Category: housing

MIL-OSI USA: On 3rd Anniversary of Roe Being Overturned, Markey Joins Senate Dems in a Bill to Restore Abortion Access Nationwide
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Women’s Health Protection Act comes as Trump and Congressional Republicans move to restrict a woman’s right to choose and toward a national abortion ban

Washington (June 24, 2025) – On the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, legislation to guarantee access to abortion everywhere across the country and restore the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for millions of Americans. The bill’s introduction comes as the Trump Administration further attacks a woman’s right to choose and Congressional Republicans barrel ahead with a bill that defunds Planned Parenthood. Put together, Trump and Congressional Republicans’ assault on Americans’ reproductive rights is a backdoor national abortion ban, ripping away millions of women’s access to abortion care and right to control their bodies.

President Trump appointed the Supreme Court Justices who ruled in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case to overturn Roe v. Wade and nearly 50 years of precedent. Since the Dobbs decision, 19 states have banned abortion or severely restricted women from being able to access the procedure, leaving one in three American women without access to safe, legal abortion care. Additionally, state legislatures across the country have introduced hundreds of bills to include medically unnecessary restrictions that limit access to abortion care.

In his second term, President Trump has continued to relentlessly attack reproductive rights, including freezing Title X funding for clinics that offer reproductive care, cutting Biden-era emergency abortion protections, pardoning anti-abortion extremists, and fighting to defund Planned Parenthood. Additionally, the House-passed Republican budget bill kicks 16 million people off their health insurance and defunds Planned Parenthood – threatening the closure of 200 health centers across the country and putting access to vital reproductive care for millions of families at risk.

The Women’s Health Protection Act creates federal rights for patients and providers to protect abortion access. Specifically, the Women’s Health Protection Act would:
- Prohibit states from imposing restrictions that jeopardize access to abortion earlier in pregnancy, including many of the state-level restrictions in place prior to Dobbs, such as arbitrary waiting periods, medically unnecessary mandatory ultrasounds, or requirements to provide medically inaccurate information.
- Ensure that later in pregnancy, states cannot limit access to abortion if it would jeopardize the life or health of the mother.
- Protect the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years.
The legislation is sponsored by the entire Democratic caucus, including Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D- DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Full text of the bill is available here. A one-pager on the bill is available here.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Neymar extends Santos contract until end of 2025

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

Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until December, the Brazilian Serie A club said on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward returned to his boyhood club on a six-month deal in January after parting ways with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Neymar (R) of Brazil vies with Edson Alvarez (C) of Mexico during the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico in Samara, Russia, July 2, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer had been linked with a move to Major League Soccer or a possible return to Europe before agreeing to remain at Santos until the end of the 2025 season.

“I made a decision and I listened to my heart,” Neymar said in a statement on the club’s website. “Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life.

“Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career. And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end.”

Neymar made his professional debut for Santos in 2009 and has made 243 appearances for the club, scoring 141 goals and providing 69 assists. Injuries have limited him to just 12 appearances this year for the eight-time Brazilian Serie A champions.

“It is a historic and remarkable day for Brazilian football, a gift for the fans of Santos FC,” Santos president Marcelo Teixeira said.

“Our idol, our boy, the prince with our number 10 shirt remains. It is a very important moment in this reconstruction process and we needed Neymar, both on and off the field.”

Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 matches for Brazil but has not represented the five-time World Cup winners since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament against Uruguay in October 2023.

MIL OSI China News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on CENTCOM and EUCOM Nominees

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

Watch Video Here

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the nominations of two senior military officers to lead U.S. Central Command, and U.S. European Command.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker praised our service members for their skill and proficiency in carrying out the Operation Midnight Hammer mission to degrade Iran’s nuclear weapon capability. The Chairman also emphasized the consequential threat environments in the CENTCOM and EUCOM theaters of operations and stressed the importance of alliances in achieving peace through strength.

Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

The committee meets today to consider the nominations of Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, to be Commander, United States Central Command, and Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich, to be Commander, United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. I welcome our nominees and their families, and I thank them for their continued willingness to serve our nation.

I want to begin my remarks by recognizing the remarkable skill, courage, and professionalism displayed by the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who participated in Operation Midnight Hammer over the weekend.

President Trump was right to authorize the mission to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities and address this longstanding threat to the United States. Our commander-in-chief gave Ayatollah Khamenei every chance to negotiate peacefully. The Iranian leader, however, rejected our President’s entreaties. He instead chose to continue his pursuit of a nuclear weapon and support of terrorism rather than a peaceful resolution that would have benefited the Iranian people. To be clear, the situation the Iranian regime finds itself in today is entirely of its own making.

I know members of this committee will have questions about Operation Midnight Hammer and the administration’s Iran policy. I do remind my colleagues there will be a classified briefing for all senators later today with senior administration officials to address many of these questions.

If confirmed, Admiral Cooper will assume command of CENTCOM in the midst of a seismic shift across the Middle East. These changes were precipitated by Hamas’ barbaric attack against Israel on October 7th, 2023. Since then, Iran’s conventional military capabilities have been severely degraded, Hezbollah’s leadership has been decimated, and Hamas has been crushed. Iran’s longtime political ally in the region – Syria’s Bashar Assad – is out of power and in exile.

Iran and its terrorist allies are weaker than they have been in decades, but the job is not done.

We must do all we can to support the defense of Israel and ensure that American forces in the region have what they need. I hope to hear Admiral Cooper’s unclassified assessment of recent developments and his description of the force posture and force protection requirements CENTCOM needs in order to contend with Iran, its proxies, and other threats emanating from the region.

Lastly, we must not lose sight of the continuing threat posed by radical Islamist terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. Although weakened, ISIS and al-Qaeda remain intent on killing Americans. I am interested in Admiral Cooper’s testimony about the current capabilities of terrorist groups in the region and what CENTCOM’s counterterrorism strategy should be in order to counter this threat.

Now as to General Grynkewich — If confirmed, he will take command of EUCOM and NATO at a time of war and great uncertainty. Vladimir Putin continues to remind the West that Russia remains a determined enemy, one which is willing to use force to vindicate long-held grievances and to violate international law. The Russian dictator’s invasion of Ukraine has rained death and destruction upon a democratic people and serves as a warning to the world that the military threat from Russia is as relevant today as it ever has been.

Indeed, earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that “Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.” He added that Putin’s war economy “produces more munitions in three months than the whole of NATO produces in a year.” Of course, Russia is not just a danger to our NATO allies. Russia also directly threatens the homeland. Its nuclear arsenal is sized and postured to destroy the United States. The members of this committee are keen to hear General Grynkewich’s views of the threat Russia poses, as well as his plans to counter it.

The United States faces a dauting challenge: We must deter, and if necessary, defeat two nuclear peer adversaries. That task highlights the important role allies play in our security. President Trump deserves considerable credit for dramatically increasing allied burden sharing, which has helped to renew NATO’s purpose. NATO is now actively debating a commitment for members to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense.

Amid this encouraging development, there are some in the Pentagon that believe the U.S. must draw down our military presence in Europe. This thinking bewilders most of us on this committee, given Russia’s aggression and the renewed willingness of allies to share our collective defense burden.

Our presence in Europe helps deter Russia. It also has additional benefits, including enabling and assisting our military operations in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM areas of operation. That support is vital, especially now, as tensions once again rise in the Middle East.

With that I look forward to our hearing today, and I turn to my colleague and friend, Ranking Member Reed.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on CENTCOM and EUCOM Nominees

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

Watch Video Here

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the nominations of two senior military officers to lead U.S. Central Command, and U.S. European Command.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker praised our service members for their skill and proficiency in carrying out the Operation Midnight Hammer mission to degrade Iran’s nuclear weapon capability. The Chairman also emphasized the consequential threat environments in the CENTCOM and EUCOM theaters of operations and stressed the importance of alliances in achieving peace through strength.

Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

The committee meets today to consider the nominations of Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, to be Commander, United States Central Command, and Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich, to be Commander, United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. I welcome our nominees and their families, and I thank them for their continued willingness to serve our nation.

I want to begin my remarks by recognizing the remarkable skill, courage, and professionalism displayed by the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who participated in Operation Midnight Hammer over the weekend.

President Trump was right to authorize the mission to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities and address this longstanding threat to the United States. Our commander-in-chief gave Ayatollah Khamenei every chance to negotiate peacefully. The Iranian leader, however, rejected our President’s entreaties. He instead chose to continue his pursuit of a nuclear weapon and support of terrorism rather than a peaceful resolution that would have benefited the Iranian people. To be clear, the situation the Iranian regime finds itself in today is entirely of its own making.

I know members of this committee will have questions about Operation Midnight Hammer and the administration’s Iran policy. I do remind my colleagues there will be a classified briefing for all senators later today with senior administration officials to address many of these questions.

If confirmed, Admiral Cooper will assume command of CENTCOM in the midst of a seismic shift across the Middle East. These changes were precipitated by Hamas’ barbaric attack against Israel on October 7th, 2023. Since then, Iran’s conventional military capabilities have been severely degraded, Hezbollah’s leadership has been decimated, and Hamas has been crushed. Iran’s longtime political ally in the region – Syria’s Bashar Assad – is out of power and in exile.

Iran and its terrorist allies are weaker than they have been in decades, but the job is not done.

We must do all we can to support the defense of Israel and ensure that American forces in the region have what they need. I hope to hear Admiral Cooper’s unclassified assessment of recent developments and his description of the force posture and force protection requirements CENTCOM needs in order to contend with Iran, its proxies, and other threats emanating from the region.

Lastly, we must not lose sight of the continuing threat posed by radical Islamist terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. Although weakened, ISIS and al-Qaeda remain intent on killing Americans. I am interested in Admiral Cooper’s testimony about the current capabilities of terrorist groups in the region and what CENTCOM’s counterterrorism strategy should be in order to counter this threat.

Now as to General Grynkewich — If confirmed, he will take command of EUCOM and NATO at a time of war and great uncertainty. Vladimir Putin continues to remind the West that Russia remains a determined enemy, one which is willing to use force to vindicate long-held grievances and to violate international law. The Russian dictator’s invasion of Ukraine has rained death and destruction upon a democratic people and serves as a warning to the world that the military threat from Russia is as relevant today as it ever has been.

Indeed, earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that “Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.” He added that Putin’s war economy “produces more munitions in three months than the whole of NATO produces in a year.” Of course, Russia is not just a danger to our NATO allies. Russia also directly threatens the homeland. Its nuclear arsenal is sized and postured to destroy the United States. The members of this committee are keen to hear General Grynkewich’s views of the threat Russia poses, as well as his plans to counter it.

The United States faces a dauting challenge: We must deter, and if necessary, defeat two nuclear peer adversaries. That task highlights the important role allies play in our security. President Trump deserves considerable credit for dramatically increasing allied burden sharing, which has helped to renew NATO’s purpose. NATO is now actively debating a commitment for members to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense.

Amid this encouraging development, there are some in the Pentagon that believe the U.S. must draw down our military presence in Europe. This thinking bewilders most of us on this committee, given Russia’s aggression and the renewed willingness of allies to share our collective defense burden.

Our presence in Europe helps deter Russia. It also has additional benefits, including enabling and assisting our military operations in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM areas of operation. That support is vital, especially now, as tensions once again rise in the Middle East.

With that I look forward to our hearing today, and I turn to my colleague and friend, Ranking Member Reed.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation and Second Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument with Tajikistan

Source: IMF – News in Russian

June 24, 2025

Tajikistan’s strong growth performance has continued into 2025, accompanied by well-contained inflation, a favorable external position and a further reduction in public debt to GDP.
Tajikistan’s favorable economic performance creates an opportunity to implement needed reforms to address structural vulnerabilities and support domestic job creation. Broad-based governance and transparency reforms are key to strengthening the business climate to foster more diversified private sector-led growth.
The Second Review under the Policy Coordination Instrument with Tajikistan was completed, with all but one of the quantitative targets for the second review met and the reform targets broadly implemented.

Washington, DC – The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the 2025 Article IV Consultation¹ and the Second Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI)² with Tajikistan on June 23, 2025. The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.³

Tajikistan’s twenty-two-month program under the PCI was approved in February 2024. The PCI aims to anchor macroeconomic policies and support structural reform implementation to maintain macro-financial stability and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth. Program implementation remains broadly on track, with all but one of the quantitative targets for the second review met and the reform targets broadly implemented.

Tajikistan’s strong growth performance has continued into 2025, accompanied by a steady improvement in macroeconomic fundamentals. Large financial inflows have contributed to a favorable external position, with FX reserves amounting to 7 months’ import coverage, while prudent fiscal policy has anchored a continued reduction in public debt to 25 percent of GDP at end-2024. Inflation remains well-contained at 3.6 percent (y/y) in April 2025. The near-term outlook remains positive, but subject to considerable regional uncertainty that could result in a less favorable external environment.

Tajikistan’s favorable economic performance creates an opportunity to implement needed reforms to address structural vulnerabilities and support domestic job creation. Improving revenue mobilization and spending efficiency is critical to increasing space for development priorities. Monetary policy should remain vigilant and manage liquidity proactively in the context of large foreign exchange inflows and strong credit growth. Broad-based governance and transparency reforms are key to strengthening the business climate to foster more diversified private sector-led growth.

At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Okamura, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

“Tajikistan’s strong growth performance in recent years has continued into 2025, accompanied by a steady improvement in macroeconomic fundamentals. Large financial inflows have contributed to a favorable external position, while prudent fiscal policy has anchored a continued reduction in public debt. The medium-term outlook remains positive, but subject to considerable regional uncertainty that could result in a less favorable external environment.

“The authorities’ economic program under the Policy Coordination Instrument focuses on policies to anchor macroeconomic stability and strengthen resilience against shocks while advancing governance reforms to foster more diversified and inclusive growth. Program implementation remains broadly on track, with most of the quantitative targets for the second review met and the reform targets broadly implemented.

“The fiscal deficit target of 2.5 percent of GDP remains an important anchor to keep public debt on a favorable medium-term trajectory. Improved revenue mobilization and spending efficiency are key to increasing fiscal space for social and development projects. The authorities have taken steps to strengthen oversight of state-owned enterprises, but greater efforts are needed to reduce quasi-fiscal losses in the electricity sector.

“Inflation remains well contained, but strong credit growth in the context of large financial inflows requires continued vigilance. Greater exchange rate flexibility and proactive liquidity management are essential to help manage financial inflows. The banking system has strengthened its balance sheet in recent years, supporting financial deepening, but strong lending to households warrants careful oversight to ensure prudent lending standards.

“Tajikistan’s favorable economic performance creates an opportunity to deepen reforms to address structural vulnerabilities and support domestic job creation. Broad-based governance and transparency reforms are key to foster more diversified private sector-led growth. Reform efforts should focus on enhancing anti-corruption frameworks, improving extractive sector transparency, and strengthening institutional oversight.

Executive Board Assessment⁴

Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Tajikistan’s continued strong economic performance and positive medium‑term outlook. At the same time, amid considerable regional and global uncertainty, the country remains vulnerable to a less favorable external environment, given its reliance on remittances and narrow export base. Against this background, Directors stressed that Tajikistan’s favorable economic performance creates an opportunity to deepen reforms under the PCI to support job creation and improve resilience.

Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to a fiscal deficit anchor of 2.5 percent of GDP to keep public debt on a favorable medium‑term trajectory. They noted that improved revenue mobilization and spending efficiency are key to building buffers and increasing fiscal space for social and development projects. In that context, Directors encouraged the authorities to streamline tax expenditures, strengthen project oversight to enhance the efficiency of public investment, and improve targeting of social assistance. Directors welcomed the authorities’ efforts to develop the domestic debt market and expand the investor base to further deepen the market.

Directors noted that inflation remains well contained but cautioned that strong credit growth in the context of large financial inflows requires continued vigilance. Stressing the importance of exchange rate flexibility and proactive liquidity management to help manage these inflows, they encouraged continued efforts to deepen the FX market and strengthen liquidity absorption and monetary policy transmission. Directors also emphasized that strong lending to households warrants careful macroprudential oversight and sound financial sector regulation and supervision.

Directors welcomed the authorities’ focus on improved transparency and governance of state‑owned enterprises and noted recent steps to strengthen financial oversight and monitor fiscal risks. While welcoming the corrective measures to address the sizeable accumulation of arrears of the public electricity company, Directors emphasized that greater efforts are needed to improve collection rates for the largest electricity consumers and cost controls to strengthen its financial performance and reduce quasi‑fiscal losses.

Directors emphasized the importance of broad‑based governance and transparency reforms to foster more diversified private sector‑led growth. They welcomed the authorities’ focus on strengthening the investment climate and noted that reform efforts should continue to focus on enhancing anti‑corruption and AML/CFT frameworks, improving extractive sector transparency, and strengthening institutional oversight. It will also be important to close data quality gaps.

It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Tajikistan will be held on the current 24‑month cycle.

Tajikistan: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023–2030

	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
			Proj.	Proj.	Proj.	Proj.	Proj.	Proj.

National Accounts	(percent change)
Real GDP	8.3	8.4	7.0	5.0	4.8	4.5	4.5	4.5
CPI inflation (end-period)	3.8	3.7	4.5	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0

General government finances	(percent of GDP)
Revenue and grants	27.1	27.9	28.0	28.0	28.2	27.5	27.5	27.5
Tax revenue	19.4	19.0	19.4	19.8	20.1	20.9	21.2	21.4
Expenditure and net lending	28.0	27.7	30.5	30.5	30.7	30.0	30.0	30.0
Current	16.7	17.3	17.2	16.8	16.5	16.3	16.3	16.4
Capital	11.4	10.4	13.3	13.7	14.2	13.7	13.6	13.6
Overall balance	-0.9	0.3	-2.5	-2.5	-2.5	-2.5	-2.5	-2.5
Total public and publicly guaranteed debt	29.9	24.9	24.7	24.8	24.8	25.6	26.3	26.9

Monetary sector	(percent change, unless otherwise indicated)
Broad money	-0.8	28.8	17.0	11.3	11.3	11.3	11.3	11.3
Reserve money	-5.6	27.0	18.2	10.0	10.0	10.0	10.0	10.0
Credit to private sector	31.9	27.4	15.0	12.0	11.0	10.0	10.4	10.0
Refinancing rate (percent, eop)	10.0	9.0	—	—	—	—	—	—

External sector	(percent of GDP)
Current account balance	4.8	6.2	2.5	-0.5	-1.9	-2.6	-2.2	-2.4
Trade balance (goods)	-27.2	-31.8	-30.5	-30.6	-30.1	-30.4	-29.9	-29.8
FDI (net)	0.8	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3
Total public and publicly guaranteed external debt	26.7	22.3	22.2	22.4	22.5	23.1	23.7	24.2

Sources: Data provided by the Tajikistan authorities, and Fund staff estimates.

¹ Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

²The PCI is available to all IMF members that do not need Fund financial resources at the time of approval. It is designed for countries seeking to demonstrate commitment to a reform agenda or to unlock and coordinate financing from other official creditors or privateinvestors. (see https://www.imf.org/en/About/Factsheets/Sheets/2017/07/25/policy-coordination-instrument).

³ Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/Tajikistan page.

⁴At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/pr-25216-tajikistan-2025-article-iv-consultation-and-second-review-of-the-pci

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 25, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Going for growth around the City Rail Link

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will require Auckland to allow even greater housing and development around City Rail Link stations, ensuring that Auckland takes economic advantage of this transformational investment in the city, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say.
“CRL is a massive multi-billion dollar investment for the Government and Auckland Council. It’s important that we get ‘bang for buck’ by maximising the opportunities for economic growth and increased productivity that the CRL will bring when it opens next year,” Minister Bishop says.
“Recently, we announced that Auckland Council and the Government had reached agreement to free up more land for housing, particularly around stations that will benefit from the CRL investment.
“The Resource Management (Consenting and Other Matters) Amendment Bill currently requires Auckland to allow for greater density around the key stations of Maungawhau (Mount Eden), Kingsland, and Morningside.
“The Bill currently provides that Auckland Council must enable within a walkable distance from these stations heights and densities reflective of the higher demand for housing and business in these areas, and at a minimum, no less than six storeys.
“The Government has decided that these requirements, while a step forward, don’t go far enough. The Government will therefore move an amendment to the Bill at the Committee of the Whole House stage, which will do the following:

Extend the requirement to enable heights and densities reflective of the demand for housing and business to two additional stations: Mt Albert and Baldwin Avenue.
Require upzoning allowing buildings of at least 15 storeys high around the stations of Maungawhau (Mount Eden), Kingsland, and Morningside.
Require upzoning allowing buildings of at least 10 storeys high around Mt Albert and Baldwin Avenue stations.

“Both Mt Albert and Baldwin stations are ripe for development, sitting close to Unitec’s campus and Mt Albert’s popular shops and cafes. Increasing development capacity in the area will allow for more commuters and more students to live close to the stations, adding vibrance to these suburbs.
“The Government is determined to fix our housing crisis and a key step toward that is unlocking housing capacity in Auckland. The best place to start is by building housing around high quality public transport.”
“The City Rail Link is a game-changing investment in the future of Auckland. It will unlock significant economic opportunity, but only if we have a planning system to allow businesses and residents to take advantage of it,” Minister Brown says.
“City Rail Link is a more than $5 billion investment in Auckland’s continued growth. Enabling greater housing intensification along this corridor will help us maximise the benefits of this investment and provide more homes in a city geared up for growth.”
“Once this law is passed, we can get on with intensification. We’ve now fixed the city centre and rapid transport corridors, and I look forward to working with the government to make sure we deliver growth in the right places for the rest of the region,” Mayor Brown says.
“The Resource Management (Consenting and Other Matters) Amendment Bill allows Auckland Council to withdraw its intensification plan change, PC78, with a requirement to notify a new plan change by 10 October this year. The upzoning we’re announcing today will be incorporated into that new plan change,” Minister Bishop says.
“We thank Auckland Council, and particularly Mayor Brown and Councillor Richard Hills, for their continued sensible and collaborative approach.
“We look forward to seeing Auckland take its place in the world as a vibrant, productive centre for innovation and opportunity, where people actively want to live and work.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Urges Navy Leadership To Improve Quality Of Life, Housing For Military Families

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

June 24, 2025

In today’s Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Durbin expressed his concern about the condition of the barracks at Great Lakes Naval Station

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Navy. During the hearing, Durbin asked Navy leaders about the politicization of the military and urged them to prioritize improvements to military housing and education for service members and their families.

“All of our branches of service have been careful to draw the line when it comes to partisanship and political involvement… Men and women in the military do not display partisan feelings when it comes to politics in America. This side of the table is largely political animals, and that side, particularly those in uniform, we expect them to be somewhat down the middle of the road, not involved in any partisan identification or activity,” Durbin said. “Why is that important?”

General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, replied that it’s critical for military leaders to remain apolitical in order to support the president, regardless of who they may be. Both John Phelan, Secretary of the U.S. Navy, and Admiral James Kilby, Acting Chief of Naval Operations, concurred with General Smith.

“I hope that [the politization of the military] does not happen. It shouldn’t happen. It shouldn’t favor my party or their party or any party in that regard,” Durbin said.

Durbin then pivoted to asking about quality of life concerns for military families stationed at naval bases, particularly at Naval Station Great Lakes, which is located in northern Illinois.

“I’d like to you say a word, or have you say a word, about the ‘Quarterdeck of the Navy,’ which is what we characterize Great Lakes Navy Training Station [as]. It is the only [Navy] bootcamp and primary surface warfare specialty training in the United States. And in the state of Illinois, we are damn proud of it. I think one of the things I am concerned about is quality of life, always. I can recall speaking to a chief petty officer who was transferred from Virginia to Illinois, and [I] asked him how his family liked the Great Lakes. He said, ‘I didn’t bring my family. I left my family behind in Virginia. I said, ‘Why?’ And he said, ‘Because the schools are not good for navy families.’ I think that’s changed because that observation was made many years ago,” Durbin said.

“But I’d ask you, Mr. Secretary, when it comes to quality of life, what efforts are you making, and what efforts should I be making, to address any quality of life issues for those who are part of Great Lakes?” Durbin asked.

Secretary Phelan responded by explaining that he is examining the private management of military housing. He noted that he’s visited bases that offered condemned buildings as housing for service members. After seeing the deteriorating building, he instructed the base’s leadership to move service members into the base’s newly built barracks immediately. Secretary Phelan emphasized that he is prioritizing a review of all barracks to ensure that service members are living in safe, suitable homes.

“One of the privatized military housing communities [at Great Lakes Naval Station] sat empty because 70 percent of its units were condemned and unlivable. Imagine that. It strikes my heart to think the men and women who might have occupied that would be in those circumstances. We can’t let that happen,” Durbin said.

“When it comes to access to education, it is one of the highest priorities of all families, including navy families and marine families,” Durbin said in reference to the chief petty officer who did not move his family with him to Great Lakes Naval Station. “It is my priority too.”

Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s question in Committee is available here for TV stations.

Durbin has been a strong advocate for military families stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station. In 2015, he secured a special provision providing increased funding for North Chicago, where the naval base is located, through the Department of Education’s (ED) Impact Aid Program to supplement schools that are affected by a lack of state and local tax base due to federal property being in the district. The Navy has extended North Chicago’s eligibility for this higher funding at Durbin’s request for future school years. Durbin is also working with the Navy on efforts to improve conditions at the long-neglected privatized military housing community Halsey Village near Great Lakes Naval Station.

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: In Spotlight Forum, Durbin Slams GOP’s Budget Reconciliation Bill That Will Siphon Resources From Public Education

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

June 24, 2025

In a spotlight forum on Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Durbin exposed Republicans’ short-sighted plan to institute a national school voucher program that will drain critical resources from public schools

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum entitled “Scamming Our Schools: Robbing Our Students’ Futures to Line Their Pockets.” During the forum, which was hosted by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Durbin focused on how the Republican budget reconciliation bill would create a national school voucher program that would further drain resources and funding from public schools.

Durbin began by reflecting on the school voucher program created for Washington, D.C., called the “Opportunity Scholarship Program,” which was suggested by former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH).

“I asked some basic questions when this opportunity program was created. Basic questions like, who’s going to decide the quality of the teachers in these schools’ situations? What kind of curriculum will be offered? What kind of measurement of success or failure will there be? Will the student be better off as a result of attending these so-called voucher schools?” Durbin began.

“Here’s a couple things that I discovered… The net result of it was not a very positive experience for these students… In fact, we couldn’t find many of the schools several years later when we went out to measure them. That that was a problem,” Durbin said about the lack of oversight on voucher schools.

“I wonder if we get into a tax credit situation, whether or not there’ll be measurements to avoid the excesses which I’ve noted,” Durbin said. “I’m wondering what happens with these young people who are disabled when they go through this experience?”

Katy Neas, CEO of the Arc of the United States, which is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with disabilities, replied to Durbin’s question by noting that many private schools will not enroll students with disabilities. Additionally, the Republican budget reconciliation bill would not require private schools to accept students with disabilities despite publicly funded schools being required to provide all students with an accessible education. Ms. Neas added that by creating a national school voucher program, public funds would be redirected to private schools, further draining the already limited resources public schools have to support students with disabilities.

“How much is built into this model to measure whether you actually have a school or just a scam?” Durbin asked.

Ms. Neas replied that there’s no guidelines in the Republicans’ bill to ensure schools are providing an adequate education for students.

“How about the quality of the teachers at these schools?” Durbin asked.

Ms. Neas referenced the school voucher program in Florida, which does not require teachers to be licensed, nor are there curriculum standards for participating schools.

Ms. Alexis Underwood, President of the Association of Bay County Educators, which is a chapter of Florida’s Education Association, later added that public schools, where educators are trained to support students with complex learning needs, are better equipped to support students with disabilities than most private schools, which have little to no requirements to provide high-quality education to students with disabilities.

Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

State private school vouchers drain state tax revenues, often through line-item appropriations in the state budget or forgoing revenue by providing tax credits to fund school vouchers. In a few states, like Florida and New Hampshire, private school vouchers are funded by directly diverting education funding that would have otherwise gone to public schools through the state K-12 funding formula or from the state’s dedicated education fund.

Both the House and Senate version of Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act would allow federal taxpayer dollars to cover school vouchers, which could be used to cover a list of expenses associated with public, private, or religious schools, and the House version of the bill also includes homeschooling expenses as eligible expenses for the voucher. Both the House and Senate bills would require that students come from a family with a household income of less than 300 percent of the area median gross income, which would cover about 90 percent of families nationwide, including many that are high-income, and many families that already have children enrolled in private schools.

Both versions of the bill also would prevent the federal government from regulating private or religious schools under the voucher provision, leaving students vulnerable to discrimination. While the House bill’s voucher provision would cost $5 billion a year over four years and sunset after 2029, the Senate bill makes the voucher program permanent with a cost of $4 billion a year.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Kenya holds forum to promote Sino-African agricultural, industrial cooperation

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

Hamadi Boga, vice president of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), delivers a speech during the inaugural Africa-China Forum on Agri-Tech and Industrial Cooperation in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The inaugural Africa-China Forum on Agri-Tech and Industrial Cooperation took place on Tuesday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

The day-long conference was hosted by Nairobi-based Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Beijing Jingwa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center, the International Livestock Research Institute and the Finance Center for South-South Cooperation.

Ibrahim Mayaki, African Union special envoy for food systems, said the continent stands to gain from emulating China’s model of agricultural transformation, driven by forward-looking policies, technology and innovations.

“We can leverage China’s successes in agricultural modernization, rural transformation and poverty alleviation as reference points for Africa’s own agricultural renaissance, while recognizing the specificity of African ecosystems and cultures,” Mayaki said.

Mayaki stressed that joint research between China and Africa in climate-smart farming practices, development of high-yielding crops, modern irrigation technologies and digital extension services could offer lasting solution to hunger, rural poverty and malnutrition affecting the world’s second-largest continent.

Hamadi Boga, vice president of AGRA, noted that China has set the pace in technology- and innovation-led agricultural modernization, inspiring African nations to follow suit, feed their growing population and leapfrog into an industrial era.

The Sino-African agricultural cooperation, according to Boga, has rapidly evolved as witnessed by technology transfer, establishment of demonstration zones, exchange visits and institutional collaboration, boosting crop yield, agro-processing and exports.

Boga also called on African research institutions to forge long-term partnership with their Chinese counterparts to accelerate an inclusive food systems transformation, rooted in improved soil health, climate resilience, access to finance, technologies and markets.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said China is keen to share with Africa’s bilateral partners its home-grown technologies, innovations, experience and best practices, which could hasten the continent’s agricultural modernization to realize food security and boost export competitiveness.

Guo noted that China-Africa agricultural cooperation has prioritized technology transfer, facilitating trade in agricultural commodities and upgrading value chains for farm produce.

In addition, China has partnered with African countries to enhance response to crop pests and diseases, capacity building for extension workers and farmers, deployment of technologies for scaling up agro-processing and value addition, Guo added.

MIL OSI China News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Israel lifts nationwide restrictions after ceasefire with Iran takes effect

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

Israel lifted nationwide emergency restrictions on Tuesday evening, signaling a cautious return to normalcy after a fragile ceasefire with Iran took hold, ending nearly two weeks of intense cross-border attacks.

The decision came as Israeli officials assessed the aftermath of the 12-day war, which left dozens dead and over 1,000 wounded, while military leaders warned that despite a pause in fighting, the broader campaign against Iran and its allies was far from over.

Israel’s Home Front Command announced in a statement that the cancellation of the restrictions, which took effect at 8 p.m. local time (1700 GMT), allows all regions of the country to resume full civilian activity, including the reopening of schools, workplaces, and public gatherings. Communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip will remain under guidelines allowing gatherings of up to 2,000 people.

The easing of restrictions marks a tentative sign that the truce is holding after a shaky start, during which both countries accused each other of violating the terms by continuing to launch strikes. An Israeli surprise attack targeting military sites and nuclear scientists across Iran on June 12 sparked the war.

Police said Tuesday that Iranian missile barrages had struck 52 locations across Israel during nearly two weeks of fighting. Eight of the attacks caused fatalities, killing one soldier and 27 civilians. Magen David Adom, Israel’s national rescue service, said 1,319 people were injured, including 17 seriously, 29 moderately, and 872 lightly. An additional 401 people were treated for anxiety.

Israel’s Airports Authority said that Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv and a smaller airport in the northern city of Haifa had resumed full operations after periods of partial or total shutdown during the hostilities.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment with senior officers on Tuesday and warned that the conflict with Iran is far from over. “We have concluded a significant phase, but the campaign against Iran is not over,” he said. “We are entering a new phase based on the achievements of the previous one.”

He said that Israeli strikes on nuclear-related facilities and missile stockpiles “set Iran’s nuclear project back by years,” but stopped short of claiming the program had been dismantled, a key goal stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The focus now shifts back to Gaza — to bring the hostages home and to dismantle the Hamas regime,” Zamir added.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, 56,077 Palestinians have been killed and 131,848 wounded in Gaza during the 20-month-long conflict.

MIL OSI China News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Appointments – EWC Board Selects Celeste Connors as Next East-West Center President

Source: East-West Center

Recognized international leader in risk management, international affairs, and development policy will head EWC’s mission starting in July

HONOLULU (June 24, 2025) — The East-West Center Board of Governors is pleased to announce the selection of Celeste A. Connors as the institution’s next President, effective July 1. A Hawai‘i-raised leader with over 25 years of global experience in risk management, diplomacy, national security, and development policy, Ms. Connors brings a deep understanding of both international affairs and regional priorities to the role.

Her appointment concludes an extensive search to succeed outgoing Interim President James K. Scott, the former EWC Board chair who has been serving in the presidential post temporarily since the beginning of this year. The Board selected Connors following a robust process engaging a broad range of EWC stakeholders.

Experience across sectors

“Ms. Connors was selected from an impressive applicant pool of talented and experienced individuals,” said EWC Board of Governors Chairman John Waihe‘e. “We feel strongly that her breadth of leadership experience across government, civil society, academia, and business sectors is exactly what the Center requires to carry our mission and legacy forward to a bright new future at this pivotal time in our institution’s proud 65-year history.”

“I’m deeply honored and excited to lead the East-West Center team in continuing to advance regional cooperation,” said Connors. “Strategically based in the Pacific Ocean, the EWC plays a critical role in supporting US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region through convening, expert dialogue, educational exchange, and people-to-people connections. In Hawai‘i and beyond, we seek to support security and prosperity by promoting leadership and partnerships around our shared interests and values.”

“I am delighted with the Board’s selection,” said outgoing Interim President Scott, who will be returning to a fundraising position on the EWC Foundation board. “Celeste is already a close partner to the Center, as well as being one of our adjunct experts, and I know she will devote herself to East-West Center’s continued success with the same passion for our mission that inspires our dedicated staff and community. I look forward to working with her on a seamless transition.”

Insight and inspiration

“The role of leading the East-West Center demands a leader with profound insight into the complex interplay of global, regional, and national dynamics—particularly across Asia and the Pacific,” said Adm. Thomas Fargo (Ret.), former commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command and current Chairman of Hawaiian Electric Industries, where Connors is a board member. “Equally important is a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures, values, and relationships that shape this region. Celeste Connors brings to this position not only these essential qualities, but also a breadth of experience and vision that will serve the Center exceptionally well.”

“Celeste has been an energetic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and inspirational leader who has put Hawai‘i Green Growth on the local, national, and international map. She is indeed leaving us very large shoes to fill,” added Hawai‘i Green Growth Board Chair Randy Moore, former head of the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents and a noted educator and business executive. “On the other hand, we cannot think of a better candidate to lead the East-West Center. Celeste has developed strong contacts with leaders of Pacific Island nations, and together with her prior experience in the US Department of State and the White House, she is plugged into a network that will enable the Center to productively serve Hawaiʻi, the nation, and the world. We wish her every success.”

About Celeste Connors

Celeste A. Connors, who was raised in Hawai‘i, is a recognized international leader with more than 25 years of risk management and national security experience. As a former Director on both the National Security Council and the National Economic Council under both Republican and Democratic administrations, she chaired complex interagency processes and advised White House leaders on energy, trade, environment, and technology strategies. She previously gained extensive foreign policy experience while serving as a US diplomat in Saudi Arabia, Greece, Germany, and the US Mission to the United Nations, and as Foreign Policy Adviser to the Mayor of New York City.

In recent years, Connors has led the internationally recognized center of excellence Hawaii Green Growth, where she developed policy and investment solutions to help build resilient communities. She is also co-founder of c.dots development LLC, and the Co-Chair of the Local2030 Islands Network, a group of 45 island economies focused on building a safer, more resilient future.

Ms. Connors has an extensive background in corporate and nonprofit governance, including serving on the boards of Hawaiian Electric Industries, the state’s primary electricity provider, and the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau. She also co-chairs the Hawai‘i Sustainability Business Forum, which brings together the CEOs of the state’s top public and private companies.

She has served in academia as well, as a faculty lecturer and practitioner with the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where she led a practicum program focused on risk management. In addition, she has been an Adjunct Senior Fellow with the East-West Center since 2021, when Hawai‘i Green Growth entered a formal partnership with the Center to collaborate on sustainable development initiatives.

Ms. Connors holds a master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and an undergraduate degree in International Relations from Tufts University. Her husband Paul is a former diplomat and teacher, and they have a son and daughter in their teens.

The East-West Center promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the US Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Make polluters pay to bring down bills, Greens say

Source: Green Party of England and Wales

25 June 2025/ 24 June 2025 by Green Party

Responding to the Climate Change Committee’s latest report, co-leader Carla Denyer MP said:

“Last year fossil fuel giants Shell and BP made a total of £26 billion in profit – while ordinary people struggle every day to pay their energy bills, and the climate crisis takes its toll on communities across the UK.

“The Climate Change Committee’s latest report shows some movement in the right direction towards trying to keep us all safe, but the truth is we’re not moving nearly fast enough. Stalling progress means we all have higher bills in cold and leaky homes, while wildfires, extreme heat and flooding put lives and livelihoods at risk. The best time for action was years ago – the next best time is now.

“We need urgent action to bring down the cost of electricity more widely, to reduce household bills and keep us all safe from the growing threat from the climate crisis. Instead of handing fossil fuel giants a licence to keep profiting from climate destruction, or wasting money on slow and expensive nuclear projects, now is the time for a national push to roll out energy efficiency, heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage for our homes.

“Crucially, it’s time for the government to stop throwing money at the fossil fuel industry and instead make big polluters like Shell and BP pay up. Currently the government subsidises the fossil fuel industry to the tune of a staggering £17.5 billion per year – it’s time to pull the plug and put that money into lowering bills instead.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Votes to Secure the Border in Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Secure the Border in Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

“Border security is national security, and today my colleagues and I on the Appropriations committee passed strong government funding legislation that reflects that belief,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “I am proud of the work we have done in securing critical investments for a secure border, fighting fentanyl as smugglers attempt to poison our communities, and boosting our cybersecurity capabilities to combat growing threats. This legislation refocuses the Department of Homeland Security on its fundamental mission: ensuring the safety of Americans and secure national borders.”

“I was also able to secure funding for the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management to help open a fully operational Emergency Operation Center in Yakima County. This center will deliver rapid, coordinated responses to natural disasters such as wildfires, landslides, and severe weather that impact Central Washington every year.”

The Homeland Security Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $66.36 billion. The defense portion of the allocation is $3.29 billion, which is $41 million (1.22%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The non-defense portion of the allocation is $63.08 billion, which is $1.37 billion (2.05%) above the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level.

The bill includes $6.3 billion in discretionary appropriations that are offset by fee collections and $26.47 billion as an allocation adjustment for major disaster response and recovery activities.

Rep. Newhouse secured the following project funding in this legislation for Washington’s Fourth Congressional District.

Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management

Amount: $2,250,000

Description: Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management will transform an existing facility into a dedicated, fully operational 3,866 square-foot Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Yakima County, Washington, the second-largest county in the State. Residents span 4,311 square miles and well-coordinated emergency response efforts are critical for the protection of life and property. Yakima County is vulnerable to wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, and severe weather events, all of which demand rapid and coordinated emergency response. Recent emergencies, including the Retreat fire and Rattlesnake Ridge Landslide, have demonstrated the challenges of operating with inadequate space. Emergency responders were delayed in their ability to coordinate and execute timely responses because a multipurpose training room that is shared by multiple agencies is temporarily repurposed as an ad hoc EOC, a process takes several hours to a day. These makeshift conditions will be eliminated with a dedicated EOC to serve as the central hub for coordinating emergency response efforts. The proposed EOC will provide a comprehensive range of services to support emergency management efforts, including real-time incident coordination, advanced communication systems, data analysis and situational awareness, public information dissemination, resource allocation and logistics support, training, and preparedness programs, and wildfire emergency response coordination. The establishment of a dedicated EOC in Yakima County is an urgent and necessary investment. The current reliance on repurposed spaces for emergency coordination is inefficient, costly, and unsustainable. A permanent EOC will allow emergency response coordination to begin immediately, minimize disaster impacts, and ultimately protect lives, property, and public well-being. Beyond strengthening the region’s emergency management capabilities, this investment will contribute to a safer and more resilient community for years to come.

Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech at 2025 Looking Ahead Infrastructure Symposium: Building Common Ground

Source: New Zealand Government

Opening

Good morning. It’s great to be here today for the release of the draft National Infrastructure Plan – or the NIP.

I’d like to thank Raveen Jaduram, Geoff Cooper, and the entire team at the Infrastructure Commission for hosting this Symposium and for their hard work on putting the NIP together.

I’d also like to welcome you all to Parliament.

Improving how we plan, fund, maintain and build our infrastructure is critical to lifting productivity, boosting economic growth, and increasing peoples’ living standards.

The government has made infrastructure a top priority.

So, I welcome today’s draft report by the independent Infrastructure Commission.

We need a Plan, and action

As Minister for Infrastructure, I hear regularly that – “what New Zealand needs is a long-term infrastructure plan that transcends political cycles”.

I agree – a plan will give the private sector more certainty so that they can invest in people and equipment. It will also help New Zealanders build consensus on what our future infrastructure system should look like.

But a plan is only as good as it’s execution. So, the NIP will only be successful if it is – at least in part – accepted and adopted across successive governments over the long term.

As I’m sure most of you know, this isn’t our first plan; we have been here before. New Zealand had infrastructure plans in 2010, 2011, and 2015.

Some recommendations in these older plans are identical to those put forward in this Plan – over a decade later.

I’m thinking of things like agencies completing 10-year capital plans and making better use of pricing tools.

What differentiates this Plan is that it has been developed independently by the Infrastructure Commission – separate from the Government of the day.

The NIP is not this Government’s Plan, it is New Zealand’s Plan.

That is why each political party represented in Parliament was offered a briefing on the NIP last year. And I would like to thank the opposition spokespeople for infrastructure for being here today.

Building greater consensus on infrastructure is, unfortunately, not as simple as different political parties getting in a room and convincing each other of the other’s view.

That’s not realistic. Instead, consensus will be enabled by strong system and institutions, robust investment frameworks, high-quality evidence of our infrastructure needs, and advocacy for projects and policies from a better-informed public.

That’s what this Plan is about – independent experts advising New Zealand on the current state of infrastructure, what we need in the future, and the projects and policy reforms that will bridge this gap in the most effective and value for money way.

People often say we need a bipartisan infrastructure pipeline, as if that will solve all problems.

We do have a robust infrastructure pipeline. The Commission has been running it for over five years, and it’s been progressively improved over that time.

The Pipeline includes over 8,000 initiatives underway and in planning from 114 contributing organisations. It represents over $200 billion in investment value – with over $110 billion of the Pipeline having a funding source confirmed.

I can’t claim to speak for all the parties in Parliament, but I suspect that almost all of the projects underway right now are supported by everyone.

It’s the high profile and high-cost disagreements that make the headlines. But it’s the low profile and often low-cost projects that actually make New Zealand.
A lot of people don’t know we have a pipeline. It’s actually really cool – you can go online and search projects by region, timeline, project status, project value, provider, procurement type, and much more.

The Commission is strengthening the Pipeline by aiming to cover all infrastructure providers. There are 14 laggard councils who aren’t contributing, and I’ll be writing to them to get them on board. Having visibility over everything that’s happening, and going to happen, is very important.

But I reckon we need to move away from the rhetoric of needing a bipartisan pipeline and instead build bipartisan consensus on the idea that governments of all flavours should use best-practice to plan, select, fund and finance, deliver, and look after infrastructure.

That’s not the case at the moment.

We need change

It is quite clear that our infrastructure system needs to change. It’s one of my biggest takeaways from our first 18 months in government. I’ve been shocked at the near systemic neglect of the underlying institutional settings and policy frameworks.

Contrary to many perceptions, New Zealand spends a lot on infrastructure.

We are in the top 10 per cent of the OECD for infrastructure investment over the last decade – but in the bottom 10 per cent when it comes to getting quality and “bang for buck” from our spending.
The cause of our problem is not isolated – it is spread across every stage of a project’s life, across different players in the system, and is perpetuated by decades of poor practice across successive governments.

Over the last few years, New Zealanders have seen and felt the consequences of poor practice including:

assets that are wearing out and failing,
project cost blowouts,
poor value for money investments, and
a growing infrastructure deficit.

If we keep doing things the way we are now, we won’t be able to deal with “business as usual”, let alone get a grip on the challenges we are facing like:

a significant backlog of maintenance and renewal activity,
population change,
natural hazards,
and global inflation.

To put this in perspective – over the next 30 years, every year, central government’s existing infrastructure assets is expected to wear out by $9.3 billion.

To keep up with this and other challenges, as the Commission says, we need to “lift our game”.

Taking action

Over the last 18 months I’ve been focused on six priorities as Infrastructure Minister:

Developing a 30-year National Infrastructure Plan,
Establishing National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd (NIFFCo),
Improving infrastructure funding and financing
Improving the consenting framework
Improving education and health infrastructure, and
Strengthening asset management.

I didn’t pick these priorities randomly. They reflect findings and recommendations from the Infrastructure Commission’s Infrastructure Strategy, developed in 2022, and are also based on a big programme of work we undertook in opposition engaging with experts from here and overseas.

I am really pleased to see that many of the recommendations of the draft NIP reflect these priorities. This indicates that as a government we’re heading in the right direction.

I want to mention a few in particular as they pick up on a few themes coming through in the draft NIP.

Improving infrastructure funding and financing

Let’s start with improving infrastructure funding and financing.

Public infrastructure in New Zealand has historically been primarily funded by taxpayers or ratepayers.

But our reliance on this blunt approach is not serving us well and has led to perverse outcomes including congestion, run-down assets, and the unresponsive provision of enabling infrastructure – contributing to unaffordable housing.

Last year, we released a suite of new and improved frameworks and guidance including:

Treasury’s new Funding and Financing framework,
The Government’s refreshed PPP policy,
Strategic Leasing Guidance, and
Guideline for Market Led Proposals.

The purpose of these documents is to help the Government use its balance sheet more strategically, apply good commercial disciplines to investment, and be a more sophisticated client of infrastructure.

This year, I have focused on establishing new funding and financing tools. In February, I announced five specific changes to New Zealand’s funding and financing toolkit to make it easier for councils and central government to provide infrastructure to support urban growth.

I won’t cover these in detail today, but the key takeaway is that we are moving to a system and to tools where councils can fully recover the costs of housing growth, and where infrastructure providers can recover costs of significant and city-shaping projects.

I am happy to see the draft National Infrastructure Plan make recommendations that align with our Government’s direction on funding and financing – such as making better use of pricing, user charging, and beneficiary pays.

Improving the consenting framework

Secondly, our consenting environment.

As successive reports from the Commission have noted, our consenting system for infrastructure is broken.

It takes too long and costs way too much.

We are on track to replace the RMA with new legislation next year. Our new system will be effects based, embrace standardisation, and be far more permissive and enabling – while also protecting the environment.

We also aren’t willing to wait for a growth-enabling planning system, so in the meantime, last year we introduced the Fast Track Approvals Act. It’s underway now.

We’re consulting right now on a big programme of National Direction changes under the RMA, including developing a National Policy Statement on Infrastructure. It’s baffling that we haven’t had one.

We are also progressing our second RMA amendment Bill, which will pass into law in a matter of weeks.

This Bill is a precursor to full replacement of the RMA and will make it quicker and simpler to consent renewable energy and boost housing supply.

Strengthening asset management

Lastly, before we move onto the draft Plan – I want to talk about my strengthening asset management.

Asset management may not be the sexiest aspect of the infrastructure system – as it has to compete with new, big, and exciting projects – but everyone knows, if you don’t paint the weatherboards on your house, the wood will rot.

And billion-dollar infrastructure is fundamentally no different.

Last year, I was shocked and quite frankly embarrassed to hear that New Zealand ranks fourth to last in the OECD for asset management, and dead last for the metric on Accountability and Professionalism.

But this is not surprising when you look at the performance of our central government investment system.

Over half of all capital-intensive government agencies do not have robust, comprehensive asset registers or asset management plans in place. Maintenance spending is also regularly diverted to building new infrastructure, resulting in costly catch-up spending later.

Years of poor asset management has led to leaky hospitals and schools, mould in police stations and courthouses, service outages on commuter rail, and poor accommodation for Defence Force personnel and their families.

This is not good enough.

In May this year, Cabinet agreed to a comprehensive work programme that will improve asset management practice across central government.

The aim of this work is to provide safer, longer lasting and more reliable and resilient infrastructure services; and to achieve better value for money by making the most of what we have.

This work programme will take place across two phases and will be led by Treasury and the Infrastructure Commission.

Phase 1 is about giving agencies better tools to help them succeed. This includes detailed guidance that agencies will need to follow on asset management; long-term planning; and related performance, assurance, and accountability indicators

Phase 2 is about driving more fundamental changes to system settings and will actually be informed by the National Infrastructure Plan – particularly Chapters 4, Setting up Infrastructure for Success; and Chapter 5, Driving Excellence from the Core.

Draft National Infrastructure Plan

So, let’s talk about the National Infrastructure Plan.

I haven’t had a chance to read the document in full as it was released today – but three things instantly stood out to me:

The first is the Needs Analysis, or “Forward Guidance”,
The second is the Infrastructure Priorities Programme, which InfraCom has put in Chapter 6, and
The third is how we can change the Investment Management System to get better infrastructure outcomes.

Forward guidance

On the Forward Guidance, it was interesting to see how our investment mix will need to change to meet future demand.

While total spend on infrastructure will increase, the relative priority between sectors will change overtime.
This is due to long-term trends that boost demand for some infrastructure and reduce it for others. For example, an aging population will increase relative demand for healthcare and hospitals; and decrease relative demand for education services and schools.

The Commission suggests that over the next 30 years hospitals, social housing, and electricity and gas sectors should all experience a rising share of infrastructure investment.

I also found it helpful that the Commission’s Forward Guidance outlines a rough indication of how much we should expect to be spending by sector.

In my view, forward guidance would be significantly strengthened in future if all agencies had provided the Commission with 10-year capital investment plans and asset management plans. This way, the Commission could provide more detailed and specific guidance on what bundle of projects across all sectors governments should be prioritising.

Infrastructure Priorities Programme

Moving on to the Infrastructure Priorities Programme, or the IPP – which is a structured independent review of unfunded infrastructure proposals.

The IPP is just starting out and it will take some time to scale and provide a robust investment menu, but I am glad to see the Commission received 48 submissions for their first round of evaluations.

17 projects were positively endorsed, and three projects have been identified as being ‘investment ready’ – these are New Zealand Defence Forces’ Accommodation, Messing, and Dining Modernisation Project; Defence Forces’ Ohakea Base Project; and Hamilton City Council’s Ruakura Eastern Transport Corridor.

I encourage all government agencies to submit their significant projects and programmes to the IPP.

A positive independent review will strengthen your case for investment.

Improving the Investment Management System

Lastly, there are a number of recommendations in the draft Plan that aim to improve the Government’s investment system – which is made up of the rules and processes for how we plan, prioritise, fund and finance, delivered, and looked after investments – including infrastructure.

For our Government to boost productivity, reduce the cost of living, and lift peoples’ prosperity, we need to get better value for money from our new infrastructure and do a better job at looking after our existing assets.

So, I am open to hearing about stronger rules such as legislative requirements for central government agencies and entities to prepare and publish long-term asset management plan, asset registers, and investment plans.

I am also open to legislative requirements for performance reporting to keep central government infrastructure entities accountable – like we do for regulated utilities and local government, who both face much stronger regulations and information disclosures requirements compared to central government.

We need to stop holding others to a higher standard than we do ourselves.

Overall, I am pleased to see the draft Plan makes recommendations that align with existing Government priorities, such as:

making better use of user pricing to fund investment,
adopting spatial planning,
relaxing land-use restrictions,
transport system reform,
prioritising infrastructure through the resource management system, and
drastically improving asset management.

The Government will continue to advance these policy priorities, and we will benefit from insights from the Plan.

The final National Infrastructure Plan will be given to me by the end of 2025. As the Plan is an independent Strategy report, the Government will provide a formal response to the Plan in 2026.

As part of that response, I will be engaging with other political parties in Parliament, and I intend to ask the Business Committee to hold a special Parliamentary debate on the final Plan early next year.

Conclusion

I’d like to finish by thanking the Infrastructure Commission for its hard work in delivering this draft National Infrastructure Plan.

I encourage everyone including agencies, local government, opposition parties, the private sector, the public to have their say on the draft Plan through the consultation process – and I look forward to receiving the final Plan by the end of this year.

ENDS

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Department of Defense Nominees

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to consider the nominations of Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II, to be Commander for United States Central Command, and Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich to be Commander for United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander of Europe. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville and Lt. General Grynkewich discussed the general’s relationship with NATO commanders as well as the conflict in Eastern Europe. Additionally, he spoke to Vice Admiral Cooper about preventing the Houthis from obstructing trade in the Middle East.

Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

ON NATO RELATIONSHIPS:

TUBERVILLE: “Good morning. Thanks for both of your service and moving your families around. Kinda like a coach. You know, you don’t stay very long in one spot. Admiral, it’s good to see your family here. Auburn folks. Good Alabama folks. Living Montgomery, I think.
Right? […]

“General, let me ask you this. What’s your relationship with the NATO commanders in the bigger countries? That we have.”

GRYNKEWICH: “Senator, I have worked with European partners around the world over the years in a variety of coalition environments, and I know many of the leaders across all of those countries. It’s a solid relationship, sir.”

TUBERVILLE: “How about Turkey?”

GRYNKEWICH: “Sir, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Türkiye several times over the course of my career and have great respect for the military capabilities that they can bring to bear.”

TUBERVILLE: “Largest military in NATO. Is that right?”

GRYNKEWICH: “Yes, sir.”

ON LIKELIHOOD OF UKRAINE DEFEATING RUSSIA:

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Let me ask this question. This Ukraine-Russia war has been going on for a long time. A lot of people killed. We’ve spent a lot of money. Can Ukraine win?”

GRYNKEWICH: “Senator, I think Ukraine can win. I think anytime your own homeland is threatened, you fight with a tenacity that’s difficult for us to conceive of if we haven’t found ourselves in that same situation.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. They’ve they have absolutely fought hard. You gotta give it to them.”

ON WHO SUPPORTS HOUTHIS:

TUBERVILLE: “Admiral, we hadn’t talked about the Houthis. I think we’ve bombed them for 30 straight days. Is that correct?”

COOPER: “Sir, we bombed them for 51 straight days in conjunction with Operation Rough Rider.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Have we stopped?”

COOPER: “Sir, the president gave the military a very precise mission, which was to restore the freedom of navigation, and that mission was successfully executed. We have freedom of navigation today. We agreed [to] a ceasefire several weeks ago. Now 40 days ago. If the Houthis didn’t shoot at us, we wouldn’t shoot at them. They have not shot at us. We have not shot at them. And we have multiple examples of destroyers going back and forth through the Bab al-Mandab.”

TUBERVILLE: “Destroyers, but what about merchant ships?”

COOPER: “There is merchant ships flowing through the Bab al-Mandab today. If we walk back to the fall of 2023 when the Houthis started their kinetic actions, it took several months for the flow of commerce to leave the Red Sea. I would expect it’s gonna take several months for it to fully come back.”

TUBERVILLE: “My understanding is that the Houthis are one of the strongest groups that are backed by Iran. Is that correct?”

COOPER: “Sir, they’ve been supported with arms, people, training, ISR for the better part of 10 years. They’re well supported.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. China support’s them too?”

COOPER: “They do.”

TUBERVILLE: “So, do you think this is going to be an on and off project with the Houthis over the years? Or are we going to be able to stabilize it?”

COOPER: “I think we’re now 40 days into this; the ball is in the Houthis’ court. We’re prepared for a range of actions, but I think the policies associated with the ceasefire remain in place, and we’ll just be prepared, from a military perspective, for a wide range of contingencies as is our obligation to do so.”

TUBERVILLE: “Do we actually know who the leadership is that controls the Houthis?”

COOPER: “We do, sir.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. […] Do we talk to them? They talk back to us? How does that work?”

COOPER: “Communications with the Houthis is done through diplomatic channels. And Houthis are a foreign terrorist organization. We don’t have a communication via the military.”

TUBERVILLE: “So the president, when he works and tries to calm the situation down, who does he talk to?”

COOPER: “Sir, he uses the Envoy for the Middle East, Ambassador Steve Witkoff, who helped enable the most recent ceasefire.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. They must be some tough rascals. I mean, we bombed them for 51 days and they’re still kicking. Right?”

COOPER: “They’re extremely well supplied by the Iranians.”

TUBERVILLE: “They’re supplied, but what? Are they dug in?”

COOPER: “As we’ve seen throughout the region, groups are going underground, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis. This is a serious issue that we will have to look at into the future.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. We do make a bomb in Huntsville called ‘MOAB.’ They do a lot of damage. I think we’ve seen that in Afghanistan. We got a few left. So, maybe in the future, [if] we can’t get them to reconcile…because we’re gonna have to have full passage in the Red Sea. If we’re going to get AI going, we’re going to get supply chains going, we can’t haphazardly wonder if they’re going to sink one of our ships but thank you. Good luck to both of you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Hoyle Statement on Vote to Table Impeachment
Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)
June 24, 2025

For Immediate Release: June 24, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) released the following statement after her vote on today’s motion to table impeachment:

“My position on the strikes in Iran has been clear. My constituents, regardless of party, do not want to send their children or their tax dollars to another forever war in the Middle East. That said, I voted to table the motion to impeach because there is no viable path to impeachment at this time. Impeachment is one of the most serious actions Congress can take, and it shouldn’t be used as a symbolic gesture or partisan spectacle.”
Background

Since coming to Congress in 2022, Rep. Hoyle has been an outspoken critic of presidential abuses of Congressional War Powers by both Democratic and Republican administrations.

In 2023, Rep. Hoyle voted against the House’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in part due to concerns about War Powers authorities. She offered amendments to:

Prohibit U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen unless authorized by Congress;

End unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Syria;

And to repeal the 1991, 2001, and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs), citing their misuse by presidents of both parties who use them to unilaterally engage in foreign wars.

In 2023, Rep. Hoyle spoke out against President Biden’s use of unauthorized military strikes.

In January 2024, Rep. Hoyle was among the first Democratic Congresspeople to speak out against President Biden’s unilateral decision to launch strikes in Yemen.

In April 2025, Rep. Hoyle joined Rep. Jayapal (D-WA) and Rep. Khanna (D-CA) to lead 30 of her colleagues in calling out President Trumps unilateral decision to launch strikes in Yemen.

In June 2025, Rep. Hoyle was one of 14 original cosponsors of Rep. Khanna’s (D-CA) and Rep. Massie’s (R-KY) Resolution to require President Trump to seek Congressional authorization before engaging in strikes on Yemen.

Following President Trump’s unilateral decision to strike Iran on Saturday, June 21, 2025, Rep. Hoyle released a statement condemning the action as unconstitutional act.

Congressional War Powers are clearly outlined by U.S. law:
1. After a declaration of war by Congress;

2. After a specific statutory authorization from Congress;

3. Or in a national emergency created by an attack on the U.S.

###
MIL OSI USA News –
June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Leads Senate Resolution After Deadly Antisemitic Attacks

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

Bipartisan resolution condemns antisemitic attacks in Washington, DC, and Boulder, Colorado

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning antisemitism and the recent antisemitic attacks in the United States, specifically the brutal murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky in Washington, DC, and the violent attack in Boulder, CO. Lankford and Rosen serve as co-chairs of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism.

“The recent brutal murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky and the violent attack in Boulder are horrific reminders of the unfortunate rise in antisemitism across our country,” said Lankford. “This resolution makes it clear: we unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms. Our Jewish friends and neighbors should not live in fear because of their faith and heritage, and this resolution affirms the right to live their faith freely.”

“Communities across our country are experiencing an increase in antisemitic vandalism, threats, and violence that endangers the safety of Jewish Americans, like the recent attacks in Washington and Colorado,” said Rosen. “We have a responsibility to call out antisemitism and do everything we can to combat acts of hate in all of its forms. Senator Lankford and I introduced this bipartisan resolution to condemn recent attacks and recommit to doing all we can to tackle the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents. As one of the co-chairs of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, I look forward to continuing this important work.”

“There is no place for antisemitism in our society,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune. “We must forcefully condemn antisemitic hate and do everything we can to stand with and protect our Jewish neighbors. I thank Senator Lankford for leading this bipartisan resolution and hope for a day where antisemitism is a thing of the past.”

Joining Lankford and Rosen in co-sponsoring the resolution are Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), as well as Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Dave McCormick (R-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

You can read the full text of the resolution HERE.

Background

The resolution comes amid a documented surge in antisemitic threats, violence, and rhetoric across the United States, particularly following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League recorded over 9,000 antisemitic incidents nationwide—a historic high—with more than half linked to anti-Israel sentiment. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) data also shows that Jewish Americans, who make up just 2.4% of the US population, were the target of 68% of all reported religiously motivated hate crimes in 2023.

The resolution specifically condemns two recent antisemitic attacks: the May 21, 2025, shooting that killed Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky outside an American Jewish Committee event in Washington, DC, and the June 1, 2025, Molotov cocktail attack during a peaceful walk in Boulder, Colorado showing support for the hostages still held captive by Hamas. The resolution rightfully labels both attacks as the result of antisemitism, extremism, and political violence, which are threats not only to Jewish individuals but to all of society in the United States.

Sarah Milgrim, a Jewish American from Kansas, and Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli-German dual citizen, were both staffers at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. They were engaged in Middle East diplomacy, united by a shared passion for peacebuilding, and were planning their future together before their lives were tragically cut short.

Lankford, who recently traveled to the Middle East, remains committed to defending religious liberty and combating antisemitism both at home and abroad.

You can read the exclusive published in Jewish Insider HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Cramer, & Messmer Introduce New GOLDEN DOME Legislation

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

06.24.25

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Representative Mark Messmer (R-Ind.)— members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees—hosted a press conference today with their colleagues announcing the introduction of their legislation, the Ground and Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (GOLDEN DOME) Act. The GOLDEN DOME Act authorizes more than $23 billion to begin developing a modernized, layered homeland missile defense system that can counter, detect, track, and defeat existing and evolving threats as envisioned by President Donald Trump in his January 27, 2025 executive order.

Click here or the image above to watch the full press conference.

“The escalating missile threats we’ve witnessed from the Iranian terrorist regime and the rapidly evolving missile threats from Russia and China demonstrate why we need to develop a robust, modernized missile defense system to protect the entire country—which the GOLDEN DOME Act will do,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The three prongs of successful policy in D.C. are presidential leadership, appropriated funding and comprehensive authorizing legislation. We have all three of these elements behind this historic Golden Dome initiative. President Trump has, for years, going back to his first term, driven the vision of a layered, open architecture missile defense system. Congress is stepping up with a down payment appropriation of $25 billion in the reconciliation bill. And now, we are introducing the GOLDEN DOME Act to cement this vision in law. The GOLDEN DOME Act will incorporate space-based sensors and new intercept technologies, significantly expand and modernize existing infrastructure, like the ground-based missile interceptor fields at Alaska’s Fort Greely and North Dakota’s PARCS radar system, and enhance all-domain awareness to counter, detect, track, and defeat potential missile threats. The great State of Alaska has been—and will continue to be—the cornerstone of our missile defense system. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to get this important legislation to President Trump’s desk to better secure the homeland.”

“Our adversaries have developed more advanced long-range weapons over the last couple of decades, posing a significant threat to our national security,” said Sen. Cramer. “We have to act in order to defend against the evolving and complex threat landscape. Senator Sullivan and I introduced the GOLDEN DOME Act to build a layered missile defense system, which protects our homeland from catastrophic attacks from modern missiles. Our bill puts the legislative muscle behind President Trump’s executive order to support his innovative vision of protecting our great nation from current and future threats. The Golden Dome is great for America, great for North Dakota, and great for Alaska. The time is now to prioritize the defense of the United States by modernizing our missile defense infrastructure.”

“In a world where hostile adversaries like Russia and China present an ever-present nuclear threat, America must stand ready to prevent nuclear weapons from harming our citizens,” said Rep. Messmer. “The Golden Dome Act fulfills President Trump’s initiative to keep America safe with this state of the art missile defense shield.”

Specifically, the GOLDEN DOME Act is focused on enhancing the all-domain awareness of the U.S missile defense system, bolstering the capacity of U.S. missiles and drones to defend against threats from rogue nations as well as near-peer nations, and accelerating the development of new capabilities to keep pace with future threats, particularly from hypersonics and cruise missiles.

This legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tim Scott (R-SC).

The introduction of the GOLDEN DOME Act was also reported on in an exclusive story today by Charles Creitz in Fox News Digital.

‘Golden Dome’ comprehensive weapons defenses in the works as lawmakers make Trump dream a reality

By: Charles Creitz

June 24, 2025

EXCLUSIVE –With the Iran situation intensifying, senators will put forward a bill Tuesday that creates the “Golden Dome” missile defense system modeled off Israel’s Iron Dome that President Donald Trump asked for at the beginning of his term.

Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., came together to craft the Ground & Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (Golden Dome) Act, a $21 billion congressional authorization split among more than two dozen individual defensive strategies.

It comes after Trump ordered in January that a defense system be realized in response to the “threat of attack by ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, and other advanced aerial attacks.” Trump later confirmed his plan to seek construction of the Golden Dome at a May White House appearance with Sullivan.

“The escalating missile threats we’ve witnessed from the Iranian terrorist regime and the rapidly evolving hypersonic, cruise missile and drone threats from Russia, China, and other adversaries demonstrate why we need to develop a robust, modernized missile defense system to protect the entire country—which the Golden Dome Act will do,” Sullivan told Fox News Digital.

“The three prongs of successful policy in D.C. are presidential leadership, appropriated funding and comprehensive authorizing legislation.”

Trump’s order cited former President Ronald Reagan’s so-called “Star Wars” plan to build laser-based nuclear defense systems against the Soviet Union, while Sullivan and Cramer took a big step Tuesday toward creating something even more comprehensive.

Similar to “Star Wars,” the Golden Dome plan calls for the development and deployment of space-based weapons sensors, as well as research into another orbital component, Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Sullivan’s state of Alaska is home to some of North America’s most important extant defense systems, particularly at Clear Space Force Base near Fairbanks and Fort Greely in Delta Junction.

The latter is home to Alaska Army National Guard members who provide “operational control and security for the nation’s ground-based interceptors,” according to Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy. There are about 80 interceptors at-the-ready at Fort Greely.

The Golden Dome plan builds on such defenses, by creating, maintaining and/or revitalizing other sites as well, including the Cobra Dane – a land-based “passive electronically scanned array” radar system positioned in the Aleutian Chain.

“Alaska is a big part of [missile defense] because the location is sort of perfect,” Trump said. As both the easternmost and westernmost state in the union, Alaska is also the commercial and defensive gateway to Asia, state officials have noted.

…..

“We have to act in order to defend against the evolving and complex threat landscape. Senator Sullivan and I introduced the GOLDEN DOME Act to build a layered missile defense system, which protects our homeland from catastrophic attacks from modern missiles,” Cramer said.

Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Ind., who will lead companion legislation in the House, added that the U.S. “must stand ready to prevent nuclear weapons from harming our citizens.”

Click here to read the full article.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Democratic Caucus Introduce Bill to Restore Abortion Access Nationwide on 3rd Anniversary of Roe Being Overturned
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

June 24, 2025
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today, on the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, joined the entire Democratic caucus in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, legislation to guarantee access to abortion everywhere across the country and restore the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for millions of Americans. The bill’s introduction comes as the Trump Administration further attacks a woman’s right to choose and Congressional Republicans barrel ahead with a bill that defunds Planned Parenthood. Put together, Trump and Congressional Republicans’ assault on Americans’ reproductive rights is a backdoor national abortion ban, ripping away millions of women’s access to abortion care and right to control their bodies.

“In the three years since Roe was overturned, newly enacted, draconian abortion bans have put women’s lives at risk all over the country. Women – not politicians or radical right-wing judges – should be in charge of decisions about their health care, but Donald Trump and Republicans are hellbent on chipping away at women’s reproductive rights so they can eventually pass a nationwide abortion ban. This legislation would stop Republicans from turning back the clock on women’s freedom in this country and restore the right to reproductive health care,” said Murphy.

“This issue is about more than health care; it is about women’s rights, individual rights, and human rights. The foundation of the Women’s Health Protection Act is simply the right to make your own health care decisions. Three years after Dobbs, American women don’t have that right. Today, thanks to Republican lawmakers and conservative courts, a woman in America might walk into an ER and faint, bleeding, and be refused treatment. That woman might die,” said Blumenthal. “By restoring abortion access and implementing basic protections against medically unnecessary restrictions on health care, the Women’s Health Protection Act overturns the death sentence handed down by Dobbs.”

President Trump appointed the Supreme Court Justices who ruled in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case to overturn Roe v. Wade and nearly 50 years of precedent. Since the Dobbs decision, 19 states have banned abortion or severely restricted women from being able to access the procedure, leaving one in three American women without access to safe, legal abortion care. Additionally, state legislatures across the country have introduced hundreds of bills to include medically unnecessary restrictions that limit access to abortion care.

In his second term, President Trump has continued to relentlessly attack reproductive rights, including freezing Title X funding for clinics that offer reproductive care, cutting Biden-era emergency abortion protections, pardoning anti-abortion extremists, and fighting to defund Planned Parenthood. Additionally, the House-passed Republican budget bill kicks 16 million people off their health insurance and defunds Planned Parenthood – threatening the closure of 200 health centers across the country and putting access to vital reproductive care for millions of families at risk.

The Women’s Health Protection Act creates federal rights for patients and providers to protect abortion access. Specifically, the Women’s Health Protection Act would:

Prohibit states from imposing restrictions that jeopardize access to abortion earlier in pregnancy, including many of the state-level restrictions in place prior to Dobbs, such as arbitrary waiting periods, medically unnecessary mandatory ultrasounds, or requirements to provide medically inaccurate information.

Ensure that later in pregnancy, states cannot limit access to abortion if it would jeopardize the life or health of the mother.

Protect the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years.

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the bill.

Full text of the bill is available HERE. A one-pager on the bill is available HERE.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pre-loved tech will help to bridge digital divide under new government charter 
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Pre-loved tech will help to bridge digital divide under new government charter 

Organisations can sign up to the IT Reuse for Good charter on GOV.UK and then work with their chosen charity partner to distribute devices.
Pre-loved tech bridging digital divide under new government charter.

Big names like Deloitte, Vodafone and Three alongside leading charity Good Things Foundation are uniting with government to encourage organisations to donate pre-loved tech to digital excluded Brits.

Organisations can sign up to the IT Reuse for Good charter on gov.uk from today and then work with their chosen charity partner to distribute devices.

The Charter encourages organisations to change how they manage and dispose of IT assets, with the aim of increasing device donations to the 1.5 million people in the United Kingdom who lack access to a basic laptop, tablet and smartphone. 

With technology transforming essential services like healthcare access, job applications and housing, government is doubling down on commitment to improve skills and technology access for all – breaking down barriers to opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

Britain is leading the way when it comes to technological advancements with everyday essentials such as doctor’s appointments and job applications becoming increasingly digital. But to maximise the full potential of technology, we need to bring everyone along with us on this journey. 

This Charter represents a significant step forward in our mission to bridge the digital divide and create a more sustainable approach to technology. By working together with industry and charity partners, we’re helping more people access the digital tools they need to improve their lives while reducing harmful electronic waste.

Research also shows that digitally excluded people face higher costs for things like home insurance, train travel and food paying up to 25% more on average than consumers who are online. 

The charter sets out principles for organisations to adhere to including ensuring devices are securely wiped, professionally refurbished and fit for purpose so they can be provided free of charge to those who need them.

Ryan, a single father from Essex, struggled without access to a laptop. “Job searching felt impossible,” he said. “I couldn’t keep up and felt like I was falling behind.”

Through a donation from Vodafone’s Great British Tech Appeal to the National Device Bank, an initiative led by Good Things Foundation, Ryan received a laptop that transformed his prospects. “This laptop isn’t just a piece of equipment – it’s a lifeline,” Ryan shares. Now, he can actively search for jobs, attend online training, and build a better future.

“I want my kids to see what’s possible with determination and the right support,” Ryan says.

Helen Milner OBE, CEO of Good Things Foundation, said:

Alongside the government, Vodafone, Three and Deloitte, Good Things Foundation has developed the IT Reuse for Good Charter, tackling the UK’s digital divide and e-waste crisis head-on. With 1.5 million adults lacking essential devices and 1.45 million tons of e-waste discarded yearly, we’re proud to lead the charge for a more inclusive and sustainable future.  The Charter builds on the success of our National Device Bank and will be a game-changer, unlocking thousands of devices. We have also launched a Playbook to help businesses to navigate IT reuse for good, and bake it into their organisations.

Richard Houston, Senior Partner and CEO Deloitte UK said:

Since 2021, we’ve donated 20,000 devices to schools and charities through our network of social impact partners. I’m incredibly proud that we have been able to help thousands of people continue education, find employment, and connect with loved ones through technology. Yet I know there is so much more that can be done. I encourage all organisations, whatever size, to consider the role you can play, and together, we can bridge the digital divide. 

Rich Marsh, Responsible Business Director at BT Group, said:

As well as being a leader in sustainability for more than 30 years, at BT we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that digital inclusion projects are having across the UK – supported by our networks, social tariffs and digital skills programs.

We warmly welcome the ‘IT Re-Use for Good’ Charter, which brings these 2 things together and gives a second life to our devices. Now we’re committing to donate even more devices, helping play our part in providing people with the tech they need in today’s digital society.

Notes to editors

Signatories must donate their first device within 6 months of signing the charter. Progress will be monitored by self-reporting every 6 months. 

Digital Inclusion Action Plan documents

Digital Inclusion Action Plan

Research shows that digitally excluded people face higher costs for things like home insurance, train travel and food paying up to 25% more on average than consumers who are online. Centre for Social Justice – Left Out (2023): How to tackle digital exclusion and reduce the poverty premium (page 5)

1.5 million people in the UK currently lack access to a basic laptop, tablet or smartphone Access: Expert Overview – August 2024, Good Things Foundation

Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer said:

At Currys, everything we do is to help everyone enjoy amazing technology. Within that, we’re very aware that not everyone can afford or have access to the amazing tech we sell. Through our work to date, it’s clear to see the positive, transformative power of just one digital device for a child or for a family, and how isolating not having access to the digital world really is. That’s why we were founding members of the Digital Poverty Alliance, and why we’re committed to doing everything we can to help make digital poverty a thing of the past. It’s been wonderful to work with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on this important new Charter and we’re proud to be signatories. The more we can do as a society, as businesses, working together with government with solutions to bridge the digital divide, the more likely we are to really make a difference.

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Published 25 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fixing double dips for boarder and rent payments

Source: New Zealand Government

Legislation fixing the inconsistent treatment of boarder and rental payments has been passed into law in Parliament today.
The Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Bill and the supporting legislation of the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Bill has addressed the inconsistent treatment of board and rent payments around housing subsidies.
“This has been an unnecessarily complicated and confusing system,” says Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston.
“This legislative change means that from March 2026, payments from boarders and renters will be treated equally when considering housing assistance.
“These common-sense changes were signalled in Budget 2024. The changes don’t take effect until March 2026, meaning recipients will have time to provide information about any boarders they have.”
Currently, if people have only one or two boarders, board payments aren’t included when MSD calculates housing subsidies — unless it’s their main source of income. This can result in the Government subsidising the same accommodation costs more than once.
In contrast, rent payments received are included when calculating a person’s eligibility for housing subsidies.
“This change supports our Government’s aim of ensuring our public services are fiscally sustainable and effective.
“We believe that those who have a genuine need should be able to get the help they require while ensuring consistency across MSD payments,” Louise Upston says.
Passed this morning, the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Bill introduces mandatory reviews of some specified benefits. These reviews will require MSD to check in and confirm a client’s eligibility and rate of benefit at least once a year.
Clients must confirm if they are receiving any contributions from boarders, as well as any other circumstances which may impact their eligibility and rate of benefit, like their income.
Some aspects of the mandatory reviews will use Automated Decision-Making so MSD staff can focus on supporting people in to work.
Notes for Editors
From 2 March 2026, payments from all boarders will be included when MSD:

calculates how much a person can get for housing subsidies (e.g. Accommodation Supplement or Temporary Additional Support), and
calculates the Income Related Rent (IRR) for a social housing tenant in a social housing property.

Additionally, if the total board and rent a person receives exceeds their total accommodation costs (or market rent for social housing tenants), the excess amount will be considered as income for other MSD assistance.
The housing subsidies that will be impacted from 2 March 2026 are:

Accommodation Supplement
Income-Related Rent Subsidy
Accommodation Benefit for students who are sole parents
Away from Home Allowance
Temporary Additional Support
Special Benefit.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: In Floor Speech, Warren Slams Trump’s War in Iran, Exposes 10 Ways Big Beautiful Bill Increases Costs

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
June 24, 2025
“American families don’t need another war – they need good jobs and lower prices, and that is what we should be focused on.”
Video of Floor Speech (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) underscored the recklessness of President Trump’s decision to bomb Iran and highlighted ten ways Republicans’ ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ raise costs for American families.
“We all agree that Iran should not and cannot have a nuclear weapon…But the only successful strategy for preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is diplomacy, something Trump had been pursuing right up until Netanyahu began bombing Iran,” said Senator Warren.
“American families don’t need another war – they need good jobs and lower prices, and that is what we should be focused on,” she continued.
Senator Warren also called out the hypocrisy of President Trump’s promise to lower costs “on Day 1” while instead he has been working to rip health care away from over 16 million people to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. She then highlighted ten ways the bill would raise costs for families, from rent to groceries to prescription drug prices.
“But what makes the bill worse is that the money you lose doesn’t pay down the national debt or help us rebuild our roads and bridges. The money you lose will be handed directly to a handful of giant corporations and billionaires in the form of new tax giveaways,” said Senator Warren.
Senator Warren called for her Republican colleagues to stand up for American families and say no to the dangerous bill.
“We still have time to stop it—and that’s exactly what we should do. Democrats will vote NO. We just need a few courageous Republicans, people who care more about working people instead of billionaires, to join us and stop the Big Beautiful Betrayal from passing,” she concluded.
Transcript: Floor Speech on Iran, ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’U.S. Senate FloorJune 24, 2025
As Prepared for Delivery
Senator Elizabeth Warren: Bombing another country is an act of war.
And last week, Donald Trump launched an attack that could spin the United States into another endless war in the Middle East.
What followed from that decision can only be described as pure madness.
Trump declared total victory. Iran threatened retaliation. Americans in the region were forced to shelter in place. Trump’s own team admitted no one knows where the nuclear materials are and what nuclear capacity Iran may still have. Trump called for regime change. And then last night, for a moment, we hoped and believed there was a ceasefire, only for us to wake up to frantic posts on social media by the president begging both sides to stop shooting missiles and rockets at each other.
Today the Deputy commander of Central Command could describe nothing about what kind of contingency plans the Defense Department was making or even whether they did—or didn’t—have plans for U.S. boots on the ground. And the classified briefing scheduled for right now so that all the senators can ask questions about what has happened and what is currently happening in Iran has just been scrapped for another 48 hours.
There is no grand plan. There is no careful effort to develop a responsible U.S. foreign policy to keep us all safe. Once again, Trump serves up chaos—dangerous chaos that threatens the long-term security of the American people.
New reporting by CNN and the New York Times suggest Donald Trump’s bombing of Iran failed to destroy its nuclear program. The media reports highlight that the strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months.
A few months – while risking another war in the Middle East.
We all agree that Iran should not and cannot have a nuclear weapon. We are committed to that. But the only successful strategy for preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is diplomacy, something Trump had been pursuing right up until Netanyahu began bombing Iran.
That is what we need right now: for all sides to come to the table to build an agreement that’s sturdy and that cements lasting peace.
But Trump’s reckless action, backed by many Republicans in Congress, makes it more likely this crisis escalates into a deadly cycle of violence.
Trump’s reckless action puts American lives at risk.
Trump’s reckless action risks initiating another endless war that could last months – or even decades – as it did in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We have the power to put a stop to this madness now. Senator Kaine has introduced a War Powers Resolution to stop Donald Trump from turning these Iran bombings into another endless war in the Middle East.
American families don’t need another war – they need good jobs and lower prices, and that is what we should be focused on.
When Donald Trump ran for President, he promised over and over that he would lower costs “on Day 1.” His words—on Day 1. After he was elected, and he was told that his policies would drive up costs, Trump said he “couldn’t care less.”
Now we’re at Day 154, and costs are up. Families are paying more for gas. More for housing. More for electricity. Prices are even going up on baby strollers — or as Donald Trump calls it, “the thing you carry the babies around in.” Yes, Donald Trump, the man of the people.
So logically, right now, Republicans in Congress are ramming through Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” A bill that’s not designed to bring down costs, but that will rip health care away from over 16 million people and hand that money over to every billionaire CEO who paid to be in the front row of Trump’s inauguration.
For anyone who is watching, I’m here today to read into the record ten ways Trump and Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” will make your life more expensive:
One, your utility bills may go up. The Republicans’ bill will get rid of investments we’ve made in clean energy. We need that energy, and the Republican bill takes our country backwards. It also means that the price of electricity will go up for American families like yours.
Two, your rent could go up. How? Republicans are trying to block state and local governments from fighting schemes that predatory housing companies use to artificially jack up the price of rent.
Three, if you’re a kid from a working-class family and don’t have the money to write one check to pay for college, Republicans will make that even more expensive for you. That’s right – Republicans are cutting Pell Grants.
Four, Republicans are making your student loan payments go up. Independent experts explain that by changing how student loan repayment plans work, Republicans could raise your student loan payments by an average of $400 a month.
Five, Republicans are making it more expensive to go to medical school. I can’t believe I have to say this, but rich kids shouldn’t be the only people who can become doctors. But this bill would limit how much you can take out in loans to go to medical school.
Six, Republicans are making the cost of groceries go up. They are cutting food assistance – or SNAP – by nearly $200 per person per year. More than seven million people will have less help, including more than four million people who will lose their food assistance altogether.
Seven, Republicans are increasing the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. By demanding that states require higher copays for prescription drugs – from $4 to $35 – the cost of a prescription will go up nearly 900% for low-income people on Medicaid.
Eight, Republicans will send your Affordable Care Act premiums skyrocketing, pushing them up by thousands – and in some cases tens of thousands – of dollars every year.
Nine, Republicans’ will drive up the cost of private health insurance. More than half of all Americans get their insurance from their employer. When a portion of the uncompensated care is shifted to private insurers, experts estimate that the costs to your family will increase by hundreds of dollars a year.
Ten, Republicans are ripping health insurance away entirely from 16 million people. For those people who will be uninsured, the cost of essential services like X-rays and blood tests will go up. A trip to the emergency room, if God forbid there’s an accident, could mean they go bankrupt.
That’s just ten ways this bill could raise your costs. That’s bad. But what makes the bill worse is that the money you lose doesn’t pay down the national debt or help us rebuild our roads and bridges. The money you lose will be handed directly to a handful of giant corporations and billionaires in the form of new tax giveaways. Yes, Republicans are stealing your health care to pay for Jeff Bezos’ third yacht.
And at the same time working families are worried about war and are scraping together enough money to put food on the table, Jeff Bezos is already celebrating by renting out Venice for his ten-million-dollar wedding.
With control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, this is what the Republicans decided to do with their power: drive up your costs and rip health care coverage from millions of people.
Really, imagine that: the Republicans have virtually unlimited power, and they want to use it to kick newborn babies out of the hospital and take wheelchairs away from people with disabilities – all so they can give that money to their billionaire friends and corporate donors.
It’s sickening. And I am angry.
I’m angry because I believe that it isn’t just rich kids who should be able to afford a trip to the hospital when they fall down and break an arm.
Because I believe it isn’t just babies from wealthy families who should be able to see a pediatrician when they get an ear infection.
Because I believe it isn’t just parents who are Wall Street bankers who should be able to pay for cancer treatment for their kids.
Our nation is better than that.
My Republican colleagues should feel ashamed. Experts have run the numbers. Fifty-one thousand more people will die a year – unnecessarily – if the Republican bill becomes law.
The Republican reaction? Senator Joni Ernst proclaimed, “well, we’re all going to die.”
And as recently as today, Senator Mitch McConnell is telling Republicans behind closed doors that their party can take a sledgehammer to Medicaid and ignore people’s concerns because quote “they’ll get over it.”
Really?
Seniors in nursing homes who get kicked to the curb won’t “get over it.”
Little kids who find their mom or dad on the kitchen floor after they couldn’t afford insulin won’t “get over it.”
Parents who rely on Medicaid to take care of their kid with a disability won’t “get over it.”
Because make no mistake: people won’t stop getting sick—they’ll just stop getting care. And it doesn’t matter if you’re in a red state or blue state, either.
And no, if Senate Republicans cut Medicaid, we will not get over it. We will hold you accountable at the ballot box.
But this bill isn’t law. We still have time to stop it—and that’s exactly what we should do. Democrats will vote NO. We just need a few courageous Republicans, people who care more about working people instead of billionaires, to join us and stop the Big Beautiful Betrayal from passing.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Highlight Trump Administration Hypocrisy on National Debt While It Guts IRS, Pushes Giant Tax Cuts for Billionaires

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Billy Long regarding the hypocrisy of their claims that they want to cut the deficit while simultaneously slashing the IRS workforce and cutting taxes for the ultra-wealthy.

In June last year, Secretary Bessent said he was “alarmed by the size of [the government’s] deficit,” and publicly championed a plan to cut the annual deficit from 6.4 percent of GDP to three percent. In an interview in April, Deputy Treasury Secretary Faulkender reiterated that the Administration’s intent is to “bring the deficit down.” When pressed by senators in written questions, Secretary Bessent affirmed his commitment to lowering the deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of President Trump’s term.

However, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, an extension of the 2017 Republican tax bill, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would add $52 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years, adding more debt to the nation’s balance sheet in three decades than ever before.

Additionally, earlier this year, the Trump administration began reductions in force at the IRS, including a plan to reduce IRS employee headcount by 40 percent. Tens of thousands of workers have left the agency since President Trump’s inauguration. The IRS division that audits billionaires and the ultra-wealthy has already lost 38 percent of its employees and had its funding rescinded by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. Even before these massive layoffs, IRS audits were already at a 23-year low.

Treasury Secretary Bessent last week took a victory lap, touting increased IRS revenue in the most recent filing season — but planned mass layoffs at the IRS did not go into effect until after the post-filing season, meaning the impacts of significant Trump Admin staffing cuts are not reflected in revenue for the 2025 season. The planned layoffs, spearheaded by Bessent, will kneecap the agency’s ability to do its basic job. If IRS staffing levels are nearly halved, as the Administration has promised, these cuts could drive up the deficit and lead to $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade.

“Further cutting IRS staff means less staff to monitor wealthy tax cheats and collect the tax revenue that will help offset our budget deficit,” wrote the lawmakers.

Continued layoffs will also significantly damage the agency’s customer service capacity. When reductions in force began at the IRS this spring, personnel essential to the tax filing season operations were required to continue working until mid-May, which limited the impact of staffing losses on tax revenue for the 2025 season. But the continuing layoffs at the IRS will kneecap the agency’s ability to do its basic job.

“These actions are inconsistent with your public commitments to meaningfully reduce the federal deficit and will undo the improvements made to the IRS’s taxpayer services,” the lawmakers concluded.

The senators requested an explanation for the administration’s cuts to the IRS and the agency’s plans to retain adequate levels of customer service by June 30, 2025.

A copy of the letter is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Highlight Trump Administration Hypocrisy on National Debt While It Guts IRS, Pushes Giant Tax Cuts for Billionaires

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Billy Long regarding the hypocrisy of their claims that they want to cut the deficit while simultaneously slashing the IRS workforce and cutting taxes for the ultra-wealthy.

In June last year, Secretary Bessent said he was “alarmed by the size of [the government’s] deficit,” and publicly championed a plan to cut the annual deficit from 6.4 percent of GDP to three percent. In an interview in April, Deputy Treasury Secretary Faulkender reiterated that the Administration’s intent is to “bring the deficit down.” When pressed by senators in written questions, Secretary Bessent affirmed his commitment to lowering the deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of President Trump’s term.

However, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, an extension of the 2017 Republican tax bill, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would add $52 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years, adding more debt to the nation’s balance sheet in three decades than ever before.

Additionally, earlier this year, the Trump administration began reductions in force at the IRS, including a plan to reduce IRS employee headcount by 40 percent. Tens of thousands of workers have left the agency since President Trump’s inauguration. The IRS division that audits billionaires and the ultra-wealthy has already lost 38 percent of its employees and had its funding rescinded by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. Even before these massive layoffs, IRS audits were already at a 23-year low.

Treasury Secretary Bessent last week took a victory lap, touting increased IRS revenue in the most recent filing season — but planned mass layoffs at the IRS did not go into effect until after the post-filing season, meaning the impacts of significant Trump Admin staffing cuts are not reflected in revenue for the 2025 season. The planned layoffs, spearheaded by Bessent, will kneecap the agency’s ability to do its basic job. If IRS staffing levels are nearly halved, as the Administration has promised, these cuts could drive up the deficit and lead to $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade.

“Further cutting IRS staff means less staff to monitor wealthy tax cheats and collect the tax revenue that will help offset our budget deficit,” wrote the lawmakers.

Continued layoffs will also significantly damage the agency’s customer service capacity. When reductions in force began at the IRS this spring, personnel essential to the tax filing season operations were required to continue working until mid-May, which limited the impact of staffing losses on tax revenue for the 2025 season. But the continuing layoffs at the IRS will kneecap the agency’s ability to do its basic job.

“These actions are inconsistent with your public commitments to meaningfully reduce the federal deficit and will undo the improvements made to the IRS’s taxpayer services,” the lawmakers concluded.

The senators requested an explanation for the administration’s cuts to the IRS and the agency’s plans to retain adequate levels of customer service by June 30, 2025.

A copy of the letter is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Highlight Trump Administration Hypocrisy on National Debt While It Guts IRS, Pushes Giant Tax Cuts for Billionaires

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Billy Long regarding the hypocrisy of their claims that they want to cut the deficit while simultaneously slashing the IRS workforce and cutting taxes for the ultra-wealthy.
In June last year, Secretary Bessent said he was “alarmed by the size of [the government’s] deficit,” and publicly championed a plan to cut the annual deficit from 6.4 percent of GDP to three percent. In an interview in April, Deputy Treasury Secretary Faulkender reiterated that the Administration’s intent is to “bring the deficit down.” When pressed by senators in written questions, Secretary Bessent affirmed his commitment to lowering the deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of President Trump’s term.
However, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, an extension of the 2017 Republican tax bill, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would add $52 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years, adding more debt to the nation’s balance sheet in three decades than ever before.
Additionally, earlier this year, the Trump administration began reductions in force at the IRS, including a plan to reduce IRS employee headcount by 40 percent. Tens of thousands of workers have left the agency since President Trump’s inauguration. The IRS division that audits billionaires and the ultra-wealthy has already lost 38 percent of its employees and had its funding rescinded by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. Even before these massive layoffs, IRS audits were already at a 23-year low.
Treasury Secretary Bessent last week took a victory lap, touting increased IRS revenue in the most recent filing season — but planned mass layoffs at the IRS did not go into effect until after the post-filing season, meaning the impacts of significant Trump Admin staffing cuts are not reflected in revenue for the 2025 season. The planned layoffs, spearheaded by Bessent, will kneecap the agency’s ability to do its basic job. If IRS staffing levels are nearly halved, as the Administration has promised, these cuts could drive up the deficit and lead to $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade.
“Further cutting IRS staff means less staff to monitor wealthy tax cheats and collect the tax revenue that will help offset our budget deficit,” wrote the lawmakers.
Continued layoffs will also significantly damage the agency’s customer service capacity. When reductions in force began at the IRS this spring, personnel essential to the tax filing season operations were required to continue working until mid-May, which limited the impact of staffing losses on tax revenue for the 2025 season. But the continuing layoffs at the IRS will kneecap the agency’s ability to do its basic job.
“These actions are inconsistent with your public commitments to meaningfully reduce the federal deficit and will undo the improvements made to the IRS’s taxpayer services,” the lawmakers concluded.
The senators requested an explanation for the administration’s cuts to the IRS and the agency’s plans to retain adequate levels of customer service by June 30, 2025.
A copy of the letter is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at global childhood vaccination coverage

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

June 24, 2025

A study published in the Lancet looks at global trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage.

Dr Simon Clarke, Associate Professor in Cellular Microbiology, and Head of Division of Biomedical Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, University of Reading, said:

“These figures indicate a worrying level of children in the UK who are completely unvaccinated against childhood diseases. While the comparative data do not show the specific causes of this rising trend over recent decades, the WHO and others are right to highlight it as a worrying trend.

“This is a very large assessment of multiple and large data sources, combined with models which are used to provide consistency between the data and provide forecasts into the future. Such methodology provides both a clear overview of the past trajectories of immunisation rates along with an effective range of possible scenarios for the future, which appears to be robust and based on sound data. The authors are clear about the limitations of their study but these do not detract from the overall message.

“The current move away from funding global health schemes through international aid in order to spend more on defence puts the whole world at greater risk of future epidemics and pandemics. Our security against this in the UK is improved by supporting efforts to not let dangerous diseases take hold in populations elsewhere in the world. Our experience of Covid reminds us that lethal human diseases can be very hard to contain on the other side of international borders.”

Dr David Elliman, Honorary Senior Associate Professor, UCL, said:

“Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways that the health service can improve the lives of children around the world. It is a great success story with more vaccines being introduced all the time. Not only does vaccination save lives, but it often saves money. However, in the last ten to twenty years, many countries, worldwide, have seen a reduction in the proportion of children receiving all the available vaccines. This article by a large group of researchers has documented the decline. It may be difficult to measure uptake of vaccination accurately, but the researchers have allowed for this. It is clear that the decline in uptake is happening around the world. This has resulted in outbreaks of disease, for examples measles and whooping cough in USA and Europe (including UK) as well as in resource poor countries. These diseases can and do kill children. While part of the fall in vaccination is related to COVID, the trend was clear before then.

“Declining vaccination rates are often blamed on misinformation, but there are many reasons, of which this is only one. Access to vaccines is often overlooked or underestimated as a factor, even in the UK. Around the world, the increasing number of countries torn apart by civil unrest and wars, combined with the drastic cuts in foreign aid from rich nations, such as USA and UK, makes it difficult to get vaccines to many populations. With the political changes in USA where it appears that policy is being made on the basis of ill-informed opinion, rather than science, we have a perfect storm. The researchers’ recommendations to strengthen primary health-care systems, address vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, and adapt to local contexts can, and should, be applied to all countries, including the UK. In addition we should ensure that vaccines are available to all.

“It is in everyone’s interest that this situation is rectified. Not only is it a moral imperative to improve the health of ALL children, wherever possible, but as was said during the COVID pandemic, no-one is safe, until everyone is safe. While vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, occur anywhere in the world, we are all at risk. Universal vaccination is a perfect example of ‘enlightened self interest’.”

Prof Sir Andrew Pollard FRCPCH FMedSci FRS, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, and Ashall Professor of Infection and Immunity, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, said:

“The study uses an established approach to track the global burden of disease and immunisation coverage and the authors have tried hard to get the most accurate data by using multiple sources and account for regional variation and inequalities. These types of study will always be limited by the lack of high quality national data from most countries in the world which means there has to be extrapolation and assumption. Nevertheless these are important data providing a concerning picture of recent declines in vaccine coverage and an increase in the number of zero dose children which risks the future health and lives of millions of children.

“Incredible progress has been made in the past 50 years since the global expanded programme of immunisation was launched 50 years ago and over 150 million lives, mostly children, have been saved by the programme. The story is the same here in the UK with the launch of our own national programme by JCVI 62 years ago: deaths from infectious diseases of childhood have plummeted here too. The rarity of childhood severe disease and death from infection risks that we become complacent. But the danger remains out there: all of the diseases for which vaccines can protect children remain at large, only kept at bay by the shield which is provided by immunuisation. Unvaccinated children are vulnerable to a wide range of awful life-threatening bacteria and viruses, just as was the case for our population in the first half of the 20^th century. There is a worrying trend of falling vaccine coverage worldwide which has been manifest in the last year as the outbreaks in Europe and North America of measles and whooping cough, with measles deaths in Texas in 2025. Falling global vaccine coverage, an increase in the numbers of children receiving no vaccines, and delays in vaccination mean that more children will be hospitalised, permanently damaged and die from fully preventable diseases if the trend is not reversed. Alas, the cuts in global health funding mean that this situation is set to deteriorate. This is a big concern for the future of our health and global health security.”

Dr Ed Parker, Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:

“This is a timely study that attempts to quantify global trends in childhood vaccine coverage since 1980. The findings highlight the remarkable progress that has been made to deliver life-saving vaccines across the globe, while painting a clear picture of the challenges faced following disrupted vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic and the stagnation in vaccination rates that preceded it.

“Underpinning the work is an immense data curation effort, drawing together data from household surveys, national coverage reports, and various other sources from across the globe. The study team estimated coverage trends with careful consideration of the biases, gaps, and inconsistencies that are inherent in these data, providing strong foundations for the study’s conclusions.

“A key uncertainty – acknowledged by the authors – is that it is too early to know what effect proposed funding cuts might have on vaccination programmes globally. The recent resurgence of measles, polio, and diphtheria – all preventable by vaccination – serves as a reminder of what is at stake if high and equitable vaccine coverage is not sustained.”

Prof Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health, UCL, said:

“It is often said that, after clean water, vaccination is the most effective intervention for protecting the health of our children. While it can be challenging in many settings to measure vaccine uptake accurately, the researchers publishing the latest data from the World Health Organization have made allowance for this and it provides powerful evidence. It is estimated that vaccination has prevented an estimated 154 million deaths, mostly in the under-fives, across the globe in the last 50 years. However, we cannot rest on our laurels; this progress is stalling in many countries including the UK. In UK, although vaccination is the norm, with the overwhelming majority of parents vaccinating their babies, infants and children without hesitation, there has been a small but gradual decline in the number of parents doing so each year over the past 12 years with increasing inequity in uptake between social groups. This has resulted in recent outbreaks of disease with the largest number of confirmed cases of measles since the 1990s and the tragic deaths of eleven babies from whooping cough in 2024.

“The reasons for declining vaccine uptake are numerous and complex but require commitment and resource to meet the challenges of increasing social inequity, readily available mis-information about vaccine safety and necessity and improving public confidence in vaccination programmes. Vaccination remains one of our most powerful tools for protecting child health, but its continued success depends on sustained investment, equity, and public trust.”

‘Global, regional, and national trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage from 1980 to 2023 with forecasts to 2030: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023’ by GBD 2023 Vaccine Coverage Collaborators was published in the Lancet at 23:30 UK time on Tuesday 24 June 2025.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01037-2

Declared interests

Dr Simon Clarke: “No conflicts of interest.”

Dr David Elliman: “No conflicts of interest.”

Prof Sir Andrew Pollard: “Professor Pollard is chair of JCVI which provides independent scientific advice on vaccines to DHSC. The comment above is given in a personal capacity.”

Dr Ed Parker: “No COIs to declare.”

Prof Helen Bedford: “No conflicts.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Transforming Factories into Mixed-Use Housing

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of Wood and Brooks the Lofts in the Town of Tonawanda. The $23 million mixed-use project transformed 98,370 square feet of space inside a former piano key factory into 55 apartments, and a commercial hub anchored by The Plan Room — a first of its kind, coworking space in Western New York that caters to businesses and individuals in the construction industry.

“We are working to address the housing crisis with each project we support, by creating the types of modern and sustainable homes that uplift communities and allow families to grow all over the state, including in Erie County,” Governor Hochul said. “We as a state need to build more housing in order to drive down housing affordability, and revitalizing and rehabilitating long-vacant buildings for housing and workforce development is one way we can get that done. This is another great example of what’s possible when municipalities and the state work in true partnership with nonprofits and private developers.”

This historic renovation project is located within an industrial neighborhood in the Town of Tonawanda bordering the City of Buffalo. The Wood and Brooks piano key factory at 2075 Kenmore Avenue opened in the early 1910s and was renowned for its production of ivory keys. It also played a pivotal role in manufacturing Higgins boat landing crafts during World War II. The location, which is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, has been revitalized by the Wopperer family and their extended relatives, who have held ownership of the property since 1972. The building was once known for a since-removed giant elephant head on the roof, a reference to the ivory used to make the keys.

Wood and Brooks the Lofts offers a range of high-end amenities including a fitness center, on-site café, dog park and wash station, co-working and lounge areas, and 24/7 maintenance services — all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and commercial tenants. In addition, the project promotes sustainability and preservation through participation in the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program and utilization of federal and state historic tax credits.

A centerpiece of the development is The Plan Room, a collaborative initiative with the Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY. Designed for small contractors ready to move beyond working from home but not yet in need of a full-scale office, The Plan Room provides private offices, shared meeting rooms, high-speed internet, showers, a shared workshop, and large storage lockers. With capacity for over 50 construction-related businesses, it is the first dedicated coworking space of its kind in the region. The Construction Exchange, a not-for-profit organization serving the Western New York construction industry since 1981, continues its mission of supporting business growth through access to information, education, and networking. To learn more about The Plan Room, visit www.wnyplanroom.com.

Wood and Brooks Properties President Michael Wopperer said, “We are incredibly grateful to Empire State Development for their financial investment and belief in this project. The transformation of the historic Wood and Brooks factory into modern apartments and flexible workspace would not have been possible without their investment. This project is not only about restoring a landmark—it’s about creating opportunity, housing, and long-term impact in a neighborhood we’ve been proud to be part of for over 50 years.”

Empire State Development is assisting the Wood and Brooks project with a $1 million Western New York Regional Economic Development Council capital grant towards the commercial portion of the project. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has facilitated the use of Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, providing nearly $7.88 million in equity for the project.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “This project will deliver vital housing and catalyze economic growth through a dynamic mix of residential, workforce training and food amenities. The adaptive reuse of this long vacant former factory into high-quality homes is another step forward in the revitalization of Tonawanda. Governor Hochul understands that transforming communities into economic hubs requires housing that is accessible for all New Yorkers and is in proximity to jobs and transportation. The Wood and Brooks project is the latest demonstration of how we renew neighborhoods and increase housing opportunities.”

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simon said, “Pairing our historic buildings with state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credit programs can generate exciting new projects along our former industrial corridors. Through partnerships and collective vision, these buildings are reborn into active spaces that look to the future while linking us to a shared past. We are honored to be part of these efforts here in Tonawanda and across the state.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “By turning a former piano key factory into 55 beautiful, quality apartments and a hub for coworking, this project is not only providing the homes that families need, but also cultivating a vibrant community where residents and businesses can flourish. The Wood and Brooks development is another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to honoring New York’s history and putting existing resources to work to increase housing supply, grow local economies, and create a stronger New York.”

The Wood and Brooks project complements Governor Hochul’s economic development vision by making strategic investments in communities across the State which revitalize the economy and create more opportunities for New Yorkers. The FY26 Budget invests $100 million for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and $100 million for NY Forward. These programs help municipalities promote quality of life, foster socio-economic development and create walkable, livable and safer neighborhoods in every corner of the state. The Budget also includes funding for the state’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative; new this year, the 10 councils will compete, in part, for $150 million in funding as part of the new ACHIEVE initiative to advance catalytic economic development projects backed by enhanced implementation funding to jump-start regional growth.

WNYREDC Co-Chair and Campus Labs Co-Founder Eric Reich said, “Today’s ribbon cutting marks the transformation of a long-vacant building into a vibrant, mixed-use development designed to support and uplift the Town of Tonawanda. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s vision, this former brownfield site has been reimagined as a beautiful residence that also includes an incubator for construction contractors who will be the driving force behind future building projects in the region.”

WNYREDC Co-Chair and Canisius University President Steve Stoute said, “Through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, Western New York has worked to regrow its economy by increasing the level of building trades training for skilled jobs in our region. The WNYREDC appreciates added value created by the partnership between the project developer and the Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY, to help train future contractors and improve the skills of people already working in the field.”

ECIDA President and CEO John Cappellino said, “On behalf of the ECIDA I congratulate Wood and Brooks Properties on completing this transformational redevelopment of the former Wood and Brooks piano factory. The project was approved for sales tax and Mortgage Recording Tax benefits under ECIDA’s Adaptive Reuse program, which helps developers finance the otherwise cost-prohibitive revitalization of our region’s abandoned historic commercial properties. The project will also create much-needed workforce-affordable housing, including setting aside 10 percent of the housing units for households earning 80 percent or less of the Area Median Income.”

Assemblymember William Conrad said, “Wood and Brooks the Lofts is a truly transformational project, both in terms of the development team’s reimagination of this historic site, and because of its expansive impact on the housing market in the Town and Buffalo, including for working families seeking affordability. I had the pleasure of touring the property last year, and I was so impressed by the attention to detail, innovation, and quality in the apartments, amenities, and workspace. I thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their faith in this effort and for their continued investment in the growth of Western New York.”

Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger said, “The Wood and Brooks project is one that never would have happened without the vision of Michael Wopperer and his family, and the critical support from Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, and the ECIDA. The Town of Tonawanda is proud to have played a role in making this a reality and we look forward to working with Mr. Wopperer in continuing his vision in enhancing this historic property!”

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: More than $7,000 cut in child care costs as cheaper child care delivers cost of living relief

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

Two years in, more than 1 million Australian families have benefited from the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Child Care, delivering real cost of living relief to household budgets.

For a family earning $168,000, with one child in care 30 hours a week, Cheaper Child Care has cut out of pocket costs by around $7,440 than they otherwise would be.

This is good for children, good for families, and good for Australia.

Since the 2022 election there are 1,200 more early education services, around 95,000 more children in early education and around 48,000 more early childhood workers, but there is more work to do.

The Albanese Labor Government is rolling out a 15 per cent pay rise to early educators and capping fee increases for families.

The Government will also implement the 3 Day Guarantee which will replace the current Activity Test from January 2026 with guaranteed 3 days a week of access to the Child Care Subsidy.

Eligible families earning between $50,000 and $100,000 are expected to save on average $1,460 per year under the 3 Day Guarantee.

Under the 3 Day Guarantee, more than 100,000 families will be entitled to more hours of subsidised education and care.

The Government will also roll out the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, which will boost access to early education and care in areas of need, including in the outer suburbs and regional Australia.

This builds on the new, mandatory child safety measures to strengthen child safety in early childhood education and care services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“We have made child care cheaper for more than 1 million families.

“We are delivering a 15 per cent pay rise to build the early education workforce.

“And next year we will roll out the 3 Day Guarantee to give more families access to the Child Care Subsidy.

“This is a key part of our plans to build a universal early education system.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Jess Walsh:

“We are delivering more affordable early education and care so that children and families can benefit.

“Easing the family budget is one of the key parts of our reforms to create affordable, accessible and quality early learning.

“The 3 Day Guarantee will provide at least three days of subsidies for early education for families eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, that would otherwise be locked out.”

MIL OSI News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CANCELING CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON IRAN

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workplace literacy and numeracy funding

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund
The Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund supports training programmes of 25 to 80 hours that are delivered to employed people, often on-site in the workplace. The programmes are tailored to meet the needs of employees and their employers.
The programmes are offered in two ways:

training provider-led (TEO-led), and
employer-led.

The tasks and outcomes are the same for both approaches, but the funding and contracting process is different.
The Fund is administered by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). It provides funding so employers can:

provide high-quality literacy and numeracy programmes that are customised for their workplace, and
address productivity problems where the root cause is in the literacy and numeracy skill levels of employees.

From research, and from employers, we know that high-quality literacy and numeracy provision in the workplace that focuses on addressing employers’ productivity problems has positive effects for employers, and for employees and their families.
TEO-led workplace literacy and numeracy programmes
We fund training providers annually to deliver workplace literacy and numeracy programmes. Employers can work with a provider who develops and delivers the programme in consultation with them, or refer employees to the provider directly.
For more information about these programmes, including learner eligibility, see TEO-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund.
See a list of providers currently offering these programmes.
Employer-led workplace literacy and numeracy programmes
The Employer-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund provides funding directly to employers to provide workplace literacy and numeracy programmes. Employers apply directly to TEC to run a programme. The employer may be supported by a training provider to make this application. We make a contract with the employer for the proposed programme.
We expect employers to contract a person to work in-house or a third-party provider to develop and delivers the programme in consultation with them.
See a list of providers currently offering these programmes.
Forming a consortium
Because employer-led programmes require a minimum number of employees, a consortium can be a way for smaller employers to apply to this Fund. An employer can form a consortium with other employers, which together can deliver a training programme to at least 20 employees. An external organisation such as a training provider, industry association or community group may sometimes lead the creation of a consortium with a group of employers. We are particularly interested in using consortia to include smaller employers that cannot easily access our funding. 
Apply for funding
For a detailed guide on how to apply for funding, including information for project managers of employer-led programme consortia, see the Employer-Led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund Application Guide (PDF 706 KB).
Use the following application forms.

There are set deadlines for applications. The deadlines for 2025 are:

Friday 7 February 2025
Friday 11 April 2025
Friday 13 June 2025
Friday 8 August 2025
Friday 10 October 2025.

Funding for workplace literacy and numeracy provision by employers is agreed through a funding letter.
For more information on applying for funding, please contact our Customer Contact Group on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz.
Current and recently funded employer-led programmes
See a list of current and recently funded employer-led workplace literacy and numeracy programmes (PDF 230 KB). This list is accurate as at May 2024.
Contact us
Please contact us on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz and ask to speak to a Skills Highway Relationship Manager.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 25, 2025

Category: housing

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

In today’s Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Durbin expressed his concern about the condition of the barracks at Great Lakes Naval Station

In a spotlight forum on Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Durbin exposed Republicans’ short-sighted plan to institute a national school voucher program that will drain critical resources from public schools

Pre-loved tech will help to bridge digital divide under new government charter

Notes to editors

Digital Inclusion Action Plan documents

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June 24, 2025

Pre-loved tech will help to bridge digital divide under new government charter 