NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Local 701 Helps Feed Children Around The World With Annual Volunteer Event

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    On April 26, more than 150 volunteers from IAM Local 701 came together to support the community at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Aurora, Ill., during their annual IAM HELPS event. Participants included Local 701 Business Representatives; staff; apprenticeship training center instructors and staff; Health, Welfare and Pension Department personnel; as well as union members and their families.

    Working side by side, the volunteers hand-packed meals consisting of rice, soy, dried vegetables, and a nutritionally balanced blend of vitamins and minerals. These meals were then sealed, boxed, and prepared for shipment to global partners fighting hunger.

    In total, the Local 701 team packaged 41,040 meals – 190 boxes with 36 bags each – enough to feed more than 112 children one nutritious meal every day for an entire year.

    “IAM HELPS is more than just a program, it’s a promise to our communities that we will show up, lend a hand, and make a difference,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Packing meals may seem like a small act, but each bag represents hope, health, and a better future for a child in need.”

    FMSC is an international organization that provides meals to children worldwide who suffer from malnutrition. FMSC meals are developed by food science and nutrition professionals to supplement nutritional deficits and reduce problems caused by malnutrition.

    “The IAM Local 701 HELPS program has continued to grow over the years, and we’re proud to see increased participation from our members each year,” said IAM Local 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi. “This event not only builds solidarity among our membership but also strengthens the bonds between our union, our families, and the communities we serve. We look forward to future events and even greater involvement from Local 701 within the community.”

    The IAM Midwest Territory “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” initiative stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing.

    For more information on IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community, click here.

    The post IAM Local 701 Helps Feed Children Around The World With Annual Volunteer Event appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At the 78th WHA session, China called for international solidarity and mutual support to build a healthy world

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    GENEVA, May 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for international solidarity and mutual support to build a healthy world.

    Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks on May 20 while delivering a speech at a high-level welcome ceremony for the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland.

    The Vice Prime Minister of China recalled that five years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on all countries to join efforts to build a community of hygiene and health for all mankind at the 73rd session of the WHA. According to Liu Guozhong, China has firmly fulfilled its commitments and taken concrete actions, in particular, the international community has recognized China’s role and contribution in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Noting that global public health security faces serious challenges under the influence of unilateralism and power politics, Liu Guozhong stressed that China has always adhered to the principle of “people and life come first,” implemented the “health first” strategy, actively participated in global health governance, and promoted the building of a community of hygiene and health for mankind.

    He said the international community should adhere to multilateralism, firmly support the leading and coordinating role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in global health governance, uphold fairness and reasonableness, and firmly support the legitimate demands of developing countries in matters such as public health planning, vaccine distribution and technology transfer.

    The Vice Premier also stressed that the international community should adhere to openness and innovation, seizing the historic opportunities provided by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, to deepen cooperation in the field of health-related innovation.

    The WHA session, which is the highest decision-making body of WHO, is attended by heads of state and government, high-level representatives from more than 100 countries, and heads of international organizations. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UMARY- USA.COM Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of UNAVY ÁCIDO HIALURÓNICO Caplets and UMOVY ÁCIDO HIALURÓNICO Caplets Due to the Presence of Undeclared Drug Ingredients Dexamethasone, Diclofenac and Omeprazole

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    May 21, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    May 22, 2025
    Product Type:
    Drugs
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    The product contains undeclared Dexamethasone, Diclofenac and Omeprazole

    Company Name:
    UMARY USA
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    UNAVY & UMOVY

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Unavy Acidio Hialuronico (30 caplets/850 mg) and Umovy Acidio Hialuronico (30 caplets/850 mg)

    Company Announcement
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Date: May 21 2025, Nogales, AZ, UMARY USA is voluntarily recalling all lots of Unavy Ácido HIALURÓNICO (30 caplets/850 mg) and Umovy Ácido HIALURÓNICO (30 caplets/850 mg), to the consumer level. FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that these products are tainted with the drug ingredients Diclofenac, Dexamethasone and Omeprazole. Products containing Diclofenac, Dexamethasone or Omeprazole cannot be marketed as dietary supplements. UNAVY ÁCIDO HIALURÓNICO and UMOVY ÁCIDO HIALURÓNICO are unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established and, therefore, subject to recall.
    Risk Statement: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions. Corticosteroid use can impair a person’s ability to fight infections and can cause high blood sugar levels, muscle injuries, psychiatric problems, and lead to cardiovascular events. When corticosteroids are taken for a prolonged period, or at high doses, they can suppress the adrenal gland (a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones) and adverse consequences can range from limited adverse consequences to death. Additionally, abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (commonly referred to as NSAIDs). Consumption of undeclared diclofenac could result in serious adverse events that include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and anaphylaxis in patients taking concomitant NSAIDs and/or anticoagulants, in those who have allergies to diclofenac, or those with underlying illnesses. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (commonly referred to as PPI) used to treat gastric (stomach) acid-related disorders. Consumption of undeclared omeprazole may mask stomach issues such as erosions, ulcers, and stomach cancer. Consumption of undeclared dexamethasone, diclofenac, and omeprazole can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects. Umary- usa.com has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
    These products are marketed as dietary supplements for joint pain and arthritis. UNAVY ÁCIDO HIALURÓNICO is packaged in a white plastic container with a black background label, and white and yellow writing on it. The bottle has 30 caplets/ 850 mg. The affected product includes all lots and expiration dates. UMOVY ÁCIDO HIALURÓNICO is a black plastic bottle with a black label with white and blue lettering on the label. The bottle has 30 caplets/ 850mg. The affected product includes all lots and expiration dates. Product was distributed Nationwide via internet, exclusively via umary-usa.com.
    Umary-usa.com is notifying its distributors and customers by Press release and email and is arranging for return and refund of all recalled products. Consumers who have any of these products, should immediately work with their physician and/or health care provider to safely discontinue use of these products. Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact umary-usa.com at umaryusa2025@gmail.com, available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.
    Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Company Contact Information

    Media:
    Hugo Ramirez
    520-342-7385

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    05/22/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut Addressing the Impact of Racism on Health

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Connecticut made history in 2021 by declaring racism a public health crisis, with the legislation forming the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health. Now, four years later, the UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI) is teaming up with the Commission to advance the charge toward systemic change to eradicate the impact of racism on health.

    On May 21, HDI and the Commission shared a preview of the Commission’s statewide strategic plan’s recommendations at the Connecticut State Capitol. The event marked the culmination of the statewide strategic planning process that gathered insights from residents across the state on how racism affects their health.

    The Commission recommended addressing racism in four key areas of health and well-being, housing, environment and communities, education and economic security, and criminal justice.

    Together, HDI and the Commission presented a powerful set of community-informed recommendations and actionable solutions to legislators and community members, touching on the trends of racism repeatedly seen in childcare access, affordable housing, medical debt, and the legal system.

    The State Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health shared four goals in the key areas:

    1. Make health care more affordable and reduce medical debt.
    2. Increase the availability and accessibility of health and affordable housing.
    3. Improve childcare affordability and accessibility.
    4. Ensure people in re-entry or involved in the criminal legal system have access to healthy, affordable housing.
    DeLita Rose Daniels, Community Faculty, sharing remarks at the event.

    To fulfill the Commission’s statutory mandate to develop a strategic plan to reduce racial health inequities, HDI was selected through a competitive grant process to lead a statewide community-based participatory assessment and planning process to hear from Connecticut residents disproportionately affected by racial inequities.

    HDI assembled a community research team of impacted residents from across the state to co-design and co-lead the process, ensuring it was grounded in community voices and lived experience. Statewide surveys and focus groups were also completed.

    At the event on May 21, there were speakers from the Commission, its Advisory Body, HDI, and the community research team. Pareesa Charmchi Goodwin, the executive director of the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health opened the event stating, “This is only the beginning. This work will be an ongoing, intentional, and incremental effort to dismantle racism in public policy.”

    “Dismantling racism in public health is no easy fix, it will take time. But these new recommendations are an important first step. We now have a plan to challenge the ways racism operates to negatively impact health issues,” said UConn School of Medicine’s Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez, director of the UConn Health Disparities Institute.

    “Our collaboration with the State Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health is novel, in that it is highly participatory and involves residents from across the state. Connecticut is leading the way when it comes to operationalizing how to address racism as a public health issue, and other states across the nation may be interested in replicating our approach. Our state is taking an anti-racism in health approach with deep community engagement to inform the legislation it recommends.”

    May 21 event of the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health included CREPH staff and Advisory Body members, HDI team, and State Senator Saud Anwar. (Photo by Shariffah Mason, Reef’s Views).

    Sprague Martinez believes people in the community know what they need to be healthy.

    “The Commission has worked with HDI to keep a finger on the pulse of the community, creating opportunities to hear from residents. Through participatory planning we have engaged broadly with residents on-the-ground from across our state to collect data, ensuring the voices of impacted communities have a hand in contributing to solutions and to future public policy,” says Sprague Martinez.

    She adds, “These collaborative recommendations released by the Commission demonstrate the value of having community members participate as researchers in the research and planning process. This really can help make a difference to help create policy changes that really reflect local priorities,” says Sprague Martinez. “As a Black woman, addressing the impacts of racism in public health can be taxing on the soul; there are communities experiencing exclusion, erasure, exploitation, marginalization, and violence. This makes our work both necessary and important. Racism in public policy is a threat to the health and well-being of all people. We need to continue to work collaboratively across communities to ensure our collective well-being,” stresses Sprague Martinez.

    She concludes, “Systems, health, social and others, are not broken, they are working as they were intended. For health and social systems to work for more people we need to start including more voices in the planning process. The approach the Commission used to develop its strategic plan is an important step forward in dismantling racism and ensuring the optimal health of all residents in the state. There is still more to do, but this is an important beginning.”

    This summer the Commission and HDI plan to release the full strategic plan.

    For assessment reports and more information, visit the strategic plan webpage of the State Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health.

    Community research team and State Senator Saud Anwar (Photo by Shariffah Mason, Reef’s Views).

    About the Health Disparities Institute (HDI)
    The Health Disparities Institute at UConn Health works to advance equity and improve health outcomes by addressing the root causes of health disparities. Through research, data, workforce development, and strong partnerships with communities disproportionately impacted by inequities, HDI leads efforts to create systemic change. HDI’s vision is equitable health, education, and economic opportunity for all in Connecticut.

    About the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health (CREPH)
     Housed within Connecticut’s legislative branch, CREPH’s mission is to make policy and systems change recommendations to eliminate racial and ethnic inequities in health and social drivers of health. CREPH advances this mission through study, documentation, policy analysis, and collaboration with impacted communities, state agencies, and stakeholders. Our vision is a healthy, racially equitable Connecticut.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces the HEALTH Panel Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Healthy Equipping and Lending Technical Help (HEALTH) Panel Act. The bill provides congressional oversight of the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) Panel of Health Advisors. Currently, this panel is not bipartisan, lacks regional representation, and holds private meetings.

    “The HEALTH Panel Act is a necessary step toward increasing congressional oversight over unelected bureaucrats,” said Senator Ricketts. “The Panel of Health Advisors can influence scoring of health-related bills. We need to bring this panel into the light. This bill will develop the CBO scoring process so that it accurately represents the healthcare interests of all Americans when evaluating legislation—especially for rural Americans.”

    “Balancing the budget starts with understanding how new policies will impact our bottom line. The HEALTH Panel Act is a necessary, common-sense step to improve both cost estimates and congressional oversight of the CBO’s Panel of Health Advisers, so Congress can craft effective legislation with a full and accurate understanding of budgetary impacts. I thank Senators Ricketts for his support of this critical bill,” said Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01), the HEALTH Panel Act’s lead in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    The HEALTH Panel Act:

    • Requires that the membership of the panel shall include 15 appointed members.
      • The chair and the ranking member of the House Budget Committee will each make three appointments to the panel.
      • The chair and ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee will each make three appointments.
      • The Director of the Congressional Budget Office will make three appointments.
      • Members will serve a term of three years and a maximum of two terms.
    • Requires the Panel to meet at least once annually and to issue an annual report to Congress detailing the work of the Panel.
      • Includes a description prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office detailing how the office utilized any such recommendations provided and the extent to which any such recommendations were integrated into the office’s studies and cost estimates.

    The text of the bill is available here.

    BACKGROUND:

    Over 20 years ago, the Congressional Budget Committee (CBO) created the Panel of Health Advisors. The panel advises CBO in its scoring process on health-related bills.

    There is no statutory authority for this Panel of Health Advisors, nor is there any clear guidance on the purpose, duty, function, responsibility, or appointment authority. It is not bipartisan, and the meetings are not open to the public. This legislation would provide much needed oversight and ensure ideological diversity on the panel.

    Recently, an article revealed that the CBO’s Health Analysis Division is primarily composed of registered Democrats and Democratic donors. This adds to the importance of congressional oversight.

    Last Congress, the HEALTH Panel Act passed the House Budget Committee with every member of the majority voting in favor of it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Allen Leads Georgia Colleagues in Effort to Expand Access to India’s Market for U.S. Pecan Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

    Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of his colleagues from Georgia in sending a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins seeking a swift solution in expanding access to India’s market for U.S. pecan producers.

    Joining Congressman Allen in sending the letter are Representatives Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Austin Scott (GA-08), Rich McCormick (GA-07), and David Scott (GA-13), as well as Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).

    In the letter, the Members write: “As you may know, India is a significant foreign market for U.S. pecans. In 2022, the United States exported more than $1.3 million of pecans to India, and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service projects that pecan exports to India could now reach up to $5 million annually. This is a result of successful efforts in advocating for India to cut its tariff on U.S. pecan exports by 70 percent, which opened a market of more than one billion consumers to premium U.S.-grown pecans.

    The Members continue: “While U.S. pecan exporters are now successfully exporting shelled pecans to India, the product purchasers in India have requested the U.S. to export in-shell pecans, which enables the pecans to travel in a more shelf-stable state and allows buyers to finish processing upon arrival in India. However, shipments of U.S. in-shell pecans cannot be completed due to the lack of appropriate plant quarantine code (PQ code) for import into India.

    The Members conclude: “In 2024, the U.S. pecan industry submitted documents to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to begin the process of obtaining a PQ code, and we write to request assistance from USDA in expediting the process…”

    To read the full letter to Secretary Rollins, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 22nd, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Introduce Legislation to Expand Medicare Drug Price Negotiation and Lower Costs for New Mexicans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHGINTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, legislation that will expand Medicare negotiation of drug prices to lower drug costs for consumers, reduce federal spending, and give the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stronger tools to negotiate lower drug prices in Medicare Part B and Part D.

    According to preliminary estimates from a model by West Health and Verdant Research, if the SMART Prices Act is enacted by 2026, it would save 33 percent more by 2030 than current law. It would also allow Medicare to begin negotiations earlier and bring down the price of more expensive drugs.

    The legislation builds on provisions passed into law by Heinrich and Luján in 2022 that empowered Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time. The SMART Prices Act extends this progress by more than doubling the number of prescription drugs Medicare must negotiate to a minimum of 50 per year, allowing the most costly prescription drugs and biologics to have negotiated prices five years after approval by the Food and Drug Administration, and by increasing the discount that Medicare is allowed to negotiate.

    “While the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans work to gut Medicare to give massive tax handouts to billionaires like Elon Musk, I’m fighting to protect and strengthen Medicare for New Mexicans,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation that will lower health care costs by making more prescription drugs affordable for New Mexico’s seniors enrolled in Medicare.”

    “No one should have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and putting food on the table. At a time when President Trump’s tariffs threaten to raise prices on everyday goods and medicine, the SMART Prices Act is more important than ever for New Mexican families,” said Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to lower prescription drug costs by strengthening Medicare’s ability to negotiate prices, helping Americans afford the medications they rely on.”

    The SMART Prices Act is led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

    The bill is endorsed by Center for American Progress, FamiliesUSA, Patients For Affordable Drugs NOW, Protect Our Care, and Public Citizen.

    As Republicans tank the economy, Heinrich and Luján are putting New Mexico families first and fighting against Trump and Musk’s budget, which includes cuts to Medicaid to fund massive tax handouts to billionaires.

    Earlier this month, Heinrich and Luján (D-N.M.) released a joint statement slamming President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) preliminary budget request. In their joint statement, the senators wrote, “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s budget will further tank the economy and throw working families under the bus. As New Mexico’s senators, we’ll fight back.”

    Last month, Heinrich and Luján stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Senate Republicans’ budget resolution. This was after Heinrich and Luján pushed to amend Republicans’ resolution by repeatedly voting for amendments to lower costs for families — particularly as Trump’s tariffs push America to the brink of a recession. Heinrich and Luján also worked to block cuts to Medicaid, extend the tax credits for health care premiums, and prevent millions of Americans from losing health insurance, protect Social Security, and reverse cuts to the Social Security Administration, including cuts by Elon Musk’s DOGE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 250 Years of Navy Medicine

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    —————
    @USNavy Medicine celebrates 250 years of excellence delivering quality healthcare to warfighters ashore, on, below and above the sea.

    #DYK Navy Medicine represents more than 44,000 highly trained military and civilian healthcare professionals. Each year only about 600 applicants are invited to interview, and under 200 are accepted.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1op3_GYTVE8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Vows Action as Make America Healthy Again Report Reveals Childhood Health Crisis

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    “I created the Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again, and today, the Commission officially delivers its first report on childhood health…. Something’s wrong, and we will not stop until we defeat the chronic disease epidemic in America.” –President Donald J. Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVG62r5rIkw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Improve Veterans Access to Timely, Local Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    Legislation streamlines health care access and creates new pathway for rural veterans within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Many of America’s veterans live in rural or highly rural areas and face major challenges to accessing quality and timely health care. To improve access to local rural care options, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act. The bill would create a new option for veterans living in rural America, allowing them to seek health care services at their local rural hospital or clinic under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program.

    Specifically, the legislation would amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to create a new category under which care is required to be furnished through community providers, specifically for care sought by a rural veteran residing with 35 miles of the Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic.

    While communities may lack a VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), they are often served by Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Health Clinics. Critical Access Hospital is a designation given to eligible rural hospitals by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As defined by federal statute, they are the sole provider within 35 miles, must have 25 or less inpatient beds, and provide 24/7 emergency care services. They are often the only available care in rural communities, but due to community care restrictions veterans can only access them with prior authorization from the VA. There are 37 Critical Access Hospitals across North Dakota, five of which also have a VA CBOC. The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act would expand immediate access in the 32 other communities, as well as the few areas already served by a CBOC.

    “Many of our nation’s veterans live in rural areas and face significant barriers to getting the care they need,” said Cramer. “As a country, we have prioritized the preservation of Critical Access Hospitals to ensure rural America has readily available care. This designation has been a lifeline for so many, yet veterans in these communities do not have the same open access as their neighbors. Our bill removes the unnecessary roadblocks, allowing veterans to freely pursue care at their local hospital or clinics already serving those communities.”

    “As a combat veteran myself, putting America’s veterans first is at the center of my mission, and that means increasing access to the best care, people, and facilities available for our veterans,” said Sheehy. “For too long, the status quo has failed veterans, especially in rural communities, leaving them without timely access to the high-quality care they have rightly earned. In Congress, it’s our duty to ensure our veterans have the support they need to achieve the same American Dream they fought to defend, and the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act helps accomplish that mission.”

    Additionally, the legislation:

    • Prohibits VA from employing tactics like prior authorization, referrals, or other box checking activities which delay care and create unnecessary hurdles for veterans.
    • Updates the payment methodology to match the cost-based reimbursement currently used in Medicare to ensure Critical Access Hospitals are not reimbursed less to treat veterans than other patients.
    • Allows referrals originating from the Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic to other providers within the same community.

    The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act is supported by several groups in North Dakota, including Unity Medical Center in Grafton and First Care Health Center in Park River. The bill is also endorsed by America’s Warrior Partnership and the National Rural Health Association.

    “The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act is a necessary step toward ensuring rural veterans can receive timely, high-quality care close to home,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of National Rural Health Association. “By removing unnecessary prior authorization requirements and aligning VA reimbursement with Medicare’s cost-based rates for rural providers, this legislation supports rural providers and expands access to essential health services for veterans who need them most. We commend Senator Cramer and Senator Sheehy for championing this bill and urge Congress to advance this life-improving policy without delay.”

    “America’s Warrior Partnership strongly supports the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act and thanks Senator Cramer for its introduction,” said Jim Lorraine, President of America’s Warrior Partnership. “This essential legislation expands veterans’ access to local and timely healthcare, removing prior authorization hurdles for care delivered at critical access hospitals and affiliated rural clinics under the Veterans Community Care Program. America’s Warrior Partnership recognizes this bill as a meaningful step toward enhancing quality of life, continuity of care, health outcomes, and local community-based care for our nation’s veterans.”

    “I am very encouraged by the effort and direction being taken by Senator Cramer and others as they work to improve healthcare access opportunities for the nearly 3.0 million veterans residing in the rural areas of the United States,” said Alan O’Neil, CEO, Unity Medical Center in Grafton, N.D. “This bill will not only help the veterans, but will also improve utilization of the 1300 plus Critical Access Hospitals in the rural areas of the United States. Thank you for your support of our Rural Veterans and Rural Hospitals!”

    “Thank you Senator Cramer for your commitment to improving healthcare access for rural veterans,” said Marcus Lewis, CEO, First Care Health Center in Park River N.D. “Like many, I was hopeful when the Veteran’s Choice Program was introduced in 2013. Unfortunately, that hope gave way to frustration as I encountered delays, denials, and a confusing credentialing process that has too often left me—and countless other veterans—without timely or effective care. That’s why this bill is so critical. It acknowledges the unique challenges rural veterans face and offers a real pathway to timely, local, and reliable care.”

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Big Y Foods Recalls Made-To-Order Subs, Wraps and Paninis Sold in Massachusetts and Connecticut Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    May 22, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    May 22, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Salmonella

    Company Name:
    Big Y Foods
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Big Y Foods

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Made-to-order subs, wraps and paninis

    Company Announcement
    Big Y Foods of Springfield, MA is voluntarily recalling some Made-To-Order Subs, Wraps and Paninis sold between 5/20 and 5/21 in some Massachusetts and Connecticut retail stores (listed below), because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
    This recall includes any Made-To-Order Small Sub, Large Sub, 30” Super Sub, Wrap or Panini purchased on 5/20 or 5/21 sold in the following Big Y Stores:

    Address

    City 

    State

    Zip

    1090 St. James Avenue

    Springfield

    MA

    01104

    79 Stonington Rd.

    Mystic

    CT

    06355

    136 North King Street Rt. 5

    Northampton

    MA

    01060

    10 College Highway Rt. 10

    Southampton

    MA

    01073

    802 Williams Street

    Longmeadow

    MA

    01106

    441 N Main St.

    E. Longmeadow

    MA

    01028

    772 North Main St.

    West Hartford

    CT

    06117

    148 West St.

    Ware

    MA

    01082

    200 West St.

    Pittsfield

    MA

    01201

    45 Veterans Memorial Drive

    North Adams

    MA

    01247

    224 Salem Turnpike

    Norwich

    CT

    06360

    141B Storrs Road

    Mansfield

    CT

    06250

    1040 Elm Street

    Rocky Hill

    CT

    06067

    234 Tolland Turnpike

    Manchester

    CT

    06040

    175 University Drive

    Amherst

    MA

    01002

    65 Palomba Drive

    Enfield

    CT

    06082

    1 Kent Road

    New Milford

    CT

    06776

    22 Spencer Plan Rd.

    Old Saybrook

    CT

    06475

    995 Poquonnock Road

    Groton

    CT

    06340

    237 Mohawk Trail, Route 2

    Greenfield

    MA

    01301

    300 Cooley Street

    Springfield

    MA

    01128

    135 West Rd.

    Elington

    CT

    06029

    355 Hawley Lane

    Stratford

    CT

    06614

    2035 Boston Rd.

    Wilbraham

    MA

    01095

    405 Bridgeport Ave.

    Shelton

    CT

    06484

    1313 Hopmeadow St.

    Slimsbury

    CT

    06070

    7 East Hampton Rd. Route 66

    Marlborough

    CT

    06447

    23 Killingworth Turnpike

    Clinton

    CT

    06413

    150 Boston Post Rd.

    Milford

    CT

    06460

    434 Walpole St.

    Norwood

    MA

    02062

    Big Y Foods was notified by Smartcuts that the sliced cucumber distributed to Big Y Foods was impacted by the ongoing Bedner Growers Inc. Cucumber Outbreak investigation. The Smartcuts sliced cucumber is provided as an ingredient option for customers to order when ordering a sub, wrap, or panini at the sandwich service line within the retail Kitchen Department. Big Y Foods ceased operation in all stores listed above, discarded product within the sub, wrap, and panini service line, then thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the service line.
    All Made-To-Order subs, wraps and paninis were produced within the Kitchen Department upon customer request. The subs, wraps and paninis impacted by the cucumber recall were provided for sale to consumers May 20, 2025, and May 21, 2025. These subs, wraps and paninis were not prepackaged for customer self-service.
    No illnesses have been reported to date.
    Consumers who have purchased Made-To-Order subs, wraps and paninis are urged to return the product or show a receipt to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Big Y Foods at wecare@bigy.com, call Big Y Foods at 1-800-828-2688 select Option #7, Monday through Friday from 7am – 4pm, or contact the Smartcuts company at 1-860-525-3237 Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm.
    Link to FDA Outbreak Advisory

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Big Y Foods, Smartcuts
    1-800-828-2688 select Option #7, 1-860-525-3237
    wecare@bigy.com

    Media:
    Aimee Diliberto, Big Y Foods
    1-800-828-2688

    Content current as of:
    05/22/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Review Labor Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch Chairman Capito’s opening remarks from the hearing. 

    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), chaired a hearing with U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to consider the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.  

    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Capito as prepared for delivery: 

    “Good morning. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, thank you for being here today to testify to the President’s fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department of Labor. 

    “I am pleased to be joined by Senator Baldwin, the ranking member of the subcommittee. I am also happy to have the chair of the full committee, Senator Susan Collins, with us today. Thank you, Senator Collins, for your strong leadership and your tireless efforts to get us back to regular order. 

    “Following four years of reckless spending under the Biden administration, President Trump is taking steps to rein in our bloated bureaucracy and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being well spent. 

    “The department’s request proposes to reduce funding for the agency by $4.6 billion, a decrease of nearly 35%. We look forward to hearing your testimony and discussing in greater detail your priorities, new proposals, and programs you think we should consider scaling back.  

    “This month, we continued to receive good news about the strength of the American economy. Our economy has added jobs every month since President Trump took office and the unemployment rate remained steady this past month at 4.2%. However, millions of Americans are still underemployed or have stopped looking for work altogether.

    “We need to make sure that Americans have access to training programs – especially those that provide on-the-job training and those focused on in-demand jobs, which in West Virginia includes important industries like coal mining and healthcare. I’d like to see the department take innovative approaches to expand apprenticeship opportunities to new programs and fields as a lot of worthy apprenticeship opportunities don’t fit the current registered apprenticeship model. I’m interested in hearing more about how the Make America Skilled Again grant program will increase flexibility and improve outcomes for workers looking to upskill and advance in their careers. 

    “I’ve also been a long-time champion of expanding and strengthening the early childhood education workforce through apprenticeships. Giving our educators a clear pathway to successful careers opens the door to higher quality and better coverage of care, helping both families and childcare workers in West Virginia. 

    “Having a highly-skilled workforce is critical, but it is only half of the equation. We must also continue advancing common-sense solutions to create an economic environment where businesses can thrive and create good, well-paying jobs. I have been pleased to see this administration take steps to rein in unnecessary regulatory burdens that make it harder for businesses to create jobs.

    “Earlier this month, the Department of Labor announced it will no longer enforce the Biden administration’s misguided independent contractor rule, which jeopardized the ability of as many as 70 million freelancers, rideshare drivers, and other independent workers to earn a living in a way that best fits their needs and schedules.  

    “This rule would take away the freedom for West Virginia real estate agents, truck drivers, freelance writers, and other self-employed workers to choose their own hours and work around other life priorities — like going back to school or raising children.

    “I hope to see this administration continue to remove bureaucratic red tape to allow companies to expand their workforce, grow their businesses, and show their employees how much they’re valued in a growing economy. 

    “However, to be clear, not all regulations are bad. It is important to have appropriate protections in place to keep hard-working West Virginians, including our miners, safe. West Virginia is the second largest producer of coal in the country. For generations, coal miners in West Virginia have helped keep the lights on across the country. But doing so has sometimes come at a great price. In the last couple decades, West Virginia has experienced major mining tragedies at the Upper Big Branch Mine and Sago Mine, which claimed 29 and 12 lives, respectively.

    “I hope to hear more about the administration’s plans to ensure our workplaces are safe so that our workers are able to return home to their loved ones at the end of each day.  

    “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, as the Fiscal Year 26 appropriations process moves forward, I know we will continue to work together to identify priorities and find common ground on how best to responsibly allocate taxpayers’ resources. Thank you again for being here today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Questions Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer During Appropriations Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    Click here or the image above to watch Senator Capito’s questions.
    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), questioned U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer during a hearing to consider the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. 
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    ON WEST VIRGINIA HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:
    SENATOR CAPITO: “Madam Secretary, we’ve talked about this issue, but it’s about the West Virginia Department of Transportation and the Davis-Bacon wage determinations for highway construction. They’re just unworkable…The Biden wage determinations left out key job classifications that are commonly used on highway projects. It’s been very frustrating. The absence of these classifications has required West Virginia DOT to go through a complicated administrative process with DOL to determine proper wages…We’re missing the construction season here…there has been significant delays in not only advertising, but also in awarding construction projects…So will you commit to continue working with me to resolve this issue, to ensure that West Virginia’s highway construction projects can begin without undue burden?” 
    ON WEST VIRGINIA’S MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION OFFICES: 
    SENATOR CAPITO: “Let’s talk about MSHA. I mentioned it in my opening statements, obviously it’s important to a state like West Virginia, the health and safety of our nation’s miners. I’m really concerned because I’m hearing from my constituents that MSHA offices in West Virginia are closing. I’m worried that will reduce the number of mine inspections, which are essential to ensuring that the coal that powers our nation is mined safely and the workers return home to their families. West Virginia’s know far too well the importance of keeping our miners safe on the job.” 
    SECRETARY CHAVEZ-DEREMER: “My goal as the agency head is to make sure every worker is protected. As far as it relates to the MSHA offices, we’re working with GSA, that is under GSA’s purview, I’m working with them and advocating for those leases to stay open.” 
    ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: 
    SENATOR CAPITO: “What has worked in some instances in West Virginia has been a public-private partnership with workforce programs. Where students who are maybe a junior or senior, maybe they’re career and technical, maybe they’re in regular high school, or are unsure as to what direction they want to go. I’ll use Toyota as an example. They work with the local community college to do a blended work study program that at the end, really can result in a full-time job, a life job at with a great company, Toyota.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Introduces Bill to Incentivize Domestic Production of Lifesaving Medicines

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    May 22, 2025

    Cotton Introduces Bill to Incentivize Domestic Production of Lifesaving Medicines

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Producing Incentives for Long-term production of Lifesaving Supply of medicine (PILLS) Act, legislation that would incentivize domestic manufacturing of lifesaving medicines.

    “America’s overreliance on foreign-made medicines is a national security issue with the potential to impact nearly every household in our country. This bill will ensure that our supply chains for lifesaving drugs remains stable while promoting President Trump’s made in America agenda,” said Senator Cotton.

    Full text of the bill may be found here.

    The PILLS Act would establish the following:

    • A production-based tax credit (PBTC) of 35% for final manufacturers of APIs and finished drug products and 30% for all other components.
    • A proportional domestic content bonus tax credit of up to 20% for 100% domestic content in the drug’s constituent materials.
    • Optional election of an investment tax credit equal to 25% of the qualified investment to offset costs of creating new production capacity (in lieu of PBTC).
    • Disallowance of tax credits to any entity which, at any time during the taxable year, was a foreign entity of concern.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA slams PepsiCo for ditching reuse target 

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    WASHINGTON, DC (May 22, 2025) – In response to PepsiCo’s announcement that it will abandon its goal to deliver 20% of its beverages in reusable containers by 2030, Greenpeace USA Senior Oceans Campaigner Lisa Ramsden, said: “PepsiCo is the latest corporate polluter to abandon its reuse targets, a move that will undoubtedly force more plastic pollution into our environment and burden our bodies with more toxic microplastics. We clearly can’t trust corporations like PepsiCo to do what’s best for people and the planet, and this exemplifies why voluntary commitments by corporations have never been enough. We need a strong and binding Global Plastics Treaty that caps plastic production and ends single-use plastics.”

    PepsiCo’s decision follows its rival Coca-Cola’s similar abandonment of its reuse goal in  December 2024 and Coke’s recent announcement of plans to ramp up plastic production in response to the Trump Administration’s tariffs on aluminum. Both companies are among the world’s top global plastic polluters. 

    Plastics are not just a pollution problem; they are a public health crisis. Over 3,200 chemicals in plastics have been linked to a host of serious health conditions, including cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive problems, metabolic changes, obesity, premature births, neurological disorders, and learning disabilities. Toxic chemicals in plastic already cost Americans nearly $250 billion in healthcare expenses each year. 

    PepsiCo’s announcement comes as the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ report, released today, finds that Americans are exposed to these chemicals through many routes, including food and beverage packaging. Microplastics have been found in human breast milk, brain, lung, and heart tissue.

    Contact: Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA , [email protected]   

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: $1 billion of Māori funding gone

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government should hang its head in shame after a budget that takes a knife to more Māori programmes.

    “In Budget 2024 more than $300 million was cut from Māori specific initiatives – Te Arawhiti, The Māori Health Authority, and Māori TV. Budget 2025 cuts even deeper with around $750 million cut from Māori Housing, Māori economic funds, Māori Education and programmes like Māori trades training,” Māori Development spokesperson, Willie Jackson said.

    “Over the two budgets, Tama Potaka has now slashed more than $1 billion of Māori specific funding and that is shameful.

    “Louise Upston has also made the shameful choice to stop funding Māori trade training when Māori unemployment has risen to 10.5 percent, with no plan to support Māori into meaningful jobs.

    “The biggest hit is in Māori housing. Whai Kainga Whai Oranga and the whole Māori housing programme has been scrapped. In total $624 million has been wiped from the books.

    “Tama Potaka is ignoring the housing data showing Māori are in the most need and has chosen to wash his hands of Māori housing.

    “This government is providing a mere $3 million per year worth of new funding for Māori Wardens and the Māori Women’s Welfare League – yet has increased its ministerial budget for international travel by $2 million per year.

    “At the same time, David Seymour is introducing his Regulatory Standards Bill under urgency that extinguishes more Māori rights, cementing this government’s lack of care towards Māori.

    “This government has proven once again that it has turned its back on the Māori-Crown relationship,” Willie Jackson said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Presses FDA Commissioner on Senseless and Inefficient Mass Firings, Conflicts of Interest at FDA & Trump Admin Laying the Groundwork to Rip Away Mifepristone

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Murray Grills Trump’s FDA Nominee on Cancellation of Critical Vaccine Meeting, Upholding Science on Mifepristone, Contraception

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray Q&A with Commissioner Makary***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (Ag-FDA) Subcommittee hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, grilled FDA Commissioner Marty Makary on the Trump administration’s reckless and chaotic efforts to fire thousands of critical employees at the FDA, conflicts of interest at the agency, and the Trump administration’s attempts to lay the groundwork to rip away access to mifepristone based on discredited junk science from anti-abortion activists.

    In opening comments, Vice Chair Murray said:

    “Commissioner Makary, the FDA has a really important job to do. Lives literally are at stake. And that work requires the utmost diligence, and care, and commitment to following the science and upholding FDA’s gold standard. We all expect to walk into the drugstore and know that what we are buying has passed a safety and efficacy standard. And we have to be assured of that, and we have to be assured that the work’s been done—that we don’t have to question that.  

    “So, I don’t think it’s careful leadership when one-in-five people across the FDA are fired, only to frantically then bring some back—because you didn’t stop and think two seconds about whether these jobs were actually important.

    “We really, Mr. Chairman, cannot cheap out on the FDA, and expect to maintain the gold standard that means that people know that drugs are safe.

    “We can’t just cut, cut, cut and hope no one gets sick when you’re slow to issue a recall, or hope no one needs that medicine that had its approval delayed, or hope there isn’t another infant formula issue while your staff are getting fired, or getting rehired, or wherever they are.

    “This work really takes investments, this Committee knows that, and it expects expert staff—like the people that have been shoved out the door. Drug approvals are already getting delayed. Food and drug safety inspections are lagging behind.

    “We are going in the wrong direction, fast. We still have yet to see from you a full budget request from you. That is unacceptable.

    “You are now testifying that the budget proposes to slash FDA by more than 11 percent. That’s actually news to all of us—and I will tell you right now, that is not going to fly. It is reckless, and it is not going to happen as long as I have anything to say about it.”

    [FDA STAFFING]

    Senator Murray began her questioning by pressing Dr. Makary on the harm and inefficacy caused by the Trump administration’s mass layoffs and efforts to push out qualified employees across FDA, which have resulted in more than 4,000 staff leaving the agency since the beginning of the Trump administration. “Commissioner Makary, when it comes to your mass firing of FDA employees, in April, you said, ‘I can tell you there were no cuts to scientists or inspectors.’ Well that is not true,” Senator Murray said. “I think Senator Ossoff covered that, and I think the point here is that all of this firing and rehiring—I don’t see how that’s efficient. Frankly, it kind of shows that you don’t know what you’re doing—and you’re breaking things in the process here. So, let me ask you a question, and hopefully it is an easy one for you. Does it save taxpayer dollars to fire staff who work in centers that are fully funded by user fees—not taxpayer dollars—yes or no?”

    “You asked me to do an assessment of the staff when I came here for my confirmation hearing, and I hear that you’re criticizing me for bringing back some individuals after the cuts that I was not a part of,” replied Commissioner Makary.

    “That’s good—I’m just saying in the long run, this has been very inefficient,” Senator Murray replied. “But my question to you is not about that it, and I know you’ve covered it with several other members. So does it save taxpayer dollars to fire staff who work with centers that are fully funded by user fees, not taxpayer dollars. Is that efficient?”

    “The cuts were to HR, IT, communications—,” Commissioner Makary said.

    Senator Murray pressed, “They’re funded by user fees, it is not saving any money.”

    “In part,” Commissioner Markey interjected.

    “But many of the staff you fired were in centers that are actually fully funded by user fees. You know that, correct?” Senator Murray clarified.

    Commissioner Makary continued to dodge.

    “I’m asking you a specific question about the centers that are fully funded by user fees,” Senator Murray continued.

    “That’s one center. That’s the tobacco center,” Commissioner Makary said. “You just said we can’t just keep cut and cut—we can’t keep hiring and hiring, the agency doubled since 2007. So, let me ask you, what is the right number of employees?”

    “No, you’re here to answer my questions here, and I’m going to ask some more,” Senator Murray replied. “Without critical support staff you fired, inspectors cannot plan their trips. They cannot do their jobs. I want to ask you, what percent of planned inspections has FDA missed since those April 1st firings?”

    Commissioner Makary said, “In the 12 labs that we have that evaluate food products in the food inspection realm, there are no—as of last week, I just did a check—there are no backlogs. They are running at 100 percent efficiency. There are no drug approval delays despite the—you know, what people want to attribute—”

    “That is not what I’ve been told. I have been told—and I would like you to go back and check and report back to us, because we know that some of the planned inspections… that were supposed to take place have been missed. And, to me, why that’s so important, if there is not inspections, the public doesn’t have the information that they need. I am going to run out of time, so I want to move on,” Senator Murray replied.

    “There are no cuts to inspectors,” Commissioner Makary said.

    “Will you go back and check for me, please?” asked Senator Murray.

    “Absolutely,” replied Commissioner Makary.

    [CONFLICTS OF INTEREST]

    Senator Murray continued by asking about reports of eyebrow-raising conflicts of interest at FDA: “I understand that the FOIA staff producing documents related to ongoing litigation by the Children’s Health Defense—Secretary Kennedy’s organization—was shielded from the RIFs, while other FOIA staff are responsible for FOIA responses at other FDA centers were targeted for termination. Is that true?,” Murray asked.

    “That’s not true, senator, we have our FOIA staff. They continue to work at the FDA. I’ve made sure that all the FOIA staff at the FDA are doing their job. We are also using AI to reduce the burden on that staff,” responded Commissioner Makary.

    Senator Murray pressed, “Well for the record, my understanding is that the Children’s Health Defense FOIA staff were not fired when other ones were… And that seems like a real conflict of interest to me, considering that the Secretary’s extensive history with that organization, Children’s Health Defense, and his goal to remove authorizations for vaccines. So, I just want that on the record—”

    “It’s not true. Well, all FOIA staff are in place,” Commissioner Makary continued to claim.

    [MIFEPRISTONE]

    Senator Murray moved on to her next question, pressing Commissioner Makary on the Trump administration’s attempts to lay the groundwork to restrict access to medication abortion based on junk science being pushed by anti-abortion extremists. Murray asked: “If a study came out saying that people who took a certain medication experience a certain rate of ‘serious adverse events,’ but the study’s authors refused to say what they were counting as an adverse event—would raise some serious questions about the study’s validity?”

    “Yes, senator. So I have the natural inquisition of a scientist that’s done a lot of research. So, I would want to see the underlying data, yes,” replied Commissioner Makary.

    “I am, of course, talking about the recent sham ‘study’ from the Ethics and Public Policy Center—it’s an anti-abortion group, it’s bank-rolled by extremists, they fought to overturn Roe v. Wade,” Murray said. “And this ‘study,’ if you can call it that, is unsound and has been widely panned by medical experts. But, days after its release, you and Secretary Kennedy are now suggesting we need a ‘complete review’ on the safety of mifepristone.”

    “Now, to be clear: mifepristone has been proven safe and effective in more than 100 studies over three decades. And the people that are now pushing that bogus ‘study’ and saying mifepristone is dangerous for women are the exact same people who think that abortion is never necessary to save a woman’s life, and that 10-year-olds should somehow be forced into childbirth. I believe that this administration is laying the groundwork to rip away access to medication abortion across the country,” Murray said. “This has not gotten enough attention. And I know you’d prefer to keep it that way, but I want you to know: I’m not going to let that happen.”

    “I have not seen that study, Senator, and you have not seen that study. So how can you call it a sham, bogus study? Neither of us have seen the study, the underlying data, or the methodology,” Commissioner Makary said.

    “Actually, that’s not true,” Murray replied. The Ethics and Public Policy Center is an anti-abortion advocacy group that was an advisory board member for Project 2025, has submitted amicus briefs to the Supreme Court opposing mifepristone, and does not believe in life-saving abortions—putting them far outside the medical mainstream. As the Washington Post fact-check of the ‘study’ points out, unlike most credible medical studies, the Ethics and Public Policy Center report did not undergo a formal external peer review before publication and “moreover, the report oddly does not reveal the database it used”—making it impossible for anyone to view the underlying data. That hasn’t stopped the anti-abortion Ethics and Public Policy Center from launching an activist campaign around the release of the data and even admitting the goal was to “eliminate” abortion pills.

    On May 14th in a HELP Committee hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) secured a commitment from Secretary Kennedy that HHS and FDA would review what RFK Jr. referred to as “alarming” new data on mifepristone—referencing the EPCC study alone. “It’s alarming, and it indicates that at the very least, the label should be changed,” Secretary Kennedy said. “I’ve asked Marty Makary at the FDA to do a complete review and report back.” Senator Hawley secured the same commitment from President Trump’s nominee to serve as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services in a HELP Committee hearing on May 8th—again, based solely on the EPCC ‘study’ that has not been peer-reviewed or published in a medical journal and has attracted widespread scrutiny for appearing to dramatically overstate what it characterizes as “serious adverse effects” associated with the pill.

    ____________________________________

    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Murray has a long history of demanding accountability and careful oversight when it comes to the safety of products families use every day. At the end of 2022, Senator Murray passed legislation giving FDA new authority to, for the first time ever, regulate the safety of cosmetic products and force a recall when necessary—and she successfully fought to secure funding for this important work last year as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Murray has also previously pressed FDA and industry for answers and action regarding asbestos in children’s make up kits, demanded answers from Johnson & Johnson regarding asbestos found in baby powder, and was a leading voice in holding FDA accountable and pushing for solutions following the infant formula contamination and shortage crisis in 2022.

    Senator Murray leads the Democratic caucus on reproductive health care and, throughout her career, has beat back countless Republican attempts to defund Planned Parenthood and other family planning services—and is widely credited with successfully pushing the Bush administration’s FDA to follow the science and make Plan B available over the counter. Senator Murray led the response in Congress to FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, a lawsuit brought by Republican anti-abortion extremists trying to rip away access to mifepristone, a safe and effective abortion medication that was approved by FDA in 2000—Murray led multiple amicus briefs, organized her colleagues, and raised the alarm at every turn. Last June, the Supreme Court dismissed the case on standing groups but Murray made clear that “the nationwide threat to medication abortion has not gone away—far from it. If Donald Trump and his anti-abortion allies return to power, they will do everything they can to rip away access to mifepristone and ban abortion nationwide.” Murray also spearheaded efforts in Congress urging the FDA to follow the science and review the application of Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill, after the FDA’s Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend FDA approval.

    In March, at Dr. Makary’s nomination hearing before the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Murray pressed Dr. Makary to commit to upholding the science on mifepristone and contraception—he refused to definitively answer her question.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Collins, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Lifesaving Cancer Screenings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced their bipartisan Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act to reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), a lifesaving program that provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for women who are low-income, uninsured, and underinsured and do not qualify for Medicaid.
    “Cancer prevention and screening programs are vital because the earlier the disease is caught, the better the prognosis,” said Senator Collins. “The NBCCEDP provides thousands of uninsured and underinsured Mainers with breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services each year. Our bipartisan legislation would reauthorize and strengthen this critical program, which has helped nearly 4,000 women in Maine receive a total of 8,198 screening tests over the past five years.”
    “Nearly every American’s life has been touched by a devastating cancer diagnosis, and early detection is one of the best tools we have to save lives. No Wisconsinite should miss regular screenings because of cost,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I’m proud to lead this legislation with my Republican colleague to help detect cancers earlier, save lives, and ensure more Americans get the care they need at a price they can afford.”
    “Everyone should be able to get the breast health care they need when they need it, but barriers remain for far too many—the SCREENS for Cancer Act can change that,” said Molly Guthrie, VP of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “To support healthier communities across the country, we must make high-quality screening and diagnosis more readily available to those who need it. This bill will provide access to vital services so that cancers can be caught earlier.”
    “Reducing the cancer burden for everyone requires improving access to cancer early detection and prevention services,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “By reauthorizing the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the SCREENS for Cancer Act will ensure that program grantees can continue to receive critical resources and maintain the flexibility needed to provide access to lifesaving screening, diagnostic and treatment services to those who need them most.”
    An estimated 319,750 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 43,000 will die from the disease this year alone. Since 1991, the NBCCEDP, a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state departments of health, has provided lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to more than six million women who are low-income, uninsured and underinsured who do not qualify for Medicaid.
    NBCCEDP has a proven record of cancer detection, detecting nearly 80,000 breast cancers and over 25,000 premalignant breast lesions. The program also provides public education, outreach, patient navigation, and care coordination to increase breast and cervical cancer screening rates and reach underserved populations. Without access to early detection programs, many people who are uninsured are forced to delay or forgo screenings, which could lead to late-stage breast cancer diagnoses.
    The SCREENS for Cancer Act would reauthorize the NBCCEDP for the first time in more than a decade and make improvements that help ensure that the program reaches more eligible women. This reauthorization would provide flexibility to NBCCEDP grantees, allowing for a greater emphasis on implementing innovative evidence-based interventions and aggressive outreach to underserved communities through media, peer educators, and patient navigators. The bill authorizes $235 million per year for FY26 through FY30.
    The SCREENS for Cancer Act is endorsed by the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Indian Cancer Foundation, Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, Cancer Support Community, Check for a Lump, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Men Supporting Women with Cancer, NAACP, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Consortium of Breast Centers, Oncology Nursing Society, Prevent Cancer Foundation, SHARE Cancer Support, Society of Breast Imaging, Susan G. Komen, Tigerlily Foundation, Triage Cancer, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, and Young Survival Coalition.
    The complete text of the bill can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China calls for int’l solidarity, mutual support for healthy world on WHA

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

    GENEVA, May 22 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for international solidarity and mutual support to forge a healthy world.

    Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the call on Tuesday when delivering a speech at a high-level welcome ceremony of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland.

    Five years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on all countries to join hands in building a global community of health for all at the 73rd World Health Assembly, Liu said. China has firmly honored this commitment with concrete actions as the international community widely recognizes China’s role in and contributions to combating the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

    Noting that global public health security is now facing significant challenges under the impact of unilateralism and power politics, Liu emphasized that China has always put people and their lives first, implemented a health-first strategy, actively participated in global health governance, and promoted the building of a global community of health for all.

    The international community should uphold multilateralism, firmly support the World Health Organization (WHO) in playing its leading and coordinating role in global public health governance, uphold fairness and equity, and firmly support the legitimate demands of developing countries in areas such as public health arrangements, vaccine distribution and technology transfer, he said.

    The international community should also uphold openness and innovation and seize the historic opportunities brought by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation to deepen cooperation in health innovation, Liu added.

    As the WHO’s highest decision-making body, the WHA is attended by heads of state or government, high-profile representatives from over 100 countries, and leaders of international organizations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Hirono Introduce the Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act (REAHYA), legislation to authorize federal grants for comprehensive sex education programs and youth sexual health services, and end funding for harmful Title V abstinence-only programs. U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) will introduce companion legislation in the House. 

    Despite growing needs, young people across the country still lack access to comprehensive, evidence-based sex education and sexual health services. REAHYA aims to change that by creating federal grants that would fund programs at high schools, colleges, and organizations to support the sexual health and agency of students and young people. This legislation would also require program grantees to promote gender equity and offer instruction that is inclusive of young people with varying gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations.

    “Young people need access to comprehensive sex education and sexual health services in order to make informed, responsible, and healthy decisions,” said Senator Booker. “Too many young adults are still receiving outdated and inaccurate information when it comes to making decisions about their sexual health, especially in underserved communities. This legislation aims to ensure sex education and sexual health programs are accessible and inclusive to everyone.” 

    “For too long, young people in our country have faced barriers to comprehensive, evidence-informed sex education and access to sexual health services, especially in underserved communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to help provide young people with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health and to help them develop healthy relationships, while also promoting gender equity and offering education that is inclusive to people of all identities, expressions, and sexual orientations.”

    “For too long, our country’s sex education and sexual health resources have not met the needs of our young people, especially in underserved communities,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act will arm our youth with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions on their bodies and their futures. Together we can work to reduce health disparities in our underserved communities and build a healthier future for generations to come.”

    “As the Trump administration continues to attack our reproductive rights and bodily autonomy and restricting access to scientifically accurate health information, this legislation is critical to protect and enhance young people’s access to comprehensive, culturally responsive, and equitable sex education,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “REAHYA will equip young people with the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their relationships, sexual health, and overall well-being. This is an important step toward addressing disparities related to race, gender, and sexuality in current sex education programs, while also working to reduce rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.”

    Specifically, REAHYA would:

    1. Authorize funding for sex education programs at elementary and secondary schools, youth-serving organizations, and institutions of higher education;
    2. Ensure these programs are age-appropriate, medically accurate, and evidence-based;
    3. Provide grants for sex education teacher training;
    4. Establish grants for youth-serving organizations or health entities to deliver sexual health services for underserved youth; and
    5. Repeal the Title V Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Program.

    The Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act is endorsed by the following organizations: SiX Action, Equality California, Silver State Equality, American Humanist Association, Reproductive Health Access Project, AIDS United, National Council of Jewish Women, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, PWN-USA Ohio, Power to Decide, EducateUS, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, Ipas US, Ibis Reproductive Health, NASTAD, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Healthy Teen Network, Reproductive Freedom for All, The Arc of the United States, ACA Consumer Advocacy, National Partnership for Women & Families, ETR, National Network of Abortion Funds, Center for Biological Diversity, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Advocates for Youth, Guttmacher Institute, Vivent Health, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity.

    The Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

    To read the full text of the bill, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Global Operation Targets Darknet Drug Trafficking

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The April 9 search and arrest of four subjects—led by the FBI’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team and carried out by FBI Los Angeles and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)—was part of a coordinated operation across four continents that has seized more than $200 million in currency and digital assets and over 1,500 kilograms of drugs, including fentanyl.

    In Operation RapTor, participating law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Europe, South America, and Asia arrested 270 darknet vendors, buyers, and administrators. (The darknet is a portion of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and is only accessible through specialized software.) The results of the operation were announced today. 

    More than 144 kilograms (approximately 317 pounds) of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics were seized in this year’s operation, which included arrests in Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. Just one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people, according to the DEA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the U.S. 

    The FBI, which established JCODE in 2018 to target drug trafficking—particularly of fentanyl and other opioids—on the darknet, has coordinated global law enforcement operations like RapTor every year since the initiative’s inception.

    “By cowardly hiding online, these traffickers have wreaked havoc across our country and directly fueled the fentanyl crisis and gun violence impacting our American communities and neighborhoods,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “But the ease and accessibility of their crimes ends today.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy Seeking Elite Warfighters with New “Spotlight” Campaign

    Source: United States Navy

    When most people hear the term “U.S. Navy Special Operations,” they typically think of Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams (SEALs), as the elite, unconventional warfare experts who endure the hardest training the U.S. military has to offer. But while SEALs are deserving of the high esteem in which they are held, the team often overshadows the other exclusive roles that comprise the Navy Special Ops community – Aviation Rescue Swimmers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians, Hospital Corpsmen-Advanced Technical Field, Divers, and Special Warfare Combat Crewmen.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Head knocks and ultra-violence: viral games Run It Straight and Power Slap put sports safety back centuries

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Yorke, Lecturer in sport management, Western Sydney University

    runitstraight24/instagram.com, The Conversation, CC BY

    Created in Australia, “Run It Straight” is a new, ultra-violent combat sport.

    Across a 20×4 metre grassed “battlefield,” players charge at full speed toward one another.

    Alternating between carrying the ball (ball runner) and defending (tackler), victory is awarded via knockout (a competitor cannot continue), or a judge’s decision based on an athlete’s dominance during the collisions.

    Despite neuroscientists issuing grave warnings about the brutal sport’s risks, Run It Straight’s viral popularity, including endorsement among high profile athletes, is accelerating.

    A growing scene

    This month, Melbourne hosted the inaugural “RUNIT Championship League” event.

    Footage showed some participants convulsing after their collisions as the winner celebrated, surrounded by children.

    Drawing hundreds of spectators and millions of online views, the full-speed collision challenge is already turning its violence and social media footprint into commercial success abroad, securing interest in the United States.

    The sport held some events in New Zealand this week, but one was was halted by Auckland Council due to safety concerns and failure to secure necessary permits.

    A history of sport and violence

    In ancient times, symbolic cultural displays of power and physical dominance featured in combat sports such as wrestling, boxing, pankration (a mixed martial art combining boxing and wrestling) and even armoured foot races.

    This brutal entertainment is reflected in contemporary collision sports such as the National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL).

    In recent decades however, the danger of concussion has resulted in most contact sports changing rules and regulations to protect athletes from head injuries.

    Various measures have been implemented to mitigate, eliminate and treat head trauma.

    The Australian government is exerting influence and committing material resources to support athletes living with brain issues such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).



    Read more:
    When does the love of the game outweigh the cost? ABC’s Plum brings rugby league’s concussion crisis to the fore

    Considering this multi-pronged effort to make contact sports safer, the violence of Run It Straight is jarring.

    Why are these new sports so popular?

    With its origins as a social media challenge, Run It Straight is perfect content for short-form social media platforms: an entire competition can be distilled into a 30-second highlight.

    Run It Straight’s accessible and minimalist format is also attractive to fans compared to many collision sports that have complex rules and strategies. This can be a barrier to interest, engagement and commercial returns.

    Run It Straight and other emerging, violent sports such as Power Slap (a fight sport where contestants slap each other so hard they can be knocked unconscious) are simplistic and brutal.

    But athletes in most traditional collision sports use their physical ability and skill to evade contact. Similarly, boxing is not just about strikes to the head, it is punch evasion, physical fitness and point scoring.

    But the visual spectacle and shock of two people running toward one another for an inevitable collision is a form of violence that appeals to an increasing number of sport fans.

    The risks involved

    Run It Straight is a new sport, and to our knowledge there is no empirical peer-reviewed research focusing on it.

    But many neurologists have expressed concerns about its total disregard for scientific evidence showing repeated head trauma damages brain health.

    With Run it Straight appearing to lack the medical resources and infrastructure of professional sports organisations, and with the competition’s expressed intent to have participants collide at high speed, the risk of significant injury is high.

    Power Slap, though, has been the subject of empirical research. A 2024 study reported many of the sport’s combatants showed visible signs of concussion (motor incoordination, slowness to get up and blank and vacant looks during bouts).

    An opportunity for ‘traditional’ sports?

    The rise of Run It Straight and Power Slap creates a unique opportunity for the governing bodies of contact codes such as AFL, NRL and rugby union to highlight what sets them apart.

    Key to this is athlete safety. For years, governing bodies in these codes have invested time and resources to implement concussion management protocols at professional and community levels.

    Currently, the tournament-based format for individual adult participants allows Run It Straight to operate without the broader governance responsibilities of football codes.

    However, it is because of those governance responsibilities that the football codes can amplify their athlete wellbeing credentials to reassure participants and parents who may be nervous about concussion risks.

    Second, the football codes are organised team sports played with multiple players on a team, facilitating skill acquisition, teamwork, mental wellbeing and physical fitness. While there appears to be a degree of camaraderie during Run It Straight events, it is evidently a one-on-one competition.

    Ultimately, the rise and evident popularity of Run It Straight and Power Slap provides a stark reminder there will always be a section of society that is drawn to high-risk behaviours.

    In turn, the football codes should look to highlight the value of balance and their athlete wellbeing credentials.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Head knocks and ultra-violence: viral games Run It Straight and Power Slap put sports safety back centuries – https://theconversation.com/head-knocks-and-ultra-violence-viral-games-run-it-straight-and-power-slap-put-sports-safety-back-centuries-256473

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 – Drop in the bucket for Government but kick in the guts for Kiwi men – Prostate Cancer Foundation

    Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation

    The Prostate Cancer Foundation will continue the fight to save men’s lives after the Budget failed to fund an early detection pilot for prostate cancer.

    President Danny Bedingfield said “we have been talking to the last government and now the new government for the last two years on funding two regional pilots for early detection screening of prostate cancer at an approximate cost of only $6.4 million over four years.

    “Everyone acknowledges that the sooner cancer is detected, the better clinical outcomes. We just have two questions for the government – is cancer that is specific to men not important?  And what is the barrier to a prostate cancer screening pilot?

    “Over 4,000 dads, husbands, sons and brothers are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 700 die of the disease every year.  We think these lives matter.
    “We are at a loss as to why cancer specific to men doesn’t seem to rate with either the last government, or now this new government.  Prostate cancer screening is seen as inevitable by health officials and is supported by New Zealand’s Urological Society.

    “While the pilot was not funded in the Budget, we remain hopeful that money can be found by reprioritising a tiny part of the $30 billion vote health spending will get it underway.
    “In addition to putting miniscule funding into the proposed early detection pilots, our Health Minister should also accept an invitation from Europe to a join a useful world leading cancer study – the Praise–U consortium,” Bedingfield said.

    “This is a world-leading initiative that aims to enhance the ability for early detection of men with prostate cancer so they can access early treatment to reduce unnecessary early deaths,” Bedingfield says.

    “However, after today, we are left wondering if men’s health is important,” Bedingfield concluded.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Wage Theft Bill into Law to Ensure Fair Pay for Workers, Bills to Protect Wildlife and Pets

    Source: US State of Colorado

    GOLDEN/WHEAT RIDGE/DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed bills into law to ensure workers are paid the wages they have earned, protecting workers and supporting Colorado’s workforce. 

    Governor Polis signed HB25-1001 – Enforcement Wage Hour Laws, sponsored by Representatives Duran and Froelich, and Senators Danielson and Kolker. 

    “This new law will help ensure that every Coloradan is paid fairly. I am proud to sign this bill into law today to strengthen our protections for workers and want to thank the sponsors for their work on this new law,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed SB25-053 – Protect Wild Bison, sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, and Representatives Junie Joseph and Elizabeth Velasco and HB25-1283 – Wild Horse Project Management & Immunocontraception, sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Ty Winter, and Senators Janice Marchman and Larry Liston. 

    “Wild bison and horses are important parts of Colorado’s wildlife, culture, and history. These new laws will provide us better tools to protect these iconic Colorado animals. Let’s ensure that wild horses and bison will remain symbols of Colorado’s strong, healthy, and wild future, not just our past,” said Governor Polis. 

    “Colorado is a State rich with natural wonders, a place where we understand the value of protecting what is wild and being a part of nature. That is our ethos, and wild horses and bison are its embodiment. With these important new laws, Colorado continues to lead the way in advocating for the care and dignity of the majestic wild horses and bison with whom we share the land and I want to thank all the sponsors and strong advocates who worked so hard on these bills,” said First Gentleman Marlon Reis. 

    Governor Polis also signed HB25-1207 – Pet Ownership Residential Housing Structures, sponsored by Representatives Javier Mabrey and Monica Duran, and Senators Faith Winter and Tony Exum. 

    “We are laser-focused on saving Coloradans money on housing, and this new law ensures that families will not be forced to decide between beloved furry family members and housing. This bill strikes the right balance on making sure Colorado can continue to promote more housing now and keep families together with their pets,” said Governor Polis. 

    “Our pets are more than just indoor animals. They are family. This new law honors that bond by keeping Colorado families together with their beloved pets when they search for housing,” said First Gentleman Marlon Reis. 

    To make Colorado the best state for four-legged and furry family members and friends, Governor Polis also signed HB25-1180 – Prohibiting Pet Animal Sales in Public Spaces, sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Ryan Armagost, and Senators Scott Bright and Dylan Roberts and HB25-1299 – Animal Protection Fund Voluntary Contribution, sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Ryan Armagost, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Rod Pelton.

     “We want Colorado to be the best state in the country for Coloradans and pets to live and thrive. These bills will help animal shelters and rescues and increase support for enforcing high animal welfare standards across the state. Coloradans love our animals, and through the new income tax check-off, anyone can donate while filing taxes to protect pets and farm animals from cruelty, neglect, and during emergencies like fires and floods,” said Governor Polis. 

    “The work of protecting animals is, by nature, teamwork. It happens at the community level. It means standing up and speaking out for animals when they’re in trouble and can’t defend themselves. It means looking at every possible avenue by which we can support and uplift animals – and that’s exactly what these bills do,” said First Gentleman Marlon Reis. 

    Governor Polis also signed HB25-1168 – Housing Protections for Victim-Survivors, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Cecelia Espenoza, and Senator Mike Weissman. 

    “I am committed to making Colorado one of the top ten safest states, and this includes providing the necessary support for victims of crime. Victims of domestic violence can often feel forced to stay in an unsafe situation because of a lack of other housing options, and this new law will expand financial and physical protections to help victims stay safe, get back on their feet, and live in a healthy and safe community,” said Governor Polis. 

    Finally, Governor Polis signed the following bills to help create a Colorado For All: 

    • HB25-1239 – Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Andrew Boesenecker, and Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Mike Weissman
    • HB25-1017 – Community Integration Plan, sponsored by Representatives Chad Clifford and Meg Froelich, and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Judy Amabile
    • HB25-1154 – Communication Services People with Disabilities Enterprise, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Meg Froelich, and Senators Iman Jodeh and Judy Amabile 

    “In our Colorado For All, everyone, no matter who you are, can live, work, and thrive. I am proud to continue this effort today by signing laws to protect Coloradans from discrimination, ensure access to the community-based, long-term care that Coloradans with disabilities need, fund initiatives that support deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deafblind Coloradans, and save Coloradans with disabilities money when they plan ahead for future needs,” said Governor Polis. 

    “Colorado is proud to be the best home for individuals with disabilities and these bills will continue to advance these efforts,” said Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, Dianne Primavera. “They reflect our shared belief that every person, of every ability, deserves to live with dignity, access, and opportunity. I’m proud that Colorado is choosing to move forward, not backward, in building a state where everyone is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Secretary Rollins at The White House for MAHA Commission Report 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today joined President Donald Trump, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, and other Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) leaders at the White House today for a roundtable event to discuss the MAHA Commission Report.
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch the full event.
    See the full transcript below from the White House event.
    President Trump: “I have to say we have the greatest farmers in the world, and we love our farmers, and we want to pay respect to our farmers, and we always will. And we won the farmers by a lot in the election, in all, every election, all three elections, and we won by a lot. And I will never forget that, and they are foremost in our thought and representing, I think, the farmers better than just about anybody can do is Senator Roger Marshall, could you say a couple of words, Roger, please…”
    Senator Marshall: “Mr. President, we’re not tired of winning yet. Congratulations. What a week you’ve had overseas, one win after another, One Big, Beautiful Bill across the House floor this morning. You’re the best closer in the game, and this is one of the greatest days of my life, professionally speaking, as well.”
    “And I just want to acknowledge my MAHA mom out here as well, that my wife, Laina, was a MAHA nurse and a MAHA mom and a MAHA grandma. Now, Laina, will you please stand up as well?”
    “Mr. President, you know, I spent 25 years delivering babies. Most every day. We saw a huge epidemic of diabetes of pregnancy, and this has exploded in so many different directions. Now we have an epidemic of mental health, in our youth, obesity rates, 20, 30% of our children on prescription drugs. 60, 70% of adults on a prescription drug. We can do better than this, and it does start with the farmer. It starts with soil health. And I just want you to know that our farmers are so committed to this as well, and so many of them are already doing great things. They’re making the soil healthier. They’re using less pesticides. They’re doing all the right things. It’s going to take a little bit more effort and time to get everybody with those practices, but the American farmer and rancher were the original environmentalists, the original conservationists, and they’ll be right here working beside us, and we appreciate your support of them as well.”
    To watch the full remarks, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Charlie Kirk to Discuss President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ as it Heads to the Senate and the MAHA Commission Report

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined The Charlie Kirk Show today to discuss the status of President Donald Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’, why State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions need to be re-evaluated, and the contents of the newly released Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission report. 
    Click HERE or above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview with Charlie Kirk
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On what the Senate can do for the ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill’:
    Senator Marshall: “President Trump is the best closer in the country. Mike Johnson gave us the best bill that he could get passed over there. Think of the Senate as like a saucer and think of the House as a hot cup of coffee, and it’s spilling over. The job of the Senate is to take that bill and make it better.
    “I think for us over here, what I’m looking at is, where can we save some more taxpayers dollars? Where are the opportunities to cut some spending? What do we do with those SALT taxes? So, I think that’s the big thrust over here. How can we make this bill better? How can we deliver on President Trump’s promises, no tax on tips, overtime, Social Security, and make the Trump tax cuts permanent?”
    On SALT:  
    Senator Marshall: “In these big blue states, they have high taxes, and they’re able to deduct that from their federal taxes… What the House has done will still cost American taxpayers $300 billion over the next 10 years. They’re going to let people from these blue states write off up to $30,000 of their taxes, which will decrease revenue to the state.
    “It is that simple to the tune of $300 billion over 10 years. So, what else could we do with that $300 billion? We could deliver the president’s Golden Dome, that would be one simple thing, and more. We would take that money and make Medicaid and Medicare even better. There’s just better ways to spend that money. We can use it to secure the border, to help our military out, to give our troops more wages…”
    On the president’s ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill’:
    Senator Marshall: “What we did with Social Security since, by the law, we cannot touch Social Security, but what we did is we’re giving seniors a $4,000 tax credit, in addition… We increased the Child Tax Credit. Republicans doubled the tax credit in 2017 with this bill, and now we increased it another $500. So we increased the tax deduction for having children to $2,500 as well, so that would be another answer. A little second amendment, we’ve slipped in there. There’s some rules and regulations around what I would call a silencer, a muffler on guns, that type of thing. So, there are a whole lot of low-hanging fruit in here.”
    “The Golden Dome is in here, President Trump’s Golden Dome, the first down payment on some type of satellite system to help intercept nuclear warheads, that type of thing. Huge pay raises for our troops, for the border patrol officers, and funding to help get those illegal aliens out of this country. We have 400,000 violent criminal aliens in this country… Charlie, it may cost $100,000 per person to escort them out of this country. Thank you. Joe Biden.”
    “And we’ll take care of that for four years. We don’t have to go back to the Democrats every year and say, hey, we want money for the border. We want money for the military. We have significant money in here to take care of the military for the most part, for four years, and the president’s border security and the removal of illegal aliens.”
    On the MAHA Commission report:
    Senator Marshall: “Look, I think number one when I think about Make America Healthy Again is 60% of Americans have a chronic disease of some sort, most of it is nutritionally related or related to toxins. So, I expect this MAHA report to talk about the importance of soil health and the nutrient quality that we’re feeding to, especially our children… I’m especially concerned about the children getting them off on the right foot as well. The toxins that they’re being exposed to are probably in these ultra-processed foods.”
    “70% of the calories Americans consume are an ultra-processed food. I think that they’ll address that… Gold standard science. I really, as a doctor, can’t sit there and say, what type of oil is best to cook supper in tonight? Is it soybean oil? Is it tallow? What is it? So, we need gold-standard research, not influenced by commercial operations. Look, 50-60% of Americans are on a prescription drug right now, and I think we want to look into what that’s all about.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 – Patient fees could rise 10 percent or more after déjà vu Budget ignores general practice – GenPro

    Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

    The General Practice Owners Association says patient fees could rise by 10 percent or more this year just to cover costs after the Budget did nothing to fix a funding and retention crisis in primary healthcare.

    GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers said the Budget was a missed opportunity and primary healthcare is hugely disappointed once again.

    “The government currently puts $1.3 billion or just 4 percent of its $30 billion health budget toward general practice.  A 10 percent uplift was urgently required in 2025/26 just to catch up and maintain existing services, with more investment needed in later years. It didn’t happen.

    “General practice will have a feeling of déjà vu after successive Budgets have failed to increase government funding to keep pace with rising costs and more complex health needs.

    The result is that patients are waiting longer to see a doctor, practices are closing or reducing their services, and have significant staff shortages.”

    On top of the 10 percent increase in funding that was needed not materialising, general practices will also have to adjust to prescription renewals being extended from three months to one year.

    “Some general practices are at breaking point, and we’ll forego further income due to prescription changes. The end result is that communities are at risk of losing their family doctors.”

    With nothing in the Budget, GenPro said its one remaining hope is that Health New Zealand uses its increase in operational funding to significantly increase funding for general practice when it makes its annual adjustment in June.

    “We have to remain hopeful that Health New Zealand will use its operational budget to support general practice, although this hasn’t happened in the past to the extent that is needed,” said Dr Chambers.

    GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Introduces Legislation to Protect Public Sector Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill Text (PDF)
    Washington (May 22, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today introduced the Public Service Worker Protection Act, legislation that would extend federal health and safety protections to public sector workers nationwide. The legislation is cosponsored by Democratic Leader Chuck  Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this month.
    Specifically, the Public Service Worker Protection Act would amend the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 to extend worker health and safety protections to public sector workers who are currently excluded. Nearly half of states and territories do not extend comparable health and safety protections to public sector workers. 
    “For too long, public sector workers across the country have been left vulnerable to unsafe working conditions,” said Senator Markey. “The Public Service Worker Protection Act would give public sector workers who tirelessly serve our communities the protections they deserve and ensure they are not taken for granted while the Trump administration continues to attack them and their rights.”
    The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of State County and Municipal workers (AFSCME), American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Communications Workers of America (CWA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and United Steelworkers (USW).
    “For far too long, public sector workers have endured serious, job-related health and safety threats every single day on the job, simply because they do not have the basic, common-sense protections their counterparts in the private sector have under OSHA,” saidAFSCME Council 93 Executive Director Mark Bernard. “Many workers have come to accept these dangers as part of the job. Thankfully, we have leaders in Washington like Senator Markey who refuse to stand idly by and let this injustice continue. We are very grateful for Senator Markey’s support and look forward to what should be strong bi-partisan support for his legislation.”    
    “At MassCOSH, we believe that no worker should have to choose between their safety and their livelihood,” said Tatiana Begault, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health (MassCOSH). “The Public Service Worker Protection Act represents a long-overdue recognition that all workers deserve equal protection under the law. We commend Senator Markey for his leadership and urge swift passage of this critical legislation.
    “Every worker deserves a safe workplace, whether they’re in public service or work in the private sector,” said American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) President Lee Saunders. “But nearly 8 million public service workers still aren’t guaranteed basic safety protections on the job. In 23 states, frontline workers like EMS responders, road crews, and corrections officers are excluded from OSHA coverage — even though public service workers report injuries at a rate 81% higher than those in the private sector. It’s time to fix that. On behalf of the 1.4 million public service workers of AFSCME, we thank Senator Markey for sponsoring the Public Service Worker Protection Act, which would finally extend OSHA protections to public service workers nationwide. And we urge Congress to pass this legislation without delay, because protecting our communities starts with protecting the workers who keep America running.”
    “Millions of public sector workers across 23 states are currently excluded from the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including thousands of USW members who serve as crossing guards, probationary officers, city workers and much more. Last month, we celebrated Workers Memorial Day where we recommitted ourselves to advancing workplace health and safety, we applaud Senator Markey for introducing the Public Sector Worker Protection Act to close this loophole and protect public sector workers,” said David McCall, President of United Steelworkers (USW) International.
    “More than 50 years after the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, too many of the workers who keep our cities and towns running are at risk of injury, illness, and even death on the job,” said Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO. “The Public Service Worker Protection Act will ensure that these workers will finally have the full protections they are entitled to under federal law. This bill is an important step forward in our fight to make sure every worker comes home from work safe. We urge Congress to pass it without delay.”
    “The fight for workplace safety is foundational to why the labor movement exists and core to the AFT,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). “No worker should fear for their safety on the job. We are proud to stand with Senator Markey as he introduces the Public Service Worker Protection Act. Far too many public employees are not covered by a state OSHA plan. This legislation would change that and be a meaningful step towards safer workplaces. Congress should take it up without delay.”
    “Public service workers have dedicated their lives to improving our communities, often putting their communities’ needs ahead of their own. Relying on individual states to implement their own health and safety plans is simply not enough. These workers deserve federal protections now. CWA proudly supports the Public Service Worker Protection Act, which extends OSHA protections to the public sector workers who keep our cities and states running. We commend Senator Markey for his leadership on this vital issue and call for the swift passage of this important legislation,” said Dan Mauer, Director of Government Affairs, Communications Workers of America (CWA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Expand Health Care Freedom for the Self-Employed and Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    May 22nd, 2025

     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced new legislation to expand affordable health coverage options for millions of self-employed Americans and employees of small businesses. The Association Health Plans Act of 2025 amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to give small business employees, sole proprietors, and gig workers the ability to aggregate together and access health insurance through large-group Association Health Plans (AHPs).

    “The Association Health Plans Act gives small businesses and individuals the leverage to negotiate collectively for lower health insurance and lower drug prices. Additionally, the CBO previously estimated that 400,000 uninsured would gain coverage under AHPs and over 3 million people would switch coverage to AHPs,” Dr. Paul said.

    Current federal law makes it nearly impossible for self-employed individuals to access affordable group health insurance. The Association Health Plans Act fixes that by allowing them to fully participate in AHPs as part of a broader membership-based group or within a group of other self-employed individuals. These plans would operate across state lines and be treated as fully-insured large-group or self-insured ERISA plans, unlocking better rates and flexibility.

    “In Mississippi, 99 percent of businesses are considered small businesses. It is imperative that these employers can offer affordable and accessible health insurance coverage to their employees. The Association Health Plans Act would give small businesses owners and employees more options for health care plans that fit the needs of their employees,” said Senator Wicker.

    The bill requires participating associations to have existed for at least two years and to serve a broader purpose than providing health benefits, ensuring stability and accountability. It also prohibits discrimination based on health status and guarantees coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

    Member-based associations made up of small employers, self-employed individuals, as well as service providers in the industry, support Dr. Paul’s Association Health Plans Act, including but not limited to the following:

    • American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
    • Credit Union Consortium, Inc.
    • Decent Health
    • Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA)
    • Medical Practice Consortium (MPC)
    • National Association of REALTORS (NAR)
    • National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
    • TailorWell Holdings, Inc.
    • Virginia Association of REALTORS 

    The Association Health Plans Act gives self-employed Americans and small businesses the same negotiating power and risk pooling advantages that large employers enjoy—without new mandates, subsidies, or bureaucratic interference. Read the bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –