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  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI launches the Survey on Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies: 2024-25 round

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank has launched the 2024-25 round of its annual survey on ‘Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies’. The survey collects the information from mutual fund companies and asset management companies on their external financial liabilities and assets as at end-March of the latest financial year. The survey results are disseminated in the public domain besides being used in compilation of India’s external sector statistics.

    Asset management companies (AMCs) are required to submit the annual return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) online through the web-based portal (https://flair.rbi.org.in) by July 15, 2025.

    In addition, mutual fund companies are required to fill the survey schedule (Schedule-4), which is available on the RBI website under the head ‘Regulatory Reporting’ → ‘List of Returns’ → ‘FLA MF – Survey Schedule’ [or under the head ‘Forms’ (available at the bottom of the home page) and sub-head ‘Survey’], and send via e-mail by July 15, 2025.

    Both Hindi and English formats are available for Schedule-4 and reporting companies may use either of them. Please refer to the instructions with FAQs and in case of any query or clarification, kindly contact:

    The Director,
    International Investment Position Division (IIPD),
    Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM),
    Reserve Bank of India,
    C9-5th floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (East),
    Mumbai-400051.
    Please click here to send email.

    Ajit Prasad           
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)      

    Press Release: 2025-2026/452

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI launches the 15th round of the Survey on Foreign Collaboration in Indian Industry

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India has been conducting the Survey on Foreign Collaboration in Indian Industry since 1965. The 15th round of the survey with 2023-24 and 2024-25 as the reference period has now been launched.

    The survey collects information on the operations of the Indian companies having foreign technical collaboration in terms of performance indicators (e.g., production, exports, imports, cost of material) along with the crucial features of technology transfer agreements (viz., nature, duration, mode of payment, export restriction, provision of exclusive rights, use of technology after expiry of the agreements).

    The schedule of this survey is required to be filled by the Indian companies having technical collaborations with foreign companies. The soft form of the survey schedule (both in Hindi and English – one of which can be used) is available on the RBI website under the head ‘Regulatory Reporting’ -→ ‘List of Returns’ -→ ‘FCS – Survey Schedule’ [or under the head ‘Forms’ (available at the bottom of the home page in sub-head ‘Survey’), which can be duly filled-in and submitted to email by July 15, 2025.

    The instructions are provided in RBI website under ‘Research and Data’ in FAQs and, in case of any query or clarification, kindly contact us at:

    The Director,
    International Investment Position Division,
    Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM),
    Reserve Bank of India,
    C-9, 5th floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E),
    Mumbai – 400 051.
    Please click here to send email.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/451

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lavish Trips and Long-Haul Junkets: Stormont spends over £470,000 on travel outside the British Isles since the return of devolution

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “For some weeks I have been collecting data on the spend of the different Executive departments on travel outside the British Isles since devolution returned. To say I am appalled at the scale and extravagance of ministerial and departmental spending on foreign travel is an understatement.

    “When collated, the responses reveal an astonishing total of £470,000 spent on international travel by Stormont departments in just over a year — and more than £52,000 of that squandered by Ministers themselves.

    “Luxury long-haul flights and costly hotel stays seem to be the norm for the Executive.

    “No department has flown further or spent more widely than the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. In total, the department spent nearly £78,000, with trips ranging from Brussels to New Zealand, Germany to New York.

    “Three individuals, including the Minister, few to New York Climate Week at a cost of £11,134 — supposedly to discuss sustainability of all things, while burning jet fuel and public money.

    “Officials also attended climate-linked events in Sweden, Spain, and Germany — clocking up thousands more in expenses — with little to no clarity on what outcomes, if any, these junkets delivered for the Northern Ireland public.

    “The Department of Finance racked up over £32,700 in international travel — including a single trip to Brussels by 16 officials from the Departmental Solicitor’s Office, costing the public £17,066. We’re told this was a “bespoke study visit” linked to the Windsor Framework.

    “Can a 16-person legal trip to Brussels be justified? Ministers must explain why such a large group needed to attend, and what real value was achieved.

    “The Minister for Education himself spent over £8,000 on overseas travel in a single year — including trips to Washington DC and Reykjavik, Iceland. Minister Givan’s personal travel and accommodation expenses account for nearly 25% of the total expenses by the Department on foreign travel.

    Among the more concerning examples in the Department of Education are:
    •     Two officials who travelled to Paris and racked up costs of over £2,100 and
    •     A trip to Tokyo which cost £3,366, with no listed outcomes.

    “With education budgets under severe strain, with SEN services stretched to breaking point people working in education will be asking questions.

    “The biggest spenders though are of course the Executive Office. Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little Pengelly’s department has managed to spend over £126,000 on international travel.

    “When people see Ministers parading on the world stage while hospital waiting lists grow at home, it’s not hard to understand the anger. Spending more on a single trip than many people earn in a year is shameful.

    “Across the Executive, this pattern of waste repeats. Ministers and officials racking up air miles while local services go without.

    “When we ask the public to tighten their belts, the very least they should expect is that Ministers do the same.

    “Climate change conferences abroad are no substitute for sound governance at home.

    “Ministerial egos should not be subsidised by people struggling to make ends meet.

    “With many already questioning the value of Stormont, these figures will do nothing to restore public confidence.”

    Note to editors

    You can read the full set of questions and answers online here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Body found in bin at Bellerive

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Body found in bin at Bellerive

    Monday, 2 June 2025 – 5:56 pm.

    Police have door knocked homes and businesses in the Bellerive area this afternoon looking for information that might help their investigations into the discovery of a man’s body in an industrial-sized garbage bin.
    The body of a 45-year-old man was discovered about 9am on Monday (June 2) by a garbage contractor, with the bin located at the rear of a business in Percy Street.
    Uniform officers from Bellerive Station, members of the South East Criminal Investigation Branch and Forensics have been gathering evidence at the scene and surrounds. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage.
    Police have confirmed the man was last seen alive about 7pm on Saturday, by members of his family.
    “Investigations are at an early stage, but right now the scene suggests this could be a case of death by misadventure or alternatively, foul play, or possibly a combination of both,” Detective Inspector David Gill said.
    “At this time there is no evidence of any injuries to the man and an autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow morning.”
    Police have appealed for anyone with information about movements in the Percy Street area from Saturday night to Monday morning to contact them on 131 444 or report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Eugene Doyle: Writing in the time of the Gaza genocide

    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle

    I want to share a writer’s journey — of living and writing through the Genocide.  Where I live and how I live could not be further from the horror playing out in Gaza and, increasingly, on the West Bank.

    Yet, because my country provides military, intelligence and diplomatic support to Israel and the US, I feel compelled to answer the call to support Palestine by doing the one thing I know best: writing.

    I live in a paradise that supports genocide
     I am one of the blessed of the earth. I’m surrounded by similarly fortunate people. I live in a heart-stoppingly beautiful bay.

    Even in winter I swim in the marine reserve across the road from our house.  Seals, Orca, all sorts of fish, octopus, penguins and countless other marine life so often draw me from my desk towards the rocky shore.  My home is on the Wild South Coast of Wellington. Every few days our local Whatsapp group fires a message, for example:  “Big pod of dolphins heading into the bay!”

    I live in Aotearoa New Zealand, a country that, in the main, is yawning its way through a genocide and this causes me daily frustration and pain.  It drives me back to the keyboard.

    I am surrounded by good friends and suffer no fears for my security. I am materially comfortable and well-fed. I love being a writer. Who could ask for more?

    I write, on average, a 1200-word article per week. It’s a seven days a week task and most of my writing time is spent reading, scouring news sites from around the world, note-taking, fact-checking, fretting, talking to people and thinking about the story that will emerge, always so different from my starting concept.

    I’m in regular contact with historians, ex-diplomats, geopolitical analysts, writers and activists from around the world and count myself fortunate to know these exceptional people.

    This article is different, simpler; it is personal — one person’s experience of writing from the far periphery of the conflict.

    I don’t want to live in a country that turns a blind or a sleep-laden eye to one of the great crimes against humanity. I have come to the hurtful realisation that I have a very different worldview from most people I know and from most people I thought I knew.

    Fortunately, I have old friends who share in this struggle and I have made many new friends here in New Zealand and across the world who follow their own burning hearts and work every day to challenge the role our governments play in supporting Israel to destroy the lives of millions of innocent people. To me, these people — and above all the Palestinian people in their steadfast resistance — are the heroes who fuel my life.

    Writing is fighting
     Most of us have multiple demands on our time; three of my good writer friends are grappling with cancer, another lost his job for challenging the official line and now must work long hours in a menial day job to keep the family afloat. Despite these challenges they all head to the keyboard to continue the struggle.  Writing is fighting.

    There’s so little we can all do but, as Māori people say: “ahakoa he iti, he pounamu” – it may only be a little but every bit counts, every bit is as precious as jade.

    That sentiment is how movements for change have been built – anti-Vietnam war, anti-nuclear, anti-Apartheid — all of them pro-humanity, all of them about standing with the victims not with the oppressors, nor on the sideline muttering platitudes and excuses.  As another writer said: “Washing one’s hands of the struggle between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.” (Paolo Friere)  Back to the keyboard.

    My life until October 7th was more focussed on environmental issues, community organisation and water politics.  I had ceased being “a writer” years ago.

    One day in October 2023 I was in the kitchen, ranting about what was being done to the Palestinians and what was obviously about to be done to the Palestinians: genocide.  My emotions were high because I had had a deeply unpleasant exchange with a good friend of mine on the golf course (yes, I play golf). He told me that the people of Gaza deserved to be collectively punished for the Hamas attack of October 7th.

    I had angrily shot back at him, correctly but not diplomatically, that this put him shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nazis and all those who imposed collective punishment on civilian populations.  My wife, to her credit, had heard enough: “Get upstairs and write an article!  You have to start writing!”

    It changed my life. She was right, of course.  Impotent rage and parlour-room speeches achieve nothing. Writing is fighting.

    ’40 beheaded babies survived the Hamas attack’
     My first article “40 Beheaded Babies Survived the Hamas Attack” was a warning drawn from history about narratives and what the Americans and Israelis were really softening the ground for. Since then I have had about 70 articles published, all in Australia and New Zealand, some in China, the USA, throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and on all sorts of email databases, including those sent out by the exemplary Ambassador Chas Freeman in the US and another by my good friend and human rights lawyer J V Whitbeck in Paris.

    All my articles are on my own site solidarity.co.nz.

    As with historians, part of a writer’s job is to spot patterns and recurrent themes in stories, to detect lies and expose deeper agendas in the official narratives.  The mainstream media is surprisingly bad at this.  Or chooses to be.

    Just like the Incubator Babies story in Iraq, the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in Vietnam, reaching right back to the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana in 1898, propaganda is often used as a prelude to atrocities.  The blizzard of lies after October 7th were designed to be-monster the Palestinians and prepare the ground for what would obviously follow.

    The narrative of beheaded babies promoted by world leaders, including President Biden, was powerfully amplified by our mainstream media; journalists at the highest level of the trade spread the lies.

    I have to tell you, it was frightening in October 2023 to challenge these narratives.  Every day I pored through the Israeli news site Ha’aretz for updates. Eventually the narrative fell apart — but by then the damage was done. Thousands of real babies had been murdered by the Israelis.

    Never before have so many of my fellow writers been killedFollowing events in Palestine closely, it still comes as a shock when a journalist I have read, seen, heard is suddenly killed by the Israelis. This has happened several times. When it does I take a coffee and walk up the ridiculously steep track behind my house and sit high above the bay on a bench seat I built (badly).

    That bench is my “top office” where I like to chew thoughts in my mind as I see the cold waves break on the brown rocks below.  High up there I feel detached and better able to ask and answer the questions I need to process in my writing.

    Why does our media pay little attention to the killing of so many fellow writers?  Why don’t they call out the Israelis for having killed more journalists than any military machine in history? Why the silence around Israel’s  “Where’s Daddy?” killing programme that has silenced so many Palestinian journalists and doctors by tracking their mobile phones and striking with a missile just when they arrive back home to their families?  Why does “the world’s most moral army” commit such ugly crimes? Where’s the solidarity with our fellow journalists?

    Is it because their skin is mainly dark?  Is that why, according to Radio New Zealand’s own report on its Gaza coverage, New Zealanders have more in common with Israelis than we do with Palestinians? RNZ refers to this as our “proximity” to Israelis. They’re right, of course: by failing to shoulder our positive duty to act decisively against Israel and the US we show that we share values with people committing genocide.

    Is this why stories about our own region — Kanaky New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands and so on, get so little coverage? I have heard many times the immense frustration of journalists I know who work on Pacific issues. The answer is simple: we have greater “proximity” to Benjamin Netanyahu than we do to the Polynesians or Melanesians in our own backyard. Really?

    Such questions need answers. Back to the keyboard.

    Solidarity
     I try not to permit myself despair. It’s a privilege we shouldn’t allow ourselves while our government supports the genocide.  Sometimes that’s hard.

    There’s a photo I’ve seen of a Palestinian mother holding her daughter that haunts me.  In traditional thobe, her head covered by her simple robe, she could easily be Mary, mother of Jesus. She stares straight at the camera. Her expression is hard to read. Shock? Disbelief? Wounded humanity?  Blood flows from below her eyes and stains her cheek and chin. Her forehead is blackened, probably from an explosive blast. She holds her child, a girl of perhaps 10, also damaged and blackened from the Israeli attack.  The child is asleep or unconscious; I can’t tell which.  The mother holds her as lovingly, as poignantly, as Mary did to Jesus when he came down from the cross.  La Pietà in Gaza.

    Why do some of us care less about this pair? Where is our humanity that we can let this happen day after day until the last syllable of our sickening rhetoric that somehow we in the West are morally superior has been vomited out.

    I’ll give the last word to another writer:

    “Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

    Eugene Doyle is a writer based in Wellington. He has written extensively on the Middle East, as well as peace and security issues in the Asia Pacific region. He contributes to Asia Pacific Report and Café Pacific, and hosts the public policy platform solidarity.co.nz.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Decades of searching and a chance discovery: why finding Leadbeater’s possum in NSW is such big news

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Distinguished Professor of Ecology, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University

    Until now, Victorians believed their state was the sole home for Leadbeater’s possum, their critically endangered state faunal emblem. This tiny marsupial is clinging to life in a few pockets of mountain ash and snow gum habitat in the Central Highlands of Victoria.

    But a few days ago, seven grainy photos taken by a trail camera in New South Wales revealed something very unexpected: a Leadbeater’s possum hundreds of kilometres away in the wet forests of Kosciuszko National Park.

    For decades, we and other researchers have sought proof this possum existed in these forests. Now we have it. This is a moment of celebration. But it also signals the importance of well-resourced biodiversity surveys in uncovering our most threatened species and large national parks for conserving them.

    While this newly discovered population reduces the risk of extinction, it doesn’t change the decline and risk of extinction of its Victorian relatives – or the steps needed to safeguard them.

    These photos from Kosciuszko National Park are the first proof that Leadbeater’s possum has a NSW population.
    NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, CC BY-NC-ND

    Detected entirely by chance

    In 2024, New South Wales threatened species ecologists Fred Ford and Martin Schulz set about looking for an entirely different species, the endangered smoky mouse. To find it, they set up a wide array of camera traps throughout wet forest areas of Kosciuszko National Park. A year later, they collected them and trawled through millions of photos.

    Among all these images (including of smoky mice), there were seven which stunned them. A camera deployed near Yarrangobilly Caves captured a tiny possum scampering through leaf litter, holding its distinctive club-shaped tail erect. The possum looks around the monitoring site, showing its back and face stripes and heart-shaped face.

    Experts at The Australian National University and Zoos Victoria verified the photos, setting the ecology world abuzz.

    A trail camera near Yarrangobilly Caves in Kosciuszko National Park captured the sighting.
    Destinations Journey/Shutterstock

    A hunch confirmed

    While we are delighted at this remarkable discovery, the detection is not a complete surprise.

    Over three decades ago, this article’s lead author searched for Leadbeater’s possum around Yarrangobilly and many other parts of Kosciuszko National Park, guided by a bioclimatic model suggesting the cool wet forests in Kosciuszko National Park should suit the possum.

    But detection cameras were not available then, and this possum is notoriously hard to spot. It’s tiny, nocturnal and spends its waking hours dashing through the dense understory of some of the world’s tallest forests looking for nectar, sap and insects.

    Species experts from Zoos Victoria and Deakin University have also scouted parts of Kosciuszko National Park over the past decade, identifying potentially promising habitat.

    In 2010 we got confirmation the possum had once occurred in the area, when jaw bones were identified among bones regurgitated by owls on the floor of a nearby cave.

    But other bones from the cave floor date back an estimated 140–200 years. The bones were far from proof of a living population.

    The possum’s existence remained an open question until these photos.

    What does this mean for this possum?

    We don’t know anything about this newly discovered Leadbeater’s possum population in NSW, other than the fact that it exists. Given the distance from the Victorian populations, we suspect that they may be genetically distinct.

    In theory, the existence of a separate population 250 km away from the Victorian populations cuts the risk a single megafire or other catastrophe could push the species to extinction.

    But while welcome, the discovery doesn’t reduce the need to urgently protect surviving Victorian populations, which remain highly threatened by bushfire, climate change, predation by cats, and the legacy of logging and land clearing.

    In Victoria, some populations have dwindled as low as 40 animals and inbreeding is now a concern.

    The possum typically relies on large old trees with hollows where it can breed and den. But these trees have substantially declined in Victoria over the past 150 years. Leadbeater’s possum also needs smaller trees for feeding and movement.

    Surveys across the historical range of the species in Victoria since 2017 have failed to find any other hidden populations. Most surveys have found the habitat highly degraded from logging and fire.

    The discovery won’t alter the possum’s critically endangered status at this stage, nor the ongoing work to support it.

    In welcome news, the NSW Environment Minister announced the possum’s state conservation listing will be fast-tracked.

    Of surveys and parks

    Why did it take so long to find the possum? The main reason: a lack of resources preventing targeted investigations.

    Even basic inventories of species have not been done across many of Australia’s important conservation areas.

    Without well conducted surveys and monitoring, we are left overly reliant on chance detections for critical information. There could be other populations of imperilled species waiting to be rediscovered.

    Properly managing our growing number of threatened species shouldn’t be based on luck. It should be enabled by adequate resources for threatened species recovery teams to discover, map, protect and manage threatened species and their habitat.

    Increasing federal spending on the care of nature to 1% of the budget would go a very long way to closing these gaps.

    Trail cameras, call playback and environmental DNA sampling mean we can now survey large and remote natural areas with relatively little effort for long periods of time.

    Big parks are essential

    Kosciuszko National Park supports much more than Australia’s highest mountains. The huge park spans 690,000 hectares, much of it forest.

    Many of our most imperilled species are hard to detect. Protecting extensive areas of good-quality habitat boosts the survival chances for these species, even if we don’t yet have proof of life.

    With so little high-quality habitat left in Australia, proper protection through new national parks (including in Victoria) is vitally important for the possum and many other species.

    Passive protection isn’t enough either – adequate funding is critical to stop the environmental condition of parks from declining, due to threats like invasive species and extreme fires.

    The world still contains wonder

    These seven photos have given ecologists and nature lovers a real boost to their spirits. As detection techniques improve, what else is out there waiting to be found?

    The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Leadbeater’s possum experts Dan Harley, Arabella Eyre, John Woinarski and Brendan Wintle to this article.

    David Lindenmayer receives funding from the Australian Government and the Victorian Government. He is a Councillor with the Biodiversity Council and a Member of Birds Australia.

    Darcy Watchorn works for Zoos Victoria, a not-for-profit zoo-based conservation organisation. He is a member of the Ecological Society of Australia, the Australian Mammal Society, the Society for Conservation Biology, and the Royal Society of Victoria.

    Jaana Dielenberg was employed by the now-ended Threatened Species Recovery Hub of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program, which conducted research on the Leadbeater’s possum in Victoria. She is a Charles Darwin University Fellow and is employed by the University of Melbourne and the Biodiversity Council.

    – ref. Decades of searching and a chance discovery: why finding Leadbeater’s possum in NSW is such big news – https://theconversation.com/decades-of-searching-and-a-chance-discovery-why-finding-leadbeaters-possum-in-nsw-is-such-big-news-257957

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: West Lakes man arrested after grow houses discovered

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A West Lakes man was charged with serious drug offences following an investigation into the cultivation of cannabis at multiple residential properties across the western suburbs.

    Between 27 and 28 May 2025, Western District CIB detectives and police officers searched six properties in Woodville South, Seaton, Flinders Park, West Croydon and Ridleyton and found cannabis grow houses.

    Five of the properties were found to have an electrical diversion.

    As a result of the searches, a combined total of 305 cannabis plants, 30 kilograms of dried cannabis and a trafficable quantity of cocaine was located. A large quantity of prescribed equipment was also seized.

    A 25-year-old man was arrested and charged with six counts of cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis, trafficking in a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug, trafficking in a controlled drug, possess prescribed equipment and five counts of diverting electricity.

    He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 10 September.

    MIL OSI News –

  • South Korea’s political crisis from martial law to snap election

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    South Koreans will go to the polls in a snap election on Tuesday, voting for a president to replace Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office in April after his brief martial law attempt sent shockwaves through the country.

    Here are key events from martial law to Yoon’s impeachment, arrest, and indictment, and election day.

    December 3, 2024: Shortly before 10:30 p.m. (1330 GMT), Yoon declares on national television he is imposing martial law to root out “anti-state forces” and overcome political deadlock.

    An hour later the military issues a decree banning activity by political parties and lawmakers, and troops and police descend on the opposition-controlled parliament. Staffers use barricades and fire extinguishers to ward off special operations soldiers who arrive by helicopter and break windows as they enter parliament.

    Lawmakers hop fences to avoid the security cordons and crowds of protesters gather.

    December 4: Defying the military’s order, 190 lawmakers in the early hours unanimously vote to reject Yoon’s declaration and troops begin to leave.

    About three and a half hours later, Yoon gives another televised speech, announcing he is lifting martial law. The decree was in effect for about six hours.

    Opposition parties submit motion to impeach Yoon.

    U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell says Yoon “badly misjudged” his decision to declare martial law, which was “deeply problematic” and “illegitimate.”

    December 5: Yoon’s People Power Party, although divided, decides to oppose his impeachment.

    Yoon accepts the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Police investigate Yoon, Kim and the interior minister on accusations of treason and related crimes over the declaration of martial law after opposition parties and activists filed complaints.

    December 6: PPP leader Han Dong-hoon says Yoon must be removed from power for trying to impose martial law. Some party members urge Yoon to resign.

    December 7: Yoon addresses the nation to apologise, saying he will put his fate in the hands of the PPP but not saying he will resign.

    A vote to impeach Yoon fails as the PPP boycotts, depriving parliament of a quorum.

    December 8: Prosecutors name Yoon as the subject of a criminal investigation over the martial law attempt. Ex-Defence Minister Kim is arrested.

    December 9: The justice ministry bars Yoon from leaving South Korea.

    December 10: Kwak Jong-geun, commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, tells a parliamentary committee that Yoon gave an order to “drag out” lawmakers from parliament after declaring martial law.

    Ex-Defence Minister Kim attempts suicide in jail.

    December 11: Police try to search Yoon’s office but are blocked from entering the building.

    December 12: Yoon says in another televised speech he will “fight to the end”, alleging North Korea had hacked South Korea’s election commission and expressing doubt over his party’s landslide election defeat in April. The National Election Commission denies the claim.

    December 14: Parliament impeaches Yoon with the support of 204 of the 300 lawmakers in the one-chamber parliament. At least 12 PPP members vote to impeach.

    Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo becomes acting president.

    December 16: The Constitutional Court begins reviewing the impeachment case.

    December 27: Parliament impeaches and suspends acting President Han, less than two weeks after suspending Yoon. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assumes the position of acting president.

    The court holds first public hearing in Yoon’s impeachment case.

    December 31: The Seoul Western District Court approves an arrest warrant requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) after Yoon failed to appear for questioning over insurrection allegations.

    Yoon’s lawyers say the arrest warrant is illegal and invalid because the CIO does not have the proper authority.

    January 3: Presidential guards and military troops prevent authorities from arresting Yoon in a tense six-hour stand-off inside his compound in the heart of Seoul.

    January 7: The Seoul Western District Court approves an extension of the arrest warrant after the CIO’s failed attempt.

    January 14: The Constitutional Court adjourns the opening session of Yoon’s impeachment trial within minutes, after the embattled leader did not attend court.

    January 15: Yoon agrees to leave his compound after around 3,000 police arrive for a second arrest attempt. Yoon says in a message he only submitted to avoid bloodshed, and the CIO says he refuses to answer questions. He is the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.

    January 19: Hundreds of Yoon supporters storm a court building after his detention was extended, smashing windows and breaking inside. Yoon continues to refuse to answer questions.

    January 21: Yoon attends his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court for the first time. When questioned by a justice, he denies ordering military commanders to drag lawmakers out of parliament.

    January 23: The CIO transfers its case to prosecutors and asks them to indict Yoon for insurrection and abuse of power.

    January 24-25: A court twice rejects requests by prosecutors for an extension of Yoon’s detention while they do further investigation.

    January 26: Prosecutors indict Yoon on insurrection charges and ask that he be kept in custody.

    February 4-18: Constitutional Court holds five hearings in Yoon’s impeachment trial.

    February 20: Seoul Central District Court questions Yoon concerning lawyers’ request to cancel his arrest as “unlawful”, holds preparatory hearing for insurrection trial.

    Constitutional Court holds 10th hearing in Yoon’s impeachment trial.

    February 25: Court holds final hearing in Yoon’s impeachment trial. In his closing statement, Yoon defends his decisions as lawful and necessary to protect the country.

    Yoon attended eight of the 11 hearings.

    March 9: Yoon walks free after prosecutors decide not to appeal a court decision to cancel his arrest warrant on insurrection charges. He spent 54 days in jail.

    April 4: The Constitutional Court rules to remove Yoon permanently from office.

    April 8: Government sets June 3 as date for snap election.

    April 27: The liberal Democratic Party names its former leader and 2022 presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung as its candidate.

    May 1: Acting president Han steps down to launch presidential run. Finance minister Choi resigns after Democratic Party vows to start impeachment proceedings, leaving education minister Lee Ju-ho as the country’s third acting president since December.

    The Supreme Court reverses an appeals court ruling that cleared Lee of criminal violations of election law, and ordered a new sentence, threatening his eligibility to run for office.

    May 3: Yoon’s former labour minister, Kim Moon-soo, wins the main conservative People Power Party primary. Kim and Han spend the next week clashing over plans for a unity ticket.

    May 7: Appeals court delays ruling on Lee until after election.

    May 11: Han drops presidential bid after PPP confirms Kim as nominee.

    June 3: Election Day

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Men charged with drug offences

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Two men have been arrested for drug charges and money laundering following the search of a western suburbs home over the weekend.

    On Saturday 31 May, Western District Detectives searched a property at Ridleyton where they located approximately 2.5kg of methamphetamine, and approximately 400grams of ecstasy and more than $50K in cash.

    A 55-year-old man and a 27-year-old man both from Ridleyton, were arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug, two counts of trafficking in a controlled drug and money laundering.  Both men were refused police bail and will appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Monday 2 June).

    CO2500022524

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Beatty Statement on Republicans’ Budget bill: ‘Cruel, Catastrophic, and Bought by Billionaires’

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement after House Republicans voted to take from the poor to give to the rich—advancing a budget that slashes essential services to fund billionaire tax breaks.

    I voted NO.  “In the early hours of this morning, while working families across Ohio were getting ready for their day, House Republicans passed One Big Ugly Bill—a cruel and catastrophic budget that rips healthcare, food, and opportunity from Ohioans and millions of other Americans just to bankroll bigger and better tax breaks for billionaires.

    Let me be clear: this bill isn’t about fiscal responsibility or tax relief for the working class. If Republicans truly wanted to help everyday people, they could have—without gutting Medicaid, slashing food assistance, or ballooning the deficit by nearly $4 trillion. But they didn’t. They made a choice. And they chose the yacht owners over the lunchroom workers—and the children in those lunchrooms.

    This bill includes the largest cut to Medicaid in American history—$698 billion—and guts $267 billion from the SNAP program. In Ohio, that means potentially substantial new costs shifted onto our state, and fewer hospitals, fewer nursing homes, fewer services for our most vulnerable neighbors.

    It’s not just bad math—it’s moral failure. It’s cruel, catastrophic, and bought by billionaire donors.

    Democrats fought this bill through the night, but Republicans pushed forward anyway—protecting the wealthiest one percent while punishing everyone else. 

    Every single House Democrat voted against this outrageous bill—and we’re not done fighting. We will continue using every tool we have to stop this assault on working families and protect the people we were sent here to serve.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Russia and Ukraine step up the war on eve of peace talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    On the eve of peace talks, Ukraine and Russia sharply ramped up the war with one of the biggest drone battles of their conflict, a Russian highway bridge blown up over a passenger train and an ambitious attack on nuclear-capable bombers deep in Siberia.

    After days of uncertainty over whether Ukraine would even attend, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Defence Minister Rustem Umerov would meet Russian officials at the second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on Monday.

    The first round of the talks more than a week ago yielded the biggest prisoner exchange of the war – but no sense of any consensus on how to halt the fighting.

    Amid talk of peace, though, there was much war.

    At least seven people were killed and 69 injured when a highway bridge in Russia’s Bryansk region, neighbouring Ukraine, was blown up over a passenger train heading to Moscow with 388 people on board. No one has claimed responsibility.

    Ukraine attacked Russian nuclear-capable long-range bombers at a military base deep in Siberia on Sunday, a Ukrainian intelligence official said, the first such attack so far from the front lines more than 4,300 km (2,670 miles) away.

    Ukraine’s domestic intelligence service, the SBU, acknowledged it carried out the attack, codenamed “Operation Spider’s Web,” planned for more than a year and a half.

    The intelligence official said the operation involved hiding explosive-laden drones inside the roofs of wooden sheds and loading them onto trucks that were driven to the perimeter of the air bases.

    A total of 41 Russian warplanes were hit, the official said. The SBU estimated the damage at $7 billion and said Russia had lost 34% of its strategic cruise missile carriers at its main airfields.

    Zelenskiy expressed delight at the “absolutely brilliant outcome,” and noted 117 drones had been used in the attack.

    “And an outcome produced by Ukraine independently,” he wrote. “This is our longest-range operation.”

    RUSSIA SAYS AIRCRAFT FIRES PUT OUT

    A Ukrainian government official told Reuters that Ukraine did not notify the United States of the attack in advance.

    Russia’s Defence Ministry acknowledged on the Telegram messaging app that Ukraine had launched drone strikes against Russian military airfields across five regions on Sunday.

    Air attacks were repelled in all but two regions — Murmansk in the far north and Irkutsk in Siberia – where “the launch of FPV drones from an area in close proximity to airfields resulted in several aircraft catching fire.”

    The fires were extinguished without casualties. Some individuals involved in the attacks had been detained, the ministry said.

    Russia launched 472 drones at Ukraine overnight, Ukraine’s air force said, the highest nightly total of the war. Russia had also launched seven missiles, the air force said.

    Russia’s military reported new drone attacks into Sunday evening, listing 53 attacks intercepted in a period of less than two hours, including 34 over the border Kursk region. Debris from destroyed drones triggered residential fires.

    Russia said it had advanced deeper into the Sumy region of Ukraine, and open source pro-Ukrainian maps showed Russia took 450 square km of Ukrainian land in May, its fastest monthly advance in at least six months.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Russia and Ukraine make peace and he has threatened to walk away if they do not – potentially pushing responsibility for supporting Ukraine onto the shoulders of European powers – which have far less cash and much smaller stocks of weapons than the United States.

    According to Trump envoy Keith Kellogg, the two sides will in Turkey present their respective documents outlining their ideas for peace terms, though it is clear that after three years of intense war, Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart.

    Russia’s lead negotiator, presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, was quoted by TASS news agency as saying the Russian side had received a memorandum from Ukraine on a settlement.

    Zelenskiy has complained for days that Russia had failed to provide a memorandum with its proposals.

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on prospects for a settlement and the forthcoming talks in Turkey, Lavrov’s ministry said.

    Putin ordered tens of thousands of troops to invade Ukraine in February 2022 after eight years of fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops. The United States says over 1.2 million people have been killed and injured in the war since 2022.

    In June last year, Putin set out opening terms for an immediate end to the war: Ukraine must drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from the territory of four Ukrainian regions claimed and mostly controlled by Russia.

    According to a copy of the Ukrainian document seen by Reuters with a proposed roadmap for a lasting peace, there will be no restrictions on Ukraine’s military strength after a deal is struck. Nor will there be international recognition of Russian sovereignty over parts of Ukraine taken by Moscow’s forces, and reparations for Ukraine.

    The document also stated that the current front line will be the starting point for negotiations about territory.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Group launched “Panasonic Stories,” a new owned communication platform

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Group launched “Panasonic Stories,” a new owned communication platform

    Open in-house magazine “Panasonic Group Magazine” integrated into Panasonic Newsroom

    Osaka, Japan – June 1, 2025 – The Panasonic Group integrated its open in-house magazine “Panasonic Group Magazine,” which has been widely accessible to people outside the company, into the Panasonic Newsroom, the Group’s official news website, and launched “Panasonic Stories,” a new owned communication platform.
    Panasonic Group Magazine inherits the legacy of the company’s internal publications, which began nearly 100 years ago in 1927, when founder Konosuke Matsushita published the first issue. In March 2024, the Panasonic Group Magazine was launched online as an “open in-house magazine,” and has since been actively sharing a wide range of information. Its purpose is to share the Group’s Basic Business Philosophy and the activities of employees who embody this philosophy across the group, thereby contributing to the building of a strong corporate culture. At the same time, it aims to promote more active communication with employees’ families, customers, business partners, and others who are interested in learning more about the Group’s initiatives.
    Through the Panasonic Newsroom, the Panasonic Group’s official news site, the Group has been promptly delivering news—including press releases, topics, in-depth feature stories, and videos.
    The concept of “Panasonic Stories,” the new platform that was launched, is to communicate the Group’s vision in its own words and to share its initiatives through people. It combines the strengths of the Panasonic Group Magazine, which has conveyed the Group’s vision by highlighting individuals within the Group, and the Panasonic Newsroom, which has provided timely updates on the Group’s current activities in its own words.
    Panasonic Stories is featured as a section within the Panasonic Newsroom site. Archived articles from the Panasonic Group Magazine will be accessible from the Panasonic Stories homepage.
    The Panasonic Newsroom and Panasonic Stories will continue to be enhanced as media platforms that deliver the Group’s vision, initiatives, and commitment to embracing new challenges in a timely, in-depth, and reader-friendly manner.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Nawrocki holds narrow lead over Trzaskowski in Polish presidential runoff: late poll

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

    Karol Nawrocki is now narrowly leading Rafal Trzaskowski in Poland’s presidential runoff on Sunday, according to a late poll conducted by Ipsos. Earlier exit poll results had shown Trzaskowski ahead.

    Nawrocki, a historian and head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, received 50.7 percent of the vote in the presidential runoff, ahead of Trzaskowski, the ruling Civic Coalition (KO) candidate and mayor of Warsaw, who garnered 49.3 percent, according to the late poll released by Ipsos at about 11 p.m. local time (2100 GMT).

    According to the Polish Press Agency, the late poll is based on official results from 50 percent of randomly selected polling stations where Ipsos conducted its survey. The statistical margin of error is estimated at 1 percentage point.

    Ipsos’s earlier exit poll showed that Trzaskowski received 50.3 percent of the vote, while Nawrocki, an independent candidate backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, received 49.7 percent. Voter turnout was estimated at 72.8 percent.

    Final results are likely to be announced on Monday morning or early afternoon, according to the Polish National Electoral Commission (PKW).

    A closely contested first round was held on May 18, in which Trzaskowski secured 31.36 percent of the vote, followed by Nawrocki with 29.54 percent. As no candidate secured more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round, the election proceeded to a runoff. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams on the House Passage of the Republican Reconciliation Budget

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Senior Member of the House Agriculture Committee and House Education & Workforce Committee, released a statement on the House passage of the Republican reconciliation budget.

    “Republicans have shown today that billionaires are their top priority, not the millions of people who will be harmed by the reckless GOP reconciliation budget,” said Congresswoman Adams. “This bill does nothing to combat waste, fraud, and abuse like they claim. Instead, it will cause average Americans across the country to suffer. More children will go to bed hungry. More working Americans will lose their healthcare. More families will face eviction and homelessness. More veterans and seniors will lose access to lifesaving basic needs programs. Americans will die because Republicans are choosing to place greed over our country.”

    “In North Carolina, this bill would mean putting the food security of 1.4 million SNAP recipients in jeopardy,” Adams continued. “656,000 North Carolinians covered under Medicaid expansion could lose their lifesaving healthcare. Our farmers and small business owners, the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, will find it even harder to make ends meet. My constituents will suffer so Republicans can make people like Elon Musk even richer.”

    “My office will continue working closely with state and local governments, non-profits, community and civic groups, and local leaders to support our community when Republicans in Congress won’t. I also encourage every North Carolinian to contact all members of Congress—Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate—to voice their concern and disapproval over this budget. This bill will hurt a lot of beautiful people. Now, more than ever, we need to fight to protect our basic needs programs and our futures,” Adams concluded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Congratulates 2025 OK-04 Congressional Art Competition Winners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Oklahoma – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Oklahoma’s Fourth District:

    Lillian Dai of Norman, Oklahoma has been named the first-place winner. Dai attends Norman North High School and studies art under her teacher, Sheila Hunter. For the Congressional Art Competition, Dai submitted a piece titled “Outside World,” which is a colored pencil drawing of a girl troubled by her mundane responsibilities and reminded of her own exhaustion merely by the things in her room. The drawing will be brought to Washington, D.C. and hang in the United States Capitol Building for an entire year.

    “I am thrilled to congratulate Lillian on being selected as the Fourth District’s overall winner for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Cole. “Her colored pencil drawing is unique, intriguing, and very colorful. It is clear that Lillian is very talented, and I am sure she has a bright future in the arts ahead of her.”

    When asked about her artwork, Dai said, “My artwork for the Congressional Art Competition is inspired by the common emotions and feelings that both I and my peers at high school typically feel as we take on harder classes and have increased responsibilities. It is not uncommon for us to spend late nights working. Exhaustion mingles with imagination, as we dream of a new environment or situation that will allow us a break. The indigo shadows envelop her form, reminding her of the work she needs to put in to accomplish her dreams, but for a moment the illumination of the fantastical scenery in her cup gives her the chance to daydream the world outside her room.”

    “Lillian has made significant strides in the art world during her high school career. This year, she garnered notable recognition by winning two silver keys, a gold key, and a gold medal for her exceptional drawings in the Scholastic Art and Writing competition. In addition to her recent achievements, Lillian secured second place in last year’s Congressional Art competition and is proud to represent Oklahoma’s 4th district this year. As her mentor, I have thoroughly enjoyed assisting Lillian in preparing for various art competitions and exhibitions. She shows a remarkable understanding of composition and color; her colored pencil pieces take many dedicated hours to complete. I eagerly anticipate her continued growth as an artist in her upcoming senior year,” said Hunter, Norman North High School Art Teacher.

    In addition to naming Lillian the winner, two runner-up winners were named through a “People’s Choice” contest online, which was conducted through Congressman Cole’s social media channels and website with votes collected over the course of a week. Out of the 1,112 votes cast, artwork by Katelyn Estes and Emily Shields received the most. Both students’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Cole’s Oklahoma office for the next year.

    “Every year, so many accomplished high school students from across the Fourth District submit beautiful pieces of artwork to my office for consideration for the Congressional Art Competition. While only one piece can make its way to D.C., I think it is only right to recognize the other gifted artists by holding the People’s Choice competition. Congratulations to Katelyn and Emily for being selected as this year’s second and third-place winners. I am excited to have their beautiful art hanging in my Oklahoma office for the next year,” said Congressman Cole.

    Katelyn Estes, the second-place winner, resides in Stratford, Oklahoma and attends Stratford High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Shea Meyer. For the contest, she submitted a piece titled “All Sass, All Heart,” which is a pencil drawing of a barrel horse turning around barrel with the rider partly visible.

    “This drawing was inspired by my barrel horse, Jaz. She gives everything she has every time we race, and I wanted to reflect that in this piece – along with the bold, sassy personality that makes her who she is. That’s why I titled it All Sass, All Heart – Jaz,” said Estes.

    “Katelyn is a great student. She works hard and takes any advice that I give to her and applies it to her work. She not only works in class, but she works on projects at home, especially when she is trying to get something done for a show or contest. I wish I had a class full of students like her. I am very proud of all she has accomplished so far, and I look forward to what she will do in the future,” said Meyer, Stratford High School Art Teacher.

    Emily Shields of Purcell, Oklahoma is the third-place winner. She attends Purcell High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Jon Corea. For the Congressional Art Competition, Shields submitted artwork titled “Before the Storm,” which is an acrylic painting of a wild stallion observing the “calm before the storm” sunset in the Wichita Mountains while standing in a valley of Indian Paintbrushes.

    When asked about her artwork, Shields said, “I was inspired by all of the incredible western paintings I see with the massive, golden storm clouds on the horizon. Those paintings always invoke such a sense of foreboding in me while also being breathtaking. I also wanted to include a homage to Oklahoma and my mother who loves Indian Paintbrushes. Overall, this painting was one of the first I have encouraged myself to see through to the end, and I am pleasantly satisfied with the results.”

    “Emily is a remarkably talented and driven young artist. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the intense focus she brings to each piece she creates. Whether she’s working with bold colors, intricate details, or exploring new techniques, Emily consistently produces work that is thoughtful, expressive, and technically strong. Her creativity and commitment to improvement have always impressed me, and I continue to be amazed by the quality and originality of her artwork,” said Corea, Purcell High School Art Teacher.

    For information on the Congressional Art Competition, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole, Davids Announce Congressional Native American Caucus Vice Chairs for the 119th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro , Zac Donley

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS), announced the new Vice Chairs of the Caucus. Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) will serve as the Republican Vice Chair and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) will serve as the Democrat Vice Chair.

    After selecting the Vice Chairs, the Representatives released the following statements:

    “I am excited to welcome Representatives Begich and Stansbury to the leadership team of the Congressional Native American Caucus. With their help, Congresswoman Davids and I will be able to better educate and inform Members of Congress on the unique issues concerning Native Americans and the constitutional rights of tribes. I look forward to all working together on this vital mission, which will improve the lives of tribes across the country” said Congressman Cole.

    “It’s an important moment for the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus as we welcome Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Nick Begich as new Vice Chairs. Their dedication to Tribal communities and commitment to bipartisan collaboration will help us continue advancing policies that respect Tribal sovereignty and improve the lives of Native people across the country,” said Congresswoman Davids.

    “I am honored to be selected as a Co-Vice Chair of the Native American Caucus. Representing Alaska – home to over 200 federally recognized Tribes – I recognize the importance of advocating for the voices of Alaska Natives in Congress and many of the challenges tribal communities face. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to advance lasting solutions that reinforce self-determination and well-being for Native Americans across the nation,” said Congressman Begich.

    “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair for the Native American Caucus. It is our duty to ensure that the United States partners with and upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations. This bipartisan caucus is integral to that work and the fight to protect and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities across the country. I look forward to continuing to do this work in the 119th Congress,” said Congresswoman Stansbury.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Statement on Republicans Jamming Their GOP Tax Scam Through the House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) voted against House Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1).  The legislation includes drastic cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other basic benefits, to pay for tax cuts for the rich and wealthy. 

    Congressman Thompson releases the following statement:

    “Since my first day in Congress, I have been clear that I will never vote for any cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, or any programs that benefit my constituents.  Today, I proudly voted against House Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill.”

    “This horrific bill is one of the most shameful pieces of legislation I have ever seen in over 32 years of serving in Congress. Mississippians will suffer.  The bill would take health care away from nearly 14 million people due to its harmful cuts to health care and nutrition assistance, which will cause tens of thousands of Mississippians to lose their benefits if this bill passes through the Senate and becomes law. 

    “It is disgraceful what Republicans have done today.  Instead of helping people, they are making it harder for everyday people to make ends meet. They have continuously shown that they do not care about the poor and underserved.  I can only hope that today, the American people realized the hidden cruelty and deception woven into the bill by Republicans.”

    SNAP CUTS

    According to the USDA, 54,481 households in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi participate in SNAP.  African Americans have the highest rate (13,838 households or 25.4%) of SNAP participation in the District.  

    HEALTH CARE CUTS

    According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, nearly 14 million Americans will lose health care coverage due to this bill. These cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act will cause more than 664,000 Mississippi residents to lose health care coverage.  This includes 35,337 residents in the Second Congressional District.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Judy Chu, Brad Sherman host Congressional Roundtable on Fire Recovery with Los Angeles County Leaders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32) hosted a roundtable with California Members of Congress and Los Angeles County officials to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following January’s devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires. Together, these fires scorched more than 37,000 acres, destroyed over 13,000 homes, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and claimed 30 lives.

    The discussion offered an opportunity for the Members to hear directly from Los Angeles County leaders, including Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for Altadena and Pasadena, about the ongoing challenges facing fire-impacted communities and the work being done to ensure communities can rebuild swiftly and safely. During the roundtable, Members and LA County officials discussed the status of ongoing debris removal and mitigation, soil testing and remediation, utility restoration, social and medical services, and housing solutions for disaster victims.

    After the roundtable, Rep. Chu and Rep. Sherman released the following joint statement: 

    “In response to the many challenges our communities face following the Los Angeles fires, we were grateful to host today’s roundtable to discuss solutions with LA County officials leading recovery efforts on the ground and advocate for the urgent support our communities need to rebuild.”

    The Members also emphasized the need to protect the federal agencies carrying out disaster recovery operations for their communities from the Trump administration’s mass layoffs of federal workers, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and AmeriCorps . Lastly, the Members emphasized their commitment to securing additional federal disaster funding in Congress so that California disaster victims have the resources they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities — just as Congress has done after every other major disaster across the country.

     Rep. Chu and Rep. Sherman concluded: “We have both consistently voted for disaster aid to Republican-led states regardless of whether we strongly disagreed with their policies, because disasters have no political affiliation. Our constituents have demonstrated so much strength and resolve throughout the course of this catastrophe, and they urgently need and deserve additional federal resources to rebuild their lives. Disaster relief is not and should never be a partisan issue, and we will continue to work with Congressional leadership and President Trump to deliver relief to our communities.

    Far too many families are still living in uncertainty as we work to rebuild after the fires. We are committed to working alongside our local partners to deliver every possible resource to help our communities recover.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Judy Chu Hosts Wildfire Housing Roundtable and Press Conference

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    ALTADENA, CA– Yesterday, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) hosted a wildfire recovery housing roundtable and press conference to address the housing needs of survivors displaced by January’s devastating Eaton Fire. The roundtable brought together local nonprofits, housing advocates, and government officials from every level to discuss obstacles her constituents are facing in finding stable, affordable housing in their own communities.

    “In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, which displaced over 20,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes, it’s clear that housing is the biggest barrier to recovery,” said Rep. Chu. “FEMA has provided $40 million in Housing Assistance, which has been critical in helping survivors find long-term housing. But there are still survivors who are slipping through the cracks, with many still struggling to secure stable housing in their own communities.”

    Rep. Chu emphasized that FEMA must explore all available options for providing disaster housing assistance, including its Direct Lease program that provides housing directly to survivors. And she continues to urge the Administration to request $40 billion in supplemental disaster assistance needed to support long-term recovery efforts.

    The event provided a platform for community advocates and nonprofit leaders to share their experiences. Organizations in attendance included:

    • Altadena Rising
    • Altadena Town Council
    • Beacon Housing
    • Civic Soul
    • Clergy Community Coalition
    • Change Reaction
    • Community Women Vital Voices
    • CORE
    • Day One
    • Friends In Deed
    • Greenline Housing
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • My Tribe Rise
    • NAACP Pasadena
    • Neighborhood Housing Services

    “These organizations are on the frontlines supporting displaced families and advocating for the resources our community desperately needs,” said Rep. Chu. “I’m deeply grateful for their work, and for sharing their findings with government leaders so we can ensure  no one is left behind.”

    Government agencies participating in the roundtable included:

    • FEMA
    • CalOES
    • U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
    • California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCHS)
    • Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)

    The roundtable and press conference were part of Rep. Chu’s continued commitment to ensure all Eaton Fire survivors receive the support they need to recover, rebuild, and return home.

    Read more about the roundtable here:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Advisory: Congressman Cohen, Hospitality Hub, Community Leaders to Hold Groundbreaking to Address Chronic Homelessness

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    What: A groundbreaking and press availability for Hub North, a project in the New Chicago neighborhood offering shelter and support for families without stable housing for which Congressman Cohen secured $1,275,000 in community project funding

    Who: Speakers will include Congressman Cohen, Kelcey Johnson, executive director of the Hospitality Hub; Ashley Cash, director of Housing and Community Development; Jarad Bingham, principal at Dragonfly Collective; Mayor Paul Young, Councilwoman Rhonda Logan, Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas and the Reverend Dr. Ronnie C. King, pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist Church

    When: Friday, May 30, at 11 a.m.

    Where: 777 Firestone Avenue, Memphis 38107 

    Background: In addition to the $1,275,000 project on which Friday’s groundbreaking is focused, Congressman Cohen has secured funding for the Hospitality Hub of $1 million in Fiscal Year 2024 and for $450,000 in Fiscal Year 2022. The Hospitality Hub was founded in 2007 by the Downtown Churches Association.

    Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s communications director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Expresses Dismay at the Department of Labor’s Summarily Ending Memphis Job Corps Center Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    Benjamin L. Hooks Jobs Corps Center placed on hold by Trump

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), an avid supporter of the Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center on McAlister, and a staunch supporter of federal job training nationwide, learned of the announced pause placed on such programs by the Trump Department of Labor today and made the following statement:

    “I find it difficult to express my dismay at the Ben Hooks Job Center being closed summarily and seeing the students sent home without notice. If there was a problem at the center, or at the centers like it nationally, the Department should have attempted to fix them but, instead of working with the contractors and helping students, they’ve just decided to send the students home. The Department of Labor apparently has no plans for an improved product or a new approach. This careless approach will upset the lives of too many ambitious members of a future workforce, and should be condemned. DOGE had recommendations for the Department of Labor and I suspect this is a product of its chainsaw work.

    “The Job Corps was a forward-thinking program of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society which President Trump would like to dismantle, as he is attempting to do with cuts to Medicaid and Medicare.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Garamendi, Thompson Demand Answers from Pentagon Over Plans to Use Travis AFB as Deportation Center

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, DC— This week, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) sent a joint letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth following reports that the Trump Administration is considering Travis Air Force Base as an immigration detention facility:

    “It’s outrageous and inappropriate for the Trump Administration to use Travis Air Force Base as an immigration detention facility. Converting Travis into an immigration facility would undermine its vital national security mission. Travis Air Force Base has long been known as the ‘Gateway to the Pacific’ because it plays a crucial role in our national security by providing transportation for personnel and materiel around the world, particularly in support to Ukraine.” said the Representatives.

    “Unfortunately, this is not the President’s first attempt to inappropriately utilize Travis Air Force Base, hampering its critical mission. In February we uncovered that Trump was using Travis’s military aircraft to transport undocumented individuals at three times the cost of commercial flights. Later that month, we were able to stop his attempt to send trained medical personnel to the proposed migrant detention camp in Guantanamo Bay. Now, the President wants to turn Travis into a mass deportation center. All these instances compromise our national security and are simply absurd.

    “We are deeply alarmed by Trump’s blatant abuse of presidential power and his indifference to the rule of law. His utter disregard for the Posse Comitatus Act, which explicitly prohibits using active-duty military personnel for domestic law enforcement functions, is gravely concerning.

    “We will continue Congress’s oversight role and work to ensure the American people understand the unlawful, wasteful, and dangerous path Trump is pursuing.”

    This letter is the latest in a series of actions by Rep. Garamendi and Rep. Thompson to hold the Trump Administration accountable for misusing military resources in immigration enforcement.

    In January, Rep. Garamendi’s office sent a letter demanding answers from the Department of Defense regarding the use of C-17s and C-130s from Travis Air Force Base to deport undocumented immigrants. 

    In February, Rep. Garamendi followed up with another letter pressing the Trump Administration over plans to deploy medical professionals to a proposed migrant detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. The Department of Defense recently responded to that inquiry, but Rep. Garamendi’s office found the response inadequate.

    Read the full letter here and below.

    Pete Hegseth
    Secretary of Defense
    Office of the Secretary of Defense 
    1000 Defense Pentagon 
    Washington, DC 20301 

    Dear Secretary Hegseth, 

    We are deeply frustrated and gravely concerned by recent reports regarding the proposed use of Travis Air Force Base (AFB) as a migrant detention site. In our previous correspondence, we requested detailed assessments on the impact of this plan, including its effects on military resources, infrastructure, ongoing construction projects, and overall readiness. To date, these critical details remain unclear.

    While the federal government must address immigration challenges with humane and practical solutions, utilizing a military installation for civilian law enforcement and detention operations raises significant concerns about the misuse of military resources, operational readiness, and national security. The decision to use Travis AFB as a migrant detention center would both constitute a dangerous militarization of immigration enforcement and unnecessarily degrade military readiness.

    Travis AFB plays a critical role in national security and is responsible for the global transportation of personnel and material. Whether providing aid to Ukraine or transporting personnel and equipment into the Pacific, Travis AFB must maintain its readiness to respond to global crises.

    Additionally, military personnel’s involvement in civilian detention and law enforcement contradicts established legal frameworks, including the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military engagement in civilian law enforcement. Assigning resources toward immigration enforcement risks blurring this crucial distinction and setting a concerning precedent for the use of military installations for purposes beyond their intended scope.

    We demand answers from the Department of Defense to the following inquiries, no later than 30 days after receipt:

    1. Has the Department assessed the potential impact on Travis AFB’s infrastructure, specifically regarding water and energy, should a detention site be established at the base?
    2. How will diverting space and resources for a detention center at Travis AFB impact ongoing or future operations?
    3. How many migrants does the Department expect to detain at Travis AFB?
    4. Does the Department plan to reassign military personnel at Travis AFB to assist in detention operations?
    5. How will the Department ensure military personnel are not performing law enforcement activities at this detention center?
    6. What authorized and appropriated funds are being diverted to build and maintain this detention center?

    We urge you to provide full transparency on how this decision will affect Travis AFB and to reconsider any action that might compromise military readiness and interfere with ongoing or future operations.

     ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burchett hosting town hall on April 14

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) will host a telephone town hall on Monday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. with special guest Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21.) 

    The discussion will focus on legislative wins and other accomplishments in the first 100 days of the 119th Congress. Rep. Burchett will also take live questions from participants. 

    Telephone town halls provide an accessible and easy way for thousands of constituents to hear directly from the Congressman and speak to him about their concerns. 

    Those who RSVP will receive a phone call on April 14 around 6:30 p.m. with an invitation to join the call. Anyone interested in participating can register at this link or visit www.burchett.house.gov. RSVP registration ends at 5 p.m on Thursday, April 10.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burchett to Introduce Legislation to Codify President Trump’s Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN)

    Rep. Burchett to Introduce Legislation to Codify President Trump’s Executive Orders

    Washington, D.C. (May 16th, 2025) — Today, U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett announced that he will be introducing legislation to codify President Trump’s Executive Orders. Since his inauguration, President Trump has slashed regulatory red tape, prioritized fiscal conservatism, and effectively closed the Southern Border. 

    “President Trump has done his part in acting on the mandate from the American people. It’s past time for Congress to take action,” said Representative Burchett.  

    “I am taking charge to ensure Congress carries out President Trump’s agenda. Thats why I’ll be introducing a series of single-issue bills to support the President and Congressional Republicans’ promise to the American people.” 

    The first series of bills will enforce DOGE cuts, slash harmful red tape, eliminate foreign influence in our schools, and unleash American energy.  

    For the latest information and breaking news on Representative Burchett’s new legislation, please visit www.burchett.house.gov and subscribe to his newsletter HERE.  

    For media inquiries please contact Will Garrett, Press Secretary for Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Escobar Advocates for the Priorities of El Paso and Fort Bliss in Armed Services Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

    This morning, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) testified before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee during the committee’s Member Day hearing. The hearing was an opportunity for Members to highlight issues of high importance to their communities as the committee crafts the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The Congresswoman’s testimony highlighted concerns about the misuse of military assets along the border, the need for a new 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command headquarters building on Fort Bliss and ensuring protections for Department of Defense civilians tasked with conducting enhanced oversight of military housing. 

    Video of the Congresswoman at the hearing can be found here and her remarks as delivered can be found below:

    “Good morning, Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith. I miss serving on the House Armed Services Committee so much that I’m here today to testify before you on Member Day. I want to thank you both for your leadership. I so appreciate the bipartisan process in crafting the NDAA every year, and I’m here to offer my own recommendations since I cannot do it as a member of the Armed Services Committee.

    “As you both know, I have the incredible privilege of representing Fort Bliss, and as the representative for Fort Bliss, I’d like to highlight some of the concerns that I have, which I’ve shared with you all before. So, none of this is new.

    “One of my primary concerns is regarding this administration’s unprecedented use of DoD assets for operations that traditionally fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. In recent months, we have seen this Administration use military airlift to deport migrants out of Fort Bliss, an absurdly expensive operation to set up a migrant detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, and a plan to establish migrant detention camps on military installations around the country. DHS has requested these DoD support operations be provided on a non-reimbursable basis – which is egregious, as funds appropriated to DoD should be used to provide for our service members and focus on global threats, not misuse assets and resources when more cost-effective alternatives are available.

    “As we near the start of construction of a migrant detention facility on Fort Bliss, the first installation subjected to such plans thus far, I would like to iterate my opposition to this misuse of our military bases. The last time Fort Bliss was required to build and support a holding facility, it was as part of Operation Allies Welcome, when a large facility was built to hold over 10,000 Afghan refugees that the U.S. evacuated and processed in coordination with DHS. That mission alone set Fort Bliss back on readiness levels by approximately two years. I remain deeply worried that allowing migrant detention facilities onto our military bases and directing surges of troops along the border will have similar effects on our readiness at a time when we cannot afford to do so. 

    “I would also like to add that such operations also jeopardize civil military relations in communities like my hometown of El Paso, where we are so proud of Fort Bliss, our soldiers and their families. At a time when border crossings are at historic lows, constituents in my district have few answers as to why Strykers – armored fighting vehicles – are patrolling our community, carrying DHS personnel, who have patrol vehicles of their own. I think it is important to note that in President Trump’s first term, his own Secretaries of Defense opposed using the military for federal law enforcement matters, as they revered our military as an institution and understood that involvement of our armed forces in domestic political matters set a dangerous precedent, both for our military and our communities at home.

    “I have a number of other requests, but as I’m running out of time, I will make sure to submit those to you all. I also look forward to working closely with you as I serve on the Milcon/VA subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, and would like to ensure that the work we did last Congress under the Quality of Life panel, that we fulfill that promise through our appropriations as well as through the authorization process.

    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Ranking Member. I yield back.”

    Below are the rest of the Congresswoman’s remarks that were submitted to the committee:

    “I’d now like to turn my attention to Fort Bliss infrastructure. Fort Bliss is home to the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) headquarters. The 32nd AAMDC is a theater level air and missile defense organization with a worldwide 72-hour deployment mission. The men and women of the 32nd AAMDC’s brigades are constantly deployed, keeping our own servicemembers, assets, and those of our allies safe all over the globe. Despite the dire importance of this command, their headquarters building is incredibly outdated, and the state of their decrepit SCIF is unacceptable. I hope to work with this Committee and the Army to ensure the 32nd AAMDC gets a new, state of the art HQ building in coming years. As you know, new military construction requires both authorization and appropriations, so I look forward to partnering on this effort through my seat on the MILCON subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.

    “Lastly, I look forward to working with Members of this Committee to ensure that proposed civilian workforce reductions, outlined as a goal by Secretary of Defense Hegseth, do not negatively impact this Committee’s efforts to ensure robust civilian oversight of unaccompanied housing and increase the frequency of inspections. The House Armed Services Committee’s Quality of Life Panel focused heavily on improving the oversight of military housing facilities, and it would be a great disservice to our service members if Congress does not fight to protect the very DoD civilian positions we have charged with administering routine inspections of military housing.

    “Thank you again for allowing me to outline objectives for your consideration as you craft the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. I am so grateful for all I learned in my six years serving on your committee, and I have used that experience to inform my work on the Committee on Appropriations, where I continue my advocacy for the men, women and families of Fort Bliss and our military at large. I look forward to working with you to ensure Congress protects and provides for them in FY26 and the years to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Rose Reintroduces Black Vulture Bill to Provide Regulatory Relief to Farmers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative John Rose (R-TN), a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, eighth generation farmer, and former Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture reintroduced H.R. 2462, the Black Vulture Relief Act. The bipartisan legislation is being co-led by Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), who serves on the Committee on Natural Resources. 

    The legislation will allow livestock producers and their employees to take black vultures without a permit if they believe the vulture will cause death or injury to their livestock. It is currently illegal to take black vultures without a sub-permit from the authorizing state agency, encasing the issue in bureaucratic red tape and limiting producers’ ability to combat these predators.

    Rep. Rose released the following statement: 

    “I am proud to reintroduce this important bill. Black vultures are a nuisance to livestock farmers and ranchers, and they pose a deadly threat to young calves and other animals,” Rep. Rose said. “I’ve heard from many Tennessee farmers who say the permitting process is too cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly. This bill is a commonsense measure.”

    Rep. Soto released this statement: 

    “Our farmers and ranchers are facing many obstacles as they work to care for their livestock,” Rep. Soto said. “By allowing them to take black vultures without a permit before they harm their livestock, we are improving the likelihood of their success.”

    Background:

    In 1916, the United States and Canada entered into a treaty aimed at protecting birds that migrate between the two countries, which led to the enactment of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918 to implement the treaty in the U.S. The law makes it illegal to take nearly 1,100 species of migratory birds, including black vultures, without a permit. 

    The bill is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Sheep Industry Association, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, and Florida Cattlemen’s Association. 

     

    Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation President Eric Mayberry: 

    “We appreciate Congressman Rose’s efforts to help cattle producers more effectively protect their herds and, ultimately, their livelihoods. This legislation takes a crucial step in alleviating the burden farmers face with growing black vulture populations and depredation of livestock across Tennessee.” 

    President Gary Dering, President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association: 

    “Black Vultures continue to attack newborn livestock, causing significant losses for Tennessee livestock producers. We appreciate Congressman Rose’s efforts to address the issue on behalf of cattle producers across the country.”

    Steve Clements, American Sheep Industry Association Board Member and South Dakota sheep producer: 

    “ASI encourages support for this legislation as vultures are a growing predator of lambs in America, and farmers and ranchers have few options today to address these losses. Predator losses of sheep and the associated management costs are the second-largest expense of many sheep operations in America.”

    American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President of Public Policy Sam Kieffer: 

    “America’s farmers and ranchers know all too well the impact black vultures can have on livestock, particularly when they attack young or vulnerable animals. Farmers and ranchers take seriously their responsibility to keep their livestock safe, and additionally, this is a financial burden for our members. The Black Vulture Relief Act will help farmers and ranchers protect their animals while responsibly managing migratory birds, including black vultures. We’re grateful to Rep. Rose for his commitment to addressing this challenge.”

    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Director of Government Affairs Garrett Edmonds:

    “Cattle producers across the South and Midwest face the emotional and financial strain of livestock deaths due to overabundant black vultures. At a time when the U.S. cattle herd is at the lowest number since 1951, producers cannot afford to have vultures killing newborn calves. My family’s cattle operation faces the burden of black vultures daily, with them roosting on nearby service towers overlooking surrounding pastures.

    Being in the middle of Spring calving season back home, these predators target the newborns – the weakest animals who cannot defend themselves. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act has been overwhelmingly successful but makes it extremely difficult for producers to properly protect their cattle herds from these predators. It is time to recognize that success and give producers more flexibility in managing black vulture populations. NCBA appreciates Congressmen Rose and Soto for introducing this commonsense bill to properly manage an exploding population of predators.”

    Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Jeb S. Smith released this statement: 

    “The Florida Farm Bureau Federation strongly supports the reintroduction of the Black Vulture Relief Act, which provides much-needed relief for livestock producers struggling with black vulture predation. Florida’s farmers and ranchers are committed to responsible stewardship of our natural resources, but the increasing black vulture population has caused significant economic losses, particularly for cattle producers.

    Under current regulations, the federal permitting process is slow and burdensome, often leaving livestock owners without timely options to protect their animals. This legislation takes a common-sense approach by allowing producers to take necessary action to prevent livestock losses while maintaining proper reporting and oversight.

    Florida Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of both Congressman John Rose of Tennessee and Florida’s own Congressman Darren Soto, working to address this issue and urges swift passage of this bill to ensure our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to protect their livelihoods.”

    Bill cosponsors include:Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO), Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX), Rep. Garret Graves (R-MO), Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH), Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO);

    Additional Background:

    According to a report compiled by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, black vulture populations have been increasing in the U.S. from 1996 to 2015 by an average of 4.77% per year. Although they are native to the eastern and southeastern portions of the U.S., they have been expanding their range northward and westward over the past several decades. Black vultures are not only scavengers but will sometimes devour live prey, including newborn calves, lambs, goat kids, and piglets. They will also attack/injure female adults during or after birth, when they are more vulnerable to attacks, to the point where farmers are left with no other choice than euthanasia.

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides on his family farm in Lancaster with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Rose Continues Push for Homebuyer Privacy Protection

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    WASHINGTON, DC—On Thursday, U.S. Representative John Rose (R-TN) reintroduced H.R. 2808, the “Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act”. The legislation, which is being co-led by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), would dramatically reduce the number of unwanted calls and messages potential homeowners across the country experience during the homebuying process. 

    Credit bureaus are typically notified when a consumer applies for financing,. That information (which is commonly referred to as a trigger lead) is then often sold by the credit bureaus to data brokers (including other lenders) without the consumer’s knowledge or approval. Consumers are then often bombarded with hundreds of unwanted solicitations. 

    The “Homebuyers Privacy Protect Act” would amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to prohibit a consumer reporting agency from furnishing a trigger lead unless an individual chooses to opt-in while also preserving the use of trigger leads in appropriately limited circumstances. 

    Rep. Rose released the following statement: 

    “The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act strikes the right balance in my view,” Rep. Rose said. “It protects potential homebuyers from unsolicited, predatory, sales tactics while preserving fair competition. Once signed into law, it will make a big difference for those Tennesseans who are attempting to buy a home. 

    Rep. Torres released this statement: 

    “The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act will serve as a crucial and transformative step in safeguarding American consumers from unwanted and invasive credit solicitations,” Rep. Torres said. Too often, homebuyers find themselves bombarded with unsolicited offers beginning the moment they apply for a mortgage that persist indefinitely. This bill will ensure that consumers maintain greater control over their personal financial information, preventing predatory practices and strengthening data privacy. I am proud to join Congressman Rose in reintroducing this bipartisan legislation, which will provide much-needed protections for American homebuyers.”

    Rep. Rose and Torres were joined in sponsoring the bill by Reps. Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Mark E. Amodei (R-NV-02), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), Michael Guest (R-MS-03), Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), Frank D. Lucas (R-OK-03), John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Bryan Steil (R-WI-01), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), William Timmons (R-SC-04), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01)

    The legislation also has overwhelming bicameral support. In fact, a Senate version of Rep. Rose’s legislation, introduced by Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Jack Reed (D-RI), passed just last December. Sens. Hagerty and Reed also reintroduced their bill on Thursday. 

    Senator Hagerty released this statement: 

    “Unsolicited phone calls caused by trigger leads have become an intolerable nuisance to many Tennesseans,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m pleased to join this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will protect Americans’ data and help reduce endless spam calls.”

    Senator Reed released this statement: 

    “Buying a home is already a complex and stressful process. Consumers should not get needlessly ‘spammed’ with unsolicited, predatory offers just because they take a necessary step in the homebuying process. This bill would halt abusive trigger leads,” said Senator Reed. “The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act will put consumers back in the driver’s seat and help cut down on the spam. It will help reduce predatory practices and provide much needed relief from unwanted industry calls, texts, and emails.”

    The ”Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act” is supported by a broad coalition of financial trades and consumer groups, including the Independent Community Bankers of America, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Mortgage Brokers, American Bankers Association, and the Broker Action Coalition. 

    “The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) would like to thank Congressmen John Rose and Ritchie Torres for reintroducing trigger leads legislation. We believe this bill is tailored to give consumers more control over the information they receive as part of the homebuying process and eliminates trigger lead abuses while preserving their use in appropriately limited circumstances. As President of NAMB, I will always support any legislation that ensures the protection and privacy of homebuyers, and I applaud Congress for leading this effort,” said Jim Nabors, NAMB President.

    “The Broker Action Coalition (BAC) applauds Congressmen John Rose and Ritchie Torres, as well as Senators Hagerty and Reed, for reintroducing this vital legislation to improve data privacy standards. Consumers should have complete control over their financial data, and the Homebuyers Privacy Act is a huge step in the right direction.” said Brendan McKay, Chief Advocacy Officer & Co-Founder of the Broker Action Coalition.

    U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides on his family farm in Lancaster with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Balderson, Dunn, Murphy Reintroduce Bill to Expand Telehealth Access for Seniors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Neal Dunn, M.D., (FL-2), and Greg Murphy, M.D., (NC-3) reintroduced the Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act, legislation that would ease restrictions on health care providers and allow more seniors to benefit from remote monitoring services. The remote monitoring program has shown to reduce long-term health care costs, improve health outcomes, and increase options for seniors. 

    Remote monitoring devices and technology enable health care providers to observe and treat patients from the comfort of their own homes. With remote monitoring, providers are able to catch adverse health events earlier and keep their patients out of the hospital. 

    “Improving access to quality health care for seniors must be a top priority,” said Balderson. “Remote monitoring is a powerful tool for health care providers to look after a patient’s well-being—especially for patients in rural Ohio, where health care options can be limited. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act, which will help reduce costs and deliver better care where it’s needed most.”

    “Remote monitoring is an effective digital technology that helps patients and their doctors to better manage one’s health, particularly for chronic conditions,” said Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. “Expanding access to this technology will improve health outcomes for patients, reduce hospital readmissions, and extend physicians’ ability to take on a greater caseload. I’m grateful for my colleague Rep. Troy Balderson’s leadership on this issue and I’m proud to support this legislation.” 

    “OhioHealth aims to keep care local for all of our patients, across our growing footprint,” said Jeff Kasler, a spokesperson for OhioHealth. “Remote patient monitoring is one tool that proves especially valuable for our seniors and rural patients. We support Congressman Balderson’s foresight and leadership in fostering access to care via remote patient monitoring for some of our most vulnerable patients.” 

    “I commend Rep. Balderson for furthering Medicare coverage of this important methodology of care and studying its benefits,” said Dr. Arick Forrest, President of OSU Physicians at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs at the College of Medicine. “The future of improved health care lies in leveraging technology. The ability to consistently monitor a patient’s condition at home leads to improved outcomes. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has evolved to integrate with electronic medical records for enhanced surveillance by health care providers. These RPM devices have the most impact on managing chronic conditions, which account for 80% of health care spending. This will be foundational for value-based care, leading to improved disease control, fewer complications, and lower costs by avoiding emergency room utilization and hospitalization. We have demonstrated improved management of patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and high-risk pregnancies.” 

    “We know that for many people, the best place to receive the care they need is in their own homes,” said Peter J. Pronovost, M.D., Ph.D., F.C.C.M., Chief Quality & Clinical Transformation Officer at University Hospital. “This is particularly true for seniors and those who might struggle with getting to a hospital. Prior to remote patient monitoring, patients needed to be in the hospital to be safely monitored.  Remote patient monitoring changed this paradigm. Remote patient monitoring is now an integral part of our care-delivery model. Now is not the time to go back.” “Our analysis during Covid demonstrated the use of remote monitoring reduced hospitalization by 87%, mortality by 77% and cost the average patient $11,500 less than admission,” Pronovost continued. “Most importantly, patients loved it because they slept in their own bed, ate their own food, wore their own clothes and were surrounded by the love of their loved ones.” 

    “The use of care management services continues to be a great opportunity for Rural Health Clinics in providing care to rural patients outside of the traditional office visit,” said Sarah Hohman, Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. “We thank Representative Balderson and Representative Porter for their leadership on these issues – ensuring that the full potential of RPM/RTM services can be experienced by RHCs and the patients they serve.” 

    “Now more than ever, clinicians are leveraging digital health technologies to empower individuals living with chronic conditions,” said Kevin Harper, Vice President & Head of Government Affairs at Teladoc Health. “We are pleased to support legislation from Representatives Balderson and Porter that would ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access critical remote monitoring technologies and better address the chronic disease crisis in the U.S.” 

    “The ATA and ATA Action commend Congressman Balderson and Congresswoman Porter for their leadership in introducing this important legislation,” said Kyle Zebley, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the American Telemedicine Association and Executive Director at ATA Action. “Increasing access to both remote physiologic monitoring and remote therapeutic monitoring devices covered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services allows for greater choices for clinically appropriate care for Medicare beneficiaries. We proudly endorse this legislation and urge other advocates of telehealth to do the same.” “Virtual care and remote monitoring are key to creating a more convenient, efficient, and modern health care delivery system,” said Brett Meeks, Executive Director of the Health Innovation Alliance. “The Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act will allow for the expanded use of current and future technologies, leading to better patient outcomes at reduced costs.” 

    BACKGROUND: 

    Providers currently bill Medicare if they monitor a patient for at least 16 days within a 30-day period. During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) lowered the duration required to bill for remote monitoring services to only two days of data collection. 

    In addition to implementing the two-day CMS billing threshold for two years, the legislation would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit a report to Congress within one year, analyzing a proper long-term CMS billing threshold and providing a savings estimate from earlier interventions and fewer days of hospitalizations. The report provides flexibility to the HHS Secretary to recommend multiple billing thresholds and any new remote monitoring code durations. It also requires the Secretary to consult with providers, patient groups, technology and device manufacturers, and others to understand the remote monitoring experience from all perspectives. 

    These services have shown to be an effective alternative to in-person clinical observation for acute and chronic medical conditions. In 2018, the Department of Veterans Affairs found that patients with chronic conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, who were enrolled in remote monitoring programs saw a 53 percent decrease in bed days and a 33 percent reduction in hospital admissions. Furthermore, a 2022 JAMA analysis of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who received pulmonary rehabilitation resulted in a net cost savings per patient of $5,721.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Balderson, Pfluger Reintroduce Legislation to Protect American Energy Investments from Woke Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12), Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), and August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), reintroduced legislation to nullify a Biden-era final interagency guidance from the Federal Reserve, Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation titled, Principles for Climate-Related Financial Risk Management for Large Financial Institutions. 

    This guidance encourages banks and other financial institutions to manage “climate-related financial risks” associated with their investments and loans, potentially serving as a backdoor to restrict funding and resources for the American energy industry. This includes Ohio’s growing oil and gas sector, which supports more than 351,000 jobs and contributes $55 billion to the state’s economy.

    The vague language in this guidance could allow for potential punitive actions against banks doing business with the oil and gas industry, effectively pressuring financial institutions to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies over sound financial decisions. 

    “This Biden-era guidance was nothing more than a back-door effort to push a woke ESG agenda,” said Balderson. “Under this framework, federal regulators could target banks who want to work with, and invest in, industries crucial to Ohio. This puts climate activism ahead of sound investment strategies, costing everyday Americans.” 

    “I’m pleased to join the RSC’s HEAT Chair Troy Balderson in introducing this bill to end the Biden administration’s radical ‘climate’ guidance,” said RSC Chairman Pfluger. “The previous administration weaponized the government to wage a politically-driven attack on American energy through ‘net-zero’ and ‘environmental, social, and governance’ mandates.  Since President Trump returned to office, financial institutions and markets have retreated from a woke ESG agenda, and this bill will help ensure that investments can flow to energy projects that power our homes, businesses, and economy without radical bureaucrats picking winners and losers.”

    Electric grid experts have warned that one of the largest threats to our nation’s energy security is misguided federal and state policies. Federal climate rules, such as the Clean Power Plan 2.0, would force the United States’ most reliable power plants to shut down, even as electricity demand grows at historic levels. With this new ESG guidance, banks could face regulatory backlash for providing regular financial services to the oil and gas industry–further imperiling American energy security.

    In September, Balderson joined his House colleagues in passing H.R. 4790, the Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act, which cuts back on the Biden-Harris Administration’s burdensome ESG policies for American businesses and enhances Congressional oversight of federal financial regulatory agencies.

    Balderson’s bill nullifies the final interagency guidance and prevents the Federal Reserve, Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from issuing any substantially similar guidance in the future.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairmen Guthrie and Palmer Announce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing on Critical Mineral Supply Chains

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, announced a hearing titled Examining Ways to Enhance Our Critical Mineral Supply Chains. 

     

    “Critical minerals are essential to America’s energy independence and our national security. By securing reliable and resilient supply chains for critical minerals, we are strengthening our global competitiveness, boosting domesticproduction and manufacturing, and reducing our reliance on foreign adversaries,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Palmer. “This hearing will provide us an opportunity to examine vulnerabilities within our current supply chains and explore ways to mitigate those risks.” 

     

    Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing titled Examining Ways to Enhance Our Critical Mineral Supply Chains 

        

    WHAT: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing on critical mineral supply chains. 

         

    DATE: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 

     

    TIME: 10:00 AM ET 

     

    LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building 

       

    This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Kaley Stidham at Kaley.Stidham@mail.house.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –