hold states accountable for improper use? 
    • What states/districts has the Trump administration already promised funding to?

    In addition to Luján, Heinrich, Schumer, and Wyden, other Senators who signed on to the letter include Senators Alsobrooks (D-MD), Blumenthal (D-CT), Durbin (D-IL), Gillibrand (D-NY), Kim (D-NJ), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Padilla (D-CA), Sanders (I-VT), Smith (D-MN), Van Hollen (D-MD), and Warren (D-MA).

    The full text of the letter can be seen here and below.

    Dear Administrator Oz:

    As you know, the Republican reconciliation bill cuts funding to the U.S. health care system by over $1 trillion, and will devastate communities nationwide, with disproportionate, negative impacts on health care access in rural America. To cover up the harms of these catastrophic cuts, Trump and Republicans stood up a temporary $50 billion rural health slush fund. This meager investment amounts to just five percent of the Big, Ugly Betrayal’s largest health care cuts in history. 

    We are alarmed by reports suggesting these taxpayer funds are already promised to Republican members of Congress in exchange for their votes in support of the Big, Ugly Betrayal. In addition, the vague legislative language creating this fund will seemingly function as your personal fund to be distributed according to your political whims. As states, patients, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers brace for devastating cuts, we urge you to provide straightforward, detailed answers on how you plan to administer these funds.

    Republicans in Congress hastily developed the rural health slush fund to buy their members’ votes and give their caucus political cover for voting for the reconciliation bill. Several Members of Congress have already touted your promises about the funding their states and districts will receive from the rural health slush fund. Before the Big, Ugly Betrayal was even signed into law, Senator Husted celebrated the $1.3 billion he claims is promised to rural hospitals in Ohio,[1] and Senator Hawley said the bill will give $1 billion to rural hospitals in Missouri.[2]

    Other reports suggest you promised to send funding from the rural health slush fund to districts in Pennsylvania that are not even rural.[3] The Trump Administration’s explanation that this fund can and will be used for more than rural areas was a key fact that swayed Republicans to vote for the bill.[4] The rural health slush fund appears to be nothing more than a political parachute to pay off members of Congress for their unpopular votes.   

    Rural communities will suffer greatly because of the health care cuts enacted in the Republican reconciliation bill. One-third of all rural hospitals are already at risk of closing, and the bill will force over 330 rural hospitals to reduce service lines, convert to other types of hospitals with fewer services, or close altogether.[5] The Big, Ugly Betrayal makes no meaningful investments in rural hospitals, rural health centers, and other rural health care providers, which have some of the most fragile operating margins in the nation, and often are the largest employers and economic engines of their communities. 

    Not only does the Republican rural health slush fund provide a meager amount of funding that fails to plug the $1 trillion hole caused by the reconciliation bill, the fund is drafted in such a vague and open-ended manner that it is not even guaranteed to support rural health care. States are not required to use this funding to support rural hospitals or other rural health care providers. In fact, states can use funds to pay any health care providers, support technology-driven efforts like wearable devices, or fund unproven models of care that have nothing to do with rural health.

    Further, there are no parameters outlined in the legislative language for how CMS should award, distribute, or rescind funding from the rural health slush fund, making it even more susceptible to abuse. There is no clear definition of an appropriate state application for the rural health slush fund, CMS is not required to follow a clear formula for distribution of funds, and there are no guardrails on how CMS should claw back funding from states in cases of inappropriate use. Without more clarity, this rural health slush fund is vulnerable to the very abuse of taxpayer spending that Republicans purport to care about.

    To provide states, rural hospitals, and other health care providers clarity on the available use of funding from the rural health slush fund in advance of the December 31, 2025 deadline for CMS to approve or deny state applications, we request that you provide a staff-level briefing on the parameters of this fund as well as detailed, written responses to the following questions by August 15, 2025:

    1. When will CMS provide states with guidance on the components that should be included in an appropriate state application for funding from the fund? 
    1. Will CMS provide guidance to states on applications for use of funds that are required to be distributed equally among states with an approved application?
    2. Will CMS provide guidance to states on applications for use of funds that are not required to be distributed equally among states?
    3. What percentage of program funding will CMS allocate to rural health care providers?
    1. How will CMS ensure that states use this federal funding to benefit rural hospitals and other health care facilities, providers, and patients?
    2. What is the breakdown of funding that CMS anticipates allocating across the different categories of eligible providers?
    3. How will CMS make sure that states use the funds for purposes that support the financial viability of rural hospitals and other health care providers, including by providing funding to address high fixed costs and low volumes, improve health care workforce retention and recruitment in rural areas, and replace aging infrastructure?  
    1. The Big, Ugly Betrayal outlines several metrics that CMS may consider when distributing funding to states. How will CMS apply these metrics—the number of people who live in rural communities, the number of rural health facilities in a state, and the number of Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) in a state—when distributing funding to states?
    2. Will CMS commit to make the formula for awarding and distributing funds to states public before making any commitments to states and before formally distributing funding? 
    3. Will CMS commit to creating a public website outlining state applicants for funding, the funding formula and criteria for distributing funds, and approved state applications? 
    4. How will CMS define and determine improper uses of funding? How will CMS monitor funds to ensure appropriate spending and use?
    5. Will CMS commit to establishing an appeals process for states to provide an opportunity to contest decisions made on award, distribution and/or clawback of funding?  
    6. Given the ongoing hiring freeze at CMS, it appears that the agency cannot hire more people to distribute this funding. How will CMS use the $200 million in implementation funding tied to the rural health slush fund? 
    1. Will CMS hire a third party to administer this fund?
    2. If yes, has CMS already committed to a hire a specific third party to administer this fund and, if so, which vendor?
    3. What other states or districts have Trump Administration officials already promised funding from the rural health slush fund to? Which states and districts have received this promised funding?

    While this taxpayer-supported rural health slush fund is wholly insufficient to plug the massive hole created by the Big, Ugly Betrayal including the 15 million people expected to lose insurance coverage, it is critical that CMS move with urgency to provide clarity to rural communities, states, hospitals, and other health care providers about the fund. We look forward to your prompt response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Appropriations Committee Advances Interior And Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development Funding Bills With Illinois Priorities Secured By Durbin, Duckworth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    July 25, 2025
    The Senate Appropriations Committee passed Interior, Environment, & Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development, & Related Agencies government funding bills
    SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a funding bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, as well as for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Durbin and Duckworth worked to secure various priorities for Illinois in the appropriations bills, both through Congressionally Directed Spending requests and through the programmatic appropriations process.
    “It is the responsibility of Congress to fund our government programs and agencies through the appropriations process. Rather than rely on continuing resolutions, I hope that we can prioritize a true bipartisan process to pass these funding bills through the Senate in a timely process,” said Durbin. “While the Trump Administration continues to drain resources from critical programs, I will fight for the funding and support for the programs Illinoisans rely on.”
    “Our state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our communities and families—and that’s what these bipartisan funding bills do,” Duckworth said. “Appropriating federal funding is the primary role of Congress, and it’s critical this responsibility remains in the legislative branch. I’m proud I was able to help secure critical support for projects throughout Illinois that help modernize our state’s infrastructure, clean up our water, improve accessibility and more.”
    The two funding bills include the following Illinois priorities secured by Congressionally Directed Spending requests:
    Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
    · City of Chester, Chester, Illinois. $1.2 million to the City of Chester to help fund the Route 150 water main replacement.
    · City of Markham, Markham, Illinois. $1.5 million to the City of Markham to help fund water system infrastructure improvements.
    · Infrastructure Improvements, Lockport, Illinois. $250,000 to the Bonnie Brae Forest Manor Sanitary District to fund water main infrastructure improvement projects.
    · Lead Service Line Replacements, Chicago, Illinois. $2 million to the City of Chicago to replace more than 200 lead service lines. Chicago has more lead service lines than any other municipality in the country and the majority of properties in Chicago receive their water from lead service lines.
    · Lead Service Line Replacements, Macomb, Illinois. $1 million to the City of Macomb to replace lead drinking water service lines in various locations throughout the City.
    · PFAS Remediation, Rockford, Illinois: $1 million to Winnebago County to help fund water infrastructure upgrades to address PFAS contamination in Rockford.
    · Stormwater and Flooding Mitigation Project, Carbondale, Illinois. $1.5 million for the City of Carbondale to replace storm sewer piping. The failing pipes cause frequent flooding during significant rain events and is also causing pavement failures on an arterial street that is heavily traveled.
    · Wastewater Improvements, Paris, Illinois. $500,000 to the City of Paris to help fund wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
    · Water Main Extension, Winnebago County, Illinois. $600,000 to Winnebago County to extend a water main to provide water to additional areas of the County.
    · Water Main Improvements, Park Forest, Illinois. $1.45 million to the Village of Park Forest to replace the highest priority water main.
    · Water Main Replacement, Springfield, Illinois. $900,000 to the City of Springfield to replace a water main on South Seventh Street in downtown Springfield. The water main was installed in 1931 and has had 27 breaks and is need of replacement. The main serves the historic downtown Springfield area, including Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site Visitor Center, the Illinois State Police Memorial Park, Springfield Clinic, and the Elijah Iles House.
    · Well Reconstruction and Water Treatment, Machesney Park and Roscoe, Illinois. $1 million to North Park Public Water District for the reconstruction of Roscoe and Machesney Park’s well to accommodate PFAS treatment. This funding will ensure continued access to a reliable source of safe, plentiful, and affordable drinking water for the communities of Machesney Park and Roscoe in Winnebago County, Illinois.
     
    Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
    · Accessibility Upgrades, Chicago, Illinois. $750,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago to help fund accessibility upgrades at the Boys and Girls Club True Value in Little Village.
    · Affordable Housing, Edwardsville, Illinois. $1 million to Home First Housing to help expand affordable housing units in Edwardsville.
    · Affordable Housing, Joliet, Illinois: $1 million to Volunteers of America Illinois to help fund the expansion of Hope Manor Village Joliet’s housing development initiative.
    · Capital Improvements, Chicago, Illinois. $500,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago to make capital improvements at the Bartlett J. McCartin Boys & Girls Club in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.
    · City of Marseilles, Marseilles, Illinois. $1.5 million to the City of Marseilles to help fund the Sycamore Street Bridge rehabilitation.
    · Construction of the National Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, Chicago, Illinois. $2.5 million to Illinois Institute of Technology to fund construction of a facility to serve as the National Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (NIAM). The NIAM on IIT’s Bronzeville Campus will train more than 4,000 students in advanced manufacturing fields through in-person instruction and online curricula.
    · Economic Hub Project, Carbondale, Illinois. $693,000 to Carbondale Community Arts, Inc. (d.b.a. Artspace 304) to make facility improvements for an economic hub.
    · Equipment Upgrades, Chicago, Illinois. $722,000 to Navy Pier Inc. to upgrade the Pier’s surveillance apparatus to ensure the safety of the Pier’s guests and businesses.
    · Environmental Justice Institute, Chicago, Illinois. $900,000 to People for Community Recovery to help fund the development of the Hazel M. Johnson Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Justice.
    · Facilities Improvements and Technology Upgrades, Carbondale, Illinois. $500,000 to Southern Illinois University’s (SIU) Center for Teaching Excellence to revitalize learning spaces at the SIU campus and community colleges throughout Southern Illinois.
    · Facility Improvements, Springfield, Illinois. $450,000 to the Lincoln Presidential Foundation for facility improvements at the Visitor Center at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
    · Fire Truck, North Chicago, Illinois. $861,000 to the City of North Chicago to purchase a new fire truck, as the City’s current fire truck has exceeded its useful life by nearly 10 years.
    · Food Security Project, Hamilton, Illinois. $2.5 million to the City of Hamilton to establish a rural health village, in partnership with Memorial Hospital, to address food insecurities in the region by offering meal subscription/prescription programming, home-delivered meals, and more.
    · Infrastructure Developments, Chicago, Illinois: $1.6 million to North Lawndale Catalyst Impact Initiative, Inc. to help fund infrastructure developments in Chicago’s North Lawndale community.
    · Infrastructure Updates, Mascoutah, Illinois. $4 million to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to help fund infrastructure upgrades at airport.
    · Land Remediation, Will County, Illinois. $3 million to the State of Illinois, in coordination with the State of Michigan, to remediate 3.6 acres of land on the bank of the channel of the Des Plaines River needed for construction of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Interbasin Project.
    · Station Improvements, Macomb, Illinois. $134,000 to the Illinois Department of Transportation to make improvements to Macomb’s Amtrak Station, including HVAC upgrades, electrical work, and painting.
    · Supportive Housing Development, Arlington Heights, Illinois. $750,000 to Full Circle Communities for construction of a housing development to support veterans and people with disabilities.
    · Track Reconstruction Design, Chicago, Illinois. $2 million to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to fund design of track reconstruction of CTA’s Blue Line Forest Park Branch from Western Avenue to Lathrop Avenue, a roughly 6.5-mile section of the line. This reconstruction is needed in order to improve safety and on-time performance of the Forest Park Branch.
    · Trail Extension, Normal, Illinois. $1.9 million to the Town of Normal to fund engineering and construction of a trail connection. This will close a gap in pedestrian and bicycle accommodations between the existing Constitution Trail network and major employers located in west Normal, and promote safe multimodal travel by separating pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicles.
    · Transit Improvements; Vermilion County, Williamson County, and Jackson County; Illinois. $3.711 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation to fulfill ongoing transit needs, including vehicle and equipment purchases, maintenance, and other improvements for transit agencies serving Carbondale, Marion, and Danville.
    · Transitional Shelter, Chicago, Illinois. $650,000 to BEDS Plus, Inc. to help fund the expansion of transitional shelter services at BEDS Plus Inc.
    · Transportation Center Pedestrian Access Improvements, Normal, Illinois. $1.6 million to Connect Transit to improve pedestrian access to the City of Bloomington’s Downtown Transportation Center.
    · Unhoused Population Support, Carbondale, Illinois: $2 million to the City of Carbondale to help fund the development of a new homeless center facility in Carbondale.
    · Workforce Accelerator Program, Chicago, Illinois. $1 million to the North Lawndale Employment Network to transform a vacant lot across the street from its workforce development campus to offer an agricultural and environmental workforce accelerator program.
    · Youth Mentoring, Springfield, Illinois. $1 million to The Outlet Mentoring Program to help fund the development of a youth mentoring center in Springfield.
     
    The two funding bills include additional Illinois priorities secured through the programmatic appropriations process:
    Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
    Department of Interior
    Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
    Plant Conservation Activities. $20.6 million for conservation activities and includes language supporting BLM’s continued support of the Seed Strategy, the interagency Native Plant Materials Development Program, the Seeds of Success program, the Plant Conservation Alliance, and regional native plant materials development programs.
    o Urban and Community Forestry (Chicago Region Trees Initiative). Includes language prioritizing multi-organizational collaborations to support conservation and offset climate change for urban and community forestry grants.
    o Migratory Bird Management Program, Incidental Take. Includes language supporting an incidental take authorization program for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which will help bird species that are experiencing population decline.
     
    National Park Service
    New Philadelphia National Historic Site. Includes language directing the National Park Service to ensure park operation begins in a reasonable timeframe for the newly established New Philadelphia site.
    Springfield Race Riot Site. Includes language directing the National Park Service to work with the community to complete the Foundation Document for the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and provide for park planning.
    Land and Water Conservation Fund
    Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. Includes language supporting federal land acquisition by the National Fish and Wildlife Service for the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
    Environmental Health Program. $30.5 million for the program and includes language that sets aside $1 million for addressing PFAS contamination in the Great Lakes.
     
    Environmental Protection Agency
    Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF). $1.6 billion to provide critical investments that create jobs, repair crumbling wastewater infrastructure, and protect public health and environmental quality. Ten percent of CWSRF may be used as grants to address lead exposure.
    Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF). $1.13 billion to help water systems and states to ensure clean and safe drinking water is reliably delivered to communities. Fourteen percent of DWSRF may be used as grants to address lead exposure.
    EPA Compliance. $97.7 million to enable EPA and co-regulators to undertake inspections and other monitoring activities to determine if regulated entities are complying with environmental statutes as well as applicable regulations and permit conditions.
    EPA Enforcement. $284.9 million to ensure consistent and fair enforcement of all major environmental statutes and numerous regulations implementing each of those statutes. Includes report language supporting EPA in addressing PFAS contamination through National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives and incorporating Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) in settlements.
    Bubbly Creek. Includes report language on the inclusion of the restoration Bubbly Creek in EPA’s Lakewide Management Plan (LAMP) and directs EPA to maximize its partnerships and resources to ensure no further delays.
    Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). $368 million for GLRI and includes report language to allow funds from the program to be used for projects in the Chicago River Watershed. Congress established the GLRI to provide funding to states, tribes, local governments, and federal agencies to protect the Great Lakes. The program has provided $4 billion since 2010 to fund projects that restore habitat, fight invasive species, clean up toxic pollution, and reduce pollution runoff.
    Lake Explorer II Support Vessel Decommission. Includes language regarding the importance of EPA replacing the Great Lakes research vessel Lake Explorer II so the agency may continue uninterrupted water quality and biological monitoring of the Great Lakes.
    Coal Combustion Residual Permit Program. Includes language requesting $9 million for federal and state permitting programs for coal combustion residuals (CCR, coal ash).
    Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development
    Department of Transportation
    Capital Investment Grants (CIG). $1.95 billion for grants to fund the extension and improvements of existing transit systems. This amount would fully fund the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line Extension Project for FY26.
    Protections for the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line Extension Project. Includes language protecting Chicago’s FY26 allocation of $350 million and requiring disbursement within 120 days of enactment.
    Amtrak. $2.43 billion in nationwide funding to support Amtrak operations, with $1.57 billion for the National Network.
    BUILD (formerly RAISE) Grants. $250 million to fund innovative transportation projects that will create jobs and have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area.
    Passenger Rail Grant Programs. The two rail grant programs were reauthorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and address gaps in supporting and growing our nation’s rail infrastructure:
    Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grants. $151.52 million for the CRISI program.
    Federal-State Partnerships for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant (FSP) Program. $75 million for FSP grants for capital improvement projects that expand or establish intercity passenger rail service.

    Midwest Rail Commission Study. Includes report language directing GAO to examine the establishment of a federally authorized commission for the purposes of developing a long-term delivery strategy for Midwest rail. The study would identify lessons learned from the establishment of the Northeast Corridor Commission that could be applied to a Midwest Rail Commission, it also would examine any Federal resources necessary to establishment of the commission.
    FRA Rail Research & Development Center of Excellence (COE). Supports the FRA’s intent to use no less than $2.5 million of its and development funding for the FRA COE, which Durbin established in IIJA and secured funding for in FY22, FY23, and FY24 (FY25’s full-year CR did not have a report, so the COE was not funded in the CR). The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was competitively selected to host the COE.
    Blocked Crossings Causes & Solutions Identification. Includes report language directing the FRA to include in its annual report potential solutions and best practices to improve safety, mobility, and emergency response capabilities at highway-rail crossings. This would require the FRA to consider technology’s potential role in detecting the highest risk areas and to explore what role train length plays in blocked crossings, among other measures.
    Emergency Response Blocked Crossing Reports. Includes report language urging the FRA to require states receiving track inspection funding to require first responders to report verified blocked crossing incidents to the FRA’s blocked crossings portal, which you established through previous appropriations legislation. It also directs the FRA to continue working with stakeholders to identify root causes of blocked crossings and identify meaningful solutions.
    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). $22.4 billion for the FAA. This includes $13.8 billion for FAA operations and $4 billion for facilities and equipment. This funding will allow the FAA to hire 2,500 additional air traffic controllers; improve air traffic control facilities, equipment, and systems; improve the aircraft certification process; improve hazardous materials transport oversight, and more.
    Airport Improvement Program. More than $4 billion for airport improvement grants for capital improvements at the nation’s airports, including investments that emphasize capacity development, safety improvements, and security needs.
    Digital Alert Technologies. Includes report language urging National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to deploy digital alert technologies, with local law enforcement, that can provide up-to-date information about dynamic road conditions to drivers.
    NHTSA Rulemakings. Includes language directing NHTSA to continue to provide quarterly briefings on the status of all major rulemakings to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. In 2023, DOT implemented a key provision of Durbin and Duckworth’s Protecting Roadside First Responders Act by proposing a rule to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) on all new cars and light trucks, and finalizing this rule in April 2024. The provision, which was passed in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries. According to NHTSA, the rule could save more than 360 lives and prevent more than 24,000 injuries each year. The Trump Administration has delayed the effective date of this rule.
    Automated Track Inspections. Includes no less than $21.6 million to support the FRA’s fleet of advanced inspection vehicles that accompany its field inspectors to validate the railroads’ inspection programs and advance research priorities, with a special emphasis on routes transporting passengers and hazardous materials.
    Department of Housing and Urban Development
    HEAL Initiative Pilot Program. Includes $5 million to support efforts underway between HUD and HHS to provide direct technical assistance to communities leveraging programs like Medicaid to cover and provide housing-related supportive services and behavioral healthcare. Includes report language acknowledging that several studies have demonstrated that interventions based on social determinants of health can help support housing permanency.
    Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. $295.6 million to provide funding to state and local governments to develop cost-effective ways to reduce lead-based paint hazards.
    Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). $529 million to help cities and states address the housing crisis facing people living with HIV/AIDS.
    Homeless Assistance Grants. $4.5 billion to provide funding to state and local governments for emergency shelters, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, and other crisis response programs.
    Housing Counseling. $57.5 million to enable housing counseling organizations to provide foreclosure prevention counseling, mortgage counseling before and after purchase, rental counseling, homelessness prevention counseling, and fair housing education.
    Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). $86.36 million to provide resources to nonprofit fair housing organizations that tackle discrimination and predatory lending and ensure that our nation’s fair housing laws are enforced.
    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). $3.1 billion to provide states and localities with resources to meet the needs of low-income communities, including housing rehabilitation, supportive services, public improvements, and economic development projects.
    Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). $1.25 billion to provide state and local governments the funding necessary to provide affordable housing in low-income communities.
    Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds. $3.2 billion for Capital Funds and $4.87 billion for Operating Funds. This includes $30 million for emergency capital needs; $10 million for safety and security measures, with report language supporting safety and security improvements to protect tenants; and $65 million for lead remediation grants.
    Section 8 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance. $37.35 billion for Section 8 Tenant-Based rental assistance. This includes $429 million for new Tenant Protection Vouchers, $15 million to expand the HUD-VASH program, and $30 million for new Family Unification Program vouchers.
    Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) and Rural Capacity Building Program (RCB). $13 million for SHOP and $5 million for RCB. Both programs support affordable housing in rural communities.
    Section 4 Capacity Building Program. $49 million for Section 4 Capacity Building Program. This program allows HUD to partner with national nonprofit community development organizations to provide education, training, and financial support to local community development corporations (CDCs) across the country.
    Choice Neighborhoods Program. $40 million to provide funding for the transformation, rehabilitation, and replacement of distressed public and HUD-assisted housing, as well as support for communities working to revitalize neighborhoods of concentrated poverty.
    Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. $156.4 million to provide funding for an asset-building program to serve more households, both within already-established Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher FSS Programs
    Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (NeighborWorks). $158 million to create opportunities for Americans to live in affordable and safe homes by providing community development organizations in all fifty states with financial resources and counseling services.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Calls Out Cuts To Medicaid, Student Loan Caps For Medical Students At SIU Medical School

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    July 25, 2025
    SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined educators and health care professionals at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine to discuss the Trump Administration’s cuts to Medicaid and medical research, and the impact recent caps to student loans will have on medical students.
    “Earlier this month, President Trump and Republicans in Congress slashed health care to provide tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans in our nation,” said Durbin. “The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act will also make it more difficult for medical students to pay for their education at a time when we need more doctors, especially in rural communities and downstate Illinois.Students, providers, and patients here at SIU and across our state are already seeing the impacts of this disastrous bill. We cannot give up, and I’ll continue to fight for access to health care and education for all Illinoisans.”
    “Capping graduate loans for future doctors while slashing safety-net funding is a one-two punch to rural health in America,” said Dr. Haneme Idrizi, SIU Pediatrician and Associate Dean for Student Affairs. “Cutting loan access now will shrink the physician pipeline at a time when many rural counties already face serious shortages in primary care, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Senator Durbin’s consistent support for rural pipeline programs and loan forgiveness initiatives shows he gets it—our rural future depends on today’s students being able to afford the path to medicine.”
    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will slash $1 trillion in funding from Medicaid and more than $300 billion from the Affordable Care Act over the next decade. As a result, up to 500,000 Illinoisans could lose their health care coverage. Federal Medicaid spending in Illinois also will be reduced by a projected 19%, leading to 30,000 lost health jobs, rural hospital closures, and nursing home closures.
    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also will cap graduate student loans at $20,500 per year with a lifetime borrowing limit of $100,000, and cap professional student loans, like medical school loans, at $50,000 per year with a $200,000 lifetime borrowing limit. Loan limits could force students to turn to the private loan market or discourage low- and middle-income students from pursuing a medical degree.
    Today, Durbin and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) sent letters to every hospital in Illinois to gather information about how they anticipate this Republican-passed law will impact their services and workforce.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 16: Alberta wildfire update (July 25, 3 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Reed, Durbin, Shaheen, Coons, and Schatz Call on Trump Administration to Engage Netanyahu to Immediately Change Course in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON —Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) joined with Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-DE), and Ranking State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriator Brian Schatz (D-HI) to release the following statement urging the Trump Administration to press Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately change course in its war in Gaza:
    “Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are appalling and unconscionable. This week, more than 100 NGOs—including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam—warned of mass starvation spreading across Gaza. Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nearly 3-month blockade of humanitarian assistance, three-quarters of the population is facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger. 
    “The handful of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites are wholly inadequate to meet the needs of this starving population. Widespread problems have made GHF aid delivery chaotic and dangerous, leading to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. Yet the Trump Administration recently approved $30 million for GHF, overriding established procedures and waiving consultation with Congress.  
    “While some established humanitarian organizations have been allowed to resume very limited operations, a number of restrictions and security challenges prevent them from fully functioning. To make matters worse, this week’s expansion of Israel’s military operation into central Gaza for the first time in the conflict has put at risk these few remaining operations. Moreover, the UN estimates that nearly 88 percent of Gaza is no longer accessible to civilians, leaving approximately two million people confined to a troublingly small remaining area.    
    “Meanwhile, hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, including American citizens, and three out of four Israelis are calling for an end to this war. Last September, the IDF assessed that Hamas had been largely defeated militarily from its peak strength when it heinously attacked Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023 and is now effectively a “guerilla terror group.” As we know from our own experience following the attacks of September 11, 2001, there is no solely military solution to defeating a terrorist group. Continuing this war with no discernable end is not in Israel’s national security interest, and the lack of a viable “day after” plan has been a glaring mistake. 
    “We call on the Trump Administration to use its considerable leverage to press Prime Minister Netanyahu to:
    Reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases the hostages as soon as possible.
    Support a surge in humanitarian assistance that provides both a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid and credible mechanisms for effective distribution, including the verification and monitoring of assistance to ensure equitable distribution and to prevent Hamas from diverting assistance. Established humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme have the experience and ability to renew their delivery of assistance without civil unrest. We must allow them to do their jobs. 
    Dramatically reform or shut down the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and resume support for the existing UN-led aid coordination mechanisms in Gaza with enhanced oversight to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.
    Establish a “day after” plan for Gaza where Hamas does not retain power, Israel disavows annexation of the West Bank and further integrates into the region, a reformed Palestinian Authority is fostered and empowered, and regional partners are included in rebuilding.
    Create a framework for a viable path back to a two-state solution that will allow the Israeli and Palestinian people to live side by side in security, dignity, and prosperity.”
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Seek Answers on So-Called “One Big Beautiful Bill’s” Impact on Illinois Hospitals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    July 25, 2025
    In a letter that was sent to every hospital in Illinois, Duckworth and Durbin request information about how each hospital anticipates to be impacted by Republicans’ so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill”
    [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today sent a letter to every hospital in Illinois requesting information about the projected impact analysis of the Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts $1 trillion in Medicaid funding and $300 billion in Affordable Care Act funding over the next decade. As a result of the legislation, over 15 million Americans are projected to lose health insurance coverage, including approximately half a million people in Illinois, and hospitals that rely on Medicaid funding, especially those in rural areas, face risk of closure. Further, it’s estimated that 30,000 health care jobs will be lost over the next decade as a result of the bill.
    “Earlier this month, Congressional Republicans passed and President Trump signed into law the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act. We voted against the measure. We write to request information about how this Republican-passed law will affect your hospital, health care workforce, and the patients you serve across Illinois,” the Senators began their letter.
    “The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that federal Medicaid spending for Illinois will be reduced by 19 percent. These cuts include freezing and reducing provider taxes and state directed payments that hospitals across Illinois depend on to help finance the Medicaid system and make up for low reimbursement rates. The Republican-passed law also will raise uncompensated care costs for hospitals by restricting eligibility and raising out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act beneficiaries,” the Senators continued. “Based upon the estimated 19 percent cut to Medicaid funding, and increased uncompensated care costs from deep insurance coverage losses, we worry that hospitals will face severe financial hardship, and patients will suffer.
    Duckworth and Durbin closed their letter by requesting detailed information about the impacts of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act on each hospital, including if patients can expect critical services like obstetrics to be eliminated, how many health care jobs may be lost, and how hospital uncompensated care costs will increase as Illinoisans lose access to their insurance.
    “To help inform legislative efforts to improve health care and strengthen hospitals across Illinois, we request the following information and analysis from your hospital about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by August 22, 2025,” the Senators requested.
    “If faced with a 19 percent cut to Medicaid funding as a result of this law, what changes would your hospital be forced to make to maintain viability?” the Senators asked as they concluded their letter.
    Full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below:
     
    Dear Hospital Administrator:
    Earlier this month, Congressional Republicans passed and President Trump signed into law the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21). We voted against the measure. We write to request information about how this Republican-passed law will affect your hospital, health care workforce, and the patients you serve across Illinois.
    Republicans in Congress voted for legislation that cuts $1 trillion in Medicaid funding and $300 billion in Affordable Care Act funding over the next decade. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that federal Medicaid spending for Illinois will be reduced by 19 percent. These cuts include freezing and reducing provider taxes and state directed payments that hospitals across Illinois depend on to help finance the Medicaid system and make up for low reimbursement rates. The Republican-passed law also will raise uncompensated care costs for hospitals by restricting eligibility and raising out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act beneficiaries.
    Fifteen million Americans are projected to lose health insurance coverage, including approximately half a million people in Illinois—impacting children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across rural and urban areas. In Illinois, it is estimated that 30,000 health care jobs will be lost over the next decade as a result of this legislation. For rural hospitals that are often the largest employers in a community, this could be devastating.
    Hospitals, like any business, must make forecasts and plan their budgets months and years in advance to ensure proper resource allocation and capacity. Based upon the estimated 19 percent cut to Medicaid funding, and increased uncompensated care costs from deep insurance coverage losses, we worry that hospitals will face severe financial hardship, and patients will suffer.
    In addition to opposing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we have worked on bipartisan legislation to strengthen the health care system, including bills to: bolster the pipeline and recruitment of physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers and dentists; increase funding for rural ambulance services; save rural hospitals facing financial hardship, address maternal mortality and chronic disease; and lower prescription drug costs.
    To help inform legislative efforts to improve health care and strengthen hospitals across Illinois, we request the following information and analysis from your hospital about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by August 22, 2025.
    What percent of your inpatient and outpatient services are paid for by Medicaid, and what percent of such patients are covered by the program?
    What is your hospital’s current operating margin, and, as a result of this law, what do you anticipate it to be in 2028, 2031, and 2034?
    What is the projected annual financial loss to your hospital as a result of this law?
    What is the projected increase in annual uncompensated care provided by your hospital as a result of this law?
    If faced with a 19 percent cut to Medicaid funding as a result of this law, what changes would your hospital be forced to make to maintain viability?
    Please identify which service lines would be the most likely or first to face reductions or termination.
    If your hospital currently offers obstetrics/labor and delivery services, do you anticipate continuing to do so in the same manner by 2030?
    How do you project emergency room wait times will be impacted by this law?
    How do you expect your projected financial losses to affect the economy of your local communities?
    If Congressional Republicans attempt to implement additional Medicaid or Affordable Care Act cuts this Congress, including by reducing or eliminating the 90 percent federal cost-share for Medicaid expansion states, how do you expect this would affect your finances?
    Thank you for your attention to this matter, we look forward to your response. Please contact our offices with any questions and to transmit your response.
    Sincerely,
     
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