Category: housing

MIL-OSI Russia: Three killed, 172 injured in Iranian rocket attacks on Israel

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — Three Israelis were killed and 172 wounded in rocket attacks from Iran on Friday night and Saturday morning, Israeli state-run Kan TV reported.

According to the channel, the two victims, 73-year-old Israel Aloni and 60-year-old Eti Cohen Angel, were killed in a rocket attack on the central city of Rishon LeZion on Saturday. The attack left 27 people injured and several homes severely damaged.

Earlier on Friday evening, another woman was killed in an Iranian strike on a Tel Aviv neighborhood.

Of the injured, one person is in serious condition, 15 were moderately injured, and the rest were lightly injured. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), seven of the wounded are soldiers, all of whom were lightly injured.

Iran fired hundreds of rockets in five barrages, IDF says. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK’s drinking water testing programme conducted in strict compliance with international standards

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HK’s drinking water testing programme conducted in strict compliance with international standards
The spokesman said that, as understood, the media organisation had mainly collected samples of impurities from aerators of water taps (commonly known as strainers), and then placed the samples into water for laboratory testing. Aerators are a kind of filter accessory commonly installed at household water taps and shower heads to help block impurities. The presence of impurities in the samples is simply a result of the function of the strainer, and is not abnormal. In the past, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) had received similar inquiries, and staff members were deployed immediately to conduct onsite inspection, arrange flushing of consumers’ water meter, remind consumers to cleanse the strainers, and check if there were any irregularities in water quality. If there was a suspected water quality issue, the WSD would collect drinking water samples for testing and notify consumers about the results. In fact, only a few of such cases required water sample testing in the past three years, and testing results showed that the water samples complied with Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards (HKDWS).

The spokesman stressed that water quality testing must be conducted in accordance with international standards, including making reference to ISO5667 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for sampling and referencing Chinese National Standard GB/T 5750 and American Public Health Association’s (APHA) in testing methods and procedures. The samples tested must be drinking water samples, not those collected from strainers as arranged by the relevant media organisation. In other words, the type of samples, methods and procedures will affect the validity and representativeness of the tests.

The spokesman said that, as mentioned in the report, impurities collected from the strainers include resin, plastic, and silicone. It may relate to materials peeling off from pipes or fittings of the inside service of the building. These substances are not soluble in water. If such substances are found, the inside service should be cleansed as soon as possible. Generally, regular and proper cleansing and maintenance of the inside service of the building can effectively prevent excessive sediments accumulation and reduce impurities in strainers. Drinking water supplied by the WSD undergoes strict treatment and meets HKDWS. However, materials may peel off from public or inside service pipes of buildings due to aging or water pressure, necessitating the installation of strainers at pipes. Property owners, registered agents, and management offices must carry out regular and proper maintenance of building’s inside service, including cleansing sump and rooftop tanks to avoid sediments or rust accumulation, and regularly operating valves, cleansing filters, and flushing concealed water pipes to maintain good drinking water quality at the consumers’ taps.

To ensure the quality of drinking water in Hong Kong, the WSD runs a routine drinking water testing programme, randomly collecting water samples from over 28,000 publicly accessible consumers’ taps (such as those in shopping centres, community facilities, sports venues, and government offices) for testing every year. The sampling rate is based on international standards and the water quality parameters are drawn up in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. Moreover, the WSD randomly select about 670 residential and non-residential water accounts each year to collect drinking water samples at their water taps and test for six metals (antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and nickel) to ensure compliance with HKDWS. Relevant test results are regularly published on the WSD’s website.

The spokesman added that the WSD had requested more detailed information for follow-up with the consumer when enquiries were received from the media organisation. Such information is still awaited. The WSD will deploy staff to investigate and assist with flushing the inside service if the media organisation provides more information (including sampling locations). Water samples will also be taken for testing as needed to ensure water safety. For enquiries regarding drinking water quality, the public may call the WSD’s 24-hour hotline: 2824 5000.
Issued at HKT 0:14

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 300 drawn to Mainland legal course

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Mainland Civil & Commercial Legal Practice Training Course 2025 organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy concluded today, attracting about 300 participants from the local legal sector.

The two-day course is the first course held by the academy specifically for local barristers, solicitors, in-house counsel and dispute resolution practitioners.

It aims to deepen the local industry’s understanding of the Mainland’s civil and commercial laws and practical operations, and promote exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland’s legal and dispute resolution sectors.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that Hong Kong and the Mainland have become more closely connected since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, with economic and trade activities becoming increasingly frequent. While many Mainland enterprises leverage Hong Kong as an internationalised platform to go global, overseas enterprises also invest in the Mainland through Hong Kong.

The academy specially organised this course to enable the local legal industry to gain in-depth understanding of the practice of civil and commercial law on the Mainland so that they can meet the actual needs arising from growing cross-boundary business, while improving their own competitiveness and expanding the room for their career development, Mr Lam added.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan pointed out that Hong Kong’s leading position in international arbitration continues to be reinforced and enhanced.

Mr Cheung highlighted the Department of Justice’s commitment to promoting the city’s leading position in arbitration in the Greater Bay Area and the international community, and providing legal services of higher quality and competitiveness to the Mainland and around the world, so as to further establish Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.

The course covers various key areas of the Mainland civil and commercial legal practice. Through lectures and seminars, the course further enhances the understanding and knowledge of Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution sectors on the practice and operation of the Mainland civil and commercial legal system, while providing a platform for exchange and co-operation between the Hong Kong and Mainland legal sectors.

Speakers of the course comprise Mainland judges, academics, legal professionals, corporate representatives, arbitration practitioners and members of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 15, 2025
Structural reforms in last 11 years reshaped India’s macroeconomic fundamentals: FM Sitharaman

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Structural reforms implemented over the last 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership have reshaped India’s macroeconomic fundamentals, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday.

India’s emergence as the fastest-growing major economy is anchored in several favourable factors and is closely linked to the strengthening of balance sheets across key sectors — banks, corporates, households, the government, and the external sector — the Finance Minister wrote in a media article.

“The transformation of the Indian economy over the last 11 years — from a twin-deficit problem to a five-balance-sheet advantage — is the result of concerted policy efforts under PM Modi’s leadership,” Sitharaman posted on social media platform X.

She further stated, “When we came to power in 2014, the foremost priority was growth revival, as India was then considered part of the ‘Fragile Five’ economies.”

“Structural reforms were introduced, including the GST, IBC, RERA, and during the pandemic years, the PLI Scheme and ECLGS to help credit-worthy MSMEs survive the Covid shock. Likewise, infrastructure and asset creation — neglected for decades — were revived,” the Finance Minister emphasised.

From the digital payment revolution driven by UPI (which recorded over 185 billion transactions in FY25) to the entrepreneurial enthusiasm seen in the uptake of MUDRA loans (cumulative disbursements of over Rs 33 lakh crore to 53 crore+ loan accounts), “the last 11 years have shown the heights our economy can reach when we combine trust-based governance with systematic regulatory easing and the expansion of public goods,” she stressed.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated earlier this month that India’s FDI inflows now originate from 112 countries, compared to 89 in 2013–14 — underscoring the country’s rising global appeal.

India’s FDI success story is not only about impressive numbers but also reflects visionary reforms, policy clarity, and the global community’s trust in the country’s economic future, he noted.

IANS

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 60 killed in Israeli airstrike on Tehran apartment building – IRIB

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

TEHRAN, June 14 (Xinhua) — At least 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a 14-story residential building in the Iranian capital Tehran on Friday morning, state-run IRIB television reported Saturday.

The residential complex, located in the northeast of the city, was one of the places hit by Israeli strikes on various parts of the capital and other Iranian cities.

Some 38 people have been freed from the rubble, according to IRIB. Ten children, including those under nine months old, are still trapped under the rubble.

Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities on Friday morning. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations (UN) Women Launches a Multi-County Care Policy to Recognize and Support Unpaid Care Work

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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“This policy has finally put words to the struggle I have faced for years. I care for my aging mother and three grandchildren while running a small business. Now, I feel seen and supported.” — Jane Mutheu, Caregiver and Small Business Owner, Kitui County.

In a stride toward gender equality and women empowerment, UN Women Kenya successfully launched the Evidence to Policy for Kenya Care Economy project in three counties — Kitui, West Pokot, and Laikipia to reshape Kenya’s care infrastructure. The project, supported by the Gates Foundation, seeks to address the burden of care work, which is often shouldered by women. It aims to ensure that care work is recognized, reduced, rewarded, redistributed, and represented to foster a more inclusive society.

Kenya’s National Care Policy — the second of its kind in Africa after Cape Verde — is a transformative model for addressing structural gender inequality.

The Policy seeks to transform how unpaid and paid care work is recognized, valued, and addressed in Kenya. At its core, the policy aims to recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work and reward and represent paid care work through decent work and social protection mechanisms.

Unpaid care work, though vital for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the ill, often goes unrecognized. In Kenya, women spend an average of 4–5 hours a day on unpaid care work compared to just one hour by men according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This imbalance not only contributes to time poverty but also reinforces broader gender inequalities, limiting women’s access to education, employment, leadership, and income.

The Evidence to Policy project builds on the foundation of Kenya’s 2023–2026 UN Women Strategic Note, which prioritizes economic empowerment and gender-responsive governance. With the care economy largely dependent on unpaid and unrecognized female labor, this project seeks to create equitable systems that support all caregivers, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.

The project introduces the Care Diamond framework — government, civil society, private sector, and households — as key actors in delivering and sustaining care systems.

In West Pokot, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, Ms. Antonia Sodonon, accompanied by implementing partner Village Enterprise led the launch. The implementing partner works with grassroots communities to integrate care considerations in economic development initiatives.

Laikipia County was part of the local rollout, implemented in partnership with Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH-EA). Community dialogues here focused on balancing caregiving responsibilities with income-generating opportunities.

In Kitui County, UN Women Kenya’s Deputy County Representative, Dan Bazira, alongside the Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, senior, Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE) and the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action took part in the launch. The gathering aimed to advance inclusive dialogue, promote awareness, and deepen understanding of care work’s impact on women’s participation in public life.

“This policy is not just about women. It’s about families, economies, and building resilient societies,” said Mr. Bazira, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration. “It’s a groundbreaking model on the continent—one that promotes the 5Rs of unpaid care work: Recognize, Reduce, Redistribute, Represent, and Reward.”

Through this policy, the Government of Kenya is taking a critical step to correct that imbalance. It will guide the collection of time-use data, promote investment in public services like childcare and eldercare, and push for decent work conditions for paid care workers. This initiative aligns with global commitments under SDG 5.4 and national frameworks such as the Constitution of Kenya, Vision 2030, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), specifically the President’s 9-Point Agenda on Women.

Government Buy-In and Bold Commitments

In Kitui, Governor Malombe committed to aligning county development plans with the care policy. “Care work fuels our communities, yet it’s invisible in our budgets and policies. This must change. We are investing in Early Childhood Development, centers, water access, and GBV recovery centers because we know care is foundational,” he said.

The Director of the State Department for Gender, Ms. Grace Wasike, urged further action: “We must train domestic workers, build support systems for the elderly and disabled, and strengthen our collaboration across all government levels.”

Implementing Partners Driving Local Impact

In all counties, funded by Gates Foundation and supported by UN Women, grassroots partners are at the heart of the project. ADSE in Kitui is engaging communities to build care-responsive programs. Village Enterprise in West Pokot is integrating care into livelihoods. HiH EA in Laikipia is promoting gender-responsive technologies like kitchen gardens and time-saving tools.

“This care policy is a promise — that women’s unpaid labor is not a given, but a choice we must honor, value, and support,” concluded Elizabeth Obanda, Women’s Economic Empowerment Team Lead, UN Women Kenya.

The policy is expected to usher in system-wide changes in how care is organized and shared—between the state, private sector, families, and communities. By addressing care work, it lays the foundation for inclusive economic growth, gender equality, and social protection—ensuring women and girls have the time, resources, and opportunities to thrive.

The launches marked a milestone in translating Kenya’s National Care Policy into action at the county level, engaging communities, governments, and development partners in making visible the invisible labor that sustains households and economies. The county-level launches are a first step in what UN Women hopes will become a nationwide movement.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Foreign Minister Valtonen to meet ministers from Kenya, Benin, Costa Rica and Thailand

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya Musalia Mudavadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica Arnoldo André Tinoco and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Russ Jalichandra in connection with the Kultaranta Talks on 16–17 June.

At the Kultaranta presidential summer residence, the ministers, together with Foreign Minister Valtonen, will engage in a panel discussion entitled “Accumulation of Shocks at the Global Level – What the West Should Understand” on 16 June. They will discuss regional and international developments that challenge the rules-based international order.

“With many transformations taking place in the world, I am pleased that we will have views from different continents at Kultaranta. We have several shared interests despite the long distances between us,” says Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

In their bilateral meetings, the ministers will discuss, among other topics, bilateral relations, topical regional and multilateral issues and economic and trade cooperation.

The Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) will broadcast the Kultaranta Talks live on Yle TV1 and Yle Areena.

More information about the Kultaranta Talks: Press release by the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to 274 – media

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

NEW DELHI, June 14 (Xinhua) — The death toll in the crash of an Air India plane near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat state on Thursday has risen to 274, including 33 people who died on the ground, the Times of India reported on Saturday.

The 33 victims are believed to have been on the campus of the Ahmedabad Medical College, the report said.

The Hindustan Times reported on Saturday that the Indian government has formed a high-level committee to probe the crash. It will be headed by the country’s home minister. The committee will publish its report within three months.

An Air India Boeing 787-8 flying from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
NEET UG 2025 results: Rajasthan’s Mahesh Kumar tops exam with 686 marks

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially declared the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 for undergraduate medical courses. In a proud moment for Rajasthan, Mahesh Kumar, a resident of Hanumangarh, has emerged as the All India Topper, scoring 686 out of 720 marks.

Mahesh, who had been preparing for the past three years at a renowned career institute in Sikar, secured the top rank in the highly competitive medical entrance examination.

His consistent dedication, along with the guidance provided by his institute, helped him rise to the top among over 20 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam across India on May 4 this year.

Coming from a humble background, Mahesh’s parents are both government employees. His academic journey has been marked by perseverance and discipline.

His success has not only made his family and hometown proud but has also added another feather to the cap of Sikar, which has become a rising hub for medical and engineering exam preparations.

The NEET UG 2025 result, along with the final answer key, has been made available on the official websites — [neet.nta.nic.in](https://neet.nta.nic.in) and [nta.ac.in](https://nta.ac.in).

Candidates can check their subject-wise scores, total marks, percentile rank, and qualifying status using their login credentials.

In addition to the results, the NTA is also expected to release the cut-off scores required for MBBS and BDS admissions.

Last year, the cut-off percentile was 50 for the general category and 40 for OBC, SC, and ST candidates. The 2025 percentile will be based on the highest marks secured in the all-India merit list.

Students who qualify in NEET UG 2025 will be eligible to participate in centralised counselling for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical programmes. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct All India Quota (AIQ) counselling, while states will carry out their own counselling for state-quota seats.

All qualified candidates are advised to download and preserve their scorecards, as these will be required during the admission and counselling process. They should also regularly check the official NEET websites for updates on counselling schedules and cut-off announcements.

—IANS

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

Recipients recognised for years of exceptional service and dedication, and who are trailblazers for helping drive economic prosperity and increasing the UK’s global standing.
The chief executive of one of Britain’s most popular high-street bakeries, the founder of an iconic ceramics brand, and the head of the UK’s largest professional body for recruiters are included in the King’s Birthday Honours today.

The UK is home to many iconic brands, and a number of top entrepreneurs and pioneers have been rightly recognised for their outstanding achievements across a variety of sectors, from hospitality to arts and crafts.

Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie has been made a CBE for her services to hospitality, while the head of leading high-street brand Pets at Home has been awarded an OBE for services to retail.

Neil Carberry, the chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, has received an OBE for his services to the economy and to business, while Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for his work on the Federation of Small Businesses.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

I am immensely proud to see so many outstanding individuals recognised in the 2025 Birthday Honours for their exceptional contributions to British business and trade. These honours reflect the innovation, resilience and leadership that drives our economy forward.

From pioneering entrepreneurs to champions of growth, these worthy recipients embody this government’s core mission – to unlock opportunity, boost productivity and champion growth across every region of the UK as part of our Plan for Change.

Recipients include:

Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for services to small businesses. Craig has worked as the voice of the small business community at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), developing reforms that helped thousands of its members and the broader community to grow. He oversaw FSB launching a pioneering mental health and disability programme with MIND and the Royal Foundation, set up a partnership with X-Forces Enterprise to help veterans into employment and self-employment, and created the UK’s first online LGBT+ business hub, now serving over 1,000 users. He contributes to the Social Mobility Commission, Building Back Britain Commission, Industry and Parliament Trust and the Worshipful Company of Communicators in the City of London.

Douglas Perkins has received a CBE for services to business and trade. Doug co-founded Specsavers with his wife in 1984, growing it into a global optical and audiology leader. Today, the company operates 2,815 stores across multiple countries, employing over 45,000 people. In 2023/24, Specsavers reported £4.18 billion in revenue—a 7.5% increase – serving 48 million customers worldwide, with 24.8 million frames and 617 million contact lenses sold.

Elaine Bell has received a BEM for services to the Stapleford High Street. Elaine founded Sewing Belle in Stapleford, transforming it into a vibrant high street anchor and creative community hub. Alongside selling fabrics and haberdashery, her adjoining sewing studio hosts up to 20 workshops a month, attracting over 200 participants. With visitors travelling from across the UK—many staying overnight—Sewing Belle has become a local draw, boosting nearby businesses.

Emma Bridgewater CBE has received a Damehood for services to ceramics. Founded in 1985, Emma Bridgewater has grown into a beloved British brand, renowned for its colourful, hand-decorated pottery and distinctive patterns. Sold online, in dedicated stores, and through retailers across the UK and internationally, the company continues to thrive. In 2022, it earned B Corporation certification, reflecting its enduring commitment to transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards.

Lyssa McGowan has received an OBE for services to retail. Since becoming CEO of Pets at Home in 2022, Lyssa has led the transformation of the business into a truly integrated petcare business providing veterinary, retail and grooming services, which has driven strong growth, with consumer revenue rising to nearly £2 billion in 2025. Recognised by Retail Week as one of 2024’s most influential leaders, Lyssa’s leadership has also seen the Pets Club membership grow to over 8 million, building on her extensive consumer experience from an 12-year career at Sky UK. * Neil Carberry has received an OBE for services to the economy and to business.  The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has become a key body for businesses navigating changing workforce needs. Representing firms who support recruitment and talent planning, a £43bn industry, REC’s research is a major contributor to understanding our changing jobs market and future needs. Neil has also contributed to positive employment relations through the Low Pay Commission and the Council of Acas.

Roisin Currie has received a CBE for services to hospitality. Roisin has been instrumental in driving Greggs rapid expansion, with the company on track to double sales by 2026 following record-breaking results in 2024. Her leadership emphasises the strong internal culture shared by 33,000 colleagues – something she sees as central to Greggs continued success. With a career spanning over 35 years, Roisin has been a driving force in championing social mobility and nurturing talent across the sector. This honour reflects Roisin’s unwavering dedication to excellence and her lasting impact on the industry.

Full list of recipients

Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

Clare Barclay, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft UK. For services to Business, Technology and Leadership.

Emma Bridgewater CBE, Founder, Emma Bridgewater Pottery. For services to Ceramics.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Roisin Currie, Chief Executive Officer, Greggs PLC. For services to Hospitality.

Stephen Foots, Chief Executive Officer, Croda. For services to the Chemical and Life Sciences Industry.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce. For services to Business.

Jonathan Holmes, Lately Co-Chair, Infrastructure Exports UK and Deputy Chairman, Mace. For services to Construction.

David Howden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Howden Group. For services to the Insurance Industry.

Dr Peter Musgrove, Engineer and Renewable Energy Pioneer. For services to Renewable Energy.

Babatunde Olanrewaju, Managing Partner, Europe, McKinsey & Company. For services to Business.

Douglas Perkins, Co-Founder and Chair, Specsavers. For services to Business and Trade.

Tanuja Randery, Managing Director and Vice President, Amazon Web Services, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. For services to Business and the Technology Sector.

Stephen Scrimshaw, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Energy Ltd. For services to British Manufacturing, to Transport and to the Green Transition to Net Zero.

Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sky. For services to Business and to Media.

Stephen Varley, Lately UK Chair and Managing Partner, EY. For services to the Professional Services Industry.

David Ward, General Secretary, Communication Workers’ Union. For services to Trade Unions.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses. For services to Small Businesses

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive Officer, The Recruitment and Employment Confederation. For services to the Economy and to Business

Rachel Gardner-Poole, Director, Aviascia. For services to Aviation

Hannah Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Ocado Retail. For services to Retail

Ruth Handcock, Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Money. For services to Financial Services and Investment

Richard Howells, Founder, Bronze Software Labs Ltd. For services to Business, Technology and Innovation

Professor Shirley Lane (Price), Emerita Professor of Toxicology, University of Surrey. For services to Industry and Consumer Protection

Andrew Love, Senior Adviser, The Ritz London. For services to Hospitality

Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Pets at Home. For services to Retail

Stephen Pegge, Lately Managing Director, UK Finance. For services to Business

Mohammad Sadique (Sid Sadique), Chairman and Owner, Electra Commercial Vehicles Ltd. For services to the Automotive and Transport Industry

Gareth Stapleton, Founder and Partner, RiSE International. For services to Architecture and to Project and Construction Management

Jane Whitehart, International Lead Associate Consultant, People1st International Limited. For services to International Trade

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Noreen Burroughes, President, Organisation for Women in International Trade UK. For services to Women in International Trade and to Entrepreneurship

Karyle Davidge-Stringer, Service Manager, Rushmoor Citizens Advice. For services to the community in Hampshire

Dawn Edwards, Managing Director, Challenge Training and Consultancy Ltd. For services to the Business Community in Nottinghamshire

Daniel Fell, Chief Executive, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce. For services to Business and the Economy in South Yorkshire

Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director, Advanced Propulsion Centre. For services to Business Investment and Growth

Muhammad Abdul Musabbir, Chair, Hyde Bangladesh Welfare Association. For services to Community Cohesion

Laura Silverman, Creator and Head, London School of Economics and Political Science Generate. For services to Social Innovation and Education

Matthew Turner, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Creative Pod. For services to Business and to Charity

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Elaine Bell, Managing Director, Sewing Belle. For services to The Stapleford High Street

Civil Servants recognised in the Birthday 2025 Honours List include:

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Susan Clews, Lately Chief Executive, Acas.

Frederick Perry, Lately Director, Advanced Manufacturing, Department for Business and Trade

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Tracy Buckingham, Deputy Director, Security and Cyber Security Exports, Department for Business and Trade.

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Published 14 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boosting university spin-outs
Source: Scottish Government

Capitalising on Scottish innovation, ideas and expertise.

New initiatives taking advantage of Scotland’s world-class reputation as an innovation nation have been announced by the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.

Three projects, backed by £4.4 million, are designed to help turn ground-breaking research across the country’s universities and colleges into high-growth businesses that create jobs and support economic growth.

The package includes:
- £2.9 million for the Proof of Concept Fund which will explore the commercial potential of research projects by developing prototypes and pitching to investors, as well as analysing markets to attract further investment
- £800,000 for the Spinout Pipeline Project which, led by the University of Strathclyde, will help share commercialisation expertise across Scottish universities, culminating in a summit where innovators will pitch to potential investors
- £700,000 for the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint which will help college students to develop business skills and link in with investors
A further £141,000, spent over two years, will support a new course at the University of Aberdeen to train 40 high school computing teachers, better preparing future generations for careers in tech-based businesses.

Scaling businesses account for the majority of net job creation in the UK and their annual turnover is around £1.2 trillion, highlighting the opportunity afforded to Scotland’s economy by investing in the drive to turn research findings into high-growth start-ups.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“The Scottish Government is fostering and supporting entrepreneurial talent as part of strategic investment to capitalise on Scotland’s reputation as a start-up nation. The economic opportunities presented by this are enormous.

“Our universities and colleges are the engines of innovation. They are known the world over as the home of some of the greatest ideas and inventions ever made and can present real solutions to the challenges we face.

“This new investment underlines our commitment to realising the economic potential of the incredible work taking place across Scottish universities and colleges.”

Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said:

“The world’s leading entrepreneurial economies are often powered by universities with strong entrepreneurial cultures. This is an ambitious package which positions Scottish institutions as drivers of start-up creation and growth.

“I look forward to collaborating with universities to maximise the impact of this funding.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Strathclyde, said:

“We are pleased to welcome the Scottish Government’s continued investment in universities as engines of economic growth through excellent research, innovation and production of high-quality skills. This new Proof of Concept Fund will help to translate academic innovation into real-world economic and social impact.

“As the lead institution for the Spinout Pipeline Project, and a leading entrepreneurial campus, the University of Strathclyde is also pleased to continue to play a central role in strengthening Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“By harnessing the collective expertise of our universities, we aim to accelerate the journey from breakthrough ideas to market-ready ventures – creating high-value jobs, attracting investment, and supporting the next generation of innovators.”

Background

Applications to the Proof of Concept Fund are open.

Since 2011, Scottish universities have helped to produce 240 spin-outs.

This includes Neuranics, a 2021 joint spinout from University of Edinburgh and Glasgow, which has developed state-of-the-art sensors used across a variety of sectors, including in healthcare and gaming, and has raised $8 million to accelerate its growth. The company is also backed by an £800,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise.

Another, Microplate Dx, is a multiple award-winning spinout from Strathclyde, developing novel solutions to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Programme for Government 2025-2026
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: U.S. marines move into Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids

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

About 200 U.S. marines have been deployed to Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, to protect a federal building there, the military said on Friday, after a week of protests over the current administration’s immigration raids in the city.

U.S. Army Major General Scott Sherman, commander of the Task Force 51, which includes more than 4,000 California Army National Guard soldiers and about 700 marines, said at a press briefing that those marines had completed civil disturbance training.

But Sherman said the marines will not participate in law enforcement activities.

Some of the marines were seen standing guard outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles area. The 17-story federal building on Wilshire Boulevard is home to many of Los Angeles’ federal offices, including the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Los Angeles field office.

U.S. President Donald Trump has made decisions to dispatch over 4,000 National Guard members and about 700 active-duty marines to the Los Angeles area despite the objection of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials.

About 2,800 service members, including 2,100 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines, were deployed to the greater Los Angeles area, said U.S. Northern Command in a news release on Wednesday, adding that the Marines had completed required training and would be serving alongside National Guard soldiers within the next 48 hours.

The Marines were reportedly undergoing civil disturbance training at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in Orange County, located south of Los Angeles.

The Trump administration won a swift legal victory on Thursday night when a federal appeals court blocked a lower court’s order issued just hours earlier that would have returned 4,000 California National Guard troops to state control, allowing the military deployment in Los Angeles to continue.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an emergency stay just hours after U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled Thursday evening that Trump had illegally federalized California’s National Guard and violated the Constitution.

The appellate court’s new order not only allows the National Guard troops to continue operating under federal command but also indicates that the legal battle between Washington and the Golden State will continue.

The dramatic legal reversal capped a day of courtroom confrontation between the Trump administration and California over the unprecedented federal takeover of state military forces.

Hundreds of people have been arrested in Southern California since the protests over federal immigration enforcement started a week ago, with more protests planned in the coming weekend across the region and the country.

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
Multiple agencies inspect wreckage of crashed Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Investigative teams from various agencies, including the National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), reached the crash site of Air India Flight AI-171 on Saturday to examine the debris.

Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) also inspected the wreckage of the ill-fated London-bound aircraft.

Residents of the neighbourhood where the plane crashed recalled their harrowing experience, describing it as feeling like an earthquake or a bomb blast.

Rekha Kshtriya, a local resident for over 13 years, said she was doing her regular chores when she heard a deafening noise. She immediately rushed outside toward the site. She recalled that around 1:30 PM, the sound was so intense it felt like her eardrums would burst. Her house and furniture began to shake violently, and the noise resembled a bomb explosion. Upon stepping outside, she saw wreckage scattered everywhere, the sky filled with black smoke, and tall flames rising from the crash site.

Another resident, Priyanshu, said the entire area was engulfed in smoke and the fire quickly spread from one building to another. He too described it as feeling like an earthquake or a blast.

Bahadur Kshtriya, who lives about 500 metres from the crash site, said he and a few friends, along with security personnel, helped rescue five individuals from the rubble. He noted that the survivors were in extremely critical condition. He added that when they arrived, smoke and fire were everywhere. Near a student mess, they found people shouting for help. With assistance from Army personnel, they managed to pull out five students alive. Later, they found a body buried in the debris in a severely damaged condition.

The AI-171 Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday. According to the airline, only one of the 242 people on board survived the crash.

ANI

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Russian enterprises held a presentation of cooperation projects in Tianjin

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) — Representatives from more than 200 Chinese and Russian enterprises and research institutes gathered in the north Chinese coastal city of Tianjin on Friday to exchange views on a range of business issues and seek cooperation partners in various fields including energy, machinery and information technology.

The event was organized by Tianjin TEDA Export Development Center in Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone (EDZ), which is one of the first 14 national-level EDTZs in China. Its official title was: “The First International Forum on Industrial Development Coordination at Tianjin TEDA Export Development Center of North China – Special Sub-Forum on China-Russia Connectivity and SCO Cooperation in Energy, Manufacturing and Science and Technology”

As reported on the local official website enorth.com.cn, the event was attended by such major enterprises as Gazprom, Rosneft and the metallurgical company NLMK Group from the Russian side, and from the Chinese side, among others, the company for the development of warehouse and logistics technologies under the PipeChina group (a Chinese state-owned pipeline operator), Sinomachfreet Shandong Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd, Tianjin University and the technology company IFlytek.

At the event, cooperation projects were presented one by one by representatives from 7 Russian and 3 Chinese enterprises. They outlined in detail the key operations, priority areas of external cooperation and technological advantages of their enterprises. In the subsequent part of the event, business representatives of the two countries discussed in depth new trends and opportunities for cooperation in such areas as energy sector transformation, high-tech manufacturing, digital infrastructure and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Before the event, a familiarization tour of the Nangang Industrial Park, owned by Tianjin ZTER, was organized for Russian entrepreneurs. There they visited several iconic facilities in the energy and chemical industries. The TEDA Comprehensive Export Service Center also contacted Russian enterprises in advance with inquiries about points of interest in cooperation with the Chinese side.

One of the Russian representatives noted that the Nangang Industrial Park is home to a large number of modern enterprises, and the Tianjin ZTER generally provides convenient and comfortable conditions for attracting investment. Previously, a major Russian energy giant had already launched cooperation with the ZTER, and this time, many Russian enterprises also showed great interest in projects in the ZTER. This event directly stimulated inter-corporate contacts between the two countries, and it is expected that in the near future, a partnership between enterprises of the two countries will be concluded on a number of projects, the representative assured.

Wang Hongwei, chairman of Sinomachfreet Shandong Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd, said that as a result of the event, his company signed a memorandum of understanding to establish cooperation with two Russian enterprises. According to him, the Russian partners expressed their need for equipment designed for oil production and offshore drilling, which is precisely the flagship product of his company. “We will continue to hold talks with our Russian partners on promising cooperation,” the entrepreneur said. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Commercial exchanges fuel new momentum in China-Africa cooperation

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

“Plane tickets to Africa are in high demand — there are just so many opportunities,” exclaimed Ma Bijun, deputy general manager of Hunan Er-Kang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., who has been busy preparing to launch a new pharmaceutical factory in Tanzania this year.

A regular traveler between China and Africa, Ma is often surprised by the increasing number of passengers on these routes. To him, it’s a clear sign of deepening economic and commercial exchanges between the Chinese and African peoples.

Since its launch in 2019, the Guangzhou-Changsha-Nairobi route operated by China Southern Airlines has transported over 227,000 passengers and now maintains three regular weekly flights. To meet rising demand during the peak travel season, the airline also plans to open a direct Nairobi-Guangzhou route this summer.

This vibrant interaction has broadened the scope of China-Africa economic and commercial cooperation, bringing fresh vitality to friendly relations.

In just three days, Kenyan coffee beans can now reach Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, infusing their unique aroma into Gaoqiao Grand Market. As flagship agricultural products, African coffees are enjoying a boom, with imports to China rising 70.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025.

At the African Coffee Trade Center in Gaoqiao, the “Own Master” brand offers over 30 beverages made from Ethiopian, Kenyan and other African coffee beans.

“Today, we connect directly with coffee producers in Africa via online platforms, which streamlines the process and lowers overall costs,” said brand manager Jing Jianhua. He said the company’s imports of green coffee beans from Africa rose 30 percent last year compared to the previous year.

Beyond traditional sectors, new players are injecting a “green wave” into China-Africa cooperation. With sustainable development gaining traction across Africa, China’s exports of new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products to Africa in 2023 surged by 291 percent, 109 percent and 57 percent year on year, respectively.

“These are the 100 new energy vehicles I ordered from China — they’re incredibly popular in Dakar,” said Tirera Sourakhata, a Senegalese entrepreneur who founded a ride-hailing company using new energy vehicles in the capital.

“Seeing China’s streets filled with new energy vehicles makes me hope for the same in Senegal,” he said. He believed these vehicles would not only reduce costs and create jobs but also be more environmentally friendly.

Sourakhata has been living and doing business in Yiwu, a bustling trade hub in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, for over 20 years. From his first hardware purchase there, he was impressed by the quality and price of “Made in China” goods, and has witnessed the flourishing of China-Africa trade firsthand.

At his company’s showroom in Yiwu, thousands of products are on display, including photovoltaic panels, solar streetlamps, consumer goods and household appliances. The company’s annual exports to Africa have grown from just a few dozen containers to over 4,000 today. “That number will only keep growing,” Sourakhata said.

Chinese e-commerce models are also making headway in Africa. Regarded as a high-potential market, the continent shows strong momentum.

“Livestreaming lets us attract wide audiences and better understand their needs in real time,” said Nancy Kariuki, an influencer on Kilimall, a major East African e-commerce platform, whose livestream often draws over 10,000 views per day, an impressive figure in the region.

Kariuki pointed out that everything from electronics to clothing and footwear is just a click away. “E-commerce hasn’t just transformed the way people shop, it has also opened up new job opportunities for the local population,” she explained.

Since its launch in Africa in 2014, Kilimall has garnered over 10 million registered users and more than 4 million goods for sale. Modeled after Chinese e-commerce sites, Kilimall’s localized operations have generated tens of thousands of jobs.

Other Chinese e-commerce giants like Alibaba, Shein and Pinduoduo have also entered the African market, building a robust “digital bridge” between the two sides.

With increasing private-sector engagement, the overall trade volume between China and Africa is expanding. According to data released in early June by the General Administration of Customs of China, trade with African countries hit a record high in the first five months of this year, increasing 12.4 percent year on year to 963.21 billion yuan (134 billion U.S. dollars).

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

The scale of Israel’s strikes on multiple, sensitive Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday was unprecedented. It was the biggest attack on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s.

As expected, Iran responded swiftly, even as Israeli attacks on its territory continued. The unfolding conflict is reshaping regional dynamics, and Iran now finds itself with no easy path forward.

Strikes come at a delicate time

The timing of the Israeli strikes was highly significant. They came at a critical point in the high-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program that began earlier this year.

Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report accusing Tehran of stockpiling highly enriched uranium at levels dangerously close to weaponisation.

According to the report, Iran has accumulated around 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. If this uranium is further enriched to 90% purity, it would be enough to build nine to ten bombs.

The day before Israel’s attack, the IAEA board of governors also declared Iran to be in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades.

The nuclear talks recently hit a stumbling block over a major issue – the US refusal to allow Iran to enrich any uranium at all for a civilian nuclear program.

Iran has previously agreed to cap its enrichment at 3.67% under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal between Iran, the US and other global powers agreed to in 2015 (and abandoned by the first Trump administration in 2018). But it has refused to relinquish its right to enrichment altogether.

US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iran last week, believing he was close to a deal.

But after the attack, Trump ramped up his threats on Iran again, urging it to agree to a deal “before there is nothing left”. He called the Israeli strikes “excellent” and suggested there was “more to come”.

Given this context, it is understandable why Iran does not view the US as an impartial mediator. In response, Iran suspended its negotiations with the US, announcing it would skip the sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday.

Rather than compelling Iran to agree to a deal, the excessive pressure could risk pushing Iran towards a more extreme stance instead.

While Iranian officials have denied any intention to develop a military nuclear program, they have warned that continued Israeli attacks and US pressure might force Tehran to reconsider as a deterrence mechanism.

Read more:
As its conflict with Israel escalates, could Iran now acquire a nuclear bomb?

Why surrender could spell the regime’s end

On several occasions, Trump has insisted he is not seeking “regime change” in Iran. He has repeatedly claimed he wants to see Iran be “successful” – the only requirement is for it to accept a US deal.

However, in Iran’s view, the US proposal is not viewed as a peace offer, but as a blueprint for surrender. And the fear is this would ultimately pave the way for regime change under the guise of diplomacy.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded to the latest US proposal by insisting that uranium enrichment remains a “red line” for Iran. Abandoning this right from the Iranian perspective would only embolden its adversaries to escalate their pressure on the regime and make further demands – such as dismantling Iran’s missile program.

The fear in Tehran is this could push the country into a defenceless state without a way to deter future Israeli strikes.

Furthermore, capitulating to the US terms could ignite domestic backlash on two fronts: from an already growing opposition movement, and from the regime’s base of loyal supporters, who would see any retreat as a betrayal.

In this context, many in Iran’s leadership believe that giving in to Trump’s terms would not avert regime change – it would hasten it.

What options remain for Iran now?

Caught between escalating pressure and existential threats, Iran finds itself with few viable options other than to project strength. It has already begun to pursue this strategy by launching retaliatory missile strikes at Israeli cities.

This response has been much stronger than the relatively contained tit-for-tat strikes Israel and Iran engaged in last year. Iran’s strikes have caused considerable damage to government and residential areas in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Iran sees no alternative but to push forward, having already been drawn into open confrontation. Any sign of weakness would severely undermine the regime’s legitimacy at home and embolden its adversaries abroad.

Moreover, Tehran is betting on Trump’s aversion to foreign wars. Iranian leaders believe the US is neither prepared nor willing to enter another costly conflict in the region – one that could disrupt global trade and jeopardise Trump’s recent economic partnerships with Persian Gulf states.

Therefore, Iran’s leadership likely believes that by standing firm now, the conflict will be limited, so long as the US stays on the sidelines. And then, Iran’s leaders would try to return to the negotiating table, in their view, from a position of strength.

Ali Mamouri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options – https://theconversation.com/as-war-breaks-out-with-israel-iran-has-run-out-of-good-options-258916

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Olympic champion Zheng reaches first career grass-court semifinal

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

China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen reached the semifinals on grass for the first time in her career as she knocked out home sensation Emma Raducanu 6-2, 6-4 at the Queen’s Club Championships here on Friday.

Zheng, 22, entered the WTA 500 tournament as the top seed and received a bye in the first round.

She needed two hours and 11 minutes to beat McCartney Kessler from the United States 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 in the second round on Thursday and seemed to repeat the story on Friday as she was broken twice at the beginning of the second set.

“My first serves dropped a lot since the start of the second set and it’s kind of destructive on grass court,” said Zheng after the match. “My opponent was actually in a low period, but I gave her chances to come back.”

“But I adjust quicker than I did in my previous match and I’m pleased that I could turn around the table in the second set,” adde the world No. 5.

When Raducanu was facing breaking points in the sixth game of the first set, Zheng asked for a timeout to change for a pair of new trainers before breaking Raducanu for the first time.

“I couldn’t keep going as I have slipped a few times,” Zheng explained. “Since I arrived here, I was wearing the shoes from last year’s Wimbledon. I know exactly when I should change shoes either on the hard court or the clay court, but I’m not sure while playing on grass. I did ask for opinion from my coach ahead of my first match. He said maybe later and I felt all right yesterday.”

Zheng suffered first-round exit at the Wimbledon Championships in the past two years, but she believed she has already gained more experience from the two matches she played this year.

“I have better understanding while playing on grass and I know which shot I should use in different situations,” said Zheng. “But I need to keep winning on grass and have more matches to play on the surface.”

Zheng will face Amanda Anisimova on Saturday as the American defeated Emma Navarro 6-3, 6-3.

The other semifinal will be between Australian Open champion Madison Keys from the United States and German qualifier Tatjana Maria. Enditem

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Statement on EPA’s Renewable Volume Obligations Announcement

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the EPA’s new Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) standards.

The recently announced blending levels under the Renewable Fuel Standard advances the bipartisan efforts Senator Grassley and I have led to increase the blending of homegrown biofuels, including ethanol and biomass-based diesel. As farmers continue to face the headwinds of uncertain trade and across-the-board tariffs, domestic biofuel production remains a critical market for our farmers. I have long pushed back against the flagrant abuse of Small Refinery Waivers. Any gallons waived by legitimate waivers must be accounted for in the final RVOs.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Norton Says Trump Parade Will Shut Down the Nation’s Capital and Waste Taxpayer Dollars to Feed the President’s Ego

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released a statement regarding President Trump’s military parade in the District of Columbia, scheduled for tomorrow. Each year, Norton secures a federal payment to the District to cover emergency planning and security costs of large-scale events and demonstrations, including the presidential inauguration.

“President Trump’s longstanding wish to waste millions of taxpayer dollars for a performative military parade in the style of authoritarian leaders is finally coming true on his birthday,” Norton said. “Granting his wish comes at D.C.’s expense, which will be forced to shoulder the cost of repairing the damage that dozens of military vehicles will do to local D.C. roads with an uncertain timeline for reimbursement from the federal government, if any. D.C. will also have to cope with their roads being shut down for up to four days, creating obstacles for D.C. residents seeking to go about their daily lives.

“Although this parade will feed President Trump’s ego and perhaps his base, it will not serve any legitimate purpose. It’s all the more objectionable for its timing, coming after President Trump authorized the firing, buyout, or early retirement of roughly 260,000 federal workers in the name of cutting waste.

“The world knows that the American military is the most powerful in the world. Unlike less powerful nations, the United States has no need to show off by strutting our soldiers and equipment to prove our strength and leadership. Instead of wasting precious taxpayer resources, we should celebrate the military by using the estimated tens of millions of dollars devoted to the parade to rehire the federal workers who performed valuable services for American taxpayers, including service members and veterans.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Norton Statement on House Passage of Anti-D.C. Home Rule Immigration Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released a statement after the House passed its third anti-D.C. home rule bill this week. The bill, introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), would nullify locally-enacted D.C. laws, policies and practices regarding D.C. exchanging information about the citizenship and immigration status of individuals. It would require D.C. to comply with requests by the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration detainers.

“The substance of Rep. Higgins’ bill is irrelevant, since there is never justification for members of Congress representing other districts to legislate on local D.C. matters. However, I’ll briefly address it.

“Consistent with federal law and D.C.’s values, D.C. limits cooperation with federal immigration agencies. The District concluded that cooperation would make D.C. less safe for all residents by diverting police resources and discouraging immigrants from interacting with the police department and other government agencies. D.C. is not the first or the only jurisdiction to come to this conclusion; many states, cities and counties agree.

“If Republicans cared about D.C. residents or democracy, they would take up H.R. 51, the D.C. statehood bill. H.R. 51 would admit the residential and commercial areas of D.C. as a state, giving D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full local self-government.

“I will use all the tools at my disposal to prevent any further advancement of this bill.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Calls on ICE for Answers on Raids in Contra Costa County
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) sent a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) urgently requesting information regarding recent ICE activity in Concord, California as well as a meeting with the Acting Director. This letter comes after reports that on Tuesday, June 10, federal officers, some of whom were wearing plain clothes and were masked, from both ICE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested and removed four asylum-seekers following their scheduled hearings at the Concord Immigration Court.

In the letter, Congressman DeSaulnier wrote, “I am deeply disappointed that your agency has chosen to use its resources to target individuals who are showing up to court to go through the proper judicial and legal process – exactly what proponents of immigration enforcement purport to advocate for. This misguided effort will only result in others avoiding courts and law enforcement entirely. As many individuals who need to use these courts are already living in fear, we should be encouraging immigrants to attend court as instructed, not making them even more afraid to appear. These kinds of underhanded enforcement actions also call into question the Administration’s commitment to the American ideals of law and order and the right to due process.”

He continued, “The district I represent has seen dramatic economic expansion due in large part to the growth of the tech industry in the San Francisco Bay Area. That industry would not exist without immigrants who came to the United States seeking freedom from repression and greater economic opportunity like so many others before them, my ancestors and those of most Americans included. The heavy-handed approach to immigration enforcement that this Administration is pursuing is particularly out of place in communities like ours, where people know and appreciate the many contributions that immigrants have made to our lives, and understand the dignity that every individual, regardless of immigration status, deserves. Our community will not be deterred or intimidated by attempts to provoke chaos, sow division, and violate our Constitutional rights.”

To that end, I request that you provide our office with the below information as soon as possible:
1. The number of individuals with scheduled hearings at the Concord Immigration Court who have been arrested at the court since January 20, 2025.
2. The current location of each of these individuals, including whether they are still in the United States.
3. The location(s) where new detainees who are arrested at the Concord Immigrant Court are being taken, given that ICE facilities are reportedly already overcrowded.^[1]
4. Whether individuals with asylum claims will have an opportunity to continue pursuing them after they have been detained by ICE.
In addition to the above information, I also request a meeting with you to discuss this matter as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your prompt response.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.

About his home state, Congressman DeSaulnier said, “Californians are proud that our state boasts the fourth largest economy in the world – a standing made possible by the fact that we are also the most diverse state in the country, with the largest Hispanic and Latino population of any U.S. state.”

MIL OSI USA News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Velázquez Introduces Bill to Prohibit ICE Agents from Concealing Identity During Enforcement
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced the No Masks for ICE Act to bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing facial coverings during enforcement actions and requiring them to wear clothing displaying their name and affiliation with ICE.

The bill comes in response to increasing reports of masked federal agents conducting immigration raids in neighborhoods, workplaces, and sensitive locations like schools and courthouses. Advocates say mirror the tactics of secret police and undermine public trust.

“When ICE agents hide their faces and badges, it spreads fear and removes any accountability. It makes it harder to report abuse, harder to hold agents responsible, and more likely that arrests spiral into chaos,” said Velázquez. “That’s not how law enforcement should operate in a democracy. The No Masks for ICE Act is about bringing basic transparency and accountability to immigration enforcement.”

The No Masks for ICE Act would bolster Department of Homeland Security rules by:
- Prohibiting ICE agents from wearing facial coverings during enforcement actions, except in cases where masks are needed for health or safety;
- Requiring agents to wear clothing that shows their name and ICE affiliation during arrests.
“Masked raids are terrifying and make it impossible to hold agents accountable,” Velázquez added. “It’s also dangerous. We’ve seen cases where people thought they were witnessing a kidnapping, not an immigration arrest. That kind of confusion puts everyone at risk.”

Since Trump returned to office, ICE has arrested more than 100,000 immigrants, asylum seekers, and undocumented people often through aggressive raids in neighborhoods, courthouses, schools, and worksites. Often these arrests are carried out by agents in plain clothes and facial coverings.

Read a full copy of the bill here.

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MIL OSI USA News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Meeks, Brown, Carson and Senator Booker Introduce Resolution Honoring Black Music Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Shontel Brown (OH-11), André Carson (IN-07) joined by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced a bicameral Resolution recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Black music to America’s cultural and artistic heritage. The Resolution also calls attention to the importance of equitable access to music education for Black students and supports the designation of June 2025 as Black Music Month.

The Resolution acknowledges the deep-rooted legacy of African American musical innovation and celebrates the generations of Black artists who have shaped music history. From spirituals, jazz, and gospel, to blues, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond, Black music has been instrumental in defining the sound of America and the soul of its people.

“To African American communities, music is more than just entertainment, it is a force of identity, healing, and resistance,” said Congressman Meeks. “I am honored to represent a district that has been home to musical legends such as Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. African American music is woven into the DNA of this nation—it tells our stories, preserves our struggles, and celebrates our triumphs. We must continue celebrating Black music and its cultural impact worldwide.”

“Black music is the soul of American music, shaping our culture in indelible and immeasurable ways. Black Music sets the rhythm of Black life and has shared our story, our joys, and our struggle with the world,” Congresswoman Brown. “Black Music Month is an important opportunity to support music and arts education, including for diverse communities, and connect Black music to the wider story of Black history, including as we celebrate Juneteenth this month. I am proud to introduce our resolution in the House with Congressman Meeks and Congressman Carson and to join with Senator Booker in announcing our resolutions.”

“Black music has always been more than entertainment. It’s a pathway for truth, resistance, and cultural pride,” said Congressman Carson. “From the rhythms carried by our ancestors to the beats of hip hop transcending through today’s movements, Black music has always told our story when words alone did not suffice. This Black Music Month, we honor the genres we birthed and the voices that continue to inspire justice, joy, and speak truth to power across the world.”

“America’s music history has long been defined by Black music, but Black singers, songwriters, and musicians rarely get the recognition they deserve for their contributions and art,” said Senator Booker. “This resolution honors Black musicians from Aretha Franklin to Kendrick Lamar, along with so many others who have made an invaluable impact on our cultural history. I’m pleased to stand alongside my colleagues to ourselves to expanding access to music education for children across the nation.”

The Resolution underscores the urgent need to support educational initiatives that highlight the heritage of Black music and expand opportunities for African American students in the arts. By celebrating Black Music Month, Congress reaffirms its commitment to cultural equity, historical recognition, and artistic expression.

Read the full bill text here.

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Statement on Republican Rescission of Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations’ National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, released the following statement after House Republicans voted to advance President Trump’s rescissions package, which would claw back $9.4 billion in funding:

“Republicans’ support of Trump’s recissions package is a reckless abdication of our nation’s global leadership and a direct assault on the free press. At a time when authoritarian regimes around the world are stoking conflict and instability, this bill destroys one of our most powerful diplomatic tools: humanitarian aid. Trump, Elon Musk, and House Republicans have gutted lifesaving foreign assistance, including global programs that fight the spread of HIV, provide life-saving care to mothers and babies, and improve food security. Insecurity abroad will make us less safe at home.

“This legislation also devastates public broadcasting, including PBS, NPR, and Chicago’s WTTW, and makes drastic cuts to emergency alerts. Let me be clear: this package was not about rooting out ‘waste, fraud, and abuse.’ It is about fulfilling the Trump administration’s goal of concentrating unilateral power to control taxpayer dollars and putting billionaire interests ahead of the public’s.

“Trump has called himself ‘the King,’ but he is not. The American people know that. I know that, and I will continue to push back against his efforts to override the will of the people and our global leadership.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bicameral Legislation to Protect Medicaid Access for Disaster Survivors
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and reintroduced the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA), bicameral legislation that would protect access to Medicaid services for individuals forced to relocate across state lines due to federally declared disasters or public health emergencies. Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) co-leads this legislation alongside Rep. Panetta. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) are leading companion legislation in the United States Senate.

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act would ensure that seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid waivers do not lose the critical, life-sustaining services they need if they are forced to flee their home state during a disaster. The bill would designate such individuals as “Relief-Eligible Survivors” and allow them to continue receiving Medicaid-supported services in their temporary state of residence.

In 2024 alone, over 11 million Americans were displaced by natural disasters. Because Medicaid is administered by individual states, disaster survivors who cross state lines often lose access to critical services, especially Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provided through state-specific waivers with lengthy waiting lists. This loss of care can severely threaten the health, safety, and independence of older adults and people with disabilities.

“As we’ve seen in California and across the country, natural disasters are displacing more and more families, often across state lines. But for those who depend on Medicaid, fleeing danger too often means losing access to health care,” said Rep. Panetta. “The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act would ensure that survivors of disasters do not have to choose between their safety and their health. I’m proud to lead this bicameral legislation to ensure that no matter the circumstance, the most vulnerable in our community have continuity of care.”

“As our Maui ʻohana know all too well, rebuilding after a disaster brings daily challenges. However, access to healthcare should never be one of them. Medicaid is a lifeline for many, and we must make sure this critical safety net remains accessible, especially in times of crisis,” said Rep. Tokuda. “That’s why I am proud to reintroduce the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act with my colleague Representative Panetta. This bill will ensure disaster victims have uninterrupted access to Medicaid-supported services, no matter where they are or how long it takes to reestablish their lives.”

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act would:
- Ensure that individuals eligible for Medicaid who are forced to relocate due to a federally declared disaster or public health emergency can continue to access their Medicaid services.
- Provide a limited-time, 100% federal Medicaid match for states serving displaced individuals.
- Offer technical assistance to states to help them quickly accommodate an influx of out-of-state recipients.
- Establish a grant program to help states build an emergency response corps to provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) during and after disasters.
“Our measure ensures that families, seniors, and individuals who are eligible for Medicaid and impacted by emergency relocations are able to continue receiving the care they need,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Evacuees who have to abandon their homes and communities after a natural disaster strikes should not have to worry about whether they will lose access to their health care.”

“The last thing disaster survivors should be worried about is whether they’ll be able to access health care or not,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill will make sure that people on Medicaid who are forced to relocate due to disasters can still get the care that they need.”

“The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies applauds the reintroduction of the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA),” said Shaylin Sluzalis and Germán Parodi, co-executive directors of the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies. “Disabled people are disproportionately impacted by disasters, and losing access to Medicaid in moments of crisis can be deadly. DRMA is a life-saving, equity-driven bill that ensures disabled people, older adults, and low-income disaster survivors are not left behind simply because they’ve been displaced. This legislation recognizes that health care is essential infrastructure in any emergency. We urge Congress to pass DRMA without delay.”

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MIL OSI USA News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse, Sen. Gallego and Western Colleagues Launch Effort to Improve Wildfire Mitigation, Research, and Management

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — As the once-so-called “fire season” stretches into a yearlong struggle for communities across the nation, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse is launching a new effort to improve wildfire prevention, mitigation, and management. He is introducing a package of policy proposals initially derived from a 2024 report issued by the USDA’s Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, which was created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and tasked with outlining a holistic approach to addressing the rising threat of wildfires.

Neguse, who co-chairs the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, has teamed up with a bipartisan, bicameral group of federal representatives to reintroduce the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, the Wildfire Coordination Act, and the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act. All three bills are championed by Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego in the United States Senate and co-led by Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10) in the House of Representatives. In addition, the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act is co-led by Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39) and cosponsored by Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23).

“During my time in Congress, Colorado has experienced four of the five largest wildfires in our state’s history—meaning that my communities, along with the state and local agencies on the frontlines, have seen firsthand the increasing strain as these fires grow more frequent and severe. I’m proud to introduce legislation, rooted in the nonpartisan work of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, that invests in wildfire science and strengthens the long-term resilience of our communities to reduce the threat of future disasters,” said Congressman Neguse.

“As Arizona’s wildfire seasons get longer and wildfire landscapes evolve, it is vital we have the research and coordination tools to ensure effective mitigation and management,” said Senator Gallego. “These bills will improve the working relationship between federal agencies and with their state, local, and tribal counterparts. Wildfires don’t care about jurisdictional boundaries, and these bills reflect that.”

“We’re in the middle of a yearslong megafire crisis and we can’t afford any more delays in tackling this threat,” said Congressman Harder. “Wildfires don’t care about your political party when they’re burning your house down, and neither should our solutions. America’s top firefighters and wildfire experts came together to tell us what they need to tackle the wildfire crisis, and this bipartisan package of bills is in direct response to their ideas. Our families and our communities are counting on us to get this done.

“Last fall, my district witnessed the devastating Airport Fire, which started in Trabuco Canyon and burned through 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside counties. As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity, our mitigation tools must keep pace,” said Congresswoman Kim. “Effective wildfire prevention requires seamless coordination, which is why we must ensure federal, state, and local first responders can share information as effectively as possible. This bipartisan bill will help identify barriers and unlock opportunities to ensure communities like mine can better prevent and respond to these disasters.”

Details on the bills are included below:

The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act provides recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire mitigation across land ownership boundaries by identifying gaps and opportunities in current federal rules and regulations and supporting increased collaboration.

The Wildfire Coordination Act establishes an advisory board composed of members from various federal, State, local, Tribal, and non-federal partners that will be responsible for coordinating federal wildfire research, translating it into practical applications, and developing future research.

The Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act requires a comprehensive review of the wildfire landscape in the United States every four years, outlining the changes in environments, assessing wildfire management challenges, and evaluating the intersection of wildfires and public health. This federal review will help inform the development of long-term strategies to enhance wildfire preparedness and response and strengthen interagency coordination.

This effort is supported by 20 local and national entities and organizations, including Grand Fire Protection District No. 1, Summit County, Summit Fire and EMS Fire Protection District, Red, White, and Blue Fire Protection District, Summit County Wildfire Council, Grand County Wildfire Council, Routt County Wildfire Council, Eagle County Wildfire Collaborative, Denver Water, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, National Federation of Federal Employees, Alliance for Wildfire Resilience, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Federation of American Scientists, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Megafire Action, National Association of State Foresters, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, and Tall Timbers. The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act and the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act are endorsed by The Nature Conservancy.

Quotes from endorsers can be found HERE.

And a one-pager can be found HERE.

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Neguse and Bennet: “We must oppose any provisions that would stake a for sale sign on our nation’s public lands.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources issued newly released budget reconciliation text. The bill now seeks to sell off between 2 and 3 million acres of land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service—greenlighting the sale of public lands in Colorado, Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

“Colorado, like so many Western states, is proud to be home to millions of acres of treasured public lands—places people from across the country and around the world flock to for outdoor recreation and to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors. Auctioning off these lands to pay for President Trump’s radical agenda, including the prioritization of tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations, is an affront to our core values. We must continue to stand in firm opposition to any provisions that would put a for sale sign on our nation’s treasured public lands.”

Neguse and Bennet have long partnered on efforts to protect Colorado’s public lands, including through their championing of the CORE Act–a bill that would codify protections for 420,000 acres of the state’s public land, establish new wilderness areas, and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations.

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Recognizes Army Birthday, Opposes President Trump’s Vanity Parade
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) led his congressional colleagues in sending a letter to the Trump administration to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and raise serious questions about how much the President’s upcoming military parade will cost and impact readiness. The letter was signed by Crow, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), and 18 other members.

“We fully support commemorating the Army’s founding. However, the size, scope, and execution of the upcoming 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., raise serious concerns, at a time when the Army faces severe budget constraints, and the Trump administration is supposedly focused on reducing unnecessary government spending,” the letter reads.

“Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our troops who put on the uniform. The Army’s 250th birthday is an important milestone worthy of recognition, but President Trump is doing it wrong. We should not be pulling thousands of troops away from their training and their families so the President can boost his ego. Spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars on Donald Trump’s vanity parade, at the same time this administration is firing veterans and cutting the VA, is wrong,” said Congressman Crow.

Estimates say this parade will cost upwards of $45 million, and could require millions to repair the streets. Over 6,600 soldiers will be brought in from around the country to participate in this weekend’s event. Additionally, hundreds of ground equipment and aircraft will be moved from strategic positions around the country to D.C. for this event, potentially impacting military readiness. The president has long desired a personal military parade, and will come at the taxpayer expense while this administration claims it is prioritizing rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse.

A PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:

June 11, 2025

Dear Secretary Driscoll,

We are excited to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Since its founding on June 14, 1775, the Army has served as a bedrock of American strength—defending liberty and responding to crises around the world. As Members of Congress, we join the nation in honoring this extraordinary legacy and the soldiers who uphold it.

We fully support commemorating the Army’s founding. However, the size, scope, and execution of the upcoming 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., raise serious concerns, at a time when the Army faces severe budget constraints, and the Trump administration is supposedly focused on reducing unnecessary government spending. Given President Trump’s longstanding personal desire for a military parade, we have important questions about the pressure that may have been put on the Army to plan a far more militaristic parade with greater cost and operational impact than the Army would have independently chosen.

We also have important questions regarding the cost, funding, operational justification, and the treatment of participating troops. Cutting costs at the margin by not serving soldiers hot meals, while sending dozens of unnecessary armored vehicles, does not prioritize the troops and is irresponsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. A celebration of this magnitude must reflect our principles: respect for service, fiscal responsibility, and a clear-eyed view of readiness.

To that end, we request your response to the following:

Funding Sources
- What is the total estimated cost of the parade?
- What is the estimated cost for each unit participating? Please provide sources of funding for personnel transportation, lodging, meals, equipment transport, and other associated costs for each participating unit.
Troop Accommodation
- Why are soldiers being housed on cots in federal office buildings instead of standard military or contracted lodging? How much money does this save compared to housing them in hotels?
- Why are soldiers being provided MREs for breakfast and lunch, with only one hot dinner meal each day?
- How much money is the Army saving by only having one hot meal per day as opposed to three?
Readiness Impact
- Are any of the participating units currently preparing for, or recently returned from, an operational deployment?
- What measures are being taken to ensure that participation in this event does not disrupt training schedules, pre-deployment certification, or force availability?
Use of Heavy Equipment
- Who requested or ordered the inclusion of tanks and other heavy armored vehicles in the parade? When was this request made, and what were the details of the request?
- What operational or ceremonial purpose does the participation of 24 of the same vehicle serve, as opposed to including just two or four of each vehicle type?
- How much of the total cost of the parade is due to the requirements associated with including these armored vehicles?
Infrastructure and Mitigation
- What steps are being taken to predict and prevent potential damage to roads and other infrastructure in Washington, D.C.?
- Has the Army assessed the cost of any potential damage, and who will bear those costs?
- Will the Army conduct the repairs? If yes, how quickly do you expect to be able to do so?
White House Involvement
- Has the White House played any role in the planning or direction of this event? If so, please provide a detailed description of the extent and nature of that involvement.
This anniversary should unite the country around the shared sacrifice and service of our military—not distract from the Army’s core mission or become a partisan spectacle. We ask that your office provide answers to the above questions and share any relevant planning materials, budget justifications, and interagency communications by June 26th, 2025.

Thank you for your leadership, and for your continued commitment to the men and women of the United States Army.

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MIL OSI USA News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Highlights America First Rescissions Package

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) spoke on the House floor before the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025, which codifies President Trump’s DOGE cuts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse from federal overspending. Leader Scalise emphasized that Democrats’ ‘no’ vote is a vote to prioritize far-left foreign programs over lowering inflation, paying down our debt, and strengthening social services for Americans.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks.
Leader Scalise’s remarks:“I thank my friend, our conference chair, Ms. McClain, for managing this time on this important bill. Mr. Speaker, a lot of people come up here and they talk about trying to get America’s fiscal house in order, about the idea of getting back to balanced federal budgets. I don’t know many people here who are against it. I know when we later in this Congress put a bill on the floor to require a balanced federal budget, there will be many Democrats, Mr. Speaker, who will vote no on that, because when it comes time to actually put your votes on the board to back up the principles that most Americans relish, they walk away. They won’t be there when it actually matters. Everybody could talk about cutting wasteful spending. Even if you don’t necessarily agree that it’s wasteful spending, and what we’re bringing today is wasteful spending, but even if you think, ‘Okay, might not be as bad as some other things you don’t agree with,’ we all have to agree, Mr. Speaker, that as we just saw a few weeks ago, Moody’s downgraded the credit rating of the United States. Wasn’t a recommendation, Mr. Speaker. Wasn’t a warning that, gee whiz, if you folks don’t get your fiscal house in order, this might happen. They actually did it. They downgraded the credit rating in the United States because spending has to get under control. The party over there that spent the last four years under President Biden spending like drunken sailors, and all due respect to drunken sailors, because they don’t spend this bad. But the trillions of dollars of debt that were racked up had consequences, Mr. Speaker. “It had consequences not only in terms of our national debt, it affected the pocketbooks of families all across America because that spending, bloated spending in Washington, money we don’t have, by the way, increased inflation to the point where people couldn’t even go to the grocery store to fill up their carts. They couldn’t afford to go to the gas station to fill up their cars. They couldn’t afford to take out a loan to buy a house because interest rates had gotten so high that today we’re spending more money servicing our interest than we are on America’s national debt. These are all real, dramatic facts that concern most Americans. They say, thank goodness, Congress is finally bringing a bill to the floor to start cutting some spending that aren’t priorities. Call it wasteful if you want, call it whatever you want, but these aren’t things that we can afford to spend, even if you agree with them. Because it’s not money we have in the bank. It’s all borrowed money, Mr. Speaker. And so, where did we start? “Well, the White House laid out a number of things. They looked at that USAID program – they didn’t gut the whole thing, but they said there are a number of things that are being done that just don’t represent the values of the United States. And are being done in foreign countries while we don’t have our fiscal house in order here in America. So, how about we start there? I know the Democrats on the other side are acting like, ‘Oh, my God, the world’s going to stop spinning on its axis if this spending goes away.’ So why don’t we talk about some of the spending that will go away? Again, borrowed money, not money we just took out of the bank, money we borrowed from countries like China to spend on that is a debt to our kids. Each one of these I list, Mr. Speaker, you should ask, if you vote ‘yes,’ you’re finally relieving that debt burden. But if you vote ‘no,’ you think it’s okay to send this bill to our kids. “We’re not paying for it today, Mr. Speaker, but our kids would if we keep doing it. If the other side votes ‘no,’ they want to keep borrowing money from our children to spend a million dollars on voter ID in Haiti. The same party that doesn’t want voter ID in America – calls it racist – wants to fund voter ID in Haiti. $6 million for net-zero cities in Mexico. I know some of their best supporters are waving a Mexican flag at an American city right now, and they support those efforts. Most Americans don’t, Mr. Speaker. “$3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street. The minority leader held up a Sesame Street character here on the floor as if Sesame Street somehow is going to go away. I was just watching a commercial on TV yesterday where the Cookie Monster was actually doing an advertisement for Netflix because a private company is paying money to run Sesame Street. It’s not going away. It’s doing just fine. Very lucrative. What will go away is some of the far-left radical views that are being espoused. By the way, when this goes away at NPR, you can still turn on about six or seven other channels and get the same far-left radical views, but they’re all going to be private companies, Mr. Speaker, not taxpayer-funded entities. If somebody wants to pay money to go on one of their services that they stream or get over the top, or however they get their digital content, they can still do that.And there are a lot of options. Never been more options. Some people joke that they buy their services for their cable or whatever else they get, and that there’s 200 channels, and they might only watch four or five of them. There is still going to be a plethora of options for the American people. But if they’re paying their hard-earned dollars to go get content, why should your tax dollars go to only one thing that the other side wants to promote? Let everybody compete on a fair basis. They can still watch Sesame Street in Iraq, but let the Iraqi people pay for it, not the taxpayers of the United States of America’s children. “Today’s taxpayers aren’t paying for it because it’s all borrowed money. $2.1 million for climate resilience in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and East Africa. Five hundred thousand for electric buses in Rwanda. Rwanda is more than free to go buy all the electric buses they want or diesel buses. Why should the taxpayers of America be borrowing money from our children to buy electric buses for Rwanda? $33,000 for being LGBTQI in the Caribbean. Taxpayer money that a ‘no’ vote today says is more important than strengthening a program like Social Security. I say not. $643,000 for LGBTQI+ programs in the Western Balkans. Borrowed money. $567,000, Mr. Speaker, for LGBTQI+ programs in Uganda. $5.1 million to strengthen the ‘resilience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer global movement.’ Not sure what that global movement is. They can continue that movement in some other way, but just not with the taxpayer dollars of the United States of America’s children. Again, there’s no bank account that $5.1 million came out of. It’s all borrowed money that a ‘no’ vote says is more important than strengthening Social Security. $135 million in contributions to the World Health Organization, which we all saw during COVID, was the mouthpiece for the Chinese Communist Party. I would imagine if we stopped this $135 million funding, the CCP may pick it up because they were regurgitating their talking points during COVID. “At some point, Mr. Speaker, the question we’ve all got to answer is, number one, do you believe in fiscal responsibility? Maybe some people have other priorities than these they’d like to defund. But if you think these are all things that are worth borrowing money from our children to fund, then that’s what the ‘no’ vote represents. If you think it’s time we start somewhere, here’s the place to start, not to finish, just the beginning, to finally start getting control over spending and respecting those families who are working hard, who are working two shifts at the diner to pay taxes on tips that will soon go away if our One Big Beautiful Bill passes. Or somebody who’s working overtime because you want to send your kid to college, and you find out this is where your taxpayer dollars are going, and you’re disgusted and say, ‘When will somebody do something about it?’ Today’s the day to do something about it. Talk is cheap. Put the action on the floor. Let’s finally get control over spending in a small way. Start a bigger picture towards a balanced budget, but it starts here. Vote yes, get this done, and let’s keep moving forward to strengthen this great country. With that, I urge a yes vote and yield back, Mr. Speaker.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Calvert Statement on Israeli Strikes On Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations issued the following statement in support of Israel:

“Israel has taken the necessary steps to ensure their safety and survival. The extensive air strikes against Iran were targeted; intended to take out senior military leadership and nuclear enrichment and military facilities.

Iran was given numerous chances to abandon their nuclear enrichment and weaponization activities but chose to push forward despite warnings from President Trump and Israel. The Iranian Regime has been the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world; they have armed Hamas and Hezbollah and have repeatedly threatened our shared interests with Israel. They were the orchestrators of October 7th which saw 1,195 Israelis and 46 Americans murdered, and hundreds taken hostage. From the Beirut bombing in 1983 to the 2024 drone attacks against U.S. assets in Jordan, which resulted in the death of three American troops, they have the blood of hundreds of Americans on their hands. Their day of reckoning has come.

As antisemitism rears its ugly head around the world, the reason for the state of Israel has become abundantly clear. Israel is the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people, and since its inception they have only wished to live in peace with their neighbors but they will not hesitate to defend their nation, and their people, with every tool in their arsenal – as any nation would. Allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, which would enable them to destroy the state of Israel was a red line. ‘Never again’ is now, and I support Israel’s continued operations to ensure the survival of their people and their home.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025